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.
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:
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!
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Have you heard the news?
Usually, Mayflower Scouts are watching the action at Fenway Park. However, this fall, our Scouts will be in the action at Fenway (just not in baseball).
Mayflower Council has partnered with Spartan Races and the Spartan Kids Foundation to provide complimentary racing tickets for any Scouts interested in participating in their Fenway Park Spartan Races on Nov 11th and 12th when they can join Spartan Races for the Epic Stadium Obstacle Course event.
Ages 5-13 may participate in the kid’s event (two free spectator passes included), while ages 14+ will participate in the 5K stadium event (and spectator passes may be purchased).
Unit leaders should follow the QR code in the image below to request registration codes for their scouts.
So, be sure to share the flyer with your friends and family all around the United States.
Beverly and Bill LinnaneBeverly and Bill have resided in the Town of Westborough for over 54 years. Throughout the years they have both been extremely active in numerous town committees and activities.
Bill is a fourth-generation resident of Westborough. He attended Westborough High School, class of 1958 and graduated with degrees from Wentworth Institute of Technology and Northeastern University. He is a retired Construction Management professional. Since 1960 through today, Bill has been associated with various town government and community groups.
Bill’s town work has included: Advisory Finance Committee, Charter Review, WPL trustee, founding member of Music Parents WHS, to highlight a few. He has been involved in many organizations: Charlotte Spinney Mentoring Program, Westborough Connects, past member of the Good Scout Committee, Westborough Legends, Civic Club, Rotary Club of Westborough,
Beverly grew up in Calais, Maine. After graduation, she received her RN from Peter Bent Brigham School of Nursing, now Brigham & Women’s. She worked a long nursing career in both Boston and Worcester, specializing in surgical care. After retirement, she established a business called Rabbit Hollow, handknits for kids. This is supported by many members of the community for which she is very grateful.
Beverly has been a member of Westborough Garden Club for many years serving as community beautification chairman for 13 years and past president. She served on the downtown community beautification committee with many accomplishments. She loves Westborough and has great satisfaction in helping to beautify the town with gardens and flowers. To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.
Beverly and Bill have been married for 58 years and have two wonderful and successful children, Jennifer, and Sean and a beautiful, talented granddaughter, Madigan. They are overwhelmed to be the 2023 Good Scout receptionists.
The Good Scout Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated integrity and genuine concern for others in both their professional and personal lives.
The recipients need not have been Scouts but must carry the “Spirit of Scouting” into their adult lives. They are people who have been unselfish in their service to others on an individual and community basis. They seek no return for their service other than the satisfaction of aiding their fellow citizens, their community, and their nation.
The Good Scouts are people who truly capture the respect and imagination of our youth.
If you have any questions, please email: Westborough Good Scout Committee
Give out prizes to those in attendance
Ready to join? Fill out application online
Choose a parent who will lead your “Slices for Scouting” party event.
Duties will be to lead the next steps.
Order your Slices for Scouting Kit below!
Determine date, time and location for the unit Slices for Scouting Party with parents/unit leadership.
The council video will go “live” on YouTube at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 1 and be available any time thereafter.
Learn more at our New Member Pizza Party on Friday, October 14th from 6 to 7:30PM at First Congregational Church, 123 Main Street; Milford! Click the link below for your personal invitation!
Text for parents to send to friends:
Hi (NAME)! Our Scout unit is hosting a pizza party to kick off the new school year and I’d love to invite you and (SON/DAUGHTER). We’ll have pizza, prizes and would love to share some of the fun we have in store to get our kids unplugged, outdoors and having fun this year!
Text for Slices for Scouting Party Host or leader to send to Scouts who dropped or have requested more information from your area (the Mayflower Council will send you a list of any prospects):
Hi (NAME)! My name is (YOUR NAME) and I’m with Scout (troop/ship/crew NUMBER). Our Scout unit is hosting a pizza party to kick off the new year of Scouting and I’d love to invite you and (SON/DAUGHTER). We’ll have pizza, prizes and would love to share some of the fun we have in store to get our kids unplugged, outdoors and having fun this year!
Social Media Images to Include (right click to download)
Slices for Scouting Party host should follow up with parents about attendees and prepare the pizza order.
Assign an adult or Scout to create a short photo slideshow presentation of your unit’s adventures. This is an easy, friendly way to get your Scouts talking about the fun things you do!
Party packs will be delivered the week of September 22.
It will include your $30 Dominos gift card which should cover at least 3 medium pizzas. (You may need to order more.) It will also include prizes, quick start guides and more. Instructions & tips for a successful event will also be included.
Follow up with prospective Scout parents with the following:
Hi (NAME)! It was so great to have you at our pizza party! I hope you enjoyed it. Do you have any further questions? I’d also like to invite you and (SON/DAUGHTER) to our upcoming Scout meeting on (DATE/TIME) at (LOCATION/ADDRESS). It’s going to be super fun!
Hosted by You, Sponsored by the Mayflower Council
Keep it Personal: Have each parent invite one other new parent/child
Keep it Simple: You may elect to have a game or activity or keep the “party” as simple as you like.
Keep it Small: this allows for more conversation and questions with new parents & Scouts.
Dear Scouting family,
We received the following very important message from our national council and wanted to share it with you in its entirety.
BSA’s emergence from bankruptcy represents a pivotal milestone in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)’s financial restructuring case and solidifies a path forward for survivors and the Scouting movement.
To preserve its mission, the BSA has had to take some extraordinary steps over the past three years to reposition the organization for the future. The BSA has streamlined its professional staff and volunteer structure, reducing costs throughout the movement while maintaining essential services to support the local councils who were critical partners during the bankruptcy.
To position Scouting for the future, the BSA will be required to increase the national annual membership fees for both youth and adults. This has been a difficult decision that involved the engagement of key stakeholders, but is essential to building a strong, safe, and vibrant Scouting program for our nation’s youth.
Effective August 1, 2023, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees which were approved by the National Executive Committee:
New Annual Membership Fee Process Announced – BSA Will No Longer Prorate Fees for New Members beginning August 1, 2023
Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled in a 12-month membership cycle and BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting. All proration of membership fees will be eliminated. Each registered member of the BSA will receive an email notice with a registration renewal link beginning 60 days before the anniversary date they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the email and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering.
It is important to note, existing members will renew their membership during their normal registration/recharter cycle through March 2024. Moving forward all members will renew on their anniversary date.
This new process will help streamline the rechartering and membership renewal process for units and councils. Additional information on this membership renewal process will be forthcoming in the very near future.
Rules and Regulations – Local Council Annual Registration or Program Fees
Under the Rules and Regulations of the BSA, a local council may charge an annual registration or program fee to youth members, adult program participants and Scouters whose primary registration is with the council in an amount not to exceed the amount of the applicable individual registration fee for their position established by the Executive Committee. In the new Annual Membership fee structure, a local council may charge a maximum of $80 per youth and $60 per adult.
What does the National Membership Fee cover?
The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services to the local council and units. Services include expanded liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, enhanced criminal background checks, a variety of program resources, youth protection and leader-specific training, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. As BSA moves forward, the organization will continue to look at the membership fee structure and how we deliver the Scouting program for future generations.
Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in youth today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow. Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Scouting families make this possible. Thank you for continuing to support one of the most valuable opportunities available to young people today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving the youth and adult membership fee increase?
What steps has the National Service Center taken to manage costs?
What is the new membership fee for youth and adults? Will the fees go up again?
What benefits and services are provided to the local council with the new fee?
What benefits and services are provided to the unit with the registration fee?
Mayflower Council understands that you may have more questions, and we will welcome them at our Summer Membership Roundtable Series taking place in the coming months. You can register by clicking the date for July 11 and August 16.
This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer 2023. As such, the Mayflower Council Service Center will soon switch to a “Camping Season” schedule.
Our Service Center in Milford, Massachusetts, will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day.
After that, and through Labor Day, the Service Center will be by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday and Thursday. Many of our unit and membership service personnel will be visiting communities and camps throughout the summer, so chances are you can catch up with us much closer to home.
Find a listing and email any of our council primary contacts via this page.
Applications to become a 2023-2024 officer are being accepted until Monday, June 5th!
The mission of the Mayflower Council Venturing Officers’ Association (VOA) is to promote and support the Venturing program, utilizing a standard organizational structure that enables Crews to grow their membership and advance leadership opportunities through communication, program, and administration. This mission is met through a team of officers supported by an Advisor that keeps the VOA organized. This forum provides a voice for youth to help strengthen the Venturing program. The VOA holds several meetings during the year and hosts a few events that help to bring the crews, districts, and the council together. Each event may have a different goal: training, adventure, recognition, fun—or all of the above.
Becoming a VOA officer will give you the chance to meet other Venturers, serve others, and build friendships and networks. Positions open include: President, Vice President of Program, Vice President of Administration, and Vice President of Communication. If you have any questions on specific responsibilities or more, do not hesitate to reach out to us via email.