LEC 3 Minute Update - November 17, 2022

Mornin’, all! And greetings from the inside of our Drop Box! It’s empty right now, which means there’s plenty of room for your Eagle Packets, applications that need to be turned in, and anything else you may wish to drop off at our building. It’s next to the East entrance of our building.

I bring this up because we are all gone next week, and the office is officially within “Quiet Time. Shhhh.” We look forward to seeing you all after Thanksgiving, and wish you all a great holiday.

This week, we have: Stewards of Beaumont, Recharter notes, part-time help, and Award nominations.

But first, will you be doing some Cyber Monday shopping on Amazon? Consider selecting the Boy Scouts of America as the charity it offers you the option of, and choose Cleveland, Ohio as the location. That way, Amazon will donate to your Lake Erie Council!

Silver Beaver Award, Division Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Award Nominations are due to Paula Swiner by December 15th. Go to this link to find the application forms, fill them out as best you can, and submit them to Paula! If you have any questions, please let Scott Strawn know.

The Stewards of Beaumont will be gathering at the Unit Service Center to raise funds for property and program needs at Beaumont Scout Reservation. The meeting will be on December 6th, cost to register is $100. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Cleveland Scout Shop is still seeking part-time help. If you’re interested, please contact Paula.

A note about recharter: the recharter system will allow any Key 3 member of the unit to sign the charter. HOWEVER, it is not considered approved by our office until the COR has signed it. So please, make sure the COR signs the charter. Send any questions you have to Michelle Cali.

Lastly, we humbly ask you remember Giving Tuesday as an opportunity to support your Lake Erie Council. Your tax-deductable donation is welcomed at this link HERE

Folks, that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update. As always, thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! Now I’ve got to figure out how to get out of this box…

LEC 3 Minute Update - November 10, 2022

Good afternoon, everyone! And welcome to this week’s three minute update, brought to you from beautiful Geneva, Ohio! Home of the Geneva State Park, this beautiful lodge behind me hosts an all you can eat Thanksgiving buffet. So if you’re not feeling the work of making your own turkey, stop on by to get your fill here!

Okay, this week we have: Scout Shop Updates, Silver Screen Overnighter, Holidays at Camp, Klondikes, and Quiet Time, In-Person Youth Protection Training Updates, and breaking news.

But first: I know it’s been a minute since we’ve asked for these, but the need is still present for medical kits to be shipped to the front lines in Ukraine. Contact me for details about how to procure and package the materials, and bring your finished kits to the Unit Service Center, where they’ll be shipped off. We thank all of you for your help and consideration with this drive.

First: the Cleveland Scout Shop is seeking part-time help! If you’re interested in golden epaulettes and making a difference, email Paula Puchajda today!

And at Firelands Scout Shop, we’ve got some swingin’ deals for you! Venturing uniform patches, belts, shirts, and pants are on sale now thru November 19th. Stop in and save!

The Lake Erie Council Santa-tracker is up and running. And as it turns out, Santa is taking a nap right now on his recliner in the North Pole! But he assures us he’ll be here, locally, at Firelands Scout Reservation for Holidays at Camp! Register now, get pictures with Santa! Email Jess with questions.

Troops: Did someone call up Kool and the Gang?  Because at Klondike, it’s a Celebration! The Celebrations Klondike is at Beaumont January 14-16. Be ready to party like it’s 1999! Contact Anthony Dworning with questions.

The other Klondikes are still being finalized, also at Beaumont and Firelands. Check out the calendar and sign up today!

Breaking News: the dates of the Silver Screen Overnighter have changed: it is now Saturday night into Sunday, December 17th-18th. Registration is live, contact Jim Vanderpool for questions.

Remember, everyone: the office will be closed during Quiet Time – Shhhh, from 5:00 pm on Friday, November 18, until 9:00 am Monday, November 28th. Emailing Member Care will be the only way to get in touch with our staff, and the email will only be checked sporadically.

Good news: Sarah Williamson has joined our Lake Erie Council staff! We welcome Sarah to our team, and you can shoot her an email to welcome her as well.

And another friendly reminder: if there’s anyone you know who may be deserving of the Unit Scouter Award, Silver Beaver Award, or Division Award of Merit, you can nominate them at this link before December 15th. Email Scott Strawn with any questions about the process.

Now, lastly, in-person youth protection training will be November 14th in Cleveland. Register now: it’s free!

And that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! We’ll see you next time.

LEC 3 Minute Update - November 4, 2022

Good afternoon, everyone! And welcome to this week’s three minute update, brought to you from beautiful Bedford, Ohio! Home of the Bedford Reservation, this is a beautiful place to visit this time of year!

Okay, this week we have: Scout Shop Updates, Silver Screen Overnighter, Holidays at Camp, Klondikes, and Quiet Time, online maintenance, In-Person Youth Protection Training Updates, and this week’s fun fact.

First: the Cleveland Scout Shop is seeking part-time help! If you’re interested in golden epaulettes and making a difference, email Paula Puchajda today!

It’s not too late to put your jolly on and register for Holidays at Camp! It’s a family-fun day of enjoying the beautiful winter wonderland out at Firelands. Questions go to Jess Weaver, sign up now!

Troops: Klondikes are now on the calendar and open for registration! Themes and leaders’ guides are still being finalized. Beaumont Klondikes will be in January, and Firelands’ Klondike will be in February. 

And now, for this week’s fun fact:

Did you know that if they made a movie about Tetris, it’d be a real Block Buster???

Well, there won’t be a Tetris movie available to watch on the big screen, but there’s a Silver Screen Overnighter upcoming in Elyria on December 16th-17th. Registration is live, contact Jim Vanderpool for questions.

My.Scouting.org and Scoutbook.org will be down this Saturday, November 5th, for maintenance from national. The upgrades are slated to last all day, so we recommend NOT going in until Sunday.

And speaking of things to do online, remember your unit’s recharter is due by December 10th! Any questions should be sent to Member Care.

And speaking of rechartering your unit, remember that, the whole week of Thanksgiving, the Unit Service Center will be closed for Quiet Time – Shhhh. Us employees will be at home with family that week. So don’t wait! Get your charter submitted and your questions asked in advance!

And speaking of Quiet Time – Shhhh, note that the Cleveland Scout Shop will be open during the week of Thanksgiving, except for Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.

Now, lastly, in-person youth protection training will be on November 9th in Avon and November 14th in Cleveland. Register now: it’s free!

And that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! We’ll see you next time.

LEC 3 Minute Update - October 27, 2022

Mornin’, all! And thanks for tuning in to this week’s 3 minute update! This week I’m in Muncie, IN! Home of the Bob Ross Experience museum, this is where the Joy of Painting was filmed for the duration of the show. And speaking of Bob Ross, hopefully you’ll enjoy the recharter how to video we’ve got coming to you this week! I know we said it’d be here earlier, but as I like to remind folks: you can’t rush perfection! Unit leaders, keep your eyes peeled for an email from us with those instructions.

Ok, this week we have:

National Jamboree, Training Updates, Cub Activity Updates, Award Nominations, and in-person youth protection training sessions.

It’s not too late to register for the National Jamboree information session happening at the Council office this Thursday evening, the 27th, at 7pm. Register here! Contact Phil with questions.

Beaumont is hosting the Fall Cub Overnighter November 12-13, and Firelands is hosting a Cub Fun Day November 19th. Register now for the Fun!

Also, now is the last chance to register for the Raingutter Regatta hosted by the Council! It’s next Saturday from 10 to 2, is a ton of fun, and will definitely float your boat! Contact Jim with any questions.

Wilderness First Aid is the first weekend of November at Beaumont. Send Gary your questions.

We have BIG NEWS! Registration for the first annual GAMES training is now open until next Sunday! Register now to learn more about Leave No Trace, Diversity in Scouting, and so much more while in this interactive games-themed day! Contact Sarah with any questions.

Silver Beaver Award, Unit Scouter Award, and Division Award of Merit Nominations are due to Paula Swiner by December 15th. Details for how to submit these nominations can be found here. Email Scott any questions you have.

In person YPT sessions are upcoming this November in Solon, Cleveland, now Avon! More sessions can be created if there’s demand, so if you’d like in-person YPT offered in your area, contact Michelle. It’s free to attend these in-person trainings, and you can register for them here.

And lastly, the non-profit Sleep in Heavenly Peace has a local chapter here in Northeastern Ohio. They work to make sure that every kid has a bed, and the need at the moment is for 25,000 beds in the area. They’ve asked us to put the word out, as they need to add a 16 foot trailer to their fleet, to help them transport beds and tools around and do their good work. We don’t expect any of you to immediately get rid of your trailer, but if you know of one that could be of benefit to this organization, that the unit does not need or is willing to part with, please email Marc with information and pictures.

And that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update! Thanks for all you do and thanks for being you! We’ll see you next week!

LEC 3 Minute Update - October 20, 2022

Mornin’, all! And greetings from Strongsville, OH! The Crossroads of the Nation, Strongsville’s history is preserved in the historic village, including one of the stops on the Underground Railroad. As you pass through today, make sure to stop by the South Park Mall!

Ok, this week we have:

National Jamboree, Training Updates, Cub Activity Updates, Award Nominations, and an update from the Catholic Committee on Scouting.

Have you done a good job? Do you deserve a sticker? Of course you do! So come on down to the Unit Service Center on Thursday, October 27th, at 7pm. Not only will you receive a free sticker, you’ll also get the low-down on all there is to know about the National Jamboree. Register for the meeting here! Contact Phil with questions.

Beaumont is hosting the Fall Cub Overnighter November 12-13, and Firelands is hosting a Cub Fun Day November 19th. Register now for the Fun!

Wilderness First Aid is the first weekend of November at Beaumont. Learn how to live. Send Gary your questions.

Do you hate getting lost? And wouldn’t it be nice if you knew what you needed in order to cook a delicious meal at your next campout? Well, the GAMES training will be instructing Orienteering, Outdoor Cooking, and so much more! Register now for a fun time learning through game playing! Contact Sarah with any questions.

Silver Beaver Award, Unit Scouter Award, and Division Award of Merit Nominations are due to Paula Swiner by December 15th. Details for how to submit these nominations can be found here. Email Scott any questions you have.

Scouts are able to earn a new Award, the Father Frank Capodanno Activity Patch. Details about the award can be found here, and questions about the award should be sent to Tony.

In person ypt sessions are upcoming this November in Solon, Cleveland, now Avon! More sessions can be created if there’s demand, so if you’d like in-person ypt offered in your area, contact Michelle. It’s free to attend these in-person trainings, and you can register for them here.

And lastly, Pack 3052 Cubmaster Jacquie Fahnestock is organizing a Christmas Card drive to give Christmas Cards to residents of local nursing homes in Lake and Ashtabula Counties. If you’d like to have your unit make Christmas Cards for this cause, deliver them to Jacquie either at the November and December Roundtables at Beaumont Scout Reservation, or contact her here.

And that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update! I’ll see you twice next week, one per usual, and one for the recharter special edition! So thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you. We’ll see you next week.

LEC 3 Minute Update - October 13, 2022

Mornin’, all! And thanks for tuning in to this week’s three minute update, brought to you from Tremont! There are many restaurants worth visiting in this neighborhood, as well as some beautiful old churches and houses, and even some historic spots to visit, like the Christmas Story house! If you come by to visit, make sure you don’t shoot your eye out.

Okay, this week we have: In-person YPT sessions, GAMES training updates, unit funding news, Cub Activities, recruitment updates, Wilderness First Aid, and a note from Ranger Danny Thomas.

Ranger Dan would like to remind everyone that the water for the Wyandot side of Firelands will be turned off on November 1st. Camping is still open on that side, but you’ll have to get your water from Avery Hand.

Wilderness First Aid is November 5th. Register now, and ask Gary if you have any questions.

The Cub Fun Day and Holidays at Camp Registrations are now open, so sign up today! Contact Jess Weaver if you have any questions.

Friendly reminder to everyone selling popcorn or Scout’s Own: The amnesty deadline is tomorrow, Friday, October 14th at 5:00 p.m. Only full cases can be returned, but tomorrow is the last day before you’re stuck with it. Contact Heather if you have any questions. And also contact Heather if you have any desire to start your unit funding sale, because there’s plenty of product to accommodate you!

Remember, folks, it’s not too late to recruit! October is a great time, and Halloween trick-or-treating is a great time to use stickers, peer-to-peer cards, and other Scouting things to spread the word about your Pack or Troop! Use this form if you have any requests.

Have you ever wished there was more information out there about how to properly accommodate disabilities in Scouting? Or how to better be prepared for diversity in your unit? Well, come on down to GAMES training on November 12th at Lake Erie College! We’ll cover these topics and more! Contact Sarah Williamson with any questions.

And lastly, I have to, oh my gosh, no, please, ughhhhhhh, why?????????

Yup, here we are again, in the beginning of recharter season. Oh, Lord help me.

Okay everyone, here’s the deal, we’ve got a special edition of the 3 minute update coming out on Monday, October 24th. That will cover everything you need to know about recharter this year.

I do have a preliminary note to share, though: your recharter cannot be submitted if there is an adult leader whose YPT expires before December 31st. Again, your charter can NOT be submitted if anyone’s YPT expires before December 31st. So check your YPT training records now, and renew before it holds up your unit’s charter. Remember, Member Care is always ready and willing to help with your recharter questions and concerns.

And lastly, speaking of YPT, there are currently 2 in-person sessions scheduled within the Council: one in Solon, on November 5th, and the other at the Unit Service Center on November 19th. We are trying to add more throughout the Council and will share those confirmed dates and locations once they’re ready. Contact Michelle with any questions, and register here.

And folks, that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update. Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! We’ll see you next time!

LEC 3 Minute Update - October 7, 2022

Mornin', all, and thanks for tuning in to this week's three minute update, brought to you from beautiful Beaumont Scout Reservation. It's a full Cub Haunted weekend coming up here, folks: we've got over 750 people on property out here, and that's some exciting stuff! We're stoked to see ya!

   Ok, this week we have: staff updates, Scout Shop Updates, future events, Jambo,

   The Cleveland Scout Shop has 10% off uniform bottoms when you purchase a top, now through October 30th. Stop in and save!

   The Firelands Trading Post has some wacky, fun, glow-in-the-dark T-shirts for sale now! Come up your swag and make that fit a 10!

   My.scouting.org now has Treasurer listed as a functional role! COR's can sign in and assign the role to the treasurer by logging in and making the change within the organization manager menu. Contact Member Care if you have any questions.

   Folks! We've got big news to share: our list of the largest Packs thru September is now official: In this order, 3236, 3193, 102, 620, 3333, 115, 390, 297, 3435, and 988. 3236 currently leads with 73 registered Scouts. SO if you have applications that need processed, call Member Care, and they'll connect you with one of our field team members who will coordinate when they can meet you to bring them downtown. Many thanks to all who continue to welcome new members and grow this movement even more!

   Speaking of, we encourage each pack to request membership resources leading into Halloween, especially so each Cub family can spread Scouting invitations at Trick-or-Treating and other community Halloween events! Fill out this request form and one of our Field team members will be in touch with you!

   The National Jamboree Early Bird deadline is fast approaching: October 31st! Sign up now! Send Phil Williams your questions.

   Do you ever wish someone could just sit down with you and walk through how to use the online tools available to you as a unit leader? Well, do I have a swingin' deal for you!! Lake Erie Council's first annual G.A.M.E.S. Training is November 12th at Lake Erie College. This all day training will not only give you additional knowledge and skills as a Scout leader, it'll also allow you to have fun and network with other leaders from across the Council and beyond! Lunch is provided, and child care is available for toddlers and above. Contact Sarah Williamson with any questions and register today!

   Speaking of training, it's not too late to register for Wilderness First aid Training, happening out at Beaumont on November 5th. It's an action packed weekend, where you can learn how to administer band-aids, wild band-aids, and band aids in the wild. If that doesn't sound right, that's because I'm not wilderness first aid trained! So register now!

  Also, SM Basic is upcoming shortly, on October 14th. Registration closes soon, sign up now!

  We welcome Jess Weaver and Abbey Ballas, and Colleen Cosgrove to our full-time Lake Erie Council staff! Jess and Abbey are working in our program department offering support to events, and Colleen is working in the development department, expanding our outreach to the public via our Great Lakes Adventures offerings. Shoot them an email and say welcome to the team!

And that's a wrap for this week's 3 minute update! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! See you next week!

LEC 3 Minute Update - September 29, 2022

Mornin', all! And thanks for tuning in to this week's three minute update! I'm Jake Brown, and if  you'd like to know my secrets to an amazing diet program that kicks in and works in just one week, shoot me an email! Fair warning though, your hairline may take a hit.

Okay, okay, I’m NOT Jake Brown.  Mike Evano here, new Director of Field Service for Lake Erie Council, filling in this week for Jake who is behind me somewhere in the Lake County Courthouse, doing his civic duty to the people. Jury duty, that is!  So wish Jake luck and expect to have him back soon!

  Anyway, this week we have:

-training updates

-fall camp activities

-volunteer opportunities

-this week's fun fact

-a reminder about the National Jamboree

  For this week's fun fact: the Lake Erie Council has officially grown for six months! That means that the number of Scouts in our council today is higher than it was on September 30th of last year, and has been higher for the last six months. We expect the membership numbers to just keep climbing!

  Why is this important? Why bother dealing with all the recruitment hassles and having the field staff constantly pester you about your plans? Well, it's because there are a lot of Cub Scout families out there who deserve the same chances to spend as much time together in a safe, fun environment as you've had with your kids. It's time to welcome them in! And there are some troops out there seeing recruitment wins as well! So don't stop opening your doors and welcoming new families! And as always, if you need any recruitment materials or assistance whatsoever, fill out the request form at lecbsa.org/membership-resources.

  Now I don't know about you, but I like trainings like I like my music playlists: eclectic, high-energy, and enjoyable. And wouldn't you know it, that's exactly what we've got coming up for Scouters this fall! That's right, there's never been a better time to Get Adults More Expertise in Scouting than on November 12th! Learn mastery over orienteering, camp cooking, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in your unit and beyond, as well as best recruitment practices, and how to deliver leadership training in your troop, along with so much more! This GAMES training is November 12th at Lake Erie College. Childcare is available, and lunch is included in the cost! Stop out and have a blast learning something new! Contact Sarah Williamson with questions.

  Additionally, it's not too late to register for Rangemaster training, or Scoutmaster basic training! Check out the calendar for details, and sign up today!

  Cub Scout families: Cub Haunted is just around the corner! It's not too late to register now for this spook-tacular event! Contact Grace Prorok with any questions, as well as if your troop would like to volunteer to help!

  Also, remember Troops: there's few ways more fun to give service than to volunteer at the Cub Haunted weekends! Contact with any questions.

Lastly, Troop and Venturer-aged youth: if you're still interested in attending the 2023 National Jamboree, it's not too late to lock in your early bird discount! That ends October 31st, so sign up today! Contact Phil Williams with any questions.

And that's a wrap for this week’s three minute update! I've gotta run, but as Jake would say, thanks for all you do and thanks for being you! See you next week!

LEC 3 Minute Update - September 22, 2022

Mornin’, all, and greetings from beautiful Shaker Heights Nature Center! Not only is it home to some great nature, it’s also home of a plethora of Eagle Scout projects dating back over 50 years. This nature center hosts thousands of students from the east side each year to teach them about ecology and the environment. Stop by and check out this park when you get the chance!

Okay this week we have National Jamboree, Cub Haunted, Meet the Troops Night, New Shirts at the Scout Shop, This week’s pro tip and this week’s fun fact. But first:

Due to weather that looked potentially hazardous, the Mobile Climbing Wall Training was postponed. It will now take place on Wednesday, Sept. 28th. There is still time to register, so do so now!

Also, calling all Cub leaders: there is a BALOO course at Firelands next weekend, beginning September 30th. Registration has been reopened due to high demand to attend! But, you MUST register before this coming Monday, the 26th, at midnight, when it will close again for good.

Cub Haunted sign-ups are still open and it’s still a great opportunity to ensure your new Scout families have ample chance to get to shoot a bow and arrow, climb a rock wall, and so much more! Contact Grace Prorok with questions, as well as if your troop is willing to help staff the event.

The Western Service Area, spanning from Cleveland to the western Cuyahoga County line, is hosting a meet the troops night on October 12th! Check out the council calendar for details! Arrow of Light Scouts and their families DO NOT need to register, but Troops interested in presenting displays DO need to register. Contact Kevin Klinect with questions.

Ever been to the Summit? Neither have I, but you should make it down next year for the national Jamboree! Early Bird pricing ends on October 31st, so make sure to sign up today if you’d like to go! Contact Phil Williams with any questions.

Do your “class B” shirts smell like camp, and not in the good way? Was that Scouting t-shirt cool before the movement celebrated its centennial? Well, do we have a swingin’ deal for you! The Cleveland Scout shop has new garb that’ll up your Scouting swag, and bring your style from “Scout grandpa hip” to a “this ‘fit’s a 10” level. Stop in and shop away!

Now for this week’s pro tip: unit leaders: check online daily for new online applications in your units! And chartered org reps, check online for your new adult online apps! Contact member care with any questions.

And lastly, here’s this week’s fun fact: the Corn Maze is officially OPEN at Firelands! Don’t have too much fun getting lost, now! Ask your camp hosts about how to find it, and then you’ll have to find your way out!

Okay, that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update! Thanks for all you do and thanks for being you! We’ll see you next week!

LEC 3 Minute Update - September 15, 2022

Greetings, all! And thanks for tuning into this week's three minute update, coming to you from the shores of Lake Erie in beautiful Euclid Ohio! Yes, fun fact: Euclid Beach was an amusement park back in the day! Now it's a great place to watch the water and pose by yet another one of these iconic Cleveland script signs. Might I also recommend, when you're in these parts, stopping by Irie Jamaican cuisine, as it's one of the few places you can be served jerk chicken, mac and cheese, and sweet plantains (that I'm aware of) in Northeast Ohio. Delicious!

Okay, this week we have:

-Training, fall camp activities, uniform sales, volunteer opportunities, and a reminder about the National Jamboree.

The Cleveland Scout Shop's annual uniform sale is back and in full swing! 10% off bottoms with the purchase of a matching top. Stop on by and take advantage of this swingin' deal today!

Of course, many units maintain their own uniform exchanges, as well as give to a broader-run council uniform exchange. If you're interested in donating old uniform parts to such exchange, or know of a family in need of some hand-me-down uniform parts, please reach out to Laura Cvelbar at lcvelbarymca@gmail.com.

Special thanks to all who attended the Stewards of Firelands dinner this last Monday: your generosity and support help keep camp looking and functioning beautifully!

This fall Is full! there are the following trainings: BALOO, Scoutmaster Basic, Rangemaster, Mobile Climbing Wall, and GAMES training. For cubs, our camps are hosting Cub Haunted, as well as a fun day, an overnighter, and holidays at camp! Troops are welcome to join for camporees at both camps, and its not too late to sign up for the Firelands fall camporee! Check out the council calendar for any questions.

Also, remember Troops: there's few ways more fun to give service than to volunteer at the Cub Haunted weekends! Contact Grace Prorok with any questions.

Lastly, Troop and Venturer-aged youth: if you're still interested in attending the 2023 National Jamboree, it's not too late to lock in your early bird discount! That ends October 31st, so sign up today! Contact Phil Williams with any questions.

And that's a wrap for this weeks three minute update! Thanks for all you do and thanks for being you! I'm going to go enjoy this sunshine and the sand while I still can.