Enhanced Safeguarding Youth Training Launched

Scouting America has unveiled a new comprehensive Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) program, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to creating the safest possible environment for young people. This updated training represents a significant step forward in Scouting America’s multi-layered approach to youth protection.
The new training is mandatory for all registered adult volunteers and has been developed with insights from leading experts in child safety, law enforcement, and child psychology. It incorporates the latest strategies for recognizing, responding to, and preventing various forms of abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
Key Features of the Updated Training: 
  • Comprehensive Focus: Our new Safeguarding Youth Training (formerly Youth Protection Training) program reflects the more comprehensive nature of the training and its focus on safeguarding youth from all threats.
  • Inclusive Content: The training covers a wide range of topics, ensuring volunteers are well-informed about potential risks and best practices for youth protection.
  • Annual Refresher Courses: Recognizing the ongoing need for education and awareness, Scouting America will now require annual refresher courses, estimated to take 15-20 minutes, to keep youth protection knowledge current.
  • Alignment with Best Practices: Scouting America regularly consults with experts to ensure its policies and training reflect the most up-to-date knowledge and prevention techniques in the field of youth safety.
  • Focus on Prevention: The training emphasizes proactive measures to prevent abuse and create a culture of safety within Scouting.
Your existing Youth Protection Training remains valid until its expiration date, at which point the new Safeguarding Youth Training will be required.
Scouting America’s proactive approach to youth safety underscores its dedication to providing a secure and enriching environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. The launch of this enhanced Safeguarding Youth Training demonstrates a continuous effort to adapt and improve safety measures, ensuring the well-being of all Scouts remains the top priority.




Den Leader Appreciation: Gregory Lomanno

Celebrating a Rockstar Leader: Gregory Lomanno of Pack 113 Earns Den Leader of the Week Honors

Gregory Lomanno of Pack 113 Medfield

Let’s give a huge shout-out to the awesome Den Leader Gregory Lomanno of Pack 113 in Medfield! As Mayflower Council continues our Den Leader Appreciation Month, we’re absolutely delighted to shine a spotlight on his fantastic work as our second Den Leader of the Week for May 2025!

Seriously, Greg is a rockstar! He’s got the communication down pat, keeping all the families in the loop like a pro. His meeting plans? Always top-notch! And whenever the pack needs an extra hand, Greg is the first to jump in. 

What makes Grego truly shine? He’s like a super-organizer, somehow creating den meetings that are the perfect mix of “we’re having SO much fun!” and “hey, we actually learned something cool today!”

Want to know how to get the whole family smiling in Scouting? Just ask Greg! He’s a genius at planning activities where parents and kids get to join in the fun together. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Greg, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible dedication and the super positive vibes you bring to the Scouts of Pack 113! You truly make the spirit of Scouting shine bright. We’re so lucky to have you!

Remember, nominate your best den leaders here. Congratulations, Gregory, and thank you!




Mayflower Council May 2025 Roundtable

Thanks to all who participated in our May 7 Roundtable. Slides from the session are posted below, along with some recipes and order forms for the Camp Squanto 100th anniversary patch sets. Our June Roundtable is Wed. June 4, live at the Furnace Brook Middle School in Marshfield with hybrid broadcast on the Mayflower Council Zoom platform. Please plan to join us.
May_RT-Slides_Final2
Campfire Cones
One-Pot Ranch Mac and Cheese Recipe
Dutch Oven Monkey Bread Recipe
Camp Squanto 100th Anniversary Limited Edition Gold Patches
Camp Squanto 100th Anniversary Patch Order Form




Den Leader Appreciation Month

We know our den leaders truly light the way for our youth, creating the safe adventures, learning, and fun that makes Cub Scouts the perfect activity for boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade. Mayflower Council has marked the month of May as Den Leader Appreciation Month.

Mayflower Council highlights one of these fantastic den leaders every Wednesday in May

  • Den Leader Appreciation: Dana Rowen

    We want to send a massive shout-out to an truly outstanding leader, Den Leader Dana Rowen of Pack 49 Norwood! Dana Rowen of Pack 49 Norwood As Mayflower Council continues our Den [...]

  • Den Leader Appreciation: Mike Cluett

    Let's hear it for Den Leader Mike Cluett of Pack 41 in Abington – truly one of our very best! Mike Cluett of Pack 41 Abington As we continue to celebrate Den [...]

  • Den Leader Appreciation: Gregory Lomanno

    Celebrating a Rockstar Leader: Gregory Lomanno of Pack 113 Earns Den Leader of the Week Honors Gregory Lomanno of Pack 113 Medfield Let's give a huge shout-out to the awesome Den Leader [...]

  • Den Leader Appreciation: Deirdra Borges

    More Than a Leader: Deirdra Borges Fuels Growth and Fun in West Bridgewater's Pack 23 Deirdra Borges of Pack 23 in West Bridgewater It's Den Leader Appreciation Month in the Mayflower Council, [...]

Do you know a den leader who deserves some recognition?
Fill out our form; maybe you’ll see a familiar face in our next announcement…

Sincere thanks to all of our den leaders for all you do!




Den Leader Appreciation: Deirdra Borges

More Than a Leader: Deirdra Borges Fuels Growth and Fun in West Bridgewater’s Pack 23

Deirdra Borges of Pack 23 in West Bridgewater

It’s Den Leader Appreciation Month in the Mayflower Council, and we’re thrilled to spotlight the incredible contributions of our dedicated leaders! Today, we proudly recognize Deirdra Borges of Pack 23 in West Bridgewater as our first Den Leader of the Week for May 2025.

Deirdra’s journey with Pack 23 began in 2021 when her son, John, joined as a Tiger. Recognizing an immediate need for leadership within his den, Deirdra stepped up without hesitation. More than just a leader, she has consistently surpassed expectations, fostering an environment that is both engaging and focused. Under her guidance, her den has flourished and is now enthusiastically working towards their Arrow of Light, undoubtedly preparing them for a successful transition to Troop 25 next March 2026.

What sets Deirdra apart? Her exceptional preparedness! Each of her meetings is thoughtfully planned and infused with a spirit of fun, so much so that the Scouts joyfully absorb valuable life lessons without even realizing it. Her initiative extends beyond den meetings; she has also established the Pack 23 Hiking Club, further enriching the scouting experience for our young members.

Thank you, Deirdra, for your outstanding dedication and the positive impact you have on the Scouts of Pack 23! Your commitment truly embodies the spirit of Scouting.

Remember, nominate your best den leaders here. Congratulations, Deirdra, and thank you!




“Around The Campfire” Podcast – Episode Eight

Monthly Podcast from the Scouting America Mayflower Council.

Around The Campfire Podcast from Scouting America Mayflower Council for leaders and volunteers.

April 2025 Around The Campfire Podcast from Scouting America Mayflower Council. Topics & guests include:

  • Tom Pendleton; Director of Outdoor Programs and Properties for Scouting America to discuss updates for the 2026 National Scout Jamboree to be held July 22 through 31st, 2026 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Find out more HERE.
  • Ryan Piazza; Camping Director for the Mayflower Council shares all of the fun & excitement at our Camps for Summer 2025. Learn more about Summer Camp opportunities HERE
  • Jack Colamaria; Staff Advisor for the 2026 National Jamboree talks about the Council’s plan for the 2026 Jamboree.Check out this LINK for more information.




Mayflower Council Apr. 2025 Roundtable

Slides from our April 2 roundtable are posted at the link below. Also posted please find the SAFE transportation checklist, Info/Order forms for the Camp Squanto 100th anniversary special issue patches and the religious emblems discussion handouts. Thanks to all of you who participated in our session.
The May roundtable will be live at the Furnace Brook Middle School Cafeteria on Wed. May 7 with hybrid broadcast on the council Zoom platform (see the council calendar for the link to sign up for the broadcast). We are planning to discuss “Menus/cooking for Scouts of all ages”, more information on that will follow. I hope to see you in May.
Apr_RT-Slides_FinalPost
SAFE-Transportation-Checklist
Camp Squanto 100th Anniversary Limited Edition Gold Patches
Camp Squanto 100th Anniversary Patch Order Form
Duty to God_0001
Take Home Handout on Religious Emblems_0001
Scout’s Guide to Earning & Wearing a Religious Emblem_0001
Increasing Membership through Religious Emblems_0001
Scouting Anniversary Month Helpful hints_0001




“Around The Campfire” Podcast – Episode Seven

Monthly Podcast from the Scouting America Mayflower Council.

Around The Campfire Podcast from Scouting America Mayflower Council for leaders and volunteers.

March 2025 episode features:

  • Meet our new team member Dirk Correia
  • Updates about Order of the Arrow Elections and the Eagle Scout Application with Aaron Christian
  • Spring Recruitment Information – Check out the video.
  • Programming Update for the Spring with Satina Craffey – Register for events at mayflowerbsa.org/events
  • Development Update with Jim Corcoran; Development Director for Mayflower Council
  • New Member Coordinator Training – Email Rob DiFazio for details about the March 31st and April 9th Watch Parties




Mayflower Council Mar. 2025 Roundtable

Slides for our March Roundtable are posted at the links below. Also posted is information on Campfire Safety and our “mini-hot-topics”: Leadership Succession Planning and Annual Unit Planning. Links to Scouting References are on the slide in the presentation. Thanks to those who participated.
Our April Roundtable will be held on Wed. April 2, live at the Furnace Brook Middle School in Marshfield and hybrid on the Council’s Zoom platform (see the council calendar for the link to sign up for the hybrid broadcast). This session’s planned topics include presentations on International Scouting Awards, Religious Awards, Other Non-advancement-related Awards, and the Camp Squanto Summer Program. Good news for you – these presentations are led by people other than me!
There will be no breakout sessions in April, the main session will run from 7-8 PM, and the hybrid broadcast will terminate at that point. Cranberry Harbors District will be presenting its final set of District Awards from 8-8:40 PM. Headwaters, Metacomet, Post Road and Sachem District Scouters should check with your District Leaders for your awards presentation schedule.
I hope you’ll join us in April.
Mar_RT-Slides_Final3
CampfireSafety
ScoutingAmericaSafetyMoment_CampfireSafety
RTHT-Leader-Succession-Planning
RT-HT-Annual-Plan.docx




Celebrate Scouting Council Recognition Dinner!

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Annual Council Recognition Dinner at the stunningly renovated Belvedere at Lake Pearl! This is your chance to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Scouters and community members who have made a significant impact.