Pioneer Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America in Western Massachusetts

249 Exchange St., Chicopee MA 01013 (413) 594-9196
Monday 9:00 am – 7:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Visión en español | Impacto Latino | Consejo Nacional

Boy Scout and Venture Summer Camps Pioneer Valley Council's
Horace Moses Scout Reservation bekons with pristine water, green mountains,
and programs unique to this Scouting paradise. New this year is our backcountry
experience for older Scouts and Venturers -- a week living as a Mountainman!
Camp Information and forms | 2008 Camp Brochure | Powder Keg: National Youth Leadership

The Spring 2008 Scouters Key The Scouters Key has entered the 21st century and is now a web publication. A limited number of paper copies are being printed for mailing to our members who don't use e-mail and the internet. District and OA pages are presented on the corresponding web page. Council events and news is on our main page. General communication articles and a printer friendly version are on the Spring Scouters Key page that's been indexed for your convenience:

Important Update! Council Consolidation The Great Trails Council Executive Board voted on April 29 in favor of the consolidation of the Great Trails Council and the Pioneer Valley Council. The Pioneer Valley Council has previously voted to consolidate. The next steps are information meetings for voting members of the Councils (notably, Chartered Organization Representatives) and the scheduling of a final vote. .>>>Read previous updates

New! Baloo’s Friends, 2008 Saturday, May 10, 2008, 1 PM – 4 PM. An afternoon of fun for Tigers and Wolves and their adult partners a Moses Scout Reservation, (310 Birch Hill Road, Russell, MA 01071)
Walk-in Registration begins at 1 PM (no pre-registration!)
Opening Ceremony at 1:30 PM

Join the Tigers and Wolves of the Pioneer Valley Council for an afternoon of age-appropriate fun. Come to “Baloo’s Friends,” on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at the Aquatics Lodge area at Camp Moses Scout Reservation. This event will be held rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather, and remember, it’s colder on the mountain than it is in the valley.

The cost for each Tiger or Wolf is $4; accompanying adults are free of charge. Activities begin at 1:30 PM and end with a closing ceremony at 3:30 PM. No food will be provided, so please bring water and snacks as you think your boys will need them.

Cub Scouts learn the dangers of a closed trunk

New! Chevrolet SafeKids taught these Cub Scouts the dangers of playing in car trunks and how to use the emergency trunk release at a recent event at Suburban Chevrolet. This was just one of the important topics covered in an afternoon that also included fun activities for the entire family. For information on how to schedule a SafeKids event for your Pack, Cubmasters (preferred), or Den Leaders should contact Mandi Summers at SafeKids Coalition of Western Mass by emailing her at mandi.summers@bhs.org

MassJam 2008, where Tradition Meets Tomorrow, will be over Columbus Day weekend (10/11-10/13) at the Barnstable Fairgrounds on Cape Cod. Reservations are being taken now on a first-come-first-served basis. Space is limited for this state jamboree with 6000 Scouts and Venturers expected. >>>more

Cub Scout Day Camp is the camp that combines the most exciting aspects of Scouting with summertime fun - right in your backyard! Camps are located in each district, with unique themes and programs each week, including our popular Twilight Session at Moses Scout Reservation. The camps are open to all registered Cub Scouts. See which session works for you, or plan to attend all four. Camp Information and forms

Cub Scout Resident Camp Pirates of Moses Bay Join the hunt for treasure on our 1,600 acres on beautiful Russell Pond, as we take part in all our traditional camp activities. ‘Mates’ will challenge themselves in fun and educational challenges in shooting sports, crafts, nature, swimming and boating, and showmanship. Sleep in campsites and platform tents, spend your day in a variety of events and attend rank specific activities. End your day with stories and songs around the campfire. Resident Camp is open to all registered Cub Scouts and their adult partners. Camp Information and forms

Updated! Webelos Woods is Coming May 30! Packs should plan now to attend this premier Cub Scout event over the weekend, May 30-Jun 1! >>>COMPLETE INFORMATION

Wood Badge: It's your turn this fall! Be a part of the tradition! Wood Badge is for all leaders no matter how long they've been involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Venture! The only requirements are to be trained in your Scout position and a committment to learn skills applicable to ... LIFE! Corporations pay 100's of dollars to train employees per topic. When you complete Wood Badge you'll have mastered skills in 5 important areas that you will benefit you every day in and out of Scouting. Skills that apply in the family, at work, and in other places you contribute your time and talent. >>> learn more | >>> Print Brochure

September 5-6-7 & October 3-4-5, 2008

Eagle Scout Applications have a notable change in the new printing. Now, under Requirement 5, the name of the candidate's Eagle project is required, as well as the grand total of hours devoted to it (from page 10 of the Eagle Scout Leadership Project Workbook). The new application will be required beginning May 1, 2008.

Cronk's Club Logo

Cronk's Club: Cub Scout Leader Training Challenge "Because Every Cub Scout Deserves a Trained Leader" Trained leaders provide an active, quality program at the den and pack levels and keep Tiger Cubs and their partners, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts coming back for more fun week after week and month after month. When Cub Scouts participate regularly, the many purposes of Cub Scouting are achieved. Trained leaders increase boy retention and leader tenure.

Rick Cronk, National President of BSA and sponsor of Cronk’s Club, will recognize district training chairs for their efforts in increasing the number of trained Cub Scout leaders who are delivering a dynamic program.

GOAL: 10% increase in direct-contact leaders trained OR 60% direct contact leaders trained (National standard)

Boy Scout Requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class have been revised on the recommendartion of the National Youth Protection Committee. >>> Changes effective January 1

Governor Patrick is happy to recognize the achievements of young people, especially those who have reached Eagle Scout or are the recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award. Please e-mail the recipient’s name, troop number, date of event and where to send the letter to constituent.services@state.ma.us, by fax 617-727-9725, by U.S. Mail to Governor Deval Patrick, State House, Boston, MA 02133, or call 617-725-4005 to speak with a member of Governor Patrick’s staff.