Great Trail Council, Scouting America Roundtable Live Podcast

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Scouts BSA/Venturing/Sea Scouts Leaders and adults!You may have heard our country is celebrating its 250th birthday this year, and Scouting America is all-in on the celebration. Learn ways your unit can celebrate and provide information on a special award you and your Scouts can earn only this year!The 3rd annual Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide program is coming up on May 7. We will share information on how you and your Scouts can participate.We also have information on the Test Lab. Are your Scouts participating and helping to shape the direction of potential future merit badges?Summer Camp at beautiful Camp Manatoc will be here before you know it, and we have the latest updates, and information on new programs and awards, including awards coinciding with America 250.Arrow of Light Scouts will hopefully be joining your unit soon from crossovers, if they haven't already. Are you prepared for them and the potential new leaders that they will bring?We also have training for you on the digital merit badge transition taking placeWe have information on upcoming council and district events, upcoming merit badge workshops, and Range and Target Activity Days.Plus, information on upcoming training opportunities, and an important update to our council's training policy.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Cub Scouts Leaders and adults!It may only be March but it's time to start the planning process for the upcoming program year. We have training and information on how to put on your annual Pack Planning Meeting. We also share with you tips and information on how to get more of your parents involved. We know that strong Packs and Dens have lots of parental involvement, so we want to help you navigate the process of parental involvement.We have information on the rescheduled Cub Scout Freeze-Out dates, the annual Manatoc Fish Fry, upcoming district Pinewood Derbies, and information on this summer's Day Camp, Overnight Camp, and Cub Summer Hikes.Plus, information on upcoming training opportunities, including Wood Badge, and an important update to our council's training policy.Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts Leaders and adults!We have not one, but two live in-studio discussions this month. First, we met with the NYLT Course Director to talk about the upcoming course, and why your Scouts should attend. Then, we talked to our Summer Camp Commissioner to discuss all the exciting things coming to Manatoc Summer Camp this year, and why your unit and Scouts need to be there!There's also great training on the role and importance of youth-led leadership in your Troop, Crew, and Ship, as well as tips and tricks for planning a high-adventure trip. Plus, membership and safety moments, and updates on all the changes to advancement that went into effect on January 1.We also provide you with the information you need on upcoming events, including Klondike Derbies, Summer Camp, Range and Target Activity Days, district events, and the rest of the 2026 calendar. Plus, information on upcoming training opportunities, including Wood Badge, NYLT, IOLS, and more.Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Cub Scouts Leaders and adults!Due to the New Year's holiday, we're on a special night, January 8.There's a lot of programming happening in Cub Scouts this time of year, and we want your Pack and Den to be ready for it all. We have tips and tricks on putting on your Pack's Pinewood Derby and Blue and Gold Banquet. We also help you make sure your Arrow of Light Scouts are ready for crossover into a Scouts BSA Troop, as well as share tips on making that crossover ceremony special. There is also be our regular membership and safety moments.We also provide you with the information you need on upcoming events, including Cub Scouts Freeze-Outs, Cub Scout Chariot Races, District Pinewood Derbies, and Cub Day and Overnight Camps. Plus, information on upcoming training opportunities, including Wood Badge.There is even a demo on making special neckerchief slides!Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts Leaders and adults!We discussed the role of Commissioners and your unit, New Member Coordinators (does your unit have one?), the latest information and updates on Family Troops, information on the new changes to Scoutbook Plus, preparing for Arrow of Light-to-Scouts BSA crossovers, and membership and safety moments.We also provided you with the information you need on unit and member renewal, as well as information on upcoming events, including Klondike Derbies, Summer Camp, and the 2026 calendar.Plus, information on upcoming training opportunities, including Wood Badge. We have a live, in-studio interview with Lisa Testa, course director for our council's upcoming Wood Badge course in April and May, 2026.Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for the full show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Cub Scout Leaders and adults!We discuss having Denners and Den Chiefs in your Pack and Den, tips and tricks for working with small Packs and Dens, and membership and safety moments.We also provide you with the information you need on unit and member renewal, as well as information on upcoming events, including the new Cub Adventure Day, Cub Scout Freeze-Outs, and Chariot Races. Plus, information on upcoming training opportunities.Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Scouts BSA/Venturing/Sea Scouts Leaders and adults!Join us for our first Roundtable dedicated to Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts.We discuss Den Chiefs and Why You Need Them, Recruiting, using Normal Friend Activities, and Youth-Led Recruiting.We have an interview with Brian Battaglia, Director of our new Skilled Trades Education Program, who gives us an update on the program, and progress on construction of the new Skilled Trades Education Center, slated to open in Spring, 2026.Is Your BeAScout Pin Up-To-Date? We teach you how to check and update.We answer questions from the viewers on whether a non-scout camp overnight with units, what counts as a "multiple registration", age and rank requirements for NYLT and the National Jamboree.We have Council Activity Updates covering Merit Badge Days, Bigfoot Hide and Seek, OA Winter Banquet, Target and Range Activity Days, the National Jamboree, and the upcoming Klondike DerbysWe provide important updates and information on Unit and Member Renewal.We also send a shout-out to one of our own profiled on our council's new LinkedIn page.Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

In this special bonus episode, we interview Brian Battaglia, director of Great Trail Council's Skilled Trades Education Program. Brian will be leading the new program in our council, which is geared towards school-age youth in primarily grades 5-9, to introduce them to the skilled building trades, with educators and instructors from all over the area. While this program's primary audience is schoolchildren and is not a Scouting America program, there will be opportunities for Scouts to utilize the new facilities to earn merit badges in the building trades, including during Scouts BSA Summer Camp.Brian also discusses construction progress on the Skilled Trades Education Center, currently being built at Camp Manatoc, in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and on schedule to open in early Spring, 2026. The STEC will serve as the primary hub for Skilled Trades Education, stocked with the latest tools and equipment for teaching future carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and welders about the building trades.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Cub Scouts Leaders and adults!We start this month with an opening message from the Detroit Lions' David Montgomery, our newest Scouting America Ambassador.We have training on the Cub Scout Campout Safety Checklist.Learn about recruiting support available to units such as Yard Signs and other recruiting support, including our Recruiting Guidance Site, https://GTCscouting.org/recruit.The Scout Shop is having a sale! Save 10% or 20%. Visit us at https://gtcscouting.org/scout-shop. Planning Awesome Recruiting Events and Welcoming New Families are our two hot topics this month.We have an interview with Stewart Smith, Activities Director for Great Trail Council, who discusses new changes to our annual Fall Festival and Hayride, and Cub Adventure DayWe have information on Upcoming Events, important updates on Help Available for Individual and Unit Renewals, and Upcoming Training Available for Cub LeadersWe also announce Changes to future Roundtables, and close out the night with a Labor Day Message from Chief Scout Executive Roger KroneVisit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!Topics we'll be covering:Learning the "Secret Sauce" to running a successful PackDen Leader Meeting Tips and IdeasMembership MomentsSafety MomentNew Safeguarding Youth Training InformationCouncil Program Moments - Day and Overnight Camps, Pool Parties, HikesScout Nights at the BallparkDistrict Program Moments...and much more!Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!Topics we covered:We started with a special thank you from Roger Krone, Chief Scout ExecutivePlanning for your Pack's Annual Program Planning MeetingScouts Read Sacred TextsHow to Get more parents to volunteerCubs need to Camp In the Summer--get yours ready for Day and Overnight Camps!Summertime Fun calendar activities, including Pool Parties and Summer HikesMembership Moments - Memorial Day activities and ideasSafety MomentCouncil Program MomentDistrict Program MomentsHow to close your meeting with a Living Circle...and much more!Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!We'll have a lot of valuable information packed into the hour, we hope you can join us live or watch the recording later. Topics we'll be covering:We have a live, in-studio discussion with spring and summertime program activities with Jason Henry, Cubmaster of Pack 25We also cover building relationships with schoolsEnd-of-year planning - what to do with your dens/packs from now until the end of the school year?Summertime activities - what is there to do beyond Day/Overnight Camp?Spring recruiting - tips and ideas for recruiting nowMembership Moments - how to get council-provided yard signsInformation on Scouts Read Sacred TextsSafety MomentCouncil Program MomentDistrict Program Moments...and much more!Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!We'll have a lot of valuable information packed into the hour, we hope you can join us live or watch the recording later. Topics we'll be covering:Changes are aplenty! We are now Scouting America, and our council website has changed to GTCScouting.org. Learn about all the changes.We cover what makes a great Cub Scout Pack? What's the Secret Sauce? Learn here.Summertime Activities – Day & Overnight Camp and Pack/Den Summer activity planningDen Meeting Planning – end-of-School-Year meeting planningSafety MomentMembership Moment - Annual Pack Programming Planning Conference - tips and tricks on how to hold a successful oneDistrict Program Moment - District Pinewood Derbies and upcoming training eventsCouncil Program Moment - Day Camp and Overnight Camp Dates and Updates, Cub Summer Hikes, Range and Target Activity Days, and Scouts Read Sacred Texts...and much more!Visit gtcscouting.org/roundtable for show notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!Topics we covered:Spring RecruitingCub Scout Camping - camping with your Pack or DenSafety MomentA Q&A on t-shirtsMembership MomentDistrict Program MomentCouncil Program Moment - Day Camp and Overnight Camp Dates and UpdatesUnit and Membership Renewal Updates...and much more!We interviewed Ken LaPolla, Vice President for Membership for Great Trail Council, who discussed Spring recruiting ideas, and future plans the Council is working on for recruiting and retention.Wendy Greathouse, Day Camp Director for Canal District at Camp Butler, tells us what to expect at Cub Day Camp this year. Sign up today!Kip Shipley, Overnight Director, spoke about details for this year's Cub Scout Overnight Camp, and what to expect.Joshua Grove, Cubmaster for Pack 2048, tells us why it's important for your Cub Scouts to get to Summer Camp, whether that's Day Camp or Overnight Camp.We listened to your feedback, and give a presentation on what awards are available for Adult Leaders in Packs.And we ended with information on how to get your Pinewood Derby Car design on a real race car! Enter the contest today to see your design on a NASCAR Arca Series vehicle and see the race in person!Visit www.gtcscouting.org/roundtable for Show Notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!Topics we covered:Cubs from Pack 3186, Cuyahoga Falls started our opening with the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, and Scout Law.Our Safety Moment covered Hazardous Weather Training - what is a fully trained leader.The Membership Moment introduces a unique idea: Invite your Cub's Teachers to your Celebrations. Council Commissioner Sherri Buck provides a quick update on Unit RenewalsOur Name is changing and so are our website and local email domainsHot Topic #1 covered Scout Sunday Planning and Resources in a panel discussion with Mike Tylicki, Committee Member with Pack 3513 in Brunswick, and Jeffrey Schuster, Cubmaster of Pack 3520 in Hinckley. Hot Topic #2 detailed Arrow of Light to Scouts, BSA Crossover Planning. Mike and Jeff joined us in that panel discussion, too.Learn how your Cubs can earn the new Adventure for participating in Pinewood Derby or Raingutter RegattaOur council Program Moment: Cub Scouts Freeze-Outs in February - FREE! Included with the Adventure Fee!There's also a cool contest from Scout Life Magazine. Submit a photo of your Pinewood Derby car design and if you win you join NASCAR in Rockingham, NC for the April 19 race. Visit www.gtcscouting.org/roundtable for Show Notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!Happy Holidays!Topics we covered:Our Safety Moment is Winter Activity Safety - Stay COLD to keep warm!Tonight's Membership Moment is Using your Pinewood Derby as a Recruiting EventBecky Voris, Assistant Council Commissioner for our Women's Advisory Committee speaks in-studio about the committee, its plans and agenda, as well as resources for females in Scouting and female units in Great Trail Council. We receive an update of Cub Scout Range and Target Activities with an in-studio interview with Nate Watson, Director of Camping & ProgramsThe Giving Tree at the Scout Shop is in full swing, and also learn and what's on SaleOur District Program Moments cover Two events (Cub Scout Freeze Outs, and District Pinewood Derbies)Hot Topic #1 is a Pinewood Derby Planning, Tips and Tricks Video with Anthony Berger, National Director of Cub ScoutingWe then have an in-studio Discussion Panel and Q&A with Nathan Steele, Committee Chair Pack 3001, Stephen Poorman, Pack 3001, Troop 1, Crew 2001, Troop 7001, who talk about how they hold their Pinewood Derbies.Hot Topic #2 is a Blue and Gold Banquet, Tips and Tricks Video with Anthony Berger, National Director of Cub Scouting.Nathan and Stephen are back with a Discussion Panel and Q&A on how they conduct their Blue & Gold BanquetsOur Council Program Moment is about a new council-wide event, Chariot Races, an event that had been exclusive to one district and is now available to everyone across the council. We speak in-studio with Stephen Poorman, Coordinator of the event. Register at scoutingevent.com/433-chariotrace. Visit www.gtcscouting.org/roundtable for Show Notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!Topics we covered:Our November Cub Roundtable was broadcast live from the Medina County Sheriff's Office!We had membership moments, a safety moment, a Hot Topic presentation on member and unit renewals, a visit with Sheriff Grice, information on Cub Day Camp and Overnight Camp, Cub Scout Freeze-Outs and Chariot Races, information on AOLs camping with SBSA Troops, and information on training courses both inside and outside our council.Jump down to the chapters to see specific parts of the broadcast.The Pledge, Oath and Law were presented by Ryan and Jonathan from Pack 3520Our Safety Moment covered the Annual Health and Medical RecordWe then had an interview on-camera with our host for this month's broadcast, Medina County Sheriff, Terry Grice and the Medina County Exploring Post. We provided a list of all Sheriffs in the Great Trail Council. Your pack could tour the Sheriff's facilities, just reach out to them.The Membership Moment this month asks how visible is your Pack in the community?Bigfoot is real! Learn Outdoor Ethics Leave No Trace and hike the Outdoor Ethics Trail at Camp Manatoc. Start at Red Oak Nature Lodge and earn a Leave No Trace tag for their backpack. (Or inquire at the Administration Building at Camp Manatoc).Our Council Program Moment this month is an important one: The new Unit and Membership Renewal Process training. Unit Renewal covered district turn in dates for unit renewals.District Program Moment: District Pinewood Derbies and Cub Scout Freeze-Outs (find these on the council calendar or on the Adventure Fee Activity calendar)Hot Topic #1: AOL to Scouts BSA Transition trainingHot Topic #2: How to search for activities or training in other councilsPlan now for Summer Day Camps (all cubs) and Overnight Camps (Wolves, Bears, Webelos, and AOL)Cub Scout Chariot Races are available for all Packs council-wide. The event will be on Jan 25, 2025.Visit www.gtcscouting.org/roundtable for Show Notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!Topics we covered:Our October Cub Roundtable has a focus on relationships. When a family joins your Pack, do you welcome them in? We'll also have membership moments, a safety moment, a Hot Topic presentation on the Cub Scout Advancement Program and "Instant" Recognition, and a live in-studio panel. leading a discussion of best practices for making a welcoming environment in your meetings.Weather Safety is this month's Safety MomentPatrick Scherer, Scout Executive for Great Trail Council, came in-studio for an on-camera interview to talk of the importance of attending Roundtable, and why he's so excited about our new format.This month's Membership Moment is the importance of year-round recruitment. Recruiting guidance https://gtcscouting.org/recruitHot Topic #1 is about Cub Scout Advancement and Recognition. VIDEO by Anthony Berger, National Director of Cub Scouts. The shorter the time between the behavior and reward, the higher the likelihood of successWe talk about the importance of instant recognition. Reward Cub Scouts with their loop or pin as soon as it is earned at the end of the meeting.You can buy the loops and pins ahead of time (no Advancement report is needed)Make a great awards ceremony. We have a big panel discussion in-studio this month. We welcome TJ Withers, New Member Coordinator, Pack 3001; Jericho Johnson, Council Training Committee; Rev. David Weyrick, VP of Relationships; and Josh Weyrick, Assistant Cubmaster, Pack 3048. We field a question about getting late joining scouts caught up on advancement and have a panel discussion on the importance of Cub Scout Recognition Hot Topic #2 covered WIRED Training. Dr. Weyrick introduces and presents the 5-minute training video produced by Great Trail Council.The panel reacts to the WIRED Training - creating a welcoming environment. We cover upcoming Cub Leader Training - Baloo (October and April), Keynote on the New Program and Cub Training Nov 2; if you miss that, Cub Training is only repeated on Nov 9.Cub Leaders (Committee Chairs), make sure you go into the organizational manager and approve membership renewals. Cub Scout Hayride and Harvest Festival, 5 nights in October https://scoutingevent.com/433-hayrideThink about Summer and Cub Scout Camping. The Cub Scout Camping web pages are newly updated. Go to https://manatoc.org/cub-scout-camping. IMPORTANT - Check to see if your scouts earned the Summer Time Fun Adventure. Check out https://manatoc.org/cub-summer.Visit www.gtcscouting.org/roundtable for Show Notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!Topics we covered:Our September Cub Roundtable focused on Recruiting, Part Two! You've completed your School Night to Join Scouting, so what's next? We presented resources and ideas on how to take the next step with your new Scouts, what should happen at the next meeting after your open house, and how to follow-up with those who attended your open house, but didn't join.We had subject experts to cover what Packs need to do to for Recruiting, Part Two.We also had updated information on upcoming Cub Leader Training sessions, updating your Pack's BeAScout.org pin, a presentation on why your Pack needs Den Chiefs, Safety, Membership, and Duty To God Moments, and much more!We started Roundtable with the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Law, and Scout Oath by the scouts of Pack 3001, Troop 7001 and Troop 1, Akron OHSafety Moment - Packs need a fully stocked First Aid KitMembership Moment - The Importance of Den ChiefsDuty to God Moment - Earn your Religious AwardHot Topic #1 Training on the Resources for Den Leaders (and more) - Anthony Berger, National Director of Cub Scouting.Hot Topic #2 - Recruiting Part 2 (see June, 2024 RT Live for Part 1) with an in-studio interview with Dominic King, Cubmaster, Pack 3513, Brunswick, OH.We take Q&A on Recruiting Part 2 with Vinnie, Dominic and you. Recruiting is 365, Recruiting resources at gtcscouting.org/recruit is designed for all programs to help in their recruiting effortsCouncil Buddy Cards (Business card size) are available at Council Please update your Unit Pin on BeAScout.org (explanation and help)Upcoming Training for Cub Leaders (All training offered in person is listed at gtcscouting.org/calendar-events/training, our training calendar. Online training is offered at my.scouting.org) Cub Hayride and Harvest Events are happening in October! Sign up at https://scoutingevent.com/433-hayride) We do a final Q&A on Trainings from the viewers (We did not have the questions miked so here they are): (1) is there a difference between online or in-person training (2) Comment from the viewers - In person, gives more interaction (3) Comment from the viewers - The interaction and getting questions in real time is a plus.Visit www.gtcscouting.org/roundtable for Show Notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!Topics we covered:Our June Cub Roundtable focused on Recruiting! We had subject experts cover what Packs need to do to organize a successful Fall Recruiting season.We also had updated information on the Cub Scout Summer Hikes at Camp Manatoc, Adventure Fees, the Adventure Fee Town Hall Meetings, Safety, Membership, and Duty To God Moments, and much more!Visit www.gtcscouting.org/roundtable for Show Notes.

Roundtable is Continuing Education Training open to ALL Leaders and adults!On May 23, 2024, our inaugural Roundtable Live broadcast went live under Assistant Council Commissioner Vinnie Close, and the live stream had 121 viewers. We offer a recorded version of the roundtable at YouTube and request all in the council to take time to view the relevant portions. The one-hour video is divided into chapters which you can access directly in the chapter listing below by clicking on the time link. Here is a summary of the topics covered in Roundtable Live on May 23.This roundtable has presented a lot of information that reflects major changes in our processes. From the very subtle name change to Scouting America to the details of budgeting, this video and especially this list should be kept as a ready reference. All future roundtables and information from past roundtables (starting with this one will be on the Roundtable Live website (under the calendar menu link) at https://gtcscouting.org/roundtable. Here are the topics coveredOur Name changed to Scouting America. We have used the new logos throughout and encourage you to do so as well. RecruitingA Scouting Anthem, "How will they find their way?" The GTC-branded video is featured our Council website. Other GTC-branded recruiting videos for you to use are in our playlist on YouTube as wellRecruiting website https://gtcscouting.org/recruitOur Safety Moment covers parade safety. Learn how to safely be on a float, and what safety precautions you need to take to ensure everyone has a great time marching!The Membership Moment covers Memorial Day activities. Make yourself available in your community at parades, flag planting, and more. Let your community know you're there! Also, a plug for the annual Memorial Day Flag Planting event at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.Unit and Membership Renewal Process and Support WebsiteWebsite https://gtcscouting.org/renewSherri Buck's Training on this at the chapter below and featured on https://www.gtcscouting.org/renew with additional presentation slides. Announcement of New Council Programming and FundingJeff Kline made a presentation on the Adventure Fee. Questions about the fee can be sent to Jeff at [email protected] Budgeting needs to adapt to the new unit and membership renewal process and the adventure fee. Scout Executive Pat Scherer's spoke about unit budgeting, the new Adventure Fee, Program Calendars, and Pack T-Shirts. Sample Excel budgets you can download are featured on the /renew website under UNIT PAY MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL at https://www.gtcscouting.org/renew/Cub Scout Summertime Fun AdventureThis video is available as a separate video featured on the Cub Scout Summertime fun Adventure Page https://www.manatoc.org/cub-summer. On that page, it is called the Summertime Fun Planner and is available as slides alone or the narrated video. The New Cub Scout Program begins June 1, 2024! Is your Pack and Den Leaders ready?Scouts BSA For important information and dates, see the chapter below.AOL to ScoutsBSA transition is NEW under the new Cub Scout Program beginning on June 1. Garfield Murden, National Director of Scouts BSA speaks on this.We also introduce the new Roundtable formatAnd, we close out our first Roundtable broadcast by honoring this year's newest Order of the Arrow Marnoc Lodge Vigil Honor MembersVisit www.gtcscouting.org/roundtable for Show Notes.