Many Rivers Scouting formerly Distrct F - Northern Star Council, BSA

06/01/2026

June 1st, conversation photo.

05/31/2026

05/28/2026

HEY SCOUTS! CATCH THE EXCITEMENT OF MONSTER JAM!
July 18-19, 2026, Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul, MN

Get ready to cheer, scream and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over the Grand Casino Arena, 199 West Kellogg Boulevard in Saint Paul, for a weekend packed with stunts, smiles and jaw-dropping skills. With awesome trucks, amazing stunts, big air, and aaction-packed excitement, it's the definition of fun for everyone!

Two awesome shows to choose from!
o SATURDAY, JULY 18, 6:00 PM
o SUNDAY, JULY 19, 12:00 PM

TICKETS are $20.00 each and aare available to Scouts, family members and guests. Scouts get a FREE patch, too! Offer expires on July 16, 2026 and is based on availability.
Go to https://am.ticketmaster.com/wild/promotional-page?id=Mjc3
Contact Karen Reisinger at 651-312-3486 to purchase eight or more tickets.

05/27/2026

Dear ALL Order of the Arrow Members,

Fort Snelling Flag Retrieval is THIS Saturday 30th May, 2026 from 3-5pm. Can you come and help? We are still in need of OA Staff as well as those to come and help.

Meeting location will be provided to registrants. Work areas will be assigned after we meet on site for the check-in on location.

Link to Sign Up and All Instructions : https://scoutingevent.com/250-OAFlagCleanUP2026

Yours in Brotherhood, Cheerfulness and Service

Lodge Communications Team

05/23/2026

EARN THE AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURE MERIT BADGE THIS FALL!
September 18-20, 2026, Birch Bend Campground, Pierz, MN

In conjunction with the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, the Pine Bend Association is presenting a 2026 American Indian Culture merit badge Campout, which takes place on Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20 at the Birch Bend College of Wilderness Knowledge, 33082 268th Street in Pierz, Minnesota.

The Campout Committee thanks you for your interest in the American Indian Culture Campout -- weaving the art and culture of the Ojibwe people. We need your understanding and cooperation with the information in the Leader's Guide to minimize difficulties for your Unit and maximize fun for everyone who attends this event. Thanks again in advance.

COST for this event is FREE -- includes all meals at no cost -- we just need to know how many people you think will be attending.

REGISTER ONLINE at https://scoutingevent.com/250-pbaaic26
The event registration will be capped at 125 Scouts.
Registration closes on September 13, 2026 or when capacity is filled.

CONTACT Campout Chair Paul Kaardal at [email protected] or 651-245-1623 if you have uestions or need assistance.

05/22/2026

About time they make a change that should be easier to understand!

📢 A New, Simpler Renewal Cycle for All Members

Scouting America announced an important change at last week’s National Annual Meeting that will simplify the membership and unit renewal process nationwide.

📅 By February 2028, all members and all units will have a single, common renewal month of February.

This change is in response to feedback from unit leaders and other Scouters who asked for a simpler, more consistent renewal experience. We appreciate and value their input.

🔑 Key updates include:

🔹 Beginning September 2026, all units due for renewal will renew to February 2028.

🔹 All memberships and unit charters will have a common renewal month of February by February 2028

➡️ To simplify the process and in response to unit leaders' requests, Scouting America is returning to unit control of member renewals. If the unit does not renew a member, that member may renew themselves after the unit-only period closes.

⚠️ The current 60-day grace period will end December 31, 2026

🔹 Members renewing in November 2026 will still receive a 30-day grace period through December

🔹 Members renewing in December 2026 must renew by December 31 to avoid being dropped

🛠️ To support the transition during 2026 and 2027:

🔹 Beginning in September 2026, new and renewing units will use the standard charter fee plus pro rata fees through February 2028

🔹 No changes for new and renewing members through 2026

📌 Unit leaders should watch for updates from their local council, as additional guidance and implementation details may vary by council during the transition period.

This is a significant operational change designed to reduce complexity and create a more streamlined experience for volunteers, families, and councils alike.

05/21/2026

Reminder, the refresher course doesn't update Youth Protection Training. (YPT).

If you've taken Safeguarding Youth Training, then you can update with the refresher course.

This refresher is a great option for volunteers who are currently up to date or recently expired (less than 7 days) on their Safeguarding Youth Training certification. It’s designed to be a quick and efficient way to renew your training—but there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind:
• You must have previously completed the full 90-minute Safeguarding Youth Training course to be eligible
• If your Safeguarding Youth Training has been expired for 7 days or more, you will need to retake the full course
• You must score 80% or higher on your first attempt—otherwise, you’ll be directed back to the full course
• If you previously completed the older Youth Protection Training, you will need to take the full Safeguarding Youth Training course before using the refresher

How to Take the Refresher Course
1. Log in to my.scouting.org
2. Click the Safeguarding Youth Logo
3. Click "Catalog"
4. Search for "Refresher"
5. Click "Visit" or "Enroll" then "Start"
6. Complete the training.

05/21/2026

ADULTS - TAKE TRAINING AT MANY POINT THIS SUMMER!
June 21-August 15, 2026, Many Point Scout Camp, Ponsford, MN

Many Point Scout Camp has several training opportunities to keep adults busy while the Scouts are at camp. Whether you're looking to learn something new, try something you haven't been able to, or help out the camp staff, there are plenty of options!

INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS (IOLS) -- This hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the Patrol Method of a Scout-led Troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. In addition, the teaching methods, activities, and games model the variety of teaching used in effective and engaging Scouting programs. IOLS is hosted at the Many Point Training Center on Tuesday through Thursday mornings, 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM. COST: $30.00 per adult.

WILDERNESS FIRST AID -- This course is for everyone planning a remote high adventure, and is defined as being an hour or more away from advanced care. CPR/AED Training is NOT INCLUDED in course. Offered during weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. COST: $100.00 per adult. Details are found in the online registration.

DELTA TRAINING -- Learn how to run team building activities for your Unit! Details are found in the online registration.

SAFE SWIM DEFENSE AND SAFETY AFLOAT -- Learn all the procedures for your Unit to safely operate your own beach or run a float trip. Talk to the Aquatics Director. Details are found in the online registration.

SIGN UP through your Unit's online registration. Sign up for this training is similar to how Scouts sign up for merit badges.

05/20/2026

ADULTS - TAKE TRAINING AT TOMAHAWK THIS SUMMER!
June 21-August 15, 2026, Tomahawk Scout Camp, Birchwood, WI

Tomahawk Scout Camp has several training opportunities to keep adults busy while the Scouts are at camp. Whether you're looking to learn something new, try something you haven't been able to, or help out the camp staff, there are plenty of options!

INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS (IOLS) -- This hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the Patrol Method of a Scout-led Troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. The teaching methods, activities and games model the variety of teaching used in effective and engaging Scouting programs. IOLS is hosted at the Chippewa Dining Hall during sessions 1 and 2. Sioux leaders may walk over; White Pine leaders may ride the bus. Offered Weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. COST: $30.00 per adult
COURSE SCHEDULE:
o Monday - Wood Tools, Fire Building, Ropes and Knots, First Aid
o Wednesday - Plant ID, Animal ID, Backpacking, Hiking, High Adventure and Orienteering
o Friday - Flags and Ceremonies, Camping, Outdoor Ethics, Cooking and Interfaith Worship

WILDERNESS FIRST AID -- This course is for everyone planning a remote high adventure, and is defined as being an hour or more away from advanced care. CPR/AED Training is NOT INCLUDED in course. Course will be held at Central Services during weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Leaders should drive themselves. Offered as a two-day, all-day course on Monday and Tuesday. COST: $100.00 per adult.

PADDLECRAFT SAFETY -- This course gets you trained in basic paddling skills if you're planning a trip to the BWCA or a river float trip. Attend and assist with both Canoeing and Kayaking merit badges held in each sub-camp; attend Tuesday and Thrsday afternoon session for further instruction and testing. Testing in Chippewa during weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. COST: $20.00 per adult.

SIGN UP through your Unit's online registration. Sign up for this training is similar to how Scouts sign up for merit badges.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to all. Especially to our own Brian Peterson.

HUNDREDS GATHER FOR THE 2026 COUNCIL RECOGNITION LUNCHEON!

On Saturday, April 18, over 250 family and friends of volunteers gathered for this year's Northern Star Council Recognition Luncheon at Base Camp's Team Building Center in Fort Snelling. It was a beautiful spring day to recognize our 2026 class of Silver Beaver recipients, and to thank our many Scouting volunteers who have distinguished themselves through their service, without whom we couldn't do Scouting. It was Scouting's version of the Oscars with more neckerchiefs and fewer wardrobe malfunctions.

A catered chicken luncheon was held concurrent with the day's program. The event was emceed by Scout youth Elizabeth and Gavin, who did an excellent job of keeping the program moving along. Congratulations were bestowed upon this year's Silver Beaver Award Recipients: Jason Mangan, District A; Christopher McMahon, District A; Bradley Bakken, Board Member; John Bauer, District F; Brian Peterson, District F; David Peters, District G; Sara-Marie Malewitz, District H; Patrick Norris, District I; Mark Duncan, District L; Edward D'Avignon, District P; and Gary Dressel. District Q. These individuals, all registered Scouters, made a significant impact on the lives of youth both in and out of Scouting.

Also recognized at the event were 2025 Torch of Gold recipient Dean Soderbeck; National Venturing Leadership Award recipient Helen Lockwood; and Phil Jensen was selected to receive the Silver Antelope Award at the National Annual Meeting.

In addition, twenty youth were recognized as Eagle Scout Scholarship recipients -- Eagle Scout of the Year Oliver Jurek received a $5,000.00 scholarship; and Braeden Pruitt and Luke Peterson received $3,000.00 scholarships. Other $1,500.00 scholarship winners were Jason Broin, Katana Coburn, Joshua Crislip, Abigail Erdmann, Jordan Erwin, Anna Garey, Russelll Hill, Kaden Jones, Miles Kasten, Wyatt Kauppi, Tyler McGinnis, Josephine McWilliams, Sruthika Ramu, Enzo Sethi, Andrew Sinna, Julianne Thomas and Hannah Trudeau.

A reception followed in the Weekes Commons area of the Leadership Center.

Our thanks to Event Coordinator Renee Estrella-Wells and her recognition team who worked hard to create a memorable day for everyone.