The Newsletter of the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America
Volume 52 Issue 4  www.Scoutingvirginia.org    April 2015

  
Council Recognition Event

Council Recognition Event

The March 12th Council Recognition Night drew over 100 people for dinner and a program at the Cub and Webelos Adventure Camp dining hall.  Rivers and Crater districts were recognized as Journey To Excellence Gold districts; Arrohattoc, Battlefield, Cardinal and Huguenot Trail districts were recognized with Silver and Capitol with Bronze.  All districts “medaled” with Journey To Excellence. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Silver Beaver Awards.  Pictured above are Bob Parker, Sue McCue, Shawn Coffey and Ed Beach.  Chris Habenicht will be presented his award at the June annual business meeting.  The award was also presented at an earlier time to Chris Sherman and post-humously to Bill Givler III.  

The Silver Beaver Award citations, as well as Scout leader training awards, and many other highlights of 2014, can be found in the 2014 Annual Report.  

April Calendar

3-4    Order of the Arrow Trail Crew
3-4    Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
6-10  Spring Break Camp
9       Executive Committee Meeting
9       Commissioner Cabinet Meeting
22     Program Department Meeting

UP3+

Are you ready for UP3+ ?

Developing an exciting unit program to attract and retain young people in Scouting is at the core of every successful Cub Scout Pack, Boy Scout Troop, and Venturing Crew.  Do these thoughts ever cross your mind?

  • We’re driving to the same state park we camped at last March to do the exact same activities.  Hopefully, this time, none of the new Scouts will get bored and homesick.
  • Pack Meetings have got to get better.  How can I get parents who aren’t Den Leaders more engaged in what the pack is doing and what our program needs?
  • If I have to eat raw pancakes again on a camp-out, I will scream.  What I wouldn’t give to have Eggs Benedict.  At least semi-raw is the correct way to serve that breakfast.
  • My son used to be excited to go to unit meetings.  Now, it’s a bit like pulling teeth to even get him to go on a camping trip. 

Planning an exciting annual unit program can help, and the place to learn how is at UP3+ Training.  Available locally in each district, all UP3+ Training will happen during the first week of June.  There is no fee to attend, and every participant will receive the council calendar for the 2015/2016 program year and a patch for UP3+ certification.  Every unit in attendance will receive a packet of paper flyers, forms, and key information.

To receive the calendar and certification patch, you must register.  Registration is accessible at http://hovc.org/resources/program-planning/ starting on April 1.   Below are the dates, times, and locations for each District’s UP3 Training:

  • Arrohattoc: June 4, 7:00PM, Hopewell United Methodist, 6200 Courthouse Rd.
  • Battlefield: June 3, 7:30PM, Mechanicsville Library, 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place, 23111
  • Capitol: June 2, 7:00PM, First Baptist Church, Richmond.
  • Cardinal: June 2, Location To Be Determined
  • Crater: June 1, 7:00PM, Wesley Methodist, 3701 Conduit Rd, Colonial Heights.
  • Huguenot Trail: June 11, 7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah United Methodist, 1100 Mt. Pisgah Drive, Midlothian.
  • Rivers: June 4, 7:00PM, Beale Memorial Baptist, 19622 Tidewater Trail, Tappahannock.

FAQ: What’s up with the +?  Last year it was just UP3.  This year UP3+.  Why?

Answer: It’s more than just training on Program Planning: Units will receive their 2014 JTE ribbons, best practices will be shared, and you’ll get ideas to take your program to the next level.  Don’t miss out on The Plus!

JTE News

Journey To Excellence 

Troops #9  Patrol Method - “The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on.  It is the only method.”  - Lord Baden-Powell, Scouting’s founder

Use the patrol method to develop youth leaders.  For Gold – the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) meets at least six times, the Troop conducts patrol leader training and at least on Scout has attended an advanced training course such as Buckskin, NYLT or Order of the Arrow Conference.  

Packs #9  Pack and den meetings – Dens and the pack have regular meetings.  For Gold, dens meet twice a month, hold 8 pack meetings and earn the Summertime Pack Award.  The award is to encourage  packs to be active when school is out for the summer, by doing one activity per month in June, July, and August.

Crews – there is not a JTE objective for meetings, but click here for the most recent Venturing resources.

Pathway to Eagle

*The final drill date has been changed to June 19th**

The Heart of Virginia Council is proud to partner with Chippenham Hospital to present the 2015 Pathway to Eagle Program, a leadership and training opportunity where 9 Merit Badges will be offered to Scouts pursuing their goal of attaining the Eagle Scout rank.  Registration for this event will open soon, so check back for that. Click here to view the Event Concept Presentation.

Click here to download the Prerequisites.

Click below to register for the following Merit Badge classes:

April 20- Citizenship in the Community & Nation
April 22- Fire Safety & Crime Prevention
April 24- Emergency Preparedness
April 28- Communications & Radio
April 30- First Aid & Medicine

Cub Scout Program Changes

Program Update – Cub Scouts

The Cub Scout program has been retooled to make it easier for volunteer leaders to implement, teach character and citizenship through action-oriented activities and streamline the advancement system.  The new revised program begins June 1st.  

In the updated program, the formula is very simple.  Earn seven adventures and you’ve earned your badge of rank.  That holds true across all Cub Scouting ranks – Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light.  

For Tiger, Wolf and Bear, six of the adventures are defined…required…and the seventh is an elective adventure to be chosen from a number of options.  

6 defined + 1 elective = rank advancement.

An adventure is an interdisciplinary, theme-based set of activities and learning experiences. Each adventure takes about 3 den meetings worth of content.  So when you combine 3 den meetings, plus 1 pack meeting, you are at about a pace of 1 adventure per month…give or take.

It is important also to note that the adventures are age-appropriate…and progressive in nature.  The activities and learning required becomes increasing more challenging as a boy ages and advances through the program.  

To view an overview of the changes click here.  

New program materials are expected in the Scout Shop in May.  Please call ahead before you make a special trip  804-355-0628.  

Graphics for the new Cub Scout materials, cloth badges and belt loops can be found and downloaded at this link:  http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Marketing/Brand/logos/Programs/cubscouting.aspx

VCU Nuclear Science Merit Badge

Nuclear Science Merit Badge – Saturday, April 18th

The VCU School of Engineering will again be offering the Nuclear Science merit badge on Saturday, April 18th.  Learn more and register online at this link:

http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/nuclear-science-merit-badge-program-at-vcu/1706576

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month.  It is a good time to incorporate youth protection training into your programs.  The BSA has excellent resources and video training for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers.   These dvd’s are available for loan from the council service center at the receptionist desk.  Facilitator's guides, and an outline of the BSA’s barriers to abuse, can be downloaded at this link:  http://scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx.     

All new leaders are required to complete youth protection training and all parents should be encouraged to complete it as well.   Online training can be completed at www.myscouting.org and the course is available on dvd as well from the council service center. 

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

To learn more about National Child Abuse Prevention month go to this website:  http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/index.cfm.

2015 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 kicked 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 engagement form.

Thank you for your support!

Cub Scout Advancement Awards

Racing Into Spring- A Fun With Son Event

Click here for more information and to download the registration form.

For online registration, click here.

Camp Cards

Camp Cards 2015

Due to overwhelming demand, we have run out of our supply of camp cards.  Last year, we sold 12,500 cards total.  As of right now, All 20,000 cards we ordered are in the hands of units (and hopefully Cubs, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Explorers who are selling them.)  

Most units are reporting to us that they are selling the cards with great ease and raising funds to help get their kids to camp.  Requests for additional cards are coming in quickly.  I would like to ask everyone to evaluate how their sale is going at this point, and consider how many cards they feel certain they can sell.

If your unit has taken more cards than you feel that you can sell, I would ask that you PLEASE RETURN THE CARDS YOU DON’T EXPECT TO SELL to the council as soon as possible.  These cards are a hot commodity, so please don’t sit on cards that Scouts in other units could sell today to help earn their way to a great Scouting adventure.  

If your unit is in need of additional card orders, please let us know immediately by sending a request for a specific number of additional cards to Lisa Washington at lisa.washington@scouting.org.  E-mailed requests received by Lisa at that address will be processed in order of when they were received as soon as cards become available.

Again, if you are not confident that you will sell all of the cards you have received, please don’t wait to get them back to us.  There are units who are desperate to get more cards to sell.

Tournament of Eagles

For more information, please contact brett.smiley@scouting.org or 804-204-2612.

James E. West Fellowship

James E. West Fellowship

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.

Philmont

2016 Council Philmont Expedition 620-205

Philmont is a national high adventure base, owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America.  Philmont is large, comprising 137,493 acres or about 215 square miles of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) range of the Rockies.  Philmont has high mountains, which dominate rough terrain with an elevation ranging from 6,500 to 12,441 feet.  It is located in the northeastern area of New Mexico near the town of Cimarron.  Philmont has a unique history of ancient Indians who chiseled writings into canyon walls…Spanish conquistadors who explored the Southwest long before the first colonist arrived on the Atlantic coast…the rugged breed of mountain men like Kit Carson who blazed trails across this land…the great land barons like Lucien Maxwell who built ranchos along the Santa Fe Trail…miners… loggers…cowboys.  All these people left their mark on Philmont.

PLAN NOW for the 2016 Council Philmont Expedition

 June 18 – July 3, 2016

The council is sending 4 crews to Philmont in 2016 – a total of 48 participants!  

Estimated cost: $2,300.  Applications and a $450 deposit must be submitted to the council service center before October 1, 2015.  Adult Advisor interviews and crew assignments will be held during October 2015.

To express your interest or if you have any questions, send an e-mail to ellen.milano@scouting.org. 

Click here to download the 2016 Youth application.
To download the 2016 adult application, click here.

Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation

   

Upcoming Events on the Reservation

April 6 – 10, 2015 – Spring Break Camp 
http://bradysaunders.net/camp/springbreak.html

May 2-3, 2015- Racing Into Spring, A Fun With Son Event
http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/1548750

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER CAMP STAFF 2015

FOR BOTH CAMP T. BRADY SAUNDERS & CUB ADVENTURE CAMP

Follow the links below to get more information:

Camp T. Brady Saunders Staff & CIT - http://bradysaunders.net/camp/staff.html

Cub Adventure Camp Staff & CIT - http://www.cubadventurecamp.net/documents/staff.pdf

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 **SOLD OUT**
WEEK 3, June 28 – July 4, 2015
WEEK 4, July 5 – 11, 2015
WEEK 5, July 12 – 18, 2015 *NEARLY SOLD OUT*
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!

 

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, 2015 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

SCHEDULE YOUR SPACE PRESENTATION THIS COMING FALL!!!

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/.

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

April

2          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
2          Roundtable, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
11-12   Scoutmaster Outdoor, Webelos OWLS Camp T. Brady Saunders
15        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
17-19   Arrohattoc Spring Camporee, Albright Scout Reservation
23        OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
30        Arrohattoc District Recognition Dinner, 6:30PM, Bethia UMC

May

7          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
7          Roundtable, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
20        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
28        OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC

Arrohattoc Spring Camporee

Register your Pack or Troop for Arrohattoc’s Spring Camporee being held on April 17-19 at Albright Scout Reservation.  There will be activities and challenges for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts based around our theme of Disability Awareness.  For more information please go to www.hovc.org.  We look forward to seeing everyone out there.

Arrohattoc District Recognition Dinner

Join us on Thursday, April 30th at 6:30PM at Bethia United Methodist Church for our annual District Recognition Dinner.  We will enjoy good food and company as we celebrate Arrohattoc’s 2014 class of Eagle Scouts and Arrow of Light Recipients, our Unit Leader Award Recipients and last but certainly not least our District Award of Merit Recipients.  For more information on the event and nomination forms for the Unit Leader and District Award of Merit, please visit www.arrohattoc.com. 

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Mark your calendar for Arrohattoc’s upcoming Adult Training opportunities.  Scoutmaster Outdoor Leader Training & Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills will be held on on 4/11-4/12 at Camp T. Brady Saunders. Registration can be done online by visiting the Council Calendar at www.hovc.org.

Camp Card Sale 2015

Be sure to check with your Unit regarding this year’s Camp Card Sale.  We’ve put together an excellent card this year that should be an easy way for your Scout to help earn money to reduce the cost of either Day Camp or Summer Camp.  The cards are only $5.00 and are moving quickly, so we may run out!

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 Hopewell United Methodist Church (6200 Courthouse Rd) at 7:00PM.

Looking for info on what’s happening in the District?

Leaders and families in the Arrohattoc District can stay up to date by visiting the district website at www.arrohattoc.com/. The district also maintains a mailing list for information on Packs, Troops and Crews. Visit http://arrohattoc.com/district/mailing-lists to subscribe to one or all the mailing lists and stay up to date on events and news of the Arrohattoc District.

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/

April

1         Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30PM
1         Roundtable, 7:30PM
18       Spring Sport Belt Loop Bonanza
21       District Committee Meeting, 7:30PM @Fairfield Presbyterian Church
20       OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM@ Fairfield Presbyterian Church

Pause for safety: April is Youth Protection Month

Youth protection also includes following all appropriate rules and guidelines for your outings. Remember Safety of all is # 1. Is your youth protection training current? This is a great time of the year to present the appropriate youth protection videos. Here are some great resources, please take a moment and check them out.

Cub Scouts: http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection/CubScout.aspx
Boy Scouts: http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection/BoyScout.aspx
Venturing: http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection/Venturing.aspx

Youth Protections Resources:

  1. Bullying Awareness: http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection/bullying.aspx
  2. Youth Protection Champions Program: http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection/YPChampions.aspx
  3. Training How-to’s: http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection/howto.aspx
  4. Youth Protection FAQ’s: http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection/QA.aspx
  5. Youth Protection Information: http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx

Guide to Safe Scouting: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/toc.aspx

Belt Loop Bonanza will be held on April 18, 2015. (NO camping at this activity)

It will be held from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Click here for the Leaders Guide and to Register: http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/2015-battlefield-district-sports-belt-loop-bonanza/1702903. The Sports Belt Loop Bonanza will be held at Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Rd., Henrico, VA  23231. This year’s Belt Loop Bonanza will offer the following Belt Loops:  Archery, BB’s, Fishing, Hiking, Hockey, Tennis and Volleyball. There are NO Pins offered this year, only Belt Loops. The participants of the Belt Loop Bonanza will receive a certificate for each belt loop earned to redeem with your Pack for the actual Belt Loop.

Annual Health and Medical forms and a copy front and back of your insurance card is required for this event.  If you have no insurance, so state on the Annual Health and Medical Record where it asks for insurance company information.  Click here for the Annual Health and Medical Record.

The cost is $10.00 per Cub Scout. Families attend for free.  Registration deadline is April 10, 2015.

For questions regarding program, contact David Ludwig at 909-2838 or e-mail him at dsludwig67@yahoo.com.  For questions regarding registrations, contact Ben Ward at 804-690-2058 or e-mail him at battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com.

Twilight Camp: NOTE THE DATE CHANGE!

July 27-31 will be the Battlefield District Twilight Camp at Fairfield Presbyterian Church. Note this is a change in date! Food for the day camp will be offered through the church available for purchase (Price list & Menu will be sent out later) or you can bring your own meal. For more information and to register please go to http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/2015-battlefield-district-cub-scout-day-camp/1654750

For questions regarding program contact David Ludwig at 909-2838 or e-mail him at dsludwig67@yahoo.com.  For questions regarding registrations, contact Ben Ward at 804-690-2058 or e-mail him at battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com.

Capitol District

District Chairman: Jonathan Murdoch-Kitt, 804-321-5100, jonathan@murdochkittlaw.com
District Commissioner: Doug Hill, 804-922-3706,  doughillvt409@gmail.com
Senior District Executive: George Smith, 804-204-2632, george.smith@scouting.org

April

3          Good Friday & Saturday– Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
7          District Committee Meeting   6:00PM, First Baptist Church
7          Cub Scout & Boy Scout Roundtable 7:00PM, First Baptist Church
7          Order of the Arrow Chapter Meeting 6:00PM, First Baptist Church
17        District Award of Merit Nominations Due to service center
18        Cub Scout Fishing Rodeo – Camp Finley Albright    9:00AM – 12:00PM

District Award of Merit Nominations due April, 17th    

Please submit nominations for the District Award of Merit. The prestigious recognition is presented annually to Scout leaders who have contributed to the success of their Pack Troop or Crew. Service to the church and community are also major considerations for prospective nominees. Don’t let someone get overlooked, get busy and submit a nomination today! The Award will be presented at the Annual District Dinner on May 5th. This year, Capitol District can present two awards based on the number of Packs and Troops in the district. Questions? Please contact your executive: george.smith@scouting.org

Capitol District Cub Scout Fishing Rodeo

Anyone love to fish?  See you at the Capitol District Fishing Rodeo to be held Saturday, April 18 at Camp Finley Albright in Chesterfield County. From 9:00AM – 12:00PM.  We are working with the Virginia Department of Games & Inland Fishery to provide a great opportunity for your Cub Scouts to showcase their fishing skills or learn to fish for the first time. We will have rods, tackle, bait and excellent instruction available. Albright is the perfect place for a Cub Scout day adventure.

There will even be prizes for the best fishermen! Please support this activity as we are making an effort to offer several fun, inexpensive and advancement oriented district activities this year to support your program. We need participation from all our Capitol District Packs.  Cost: $3:00 per Scout.

District Annual Recognition Dinner         

Tuesday, May 5, 2015 First Baptist Church 6:00PM

Please plan to attend the Annual District Dinner and Award of Merit presentation. It is a great time for fellowship with our Richmond community Scouters and a chance to share in the recognition of the award of merit recipients. All are welcome and the plans include great food and program. Cost: $15.00 per person. You can register online at dounbleknot or at the council service center. Deadline for registration is Tuesday, April 28, 2015.

Camp Card Update

It’s not too late to sell camp cards. Early reports indicate that this year’s card is a winner with great deals at the right price. Your Scouts can earn their way to camp and at no financial risk to your unit. Earning your way is a core value in Scouting.  A great deal of effort went into selecting the vendors represented on the card and in securing deals making the card an outstanding value.             

Cardinal District


District Chairman:  Michael Ballato,  402-6982, MBB@BallatoLaw.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

April

7    COMMISSIONER STAFF MEETING: 6:30PM at United Methodist Conference Center
7    CUB & SCOUT LEADER ROUNDTABLE: 7:30PM at United Methodist Conference Center
7    OA CHAPTER MEETING at United Methodist Conference Center
21  DIST. COMMITTEE MTG. 6:30PM Dinner, 7:00PM Meeting at Markel Plaza, Salon B, 4600 Cox Rd.

CARDINAL CUB DAY CAMP

It's time to start thinking about Cardinal Day Camp for 2015. Planning is well underway. The Cardinal Day Camp will be held June 15–19 at Deep Run Park. Please contact Rory Tufaro, rosemarysphotography@yahoo.com, with any questions or if you would like to be on staff. We are looking forward to another great summer of Day Camp!!!

Friends Of Scouting

The Cardinal District Unit/Family Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign is in full swing.  This is an exciting time of year as units prepare for their Blue and Gold Banquets and Courts of Honor.  As you make your plans, we ask that you allow time for a short FOS presentation on your agenda.   Many have asked why Friends of Scouting is important.  My answer to the question has always been that Friends of Scouting helps our council provide the quality program our Scouts deserve.  The funds help with camp maintenance, providing training for our adults, and keeping the cost of our camps and activities low.  

One of the most important things FOS provides, is camperships for Scouts and families who would otherwise be unable to attend camp due to financial constraints.  I want every boy to have the experiences I had with my father as a youth, and with my own son, regardless of their financial situation.  

You will be contacted by a representative of the Cardinal FOS team to make the necessary arrangements.  Committed volunteers are a critical component of our District's success, but we cannot operate a quality program for our Scouts without the financial resources supporting those volunteers.  Please encourage your Pack/Troop members to support Scouting.

Blake Auchmoody

 2015 volunteer Friends of Scouting Chairman

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

April

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

HAVE YOU BEEN TO ROUNDTABLE?

If not, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to learn more about Scouting and meet other dedicated leaders from the Crater District.  Roundtable is a chance to learn about everything that is going on in the district and council while also getting top-notch training from experienced Scouters and special guests.  Everyone in the district is invited and encouraged to attend.  We meet on the first Monday of every month at 7:00PM at Wesley United Methodist Church.  See you there!

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FRIENDS OF SCOUTING PRESENTATION

Friends of Scouting is our Council’s annual fundraising campaign.  The dollars raised through this effort go directly back into the Scouting program for our beautiful camps, our service center, and so much more.  If you haven’t already, please contact Allen Crump to schedule your Friends of Scouting Unit Presentation.  Spaces are limited, so please be sure to set up your presentation now to make sure you get the date you want.

CAMP CARDS

Is your unit looking for a great fundraiser this spring?  The 2015 Camp Card sale is underway but you still have a chance to sign up!  The card is good at locations across Central Virginia and is loaded with tons of savings.  To sign up or to get more information, just contact Allen Crump.

WANT TO BE A COMMISSIONER?

The Crater District is looking for Unit Commissioners to help make Scouting possible all over the district.  We need Scouters who believe in the Scouting program and want to help other units deliver this great program to their Scouts.  If you are interested, please contact District Commissioner Bill Simms or District Executive Allen Crump

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

April

4         Alpha Phi Omega Merit Badge Day (8:00AM, Longwood University)
2         Roundtable (7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
15       District Committee Meeting (7:00PM, Location TBD)
11       Boy Scout Leader Specific Outdoor (7:30AM, T. Brady Saunders)
24-26 OA Conclave

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING

Despite the ice, sleet and snow, the show must go on and parents and families need to have their opportunity to lend their support.

Thank you very much for rescheduling Friends of Scouting presentations and doing your part to insure our district meets our goal!  The cooperation of the unit leaders and unit captains in sending out promotional emails and in following up with those that we missed, is getting us dollar by dollar, closer to success!

Our District is currently at $81,453 of our $150,000 goal.  As much as 40% of our donations have traditionally come through our families.  Please help us meet our goal!

Program

Training opportunities are fairly regular, but the timing doesn’t always meet the needs of our volunteers.  For units who need to get volunteers to Boy Scout Leader Specific Indoor training, we are developing an opportunity on April 25th.  Location will likely be Midlothian.  We are looking to host a minimum of 10-20 Scoutmasters or Assistants Scoutmasters.  Just contact Geoff Angle via email if you have interest.

APO Merit Badge Day

Slipping in under the radar, Venture Crew 6522, will be hosting another Merit Badge Day coming up in a very short time!  There have been a few issues with registration that we are currently ironing out, and the Crew will be emailing the Troops directly very soon.

Click the following link for a full list of merit badges being offered and the requirements/prerequisites for each.  http://hovc.org/articles/2015/03/longwood-university-merit-badge-day-2015/

For more information, email us: apombd@gmail.com

District Chair Minute

What is Your Vision?

Since April’s theme is Wildlife Management, I thought I would include them in my District Chair minute -

Did you know that a hawk can see a mouse on the ground from a mile away?

Did you know that whales can talk to each other from hundreds of miles away?

Did you know that a dog can sniff and sort out dozens of different smells at the same time?

People can’t do these things.  We have terrible eyesight compared to a hawk.  We are nearly deaf compared to a whale.  We are very poor smellers compared to a dog.

But we, as humans, do have the ability to do something that these other animals can’t.  We have Vision – the ability to see into the future.  That is, to see something you want to have happen in the future and take actions now to make it happen.

Animals just want to survive – that is their driving force from day to day.  People want more from life.  Our young men and women want to be somebody; they want to go places; they want to experience life.

So, think about your vision.  What do you want to happen in the future?  What experiences do you want our young people to have? Does your vision include providing opportunities for our Scouts?  And finally, what actions are you taking now to make that vision a reality? 

It’s up to all of us to make that vision come true.

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

April

2 Roundtable
21 District Committee Meeting
21 Commissioner Meeting

May

7 Roundtable
8-10 Crossover Camp-o-ree
19 District Committee Meeting
19 Commissioner Meeting

Campcard Sale!

The 2015 Camp Card sale is underway! If your unit is interested in getting started or getting more cards, please contact Joseph Orr at joseph.orr@scouting.org. 

May Roundtable

In May we are having someone from the Health Department come to us and talk about rabies and ticks.  This is a great time to learn about some upcoming summer hazards. 

Thoughts from your Youth Serving Executive

“It ain’t about how hard you hit.  It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.  How much you can take and keep moving forward.  That’s how winning is done.”  Rocky Balboa

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

Eagles Nest

                               Eagles Nest

Eagle Name and Unit            Service Project

Nathan Bruce Alford    710   Flagpole and Veteran's Memorial with landscaping at Oakland Baptist Church
Carson Wayne Ashby    765   Cabinet for Godwin Concessions
Hunter James Bailey    710   Sports complex landscaping for Goochland High School
Stephen Luke Bliley    505   Nursery repaint for Beulah Baptist Church
Benjamin Joel Bradner    2806   Raise funds, set up, run and clean up a "Stop Hunger Now" packaging event
Jonathan Michael Burt    2806   Mark and clear 20 miles of trails at Pocahontas State Park
Noah Graham Clark    534   Memorial/Honor walkway & flagpoles for Fairfield Presbyterian Church
James Russell Cox    6535   Fencing project at Historic Buckingham Village
Dakota Ryan Cox    536   Addition to fishing dock for York River State Park
Conner Allan Dragoo    529   Greenhouse for Henry D Ward Elementary School
Tyler Ramzi Harris    2837   Built a pig shed for Henricus Park
Scott Parker Hill    443   Bryan Park volleyball court renovation
Joshua Lee Hurt    819   Built benches for Chesterfield County Parks
Clayton Allen Leep    436   Painting project for the Polytrauma Transitional Unit at the VA Hospital
Benjamin Wade McLemore    710   Build canoe racks for Powhatan State Park
Eric Matthew Miller    800   Build 10 picnic tables and landscaped around the flagpole for Powhatan State Park
Christopher Harmaty Morton    800   Sensory garden for the Special Education Dept. at Midlothian High School
Benjamin Scott Pritchard    2874   Clear several hundred feet of trail and built boardwalk over swampy area at Radcliffe Conservation Area.
Jonathan Richard Reynolds    728   Build 2 picnic tables and a bench for West Richmond Church of Brethren
Joseph Louis Rosenbaum III   710   Geo garden for Goochland Elementary School
Jonathan Robert Saksvig    735   Outdoor classroom for Moody Middle School
David Christian Seiler    500   Stone patio and 3 benches for The Gathering Place
Joseph Elna Spruill    444   Built sandboxes for St. James Church
John Matthew Ulmer    777   Shed for The Community Garden
Ryan Christopher Wilson    7542   Meherrin River canoe/kayak access area
James Andrew Zimsky    2854   Benches for Chesterfield Parks and Recreation

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

Memorials and Honors

In Memory Of

Ray S. Carpenter
Steven Middleton

Robert A. Crump, Jr.
Transportation Security Operations Center, Department of Homeland Security

Charles Alden "Chuck" Featherston
Nawakwa Lodge #3 OA

William "Bill" Givler III
Lewis S. Boyles
Ian Coddington
Stuart & Patty Dunn
Nicholas, William, Andy, Albert & Lillian Meyer
Joseph A. Moore, Jr.
R. R. Rasmussen II
John K. Taylor
Randall G. Welch
Nawakwa Lodge #3 OA

Daniel George McKenzie, Jr.
M/M Lee Hilbert
The Ha Ha's Bridge Group-
Sandra S. Lacy, Conway Carneal Miller & Barbara G. Wiltshire

Len Mathias
Joseph A. Moore, Jr.

Sharon Parsons
Mr. Rodney Lee Parsons

In Honor Of

Col. P.T. Taylor
Anne J Atkinson

Everett Winn
Dr. Robert Sprague

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 and parents 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