District M Northern Star Scouting

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

DISTRICT M CALENDAR THIS WEEK

Each Monday we bring you an at-a-glance look at the activities happening this week. For details please see the Council website.

o OCTOBER 12 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Trailblazers 2026 Monday session
o OCTOBER 13 Trailblazers 2026 Tuesday session Education Outpost Live Webinar
o OCTOBER 14 Online Certified Angling Instructor Training National Exploring Live Hour
o OCTOBER 15 Minnesota Educator Academy - No School Gamehaven Council Art Camp Starts Trailblazers 2026 Thursday session North Star Museum Merit Badge Workshop Online Certified Angling Instructor Training Seabadge at the Summit Begins
o OCTOBER 16 Minnesota Educator Academy - No School Gamehaven Council Art Camp Concludes Northern Star Cub Scout Spooky-Ree Valleyscare at Valleyfair North Star Museum Merit Badge Workshop Law Enforcement Explorer Duluth Conference Seabadge at the Summit
o OCTOBER 17 Northern Star Cub Scout Spooky-Ree Norrthern Star Aim and Climb Day at Phillippo Jamboree on the Air / Internet Valleyscare at Valleyfair Valleyfair Tricks and Treats Sustainable Safari Environ Science merit badge Scoutmaster Bucky October Merit BAdge Day Central Minnesota Cub Scout Leader Training Law Enforcement Explorer Duluth Conference Seabadge at the Summit
o OCTOBER 18 Northern Star Cub Scout Spooky-Ree Northern Star Cub Scout Fall Day Camp Valleyfair Tricks and Treats Seabadge at the Summit Ends

10/12/2026

PAINT, BUILD, IMAGINE AND MAKE IT YOURS AT GAMEHAVEN ART CAMP!
October 15-October 16, 2026, Gamehaven Scout Camp, Rochester, MN

REGISTRATION CLOSES TODAY!!! Here's a creative weekend you won't want to miss! Two days where Scouts can spread their creative wings and draw, paint, experiment, sculpt and dye to their heart's content.

o CUB SCOUTS - focus on draing, watercolor, recycled art, nature rubbings, pumpkin painting, sculpture and tie-dye.
o SCOUTS BSA - focus on merit badges such as art, pottery, graphic arts, leatherwork, sculpture and moviemaking.
o PLUS - there are art stations set up for weaving, beadwork, yarn art, origami, marble painting, music, leaf prints and more!

COST FOR ART CAMP:
o $30.00 for one day (Thursday or Friday) for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA youth.
o $20.00 for one day adults and parents. Lunch is included.
o $75.00 for both days and overnight camping for Cub scouts and Scouts BSA youth.
o $45.00 both days and overnight adults and parents. Includes 6:00 PM dinner and 8:00 PM campfire.

REGISTER ONLINE at https://scoutingevent.com/299-ArtCamp2026
Registration closes on October 12, 2026.

Contact Art Camp Advisor Rachel Stoltman at [email protected] or 507-450-8775 if you have questions or need assistance.

10/12/2026

JAMBOREE-ON-THE-AIR, JAMBOREE-ON-THE-INTERNET IS COMING!
October 17, 2026, North Star Scouting Museum, North Saint Paul, MN

THIS SATURDAY!!! The North Star Scouting Museum is pleased to invite Scouts of all ages to participate in Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet, the world's largest digital and radio Scouting event! The worldwide Scouting event returns to the North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting, 2640 Seventh Avenue East in North Saint Paul, on Saturday, October 17, all day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Whether you're communicating through amateur radio during Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) or connecting online through Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI), it's an unforgettable experience which showcases the true spirit of global Scouting. Historically, more than one million youth from over 150 countries participate in this event each year; you can travel internationally without a passport or a plane ticket! Mark your calendars now and begin planning with your Unit!

o JOTA or JAMBOREE-ON-THE-AIR is a radio event where participants can use ham radio to connect to fellow Scouts around the community, across the nation or around the world on radio station K0BSA (Kay-Zero-BSA), thanks to our masters of the radio, Tim Arimond, Richard Clem and Daniel Dionne.
o JOTI or JAMBOREE-ON-THE-INTERNET is the Internet-based component of the program, where Scouts can connect with fellow Scouts via the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

K0BSA, the amateur radio station of Northern Star Council, will operate its radios from the Museum. Scouts have the opportunity to talk with other Scouts around the world using shortwave radio. Whether you're connecting via radio waves or the internet, get ready for an incedible journey of learning, fun, and global friendships.

This is a FREE event. Scouts of all ages and any gender may participate. Visitors can just show up, but if you have a group of five or more, the North Star Museum requests you pre-register at https://nssm.regfox.com/2026-radio-merit-badge-and-jota so they may plan accordingly.

In addition, the Museum is offering a session of the Radio merit badge on Saturday, October 17, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Preregistration is required; the cost is $15.00 for Museum members and $20.00 for nonmembers. Scouts should bring a bag lunch and a blue card signed by the Scoutmaster.
Register now at https://www.nssm.org/merit-badge-workshops.html
Registration closes on October 8, 2026

Contact the North Star Museum at [email protected] or 651-748-2880 if you have questions or need assistance. You may also contact Tim Arimond (K0BSA) at [email protected] or 612-741-9307 for specific inquiries.

10/12/2026

BE A MEMBER OF THE LODGE CEREMONY TEAM!
November 8, 2026, Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church, Bloomington, MN

As you all know, Totanhan Nakaha Lodge has been the first to go live wwith the New Inductions Experience as well as move from the previous Constellation Conclaves to the new Lodge Level Inductions and Service Weekends. One of things that has changed is the different roles in the Ceremony Team. With the new process it has opened up more positions for Youth, Youth Plus and Adults to be involved with Ceremonies beyond just the Ceremonialist. Would you be interested in finding out more about the Ceremony Team, the different roles with the team and how to get involved and have some fun at the same time?

The Ceremony Team is hosting a Meet and Greet and Social of Pizza, Root B**r Floats and Games on Sunday, November 8. 6:30 PM to 8:30/9:00 PM at Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church, 9920 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, Minnesota.

Experience is not necessary, as we give all training as well as we also have some fun team socials. We're looking for Lodge OA members who'd like to be part of the Ceremony Team who enjoy getting to know other members, having fun and putting together a great ceremony for our New Members and New Brotherhoods. Roles in the Ceremony Team include:
o CEREMONIALIST - five Roles in the New Ordeal and New Brotherhood Ceremony (a Youth or Youth Plus Position - Under age 21).
o READ A DAYTIME REFLECTION OFF A SHEET - (a Youth or Youth Plus Position - Under age 21).
o TECH PERSON - to run the music and light for the silhouette.
o SET UP AND TEAR DOWN CREW/FIRE TENDER CREW - Tiki Torches, Backdrop, etc.
o CEREMONY GUIDES - to help the Luminaries guide the New Members in and out of the Ceremony Circle during the Ceremony.
o ADULT CEREMONY ADVISERS AND ADULT SUPPORT FOR THE CEREMONIALISTS.

Interested? We would love to hear from you and to help us out, ask you to fill in the Google Doc at https://forms.gle/Qxw8TPzgiAUWc6Ks7 This also has the pizza requests so we can order the right amount of food in on Sunday, November 8. Or simply just fill in the information if you are unable to make Sunday, November 8.

Contact us if you have questions. Grace J. (Youth Ceremony Lead) , Vicki Jurek and Bradley Kimball (Ceremony Advisers).

10/12/2026

CUB LEADERS - GET TRAINED IN JUST ONE DAY!
October 17, 2026, Council Service Center, Sartell, MN
November 7, 2026, Parker Scout Reservation, Nisswa, MN

Join us for Cub Scout Leadeer Specific Training, to be presented on Saturday, October 17, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Central Minnesota Council Service Center, 1191 Scout Drive in Sartell, Minnesota OR on Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Parker Scout Reservation, 21930 Paradise Drive in Nisswa, Minnesota. No need only register for one session, as each session coverss the same information.

Cub Scout Leader Specific Training is for Cubmasters, Assistant Cubmasters, Pack Committee Chairs, Pack Committee Members and all Den Leaders, and satisfies the leader specific training requirement for all Cub Scout leader roles. Please bring your own lunch. This is a FREE event!

REGISTER ONLINE at https://www.scoutingevent.com/296-cubleadertraining
Registration closes on October 12, 2026 for the October 17 session.
Registration closes on November 2, 2026 for the November 7 session.

Contact Training Chair Levi Muhlenkamp at [email protected] if you have questions or need assistance.

10/12/2026

RESERVE YOUR PHILMONT TREK FOR 2028 NOW!

For generations, Scouts have built lifelong friendships and discovered the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Explore over 140,000 acres and over 30 staffed camps. Philmont is the ultimate Scouting experience -- an immersive backcountry backpacking trek through the rugged and beautiful mountains of northern New Mexico. Philmont offers twelve-day, nine-day, and seven-day treks where crews hike between backcountry camps, carrying their gear, cooking their own meals, and participating in unique programs like rock climbing, horseback riding, blacksmithing, and conservation projects.

CREW TREKS -- Team up for high adventure treks designed to test your collaboration, endurance, and leadership in real wilderness challenges. The classic experience thousands of Scouts have called the adventure of a lifetime, with rugged trails, epic challenges, and lifelong memories in the making. Ages 14-20. Crew sizes 8 to 12, including adult leadership.
o $1,830.00 per person - 12-Day Trek
o $1,740.00 per person - 9-Day Trek
o $1,525.00 per person - 7-day Trek
To book your Registration visit https://www.registerphilmont.org/entry/2028

CAVALCADE TREKS -- Experience the magic of Philmont like the legendary trappers and explorers of the Old West -- on horseback! Philmont eight-day Cavalcades take your crew off the beaten path and into the heart of the rugged backcountry, trading boots for saddles as you ride through mountain wilderness and make memories that will last a lifetime -- scenic trails, backcountry camps, and exciting program activities, only on horseback! Your Cavalcade concludes with a thrilling equestrian gymkhana, where you’ll compete in a rodeo-style showdown to test your riding skills. Ages 14-20. Crew sizes 10-15, including adult leadership.
o $1,790.00 per person - 8-Day Cavalcade
To book your Registration visit https://www.registerphilmont.org/entry/2028

Contact Philmont Camping Headquarters at [email protected] or 575-376-2281 if you have questions or need assistance.

10/12/2026

EARN THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MERIT BADGE!
October 17, 2026, Sustainable Safari, Burnsville, MN
January 16, 2027, Sustainable Safari, Burnsville, MN
February 27, 2027, Sustainable Safari, Burnsville, MN
April 3, 2027, Sustainable Safari, Burnsvville, MN

In partnership with Sustainable Safari, 915 County Road 42 West, Suite 1079 and 1080 in Burnsville, the Northern Star Council presents the ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE merit badge on four dates -- Saturday, October 17, 2026; Saturday, January 16, 2026; Saturday, February 27, 2027; and April 3, 2027, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Participating Scouts should attend in Class A field uniforms, bring pre-filled merit baddge cards for each badge and should have a copy of the Environmental Science workbooks. Scouts should also read the Environmental Science merit badge pamphlet.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE -- Get curious about the environment with Sustainable Safari’s Environmental Science event. Take a deep dive into what it means to be an environemental scientist and look at the world through a lens of curiosity and observation. Note: Requirements 2 and 6 must be completed outside of this event.

COST is $25.00 per participant. Due to limited space, all participants must be pre-registered. Scouts attending without a Unit should have an adult chaperon on-site. Units participating in the event should provide adult supervision in line with Youth Protection guidelines. Lunch will not be provided at the event. Scouts attending will need to bring their own bag lunch.

REGISTER ONLINE at https://scoutingevent.com/250-ensci
Registration closes for October 17 on October 16, 2026.
Registration closes for January 16 on January 15, 2027.
Registration closes for February 27 on February 26, 2027.
Registration closes for April 3 on April 2, 2027.

Contact John McDermid, Activities Director at [email protected] or 612-261-2329 if you have questions or need assistance.

10/12/2026

SCOUTS IN FILM AND TELEVISION: ANTHONY CAVALERO

Cavalero was born in Annandale, Virginia, not far from Washington, D.C. on October 12, 1983 to Michael and Nancy Cavalero. He attended Poe Middle School and Annandale High School, where he lettered in varsity football, wrestling and lacrosse, and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. In his youth he was an active member of the Boy Scouts, and attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduation Cavalero attended the Virginia Military Institute where he was a four-year varsity lacrosse player. He moved to Los Angeles, California and studied theater at Cal State Los Angeles, and became a founding and main member of the improvisational and sketch comedy troupe, The Groundings.

Cavalero has numerous television and film credits to his name; his notable film appearances include
The Duff, After the Reality, Internet Famous, When We First Met, and Dog Days. His television credits include The Single Life, Hart of Dixie, Aim High, and is best known for his portrayal of Dewey Finn in the series School of Rock.

In 2015 he married his wife Annie and they reside in Los Angeles.