the chippyblog

I am John Ostrander, Chairman of Ceremonies for the

Chippewa Chapter of the Order of the Arrow.

I am contacting you on behalf of Chippewa Chapter to offer our services to perform Cub Cross-over to Boy Scout and Arrow of Light ceremonies at any upcoming Pack celebrations.  We are committed to the safety of your Cub Scouts and we are flexible to do either a modified online version of either ceremony or if permitted an in-person ceremony that will follow all appropriate COVID-19 guidelines.

If you are interested, please contact me at ostranderjohn05@gmail.com and also my adult adviser, Mr. Paul Hardy at pjhardy@comcast.net, with a date and time you would like to have your ceremony.  Please give us at least 2 weeks notice prior to your event so that we can be prepared properly. 

Donations are not necessary, but we do accept any donations that you would like to make to the Chippewa Chapter.  These small gifts are used to ensure we have appropriate regalia and supplies for future events. 

Now Available

Planning Calendar and Program Guide

Earning the Michigan Badge is a great Stay-At-Home Project.

Please click on the link below to see the requirements and how to order the Michigan Badge

The Michigan Badge Requirements

Questions? Send email to: info@chiefpontiacprograms.org

Dear Families,

During this unprecedented time of Stay Home, Stay Safe – flatten the curve, we the district volunteer scout leaders are thinking of all of our scout families.  We are here to help any of you who are in need.  We live the Scout law and oath through our actions, thoughts, and words.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us or your immediate unit leaders for assistance.
You are finding new ways to interact with each other, carrying on the scouting mission of growing leaders.  We love reading the stories of how you are meeting, teaching skills, sharing scoutmaster minutes, caring for others and making plans for resuming activities when we are able to do so safely.  Scouting leads the way in outlining safety guidelines for our scouts and Scouters; others will look to us for best practices.  
To continue the preparations for when group activities resume, we are asking you to watch this 3-minute video on scouting within Michigan Crossroads Council.  As your family situation permits, we are asking you to join with us in financially supporting the scouting activities within our council.  Your contribution will support our camps, programs, and provide camp scholarships for those who may not otherwise be able to attend camp.
video https://vimeo.com/400961128  and remind everyone that Scouting continues! 
Yours in Scouting,

Elizabeth Witten – District Chair
Dave Putt – District Commissioner
Melissa Hardy – Vice-Chair

National 02/17/2020

The national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.

While the word “bankruptcy” can be intimidating, it is important to know that Scouting programs will continue. Your regular unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual throughout this process and for many years to come.

Studies prove and parents agree that Scouting helps young people become more kind, helpful and prepared for life, and as long as those values remain important to our society, Scouting will continue to be invaluable to our nation’s youth. Just last year, communities across the country benefited from more than 13 million Scouting service hours, and young men and women earned more than 1.7 million merit badges that represent skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives.

As you talk about the BSA’s Chapter 11 filing, this infographic outlines the three most important things to remember and convey. We encourage you to share this with your friends, families and Scouting community. There’s never been a better time to be involved in Scouting – and we should all share our pride in the movement! For more information about the BSA’s Chapter 11 filings, please visit www.bsarestructuring.org

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is committed first and foremost to keeping youth safe. Part of that commitment includes continually updating our youth protection policies to help ensure we are always on the forefront of youth safety.

As you know, one of the BSA’s many barriers to abuse is a mandatory criminal background check during the adult volunteer application process. The BSA will now also perform periodic rechecks of criminal backgrounds to support the continued safety of youth in our programs.

Please complete the process listed below at your earliest availability to help us continue to provide the safest environment possible for our Scouts and leaders. Please note that these steps must be completed before your 2020 annual registration can be processed.Review the separate disclosure document linked below that is being provided to you separately for your review. It is titled “Background Check Disclosure.”Once you have reviewed that, print the separate document titled “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization.” Review the additional disclosures on that form, then complete and sign the Authorization using an ink/wet signature. Note: A print signature is required for this document. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.Turn in the signed “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization” form promptly to your unit leader or local council service center.If you choose to decline the background check, or if you do not complete the Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization form and return it to your unit leader or local council service center, your 2020 annual registration will not be processed.

We are truly grateful for your continued commitment to keeping youth safe and for helping them learn, grow, and thrive through Scouting programs.