Safety Moment
Fishing provides a great opportunity for Cub Scouts to enjoy the outdoors and learn new skills. A successful and fun fishing experience, especially at an event like the Old North State Council Fishing Derby, depends on everyone understanding and following key safety measures.
General Fishing Safety for Cub Scouts
- Adult supervision: Proper and attentive adult supervision is essential at all times. An adult must always be able to see the Cub Scouts they are supervising.
- The buddy system: The buddy system must be used. Cub Scouts should always be paired with a buddy and remain within sight of them.
- Casting safety: Teach Cub Scouts to always check behind and to the sides of them before casting to ensure there is plenty of room and nobody is in the way.
- Safe equipment handling: Adults should handle all hooks and baiting. Cub Scouts must be taught to never run with a fishing rod.
- Hook incidents: In the event of an accidental hook in skin or clothing, the Cub Scout should stay calm, stand still, and immediately find a leader for help. Never try to pull the hook out.
- Weather awareness: Before any outing, check the weather forecast. Do not fish during a thunderstorm or other severe weather.
- Safe location: Ensure the fishing location is family-friendly and accessible. Conduct a site inspection for potential hazards like steep banks or slippery rocks.
- No fishing near swimmers: Never fish in an area where people are swimming.
Old North State Council Fishing Derby Specific Safety
- Protective gear: All participants in the fishing area should wear closed-toe shoes and eye protection, such as sunglasses, to protect against stray hooks. A broad-brimmed hat also provides good protection.
- Hook restrictions: At the derby, all hooks must have their barbs crimped down. Treble hooks are not allowed.
- On-site supervision: All Cub Scouts and youth must be under constant and direct supervision by a parent, guardian, or registered adult leaders who have completed all required training.
- Designated areas: All fishing must take place within the designated areas. This helps keep everyone safe and organized.
- Event-specific rules: Remind Cub Scouts and families to follow all event-specific instructions for parking, registration, and participation times, as outlined in the derby communications.
Good News
Congratulations to Our Newest Order of the Arrow Members!
Congratulations to our newest Ordeal members for completing their induction and officially becoming Arrowmen in the Order of the Arrow! Your election by your fellow Scouts is a significant honor and a recognition of your leadership and commitment to cheerful service. We also offer our congratulations to those who sealed their membership by transitioning to Brotherhood. Your continued dedication demonstrates a deeper understanding and promise to uphold the lasting ties of our brotherhood. You have all taken an important step on your path of service, and we look forward to your future contributions.
During the Fall Induction weekend, the Order of the Arrow completed 1810 service hours at Cherokee Scout Reservation. The lodge prepared the sporting clays course for the upcoming fundraiser, split firewood for fall and winter activities, leveled the floor in the metalwork shop, and continued installing post-and-rail fence.
Cherokee Scout Reservation and the Old North State Council appreciate Tsoiotsi Tsogalli’s continued support. Congratulations to our newest Ordeal & Brotherhood members.
Popcorn Powerhouse: Scouts Rocket Past $100k in Week 2
Fantastic job, Scouts! The second week of our annual popcorn fundraiser is in the books, and your results are absolutely incredible. A huge, heartfelt thank you to the 25 amazing units who are participating. Your dedication and hard work are what make this Council so strong.
You’ve already blasted past the $100,000 mark, with total sales hitting a phenomenal $118,471.54! This is more than just a number; it’s a testament to your spirit and a powerful reminder that our communities enthusiastically support the great things you do in Scouting. You are already over one-sixth of the way to our ambitious $600,000 goal, proving that with every kernel sold, we are making our Ideal Year of Scouting a reality!
Let’s give a thunderous round of applause to our top three units:
- Alamance Pack 65 leading the charge with an incredible $19,507.00!
- Akela Pack 25 not far behind with a magnificent $18,386.00!
- Guilford Pack 130 crushing it with an outstanding $17,456.00!
For those units who need to restock and keep this momentum going, our second Show and Sale order window opens soon and is due on September 19th. Keep up the great work, Scouts! Let’s hit that goal and make this the most successful popcorn season yet!
Announcements
Coastal Saltwater Fishing Leader Training
Registration Deadline: Monday, Sept 15 at 11:59 PM
Register Here →
BALOO
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Sept 16 at 11:59 PM
Register Here →
NRA Basic Pistol Training
Deadline Extended: Tuesday, Sept 16 at 11:59 PM
Register Here →
Winter Camp Leaders Meeting
Sunday, Sept 28 | 8:00 PM | Via Zoom
Pre-register Here →
NYT Early Bird (Save $50)
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, Oct 1 at 11:59 PM
Register Here →
Howl-o-ree Leader & Parent Information
Weekend 1: Oct 10-12, Weekend 2: Oct 17-19
Leader & Parent Slide Deck →
Zoom Meeting Recording Passcode: J6q0hm*3
AOL: Trailhead Leader & Parent Information
November 14-15, 2025
Registration Deadline: Tues, Nov 11 at 11:59 PM
Register Here →
Zoom Meeting Recording Passcode: #F3*l$Qr
OA Stew Sale
Stew available for pickup on Sunday, November 16
Pre-order Here →
Features
Fall Family Encampment: Howl-o-ree!
Join us at Cherokee Scout Reservation for a weekend full of Cub Scout adventure, family bonding, and fall fun. Activities include BBs and archery, pumpkin decorating, a Monster Mash dance, trunk-or-treat, and classic campfire fun. Meals are included!
- Option 1: Oct 10–12, 2025 (Deadline: Oct 7)
- Option 2: Oct 17–19, 2025 (Deadline: Oct 14)
Register Here →
Registration is through your Pack Leader.
Your Next Adventure: AOL Trailhead
The AOL Trailhead helps Arrow of Light Scouts and parents prepare for Scouts BSA. Scouts will try new activities—like climbing, blacksmithing, and catapults—while parents attend a meeting on supporting the transition.
📅 Nov 15, 2025
📍 Cherokee Scout Reservation
Deadline: Nov 11 at 11:59 PM
Register Here →
NYLT: National Youth Leadership Training
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is a premier training program for young leaders in Scouting. It’s an opportunity to develop confidence, practice communication, and master the skills needed to lead a successful unit and team. While the course may seem far off, the time to register is now—not tomorrow, not next month. Procrastination comes with significant risks that could cost you or your Scout a life-changing opportunity.
Secure your spot before it's gone
NYLT courses are in high demand and often have limited space, with slots filling up quickly. If you wait, you risk being placed on a waiting list or missing out entirely. Registering early ensures your Scout has a seat and won’t be left behind.
Take advantage of "early bird" pricing
Councils often offer a reduced course fee for those who register well in advance. This “early bird” rate provides a financial benefit and rewards proactive planning. Procrastinating until the last minute will likely mean paying a higher, regular-price fee. Registering early can save your family money.
Beat the scramble and avoid late fees
The registration process involves multiple steps, including gaining your unit leader’s approval and submitting a current medical form. When you register early, you have plenty of time to gather all the necessary paperwork without stress. Waiting until the final weeks creates a frantic rush and increases the chance of forgetting a crucial step, which could prevent your Scout from attending.
Receive advance materials and build anticipation
Early registration sometimes grants access to preparatory materials, giving your Scout a head start on understanding the course structure and concepts. This helps build excitement for the adventure ahead. When you register early, your Scout can spend the time leading up to the course getting excited, not just getting ready.
Empower your unit's planning
NYLT is a transformative experience, and units that send multiple Scouts are investing in their future leadership. Knowing who from your unit is attending and when allows for better planning and preparation. Early registration helps your unit leaders coordinate effectively and supports a seamless transition of new leadership skills back to the troop, crew, or ship.
Don’t wait for your next great adventure
NYLT is a defining moment in a young person’s Scouting journey. It’s where they learn what it means to be, know, and do as a leader. These skills benefit not only their unit but also their future in school, college, and beyond. Don’t let procrastination stand in the way of this incredible opportunity.
The time to act is now. Talk to your unit leader and secure your spot in NYLT. Your future as a leader is waiting.
What are the Course Dates:
- Session 1: Dec 28 to Dec 30, 2025
- Session 2: Jan 17 to Jan 19, 2026
What is the Course Fee?
- The early bird fee is $300 if paid in full by October 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm.
- The standard fee is $350 if paid in full after 12:00 am on October 2, 2025.
- The final payment is due by 11:59 pm on December 19, 2025.
Registration Link: https://scoutingevent.com/070-nylt
Scout Shop Uniform Promotion
We’re thrilled to announce one of the most exciting promotions we’ve ever offered in our Scout Shop!
Starting Tuesday, September 2nd, families will have the chance to save even more on uniforms… making it easier than ever for new scouts to join fully equipped and ready for their scouting adventure. This promotion not only helps reduce the cost of entry but also ensures every Scout can start the promotion with pride in their complete uniform.
Win a Cub Adventure Weekend
When you buy a full uniform (hat, neckerchief, slide, shirt, belt, pants, and socks), your name will be put into a weekly drawing from August 2 to Sept 30. If your name is chosen, you will WIN a Cub Scout Howl-o-ree Weekend at Cherokee Scout Reservation (Oct 10-12 or Oct 17-18) for your Cub Scout.
Upcoming Calendar
Pro tip: Click each one for more info and registration links.
Sept 13 | Cub Scout Fishing Derby (7 Locations Across Council)
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