Each week, we will release a list of rank specific Cub Scouting Challenges. Find your Rank, complete the challenges Taking pictures along the way. Post those pictures and you can win! Read the contest rules for all the details.
WEEK 1 CHALLENGES – Winner: Brandi Wolfe, Pack 215
WEEK 2 CHALLENGES – Winner: Betsy Akeman, Pack 207
WEEK 3 CHALLENGES – Winner: Savannah Perry, Pack 231
WEEK 4 CHALLENGES – Savannah Perry, Pack 231 (wow! 2 weeks in a row – Great job!)
Following the Governors edict, the Muskingum Valley Council Staff will be working from home for the foreseeable future. No one will be at the Scout Store or in the offices. The best way to get answers or assistance will be to contact one of our staff directly:
Ed Mulholland, Scout Executive/Executive Director: ed.mulholland@scouting.org
Jeff Pickett, Assistant Scout Executive, Zane Trace District: Jeffery.pickett@scouting.org
Amanda Wisniewski, Senior District Executive, River Trails District: amanda.wisniewski@scouting.org
Stay home, stay safe and prepare for the coming summer camping season! See you all soon,
Ed Mulholland, Scout Executive
Today the President of the United States recommended against gatherings of more than 10 people. This effectively shuts down most Scouting activities. The Muskingum Valley Council recommends that, beginning today, units stop meeting until further notice. These restrictions are designed to slow the spread of the covid-19 virus and by adhering to the CDC’s recommendations, we will be protecting our own health as well as others.
The Spring Camporee that was scheduled for April 17-19 is canceled. We are reaching out to the many organizations involved in hopes of moving the event to our Fall Camporee dates; October 23-25. This event promises to be exciting, fun and educational – you won’t want to miss it!
For those units participating in the Spring Nut Sale:
The sale dates remain the same, however, we ask that you do not gather your Scouts to collect the money. We suggest having each family individually drop their orders and payments with your Nut Sale chairperson. (We cannot delay the collection of orders, or the distribution of the nuts because we have chocolate covered nuts that could melt in warmer weather.)
This situation is unusual and disconcerting, but it will pass, and we will return to normalcy. I look forward to meeting you on the Scouting trail soon!
Scouts, Scout leaders, and Parents,
The decision has been made to not conduct Session 3 of Merit Badge College in person. With the current situation and the ever changing guidelines being issued we felt this was our only option. With the Governor’s directive of “no gatherings of 100 people of more” our event would be in violation of that directive.
We will be giving the scouts an opportunity to submit their final assignments to their counselors. The following outlines the three options they have:
1. Submit the final paperwork to your counselors by email. No later than March 23.
2. Submit the final paperwork to the Council office by mail. Received at the office no later than March 25. Address there is 734 Moorhead Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701
3. Submit the final paperwork to Charlotte at the council office from 10am till noon on March 21.
These dates are important because the counselors have to review them all and get the requirements completed and updated no later than March 31. This will allow us time to complete the process and get the details released to your Scoutmasters.
We did not arrive at this decision quickly or without reservations. We try to live by the scout law just as we ask Scouts to. Several points of the law applied in the process of this decision.
OBEDIENT. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country.
BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.
LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.
I have personally pondered this decision for some time and consulted with many scout leaders to help make this recommendation. I am not one to not finish something I started but in the current atmosphere we find ourselves in I see no other option. I want everyone to stay safe and healthy so to that end this is the only action we can take.
Any questions or concerns please let me know. As I receive information from the individual instructors I will be reaching out to you.
Thank you for participating in Merit Badge College 2020. We will be back again next year!
Charlotte Ashcraft, MBC 2020 Coordinator
With the rapidly escalating health concerns relating to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we want to provide some information regarding upcoming events. Our number one focus is the safety of our youth and volunteers. We have carefully considered the significance of scouting in the lives of our youth while also understanding the importance of keeping our members healthy.
Based on the state health authorities’ recommendation to limit large gatherings and practice social distancing, we have decided to postpone University of Scouting. We will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and evaluate the schedule for other council sponsored events based on guidance received from authorities. Specifically, we are waiting for additional guidance regarding our final weekend of merit badge college. A final decision will be made by Wednesday of next week.
We recommend your unit consider what is best for your youth when determining if regular weekly meetings and other events should continue on a normal schedule. We encourage all units to follow the recommendations of the local, state and national governing bodies and health authorities.
Please remember to follow the precautions and preventive measures as recommended by the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control:
-Muskingum Valley Council
Senior District Executive Jay Shankel, will be pursuing a new opportunity at the Miami Valley Council in Dayton, Ohio. Jay’s last day with us is March 15th.
Jay began his career as a professional scouter when he joined the Muskingum Valley Council staff in January, 2015. Jay has served the Arrowhead District as District Executive, and for the past 2 years as Senior District Executive following his promotion in 2018. He has played an important role in the success of the council, both in his district, and through a variety of additional assignments including responsibilities for all Council Day Camps, and the council, NESA committee.
Please join us as we wish Jay all the best at his new assignment!
Prepare to be blown away by this new resource:
Are you ready to immerse yourself in a week of Scouting Adventure? Independence, exciting challenges, Troop fellowship, new friends; it all happens at summer camp. This year, our theme “Myths & Legends” will add a fun and exciting extra dimension to your week. Learn more in our Summer Camp Leader Guide:
