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On February 6th, Scouts and Scouters from around Boston Minuteman Council gathered at historic Faneuil Hall to kick off Scout Week with an interfaith observance.

Several months of planning resulted in an inspirational evening that combined song, readings, and personal reflection. Scouts from diverse backgrounds took turns presenting readings from their respective faiths that illustrated each of the first eleven points of the Scout Law. Scouts representing  American Baptist, Jewish, Islamic, Roman Catholic, Buddhist and Eastern Nazarene faith communities were on stage to present the readings. For the twelfth point, “A Scout is Reverent” Scouts presented readings from Christian, Jewish and Islamic perspectives. In this picture, Scouts on stage eagerly await their turn at the podium as a Cub Scout from Westwood reads from Scripture reflective if “A Scout is Friendly”.

We were blessed to have the assistance of Saundra O’Malley of Westwood, who played piano during both the gathering and recessional periods and who also played one of the hymns that were interspersed between the points of the Scout Law. Also contributing to the music of the evening were the Merrimack Valley Ringers, a phenomenal bell choir whose performance resulted in hearty rounds of applause and a standing ovation at the conclusion of the event. The Merrimack Valley Ringers can be seen in this picture.

Scouts, leaders, and parents concluded that this was a wonderful event and that they were happy that they braved the cold weather that evening and were in attendance. Many remarked that they very much enjoyed the event. They were touched by the realization of how much people of faith all have in common regardless of their particular religion and how appropriate this celebration was of the respect that we Scouts have for the each others’ beliefs. A portion of the audience is shown here.

We would like to thank the volunteers who planned this gathering, those who arranged for Scout readers, Moswetuset Lodge Order of the Arrow for their support and for the clergy who advised us on texts to be included in the program.

Venturing is not just for high school students as Unit Commissioner and now Unit Organizer Nick Pirelli has shown. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology has just chartered  Venturing Crew 1908 as an option among the activities it offers to its student body.

Actually, Nick is now wearing a couple of hats. After graduating with a Master’s Degree from Bridgewater State College, he landed a job as the Institute’s Director of Student Services. He also serves as co-director of Residence Life and Housing. Because it meshes so well with his job, Nick is serving as Crew Advisor, guiding this crew and its youth members to conduct an active outdoor program. The crew number is derived from the year that Benjamin Franklin Institute began in Boston.

While this may seen as quite a lot, this is just the beginning. Nick’s vision is to expand Venturing a up to 20 colleges within our council boundaries. He feels that Venturing can add an element of youth leadership development and the outdoor program serves as way for students to get off campus, get some exercise, and build new friendships. In recognition of organizing this crew, Nick will be honored with the William D. Boyce Award at Great Blue Hill District’s Recognition Dinner this spring. (For information on the Boyce Award for unit organizers, contact your district’s executive.)

Pictured below is a picture of the crew at their first activity, climbing at MetroRock Gym in Everett, MA. Also pictured is Nick presenting the first charter certificate for Crew 1908 to the college’s Dean of Students.

The Harvard College Friends of Scouting in conjunction with Boston Minuteman Council presents Merit Badge University (MBU) 2010.

When:  Saturday, March 6 (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM) & Saturday, April 17 (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM) – Both sessions are required. Some badges have an optional field trip on an intervening Saturday.

What:  An opportunity to earn three (non-Eagle required) merit badges while attending classes at Harvard University.  See below for tentative list of MB’s being offered. For many MB’s, some requirements must be done prior to the first Saturday session.  (The counselor will correspond with Scouts by the end of February with this information.)  To complete the merit badge, other work may need to be done between the first and second session or a partial may be issued.

Who:  Any Boy Scout (with the approval of their Scoutmaster).

How:  Advanced registration is required by Friday, February 12 (or earlier if class enrollment limits are reached before then.) Website access opens as follows:

· Saturday, January 16 for Scouts in the Boston Minuteman Council (BMC)

· Monday, January 18 for Scouts in the Yankee Clipper Council (YCC)

· Tuesday, January 19 for Scouts in other councils

Fee is $25, payable by credit card.  If not paid by credit card, check must be mailed to the council office within two days and received within 5 days, or reservation will be cancelled.  Fee includes merit badge pamphlet for each merit badge, patch, and Harvard Diploma.

(NOTE: Reservations made by Scouts outside BMC before January 19 will be electronically cancelled on Monday night, January 18, except those from YCC which will be permitted on January 18.)

Where:  All classes will be conducted in classroom buildings in Harvard Yard. On-site registration opens at 8 AM on Saturday, March 6.

NOTE: pre registration on line must be done – no walk-ins will be honored.

Merit badge offerings will be posted on the BMC web site by Dec 15, 2009.