Northern Trail News: September 6, 2026

September 6, 2026

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📌 Action Items

⚠️ Recharter of Scout UnitsRecharter of Scout Units⚠️ - There is NO grace period.See information below under Calendar for mroe details.

📣 Recruitment & Promotion

  • Northern Trail District Committee meetings - Come meet other leaders and network. 
  • Northern Trail Roundtable - Are you making it to your district roundtable meetings? 
  • Post photos and follow us on the Northern Trail District and Circle Ten Council Facebook pages.
  • Share this newsletter – Make sure new members are in the know - Forward to others in your unit. Sign up here.
  • 🎓 Training & Leadership

    • Health and Safety – Safety is a value that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity.
    • Check out all the new training classes added to On the Calendar!

    🍿 Fundraising & Volunteering

    • 2026 Popcorn Calendar Now Available. Time to start preparing for the Fall! Sales are going on around the council. Even if your unit doesn't plan to do storefront sales, it is easy to sell online to friends and family without any of the hassle. Popcorn supports units and our council, which in turn supports our 4 camps. 

    📰 Newsletter & Content

    📅On the Calendar Image

      📆District Calendar

      Northern Trail Commissioner's Meeting - October 1 at FUMC, room 230 6:00 pm.

      Northern Trail District Committee Meeting - October 1 at FUMC, room 230 7:00 pm.

      Northern Trail Roundtable - September 10 at FUMC, room 230 7:00 pm.


      Second Thursday Gathering - This week at 6:30 PM at First United Methodist Church Richardson

      2026 BALOO Training #5 (WIS).This training is aimed at Cub leaders.Camp Wisdom September 26 - 27, 2026 Hosted by Northern Trail, Heart of Dallas, Soaring Eagle, and Western Horizon Districts 

      2026 IOLS Training #5 (WIS)September 26 - 27, 2026 at Camp Wisdom. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors. 

      Youth Fundamental Skills Experience (YFSE) see section "Upcoming District..." for more details.

      🎓 University of Scouting 2026 
      October 10, 2026  •  First United Methodist Church, Richardson 
      A full day of training, ideas, and fellowship for Scouts and Scouters. Choose from classes across Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, Explorers, and General Studies. 

      Wood Badge 150 - Trevor Rees-Jones Scout Camp: October 23-25, 2026 and November 7-8, 2026

      2026 WIS Cuboree #5 November 6 - 8, 2026 at Camp Wisdom. Hosted by Northern Trail and Heart of Dallas districts. Calling all Cub Scouts from Lions to Arrow of Light Scouts! Enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Camp Wisdom.

      2026 WIS Trail 2 Troop November 6 - 8, 2026 at Camp Wisdom. Hosted by Northern Trail and Heart of Dallas districts.Youth who are Arrow of Light Scouts may participate in special programming designed just for them! All Trail to Troop activities will be hosted by Scouts BSA Troops, giving AOL scouts and parents an opportunity to interact with local troops, and participate in activities geared towards older youth.

      The Gathering Save the Date for this Venturing event: November 14. The theme is Star Wars, "The Gathering Strikes Back". Camping is encouraged. Lunch on Saturday is provided. 
      📋 Recharter of Scout Units 
      There is a big change to recharter this year. Recharter for units with a 12/31 anniversary will open starting in October. 
      ⚠️ There is NO grace period.
      If your unit does not renew by its charter anniversary date, the unit will lose its charter.
      If your unit renews on a date other than December 31, that date is your deadline. Missing the deadline can have significant consequences: even a long-established unit that restarts the process will become a 1st-year unit
      Be prepared! It is best to complete your renewal by Thanksgiving. This gives your commissioner time to help resolve any issues before the deadline. Units waiting until the last week may not have enough time to address problems. 
      Need help with recharter? Contact your unit commissioner.
      ★ SPIRIT OF 1776 ★ 

      The event will now take place November 6-8 at Camp Wisdom. 

      🙋 STAFF NEEDED! 
      We need volunteers and parent volunteers(for Cubs) to help staff both Cuboree and Trail to Troop. Heart of Dallas will also be helping with Cuboree. 

      These events are a great opportunity to help Scouts experience the adventure, skills, fellowship, and traditions of Scouting. If you can help with either event, please consider joining the staff team! 

      🏕️ Come be part of the team! 
      🏕️ Summer Camp: Did You Report It? 
      Did your unit attend summer camp this year? Have you reported it in Scoutbook?
      Reporting your summer camp experience is quick and easy, and it can benefit your unit. It helps contribute to your unit's ratings while also showing prospective Scouts and families the fun, experiences, and advancement opportunities your unit offers. 
      ⭐ It only takes a few minutes in Scoutbook.
      Take a moment to report your summer camp experience and help show families what Scouting with your unit can look like. 
      🏕️ Have a Voice in Your District

      Northern Trail Scouters, are you satisfied with the district activities? Do you want a voice in deciding future events? 

      If so, you are encouraged to attend our next Northern Trail District Committee Meeting on October 1 at 7:00pm in room 230 at the First United Methodist Church of Richardson

      All Scouters are welcome, and your unit’s Charter Organization Representative is especially encouraged to attend as a full member of the district committee. 


      Northern Trail Roundtable Meeting 

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      Come meet other Unit leaders, ask questions, network and learn from the topic of the month. We welcome all Adult volunteers. How do you know if you do not ask? Whether a new volunteer or lots of years in the saddle, it will be of value to you, to your unit and to our youth – it’s fun to network. 

      📍 Roundtable is the 2nd Thursday of every month.
      First United Methodist Church Richardson, Rm. 230 @ 7:00 pm 

      Upcoming Roundtable Topics: 

      DateTopic
      Sept 10
        🏕️ Share Your Summer Camp Story! 

        What did your Pack or Troop do this summer? We'd love to hear about it! 

        Our next Roundtable will feature an exchange of in-council and out-of-council summer camp experiences. This is a great opportunity to share the adventures, activities, and memories your Scouts made this summer. 

        📸 Have photos, videos, or a great camp story?
        Send them to our new Roundtable Commissioner, Bram Franklin, so we can share them at Roundtable! 
        Your summer adventure could inspire another unit! 
        📈 Growing Scouting Resources 

        Growing Scouting goes beyond School Night for Scouting, and it affects more than just Cub Scouts. Come to Roundtable to discuss other ways to grow your Scouting unit and strengthen your program. 

      Oct 8
      • There will be a critical update on registrations and renewals. We will bring an expert to walk you through the newly revised process and will share opportunities for face-to-face help and troubleshooting.



      🧭 Commissioner Corner 
      Northern Trail District 
      The Second Meeting Matters More 

      Recruiting gets a family through the door. What happens next determines whether they stay.

      1. Welcome Them
      Greet the family by name, introduce them to leaders and other families, and help their Scout join the activity right away. 
      2. Orient Them
      Explain the meeting routine, answer questions, share key contacts, and assign a buddy who can help them get started. 
      3. Follow Up
      Check in after the meeting, provide any needed information, and reach out if the family misses a meeting. 
      🧭 Your commissioner team is here to help. 
      🌲 Keeping Older Scouts Engaged: JASM 
      Keeping older Scouts interested and coming to Scouts can be difficult. They need meaningful and fun ways to remain part of the unit while sharing what they know with younger Scouts. 
      Junior Assistant Scoutmaster (JASM)
      A youth leader aged 16 or 17 who performs duties similar to an adult Assistant Scoutmaster while mentoring younger members. 
      What does a JASM do?
      • Reports to the Scoutmaster directly rather than the SPL. 
      • Mentors younger Scouts and helps bridge youth leadership and adult advisors. 
      • Handles assigned duties such as skills training, coordinating activities, or helping with advancement. 
      • Counts as a position of responsibility for Star, Life, and Eagle rank advancement. 
      ⚓ Looking for the Next Scouting Challenge? 
      Leaders: Do you have older Scouts, ages 14–18, who are looking for something new to challenge them in Scouting? 
      Sea Scouts Ship 1899 meets at the White Rock Lake Boat Club from 2–5 PM on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. 
      Scouts can join the Ship through dual membership, allowing them to remain active in their troop while also participating in Sea Scout activities. It’s a great way to add a new challenge and new experiences to their Scouting adventure! 
      Interested or have questions?
      Andrew Pool: 817-965-9913
      Ed Bardwell: 214-417-7222
      Hank Voegtle: 214-769-5045

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      📚 Upcoming Training

      Upcoming District and Council Events 
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      Arapaho Chapter News

      The Order of the Arrow is an honor camper service organization. Each district has a chapter and members are chosen by their peers.

      Contact arapaho@miki.org with questions.

      It's not too late to renew your OA membership go to: miki.org/event-registration/ and pay your dues.

      The October Induction Experience is Oct 2-4. Register at miki.org. You have 18 months to experience your ordeal once you have been elected by your unit. Much friendship and fellowship awaits you on the other side. 

      2026 OA Fall Fellowship September 18 - 20, 2026 at Camp James Ray. This year's theme is Percy Jackson. Whether you're a seasoned hero or beginning your journey, this weekend will be filled with fellowship, games, competitions and memories.


      🏕️ Youth Fundamental Skills Experience 
      YFSE • October 2–4, 2026 • Camp Wisdom 
      Mt. Bracken & Niblo’s View Campsites
      YFSE is a pilot camping event where youth participants practice teaching TFC Skills to their fellow Troop PLC members in a Patrol setting. Using the EDGE method, participants build their skills while improving their presentation and teaching abilities. 
      Who should attend?
      Past, current, and future Troop Guides, Troop Instructors, Patrol Leaders and the ASPL-TFC supporting First Year Scouts. 
      Troops are welcome! Bring your PLC, up to 8 Scouts, for a “FUN with a Purpose” weekend featuring skill practice, EDGE practice, games, and outdoor fun near beautiful Lake Shirley. Activities include fishing, hiking, and a waterfront beautification service project. 
      Camping, food, and gear are provided by each troop, just like a regular campout. Scouts who cannot arrive until Saturday morning may still participate with arrangements in advance. 
      📅 Registration closes September 15 at midnight
      Orientation: September 17 • 7–8 PM 
      FUMCR, Room 230 • Attendance highly requested 
      Questions? Email lester.cox@icloud.com 

      Other Important Information 


      Cub Scout Camping

      Cub Scout Camping is fun and only allowed at approved camps. Make your reservations in advance for your whole pack to enjoy the outdoors. Click on Circle Ten Camps for information on the 4 Circle 10 camps and all the other approved Cub Scout Camping locations at the bottom of the page for your Cub Scout Pack to have an adventure.

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      Website and Newsletter

      Our newsletter and website reach a very large audience in Northern Trail. If there is something scouting related which needs to be on the website or the newsletter, please do not keep it to yourself, let us know. news@ntrail.org

      If we need to fix a broken link or have incorrect information, please take a moment, and let us know. news@ntrail.org

      Do not keep the newsletter to yourself! Everyone in your unit should be receiving the newsletter and be aware of the website. sign up is easy, just send them to: Newsletter sign up . Do not forget to sign up on Circle Ten to receive updates from the council.

      Looking for something in a recent newsletter? Several years of past newsletters may be found here.

      Yours in Scouting,

      Tammy Pitt 
      Northern Trail Communications Committee

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