“Around The Campfire” Podcast – Episode Five

Monthly Podcast from the Mayflower Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Around The Campfire Podcast from the Mayflower Council of Scouting America for leaders and volunteers.

June 2024 episode features:

  • Jim Corcoran; Director of Development providing an overview of development efforts for the Mayflower Council and discussing unit fundraising.
  • Aaron Christian; Membership & Unit Service Executive promoting Summer Virtual Roundtables in July
  • Logan Ferraro; Program Director talking about our family camping weekends at Camp Resolute and previewing the fall activities for units.

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“Around The Campfire” Podcast – Episode Four

Monthly Podcast from the Mayflower Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Around The Campfire Podcast from the Mayflower Council of Scouting America for leaders and volunteers.

May 2024 episode features:

Rick Riopelle; Deputy Scout Executive discussing Scouting name change, announcements from the annual meeting and Council Procedures about incident reporting.
Andrea Watson; Director of Outdoor Programs and Properties for Scouting American discussing safe outdoor activities and providing a Jamboree 2026 update
Alyssa Budd Eagle Scout from Troop 424 discussing her Eagle Scout Project which recently won Council and Territory recognition for Project of the Year.




BSA Changes Its Name To Scouting America

The new name reflects the continuing efforts to welcome everyone to experience the benefits of Scouting.

Milford, Mass. (May 7, 2024) – The Boy Scouts of America today announced that it will be changing its name to Scouting America. This change reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcoming every youth in America to experience the benefits of Scouting. The name change will go into effect on February 8, 2025, the organization’s 115th birthday.

This announcement also comes as the organization celebrates the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA programs. Boy Scouts of America currently serves 176,234 girls and young women across all programs, including more than 6,000 who have earned Eagle Scout status.

A photo of Mayflower Council Executive Juan Osorio

Council Executive Juan Osorio

“We’re excited to be a part of Scouting America’s national launch!” said Council Executive Juan Osorio. “Here at Mayflower Council, we’ve always believed that Scouting is for all young people who are ready for adventure, leadership, and service. This new name reflects that commitment on a national scale, and we’re thrilled to welcome even more youth into our programs. We’re especially proud of the many young women who have thrived in Scouting these past five years, with thousands achieving the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. Scouting America opens a new chapter, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for all Scouts!”

Scouting America builds on the organization’s 114 years of helping America’s youth. Its ongoing goal is to provide young people with a safe environment where they can learn meaningful life skills and have fun, educational experiences, fostering their growth and future outcomes as leaders, and be prepared for life. At the same time, values instilled by the Scout Oath and Law help prepare young people for lives of purpose and impact.

Mayflower Council, established in 2017, is the 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, the Mayflower Council is rich with the traditions and history of generations of Scouts and Scouting families.

More than 130 million Americans have been through Scouting programs since its founding in 1910, and currently, more than 1 million youth, including both men and women, are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country. To date, more than 2.75 million youth have earned Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout.

In addition to supporting the nation’s youth, Scouting America will continue to be an important asset to strengthen our communities, having provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer services for community improvement and other projects across the country.

Scouting America

“Boy Scouts of America” is now Scouting America

About Scouting America

Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and currently more than 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country.

To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, visit Scouting.org.

About Mayflower Council

Headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts, the Mayflower Council serves the Metrowest and South Shore areas sharing the fantastic benefits of Scouting to over 6,900 youth and 2,900 volunteer adults in 2023. The Boy Scouts of America continues to prepare young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. Learn more about the Mayflower Council at www.mayflowerbsa.org.




“Around The Campfire” Podcast – Episode Three

Monthly Podcast from the Mayflower Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

April 2024 episode, hosted by Rob DiFazio, features:

  • Social Media Tips with John Bishop, Council Brand Ambassador
    • Find Social Media Guidelines HERE
  • Laura Moriarty, Sr. Development Director discussing Popcorn Fundraising
  • Logan Ferraro previewing the upcoming Pinewood Derby on 4/27, Chuckwagon Derby on 5/11 and the HikeORee on 5/18




2024 Annual Membership Fee Update – New Dates

Update on National Fees:

  • The new registration fee structure of $85 per youth & $65 per adult will be effective on May 1, NOT April 1.
  • The elimination of the new member $25 joining fee will still be effective April 1.

Effective April 1, 2024, the BSA will eliminate the $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting.

Effective May 1, 2024 (formerly April 1), registration fees will be as follows:

  • $85/yr for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase)
  • $65/yr for all adult volunteers ($5 increase)
  • $30/yr for Scoutreach (No change in fee)
  • $25/yr for Merit Badge Counselors (No change in fee. Only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)
  • $50/yr for Exploring participants Youth & Adult (No change in fee)
  • $100/yr unit renewal/affiliation fee (No change in fee)
  • $15/yr for Scout Life magazine (No change in fee)
  • Council Program Fee will remain at $48 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants until July 31, 2024 and then will increase to $68 on August 1, 2024




“Around The Campfire” Podcast – Episode Two

Monthly Podcast from the Mayflower Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

March 2024 episode, hosted by Rob DiFazio, features:

  • Interview with Juan Osorio, Scout Executive for the Mayflower Council
  • Eagle Scout Project Do’s and Dont’s with Tom Bedarz, Advancement Chair and Logan Ferraro, Program Director
  • Summer 2024 Camp Update with Ryan Piazza, Camping Director




“Around The Campfire” Podcast – Episode One

Check out Mayflower Council’s “Around The Campfire” Podcast, a new show designed specifically for unit leaders and volunteers. Hosted by Rob DiFazio, an Eagle Scout from East Bridgewater serving on the Membership & Unit Service Team, this episode of the podcast covers a variety of topics, including Webelos to Scout transitions with Wood Badge-trained Scouter David Laucirica, and Eagle Scout Aaron Christian (both from the Membership & Unit Service Team). Logan Ferraro, Program Executive, gives an overview of BlackPug and CampDocs, as well as upcoming events. Additionally, Rich Carlson, our Council Commissioner, provides an update on our new Scout executive. Don’t miss out on this informative podcast!




2024 Annual Membership Fee Update

Effective April 1, 2024, the BSA will eliminate the $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting.

  • $85/yr for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase)
  • $65/yr for all adult volunteers ($5 increase)
  • $30/yr for Scoutreach (No change in fee)
  • $25/yr for Merit Badge Counselors (No change in fee. Only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)
  • $50/yr for Exploring participants Youth & Adult (No change in fee)
  • $100/yr unit renewal/affiliation fee (No change in fee)
  • $15/yr for Scout Life magazine (No change in fee)
  • Council Program Fee will remain at $48 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants until July 31, 2024 and then will increase to $68 on August 1, 2024




Always Room for More – Earn A Recruiter Patch

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:

  1. Encourage your Scouts to encourage a friend to attend an upcoming meeting or event and join before December 31.
  2. When a Scout recruits their friend, a Scoutmaster or Cubmaster completes this form.
  3. We will ship the Recruiter Badge to your unit to award to your recruiters as part of your next Court of Honor or rank advancement.  We will also send the newly enrolled Scout a “Welcome” letter.

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!




Slices for Scouting

A Night With Friends & Fun to Kickstart a New Year of Scouting in the Mayflower Council!

The Agenda: What Happens At Slices For Scouting

Give out prizes to those in attendance
Ready to join? Fill out application online

How It Works: Your Step-By-Step Guide

1: Choose a Slices for Scouting Party Host2022-08-12T16:15:36-04:00

Choose a parent who will lead your “Slices for Scouting” party event.

Duties will be to lead the next steps.

2. Order Your Party Pack2022-08-12T16:26:11-04:00

Order your Slices for Scouting Kit below!

3: Confirm Date/Location2022-08-12T16:27:31-04:00

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.

4. Promote on Social Media and Accept Requests to Attend2022-08-12T16:38:29-04:00

  1. Create a Google Form to collect names of prospective Scouts who would like to attend in response your Facebook Post. The form should include:
    • YES! I would like to attend your Pizza Party to learn more about Scouts BSA!
    • Name
    • Phone Number
    • Email Address
    • How did you hear about us ?
    • Questions/Comments
  2. Promote your pizza party on your unit Facebook page and share in your community Facebook pages with a link to the Google Form. Be sure to include information on the date, time and location of your party, as well as a date for them to sign up by.SAMPLE:
    From taking your first hike in the mountains…to starting your first campfire…Scouts BSA is about testing your limits and pushing yourself to do things you never thought possible. Don’t let adventure pass you by! Check out our troop today!

    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!

5. Invite Your Guests via Text (Sample Copy & Image)2022-08-12T16:42:23-04:00

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)

6. Follow Up, Confirm RSVP by September 172022-08-12T16:43:10-04:00

Slices for Scouting Party host should follow up with parents about attendees and prepare the pizza order.

7. Create a Slideshow2022-08-12T16:44:01-04:00

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!

8. Prepare to Party!2022-08-12T16:45:11-04:00

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.

9. Follow Up After the Party (Sample Copy)2022-08-12T16:45:53-04:00

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!

Pizza – Party – Prizes

Hosted by You, Sponsored by the Mayflower Council

Deadline to Register:
September 18, 2023

What you’ll receive:

  • $30 gift card to order Dominos pizza
  • Prize pack including fun giveaways, stickers & more
  • Event “how-to-guide”
  • Quick start guides
  • Online application QR code

Keys to Success

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.