UP3+

It’s Not Too Late For UP³⁺!

So, Unit Program Planning Process Plus is a highly valuable and pertinent training event for adult volunteers from Cub Packs, Scout Troops and Venture Crews where you can learn best practices for conducting a Unit Program Planning Meeting, engaging parents in their child’s Scouting program and organizing mind-blowingly awesome experiences for young people.  It happens on a weeknight in early June.  It’s free to attend.  Refreshments will be served.  You’ll get the council calendar, a patch and a ton of information about upcoming events for Scouts…

…and you haven’t registered for it yet?

Did I mention that it was free?

OK, we get it…you’re a chronic procrastinator.  That doesn’t make you a bad person…as long as you finally sign up for UP³⁺ right now.  Seriously, use your fingers this exact moment and click:

http://bit.ly/1JkYGir

Then fill out the super-short form at the bottom of the page, click “Complete Survey,” and SHAZAM!  You’ve transformed into a winner, and someone who really, really cares about improving Scouting and making our programs better for our young people.  Or maybe you just want the free patch.  Either way, you’re going to UP³⁺!

Don’t forget to actually attend.  Here are the dates, times and locations for all the sessions:

• Arrohattoc: June 4, 7:00PM, Hopewell United Methodist, 6200 Courthouse Rd.
• Battlefield: June 3, 7:30PM, New Hanover Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsville.
• Capitol: June 2, 7:00PM, First Baptist Church, Richmond.
• Cardinal: June 2, 7:00PM, Shady Grove United Methodist, 4825 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen
• 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.

It’s Free!

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June Calendar

7-13     Boy Scout Summer Camp "Pioneer Week" at Camp T. Brady Saunders
10-13   Camp T. Brady Saunders Staff Training
11         Executive Committee Meeting
10         Commissioner Cabinet Meeting
14-20    Staff Week at Cub Adventure Camp
14-20    Boy Scout Summer Camp Session #1 at Camp T. Brady Saunders
18         Annual Meeting of the Heart of Virginia Council
20         Philmont Contingent Departs
21-24    Cub Resident Camp Session #1 at Cub Adventure Camp
21-27    Boy Scout Summer Camp Session #2 at Camp T. Brady Saunders
24-27    Cub Resident Camp Session #2 at Cub Adventure Camp
28-1      Cub Resident Camp Session #3 at Cub Adventure Camp
28-4      Boy Scout Summer Camp Session #3 at Camp T. Brady Saunders

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2014 Eagle Commencement

2014 Eagle Scout Class Commencement Ceremony
and Alumni Reception

The 2014 Eagle Scout Class Commencement Ceremony and Alumni Reception was held at Collegiate School on Sunday, May 17th.

The program included a special commencement address from guest speaker, Senator A. Donald McEachin, recognitions of the Scouts of the 2014 Eagle Class, Adams Service Project of the Year Award, 25th Eagle Class honorees, and NOESA adult Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.

The Heart of Virginia Council, Adams Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award was given to Sam Leeper of Troop 876 in Midlothian, Va. Sam organized and conducted social media training at the Chesterfield Heights Gracious Retirement Living facility.   Sam truly made a difference in the lives of the residents of the retirement home by using technology to help them stay connected to family and friends.  Congratulations Sam!

Thank you to all of the generous sponsors who made this very special event possible and congratulations to the 2014 Eagle Scout Class!

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The End of an Era

The End of an Era

This June will mark the end of an organizational relationship that the Heart of Virginia Council has had since the 1920’s…1924 to be precise.  That was the year of the first “Community Chest” Campaign, a campaign to raise money to support various important not-for-profit organizations, including Scouting, in the Richmond Area.  You know the Community Chest Campaign today as the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg.

Since that first campaign in 1924, the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg has continuously funded the Heart of Virginia Council.  In 2002, United Way changed from funding the agencies themselves to funding specific programs of those agencies.  For years they funded our Scoutreach Program.  Three years ago, they began to only fund our career education program, Exploring.

There was a time when the allocation received by the Boy Scouts from the United Way was $400,000.  By 2014-15, our total support from their Community Investment Fund was just $20,000 out of 5 million dollars available in the fund.  In 2014, the Heart of Virginia Council began the process of applying for 2015-16 funding, submitting a Letter of Intent Application.  The United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg responded with a letter simply stating that they would not consider the Boy Scouts for funding in 2015-16.  No tangible reason was given.

Our last check of support from the Community Investment Fund of the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg will arrive sometime this month.  It’s a sad milestone for Scouting in Metro Richmond and for our community, but one that isn’t very surprising.

Giving to United Way has decreased over the years, and when people do give to United Way, they are donor-designating their gift to a specific agency 47% of the time.  While only $20,000 was allocated by United Way to the Scout Council last year, we received over $100,000 in donor-designated contributions that passed through the United Way Offices. 

Muddying the waters even more, there are also thousands more not-for-profit organizations vying for United Way’s Community Investment funds, including adult day care centers, homes for people recovering from alcohol abuse, and halfway houses for recently released felons just to name a few.  Unsurprisingly, many of these recently organized not-for-profit organizations are struggling and will not be able to exist without United Way support.  With our alumni base and long history, we look strong to the United Way.  Why support Scouting when all these new organizations have great new ways to solve the problems of our society?

Organizational history, membership growth, and quality programs are no guarantee of financial success.  The Heart of Virginia Council ended last year with an operating deficit of over $80,000.  We responded to that like Scouts.  We tightened our belt, cutting staff positions, and re-assigning that work to the rest of the team while re-working some of our fund-raising plans.   Now we’re trying to replace this additional $20,000 worth of funding as well.

You can help.  Frankly, we need your help.  First, consider giving directly to the Heart of Virginia Council.  Donor designations that flow through the United Way are hit with an administrative fee by the United Way of 14%, up to a $250 maximum fee on each designated gift.  Second, if you give to United Way and don’t designate your gift, please consider designating it to the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America.  If you live in Hopewell or Prince George County, know that we continue to receive Community Investment support from your local United Way.  Everyone should know that we bear no ill will towards the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg.  Just like us, they want to help make this a better place to live.  We just feel that they’ve lost sight of one of the proven, successful ways to accomplish that: by teaching our young people a set of values that have stood the test of time so that they can make ethical decisions throughout their life.

Questions or comments about this article?  Email brad.nesheim@scouting.org.

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Scout NIght at the Flying Squirrels

Click here to download the registration form!

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JTE News

Journey To Excellence

Objective #1 for all programs is Planning and Budgeting.  "Have a program plan and budget that is regularly reviewed by the committee, and it follows BSA policies related to fundraising.”  We know in Scouts that you can’t go on a hike or adventure without a plan and a map.  The summer is the best time to plan for the coming school year.  Start in June or July with your first meeting and have a wrap up meeting in July or August.  Be sure to include your Scouts along the way.  

The June Roundtables will feature Program Planning instruction and fresh materials (UP3).  Please take time to attend your district’s Roundtable and take another leader from your unit.  A list of UP3 Roundtables can be found at this link:  click here.  

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Pathway to Eagle

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

There is still plenty of time to register!

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.  Click here to view the Event Concept Presentation.

Click here to download the Prerequisites.

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.

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Cub Scout Program Changes

Program Update – Cub Scouts

New graphics for the Cub Scout program are available online now – click here.  Use these images to add color to your Pack newsletters and other communications. (Pictured is the Wolf Adventure Loop “Council Fire.")

The Cub Scout recognition system has been retooled and takes effect June 1st.  Youth handbooks and Den and Pack leader guidebooks are now in stock at the Council Scout Shop. For an overview of the new badge system click here.

Change is coming to the Cub Scout program June 1st.  After an extensive evaluation of the current program a new program is being rolled out: to make it easier for parents serving as volunteer leaders to implement; to make den meeting content is more meaningful and to simplify the recognition system.

To learn more about the Cub Scout program updates go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/programupdates.aspx

Great article in Scouting Magazine online at this link:  http://scoutingmagazine.org/2015/04/everything-need-know-new-cub-scouting-program/

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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!

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ArrowTour

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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

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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.

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Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation

   

Upcoming Events on the Reservation

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 **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!

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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     

    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

June

4          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
4          UP3+ Annual Planning Event, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
10/12  Trainers Edge, 6:00PM, LDS Cloverhill Stake
17        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
25        OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC

July

2          Roundtable Planning, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
15        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
23        OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC

UP3+ Program Planning

Be sure that your unit has at least one leader attending the annual UP3+ Program Planning session on Thursday, June 4^th at 7:00PM at Hopewell UMC.  This informative session will help you and your unit plan out a great program year and assure that you have all of the resources necessary to provide your Scouts with the best program possible.  To register for the event please go to www.hovc.org and click on the top banner link.

Cub Scout Day Camp

As a reminder Arrohattoc’s Cub Scout Day Camp will be held this year from August 4^th through 8^th at Pocahontas State Park.  We have another great program lined up for everyone including favorites such as BB guns, archery and Cub cooking!  Be sure to register online via the council’s calendar at www.hovc.org.  If you have any questions please contact Lynne Ahles at ahles_lynne@earthlink.net. 

Roundtable Planning

Would you like to help the District Roundtable Committee help plan out the District’s next year of Roundtable topics?  If so please be sure to attend our annual District Roundtable planning session on Thursday, July 9^th at 7:00PM at Hopewell UMC.  We’ll have food and beverages and would appreciate any and all feedback to assure we make the most out of our monthly roundtable meetings.  For more information or to provide feedback if you cannot attend please contact Marian Fletcher at fletcherfam@comcast.net. 

New Units

One of the goals of the District is to assure that we are providing Scouting to as many youth in our area as possible and we are always looking for new leads to help us grow Scouting.  If you attend or know of any local organizations (faith, civic, community outreach, etc) that might be interested in sponsoring a Scouting unit, let us know.  Please contact Matt Malone at matt.malone@scouting.org or 804-204-2618 with any suggestions and we will be happy to pursue them.

District Roundtable

Calling all Adult Leaders and Scout Parents!  Are you looking for ways to improve your Scout Unit’s programs while also finding out how to more easily manage all of the logistics of running a successful Pack, Troop or Crew?  Join us on the first Thursday of every month at 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.

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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/

June

3     Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM at New Hanover Presbyterian Church
3     UP3+/Roundtable, 7:30PM at New Hanover Presbyterian Church
15   OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM at Fairfield Presbyterian Church
16   District Committee Meeting, 7:30PM at Fairfield Presbyterian Church

Your pause for safety this month is:

Water guns OK for target shooting, not for firing at other Scouts (for more details on this please go to: (http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/05/06/water-guns-ok-for-target-shooting-not-for-firing-at-other-scouts/)

Roundtable Notice

Reminder that there is no roundtable in July. Please have a safe and enjoyable summer and we will see you on August 5, 2015.

Twilight Camp: NOTE THE DATE CHANGE!

July 27-31 will the Battlefield District Twilight Camp at Fairfield Presbyterian Church. Note this is a change in date! The Day Camp fee is $100 per scout five days of attendance. ($85 early bird discount before July 11, 2015). Price for food is not included in the camp fee. Food for the day camp will be offered through different vendors available for pre-order only or you can bring your own meal. Ordering of food is not available at camp.  If you bring your own meal, there is no cost for food. The Day Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt and patch as well as all insurance costs and program materials. Go to register for Cub Scout Day Camp 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 battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com

For questions regarding registrations, contact Ben Ward at 804-690-2058 or e-mail him 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/.

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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

June
2      Capitol District Committee Meeting, First Baptist Church   6:00PM
2      UP3 Program Planning Meeting, First Baptist Church 7:00PM 
18    Heart of Virginia Annual Business Meeting

If you attend one meeting outside your unit this year, it must be the UP3⁺ Program Planning Meeting!

Receive all the information you’ll need to effectively plan your Scouting year. The latest tools are selected and prepared especially for your Pack or Troop. UP3 workshops are conducted council-wide by a select team of instructors. Please be there! June 2, 2015, 7:00PM, First Baptist Church.

Send photos to the district executive of your unit adventures and activities this summer to george.smith@scouting.org

We wish to showcase and share the Scouting adventures of district Packs, Troops and Posts. Also, we are interested in any good deeds or service projects your boys are involved in.  Is Scouting making a difference in your community?  Let’s show the world all the fun things Scouts do.

Capitol District Fishing Rodeo

Special thanks to Alan Johnson, Candy, Joe Marchetti and all who helped make the Cub Scout Fishing Rodeo a success. Fun was had by all and Cubs Scout from Pack 480 and 496 walked away with great new fishing tackle. Take advantage of Camp Albright for your unit campouts. Pack 440 was out there the same weekend and had a great experience.

Remember

Capitol District Meetings are postponed in July. Enjoy your summer vacations. See you in August.

Pack 496 
Learning about the Community

What a busy four month’s for Pack 496. In February, two of our Cub Scouts had the opportunity to participate as BSA representatives in the Boy Scouts of America Report to the Commonwealth where several councils in Virginia were in attendance. We toured the Capitol, as well as the Governor’s mansion. Senator McEachin was our sponsor and we were able to visit his office. Though he was in a meeting and was not able to meet with us at the allotted time, the delegation did meet with Delegate Betsy Carr and had photo opportunities. In the mansion, one of the governor’s dogs Daisy came out and the boys were able to take pictures and play with her. The Scout delegation was introduced in the Senate chamber.

In March, we celebrated our awards and promotion banquet (Blue and Gold). We moved our date because of the schedule of our guest speaker who happened to be the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Levar Stoney. He informed the Scouts about opportunities, working hard, listen to the leaders and continue to follow their dreams. His story was one of encouragement which allowed the Scouts to know that they can be and do whatever they put their minds to.

April was the month where we met with Mayor Dwight Jones of the City of Richmond.  Our church bus entered the garage parking lot where we had reserved parking and then we were guided to the Mayor’s main conference room. The Senior Assistant to the Mayor greeted us and provided our Scouts with  information about the city. Mayor Jones entered the conference room and introduced himself to each boy individually and had them introduce themselves. They discussed their schools, ambitions and had the occasion to ask the mayor questions. One Scout brought a picture for the mayor and asked him to autograph it, which he did which excited the Scout to the highest.  Our visit ended with the boys having the chance to go to the observation deck and look all over the city from south to north to east and west. Cub Scout Pack 496 performed a flag ceremony in May for Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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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
Field Director:  Jason Smith, 204-2616, jason.smith@scouting.org

Friends of Scouting- Unit leaders, please make a final request to your parents and leaders for FOS pledges.  As we wrap up this year’s campaign, please remind your parents and leaders again about matching gifts.  A special thanks goes out to Blake Auchmoody for leading the FOS campaign.  Thanks also to all of the units that participated in this year’s campaign.

UP3+ / Program Planning- A reminder that the June Roundtable will UP3+. All units should send at least one person for this very important planning meeting. Be prepared to rollout a great year for your Scouts by starting off on the right foot by attending UP3+!

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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

June

1     District Commissioners Meeting - Wesley United Methodist Church, 6:30PM
1     Crater Roundtable and UP3+- Wesley U.M.C., 7:00PM
8     OA Meeting, 7:00PM
15   District Annual Business Meeting- Wesley United Methodist Church, 7:00PM

CRATER DAY CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

The Crater District will hold its Day Camp July 27-31 of this year.  Registration is open now.  It is only $85 for a full week of Day Camping fun.  If you would like to register, please visit the site below.  If you have any questions, contact Allen Crump or Camp Director, Melissa Bartholomew.  We look forward to seeing you all there!

http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/2015-crater-day-camp/1735276

UP3+ IS BACK AGAIN!

UP3+, the program which replaced Super Saturday will be held June 1^st at Wesley United Methodist Church.  We will discuss program ideas and resources and will also have the 2015-16 Council Calendar.  You don’t want to miss this excellent event!  Contact Allen Crump or District Commissioner Bill Simms for more information.

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.

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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

June

4 Dist. Advancement Committee Meeting (7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
8 DAY CAMP REGISTRATIONS DEADLINE
11 Roundtable, UP3, District Awards (7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
11 District Committee Meeting (6:30PM, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
15-19 District Day Camp (9:00-4:00PM, Camp Justis, Powhatan)

District Day Camp

Thank you so much for your patience while our district team has experienced several changes this year.  All in all, the changes look to be an improvement and we hope to provide an excellent program this year.  An email has been sent out to everyone in Cubs, Scouts and Venturing about participation, either as a youth or volunteer, and the link is live and open for registrations on the Council website.  Please email any questions to Geoff Angle if need be.

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 $102,945 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

Being Prepared

This month’s theme in Boy Scouting is Emergency Preparedness – a very important topic in the world in which we live in today.  In my profession, I see firsthand the benefits of being prepared and the pitfalls of not being ready to take on some of the challenges that get thrown our way.

Preparedness is built into many of the rank and merit badge requirements for Boy Scouts.  Most merit badges have a “what if” section to get the Scout mentally prepared to answer emergencies.

In the whole scheme of things, these “what ifs” may not seem to be much individually, but it helps Scouts become better prepared for those things encountered in life that are not so small or pleasant.

The Boy Scout Motto is “Be Prepared.”  When Baden Powell was asked over 100 years ago what Scouts should be prepared for, he said, “Any little thing.”

Every little thing in the Scout handbook and merit badge requirements are small in themselves, but when you put them all together, they can prepare our youth to handle most anything – big or small.  We owe it to them to lend support and guidance to help them be prepared – it’s the Scouting way.

In Remembrance

It is with great sadness that I follow our District Chairman’s message to “Be Prepared” with the news of the passing of Cub Scout Christian (CJ) Reid, of the Bear Den in Pack 6296 in Farmville.  His funeral was at Zion Hill Baptist Church on May 15^th; a church packed to overflowing with loved ones and caring members of the community.  His Bear Den Leader, Edgar Jones, was able to deliver a sincere and heartfelt message about what CJ meant to us, how his embodiment of the values of Scouting could uplift all of us, and help contribute to really fun and active meetings.  For some of us, Christian was nicknamed “Kid President” after a similar entertaining Youtube character; such was the nature of his abundant personality.  It was an honor to be present with his family and community, and to stand in dignified solidarity with the leaders and youth of Pack 6296 who likewise were honored to remember such a lively young man. 

We never know when our time on this Earth will end, and when our Creator will call to us.  Every moment of this life is a precious gift to be savored in it’s fullest, and should be an inspiration for all of us to practice love and compassion toward our fellow Man, and toward the Earth. 

CJ was able to help others through his passing by donation of some of his organs, including a heart valve, a generous blessing.

We are encouraged to “Be Prepared”, to live every day to the fullest, as the only time we have is now.

Rest well, Christian, we’ll miss you.

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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

June

4     UP3+ at Beale Memorial at 7:00PM
16   Annual Business Meeting at 7:00PM Tappahannock UMC
27   Rivers District “Day” Camp

July

No Meetings

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 or 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 the month.  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. 

District Executive Blog

 As my family and I look forward to the summer, I get so excited about all the adventures we are going to have.  I cannot wait to get started!  I think that same feeling should apply to our Scouts when they are planning the program for the next year.  We want them to say “I can’t wait for ______.”  How awesome will your year be? 

P.S.   Baden Powell once said, if the boys aren’t having fun, they are going to play baseball. 

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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

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Eagles Nest

                               Eagles Nest

Eagle Name and Unit            Service Project

Shane Webster Allin    799   Bellemeade Park information board
Connor James Allin    799   Trellises and raised bed for Boaz and Ruth's Garden
Thomas Alejandro Alvarado    706   Enhancing the Hanover Trade Center
Dustin Skylar Anderson    6357   Bell Mead Bridge
Zachary Isaac Boyd    521   Pantry refill for Ashland Christian Emergency Services
Matthew Clark Briggs    715   Middle school educational devices with charging case
Owen Thomas Carter    418   Project Christmas Child - collecting toiletries and packing shoeboxes for the needy.
Joseph Richard Corbett    876   Horseshoe pits and cornhole pits for Huguenot Park
Nathan Alexander Gold    2826   Radcliffe Trail construction and bench build
Logan Cassidy Hager    706   Saddle racks for Wings of Hope Ranch
Joshua George Hyde    737   Remodel & regravel St. Matthew's parking lot
Quentin Owen Hynst    2825   Build benches and replaced 4 benchtops at Beulah Elementary School
Tremayne Hervon Johnson Jr.   2894   Health and Safety Community Fair
Daniel James Kovach    436   Richmond K-9 Unit site construction preparation
Noah Steven Laird    1807   Memorial Garden Project for McGuire Veterans Medical Center
Bryce Walker Marshall    777   DVD where teens talk about craniofacial differences made for Craniofacial
Care Center
Joseph Roosevelt Matthews    2860   Build furniture for CARITAS
Hunter Lee Maxey    6516   Benches for Salem United Methodist Church
John Patrick McCreary    793   Sunday school room painting for Riverside Baptist Church
Jordan Michael Nase    177   Prince George High School baseball field refurbishment
Stephen Mark Shrewsbury    2852   Markers for Swift Creek Middle School cross country trail.
Noel Bainbridge Sommers    418   Picnic tables for Anna Julia Cooper School
Cody Smith Stevens    177   Points of Rocks Park boardwalk repair
Nathaniel Davis Teague    2860   Lakeview Mountain Trail bike loop

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

William "Bill" Givler III
Margaret & Paul W. Givler, Jr.

Jean Singlemann
Varina Ruritan Club

Julian Overby Winn
Bill Hurley
Nawakwa Lodge #3 OA

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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                                                        

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