“Around The Campfire” Podcast – Episode Two

Monthly Podcast from the Mayflower Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

March 2024 episode, hosted by Rob DiFazio, features:

  • Interview with Juan Osorio, Scout Executive for the Mayflower Council
  • Eagle Scout Project Do’s and Dont’s with Tom Bedarz, Advancement Chair and Logan Ferraro, Program Director
  • Summer 2024 Camp Update with Ryan Piazza, Camping Director




“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!




District Award Nominations

All districts are accepting nominations for District Award of Merit as well as recognitions for other outstanding Scouters:

Nomination for District Awards – due April 15

  • Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Venturing crew advisor, committee chair (for any unit) and charter organization representative of the year awards
  • Unsung Hero Award – someone who goes above and beyond in the district.
  • “Sparkplug” – each pack, troop, or crew can recognize one of their adult leaders for going above and beyond.

Nomination for the District Award of Merit – due April 15

The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national
award presented by councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level. This nomination form must be sent via email to:  Mayflower Awards

The district will typically present the awards at the annual district recognition dinner.




Outstanding Eagle Scout Award

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) was established during the BSA’s 100th Anniversary in 2010 with the first recipient to receive the award a year later. The award was created to recognize notable Eagle Scouts who had either performed distinguished service at the local, state, or regional level or who were known nationally, but had not yet met the 25-year tenure as an Eagle for the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. Often, worthy candidates for the NOESA have inspired others through their actions and have devoted a lifetime to their profession, avocation, community, and beliefs, at great sacrifice to themselves and their families.

The NOESA has gained prominent standing among Scouting recognitions. Previous recipients include famous authors, explorers, television personalities, military flag officers, scientists, government officials, and prominent businessmen.

The selection of recipients is made by the local council NESA committee (which may utilize a NESA awards sub-committee), Scout executive, and council president. Each recipient’s actions and accomplishments should elevate the stature of Eagle Scouts in the public eye. Therefore, not all nominations are acted upon, and a substantial percentage of nominations are declined.

Nomination forms should be emailed to:  nesa@mayflowerbsa.org or mail to:

Mayflower Council, BSA, 83 Cedar Street, Milford, MA  01757

Nominations are due annually by December 1.




Service Project Of The Year

The National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams national Eagle Scout service project of the year award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, a school, community or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project.

Examples of projects that have been selected for the ESSPY include projects that have benefited underprivileged children, recognized veterans, been international in nature, and have required significant time and resources.

The selection of recipients begins at the local level and is conducted through the council NESA committee (which may utilize a NESA awards sub-committee). The council NESA committee selects a recipient for their respective council from the list of submitted nominations and then forwards a worthy candidate to the National Eagle Scout Association for regional consideration.

Mayflower Council NESA committee will present a $250.00 scholarship.  The winner will then be placed in the regional level.

Please submit the form below to NESA@Mayflowerbsa.org for consideration.

Regional ESSPY recipients are selected by each council’s regional NESA scholarship committee. Regional recipients will receive $500, to be available for their future educational purposes or to attend a national or international Scouting event or facility. (Local council will also receive a $500 award.)

The recipient of the national award is then selected among regional recipients by a special selection committee of the National Eagle Scout Association. National recipients will receive $2,500, to be available for their future educational purposes or to attend a national or international Scouting event or facility. (Local council will also receive a $2,500 award.)

All nominations are due annually by January 31.




2022 Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner

Distinguished Citizen Awards Dinner

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Lombardo’s

6 Billings Street, Randolph, MA 02368

Reception 6:00 pm – Dinner & Program 7:00 pm

2022 Honorees

Distinguished Citizen Award Recipient

James M. Dunphy, President & CEO
South Shore Bank

The Distinguished Citizen Award is presented to community or business leaders who provide outstanding civic service to the adult and/or youth in the community. Those who receive the award are not necessarily Scout volunteers, but rather individuals who personify what the Boy Scouts of America stand for – good citizenship, outstanding moral fiber with a dedication to others, and for living their lives by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Distinguished Scouter Award 

Arnold Briggs, Educator (retired)
Scouter & Community Volunteer

The Distinguished Scouter Award is presented to a Scouter who provide outstanding civic service to the adult and/or youth in the community. Those who receive the award are not only Scout volunteers, but also seek no return for their service other than the satisfaction of aiding their fellow citizens, their community, and their nation and for living their lives by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Second Century of Leadership Award

Accepted by David Dirubbo, President

Second Century of Leadership Award is presented to a company or organization that consistently sets the pace for the corporate leadership and philanthropic support of the South Shore and MetroWest communities. The honoree’s work and leadership exemplify the ideals and successes of the Boy Scouts of  America. The organization’s corporate citizenship and community involvement set the example of what can be achieved through hard work, leadership and character, traits that set both organizations apart.

Master of Ceremonies

Butch Stearns, Sports Anchor
Boston 25 News

Guest Speaker

Matt Slater,Wide Receiver
New England Patriots

You may register and pay online or fill out the mail-in registration form.

Registration and program book ad’s must be received by September 30, 2022.

If you have any questions, please email:  Development Office




Mott Receives National Recognition

While we’re all in it for the youth of Massachusetts; however it’s great when our leaders and volunteers are recognized for their hard work.

Recently, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge (No. 1476 Plymouth) reported Plymouth’s Michelle Mott was awarded “the Marvin M. Lewis Award” by the Elks National Scouting Committee.

WickedLocal.com posted:

Eight years ago, Mott’s son joined Pack 47 in Plymouth, Cranberry Harbors District, Old Colony Council, now part of Mayflower Council. Within the first year, Mott was serving as den leader for her son’s Tiger Den. She continued as den leader with her son for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light rank. Mott also became more involved in Pack 47 eventually becoming the Cubmaster, serving for three years. She also volunteered on the Cranberry Harbors District Committee. For the past four years, she has been involved with the Activities Committee helping to organize District and Council events ranging from 200-750 scout attendees. Chuckwagon, Webelos Woods, Webelos Klondike and Polar Challenge are some of the many events she has helped organize.

“Although fully position trained with many awards and recognitions, Mott had planned to end her tenure as a scouting volunteer when her son crossed over into a troop,” added WickedLocal. “However, the BSA made changes that affected Mott. In 2018, girls were allowed to join Cub Scouts and form girl dens, which meant Mott was going to repeat the journey she had made with her son, Adam, except this time with her daughter, Rachel. 

“During all this, Mott continued to expand her Scouting skills and training.”

Due to her hard work, Mott received the Lewis Award, which recognizes Elks members that:

  • Have brought Scouting to more youth 
  • Have assisted local Elks lodges in forming Scouting units 
  • Are fully trained in the skills of Scouting and are outstanding role models 
  • Have contributed significantly to Elks and Scouting by bringing the two movements together to serve the community 
  • Have offered Scouting to all youth regardless of race, creed or income level, and have been instrumental in organizing Scouting units, especially in inner-city or other low-income communities

For the full article from WickedLocal.com, click here. And join us in congratulating Michelle Mott for all that she does for Scouting and the Elks.If you know of a Scouter who deserves some recognition, be sure to email us here at Mayflower Council.




Happy 100th Birthday Mr. Maher!

On January 27, 2021, Mr. Cornelius C. Maher celebrated his 100th Birthday in the company of some of the many Scouts he helped lead back in the 1960’s during his tenure as committee chairman with Troop 31, Newton, MA. A special Zoom meeting was set up for his Scouts, including eight Eagle Scouts, who joined in from across the country. Mr. Maher, a B-17 WWII pilot, is an Eagle Scout, Class of 1936, Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow and a Founding Member of the Nobscot Alumni Association. A former executive with The United Fruit Company (now Chiquita Brands International), Mr. Maher enjoyed the celebration with his three Eagle Scout sons and his daughter, a former Girl Scout. During the Troop Muster, he was quick to point out that his birthday marks the start of his 101st year! Happy 100th Birthday Mr. Maher and thank you for your service!




2021 Virtual Freeze Out

Fire Up Your Scouts for the 2021 Virtual FREEZE OUT!

All Scout BSA units in Mayflower Council are invited to participate.

Have your patrols tune up those sleds for this year’s Freeze Out adventure. Your Scouts will hone cold weather skills, participate in a variety of races, competitions, and take home memories for a lifetime. There will not be any troop vs. troop competition this year, rather troops can compete Scout vs. Scout or patrol vs. patrol. Your choice!!

This is the first virtual Freeze Out!  Each unit can decide when, where, and how to hold your troop freeze out.  We are here to help you create a fantastic adventure for your Scouts.

Troops and Scouts will receive:

  • Ribbons for each event (1st, 2nd, 3rd) these will be mailed to the troop when registration closes.
  • Council support & some “suggested” outdoor winter ideas, suggestions and guidelines, these will be emailed to you.
  • Special 2021 Freeze Out patch per participant will be mailed to the troop after the event.
  • Additional patches can be purchased for $5.00 ea.

When:  Pick any weekend in March – troops will decide what day(s) works for them.

Location: Troops decide on a location that works for them and their group size(s). You may now schedule to hold your event at one of the Mayflower Council camps.  Tent camping is now open at Camp Resolute, Camp Squanto, and Nobscot Scout Reservation or another location of your choosing.

Cost:  $10.00 per Scout, adults are free

Proposed activities but are not limited to:

  1. fire starting
  2. knot knowledge
  3. lashing structure build
  4. bear bag
  5. obstacle course
  6. patrol winter emergency shelter
  7. cross the creek (crates and planks)
  8. panning for gold (tarp and ping pong balls)

Video contest – Troops are invited to have their Scouts take short videos of their event.  Videos will be judged and ribbons awarded for funniest video, best original event, best appearance of Scout spirit.  You will receive a link to upload your videos once registration closes.

This event is being sponsored by the Headwaters District.




District Award Nominations

Below you will find nomination forms for recognizing Scouters at the unit and district levels.  As well as nationally recognized nomination forms.

Nomination form for District Awards – due March 15

  • Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Venturing crew advisor, committee chair (for any unit) and charter organization representative of the year awards
  • Unsung Hero Award – someone who goes above and beyond in the district.
  • “Sparkplug” – each pack, troop, or crew can recognize one of their adult leaders for going above and beyond.

Nomination for the District Award of Merit – due March 15

The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national
award presented by councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level.

These nomination forms must be sent via email to:  Mayflower Awards

The district key 3 typically will present the awards at the annual district recognition dinner.

Download the fillable PDF
District Awards Form

Download the 
District Award of Merit Form