Safety Moment
Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls This Winter!
Clear Pathways
Regularly shovel snow and ice from walkways, stairways, and entryways. Use sand or salt to improve traction on icy surfaces.
Inspect Outdoor Areas
Check trails, campsites, and gathering areas for ice patches or uneven ground. Mark hazards like holes or slopes to increase visibility.
Proper Footwear
Ensure everyone wears shoes or boots with non-slip soles to prevent slipping on icy or snowy surfaces.
Safety Signage
Place visible signs warning of icy conditions, slippery spots, or uneven terrain around campgrounds and trails.
Maintain Lighting
Ensure outdoor paths, steps, and key areas are well-lit to help Scouts see hazards in low-light conditions.
Keep Walkways Dry
In areas like dining halls or cabins, use mats to absorb moisture from boots and wet clothes to prevent indoor slipping.
Use Proper Equipment
When working with tools or carrying gear, use both hands and be cautious of slippery surfaces while walking.
Encourage Caution
Remind Scouts and leaders to walk slowly, especially when moving across icy or snow-covered ground, and avoid running or rushing.
Emergency First Aid Readiness
Ensure all leaders are trained in first aid for falls, including treating sprains, fractures, and frostbite, and have a first aid kit on hand.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Keep an eye on weather reports and adjust outdoor activities accordingly, rescheduling or relocating if conditions are too hazardous.
By taking these steps now, we can reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls and ensure a safe and fun winter experience for all Scouts. Stay cautious, stay safe!
Good News!
Old North State Council Exceeds Membership Benchmarks in 2024
The Old North State Council has achieved a significant milestone with its first positive membership growth in a decade, marking a remarkable turnaround driven by the dedication of our volunteer and professional team. The council recorded a 10% increase in total registered youth, with particularly strong growth in key demographics – a 40% rise in girls’ participation and a 35% increase in engagement from diverse communities.
These impressive results have positioned us as the leading council in membership growth within Council Service Territory 15, which encompasses Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. On a national scale, we now rank 26th out of 260 councils in membership growth, placing us in the top 10% nationwide. While these achievements are noteworthy, we recognize there is still significant room for growth, as we currently serve less than 2% of the total available youth in our council area. Looking ahead, the executive board has set an ambitious goal of expanding our reach to serve 3% of total available youth. For a comprehensive overview of our achievements in 2024, please refer to the 2025 Annual Report.
Special Announcements
Camp Cards are Ready!
Come by the ONSC office Thursday, February 6 to check them out.
Earn FREE Swam Tickets for Scout Night
Get ready for an action-packed night as the Greensboro Swarm takes on Westchester Knicks on February 28th! We’re rolling out special discounted tickets just for scouts, families, and troops!
State Employees Credit Union Launches Summer Camp Award Competition
Eligible FAT CAT® and Zard® members can share their summer camp wish for a chance to win $500 toward registration fees.
For all details, including eligibility information and contest entry forms, click the button below. We look forward to helping award winners enjoy a fun summer experience!
Pre-order Conclave Memorabilia
2025 Conclave service lodge memorabilia and lodge delegation pre-orders are open. Pre-orders close at 11:59 pm on Feb 28.
Two delivery options:
- Option 1: Pick up at conclave
- Option 2: Mail to your home
Pre-order OA Lodge 30th Anniversary Memorabilia
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge. Pre-orders close at 11:59 pm on Apr 30.
Two delivery options:
- Option 1: Pick up at CSR
- Option 2: Mail to your home
Scouting Clean Waterways: A Conservation Good Turn for America
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Conservation Good Turn for America, Scouting America is joining the nationwide initiative aimed at addressing the critical issue of waterway and marine debris, “aquatic trash”, offering Scouts the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health of our waterways and ecosystems.
Scouting America Unit and Council Flags Now Available
Build pride and unity within your Scouting America® unit with our flags, now updated to reflect the organization’s exciting rebrand from Boy Scouts of America® to Scouting America®. Our officially licensed flags are available for Cub Scouts® (K-5), Scouting America® (ages 11-17), Venturing® (co-ed 14-20), Sea Scouting® (co-ed 14-20), and Exploring® (co-ed 10-20) and can be fully customized to showcase your troop’s unique identity. Shop online to start your order now.
Reminders
Nominate a volunteer or CSR staff alumni for the CSR Hall of Leadership
Nominations due by 11:59pm on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Last Scouts on Skis for 2025
Sunday, Feb 9 is our last Scouts on Skis opportunity at Winter Place. If you, your Scouts, and your families enjoy skiing, take advantage of this last cold weekend to ski!
Arrow of Light Scouts Crossover to Scouts BSA by March 1
Recharters Due Next Month
Akela and Cherokee are due February 15, 2025. Your unit commissioner is ready to assist you.
Silver Beaver and Other Council Awards
The Advancement & Recognitions Committee will accept nominations for the following award through February 16, 2025.
Use this link to learn more and nominate!
- Silver Beaver
- Elbert K Fretwell Oustanding Educator Award
- NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
- Torch of Gold Award
- Special Needs Scouting Award
- Veterans Awards for more than 25 years of service
Submit electronic nominations to bud.harrelson@scouting.org.
SAVE THE DATE
The Council Character in Action Recognition Banquet
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 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
Featured Events
Conclave Service Day - February 8
- Check-in starts at 8:30 am.
- The service day ends at 4:30 pm.
- Please pre-register so we have enough food on hand for lunch.
- Those who work the entire day, will receive a service lodge flap as a token of our appreciation.
- A second service lodge flap can be purchased at the end of the workday for $5.
ONSC Wood Badge Reunion & Breakfast
Saturday, February 15, 2025, 9:00am – 11:30am
St. Pius X Catholic Church, Greensboro
The council sponsors a National Youth Leadership Training course every winter.
The council hosts a Wood Badge course for adult leaders every other fall.
Each year, the demand for financial assistance to participate in these life-changing training courses increase
Help us remove the financial barriers facing our Scouts and Scouters by participating in the inaugural Wood Badge Reunion and Breakfast
Who can attend:
- Scouters who have earned their Wood Badge beads
- Scouters who are working their Wood Badge tickets
- Scouts who are interested in taking Wood Badge in Fall 2025
Registration closes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, Feb 11
Old North State Merit Badge College 1
March 1, 2025, at Davidson-Davie Community College
(Davidson Co Campus)
Regisration closes Tuesday, Feb 25 at 11:59 pm
CSR Volunteer Recognition Lunch
March 8, 2025
The 2025 CSR Volunteer Recognition Lunch provides an opportunity to celebrate those Scouting volunteers who have made significant contributions to Cherokee Scout Reservation over an extended period of time.
Which Volunteers Will Be Recognized During the Event?
- Ted Williams will be named camp director emeritus
- The Welding Shop will be named for David and Becky Trull and Family.
- The Automotive Garage will be named for Joe and Zelma Higgins and Family.
- The program shelter in Blackfoot and Cheyenne campsite will be named for Past Lodge Adviser Mike Bailey.
- The new Campmaster Apartment in the OA Lodge will be named for Ken and Linda Shahbaz and Family.
- The boat landing at Hemric Scout Reservation will be named Workman’s Landing in honor of Jimmy and Martha Workman and Family.
OA Spring Fellowship and Induction
March 7-9 at Cherokee Scout Reservation
- Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge kicks off its 30th-anniversary celebration with Spring Fellowship.
- The lodge is also hosting a special induction that same weekend to allow OA candidates to become members so they can attend the conclave if they desire.
- Registration closes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, March 4
Fall 2025 Wood Badge Course Announced
Wood Badge is Scouting’s premier leadership development program – an intensive, experiential course that strengthens both your Scouting unit and your leadership skills in all aspects of life. Through hands-on team activities and practical leadership experiences at Cherokee Scout Reservation, you’ll develop essential skills in listening, leading, supporting, and program development.
Who Can Attend
- Any registered Scouting member (18+) who has completed basic training
- Open to all programs: Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing leaders
- Both new and experienced leaders welcome
- Must be able to participate in outdoor activities (medical form required)
Course Details
- Orientation: Thursday, August 28, 7:00 PM (Scout Service Center, Greensboro)
- Weekend 1: September 26-28
- Weekend 2: October 25-26
- Location: Cherokee Scout Reservation, Yanceyville, NC
- Both weekends required for completion
Cost
- Early Bird (by July 1): $300
- Regular Rate: $350
- $100 deposit required
- Includes course materials, hat, neckerchief, t-shirt, CSP, and Weekend 1 meals
- Final payment due August 15, 2025
Register by August 15
Reminders
Scouts BSA Summer Camp Kick-off Meeting
Two Options to Attend:
Option 1: Face-to-face
Saturday, February 15; 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Royce Reynolds Scout Service Center, 1405 Westover Terrace, Greensboro
Option 2: Zoom
Sunday, February 23; 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Zoom credentials will be emailed prior to Saturday, Feb 22
Cub Overnight Camp Kick-off Meeting
Two Options to Attend:
Option 1: Face-to-face
Saturday, February 15; 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Royce Reynolds Scout Service Center, 1405 Westover Terrace, Greensboro
Option 2: Zoom
Sunday, February 23; 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Zoom credentials will be emailed prior to Saturday, Feb 22
Upcoming Calendar
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