September 5, 2025

News You Can Use

Safety Moment

Pumpkins in the Air?

Fall is also one of the best seasons to be outdoors in Scouting. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons are perfect for a hike, and the woods are showing their “true colors” as the leaves change. Around Scouting America, leaders and youth are pulling out the flannel shirts, unrolling sleeping bags, and heading into the beauty of fall for camping trips, service projects, and fun seasonal activities.

Fall is one of the most popular seasons for Scout Camping.

Cooler weather makes campfires more inviting, hikes more enjoyable, and sleeping outdoors beneath the stars a bit more tolerable (ever slept outside in July in Texas?). Lots of units take advantage of the cooler weather to enjoy outdoor activities like:

Weekend campouts with Dutch oven cooking or cooking over a fire
Fall service projects like trail cleanup or park beautification
Orienteering challenges in leaf-strewn forests
Harvest-themed campfires and fellowship gatherings

And while fall enjoyment is the goal, safety always at the top of Scouting’s agenda goes along with it.

The Temptation of “Pumpkin Chunkin” – And Why It’s Prohibited

It’s hard to imagine fall without pumpkins – pies, jack-o’-lanterns. Certain groups have been tempted in recent years to add “pumpkin chunkin” to their camp activities. If you are not familiar this is using catapults, trebuchets, or air cannons to shoot the pumpkins in the air.

It might look like harmless fun, but in Scouting America, it’s on the list of prohibited activities. The Guide to Safe Scouting prohibits the launching of pumpkins or other objects with tools such as air cannons or trebuchets because of the inherent danger posed by such activity. Hazards include:

High-velocity projectiles that can injure people or damage property
Unstable homemade launching devices that can collapse or misfire
Inconsistent projectile paths that make safety zones difficult to control

If it’s on the Guide to Safe Scouting “prohibited activities” list, it’s out – no exceptions. The idea isn’t to ruin the fun but to make sure everyone has fun without getting hurt while doing it.

Safe and Fun Fall Options

If you prefer a pumpkin activity that still brings the essence of the season, try:

Pumpkin decorating contests (paint, markers, and creativity encouraged!)
Pumpkin bowling with lightweight plastic pumpkins and pins – Cub Scouts vs parents makes this a hit.
Pumpkin relay races (carrying, or rolling, not tossing!)
Cooking pumpkin treats in a Dutch oven at camp

These exercises keep the focus on fun, teamwork, and seasonal spirit while still falling within Scouting America guidelines.

Enjoying the Season the Scouting Way

As leaves crunch and campfires crackle, remember that in Scouting America, adventure and safety go hand-in-hand. And with the Guide to Safe Scouting, leaders have it so everyone can head home with great memories and unscathed.

So don your fleece, stock your marshmallows and graham crakers, and get outside this fall. The weather is crisp, the trails are calling, and the adventures are waiting.

Good News

Great Start to ONSC Popcorn Fundraiser 2025

The Old North State Council Popcorn fundraiser is officially underway! We have 22 units that have made a sale already. Thank you to everyone for all their efforts so far. Our goal as a council this year is to sell $600,000.00 to fund our Scouting programs. Thanks to an amazing first weekend, we are already 1/10th of the way there!

Our Top 3 units so far are:

Akela Pack 25, which has sold $11,524.00
Alamance Pack 65, which has sold $10,049.00
Guilford Pack 130, which has sold $6,370.00

It’s not too late for your unit to participate. You can still commit to participating by registering at https://login.trails-end.com/unit-registration or find additional resources on our Council website. Our 2nd Show and sell order is due by September 19th.

Announcements

🐺 Howl-o-ree Leaders Meeting

Sunday, Sept 7 | 8:00 PM | Via Zoom
Pre-register Here →

🏕 AOL: Trailhead Leaders Meeting

Sunday, Sept 7, 2025 | 9:00 PM | Via Zoom
Pre-register Here →

🎣 Coastal Saltwater Fishing Leader Training

Registration Deadline: Monday, Sept 15 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 →

Features

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!

Why Arrow of Light Scouts Should Visit a Troop Early

Visiting a Scouts BSA troop in the early fall is both recommended and now a requirement for the Bobcat Adventure.

Early visits help AOL Scouts:

✅ Meet different troops and find the best fit

✅ Build relationships with youth and adult leaders

✅ Understand the differences between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA

✅ Ease the transition and make the crossover ceremony more meaningful

Encourage AOL dens and families to schedule troop visits this fall—it’s one of the most important steps toward a smooth Scouting journey.

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)

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

BALOO Training – Required for AOL Den Camping

For Arrow of Light den leaders and parents, a new adventure awaits: overnight camping as a den. To ensure this experience is both fun and safe, it’s essential that your Arrow of Light den has a leader who has completed the Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) training.

What is BALOO training?

BALOO training is an overnight, hands-on course designed to introduce Cub Scout leaders to the skills and safety practices needed to conduct pack and den outdoor activities. It is a two-part program that includes both an online prerequisite and a practical, in-person component. The course covers everything from campfire safety and meal preparation to proper campsite setup, ensuring your camping adventure is both enjoyable and secure.

Why is BALOO mandatory?

Scouting America’s policies explicitly state that any Cub Scout den or pack overnight outdoor event must have at least one BALOO-trained leader in attendance. This is not a suggestion but a mandatory requirement designed to protect our Scouts and give leaders the knowledge and confidence to handle outdoor situations safely. For Arrow of Light dens, this includes den-coordinated campouts and any overnight events with a Scouts BSA troop.

The benefits of BALOO

Beyond the mandatory requirement, BALOO training provides invaluable benefits:

Confidence for leaders: For those new to camping, the course offers practical skills that build confidence, turning a potentially stressful experience into an exciting one.
Enhanced outdoor program: A BALOO-trained leader can create a richer, more engaging outdoor experience for the Scouts, teaching them valuable skills in a fun and memorable way.
Seamless transition to Scouts BSA: The Arrow of Light program is designed to prepare 5th graders for their transition to a Scouts BSA troop. Camping as a den, led by a BALOO-trained leader, offers a glimpse into the patrol method and a step toward greater independence.

If your Arrow of Light den is planning an overnight adventure, a BALOO-trained leader is non-negotiable. Don’t wait—talk to your den leadership and register for an upcoming BALOO training course. Investing in this training is an investment in the safety and success of your Scouts’ outdoor experience..

Date: Sep 19-20, 2025

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Sep 16 at 11:59 pm

Registration link: https://scoutingevent.com/070-baloo

FB25 Group Sales Flyer NO QR Code (Scout Day)

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.