Todd Martin, Author at Hightower Trail District https://hightowertrailbsa.com/author/todd-martin/ Atlanta Area Council | BSA Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:54:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/cropped-2C_Gray-Red_lg-32x32.png Todd Martin, Author at Hightower Trail District https://hightowertrailbsa.com/author/todd-martin/ 32 32 2026 April Roundtable – Cooking Competition! https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2026/04/13/2026-april-roundtable-cooking-competition/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:49:30 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3991 Get ready for an exciting and delicious evening at our April 2026 Roundtable! Join us on April 23rd at 7:00 PM at the Chamblee First United Methodist Church Scout Hut […]

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Get ready for an exciting and delicious evening at our April 2026 Roundtable! Join us on April 23rd at 7:00 PM at the Chamblee First United Methodist Church Scout Hut for a fun-filled Campout Cooking Competition that celebrates outdoor skills, creativity, and great food.

This is your chance to see who truly has the best camp cooking skills and the ultimate recipe for the great outdoors. We invite every Troop, Pack, and Crew to send their best cook—or cooking team—to compete, share, and showcase what they can do. Whether it’s a tried-and-true classic or a creative new dish, bring your A-game and your appetite!

Beyond the competition, this event is a fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the best outdoor cooks in the district. Participants and attendees alike will gain valuable tips and techniques for meal planning, camp cooking, and efficient cleanup—skills that make every campout more enjoyable and successful.

Come hungry, come ready to learn, and come ready to share. We look forward to seeing the creativity, teamwork, and flavors that make our scouting community so special!

April Roundtable – Cooking Competition

QR Code for April Roundtable – 2026

Upcoming Events

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]]> 2026 Golden Axe Winner – Troop 550 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2026/03/25/2026-golden-axe-winner-troop-550/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:32:18 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3966 Troop 550 proudly earned the prestigious Golden Axe Award at this year’s Hightower Trail District Camporee, standing out among competing troops in a challenging test of skill, teamwork, and leadership. […]

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]]> Troop 550 proudly earned the prestigious Golden Axe Award at this year’s Hightower Trail District Camporee, standing out among competing troops in a challenging test of skill, teamwork, and leadership. The Camporee’s signature competition required scouts to work together to complete a demanding task, putting their outdoor knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and coordination to the test. Demonstrating exceptional preparation and determination, Troop 550 rose above the competition, executing the challenge with precision and unity. Their victory not only secured them the coveted Golden Axe but also highlighted their commitment to the values of scouting and excellence in teamwork.

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]]> 2026 – March Letter from the District Commissioner https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2026/03/05/2026-march-letter-from-the-district-commissioner/ Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:41:52 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3930 In a recent email to the District Key 3 (Scoutmaster/Cubmaster, Committee Chair, and Chartered Organization Representative), District Commissioner Olas Scott asked each unit’s leadership to review and help improve their […]

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]]> In a recent email to the District Key 3 (Scoutmaster/Cubmaster, Committee Chair, and Chartered Organization Representative), District Commissioner Olas Scott asked each unit’s leadership to review and help improve their unit’s performance metrics as shown in my.scouting.org. These metrics reflect how well a unit is operating and provide the council and district with insight into the overall quality of its program. The purpose of this post is to share that same information with others across the district, encouraging everyone to support their units and contribute where they can to help complete the requirements and strengthen the program.

The Metrics categories are:

  • Trained Leaders
  • Size
  • Growth
  • Advancement-Leadership
  • Outdoor-Super Activity

Olas asked for their help in two main areas.

  1. Outdoor / Super Activity Metric
  2. Leadership

#1 Priority – Outdoor / Super Activity Metric: This is the quickest and easiest way to improve the unit’s current status. Time to complete the entry is less than logging on to my.scouting.org. It is not automatic and the Commissioner Staff cannot enter for the unit. Olas asked for each Committee Chair to enter this data, since the Cubmaster and Scoutmaster are super busy with the program side.

This task is completed under my.scouting.org.

  1. Log into my.scouting.org.
  2. Click on “Organizational Manager” (from the options on the left of the screen).
  3. Click on “Unit Data Metric Entry” (from the options on the left of the screen).
  4. Use the pull-down calendar to open the calendar.
  5. Locate the last day of the event and CLICK on the day.
  6. The Unit Date Metric Entry page should be visible with the date that you entered.
  7. CLICK on the “SUBMIT Entry” button located on the lower right of the screen (NOTE: one may have to scroll down the screen to see it).

#2 Priority – Leader Training Metric: Under this metric National requires that the Committee Chair and the Cubmaster or Scoutmaster be position trained. Committee Chair requires only the online course via my.scouting.org. Cubmaster / Scoutmaster require the online course and a course on outdoor leadership.

#3 Priority All Leader Positions Trained: To improve and provide additional assistance within the unit, it is recommended that anyone holding a leader position in a unit to take the online course for their position. This can lead to individuals having the confidence to step up to the next position and the program being more successful. Through the cooperation in these areas, it will improve the metrics for the unit. This will also reflect the program provided by Hightower Trail District. If you need assistance or have a question, please feel free to contact your Key 3, your Unit Commissioner or Olas Scott (District Commissioner). ‍

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]]> Cub Scout Day Camp 2026: Dinosaur Adventure Awaits! https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2026/02/26/cub-scout-day-camp-2026-dinosaur-adventure-awaits/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:16:05 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3920 Roar into Dinosaur Adventure at Cub Scout Day Camp 2026–2027—archery, BBs, fossil digs, games, STEAM, crafts & nonstop prehistoric fun! 🦖

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Get ready to travel back in time for a week of prehistoric fun at this year’s Cub Scout Day Camp! Our Dinosaur Adventure theme will have Scouts digging for fossils, exploring the outdoors, and discovering new skills every single day.

Scouts entering 1st–5th grade for the 2026–2027 school year will enjoy:
🏹 Archery
🎯 BB Shooting Sports
🦴 Dino Fossil Hunts
🧪 STEAM Challenges
🎨 Crafts
🏃 Outdoor Games & Team Activities

Day Camp is more than just fun — it builds confidence, encourages teamwork, and helps Scouts advance toward their next rank in an exciting, hands-on environment.

Spots fill fast, so don’t miss out on this ROAR-some adventure! 🦕

Mark your calendar and make sure to register as soon as registration opens!

Location:
Chamblee First United Methodist Church
4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Chamblee, GA 30341

Date:
June 1st – 5th
8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Go to Calendar Event

Link to Calendar Event

QR Code for 2026 – Cub Scout Day Camp

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]]> 2026 District Awards Banquet https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2026/02/06/2026-district-awards-banquet/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:36:39 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3885 Come help us celebrate the men and women who are dedicated to making scouting in the Hightower Trail District the best that it can be. Mingle with fellow scouters and enjoy the wonderful banquet at the Dunwoody Nature Center.

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‍Each year we come together to celebrate all that was accomplished in the prior year in the District. We recognize those in Hightower Trail that have been selected as a Trailblazer for their unit and those that have “gone the extra mile” in the District, providing service to a level beyond the standard. 

Come help us celebrate these men and women who are dedicated to making scouting in the Hightower Trail District the best that it can be. Mingle with fellow scouters and enjoy the wonderful banquet at the Dunwoody Nature Center.

   Who: Members at Large, Unit Key 3, Unit Leaders and
                District Volunteers
  What: District Awards Banquet
    Cost: $25
 When: Sunday, March 1st 2026, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Where: Dunwoody Nature Center
Nominations

Turn in nominations by 2/8/2026

‍District Award of Merit

‍This is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by counciles. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level or in the district as a whole.

District Award of Merit - Nomination Form
Trailblazer Award - Nomination Form

Hightower Trailblazer Award

‍This award is designed to recognize a Scouter, a parent, or a charter organization partner that has performed exceptional service for your Unit or in the Hightower Trail District. This individual exemplifies the Scout Oath and Law in their daily life and in their work as a leader in their profession. In Scouting, and the greater Hightower Trail community. Final selection is made by the District Key 3.

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]]> District Camporee – Save the Date https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2025/07/30/district-camporee-save-the-date/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:20:56 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3282 Hightower Trail District Camporee March 20-22, 2026 Bert Adams Scout Reservation The Hightower Trail District Camporee is back! We will have a great weekend full of fun, fellowship, and friendly […]

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Hightower Trail District Camporee

March 20-22, 2026

Bert Adams Scout Reservation

The Hightower Trail District Camporee is back! We will have a great weekend full of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition!
All Troops should plan on attending! 

The District Camporee is a great camping opportunity for new Scouts who have just crossed over. There will be challenges that help all Scouts work on their Scout Skills in order to accomplish the mission. It is also a great opportunity for Scouts to meet and hang out with other Scouts in our District.

The tentative schedule is:

Friday, March 20, 2026

5:00 PM to 8:30 PM – Check-in
9:00 PM – Leaders’ Meeting
10:00 PM – Lights Out

Saturday, March 21, 2026

7:00 AM – Reville and Breakfast in campsite
8:30 AM – Assembly and kick-off
9:00 AM to Noon – Camp wide Challenges by Patrol
Noon – Lunch in campsite
1:00 PM to 4:00 – Camp wide Challenges by Patrol
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Golden Ax competition
5:00 PM to 7:30 PM – Break and Dinner in campsite
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM – Campfire and OA Call out
10:00 PM – Lights Out

Sunday, March 22, 2026

7:00 AM – Reville and breakfast in campsite
9:00 AM – Scouts Own Service, Awards, and Closing Ceremony
10:00 AM – Check-out and departure

Each Troop will be responsible for providing a challenge for Scout Patrols to rotate through. Adult Leaders should run the challenge so Scouts can rotate through all the challenges. Patrols will earn points for participating in challenges, placing in challenges, and doing other activities such as doing a skit at the campfire.

If you have questions or want to help plan the Camporee, please contact Barry Deutsch (BarryJDeutsch@gmail.com or 678-427-2977).

QR Code for 2026 – District Camporee

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]]> Recruitment – What If… https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2025/07/29/recruitment-what-if/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 01:36:13 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3219 What if a single decision could change the future of your Scouting unit? In this short video, the District Commissioner takes you on a journey to explore how choices in […]

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What if a single decision could change the future of your Scouting unit? In this short video, the District Commissioner takes you on a journey to explore how choices in planning, recruiting, and leading can lead to success—or missed opportunities. Watch now and discover how the right steps today can shape an amazing tomorrow for your Scouts.

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]]> Friends of Scouting Directly Supports Scouting in Metro-Atlanta https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2025/06/08/friends-of-scouting-directly-supports-scouting-in-metro-atlanta/ Mon, 09 Jun 2025 02:24:49 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3137 The post Friends of Scouting Directly Supports Scouting in Metro-Atlanta appeared first on Hightower Trail District.

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]]> 2024 – Membership Orientation https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2025/05/19/2024-membership-orientation/ Mon, 19 May 2025 22:40:21 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3075 Membership Orientation for the 2024 year. Covering new information about how membership will work this year with all the changes and what you need to know.

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]]> Membership Orientation for the 2024 year. Covering new information about how membership will work this year with all the changes and what you need to know.

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]]> 2025 Membership Kickoff https://hightowertrailbsa.com/2025/05/19/2025-membership-kickoff/ Mon, 19 May 2025 22:05:00 +0000 https://hightowertrailbsa.com/?p=3058 The meeting focused on strategies to strengthen recruitment and retention for the upcoming membership year. Key points included the development of a robust activity calendar, encouraging peer-to-peer recruitment among youth, […]

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]]> The meeting focused on strategies to strengthen recruitment and retention for the upcoming membership year. Key points included the development of a robust activity calendar, encouraging peer-to-peer recruitment among youth, and boosting community visibility through service projects and adult leader training. Engaging schools was highlighted as a priority, with classroom visits seen as particularly effective in generating excitement and parental involvement. Community events were also recognized as valuable opportunities to connect with families. Retention efforts centered on maintaining balanced age groups within units and using summer activities to keep scouts engaged. The group also reviewed available resources for back-to-school recruitment, such as flyers and handbooks, and emphasized the importance of collaboration and early planning to ensure successful and coordinated efforts across districts and units.

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