Members of the Conservation Committee of Northern NJ Council, BSA were recently trained by the NY/NJ Trail Conference as trail maintainers. This weekend, they were assigned the responsibility of maintaining about 3.8 miles of the Appalachian Trail immediately above Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco.
"This is a great opportunity to get the boys involved with the trail and the community that has developed around it. It's also a good way for the boys to give back to the local environment, given the amount of use that the trail gets from our camp," said conservation chairman Steve Kallesser.
The section of the trail to be maintained by the Scouts runs from Millbrook-Blairstown Road north to Flatbrookville-Stillwater Road (near Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec). About 2/3 of that section of the Appalachian Trail was owned by the camp until 1970, when it was sold to the federal government as part of the Tocks Island dam project.
During training, Scouters learned the ins and outs of the "Appalachian Trail" way of doing things and exactly what is expected in terms of trail maintenance. The crew was put immediately to work on a different 2.3 mile section of trail south of camp that had not seen maintenance in over a year, with Gene Giordano, the Appalachian Trail coordinator in New Jersey, overseeing the work.
The Conservation Committee plans to take its first official maintenance hike on Sunday June 10, meeting at the top of Flatbrookville-Stillwater Road at ~2pm. Please bring either a bowsaw, hand pruners, or loppers. If you are interested in attending this or any other trail maintenance opportunity, contact Steve Kallesser at steve@sandpondsociety.org.
The Council Conservation Committee is always looking for more members. Contact Steve for additional information.
Camp Conservation Online
Camp Conservation Web Pages
Latest information on the good work that the Council's Conservation Committee is doing.
The site is divided into many different pages, one with general information on Scouting's conservation program, one "For Scouts", one "For Scouters", and then one for No-Be, and one each for the other Council camps. There's information on the Hornaday award, background information and suggested conservation projects, and all sorts of good stuff.
On the camp pages, there is a copy of maps (including cool aerial photos and topographic maps) for each camp, informational handouts on certain hard-to-explain requirements of merit badges that are tailored to each camp, a copy of the nature trail pamphlet for each camp (if available), and a copy of the Camp Conservation Plan (if available). In short, it should be everything a Scoutmaster needs in order to have a successful conservation program during their stay at any of the other Council camps.
The website is found at "www.nnjbsa-conservation.org". You can also get there from the Council Web Menu. Select "Camping" then "Conservation" from the menu on the left hand side of the screen.)
Archaeological Dig at No-Be
On Saturday, December 9th, 2006, 13 members of the Battlefield Restoration and Archaeological Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) gave their time and expertise to investigate two areas of former settlements at Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco. Based on their preliminary results, additional knowledge has been gained regarding the history of the Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco property prior to its purchase for the Boy Scouts.
A Campmaster provides Commissioner type service and guidance to the Scout units that use the NNJC camps.
We administer Scouting programs to the units in camp.
We are the front-line individuals that Child Abuse is reported to by the units.
Campmasters are knowledgeable and experienced Scouters.
In order for the NNJC Campmaster Corps to adequately plan and utilize its resources, we need your input.
Do you have a specific training need that weekend?
Are you lacking the experience necessary to adequately train your Scouts in certain areas?
Are you a new leader or unit that could benefit by the assistance of an "expert"?
Campmasters Always Needed!
There is still a need for campmasters at all of our camps. These are individuals who have the ability to support National and Council Camping policies and have some program "flair."
OK, you have heard this before. Let’s look at this scenario: The caretaker/ranger is on vacation and there is no campmaster for the weekend? Answer: You can't use camp that weekend. There is a need for trained and motivated campmaster. If interested contact your district camping chairman or call Grey Rolland, 201-677-100 x13 for more information.
NNJC Tour Permit Policy
NNJC Tour Permit Policy Updated
Local tour permits are to be used for Scouting tours and trips under 500 miles one way. Since local Scout councils are aware of their geography and their need related to tour permits it is the local council that establishes the guidelines for when a tour permit is required. It is not necessary to file a tour permit for every activity.
The NNJC has determined that in-council trips of a few hours that replace regularly scheduled meetings do not require a tour permit; however, it is recommended that units obtain permission slips from parents. Tour permits are also not required for in-council units camping at NNJC camps or attending NNJC council or district activities.
Examples of when a tour permit would not be needed:
If a Cub Scout Den schedules a visit to the town fire station in lieu of their regularly scheduled meeting then they do not have to file a tour permit.
If a Boy Scout Troop is camping at one of our council camps or attending an approved district activity then they would not have to file a tour permit.
Cases where tour permits must always be filed:
When leaving the council geographic area.
Any event involving Aquatics.
Any overnight trip (excluding council camps and district/council activities).
Tour permits help to reinforce leader requirements, especially in regards to Youth Protection, transportation, and aquatic activities. They can provide information necessary to locate a troop or post if an emergency arises and lets the council know point of contact when an emergency situation develops. In summary tour permits re-enforce planning, safety, and two-deep leadership.
Please remember that the tour permit application must be filed with the local council service center two weeks in advance of scheduled activity for proper clearance. If the destination of the trip is 500 miles or more one way, or outside the U.S.A. (except local council camps), you must use the National Tour Permit Application.
All other standards of training and leadership listed on the tour permit application and found in theGuide to Safe Scoutingare in effect at all times whether a tour permit is required or not.
The Year-Round Camping award is designed to promote “one camping trip a month” in the Packs, Troops, Teams and Crews of the Northern NJ Council, BSA. The award will be a ribbon for the unit flag and optional patches for participants. The unit can purchase the patches for $1 a piece in the council Service Centers. In order to earn the award a unit must complete the following requirements:
Take part in at least one overnight camping trip in each month of the year. Unit can start any month of the year but must record trips for 12 consecutive months. One week of summer resident camp is required and will count for both July and August.
50% of the total camping trips must be to at least four different camps within NNJC.
File for a tour permit for each trip, including summer camp.
Gifts to Camp
Gifts to Camp
All of our camps could use some help. It starts with active participation in a camp work day. All of our camps will have at least one this spring. At the other end of support is a major gift to camp. A one-hundred thousand dollar shower house or a two hundred and fifty thousand dollar pool would look nice at most of our properties. Then there is the great in-between. Upgrading your personal computer? We might be able to use your old one. Maybe your gift to camp is better for you than a trade-in.
If you are interested call Grey Rolland 201-677-1000 x13, email: grolland@bsamail.org for more information. Remember, your gift of time is the most valuable gift of all.
