In an effort to better serve Scouting families and volunteers in New Hampshire, Daniel Webster Council has recently reorganized its field service operations. The communities that made up the Great Northern District have been realigned, based on geography, with one of three neighboring districts. Units located in Woodsville, Libson, Littleton, Bethlehem, Whitefield, Lancaster, Groveton, Colebrook, and Pittsburg are now part of the Sunapee District; units in Campton, Thornton, Lincoln, and Warren have been added to the Wannalancit District; and units in North Conway, Conway, Bartlett, Berlin, and Gorham are now in Abnaki District. A complete listing of towns and their district affiliation can be found here.

The intent of this realignment is to improve support for Scouting in the north country. The limited number of east-west highways and the distance between towns in the northern part of the state makes it challenging for district executives, commissioners, and other volunteers to get together in person. Now three district executives and a larger team of commissioners will be able to visit northern towns in north-south corridors more frequently and efficiently. District program opportunities will also increase, as the resources of three districts will be available to make events more accessible to northern units. With volunteers and professionals from multiple districts serving the north country, district collaboration will increase and service will improve as a result.

This restructuring coincides with some professional staff changes. Greg Jacques, former Historic District Executive, has left DWC to serve Connecticut Rivers Council, and Senior District Executive Skip Chase has moved from Massabesic District to Historic. Mark Callahan will now serve as the Massabesic District Executive and continue in his role as Griswold Scout Reservation Director. Alex Heinemann, former Sunapee District Executive, has taken a position with the Grand Canyon Council in Arizona, and a new Sunapee District Executive will be hired soon. Please join us in congratulating all these dedicated professionals on their new positions!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact VP of District Operations, Mike Tager, Council Commissioner, Craig Donais, or Director of Field Services, Tom Trafton. We look forward to growing Scouting in New Hamphire with this new service model and improving the level of support for all our members and volunteers!

Information about Daniel Webster Council Cub Scout summer camp programs was recently mailed to all registered Cub Scouts, Cubmasters, and Pack Committee Chairs. If you would like to see a digital version of the brochure that you can download, print, or e-mail to others, click here. Online registration is available at www.nhscouting.org/camping.

If leaders from your unit are planning to attend a camp program with a number of your Scouts, one representative from your pack, troop, or crew (the "camp coordinator") should register your group as a "chartered unit." Scouts who plan to attend a camp program separate from their unit (e.g. Cub Scout Akela Camp or resident camp as a "provisional" camper) can be registered by their families.

In either case, campers should have space reserved for them with an online registration and a paid deposit by March 17 in order to secure the lowest possible camp fee!

Leaders and parents should also attend the CUB SCOUT CAMPING RALLY on Saturday, March 22, to start getting ready for camp. Details and registration online at www.nhscouting.org/cubrally.

The Daniel Webster Council is pleased to announce that this year we will be honoring Steve & Susan Duprey and Easter Seals NH.  The dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 17th at the Radisson Hotel Manchester Downtown.  Click here for more information about the dinner, or visit www.nhscouting.org/dcad to purchase a ticket, buy an ad in the event program, or to view sponsorship opportunities for your company.

Do you enjoy playing golf? Does your company support charitable golf tournaments? If so, the Mascoma Savings Bank and AT&T Golf Classic may be a great opportunity for you. There may be snow on the ground now, but golf season is just around the corner.  This year's tournament will be held on June 4 at the Quechee Club. Both the Highland Course and the Lakeland Course will be filled with Scouting supporters. Limited sponsorships and foursomes are available.

Contact John Pelletier, Development Director, for more information.

District Commissioners, Assistant District Commissioners, and interested volunteers are encouraged to attend this training on Saturday, February 22 at Camp Carpenter in Manchester to learn how to build an effective team of commissioners to serve Scouting in their district. All course materials, including manuals and DVDs will be provided. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER no later than Wednesday, February 19. Click here for details.

The Rangers' Corner is now a monthly feature in Trail Notes to keep you connected to the hard-working individuals who keep the council's camp properties and facilites open year-round to support Scouting in New Hampshire. This month: An update from Steve Hambleton at Camp Carpenter...

Camp Carpenter is one of the Region's premiere Cub Scout Summer Camps.  Did you know the  camp is available for use by Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers during the rest of the year?  Many units already take advantage of the camp to practice their camping, cooking, and orienteering skills.  Fishing on Long Pond is an activity enjoyed by many Scouts and Scouters. Some units use the camp as a starting point for the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail, or as a base camp to visit the attractions in the surrounding area like Vertical Dreams rock climbing gym.  Of course there is always the Manchester Scout Shop and Lawrence L. Lee Scouting Museum to visit during your stay.

Many Scouters have noticed the newly sided and stained Storage Building along the camp road.  Members of New Hampshire Carpenter's Local 118 replaced the original siding, and volunteers from Shiloh Community Church stained the new siding.  Volunteers young and old are always welcome to assist with the upkeep of the camp.  There are projects for those with specialized skills, and some that just require a good attitude and a willingness to work hard.

"Wish List":  Along with volunteer help, some items that would help stretch the camp budget if donated include:

• pressure treated lumber - 2x4x8, 2x6x10, 2x6x16. 5/4x6x10
• riding lawnmower
• self-propelled lawnmower
• cordless drill
• wrench sets (metric & standard)
• screw driver set
• safety glasses
• first aid ice packs

The complete "Wish List" can be found here. If you would like to help out at camp or donate an item, contact Steve Hambleton.

Even though the weather outside is still cold and snowy, things are heating up with all of the arrivals of new products coming to our store.  From clothing and outerwear to camping books and camping gear, there are a lot of new items to come in and check out!

Blue and Gold supplies are here and in stock!  If you are looking at adding something extra to your Blue and Gold banquet, come in and see what we have in Blue and Gold products.  Plates, napkins and decorations are all here waiting for you to give that little something extra to your banquet!

New camping gear is starting to arrive!  From tents to lightweight stoves, we have what you and your troop need to keep you equipped during all of your camping trips.  Come in and see what we have to offer!

We also have the recognition items you need to help you recognize your leaders and your scouts as they finish another great scouting year!

Want to keep up-to-date on what's happening in the Daniel Webster Council? The  Friday Flash is a weekly e-mail that provides a short list of links to news and upcoming events around the council. This e-mail complements the monthly Trail Notes by providing weekly reminders of upcoming deadlines and events.

Friday Flash is distributed on the first, third, and fourth Fridays of the month.  You must subscribe to the "Friday Flash E-Newsletter (Weekly News Roundup)" council e-list in order to receive it, even if you already receive Trail Notes each month. Click here to subscribe.