Jewish Committee on Scouting

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The mission of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting (NJCOS) is to prepare young Jews to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of Judaism as expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Awards

The National Jewish Committee on Scouting established the Shofar Award to recognize outstanding service by adults in the promotion of Scouting among Jewish youth. Just as the Shofar (Ram’s Horn) calls people to the service of God, so the Shofar Award is a recognition of the individual who has answered the call to serve Jewish youth in Scouting. Self and spouse nominations will not be accepted.

For more information and to download the application form
Religious Awards

The JCOS will provide reimbursement to cover the cost of the Maccabee, Aleph, Ner Tamid, and Etz Chaim religious awards.
(Note: regular shipping- we do not cover the cost of expedited shipping. These are restricted to those living in Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia.)

Send a copy of the paid receipt to:
Phil Hittner
2541 Candytuft Drive
Jamison, PA 18929
e-mail: philhittner@att.net

Campership Information

Since 2005, we have been able to offer camperships to Jewish Cub Scouts and Scouts to go to BSA district Cub Day Camp and to BSA summer camps. In 2022, we extended this program to Sea Scouts, Venturers and Explorers.  This is a partial reimbursement to help you send your child to camp this summer. These funds are provided by the Sidney Goldberg Endowment Fund, handled by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.  The recipient will also be invited to attend our Kinnus (Retreat) at no charge.  The Scout must be of the Jewish faith and be a registered Scout living in Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County, Philadelphia or Harrisburg.

  • Second week Camperships: We have extended this program, now offering partial reimbursement to help send your child to camp for a second week – at a BSA day camp or summer camp. (Note: Second week Camperships – at a COLBSA day camp or summer camp only; maximum $200.00)

Camperships: to receive a campership, send a letter or e-mail by September 1,  2024 to:

Len Brownstein,
1045 Alpena Rd,
Phila, PA 19115 – or e-mail: lenbrownstein@gmail.com

The letter must contain, the Scout camp attended, the Scout’s name, address, troop or pack number, parents’ email address, along with the following information: Scout Council receipt showing funds paid to that Scout council and a parent/guardian’s name to be on the Campership reimbursement check. All data requested must be provided in order to process the request. A Scout Council receipt must be provided along with the request, not a Troop receipt or copy of canceled check.     (Note: Second week Camperships – at a COLBSA day camp or summer camp only; maximum $200.00)

Scholarships and Eagle Scout Grants
Eagle Scout Project Grants

JCOS will now make grants ($50 to $250) to Jewish Scouts for approved Eagle Scout Projects, or equivalent Venture, Explorer or Sea Scout projects.
(Note: these are restricted to those registered in the Cradle of Liberty Council; application must be made after the project is approved, and prior to its completion.)

Eagle Candidate should submit a request letter including a brief description of the project (or a copy of Project Proposal page C) and the project budget (or a copy of Project Proposal page D) along with contract information for the unit leader, unit treasurer, or Life-to-Eagle Coach.

The request letter should be sent to:
Barry Kauffmann
1806 Gait Circle
Warrington PA 18976

e-mail: gande99@prodigy.net

 
Post High School Scholarships

JCOS will grant up to two scholarships (each $500) to graduating Jewish high school seniors who are (1) active in their home unit, and (2) who have earned either the Ner Tamid or Etz Chaim Religious Award.  This is to assist with their post-high school education – college, trade, or technical school.  The recipients will be chosen randomly from all applicants whose application is received by the deadline: End of May.
(Note: these are restricted to those registered in the Cradle of Liberty Council.)

Application form, click here, needs to be submitted by the end of May

Dr. David Sirken
1131 Gantt Drive
Huntingdon Valley PA, 19006

e-mail: dhsirken@earthlink.net

New Unit Support

The JCOS will support Jewish organizations in starting new units with a grant to help cover the cost of training materials.

The new unit leader should contact Len Brownstein before purchasing any materials, as the JCOS can arrange to directly purchase these materials.

Contact –

Len Brownstein
1045 Alpena Road
Phila, PA 19115

e-mail: lenbrownstein@gmail.com

Kinnus (Retreat)

The committee will cover the full cost of attending the Kinnus (Retreat) for each Cub Scout or Scout who receives a campership, the JCOS also covers about half the cost of the Kinnus for other attendees. 

This year our Kinnus (Retreat) will be held Fall 2024 (date and location – TBD.)  You will receive details at a later date.  Alternative programs such as the “Scouting for Jewish Roots” hike are also covered, in part or fully.

Comments, Questions, or Concerns.

 Email:  lenbrownstein@gmail.com

The council staff will be working remotely and, as always, you can reach out the to helpdesk@colbsa.org.

Please stay safe!

Due to inclement weather, the Firestone Scouting Resource Center and Valley Forge Scout Shop will be closed on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
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