Scouting for Food

Scouting for Food
Scouts collected 200,000 pounds of food on November 2^nd  to benefit FeedMore and the hungry in central Virginia.  This is the largest food drive in the state and huge boost to what the food bank can offer to their member agencies during the holidays.  Thank you to everyone who participated.  Please remember to log your service hours at https://servicehours.scouting.org/UI/Security/Login.aspx

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December Calendar

7           Popcorn Pick-up
12         Commissioner Cabinet Meeting
12         Executive Committee Meeting
13         Final Popcorn Payment Due to Council
22-23    OA Carillon Service Project @ Byrd Park
24-25    Scout Shop & Service Center Closed

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Holiday Greetings

Holiday Greetings from Council Scout Executive Brad Nesheim

The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is always a very busy time for each of the 284 local councils that comprise the Boy Scouts of America.  Several of the key, measurable criteria for Journey to Excellence are measured as of the end of December, including the number of registered youth members and trained leaders, and also the financial requirement of a balanced budget.  It is easy to become so absorbed in pursuing these ‘numbers’ that I sometimes forget to take the time to express to the great volunteers, staff, donors and other supporters of Scouting my gratitude for what they, and you, do for the youth of our communities through Scouting. 

This year, I am not forgetting to say thanks, so here it is:  Thank you!

Because of you, Scouting is thriving in our council. The best recruitment season for new Cub Scouts in many, many years, with some 3,000 new members joining, means that our council will be serving nearly 13,000 youth members this year!  I am most grateful to all the families in our council for choosing Scouting for their children, where they will find positive, life-changing experiences and values.

Everything that we do is for the youth members whom we seek to serve.  For each youth member each year, Scouting is a new and great adventure and I am grateful to have a small role in this wonderful organization. It is a privilege for me to serve as a member of the professional service of the Boy Scouts of America, and especially to serve as the Scout Executive/CEO for our great Heart of Virginia Council. 

So, again, THANK YOU for making Scouting the most effective development program for our youth!  I wish for you a most enjoyable and meaningful holiday season.

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Rechartering

Rechartering Your Unit

Recharter is the annual renewal of your unit’s charter and BSA membership of the adults and youth in your unit.  With over 400 units in the Heart of Virginia Council rechartering, it takes special people to ride herd on the process.  Those people are called Commissioners. 

Their planning for recharter 2013 began in early summer.  As a result of many interviews with adult leaders, a number of changes were instituted during this year’s recharter process, including:

• Training offered (5 times!) for all unit recharter processors and commissioners prior to the start of recharter.
• Recharter packets had district-specific dates and contact information. 
• Adult training details were supplied in the recharter packets for all registered unit volunteers. 

Marian Fletcher, the Assistant Council Commissioner tasked with organizing the council recharter effort, says the following, “The recharter window opened on October 1 and will stay open until close of business on 12/31/2013.  I encourage you to provide feedback to your district commissioners on ways the process can be done better in the future.  Or if you prefer, you may send feedback directly to me at hov.commissioner@gmail.com. “

Keys to successful recharter:

1. Contact all registered youth and adults.  Too often, youth and adults are dropped off unit rosters at recharter because they missed the meeting where fees were collected by the unit.  Don’t assume anything.  Make a phone call and know for sure before you delete someone’s BSA membership.
2. Have the needed paperwork in hand.  If you are the recharter processor, make sure that if you are adding a new adult, you have their application in hand.  You’ll need that data.
3. Start early.  Waiting until the last minute is a recipe for disaster.  Once the recharter is completed online, it must be printed and signed.  Starting early gives you more time if a problem arises.  Don’t wait!

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Arena Racing

Scout Night at Arena Racing!

Saturday, December 7, 2013
THE RICHMOND COLISEUM
601 E. Leigh Street, Downtown

To purchase tickets online
For more information and to register by mail

What is Arena Racing?

Arena Racing is exciting, family-friendly entertainment which features ARENACARS®, real half-scale stock cars racing around a high-banked race track inside the Richmond Coliseum. The cars circle the hockey rink-sized track at speeds nearing 50-mph - in less than 8 seconds! The racers run around this indoor track with all of the bumping, rubbing, crashing, and even flipping, normally associated with stock car races.

In between the racing action, there is great music, spectator contests, T-shirt cannons, and awesome prizes!

The season runs from November to April – a perfect time to get your family out of the house and engaged in a new and exciting RVA sport, born here in the Richmond Region that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world!

With just enough noise to be exciting – No Earplugs Necessary – even if you’re not a race fan, you will enjoy the excitement of Arena Racing and value spending time with kids, friends, and co-workers.

BONUS: Come out to the event one hour early for the FREE Driver Meet & Greet! Get driver autographs and photos with your favorite driver!

To learn more, check out ArenaRacingUSA.com – or visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

2013 Popcorn Sale

 

2013 Popcorn Sale

 

 

**Final Reminders**

• Take Order Pickup December 7^th from 8:00AM-10:00AM

Battlefield, Capitol, Cardinal and Rivers Districts

Kloke/Mayflower Warehouse

1855 Boulevard W.  
Richmond, VA 23230

Arrohattoc, Crater, Exploring and Huguenot Trail Districts
The Landmark Company
16051 Continental Blvd.
Colonial Heights, VA 23834

• Journey to Excellence Forms due to district kernels on or before December 13th
• **Final Payments due on or before December 13^th**

Please email any questions to  josh.hendrix@scouting.org

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Join Scouting Campaign Results

Join Scouting Campaign Results

By Bill Givler, Director of Field Service, bill.givler@scouting.org

 

This summer, we nervously awaited our 2013 Join Scouting Campaign.  Staff and volunteers on Membership Growth Committees made careful plans.  Commissioners helped spread the word, and many units developed their own “Marketing Plan” for the fall.  We’d had two previous years of lackluster youth membership enrollment, and we were all worried about how issues beyond our control at the national level were going to impact whether a youth and a family chose to join Scouting or not.

As I write this, it is November 25^th, and I’m thrilled to announce that our 2013 Join Scouting Campaign was a resounding success in the Heart of Virginia Council.  Last fall, from August 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012, our council recruited 2,264 new Scouts.  This year, from August 1 through today, we have recruited 2,914 Scouts…and we still have over a month left to go!  At the end of October, we led the nation (284 councils) in number of new Cub Scouts recruited, 2013 vs. 2012.

Why is this important?  Only one reason – more young people will experience Scouting, and through those experiences they will become better people, better citizens, and better future leaders of our country. 

Who is responsible for this growth?  You are.  Marketing flyers and flashlights did not recruit almost 3,000 young people this fall.  Men and women volunteering at all levels of the Scouting movement, delivering amazing experiences to young people, are the reason we are growing Scouting in the Heart of Virginia Council.  On behalf of these 2,914 new members of the Scouting family, I’d like to thank you for what you do and for the people you will help them become.

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Explorers Get Hands-On Experience in Design

Baskervill Gives Back: Inspiring Students through Design Exploration

Baskervill Architects give a true sense of what it is like to work in the industry.  Explorers in the Baskervill Post sample the many sides of the business, learn about interior design and visit job sites to see how contractors take building plans and turn them into steel, concrete, wood and glass.  To learn more read the article at this link:  http://www.baskervill.com/blogs/item/941-copy-of-baskervill-gives-back-inspiring-students-through-design-exploration#.UoInQvmkr4Y?utm_source=Explorer+Program+2014&utm_campaign=Great+to+see+you+at+DGS+Forum+2013&utm_medium=email .  The Post will have an open house for the 2014 program on December 9^th at their Shockoe Bottom offices.  This program is open to high school age young men and women, preferably 10^th grade an up.

 

 

 

 

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Cooking Merit Badge to Join Eagle-Required List

Reminder - Cooking Merit Badge to Join Eagle-Required List Jan. 1

Significant changes are coming to the Cooking merit badge. First, this badge will become Eagle-required beginning Jan. 1, 2014. In addition, there will be a major overhaul to the requirements, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2015.

The addition of the Cooking merit badge to the Eagle-required list means that, regardless of when a Scout earned the Life rank or began working on the Eagle Scout rank, he must earn the Cooking merit badge to become an Eagle Scout (unless he fulfills all the requirements, except his board of review, before Jan. 1, 2014).

As for the changes to the requirements, they’ll appear in a revised merit badge pamphlet that will be released during 2013. The new requirements then become effective Jan. 1, 2015, with the release of Boy Scout Requirements, No. 34765.

Scouts who have already earned the Cooking merit badge are not required to re-earn the badge under the new requirements in order to qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.

For more details on the changes to the Cooking merit badge, visit this post on the Bryan on Scouting blog.

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Journey To Excellence

With one month left determine how your unit can maximize its 2013 score, Journey to Excellence worksheets and scorecards for 2013 and 2014 can be found at this link:  http://www.scouting.org/jte.aspx. 

Be sure to enter your Scouting For Food service hours at https://servicehours.scouting.org/UI/Security/Login.aspx

Advancement -

Packs - have you entered all of your new Bobcats into the online advancement system?  https://scoutnet.scouting.org/iadv/UI/home/default.aspx Council registrar Valerie Glazier can reset the advancement chair login if you are unable to access your unit’s portal. 

Troops – Be sure to enter in boys advancing in rank this fall.

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James E. West Fellowship

James E. West Fellowship

The James E. West Fellowship Award nationally recognizes individuals who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Heart of Virginia Council's permanent Endowment.  Individuals may contribute monies toward a fellowship in honor of someone else: an Eagle Scout, a Parent, a Graduate, a Silver Beaver/Vigil Honor recipient, Scoutmaster/Cubmaster, Retiree, council president or special loved ones including non-Scouters, youth or adults.

The award is named after the first Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America who exemplified Ralph Waldo Emerson's observation that "an institution is the lengthened shadow of one man".  Today, Scouting is the "lengthened shadow" of the more than three decades of the farseeing and dedicated leadership of Dr. James E. West.

Contributions to the Endowment Fund through the James E. West Fellowship are never spent; only the interest is used to further the programs and outreach of the Heart of Virginia Council.  Members are recognized with their names are displayed in the lobby of the council service center.   Contact Brett Smiley at brett.smiley@scouting.org or (804) 426-9241 for more information.

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Philmont

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.

Take your family to the mountains of New Mexico for a week of family fun and Scout leader training.  Don’t pay top dollar for dude ranch experience when you can have family budget friendly week at Philmont Scout Ranch. 

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Harlem Globetrotters

Special Scout Pricing at The Harlem Globetrotters!

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the Richmond Coliseum on Tuesday, December 31st at 2:00PM.

Order your tickets now to receive special Scout pricing!
Tickets can be purchased in advance by mail, phone, email or fax.

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Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry

This year, Patrick Henry will be a one day only event!  Registration is now live at the following link:  http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/1442238.

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Youth Rank Advancement

Record Youth Rank Advancement Online

Boys advancing in rank is the first objective in the Journey To Excellence.  Be sure to record badges of rank and Webelos activities pins earned online through your www.myscouting.org account.

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The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve

Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation

     

 Upcoming Events on the Reservation

January 17 – 20, 2014 – Winter Camp  - http://bradysaunders.net/camp/wintercamp.html

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    2014
Winter Camp
January 17 - 20, 2014

**SOLD OUT**

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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 or $265 with Early Bird Rate by 3/18/2014 with half of fees paid
• 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!!! 

COLORING CONTEST!!!

Participate & You Could Win A Free Summer Camp Spot!

Download the Summer 2014 Coloring Contest at www.cubadventurecamp.net

You could win a free spot for your Cub to a 4 Day, 3 Night Session of Adventure Camp.  The 2014 theme is pirates!

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!

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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. 
View map here:http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/document/final-trail-markers-for-5-mile-trail-at-albright-scout-reservation/131714

Also new is an Adirondack shelter for overnight use.  Please note that the shelter is not close to parking.

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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

December

5         District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, SW Church of Christ
5         Roundtable Meetings (Cub, Boys Scout,Venturing) 7:30PM, SW Church of Christ
7         Final Popcorn Order Pick Up
13       Final Popcorn Payment Due
18       District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
19       OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC

January

2       District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, SW Church of Christ
2       Roundtable Meetings (Cub, Boys Scout,Venturing) 7:30PM, SW Church of Christ
15     District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
23     OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC

Popcorn Wrap Up

We want to thank everyone involved with the 2013 popcorn sale. Your hard work and dedication led to a great sale but more importantly you’re work will help your units provide a better program to your Scouts.  As a reminder the final popcorn pick up is Saturday, December 7^th and final payments are due to Council by December 13th.  If you have any questions regarding the pick up or payments please contact Josh Hendrix at josh.hendrix@scouting.org.

Scouting For Food

Thank you to all the Scouts, Scouters and Scouting Families that participated in the 26^th Annual Scouting For Food Drive. We had 50 units from Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venture Crews come together to distribute over 55 thousand bags and then bring them to 3 unit-manned trailer locations. The final numbers are not in yet on what was collected, but once again, we had a great positive impact for the food bank. Thank you to all the unit coordinators that pulled everything together to make this service project happen and an even bigger thanks to Dave Morton, Troop 2890, who stepped up to do the area maps this year.

Recharter

Thank you to everyone who has already completed their recharter and turned it in.  If your unit has not, please be sure to get the recharter completed ASAP.  If you have any questions regarding the recharter process please contact Marian Fletcher at fletcherfam@comcast.net or Matt Malone at matt.malone@scouting.org.

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.

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Battlefield District

District Chairman:  Mike Andrews, 356-6148, miandrews@comcast.net
Commissioner: Herb Sening, 240-7381, herbsening@comcast.net
District Executive: Nick Harman, 204-2622, nick.harman@scouting.org

December

4         Commissioners Meeting @ Church of the Redeemer, 6:30PM
4         Round Table Meeting @ Church of the Redeemer, 7:30PM
16      OA Chapter Meeting @ Fairfield Presbyterian, 7:00PM
17      District Committee @ Fairfield Presbyterian, 7:30PM

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING

2014 will soon be here, as well as our annual Friends of Scouting giving campaign. Every year, as our membership and camping facilities grow, so do our Council’s expenses. Battlefield District has a piece of that responsibility.  Our contribution this year will be $155,000 to the Council goal.  We will accomplish this primarily through two efforts:  

1. Family FOS Presentations at the unit level.
2. District FOS Reception April 3^rd

Family FOS

This is where we give our scouting families a chance to participate on behalf of their home unit.  Last year we had 40 out of 59 units participating.

This year we want 100% participation.   Therefore, we are asking for each Unit to please send in your Unit Captain contact info. and date of your Court of Honor / Blue & Gold Banquet as soon as possible.

Contact Ann Bevan, District Family FOS Chair to start making arrangements: 804.241.9741 or abevan@nhsonline.org

Recharter

November 16^th was our District organized recharter turn-in at Fairfield Presbyterian Church.  If you missed this opportunity, your recharter should make an appointment to meet with Herb Sening, Ben Ward, or Nick Harman.

The December round table could also be an opportunity to turn in a recharter.

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 at the Church of the Redeemer 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.

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Capitol District

District Chairman: Vacant   
District Commissioner: Doug Hill, 804-922-3706,  doughillvt409@gmail.com
Field Director: Jason Smith, 804-204-2616, jason.smith@scouting.org

December

3          Roundtable (bring a dish to share!)
3          Committee Meeting
3          Commissioner Meeting
7          Popcorn Pick-up at Kloke

Recharter

It is that time of year again! Recharter turn-in will take place at December Roundtable. It is extremely important that you plan to turn in your information in on this date so that we are able to process your unit information in a timely manner.  Furthermore, you will not qualify for the JTE recognition if your recharter information is late.

Friends of Scouting

Please bring to the December Roundtable the date you would like to have your unit’s Friends of Scouting presentation done in 2014. This is necessary to insure we have presenters lined up for each unit. If you know your date please call Jason Smith at 204-2616.

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 Thursday of the month at 1^st Baptist Church (Monument and Boulevard) and will start at 7:00pm. Please make an effort to participate in these informative sessions, which are designed to assist unit level leadership in program development.

Capitol District Scouts in Action

Cub Scout Pack 496 Triple Action at Work

Pack 496 set out on their annual routine in dropping off bags and picking up food for the food bank during Scouting for Food. One neighbor left a note for the boys; thanking them for their community support in collecting food and left them a big bag of Halloween candy.

This year the pack incorporated their Popcorn blitz during this time.  After dropping off the bags, the pack went through the neighborhoods selling all the various kinds of popcorn.  Neighbors were enthusiastic, excited and happy to see the boys doing their fundraiser.  They told stories of their scout days, remembered the days when their children were scouts and had many questions about the pack’s activities.

The pack is also participating with Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU with their Change Bandit program. This is a coin collection drive held in conjunction with the 36 hours for Kids radiation. Each scout has received a red piggy bank where they are collecting change for a month and will be donating all to the hospital.

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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

December

3    DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS MEETING 6:00 pm. at United Methodist Conference Center
3    SCOUT LEADER ROUNDTABLE 7:30 PM at United Methodist Conference Center
7    POPCORN PICK UP, Klokie Warehouse
17  WEBELOS TO SCOUT TRANSITION FAIR 7pm at Mount Vernon Baptist Church
17  DISTRICT COMMITTEE MTG 6:30pm Dinner, 7:00pm Mtg. at Markel Plaza, Salon B, 4600 Cox Rd.

WEBELOS TO SCOUT TRANSITION

Cardinal District cordially requests the attendance of all second year Webelos and their parents for the

2013 Webelos to Scout Transition Fair

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Mount Vernon Baptist Church

11220 Nuckols Road in Glen Allen, VA

The Transition Fair will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.

 This is an opportunity for Webelos and their parents to meet representatives from several different Cardinal District scout troops in one place, at one time.  Refreshments will be served.

Any questions please contact:

Bill Hutchins, whutchins@tcva.com 804-648-6099

Cardinal District Webelos to Scout Transition Committee Event Coordinator

Joyce Waters, joyce.waters@gmail.com 804-360-1747

Cardinal District Webelos to Scout Transition Chairman

ROUNDTABLE

So you ask what is 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 Tuesday of the month at the United Methodist Church Conference Center, 10330 Staples Mill Rd. 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.

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Crater District

 

District Chairman: Virginia Cherry, vcherry44@gmail.com
District Commissioner: William “Bill” Simms, 804-586-6382, winglvr70@hotmail.com  
District Executive: Eric Stephens, 804-241-6835 eric.stephens@scouting.org

December

2          Crater Roundtable- Wesley United Methodist Church, 7:00PM
5          Crater’s Meherrin Roundtable South Hill Presbyterian Church, 6:30PM
9          Crater OA, 7:00PM

Recharter

If you have not done so, make plans to have your recharter completed and ready to turn-in on Monday, December 2rd or Thursday, December 5th. 

Training

All adult leaders must be youth protection trained (within the last two years) before any unit can recharter.  Also all direct contact leaders must be trained before a unit can recharter.  All adult applications must be the original application and not a duplicate. 

Crater District Stew

A huge Crater District “Thank You” goes out to Jay Reekes and all of the individuals who helped in this effort.  As a result of your dedication, hard work, and generosity over $3,000 was raised for Crater District’s 2013 Friends of Scouting Campaign and $1,500 for the Order of the Arrow.

Crater District’s Klondike Derby

It’s time to sharpen your skills, strap on those boots and prepare the sleds because the Crater District’s Klondike Derby 2014 will be held January 31-February 2, 2014.  This event is a patrol competition thru the fields of Camp Albright.  At various points along the course, patrols will compete in scout skill events.

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.  .  Please make an effort to participate in these informative sessions, which are designed to assist unit level leadership in program development.

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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

 

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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

December

5      Roundtable at Beale Memorial at 7:30PM
5      Final Recharter Turn-in at Roundtable
7      Popcorn pickup
17    Rivers Commissioners meeting at 6:30PM at Tappahannock UMC
17    Rivers District Committee meeting at 7:30PM at Tappahannock UMC

January

9    Roundtable at Beale Memorial at 7:30PM
21  Rivers Commissioner’s meeting at 6:30 PM at Tappahannock UMC
21  Rivers District Committee meeting at 7:30PM at Tappahannock UMC

Recharter

I know that Recharter time seems scary with all the paperwork and fee collecting but the Rivers District Commissioner Team is here to help you with your recharter questions.  Contact Elizabeth Jones at 804-402-0234. elizsjones@gmail.com

Popcorn

Thank you all for the hard work you did selling popcorn! You all truly did a great job.

Membership

We are so close to a membership growth!!! Kids and families join Scouting because we invite them to and we show them how AWESOME our program is.  Keep inviting others to join our Scout units.  If you want to share ideas or get any ideas please call Joseph Orr at 8049093262.

Holidays

I want to extend to each of you my warmest wishes for a great and wonderful Holiday Season!!! Be safe out there.

Thought for the month:

“The greatest oak was once a little nut that held it’s ground”- Unknown

 

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Exploring

  

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

Upcoming Events

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Eagles Nest

                               Eagles Nest

Eagle Name and Unit            Service Project

Angus William Beane    770   Camp Hanover Recycling Bins
Alexander William Beehler    912   Handicap Deer Stand for Wounded Soldiers at Ft Lee Outdoor Recreation
Brandon Mathew Cary    503   Ashland Trail Bridge
David Sherman Cottrell Jr.   2860   Construction of Benches for Pocahontas State Park
Vernon Lee Cousins III   2819   YMCA Picnic Area
Ronald Rabaisri Cutler    222   Pergola for Deck at Unitarian Church
John Lodge Fergusson    400   Building Bookshelves for St. Andrew's School
Kyle Alexander Fisher    832   Build Tables for American Legion Lodge
Henry Carter Fisher    900   Revitalization of Tri-Centennial Park
Matthew Troy Hanvey    570   Painting Adult Sunday School Rooms for Leigh Street Baptist Church
Bennett Rees Haynes    799   Building Planter Boxes for Holladay Elementary
Walter Clifford Hendrix V   770   Building Bookshelves for Church Nursery School
Thomas Tilden Hyde    222   Replacing Flags and Flag Poles in Lively, VA
Tyler Alexander Jordan    923   Bike Safety Rodeo for Hopewell Youth Recreation
Fletcher Stephen Lee    258   Westmoreland State Park Orienteering Courses
Philip Christopher Lockwood    707   Benches for Patrick Henry's House, Scotchtown
Matthew Owen Lynch    840   Bookshelves for STEP Ministries
Charles Louis Meire    702   Bulletin Boards at Byrd Park
Charles Edward Pemberton    706   Tree Identification Signs for Montpelier Park
Ryan Russell Pohle    1829   Erosion Control Around Salisbury Lake
Nathan Waller Powell    832   H.E.N. Pantry Rest Area for St. John Neumann's Catholic Church
Hunter Scott Prince    500   Handicapped Picnic Tables for Hanover County Parks
Benjamin Grayson Rogers    2837   Grace Lutheran Church Storage Addition, Landscaping and Re-Roofing
Anthony Lawrence Sung    720   Planning and Organizing Mission Week for Mt Vernon Baptist Church
Kyle Scott Vaughan    706   Renovation and Update of South Anna Elementary School Lobby
William Zachary Vernon    799   Cabinet for Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center
Linden Lowery Walus    795   Dog Agility Ramps and Cat Condos for All American Mutt Rescue
Grayson Cade Wheeler    2860   Blacktop Maps for Woolridge Elementary School
Noah James Wood    707   Replacing Windows in Freedom Fellowship Church
Matthew David Wood    707   Clearing acres for Hanover Humane Society and Building Dog Cleaning Stations

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.

 

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Lowe's Eagle Scout Project Grant

LOWE’S NATIONAL EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT IMPACT GRANT

Once again, Lowe's is offering $100.00 grants for Eagle projects.  Twenty-five grants are being held for scouts in Heart of Virginia Council. 

To qualify, Scouts must plan to spend at least $100.00 on materials, supplies or services that are directly related to their project.  Grants cannot be used for food or tools.

If a Scout wants to be considered for a grant he should go to http://www.scouting.org/trailtoeagle.aspx, read all the materials available, complete the online application and e-mail it to Selena Giannasi at advancement@cardinaldistrict.net. 

Other points:

    • Scouts are also required to forward a copy of their project proposals, and approval signatures, with the application. 

    • Scouts must be willing to wait until the card is received to purchase materials and supplies.  It could take three weeks for Scouts to receive the gift card. 

    • The card cannot be used to reimburse anyone for materials or supplies already purchased. 

    • Scouts must agree to turn in receipts for all items purchased, “before” and “after" photos, and submit a brief electronic report of his project prior to April 30, 2014.

 

Memorials and Honors

In Memory Of

Nick Bliley
Boy Scout Troop 400

Sidney Spain
Boy Scout Troop 400

Henry Yancey
Boy Scout Troop 400

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Scout Shop Notes

Scout Shop Notes

    **The Scout Shop will be closed December 24th-25th in observance of the Christmas holiday.**

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

100^th anniversary items have arrived 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

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