Safety Moment
Transporting Scouts Safely
As we step into March, let’s take a moment to reinforce the importance of safe transportation for all Scouting activities. Whether heading to a weekend campout, a high-adventure trek, or a local event, ensuring Scouts arrive safely is a shared responsibility. Proper planning, adherence to policies, and vigilance on the road are key to preventing accidents and ensuring every trip is a safe and successful one.
Drive Responsibly and Follow the Law
Safe transportation starts with responsible drivers who follow all traffic laws and Scouting policies. Every driver must:
- Hold a valid driver’s license (not suspended or revoked).
- Be at least 18 years old (youth drivers are not permitted).
- Avoid distractions, including texting or using a phone while driving.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substances.
- Ensure all passengers wear factory-installed seatbelts and use appropriate car seats for younger Scouts.
The Guide to Safe Scouting’s policy on transportation is available here.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection & Safety Checklist
Before hitting the road, conducting a Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection helps prevent accidents and breakdowns. Use the SAFE Transportation Checklist to confirm:
- Tires, brakes, lights, and seatbelts are in good working condition.
- The vehicle meets state-required insurance coverage (at least $100,000 combined single limit recommended).
- All safety equipment is checked and functional.
Certain vehicles are not permitted for Scout transportation:
- 15-passenger vans manufactured before 2005
- Pickup truck beds, recreational campers, or towed trailers for passenger transport
- Private aviation for travel
The SAFE Transportation Checklist and Pre-Trip Inspection are available here.
Driver Fatigue & Rest Breaks
To ensure driver alertness and safety:
- Limit total driving time to 10 hours within a 24-hour period, no matter how many drivers are available.
- Plan for frequent breaks for rest, meals, and stretching.
Never drive when feeling drowsy, fatigued, or distracted
Emergency Preparedness and Contingency Planning
While we strive for safe travel, emergencies can still happen. Every driver should be prepared with:
- A fully stocked first-aid kit in the vehicle.
- Contact information for emergency services and a designated point of contact for the trip.
- A plan for inclement weather, including alternate routes and emergency shelter locations if needed.
- An understanding of what to do in case of an accident, breakdown, or medical emergency.
The safety of our Scouts is everyone’s responsibility. By following these transportation guidelines—driving safely, maintaining proper supervision, completing vehicle inspections, and prioritizing driver alertness—we can ensure that every trip is secure, smooth, and successful.
Let’s work together to keep our Scouts safe on the road.
Good News
Eagle Class of 2024 named
for Bob Paxton and Dr. Scott Spillman
The Eagle Class of 2024 will be named for Bob Paxton and Dr. Scott Spillmann. Paxton and Spillmann served as council president and council commissioner, respectively. They both continue to provide leadership to the Old North State Council through their executive board service, staffing training events, participating in service days at Cherokee Scout Reservation, and supporting Scoutmasters and units as unit commissioners. Paxton and Spillmann will be recognized at the upcoming Character in Action Dinner.
Join us at the Character in Action Dinner on Tuesday, April 29.
Order of the Arrow Welcomes New Members
During its annual spring fellowship this past weekend, Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge hosted a special induction weekend. During the March induction, 57 Scouts and Scouters joined the Order of the Arrow by completing their Ordeal. Twenty-two OA members converted from Ordeal membership to Brotherhood membership. Congratulations to these Scouts and Scouters on joining Scouting’s Honor Society.
Reminders
Order Eagle Brick for your Eagle Scout by April 1
Register for OA Conclave by April 1
Register for Councilwide Program Preview
Register for Character in Action Dinner: Council Banquet
Submit your Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge 30th Anniversary memorabilia pre-order before April 30
Reserve your pack’s campsite for Cub Scout Overnight Camp
Featured Events
We’re Hosting Conclave & We Need Your Help
The six Order of the Arrow lodges from central and eastern North Carolina compose Eastern Region, Section 8. Each April, the lodges of Section E8 gather for a weekend of fun, fellowship, competition, and training – a conclave.
The conclave location rotates every year. For 2025, it is our council and lodge’s turn to host the conclave – at Cherokee Scout Reservation. For more years than I can count, the Section E8 conclave has been the largest conclave in the country – historically boasting more than 1000 people in attendance.
An event this big requires a large event staff. We need 200 more Scouts and Scouters to join the team so we can provide an outstanding experience to all of our conclave guests.
We need help serving meals, parking cars, and supporting logistics.
The event schedule allows staff to work part of the event and still have fun by participating in the event activities!
Ideally, conclave staff serve from lunch on Friday through lunch on Sunday.
Staff will also receive a special blue staff hat.
If you’ve never been to a conclave, we encourage you to attend as a participant. We have space for 50 or so more people to join our delegation.
Registration closes on April 1.
Use this link to register for the conclave.
Attend the Council-wide Program Preview Roundtable
Learn What’s NEW for 2026
Thursday, April 24, 2025
St. Pius X Catholic Church, North Elm Street, Greensboro
Meal sponsored by Bi-Rite Grocery Store of Stokesdale
Character in Action Celebration Dinner
Old North State Council’s Annual Recognition Banquet
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | Grandover Resort & Spa
Who will be recognized:
- Scouts BSA Eagle Scout Recipients
- Venturing Summit Award Recipients
- Sea Scouting Quatermaster Award Recipients
- Silver Beaver Award Recipients
- Veterans Award Recipients
- Other adult and youth awards
Mom and Me
May 30 – June 1, 2025
Who can come: This event is for moms (adult female partner) and registered scout(s)
Where: Cherokee Scout Reservation (3296 Boy Scout Camp Rd, Yanceyville, NC 27379)
2025 Event Theme: Scouting games, competitions
Activities: Throughout the weekend, scouts and moms will participate in Archery, BB shooting, crafts, games, fishing, hiking, nature, skits, and a campfire program.
Cost: $150
includes a 2025-themed patch & t-shirt for each attendee, program materials & meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday)
Each Additional Cub Scout Participant per Family: $40
Early Bird Rate: $110 per Cub Scout and Adult Female Partner if paid in full by 11:59 pm on Monday, April 1.
News
High Adventure Base Registration for 2026 Treks Is Open
Be sure to let your units know that registration for 2026 treks at a Scouting America High Adventure base is open. For over 75 years, Scouting AmericaHigh Adventure Bases have offered once-in-a-lifetime opportunities your Scouts will never forget.
Scouts can push their limits and create unforgettable memories. Whether it’s sailing at Sea Base, taking on thrilling adventures at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, experiencing canoeing and wilderness at Northern Tier, or hiking through the stunning landscapes of Philmont, each base offers unique adventures and challenges that will test skills, build teamwork, and foster a love for the outdoors. Help ensure your Scouts don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!
According to the results of the Building Evidence In Scouting Together (BEST) Study, high adventure was cited as a contributing factor in retention of Scouts. Additionally, Scouts who engaged in high adventure activities self-reported higher scores in several character and leadership development areas. These factors can help to further strengthen Scouting at the local level.
To find out more information about High Adventure Base opportunities or register, go HERE!
To see more high adventure experiences check out high adventure on YouTube.
Upcoming Calendar
*Postponed March 22 | Scouting University
*Canceled April 3-6 | Leave No Trace, Level 2 – Part 2 - Cancelled
*Postponed April 5 | Merit Badge College 2
April 5 | Zone 15 NCAP Assessor Training, SSC
April 6 | Wood Badge Staff Orientation and Trainers Edge
Royce Reynolds Family Scout Center
1405 Westover Terrace, Greensboro, North Carolina 27408
Scout Office
Office 336 378-9166
Fax 336-617-9196
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5pm
Scout Shop
(336) 235-0977
Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm
(closed for lunch 2-2:30)
Sat 10am – 2pm