2015

Annual Report

New Birth of Freedom Council, BSA

 

Our Council is headquartered in Mechanicsburg, PA and as of December 31, 2015 there were 9,308 young people registered in six counties (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and York) in South Central Pennsylvania.

The council is the fourth-largest council in Pennsylvania (behind Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Allentown) and is led by over 4,340 volunteers. More than 214 community organizations, representing educational, religious, non-profit, civic, and business organizations join in partnership with the New Birth of Freedom Council by chartering 370 Scouting units (packs, troops, teams, crews, and posts).

 

The New Birth of Freedom Council is the result of the April 1, 2010 merger of the former Keystone Area (Mechanicsburg) and York-Adams Area (York).

 

Cub Scouts

For Boys in Grades 1-5.

 

Cub Scouting is a family and home centered program. Cub Scouting encourages a boy to “Do Your Best.” Cub Scouting is an active family program that develops character, teaches citizenship and promotes fitness. It includes service projects, games, pinewood derbies, day camps, parent-son over-nighters, projects, ceremonies and outdoor activities.

 

Venturing

For young adults ages 14-20.

A challenging high-adventure program for young men and women designed to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Venturing programs are developed around six experience areas: Citizenship, Leadership, Fitness, Social, Outdoor and Service. The program helps youth pursue special interests in areas such as sports, arts, hobbies, youth ministry, Sea Scouting and outdoor adventure.

 

Boy Scouts

For boys in grades 6-12.

 

Boy Scouting is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations that provides a program that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. To achieve these, Boy Scouting applies eight methods of Scouting: the patrol method, participation in outdoor programs, advancement, adult association, personal growth, leadership development, the uniform, and the Ideals of the the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan.

 

Exploring

For young adults ages 14-20.

Exploring is a career preparation program that helps young men and women try different vocational options before making a career decision. Exploring teaches leadership and problem-solving skills while giving teenagers hands-on career experience.

Does Scouting Work?

We all know Scouting’s goal is to prepare young people for life, but does it work?

Scouting was put to the test over the course of three years, when a research team from Tufts University worked with the Boy Scouts of America’s Cradle of Liberty Council to measure the character attributes of both Scouts and non-Scouts — all with a goal of better understanding the character development of youth as it was happening. The project, which was funded by the John Templeton Foundation and led by Dr. Richard M. Lerner, surveyed nearly 1,800 Cub Scouts and nearly 400 non-Scouts under age 12 using both interviews and survey data. In the beginning, there were no significant differences in character attributes between the two groups. By the end, however, the differences were striking in several areas:

 

•Hopefulness  •Helpfulness  •Obedience 
•Cheerfulness  •Kindness  •Trustworthiness

 

With fun and discovery at every turn, Scouting makes the most of right now. But what’s more, it builds positive character and provides young people a foundation they can stand on to embrace opportunity, overcome obstacles, and make new discoveries.

 

Scouting Works.

Key Findings

  • The more time kids spend in Scouting, the better the outcomes in character development
  • Those who attend meetings regularly report higher outcomes virtually across the board when compared to Scouts with lower attendance
  • Scouts are more likely to embrace positive social values than non-Scouts
  • Scouts who are more engaged in the program report higher outcomes in nearly every category

MEMBERSHIP

 

As of December 31, 2015 the 4,340 registered adult volunteers in the New Birth of Freedom Council provided programs and opportunities for personal growth to the 9,308 youth members.

advancement

We are proud to report the thousands of accomplishments in the New Birth of Freedom Council that Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Explorers have achieved in 2015.

952

Bobcats

545

Tigers

645

Wolves

635

Bears

658

Webelos

490

Arrow of Lights

430

Tenderfoot Scouts

387

2nd Class Scouts

335

1st Class Scouts

316

Star Scouts

295

Life Scouts

262

Eagle Scouts

(See the Class of 2015)

2015 Program Highlights

District DAY CAMP

Day Camps are held in various districts in July. The camps depend heavily on parents, leaders, and volunteers to spearhead the programming. 447 Scouts attended in 2015.

 

NATIONAL YOUTH  LEADERSHIP TRAINING

The 2015 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) was comprised of 96 Scouts and Venturers between the ages of 13 and 20. The course is an exciting, action packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experiences they can use in their home unit and in other situations demanding self-discipline and leadership of others.

 

WINTERFEST

Winterfest is a casual weekend for a parent and Cub or Webelos Scout son to relax at Camp Tuckahoe and have fun. The theme in 2015 was “At the Movies” and was a rockin’ good time with over 100 Scouts and parents at-tending. Activities were open during the day for participants to come and go as they please and included board games, craft projects, outdoor sports, ice fishing and BB shooting.

FISHING WEEKEND

Fishing Weekend, held at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation, offered fishing on Sherman’s Creek to 54 Scouts, parents and leaders. Cubs and Webelos Scouts were able to complete requirements for the Fishing sport pin and belt loop and Boy Scouts could complete requirements for their Fishing or Fly Fishing merit badge.

SPRING FLING

153 “Carnival goers” roved Tuckahoe for Spring Fling. Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts learned all about the Earth and how to protect it. Participants also enjoyed face painting, BB and archery shooting and crafts.

 

HALLOWEEN DAYS

With 617 Scouts, parents and leaders in attendance, it’s easy to see that Halloween Days is one of Camp Tuckahoe’s most popular events! Halloween Days was held in October with many fall themed activities.

WIZARD SAFARI

The Wizard Safari-Iron Horse Encounter is a FUN, Educational, and Family-Friendly Scout encampment that was held on Saturday, Oct. 3rd.  It is set up at a Council camping facility known as “Wizard Ranch” off of the Wrightsville Exit in Hellam Township–York, PA.  The event only happens every 4 years, and about 3,000 people were in attendance including Scouts, Scouters, and the general public.  The grounds were transformed into the town of “Deadwood,” set in the Wild West.  The event explored America’s rich railroading history from 1800-1950 complete with Re-enactors, Indian Tribe demonstrations, and much more.  There were Scout specific activities, and ones that were open to all including a first-year Cub Scout Cornmaze, a Country Music Show by Fast Lane of Lancaster, an Autumn Bonfire, and a 15-minute Fireworks Show!

 

PHILMONT

Since Philmont’s first camping season in 1939, more than 900,000 Scouts, Explorers and their leaders have participated in the rugged challenge of its backpacking program. In 2015 our council contingent to Philmont consisted of 7 Scouts.

Our council is blessed with four outstanding camping facilities totaling more than 2,800 acres. These camps are: Camp Tuckahoe, Hidden Valley Scout Reservation, Camp Conewago, and Wizard Ranch. While Hidden Valley and Tuckahoe serve as the council’s summer camps, all four camps are available year-round with a variety of camping opportunities and facilities.

Camp Tuckahoe

Located near Dillsburg, PA; Camp Tuckahoe consists of nearly 1,300 acres and sits not far from the world-famous Appalachian Trail. This camp has been transformed for the 21st century through with the addition of a modern dining hall, swimming pool, shower facilities, Cub World and many other additions, Tuckahoe was reshaped into one of the finest Scout camping facilities found anywhere in the United States.

Hidden Valley

Spanning more than 875 acres near Loysville, PA; Hidden Valley offers nearly two miles of scenic streamline on the banks of Sherman’s Creek. Originally opened in 1927, this camp features a wide array of facilities and programs for scouts of all ages.

Camp Conewago

Located at the “Forks” where the Little Conewago enters into the Big Conewago stream, Camp Conewago is a little more than 10 miles from the Gettysburg area and is an easy drive to the battlefield for groups touring in the area.

Wizard Ranch

Carefully preserved as a primitive camping area, Wizard Ranch is 300 acres of fields and woodlands in eastern York County (Hellam Township) near the western banks of the Susquehanna River and is perfect for short-term camping or day time use.

Summer Camp 2015

An essential aspect of every young man’s Scouting experience is a great summer camp experience and the New Birth of Freedom Council is proud to welcome Scouts of all ages to outstanding summer programs at two close-to-home camps.

2015 Camp Attendance

​ 487
Cub Scouts   671
Webelos   1,852
Boy Scouts

Boy Scout summer camp programs are available at both Hidden Valley and Camp Tuckahoe, while all Cub Scout summer camp programs are offered at Tuckahoe. Our camps provided summer camping programs for a total of 1,852 Boy Scouts, 487 Cub Scouts and 671 Webelos Scouts with many younger Scouts attending camp with a parent.

Camping Opportunities

2015 Financial statement

90%

of our expenses goes directly back into the Program.

Fundraising Special Events

FOS

York
DCC

Golf
Outing

Sport
Clays

Popcorn

Eagle
Dinner

Friends of Scouting

 

Friends of Scouting is the annual campaign where the New Birth of Freedom Council asks Scouting families to support our mission of providing the Scouting program to thousands of young people in South Central Pennsylvania. Friends of Scouting donations in 2015 totaled $207,689 which supports the New Birth of Freedom Council’s programs, Scout camps and facilities for a calendar year.

York Distinguished Citizen Celebration

 

The 27th Annual Distinguished Citizen Celebration took place on Thursday, May 28 at the Willman Business Center on York College’s campus. Event Chairman John Luciani introduced Honoree William F. Shipley III, President of Shipley Group in York, PA. The event raised over $73,000

 

(Pictured: Event Chairman John Luciani presents Bill Shipley with the 2015 York Distinguished Citizen Award)

 

Edward R. Norford Memorial Golf Classic

 

Over 118 golfers gathered for 18 holes of golf at the annual Golf Classic held on August 24 at The Links at Gettysburg. Mulligans, door prizes and silent auction items were available along with a buffet lunch and dinner. The 2015 event played host to over 30 teams filled with some of the communities’ top executives, Council Board Members and Scouting supporters.

 

Over $56,000 was raised to benefit the Scouting Programs for the youth of South Central Pennsylvania.

Sporting Clays Shoot

 

The New Birth of Freedom Council’s 2015 Annual Sporting Clays Shoot was held at Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Harrisburg, PA. The event raised more than $28,000 and featured more then 93 shooters in both a morning and afternoon session.

2015 Popcorn Sales

 

Congratulations to Scouts of the New Birth of Freedom Council for a good year in popcorn sales! Our Scouts sold nearly $670,000 gross in popcorn sales.

 

Overall, 179 units participated in the sale, which is 48% of the council’s total traditional units.

 

Eagle Scout Dinner

 

The 2015 Eagle Scout class was honored on November 24 at the Milton Hershey School’s Founders Hall. Our Honoree was Gary D. St. Hilaire, President and CEO of Capital Blue Cross.

 

The event raised over $126,000 to support local Scouting programs in the New Birth of Freedom Council.

Officers & Directors

2015 Council Officers
Michael V.Z. Summers

Council President

 
Dr. David K. Foster

Council Commissioner

 

Ronald M. Gardner, Jr.

Scout Executive/CEO

 

Stephen Harlacher

Treasurer

 John M. Kotchish

Vice President - Camping

 
Matthew M. Haar

Vice President - District Operations

 

Halden G. McClure

Vice President - Finance

 

Dr. Kevin H. Mosser

Vice President - Fund Development

 

John A. Riggle

Vice President - Marketing/Communications

 
Dr. J. Craig Raisner

Vice President - Membership/Relationships

 
Randall K. Cline

Vice President - Program

 
 Stephen A. Wilt

Vice President - Properties

 

2015 Council Executive Board

Richard Barber (DC)

Nancy A. Besch

Harold Booth, Jr.

Alan R. Boynton, Jr.

Milton Brice

James E. Brommer

Raymond T. Cameron

Keith Clark

Randall K. Cline

Dr. Robert M. Davis

Robert J. DeSousa

John N. Elliott

Evan Forrester

David Foster

Thomas J. Fowlston

Brian Funkhouser

Wesley Garrod (DC)

James George

Shawn Gooden

Hon. Glen R. Grell

Matthew M. Haar

Steve Harlacher

Michael W. Hassell

Franklin R. Herron

Jeffrey Hines

Thomas L. Kearney, III

John M. Kotchish

Hayden A. Lage (YR)

Marc Lee (DC)

Shawn Leppo (DC)

Jeffrey D. Lobach

Thomas Longenecker

Ann K. Luciani (DC)

John J. Luciani

Melissa Markey

Halden G. McClure

Hon. Ronald E. Miller

Kendra Mohr

Dr. Kevin H. Mosser

Harold W. Nightwine

James B. Pannebaker

Hon. Todd R. Platts

Thomas J. Porsch

Dr. J. Craig Raisner

John A. Riggle

Mark S. Robertson

Charles W. Snyder

Morton Spector

Michael Stefanic

William J. Stewart

Michael V.Z. Summers

Jan L. Wagner

Richard Wagner (DC)

Robert Weed

M. Arthur Williams

Stephen A. Wilt

David Wyrwas

Charles L. Zitnick, Jr.

 

(DC) District Chairman  (YR) Youth Representative

1 Baden Powell Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-2344
Phone: (717) 766-1591  Fax: (717) 795-8721

Copyright © 2015 New Birth of Freedom Council, BSA.  All rights reserved.

Camp Tuckahoe

Hidden Valley

• Menu •

​District DAY CAMP

Day Camps are held in various districts in July. The camps depend heavily on parents, leaders, and volunteers to spearhead the programming. 447 Scouts attended in 2015.

 

NATIONAL YOUTH  LEADERSHIP TRAINING

The 2015 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) was comprised of 96 Scouts and Venturers between the ages of 13 and 20. The course is an exciting, action packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experiences they can use in their home unit and in other situations demanding self-discipline and leadership of others.

 

 

WINTERFEST

Winterfest is a casual weekend for a parent and Cub or Webelos Scout son to relax at Camp Tuckahoe and have fun. The theme in 2015 was “At the Movies” and was a rockin’ good time with over 100 Scouts and parents at-tending. Activities were open during the day for participants to come and go as they please and included board games, craft projects, outdoor sports, ice fishing and BB shooting.

 

FISHING WEEKEND

Fishing Weekend, held at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation, offered fishing on Sherman’s Creek to 54 Scouts, parents and leaders. Cubs and Webelos Scouts were able to complete requirements for the Fishing sport pin and belt loop and Boy Scouts could complete requirements for their Fishing or Fly Fishing merit badge.

 

SPRING FLING

153 “Carnival goers” roved Tuckahoe for Spring Fling. Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts learned all about the Earth and how to protect it. Participants also enjoyed face painting, BB and archery shooting and crafts.

 

 

HALLOWEEN DAYS

With 617 Scouts, parents and leaders in attendance, it’s easy to see that Halloween Days is one of Camp Tuckahoe’s most popular events! Halloween Days was held in October with many fall themed activities.

 

 

WIZARD SAFARI

The Wizard Safari-Iron Horse Encounter is a FUN, Educational, and Family-Friendly Scout encampment that was held on Saturday, Oct. 3rd.  It is set up at a Council camping facility known as “Wizard Ranch” off of the Wrightsville Exit in Hellam Township–York, PA.  The event only happens every 4 years, and about 3,000 people were in attendance including Scouts, Scouters, and the general public.  The grounds were transformed into the town of “Deadwood,” set in the Wild West.  The event explored America’s rich railroading history from 1800-1950 complete with Re-enactors, Indian Tribe demonstrations, and much more.  There were Scout specific activities, and ones that were open to all including a first-year Cub Scout Cornmaze, a Country Music Show by Fast Lane of Lancaster, an Autumn Bonfire, and a 15-minute Fireworks Show!

 

PHILMONT

Since Philmont’s first camping season in 1939, more than 900,000 Scouts, Explorers and their leaders have participated in the rugged challenge of its backpacking program. In 2015 our council contingent to Philmont consisted of 7 Scouts.

of our expenses goes directly back into the Program.

Fundraising Special Events

​District DAY CAMP

Day Camps are held in various districts in July. The camps depend heavily on parents, leaders, and volunteers to spearhead the programming. 447 Scouts attended in 2015.

 

NATIONAL YOUTH  LEADERSHIP TRAINING

The 2015 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) was comprised of 96 Scouts and Venturers between the ages of 13 and 20. The course is an exciting, action packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experiences they can use in their home unit and in other situations demanding self-discipline and leadership of others.

 

 

WINTERFEST

Winterfest is a casual weekend for a parent and Cub or Webelos Scout son to relax at Camp Tuckahoe and have fun. The theme in 2015 was “At the Movies” and was a rockin’ good time with over 100 Scouts and parents at-tending. Activities were open during the day for participants to come and go as they please and included board games, craft projects, outdoor sports, ice fishing and BB shooting.

 

FISHING WEEKEND

Fishing Weekend, held at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation, offered fishing on Sherman’s Creek to 54 Scouts, parents and leaders. Cubs and Webelos Scouts were able to complete requirements for the Fishing sport pin and belt loop and Boy Scouts could complete requirements for their Fishing or Fly Fishing merit badge.

 

SPRING FLING

153 “Carnival goers” roved Tuckahoe for Spring Fling. Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts learned all about the Earth and how to protect it. Participants also enjoyed face painting, BB and archery shooting and crafts.

 

 

HALLOWEEN DAYS

With 617 Scouts, parents and leaders in attendance, it’s easy to see that Halloween Days is one of Camp Tuckahoe’s most popular events! Halloween Days was held in October with many fall themed activities.

 

 

WIZARD SAFARI

The Wizard Safari-Iron Horse Encounter is a FUN, Educational, and Family-Friendly Scout encampment that was held on Saturday, Oct. 3rd.  It is set up at a Council camping facility known as “Wizard Ranch” off of the Wrightsville Exit in Hellam Township–York, PA.  The event only happens every 4 years, and about 3,000 people were in attendance including Scouts, Scouters, and the general public.  The grounds were transformed into the town of “Deadwood,” set in the Wild West.  The event explored America’s rich railroading history from 1800-1950 complete with Re-enactors, Indian Tribe demonstrations, and much more.  There were Scout specific activities, and ones that were open to all including a first-year Cub Scout Cornmaze, a Country Music Show by Fast Lane of Lancaster, an Autumn Bonfire, and a 15-minute Fireworks Show!

 

PHILMONT

Since Philmont’s first camping season in 1939, more than 900,000 Scouts, Explorers and their leaders have participated in the rugged challenge of its backpacking program. In 2015 our council contingent to Philmont consisted of 7 Scouts.

1 Baden Powell Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-2344
Phone: (717) 766-1591  Fax: (717) 795-8721

Copyright © 2015 New Birth of Freedom Council, BSA.  All rights reserved.

Cub Scouts

For Boys in Grades 1-5.

 

Cub Scouting is a family and home centered program. Cub Scouting encourages a boy to “Do Your Best.” Cub Scouting is an active family program that develops character, teaches citizenship and promotes fitness. It includes service projects, games, pinewood derbies, day camps, parent-son over-nighters, projects, ceremonies and outdoor activities.

 

Boy Scouts

For boys in grades 6-12.

 

Boy Scouting is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations that provides a program that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. To achieve these, Boy Scouting applies eight methods of Scouting: the patrol method, participation in outdoor programs, advancement, adult association, personal growth, leadership development, the uniform, and the Ideals of the the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan.

 

Venturing

For young adults ages 14-20.

A challenging high-adventure program for young men and women designed to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Venturing programs are developed around six experience areas: Citizenship, Leadership, Fitness, Social, Outdoor and Service. The program helps youth pursue special interests in areas such as sports, arts, hobbies, youth ministry, Sea Scouting and outdoor adventure.

 

Exploring

For young adults ages 14-20.

Exploring is a career preparation program that helps young men and women try different vocational options before making a career decision. Exploring teaches leadership and problem-solving skills while giving teenagers hands-on career experience.

 

advancement

We are proud to report the thousands of accomplishments in the New Birth of Freedom Council that Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Explorers have achieved in 2015.

2015 Program Highlights

Camping Opportunities

2015 Financial statement