Safety Moment
Spring Fever
As spring fever starts to catch and we return to the outside to complete yardwork, explore the neighborhood woods, or take a hike with your Scout group, we need to be mindful of the plants in our surroundings that may cause us harm.
Poisonous Plants: Protecting Yourself Outdoor
Every year, countless Americans, including many Scouts and Scouters, encounter poisonous plants like poison ivy, oak, and sumac. The culprit is urushiol oil, found in these plants’ leaves, stems, and roots, to which a large portion of the population is allergic. These plants are widespread across the continental U.S., and exposure can lead to itchy rashes and blisters within days, lasting up to three weeks.
Prevention is key. Learning to identify these plants and avoiding them is crucial. Be cautious when camping or picnicking, and warn others. If you’ve potentially been exposed, immediately wash the affected skin with soap and water or a specialized urushiol-removing product. Avoid burning wood with hairy vines, as the smoke can carry the oil. Washing within 30 minutes can significantly reduce the risk of a reaction.
If a rash develops, remember it’s not contagious. For mild cases, hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or cool compresses can provide relief. Oral antihistamines may also help with itching. However, seek medical attention for severe rashes covering more than 10% of the body, signs of infection, or rashes near the eyes. For a fun way to reinforce plant identification skills, try the Scout Life Poisonous Plant quiz.
Use the Scout Life Poisonous Plant quiz for a fun plant identification review with your Scouts.
Good News
2024 Sea Scout Leadership Awards
Katya Withrow and Nick Withrow
The Sea Scout Leadership Award is presented to deserving Sea Scout youth members and Scouters who made exceptional contributions to Sea Scouting at the National, Council Service Territory (CST), and Council level and who exemplify the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the Sea Scout Promise.
Policy Update
Scouting Activity Clothing Guideline
Scouting America’s Scouts BSA Clothing Guideline aims to foster unity, respect, and safety during Scouting activities. While the official Scouting America field uniform is encouraged, participants can wear an activity uniform as needed during their Scouting activities. First and foremost, all clothing choices should meet safety requirements and reflect the values of the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the Scouter Code of Conduct.
Expectation: Each Troop will have a dress code in place before attending summer camp.
If dress code issues arise during summer camp, the came leadership will defer to the Scoutmaster to apply the troop’s dress code.
The camp can have dress code requirements related to health and safety such as helmet, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, pants, and shoes that cover the ankle for ATV.
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
Conclave: Forge Memories, Build Brotherhood, and Level Up Your Scouting Leadership Skills!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of fellowship, fun, and training at the Order of the Arrow Section Conclave! This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, bringing together Arrowmen from across the section for a weekend of unforgettable experiences.
For 2025, we will host the conclave at Cherokee Scout Reservation.
Date: April 11-13, 2025
What to Expect: Unleash Your Inner Arrowman: Connect with fellow Arrowmen from your lodge and make new friends from across the section.
Training & Leadership: Participate in engaging training sessions led by experienced Arrowmen, focusing on crucial skills and knowledge for Scouting leadership.
Activities & Competitions: Enjoy a variety of activities, from games and competitions to shows and exhibitions, all designed to foster camaraderie and fun.
Celebrate Scouting Traditions: Experience the rich traditions of the Order of the Arrow through ceremonies and special events.
Section Business Meeting: Participate in the annual Section Business Meeting, where the next Section officers will be elected.
Patch Trading: Don’t forget to bring your patches for trading!
Why Attend?
Expand Your Network: Meet new people, learn from experienced Arrowmen, and expand your Scouting network.
Grow as a Leader: Enhance your leadership skills through training and hands-on activities.
Make Lasting Memories: Create unforgettable memories with your fellow Arrowmen at this exciting event.
Support Your Section: Show your support for the Order of the Arrow and your section by attending Conclave.
Don’t Miss Out!
Conclave is the biggest and best event of the lodge year! Register today and be a part of this amazing weekend of fellowship, fun, and training!
We are still recruiting staff members for the conclave. We need assistance with the following items:
- Meal service
- Parking cars and security
- Logistics
- Trading Post
Registration as a staff member before April 1.
Our last service day, to prepare camp for the conclave, is Saturday, March 29.
Scouting for Clean Waterways
A Scout is clean: Scouting for Clean Waterways supports diverse aquatic ecosystems, providing habitats for countless species.
What service projects is your troop planning to help preserve aquatic habitats?
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
Hey Moms! Join us for Mom & Me!
May 30 – June 1, 2025
Hey Moms! Are you looking for a fun adventure to connect with your scout? Look no further than ONSC’s Mom and Me camping weekend. The dates are May 30th-June1st at Cherokee Scout Reservation in Yanceyville. This event is designed specifically for moms and scouts. Come enjoy the outdoors with fun activities like BBs, Archery, Fishing, Games, Crafts and STEM. Camp at our council’s premier camping facility. All meals are prepared by our seasoned cooks and served in our dining hall. All activities are run by experienced scouters with help from youth from around the council. Everything has been planned for you and your scout to have fun together. We can’t wait to see you!
ELEVATE: 2026 National Jamboree
July 22 – July 31, 2026
Scouting’s flagship event is one-of-a-kind. It’s a gathering of approximately 15,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff that showcases everything that is great about Scouting and its members. Held every four years, the Jamboree is an amazing opportunity for participants, volunteers, and visitors to experience the best of Scouting, all in one place. Features include; one of the longest zip line courses in North America, a world-class skate park, ATV offerings, range and target activities, aquatics, fishing, rock climbing, patch trading, stadium shows, and much more!
YOUTH PARTICIPANTS
The Jamboree is open to all who are qualified on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualifications to attend the National Jamboree include:
- Registered member of a Scouts BSA Troop, who will be at least 12 years old by July 22, 2026, but who has not yet reached their 18th birthday by July 31, 2026
- Must live and abide by the Scout Oath and Law
- Must abide by the Jamboree Code of Conduct
OLD NORTH STATE COUNCIL CONTINGENT SIZE
- We have a reservation for 18 male Scouts BSA to attend the Jamboree as the Old North State Council contingent
- Our Jamboree contingent is led by two adult leaders
- If we have enough interest from female Scouts BSA members, we will sponsor a Jamboree troop for girls. It takes a minimum of 18 girls to have a Jamboree troop.
- Currently, our female Scouts BSA who want to attend the Jamboree will attend with the Mecklenburg County Council contingent
WHO ARE OUR ADULT LEADERS:
- Michael Walster, Scoutmaster
- Chris Smith, Assistant Scoutmaster
- Should the number of Scouts increase, we will be able to recruit more adult leaders to attend with us.
CONTINGENT FEE:
$2500 if paid by Oct 31 2025. Price increase to $2750 after Oct 31 2025.
CONTINGENT FEE INCLUDES:
- Team building weekend and shakedown weekend events (includes meals and program supplies)
- National Jamboree fee
- Transportation to and from Greensboro, NC and Summit Bechtel Reserve (Jamboree location)
- Snacks for the bus ride to and from the Jamboree site (4-hour trip)
- Old North State Council Jamboree Swag Bag (t-shirt, 2 Jamboree unit number patches, 2 council commemorative patch sets, Jamboree hat)
- All Troop gear such as cots, tents, stoves, troop pots/pans, tables, etc. will be provided by the Old North State Council or the Summit
- Participants are responsible for their uniforms (one complete field/class A uniforms), personal gear (e.g. mess kit and sleeping bag), and spending money
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
- $500.00 – At time of registration
- $1000 total amount due on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm
- $1500 total amount due on June 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm
- $2000 total amount due on August 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm
- $2500 total amount due on October 27, 2025 at 11:59 pm
STAFF OPPORTUNITIES:
- Adult leaders interested in attending the jamboree should consider applying for a staff position.
- For more information about the National Jamboree visit National Jamboree Website
DIRECT QUESTIONS TO:
- Jamboree Scoutmaster Michael Walser at michaelwalser41@gmail.com
- Jamboree Staff Advisor Bud Harrelson at bud.harrelson@scouting.org.
Upcoming Calendar
*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
April 25-27 | Camp Staff Development 1, CSR
May 3 | Cherokee Service Day, CSR
May 9-10 | Camp Staff Development 2, CSR
May 16 | Camp Card Sale End
May 15-23 | National Camp School, CSR
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