The Newsletter of the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America.  
Volume 50 Issue 10   www.Scoutingvirginia.org    October 2013

  
100th Anniversary Encampment

Council Encampment – October 18th-20th at RIR  

All members of our BSA family are invited to participate in a council-wide campout to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Heart of Virginia Council.  There will be activities specifically for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers, a mid-way for visitors and alumni, Scouting memorabilia, outdoor related vendors, an evening stage show and much more.   We will camp in the same location as the 2007 encampment.

It promises to be another great, fun and exciting event

Units are asked to take on one activity station.  There are lots of suggestions to choose from.  E-mail program chairman Mark Lloyd at pooh4us@comcast.net. 

Online registration is now live!  Click here to register!  Please register as a unit.

Extra! Extra! Encampment E-News is here! http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/document/encampment-news-letter/130786

SAVE THE DATE  and learn more at this link: http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/document/100th-anniversary-encampment-flyer-august-2013/124609

Check out the 100th Anniversary Encampment Leader’s Guide at:
http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/document/100th-anniversary-encampment-leaders-guide/128595

Be sure to like the 100th Encampment Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all the latest news regarding the Encampment! https://www.facebook.com/ScoutingVirginia#!/pages/Heart-of-Virginia-100th-Encampment/488894091171533

 

October Calendar

5          Tiger Rally at Cub Adventure Camp
8          District FOS Volunteer Training
9          Commissioner Cabinet Meeting
10        Richmond Area Sporting Clays Classic
11-13   Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship & Awards Banquet
14        Unit Popcorn Report to District Kernel #2
17        Executive Committee Meeting
18-20  100th Anniversary Encampment
26        Scouting for Food Bags Out

Welcome to Scouting!

A Message to Parents New to Scouting

Scouting’s programs and outdoor adventures prepare youth for a lifetime of character and leadership. 

Welcome to Scouting! 

Scouting is an incredible youth and leadership development program.  No other program provides the broad range of activities and opportunities for youth and families.  To learn more about the benefits of Scouting and the research to back it up click on this link:  http://www.scouting.org/Parent.aspx

If you are new to Scouting, chances are you are joining a Cub Scout Pack of boys in grades 1-5.  Packs operate best when families jump in and have fun together.  Everyone can help the Pack be successful so the boys can have fun.  If you haven’t volunteered to help, ask your Cubmaster what you can do for the Pack.  We all want our boys to develop into responsible young men and everyone can do something to help. 

There are lots of resources to tap into to have the best understanding of what opportunities are available.  After checking to see if your Pack, Troop or Crew has a website check-out the Heart of Virginia Council website at www.scoutingvirginia.org.  The council covers 24 counties and four cities in central Virginia and oversees the program locally. 

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To sign up to receive the Courier by e-mail monthly click here. 

Facebook - Like our Facebook page and see regular updates to events and local Scouting stories in your newsfeed:   https://www.facebook.com/ScoutingVirginia

Scout Shop – The best place to buy a uniform and other Scout supplies is in the Scout Shop located in the council’s service center located at 4015 Fitzhugh Ave. Richmond, VA 23230.  Our Scout Shop folks will be glad to help you find the uniform you need.  We are open from 9:00 to 5:30 Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9:00 to noon. 

Youth Protection - The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs.

All leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training and we highly recommend that parents take it as well after reading the pull-out section in the front of every youth handbook.  The training only takes 30 minutes online and can be completed after creating a free www.MyScouting.org account.  You can also take other online training courses through your MyScouting account.  

Thank you for choosing Scouting for your son (or high-school age daughter) and we hope you have a great experience.  If you need to reach the Heart of Virginia Council office you can call us at 804-355-4306 or e-mail at info@scoutingvirginia.org.

Scouting for Food

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Membership Fee Increase

2014 Membership Fee Increase

Scouting, through its various programs, provides year-round positive experiences, activities, and fellowship for youth ages 7 to 21. From education to high adventure, the Boy Scouts of America provides unique growth opportunities at a great value.

In order to support the delivery of the nation’s foremost youth development program, occasionally it is necessary for the organization to increase its membership fees to offset rising costs and prepare for the future. For this reason, the Boy Scouts of America is increasing its membership fee from $15 to $24 per year for all registered youth and adult leaders effective January 1, 2014.

Membership fees support the services that are necessary to provide Scouting to youth. Services include primary liability coverage for all volunteer leaders and chartered organizations, ongoing advances in technology, fundraising support, new program development and membership recruiting strategies, and support materials. In 2012 alone, the Boy Scouts of America served 2.6 million youth members through 280 local councils across the United States and its territories. With the help of all of our volunteers and Scouting parents, we will continue accomplishing incredible things for young people and the communities we serve. 

To read more and view a FAQ page go to http://hovc.org/articles/2013/09/bsa-membership-fee-increase/

The Amazing Raise

Thank you to all those gracious supporters that participated in The Amazing Raise!  This was our first time participating in The Amazing Raise, and because of your gracious support, $3,800 was raised and we finished 102 out of 500 other local non-profits!

The dollars raised will go to support and grow local Scouting programs and continue to Prepare Young People for Life!

Silver Beaver Award Nominations

Nominate a deserving Scout leader for the Silver Beaver Award

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest recognition a council can award a Scout leader.  Typically, a Scout leader is nominated by his or her peers for several years of service often including leading projects on the district or council level.

Nomination forms are due October 31st and can be found at this link:  http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-103_WB.pdf.  Forms can be submitted to the council service center to the attention of Todd Martin, deputy Scout executive.

A panel of volunteer leaders from across the council territory will meet later in the year to select 8 or 9 recipients to be recognized at the March 13th council recognition gala.

As a point of interest, the District Award of Merit is the highest award a district can give to a volunteer.  The nomination form can be found at this link:  http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33720.pdf and each district will have a specific due date in the spring for a local district recognition dinner.

My Scouting Tools

Latest Version of MyScouting Tools Released

A second version of the new MyScouting Tools was recently released on my.scouting.org.

This release moves toward our vision of volunteer empowerment. The new tools provide more intuitive functionality and improved navigation. It’s made easy and transparent so that volunteers can focus more on Scouting.

To become familiar with and learn more about the new tools, select a link below to download instructions.

Training Manager

  • Dashboard view of Trained Leaders and Youth Protection Training status and counts
  • Add adult training information—not just YPT—for members in their organization structure
  • View members’ training history and YPT status
  • Print training certificate(s)
  • Print Youth Protection Aging Report (lists those who have not taken YPT, those whose YPT has expired, and those whose YPT will expire in 30, 60, and 90 days)

Member Manager

  • Assign members to functional roles in suborganizations
  • View unit roster details
  • Edit/update certain member profile information
  • Print membership cards for each registered position
  • Print Youth Member Age Report

Organization Manager

  • Create suborganizations in their unit
  • Maintain unit’s organizational details (social media information)

My Dashboard (enhancements)

  • Update additional profile information (education, employer, civic and professional associations)
  • View personal training history
  • Print training certificate(s)
  • Print membership card(s)

What You Need to Know
Supported browsers:

  • Best experienced with Google Chrome 14+
  • Firefox 21+ also supported
  • Safari and IE may experience some formatting and performance issues that will be addressed in the next release.
Voice of the Scout

Voice of the Scout

Look for an email from the Boy Scouts of America in your inboxes!

Beginning late-September, parents, Scouts & Venturers over 14, volunteers and chartered organizations will begin seeing surveys delivered into their email inboxes for Voice of the Scout.  The surveys have been designed to be very brief but will give needed insight into the variety of experiences at the unit and district within our council.  These surveys are sent twice per year, with no household receiving more than one survey every six months.  Please let the parents in your unit know they should be receiving this e-mail survey soon.  Your participation is very much appreciated.  Thank you!

2013 Popcorn Sale

2013 Popcorn Sale

On your mark, get set...SELL!

The popcorn sale began on September 1st! 

 

 

**Key October Date**
Monthly Popcorn Report to District Kernel #2 By October 14th

For your convenience, additional popcorn pick-up dates are being added to  the schedule!

Click here for Additional Inventory Order Forms
(This is a fillable form which can be emailed, after completion, to josh.hendix@scouting.org)

 

Kloke/Mayflower Warehouse
1855 Boulevard W. 
Richmond, VA 23230

Open every Wednesday beginning 10/3/2013

From Noon until 1PM
By Appointment Only
Please contact Josh Hendrix to arrange pick-up
Email:  josh.hendrix@scouting.org
Phone:  804-204-2617


The Landmark Company
16051 Continental Blvd.
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
**Limited Inventory Available**

By Appointment Only
While Supplies Last
Please contact Josh Hendrix to arrange pick-up
Email:  josh.hendrix@scouting.org

Everything you need to know about the 2013 Popcorn Sale, including the all NEW prize assortment and commission structure can be found at: www.popcornvirginia.com!

BeAScout.org


 Be sure to update your unit’s BeAScout.org pin through the MyScouting.org account of the unit leader, committee chairman or chartered organization representative.  Notifications are sent to these three as people e-mail an interest in a unit through the system.  If you need help contact your unit commissioner, district executive or go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Membership/Youth_Recruitment.aspx.

Training

Training is the key to understanding what the purpose of the Scout program is and how it should be delivered.  There are training opportunities for leaders at all levels – new to well experienced.

Youth Protection Training: New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training within 30 days of registering and before volunteer service with youth begins. Youth Protection Training must be completed every two years to remain current. Training is typically online: go to the Training tab after logging into myscouting.org.

Fast Start Training: An orientation training for your volunteer position you can take to get you started before Position-Specific is available. Online: go to the Training tab after logging into myscouting.org.

Leader Position-Specific Training: The main course necessary to be considered “trained” for your Scouting position. See the training page of Scouting.org for “What Makes a Trained Leader.” Please Note: The instructor-led version of Position-Specific is the preferred method of training in the BSA. Self-Study such as these e-learning courses are only for those who cannot otherwise attend a training course.

To find instructor based courses in our council go to the Training page of our website:  hovc.org/training/.

Supplemental Training: The training beyond “the basics” to learn more about a particular skill or program.   Courses such as Weather Hazards, Safetly Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, and many others are available through the E-learning section of MyScouting.org.  Other training can be found on the national council page at this link:   www.scouting.org/Training/Adult/Supplemental.aspx

Pow Wow – A great way to pick up additional Cub Scout leader training, meet other leaders in the area and pick up tips for your February Blue & Gold Banquet.  November 9th at First Baptist Church at Boulevard and Monument Ave. in Richmond.  Follow this link to register:
http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/pow-wow-university-of-scouting/1428463

Wood Badge – is a fantastic adult leadership course that focuses on leadership development, unit management and team building.  Online registration is live for the council’s Fall 2014 course:  scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/1359577

Local Movie About Scouts to Screen in October

Troop 491: the Adventures of the Muddy Lions will be making it's official theatrical release at the Criterion Cinemas at Movieland October 4-11th. 
1301 North Blvd, Richmond, VA 23230

You can view the trailer here:  http://vimeo.com/75099610

Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions follows Tristan, a naïve adolescent boy coping with life in the projects, who is enrolled in the Boy Scouts by his mother in an effort to keep him off the streets, but when he witnesses a homicide, the local thug demands his silence, and he must learn with the help of his new friends that doing the right thing isn’t always easy.

Will he follow the code of the streets or the code of the Scouts?

Let People Know You Are Conected to Scouting!

E-mail Signature

Let people know you are connected to Scouting.  Add the image below to your personal e-mail signature line or other message such as ‘Member of the Boy Scouts of America since 1974.” 

For an e-mail signature template click here.

GEOCACHING AND THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Council volunteer, Warren Johnson, is placing special geocaches in the area in celebration of the Council’s 100th Anniversary. 

There are hundreds of caches in the HOVC area.  Some you can identify some by going to geocaching.com and using on the Search Starts With:  "HOVC".  Others you can find by registering (no cost) at the web site and searching using other information.

There are also trackable coins that have been placed in HOVC caches.  One has gone across country and was last recorded in Seoul, South Korea.

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices.  There are now more than 2 million “cachers” and 6 million geocaches around the world.  There is also a Geocaching Merit Badge.

Plan to visit the geocaching display and information booth at the anniversary encampment and expand your outdoor fun.

Liability and Accident Insurance Coverage

Liability and Accident Insurance Coverage

Chartered organizations, participating organizations, and registered volunteers are provided primary coverage through the BSA general liability program, but not for automobile or maritime (boat) liability.  For more information on the BSA’s Comprehensive General Liability Insurance go to this link:  http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss10.aspx

The Heart of Virginia Council participates in the BSA’s Accident and Sickness Insurance Plans for registered members and leaders.  The details of this plan can be found at this link: http://www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx?id=105228

This is also posted on the council website under the Camping tab. 

As part of the charter renewal process each fall, $3.00 per registered members is collected to help pay for these plans over and above the $15.00 annual membership fee to the BSA and $12.00 subscription to Boy’s Life magazine. 

Questions can be directed to Deputy Scout Executive Todd Martin at 804-204-2613 todd.martin@scouting.org. 

100th Anniversary Council Shoulder Patches Available

Hurry Before They're All Gone!

The first version of the 100th Anniversary Council Shoulder Patch sold out quickly.  The newest version, featuring backpackers, has just arrived in the Scout Shop and they are sure to sell out again! 

 

Richmond Area Sporting Clays Classic

Mark Thursday, October 10th, 2013 on your Calendar!

It is the 11th annual Richmond Area Sporting Clays Classic.  This is a first class event that is fun for both experienced shooters and novices.  Corporate sponsors use the event to entertain clients and reward business associates.  Carefully laid out around the beautiful Cub Adventure Camp in Maidens, Virginia, the course consists of multiple stations with unique presentations.

Included in the event is a delicious hot breakfast buffett, a Wild Game Feast Luncheon and a post-shoot reception.

Ear protection and protective glasses are required and will be available.  You may download the Richmond Area Sporting Clays Classic Brochure and/or the Sponsorship Form via these links.  If you would like additional information, please contact Brett Smiley at brett.smiley@scouting.org or visit our website at http://hovc.org/supportscouting/sporting-clays/.

Pow Wow

Pow Wow

Pow Wow is a Cub leader training opportunity and a lot of fun.  This year’s event will take place on November 9th at First Baptist Church in Richmond 2719 Monument Ave. at the corner with Boulevard.  Invite your Cub leader friends and come learn more about how to run an exciting Cub Scout program.  Lunch will feature a sample Blue & Gold Banquet with a Pirate theme.

A-Hoy me hearties! What a scurvy bunch of dogs me eyes do see. Avast ye fiddlin’ and batten down the hatches for a storm called “PowWow” is a brewin’. The location and course has been set for 1st Baptist Church (corner of Monument and Boulevard) and the storm is lookin’ to hit on November 9th. Weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen!! Don’t be left behind for we have the most seaworthy Privateers and Seadogs of instructors to be found anywhere north of the Spanish Main. Prepare to pillage and ransack their thoughts and ideas or I’ll scuttle me ship and live me life as a landlubber. Don’t be shanghaied. Plan to attend. It’s a jolly roger of a good time.

Click here to register:
http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/pow-wow-university-of-scouting/1428463

Philmont

2014 Council Philmont Contingent

Please have your applications in by October 1st. 

Spaces still available for the 2014 Council Philmont Expedition June 22-July 7, 2014.  Applications are available below or call Ellen M. Milano, 804-204-2620 for more information.

To download the 2014 youth application, click here.
To download the 2014 adult application, click here.

Several Venture Scouts have shown interest in joining the 2014 Philmont Council Contingent.  Please call Ellen M. Milano for more information.

“Bird’s Eye View with a bonus of God's Presence in the sky. “ Jonathan Hammond, Crew 625-O-01

Philmont Training Center

Philmont Training Center

The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is the only national volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1950, PTC has provided a unique environment for training volunteer and professional leaders, and a fun family program for every member of the family. Each year, more than 6,000 Scouters and family members attend PTC.

Each conference features the latest tools and techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. All registered Scouters are invited to attend training center courses.  Learn more at this link  http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/PTC.aspx.

Merit Badge Counselors Needed

The Heart of Virginia Council is in need of Merit Badge Counselors for the new Sustainability Merit Badge.  If you are interested, please contact Robin Rush at robin.rush@scouting.org or Ashley Wyatt at ashley.wyatt@scouting.org. 

 

 

The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve

The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve

The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, aka the Summit, is the permanent site of the national Scout jamboree and home to the Boy Scouts of America's newest national high-adventure base. The Summit occupies 10,600 acres in West Virginia's New River Gorge region—a world-renowned adventure sports destination known for its world-class climbing rock and monster whitewater.

Between June 8 and August 16, 2014 your crew can get your Summit on in one of six seven-day programs. Work with your troop to choose the most suitable program:

To learn more and to register, visit http://www.summitblog.org/programs/

New Outdoor Ethics Award

In keeping with the mantra “Keeping Scouting Green” this new award is designed to help our Scouts and leaders understand more about the BSA’s Outdoor Ethics programs and our need to help make them aware that we need to take care of our surroundings.  

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/outdoorprogram/outdoorethics.aspx

 

 

 

Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation

     

  Upcoming Events on the Reservation
 

October 5, 2013 – Tiger Rally at Cub Adventure Camp  -   http://www.cubadventurecamp.net/tiger.html
January 17 – 18, 2014 – Winter Camp  -  http://bradysaunders.net/camp/wintercamp.html 

TIGER  RALLY
FOR
REGISTERED TIGERS AND
THEIR ADULT PARTNERS

Saturday, October 5, 2013
10:00AM to 3:00PM
Cub and Webelos Adventure Camp
Maidens (Goochland County), VA

$7.00 per person

Get more information at http://www.cubadventurecamp.net/tiger.html

 

       2014
Winter Camp
January 17 - 20, 2014

Registration began August 5, 2013 – 250 spaces already reserved, don’t miss out – sign up now http://bradysaunders.net/camp/wintercamp.html

Online Merit Badge Registration Opens on November 11, 2013

Get out of the house, have fun & earn Merit Badges!

Summer Camp 2014

Schedule your 2014 camp presentation NOW!!!
mic.mullins@scouting.org

CAMP T. BRADY SAUNDERS SUMMER CAMP 2014
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP 2014 CAMP T. BRADY SAUNDERS

Schedule
PIONEER WEEK, June 8 – 14, 2014
WEEK 1, June 15 – 21, 2014
WEEK 2, June 22 – 28, 2014
WEEK 3, June 29 – July 5, 2014
WEEK 4, July 6 – 12, 2014
WEEK 5, July 13 – 19, 2014
WEEK 6, July 20 – 26, 2014

SCHEDULE A CAMP PRESENTATION TODAY 804.204.2625

Register NOW at http://bradysaunders.net/camp/summer.html

REGISTER NOW ONLY $250 HOLD-A-SPACE FEE PER UNIT!

  • Fee $295 Per Scout
  • Leaders $100 per week or $20 per day if not staying the entire week
  • 1 free leader for every 10 paid Scouts
  • No Program or Merit Badge fees, including the Voyager Trek!

SCHEDULE YOUR TROOP  PRESENTATION ON CAMP T. BRADY SAUNDERS 2014
Please contact mic.mullins@scouting.org to arrange a presentation!

Cub Adventure Camp
2014
PIRATES!!!

Cub and Webelos Adventure Camp
Heart of Virginia Council Scout Reservation


Begin planning for a swashbuckling good time!!! 
REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.CUBADVENTURECAMP.NET

Hold-A-Space for the 2014 summer is only $10.00 per attendee.

Cub and Webelos Sessions

      Session 1-June22-25, 2014
     Session 2-June 25-28, 2014
     Session 3-June 29-July 2, 2014
     Session 4-July 6-9, 2014
     Session 5-July 9-12, 2014
     Session 6-July 13 -16, 2014
     Session 7-July 16-19, 2014
   

     Regular Fees

          Cub Scouts $130   Early Bird $120
          Adults          $95

Questions?  Contact Mic Mullins 804-204-2625 or mic.mullins@scouting.org

SCHEDULE YOUR PIRATE PRESENTATION FOR THIS FALL OR NEXT SPRING NOW!
Please contact mic.mullins@scouting.org!


Albright Scout Reservation

Albright Scout Reservation is a great site for weekend camping.  Situated on 568 acres on Lake Chesdin, it is close and offers three types of camping areas all at NO COST!  It has six traditional campsites for car camping each with a shelter, table and latrine nearby.  Three sites near the lake offer more of a wilderness experience.  There is also a "leave no trace" area and a short backpack trail for a shakedown experience. 

In addition there are two picnic pavilions and a chapel area for unit activities!  Sites and facilities are free to Heart of Virginia Council units and reservations can be made online at http://hovc.org/camps/albright/.

The Nawakwa Lodge of the Order of the Arrow recently completed a 5-mile loop trail at Albright’s.  This is a great way for Scouts to get that 5 mile hike in for the rank of Second Class.  A map will soon be posted at http://hovc.org/camping/albright/.

Arrohattoc District

Chairman: Drew Biehler, 804-639-9170 , drew.biehler@gmail.com
Commissioner: Karen Wood, 804-748-9664, kwoodcid@gmail.com
District Executive: Matt Malone, 804-204-2618, matt.malone@scouting.org
Website:  www.arrohattoc.com

October

3          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, SW Church of Christ
3          Roundtable Meetings (Cub, Boys Scout,Venturing) 7:30PM, SW Church of Christ
3          Recharter Packet Pick Up – 7:00PM-7:30PM & 8:30PM, SW Church of Christ
3          Scouting for Food Bag Pickup – 7:00PM, SW Church of Christ
5-6       Scoutmaster Outdoor Leader Training, 7:30AM, Camp T. Brady Saunders
5-6       Outdoor Webelos Leadership Skills, 8:30AM, Camp T. Brady Saunders
5          Arrohattoc Cub Scout Fishing Fun Day, 9:00AM, Albright Scout Reservation
5          Tiger Rally, 10:00AM, Cub Adventure Camp
11-13   OA Fall Fellowship, Camp T. Brady Saunders
16        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
18-20  100th Anniversary Encampment, Richmond International Raceway
24        OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
26        Scouting For Food, Bags Out
28        Show & Sell Popcorn Pick Up

November

2          Scouting For Food, Bags In
7          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, SW Church of Christ
7          Roundtable Meetings (Cub, Boys Scout,Venturing) 7:30PM, SW Church of Christ
20        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
21        OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
25        Popcorn Order Due

Popcorn

The popcorn sale is underway! We hope that everyone is off to a good start to raising money to support their programs.  If you have any questions regarding the sale, please contact Josh Hendrix at josh.hendrix@scouting.org.

Adult Leadership Training Opportunities

Every Scout deserves a trained leader!  Scoutmaster Outdoor Leadership Training will be held October 5-6 at Camp T. Brady Saunders. We are also holding Outdoor Webelos Leadership Skills on October 5-6 at Camp T. Brady Saunders.  Please be sure to check the Heart of Virginia calendar at www.hovc.org to find out more about these great training programs!

Recharter

Recharter packet pick up will be held October 3rd in conjunction with our October Roundtable at Southwest Church of Christ.  Packet pick-up will be available from 7:00PM-7:30PM and then after Roundtable at 8:30PM.  Please be sure to have someone from your unit pick up the packet so that you can get a good start on the recharter process.

Scouting For Food

Scouting For Food bag pick-up will be held October 3rd in conjunction with our October Roundtable at Southwest Church of Christ.  Bags will be available starting at 7:00PM.  If you haven’t already signed your unit up for Scouting For Food, please contact Rob Bungarden at sffarrohattoc@gmail.com.  You can also visit the District’s Scouting For Food website at https://sites.google.com/site/arrohattocscoutingforfood/home,

New Units

One of the goals of the District is to assure that we are providing Scouting to as many youth in our area as possible and we are always looking for new leads to help us grow Scouting.  If you attend or know of any local organizations (faith, civic, community outreach, etc) that might be interested in sponsoring a Scouting unit, let us know.  Please contact Matt Malone at matt.malone@scouting.org or 804-204-2618 with any suggestions and we will be happy to pursue them.

District Roundtable

Calling all Adult Leaders and Scout Parents!  Are you looking for ways to improve your Scout Unit’s programs while also finding out how to more easily manage all of the logistics of running a successful Pack, Troop or Crew?  Join us on the first Thursday of every month at Southwest Church of Christ (5340 Courthouse Rd. Chesterfield, VA 23832) at 7:30PM.

Battlefield District





District Chairman:  Mike Andrews, 356-6148, miandrews@comcast.net
Commissioner: Herb Sening, 240-738, herbsening@comcast.net
District Executive: Nick Harman, 204-2622, nick.harman@scouting.org

For updated information, go to the Battlefield District Website at: www.battlefieldScouting.org.

October

2             Commissioners Meeting @ Church of the Redeemer, 6:30PM
2             Round Table Meeting @ Church of the Redeemer, 7:30PM
15           District Committee Meeting @ Fairfield Presbyterian, 7:30PM
18-20     100th Anniversary Encampment @ RIR
21           OA Chapter meeting @ Fairfield Presbyterian, 7:00PM

Popcorn

We are working towards another successful popcorn season, which will translate into operating money for your unit and the Council. It is not too late to sign up!

If you have any questions, contact our District Popcorn Kerne,l Ray Alexander at battlefieldpopc@aol.com.

Fall Recruitment

  Please plan on being involved with the promotion of Scouting within our schools and our communities as we gear up for Join Scouting Nights. If your Cub Scout Pack missed the August 17th orientation, then please make arrangements to get all necessary information and promotional materials from the membership team. There are many promotional materials available to you, such as posters, fliers, yard signs, pencils, door-knob hangers, and business cards. Make good use of these materials by using them at Join Scouting nights and having your Scouts pass them out to their friends!

If you have any questions, contact our District Membership Chairman, Scott Sager at sagerian@gmail.com.

District Dinner

The Annual Battlefield District dinner is fast approaching! The dinner will be the FIRST Saturday in November (11/2). Everyone is welcome to attend. The cost is $6 per ticket and each family is expected to bring a dish to feed 6-8 folks. At the District Dinner, we will recognize this year’s Eagle Scouts as well as award our three District Awards of Merit. See you there!

ROUNDTABLE

Roundtables are a form of commissioner service and supplemental training for volunteers at the unit level. It serves as a source of information on events and training and an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fellowship with other unit leaders. Roundtables provide unit leaders with skills, techniques, and program ideas to enhance the quality of their meetings. Roundtables are the first Wednesday of the month and will start at 7:30PM. Please make an effort to participate in these informative sessions, which are designed to assist unit level leadership in program development. Each Unit should make sure to have at least one Leader in attendance at all Roundtables. *Roundtable has relocated to Church of the Redeemer, on Meadowbridge Rd. Hope to see everyone there!*

Capitol District

District Chairman: Vacant  
District Commissioner: Doug Hill,  btvc@aol.com
District Executive: Jason Smith, 804-204-2616, jason.smith@scouting.org

 

Cub Scout Pack 496 volunteered at the Ukrops 10K race with the VCU Massey Cancer volunteers. The boys worked at the turn around point for the runners. The Pack arrived early and assisted in making drinks, filling cups and finally passing drinks to runners as they ran past our location. They volunteered as well as cheering on the Pack's Asst. Scoutmaster, Mr. David Austin; who ran in the race. Monies were also collected by the pack and donated to VCU Massey Cancer Center.

 

Cardinal District



District Chairman: John Hunnicutt, 212-5161, jhunnicutt3602@verizon.net
District Commissioner: Carl Whitaker, 449-1762,WhitakerCarl79@yahoo.com
District Director: Austin Grappe, 218-6795, austin.grappe@scouting.org
District Executive: Lauren Billings, 204-2619, Lauren.Billings@scouting.org
Cardinal Website:  www.cardinalscouts.com

October

1             1           DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS MEETING 6:00PM. at Mount Vernon Baptist Church THIS IS A CHANGE
1           SCOUT LEADER ROUNDTABLE 7:30PM at Mount Vernon Baptist Church THIS IS A CHANGE
15         DISTRICT COMMITTEE MTG 6:30PM Dinner, 7:00PM Mtg. at Markel Plaza, Salon B, 4600 Cox Rd.
19-21   100th ANNIVERSARY ENCAMPMENT, RIR RACEWAY
26         SCOUTING FOR FOOD BAGS OUT

SCOUTING FOR FOOD

Scouting for Food is the annual food drive coordinated by the Heart of Virginia Council to benefit FeedMore (formerly the Central Virginia Food Bank). Remind your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers that Scouting For Food will drop off bags on Saturday October 26, 2013 and pick them up on Saturday, November 2, 2013.

OUTDOOR LEADER TRAINING: Every Scout deserves a (well) trained leader. And, it is required training for all new Scout Masters, Assistant Scout Masters, and Webelos are encouraged to take it early! Join us in a weekend outing of practical skills training in how to work with a Boy Led Troop. You will have hands on experience with first aid, knots, orienteering, axes, knives, cooking, and more! You will be formed into Patrols and experience the training while camping for the weekend as a “Boy Led Troop Using the Patrol Method.” This is also a great opportunity to expand your network of Scouting friends across the Council. More knowledge points to improve your “bag o’ tricks.” All participants will be e-mailed details after registration re: packing, Grub Master, Patrols, etc. Register now as we create a wait list after the first 24.

When: 6:00PM Friday, 11/1 to noon Sunday, 11/3.

Where: HOVC Reservation at T. Brady Saunders

Price: $15

Register: www.HOVC.org -> Calendar -> 11/1 or {Link}.

For more information contact Robert McLemore at grousek9@yahoo.com

Crater District

 

District Chairman: Vacant
District Commissioner: William “Bill” Simms, winglvr70@hotmail.com  
District Executive: Eric Stephens, eric.stephens@scouting.org

October

3              Crater’s Meherrin Roundtable - South Hill Presbyterian Church, 6:30PM (Scouting For Food Bags)
7              Scouting for Food Bag Distribution- 6:00PM, Wesley United Methodist Church
7              Crater Roundtable – Wesley United Methodist Church, 7:00PM
14           Order of the Arrow Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM
21           District Commissioners Meeting- Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7:00PM
21           District Committee Meeting- Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7:30PM

SCHOOL NIGHT RECRUITMENT

If you still have outstanding applications and registration fees, contact Eric Stephens immediately at ERIC.STEPHENS@SCOUTING.ORG.

ROUNDTABLES

Roundtables are a form of commissioner service and supplemental training for volunteers at the unit level.  It serves as a source of information on events and training and an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fellowship with other unit leaders.  Roundtables provide unit leaders with skills, techniques, and program ideas to enhance the quality of their meetings. Please make an effort to participate in these informative sessions, which are designed to assist unit level leadership in program development.

Huguenot Trail

District Chairman: H.C. Davis, 804-239-4105, hcvsp33@aol.com
District Commissioner:  Lee Adcock 804-378-6782, LeeAdcock@Huguenottrail.org
Senior District Executive: Geoff Angle, 434-390-0466, geoffrey.angle@scouting.org
District Website: www.huguenottrail.org

October 2013

3         Roundtable Meeting  ( 7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah, UMC)
5         District Intro to Outdoor Leadership Training
6         Tiger Rally (10:00AM, Cub Adventure Camp)
11-13  Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship and Awards Banquet
12       BALOO Training (9:00AM, Good Shepherd Lutheran)
14       Monthly Popcorn Report to District Kernel #2
16       District Committee Meeting (7:00PM, Village Bank)
19-21  Council Encampment (RIR)
26       Scouting for Food Bags Out

Join Scouting Night

Our District has enjoyed a good amount of growth from August until now.  We have had well over 200 new Scout families join our ranks and we are most happy to have them!  Packs are encouraged to continue to recruit more families through “bring-a-buddy” type activities.  We still have tons of posters, door hangers, and business cards to use.  Don’t forget the resource of your Chartered Organization as well.  Probably another round of recruitment mid-October would complete things, once fall sports like football have come to an end.  Don’t forget to encourage attendance at the Tiger Day and Council Encampment to make good on the promise of what Scouting delivers!

TROOPS AND CREWS…What are you doing to showcase your program?  Every Troop should have an open house event if possible, don’t forget the local parades and fairs this time of year.  The Council has all sorts of promotional material to support your groups as well.  As soon as you get your dates coordinated, let your SDE know so we can get it on the district website.

In short, we are off to a good start, but to keep on our mission of growing opportunities for Scouting, well, simply more families need to know about it!

Thank you volunteers for all your hard work!  I’ve seen tons of smiles with young boys at their first meetings so far, it’s been wonderful to see!

Webelos Transition Day

First off, thank you very much to Mike Davis, Rodney Parsons and all the members of Troop 800 for a fantastic event!  We had 142 Webelos attending from two districts.  Scoutmasters, there is only one question you need ask yourselves, “What would you do with 142 new scouts???”

These are boys who want to join a troop, and want to join badly.  It was a little disappointing that there were no other troops represented this year even in the form of information and brochures…These boys want to meet YOU!  So, look for articles about this event in your local paper.  The weather cooperated, and there was fun had by all participants.

If you missed it, well…Come on next year and make it even better!

Scouting for Food

Yes indeed, our most important community service is in a few weeks!  We could stand to work a little more cooperatively than in years past.  Packs can synchronize with troops, units can utilize the time to spread the word and tie it in with popcorn sales or recruitment!  Feel free to maximize your efforts and outreach as much as possible.  This is Richmond’s largest food drive, and the efforts help hundreds of families in need!

Rivers District

   

District Chairman: Marty Shirilla, 804-436-7289, shirilla@lancastersheriff.net
District Commissioner: Diane Mumford, dianemumford@aol.com
District Executive: Joseph Orr, 804-909-3262, joseph.orr@scouting.org

October
3         7:30PM Roundtable Meeting Beale Memorial
5         Tiger Rally at Cub Adventure Camp in Goochland County
15       6:30PM Commissioner’s Meeting Beale Memorial  (This is a change!)
15       7:30PM District Committee Meeting at Tappahannock Memorial United Methodist Church (This is a change!)
18-20  100th Anniversary Encampment
25-27 SM/ASM Outdoor Leader Specific Training

November

7       7:30PM Roundtable Meeting Beale Memorial
19     6:30PM Commissioner’s Meeting Beale Memorial
19     7:30PM District Committee Meeting Tappahannock Memorial UMC.

October Roundtable is an important meeting!

October has a jam packed program set up.  We will be going over Recharter Training and Procedures.  The Northern Neck Food Bank will be there to have a presentation on it’s activities and we will be distributing Scouting for Food Bags. 

$$$

So you have a great program planned out or you have dreams of camping in some amazing places this year or some awesome stories that have not happened yet.  My main question to you is how are you going to fund those adventures? Let the Rivers District help you come up with a plan.  Call Rose Hendricks 804-387-7090 or Joseph Orr 804-909-3262. 

Thought for the month:

“Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” Les Brown

Exploring

  

Exploring Chairman: John Smatlak, john.smatlak@dom.com   
Exploring Director:Tommy Bacote, 239-5064,tommy.bacote@scouting.org
Exploring Website: www.ExploringVA.org

HELP YOUR TEEN NAVIGATE THEIR FUTURE

Want to join or start a Post? Please contact the Council Service Center at 804-355-4306. Youth may visit us on the web: www.ExploringVA.org and take our Career Interest Survey. ONLINE!!!  Once we know your interest, we can help to set you up with an explorer post that would fit your interest or needs.

Exploring is a program for high school students. The purpose of the program is to check-out a career of interest. Exploring is a career-education program that allows teens between the ages of 14 to 20 to learn more about a particular career through hands-on activities led by people out in the "real world."

Why wait until they are almost through college to find out what it's like in a particular field? Get involved with Exploring today! Exploring's purpose is to provide experiences that help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities. For more information on how to get your youth involved, please contact TOMMY A. BACOTE.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Currently, the Heart of Virginia Council has 17 Exploring posts. We will be continuing to update the calendar as the information becomes available. Our Law Enforcement Posts continually accept applications year round. For more information on the Law Enforcement and Fire posts, please visit www.exploringva.org.   

OCTOBER

3              VCU Medical Post #680 5-6:30PM, Learning Center Located at Main Hospital

For more information on any of the Exploring Post activities, please check out http://www.exploringva.org/ for up to date information.

Eagles Nest

                               Eagles Nest

Eagle Name and Unit            Service Project

Nicholas Clay Arnold   715    VHBG Donation Organizer
Donovan Gregory Boyd    736    Mason Bee Houses for Maymont Butterfly Gardens
Jacob Taylor Bryant  521    Paint Storage Shed at New Highland Baptist Church
Taylor Evan Lee Callahan     529    Clear Trails at Harrison Lake Fish Hatchery
Noah James Campbell    208    Washington Lacy Park Improvements
Carlos Orlando Cota Jr.    304    Pergola Construction for St. Timothy's Catholic Church
Morgan Douglas Dykshorn    700    Building Trails at Hanover Humane Society
Charles Benner English    250    Landscaping for Northumberland Animal Shelter
Jackson Robert Gillie   876    Hiking Trail Bridge for St. Francis/St. Emma in Powhatan County
David Lee Harrell II    2855    Crops Planting, Fence Building, Mulching for Henricus Park
James Edward Irby    840    Obstacle Course Tire Ramp for Richmond Police Dept. Canine Training
Christopher Gabriel Kamper    736    No Sew Blankets
Shawn Patrick Kerry   2822    Pocahontas State Park Landscaping Project
Jonathan Adam Kiss    250    Playground for Bethany Baptist Church
Dakota James Lewis    535    Care Package Project through MarineParents.com
Matthew Cambridge Maslink   1829    Reams Elementary Little Free Library/Bench
Matthew Caleb Stockell McNeilly    2837    Arbor over Deck at Rockwood Nature Center
Scott Alexander Mills     7454    South Hill Garden
Travis Eugene Phillips    175    Trail at Overlook for Five Forks Battlefield
Stuart Russell Powell     7454    Sardis United Methodist Church Picnic Shelter Restoration
Jesse Cecil Rook   303    Painting Sunday School Rooms for Beulah Baptist Church
Phillip Alexander Sening   521    Pearson's Corner Nature Trail
Theodore Bartholomew Syrquin  418    Three New Flatbed Carts for Little Sisters of the Poor
Casey Randal Tomlinson 101    Prime and Paint Civic Field Concession Stand
Sean Douglas Walden     2822    Pocahontas State Park Firewood Shelter
Brendan Timothy White    700    Softball Helmet Holders
Zachary Joseph Zumbo  2815    Teaching Through Technology - Flipped Conventions

 

The National Eagle Scout Association has established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by a Scout to a religious institution, a school, community, or other entity. The award recognizes the Scout for his Scout leadership service project, which is a requirement for earning the Eagle Scout Award. Please use the following link to access the updated application for the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award: http://www.nesa.org/PDF/542-026.pdf.

 

Memorials and Honors

In Memory Of

Daniel J. Calder
Carol & George Moore

Hunter R. Pettus, Jr.
Nancy & Burness Ansell

Scout Shop Notes

Scout Shop Notes

    **The Scout Shop will be closed for inventory November 22nd and 23rd.  The Scout Shop will also be closed November 28th-30th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.**

Stop and see all the fun stuff we have in stock!!!  We have great gifts for Scouts and leaders!

100th anniversary items are arriving in the Scout Shop.   New t-shirts are in!

Pack and Troop leaders must tell new Scouts which items and uniform parts to purchase.  With almost 500 units in our council, the Scout Shop does not know what individual units require or provide.

Per National BSA policy: When purchasing rank and or merit badges, advancement reports must be turned in at time of purchase, including Bobcat and Scout.  To purchase replacement patches, you must have the rank card, merit badge or blue card or copy of the Scout's record. 

All returns must be made within 30 days, with receipt, and items in original condition. 

Special event and dated patches have a limited return period.  Please check with the Scout Shop for details. 

For orders sent to the Scout Shop, please allow 1-2 business days for processing.  If you email your order, to ensure we receive it, please use the address scoutshop@scouting.org. 

PO BOX 6809 - Richmond, VA 23230-3921   
Phone (804) 355-0628, Fax (804) 353-6109
HOURS - Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM                   
Saturday 9:00 AM - NOON                                                         
Email Address: Scoutshop@Scoutingva.org