Are you ready to recognize the exceptional adult leaders in your Scouting community? We’re excited to announce that nominations are now open for various prestigious Scouting America recognition awards. These awards honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, leadership, and commitment to the values of Scouting. Whether it’s a dedicated Scouter who has gone above and beyond or a volunteer who has made a significant impact on their troop or community, there’s an award to celebrate their accomplishments.

Time is running out! Nominations for the Scouting America awards close on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Submit your nomination now and ensure your favorite Scout or leader is considered for this special honor.

Silver Beaver Award

The role of adult leaders in Scouting America has been a cornerstone of the organization since its inception. From the early days of its founding to the present, adult volunteers have provided invaluable guidance, support, and mentorship to countless young people. Without the leadership of caring adults, Scouting ceases to exist and therefore, it is important that we take time to recognize those in our community who have volunteered their time and mentorship to our youth.

One way we honor these leaders is through nominating a Scouter for the Silver Beaver Award, the highest adult recognition a council can bestow. We invite you to think about those in your unit or district who have left a lasting impact on the youth of your community and consider nominating them for the Silver Beaver Award.

North Star

It is not just Scouters and adult volunteers who impact the youth of our community. In 2011 The North Star Award was established to acknowledge the invaluable support of non-Scouters who have contributed to the success of Scouting programs. This includes individuals who have donated time, money, or other resources to Scouting initiatives, as well as those who have provided guidance and leadership. We encourage you to nominate any non-scouters who have left a lasting impact on our Scouting community to be honored at this year’s recognition dinner.

Elbert K. Fretwell Award

The Elbert K. Fretwell Award is a prestigious honor in Scouting that recognizes teachers, educational support staff, and school administrators who have made significant contributions to the lives of young people by instilling Scouting values in their students. The award is named after Dr. Elbert K. Fretwell, a professor of education at Columbia University, an early thinker in the Scouting movement, and the second Chief Scout Executive of Scouting America.

Alumnus Award

The Alumnus Award is a valuable opportunity for former Scouts to stay connected to the organization and continue making a positive impact on their communities. It is a recognition designed to encourage participation and involvement in Scouting America’s alumni relations programs, including NESA activities. It is awarded to Scouting alumni who promote continued engagement with Scouting America.

George Meany Award

The George Meany Award is a national recognition approved by the AFL-CIO Executive Council. It may be presented to any adult union member who has made a significant contribution to the youth of their community through Scouting. Each AFL-CIO city central labor council and each AFL- CIO state federation is permitted to give one award annually. The emphasis of this award is on the importance of being selective. There is no rule that the quota must be used every year. No honorary recognitions should be made. The purpose of this award is to recognize the recipient’s outstanding service to youth through the programs of Scouting America.

Council Duty to God Award

In Scouting America, the Council Duty to God Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon registered Scouters who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in supporting and promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting at the local Council level. Overall, the Council Duty to God Award is a testament to the importance of spiritual growth and leadership within Scouting America. It highlights the organization’s commitment to nurturing the character and values of its members through a strong spiritual foundation.

Veteran Award

Honor the dedicated adults who have served the Boy Scouts of America for five or more years with the Veteran’s Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who have consistently contributed to the organization, embodying the values of Scouting and making a lasting impact on the lives of young people.If you or someone you know meets these criteria, we encourage you to nominate them for this well-deserved honor.

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.

Camp Squanto’s 100th Anniversary

Celebrate a century of Scouting tradition with a piece of history!

Limited Edition Patch Sets

100th Anniversary CSP & Flap Set: Own a symbol of this milestone.
Price: $50
Details: This set includes a special 100th Anniversary CSP (Council Shoulder Patch) and OA (Order of the Arrow) Flap.
Patch Set Includes:

• Camp Squanto 100 CSP
• OA Lodge Shoulder Flap

Camp Squanto Landmarks CSP Set: A collector’s set featuring iconic landmarks of Camp Squanto.
Price: $150
Details: This set comprises four unique CSPs, each showcasing a different landmark within the camp.
Patch Set Includes:

• Camp Squanto 100 CSP
• OA Lodge Shoulder Flap
• #1 Squanto Totem Pole
• #2 Dining Hall
• #3 Casoni Museum
• #4 Waterfront

Very Limited, Numbered Patch Sets: A special set of six commemorative patches; each patch in the set features a gold metallic border and honors the history of Camp Squanto.
Price: $250
Details: These very special patch sets will be numbered, from number 6 up to number 100, and will be distributed in a first come, first served basis.

Each patch set will include the following six (6) patches with a gold metallic border:

• Camp Squanto 100 CSP
• OA Lodge Shoulder Flap
• #1 Squanto Totem Pole
• #2 Dining Hall
• #3 Casoni Museum
• #4 Waterfront

Pre-orders are being taken until Friday, May 30th, 2025. Complete sets are available for $250 through pre-order only. Patches will not be sold separately. Patch numbers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Every purchase supports vital projects at Camp Squanto. Help us ensure another 100 years of unforgettable memories!

Here’s how to order:

• Online: Visit CampSquanto100.givesmart.com to place your order.

• Mail: Complete the order form and mail it with your payment to:

Scouting America Mayflower Council
83 Cedar Street
Milford, MA 01757

The Mayflower Council is transitioning to a council-centric support model to better serve Scouting units on May 1, 2025. This change involves moving from district committees to council-level committees. District-level volunteers are encouraged to stay involved by shifting to the new council-wide committees, and units will now work directly with these committees. This restructuring aims to streamline operations, reduce administrative overhead, and enhance support for local Scouting activities.

Key Points of the Transition

• Consolidation: On May 1, 2025, the existing five districts (Cranberry Harbors, Headwaters, Metacomet, Post Road, and Sachem) will be consolidated into a single council-wide district named the Mayflower District.

• Volunteer Roles: While specific district-level positions like district chair and vice-chair will be eliminated, volunteers are encouraged to continue their service at the council level.

• Support Structure: Unit Commissioners will continue to support units, and Roundtable meetings will still be held at the council level, likely in a hybrid format.

• Event Management: Council-level volunteer committees will now oversee events like Freeze Out and Webelos Woods, with efforts made to include previous district-level volunteers.

• Communication: A new social media group, “Mayflower Leaders Growing Leaders,” will be launched in early March to enhance communication and collaboration across the council. Existing district email addresses will be transitioned into new council-wide addresses.

Impact on Local Unit Leaders

• Unit leaders (den leaders, Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, etc.) will continue to deliver the Scouting Program.

• Points of contact will shift from district-level volunteers or professionals to council-wide personnel.

• The goal is to improve program delivery and support consistency across the council.

How to Get Involved

• Volunteers are needed at all levels.

• Express your interest by emailing the transition team.

For more detailed information or specific concerns, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or contact the transition team at transformation@mayflowerbsa.org.