Troop 209G Scoutmaster and her Scouts garnered national attention from Bryan on Scouting…

Scoutmaster Sangeet Srikanth is a trained educator. But she insists that some of the most important lessons are taught outside the classroom.

“None of the experiences in Scouting can be measured in terms of letter grades, GPA, test scores,” she told Bryan on Scouting. “But you can witness and experience it every day in your son and daughter’s life.”

It was a chance exposure to Scouting that changed the lives of Sangeet, her son Arnav, and her daughter Anishka.

Bryan Wendell of ScoutingMagazine.org explained that Srikanth “first learned about the BSA in 2010 on a family trip to Boston when they happened upon an event celebrating the BSA’s 100th birthday. Her son, Arnav, wanted to sign up right away. Her daughter did, too, but this was before the BSA had opened all its programs to young women.”

Enter Troop 355 of Newton. Or, make that, Arnav entered the venerable unit. Then, fast forward to 2017, and an Eagle Scout court of honor.

“Every rank advancement was a clear sign of leadership building,” explained Sangeet. “Every merit badge was a new life skill.”

Two years later, it was Anishka’s turn to join Scouts BSA.

“Every day, my admiration for her increases as she excels in her maturity and ability to deal with the challenges of life,” Srikanth said.

However, it’s not like Arnav or Anishka were alone on their journey. Their mother was there – unofficially – every step of the way. 

Later, after a two-year stint as an assistant Scoutmaster, Sangeet was named Scoutmaster of Troop of 209G.

It’s a commitment, but Srikanth indicated it’s more than worth it.

“It’s about five to six years from start to finish — weekly meetings, camping trips, outdoor trips, and finally the long-awaited Eagle project,” she says. “Some families find it hard to commit with their own busy careers.”

That said, the end rewards, particularly for Eagle-earners, are worth it. 

Meanwhile, Sangeet hopes that other families, particularly those in the Indian community, see Scouting as a viable adjunct to traditional education.

“Scouting structures their lives and gives them the most valuable experience that even the best classroom education may not fully provide,” she said.

Planet Fitness is helping parents to get their teens out of the house and stay active this summer by offering a one-of-a-kind benefit: a free membership for the entire summer. Perfect for our Scouts BSA and Venture crew members to stay physically strong all summer long!

The High School Summer Pass initiative offers a solution to teens’ struggles. Planet Fitness conducted a study that 93% of teens actually want to stay healthy, but only about 15% actually partake in 60-minutes of physical activity. Planet Fitness is determined to motivate teens and help them accomplish their fitness goals.

This offer is available at all Planet Fitness locations throughout the US and Canada. This is a part of the movement to improve teens’ mental and physical health. Originally, this program was called the “Teen Summer Challenge” which launched in 2019. They had almost a million teen signups who completed over 5 million workouts!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, fewer than 15% of teens were meeting the daily physical activity recommendation during the pandemic. Planet Fitness wants teens to feel safe and have a welcoming space when they arrive at any of their locations to get their sweat on in a healthy way.

All teens who sign up for the membership are automatically entered into a drawing for a scholarship, which will reward one student in each state with a $500 scholarship and one grand prize of $5,000 in scholarship money.

To enroll, students must be between the age of 14 and 19 years old. Teenagers under 18 years old must sign up with a parent or guardian either online or in-person at one of their clubs.

High school students can work out for free from May 16 to Aug. 13 at the nearest Planet Fitness location.

Teenagers looking to enroll in the program can register on the Planet Fitness website.

To uncover how high schoolers view health and fitness today, Planet Fitness commissioned a national study in partnership with Material to shed light on mental and physical health from both teens’ and parents’ perspectives.  Although negatively impacted by the pandemic, teens are ready to make a commitment to getting healthy, both physically and mentally.

Key findings include:

• Physical Fitness for the Win. Despite three in five teens (60 percent) reporting their usual health and fitness routines were severely disrupted over the last two years, nearly all (89 percent) of their parents credit regular exercise and physical activity as helping their teens cope with the challenges of the pandemic. And nearly all (92 percent) teens agree that when they are regularly physically active, they feel much better mentally.
  • Although many teens make exercise and fitness a priority in their life (65 percent), there are significant barriers to doing so. In fact, 78 percent of teens note that just having access to a place to work out and being able to do so with friends (72 percent) would benefit their health and fitness journeys.
  • A majority of teens who exercise also agree that physical fitness makes them feel healthier (61 percent), stronger (57 percent) and happier (50 percent). It also provides the meaningful health benefits of more energy (69 percent), increased strength (64 percent) and stress relief (61 percent).
  • And 84 percent of teens agree that there has never been a better time than now to focus on their health.
• Mental Health Takes Center Stage. Almost half (48 percent) of teens admit that they struggled with mental health for the first time during the pandemic. And more than half (51 percent) explain they currently struggle with anxiety.
  • Parents are overwhelmingly concerned about how the past two years have impacted their teens’ mental health (71 percent), overall health (66 percent) and physical fitness (60 percent). And 71 percent are equally concerned for their high schooler’s academic progress and preparedness for college.
  • That said, more than four in five teens report they are feeling hopeful about what’s to come in the future (85 percent) and that the pandemic showed them how strong they really are (82 percent).
• Let’s Get Talking. Parents have overwhelmingly spoken more regularly to their teens over the past two years about topics like self-esteem and confidence (92 percent), exercise and working out (88 percent) and mental health (82 percent). The majority of teens today also say they are now more open and communicative about their feelings (79 percent).
• Screen Time, More Time. A majority of parents (55 percent) also report the time their teens spends on social media has increased since the start of the pandemic. In fact, many parents feel their teens are spending more time being sedentary than active – 54 percent noted their teens text more today, 52 percent saw an uptick in playing video games and 50 percent of parents say their teen is spending more time watching TV.
• And more teens agree they spend too much time in front of screens than they did right before the pandemic (61 percent in 2022 versus 52 percent in 2020).

What is Eagle Giving Month?

Eagle Giving is an online fundraising throughout the month leading up to the 2022 Eagle Recognition Dinner. For one month, the Eagle Scout Alumni community will come together in support of Scouting and future Eagle Scouts.

Together we are helping the Mayflower Council enrich, enhance, and elevate the lives of youth in Scouting.

Why have a Giving Month?

A Month of giving is more than just raising money online — it’s a tool to engage alumni, and Scout families by generating awareness and building a culture of philanthropy at Mayflower Council. It is an incredible opportunity to tell our story, inspire our audience, and acquire new donors, all in support of Scouting. This year, we are challenging 300 Eagle Scouts to Give Their Eagle Pride A Purpose.

How can I be a part of it?

From Wednesday, May 11, 2022 starting at 5:45am – Monday, June 13, 2022 at 5:45pm we need YOU to show Give Your Eagle Pride A Purpose!

• Show your pride! Between 5:45 am Wed 5/11 – 5:45 pm Mon. 6/13:

1. 1. Make an online gift: Eagle Gives
   2. Help us gain momentum and reach more people. Encourage your networks to follow your lead by letting them know you just made a gift and why Scouting is important to you.
   3. “Like” the Mayflower social networks & Join the Alumni page
   4. Post to Instagram or Facebook stories with a short video of why it is important to support Scouting. Get personal. Tell your Scouting story to inspire others to make a gift. Repost, share, and like #SupportingFutureEagles #GiveYourEagleAPurpose social media posts throughout the day.

• Share your pride! “Like” and “Share” the posts on our social networks (Facebook, Instagram & Twitter) & Share your Scouting Story using the hashtag #GiveYourEaglePrideAPurpose.

• Become a Fundraiser! Create your own custom fundraising page through Facebook or GoFundMe. Add photos, text and videos on why it’s important to you to help support Future Eagles. Then tag your fellow Eagle pals and share away. It’s quick and easy, and you could win some terrific Scouting swag! For help creating your page, contact Mariama Sano

Hashtags: #EagleGives, #GiveYourEagleAPurpose, #SupportingFutureEagles
Donation Link: Eagle Gives

Mayflower Social Networks:

• Facebook:  MayflowerBSA
• Twitter:  @mayflowerbsa
• Instagram: @Mayflowerbsa

Mayflower Alumni Social Networks:

• Facebook Mayflower Council Eagle Nest

Scouting is a family. We rely on our strong network of alumni and friends to keep Scouting going. Thanks to our generous alumni, Scouting continues to Thrive.

Join us by making your gift, challenging your Eagle pals, and sharing on social media! Together we are Supporting Future Eagles and helping to keep Scouting alive.

As we continue our work to enhance the traditions of Scouting here in the 21st Century and augment the privacy and safety of our membership, the Mayflower Council will soon look to move most membership functions online. Long story short, the days of youth paper-based membership applications are coming to an end.

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.

At their February 16 council executive board meeting, $250k was approved for a major marketing campaign to help entice new members to join Scouting in Mayflower Council. The campaign is being directed by the Council Marketing Committee and managed by Mittcom, a local marketing firm who excels at integrated campaigns unitizing social platforms. The executive board agreed to direct the funds from the council endowment fund.

Many volunteers have requested information on how to help Scouting in Ukraine. Please see the official statement from the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) below.

WOSM recognizes one National Scout Organization per country. For Ukraine, the Member Organization is National Organization of Scouts of Ukraine (NOSU). We encourage all NSOs that any Scouting support is channeled through the mechanisms made available through WOSM.

We are aware that many other non-WOSM but Scout-like entities are active in the region, including PLAST. We are not affiliated with organizations in Ukraine besides NOSU.

In most cases, the best way to help with the unfolding humanitarian crisis is to make a financial contribution through WOSM or another reputable NGO.

To directly support Scouts’ humanitarian relief work in Ukraine and for refugees, you can donate here. Representatives on the ground know what is needed and financial contributions help them purchase the most needed and locally-appropriate supplies.

For additional and ongoing updates, please visit here.

Questions? Email International Division at the National Council.

So, it’s March. The Freeze-Out is done. The Klondike Derby is over. Meanwhile, there are only so many times you can play “Manhunt” in and around your troop, pack, or den meeting space. 

Moreover, you have some Scouts who need, need, need to do something — anything — outdoors. Well Scouters, we here at your Mayflower Council have the solution. Actually, we have many solutions.

Resolute Base Camp continues this month, and runs programs into June (and returns in the fall, too).

Here are the deets:

• Resolute Base Camp Outdoor Experience is a daytime program offered on weekends at Camp Resolute in Bolton, MA. Outdoor Experience is an exciting new program offered on weekends throughout the year. It can be a fun bonding experience or outing for families, Scouts, and units. 
• All activities are run by trained and certified staff. Units can work towards specific advancements and awards while non-Scouts can participate in fun outdoor activities and skills development. Outdoor Experience is designed to allow participants to go at their own pace. 
• Outdoor Experience is open to all youth currently in grades K-12.  A parent/guardian or unit leader must stay with any youth attending Outdoor Experience.

Okay, okay. I get it. I had you at “Resolute Base Camp.”

So, click here to register.

You’re welcome!

In collaboration with the BSA National Aquatics Subcommittee, ScoutingU has released an updated version of “Safe Swim Defense” online training that is also mobile compatible. Since the inception of Scouting, learning to swim and engaging in aquatics activities have been core to the program. Safe Swim Defense training is required for any BSA unit who will participate in swimming activities. This online training ensures that adult leaders are prepared to facilitate safe swimming programs by reviewing the eight points of Safe Swim Defense. To access the updated training, log onto my.Scouting.org and search the catalog in the BSA Learn Center for “Safe Swim Defense.” For additional information regarding BSA aquatics programs, please refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting and the BSA’s Aquatics Supervision Guide.

FAQs

Q. Does Safe Swim Defense training have to be renewed?
A. Yes, adults supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years.

Q. Do I need to take the new version of Safe Swim Defense training if my current training is not expired?
A. No, you can complete the updated version of Safe Swim Defense when your current certification expires.

Q. Is Safe Swim Defense training available to take in person?
A. No, Safe Swim Defense is only available online. It is also mobile compatible.