Pine Tree Council, Scouting America

08/31/2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR UNIT LEADERS:

Please check your settings in Organization Manager. There is a box on the Settings page that, when checked, will allow new youth who apply online to be automatically accepted, without a member of your Key 3 accepting them. However, the Key 3 doesn't seem to be getting an email telling you a new youth has joined. This has caused a few units to reach out to Council staff questioning why there is a new youth on their roster that nobody in the pack had communicated with yet.

There is also a checkbox which allows automatic approval of renewing members.

(See screenshot below )

If your unit is okay with these options, you don't need to do anything. However, if you still want the ability to approve new youth and renewing members, you should uncheck each of these boxes.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to a Council staff member. Thanks!

Have a great week!!

08/23/2026

Join us at Camp Hinds August 28th-30th for a relaxing weekend of music, storytelling, community, and fun that lasts from sunrise to starlight. This multi-genre celebration brings together local, regional, and national talent for three unforgettable days!

08/18/2026

Our annual Maine Shooting Sports Experience (MSSE) event is RIGHT around the corner!! September 3rd!! We are still looking for volunteers to help us staff this event and we still looking to add some teams!! It's a fun event on both sides. If you are interested in either please follow the link!

Volunteers: https://www.cognitoforms.com/BHRGC/_2026MSSEStaffRegistration

Shooting Teams:
https://scoutingevent.com/218-2026_MSSE

The Maine Shooting Sports ExperienceThursday, September 3, 2026Camp William HindsRaymond, Maine HELP SCOUTING GROW AND THRIVEYour support helps u

08/14/2026

CABELA'S SHOW & SELLS

To all units that submitted a Show & Sell popcorn order- you should have received an email from Leah asking you to choose your top 3 dates if you were interested in having your unit do one or more Show & Sells at Cabela's.

If you are interested and you haven't replied to the email yet, please email her ASAP as she will be finalizing the first round of dates and should be confirming with units by tomorrow evening. If you never received the email, please reach out to her ASAP! Thanks! :)

08/10/2026

Monday Membership Moment - Words Have Meaning

I used to say the words "recruitment" and "retention" when I talked about growing Packs.

Now I use "joining" and "belonging."

Here's the thing about growing a Pack. The number on the roster was never really the goal. It's the byproduct of something else - kids and families finding a place they want to be part of.

When we chase "recruitment," we ask, "How do we get more kids to sign up?" When we chase "joining," we ask, "How do we make it easy and inviting for a family to say yes the first time they hear about us?"

When we chase "retention," we ask, "How do we keep our numbers from dropping?" When we chase "belonging," we ask, "Does every Scout in this Pack have a friend, a job, and a leader who knows their name?"

A Pack doesn't grow because of a better flyer or a bigger table at Back to School Night, though those help get someone in the door. A Pack grows because the families already in it are having such a good time that they can't help but invite the next family. Word of mouth from a family that feels like it belongs is worth more than any sign-up tool.

So if you're working on growing your Pack this year, don't just ask, "How do we recruit more Scouts?" Ask "How do we make this a place people want to join, and never want to leave?"

Get belonging right, and growth takes care of itself.

-- Mike

08/10/2026

REMINDER:
August 14th is Scout Night at the Sea Dogs!!!

⚾Get ready for an unforgettable night at the ballpark! ⚾

🧢Join the Portland Sea Dogs for an exciting **2026 Scout Night at the Sea Dogs** on **Thursday, August 14, 2026**! Gather your troop, pack, or group and experience the thrill of live Minor League Baseball at Hadlock Field.

This special evening is dedicated to celebrating the spirit of scouting, bringing together scouts, leaders, and their families for a memorable night of America's favorite pastime. Imagine the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the camaraderie of your fellow scouts as you cheer on the Portland Sea Dogs. It's more than just a game; it's a chance to create lasting memories, build team spirit, and enjoy a fantastic community event under the lights. Don't miss this unique opportunity to combine your love for scouting with the excitement of Sea Dogs baseball. Secure your tickets now and be part of the adventure!

‼️If we sell all of the tickets we have reserved, we will get a chance to have a parade around the field and get a photo in front of the Maine Monster‼️

⭐Special Scout Patches are available for anyone who would like to purchase them.⭐

To order tickets go to: https://www.gofevo.com/event/2026scout56
(Ticker order deadline is August 13, 11:59PM)

8/14/26 @ 6:00 PM - 2026 Scout Night at the Sea Dogs (8/14)

08/09/2026

08/09/2026

Important Membership Renewal Update

Scouting America has announced an important change to the membership renewal process. The current membership lapse (grace) period will be phased out and will officially end on December 31, 2026.

⨳What’s Changing?

The membership lapse period has allowed members a short grace period after their renewal date before becoming inactive. As Scouting America simplifies its renewal process, that grace period will gradually be reduced and then eliminated.

🗓️Key Dates

✅Members with an **October 2026** renewal date will be the last to receive the full **two-month lapse period**

✅Members with a **November 2026** renewal date will receive a **one-month lapse period**

✅Members with a **December 2026** renewal date will receive **no lapse period**

Beginning September 2026, new and renewing units will pay the standard charter fee plus prorated membership fees through February 2028.

🗓️Beginning January 1, 2027, all members must be current in their registration to maintain active status. Expired memberships may impact participation, advancement, leadership eligibility, and registration status.

Unit leaders, committee members, and families should beginning planning now to ensure memberships are renewed on time and there is no interruption in participation, advancement, or registration status.

Additional information will be shared as Scouting America continues implementing its updated membership and renewal process.

08/03/2026

**REMINDER**
Popcorn Show & Sell Orders are due by 11:00 PM tonight!

2026 POPCORN SALE

Has your unit committed to the 2026 Popcorn Sale yet? If not, there's still time to commit your unit to the sale, and order Show & Sell Product if your unit wants it.

If your unit hasn't sold popcorn in the last few years, or isn't sure they want to this year, check out out *NEW* incentives for units this year that go beyond just the usual extra commission (including an opportunity to have the Council fee waived, and get a discount off the cost of 2027 Summer Camp).

For more information on the *NEW* unit incentives, this year's commission structure, important popcorn sale dates, and other information about the sale, go to: https://www.pinetreescouting.org/popcorn/

If you have any questions or have issues placing your Show & Sell Order, please reach out to Leah ASAP!