20 Stories for Scouts!

20 Stories for Scouts is the most unique and adventurous fundraiser our Scout council has ever seen!  Simply raise $1,000 from friends and family, or as a single donation, to secure your spot and rappel 20 stories down one of Richmond’s tallest buildings. Much more than just a fundraiser, this event will draw important media attention and will highlight awesome stories of local Scouts and Scout Alumni making a positive impact on our local community.  Proceeds from the event go to support and grow Scout programs across central Virginia and prepare young people for a lifetime of character and leadership.  Dominion Power is our building host, and the rappel site is the 8^th & Main Building, downtown RVA.

• Share your story of how Scouting has made a difference in the life of someone you know
• Corporate Sponsorship Packages available
• Toss Your Boss - Pool funds to send your boss or company representative over the edge.
• Mascot Challenge - Have your costumed character represent your company and brand.

Limited spaces available. Registration opening in January. Visit 20storiesforscouts.org for more information.

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January Calendar

1         Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
5         Order of the Arrow Executive Committee Meeting
16        Executive Board Meeting
16        Maintenance and Properties Committee Meeting
17-20   Winter Scout Camp
20        Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
25        Patrick Henry Program
28        Program Department Meeting

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Membership Growth Announcement

Scouting is Growing in Central Virginia

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

Thanks to your hard work, families in our area have decided to enroll their children in Scouting in record numbers.  2011 and 2012 in the Heart of Virginia council were marked by youth membership declines, but things turned around in the fall of 2013 in a big way.  Here are some fun facts related to our growth:

 

• We ended November with 3.1% growth in total Scouts, which makes us the 2^nd fastest growing council out of the 90 councils in the Southern Region of the BSA.
• We distributed 2,869 dual-LED flashlights to new Scouts in August and September.
• For the first time ever, parents of new scouts could register and pay online to join. 
• For the first time ever, the council developed and implemented a social media strategy as a key component of our Join Scouting Campaign.
• Our 2013 Join Scouting flyer included 7 images of our own local Scouts that were submitted by volunteers from our council.
• Our council will end 2013 with a growth in Scouts of over 3%, and a growth in total youth (including Exploring) of 2%.

Thank you for your help in our ongoing effort to reach more youth and families with the positive program of Scouting.

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2013 Popcorn Sale

2013 Popcorn Sale

We would like to say a BIG Thank You to everyone who participated  in this year's popcorn sale!  We could not have done it without your hard work and dedication! Also, a BIG CONGRATULATIONS  to the following Scouts and Units who achieved outstanding results during the 2013 Popcorn Sale!

2013 Top Popcorn Sellers by District

Arrohattoc-  Tyler Washington   P2874   $3,806
Battlefield-  Alex Pruemer         P503     $4,003
Capitol-  Moshe Fletcher           P613       $2,396
Cardinal -  Beck Garnett            P770     $4,771
Crater -   Jonathan Croom         P101     $5,902
Huguenot Trail-  Elijah Borum   P1879   $2,802
Rivers-  Joey Wise                    P215      $1,184

Top Selling Units (Show & Sell and Take Orders)

1. P185    $24,498
2. P1879  $24,219
3. P101    $21,688
4. P747    $19,142
5. P720    $18,815
6. P2874  $18,471
7. P521    $18,192
8. P1825  $17,219
9. P706    $16,759
10. P2831  $17,167

         2013 Top Overall Popcorn Sellers

1.  Jonathan Croom    P101     Crater             $5,902
2. Beck Garnett          P770     Cardinal          $4,771
3. Alex Pruemer          P503      Battlefield      $4,003
4. Tyler Washington    P2874    Arrohattoc     $3,806
5. Brandon Smith        T715       Cardinal       $3,788
6. Bobby Palmer          P2842    Arrohattoc    $3,704
7. Jared Peck              P706      Cardinal        $3,621
8. Spencer Panten      P503      Battlefield      $3,309
9. Josiah Mehaffey      T799      Cardinal        $3,144
10. Jesse Mehaffey       T799      Cardinal        $3,117

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Commissioner College

College of Commissioner Science

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Commissioner College is excellent training for new and current unit commissioners.  Commissioner College is Saturday, February 8th at Capital One West Creek Campus in the Town Center Building.

If you have just completed a tour as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or any other adult Scouter position and want to continue to service Scouting in a different capacity, consider becoming a Unit Commissioner.  A Unit Commissioner normally supports three units and draws on experiences to help new leaders provide the Scouting program to their unit.  Unit Commissioners are the "behind-the-scene" support that ALL units need.

Cost: $30 if signed up between Dec. 1st and Jan. 1st and $35.00 after Jan. 1st.

Register at www.hovc.org

No Registrations after February 1st, 2014

NO ONSITE REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE!

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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

Journey To Excellence 2014

How did your unit score in 2013?

Journey To Excellence enters its fourth year as a best practices scorecard for Packs, Troops, Crews, Districts and Councils.   2014 scorecards and other resources can be found at www.scouting.org/jte. 

At first glance the scorecards may seem overwhelming but after a few minutes reviewing them you will discover the objectives help answer the question many new Scout volunteers have – “What should we be focusing on?”  The first broad answer is “delivering a quality Scouting experience to an increasing youth membership.”  The scorecards provide a more in-depth look at unit operations and objectives over the long term.  Many units ask Scout parents to take on specific objectives as a way of engaging them.  

If you have questions about your unit’s Journey To Excellence contact your commissioner, district executive or e-mail info@scoutingvirginia.org.   Good luck and good Scouting.

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Scout Day With the Spiders!

Click here to download order form.

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Camp Cards

Coming this Spring.....
Camp Cards are Back!!!

If your unit sold camp cards last year, you remember what a great fundraiser this is!  Now is the time to get your unit signed up for this year's sale! 

Click here for the unit commitment form.  Please email it to lisa.washington@scouting.org. 

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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 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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Youth Recruitment

Pinewood Derby as a Membership Recruiting Opportunity

With a new year starting consider inviting friends and non-Scouts to participate in your pinewood derby.  You could invite boys to a design night and then order your cars based on that number and/or invite friends to participate with cars left over from last year for the event itself.  Promote your derby at the next school PTA meeting.  Take pictures and share them with us for the next Courier.

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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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Patrick Henry Program

Patrick Henry Program

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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2014 Friends of Scouting

Friends of Scouting

Funding our mission. Friends of Scouting is the annual giving campaign of the Heart of Virginia Council and is the largest and most important source of funding for the council.  The bulk of our support comes from individuals like you who believe in what Scouting does for youth and families. 

The campaign kicks off in January and we are asking each unit to conduct a short campaign to give families the opportunity to support Scouting in central Virginia.

To sign your unit up, please fill out the unit commitment form. 

Thank you for your support!

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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  -SOLD OUT

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Summer Camp 2014

50^th Anniversary Camp T. Brady Saunders

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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

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

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

Fee $265 if registered by March 18, 2013 and ½ of fees paid after March 18 $295

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 Civil War Experience & 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 by January 31, 2014 & Receive Special I’m Going to Summer Camp Patch!!!

COLORING CONTEST!!!

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

Participate and your Cub could win a free spot 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 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

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

February

6          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, SW Church of Christ
6          Roundtable Meetings(Cub, Boys Scout, Venturing) 7:30PM, SW Church of Christ
8          Commissioner College, 7:45AM-4:45PM, Capital One West Creek Campus
19        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
21-23  Hampden Sydney Merit Badge Weekend, Hampden Sydney College
27        Friends of Scouting Eagle Society Reception
27        OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC

Friends of Scouting

The Arrohattoc District Friends of Scouting Team is looking forward to a great 2014 Friends of Scouting Campaign to help us provide top quality programs to all of our current and future Scouts and Scouters.  We are looking forward to coming out to every Pack, Troop and Crew in the next few months during Blue & Gold Banquets and Court of Honors.  We thank you in advance for your support!

Camp Cards

We will be offering Camp Cards again this year.  More information will follow but please let us know if you have any suggestions regarding the 2014 card.  Suggestions can be sent to Matt Malone at matt.malone@scouting.org.  As a District we sold over $26,000 in Camp Cards last year and were the #1 District in the Council.  We’re looking forward to selling more this year and holding on the top District title!

Commissioner College

Attention all Arrohattoc Unit Commissioners!  Please register for our upcoming Commissioner College.  For those that are not already a Unit Commissioner but are interested in learning more about our Commissioner Service group Commissioner College is a great opportunity to learn more about Scouting and what it takes to run a great program.  Commissioner College will be held on February 8^th at the Capital One West Creek Campus.  Registration needs to be completed in advance via the Council Calendar.  For more information or questions, please contact Marian Fletcher at fletcherfam@comcast.net.

Upcoming Trainings

There will be great training opportunities available in conjunction with our Commissioner College that is being held on February, 8^th at Capital One’s West Creek Campus.  Scoutmaster Indoor Training, all Cub Scout Position Specific Trainings and Venture Leader Training for both Youth and Adults will be available.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about running a successful program in an environment that allows interaction with your peers.  Registrations can be completed online via the Council Calendar.  For more information or questions, please contact Marian Fletcher at fletcherfam@comcast.net.

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

Calendar

8          Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30PM @ Church of the Redeemer
8          Roundtable, 7:30PM @ Church of the Redeemer
20       OA Chapter Meeting, 7PM @ Fairfield Presbyterian Church
21       District Committee Meeting, 7:30PM @Fairfield Presbyterian Church

Family Friends of Scouting

It’s that time of year again! Time for every family to have the opportunity to support the Scouting program. Friends of Scouting presentations will be conducted at Pack Blue and Gold Banquets and Troop Courts of Honor this Spring. We need two pieces of information from every Unit.

1. Who will your Unit Captain be? This individual will be responsible for coordinating the presentation with the District.
2. What is the date, time, and location of your presentation?

Please send these answers in to either Nick Harman or Ann Bevan (Family Friends of Scouting Chairman) as soon as you can. Ann can be reached at abevan@nhsonline.org

Recharter

All recharters needed to be in by the end of the year. They were originally due by the December Roundtable meeting but right now is the absolute deadline! Units that did not turn in their recharter on time were on Santa’s naughty list (he knows all). Additionally, Units that do not recharter on time will start receiving more emails and phone calls about their recharter. These will increase in frequency until the charter is turned in. If you’d like to avoid all of this extra communication there’s a simple solution…

Roundtable

The January Roundtable meeting will be on the 2^nd Wednesday! New year’s Day is the 1^st Wednesday so there’s no need to compete with that. Roundtable will still be at Church of the Redeemer, starting at 7:30PM. Every Unit needs to be represented at Roundtable!

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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

January

7          Roundtable
7          Committee Meeting
7          Commissioner Meeting
17-20   Winter Camp
25        Patrick Henry

Recharter

If you haven’t turned in your charter yet…It is LATE!!! Call Jason Smith as soon as possible to set up a time to turn in your charter!

Friends of Scouting

Please bring to the January 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.

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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

January

6     DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS MEETING 6:00 pm. at United Methodist Conference Center
6     SCOUT LEADER ROUNDTABLE 7:30 PM at United Methodist Conference Center
21   DISTRICT COMMITTEE MTG 6:30pm Dinner, 7:00pm Mtg. at Markel Plaza, Salon B, 4600 Cox Rd.
25   Patrick Henry Program, 8-4pm, Short Pump Middle School

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING FAMILY CAMPAIGN

A big part of our Annual Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign is the family campaign. Our District goal for 2014 is to have 100% of each unit have all members make a contribution to the campaign.  No matter the size of the gift it will help the Scouting movement move forward. In an effort to make this a successful campaign the Cardinal District is requesting some information. Please send your Pack’s Blue & Gold date and your Troop/Crew Court of Honor dates to Lauren.billings@scouting.org so we can schedule a coach to work with your unit as well as your unit captains contact information.

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

January

6          Crater Roundtable- Wesley United Methodist Church, 7PM
13        OA Meeting ,7PM
20        Commissioners Meeting- Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7:00 PM
20        Committee Meeting- Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7:30 PM
31-2     Klondike Derby

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

January 2014

9          Roundtable Meeting (7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah, UMC)
14        Family FOS Coach Training( 6:00PM, HOVC)
15        District Committee Meeting (7:00PM, Village Bank HQ)
16        Family FOS Coach Training( 7:30PM, HOVC)
17-20   Winter Camp (T. Brady Saunders----SOLD OUT!)
25        Patrick Henry

Friends of Scouting

There are some big and some subtle changes to Friends of Scouting this year.  Regardless, your support is deeply appreciated!  Family Friends of Scouting Presentations will go as they have historically, but our big event in February has become a bit more exclusive.  However, we are also bringing another celebration of Scouting closer to you!  In Chesterfield County, both Arrohattoc and Huguenot Trail will have a combined event to recognize supporters from that area.  Watch out for smoke signals about this soon!

Recharter

Thank you all for your patience, hard work, and forgiveness through this past year’s recharter process.  It was not a smooth process for many of you, but we persevered together.  Hopefully, the process will continue to improve and become more streamlined, so that there can be less focus on administration and far more on program!

District Committee

Yes, back again to begin the new year with vigor, and to debrief over 2013.  Let’s make sure we make every effort to attend!  If you feel compelled to make a difference in our great district, particularly with District camporees, creating new units, or building up our membership, we need you!  Contact any of the Key 3 to find out how!

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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

January

***This is a change***

January 21^st at Roma’s in Tappahannock at 7:00PM  Roundtable and District Committee Combined.  This is the District Planning night for 2014!! Please let Joseph Orr at joseph.orr@scouting.org   know you will be attending. 

Recharter

Folks, it's getting down to the wire on getting recharters turned in.  Please contact Diane Mumford at dianemumford@aol.com for any question and to turn in your recharter.

Membership

I am proud to announce that Rivers District is at a membership growth for 2013!!!  I want to thank all of you for your hard work in helping reach this awesome achievement! Also, I would like to personally thank Phillip Mumford, our membership chair on a job well done!

New Year

What is the one thing you want your unit to accomplish? What is the one thing that will allow your unit to be successful?

I want to know about them. Please contact me at Joseph.orr@scouting.org or 804-909-3262.  I want to help make you and your unit as successful as you can be!

Holidays

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

Thought for the month:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from sage harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore, Dream, Discover.”  Mark Twain

 

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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

Currently the Heart of Virginia Council has 18 Exploring post across our area. While working with our Posts we will be continuing to update the calendar as the information becomes available. However below you can download information on each of the posts that currently have scheduled open houses. 

We have several posts that will be hosting their open houses in January. Keep checking the calendar to get the most up to date information.

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 @239-5064   tommy.bacote @SCOUTING.ORG

REBUILDING THE EXPLORING DIVISION COMMITTEE

The Heart of Virginia Council Exploring Committee is activity engaged in rebuilding the Division Committee.  Under John Smatlak’s leadership serving as our Division Chairman we have the next committee meetings planned. January 15,  march 5, and MAY 14, 2014. All of the meetings are from noon-1pm at the council service center and lunch is provided.  If anyone is interested in assisting our council as we work to continue the work of the Exploring program by attending these meetings or if you would like more information regarding what our committee is tasked with then contact,   TOMMY A. BACOTE Division Director, Division Executive

Exploring Program Highlights

The first post we will be highlighting  is Dominion Engineering Post # 683.

Dominion Engineering

Dominion and VCU provide an engineering and science program that delves into all the different types of engineering as well as participating in experiments at the labs of VCU. For more meeting information contact Melissa.a.peskin@dom.com.  click here to see the flyer

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

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Eagles Nest

                               Eagles Nest

Eagle Name and Unit            Service Project

Nicholas Edward Anthony    793    Hanover Humane Society Exercise Equipment
Zachary Ryan Bach    867    Signboard for Richmond Soccer Club at Robious Middle School
Hunter Townsend Ball    715    Godwin High School Planters
Tristen Ray Brown    250    NES Nature Trails Bridge and Walkway
William Keegan Burch    700    Gandy Weather Station
Joshua Allen Burnap    793    Picnic Tables for a Local Church
Gaten Thom Cancino    923    Cabin Creek Trail Improvement
William Alexander Carlson     1832   Elmcroft Planter Box
Andrew Addison Cole    897    Evergreen Elementary School Track Border and Drainage/Erosion Repair
Donald Quentin Dailey Jr.   160    White Bank Park Horseshoe Pit Project
Franklin Tyler Davidson    184    Tables for Colonial Heights Culinary Tech Center
Ryan Morehous Dickerson    702    Pothole Ramp for MCV Hospital
Blake Tyler Dunlow    1832    Graceland Baptist Church Meditation Trail
Nicolas Pietro Guarino    1807    Parkway Upward Football Bench Project
Stephen G.F. Horton    6516    Planting Trees at Fuqua
James Albert Hull    440    Dog Park Garbage Enclosure
Nathaniel Jackson Jiranek    444    Collection and Redistribution of Durable Medical Equipment
Aaron Tyler Lafoon    2842    Forest Fire Level Board
Ciaran Laurence Lowell    736    Bulletin Board at Bryan Park
Brenton Alexander Morris    832    AWARE Aviary Pen
Ryan Christopher Morris    772    Repair Split Rail Fence at Patrick Henry's Scotchtown
Jacob Aaron Nelson    2806    Millwood School Bridge and Trail Construction
Jacob William Roberts    2842    Covered Shelter with Swing for Swift Creek Baptist Church
Brandon Edward Solomonov    737    Landscaping at Benedictine Abbey
Samuel Merritt Strader    2806    Clover Hill Elementary School Learning Center
David Vincent Van Schoik    2806    Point of Rocks Park Fence
Wesley James Warren    912    Repair, Repaint and Replace Confidence Course at Fort Lee
Micah Daniel Watterson    1807    Building Playset for Intercept Youth Ministries
Benjamin Stocking Wrobel    1807    Shelves and Racks for River City Crew Cargo Trailer

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.

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Memorials and Honors

In Memory Of

Roger Alan Charlet
Sarah C. Coffey

William H. Fife
Frances H. Fife

In Honor Of

Charles Tupper Purcell, Eagle Scout
Nancy C. Purcell

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Scout Shop Notes

Scout Shop Notes

    **The Scout Shop will be closed January 1st in observance of New Year's Day and on January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.**

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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