District Leadership Structure Changes Coming

Over the past year, a great deal of discussion has ensued regarding the district leadership structure of Mayflower Council. It has become increasingly challenging to fill the many district committee positions and ensure that the support needed for the Scouting program is being provided in the most efficient, effective, and consistent manner.

A committee was formed last summer of individuals from across the council to determine the best path moving forward given the current number of unfilled positions. A wide variety of options were considered and discussed at length; it was decided that to best way to provide a quality scouting program in Mayflower Council was to adopt a more Council centralized support structure in place of what has previously been a District-centered approach. It is extremely important to note that the continued involvement of current leaders, and recruitment of others, will be a critical element as we move forward. The knowledge base and dedication of the current corps of volunteers will be integral to the new leadership structure.

To facilitate a smooth transition to this type of structural leadership change, an Implementation Team has been identified to collect information and identify “next steps” for the transition. It is anticipated that the roll out will occur in a stepwise fashion during the 2024-25 program year. In the coming months there will be in-depth discussions amongst various committees and constituents to solicit input and help the Implementation Team develop a well-defined roll out plan. This will be an evolving process, with information to be provided as it becomes available. The Implementation Team is planning to hold a Council-wide Summit in October, open to those currently serving in District leadership positions and all others who are interested.

A contact email (click here to email ) has been set up to ensure that individuals can ask questions at any time as we move forward with the transition. Every effort will be made to ensure responses are sent as quickly as possible, recognizing that answers to many questions may not be available until the roll out plan is better defined.

Sharable announcement flyer



“Around The Campfire” Podcast – Episode One

Check out Mayflower Council’s “Around The Campfire” Podcast, a new show designed specifically for unit leaders and volunteers. Hosted by Rob DiFazio, an Eagle Scout from East Bridgewater serving on the Membership & Unit Service Team, this episode of the podcast covers a variety of topics, including Webelos to Scout transitions with Wood Badge-trained Scouter David Laucirica, and Eagle Scout Aaron Christian (both from the Membership & Unit Service Team). Logan Ferraro, Program Executive, gives an overview of BlackPug and CampDocs, as well as upcoming events. Additionally, Rich Carlson, our Council Commissioner, provides an update on our new Scout executive. Don’t miss out on this informative podcast!



Council Service Center Adverse Weather Policy

With the impending snow storm we would like to remind our community about our adverse weather policy.  The council follows the lead of the Milford school system when setting its adverse weather policy.  If Milford Public Schools close, so does the Milford Service Center.  If the Milford Public Schools announce a delay (1 hour delay for example) the council service center delays its opening by the same time. We encourage everyone to follow the weather and school closure reports on Boston media such as WCVB Channel 5 in order to stay informed and up to date on school closings and weather alerts.



2024 Annual Membership Fee Update

Effective April 1, 2024, the BSA will eliminate the $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting.

  • $85/yr for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase)
  • $65/yr for all adult volunteers ($5 increase)
  • $30/yr for Scoutreach (No change in fee)
  • $25/yr for Merit Badge Counselors (No change in fee. Only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)
  • $50/yr for Exploring participants Youth & Adult (No change in fee)
  • $100/yr unit renewal/affiliation fee (No change in fee)
  • $15/yr for Scout Life magazine (No change in fee)
  • Council Program Fee will remain at $48 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants until July 31, 2024 and then will increase to $68 on August 1, 2024



Lace up your Hiking Boots

Lace up your Hiking Boots for the BCT (Bay Circuit Trail)

What if there was a local hiking trail that travelled around the city of Boston, through some 37 local cities and towns offering natural beauty, historical interest and access to trail heads and trail segments using the MBTA and public transportation? A trail that is managed by a collaboration of private and public entities including the Appalachian Mountain Club and local town and city conservations departments.  Hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are all available on the trail. If that were the case, you would be describing the Bay Circuit Trail!  The BCT is some 230 miles long, starting at the mouth of the Merrimack River and ending in Kingston Bay on the South Shore circling the city of Boston.

We are inviting all Mayflower Scout units to choose a trail segment either in their own hometown or a trail segment of their choice, so that all or units together will cover all 230 miles of the trail in a single day!  Cub Scouts, Scout BSA and Venturers are all invited to participate. Trail segments can be assigned by hiking ability and length to accommodate the novice or the experienced hiker. We would ask that a photo be taken at both the start and the end of your hike as proof that you have completed your part of the trail. Scout units from other local councils are also cordially invited to join us on hike day. We are planning an ending celebration after all 230 miles have been completed. Did I mention that there will be a cool and unique patch made available to all registered hikers?  Hike day is planned for Saturday May 18th.  Watch for a future registration link and additional detail as we get closer to hike day. Unit leaders include this in you units’ activity planning, you will want to be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity!



Employment Opportunities with Mayflower Council

DIVERSITY — OPPORTUNITY — COMMUNITY

Bring your varied life experiences, education, and perspective, and in return you will have an opportunity to combine those skills and experiences in a career that values and respects others.

Scouting … a Profession with a Purpose

Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has helped build future leaders of this country by combining educational and outdoor adventure activities with lifelong values and fun. The Boy Scouts America has a major focus on the development of youth.

What Professional Scouters Do

Several thousand commissioned professional Scouters lead, guide, and facilitate the efforts of more than a million adult volunteers on whom Scouting depends on to carry out its mission. It is the job of the professional Scouter to inspire, recruit, train, and support the BSA’s volunteers, in addition to working with community leaders and rallying public support for Scouting’s activities.

Responsibilities

The professional Scouter in an entry level management position assigned to a specific role within a local council. Your success will be dependent on your ability to promote, supervise, and work with local volunteers. If you have skills in human relations, public relations, marketing, fundraising, finance, accounting, business management, or sales, then you should consider taking the opportunity to become a professional in the Mayflower Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Training and Development = Success

The Boy Scouts of America realizes that in order for people to grow and be productive, they need opportunities to learn. The fact that more than 75 percent of the BSA’s professionals receive training each year is a testimony to the commitment by local councils and the national organization. Training courses, with set periods of time to acquire specific information, are part of our overall plan of development.

Professional Scouters receive continuous instruction through formal as well as informal training. The BSA fosters an environment of continuous learning to nurture collective creativity, which benefits both professionals and the organization. We share knowledge, ideas, and experience, creating both a workforce that is involved in decision making and an inclusive work environment that ensures the success of Scouting in the local community.

The BSA is committed to the training and development of individuals because we fully recognize the benefits of mutual growth and development that will unleash the creativity and productivity of its greatest asset: its people!

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a number of practical benefits for professional staffers. In fact, the BSA offers a benefits package considered to be among the best in the nonprofit sector. The package includes major medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage in addition to long-term disability, accident, and life insurance, and a matching savings plan for retirement. The starting salary is competitive for these entry level positions.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Must have attained age 21
  • People-oriented, having the ability to work well with adult volunteers, community and business leaders, and representatives of other organizations
  • Able to work varied hours when necessary to achieve positive objectives
  • Believe in the BSA and subscribe to its principles and standards

Current Openings:

Interested?

Submit your cover letter and resume to Rick Riopelle.



Mayflower Council Executive Board Portal

Welcome to the Mayflower Council Executive Board Portal, a secure and centralized location designed to streamline board operations and enhance collaboration among executive members. This portal provides a comprehensive suite of tools to facilitate efficient meeting management, document sharing, and secure communication, enabling you to make informed decisions and drive strategic growth for our organization.

Visit Board Portal



Always Room for More – Earn A Recruiter Patch

Always Room for More

Earn your “Recruiter” patch in 2023

The founder of the Scouting movement, Sir Robert Baden Powell — better known as B-P in Scout circles — once said:

“An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on the individual.” In the spirit of that wise sentiment, the Mayflower Council is looking for some recruiting help.

And who better to ask than the Scouts themselves?

During the months of November and December, we encourage individual Scouts to look to their friend groups and ask potential Scouts to join them at a meeting.

Scouts who successfully recruit a friend will receive a “Recruiter” patch courtesy of the Mayflower Council – we’ll provide it free!

There are three steps to earn the badge:

  1. Encourage your Scouts to encourage a friend to attend an upcoming meeting or event and join before December 31.
  2. When a Scout recruits their friend, a Scoutmaster or Cubmaster completes this form.
  3. We will ship the Recruiter Badge to your unit to award to your recruiters as part of your next Court of Honor or rank advancement.  We will also send the newly enrolled Scout a “Welcome” letter.

It’s as simple as that.

Meanwhile, we’re hoping to build on the work everyone put in during “Join Scouting Day” and “Slices for Scouting” and bring even more youth into BSA membership via Mayflower Council.

And we know that our Scouts are up for the challenge. So, let’s get to it!



2024 Silver Beaver Award Nominations

In Scouting, we say “it’s about the youth” and none of our adults are involved for the recognition, but every now and then we need to say thanks especially to those volunteers whose leadership and example has left a lasting positive impact on the program and the broader community. One way we do that is through nominating a Scouter for the Silver Beaver Award, the highest adult recognition a council can bestow. Take a few moments to reflect on volunteers within your unit or district and consider nominating them for the Silver Beaver Award.

To simplify the process this year a new online nomination form was completed. This form will allow you to save your work and go back and add additional information at another time prior to the nomination deadline.

SILVER BEAVER NOMINATION FORM


All nominations must be received by Tuesday, January 2, 2023.

A detailed nomination form, to review before completing the online form, is available by clicking here. Kindly do not submit paper versions of the form.

Questions regarding nominations should be emailed to:  awards@mayflowerbsa.org.  The awards will be presented at the Council’s Recognition Dinner to be held April 24, 2024.

Frequently asked questions about the Silver Beaver Award:

Overview

To recognize registered Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council.  The award is presented by the National Court of Honor on behalf of councils.

Who Can Earn This Award?

Anyone may nominate any deserving registered Scouter to the council, which selects recipients for the following year. Each council may process their own annual allotment of Silver Beaver awards and shall send a list of Silver Beaver awards presented each calendar year to the National Court of Honor no later than January 31 of the following year.



George WP Magee Memorial Trust Donates $40,000

The Mayflower Council recently received a generous capital gift of $40,000 from the George W. P. Magee Memorial Trust to fund two major camp projects at Camps Squanto and Resolute.

The first project involves building a new program pavilion at the shotgun range at Camp Squanto (located in the LeBaron R. Barker Scout Reservation and the Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth), while the second project entails installing a new metal roof at the Handicraft Lodge at Adventure Day Camp at Resolute (situated in the E. Paul Robsham, Jr. Scout Reservation located on Little Pond in Bolton, Massachusetts).

The Mayflower Council, established in 2017, is a result of the consolidation of Scouting programming that has served Greater Metro West and the South Shore areas of Massachusetts for over a century.

Comprised of territory that was once part of the Algonquin, Norumbega, Knox Trail, Squanto, and Old Colony Councils and stretches from Stow to Plymouth, Mass., the Mayflower Council is rich with the traditions and history of generations of scouts and scouting families.

Mayflower Council Director of Development James Corcoran expressed gratitude towards the Magee Trust for their continuous support, stating that the council and its predecessors have received over $2,234,375 in capital and camp scholarship projects since 1944. “The Council is very grateful to the Magee Trust for their continued generosity,” added Corcoran. “We could not have done these projects without the annual support of the trust.” The George W. P. Magee Trust is a private trust that exclusively distributes income to Boy Scout Councils headquartered in Massachusetts for capital projects and camp scholarships.

Since its inception, The Magee Trust has distributed over $10,700,000.00 to Massachusetts Boy Scout Councils.