A Message to Parents of New Scouts

A Message to Parents of New Scouts

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

Welcome to Scouting! 

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 already, ask your Cubmaster where they need support.  We all want our boys to develop into responsible young men and everyone can do something to help. 

Want to learn more about Scouting? After checking to see if your Pack, Troop or Crew has a website, go to 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.  Want to know more about the impact Scouting can have on a young person?  Check out http://www.scouting.org/Parent.aspx.

To sign up to receive our full monthly e-newsletter, The Courier, click here. To get The Friday Five, our short weekly informational e-mail, click here.

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

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 9:00AM to 5:30PM Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9:00AM to noon. 

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To help keep our youth safe, 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 child 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 info@scoutingvirginia.org.

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October Calendar

4         Tiger Rally at Cub Adventure Camp
4-6       Wood Badge Part 2 at Camp T. Brady Saunders
9          Richmond Area Sporting Clays Classic
9          Commissioner Cabinet Meeting
16        Executive Committee Meeting
17-19   Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship & Awards Banquet 
25        Scouting for Food- Bags Out
25-26   Cub Scout Creepy Hollow at Cub Adventure Camp

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Membership Recruiting

 

How to Hold a “Bring a Buddy Event”

The most effective recruiter in Scouting is a Scout who is enthusiastic about his pack or den. To make recruiting a year-round plan, consider having a Bring-a-Buddy campaign this fall.

Here’s how:

1. Set a date for the “bring a buddy” night.  Work with your District Executive to get marketing materials printed.  Flyers, posters, yard signs, and peer to peer recruiting cards are available.           

2. Announce the recruiting campaign to your Scouts.  Ask Scouts to list non-Scout friends they would like to invite to the “bring a buddy event.”  Provide Scouts with peer to peer recruiting cards and other marketing materials with instructions to give these things to their friends, tell them about all the fun you are having, and invite them to join Scouts at the event.

3. Give Scouts two weeks to distribute materials and talk with their friends.  At your meeting after the first week, remind Scouts about the upcoming “bring a buddy” event and encourage them to bring at least one friend with them.

4. Hold the “bring a buddy” event.  Make it special.  If the unit budget can handle it, consider serving food.  At the very least have fun, hands-on activities for new Scouts to participate in such as:

• Tent-pitching race
• Fire-building
• Active games to help them feel a part of the group.

. Have the parents of the new Scouts complete youth applications, pay fees, and welcome them to Scouting.

Incentives Available:

1. Official BSA Recruiter Strip – every Scout who recruits a friend into Scouting earns this patch.  It is available at the Scout Service Center for free.  Unit Leaders can pick up a Recruiter Strip when they turn in the new Scout’s application.
2. Flashlights for Recruiters – every Scout who recruits a friend into Scouting between October 1 and November 15 will receive a free LED Flashlight.

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JTE News

Journey To Excellence – Leadership Objectives 

Packs – Leadership Planning:  “Next year’s (for the school year) leaders are identified early.”  Make sure your den leaders are in place for the program year.  To earn Silver points “…a pack holds it fall recruitment by September 30th.” And for Gold “…every leadership position is filled by October 15th.”  Join Scouting Nights are not just about recruiting kids, but getting parents involved as well.   Ask them one on one to take on a role or project.  

Troops – Use the Patrol Method:  The Patrol Leaders Council meets monthly and is included in an annual planning meeting.  

Crews – Youth Leadership:  The crew has elected youth leaders who are leading the crew activities.  The officers prepare the annual program plan.  

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2014 Popcorn Sale

**Congratulations to Kendrick R.  from Troop 793!!!**

As this week’s weekly prize drawing winner, Kendrick has won a $50 Amazon gift card!!!

Fill up an order form and submit it to the Council Service Center and you too will be eligible for the weekly $50 gift card drawings!

Additional Popcorn Pick-ups

Starting Wednesday, October 1st, you will be able to pick-up additional popcorn at the Kloke warehouse.  Pick-ups will be every Wednesday from 12:00PM-2:00PM by appointment only. You will need to email Jason at jason.smith@scouting.org and let him know you would like more popcorn and include an Additional Inventory Pick Up Sheet .

2014 Popcorn Sale Key Dates

November 10- Sale Ends!November 10- Final Popcorn Orders Due
November 17- Prize Orders Due
November 22- Final Popcorn Distribution
December 6-  POPCORN BLAST DAY!!!
December 12- Final Payment Due!

Questions about the 2014 Popcorn Sale can be directed to:

Field Director – Jason Smith,  804-204-2616,   jason.smith@scouting.org
Program Assistant – Lisa M. Washington,  804-204-2633, lisa.washington@scouting.org

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Creepy Hollow

Click here for more information and to register online!

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Tire-less James Report

Tire-less James report

Six HOVC Troops participated in the September 13th Tire-less James project helping to pull a project total of 1041 tires out of the James River in one day.  A quick shout out to Troop & Crew 443, Troops 501, 553, 710, 720 and 2860,  Next year’s project date is October 3, 2015. 

 

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Glossary of Scouting Terms

People new to Scouting often get confused by Scouting’s terminology.  A glossary of Scouting terms can be found at this link:  http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/Glossary.pdf

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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 12th 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.

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Scouting For Food

Scouting For Food  October 25th & November 1st

 The largest individual food drive for FeedMore is Scouting For Food. The success and growth of this food drive is needed more than ever.

All Scouting units are urged to participate in this annual service project, now in its 27th year.  It is easy and fun to do: 

1.  Ask a parent to coordinate  Scouting For Food for your unit. It is a great short-term project.
2.  Have that person pick up bags at your District’s October Roundtable (schedule below)
3.  Determine with your District Scouting For Food chairman (see below) what territory you will cover.
4.  Distribute the bags the morning of October 25th (or soon after that).
5.  Collect food bags on Saturday November 1st and take them to the collection site assigned to you.

Click here for more information!

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Pow Wow

Pow Wow

Originally scheduled for November 8th, this Cub Scout Leader supplemental training has been cancelled.  The Council training committee is re-evaluating how and when instructor-based training will be offered.  The best way to pick up program ideas is by attending your District’s Cub and Scout Leader Roundtable, typically held during the first week of each month.  See your District column in this Courier for more information and stay tuned to www.hovc.org/training for new training opportunities. 

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Adopt-A-School

It’s our duty as the leaders of the Scouting Movement to encourage our young people to learn the importance and value of community service.  What better place to instill the value of service than with projects that benefit our schools? Most of our units already “give back” to their schools in some manner, but this program helps bring Scouting Units face-to-face with principals and PTO/PTA members to work together on select projects.

HOW DOES THE ADOPT-A-SCHOOL PROGRAM WORK?

• Scouting units are asked to adopt one school and pledge to do four service projects or volunteer to help at four school events for that school over a one-year period.
• Units that aren’t chartered by a school are asked to adopt a nearby school or one that you may already be drawing scouts from or they might be able to in the future.
• Units work directly with the principal of their chosen school to determine the type of projects that need to be done. Examples: Grounds beautification, help during school festivals/activities or clean-up after an event, book drives, food drives, “Green” effort coordinator, “Giving Tree” coordinator, literacy programs, building improvement projects. ?HOW DO I SIGN-UP MY UNIT?
• Units complete a pledge form with their school principal. A copy goes to your District Executive.
• The unit signs up at www.bsaadoptaschool.org.
• As projects are completed, units update the information on the website and can upload photos, comments and share their success stories

HOW DO WE GET OUR PATCHES?

• After signing up, units will receive an Adopt-A-School program patch.
• Units can also earn special “project patches” upon completion of each service project/activity. ?Patches are currently being offered at no charge to scouting units. ?

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS ARE THERE?

• Service Hours COUNT toward Journey To Excellence but must be entered on www.scouting.org.
• Your unit’s work can be featured in the The Courier Newsletter! Just send a short write-up and pictures to lisa.washington@scouting.org
• You can send the same write-up to the local newspaper (online or print) and get good publicity for your unit!

Check it out at www.bsaadoptachool.org.

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Scout Patch & Recycling Education Program

Scout Patch & Recycling Education Program from CVWMA

Scout Badge: Looking for a way to make a positive impact on your community’s environment? The Reduce, Reuse, Recycle special patch program offered by the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) is designed to teach Scouts that live within one of the CVWMA’s thirteen member jurisdictions the importance of being a “recycling steward” in their community. It is important to understand that everyone needs to limit the amount of trash one throws away and how recycling reduces need for landfills and saves precious natural resources. The CVWMA patch program encourages Scouts to take actions that better take care of their neighborhood and their environment. For more information, visit our website at http://cvwma.com/cvwma-education/special-scout-patch-program/

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Recycling Presentations for Scout Troops

Recycling Presentations for Scout Troops: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is a FREE interactive presentation offered year round by CVWMA staff on recycling and waste reduction at home. Learn what items can be recycled, what they can be made into, and why it is important to recycle. Scouts are taught using a thought provoking question & answer segment, show & tell supported by visual aids, an interactive activity, and a virtual field trip inside a recycling facility. This short 7-minute video shows how recyclable materials are picked up, dropped off, and sorted at the MRF (Material Recovery Facility). To schedule a presentation for your scout troop, fill out CVWMA’s Request A Speaker form: http://cvwma.com/education-and-outreach/request-a-speaker/

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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!

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23rd World Scout Jamboree

Registration Open!

In 2015, more than 30,000 Scouts and leaders from 161 countries around the world will converge on Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi, Japan, for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree.

The event will provide opportunities to raise awareness about global issues, explore the environment, participate in community service, make friends from around the world, and deepen understanding of developments in science and technology. The World Jamboree is a unique opportunity for participants to experience an exciting program of activities, including: Global Development Village, City of Science, Cross Road of Culture, and the Peace Program.

Participants will live and learn with fellow Scouts from around the world. They will be housed in tents along with the BSA contingent but will soon venture out to mingle with tens of thousands of people for two weeks of activities and adventure. That’s right, a world fellowship exercise on an enormous scale!

Click here to register!

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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.

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Individual Youth Accounts

Individual Youth Accounts

Funds raised by the unit from product sales belong to the unit.  Funds are not transferable to the Scout or another unit if a Scout leaves the unit, but may be re-assigned to another unit sponsored by the same chartered organization, such as when a Scouts moves from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts or Boy Scouts to Venturing. 

Click here to read more.

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James E. West Fellowship

James E. West Fellowship

As 2014 quickly draws to a close we would like to take this opportunity to share with you some information concerning the Heart of Virginia Council’s Endowment Fund.  We have not spoken very much about our endowment in the past but moving forward this effort will become a greater priority for us.

The Council’s Endowment is a restricted fund where a portion of the earned income becomes available to support Scouting programs annually. Building our endowment fund will help ensure our program will remain strong and viable for future generations.

We would like to encourage you to consider becoming a member of the James E. West Fellowship through a permanently restricted gift of $1,000. This is a great way to start your legacy, and it can be added to over the years.  Please consider a pledge or gift before the end of this year.

 Please contact Brett Smiley at 804-426-9241 or brett.smiley@scouting.org if you have specific questions.

Thank you for your consideration and generous support of Scouting.

2014 James E. West Fellows

Herbert Spencer Adams	Tom Shearer
Austin Grappe	Michael S. Shelton
Daniel Hubbard	Earle Taylor
Bruce Kay	Paul Teasley
Paul Kreckman	Granville Valentine
Roy Murray, Sr.	Randall G. Welch

 

 

 

 

 

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Philmont

Philmont

Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation

    
 

Upcoming Events on the Reservation

October 4, 2014 – Tiger Rally  http://www.cubadventurecamp.net/tiger.html

October 25 – 26, 2014 – Creepy Hollow  http://www.cubadventurecamp.net/fall.html

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Summer Camp 2015

Camp T. Brady Saunders

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP 2015 CAMP T. BRADY SAUNDERS

Schedule
PIONEER WEEK, June 7 – 13, 2015
WEEK 1, June 15 – 21, 2015
WEEK 2, June 21 – 27, 2015
WEEK 3, June 28 – July 4, 2015
WEEK 4, July 5 – 11, 2015
WEEK 5, July 12 – 18, 2015
WEEK 6, July 19 – 25, 2015

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 16, 2015 and ½ of fees paid after March 16, 2015 $295

Leaders $100 per week or $20 per day if not staying the entire week

1 free leader for every 10 paid Scouts

Receive an “I’m Going to Summer Camp Patch” if registered before January 31, 2015!

No Program or Merit Badge fees, including the Civil War Experience & Ranger Challenge!

SCHEDULE YOUR TROOP  PRESENTATION ON CAMP T. BRADY SAUNDERS 2015?

 Please contact mic.mullins@scouting.org to arrange a presentation!

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Cub Adventure Camp

2015

Space Adventure – Summer Camp

Cub and Webelos Adventure Camp
Heart of Virginia Council Scout Reservation

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.CUBADVENTURECAMP.NET

Hold-A-Space for the 2015 summer is only $10.00 per attendee

Cub and Webelos Sessions

     RESIDENT CAMP SESSIONS

     Session 1-June 21-24, 2015             Cub Scout $120 Early Bird*
     Session 2-June 24-27, 2015           *If registered by March 16, 2015 and ½ of fees Paid
     Session 3-June 28-July 1, 2015         Adult $95
     Session 4-July 5-8, 2015
     Session 5-July 12-15, 2015     

     WEEKEND ADVENTURES

     Weekend 1 - July 10 -12, 2015         $65 per person 
     Weekend 2 - July 17-19, 2015        * Register by March 16, 2014 for an Early Bird rate of $55 per person

Register by March 1, 2015 and get special “I’m Going to Summer Camp” Patch

    Questions?  Contact Mic Mullins 804-204-2625 or 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/.

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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

October

2          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
2          Roundtable, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
3-5       Fishing Fun Weekend, Albright Scout Reservation
4          Tiger Rally, Cub & Webelos Adventure Camp
11-12   IOLS & OWLS Training, Camp T. Brady Saunders
15        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
17-19   OA Fall Fellowship, Camp T. Brady Saunders
25        Scouting For Food Bags Out
25-26   Creepy Hollow, Cub & Webelos Adventure Camp

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Battlefield District

 

District Chairman:  Dr. William Hefele, 363-0334, whefeledds@yahoo.com
Commissioner: Herb Sening, 240-7381, herbsening@comcast.net
District Executive: Nick Harman, 204-2622, nick.harman@scouting.org
Battlefield District Website:  http://hovc.org/battlefieldscouting/

October

1           Commissioners Meeting @TBD 6:30PM
1           Roundtable Meeting @TBD 7:30PM
10-12    OA Fall Camporee and Webeloree @VFW Mechanicsville
20         OA Chapter meeting @ Fairfield Presbyterian, 7:00PM
21         District Committee Meeting @ Fairfield Presbyterian, 7:30PM

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 Kernel, Ray Alexander, at battlefieldpopc@aol.com.

Fall Recruitment

If your Cub Scout Pack missed the August Join Scouting Night training, 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 (11/1).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.

Camporee / Webloree at the VFW Post 9808 inMechanicsville, VA

The Order of the Arrow, Chapter 5 is hosting the Battlefield District Fall Camporee. The theme is "Earn Your Wings."  We are expecting 350 Scouts and Webelos to join together for a weekend of merit badges, activity pins and fellowship.

Over 15 different merit badges are being offered to Scouts and 5 different activity pins offered to Webelos.

Come and spend the weekend or just the day Saturday. The Nawakwa dancers are scheduled to perform Saturday at the evening campfire.

For more information, go to the District web site -http://hovc.org/battlefieldscouting.

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Capitol District

District Chairman: Jonathan Murdoch-Kitt, 804-321-5100, jonathan@murdochkittlaw.com
District Commissioner: Doug Hill, 804-922-3706,  dhill@nikon.net
Senior District Executive: George Smith, 804-204-2632, george.smith@scouting.org

October

7           District Committee Meeting, 6:00PM – 1^st Baptist Church
7           Cub & Boy Scout Roundtable, 7:00PM – 1^st Baptist Church
9           Sporting Clays Classic
13         Columbus Day
21-23    Boy Scout Leader Indoor Training, 6:00PM – 9:00PM Scout Service Center
25-26    Cub Scout Creepy Hollow                           
25         Scouting for Food Bags Distribution

November

1              Scouting for Food Bag pick-up
4              Election Day
4              District Committee Meeting
4              Cub & Boy Scout Roundtable

Popcorn Update

Popcorn online orders are due November 10^th.  Are your scouts excited about this year’s sale? Are you? Have you planned a special kick-off for your unit sale? There are great prizes for the Scouts to shoot for and a great opportunity to add needed dollars to your unit treasury. Questions about the sale contact: Michelle McQueen, District Popcorn Kernel, mmspr98@verizon.net or district executive George Smith, george.smith@scouting.org.

Boy Scout Adult Leader Indoor Training

All adult Scout leaders in active, boy contact roles with your Troop must be trained. Take advantage of the leader indoor training scheduled for Oct 21^st & 23^rd at the Service Center, 6-9PM. Unit re-registation is due by December 31^st, 2014. Position specific training is vital to successfully completing the recharter process. Contact your executive to register or training chairman, Don Hill, <HillD@cadmus.com

 NOTE: there is no longer a 60 day unit lapse period. On January 1, 2015, units that have not completed registration will not be recognized by the BSA.

Congrats to troop 444 on a successful fall recruiting campaign. The Troop has added more than 35 new members in September. Scoutmaster, Stanford Southworth, Committee Chair, Pete Williams and Ian Coddington and their leadership group have done an excellent job bringing new families to Scouting.

We welcome Venture Crew 443 – sponsored by 1^st Baptist Church, Boulevard and Monument Avenue. 1^st Baptist now has the full Scout family, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers as a part of their youth ministry.

Capitol District is making headway and building momentum for the future under the leadership of Jonathan Murdoch-Kitt and Doug Hill. We are counting on your support as we chart the course together. It’s time to lead our council in Scout craft and innovation. Stay Tuned!

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Cardinal District

District Chairman:  Bill Janis, bill@billjanis.com
District Vice 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
Cardinal Website:  www.cardinalscouts.com

October

7    DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS MEETING 6:00PM. United Methodist Church Conference Center
7    SCOUT LEADER ROUNDTABLE 7:30PM . United Methodist Church Conference Center
11  Cardinal Family Camp
21  DISTRICT COMMITTEE MTG 6:30PM Dinner, 7:00PM Mtg. at Markel Plaza, Salon B, 4600 Cox Rd.

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 bags will be available at the October Roundtable.

Cub Family Campout

October 11-12, 2014
Cub Adventure Camp

The starting line approaches for the The Amazing Race at The Great Cardinal District’s Cub Family Campout. Cub Adventure Camp, located in Goochland County, will be the site for over 1,000 Cub Scouts and families racing for the prize.  We will have archery, BBs, fishing, sporting events, high jump, sling shot, dodge ball, gaga ball, rocket launching leatherwork, first aid and many more fun activities!  So bring your tents, sleeping bags, food and prepare to spend a weekend camping in beautiful central Virginia.

The Program Guide with all the details and registration information for The Amazing Race is on the district website at www.cardinaldistrict.net.  Keep an eye on your email for future announcements.

The Cub Scout Amazing Race promises to be a FUN and exciting event for each Cub Scout and his family. So mark this date on your calendar and watch your Cub Scouts race for the prize!

Contact Bob Efird at befird28@aol.com with your questions.

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Crater District

 

District Chairman: Dr.  Virginia Cherry,  434-246-4164, vcherry44@gmail.com
District Commissioner: William “Bill” Simms, 804-586-6382, winglvr70@hotmail.com  
District Executive: Allen Crump, 804-263-5016, allen.crump@scouting.org

 October

6         District Commissioners Meeting- Wesley United Methodist Church, 6:30PM
6         Crater Roundtable- Wesley U.M.C., 7:00PM
10-12  Crater District Fall Camporee
13       OA Meeting, 7:00PM
20       District Committee Meeting- Wesley United Methodist Church, 6:00PM

FALL RECRUITMENT

Join Scouting Nights are going really well!  Thanks in no small part to the efforts of many volunteers, we are seeing incredible turnout at almost every school Join Scouting Night and are on track to hit our recruitment goal for the month.  We still have a few more schools to do in the coming weeks, so if you are available to help out, please contact District Executive Allen Crump as soon as possible.

RECHARTER 2015

The BSA’s annual recharter program for units is an important part of our membership process.  It ensures that our membership is accurate and up to date annually, but it can be an involved process and many units have let the process drag on for a long time.   Some units have even waited well into the new year to recharter their units.  This creates major problems from advancement issues all the way to insurance problems (if a unit isn’t registered, neither are the youth and leaders who belong to that unit.)  Insurance will not cover claims made by a unit which is not currently registered.  Starting with this year, any unit that does not recharter by the end of December will not receive any support from Council.  This includes rank advancement and buying insignia at the Scout Shop.

If you have any questions about recharter, please contact your unit commissioner as soon as possible.  And don’t forget to show up to the October roundtable meeting to get your recharter packets.

MESSAGE FROM THE NEW DISTRICT EXECUTIVE

Hello Crater District!  My name is Allen Crump and I am the new District Executive for Crater.  I am extremely excited to be working with such a dedicated group of Scouts and Scouters and I look forward to getting to know you  much better as we work together to make Crater District the best it can possibly be.  I am an Eagle Scout from Heart of Virginia Council and I am a Vigil Honor member of Nawakwa Lodge. While I attended Virginia Commonwealth University, I began working at Camp T. Brady Saunders and I served as the Program Director there for the past two years.

If there is anything I can do to help support you or your unit, please do not hesitate to contact me.  My email address is allen.crump@scouting.org. 

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Huguenot Trail

District Chairman: Lt. Colonel "H.C." Davis, 804-239-4105, hcvsp33@aol.com
District Commissioner: Heather Mulvihill, 804 338 7912, ukfools@verizon.net
Senior District Executive: Geoff Angle, 434-390-0466, geoffrey.angle@scouting.org
District Website: www.huguenottrail.org

October  (It’s a busy month!!)

2  Roundtable (7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
4  Woodbadge Weekend 2
4  Tiger Rally -Cub Adventure Camp
11 WEBELOS Transition Day (Camp Justis)
11 Boy Scout Leaders Specific OUTDOOR
15 District Committee Meeting (7:00PM, Village Bank HQ)
17 Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship and Awards Banquet
20 Boy Scout Leaders Specific Training (7:30AM, Hopewell UMC)
25 Scouting for Food Bags OUT
25 Creepy Hollow (Cub Adventure Camp)

Membership

JOIN SCOUTING NIGHTS

The district would like to express sincere gratitude for all the units that have hosted a recruitment event so far.  Some units have even made what we would call a heroic effort to recruit new scouts and they should be recognized!

Buckingham/Cumberland/Prince Edward

Pack 6296, Heritage Baptist Church:  16
Pack 6560, Payne Memorial UMC:  21
Pack 6535, Trinity UMC:  18

Powhatan

Pack 1823:  5
Pack 1832:  16
Pack 1838:  19
Pack 846:  3

Bon Air

Pack 861:  17
Pack 1891:  19
Pack 840: 0

Midlothian

Pack 800:  9
Pack 1811:  12
Pack 1825: 40!
Pack 1879:  27
Pack 893:  10
Pack 1845:  9
Pack 836:  20
Pack 1892:  8
Pack 876:  11

I want to recognize a few Packs especially, but for everyone that did a recruitment, THANK YOU!  Last month I uttered the mantra “Be Brief, Be Bright, Be GONE”, referring to the constant effort at getting new families involved in Scouting, and rotating the experienced folks to different positions so stagnation cannot occur.  Please take that mantra seriously, as recruitment is the key to vitality in the Scouting programs!

Without Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts would not exist.  Without the outstanding reputation of Boy Scouts, Venturing could not gain a foothold.  Without rotating leadership out, new ideas cannot take hold, and new energy cannot blossom.

Get in, have fun and get out (But savor the memories!).

Now, there are four Packs that really went above and beyond to get boys recruited.  By that, I mean they attended training, followed the plan, advertised heavily and communicated well.  I’m not saying that the other Packs listed did not, this is not criticism, this is praise for going above and beyond:

Pack 836 at Gordon Elementary:  Good relationship with principal, four volunteers in uniform at rally, got Pack members to wear uniform to school on rally day, lots of yard signs in key placements, got a troop to attend Join Scouting Night to help with new boys.  Well done!

Pack 1879 at Evergreen Elementary:  Got an early jump on recruitment.  Good volunteer support at rally, great support at Join Scouting night.  LOTS of visible signage in key areas, good communication with parents, excellent follow up with paperwork.  Cubs also wore uniforms to school on rally date.

Pack 1892 at Greenfield Elementary:  Longstanding relationship with principal, lots of cultivation there!  Great relationship with teachers.  Cubs wore uniforms to school and were recognized during classroom presentations.  More posters and signs than could be counted, in and around the school as well as in the neighborhoods.

Pack 1825 at Robious Elementary:  We could list “all of the above”, as well as a special feature available to them, Cubmaster Craig Carman was able to utilize the school communication features to send a message home to all boys about the recruitment night via voicemail, and was also able to make a video presentation to the youth.  He also did a lunch rally that got everyone excited, plenty of signs, personal visits to the new principal and teachers, and has had very timely communication in every facet of the process.  Truly an effort that Tarzan couldn’t do better!

Special thanks to Allen Dodd of Pack 1832, for making arrangements with Flat Rock Elementary and the Powhatan Library, to provide that one extra opportunity that makes a difference with busy families!

All please be aware that follow up is key.  Many families are interested, but have their priorities with sports right now.  We can make another recruitment effort at the end of October, to see if some of these athletes would like to join Scouts.

TROOPS:  In October we will approach the Middle Schools to see if 6^th graders would like to join Scouts.  Rodney Parsons will be happy to lead presentations at the schools in Midlothian, but we will definitely need willing and able presenters in Powhatan, Cumberland, Buckingham and Prince Edward Counties.  It will be a simple yet effective lunchroom presentation where essentially a big flat screen TV does all the work.  Contact your SDE for more information.

New Units

Please welcome back to the District, Pack 846 of the Powhatan LDS Ward!  Thank you very much, Midge Crenshaw, Sally Henshaw and Tom Clayton for your diligence in reestablishing the Cub Scout program once again!

And thank you to Brad Burdette, the new Cubmaster of Pack 1823 at Powhatan UMC!  The church has been challenged with keeping the Cub Scout program alive, and thanks to some fortunate circumstances and good timing, a good Join Scouting Night was enough to revive the Pack!  Welcome and Happy Scouting!

Last but not least, please welcome back James Freeman in his latest incarnation as the Crew Advisor for Crew 1801 at Emmaus Christian Church in Powhatan.  His daughter being the inspiration for this Crew, James wanted to make sure she has the best program possible. 

Soon to come:  Venture Crew 1893 at St. Edward’s Church and another Venture Crew chartered to Masonic Lodge 141 near Scottsville!  A good year for Venturing, for sure!

Finance

• Popcorn:   This year 22 units have signed up for selling popcorn, but only NINE have ordered for a presale.  But fear not!  Jason Smith will be at the Kloke warehouse on each Wednesday from 12-2 starting next week and will be available by appointment for you to pick up additional popcorn. You will need to fill out an additional order form which can be found at: 

http://hovc.org/wpcontent/uploads/2012/09/Additional-Inventory-Pick-Up-Sheet-fillable2.pdf

Program

Attention all Webelos!!!

It's time again for the annual Webelos Day held at Camp Justis, Powhatan, Va!!!

All Webelos in Huguenot Trail and Arrohattoc Districts are invited. The link below will take you to an introductory page with more information on the event and how to register. 

http://bsatroop800.net/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=100

The following link will take you to the 2013 article of this event in Boys Life !!! 

(You will be asked to open a pdf file.)

http://bsatroop800.net/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&task=download&id=13_538898c890951b3fc4d049d9e34996e2&Itemid=4

Background:

This event is sponsored annually by Huguenot Trail District as a way to encourage Webelos to make the transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.  Each year, we lose a large percentage of boys from Scouting in this transition.  The reasons are many, but a major one is that the Webelos have outgrown the Cub Scouting program and believe that Boy Scouting is just more of the same - and boy are they wrong!  Thus, the purpose of this event is to show them how FUN!!! Boy Scouting can be.  

Last year, in the final count, we had over 140 Scouts in attendance and we heard lots of positive comments about all the fun they were having.  A link to the article about last years event from the Powhatan Today is provided below.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/powhatantoday/community/transition-day-encourages-boys-to-stick-with-scouting/article_ebdbf7bc-2b6e-11e3-ae22-0019bb30f31a.html

As additional information on the value of Scouting, I found the information in the following link interesting – thought you might also:

http://bsatroop835.scoutlander.com/publicsite/unitcustom.aspx?UID=7274&CUSTOMID=27900

If you have any questions, please let me or Geoff Angle (email address shown above) know.

“Scoutmaster’s Minute” from the District Chairman

There is an old saying that goes like this – “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  I’m sure just about everyone heard this at one point or another.  But, is it true, or is it not?  All of us know the answer – words can certainly hurt just as much as sticks and stones – and to use those words incorrectly to promote gossip makes them even more damaging.

In my profession, I have to sort out the gossip from the facts; I then have to take those facts and prove them beyond a reasonable doubt in court, if those facts show that someone has broken the law. 

Gossip, on the other hand, has no respect for justice – it can break hearts, ruin lives, cause unwarranted embarrassment for those whom it is directed, topple governments, and damage careers.  The more that gossip is quoted, the more it is believed, and the victims are generally helpless.  I see every day the effects rumors have on the lives of people who don’t deserve it in the least.

There is an old story that is credited to Socrates about those who gossip and how to stop ourselves from spreading rumors:

It’s about a story that a student came to him to tell him news about a friend.  “Before you tell me this news, we need to make sure that it passes the triple filter test,” responded Socrates.

 “The first test is that of truth.  Tell me, do you know that what you’re going to tell me is absolutely true?” 

The man said, “I heard this news from someone else, so I’m not 100% sure if it’s true.”

“The second test is that of goodness,” Socrates continued, “Is what you’re about to tell me something good?”

“No, actually it’s the opposite…”

 “There is one final test which is usefulness.  Is what you’re about to tell me going to be useful?”

“Probably not,” the man replied.

“Well, if you’re going to tell me something that’s not true, good or useful, then why tell me at all?” responded the philosopher.

I am sure that we have all indulged in a bit of gossip from time to time – we all come across some information we feel compelled to pass on to others.  But I ask you – before you do, pass the information through the triple filter test first.  We should all be peacemakers, not trouble makers.  It’s the Scouting way.

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Rivers District

   

District Chairman: Marty Shirilla, 804-436-7289, shirilla@lancastersheriff.net
District Commissioner: Freddy Dunn
District Executive: Joseph Orr, 804-909-3262, joseph.orr@scouting.org

October

2    Roundtable at Beale Memorial 7:00PM
11  Shoot-o-ree
21  District Committee Meeting at Tappahannock UMC 7:00PM
21  Commissioner Meeting at Tappahannock UMC 6:30PM
24-25 Outdoor Leader Specific Training
25  Scouting for Food (Bags out)

November

1   Scouting for Food (Bags in)
6   Roundtable at Beale Memorial 7:00PM
18 District Committee Meeting  at Tappahannock UMC 7:00PM      
18 Commissioner Meeting at Tappahannock UMC 6:30PM

We are looking for a few good people…

The purpose of the District Committee is to support Unit Leaders throughout the Rivers District.  That being said we have one vision, which is to “provide a quality program to an ever increasing youth membership.”  This includes finding committee members who are willing to help Scouting in the areas of membership, program and finance.  Contact Marty Shirilla 804-436-7289 (shirilla@lancastersheriff.net) to set an appointment so we can get YOU involved. 

Popcorn

The Popcorn sale is here and now is the time to sell! I want you to imagine what it would be like for each of your Scouts to not have to pay out of pocket for Scouting this upcoming year.  Open your eyes, and let me tell you, YOU CAN! If this interested you please contact Joseph Orr at joseph.orr@scouting.org and 804-909-3262.

Thought of the Month

“When someone offers you a donut, a compliment, or a breath mint, take it”

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Exploring

Exploring Chairman: John Smatlak, john.smatlak@dom.com  
Exploring Field Director:  Marcus Ragland,  804-204-2634,  Marcus.ragland@scouting.org
Exploring Website: www.ExploringVA.org

**Exploring Expo**

When:           October 4^th, 2014, 9:00AM-12:00PM

Where:          HENRICO TRAINING CENTER

7701 E. PARHAM RD.

HENRICO, VA 23294

Who:              14-20 year old males and females

What:            Come out and learn more about the Exploring posts offered in Central Virginia. Interact with current Explorers and see the program in action.

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

Tyler Wayne Atkinson    2842   Playground for the Episcopal Church of Our Savior
Preston Rudolf Barshinger    702   Repair Sound Panel in the Sanctuary of Second Baptist Church
Andrew James Bock    533   Clothing Drive to benefit MCEF (Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions)
Aidan John Cooney    728   V Garden Boxes
William Stockton Dickinson    715   Wood Duck Boxes for Henrico County Parks
James Patrick DiSpirito    316   Essex Intermediate School Court Yard
Luke Christian Gomola Mullin    700   Rope Bridges and Landscaping for Patrick Henry HS JROTC
Preston Karl Hausser    1829   CTK Lutheran Church Volleyball Court and Horseshoe Pits
Seth O'Brien Hofmann    715   Bridge for St. Gertrud's Athletic Fields
Parker Allen Hohman    544   Fairfield Presbyterian Fence Project
Floyd Rudy Johnson Jr.   732   DVD of history at Pilgrim Baptist Church
Adam Thomas Jones    770   Block Retaining Wall and Brick Pave Walkway for Trinity UMC
Mitchel Andrew McGuire    710   Installed new flagpole, and removed old one, for Salem Christian
School
Colin Daniel Pietryk    1829   Shed for James River High School Tennis Team
Noah Hurst Sears    2826   Tear down dilapidated building and clean-up at James River Wildlife Refuge
Christopher Richard Soldan    737   Landscaping for Maggie Walker Govenor's School
Kaleb Iverson Wake    341   Benches, Picnic Tables and landscaping for Grafton Baptist Church
Benjamin Roy Westerhoff    6516   Flagpole for St Johns Lutheran Church
Joseph Alexander Wilson    531   Immanuel Episcopal Oyster Pit

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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Memorials and Honors

In Memory Of

Daniel Calder
Kakki & Ron Aydlotte

Paul Kohler II
Anonymous

David Craig Thompson
Mildred Y. Cooper
Elizabeth & Jeffrey Hewit
Mary-Meade & Kenneth Lee
Cecil E. Withrow Jr

Zandria Mueller Van Ness
Nawakwa Lodge #3 OA

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Scout Shop Notes

Scout Shop Notes

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

Pack and Troop leaders Please tell new Scouts which items and uniform parts to purchase.  With almost 400 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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