Unit Resources and Training Opportunities

[Hiawatha Commissioner]

Good Morning Hiawatha District!

I want to take a moment to share with you some upcoming opportunities and new resources to help your units thrive.

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Membership Mixer Zoom - Sunday, May 17th @ 8PM

With the next school year just a few months away, the groundwork for a strong fall recruitment season begins now. The May 2026 Mixer will highlight what packs, districts, and councils can do today to be fully prepared. Lisa Wylie, former chair of the national Cub Scouting Committee, will share practical, ready-to-use strategies designed to build momentum and help welcome new Scouts this fall. A small investment of time and preparation now can lead to meaningful results later. 

https://scouting-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/UCwKQTEUTje29I8m5e_xcw#/registration

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Wood Badge - New Dates: September 25-27 and October 17-18

The Wood Badge course originally scheduled for May 29-31 and June 13-14 has been postponed until the fall. The new dates are September 25-27 and October 17-18. Participants must attend both weekends.

Every scout deserves well-trained leaders. Wood Badge provides leadership training for ALL adult leaders across all programs, regardless of how long you have been involved in scouting. It is perfect for new leaders wanting to learn more, seasoned leaders who want to take their training to the next level, and everyone who wants to improve the scouting experience of our youth.

The early bird price is $250 if you register by 8/1/26 with registration closing on September 21st. Scholarships are available, many units will support leader training, and your place of employment might even chip in to support your training as well! More information and registration are on the Council website (https://scoutingevent.com/368-WB26). 

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New Resource: Thriving Units - A Pathway to Stabilize and Sustain New and Struggling Units

This new guide provides a clear, practical framework for how commissioners and district volunteers can support units from day one through the critical first 30, 60, and 90 days, and beyond. Focused on long-term success, the guide outlines proven approaches to help units become stable, sustainable, and effective in delivering a strong program that keeps youth engaged and supports their leaders. Rather than prescribing who delivers support, the guide focuses on what support is needed, giving districts the flexibility to meet units where they are and provide meaningful, consistent assistance.

https://www.scouting.org/commissioners/renewal-growing/thriving-units/

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Hiawatha Roundtable - Thursday, May 28th @ 7PM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Vestal

Units should send at least one representative to Roundtable each month to network with other unit leaders, learn important news from the district and council, and to learn and share strategies for how to make our scouts' experience better.

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If you have any questions or concerns related to your unit, the district, or the council, please feel free to reach out to me and I'll do my best to help!

In the Spirit of Scouting,

Jason

 

Jason Moore

District Commissioner | Hiawatha District

Baden-Powell Council, Scouting America