Revealing Leadership Potential: S.E.A.L.S. Training - the Gateway to Scouting Excellence

S.E.A.L.S training this upcoming May is the perfect opportunity for scouts to get their first taste of leadership. In fact, this training can help close the gap to NYLT, which requires the rank of First Class. 

So what exactly is S.E.A.L.S, a program offered almost exclusively by our Palmetto Council? 

S.E.A.L.S (Scouts Excited About Leadership Skills), is a program designed to aid scouts who have achieved their Tenderfoot rank. It provides Scouts with a solid foundation for leadership skills, enabling them to take on certain roles in a troop. It paves the way for Scouting’s more advanced programs like NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training).

S.E.A.L.S proved to be particularly beneficial, offering an introduction to leadership concepts. It equips Scouts with the fundamental skills of communication, planning, and interpersonal skills that are used even up till an Eagle Scout project. These skills are especially invaluable for roles in a troop post—S.E.A.L.S.

A highlight of S.E.A.L.S training is the emphasis on SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. At the program's conclusion, each Scout is tasked with creating a goal to enhance their troop. 

When I participated in S.E.A.L.S., my goal was to "assist the scouts in the new patrol of my troop in achieving their Scout rank within two months of joining." This commitment led to multiple sessions with the new patrol of my troop, where I applied the knowledge gained from S.E.A.L.S, to practice my leadership skills in practical scenarios. That is what makes S.E.A.L.S different from most introductory leadership courses. A scout is expected to put their learning into practice. 

Reflecting on those efforts, the scouts I worked with have now attained First Class rank and beyond. I was able to help them using the leadership skills and goals I created during my training. 

For scouts contemplating whether to attend S.E.A.L.S., the uncertainty is not uncommon. Having been in that position, attending S.E.A.L.S set me on the right trajectory for my Scouting experience. I am immensely grateful for the training, and I wholeheartedly encourage fellow scouts to seize the opportunity for personal and leadership growth that S.E.A.L.S. offers.

- Navneeth Nalajala

Eagle Scout, Troop 130

Unlocking the Adventure: Why Every Scout Should Experience Summer Camp

Imagine a week of non-stop thrills: biking through lush forests, diving into the refreshing waters of the lake, scaling towering rock faces, paddling through winding streams, and soaring through the treetops on a zipline. Lucky for us Scouts, we don’t just have to dream about it.

It's the time of year we eagerly anticipate, looking forward to Summer camp. However, as an SPL, I have noticed in the past, not every Scout feels fully ready for the adventure ahead. Nevertheless, they have nothing to be afraid of. Everybody can enjoy a certain aspect of Summer camp. The activities and experiences are a whole different ball game compared to regular campouts. It's a week jam-packed with unforgettable experiences.

Spending a week with your troop might not sound like the most thrilling thing, but it's a chance to build bonds like no other. Especially for those who've just joined, Summer camp is where friendships are forged. During my time at Summer camps, I found myself growing closer to my troop mates and leaders.

And for those who are more focused on rank advancement, Summer camp is a great place to start. Many offer first-year Scout programs, which are great for getting a head start. Moreover, it can lead to a great foundation of skills. Going to Summer camp can also knock out a chunk of your required 20 nights for the camping merit badge!

In addition, depending on the camp, you could meet troops from other states. One Summer I remember fondly, my troop met others from Virginia, Pennsylvania, and even as far as Ohio! Summer camp isn't just about sticking with your own troop; it's about broadening your horizons and making connections with Scouts from everywhere.

The real magic of Summer is its ability to be common ground for personal growth and leadership skills. There, I discovered my passion for being a part of the camp staff—a journey that's shaped my Scouting experience in amazing ways. Since then, I’ve staffed the past two summers at a camp.

Beyond the great experiences, Summer camp also teaches us a lesson in self-sustenance, cleanliness, and personal management. Summer camp is your own adventure! Make sure you have fun and stay safe. 

So, to all my fellow Scouts, don't miss out on Summer camp. It's not just a week of fun—it's an experience that'll stick with you for life. It will keep you coming back for more. 

- Navneeth Nalajala

Eagle Scout, Troop 130

Journey to Leadership: A Scout's Reflections on NYLT

I vividly recall the moment my Scoutmaster told me, 'I want you at NYLT, Nav!' Until then, the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) had been an unfamiliar term in my Scouting journey, but little did I know that it would unfold into a transformative experience.

Hello, I'm Navneeth Nalajala, an Eagle Scout from Troop 130 in Fort Mill, and I had the privilege of undergoing NYLT training in 2021.

The NYLT atmosphere was unlike any other camp. It brimmed with teamwork driven by Scout spirit and a commitment to learning. My fellow Scouts and I approached the experience with eagerness, determined to develop our leadership skills.

NYLT stands out from any typical campout; it transforms the entire camp into one cohesive troop, fostering meaningful interactions and lasting connections. To this day, I cherish the friendships forged with other Scouts during NYLT.

Attending National Youth Leadership Training is one of the most unique and valuable experiences in Scouting. This intensive course equips us Scouts with essential skills for leading others and maintaining troop organization. While the core framework of each NYLT course remains consistent, each council takes their own spin on it. Palmetto Council does an exceptional job.

Despite my initial nervousness, there was little time for me to dwell on it. NYLT thrust us into action with a variety of teamwork activities, including cooking, working on lashing construction projects, setting up campsites, building campfires, and team orienteering.

Schedule for NYLT

NYLT not only provided us with practical experiences but also delved into the fundamental question: 'What exactly makes up a leader?' The training addressed three critical aspects:

• What must a leader be? We observed other Scout leaders, both youth and adult Scouters, noting their conduct and interactions.

• What must a leader know? We learned indispensable leadership skills, analyzing the choices of experienced leaders to determine the best courses of action.

• What must a leader do? NYLT wasn't theoretical; it was hands-on. We practiced leadership, leading by example and honing our abilities.

• NYLT taught me that being a leader is more than a position; it's a way of life! After returning to my home troop, I was able to share my experience and lessons, and felt confident in my role as SPL. NYLT continues to affect me in Scouting to this day. The connections I made and the relationships I forged still remain close to my heart. 

I encourage my fellow Scouts to experience NYLT this Spring. I assure you; It’s a life-changing experience that will shape you into the best scout you can be. 

Holiday Message 2024

Happy Holidays from all of us at Palmetto Council BSA! We want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the year. Your dedication to Scouting and our community has made a significant impact, and we are truly grateful.

As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with pride at the accomplishments we have achieved together. Your support has been instrumental in our success, and we are excited to share our upcoming 2023 annual report with you soon. This report will highlight the incredible milestones we have reached and provide a glimpse into the exciting initiatives we have planned for 2024.

Please note that our Service Center, including the Scout Shop, will be closed until January 3rd to allow our staff to enjoy the holiday season with their loved ones. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you again in the new year.

Once again, thank you for your continued support. Wishing you and your family a holiday season and a prosperous New Year filled with happiness and success.

Please take a moment to click on the image below to watch a short Holiday message from Council President, Dan Atkinson.

Messenger of Peace Champion Award: Brandon Behrmann's Inspiring Pollinator Garden Project

In a world that shifted drastically to the digital sphere during the COVID-19 pandemic, young Brandon Behrmann found a way to make a tangible impact on his community and the environment. A dedicated member of Troop 219 and one of the Council’s newest Eagle Scouts, he embarked on a remarkable journey towards earning the prestigious Messenger of Peace Champion Award. This award not only symbolizes his dedication to Scouting but also showcases his passion for environmental conservation and community service.

Brandon's Scouting journey began in mid-2019, and over four years, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment and a drive to create positive change. His journey toward the Messenger of Peace Champion Award started over a year ago when he delved into researching project ideas for Eagle Scout rank.

For his project, Brandon teamed up with "SIM USA," an international missionary organization with a strong focus on global outreach and community development, while also integrating faith into their mission. With one of SIM's headquarters located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Brandon saw an opportunity to combine his faith-based values with an organization dedicated to serving others.

The beneficiary of his project was a family friend, and Brandon's passion for environmental conservation was the driving force behind his initiative. He recognized the vital role that pollinators play in the world's ecosystem, contributing to plant growth and creating more natural spaces for people to enjoy. To make this vision a reality, Brandon decided to plant pollinator bushes and install a bee hotel as one of the project's key components.

Through his collaboration with SIM, Brandon also addressed a pressing issue: the restoration of a meeting and prayer place that had been severely damaged by a storm about a year prior. This location served as a common meeting point for those embarking on or returning from mission trips, and offering SIM employees a place to relax during their workday. Brandon's project included the re-installation of a large wooden cross, further reflecting the faith-based values that both he and SIM hold dear.

One of the core aspects that initially drew Brandon to pollinators was their significance in benefiting plant growth. As he embarked on his project, he envisioned creating an educational component, including pamphlets about pollinators to raise awareness of their crucial role in the environment.  He also included education for all of his project worker on the importance of protecting pollinators and the community building mission work if SIM. Brandon's dedication to environmental conservation extended beyond his pollinator project. He earned merit badges in sustainability, fish and wildlife management, and other nature-related fields. His commitment to Scouting and the environment was not limited to the project alone; it was a testament to his unwavering dedication.

Even the materials used in his project reflected his commitment to sustainability. Brandon ensured that all wooden aspects were constructed using lumber appropriately-treated to last as long as possible but ensuring not to harm the wildlife. The project's overall design was meant to be low-maintenance, with SIM's dedicated workers taking on the responsibility of ensuring the area doesn't become overgrown again. The sturdiness of the benches and the secure installation of the bee hotel and cross exemplified Brandon's attention to detail.

Upon completion of the project, Brandon hoped to inspire others to engage in sustainable activities and witness the positive impact they could make on their communities. He believed that by setting an example, he could encourage others to support organizations like SIM, which aim to help people in need. Thirty-one Scouts and scouters earned the basic Messengers of Peace award through working on this project.

Soon after project completion, a small conference was held at SIM and the attendees were able to to celebrate the project's completion, with most of the conference's activities taking place in the newly revitalized area. Brandon affectionately referred to this endeavor as his "Passion Project," emphasizing the educational component and the positive influence it could have on others.

In the end, Brandon Behrmann's Messenger of Peace Champion Award requirements and his journey to Eagle Scout allowed for a project that exemplifies the power of youth-driven initiatives to create meaningful change in their communities. Through his dedication to Scouting, environmental conservation, and community service, he has left an indelible mark that will inspire others for generations to come.

To learn more about the Messenger of Peace Champion Award click here.

2023 Summer Camp Expo - 10/19

All Scouts and Scouters are invited to join us for our annual Summer Camp Expo. This event will feature 25 area camp who will be offering both Cub Scout & Scouts BSA camping opportunities next summer. This will be a Council-wide event and will take the place of October Roundtable. Make sure to join us on October 19th from 6:30-8:00 PM at Woodland UMC in Rock Hill, SC. Dinner will be provided for FREE! If you cannot make the event in-person, you can also join our live stream that will feature interviews from each camp. Regardless if you plan to attend in-person or virtual, please RSVP by clicking HERE. You can see more details on the attending camps below. This is a GREAT event and we highly encourage as many youth to attend as possible!

Troop 275G

For generations, earning the prestigious Eagle Scout recognition has been a revered tradition among boys in America through the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). However, since 2019, a new chapter has unfolded in the history of scouting in the United States. Girls are now welcomed to embark on the same journey, and Troop 275G is a shining example of this change.

Troop 275G, located in the Indian Land area, is a group of five determined young girls who are on a mission to earn their place in scouting history. Their journey began when Marny Mortimore, the scoutmaster for Troop 275G, decided to take action in May after her child, Faith Mortimore, expressed interest in joining Scouts, BSA following a crossover ceremony.

Faith's desire to be a part of Scouting led Marny Mortimore to look for a nearby troop. Unfortunately, the nearest one was a 35-minute drive away in Fort Mill. The idea of commuting this distance for a weekly meeting didn't seem practical. So, Marny took it upon herself to create a troop, saying, "If we don't have one (here), I guess I'll have to start one."

Today, Troop 275G boasts five dedicated members: Faith Mortimore, 13; Sky Herndon, 11; Anneliese Koehler, 12; Ruby Hirsch, 12; and Willa Condrey, 14. These young girls are on an exciting journey of self-discovery, leadership development, and outdoor exploration.

Sky expressed her excitement at the prospect of learning different leadership skills and experiencing the great outdoors during camping trips. She eagerly anticipates gaining valuable skills like fire-building and providing first aid in medical emergencies.

Anneliese found her way to Troop 275G after her former Girl Scouts troop disbanded and her troop leader moved away. Discovering that she could join BSA opened up a new world of skills and experiences that Girl Scouts did not offer.

Ruby enjoys bonding with fellow Scouts who share her love for the outdoors. Activities like camping, wood chopping, and wildlife identification have become opportunities for her to connect with like-minded friends.

Faith emphasized the value of the diverse range of badges Scouts can earn without feeling pressured to achieve the distinguished Eagle Scout honor. She believes that Scouting is about having fun while learning essential life skills.

All members of Troop 275G spoke of the pride they feel in their accomplishments. Whether it's earning badges or taking on challenges, every achievement brings a sense of accomplishment and self-pride.

Troop 275G has a busy schedule ahead, balancing badge-earning activities with the recruitment of new members. They are hosting a Family Fun Fair on August 19, where middle school girls can learn more about the troop and its activities.

Troop 275G is breaking new ground by offering girls in Lancaster County the chance to experience the adventure and personal growth that scouting provides. With a focus on outdoor skills, leadership, and camaraderie, these young girls are proving that scouting is truly for everyone. Their journey is a testament to the evolving landscape of scouting in the United States, where inclusivity and opportunities for all are at the forefront of this time-honored tradition.

A Journey of Discovery: Scott Cope's Adventure at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea

In the heart of the Scouting community, there are stories that inspire, tales of young adventurers who embark on life-changing journeys that shape their character and worldview. One such remarkable story is that of Scott Cope, a dedicated Scout from Troop 925 in the York District of Palmetto Council, BSA. Recently, Scott had the incredible opportunity to attend the World Scout Jamboree held in South Korea, an adventure that spanned 2.5 weeks and unfolded with a trove of unforgettable experiences.

Scott was part of Troop 3, a diverse group consisting of 36 youth members and 4 dedicated adults, hailing from various places across the United States, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Minnesota, and Puerto Rico. The Troop came together through a series of virtual meetings over Zoom, setting the foundation for their international adventure. These meetings were essential for getting to know one another, discussing Jamboree logistics, completing medical requirements, and planning what to bring on this epic journey.

When the day finally arrived, Scott and his Troop boarded a 14-hour flight to South Korea. Once they touched down, their adventure truly began as they embarked on a whirlwind tour of South Korea's rich history. They explored shrines, palaces, and visited the Jamboree Cultural Tents. These cultural tents, representing various countries, showcased unique items, and provided insights into different Scout traditions. Scott said his favorite tent was Germany. He was even able to trade items and bring back German Scout patches.

One of the most profound aspects of the Jamboree was the opportunity to meet Scouts from all corners of the globe. Scott discovered that Scouting is a universal language that transcends borders. In the scorching Korean heat, he learned valuable lessons about inclusivity and the importance of getting to know people from diverse backgrounds. Tents from different countries hosted games, shared food, and fostered cultural exchanges. Scott even tried some interesting dishes like bibimbap (a delicious rice bowl with vegetables, protein such as beef, and a whole egg) and tteokbokki (a rice cake that has many variations, but is beloved by all nationals and tourists alike).

While the Jamboree was filled with incredible experiences, it also came with unexpected challenges. The Troop faced a major curveball when they had to leave 11 days earlier than planned due to sanitation issues and an impending typhoon. Despite this, the Scouts remained positive and cherished the memories they had created. Scott said he would not trade the experience he had in South Korea regardless of the issues. 

Scott’s parents, Brian and Anne Cope, are incredibly proud of his achievements and the character development he has undergone through Scouting. He not only excels in the world of Scouting but also in sports, being a dedicated cross-country runner and track athlete. As a testament to his versatility, he has a side project involving a 1970s Beetle converted into a sand rail.

Scott's experience at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea was more than just an adventure; it was a transformative journey that broadened his horizons, fostered global connections, and reinforced the values of Scouting. His parents are eager for his sister, Meg, to embark on a similar adventure in four years when the Jamboree heads to Poland.

 In closing, Scott's story is a testament to the power of Scouting, shaping young individuals into responsible, well-rounded adults. Through this incredible journey, he has not only discovered the beauty of South Korea but also the beauty of friendship and cultural exchange, values that will stay with him for a lifetime.

New Membership Fees Announced

Recently, the National BSA released information regarding membership fee increases for the upcoming 2023/2024 Scouting year. In the June edition of our Monthly Newsletter, Scout Executive, Justin Williams stated “The announcement of the new fees has been delayed several times following significant feedback from local Councils towards multiple fee models. Simply put, if the BSA wants to continue its membership growth trend, a large membership fee increase would be counterproductive. I am relieved that the most drastic fee structure models were not adopted.”

So what does this mean for membership fees in the Palmetto Council?

“Effective August 1, 2023, the BSA will be increasing the yearly youth membership fee by $5 annually ($75 to $80 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing and $45 to $50 for Explorers). The adult fee will increase by $15 for all programs except Exploring, which will be a $6 increase. Individuals only registered as Merit Badge Counselors will now also be charged $25. There will be no change made to the unit charter fee, the $25 one-time joining fee, or the Scout Life subscription fee.”

To better explain the new fee structure, the following infographic was release by BSA and was included in our July edition of our Monthly Newsletter.

New membership fee structure for BSA, released July, 2023.

If you have questions regarding the membership fee changes please reach out to either Scout Executive Justin Williams at justin.williams@scouting.org or Assistant Scout Executive, Taylor Thomas at taylor.thomas@scouting.org.

The Council is planning to host a Town Hall event in the coming weeks to answer questions and provide more information. Please be on the lookout for an email and stay connected to our Facebook Page for information regarding the date and time. For more information or to read the June message from Scout Executive, Justin Williams, including insurance fee updates please click here.