August 21, 2025

News You Can Use
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Safety Moment

Risk Assessment in Scouting

The Guide to Safe Scouting reminds us that part of keeping Scouting safe is assessing risks for activities that aren’t directly covered by Scouting America’s program.

So how do we assess risks effectively? Scouting America’s National Health and Safety Committee has developed several tools that can help.

Watch this short video on Risk Assessment:

Tools for Risk Assessment

Enterprise Risk Analysis Tool: Designed for councilwide risks, such as financial, legal, or liability issues that could impact operations.

Program Hazard Analysis (PHA): Used mainly in camps and high-adventure bases to evaluate risks in program areas by measuring both probability and severity.

Safety Checklists: Practical tools for small events or campouts—like a pilot’s pre-flight checklist, they help ensure safeguards are in place before activities begin.

Safety PAUSE: (Pause, Assess, Understand, Share, Execute) – A quick last-minute safety check before starting an activity. It’s not a substitute for formal assessments like a checklist or PHA, but it adds an important reflection step in the field.

Putting It into Practice

The Enterprise Risk Management Committee Guidebook provides detailed instructions on using these tools. Don’t forget—many Scouters in your units or councils already work in fields like risk management and safety. Their expertise, combined with these resources, makes risk assessment both practical and effective.

Resources

Good News

24th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Awards

Today, Old North State Council proudly hosted the 24th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Awards Reception. This event honors community leaders who embody the spirit of Whitney M. Young, Jr.—a civil rights pioneer dedicated to equality, opportunity, and service. Each year, the reception recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to youth and community development while furthering Scouting’s mission of inclusion and service.

This year, we were honored to recognize three outstanding recipients:

Judge Teresa Vincent

The first African American woman to serve as Chief District Court Judge in Guilford County, Judge Vincent is recognized for her trailblazing career, leadership, and dedication to changing lives through the justice system.

Mr. James “Smitty” Smith

A successful businessman, Marine veteran, and community leader whose commitment to service extends across numerous boards, organizations, and local initiatives.

Mr. Dewayne Hicks

An accomplished engineer and mentor, Mr. Hicks has dedicated decades to both his profession and to serving youth through Scouting and community programs.

We congratulate these honorees for their lasting impact and for carrying forward the values of Scouting in their communities.

You can read the recipients’ FULL BIOGRAPHIES here!

Announcements

Howl-o-ree Leaders Meeting

AOL: Trailhead Leaders Meeting

Winter Camp Leaders Meeting

Features

Equip Your Troop for Adventure!

Deep Sea Fishing & Range/Target Sports Training for BSA Leaders

Scouting is about adventure, and specialized training helps leaders bring unique experiences to their troops—safely and responsibly. Whether it’s a day of deep-sea fishing or target sports on council ranges, these programs build teamwork, confidence, and skills Scouts will carry for life.

Coastal Saltwater Leader Training

October 19–21, 2025
Holiday Inn, Morehead City, NC

  • Learn safety standards for coastal fishing trips

  • Spend a day deep-sea fishing on the Carolina Princess

  • Explore charter, inter-coastal, shore, and pier fishing options

Register Here👈

Deadline: Monday, Sept 15 at 11:59 PM

Range & Target Activities Training Opportunities

NRA Basic Pistol

NRA Pistol Instructor & BIT

NRA Range Safety Officer

    USA Archery Level 1 Practical Exam

    NRA Basic Rifle Shooting & Shotgun Shooting

    NRA Rife Shooting & Shotgun Shooting Instructor

    • April 24-26, 2026
    • Registration link not available yet

    By investing in deep-sea fishing and range & target activities training, you empower yourselves as leaders to unlock incredible high-adventure experiences for your troop, enriching their Scouting journey with valuable skills, unforgettable memories, and a deeper connection to the outdoors and the principles of Scouting. Let’s inspire the next generation of adventurers and equip them for success!

    Reel in the fun!

    Register for the Fishing Derby

    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:

    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!

    Register for the Fishing Derby

    OA Induction

    Encourage your newly elected Order of the Arrow candidates to participate in the OA Fall  Induction weekend at Cherokee Scout Reservation from September 5th to 7th, 2025. This is an important opportunity for your troop members to experience the core of the OA experience, strengthening their commitment to the Order’s values of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service. The weekend will involve cheerful service, reflection on their Scouting journey, and participation in the induction ceremony (the Ordeal). Completion of the Ordeal is the first step toward full membership in the Order and allows them to continue their growth and leadership development. 

    Date: Sep 5-7, 2025

    Location: Cherokee Scout Reservation

    Register Here 👈

    Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Sep 2 at 11:59 pm

    Upcoming Training Events

    Ignite your Pack’s spirit of adventure with BALOO Training!

    Sept 19–20, 2025 | Cherokee Scout Reservation
    Ready to take your Pack outdoors? BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is the required training for Cub Scout overnighters. This fun, hands-on course covers everything from campsite setup and outdoor cooking to campfire programs and safety planning—giving leaders the confidence to create safe, memorable adventures for their Scouts.

    Deadline: Sept 16, 11:59 PM
    Register Here

    Sharpen Your Skills: Old North State Council NYLT 2025

    Cherokee Scout Reservation, Yanceyville, NC
    NYLT is the premier leadership experience for youth, designed to help Scouts lead with confidence and vision. Over two weekends, participants dive into communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and goal setting—all in a challenging outdoor patrol setting. Beyond skills, Scouts gain friendships, memories, and the tools to inspire their units for years to come.

    • Session 1: Dec 28–30, 2025

    • Session 2: Jan 17–19, 2026

    • Early Bird Fee: $300 (by Oct 1)

    • Standard Fee: $350 (after Oct 2)

    • Final Payment Due: Dec 19

    Eligibility: Ages 13+, First Class rank or higher, solid camping experience, good physical condition, and Scoutmaster/parent recommendation.

    Register Here

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Minimum Age of 13 with outstanding scout spirit and team-player attitude
    • First Class Rank or higher (by Dec 1, 2025) with considerable camping experience, including at least one week of summer camp
    • Good physical condition and completed health form
    • Scoutmaster & parent recommendation

    Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact on your unit! 

    WIN A CUB ADVENTURE WEEKEND

    When you buy full uniform (hat, neckerchief, slide, shirt, belt, pants & socks), your name will be put into a weekly drawing from August 2-Sept. 30. If your name is chosen you will WIN a Cub Scout Howl-o-ree Weekend at Cherokee Scout Reservation on (Oct. 10 – 12 or Oct. 17 – 18) for your Cub Scout, your choice of either of the weekends!!!

    Old North State Scout Shop

    Get Store Hours and More Info Here👈

    Upcoming Calendar

    Pro tip: Click each one for more info and registration links.

    August 9 | Membership Rally

    August 16 | ONSC Cub Day Hikes North

    August 16 | ONSC Cub Day Hikes South

    August 17 | Cub Scout BB & Archery Rangemaster Training

    August 22-24 | Certified Angling Instructor

    August 23-24 | IOLS

    August 28 | WOOD BADGE Pre-Course Training

    Sept 5-7 | OA Induction Weekend

    Sept 7 | Howl-o-ree Leader Meeting 8pm

    Sept 6 | Cub Scout BB & Archery Day

    Sept 13 | Cub Scout Fishing Derby (7 Locations Across Council)

    Sept 13-14 | OA Vigil Reunion

    Sept 19-20 | BALOO

    Sept 21 | NRA Basic Pistol Course

    Sept 26-28 | Wood Badge Weekend 1

    Sept 26-28 | Wood Badge Weekend 1

    Sept 28 | Winter Camp Leader Meeting at 8pm

    Oct 2-3 | Sporting Clays Fundraiser

    Oct 3-5 |OA Fall Fellowship

    Oct 10-13 | Cub Scout Howl-o-ree 1

    Oct 17-19 | Cub Scout Howl-o-ree 2

    Oct 17-19 | Coastal Saltwater Fishing Leader Training

    Oct 24-26 | Wood Badge Weekend 2

    Access All Calendars

    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

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