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Welcome to the Northern Lights Web Site!

Click here for a map of all Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venture Units in the district

Click here for Unit contact information

Looking for a Boy Scout Troop or a Cub Scout Pack to Join?

Try the  Adventure is Calling web site

Upcoming Events

(Click Here for a Full Calendar)

Click Here for Upcoming Eagle Courts of Honor

 

Northern Lights Recognizes the most recent  Eagle Scouts.  Click here for a full list

Unit Name
Troop 268 Vincent Taffe
Troop 405 Daniel Bernard
Troop 405 Andrew Pierson
Troop 405 Ross Haugberg
Troop 211 Nicholas Volkenant
Troop 141 Tylor Dobey
Troop 531 Christopher Lindsay
Crew 378 Logan Smith
Troop 211 Andrew Boursier
Troop 542 Christian Dube

Online Poll

I am taking a poll to see if I can change the document we provide on this web site to only be in PDF format.  Most documents are in PDF and Word format.  However, PDF is becoming a generic method for delivering documents.  If you have an opinion, please contact me at NorthernLightsBSA@comcast.net.  Unless there are reasons to continue the dual delivery method, I will switch over to all PDF format on April 1st.

 

Doug Farmer

 

 

Roundtable Hang Files

Electronic Hang Files (think Pendaflex folders) contain flyers and information handed out at Roundtable or made available via the Web Site.

There are two places to look:

  • Our district maintains flyers specifically for Northern Lights District.

Click here for Northern Lights District handouts and flyers

  • Also, the Northern Star Council maintains a set of folders for Council wide events and information.

Click here for Northern Star Council handouts and flyers

Got a flyer you want distributed - Send it to the Web master -

 NorthernLightsBSA@comcast.net

Don't miss the annual District Dinner!

Click here for a Flyer

 

New Content!!  

02-07-2010 Congratulations to our new Silver Beavers

02-07-2010 Religious Emblems

02-07-2010 Snow Sports Merit Badge Skills Testing on Feb 20th

02-07-2010 Scouting for Food - April 24th

02-07-2010 Cub Resident Camp Orientation - April Roundtable

02-06-2010 Merit Badge Counselor Training at March Roundtable 31kb PDF

02-06-2010 District Meeting Notes 21kb PDF

02-06-2010 Troop 542 Steak Fry  on March 5th 45kb

01-30-2010 Spring Popcorn Sales and Training

01-30-2010 Minnesota Conservation Corps Summer Youth Program

01-30-2010 Scout Night with the Timberwolves 85kb

01-14-2010 Welcome our newest troop - Troop 299

01-14-2010 Merit Badge Madness Information and Registration Form 149kb PDF 131kb Word

01-13-2010 Star Camp Video

01-13-2010 Looking for a few good scouters for the Commissioner Corps

01-13-2010 Winter Weather Line - Call for camp conditions

12-11-2009 Brooklyn Park Scouts get recognized, honor everyday heroes

                      (Sun Newspapers)

12-08-2009 Council Pinewood Derby Rules for 2010 89kb PDF

11-29-2009 Buck Hill All Night Skiing Feb 19th 143kb PDF

11-02-2009 Camping opportunities for winter and next summer

10-11-2009 100th Anniversary Star Event

10-11-2009 Updated Camping list 257kb PDF version, 57kb Excel.

10-11-2009 Plan now for High Adventure Trips - Look at camps close to the Twin Cities 31kb PDF 30kb Word.

10-11-2009 Scouting opportunities with Local Sports Teams

08-27-2009 Merit Badge Counselor List

05-21-2009 Sign up now for the eNavigator

 

Latest News from the Northern Star Council

 

 

 

 

 

StarCamp May 21-23, 2010


The Council is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the BSA by having a super event for all Scouts of all ages, called Star Camp. We are planning for 20,000 Scouts and adults to attend this once in your lifetime celebration. Think of a combined Ripley Rendezvous and Webelos Experience at the same place and time.

 

It will be held at Stearns Scout Camp. We will have age appropriate events for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts and even the adults. Cubs will have a day event on May 22; older Scouts will come for the entire weekend.

 

To make this a reality, we will need hundreds of volunteers from around the Council. Several (but not enough) leaders have already volunteered. If you can help with any of the following duties, please sign up.

  • Unit check-in at arrival time

  • Dining hall service for our District’s units

  • Unit check-out on Sunday

  • Program & Activities staffing

Please consider helping our sub-camp make this a smooth event for your Scouts. To volunteer and for more info on StarCamp see: www.nsbsa.org/ActivitiesCivicService/Local/StarCamp.aspx

 

Get your news via E Mail
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Enter your Email address and press:  

Click here to see more about Rum River

 


Snow Sports Merit Badge Skills Testing

 

On February 20th, Troop 531 is attending the scout ski day at Afton Alps.  Bill Scheig, a leader with Troop 531 has offered to do the skills test for downhill skiing and snowboarding for the Snow Sports Merit Badge on that day.

 

He is a counselor for this MB.  He would be happy to do skills testing (only) for any scout that is interested. Afton is offering a great deal - lift tickets are $24 instead of the regular $40, with discounts on rentals. Here's a link to more info on the ski day

http://www.aftonalps.com/calendar.php?cID=340

Bill must leave by 2 PM, so any testing for the merit badge must be done before then. if anyone is interested in the skills testing for the Snow Sports merit badge, they must bring a merit badge card and contact Billno later than 2/19. They can reach Bill at bscheig@comcast.net  or 612-859-9503

 


Cub Resident Camp Orientation - April Roundtable

 

Join us for the April Roundtable for an orientation on Cub Resident Camp.  If you have never been to Cub Camp, or if you just want information to pick up for parents in your pack, this is the time for you.

 

Northern Star council offers many Cub Camping opportunities and encourages all Cub Scouts to attend Cub Resident camp.

 

Some of the topics we will cover include:

  • How to prepare for camp

  • Paperwork needed for camp

  • Communication with your group prior to camp

  • Special requests (diets, CPAP machines...)

  • Swim checks

  • Questions specific to each camp

See you there!

 


Congratulations to Ron Murphy and Frank Noonan, Our newest Silver Beaver Recipients

Congratulations to Ron Murphy, Boy Scout Roundtable Chair and Frank Noonan, our latest recipients of the Silver Beaver Award. This is the highest council level recognition for a volunteer. 

Ron and Frank, along with other recipients of the Silver Beaver Award, will be recognized at the Council Court of Recognition Dinner on March 27. Mark your calendar and plan to attend as we honor Ron Murphy, Frank Noonan and all the 2009 Silver Beaver Recipients. Go to the council website for details on the dinner

 

 


 

Welcome Troop 299

I'm pleased to announce the resurrection of Troop 299 at Brooklyn United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Center/Brooklyn Park.  (Brooklyn Blvd and Noble).  As many know, Troop 299 had been around for almost 50 years before it folded a few years back.  A few different groups have pulled together and have the troop back and starting to roll with meetings. 

We are small but growing.  We would like to invite any Webelos crossing over from Cub Scouts to check us out.  You can contact me at the number below.

We look forward to becoming an active unit in the Northern Lights District!

 

Leigh McDowell

Pack/Troop 299

leigh.mcdowell@comcast.net

763.424.3297

 


Spring Popcorn Time has Come

WHY sell Spring Popcorn?

--Sell because your unit needs some funds to provide a great Scouting program.

--Sell because your Scouts want to raise funds to attend a great NSC Summer Camp experience

--You can earn Free and Discounted tickets to Valleyfair!

--Its easy and hassle free!

--Its fun!

 WHO sells Spring Popcorn?

--Units who need to raise funds for a new Trailer, Pinewood Derby Track or other item to help them provide a great program.

--A new Boy Scout who just transferred to a Troop and needs to raise funds to go to Tomahawk or Many Point.

--A Cub Scout wanting to attend his first outdoor camp experience

--Any Scouting unit that wants to decrease out of pocket expenses for Summer Activities and Camp!

--A Jamboree Scout needing funds to attend the 2010 Jamboree

--Any unit in need of funds!

 Interested?--If you unit is interested in selling, please send your popcorn chair or representative to one of the trainings listed. Trained units earn a base commission of 35%, untrained units earn 32%. Troops have an option of not doing the prize program for another 5% commission increase. Trainings will be 30 minutes. Units who attended fall training will also need to attend Spring Training to receive trained credit.  

New this year--A partnership with Valleyfair that helps Scouts who sell $500 or more earn a free ticket with the purchase of one! 

Click here for a training schedule - You can attend any training session that you want!


Looking for a few good Scouters for the Commissioner Service Corps

 

District Commissioner Chris Sandberg is looking for volunteers interested in providing service to the Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, and Teams in Northern Lights. He is recruiting for two important jobs helping our youth:
 

  • Unit Commissioners - to serve as the direct support for up to three units, working with their leadership to ensure great program and results for their youth; and,
     

  • Roundtable Commissioners for our Scouting/Venturing Roundtable - to provide fun and useful monthly program for leaders of Troops and Crews.
     

For more information, contact Chris at 763-417-0887 or cksandberg.scouting@comcast.net.


Camping opportunities abound!

2010 Cub Scout Resident Camp Registration Opens January 4, 2010

Reservations are now open for all Cub Scout resident camp sessions for the 2010 summer season. Brochures were mailed in November to all Cub Scout Youth, Den Leaders and CubMasters.

Polar Cubs 2010

Winter day camp is called Polar Cubs, reservations opened on October 5, 2009, get your pack registered! In 2010 we offer 2 locations: Phillippo & Camp Greenwood in Buffalo, MN. Get your reservations in now to ensure your first choice of dates. More information is available at www.goscouting.org .

Boy Scout High Adventure Opportunities

Space is still available on several of the ’10 council High Adventure Contingents including Sea Base and Philmont. Information is on the National Scouting page of the Activities section of the website.

National Jamboree 2010

Interested in attending the 100th anniversary Jamboree and the last National Jamboree to be held at Fort A.P. Hill? It is not too to late join us! Sign up today to take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity to help Scouts and Scouters from all around the country celebrate 100 years of Scouting in the USA and kickoff our next 100 years in style! The Northern Star Council will be taking 10 troops, or just about 400 people to the Jamboree and registration is being done online at www.bsajamboree.org. Cost will be $2,250 per person.

Winter Camping at North Wind at Stearns Scout Camp and Snow Base at Tomahawk Scout Reservation -  Every weekend from January 9 to February 28

Info was handed out at summer camp and in September Roundtable files. Reservations are open contact kburbank@nsbsa.org for information. Popular weekends like Martin Luther King and Presidents will fill fast.


Youth and Adult leader Training!

Wood Badge Courses

The Northern Star Council is planning to offer 3 Wood Badge courses in the winter, spring and fall of 2010. The spring course, a week-long format, will be held at Fred C. Andersen from June 21-26. Fall course dates will be September 10-12 and October 1-3.

Grey Wolf National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

There will be 5 sessions of Grey Wolf training at Fred C. Andersen Scout Camp in the summer of 2010. With National Jamboree scheduled in late summer, Grey Wolf Course #3 and Course #4 will run during the week preceding and following Independence Day, rather than taking a break that week. In this way, all NYLT courses will be completed prior to Jamboree start.

Nomination forms will be mailed early January. Nominations for participation will be due no later than April 15, 2010. *Again this year* Nominations MUST have names included.


100th Year of Scouting

The 100th Anniversary / Birthday celebration officially begins September 1. Called the “Year of Celebration”, go to the council website, www.northernstarbsa.org  for more information.

Announcing the Centennial Patch program.

The patch can be purchased for scouts and leaders. Up to 5 ribbons can be earned that can be attached to the patch. For complete details and requirement s go to www.northernstarbsa.org/News.aspx?articleID=423

 


OA Monthly Chapter Meetings


OA youth members are invited to monthly chapter meetings for Order of the Arrow. It’s your chance to have an impact on and to plan activities for our chapter. Meetings are the same date, time and place as the monthly roundtable. Please be sure your youth arrow members know of this opportunity and since you are coming to roundtable anyway, invite the youth members to come
along.


Winter Camping Weather Line

Our Winter Camps are now open! With the winter season, we always receive a flood of weather related questions each week-especially for the Polar Cubs Program. We have a winter weather line that we use as our first defense for these calls. This line has a message that will be updated each week to let campers know the status of our winter camps (Polar Cubs, North Wind and Snow Base) and weekend camping (FCA, Phillippo, Rum River, Stearns, Kiwanis) for the upcoming weekend. If questionable temperatures or weather is expected, the message will be updated daily. What does this mean for you? If you have a question about how the weather will affect one of our winter camps, please call (651-254-9134).


Merit Badge Counselor List

 

If you would like a current PDF version of the district Merit Badge Counselor list, please send an E mail to NorthernLightsBSA@comcast.net with your name and troop number.  I will forward you a copy that is current as of 8/27/2009.


Looking for something to do with your scouts? Click here for non District or Council Activity Ideas


Minnesota Conservation Corps Summer Youth Program.


Applications are now being accepted for 90 positions with the Minnesota Conservation Corps Summer Youth Program.
The application period is open through April 23.
Youth ages 15-18 will live at St. Croix State Park for eight weeks. They'll travel in crews led by staff members to various state and federal lands to camp out and work on conservation projects.
Eric Antonson, MCC youth programs manager, says the projects will include trail construction, erosion control, bridge and boardwalk building, and invasive exotic plant removal.
Weekend activities include canoe trips, wilderness hikes and high-adventure challenges.
The program runs June 20-Aug. 14. Participants earn a stipend of $175 per week, with room and board provided.


For more information please contact the Minnesota Conservation Corps: http://www.conservationcorps.org/syp/youth.htm


Training, Training, Training

Trained leaders produce a quality youth program.  Click here for upcoming training events Some events are Boy Scout Leader Training, Cub Scout Leader Training, Cub Scout Pow Wow, University of Scouting.  Take advantage of the Free or low cost training sessions.

Cub Scout Leader Training is offered 3 times this year.  The next training session begins October 1st 2009.  Click here for a flyer 83kb PDF 45kb Word

Does your pack have a pack trainer? Click here for more information or click here for a Pack Trainer Flyer 248KB PDF

Now available for the first time, on line sign up for Cub Leader Training.  Click here to signup for Cub Leader Training

Can't make one of our training events?  Click here for information on all training throughout the council.

Youth Protection Training

This 30 minute course will help you know and understand the Boy Scouts of America policies on youth protection. This does not cover the protection of the youth, but you as an adult in a youth organization. This course is offered at no charge and can be taken online or in person.  Click here for information about the course.

Roundtables

Roundtables are for all adult leaders in Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops. They are held the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at:

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

4700 Edinbrook Terrace
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
763-425-7223

Click here for a map!

Roundtables are a training session for leaders to help them each month in working with the boys.  Every pack and troop should have at least one representative come to these meetings to get ideas and share ideas with other leaders, as well as get information on events that are happening on a district level.

Useful Links!

Map of all Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venture Units in the district

Unit contact information

Northern Star Council Web Site - Contact Information, Office Locations, Scout Shop Information


District Website/Pictures/Articles

If you have any pictures of District activities or great articles that you would like to share with other Scouters, please e-mail them with a description to our Webmaster, Doug Farmer at NorthernLightsBSA@comcast.net

New Leaders - Northern Lights extends a warm welcome to all new adults and existing adults that have changed positions. Training is available through the council office, call Andrea Pengra  763-231-7226 District Director for any questions that you may have. We also encourage you to take advantage of your monthly Roundtables at

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

4700 Edinbrook Terrace
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443

These are held on the first Thursday of the month. Click here for Directions to Roundtable location.

From the Web Master: This site is always being worked on.  Any items in the menu at the left that are prefixed with an "*" are complete.   Please E mail me if there are any changes in those items, if you have any content you would like to see on any of the pages listed, or any new pages you would like to see added. I hope this site becomes a resource for all scouts and scouters.  To accomplish that, I need help from everyone in the district.  District leaders, Unit leaders and scouts themselves. Any item you wish to see on this site, please forward to me.  Also, send me Unit information, leader information, Unit web sites to link to, any photos, with events, captions etc.  Send the information to NorthernLightsBSA@comcast.net.

Thanks

Doug