LEC 3-Minute Update - January 25, 2024

Mornin’, all! I’m Jake Brown, and I’m going to the moon! Good news for me, I’ve got a much trustier steed to get there than the Peregrine lander! Golly gee, I can see my house from up here! 

Okay, in this week’s three minute update, we have updates in the worlds of: Training, Special Events, and Camping, and Scholarships! 

First, in training, note that the LEC is hosting a University of Scouting on Saturday, March 16th. Registration is live with the event and course descriptions, and you can send questions or inquiries to Dave Sechnick. Its important to note that there will be a Rangemaster training on February 24th at Firelands, BALOO, Scoutmaster Basic, and Wilderness First Aid Trainings are open upcoming in April, and the Wood Badge and NYLT course registrations are open now! 

And speaking of Wood Badge and NYLT, their annual scholarship fundraiser breakfast will be held on March 9th at Lakewood High School. Come support future participants to Wood Badge and NYLT by attending the fundraiser breakfast, and bid on some great live auction items while there! Send questions to Linda Gray; the Early Bird closes on February 4th. 

In other special event news, The Class of 2023 Eagle Scout Celebration will be on February 24th, and the annual Celebration of Scouting will be held on March 2nd. 

In fact, I have some great news to share! The 2023 Unit Scouter Award Recipients are known, and here are the recipients: Brian Klett, Jeff Pershing, Jennifer Miller, Kim McCraine, Laura Eizember, Maureen Hirt, Melissa Naymik, and Steven Lynch. Congratulations and a job well done, Scouters! Thanks for all you give this movement! 

Now in camping, Klondikes are almost over, but there’s still time to Sign up for the Firelands Klondike, and the rescheduled Beaumont Klondike! Troop members can earn the Snow Sports Merit Badge at Kent State on February 18th. The next merit badge university is in March at Beaumont. Sap Camp is March 2nd.  Cub Scouts should attend Winter Mud Day at Firelands on March 9th! On March 17th, Scouts can join in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Cleveland, and you can email Julia Hearne for more information. 

Also, here’s some more BIG news: this here moon I’m headed to is going to totally eclipse the sun on Monday, April 8th around 3:15 in the afternoon. You only have to travel to Firelands Scout Reservation to be witness it first-hand, and enjoy some Scouting activities on the weekend leading up to it! It’s big news because the next time it’ll happen in Northeast Ohio is 420 years from now. Hopefully I’ll be retired from broadcasting the three minute update by then! Register now and send Anthony or Jess your questions. 

The deadline for the Class of 2023’s Eagle Scout scholarship applications is almost here, on January 31st. Any Eagle Scout from the class of 2023 is eligible to submit an application, regardless of their age. Forms should be mailed to the Council office or emailed to Heather McMillan no later than January 31st. Send Heather your questions about this process. 

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, take care! Now, where’s the next seven-eleven? I could really use a slushie for the rest of this ride. 

LEC 3 Minute Update - January 18, 2024

Mornin’, all! I’m Jake Brown, coming to you from Houston, Texas, where all of us Browns fans had our dreams crushed for yet again. It hurts a lot to be here right now, it really does. But we’ve got to push through, keep trying, and never give up hope. Joe Flacco, you’re still our hero.

Okay, in this week’s three minute update, we have updates in the worlds of: Training, Special Events, and Camping, and Scholarships!

First, here’s BIG NEWS! The LEC is hosting a University of Scouting on Saturday, March 16th. Participants will learn how to be the best den chiefs or den leaders they can be, among other crucial skills! And of course, there are trainings for Scouts BSA and Venturing leaders as well. Registration is live with the event and course descriptions, and you can send questions or inquiries to Dave Sechnick.

Also in training, its important to note that there will be a Rangemaster training on February 24th at Firelands, BALOO, Scoutmaster Basic, and Wilderness First Aid Trainings are open upcoming in April, and the Wood Badge and NYLT course registrations are open now!

And speaking of Wood Badge and NYLT, their annual scholarship fundraiser breakfast will be held on March 9th at Lakewood High School. Come support future participants to Wood Badge and NYLT by attending the fundraiser breakfast, and bid on some great live auction items while there! Send questions to Linda Gray; the Early Bird closes on February 4th.

In other special event news, The Class of 2023 Eagle Scout Celebration will be on February 24th, and the annual Celebration of Scouting will be held on March 2nd. The theme for that evening is “Scouters make a World of Difference,” and they sure do! We’re excited to announce the worthy recipients of many awards coming up soon!

Now in camping, Klondikes are well under way! Sign up for the remaining Beaumont or Firelands Klondikes today! Also, if you were registered to come out to Beaumont last weekend, you have options: 1) come to the final Beaumont Klondike. 2) Come to the Firelands Klondike. Or 3) come to the rescheduled Klondike at Beaumont from February 16-18. If you have any questions about your Klondike registration, please contact Erica Maze. There’s a Webelos have a Winter challenge offered with the North to Alaska Klondike at Beaumont. Troop members can earn the Snow Sports Merit Badge at either the Holden Arboretum on January 27th or at Kent State on February 18th. The next merit badge university is in April at Beaumont. Sap Camp is March 2nd.  Cub Scouts should attend Winter Mud Day at Firelands on March 9th! On March 17th, Scouts looking to represent Scouting can join in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Cleveland, and you can email Julia Hearne for more information.

The deadline for the Class of 2023’s Eagle Scout scholarship applications is coming soon, on January 31st. Any Eagle Scout from the class of 2023 is eligible to submit an application, regardless of their age. Forms should be mailed to the Council office or emailed to Heather McMillan no later than January 31st. Do send Heather your questions about this process.

Finally, folks, it’s with a heavy heart that our 3 minute update producer, Drew Poschner, is leaving the Lake Erie Council for greener pastures. Drew is the main man making all of my crazy ideas for the three minute update come true, and also helps me stay at three minutes. Although I’m sad that Drew is leaving, his move is definitely for the best. Please join me in wishing Drew the best wishes there are for his future, and also help convince him to keep being a part of the three minute update as a volunteer!

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, take care!

National Parks Klondike Update

Good Afternoon National Parks Klondike Participants, 

We are reaching out to ensure that you are monitoring the weather forecast for this coming weekend.  Ashtabula County,along with Northeast Ohio, is under a winter storm warning through Saturday at 10:00 pm. Models project a potential for 7-11 inches of snow and lower temperatures. As of today, we have NOT canceled the Klondike.  As with any cold weather event, the importance of participants dressing accordingly with layers and additional sets of clothes, gloves, hats, etc. is crucial.  As a reminder, while more than adequate, Troop Lodges are heated only by wood stoves. The Augustus Training Center will be open the entire weekend as a warming shelter. 

Leaders and families from each unit should determine your plan for attendance based on things like preparation, readiness of Scouts and travel.  If you plan to join us at camp, please take precautions, travel at safe speeds, and leave ample room between vehicles.  Check-in has been extended to 10:30 pm on Friday night and will occur on Saturday morning as well.

If your unit decides not to attend this weekend, there are multiple options available.  The High Adventure Klondike has been rescheduled for February 16-18, 2024, at Beaumont Scout Reservation. The Beaumont North to Alaska Klondike is next weekend (January 26-28, 2024) and the Kodiak Klondike at Firelands is on February 9-11, 2024. If you would like to switch to one of these Klondikes, please reach out to us ASAP.  While we are unable to guarantee a cabin (especially the one your unit is currently registered for), we will do our very best to accommodate you.  

If you have any questions at all, please reach out to Anthony Dworning or Erica Maze at any time. 

High Adventures Klondike Rescheduled!

Thank you for your understanding last weekend as we postponed the Klondike. The Lake Erie Council has moved the Klondike and all reservations to February 16-18, 2024, at Beaumont Scout Reservation. If you would like to switch or have already switched to the North to Alaska Klondike on January 26-28, 2024, or the Firelands Kodiak Klondike on February 9-11, 2024, that option is available. Cabins are not guaranteed if you switch to another Klondike.  

Please reach out to Erica Maze, Joe McQuillin or Anthony Dworning with questions. 

LEC 3 Minute Update - January 11, 2024

Mornin’, all! This is Jake Brown, coming to you from Fankenmuth, Michigan! This is Michigan’s little Bavaria, and National Service Territory 9, which encompasses all of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio and of which the LEC is a part of, are just leaving this awesome town from a professional planning conference. Now, let’s be Frankfurt: a work conference in Michigan in January is cold. Most of us said “Brrrr-lin, it’s freezing out here! I wish we could gather around the Bonn-fire, but starting one sounds like too much Erfurt. Let’s hurry up inside for a mighty Rhine time.”

Okay, in this week’s three minute update, we have: Training updates, Event Updates and Camping Updates, and a note about our next office closure.

First, a reminder of some BIG NEWS! The LEC is hosting a University of Scouting at the Lorain County JVS on Saturday, March 16th. Participants will be able to dive into the details of how to cook in the outdoors, how to engage with your chartered organization for a smooth leadership transition, and much, much more! Registration is live with the event and course descriptions, and you can send questions or inquiries to Dave Sechnick.

Also in training, its important to note that there will be a Rangemaster training on February 24th at Firelands, BALOO, Scoutmaster Basic, and Wilderness First Aid Trainings are open upcoming in April, and the Wood Badge and NYLT course registrations are open now!

And speaking of Wood Badge and NYLT, their annual scholarship fundraiser breakfast will be held on March 9th at Lakewood High School. Come support future participants to Wood Badge and NYLT by attending the fundraiser breakfast, and bid on some great live auction items while there! Send questions to Linda Gray; the Early Bird closes on February 4th.

Moving on to events: Klondikes are about to begin, and in fact, the deadline to register for the National Parks Klondike is this Tuesday the 16th, so sign up today! Do note that Webelos have a Winter challenge being offered in conjunction with the North to Alaska Klondike at Beaumont. Also, upcoming is the Class of 2023 Eagle Scout Celebration on February 24th. The annual Celebration of Scouting will be held on March 2nd, as well as Sap Camp. That’s a busy day. On March 17th, Scouts looking to represent Scouting can join in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Cleveland, and you can email Julia Hearne for more information. Troop members can earn the Snow Sports Merit Badge at either the Holden Arboretum on January 27th or at Kent State on February 18th. The next merit badge university is in April at Beaumont. Lastly, Cub Scouts should note that the date of the Winter Mud Day at Firelands has changed to March 9th.

Finally, please note that this Monday, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the office will be closed. That means we will all be happy to see you and work with you again on Tuesday the 16th!

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, take care!

LEC 3 Minute Update - January 4, 2024

Mornin’, all! Happy New Year! I’m Jake brown, coming to you from the West Quoddy Head Light House in Maine, where I’m happy to share that the sun rose a whole 48 minutes earlier on New Years’ Day than it did in Cleveland. I tell ya, the 14 hour drive one way to get here was very worth it! 

Okay, in this week’s three minute update, we have: Training updates, Event Updates and Camping Updates, and a note about annual planning and Journey to Excellence. 

First, here’s some BIG NEWS! The LEC is hosting a University of Scouting at the Lorain County JVS on Saturday, March 16th. Participants will be able to dive into the details of how to cook in the outdoors, learn more about the upcoming Cub Scout program changes that take effect in June, and much much more! In addition, you’ll get to meet Lord Baden-Powell himself, risen from the ashes of time to bring our events’ closing address to us! Registration is live with the event and course descriptions, and you can send questions or inquiries to Dave Sechnick. 

Also in training, its important to note that there will be a Rangemaster training on February 24th at Firelands, BALOO, Scoutmaster Basic, and Wilderness First Aid Trainings are open upcoming in April, and the Wood Badge and NYLT course registrations are open now! 

And speaking of Wood Badge and NYLT, their annual scholarship fundraiser breakfast will be held on March 9th at Lakewood High School. Come support future participants to Wood Badge and NYLT by attending the fundraiser breakfast, and bid on some great live auction items while there! Send questions to Linda Gray; the Early Bird closes on February 4th. 

Moving on to events: Klondikes are about to begin, and in fact, the deadline to register for the High Adventure Klondike is this Saturday, so sign up today! Also, upcoming is the Class of 2023 Eagle Scout Celebration on February 24th, with Monty Gibson of the Cleveland Browns delivering the keynote address. The annual Celebration of Scouting will be held on March 2nd, in addition to Sap Camp. On March 17th, Scouts looking to represent Scouting can join in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Cleveland. Lastly, Cub Scouts should note that the date of the Winter Mud Day at Firelands has changed to March 9th. 

Finally, I have a note to share about Journey to Excellence: if you are familiar with this planning tool, please note that it is being phased out and replaced. If you have never heard of Journey to Excellence before, please disregard what I’ve said. If you have ears and are involved with Scouting, however, please listen to this: the Lake Erie Council has established a replacement to Journey to Excellence, what will be known in the future as “The Unit Performance Objectives worksheet.” This worksheet is available on the Council website, and should be used by Packs and Troops to assist in planning and executing the ideal year of Scouting. More about this tool will be shared in the coming weeks and months, but be bear aware that there’s a new tool in town, and it’s here! If you have any questions about how to use this tool, send them over to Mike Evano. 

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, take care! 

LEC 3 Minute Update - December 14, 2023

Good morning, all! And thank you for tuning in to this week’s three minute update. This week, the update is brought to you from the fireplace that I wish my office or living room had. Now, let me share a short wintry tale with you: 

‘Twas the week before quiet time, and all through the service center 
The mice indeed stirring, and so was the registrar. 

By December 15th, 90 percent of units rechartered. 
The field team, ecstatic, now looks forward to slumber. 

In Program, Holidays at Camp are come to an end, 
And in the rest of the office, 2024 is in everyone’s head. 

Next year, many many changes are near. 

Cub Scouts will have new adventures in June, 
And the topic of planning will be pushed very soon. 

Klondikes and Camporees will arrive quick on the calendar, 
so sign up today to avoid paying more. 

For any final tasks in Scouting that still need attention, 
This week and next are the time said things mention. 

What a lovely story. Everyone, thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you. I look forward to seeing you next week! 

LEC 3 Minute Update - December 7, 2023

Mornin’, all! I’m Jake Brown, and this week’s three minute update is coming to you from the road. Yes that’s right, I’m riding around collecting recharter checks in the far east for those who need it. Doing my very best pony express, hence my trusty steed. If you need a pony express pick up of a recharter check, contact Michelle and she will dispatch someone to you.  

This week, we have: Award Updates, NYLT updates, Popcorn Updates, ACE Updates, Klondike Updates, and Giving Tree Information. 

That’s right everyone: nominations for the Silver Beaver Award, Distinguished Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Award are due to Jason Setser by December 15th. You can learn more about these awards on our website. Awards will be presented at the Annual Celebration of Scouting, next upcoming on March 1st. 

Here’s also a reminder that there are many, many other awards available to unit leaders who have put the work into delivering the best Scouting program they could over the past year. If you’d like to nominate your fellow Scouters for one of many awards, please send those nominations in to Heather McMillan. You can find a full list of these awards on the national Scouting website. 

If any of your Scouts are interested in NYLT, applications for a staff position in 2024 are now available on the website. Interviews for NYLT are upcoming, so please contact Jen Folkman with any questions or visit the website for more information. 

Folks, while the popcorn sale is wrapping up, this is a reminder that Scouts can still sell popcorn using the Trails’ End online link, and those sales will qualify you for trails end prizes and the chance to be part of the council spin-to-win in February. 

Also, the ACE portal has reopened to new applicants! Unit leaders, please note that Membership Renewal Fees mostly qualify for reimbursement. Families can get approved for ACE before OR after they pay for said fees, and still get reimbursed. Check out our website for the latest, and email Mike Evano if you have any questions. 

  Klondike Derbies are basically fully planned, and registrations for these are now open. Bring the full troop, sign up, and send Anthony any questions you have. 

Don’t forget about the giving tree at the Cleveland Scout Shop: email Paula if you’d like to give, or could use a hand bringing Scouting to your family. 

Now, this message is for Santa Claus. We’re still a few weeks away from your big day, Santa, and I’ve got a swingin’ deal for you. You see, I know there are some Scouts out there who deserve a really special gift this holiday season, and I want you to know that I’ve got a perfect gift for them. It’s a gift that, maybe not a lot of kids have asked for by name, but I know once they see Sammy’s face, they’ll fall in love with this toy. Yes sir, you won’t regret filling up your sleigh with a big sack full of, Sammy the S’more plushies! Santa, if you want, just call member care, and they’ll tell you where Sammy is hiding out with all of his friends. I hope you will! 

Otherwise folks, that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update!

LEC 3 Minute Update - November 30, 2023

Mornin’, all! I’m Jake Brown, and this week’s three minute update is coming to you from Firelands, where we are working hard to get ready for Holidays at Camp! We are so looking forward to seeing you here this weekend, and next! 

This week, we have: recharter updates, Scout Shop Updates, Christmas gift ideas, Klondike Updates, popcorn updates, and a reminder about awards. 

That’s right everyone: nominations for the Silver Beaver Award, Distinguished Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Award are due to Jason Setser by December 15th. You can learn more about these awards on our website. Awards will be presented at the Annual Celebration of Scouting, next upcoming on March 1st. 

Folks, while the popcorn sale is wrapping up, this is a reminder that Scouts can still sell popcorn using the Trails’ End online link, and those sales will qualify you for trails end prizes and the chance to be part of the council spin-to-win in February. More info for the spin-to-win will be released next week. 

Here’s also a reminder that there are many, many other awards available to unit leaders who have put the work into delivering the best Scouting program they could over the past year. If you’d like to nominate your fellow Scouters for one of many awards, please send those nominations in to Heather McMillan. You can find a full list of these awards on the national Scouting website. 

Folks, recharters are due without significant error before 5:00 p.m. on December 8th. If you have questions about how to complete this membership renewal process, please contact member care. Special reminder that CORs must digitally sign the completed recharter and NOT any of the other key 3 members. 

Also, the ACE portal has reopened to new applicants! Unit leaders, please note that Membership Renewal Fees mostly qualify for reimbursement. Families can get approved for ACE before OR after they pay for said fees, and still get reimbursed. Check out our website for the latest, and email Mike Evano if you have any questions. 

  Klondike Derbies are basically fully planned, and registrations for these are now open. Bring the full troop, sign up, and send Anthony any questions you have. 

Don’t forget about the giving tree at the Cleveland Scout Shop: email Paula if you’d like to give, or could use a hand bringing Scouting to your family. 

Now, this message is for Santa Claus. We’re still a few weeks away from your big day, Santa, and I’ve got a swingin’ deal for you. You see, I know there are some Scouts out there who deserve a really special gift this holiday season, and I want you to know that I’ve got a perfect gift for them. It’s a gift that, maybe not a lot of kids have asked for by name, but I know once they see Sammy’s face, they’ll fall in love with this toy. Yes sir, you won’t regret filling up your sleigh with a big sack full of, Sammy the S’more plushies! Santa, if you want, just call member care, and they’ll tell you where Sammy is hiding out with all of his friends. I hope you will! 

Otherwise folks, that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! 

LEC 3 Minute Update - November 16, 2023

Mornin’, all! I’m Jake Brown, and in this week’s three minute update, I’m in beautiful Plymouth, Massachusetts. Just behind me is Plymouth Rock, and when I get to thinking about this rock, I can think of only one thing: recharter.

You see, the recharter deadline is but a few weeks away, and every time Thanksgiving rolls around, I always find myself perpetually sharing information about the recharter process.

Case in point, Michelle gave me the following notes to share with you all: please check your spam folder for emails from the Council regarding the recharter process. Remember that the deadline is December 8th, and there is a late fee of $100 for charters turned in after or with significant errors.

Additionally, we are getting a lot of questions about individual renewals. For example, one question I answered today was, “How can families pay their recharter fees?”

Any person who was registered in Scouting prior to August 1 of this year will pay their unit the respective recharter fees, and the unit will make a lump sum payment for the recharter.

Any person registered after August 1 will show up on the recharter portal as owing zero dollars. They do not owe the unit, or national, money at this time. These newest recruits will be charged their membership fees 12 months from their initial date of joining.

If you have further questions about recharter, please contact member care.

In other news, we are excited to see you at Holidays at Camp this December! The early bird deadline is this Saturday, so don’t delay in registering!

Also, Klondike Derbies are almost fully planned, and registrations for these are now open. Bring the full troop, sign up, and send Anthony any questions you have.

Don’t forget about the giving tree at the Cleveland Scout Shop: email Paula if you’d like to give, or could use a hand bringing Scouting to your family.

Also, the ACE portal has reopened to new applicants! Unit leaders, please note that charter dues mostly qualify for reimbursement, and that families can get approved for ACE after they pay for recharter, and still get reimbursed. Check out our website for the latest, and email Mike Evano if you have any questions.

Lastly, please note that the Unit Service Center will be closed for Quiet Time – shhhhhhh – next week. Our staff will have the week to spend with their families, as we hope each of you also has the opportunity to be with family next week for Thanksgiving. If something is urgent, during this time, email member care. We can’t promise a quick reply, but your message will be screened.

Otherwise folks, that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update! Again, best wishes to each of you over the holiday, and I look forward to being back with you on the update the week after next. Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you!