Join us in congratulating the latest group of Eagle Scouts. Click HERE for a list of Scouts
who earned their Eagle rank during the month of March. 

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Did you know that Jambo is the Largest Scouting Event in the area? It’s like a giant Scouting festival packed full of events for Scouts of all ages. Camp for the weekend or purchase a day pass for Saturday. It only happens once every few years so this is your chance to experience Jambo! Register today, minsitrails.org/jambo

Volunteers Needed

Several thousand Scouts will attend our council-wide JAMBO ’19 held at Kutztown University from Friday evening, May 17 through Sunday morning, May 19, 2019.  The activities planned range from inflatable castles to Cub Scout brickyard derby cars and everything in between!  As you can imagine, hundreds of volunteers are needed to make the event a success.  No particular skill is required, just a willingness to pitch in and help.

Cub Scouts Program Area

• Cub Scouts love to climb, so check out the monkey bridge.
• Test your hand at the leather working station.
• Have you ever thought about being a firefighter? Try shooting a real fire hose at a target!
• Play some Native American and Colonial games. Come shoot corn cob darts through grapevine hoops.
• Try your hand at tossing a newspaper. Ask your parents and grandparents if any of them were a newspaper delivery person.
• Calling all Legos owners! Does anyone have any Legos they would donate to us for the Brickyard Derby station? Please contact Diane, see below, if you do. Thank you.

Scouts BSA Program Area

• In our Aquatics area we have scuba diving, so look shortly for pre-registration as slots are limited, kayaking, Scoutmaster Belly Flop and open swim periods.  
   
• In our Sub camp Hawkeye enjoy some pole spar climbing, tomahawk and Atlatl throwing,  and delicious dutch oven delights and taste the most mouth watering turkey cooked under a metal trash can.  
   
• In our Athletics area get your troops or patrols ready for some can-jam, ultimate frisbee, and three on three basketball or get up early for a run around Kutztown’s campus. 
   
• Walk through the Kutztown University's German Heritage Museum or visit the Kutztown Fire Department, PA State Police, and the forest fire/controlled burn presentation. For those musically inclined bring your instrument and visit the Music Tent for a Jam Session. 

Venturing Program Area

The members of Venturing Team in the "Camp Minsi" sub-camp have assembled an area full of fun and adventure for older Scouts and Venturing crews! They'll be bringing exciting high adventure resources, cool hands-on activities, and beloved local camp favorites to Venturers and crews at Jambo!

• The Voyageur Rendevous - Step back in time and participate in a variety of hands-on living history activities, including blacksmithing, woodsmithing, lumberjacking and two-man saws, tomahawk and knife throwing, hot-iron branding, rope making, Dutch oven cooking, and more.
• Mountain Adventures - Reach new heights and explore exciting high adventure opportunities, including rock climbing, spelunking, and local high adventure camps.
• Action Aquatics - Make a splash and learn about water-based adventures for Scouts including whitewater rafting, wilderness canoe treks, fishing, boating, Sea Scouts, and programs on Camp Minsi's Stillwater Lake.

Venturing Chill - Kick back and relax! Come hang out and share in the fellowship of Scouting with fun lawn games, tabletop games, music, and a special photo op station.

Special Events Program Area

The special events program area contains activities for Scouts of all ages to enjoy! 

• Play on the inflatables, Rock Climb and Joust! 
   
• Visit the Bethlehem Mounted Police and Horses. 
   
• Stop by Lutron's remote control cars station. Try out the pre-made programmable lego Mindstorm kits or make your own customization! 
   
• Visit with Mack Truck's Freedom Truck, a brand new Mack anthem truck launched in 2018 with custom graphics for each branch of the military as well as the Jack Mack, custom built at LV with 800 horsepower and 2,800lbs of torque!

Order of the Arrow Activities

Friday Night Grill N’ Chill
Stop by the OA tent near Lytle Hall for a hot dog for scouts and leaders to enjoy. We will also have music there for everyone to enjoy and have a great time.

Saturday Activities
We will have a teepee set up for our AIA (American Indian Affairs) committee to use and part of the AIA committee will have regalia out for everyone to see and ask questions. They will also have a drum and may even do a little bit of drumming.

We will also have a Silk Screen booth to silkscreen t-shirts. Bring a blank t-shirt with you to silk-screen them for FREE!

Stop by the OA W-Mart (“Order of the Arrow Trading Post”) to get the latest gear that Witauchsoman Lodge has to offer!

Interested in Jambo but want to know more? You've come to the right place, the following is everything you need to know about Jambo. 

General Schedule:

• Friday, May 17 – Check In and setup for Family Cub Scout Packs, Scouting, BSA Troops and Venturing Crews camping begins at 5:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, May 18 – Opening Ceremonies begin at 8:45 a.m. Open program between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Evening program scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 19 – Church Services and Mass will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by designated area clean up and campsite cleanup.

For Weekend Pass camping

• JAMBO 2019 will be divided into three large sub-camps.  
• Scouting, BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, and Cub Scout Family Camping will all have their own large designated camping areas. All camping will have some space requirements and all areas will be assigned by the Jambo Campmasters.
• Camping informational packets will be sent to group registration owner.
• Group event packets (Wrist Bands, Maps, Patches) will be available for pick up at the assigned Campmaster check-in locations.  

For Day Pass participants

• Jambo 2019 affords you and your family full Saturday access, without having to camp overnight.
• Event packets (Wrist Bands, Maps, Patches) can be picked up at the Day Pass check-in location.
• General overview information will be sent to you via email prior to your arrival.    

Remember the earlier you sign up, the better the camp area you will receive! 

Click HERE for more info and a full list of Jambo E-News FILLED with fun info. 

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You’re invited to attend the Minsi Trails Council 2019 Eagle Scout Court of Honor & Recognition Dinner.  Mark your calendars now for this great dinner on Tuesday evening, May 21^st at DeSales University.  This dinner will recognize all Eagle Scouts from the Eagle Class of 2018.  Families, friends, and Scout volunteers are invited to attend along with Eagle Scouts from all Eagle years.  During the evening you’ll enjoy a great meal and the fellowship of other Eagles, hear great speakers, and participate in a renewal of your Eagle Scout Charge.  For more information please click HERE. 

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Working on your Hiking Merit Badge? Get your Tail on the Trail! 

Get Your Tail on the Trail is a free family oriented community initiative brought to you by St. Luke’s University Health Network and Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L) to encourage healthy lifestyles right here in your community!

The “trail” is the nearly continuous 165-mile multi-use D&L Trail which begins near Wilkes-Barre in the mountains of northeast Pennsylvania, and follows three historic transportation systems (the Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Lehigh Canal, and the Delaware Canal) on route to Bristol, PA just outside of Philadelphia.

Individuals, families, and employee or community groups are encouraged to log miles walking, running, biking and more in order to receive great prizes during our challenge periods. Whether enjoying nature and history along the 165 mile D&L Trail, walking while on vacation, bicycling in your neighborhood, paddling on local waterways, or jogging on the gym treadmill when weather forces you indoors, every mile of exercise counts!

165 Mile Challenge

Log 165 miles between 5/1 – 11/11

Join in the fun and get your tail on the trail of good health today!

Visit us at tailonthetrail.org to learn more and to view upcoming Tail on the Trail events near you!

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April 26-28, 2019 at Camp Minsi, Pocono Summit PA

Trailblazer is a half-day orientation to Scouts BSA especially designed for new girl troops, followed by an afternoon and evening participating in the activities and adventures of the Spring Rendezvous.  Scouts will participate in the morning gathering which will cover these topics:

• Welcome to Scouts BSA! - Learn where to look stuff up to help you get going.  We will also cover tips on picking a summer camp and how to prepare for that experience this summer.
   
• Light It Up! - Learn the basics of fire building and identify when to use each type of fire to accomplish the task at hand.
   
• The Patrol Method in Action! - Teamwork in scouting is called the patrol method. Participate in a role-playing exercise as we walk through the process of making that first breakfast.  Instrumental in any patrol cooking activity is the ”eliminate arguments” Duty Roster approach.
   
• Girls' Chat! - An open discussion on camp and camping, with girls, for girls, and by girls.

Scouts will then join the Spring Rendezvous afternoon and evening action by participating in open boating on Stillwater Lake (including paddling as a group in our massive voyageur canoe); participating in unique hands-on shooting sports activities at all shooting ranges,  backcountry hikes; and much more.  

Learn more and reserve a spot for your girls at Camp Minsi by visiting www.campminsi.org/girls today!
 

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Help Scouting Make a Positive Difference for Youth in Monroe County.

Sign up for the Pocono Boy Scout Golf Classic, June 19th. Enter individually or as a foursome. Along with a great round of golf, players receive a buffet lunch and evening reception.  Prizes will be awarded to top foursomes, as well as the longest drive and closest to the pin contests.

The Pocono Boy Scout Golf Classic is also a great opportunity to promote your company or products through hole a sponsorship. A specially designed sign will recognize your sponsorship at one of the tees. Other sponsorships are also available. See reverse side for details.

Proceeds from the Pocono Boy Scout Golf Classic support the Pocono District of Minsi Trails Council. Pocono District provides direct support to more than 1,500 young people throughout Monroe County, ensuring that these youth will benefit from a quality Scouting program.

Click HERE for registration and sponsorship form.

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Witauchsoman Lodge #44, Order of the Arrow has been selected to receive TWO National Awards!

Witauchsoman is Minsi Trails Council’s OA lodge, Scouting’s National Honor Society of honored Scouts in our Council.

For more information on our OA lodge and upcoming events, visit www.lodge44.org

Here are the details on these prestigious and amazing awards:

National Service Award

Established in 1999, the National Service Award recognizes up to two lodges in each region that have performed outstanding qualitative and quantitative service for their council and its camps.  This year Witauchsoman has been selected for their outstanding service in conjunction with Crew 1928 for renovations to Trexler Hall (the Old Dining Hall at Trexler Scout Reservation).

E. Urner Goodman Camping Award

The E. Urner Goodman Camping Award was established in 1969 as a tribute and testimonial to the Order's founder.  Its purpose is to encourage and challenge Order of the Arrow members and lodges to increase their effectiveness in promoting and increasing Scout camping in each council.  This year Witauchsoman has been selected for their camp promotions efforts and continued work on the annual campership fund CPS fundraiser.  This work helps less fortunate Scouts with financial assistance to attend one of our summer camps.

2019 Campership CSP

Only 100 made

$25 each

First available for sale at the Trade-O-Ree on April 6^th.

Then they will be available for sale at the Council Office Front Desk.

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The Scout Strong Half Marathon will test your grit and allow you to show everyone you are Scout Strong! This race event will feature the Tim Lambert BSA Memorial 5k, 10k and One Mile Kids Fun Run! These races are open to everyone but Scouts will receive special discounted pricing. For more info click HERE.

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DON'T MISS THE BOAT !

Register now for the Sea Scout Ship 940 OPEN HOUSE and Infomation Session

Saturday, April 26th at Camp Minsi         

Click here for details and to register.

What is Sea Scouts?

Sea Scouts, BSA is a program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14 to 20. A Sea Scout Ship (like a "troop" or "crew") is like a Venture Crew that is heavily focused on water-based action. This can be any type of watercraft on any type of body of water. It does not have to be a tall ship on a bay or the ocean. Most Sea Scout Ships are based around a sailboat on a local lake. The largest growth of ships is in the paddle sport craft segment.  You can learn more about Sea Scouts at seascout.org

What is Ship 940?

Ship 940 is a Sea Scout unit and will be based on Stillwater Lake at Camp Minsi. The Ship is like a Troop or Crew but focuses on high adventure opportunities above, below, in and around the water.   It is like a Venture Crew but focusing on water-based activities.  Sea Scout ships, like any BSA unit, have a chartered organization structure, and a core of adult leaders, led by a Skipper (Scoutmaster) and 1 or 2 Mates (assistant Scoutmasters), along with a Ship Committee (chairman, treasurer, etc.) Youth leadership also uses nautical terms for the leadership position names. The youth leader is called the Boatswain, pronounced "bow-sun" (like the Senior Patrol Leader). The lead Sea Scout volunteer at the Council level is called the Commodore.  You can learn more about Sea Scout Ship 940 at ship940.org     Or you can contact us at:  contact@ship940.org.

Want to be a Sea Scout and founding member of Ship 940?  

Stop by the Minsi Trails Council Service Center at 991 Postal Road, Allentown, PA for an application.  All completed applications will be accepted at the Council Office as well. 

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You already know what Scouting does for our youth … building character, leadership, achievement, and citizenship.  In fact, youth involved in Scouting build positive character at four times the rate of non-scouts.  Scouting is committed to building better youth, and needs your help by becoming a 2019 Friend of Scouting.  Minsi Trails Council is an independent nonprofit incorporated in Pennsylvania that supports local Scouting in six counties in the Lehigh Valley, the Anthracite and Pocono Mountain regions, and western New Jersey.  Your support helps provide essential program materials, makes camping available at our three local council camps, supports council and district activities for Scouts, and provides a professional staff to assist local Scout units.  It costs Minsi Trails Council about $350 per Scout annually to provide a quality Scouting experience, so please consider a gift toward quality Scouting for your children.   Remember, all donation made locally, stay local to support quality Scouting in our area.  Donations are certainly appreciated and are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS.  Please click HERE to donate now.

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Spaces available for 2020 trek, please contact Bonnie Keller, Camping Department, Minsi Trails Council at 610-465-8568 or bonnie.keller@scouting.org.

Explore the Philmont high country in northeastern New Mexico on a 12 day backpacking expedition. Challenge yourself as you climb mountains over two miles high. Programs include technical rock climbing, archeological excavation techniques, horseback riding, rifle shooting, blacksmithing and more. Discover the adventure of Scouting’s Paradise as over 1 million Scouts, Venturers, Explorers and leaders have since 1939.

Minsi Trails Council offers a 12 day backpacking trip at Philmont with usually a 1-2 day pre-trip as part of our expeditions, July 4-July 18. Each “Crew” is made up of 8 to 12 people, with a 3 adult minimum and 4 adult maximum on each crew. Scouts must be 14 years of age or 13 years of age and have completed the 8th grade. All participants must be registered in the BSA. Fees include transportation to and from the airports, airline flights, a 1-2 day pre-trip in Colorado if selected, and fees for the Philmont excursion itself.

We will be accepting applications and deposits for our 2020 Contingent after January 1, 2019. Applications and reservations are due by March 1. If we reach capacity, there will be a waiting list. For more information please contact Bonnie Keller, Camping Department, Minsi Trails Council at 610-465-8568 or bonnie.keller@scouting.org.

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