Twin Rivers Council

TRC Scribe

Historical Trails

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Historical Trail Program

Love of America and dedication to our country depend upon an understanding of appreciation for the ideals, principles and traditions that have made this country strong. The Historic Trails Program of the Boy Scouts of America encourages Scout units to foster this understanding and appreciation. It does so in the context of Scouting, a program which itself helps to instill these ideals, principles, and traditions through personal fitness, self-reliance, teamwork, leadership skills, knowledge of local history and tradition, and a practical understanding of conservation.

National Recreation Trails are located throughout the country. They provide for many activities such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding.

For a full listing of all BSA approved historical trails in the country, click here.

The Twin Rivers Council has two trails in our service area, the Saratoga National Park Trail and the Battle of Plattsburgh Trail.

Saratoga National Historical Park Trail

The Saratoga National Historical Park and the Twin Rivers Council Boy Scouts of America invite you to hike and explore the historic Saratoga Battlefield, site of the turning point of the American Revolution.  Opened in 1987, the Wilkinson Trail and the accompanying Scout Annex Trail are part of the National Recreation Trails system of the National Park Service and the Historic Trails program of the Boy Scouts of America.

The historic trail you are planning to hike will traverse over some of the most significant areas in the Battlefield. Park visitors are able to follow the footsteps of the British using much of the same road system that the British Army used in 1777.

Trail Resources

Trail Informational Guide 2019
Order Form (Patches, Medals, and Pins)
Saratoga Historical Park Website

2021 National Scout Jamboree

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2021 National Scout Jamboree

July 21, 2021 to July 30, 2021

Scouting’s flagship event is one-of-a-kind. It’s a gathering of approximately 40,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff that showcases everything that is great about the BSA and its members. Held every four years, the Jamboree is an amazing opportunity for participants, volunteers, and visitors to experience the best of Scouting, all in one place. Features include; one of the longest zip line courses in North America, a world-class skate park, ATV offerings, treetop canopy tours, rock climbing, patch trading, stadium shows, and much more!

History

The first Boy Scouts of America national jamboree was scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C., in 1935 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Scouting in America. Unfortunately, the jamboree was canceled because of a polio outbreak in Washington. When the first jamboree was finally held in 1937, Dan Beard lit the opening campfire using flint and steel. Scouts from all 48 states brought the wood that was used in the campfire. There were 27,232 Scouts camped on the National Mall under the Washington Monument. Since that time, an additional 18 national jamborees have been held, the last in 2017.

Details

Every four years, Twin Rivers Council puts together a Jamboree Contingent, one of the largest contingents of Scouts to attend the National Jamboree. The Contingent consists of anywhere from 2 to 4 units, comprised each of 36 youth and 4 adult leaders. This year units will include Male Troops, Female Troops, and Venture Crews.

Besides the Jamboree experience itself, there are many costs that are incurred in preparation for the event. These costs include (but may not be limited to):

  • Travel to and from the site
  • Jamboree training, meetings, and other events
  • Jamboree gear, including all troop/crew specific gear (flags, unit numerals, water bottles, hats, shirts, jackets, backpack, duffel bag, patches)
  • Jamboree event fee
  • Dedicated Scouting professional and support staff to facilitate and assist in a successful Jamboree experience

The full cost of the Jamboree for our Council has not be set yet.

Youth Participants

The Jamboree is open to all who are qualified on a first-come, first-served basis.  Qualifications to attend the National Jamboree include:

  • Registered member of a Scout Troop, who has completed the 6th grade, or will be at least 12 years old (but who has not yet reached their 18th birthday by 8/1/2021) and a first class Scout by July 1, 2021. --OR--
  • Registered member of a Venture Crew.
  • Must live and abide by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Must abide by the Jamboree Code of Conduct.
Adult Participants

Adult Participants will be selected by the Jamboree Coordinator and the committee. If you are interested in attending as a unit leader, we will have more information soon.

 

National To Raise Registration Fees

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To the Volunteers of Twin Rivers Council:

The Twin Rivers Council have been informed that as the National Council Leadership is evaluating the growing cost of delivering the Scouting program, a vision team of volunteers and staff from across the country is considering the best way forward that will likely require them to implement a national membership fee increase for youth members and adult leaders as of January 1, 2020. This prospective change is being driven by the significant cost increase of the liability insurance the organization must carry to cover all official Scouting activities.

I do not know the amount of the increase at this time. This is set to be determined during the October meeting of the National Executive Board.

There are two components to the registration fee, the fee charged by Twin Rivers Council and the fee charged by National.  The council’s portion of the registration fee is set for the coming year and is not increasing. It is the National portion of the fee that is uncertain at this time. I would like everyone to know that this is not a local decision and we do not have any direct input into the decision making process.

I recognize the timing of this notification creates challenges and frustrations as units have already begun planning for their 2020 registration renewal process. While I share your feelings about the timing of this notification, I am confident that the National Council is doing its best to ensure that the BSA can continue carrying out its mission to serve youth.

The staff and volunteers of Twin Rivers Council are committed to supporting you through this process and would like you to know the following:

  • We will not be collecting any registration fees until after November 1st to ensure accuracy and so that we are not handling more than one transaction with a unit.
  • You will still have access to the online chartering system on October 1st, so you will be able to work on your roster.
  • As we have stated before, units are not to use the online pay options.
  • This change does not affect the fees for new youth being registered this month and next.
  • With the change in our chartering timeline, there still will be a prorated adjusted fee for 2020. I will announce that as soon as we hear from National. 

I recognize this is neither easy information to hear, nor to convey, but it is important that Twin Rivers be transparent as possible and I promise to share any information as soon as we know it so you can prepare your units appropriately. The national organization has committed to providing the new registration fee no later than October 23.

Thank you for your continued efforts that support the youth of our communities.

Yours in Scouting,

Drew Chesney
Council Commissioner

Fall Training Opportunities Await

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It may be summer, but now is the time to look at a variety training courses planned for this fall that will benefit you or your unit's leadership.

Most of the courses require just a few hours of your time at a minimal cost of $5. And the travel is not extensive, including a church just off Exit 16 of the Northway, Sand Creek Middle School in Colonie and the Council Service Center.

Mohawk District is conducting two of the training sessions, both at the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church. Den Leader Specific Training is Saturday, Sept.  28, 8 a.m.to noon, the Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Training is Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. Registration is open for both events.

While there are opportunities ranging from Den Chief to Committee Member, two important overnight sessions are Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) for Pack leaders Sept. 21-22 at Rotary Scout Reservation, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) for Scouts BSA leaders Sept. 28-29, also at Rotary. There is no charge for BALOO.

New to the training calendar this fall will be Kodiak Training for Venturers over two weekends, Sept.6-8 and Sept. 20-23 at Camp Wakpominee.

Although many training sessions are conducted by other districts, unit leaders from Mohawk District are welcome to participate.

For any questions on training, contact Mohawk District Training Chairman Tim Williams at twill340@yahoo.com.

For a full listing of upcoming trainings, and to register, click here.

Roundtables Moving to New Day, Location

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Starting in September, the Mohawk District monthly Roundtable meetings will be moving to a new day, time and location.

The monthly District Committee meetings will remain as they were on the schedule.

Roundtables are shifting from the second Tuesday of the month to the second Wednesday, beginning Sept. 11, and will run from 6:30-8 p.m. The new location will be the Rexford Fire Station, 1601 Rt. 146 in Rexford, where the June Ice Cream Social was held.

Roundtables are a great way to learn of upcoming programs and events, both in the Twin Rivers Council and Mohawk District, as well as re-chartering assistance, training, changes in the Scouting program and other useful information. They often carry a theme or topic each month with breakout sessions for Scouts BSA and Cub units.

Roundtables also provide the opportunity for unit leaders to ask questions and have problems solved. Unit leaders are not required to attend, but it would be wise for each Troop, Pack or Crew to send a representative each month to become better informed.

For more information, contact Roundtable Commissioner Kristina Matthews at kmatthews@trcScouting.org.

The business of the district, as well as most of the planning, takes place at the District Committee meetings, held from 6-7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, beginning Sept. 10. The location remains as the West Charlton United Methodist Church, 1331 Sacandaga Rd. It's the large white church at the intersection of Rts. 67 and 147.

For information on District Committee meetings, contact District Chairman Stephen Miller at stephen@smgc-inc.com.

ADK District Scouts BSA Camporee

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Camp Bedford will be the host location for this year's Adirondack District Scouts BSA Fall Camporee, taking place on September 27th-29th, 2019.

Please save the date now! Here are some specifics you'll want to know now:

  • Check-in Friday, September 27th from 4pm to 10pm
  • Check-out Sunday, September 29th by 11am
  • $10 per person registration fee, which will cover the costs of operating the event and a patch for each participant
  • Troop trailers permitted at campsites during the weekend.

Need more details? 2019 Adirondack District Fall Camporee Leader Guide

Hope to see your Troop at Camp Bedford on September 27th-29th!

Ready to find out more?

For more details, and to register.

Click Here
Scouting Adventures