News

Brian Lux, Adam Long, Don Lee and Mike Joint have been elected to the Board of Directors by the active membership of the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc.  Their term will be for three years and will commence on January 1, 2021.   Congratulations to Brian, Adam, Don and Mike!

The deadline for this has past.

The Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc.'s Nomination Committee appointed by the Board of Directors has nominated the following individuals to be included on the ballot for election to the Board of Directors for a three-year term (2021 to 2023):

Brian Lux - A passionate lifelong scout and dedicated OA member, Brian continuously supports scouts in reaching their goals and creating a better tomorrow. Brian was an OA Voyage Foreman in 2001 and has served as a Director, Corporate secretary, and Executive committee member within the SAA. Brian enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors and currently resides in Oklahoma.

Adam Long - An avid outdoorsman and adventurer. Adam enjoys spending time on the lake including water skiing, fishing, and the beauty of nature. Adam was an Interpreter out of the Ely base in 2015, Bissett in 2016 and currently serves as Treasurer for the SAA. He currently resides in Minneapolis, MN.

Don Lee - A lifelong dedicated scouter with a passion to instill positive and memorable life-changing experiences. Don has served over numerous seasons in countless positions within Northern Tier High Adventure and the Sommers Alumni Association. Don enjoys the sound of the wilderness and values the lessons learned in the outdoors. Don is committed to bringing the High Adventure program to its highest peak. Don currently resides between Ely, MN and Tennessee.

Mike Joint - A visionary, hardworking, and passionate lifelong scout. Mike has worked his way up the ranks at Northern Tier High Adventure and was most recently the Associate Director of program before going back to teaching at Vermilion Country School in Tower, MN. Mike is synonymous with instilling, creating, and providing the best experience for scouts along with its continuous improvement for generations to come.

Membership may nominate Active Members to include on the ballot for the election to the Board of Directors. Send the nominee name along with a biographical resume and 10 supporting signatures from Active Members by September 15th, 2020 to the President using the Contact Us form (The deadline for this has past.) on the website

Additional Nominations. After publication to the active membership of the Nominating Committee’s recommendations, the membership may have thirty days to submit additional nominations for inclusion on the ballot provided that these nominations are: (1) made in writing, (2) accompanied by a biographical resume, and (3) are supported by signatures of at least 10 active members of the Association. The thirty days to submit additional nominations must conclude by September 15. Additional nominations must be received by the President. Any additional nominee meeting the requirements of this section will be included on the ballot with those nominated by the Nominating Committee.

Minor updates to nominee biographies made on Aug 31.

Are you a second year seasonal staff member or later and in college? Then be sure to apply for an academic scholarship by the deadline of August 15th!

The deadline for this has past.

The Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc.'s Nomination Committee appointed by the Board of Directors has nominated the following individuals to be included on the ballot for election to the Board of Directors for a three-year term (2019 to 2021):

Don Richard Has as been an active member of the Board of Directors serving on the High Adventure Committee. Was a Charlie Guide in '83, '84, '84, and '87.He now lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Eric Petersen Has been an active member of the Board of Director serving as Vice President and chair of the High Adventure committee. Eric was a Charlie Guide in 1985 and has returned to lead many trips as an alumni volunteer. Eric now lives in Circle Pines, Minnesota

Joe Mingrone Was a Charlie Guide in 2010 and 2012. He became a life member following his last year as staff and has returned as an alumni volunteer. Joe has also lead the effort to have a booth at the Midwest Mountaineering Expo. Joe now lives in Minneapolis, Minnnesota. 

Courtney Grosz Was a Charlie Guide in 1999 and 2000. He became a life member in 2008 and has been an advocate for Northern Tier programming. Courtney now lives in Amarillo Texas.

Membership may nominate Active Members to include on the ballot for the election to the Board of Directors. Send the nominee name along with a biographical resume and 10 supporting signatures from Active Members by September 15th, 2019 to the President using the Contact Us form on the website (the deadline has past).

Additional Nominations. After publication to the active membership of the Nominating Committee’s recommendations, the membership may have thirty days to submit additional nominations for inclusion on the ballot provided that these nominations are: (1) made in writing, (2) accompanied by a biographical resume, and (3) are supported by signatures of at least 10 active members of the Association. The thirty days to submit additional nominations must conclude by September 15. Additional nominations must be received by the President. Any additional nominee meeting the requirements of this section will be included on the ballot with those nominated by the Nominating Committee.

Please see the Events calendar for information on upcoming events including Work Week and Seminar Day.
These events are canceled for 2020.

Looking to share your knowledge with over two-hundred staff? Each June during “work week” members of the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc. (SAA) donate their time by presenting seminars to seasonal staff.

During seminar day staff select topics they want to learn more about. Seminar topics range from core to more advanced topics and skills. Example topics include paddling, navigation, ecology, history, geology, and photography. Most sessions last an hour, with more complex topics lasting longer.

This year seminar day is on Tuesday, June 4 starting at 8 am. We will meet afterward on the waterfront to memorialize those who have crossed their last portage. In the evening we will gather for the SAA’s “Seasonal Staff Support and Recognition” program presentation. Each year the SAA provides staff with a gift to support them in their role and to recognize their years of service.

If you plan to arrive on Monday, June 3rd, you’ll be able to join us for our annual work week dinner and social.

Have something to share on seminar day? Please register soon to allow us to plan. Register to volunteer at https://holry.org/event-2964547

Are you considering volunteering at at Work Week this year? 

This year there are a few new changes in the requirements to volunteer. Before arrival, you must have completed online “Youth Protection Training”. You must also bring an “BSA Annual Health and Medical Record” form. 

Youth Protection Training

You must have completed the Boy Scouts of America’s “Youth Protection Training” within 24-months of your planned departure day from Northern Tier. Print and bring the certificate with you.

• Take Youth Protection Training: Go to www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/. You do not need to be a member of the Boy Scouts of America to take this training.

Annual Health and Medical Record

You can download the health form here. You may download the instructions handout here.

If staying less than 72 hours: You must bring a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record form with sections A and B completed by yourself. No physical exam is required.

If staying 72 hours or longer: You must bring a completed BSA Annual Health and Medical Record form (sections A, B, and C). A physical exam must be completed by a certified and licensed physician (MD, DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It must have been completed within 12 months of your departure date from work week.

We look forward to seeing you at work week.

Red-eye!

#GivingTuesday is a day of giving observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

It kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.

On Tuesday, consider kicking off your charitable season by giving to the SAA. You can donate on the website or on Facebook (click the "Donate" button). If you donate on Facebook, we pay no credit card transaction fees and your donation may be matched!

The Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association, Inc.'s Nomination Committee appointed by the Board of Directors has nominated the following individuals to be included on the ballot for election to the Board of Directors for a three-year term (2019 to 2021):

Elizabeth Vollmer-Buhl, lives in Eugene, OR. Worked as an interpreter 1997 to 1999 (summer and winter). Liz headed the Development committee administering Crossing Portages and other fundraising efforts. 

Dan "Vern" Miller, lives in Elkins, AR. Worked from 2001 to 2010 as an OA Forman and Interpreter (summer and winter). Vern has headed the Service committee administering the scholarship, photo contest and staff recognition programs.

Kyle Ford, lives in Coeur D Alene, ID. Worked from 2003 to 2005 as an Interpreter and was assistant Chief interpreter in 2006. 

Roger Dellinger, lives in Arvada, CO . Worked as an Interpreter in 1980 and 1981. Roger is currently the Charles L Sommers Alumni Association treasurer and leads the Finance Committee.

Membership may nominate Active Members to include on the ballot for the election to the Board of Directors. Send the nominee name along with a biographical resume and 10 supporting signatures from Active Members by September 15th, 2018 to (the deadline has past).

Additional Nominations. After publication to the active membership of the Nominating Committee’s recommendations, the membership may have thirty days to submit additional nominations for inclusion on the ballot provided that these nominations are: (1) made in writing, (2) accompanied by a biographical resume, and (3) are supported by signatures of at least 10 active members of the Association. The thirty days to submit additional nominations must conclude by September 15. Additional nominations must be received by the President. Any additional nominee meeting the requirements of this section will be included on the ballot with those nominated by the Nominating Committee.

(Please note the deadline for nominations has past.)

The spring edition of the Charles L. Sommers Alumni Association's Reflections newsletter is here!

Read the Reflection newsletter now »

In this issue:

• Alumni Work Week: Join us to give back and have fun!
  
• President’s canoe
  
• Life of an Okpik Interpreter
  
• Regional reunions
  
• Calendar of events
  

SAA members have the opportunity to volunteer as interpreters (non-paid) for crews arriving at the start of the season in June.

Volunteers should understand Northern Tier policies for staff and participants. Plan on arriving the day before your crew will. This will allow you to complete training. This includes training on current policies, practices, equipment, and facilities.

Volunteer requirements include:

• Registered with the Boy Scouts of America. If not registered, you can register with the BSA through Northern Tier.
  
• Completed a BSA swim test before arriving.
  
• Completed Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification.
  
• Completed online courses: Youth Protection, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, and Weather Hazards.
  
• Completed BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (within 12 months) by a healthcare provider.