Taughannock District
Baden-Powell Council, BSA
District Activities

Cross-Program Activities | Cub Activities | Scouts BSA Activities | Venturing Activities | National and International Opportunties

For contact information see the Contact page

Download District Activity Summaries for 2021-2022 Scout Year in PDF Format: Cub Scout Events - Scouts BSA/Venturing/Sea Scout Events

Cross-Program Activities

EAA Chapter 811 Young Eagles Fly-for-Free Rally
Ithaca-Tompkins International Airport
May 14, 2022

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly? Maybe you’re curious how airplanes work. You might even dream about being a pilot. If you’re shaking your head “yes” and are between the ages of 8 and 17, you are invited to take to the sky and become a Young Eagle! 

More than two million young people just like you have already taken a free flight through EAA’s Young Eagles program. The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people ages 8 to 17 the opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. The volunteers who participate in the Young Eagles program are local members of EAA who are volunteering their time and aircraft to make your flight possible. EAA is a membership organization based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Our 180,000 members are dedicated to growing participation in aviation. 

This is an opportunity to experience the freedom of flight that many people only dream about. The Young Eagle will fly with a local EAA volunteer pilot who will show them what real pilots do on the ground and in the air - they might even get a chance to fly the airplane for a while themselves. Many people remember this experience for the rest of their lives - your Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts or Explorers will, too! 

After the flight, the pilot will present each Young Eagle with their very own Young Eagles logbook with a unique code to receive a free EAA Student Membership, which unlocks even more opportunities and resources to participate in the exciting world of flight! Student members get free access to the Sporty’s Pilot Shop Learn to Fly Course (a $199 value), free admission to 300+ Science and Technology Museums, free student membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics, an electronic copy of Sport Aviation (the EAA’s monthly magazine), and much more. 

For general information on the Young Eagles program see: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights/become-a-young-eagle 

All Young Eagles must pre-register. The rally will start at 8:30AM and run through mid-afternoon, depending on the number of Young Eagles who sign up and the number of pilots we’ll have to give them flights. Parents can sign a Young Eagle up for a specific time slot at https://youngeaglesday.org?2865  or use the QR code at right.

All Young Eagles must have a parent’s signature on a permission form before flying. Parents can sign electronically at the airport on the day of the rally.

Cub Packs should plan to have all parents present with their Cubs. 

Troops/Ships/Posts: if you prefer to handle permission forms at the unit level, so parents are not required to be present, contact Mike Brown for paper forms.

Questions? Contact Mike Brown - wb2jwd@gmail.com - 607-279-1262 (cell) 

Cub Scout Activities

See the Camping Page for Cub Day Camp, Cub Resident Camp and Cub Adventure Weekends (including "Boo at Barton")

Cub Weekends, Day Camps and Resident Camp

For more information on Cub Day Camps, Cub Resident Camp and Cub Adventure Weekends - see the Camping page and Council Cub Camping Page for information

Pinewood Derby Rules

The Taughannock District has established the following rules for District-level Pinewood Derbies. Packs should consider adopting the same rules, so that Cubs can be confident that their cars will be able to compete equally at the Pack and District levels.

• Rules - in MS Word format (updated Jan 2018)

• Rules - in PDF Format (updated Jan 2018)

• Diagram for car wheels and axles

Taughannock District Pinewood Derby
March 5, 2022
Cortland Area (to be announced)

Download a "Save the Date" flyer (PDF)

Scouts BSA Activities

Virtual Merit Badge Sessions

• See the District Announcements page,  Council Calendar and District Facebook Page for announcements of Merit Badge Sessions - these sell out quickly, so if your Scout is interested, act quickly. 

Winter Camp 2021
Camp Tuscarora
December 27-30, 2021

Do you miss Summer Camp? Want to go to camp without the bugs? We have the answer for you! Come to Winter Camp at Tuscarora Scout Reservation!

Merit Badges will range from some of the same ones as Summer Camp (Archery, Emergency Prep and First Aid) to some unique ones such as Signs, Signals, and Codes, Search and Rescue and even Snow Sports if we get enough snow.

On top of that, enjoy some winter-only activities like Snow Kayaking, Polar Bear Plunge, Cast-iron Cookoff, and even try out the Paul Bunyan Award! Or are you up to the challenge of Wilderness Survival in the Winter?!?!?

• Try Snowshoeing or even bring your own cross-country skis and try skiing around camp!!
• We have sledding and Snow Kayaking if there’s enough snow too!!
• We’ll handle the meals and eat either in the Nature Lodge or bring your food to you in the leantos and center lodges.
• You’ll sleep outside in lean-tos or you can bring your own tents.

Cost: $150 Early Bird (before Nov 26), $170 Regular Fee

For more information and to sign up, see https://scoutingevent.com/368-WinterCamp2021 

Klondike Derby - Gold Rush Time!
Camp Barton
January 29, 2022

If you accept the challenge, your patrol will be transported to a scene similar to Dyea in Alaska for a trip along the Chilkoot trail. During the Gold Rush, more than 22,000 people followed this trail through to Lake Bennett in Canada, then travelled by boat down the Yukon River to Dawson City. On the trail, test your grit, your mettle and your skills along the way.

Book your space at the trailhead by visiting Baden-Powell Council at https://scoutingevent.com/368 

Cost for the event will be $6 per youth. Adults are free, but patches are available at $2.50 each (sign up on the Black Pug registration). Adult volunteers* will receive a free patch for their help.

Patrols, you will need a sled with:

• Ten essentials per pair of Scouts (see the Ten Essentials cards handed out at the June Roundtable - PDF PPTX)

• Pencils

• Paper

• Ropes for lashings

• Length or 2 of 100 ft rope (may be borrowed if necessary)

• Neckerchief each or other blindfold material

• Pan

• Fire-building materials for a 15-minute fire. Natural materials only, no waxes or oils

• Utensils

• Maybe other things as specified by mid-January!

If you would like to stay overnight, details of accommodations are available on the Baden-Powell Council website at Camp Barton Year Round Camping Facilities Once you have figured out what facility you would like, register by sending an email to Ed Brewer at purplefehu75@gmail.com

We would welcome an adult leader from each Troop to help with a station. You can sign-up at  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4FADAA2EA2F58-klondike and outlines of the station will be forwarded to volunteers with further details of what is needed. 

Link Summary: 

Register for the event by January 7th: at Baden-Powell Council - Taughannock District Klondike (scoutingevent link)
Book your overnight accommodation: Ed Brewer at purplefehu75@gmail.com 
Sign-up to lead a station and get your free patch: Scouts: Klondike camp leaders https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4FADAA2EA2F58-klondike 

Questions? Please email CAPS@TCScouts.org 

Download a Flyer here (PDF)

Barton 100 - Taughannock District Spring Camporee
May 6-8, 2022
Camp Barton - Taughannock State Park

Our Spring Camporee will celebrate 100 years of Camp Barton on Cayuga Lake. It was in July of 1922 that Sam Bogan and a group of Scouts established the first official Scout Camp at Taughannock Point - what is today Taughannock Falls State Park. 

 WHERE: A combination of up to three locations: Camp Barton, Taughannock Falls State Park, and Trumansburg Fairgrounds. Camping will be at Camp Barton or at the fairgrounds (or both?). Events will primarily be at Taughannock Falls State Park. 

WHEN: Friday, May 6th thru Sunday, May 8th. Sunday May 8th is Mothers Day. All camporee programming will be complete on Saturday, May 7th, so that Troops may depart then, or choose to stay over to Sunday morning. A Scouts-Own observance will be conducted on Saturday, meeting some religious obligations. 

WHAT TO EXPECT: Camporee events will be conducted at Taughannock Falls State Park on the site of the original Camp Barton on Saturday, May 7th. Troops are encouraged to hike to Taughannock from their overnight site. Among the events will be a hike to the falls at Taughannock, and a hike around the rim trail system. Total distance will be about 5 miles. All Scouts should come prepared for hiking, with an appropriately-equipped day pack. (If your Troop has Scouts who are unable to complete the hiking component, notify the Camporee leadership well in advance of the event, so that alternate events may be planned for them.) 

Traditional Scouting events such as tree and plant identification, bird and mammal identification, first aid, pioneering, knot tying, tent pitching, and COPE-type challenge events will be conducted during the day. Neckerchiefs and scout staves would be appropriate for all Scouts. A museum of early Scouting and Barton artifacts and memorabilia will be available to be toured. Early in the afternoon of May 7th, a brief ceremony will be conducted at or near the site of the original flag pole from the first year of Camp Barton. A description of the founding of the camp will be read, original leaders of the camp will be memorialized, and current-day Scouts and leaders will be honored. The ceremonies will be open to the public, and we are hoping for a good turnout of former Bartonians from the community. 

On Saturday evening, a campfire will be conducted for all participants. 

Further details as to camping specifics, cost and other information will be forthcoming. Expect the fee to cover the cost of a patch, insurance, and the costs of materials for the events and program, as well as fees charged by Taughannock State Park, Camp Barton, and the fairgrounds. All efforts will be made to minimize the participation cost. 

Sign-ups for the event will be expected early in the new year. Troop commitments should be made in January, and approximate numbers of participants by March, so that appropriate camping site assignments can be made. Troops will not be allowed to participate if they have not reserved their place. 

Numerous positions for staffing are available. 

To volunteer or register your unit for participation, contact Mike Homrighaus at mhomrigh@twcny.rr.com or at 607-756-2650.

Download a Flyer - PDF
Download a list of uses of the Scout Neckerchief - PDF

Venturing / Exploring Activities

There are no planned District Venturing / Exploring Activities at this time.

National and International Opportunities

Scouts: How would you like to spend July 2022 in Scotland?

The Blair Atholl Scottish International Patrol Jamborette will be held between July 19th and July 29th, 2022, at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl, Perthshire, Scotland. We have signed up to take two patrols of Scouts (total 12 boys). It's still a bit tentative (not taking chances with the pandemic, BSA is not at present permitting international travel for US Scouts), but the Scottish Council announced in mid-August that the Jamborette will occur. In the assumption that things will change for the better by July 2022, we're beginning our monthly meetings in September to begin planning our three-week trip.

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a Scout. Our plan will be to leave the USA around July 11th, and we'll spend a week's touring around the UK. Exactly what we do during our week's touring will be planned out by the Scouts during our monthly meetings between September and December of this year - you can see what we did on our dozen previous trips (and planned to do in 2020, had we been able to go) on our website https://www.BPBlairAtholl.org/ 

At the end of the touring we'll be picked up in Edinburgh or Glasgow and taken to Blair Castle at Blair Atholl in Perthshire, where each patrol of Scouts will join up with a patrol of Scottish Scouts for ten days at the Blair Atholl Scottish International Patrol Jamborette. You can find lots of pictures and descriptions of what sort of activities are offered at the Jamborette at the same website. https://www.BPBlairAtholl.org/ 

It's an important part of the Blair Atholl experience that for the time of the Jamborette each of the merged Scottish/International contingents function as a Scottish patrol under Scottish leadership. We international leaders will get jobs at the Jamborette - Mike Homrighaus and I will probably be tour guides at Blair Castle - and, other than the Country Fair on the Saturday of the Jamborette, we'll only see the Scouts in passing. They will be immersed in Scottish Scouting, and will have the maximum opportunity to get to know the Scots and the other international Scouts in the other mixed patrols in their subcamp.

In past years, the Scouts would go home with their Scottish counterparts at the end of the Jamborette for home hospitality. Unfortunately, with Covid-19 restrictions still likely to some extent (or, at least, unknowable at this point), the Scots can't offer home hospitality in 2022. Instead, if we want to do it, they will offer to hook our contingent up with a Scottish Scout Group for a form of hospitality at their Scout Hall. We'll discuss all of that at our planning sessions - at this point, no one is even sure what that might look like. I'm sure the Scots will let us know as things progress.

The contingent has filled up, as of mid-July 2021, and we are now taking names for a waiting list from Scouts who will be at least 14 years old and not yet 18 years old as of July 19, 2022. If you have a Scout who is interested in being part of the contingent, download an application form and return it to Scotland@TCScouts.org as soon as possible. You can get the form in MS Word .DOC format or Adobe PDF format.   

Questions? Contact me at Scotland@TCScouts.org 

- Mike Brown, Blair Atholl Contingent Leader
and Baden-Powell Council International Representative

International Events Coming up

BSA National  has a page on "International Adventure Awaits" - check it out!
For the most up-to-date information on Scouting events around the world, see the WOSM Events Page or download latest revision of the World Organization of the Scout Movement International Events List (PDF)

2022

• January 3-13 - Australian Jamboree (canceled)

• July 18-28 - IRELAND  16th World Scout Moot - canceled. 
• July 15-23 - FINLAND - FinJamboree, Hameenlinna, Finland
• July 19-29 - SCOTLAND - Blair Atholl Jamborette - The Blair Atholl Jamborette has been held on the grounds of Blair Atholl Castle every even numbered year since 1946 except 2020 when it was cancelled because of COVID-19. Scouts Scotland has annoucned that will be holding the event, although BSA has yet to approve international travel by US Scouts. With fingers crossed, the Baden-Powell Council will be sending a contingent - see our Blair Atholl Website for details of our past trips and announcements of the next one.  For the official web site, click here. 
• July 23-31 - DENMARK - Jamboree Denmark, Hedeland Naturpark. This event is held once every 5 years and sponsored by all 5 Danish Scout Associations that are members of WOSM.  They expect 40,000 Scouts and Guides. 
• July 30 to August 6 - ENGLAND - Chamboree 2022 - Cheshire Showground in Tabley - ages 10 to 17 - For the web site, click here.
• July 30 to August 6 - ENGLAND - Kent International Jamboree 2022 -  For the web site, click here
• July 30 to August 6 - ENGLAND - Poacher 2022 - Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln - postponed to 2022 - For the web site, click here

2023

• World Scout Jamboree - South Korea - August 1-12 - BSA will be sending a contingent of 500 Scouts - click here for details.

• BSA National Jamboree - July 19-28 - https://jamboree.scouting.org/ 

• CANADA - Pacific Jamboree - Camp Byng, British Columbia.  To learn about the 2019 Pacific Jamboree and watch a jamboree video, click here

Questions on International Scouting? Contact B-P Council International Representative at international@TCScouts.org .