Safety Moment
As summer wraps up, it’s the perfect time to review important safety procedures, especially when it comes to aquatics. Swim classification tests are a critical part of ensuring safe water activities, and it’s important to know who is authorized to administer them.
For troop-level events, leaders with current Safe Swim Defense training can conduct swim tests for their unit’s activities and rank advancement. However, for district or council events (like summer camp), the rules can be different. These events must follow specific regulations, and the administrators may need certifications like Red Cross Lifeguard or NCAP Aquatics Instructor.
The key takeaway is this: Always check with the event organizers—whether it’s a camp, a high adventure trip, or a council-wide activity—to understand their specific policies and whether a pre-camp swim test will be accepted. When in doubt, it’s always best to ask!
Helpful Links:
- National Camp Accreditation Program Standards
- Aquatics Supervision Manual
- Guide to Safe Scouting Aquatics
Old North State Council Scout units, are you ready to fund incredible adventures and teach Scouts valuable life skills? The annual popcorn sale is here, and it’s the perfect way to power your “Ideal Year of Scouting.”
Selling popcorn is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a way to:
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Fund Your Adventures: Support high-adventure trips, campouts, and service projects.
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Build Life Skills: Scouts learn essential communication, salesmanship, and financial literacy.
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Earn Advancement: The skills learned can even help Scouts with rank advancement and merit badges.
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Support Local Scouting: A portion of every sale goes directly back to maintaining our council camps, like Cherokee Scout Reservation.
Popcorn Dates to Note
Sept 3 | Popcorn Delivery
Good News
A Promise Kept: Local Scout Dad Finishes Appalachian Trail Hike
The story of Pat Hester, a local father and dedicated Scouter, is a powerful reminder of how Scouting’s values can last a lifetime. Inspired by a conversation with his mother, Patsy, before she passed away, Pat made it his mission to honor her regrets—one of which was never hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Pat, known by his trail name “Father Time,” began his incredible journey on the Appalachian Trail 10 years ago with his then-8-year-old son, Ryan, who earned the trail name “Tesla” for his love of cars. Pat’s goal for Ryan was for him to learn about the outdoors, become an Eagle Scout, and hike the Appalachian Trail before high school. While Ryan successfully earned his Eagle rank, their joint hiking journey was put on hold after a few years.
This summer, Pat, now retired, set out to finish the second half of the trail. He hiked over 1,000 miles in just 77 days, embodying the Scout Law’s principles of being Thrifty, Brave, and Courteous. He carried only what was necessary, pushed through injuries and difficult terrain, and was part of a trail community where hikers look out for each other—sharing food, water, and advice.
Pat’s journey came full circle when his son, Ryan, now 18, rejoined him to summit Mount Katahdin in Maine. Together, they completed the final 10-mile stretch, with Pat carrying a rock from the summit to place on his mother’s grave. Pat’s journey is not just a physical feat but a testament to keeping promises and sharing the love of the outdoors with the next generation.
Reel in the fun!
Calling all Scouts! Get ready to cast your lines and create some lasting memories at the Old North State Council’s annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
This fantastic event, open to all new, existing, and future Cub Scouts and their families, offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the joys of fishing and connect with the great outdoors.
Six locations to choose from
The derby will be held at six convenient locations across the council, so you can choose the one that works best for your family:
Fun and learning for everyone
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at the derby.
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- Experienced fishermen can enjoy a morning of fishing with family and friends.
- Newcomers can learn the basics of fishing from certified angling instructors.
- Scouts joining at the derby will receive a complimentary fishing rod and reel.
What to bring
Remember to bring your own rods and reels, though bait will be provided. Participants aged 16 and older if you have valid North Carolina fishing license please bring it. We will have a blanket fishing license for the event.
Prizes and patches
Awards will be given out each flight for the largest fish, smallest fish, and most fish caught. Plus, the first 100 Cub Scouts and potential Scouts at each location are guaranteed to receive a commemorative fishing derby patch.
Registration details
Registration for the derby closes on Tuesday, September 9th, at 11:59 PM. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to get “Hooked on Scouting!”
https://scoutingevent.com/070-fishingderby2025
Get ready for a day of angling adventure and make some unforgettable memories! Register today!
Wood Badge 2025: Final Call!
This is the last chance for unit leaders to register for the 2025 Wood Badge course! Registration closes Friday, August 15th, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Wood Badge is the premier leadership training for adult volunteers, equipping you with skills to build a stronger unit and provide a better Scouting experience for youth. The course is a transformative experience held over two weekends:
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Weekend 1: September 26-28, 2025
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Weekend 2: October 25-26, 2025
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow Scouters and strengthen your leadership skills.
Register now at:
Meet Scoutly: Your New AI Assistant from Scouting America
Scouting America has launched Scoutly, a new AI assistant designed to provide instant, reliable support to our Scouting community. Scoutly is now available 24/7 on Scouting.org and BeAScout.org and is an excellent tool for new and experienced leaders and families.
What can Scoutly do?
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Simplify Registration: Scoutly can help new families find a local unit and guide them through the registration process.
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Provide Answers: It’s trained on a dedicated knowledge base of official Scouting resources, including the Guide to Safe Scouting and program handbooks, ensuring all information is accurate and safe.
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Offer Merit Badge Expertise: Scoutly has detailed information on all Scouts BSA merit badges. It will also be the primary source for the new Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge coming in mid-September.
By providing quick, easy access to information, Scoutly helps leaders and parents save time so they can focus on delivering a great program for our Scouts. Look for the floating Scoutly icon in the bottom right corner of the websites mentioned above to give it a try!
Winter Camp 2025
Escape the winter doldrums and embrace adventure at Cherokee Scout Reservation’s Winter Camp!
Are you ready to trade in chilly weather boredom for exciting outdoor challenges and unforgettable memories? Then Cherokee Scout Reservation’s annual Winter Camp, held December 27-30, is the perfect destination for you.
Why Winter Camp is cooler than ever
- Merit Badge Madness: Earn a wide range of merit badges, including unique options not typically offered at summer camp (Climbing, Composite Materials, Game Design, Health Care Professions, Radio, Search & Rescue), all while honing essential Scouting skills. Select from over 25 merit badge choices.
- Embrace the Cold: Discover the thrill of cold-weather camping, testing your resilience and learning crucial winter survival techniques.
- Beyond the Badges: Engage in activities like ATV Power Sports (for Scouts 14+), advanced shotgun shooting, NRA First Steps Pistol Instruction, and even an epic Klondike derby.
- Skill-Building Opportunities: Take advantage of valuable training courses like Basic Life Support with Standard First Aid, Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS), Wilderness First Aid, and Leave No Trace.
- Warmth and Comfort: Enjoy heated spaces like the Dining Hall, STEM Labs, Headquarters, and other key areas. Campsites also have access to electricity, and shower houses offer hot water.
- Delicious Meals: Fuel your adventures with delicious meals served in the centrally located Dining Hall.
- Campfire Camaraderie: Gather around crackling campfires, sharing stories and building strong friendships that will last a lifetime.
Flexible attendance options
Whether you want to experience Winter Camp with your troop, join a provisional unit, or participate as a day camper, Cherokee Scout Reservation offers flexible options to fit your needs. Provisional campers even have adult supervision provided by the camp staff.
Don’t miss out!
Get ready to make unforgettable winter memories at Cherokee Scout Reservation’s Winter Camp!
Dates: December 27-30, 2025
Location: Cherokee Scout Reservation
Registration Deadline: December 13 at 11:59 pm
Upcoming Training Events
Certified Angling Instructor (CAI) Course Registration Closing Soon!
Calling all Old North State Council leaders! Are you ready to dive into the world of fishing and bring new adventures to your unit? Registration for the Certified Angling Instructor (CAI) Course at Cherokee Scout Reservation (revised location) from August 22-24, 2025, closes on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM!
This course is designed to equip Scouters and camp staff with the skills to teach fishing to Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers, from basic cane pole fishing to fly-fishing. You don’t need any prior experience to attend. Become a CAI and help your Scouts reel in the fun! Register today!
Registration Link: https://scoutingevent.com/070-cai
Time is running out to register for the August 2025 IOLS Course!
Attention all Old North State Council Scout Leaders! Don’t miss your chance to register for the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) course at Cherokee Scout Reservation on August 23-24, 2025. This vital training for all Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, as well as any leader who regularly participates in troop campouts, equips you with the confidence and skills to lead outdoor adventures safely and effectively. The deadline to register is Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11:59 pm! Secure your spot today!
Enhance Your Troop's Program: Get NRA Certified
Old North State Council is offering National Rifle Association (NRA) training courses to help leaders enhance their troop’s program and ensure safe and responsible range and target activities. These certifications are a great way to develop your leadership skills and open up new opportunities for your Scouts.
By becoming an NRA-certified leader, you can:
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Ensure safe gun handling and shooting practices.
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Become a certified Rifle and Shotgun Merit Badge Counselor.
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Support district and council events by helping to run ranges.
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Gain the confidence to supervise and lead firearms programs effectively.
Training Opportunities at Cherokee Scout Reservation:
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NRA Basic Pistol Shooting: September 21, 2025
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NRA Instructor Pistol & BIT: December 13-14, 2025
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NRA Range Safety Officer: January 24, 2026
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USA Archery Level 1 Practical Exam: January 25, 2026
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NRA Basic Rifle Shooting & Shotgun Shooting: March 21-23, 2026
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NRA Rifle and Shotgun Instructor: April 24-26, 2026
Some courses require pre-qualification tests and full attendance on multiple weekends. For more details and to register, check the Old North State Council’s calendar on Scouting Event. Don’t miss this chance to help your Scouts experience these activities safely!
Upcoming Calendar
Pro tip: Click each one for more info and registration links.
Sept 13 | Cub Scout Fishing Derby (7 Locations Across Council)
Oct 3-5 |OA Fall Fellowship
Royce Reynolds Family Scout Center
1405 Westover Terrace, Greensboro, North Carolina 27408
*Note* We've discontinued our PO Box. Please send all correspondence to the address above.
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