Safety Moment
Sharing the woods during hunting season
As we enjoy the beautiful autumn colors, many people will be sharing the woods with hunters. Our responsibility as Scouts is to practice extra safety and respect to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time outdoors.
Be seen
- Wear bright, blaze-colored clothing. Avoid wearing earth-toned colors like white, brown, or green, which could be mistaken for wildlife. Blaze orange is the safest choice and is often required for hunters during certain seasons.
- Increase visibility for pets. If you are hiking with a dog, place a blaze orange vest or bandana on them and keep them on a leash.
- Use reflective gear. If you are out at dusk or dawn, use reflective tape on your clothing and pack to make yourself more visible in low light.
Be heard
- Make noise as you hike. Sing, talk, or carry a bell to alert hunters to your presence. Hunters listen for sounds of movement, and the human voice is a clear indicator that you are not game.
- Call out if you hear shots. If you hear shooting nearby, yell out to make sure the hunters are aware that you are in the vicinity.
Know the area and plan ahead
- Know local hunting regulations. Hunting seasons vary by location and type of game. Check with the state department of fish and game or natural resources for the regulations in your area. Some state parks prohibit hunting, which can offer a safer alternative.
- Tell someone your plans. Always leave a trip plan with a trusted contact who is not on the outing. Include your intended destination, route, and expected return time.
- Use the buddy system. Never hike alone during hunting season. This ensures that someone is there to provide rapid assistance in an emergency.
Prepare for fall conditions
- Dress in layers. Fall weather can be unpredictable. Wear moisture-wicking layers and carry a waterproof outer layer to prepare for sudden changes in temperature or rain.
- Watch your footing. Fallen leaves can hide rocks, roots, and muddy sections of the trail. Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with good traction to prevent slips and twisted ankles.
- Be aware of shorter days. Daylight hours decrease quickly in the fall. Always carry a headlamp or flashlight and a map, and be prepared to finish your hike in the dark.
- Check for hazards. Look up to check for dead or “hazard” trees that could fall unexpectedly. Avoid setting up tents or hammocks near these trees.
Good News
A Legacy of Leadership: Celebrating the Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Vigil Class of 2025
The Tsoiotsi Tsogalii Lodge has welcomed its newest Vigil Honor members—the highest recognition in the Order of the Arrow. This honor is reserved for Arrowmen who have shown extraordinary service and leadership, going above and beyond for their lodge, council, and camp.
This year’s Vigil Class includes five youth and five adults who were called out in a special ceremony at Cherokee Scout Reservation and completed their induction this past weekend. Each received a Vigil name that reflects their unique character and contributions. From He Who Serves to She Who Speaks Many Languages, these names symbolize the spirit of cheerful service that defines the Order of the Arrow.
The Vigil Honor reminds us that leadership in Scouting is not about position but about selfless dedication to others. Congratulations to the Class of 2025—you’ve set an inspiring example for Scouts across Old North State Council!
A Popping Success for Old North State Council: Scouts Lead Charge in Record-Setting Fundraiser!
The 2025 Old North State Council Popcorn Fundraiser continues its incredible run, shaping up to be one for the record books! As we close out a phenomenal Week 3, we’re thrilled to celebrate the dedication and hard work of our Scouts and units who are making our $600k goal a tangible reality.
This week’s standings reveal an inspiring competition among our top units, showcasing the spirit of friendly rivalry and commitment across our council:
- 1st Place: Pack 65 is leading the charge with an outstanding $26,683 in sales!
- 2nd Place: Pack 25 is hot on their heels with an impressive $24,305 in sales!
- 3rd Place: Guilford Pack 130 is not far behind, demonstrating remarkable effort with $24,007 in sales!
These top three packs, hailing from different corners of our council, are a testament to the power of effort and determination. Their success proves that with time and commitment, anything is possible – no matter where you are within our Scouting family.
But the race for the top seller is still wide open, and your unit still has every opportunity to rise to the challenge! The popcorn fundraiser remains the best way to fund exciting Scouting adventures and empower our youth.
Let’s keep this momentum going, Scouts! Continue to engage your communities, share the value of Scouting, and make these final weeks truly count. Together, we can achieve our $600k goal and make this the most successful popcorn sale in Old North State Council history!
Thank you to all our Scouts, leaders, and families for your unwavering dedication! Let’s Pop to the Top!
Announcements
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
More Than a Clean Trail: Your Service’s Real Impact
Greetings, fellow Arrowmen!
As a member of the Council’s Range and Target Activities Committee, I’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude to all the work to clean up the Sporting Clays Trail.
You may not realize the impact that your service will have to both the camp and to the Council in just a few short weeks. Each year, the Council hosts the “Sporting Clays Classic” tournament in early October. Dozens of teams of participants from all over the area take advantage of our excellent facility over two days. This is a fundraiser for the Council, a large portion of the proceeds specifically fund the Camperships that allow the Council to ensure that any Scout can attend summer camp. It’s a great cause, and the teams pay well to attend.
Part of providing the best experience we can to the participants is giving them a great impression of the course. Although the Classic takes place over just two days, it takes many weeks of preparation to get the trail ready. You were an important part of that this year. The trail gets overgrown, and suffers weather damage every year. Your cleanup efforts with the logs, branches, sticks, etc were nothing short of spectacular, the trail has never looked this good! It was very evident that you “went the extra mile”.
In discussions with the participants, we often get feedback on their experience. I am fully expecting rave reviews on the condition of the trail. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and will help to grow the event even further in the future, aiding the Council’s mission. I hope the weekend went well for all of you, and you continue on the path of cheerful service.
Yours in service,
Don Grisgraber
ONSC Range and Target Activities Committee – Shotgun Ranges
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
Early Bird Deadline Approaching – October 1
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
Upcoming Calendar
Pro tip: Click each one for more info and registration links.
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