Special Events

The district focused event supports 70 towns and cities across Hudson and Bergen counties where young men and women participate in our Scout programs at all levels and interest. The 80 Scout troops, 70 Cub Scout packs and 20 Venture crews consist of over 4,500 youth and 2,000 adult volunteers who come together for fun, hands-on learning and achievements with friends and family.

Champions Golf Classic is our annual fun and competitive way to  support all Scouts. This full day event includes a round of golf, brunch, giveaways, cigars, open bar cocktail reception, awards and auction.

Sporting Clays is our premier annual shooting event that brings
supporters together to enjoy an outdoor experience with friends
and business professionals. Orvis Sandanona Shooting Grounds is
the oldest premier shooting club in the country that combines a
rich history with a modern shooting ground. This all-inclusive
event is the perfect outing regardless of your shooting experience.

In 2023, Prepared. For Life. bridges generations with Scouting. Rejoice in stories about adventures from outstanding Boomers to Zoomers. Our shared values connect us across the years as we strive to make our world a better place. Prepared. For Life. Generations will re-energize you and reaffirm your support for our amazing program.

The mission-driven event will acknowledge community trail blazers who are dedicated to serving all youth, and we will recognize outstanding Scouts who embodied the values relevant to tomorrow’s changing world.

Why we host the fundraising event? The Northern New Jersey Council strives to provide youth with the opportunity to build strong relationships, develop social skills and a strong moral compass, and a desire to set goals for themselves.  The event brings together more than 250 business professionals, industry leaders, volunteers and Scouts and their families who are committed to helping all youth realize their potential.

Keynote Speaker
Jeh Charles Johnson

Jeh Johnson is a partner in the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP and the former Secretary of Homeland Security (2013-2017), General Counsel of the Department of Defense (2009-2012), General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force (1998-2001), and an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York (1989-1991). In addition to practicing law, Johnson is on the board of directors of Lockheed Martin, U.S. Steel, MetLife, the Council on Foreign Relations, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, and is a trustee of Columbia University. Johnson is frequent commentator on national and homeland security matters on NBC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, FOX, CNBC, NPR, Bloomberg TV and other news networks, and has written op-eds in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Hill, Lawfare, and elsewhere.  As of March 2022, Johnson also hosts a classic R&B radio show on FM public radio station WBGO, 88.3FM, based in Newark, NJ.

Service Award Honoree
Dan Cannon
Scoutmaster Emeritus
Assistant Scoutmaster
Chief Compliance Officer
Schindler Elevator Corporation

Dan Cannon has been a volunteer for Northern New Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America since 2014. Currently, he serves as the founding Scoutmaster of Troop 19, and Scoutmaster Emeritus of Troop 17, of St. of Lima, in Short Hills and Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 99 in South Orange. Dan has also been the Lieutenant Governor and Governor of the Lenape Trail District Klondike Derby.

Dan Cannon’s service has benefitted the community through many volunteer initiatives, as well as through his outreach to St. Rose of Lima, Millburn Township, American Legion Post and many other organizations that have been impressed by the thousands of volunteer hours from our scouts. Dan has successfully pushed the philosophy of a “scout-led” organization, inspiring many Scouts and their parents to take leadership roles throughout all the aspects of scouts’ lives.

In recognition for his service to Scouting, Dan has received several Scouting awards, including Scouter’s Training Award, Lenape Trail District Scoutmaster of the Year Award, Unit Leader Award of Merit, Scoutmaster Key, The St. George Emblem and William D. Boyce New-Unit Organizer Award. He was honored by the Military Order of World Wars with the Patrick Henry Medallion, recognized by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Millburn Township, and acknowledged on the floor of the U.S. Congress – all for pioneering the BSA female Scouting movement, mentoring of dozens of Scouts to the rank of Eagle, and his continued contributions to the community.

His son, Ryan, earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2018 and his daughter, Katelyn, became a member of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts in 2021.

Innovator Award
Francis Howitt
Eagle Scout
Assistant Scoutmaster
Team Coordinator
Program Strategy Team
The Rockefeller Foundation

Francis has served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 146 since 2012, helping across a number of areas since becoming an adult leader. He has been a leader at summer camp, helped to organize and lead venture patrol high adventure trips, and more recently worked with older Scouts as they advance towards the rank of Eagle. Francis has spent many years in Scouting and believes it is important to give back to Hoboken’s Scouting community, which has provided him with so many opportunities over the years.

Francis Howitt started his Scouting journey at age 13 with Hoboken Troop 146. Francis reached Eagle Scout in 2010 and for many years held the Troop 146 record as the youngest at age 16 and 2 months. He would have been even quicker, but his Eagle Scout service project for St. Francis was delayed by other ongoing construction.

Francis’ impressive Scout resume includes: 32 merit badges (Gold palm and Bronze palm); Patrol Leader of the winning “Magical Leprechaun” Patrol; 21 Scout awards including SPL for summer camp Honor Unit and Troop 146 “Speedy Gonzales Award;” four summers at Camp Turrell as a camper; one summer at Camp Turrell on staff; one summer high adventure in the Grand Canyon; one summer high adventure at Rocky Mountain High Adventure Base; 30 camping trips; 42 service projects; 48 other Scout events.

Community Investor Award
Natalie Brathwaite
Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs
Fidelity Investments

Natalie Brathwaite is Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs with Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest providers of financial services. In this role, she is responsible for Fidelity’s regional government relations, and civic efforts for New Jersey and surrounding states, and leads the firm’s advocacy and engagement efforts on a wide range of legislative and regulatory policy matters that could impact Fidelity’s ability to serve its clients, customers, and the firm.

Prior to joining Fidelity in 2017, Ms. Brathwaite spent over a decade working in the public sector. Her past roles in both the nonprofit and government sectors (US and Canda) included work in external affairs, community engagement, and public policy analysis.

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Ms. Brathwaite received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master’s degree in education from the University of Toronto.

Currently residing in Jersey City, Ms. Brathwaite is active in her community and proudly serves on the boards of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, the Hudson County Community College Foundation, New Jersey City University Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County.

Impact Award
Dan Bowens
Emmy Winning
TV News Anchor
Part time Podcast, The Tape Room