Mecklenburg County Boy Scouts of America
Smoke Signals - 9.1.21
An online edition of our Apache District Newsletter can also be found @ http://www.mccscouting.org/apache under the Smoke Signals tab
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy
From your Apache District Committee
Apache Roundtable for Thursday, September 9, 2021, 7:00 pm will meet in-person at
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.
6:00 p.m. Eagle Project Proposal In-person Reviews
6:15 p.m. District Committee Meeting
7:00 p.m. Cracker Barrel, Meet and Greet
7:30 p.m. General Session: Opening Flag ceremony, Invocation, District Updates, Training Awards, Announcements, RT Commissioner's Minute
7:50 p.m. Breakout Session: Webloree/Camporee, October 22-24. Camp Grimes
Packs: Webloree updates and brainstorming activity ideas
Troops: Camporee - Zombie Apocalypse - updates and more
8:45 p.m. “Leave No Trace” clean-up, Roundtable ends
Thursday, July 8, 2021, No Roundtable will occur.
Thursday, October 14, 2021, 2021, Next Roundtable
Agenda is posted at https://www.mccscouting.org/apache-roundtables
Brady Drummond-Ryan, bradydryan@gmail.com
Apache Roundtable Commissioner
Eagle Project Proposal Reviews
Scouts may request virtual reviews. Scouts should follow instructions for scheduling posted at
https://www.mccscouting.org/eagle-scouts, then Project Review Information.
Recruiting Ideas for Your Unit
Bryan on Scouting Blog, July 8, 2021
“Cub Scout recruiting season is near; #CubChatLive has you covered”
Cub Scout Meetings – Where Do We Go?
If your Charter Org is closed, you can still meet outside. Now is a great time to keep the outing in Scouting. Meet at public parks – Town or County parks are open. If you can’t have traditional Den Meetings, meet as a Pack and let the Scouts learn Scout skills – some may be advanced or repeats, but get them outside and have them bring a friend!!
For more information or ideas, contact Apache Membership Chair Andy Waligowski at andy.waligowski@gmail.com
Cub Scout leaders
These resources may be helpful to planning Cub programs:
https://www.sgcbsa.org/files/29281/Lion-Leader-Parent-Guide-pdf
https://www.sgcbsa.org/files/29282/Tiger-Leader-Guide-pdf
https://www.sgcbsa.org/files/29283/Wolf-Leader-Guide-pdf
https://www.sgcbsa.org/files/29284/Bear-Leader-Guide-pdf
https://www.sgcbsa.org/files/29285/Webelos-Leader-Guide-pdf
These Cub Scout Adventures video resources can help your next den meeting:
Merit Badge Information
Current merit badge requirements:
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/
Unofficial, optional merit badge workbooks: http://usscouts.org/meritbadges.asp
Blue Card Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R-9a4mZuGMgrR1SECJdKsMkt4c4kxda4/view?usp=sharing
Merit Badge Homework Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jm7GIJ9V9FbZZQTVU3hO74bc_yaiXkBN/view?usp=sharing
Official BSA merit badge pamphlets:
Troop library, Mecklenburg County Council Scout Shop, www.scoutshop.org
Printed and digital editions for Kindle: www.smile.amazon.com
Merit badges for social distancing: 58 badges Scouts can complete at home
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/03/20/merit-badges-for-social-distancing/
Movies for Merit Badge Advancement
https://www.mccscouting.org/merit-badge-info
Remote Scouting
Scheduled Merit Badge Courses
Mecklenburg County Council is pleased to offer the following merit badge courses:
Personal Management MB, beginning Thursday, September 09
Collections MB, Saturday, September 18, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Scouting Heritage MB, Saturday, September 18, Noon to 3:00 p.m., at
Sardis Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 6100 Sardis Rd., Charlotte, NC 28270
https://www.bsator.com/event/2021-charlotte-trade-o-ree-state-north-carolina/
Radio MB, Saturday, October 16, Back Creek Church Scout Barn
Welding MB Saturday, December 4, CPCC Harper Campus
Graphic Arts MB, Saturday, December 11, CPCC Harper Campus
Winter Camp, Friday-Saturday-Sunday, December 17-18-19, at Belk Scout Camp
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All day Saturday
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American Business + Entrepreneurship + Salesmanship
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Half-day sessions on Saturday morning, repeated in the afternoon
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Citizenship in the Community
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Citizenship in the Nation
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Citizenship in the World
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Emergency Preparedness
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Safety + Traffic Safety
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Sunday morning
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Family Life
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Links to Merit Badge Guides and to on-line registration and payment are posted at https://www.mccscouting.org/about-3
Schedule Your Own Merit Badge Courses
Scuba Merit Badge
https://www.mccscouting.org/merit-badge-info
ADVANCEMENT NEWS:
Advancement News, a BSA e-publication with advancement information for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA members, Venturers, and Sea Scouts
BSA Conservation and Community Service Information
Scout or Patrol or Troop service projects could be opportunities to meet requirements for service hours for rank requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life rank
or Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge
or Camping Merit Badge
or BSA 50-miler Award
or BSA Historic Trails Award
or the BSA Hometown USA Award
or the Conservation Good Turn Award
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/conservation-and-environment/conservation-good-turn/
https://www.scoutshop.org/bsa-conservation-good-turn-emblem-149.html
or the BSA Summer of Service Awards
https://tradingpost.classb.com/summer-of-service/
or one of the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards
or the 50th Anniversary Environmental Protection Agency Award (expires 12/31/2021)
Information about opportunities for service hours and Eagle Projects with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is posted at https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Volunteer/Pages/volunteer-opportunities.aspx
Advancement Update: Extensions Beyond Age 18
Local Councils have authority to grant limited extensions of time to complete Eagle, Quartermaster, or Summit requirements.
More information is available at
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/resources/
Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities
Volunteers Needed – Eagle Projects and Eagle Boards of Review
The Apache Advancement team seeks volunteers to participate in Eagle Project Proposal Reviews and in Eagle Boards of Review. For those interested, please email the Apache Advancement Chair, Dean Elledge at apache.advancement@gmail.com.
Eagle Application Packets with Complete Merit Badge Advancement Records Requested
When Scouts present their Eagle application packets to the Council office to seek scheduling for the Eagle Boards of Review, please include a current Scoutbook or other advancement report so that the Board can process an immediate Palm recognition request at the time of the Board.
For further Advancement information, please contact your Apache District Advancement Chair or visit https://www.mccscouting.org/advancement or https://www.mccscouting.org/eagle-scouts
Eagle Board of Review Questions
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2012/09/14/20-questions-to-ask-at-your-next-eagle-board-of-review/
Tools for Eagle Projects
Charlotte Community ToolBank provides inexpensive access to tools for group projects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWqwzlkJWv8
http://charlotte.toolbank.org/
When Scouts present their Eagle application packets to the Council office to seek scheduling for the Eagle Boards of Review, please include a current Scoutbook or other advancement report so that the Board can process an immediate Palm recognition request at the time of the Board.
Eagle project idea—Bug Hotel
Safety with pressure-treated wood
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pressure-treated-lumber-what-safety-should-telling-you-terry-penney/
Aquatics and Fishing News
From the Pond
NEW:
BSA Fishing to Host Two New Certified Angling Instructor (CAI) Courses
BSA and MCC Fishing are pleased to announce two new nationwide Certified Angling Instructor courses. The courses are designed to give Scout leaders and older Scouts some great tools and ideas to get their youth learning about fishing.
The courses are open to registered parents, Scout leaders, both volunteer and professional, and youth 16 and older. Becoming a CAI is a great way for a Scout or Venture Crew member to get a staff position at a summer camp.
Upcoming CAI Courses
CAI 2021 NA 7
Wednesday Nights - September 22 - October 27 (7:00 to 9:00 pm Eastern)
CAI 2021- NA 8
Thursday Nights - October 7 - November 11 (7:00 to 9:00 pm Eastern)
Further details and registration visit http://bsafishing.com
For some great resources and further information about Mecklenburg County Council’s fishing program, please visit: https://www.mccscouting.org/fishing
and https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/fishing/
Any questions? Contact Bill Kalbas at mccfishing415@gmail.com
FISH ON!!!
Outing in Scouting
Cooking
https://scoutlife.org/search/?q=cooking#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=cooking&gsc.page=1
APACHE DISTRICT NEWS AND EVENTS:
Apache Fall Camporee: Zombie Apocalypse
Oct 22-24th at Camp Grimes
Competitive activities! Cooking Demonstration, First Aid, Fire building, and Pioneering
Contests! Dutch Oven Dessert and Pumpkin Carving
Guaranteed loads of fun for the weekend
Pricing & more information coming soon!
Contact: Megan Thompson meganmtt@gmail.com
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, October 8-9-10, Apache Cuboree
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, October 22-23-24, Apache Camporee & Webeloree
Thursday, December 9, Apache District Annual Banquet
Recruitment
Please consider the high value and low cost of word-of-mouth advertising for Scouting. Scouting families have enjoyed an increasing number of outdoor activities at our camps and through den, pack, patrol, troop, crew, district, and council programs. We have new stories to tell of our good times. Spreading the word to friends and neighbors at the beach or pool or backyard parties can open doors to opportunities for more youth and adults to join Scouting during Fall Round-up.
If ever a fleeting doubt on the value of Scouting walks the aisle of your train of thoughts, please watch the video posted at https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2021/06/03/camp-staffer-with-autism-shares-how-to-help-others-thrive-at-camp/
COUNCIL NEWS AND EVENTS:
Saturday, September 25, Trailblazer Day for new Cub Scout members
Saturday, October 30, Spookoree
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, November 12-13-14, 3rd Annual NST15 All-Girl Camporee
Save the Date! Friday - Sunday, November 12 - 14, 2021
3rd Annual NST15 [National Service Territory] All-Girl Camporee at Camp Grimes
Details forthcoming. Please email Monica.Zeleznik@Scouting.org with any questions or if you would like to be involved in planning.
Exploring (for young men and women 10 to 20 years old)
Why We Do What We Do…
My middle son Will and two of his classmates and fellow EMT’s were in the Charlotte Fire Fighters Exploring Post, and Troop 118. Captain Stefan Jones was the post leader and, oh, how he made an impression on Will. During Will’s junior and senior year in high school Will took every opportunity to ride along, and even stay overnight, with Station 3 or 42……and his mom and I can credit Will for convincing his brother to sell his motorcycle after sharing some of the motorcycle accident calls he rode on. Today all three of them continue their service as commissioned officers; Will in the U.S. Navy, and his friends serve in the U.S. Coast Guard.
~William B. Cornett (Bill)
WHY EXPLORING?
Exploring provides exciting activities and mentorship for youth looking to discover their future.
Exploring Career Interest Survey
Engaging with career professionals, middle and high school students gain unique, real-life opportunities to experience varied career choices aiding in a more informed decision about future careers.
Below is the 2021 Career Exploring survey link to share with 8th through 12th grade students. By completing this survey, students will receive an invite from us to attend open house events if there is a career interest match.
http://bit.ly/ExploringSurvey2021
If you have a 6th or 7th grade student, or perhaps you would like to serve as a career mentor, or if you have any other questions, please schedule meeting with me at https://calendly.com/mzeleznik
National Scouting
Boys’ Life magazine, first published in 1911, was renamed Scout Life beginning with the January 2021 issue.
Archives:
https://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/serial?id=boyslife
https://scoutlife.org/wayback/
The print version of Scouting magazine, first published April 15, 1913, ended with the May-June 2020 issue.
https://scoutingmagazine.org/2013/03/looking-back-at-scoutings-first-issue/
A new Scouting magazine app is available in the App Store and Google Play.
Archives:
https://scoutingmagazine.org/backissues/
https://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/collections/SCOUT/
https://scoutingmagazine.org/backissues/indexes/
BSA High Adventure Base reservations
Florida Sea Base
Northern Tier
Check out Summer, Winter, and Autumn Adventures at https://www.ntier.org/
Philmont
https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/registersection/
Some crew slots for 2021 are open. Registration is open for Individual Treks, Ranch Hands, STEM Trek, OA Trail Crew, Trail Crew, Roving Outdoor Conservation School, Rayado, Family Adventure Camp, Training Center Conferences, NAYLE, Philmont Leadership Challenge, PhilBreak, Autumn Adventure, Volunteer Vacation.
Summit Bechtel Reserve
Check out High Adventure, Scout Camp, Training and Conferences at https://www.summitbsa.org/
International Scouting
BSA announced that the International Spirit Award is available to Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, Venturers, and Scouters. Requirements and Award form can be found at International-Spirit-Award-app.130-044.pdf (scouting.org). The award can be processed through Scoutbook and can be purchased through our local Scout Shop with a Scoutbook Advancement Report.
Please fill out the application with the date that each requirement was completed. All requirements must be met within 5 years from the start to completion of the Award.
Youth and adults wear the International Spirit Award emblem as a temporary patch centered on the right uniform pocket.
Requirements and application form for the International Scouter’s Award Square Knot are posted at
https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/International-Scouters-Award-app.pdf
https://www.scouting.org/international/events/
July 18 to 22, 2022, 16th World Scout Moot, hosted by Scouting Ireland
Please click here for more information and to apply:
https://www.scouting.org/international/world-scout-moot/
August 1-12, 2023, 25th World Scout Jamboree, Saemanguem, South Korea
2023 World Jamboree Host Site
2023 USA World Jamboree Contingent Site
European Scout Voluntary Program
https://www.scouting.org/international/ecamp/
Participants must be 18 to 30 years old and must commit to serve on camp staff in Europe for at least 6 weeks.
Kandersteg International Scout Centre
International BSA Blog
https://www.scouting.org/international/international-adventure/
ORDER OF THE ARROW – Catawba Lodge and APACHE CHAPTER
New and Old — Where To Go Camping Guide 2021
The Catawba Lodge Where To Go Camping Guide is alive and well at
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ndu424l1iDZnpVFMplqDohSRGk7pYDkq3indesA22wQ/edit?usp=sharing
The WTGCG is a large file (275 pages) with all kinds of information related to camping opportunities, in local camps, parks, state and national forests, High Adventure Bases, national and international events, by way of car camping, backpacking, and float trips.
Link your Lodge Email to your Personal Email
Some of you may not know how to access your Lodge email account, or may be unaware that
you have one. You can find instructions on forwarding all of your Lodge emails to your personal
email account at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwrGkVVw08OudS1xSHZlb1RSS1U/view?usp=sharing
The Catawba Lodge Executive Board (LEB) established dates for Lodge events in 2021 at its January meeting:
September 10-12 OA Ordeal at BSC
October 1-3 OA Fall Fellowship at BSC
December 3 OA Banquet at BSC
OA High Adventure Opportunities
Summer, 2022
OA Canadian Odyssey (Northern Tier)
OA Ocean Adventure (Florida Sea Base)
OA Summit Experience (Summit Bechtel Reserve)
OA Trail Crew (Philmont Scout Ranch)
OA Wilderness Voyage (Northern Tier)
https://oa-bsa.org/high-adventure
OA, Southern Region, 2020 National Leadership Seminars (NLS) (for youth)
http://southern.oa-bsa.org/nls/
Sept 24-26, 2021, Orlando, FL
Nov 12-14, 2021, BSA National Office, Irving, TX
Dec 10-12, 2021, Greensboro, NC
OA, Southern Region, 2020 Developing Youth Leadership Conferences (DYLC) (for advisers)
http://southern.oa-bsa.org/dylc/
Sept 24-26, 2021, Orlando, FL
Nov 12-14, 2021, BSA National Office, Irving, TX
Dec 10-12, 2021, Greensboro, NC
National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC), July 25-30, 2022, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
https://oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac
TRAINING NEWS:
"Trained" Patch Information
https://www.scoutshop.org/trained-leader-strip-280.html
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33066/33066_Training_Awards_WEB.pdf
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/11/24/when-can-adult-leaders-wear-the-bsas-trained-patch/
“Trained” Patches for Youth Leaders
Scout youth leaders who have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), den chiefs (Scouts, Sea Scouts, or Venturers) who have completed Den Chief Training, and Venturing youth leaders who have completed the Crew Officers Orientation or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC) may wear the Trained Leader emblem with their badge of office.
Den Chief training is available online at
https://www.scouting.org/training/youth/den-chief-training/
ILST and ILSC are available online at
https://www.scouting.org/training/youth/
Youth should print their certificates to present to unit leaders for facilitate record keeping.
Youth Training
SEALS (for youth) and IOLS (for adults) courses at Belk Scout Camp are planned for the second weekend of March and for the second weekend in November on an ongoing basis.
https://sites.google.com/site/bsamcctraining/
SEALS - Scouts Excited About Leadership Skills [for youth] at Belk Scout Camp
https://sites.google.com/site/mccseals/home
Next SEALS course: Friday-Saturday-Sunday, November 13-14, 2021
https://sites.google.com/site/outdoorleaderskillsmcc/home
National Youth Leader Training (NYLT, AKA “Top Gun”) at Belk Scout Camp
Online registration is open for NYLT scheduled for June 27-July 2, 2021 at at https://sites.google.com/view/nylttopgun
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) at Philmont
https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/ptc/nayle/
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) at Summit
https://www.summitbsa.org/programs/training/seven-day-conferences/nayle/
Adult Training
Scout adult leader training opportunities in our Council and region, lists compiled by
Towner Blackstock Apache Training Chair, townerblackstock@gmail.com, 704-491-4010:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-cVYH1PopG0TEC5SD1KX-GfwBA4SSs6g/view?usp=sharing
1. Training Awards: Earn a Knot
2. Required Position Training
3. OLS: Outdoor Leadership Skills [courses in NC and SC]
4. Advanced Training (courses offered by Mecklenburg County, Occoneechee, Blue Ridge Councils, Camp Coker]
5. Trainer/Instructor Training [Climbing, Trainers Edge, LNT
6. CPR and Wilderness First Aid
Mecklenburg County Council training events:
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, September 10-11-12, COPE & Climbing training
Saturday-Sunday, September 11-12, BALOO training
Saturday, September 18, Scouter Success training
Saturday, October 2, Cub Scout BB/Archery training
Saturday-Sunday, November 13-14, IOLS training
Friday-Saturday, November 12-13, Wilderness First Aid training
Friday-Saturday, February 25-26, 2022, Wilderness First Aid training
https://sites.google.com/site/bsamcctraining
Philmont Training Center Conferences [for adult volunteer training]
Philmont Family Adventure Camp
Philmont Back Country Sneak Peek
Philmont Fall, Winter and Spring Programs
https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/ptc/
Divemaster Academy
Diving Instructor Development Course
Upcoming Mecklenburg County Council Training Courses
For information on Upcoming Cub Leader Training and on Upcoming Scouts BSA Leader Training, please go to https://sites.google.com/site/bsamcctraining
BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) [for adults] at Belk Scout Camp
BALOO is an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program.
Information on future courses will be posted at
https://sites.google.com/site/bsamcctraining
Wilderness First Aid
https://sites.google.com/site/bsamcctraining
MCC Wood Badge S5-415-20 at Belk Scout Camp
https://sites.google.com/site/s5415woodbadge/home
Philmont Training Center 2021 Conferences [for adult volunteer training]
BSA Family Adventure Camp
https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/ptc/
Recognize Scouter Excellence
“Trained” Patches for Adult Leaders
Adults leaders can find requirements for earning their “Trained” patches at
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/training/pdf/Trained_Leader_Positions.pdf
along with references to online training courses available at https://my.scouting.org
Another resource is https://www.scouting.org/training/adult/
Online District Committee training is available.
Units, recognize your uniformed leaders by presenting them “Trained” patches and the following awards. These knots require training to position and tenure:
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Den Leader Award
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Scout Leader's Training Award (Any leader)
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Scouter Key (Cubmasters and Scoutmasters)
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Unit Leader Award of Merit (Committee submits for Cubmasters and Scoutmasters)
Requirements and tracking forms: https://boyscouttrail.com/square-knots.asp
Square Knots
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2011/03/04/alumni-knot/
https://scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0901/a-knots.html
https://www.scouting.org/awards/awards-central/community-organization-award/
https://www.scouting.org/awards/awards-central/lifesaving-meritorious-action/
https://www.scouting.org/awards/hornaday-awards/
https://www.scouting.org/awards/awards-central/religious-emblems/
https://www.scouting.org/awards/religious-awards/
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-879_WB.pdf
https://nesa.org/for-eagle-scouts/awards-and-recognition/
Spread the Word About Scouting.
Please don’t keep us a secret
With all the new parents coming into our Scouting family, please don’t keep Smoke Signals, and the Apache District Web page a secret. We welcome new subscribers and it is easy to do. Also, please help us by sharing these links:
Apache District Webpage
http://www.mccscouting.org/apache
Like the Apache Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/ApacheDistrict
Apache Twitter Account
Be sure to follow us on twitter @ApacheDistrict
Mecklenburg County Council
Mecklenburg County Council Backpack monthly e-newsletter
Go to https://www.mccscouting.org/
Scroll to the bottom of the page, fill in your “Name” and “Email Address”, then
Click on the blue “Subscribe Now” bar.
Like the Mecklenburg County Council STEM Facebook page
https://b-m.facebook.com/MCCBSASTEM/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0
BSA National
Scouting Wire Volunteer Newsletter - The Official Blog of the Scouting Movement.
Bryan on Scouting is the official blog of Scouting magazine, a Boy Scouts of America publication. The blog post is sent as one email per weekday. To subscribe, please go to https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2019/
Smoke Signals. To subscribe, just send a blank e-mail to: smokesignals-subscribe@apachemcc.org from the e-mail address you want subscribed and the rest is automatic.
To Submit a Notice:
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