The Newsletter of the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America
Volume 52 Issue 5  www.Scoutingvirginia.org    May 2015

  
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?

  • Here I am, driving the troop to a state park for a camping trip.  In fact, one year ago to the day, I was driving the troop to the exact same state park.  Hopefully this year there won’t be frat boys camping next to us with music blaring till 2 AM.
  • I’m so sick of the Pinewood Derby and all the Dads getting competitive with each other through their sons.  What I wouldn’t give to hold a Raingutter Regatta instead. 
  • My feet hurt.  Why are we hiking on gravel?
  • I can’t believe how much we’re having to pay for this camping trip.  It’s a shame that our candy sale failed so miserably.  I never imagined that chocolate bars would actually liquefy.  Perhaps we shouldn’t have stored them in the troop trailer.

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 events will happen during the first two weeks 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, key information, and their Journey to Excellence ribbon, if they earned one.

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

  • Arrohattoc: June 4, 7 PM, Hopewell United Methodist, 6200 Courthouse Rd.
  • Battlefield: June 3, 7:30 PM, New Hanover Presbyterian Church, 10058 Chamberlayne Rd., Mechanicsville VA  23116
  • Capitol: June 2, 7 PM, First Baptist Church, Richmond, 2709 Monument Ave. Richmond 23220
  • Cardinal: June 2, 7 PM, Shady Grove United Methodist, 4825 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen
  • Crater: June 1, 7 PM, Wesley Methodist, 3701 Conduit Rd, Colonial Heights
  • Huguenot Trail: June 11, 7 PM, Mt. Pisgah United Methodist, 1100 Mt. Pisgah Drive, Midlothian
  • Rivers: June 4, 7:30 PM, Beale Memorial Baptist, 19622 Tidewater Trail, Tappahannock
May Calendar

2-3       Cub Fun With Son Event
9          Cub Scout Program Update Training
14        Executive Board Meeting
14        Maintenance and Properties Committee Meeting
17        Eagle Scout Commencement
18        Tournament of Eagles, Council Golf Tournament
23-25   Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
29        Camp Card Payments & Returns Due
29-31   OA Service Weekend & Ordeal

JTE News

Journey To Excellence - Advancement/Personal Growth

Objective #5 listed on the Pack and Troop JTE scorecards is Advancement.  Achieve a high percentage of Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts earning rank advancements. With the program year finishing soon for Cub Scouts, it is especially important the boys are earning their respective grade-based badge.  Den leaders and Troop advancement chairmen should take a quick survey to see how their Scouts are progressing toward the next rank.

 Earning badges demonstrates that boys are advancing in rank and moving through the Scouting program.  The preferred method of recording advancement is to enter it online at this link, click here.  You can also complete a paper version, click here (hard copies are also available at the council service center).  

Objective #6 for Crews is to "Provide opportunities for achievement and self-actualization.” For Bronze "Crew members participate in advancement by earning the Venturing Award.”  To learn more about the new Venturing awards, click here. 

If your advancement chairman does not have the unit code for online advancement contact Valerie Glazier at valerie.glazier@scouting.org or call Maggi Benbeneck at 804-204-2640.

Photo: Troop 2865 (chartered to Providence United Methodist Church) during a recent Court of Honor. 

Scout NIght at the Flying Squirrels

Click here to download the registration form!

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 28- Communications & Radio
April 30- First Aid & Medicine

Troops and Crews are encouraged to participate in a community emergency drill on June 19th.  Scouts can participate as “victims” and use this activity toward one of the Emergency Preparedness merit badge requirements (an Eagle required badge).  Learn more and register online, click here.

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. 

Training on the new instructor based, Cub Scout leader specific training will be 9:00AM-1:00PM on May 9th at 2500 Pump Rd, LDS Stake Center. Click here.

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

New program materials are in stock now in the Scout Shop.  Currently we have the new youth handbooks, leader guides and advancement belt loops.

Paying Your Own Way

Paying Your Own Way

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

As parents, one of the goals that my wife and I have for our sons is for them to be self-sufficient financially.  We love our boys, but our dream for them (and us) includes both of them finding a career field that they enjoy, obtaining gainful employment, and moving out of the nest.  I suspect that you have similar hopes for your children. 

However, none of that happens automatically.  Building a sense of personal pride and a work ethic in children is no easy task.  For inspiration and guidance, I often find myself looking back on how I was raised.  My parents did not believe in an ‘allowance.’  There were certain chores that were my responsibility.  Those duties I performed without monetary reward.  There was also a list of other household tasks that were not my responsibility, which I could complete if I wanted to earn money.  This taught me that if I wanted to achieve my goals, I had to go above and beyond the minimum expectations.

Growing up, my Scout Troop helped reinforce what my parents were teaching me at home.  Everyone participated in our troop fund-raisers.  Not showing up was not an option.  Every Scout knew that our involvement in these fund-raisers was important, because when we joined the Troop, the Scoutmaster had a talk with each of us.  Our parents were present, and he explained that it was our duty as Scouts to “pay our own way.”  He told us that badges we receive, camp-outs, and summer camp all cost money, and it was not the responsibility of our parents to pay for all of the fun things we would get to do in Scouting.  He placed that responsibility on us.  He explained that during the year, there would be a few fund-raising events, and that he expected me to participate in all of them, because a Scout was Thrifty.  A Scout respects the hard work that his parents do to support the family, so he pays his own way for his Scouting activities.

Today, many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Venturing Crews do a great job helping teach their Scouts about financial responsibility.  The best ones create a culture of pride in “paying your own way” for their Scouts that validates and supports the efforts of most parents as they strive to build a positive work ethic and a sense of personal honor within their children.  If your Pack, Troop, or Crew is not using your popcorn or camp card sale as an opportunity to teach these important values, take steps to change the culture within your group.  Don’t do it because you want to sell more popcorn or camp cards.  That might happen, but that’s more of a by-product, an indirect result.

Do it because a Scout is Thrifty.  He pays his own way.

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!

2014 Eagle Scout Class Commencement

Eagle Scout Commencement

The New Eagle Scout Commencement recognizes the previous year’s Eagle Scout class. eagle-hovc-icon

The Heart of Virginia Council continues its tradition of providing this event free of charge for the 2014 Eagle Scout and two guests, which will be underwritten with generous sponsorships by many Scout Alumni, Chartered Organizations, Scouting supporters, and local businesses. Each sponsorship is a tax-deductible contribution that directly supports each Eagle Scout with their Eagle Kit including certificate, medal, badges, pins free of charge.

Family members, Scout Leaders, and Eagle Scout Alumni are encouraged to attend this very special program to recognize the young men of the Eagle Scout Class of 2014.

Event includes a special commencement address from a keynote speaker, recognitions of the Scouts of the 2014 Eagle Class, Adams Service Project of the Year Award, 25th Eagle Class honoree, and NOESA adult Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.

Click here to RSVP or sponsor the 2014 Eagle Scout Class Commencement & Alumni Reception.

Camp Cards

Camp Cards 2015

The Camp Card Sale is halfway through!  We have been hearing great things about how much easier this card is to sell than last year’s card and Units are trying to get their hands on more cards.  

Requests for additional cards are coming in quickly.  I would like to ask everyone again 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.

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.

Tireless James

Tireless James

The Heart of Virginia Council is partnering with the James River Association for a third year of removing tires from the James River.  The 2015 date is Saturday, September 19th and Scouts will focus on the the lower James with the JRA.  Troops that would prefer to work the upper James or  partner with a batteau should register for the October 3rd event.  To learn more and register online go to:    http://jrava.org/get-involved/volunteer/tire-less-james

Tournament of Eagles

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

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

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     

    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

May

2-3      Cub Fun with Son Event, Cub & Webelos Adventure Camp
7          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
7          Roundtable, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
14        Spirit of Scouting Awards Reception, 7:00PM, The Boathouse
20        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
28        OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
29        Camp Card Sale Ends

June

4          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
4          Roundtable, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
17        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
25        OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC

Camp Card Sale 2015

Be sure to check in with your Unit regarding how the sale is going for each Scout.  We are currently out of cards at the Council office and still have units requesting additional so if you are not going to sell through all your cards between now and May 29th please contact Lisa Washington to return them so another Scout can sell them!  Also as a reminder all remaining cards and money are due to Council no later than May 29th.

Spirit of Scouting Awards Reception

We will be hosting our Spirit of Scouting Awards Reception on Thursday, May 14th at 7:00PM at The Boathouse at Sunday Park in the Garden Pavilion.  We will be recognizing three members of the Chesterfield County Emergency Services group for their service in our community as well as recognize one of our own Scouts for his heroic actions in saving his sister's life.  Our keynote speaker for the event will be Clarence Singleton, a decorated Marine and 22-year member of the New York City Fire Department who on September 11th 2001 after his retirement assisted at Ground Zero and was critically injured.  The event is not ticketed but all guests will be asked to support our Friends of Scouting Campaign with a pledge of $100 or more. For more information on the event please visit http://hovc.org/spiritofscouting28/ 

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/

May

6       Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30PM @the Mechanicsville Library
6       Roundtable, 7:30PM @the Mechanicsville Library
18     OA Chapter Meeting, 7pm @Fairfield Presbyterian Church
19     District Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM @Fairfield Presbyterian Church
30     2nd Annual National Park Service Cold Harbor Battlefield Luminary Service Project

Your pause for safety this month is: Water Safety

When we are participating in water activities, remember to follow all Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat and all BSA Aquatics Play Structure Policies. Do not let your summer turn into tragedy.

BSA Aquatics Play Structure Policy: http://www.scouting.org/Home/OutdoorProgram/Aquatics.aspx

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

Twilight Camp: NOTE THE DATE CHANGE!

The Battlefield District Twilight Camp will be July 27-31 at Fairfield Presbyterian Church. Note this is a change in date! Food for the day camp will be offered through vendors available for purchase (Price list & Menu will be sent out later) or you can bring your own meal. Notice will go out when registration is open.

For questions regarding program contact David Ludwig at 909-2838 or e-mail him at battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com

For questions regarding registrations, contact Ben Ward at 804-690-2058 or e-mail him at battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com

Cold Harbor National Luminary Service Project at Cold Harbor Battlefield

Last year during the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Cold Harbor the Boy Scouts of America assisted the National Park Service with remembering the battle. The National Park Service has asked our help again. We have sent out the information in detail to all units via email. This years event will be on May 30, 2015. Set up will start at 1:00 pm and the program begins at 8:00 pm. Please check your email for further details. Any questions please contact us at battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com.

Arrowtour

ArrowTour is one of many programs and initiatives that comprise a year-long celebration of the Order of the Arrow's centennial anniversary. In the summer of 2015, four delegations of youth Arrowmen will travel to council camps and Scouting events to bring our national centennial experience to Scouts, Arrowmen, and communities throughout the country.

ArrowTour will provide opportunities to reflect, connect, and discover the Order's Centuries of Service, both past and future. The Order of the Arrow is excited to partner with councils to provide this program accessory at Boy Scout summer camps, service centers, and Scouting events. The ArrowTour will stop at Camp T. Brady Saunders on June 30, 2015. Check it out. For more information please go to: http://arrowtour.oa-bsa.org/.

STEM Update for Cub Scouts

Requirements have been updated for the Cub Scout STEM Award for more details and requirements please go to http://www.scouting.org/stem/Awards.aspx.

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

May
5         Capitol District Committee Meeting First Baptist Church, 6:00PM
5         District Cub Scout / Boy Scout Roundtable, First Baptist Church, 7:00PM
5         O/A Chapter Meeting, First Baptist Church
23-25  Service Center Closed, Memorial Day
26       Capitol District Annual Recognition Dinner, First Baptist Church

June
2         District committee Meeting, First Baptist Church
2         District Cub Scout/Boy Scout Roundtable, First Baptist Church, 7:00PM
2         UP3 – Program Planning Roundtable

DATE CHANGE:    Capitol District Annual Dinner has been moved to Tuesday, May 26, First Baptist Church, 6:00PM

There’s a great group of nominees for the District Award of Merit. Nominations will be accepted at the council office until May 8. Contact George Smith if you have any questions. Tickets are available for $15.00 per person. Register online at Doubleknot starting April 24. This year we plan to have a great program. It’s a great time for fellowship with our district, pack, troop, commissioners and friends of scouting. Come spend a spring evening celebrating scouting in Richmond. Note: It’s the day after Memorial day this year.

UP3 - MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Units will receive their program planning kits at the UP3  Roundtable on June 2nd, 2015, First Baptist Church, 7:00PM

Program planning is the key to a successful Scouting year. Planning helps the busy Scout leader allocate his or her time efficiently. It’s also a great way to involve parents and pack committee in unit operations. It is important that your unit has a representative at this annual meeting. If you attend only one Roundtable a year, this is the one! The council commissioner staff puts a lot of effort in developing the UP3 materials and presents the UP3 program in each district.

Pack & Troop and Venture Crews 

Send me photos and video of your unit activities. Sometimes we don’t do a great job telling our story about all the exciting and fun things our Scouts do. Email your executive @ george.smith@scouting.org I’d like to highlight our district.

Have you set up your my Scouting ID?

Do your unit leaders use the Scouting dashboard and internet advancement management tool. Don’t have a clue what all that means? Contact your executive for more info or self-study at hovc.org. Visit the council site regularly. Log in to MyScouting to access tools that will help you become a more efficient leader.

Summer Camp

Has your unit completed your summer camp checklist? Get ready for an exciting week of fun, adventure and advancement!        

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, 
Cardinal Website:  

May

5       District Commissioners Meeting 6:00PM @  Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 11220 Nuckols Road Glen     Allen, VA Center,  Pizza Dinner will be provided
5      Roundtable  7:30PM @ Mt. Vernon Baptist Church 11220 Nuckols Road - Glen Allen, VA
5      OA Chapter Meeting at MT Vernon Baptist Church 11220 Nuckols Road - Glen Allen, VA
19    District Committee Meeting 6:30PM Dinner, 7:00PM Mtg. at Markel Plaza, Salon B, 4600 Cox Rd.
19    Cardinal District Annual Busines Meeting to be held in conjunction with monthly district committee       meeting listed above.
21    Cardinal District Dinner River Road Presbyterian Church 8960 River Road (next to Collegiate)

June

3         District Commissioners Meeting 7:00PM            
3         Roundtable 7:30PM at United Methodist Church Conference Center
16-20  Cardinal District Cub Scout Day Camp
17       District Committee Meeting 6:30PM Dinner, 7:00PM Mtg. 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!!!

Cardinal District Recognition Dinner

Did you know....The Cardinal District is one of seven districts that make up the Heart of Virginia Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The District includes all of Goochland county as well as the areas of Hanover and Henrico counties west of Interstate 95. The Cardinal District serves as home to over 2,500 Scouts and over 1,000 leaders. Join us May 21st, at River Road Presbyterian Church (next to Collegiate), 8960 River Road, Richmond, VA from 6:30 - 8:30PM. The cost is $9 per person, $27 for a family and children under three are free. Please nominate an individual from your unit to receive the Unit Recognition Award. Please complete the Unit Recognition Award Form and return it to Austin Grappe at the Scout Service Center. We will also recognize the Eagle Scouts who earned their Eagle in the past twelve months. Please invite the new Eagle Scouts from your unit. So come join us for a night of FUN, FOOD and FELLOWSHIP as we recognize our fellow Cardinal District volunteers who so graciously give of their time to Scouting! Please take the time to nominate and recognize the people that serve these 2,500 plus Scouts. 

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

May

4          District Commissioners Meeting- Wesley United Methodist Church, 6:30PM
4          Crater Roundtable- Wesley U.M.C., 7:00PM
11        OA Meeting, 7:00PM
15-17   Merit Badge Weekend/ Cub Family Camporee, Albright Scout Reservation
18        District Committee Meeting- Wesley United Methodist Church, 7:00PM

CRATER DAY CAMP NEEDS YOUR HELP

For many years, the Crater District Day Camp has been a cornerstone of our program, providing a week of fun activities for our Cub Scouts.  We rely on volunteers just like you to make sure that Day Camp is fully staffed and ready to give our boys the absolute best experience we can.  If you would like to help out in any way, please contact Melissa Bartholomew or Allen Crump today!

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.

HAVE YOU BEEN TO ROUNDTABLE?

Every month, a dedicated team of commissioners puts on a great program at Wesley United Methodist Church.  Roundtable is a perfect chance for you to learn about a new program, exchange ideas from other area Scouters, and have fun catching up with old and new friends.  Join us the first Monday of every month at 7:00PM.

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

May

4 Alpha Phi Omega Merit Badge Day (8:00AM, Longwood University)
7 Roundtable (7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
20 District Committee Meeting (7:00PM, Location TBD)
29 **Camp Card Payments Due!**

Looking Ahead

A sound plan is a vital component of a good Scouting program.  On June 11th, the District will be hosting another UP3 training session in the stead of our regular Roundtable program.  UP3 (actually 3 plus!) is an annual event that gets our leaders prepared for the next Scouting year.  It is a unique information-sharing event of best practices and techniques for developing the best program possible for our youth. 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, as well as their unit 2014 JTE Ribbons.  Enjoy and Be Prepared!

Appreciation

A big thanks to the members and leadership of Venture Crew 6522, Alpha Phi Omega of Longwood University for their hard work and effort in offering the 2015 Merit Badge Day.  60 Scouts were able to work on one, some two, merit badges in a variety of subjects.  A contingent of which traveled to Kyanite Mine in Buckingham and were able to surface pick really cool rocks and crystals.  Have you seen your Scouts' rock collection lately?

Nominating Committee

The annual District Nominating Committee is forming and accepting nominees for district positions. Among the leadership positions being sought are the following:

District Chairperson
Program Vice-Chairperson
Camping Chairperson
Popcorn Kernel
Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner
Asst. Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner
Asst. Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner

Descriptions of the above positions and their responsibilities can be found at the following link:  http://www.scouting.org/Home/MissionImpact/DistrictResources/job_profile.aspx

Nominees will be vetted by a select committee and approached on an individual basis regarding their capacity to serve.  This is a unique opportunity to have a significant impact on the vision and direction of Huguenot Trail while supporting the overall mission of the Boy Scouts of America:  The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING

Thank you very much for scheduling the Friends of Scouting presentations and doing your part to ensure 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 $93,601 of our $150,000 goal.  As much as 40% of our donations have traditionally come through our families.  Please help us meet our goal!

District Chair Minute

Trading Stamps Book/Boy Scout Manual

When I was a young boy, we used to have a thing called trading stamps.  They would be issued by a store, usually a grocery store.  This was before they had the coupons of today.

You would go to the grocery store, and for every few dollars you would spend, they would issue you the stamps – they looked like postage stamps.  You would put them in a book, 30 to a page, until you filled up the book.

 I would watch my Mom save those stamps and diligently put them into the books and save them until she had a certain amount of books.  I never thought these things were worth much, because after all, it was just a bunch of worthless stamps.

But then I went with Mom to the redemption store.  Each company that sold the stamps to the grocery stores had a store where you could bring in the books and exchange them for an item in the store.  Man, that was when I saw just how much these books were worth!  There were all kinds of things in that store – appliances, kitchen tools, shop items, toys, bicycles, you name it – they had it.  It was then in that store that I realized how much of a reward you could get for the hard work of saving the stamps.

Scouts today have the same experience, actually – the Boy Scout Handbook.  All Scouts get one, and they go through the book, getting items checked off and pages filled up until they advance to the next rank; ultimately, they fill out the entire book and have the majority of the qualifications of an Eagle Scout. 

There are a lot of similarities in the two books – In the trading stamps book, each page alone, each section was not very important or was worth very much in the grand scheme of things; but wow, once it was completed, it was priceless!  The Scout Handbook is the same; each individual page, each little sign off section is pretty trivial in itself – but completely filled out it is worth so much more; it signifies accomplishments and knowledge gained throughout the Scouting years – and that makes it priceless as well.

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

May

7 Roundtable
8-10 Crossover Camp-o-ree
19 District Committee Meeting at 7:00PM at Tapphannock UMC
19 Commissioner Meeting at 6:30PM at Tappahannock UMC

June 

4 Program Planning Roundtable UP3!!!
16 District Committee Meeting at 7:00PM at Tapphannock UMC
16 District Commissioner Meeting at 6:30PM at Tappahannock UMC

Volunteer Recruitment

Volunteers are vital to the success of your unit.  The more volunteers you have helping you in your role as Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, Committee Chair, and any other position the more you will be able to impact the lives of the young people in your community.  Now you may be thinking of where to start… Well the first step you have to do is be committed to getting more volunteers/ parents involved with your unit.  If you are not committed to recruiting it will never get done.  Second, set a goal of the number of new volunteers you want to recruit by the end of June.  Third, start with your parents of your scouts by asking them to do small things.  Build a relationship with them and bring them along on the journey.  Whenever, you have someone take on a new task be sure to be available to help or guide them in that process.  The worst thing we can do is to not communicate enough with our volunteers.              

UP3

What in the world is UP3?  It is the Unit Program Planning Process.  June 4th we are having our UP3 extravaganza and you’re invited.   This is the biggest roundtable of the spring.  I would make sure your Cubmaster or Scoutmaster and your committee chairs and as many other people you think should be involved attend this evening.  It it well worth the drive and time.

Training of the Month

Defining the commitment:  Often times the reason someone does not do what you expect them to is because they did not know they were expected to do it.  Questions to ask yourself:  Do you know what is expected of you in your position in Scouting? If no who can I talk with to clarify what my role description is? Don’t let your volunteers/parents be left in the dark!!

Quote

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go”  T.S. Eliot

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

Alejandro Rees Andrade    534   Hospitality House collection and crates
Robert Keith Aud    876   Built 6 handicap accessible garden beds for Heritage Oaks
Colman Buchanan Barsanti    400   Patio for the Little Sisters of the Poor
Jarrett Owen Bender    715   Online Charity Database
John Charles Brennan III   400   Kayak racks for Trinity Episcopal School
Frank Dempsey Burfoot    2842   Built a triangular fence area for the church to hang banners and landscaped around it.
John Thomas Cabell    400   Handicapped ramp for Camp Baker
Nicholas Adam Cramer    800   Built 4 benches, Refurbished and landscaped around a WWII Memorial at Midlothian Middle School
Miller Calhoun Farley    400   Agility course for the dogs at Houlagan's Rest
Forrest Donald Feaser    735   Landscaped church courtyard
William Alexander Forrest IV   400   Warbler Boxes
Jacob Benton Foster    533   Flagpole revitalization for VFW Post 9808
Matthew Phaup Gordon    534   Band podium for Lee-Davis High School
Dane Max Halle    400   Lego drive for the Faison School for Autism
Wayland Dewees Jones III   400   Built picnic tables for the Richmond Little League
Michael Carter Laine Jr.   101   Parking Sign Project
Chance Christian Landrum    1807   Renee Parr (teacher that died last year) Memorial Garden for Mechanicsville Elementary School
James Monroe McLemore    710   Tucker Park outdoor classroom
Thurston McCain Moore    400   Benches for Cumberland Marsh
Matthew Aidan Mulvihill    845   Built cabinet for church
Morgan Scott Nelson Jr.   400   Poured concrete in the batting area for Richmond Little League
Robert Harrison Noel    720   Built 3 picnic table for Patrick Henry's Scotchtown
Nathan Estrocio Pal    436   Built a raised vegetable garden
Mitchell James Palmer    505   Trail shelter for Virginia Capitol Trail Foundation
Nicholas Ryan Plutro    917   Nature trail for Southside Elementary
Taylor Jackson Sommers    400   Houlaghans Rest table and sign
Austin Waters Wingfield Thomas    832   Outdoor Classroom for Blesses Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School
Spencer Lynn Waddell III   869   Documented gravesites for Old Tomahawk Cemetery then uploaded that info into billiongraves.com

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

William E. Davis
Dr. Eric B. Freeman, Troop 491

William "Bill" Givler III
William "Gary" Bryant
Terry & Donna Coffman
Kenneth P. Davis
Mack & Pat Ruffin
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey S. Weil

Daniel George McKenzie, Jr.
Caroline Thompson

Dr. David H. (Bootie) Reames, Jr.
Nona H. (Jerry) Reames

Lula White
Terry & Donna Coffman

In Honor Of

Katie Paul Talley & Donald Basl
Nona H. (Jerry) Reames

Scout Shop Notes

Scout Shop Notes

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. 

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.

Phone (804) 355-0628, Fax (804) 353-6109 
HOURS - Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - NOON