Welcome Jacob Ryan to the Palmetto Council, BSA

Jacob is the new Outdoor Program Specialist!

Jacob was born in Columbus, Ohio and grew up in Pickens County, SC where he developed a great love of the outdoors and nature. He graduated from Chapman HS in Spartanburg, SC after which he earned a bachelor’s degree from USC upstate in psychology with a concentration in biology through the South Carolina PACE program.

After graduating, he established a sole proprietorship in precision measurement and metrology serving manufactures throughout the southeast. He served in this role for over 18 years.

Jacob then transitioned into non-profit endeavors to blend his love of learning with and teaching young adults and children and his passion for nature, biology, and incorporating STEM principles in education. He did so while working with and volunteering for the Spartanburg Science Center, Kids Upstate, Mobile Meals, and Ruth’s Gleanings/Foodshare of Spartanburg.

In his free time, he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and son, traveling, reading, coaching little league, and he is a sports enthusiast.

Family Den Scouting and BSA Membership Fee Updates

Membership FeEs FAQS

What is driving the youth and adult membership fee increase?

• General Liability Insurance costs to protect volunteer leaders, staff, charter organizations, units, and youth.

• BSA restructuring costs.

• Enhanced Criminal Background check processes and investments in Youth protection and safety programs.

What steps has the National Service Center taken to manage costs?

• Completed a new staff structure and streamlined both the professional workforce and the volunteer structure, while maintaining essential services.

• Reduced the National staff workforce to support essential services.

• Reduced expenses throughout the National organization.

What is the new membership fee for youth and adults? Will the fees go up again?

• The new adult membership fee is $60, and the youth membership fee is $80 annually.

• The BSA will continue to evaluate the membership fees and keep our councils and unit leaders informed of any further changes to the fee structure.

What benefits and services are provided to the local council with the new fee?

• Expanded GLIP protections for Chartered Organizations and volunteers.

• Enhanced Criminal Background checks.

• Investments in BSA safety resources and training.

• The employment of a new Youth Protection Executive and support staff.

• The National Council provides the following essential services to councils:

• The use of BSA Intellectual Property – Youth Safety, Cub Scouts, Scouts, BSA, Venturing, Camp Standards, Training and Program development etc.

• Legal

• Human Resources

• Information Technology – Rechartering, Scout Book

• Accounting Resources

• Council Services Support

• Membership & Marketing Support

• Crisis Communications and support

• Safety & Membership Standards Support

• A variety of training support for youth and adult leaders

• Health Insurance & Benefits

What benefits and services are provided to the unit with the registration fee?

• Expanded General Liability Insurance protections for the chartered organization and unit leaders in the event of an incident.

• Program research and development including, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring.

• Access to Youth Protection Training, Incident Reporting and Scouts First Helpline: 1-   844-Scouts1.

• Access to leadership specific training for adult leaders.

• Investments in program literature and resource development.

• Ability to purchase Uniforms, Insignia and Recognition for youth and Adults.

• Provides access to Membership, Marketing, and Brand Center resources.

• Provides important technology support including Scout Book, on-line registration, on-line advancement, and rechartering, My. Scouting, BeAScout, and BSA Brand Center for digital assets.

• Access to the four BSA High Adventure Properties including Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier High Adventure Base, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.

Exciting Job Opening at Glendale Outdoor Leadership School: Join Our Team as an Outdoor Program Specialist!

Do you have a passion for the great outdoors and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young people? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you! Glendale Outdoor Leadership School (GOLS), part of the esteemed Palmetto Council, is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join our team as an Outdoor Program Specialist. If you're looking for a fulfilling career that combines your love for nature with the chance to inspire and educate others, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Responsibilities that Make a Difference: As an Outdoor Program Specialist at GOLS, you will play a vital role in shaping the lives of young individuals by providing them with opportunities for character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Your responsibilities will be diverse and dynamic, offering a range of exciting experiences. Here are some key aspects of the position:

1. Program Delivery: You will be responsible for designing and delivering engaging programs and activities at the Glendale Outdoor Leadership School. These programs will be tailored to different age groups and designed to foster personal growth through progressive and challenging experiences. Activities may include environmental science, cycling, hiking/backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing.

2. Community Engagement: You will actively promote Scouting and the programs offered at the Glendale Outdoor Leadership School within the local community. Building strong relationships with scout units, schools, and community partners will be crucial to the success of your role. By sharing Scouting's story and highlighting the benefits of outdoor education, you will help create awareness and generate interest in our programs.

3. Parents/Volunteers: Collaboration with parents and other community volunteers is an essential part of this role. You will work closely with them to encourage their involvement in the leadership of scout units and emphasize the importance of youth protection policies. Excellent communication skills will be required to effectively convey the values and impact of Scouting to the community.

Qualifications for Success: To excel as an Outdoor Program Specialist, the ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications:

• Flexibility: Willingness to work a varied schedule, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate the needs of the programs and participants.

• Passion for People: A genuine enjoyment of working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, with the ability to connect and inspire them through outdoor experiences.

• Travel Readiness: Availability for occasional travel, such as attending training sessions once a year for one week, to enhance your skills and stay updated on industry best practices.

• Education: While a bachelor's degree is preferred, it is not mandatory. Your enthusiasm, experience, and dedication to the role will be considered.

• Outdoor Expertise: Having experience and knowledge in outdoor activities such as backpacking, climbing, and canoeing will be advantageous, but a Scouting background is not required.

• Self-Driven and Multitasking: Demonstrating initiative, a strong work ethic, and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities efficiently are essential for success in this position.

• Dedication: A deep interest in devoting yourself to the growth and development of others while upholding the Scout Oath and Law.

• Adherence to Standards: Commitment to following the membership standards set by the Boy Scouts of America.

• Age and Transportation: Must be at least 21 years of age with reliable transportation to fulfill the job requirements.

• Background Checks: Employment offers are contingent upon successful criminal, reference, and motor vehicle background checks.

Salary, Benefits, and Application Process: As an equal opportunity employer, all councils offer competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including major medical, prescription coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, accidental death coverage, retirement plans, and compensation for authorized business expenses like phone and mileage reimbursement. Additionally, a generous vacation policy is provided.

If you are excited about this opportunity and would like to be considered for an interview, please send your resume to Justin Williams at Justin.Williams@Scouting.org. For phone inquiries or further information, please contact us at 864-585-4391.

Join Us in Shaping the Future: By joining the team at Glendale Outdoor Leadership School as an Outdoor Program Specialist, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact on young lives and contribute to the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. Together, we can inspire the next generation of leaders and instill in them the values of character, citizenship, and personal fitness through the wonders of outdoor education. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to turn your love for nature into a rewarding career!

Volunteer Recognition Day - Thank You to All Our Amazing Volunteers!

Volunteers are the backbone of any organization, and Palmetto Council Boy Scouts of America is no exception. Today is Volunteer Recognition Day, and we want to take a moment to thank our 1100+ volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to help us instill the values of the Boy Scouts to the youth in our programs.

Without our volunteers, we would not be able to offer the life-changing experiences that we do to our Scouts. Our volunteers serve in many capacities, including as leaders, mentors, counselors, and trainers. They spend countless hours organizing and leading activities, teaching skills, and providing support and guidance to our Scouts.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and bring with them a wide range of talents and skills. They are parents, grandparents, professionals, retirees, and college students who share a passion for scouting and a desire to make a difference in the lives of our youth.

Their impact on our organization cannot be overstated. Our volunteers help us to fulfill our mission of preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. They inspire our Scouts to be responsible, respectful, and contributing members of their communities.

So, on this Volunteer Recognition Day, we want to express our gratitude to our volunteers for their hard work, dedication, and service. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference in the lives of our Scouts and for being an integral part of our organization. Your contributions are invaluable, and we could not do what we do without you.

Females in Scouting - Katelyn Sweeney

Katelyn Sweeny first joined Scouting as a part of Venturing Crew 28 before becoming one of the first females to become a member of Scouts BSA in Troop 413 Girls and the first female Eagle Scout for the Daniel Morgan District. If you ask Katelyn, Scouting is what allowed her to find her confidence and helped her become the young woman she is today.

Before joining Scouts, Katelyn was shy and suffered from social anxiety. She was not even able to order her own food and drink at a restaurant. Fast forward several years later, and Katelyn was one of the council’s Masters of Ceremony at the Distinguished Citizens Dinner in Spartanburg, an event with over 400 attendees.

For Katelyn, Scouting was a bonding experience between her and her dad, Paul. Paul, is an Eagle Scout and active volunteer in the Palmetto Council. He currently serves as the Scoutmaster for Troop 413 Girls. Katelyn said spending time with her dad doing activities they both enjoyed was a a memory she will always cherish. Katelyn’s mom is also active in Scouting and participates in Troop 413 Girls.

Katelyn says her parents and her brother are the reason she kept pushing her self to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. She credits NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) which she took part in both as a participant and as a leader as being a lifechanging experience that helped her further develop her leadership skills and build her confidence even more. Katelyn was anxious before the week of NYLT because she was going to be alone for the first time without her parents for more than a couple of days at a Scouting event. She had to make new friends as she did not know anyone else attending. Since becoming a Scout, Katelyn has served as a Youth leader for Venturing Crew 28 and Scouts BSA Troop 413 Girls.

To Katelyn, Scouting is an opportunity for young people to find themselves while learning valuable life skills. She says there were never any negatives experiences during her time in Scouts and every opportunity she was given surpassed her expectations. Her favorite trip as a Scout was to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton where her group hiked to the top of a 10,000 ft. mountain peak.

As her confidence grew through Scouting, Katelyn realized how her own voice and skill set could be used to better the community around her. For her Eagle Scout Project, she choose to build a shed for Halter, a local Horse Therapy facility and program. What started as only a mental shed to hold tools and other equipment, quickly became a wooden shed which would require a lot more time to complete. However, with the help from her fellow Scouts BSA members in Troop 413 Girls, her parents, other family members, and other volunteers, Katelyn completed the shed in a day, all that was left was the roofing, which another family member helped complete.

Over the course of her time in Scouting Katelyn overcame her shyness and discovered herself. She says she can only hope she has been a good role model for other females in Scouting and wants every other Scout to know to “Stick to it, there might be some hardships, but stick with it, and I promise Scouting will provide you with unlimited opportunities.”

Katelyn is currently a student at Spartanburg Community College, studying to be a surgical tech. She will complete the program within the next year and looks forward to what the future holds.

Females in Scouting - Emily Pilarczyk

Emily Pilarczyck grew up loving the outdoors! Her family has always spent weekend hiking, camping, and exploring new places. Emily’s dad is an Eagle Scout and her brother has also been involved in Scouting. Every time her brother would receive a new ScoutLife or Scouting magazine, Emily would spend hours reading the articles cover to cover. .Emily would attend Cub Scout camp outs and play freeze tag and games with the other siblings while her brother was taking part in all that the Scouting program had to offer to young boys. She even joined Girl Scouts to learn valuable life skills, but realized all Scout programs are not the same and she continued yearning to further develop her outdoor survival skills. However, in 2018 that all changed.

Emily’s dad received an email that females were going to be allowed to join Scouts, BSA! Emily was so excited and was one of the first females to register as a Scout in the York District of the Palmetto Council. Since joining Scouts as a member of Troop 250 Girls, Emily has accomplishments numerous achievements.

She participated in SEALS (Scouts Excited About Leadership Skills) and in 2022, she achieved the Rank of Eagle Scout. This year she served as the Chair for NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training), and this evening, she will be one of the Council’s Masters of Ceremony as the 2023 York Distinguished Citizens Dinner.

Currently a high school senior, Emily plans to attend North Greenville University and Major in Business, although she is unsure what concentration of business she will pursue. Throughout her Scouting journey, Emily says she has made some of the best friends and so many of the leaders have been mentors to her.

“Through the people that have invested in me, I have the ability to be a great leader. Scouting allowed me to make new friends and helped me become the young woman I am today. There’s a song by Tim McGraw, Always Be Humble and Kind, this songs applies to Scouting. No matter where I am or who I am with, it is important to remain humble and kind.”

Emily says the structure of BSA sets Scouts up to learn so many valuable life skills and have amazing opportunities. It helps young people get out of their comfort zone and try new things. She said there are no words to truly describer how much BSA has impacted her life.

Out of all the Merit Badges Emily earned, Family life was the course that made her grow the most, while Life saving was her favorite Merit Badge course. To Emily, her biggest accomplishment to date has been serving as this year’s NYLT Chair, as it required a lot of prep work and dedication. The best memory she has of her time in Scouts BSA is the night of the Order of the Arrow (OA) Conclave. It was the night before her Eagle Scout Ceremony and they stayed up all night having fun and participating in the traditions of OA.

Emily said “It might sound cliché, but I am honored ot be in this position and had the opportunity to experience everything Scouting has to offer, I can only hope I have been a good role model for the other females throughout the Palmetto Council.”

Emily is currently a member of Troop 250G and Venturing Crew 4213 where she recently completed her year as President.

Females of Scouting - Mrs. Cara Thompson

The current Advancement Chair for Troop 11 in Spartanburg SC, Cara Thompson has made a big impact since becoming involved in Scouting. Cara has two sons with her husband Wade, both who have been a part of Scouting from an early age, one has already achieved his Eagle Scout, and the other is well on his way to earning the rank of Eagle in the very near future. If you ask Cara, she will credit Ron Kirby with Troop 28 as being the force behind her decision to become an active volunteer and leader with the Palmetto Council. As the Senior Director of Performance Systems at Milliken and Chemical Engineer by trade, Cara understands how to navigate a male dominated space. The role of Advancement Chair is to lead and mentor Scouts in the requirements of how to increase his or her rank to ultimately become an Eagle.

“Being a female leader in Scouting has allowed me to help the boys in Troop 11 see the world from a different perspective, it is important for them to become familiar with communicating with women and other individuals who are not the same as them. It adds a layer of diversity.” - Cara Thompson

Since females were allowed to become a part of BSA, Cara says she feels she has been able to make an even greater impact in the lives of young people. One of the of the first females to sit on the Palmetto Council board, Cara is a voice for female Scouts throughout the organization and continually looks for ways to encourage girls and young women to reach their fullest potential. As the Course Director for NYLT this year, Cara has had the opportunity of working with one of the Council’s first female Eagle Scouts, Emily Pilarczyk. Cara says it is the women like Emily who have been able to set precedent for females in the Palmetto Council and show that they have just as much of a right to be a part as the males.

Cara has become a role model to many of females in Scouting. With a successful career, a family, and a highly respected Scout leader, Cara serves as an inspiration to what so many of our young Scouts want for their own lives. For anyone who may be interested in registering their child to be a part of Scouts, Cara says “Scouting provides good, clean, fun, something not readily available for children in today’s society. It also is a way for families to spend time together and build stronger bonds, while learning new skills and making new friends.”

Females in Scouting - Mrs. Ruth H. Davis

If you have been a Scout or a part of Scouting in the Palmetto Council within the last 20 years, then you know Mrs. Ruth Davis. Originally from Long Island, New York, Mrs. Ruth became involved in Scouts when her two twin sons were young. There were no packs in her local area, so she started a unit in her home and quickly took on the role as Cubmaster. Mrs. Ruth says it was an easy decision to place her boys in Scouts as she wanted them to build character and learn survival skills. While her sons never achieved the rank of Eagle, Mrs. Ruth continued to be involved in Scouting, moving her way up through leadership within her local council, eventually becoming a Commissioner. 

Before moving to Spartanburg, SC to be closer to family 20 years ago, Mrs. Ruth had been a volunteer medic with the Gordon Heights Fire Department in New York since 1968. Her work in the healthcare field followed her to Spartanburg as well, where she retired from St. Frances Medical Center. As an active member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (located directly across the street from the Palmetto Council Service Center and staff offices), Mrs. Ruth was excited when the church wanted to renew their charter with the Council and start a new Pack and Troop. Known as Pack 106 and Troop 106, Mrs. Ruth has dedicated countless hours to teaching these Scouts to become better young men and women while also instilling in them core concepts of Scouting such as survival skills.

Mrs. Ruth has served as the District Commissioner for the Council’s Daniel Morgan District for several years and continues to play a pivotal role in the lives of Scouts. While females were a part of Scouting previously as Explorers and Venturers, when BSA decided to officially allow young women to become a part of the Nationally recognized program, Mrs. Ruth said “It’s about time!” She believes everyone deserves the right to learn survival skills. Scouts teach today’s young people how to handle a stressful situation by preparing them mentally, physically, and emotionally. For parents who may be hesitant about your child joining a Cub Scout Pack or Scouts BSA Troop, Mrs. Ruth says “What if there was another Hurricane Katrina, or other type of disaster? You would want your child to be prepared. Having the skills to survive in a situation like that can prepare young people for life.” 

As a mom to two sons, Mrs. Ruth’s motto has always been “Raising Boys to a Higher Standard.” Through her dedication and work as a Scout leader, Mrs. Ruth has had the privilege of awarding 11 Eagle Scouts through her units. For her, it is all about building a stronger bond between families and encouraging them to become a part of something greater than themselves. In 2022, Mrs. Ruth was awarded the Mary L. Thomas Award for Civic Leadership and Community Change by the Spartanburg County Foundation. While her accomplishments are worthy of acknowledging, Mrs. Ruth says she likes to stay behind the scenes. After all, it is not about her, but about the Scouts’ accomplishments and their success toward becoming better young men and women. 

During the interview with Mrs. Ruth she mentioned her favorite Bible Verse, Psalms 23:1. For her, this verse applies to her faith, but also to her role as a Scout leader. 

President Helena Miller Passes the Gavel to Dan Atkinson

The Council held their Annual Meeting and first Executive Board Meeting of the Year on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Glendale Outdoor Leadership School (GOLS). 2020 - 2023 President Helena Miller was the first female as well as immigrant President for the Council. Her three year term saw unprecedented times with the COVID-19 Pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances. However, Helena’s leadership never waivered, and her dedication to serving the Scouts and programs across our six county region only helped the council continue to grow and expand as others were struggling to stay afloat. Palmetto Council is grateful for Helena’s guidance and support during her time as President. Before passing the gavel off to incoming President Dan Atkinson, Helena thanked the members of the board, volunteers, and staff for their never ending support during her three year term as Council President.

C. Daniel Atkinson has been a part of the Palmetto Council for over seven years. As an attorney with Wilkes Atkinson & Joyner, Dan has served on the board most recently as legal counsel. Before moving to Spartanburg, SC and becoming a Cubmaster with Pack 22, he grew up as a Boy Scout in our neighboring Blue Ridge Council. Both of his older children (son & daughter) are a part of Scouts and his youngest son will be joining in the Fall as a Lion. His daughter was one of the very first females to become a registered Scout in the Palmetto Council when BSA allowed females to join. During his acceptance speech, Dan discussed what scouts means to him and how as we move forward this year, we all must move forward together. Being a scout is not something that we do only on the days pack or troop meetings, it is a lifestyle we live out daily.

Palmetto Council Program Coordinator Donates a Kidney to Someone She Did Not Know Before the Transplant

Spartanburg, SC – Palmetto Council, BSA, Program Coordinator Marie Cole recently donated a kidney to someone she did not know before the transplant. It started before Marie was even born; her grandfather received a heart transplant allowing him to live ten more years before passing away of renal failure. Because of the generous spirit of a stranger choosing to be an organ donor, Marie was able to know her grandpa and see the benefits of organ donation.

Fast forward to five years ago and Marie’s mom chose to donate a kidney to someone in her Sunday School class at her church. While she always knew she would eventually become an organ donor, this allowed Marie to see the transplant process firsthand and she decided it was something she wanted to do for someone else.

Last Summer, as Marie was sitting with her family reminiscing about her grandpa when she decided it was the right time to look at her calendar and reach out to the National Kidney Registry (NKR).

After blood draws, MRIs, CT scans, EKGs and various other routine tests, the registry alerted Marie that she would be a perfect candidate to be a kidney donor and since her blood type is O negative her kidney could be transplanted to someone who has been on the recipient list for a while.

Within two weeks of being placed on the NKR website, Marie’s donor coordinator reached out to let he know they had found a match!

With surgery scheduled for December 27th, Marie had to take extra precautions to ensure she did not contract COVID-19 or another illness before the transplant.  

As surgery day approached Marie stated, “I was excited and determined, I was only nervous about coming down with COVID, which would delay the surgery several weeks or even months.”

After a three day stay in the Atlanta hospital where she underwent the transplant, Marie was sent home to begin her six-week recovery. Her only complaint is that is she was bored while having to stay home and rest. Marie likes to stay active by hiking, leading canoe trips, and other outdoor activities.

Marie did not know the recipient of her kidney prior to the transplant, but after reaching out to her donor coordinator, Marie as granted permission to reach out via email. After a week, the recipient responded that she is doing well and thanks to Marie’s gift she has more energy than she has ever had in years and her kidney function has increased by 46% in less than a month. Her favorite thing since receiving her new kidney is that she no longer must divide her energy and can stay active with her eight-year-old daughter.

 As for Marie, her recovery is still ongoing, but overall, she has had no complications. Marie said the most meaningful impact of being an organ donor is “not only did I give someone another chance at life, but I was able to give a daughter her mom back.”

Marie says that this journey would have never been possible if it was not for the support her family, partner Zack, and Palmetto Council staff. She wants to encourage anyone who may be considering organ donation to take the time and seek more information.  Giving someone an organ, they have been needing, sometimes for a long period of time, is the best feeling she has ever experienced.

To find out more information about Organ Donation visit www.kidneyregistry.org

Marie has been with the council for almost two years and primarily works at the Glendale Outdoor Leadership School (GOLS) providing educational Scouting opportunities and STEM learning experiences to local school groups.