The Mayflower Council has secured merit badge councelors to teach a few merit badges virtually.  Scouts can now sign up for the following virtual merit badge offerings.

Space is limited, please sign up as soon as possible.  Each course is only $10.00.

Click on the merit badge you are interested in to sign up.

Genealogy – Do you know your family tree? Do you know how to trace your heritage and family ancestry? Join us for a remote and virtual merit badge experience to earn your Genealogy Merit Badge!  Wednesday’s, June 17, June 24, and July 1 from 6:30 – 7:30pm.

Electricity – Do you know how your house get’s power? Do you know how to wire a circuit? Do you know the first aid for electric shock? Join us for a remote and virtual class of Electricity Merit Badge! Wednesday’s, June 10, June 17, and June 24 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Citizenship In The Community – Now is an important time to take Citizenship in the Community. Continue your trail to Eagle Scout by taking this required merit badge that explores doing your duty as a good citizen in your neighborhood and town. Tuesday’s June 9, June 16, June 23, and June 30 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm.

Sustainability – Are you interested in the sustainability of our planet? Do you know about renewable energy and upcycling by products? Take Sustainability Merit Badge, an Eagle Scout required alternative badge to Environmental Science that explores how we can reduce, reuse, and recycle to help our planet. Monday’s, June 8, June 15, June 22, and June 29 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm.

Public Health  – There is no better time to be learning about public health than right now. Everyone has learned a lot about infectious diseases and their effects on our communities and nation. Learn from the real-world example of Covid-19 as we teach you about how Scouts can help our communities in the Public Health Merit Badge. Monday’s,  June 15, June 22, June 29, and July 6.

Session A – 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Session B – 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Emergency Prep – Scouting it built on our motto, Be Prepared! Every Scout should be prepared for any situation that could occur such as medical emergencies, home emergencies, search and rescue emergencies or natural disasters. This merit badge explores what you can do today to start preparing with your family, home, troop and community. Continue your journey to Be Prepared with the Eagle required merit badge, Emergency Prepareness! Thursday’s, June 11, June 18, and June 25 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Dear Scouting Family,

Today the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America announced an increase to the annual membership fees. These increases are a result of rising operational costs and COVID-19, which has created a substantial unplanned loss of revenue due to mandated Scout Shop closures and shortened high adventure base seasons.

Locally, our council is also facing financial challenges and we are doing our best to address the impact of three months of office closure, activity cancellations, diminished fundraising campaigns, and the loss of some of our summer camp season. We know, however, that our staff and volunteers will continue to do their best to offer high-quality Scouting experiences during these challenging times.

We understand many of our Scouting families are also dealing with similar financial issues. We do not want finances to be a barrier to participation in Scouting, and will do our best to assist families who need it, to the fullest extent possible.

We are aware some of our members may have heard about these fee changes this weekend via social media. The Mayflower Council did not share this information previously because the National Council requested that all councils wait until June 1st before distributing this news. Some councils, unfortunately, chose to share the information prematurely, which may have spawned some confusion. The Mayflower Council apologizes for any inconvenience this action may have caused.

Please review the infographic below. Click here to view the frequently asked questions about the fee increase. As more information is released, we will share the most up to date information here.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our Scouts. As Scouting navigates these turbulent times, we stand together to achieve our shared mission: helping young people in our community learn, grow, and thrive.

If you have specific questions regarding these changes, please contact your district executive or email us.

Yours in Scouting,

Mike Rotar
Council President

Josh Paulin
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive / CEO

This is the one spot where you will find the most up to date answers to your frequently asked questions regarding our Mayflower Council resident camp.

Click here to download as a PDF

Join us in supporting our frontline workers!  We have designed a special limited edition Mayflower Council shoulder patch.  Only 250 have been ordered and we will not be reordering.  We will be donating 50% of the raised proceeds to support our local hero’s fighting the coronavirus.  Each patch is only $20.00.

Pre-orders are being taken – order yours today before they are gone!

We have chosen to support Boston HealthCare for the Homeless (BHCHP) COVID program. We chose them because the homeless community was and is being hit hard by COVID. 1 in 3 homeless in Boston have had the virus. The population has unique and hard to manage needs. BHCHP has long performed outstanding service to this population with limited resources and under very difficult circumstances. They set up and ran COVID housing for homeless individuals with COVID, and managed all the health care issues outside the hospital, taking critical pressure off the hospital as we surged. They staffed Boston Hope at the convention center. They set up and ran 2 health tents in the city for homeless with COVID, and they handle(d) the health care needs across the cities shelters.

Online/Virtual Meetings

• One Den was setting up a service called Jitsi to host virtual Den Meetings
• Virtual Rank Advancement Ceremony – – Many packs Blue and Gold dinners were cancelled. Cubmaster could host Webinar and recognize the Cub Scouts that earned ranks etc. Thought was that recognizing sooner rather than later would be more significant to the Scout.
• MidAmerica Council conducts virtual “den” meetings that are open to everyone. These meetings are based on completing a Cub Scout Adventure and earning a coveted belt loop. Meetings are open to all and are based on Cub Scout Year. For example, Monday is Tigers, Tuesday Wolves, Wednesday Bears, Thursday Webelos. Meetings require pre-registration but are free to join. The schedule is updated frequently
  https://mac-bsa.org/scoutingathome/scouting-at-home-cub-scouts/

Virtual Tours & Fun “Trips” For Example many organizations are hosting live or recorded activities. Den leaders could pick one, encourage Scouts to complete it with their family and have a web meeting to discuss what they saw learned. Other organizations have live Webcams allowing Scouts to see what’s happening without leaving home. Organizations offering programs like this include:

• Mount Washington Observatory  https://mountwashington.org/classroom
• Mass Audubon https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/explore-nature-at-home
• Boston Symphony Orchestra https://www.bso.org/brands/bso/at-home/bso-homeschool.asp
• Museum of Science https://www.mos.org/MOSatHome
• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (They have programs at all their Museums) https://airandspace.si.edu/event-series/stem-30
• Roger Williams Park Zoo http://www.rwpzoo.org
• New England Aquarium https://www.neaq.org/visit/at-home-events-and-activities/

Several Organizations have created lists of activities and resources

The New England Patriots have a collection of online resources they have assembled. Everything from a coloring contest, a reading contest to STEM material from other organizations https://www.patriots.com/community/rbtl

Good Housekeeping has posted an article listing 30 virtual tours https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a31784720/best-virtual-tours/

NASA International Space Station Views of Earth http://www.ustream.tv/channel/iss-hdev-payload

The MidAmerica Council has posted several other ideas & resources on their Scouting at home site. https://mac-bsa.org/scoutingathome/

Other Virtual Ideas and Activities

• Career Day – Parents would discuss their career either via recorded video or live webinar.
• Virtual Project or Collection Fair – – Have Scouts share their collections or something they have been working on. Gives Scouts ability to present something important to them to their friends. This adds enough structure and variety to a webinar to keep Scouts engaged
• Virtual camping trip where each scout camped in their backyard and they met online around a virtual camp fire and did scout songs and skits (done by the scout or scouts if more then one in the family, or the scouts family).
• Team scavenger hunt using “Goose Chase” application. https://www.goosechase.com
• Purchase or collect components of and deliver “Genius Kits” to have a project. Dens can do together via video conference. The kit would include needed components for a specific activity.  http://usscouts.org/bbugle/bb0502/bbpackden.html, Several ideas for Genius Kits on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/565694403164034257/
• Rocket Day – – Purchase or have families rocket kits. Scouts to assemble rocket at home Launch Day, ask Scouts to arrive as Dens at staggered arrival times to keep group size down. Ask parents to pre-pack Rocket parachutes & have prepacked engines that can simply be inserted into rocket. Set up so each Scout can launch 3-4 times and be on their way before next Den comes.
• Plan outdoor hikes on local conservation property.
• Down-town scavenger hunt. Post clues in local business store windows. Scouts and their families would search for clues and take pictures in front of the business. Businesses would benefit from increased traffic; unit would get to post pack logo in store window over a weekend.
• Bike Safety / Bike Rodeo – Set up outdoor bike course in School or Church parking lot. Ask local Police to come and speak about how to bike safely. Try to get a local bike shop to teach basic maintenance to the Scouts.

Do at Home Activities

• Focus earning Religious Emblem
•  Work on Cyberchip
• Make Cards for Doctors and Nurses at Local Hospitals
• Make Cards for residents at Long Term Care Facilities

Mayflower Council Resource
https://www.mayflowerbsa.org/scouting-at-home

Click Here to download PDF of this document.

The Mayflower Council has secured merit badge councelors to teach a few merit badges virtually.  Scouts can now sign up for the following virtual merit badge offerings.  More offerings will be coming soon.

Space is limited, please sign up as soon as possible.  Each course is only $10.00.

Click on the merit badge you are interested in to sign up.

Family Life – Continue on your trail to Eagle Scout with Family Life Merit Badge. While we’re spending time at home, make this time quality family time! Dates: Monday(s), June 1, June 8, June 15, & June 22.

First Aid – Continue on your trail to Eagle Scout with First Aid Merit Badge. Expand on your Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Skills. Learn the skills that are integral to being a prepared Scout. Dates: Thursday(s) and Monday(s) May 28, June 1, June 4, June 8 & June 11.

Entrepreneurship – Do you have a new business idea? Do you want to talk to someone who started their own business? Want to learn how to make that idea a reality? Join us for a remote and virtual Merit Badge Experience to earn your Entrepreneurship Merit Badge! Dates:  Wednesday(s), May 27, June 3, & June 10

Astronomy – Look out at the night sky and learn about the amazing celestial bodies around us! Now is the best time to take this badge as there is an upcoming astronomical events that we’ll be able to look for on clear nights! Note: Having access to a telescope will help with this merit badge. Dates: Thursday(s), May 28, June 4, June 11, & June 18.

Citizenship In The Nation – Join us to have conversations about the founding principles of the United States, how our local representatives work with others around the Country, and how our Scouts can do their best to do their duty to their country! Dates: Monday(s), June 1, June 8, June 15, & June 22.

Music – Do you play an instrument? Do you sing? Do you appreciate listening to or creating music? Join us for a remote and virtual merit badge experience to earn your Music Merit Badge! Note: Scouts ought to have some understanding of how to read music on a staff. Dates: Thursday(s), May 28, June 4, June 11, & June 18.

May 18, 2020

Hello Scouting Families,

As you’ve proven over the last few weeks, our Scouting communities are resilient, prepared, and able to adapt to any situation. Now, as we look ahead to the 2020 camping season, the question on everyone’s mind is, “What is Scouts BSA resident camp going to look like and is it safe to attend?”

To alleviate some concerns, we thought it would be helpful to share with you our current decisions as well as modifications to our pre-camp preparations and to the camp experiences offered this summer.

First and foremost, the health and safety of our Scouting families, volunteers and staff remains our number one priority as we continue to adapt to this unprecedented situation. Our council continues to develop new plans and review existing procedures that will keep our Scouts and volunteers safe.

The decision to operate our council camps will be based on our ability to operate safely within the CDC’s summer camp guidelines, in addition to recommendations from local, state and BSA authorities. Rest assured that the council will only conduct camp if it is legal, safe, and practical to do so.

This summer may not look like all the summers that have come before or any of the summers that will come after. What we do know is that camp plays a vital role in the lives of our Scouts and Scouters. At this time, we are taking steps to determine how we can best serve our Scouting community this summer.

As of today, May 18, 2020, we are announcing the following decisions: 

The following camps and programs have been cancelled for 2020.

• Resident camping at Camp Resolute. All troops will be accommodated at Camp Squanto.
• National Youth Leadership Training: June 28  – July 4 at Camp Squanto
• Trail to Eagle Week: July 19 – 24 at Camp Resolute
• Venture Week: July 19 – 24 at Camp Resolute
• National Youth Leadership Training: August 2 – 7 at Camp Resolute

Scouts BSA resident camping at Camp Squanto has been postponed to later in the summer. The modified schedule is as follows:

• July 12 – 18
• July 19 – 25
• July 26 – August 1
• August 2 – 8
• August 9 – 15

The following Scouts BSA resident camp modifications will be made:

• Weekly attendance will be capped at 250 campers
• Tent occupancy will be limited to one camper
• Leaders will need to remain in camp for the whole week

For those that had signed up for any of these events, you will receive an additional email with steps regarding refunds, transfers, and additional information about the event. For any event cancelled you will receive a 100% refund.

So what can you expect this summer? 

Just because some of our planned outdoor experiences cannot happen as expected, we are still committed to helping you and other families experience camp in a safe environment. We understand the importance of an outdoor in-person experience, and we will find ways to help your family experience the fun of camp this summer. It will look different from a traditional camp and that is ok. In the coming days you will see us roll out the opportunity to participate in a virtual Scouts BSA camp this summer, for those not comfortable with the in-person experience.

Allow us to share a glimpse of some of the additional elements of what “safely operating” our camps in this new environment will entail. While this list is not comprehensive and our review is an  ongoing process, you can expect some significant updates to many of the following:

• Check-in Screening – Upon arrival at our camps, staff and participants will be screened and their temperature will be taken. Those with temperatures above 100.4 will not be allowed entry; those who travelled with them will also not be allowed entry.
• Food Service – We will be eliminating all self-service options during meals (including beverages and salad bars) and all serving will be done by trained staff.
• Sickness at Camp – Participants presenting symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent home.
• Visitors – Will not be allowed into camp.
• Sub-camps – Units will be divided into sub-camps within Camp Squanto to reduce exposure risk for participants.  A number of activities will be managed within each sub-camp or on a scheduled rotation where cleaning can be done between groups.
• Family Day & Closing Campfire – Will NOT be held this summer.
• Hand Washing – Participants will be directed to wash their hands often.  Additional hand washing and sanitizing stations will be available.
• Accommodation Cleaning – Camp provided lodging, such as tents and cabins, will be disinfected before new participants arrive.
• Shower Houses & Restrooms – Shower houses and restrooms will be cleaned 3 times a day.
• Protective Gear – We will be reviewing best methods for use of gloves, masks, etc., while on our properties.
• Camp Equipment – We will properly sanitize all community and reusable program equipment after each use.
• Social Distancing – We will avoid activities where appropriate social distance cannot be maintained.

These items and many more are all under review as part of the comprehensive evaluation now underway of our standards and policies. As we move forward, you can expect a comprehensive list complete with instructions.

We thank you for your continued commitment to Scouting and for helping us prepare and adapt to any situation. We will continue to monitor the situation daily and relay any updates as they become available on our council website and through our social media channels. If you have specific questions please email them to covid19@mayflowerbsa.org and we will respond to them as quickly as possible.

Please stay safe and keep Scouting!

Mike Rotar
Council President

Josh Paulin
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive / CEO

May 18, 2020

Hello Scouting Families,

As you’ve proven over the last few weeks, our Scouting communities are resilient, prepared, and able to adapt to any situation. Now, as we look ahead to the 2020 camping season, the question on everyone’s mind is, “What is Adventure Day  Camp going to look like and is it safe to attend?”

To alleviate some concerns, we thought it would be helpful to share with you our current decisions as well as modifications to our pre-camp preparations and to the camp experiences offered this summer.

First and foremost, the health and safety of our Scouting families, volunteers and staff remains our number one priority as we continue to adapt to this unprecedented situation. Our council continues to develop new plans and review existing procedures that will keep our Scouts and volunteers safe.

The decision to operate our council camps will be based on our ability to operate safely within the CDC’s summer camp guidelines, in addition to recommendations from local, state and BSA authorities. Rest assured that the council will only conduct camp if it is legal, safe, and practical to do so.

This summer may not look like all the summers that have come before or any of the summers that will come after. What we do know is that camp plays a vital role in the lives of our Scouts and Scouters. At this time, we are taking steps to determine how we can best serve our Scouting community this summer.

As of today, May 18, 2020, we are announcing the following decisions: 

The following Cub Scout camps and activities have been cancelled for 2020.

• Adventure Overnight Week: August 2 – 5
• Adventure Overnight Week Plus: August 6 – 7
• Camp Norse Day Camp: Cancelled by the Narragansett Council

The Adventure Day Camp has been postponed to later in the summer. The modified schedule is as follows:

• July 13 – 17
• July 20 – 24
• July 27 – 31
• August 3 – 7
• August 10 – 14

The following Adventure Day Camp modifications will be made:

• Weekly attendance will be limited to 36 participants
• There will be no bus service to/from day camp

For those that had signed up for any of these events, you will receive an additional email with steps regarding refunds, transfers, and additional information about the event. For any event cancelled, you will receive a 100% refund. If you are interested in signing up for Adventure Day Camp we suggest doing so soon, as we anticipate camp selling out given the reduced capacity.

So what can you expect this summer? 

Just because some of our planned outdoor experiences cannot happen as expected, we are still committed to helping you and other families experience camp in a safe environment. We understand the importance of an outdoor in-person experience, and we will find ways to help your family experience the fun of camp this summer. It will look different from a traditional camp and that is ok. In the coming days you will see us roll out the opportunity to participate in a virtual day camp this summer, for those not comfortable with the in-person experience.

Allow us to share a glimpse of some of the additional elements of what “safely operating” our camps in this new environment will entail. While this list is not comprehensive and our review is an ongoing process, you can expect some significant updates to many of the following:

• Check-in Screening – Upon arrival at our camps, staff and participants will be screened and their temperature will be taken. Those with temperatures above 100.4 will not be allowed entry; those who travelled with them will also not be allowed entry.
• Sickness at Camp – Participants presenting symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent home.
• Visitors – Will not be allowed into camp.
• Group Size – group size will be reduced from 10-12 participants last year to 5-6 this year
• Family BBQ & Closing Campfire – Will NOT be held this summer.
• Hand Washing – Participants will be directed to wash their hands often.  Additional hand washing and sanitizing stations will be available.
• Restrooms – Restrooms will be cleaned 3 times a day.
• Protective Gear – We will be reviewing best methods for use of gloves, masks, etc., while on our properties.
• Camp Equipment – We will properly sanitize all community and reusable program equipment after each use.
• Social Distancing – We will avoid activities where appropriate social distance cannot be maintained.

These items and many more are all under review as part of the comprehensive evaluation now underway of our standards and policies. As we move forward, you can expect a comprehensive list complete with instructions.

We thank you for your continued commitment to Scouting and for helping us prepare and adapt to any situation. We will continue to monitor the situation daily and relay any updates as they become available on our council website and through our social media channels. If you have specific questions please email them to covid19@mayflowerbsa.org and we will respond to them as quickly as possible.

Please stay safe and keep Scouting!

Mike Rotar
Council President

Josh Paulin
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive / CEO

Click here to view slides from the May roundtable meeting.