Scout Executive Message

Summer Time, Youth Recruiting and
Congratulations to Great Volunteers

It’s hot!  It sure is, because it’s summer time.  And, we live in Virginia.  Duh.  This is when so much of the promise we make to our youth happens: Cub Scout Day Camp, Cub Scout Resident Camp, Boy Scout Summer Camp, BSA high adventure treks at Philmont, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, The Summit, Troop and Crew trips to really special places like the Grand Canyon, Alaska national parks and hiking closer to home on the Appalachian Trail. 

Yes, Scout units from our council are going to all of these places and many, many more this summer.  I hope that your unit is among those who either have already or soon will be going on your summer trip.  This is why many of our youth join Scouting in the first place, to go camping and be in the great outdoors.  All of these great summer outings are made possible by the outstanding volunteer leaders of these units, whom we all thank for providing great program and experiences for our young people!  BE SAFE and HAVE FUN!  We look forward to hearing great stories from your trip so we can share them with others.

A few more notes and thoughts:  At the BSA national meeting in May, Mr. Rick Bragga, a great volunteer in our council who is also very active with Scouting nationally, received the Silver Buffalo Award, Scouting’s highest volunteer recognition for his noteworthy service to youth at the national level.  We congratulate Rick on this high honor, but mostly, we thank him for helping to train and guide other volunteers to do provide leadership to our young people.

At last month’s council annual meeting, one great volunteer completed his term as our council’s volunteer president and another began his two-year term as council president.  Chris Habenicht has served on this council’s executive board since 2007 and held numerous leadership roles with training, program and fund raising and provided outstanding service as council president from June 2013 to June 2015.  John McCulla is serving from June 2015 to June 2017 as the council president, having served on the council’s executive board since 2006, as a district chairman, council commissioner and in two roles with the BSA’s Area 7.  We thank these men for their service and leadership to our great council! 

(Chris Habenicht was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award during the June 18th council annual business meeting.  Pictured with him are his wife Nancy and Eagle Scout son Paul.)

Now is the time to plan your unit’s fall recruiting of new youth members.  Did you know that each year, our council has to recruit or re-recruit over 3,000 youth members just to maintain our previous year’s membership level?  That’s right.  Even in the best of years, during the annual charter renewal process, more than 25 % of our youth members will drop off their unit registrations for a variety of reasons.  Our council’s largest youth recruitment effort is known as Join Scouting Nights (JSN), which runs from late August to early October and involves each Cub Scout Pack and local elementary school holding a JSN at the school to which Cub Scout age boys have been invited to join.  We expect to recruit more than 3,500 Cub Scouts this year and we need your help and support.  90 % of Boy Scouts have come through the Cub Scout program, so it is imperative that Troops and Packs work together with our council staff and volunteers to offer the adventure of Scouting to as many boys as possible..  By the way, during this JSN recruitment, we promise the boys a great Scouting adventure for the next summer! 

Thank you for your leadership and support for Scouting and our young people.  Let me know how I can be of help to you at brad.nesheim@scouting.org. 

Brad Nesheim, Scout Executive
Heart of Virginia Council

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Council Elects New Officers and Executive Committee Members

Council Elects New Officers and
Executive Committee Members for 2015-2016

At the June 18^th council annual business meeting, a slate of council officers and a slate of appointed executive committee members were elected after being presented by the council’s nominating committee chairman, Henry Long. 

Those elected by position, are:

Council President                             John K. McCulla
Past President                                  Christopher J. Habenicht, Esq.
Commissioner                                   Lloyd C. Dunnanvant
Vice President                                  Gary L. Gibbs
Vice President                                  John D. Smatlak
Vice President                                  Gordon W. Fruetel
Vice President                                  David H. Martin
Vice President                                  John O. Hunnicutt
Vice President                                  J. Philip R. Victor
Vice President                                  Thomas M. Clayton
Treasurer                                         Blake P. Auchmoody, Jr.
Assistant Treasurer                          J. Lee Keiger, III
Attorney                                           G. Andrew Nea, Jr., Esq.
Executive Committee Member          Mark S. Cross
Executive Committee Member          Henry P. Long
Executive Committee Member          Robert E. Preston
Executive Committee Member          William H. Talley, IV
Executive Committee Member          Gary E. Thompson, Esq.
Executive Committee Member          Bruce W. Tibbetts
Executive Committee Member          Granville G. Valentine, III

Additionally, the following were elected as District Chairmen:

Rivers District Chairman                  Martin R. Shirilla
Battlefield District Chairman            William J. Hefele, DDS
Arrohattoc District Chairman           Drew E. Biehler
Huguenot Trail District Chairman    William M. Mulvihill, II
Cardinal District Chairman              Michael B. Ballato, Esq.
Crater District Chairman                 Virginia R. Cherry, Ph.D.
Capitol District Chairman                Jonathan M. Murdoch-Kitt, Esq. 

The following were elected as National Council Representatives:

John K. McCulla (Council President)
Lloyd C. Dunnavant (Council Commissioner)
Christopher J. Habenicht
Henry P. Long

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July Calendar

1-4     Boy Scout Summer Camp Session #3 at Camp T. Brady Saunders
1-4     Cub Resident Camp Session #4 at Cub Adventure Camp
3         Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
4         Independence Day Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
5         Philmont Contingent Returns
5-11    Boy Scout Summer Camp Session #4 at Camp T. Brady Saunders
5-8     Cub Resident Camp Session #5 at Cub Adventure Camp
8-11    Cub Resident Camp Session #6 at Cub Adventure Camp
12-18  Boy Scout Summer Camp Session #5 at Camp T. Brady Saunders
12-15  Cub Resident Camp Session #7 at Cub Adventure Camp
15-18  Cub Resident Camp Session #8 at Cub Adventure Camp
19-25  Boy Scout Summer Camp Session #6 at Camp T. Brady Saunders

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FIRE 2018

FIRE 2018

Growing Scouting is important.  Besides delivering a great program to every youth member, growing membership in Scouting is the next most important thing.  It’s so important that the Heart of Virginia Council has adopted a Membership Growth plan for the next 4 years called FIRE 2018.

The plan’s stated goal is to grow the council’s total youth membership to 14,000 youth by the end of 2018 through 5 key strategies: Building Teams of Volunteers, Youth Recapture, Webelos-to-Scout Transition, New Unit Organization, and the Join Scouting Campaign.

Take a look at the plan at http://hovc.org/resources/recruiting/.

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JTE News

Journey To Excellence

Building Scouting

Objective #2 for all programs is to grow your membership.  Every unit should have a membership growth plan coming out of a program planning process taking place this summer.  Planning resources can be found on the council website at this link:  http://hovc.org/resources/program-planning/  Need help?  Contact your commissioner (see district column).  

Journey To Excellence scorecards and budget worksheets can be found at http://www.scouting.org/jte.aspx.

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New Cub Scout Program

10 Things Den Leaders Should Know About the New Cub Scouts Program

1. The new Cub Scouts program is more active for boys, and will make sure the boys are really connected with Scouting and with fun.

2. Immediate recognition is a hallmark of the new program, and will be easy to award and easy to wear.

3. The new Den Leader guides are incredibly detailed, and the activities are well mapped out etc.

4. Pack meeting plans will include more interaction between Dens. As an example, one Bear adventure gives Bears an opportunity to teach games to younger Scouts. And there will also be more recognition opportunities within the Pack meetings.

5. Transition: It’s easy. The new program curriculum is designed to pick up where the old one left off. So moving from a Wolf to a Bear for example is just a matter of stepping into the new program. No need to worry about redoing assignments, or catching up. Starting on June 1st, if you are a new Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or starting the Webelos, just use the new program materials.

6. Getting parents involved. Den leader materials have been developed in great detail. Everything is in one place, which makes it easy for parents (especially parents new to Scouting) to get involved.

7. Dealing with change: We want the boys to have a great Cub Scout experience, that’s what it’s all about. With this new program, there is more potential to connect with boys while using upgraded materials.

8. Strength through simplicity: Advancement is streamlined. Seven adventures produces a rank advancement. Leaders can now have something that puts everything all in one place. The new program materials are designed to be easy to use for leaders, and a lot of fun for the boys. Again, the Den Leader Guide is the ONE place for everything you need to offer a great Scouting program.

9. Availability: While hard copies are available at Scout Shops and at Scoutstuff.org, the BSA will also offer through Amazon.com digital copies of all the Den Leader guides.

10. Stay informed: by checking www.Scouting.org/programupdates  frequently.

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Summer Camp Card Sale Extension

Does your unit need more money to run your Summer program?

 We are offering a Summer Sale Extension on our 2015 Camp Card Program!  The Summer Sale will run until Friday, July 31st.  This is a risk free product sales project where all Scouts can earn their way to camp or simply support unit program or supply needs.  Each Camp Card will sell for only $5.00 to the general public and will have multiple food, service and entertainment discounts for the customer to use throughout the year.  The participating unit will keep 50% commission of the sales for each Camp Card sold ($2.50 per card).  Deals on the Camp Cards include 15% off SweetFrog; a FREE drink and fries when you purchase any thickburger at Hardee’s; buy any exhibit ticket and get one of equal or lesser value FREE at the Science Museum of Virginia; and $20 off any service at Midas of Richmond.  The card also includes 4 single-use break-off discount offers for Q Barbeque, Sports Clips, Massage Envy and other deals (you can choose one of over 400 on-line deals in the State of Virginia with your special access code).  To find out more and sign-up for the sale, visit http://hovc.org/campcards/.  Don’t miss out on this amazing extended opportunity!

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Pathway to Eagle

On June 19th over 200 Scouts participated in an emergency drill conducted by four Eagle Scout candidates and hosted by Chippenham Hospital.  This large scale event took a lot of coordination and helped local fire and rescue, police and ambulance agencies, and the hospital, review their protocols and response plans for a disaster. In this scenario a bomb went off during a parade and Scouts posed as victims and were labeled with various traumatic injuries.  The Scouts were able to use this as one of the requirements for Emergency Preparedness merit badge.  

To read more about the event go to the Richmond Times Dispatch article (click here) or EMS World article (click here).

Photo Credit: Pete Uitvlucht (Troop 840)

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Miss UP3+?

Miss UP3+?

You weren’t able to attend UP3+?  That’s a shame.  You missed out on a great training course about unit program planning, recognition of Gold, Silver, and Bronze JTE units, the hard-copy council calendar, and a patch.

All is not lost.  To get digital versions of the calendar and all of the UP3+ packet handouts, go to  http://hovc.org/resources/program-planning/, and you’ll be able to download everything…minus the patch, human interaction, & fun times with your fellow adult Scouting volunteers.

If you need one-on-one help with program planning, you do have some human resources available…your unit commissioner, your District Executive, and our Program Support Executive, Heather Dunton, heather.dunton@scouting.org.  Any of those folks would be happy to talk with you about turning your unit program planning process into a way to energize parents and youth by planning an amazing year of Scouting.

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Cub Scout Day Camp

Cub Scout Day Camp registration is still open for Battlefield, Crater and Arrohattoc Districts. Day Camp is a fun week of hands on activities and an incredibly low price.  Learn more about dates and registration at http://hovc.org/camping/council-day-camps/.

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United Way

To: Scout leaders, Scout parents, Supporters of Scouting

Many employers in our area conduct a United Way, Combined Virginia Campaign, or Combined Federal Campaign in the fall, often with requests and incentives for employees to participate.  If you participate in a company campaign, please consider designating your gift to the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America using United Way of Greater Richmond- Petersburg code #2416, CFC code #17567, CVC code #3444, or LGS code #7308.

Be advised that in June 2015, the United Way of Greater Richmond-Petersburg stopped allocating dollars to support Scouting programs. Donor designations are now the only way that the Heart of Virginia Council receives support through that United Way.  If you do not donor designate your gift to support Scouting by writing “#2416, Heart of Virginia Council, BSA” in the designation section of the pledge form, none of your United Way contribution will go to support Scouting.

United Way charges an 15% administrative fee for processing designations. If you’d like 100% of your contribution to go to Scouting, consider giving directly to the Heart of Virginia Council.

Please call Scout Executive Brad Nesheim at 804-204-2611 or email him at brad.nesheim@scouting.org, if you have any questions.

Thanks for your support and consideration.

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Scouting for Food

Scouting for Food is the annual food drive coordinated by the Heart of Virginia Council to benefit FeedMore (formerly the Central Virginia Food Bank.)  This is the one council coordinated service project for our communities.  Include Scouting For Food in your unit’s plans for the fall.  Please make a note that units will be distributing bags on or around Saturday October 3, 2015 and pick them up on Saturday, October 10, 2015.  Bag distribution will take place in mid September.  Stay tuned for more information.  

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2015 Popcorn Sale

Sign up NOW for the 2015 Popcorn Sale!

It’s time to start planning for your unit’s Trail's End popcorn sale!  Simply fill out the Unit Commitment Form electronically and then save it locally to your computer.  Email the completed form to heather.dunton@scouting.org. 

2015 Popcorn Sale Key Dates:

8/11           Capitol District Explosion - Service Center @ 7PM
8/17           Crater District Explosion - Wesley UMC @ 7PM
8/18           Cardinal District Explosion-Martin’s,Shoppes at CrossRidge @ 7PM
8/20           Arrohattoc District Explosion - Hopewell UMC @ 7PM
8/25           Huguenot Trail District Explosion - Mt. Pisgah UMC @ 7PM
8/27           Battlefield District Explosion - Fairfield Presbyterian @ 7PM
9/1             Popcorn Sale Begins!
9/3             Rivers District Explosion - Beale Memorial @ 7PM
9/14           Show & Deliver Orders Due
9/25 & 26  Show & Deliver Popcorn Distribution
11/9           Popcorn Sale Ends!
11/9           Final Popcorn Orders, Fill-it-up Forms, Journey to Excellence Reports and Free Camp/Top Seller Reports Due!
11/20 & 21 Final Popcorn Distribution
12/5           POPCORN BLAST DAY!!!
12/18         Final Payment and Prize Orders Due!

Questions about the 2015 Popcorn Sale can be directed to:

Program Support Executive – Heather Dunton, 804-355-4306, heather.dunton@scouting.org

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Tireless James

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Sporting Clays

For more information about the Richmond Area Sporting Clays Classic, please contact Brett Smiley at brett.smiley@scouting.org or 804-204-2612.

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Philmont

The 2015 Council Philmont contingent left Richmond June 20th.  On their way to Philmont they visited the Air Force Academy and hiked Pike’s Peak to get acclimated to the elevation.  To learn how to register for the 2016 trip go to:  http://hovc.org/resources/philmont-2015/.

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

STILL A FEW SPACES LEFT FOR SUMMER CAMP 2015

Schedule
WEEK 4, July 5 – 11, 2015
WEEK 5, July 12 – 18, 2015 **SOLD OUT**
WEEK 6, July 19 – 25, 2015 **Nearly SOLD OUT**

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!

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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 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

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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

July

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

August

4-8      Cub Scout Day Camp, Pocahontas State Park
6          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
6          District Roundtable Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
19        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
22        BALOO Training, 7:30AM, Albright Scout Reservation

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 2^nd 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/

July

No Meetings for July

Your pause for safety this month is:

Safety Afloat & The Aquatics Supervision manual national SKU #621005 2015. Printing has been updated to reflect the new Cub Scout Adventures. Please make sure your unit has a copy and has read and follows all safety rules concerning aquatics activities including when using Aquatic play structures. Don't let your summer turn tragic.
(http://www.scouting.org/Home/OutdoorProgram/Aquatics.aspx)

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!

Right now we only have 8 people signed up to go to day camp! We do not want to have to cancel the camp. If we do not have the proper numbers, we will be forced to cancel due to the lack of interest.

Every Scout deserves to go to camp. Please do not delay and sign up today! Late fees apply after July 10, 2015!

July 27-31 will be the Battlefield District Twilight Camp at Fairfield Presbyterian Church. Note this is a change in date! The Day Camp fee is $100 per Scout. ($85 early bird discount before July 10, 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. The Day Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt and patch as well as covering all insurance costs and program materials.

Please go to the link below for the leader's guide and to register for 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

Explorer Post 607 - Hanover Fire & EMS Post Graduation

Congratulations to those Explorers that graduated from the Hanover Fire & EMS academy on Tuesday, June 9, 2015.

There are three posts in Hanover County. There are also other posts in the council. Contact us at the address below to learn more.

1. Hanover County Sheriff's Office. - Post 606
2. Hanover County Fire & EMS - Post 607
3. Medical Explorers at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center.

Exploring is a worksite-based program. It is part of Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years old.

Exploring’s purpose is to provide experiences that help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities.

Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations initiate a specific Explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop.

Exploring programs are based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.

If you are interested in learning more about Exploring, please contact us at battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com. Please vist the national’s exploring website at http://exploring.learningforlife.org/.

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Capitol District

District Chairman: Jonathan Murdoch-Kitt, 804-321-5100, jonathan@murdochkittlaw.com
District Commissioner: Terrence Thompson, 704 883-6425, tthomp466@gmail.com
Senior District Executive: George Smith, 804-204-2632, george.smith@scouting.org

July

3          Service Center closed – Independence Day
*           No District meetings scheduled in July
6-10     SDE out of the office

August

7          Cub Scout/Boy Scout Roundtable, 7:00PM, First Baptist Church

‘New’ Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner: Heni Stein henibt18@comcast.net

Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner: Neil Lubin nclubin@msn.com

The Capitol District Committee wishes to thanks Dave Ansell who has been promoted to Assistant Council Commissioner. Dave will be missed. In his new role, he will offer support to Roundtables council-wide and we deeply appreciate his nine years of service to the Capitol District as Roundtable Commissioner. Interested in being on the roundtable staff?  Contact Neil or Heni for more info. We know that this team will not miss a beat. See you at Roundtable in August.

Program Planning Notes

The following units have not picked up their 2015-16 program planning kits. Packs 440, 442, 478, 487 492, 499   Troops 414, 442, 444, 476, 478, 487, 492. Contact your executive to arrange pick-up or delivery if needed.  These kits contain your important calendar & program planning information.

Key Dates and Activities on the Horizon

Join Scouting Nights are September 14^th through September 30^th – Plan to add new recruits to your Pack this fall. Recruitment materials are available for schools, churches and community locations. Fliers can be customized to meet your Pack needs. Plan on presenting a good impression to new parents and new boys for your Pack. It’s our best opportunity to get boys and families interested in Scouting.

New...

This year we are planning for improvements in professional marketing to schools, better Pack school night programs and for the first time a district sponsored Tiger & Cub Scout event October 7th or 14th to immediately get the new recruits and their families engaged in the fun world of Cub Scouting. Candy Johnson will chair the School Night effort in 2015. If you have ideas or would of like to join the back to school team, please contact Candy Johnson at cjohnson498@verizon.net or George at george.smith@scouting.org.

Boy Scout Troops

Set the date: November 6-8 for the Capitol District Camporee.  Program details and location to be announced. If you would like to help or be on staff, please contact Alan Johnson at amjengr@gmail.com.

News Flash !!!

The BSA national office has selected the local film, Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions as the centerpiece of national new Boy Scout Troop efforts. The film has been screened in cities throughout the country and has successfully been utilized as a major recruiting tool. Plans are underway in the Richmond area for additional screenings. Schedule a popcorn night for your Troop and have your Scouts invite a prospect to movie night.  I guarantee that the uninitiated will be excited to join your Troop after seeing the film. Produced and directed by Richmond native ‘Praheme’ the film tells a poignant contemporary tale of life of an urban youth and the events that shape him. Order online or pick up your DVD copy at the Trading Post.

OA NEWS

Next Absegami Chapter 4 Meeting, 6:30PM, Tuesday, September 7, First Baptist Church Contact Donald hill if your Troop needs an OA troop election, donald.forrest.hill@gmail.com or
804.397.5275.

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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
Senior District Executive:  Joseph Orr, 204-2620, joseph.orr@scouting.org

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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

July

27-31  Crater District Day Camp; Richard Bland College Pecan Grove

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 $100 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

NO DISTRICT MEETINGS THIS MONTH

Crater District will not meet for Roundtable or for the District Committee this month.  Enjoy your summer and please do not hesitate to contact your District Key 3 if you need anything at all.

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: Bill Mulvihill, 804 380 2794, bmulvihill@markelcorp
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

July

There are no official meetings of the District in July, however we will likely have an informal meeting of the District Committee Chairs, to be determined.

Membership

• Non-Renewed Scouts: During the month of June, members of the District Committee have been contacting those families of Scouts who did not recharter to see if they would like to continue their Scouting journey in one form or another.   Leaders, please make sure that ALL youth and adult leaders are properly registered.
• New Scouts:  Early in the summer, there were many units that had recruiting events.  Campouts, pool parties, and raingutter regattas are all great ways to bring in new Scout families.  Please take the time to thoroughly orient new parents and leaders, make sure they take the necessary training, and get those boys having fun!  Most importantly, make sure those folks are registered as soon as possible!  Have you checked your email from BeAScout.org lately?  Several new hits have popped up and are waiting for your speedy reply!

Manpower

• The District Nominating Committee process has determined our new 2015-2016 District Members at Large slate and it has been approved.  However, the Nominating Committee will continue it’s process through the month of August, so that we can be as prepared as possible for the new program year!  Again, if you know someone in your Scouting family or community that would make an excellent candidate, please don’t hesitate to notify your SDE or District Chairman!
• The District Dinner and Award Ceremony :  Congratulations to H.C. Davis, Kathy Dunn, and Dan Maloy for earning and receiving the District Award of Merit, the highest award presented by the District to an adult volunteer.  All are tireless and innovative volunteers and deserve the recognition by their peers.  Thank you all for your great works furthering Scouting’s mission in Huguenot Trail!

Finance

• Friend$ of $couting:  It is of vital importance that every single Scouting family be asked to contribute.  Every donation, no matter how large or small is crucial, and gratefully received.  If you have not made a donation this year, please consider doing so this month.  All gifts are tax-deductible and payments can be made monthly over the remainder of the year.  Additionally, many employers make matching gifts, which can double your donation power.  There are employers that will make donations based on volunteer hours, such as the “Dollars for Doers” program, which will gift the most valuable donation of all, your time.
• Popcorn:  It may seem far away, but unit FUNdraising activities are just around the corner.  We had several units absolutely SMASH their money earning goals and we sincerely hope that ALL UNITS will utilize popcorn sales to do so.  Our Popcorn EXPLOSION will be on Tuesday, August 25^th, 7:00PM at Mt. Pisgah UMC.  Please make sure to select a Unit Popcorn Kernel and have them attend!

Program

• Annual Planning:  For those units who participated in UP3 at our District Award Dinner, you know just how CRITICAL it is to have a solid plan moving forward.  It is vital to take the time with leaders and parents and use the materials provided to come up with a fantastic program and a solid outline of how to fund it.  Some successful planning models have been pool parties and outdoor barbeques.  It doesn’t have to be a serious atmosphere to get some quality planning done.  Make sure the boys will have at least one peak experience this year, that they are able to go to camp, and your committee knows exactly how they will earn the money to do it.  Please consider the ready-made plans of popcorn sales and camp card sales to do so!

• Don’t forget your training!  Youth protection in particular, must be renewed every two years, and can most easily be renewed online. 

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Rivers District

   
District Chairman: Marty Shirilla, 804-436-7289, shirilla@lancastersheriff.net
District Commissioner: Freddy Dunn
Field Director: Jason Smith, 804-204-2616, jason.smith@scouting.org

July

No Meetings

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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

Christopher Ryan Bartlett    160   Fort Clifton Dock picnic area makeove
Dakota Stephen Boychuck    2815   Civil War site improvement
Robert Kasaizi Burris    498   Table assembly for Mary Munford School's garden
Alfred Peter Cappelli III   502   Civil War trail at New Song United Methodist Church
Russell Denver Chassey    6516   Church flower boxes
Rex Howard Crom    443   Bryan Park outdoor classroom
Joseph Austin Crouch    2837   8' X 8' shed for Carver Middle School
Joshua Bary Dalton    569   Build bookcase and paint and Faison School for Autism
Matthew Kenan Davis    876   Playground items for Providence Elementary School
Tyler Edward Duval    569   Baseball bat holders for Poor Farm Park, Hanover County Parks and Recreation
Kevin Stewart Foster II   900   "Leave a Legacy" Memorial at the Prince George Volunteer Fire Dept.
Jackson Rodes Gardner    498   Mouse nesting boxes for Three Lakes Park
Philip Jesson Hansen    536   Refurbishing and repairing Sandy Point Pier
Frederick Duncan Hicks    443   Bat houses for Rockwood Nature Center
Nathaniel Arlen Hiles    553   Picnic table for Richmond Miracle League
Zachary Stevenson Jenkins    2837   Lake view trail bench installments at Pocahontas State Park
Benjamin Mitchell Kernstine    832   Shed for Powhatan Lacrosse
Stephen Hayden Manden    2806   Eye glass collection boxes for local Lions Club
Aaron Luke Manning    900   Restore conference room/kitchen in church
Steven Ronald Martella    737   New pergula for Riverside PACE Community Center
Stuart Todd Martin    443   Picnic fireplace restoration at Bryan Park
Nicholas Adam Mezynski    2860   Bike racks for Friends of Pocahontas State Park
Ian Alexander Owens    2806   DVD's for Vets
Joshua Eli Polk    867   Built and placed signs for Civil War historical park in Chesterfield County
William Bryant Pulley    533   School kits
David Dennis Pulliam III   531   Paver sidewalk at Immanuel Episcopal Church
Ryan Peter Pyatak    2806   Portable horseshoe pits for McGuire Veterans Hospital
Benjamin Alan Schuhle       Playground revitalization for Beaverdam Baptist Church
Alexander Paul Michael Wilts    922   Church community garden for Bermuda Hundred United Methodist Church
Nicholas V. Curry Woolfolk    443   Kids Care Two

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

A. Wayde Glover
Susan Davis
James F. Dickerson
Sarah & T.C. Dickerson
Ms. Jane Ferneyhough
Janet Thompson & daughters Maureen and Allison
Pinnacle Treatment Centers
Sellati & Co., Inc.

Sam Lowman
David S. Lowman, Jr.

R. Steve Thomas
The COL Howard MacCord Chapter of the Archaeology Society of Virginia

In Honor Of

Thomas L. Disharoon III
Thomas L. Disharoon

Mark A. Larson
Mr. Bruce A. Kay

Ryan M. Mahr
Bud & Gloria Fulcher

Anthony P. Smith
Thomas L. Disharoon

J. Miller Smithers
David S. Lowman, Jr.

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Scout Shop Notes

Scout Shop Notes

**The Scout Shop Will Be Closed Friday, July 3rd & Saturday, July 4th in Observance of Independence Day**

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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