Program Planning

Share your 2015-2016 program highlights with us!

At this point, most packs, troops, crews, and posts have completed their planning for the upcoming program year.  Hopefully you were able to attend UP3+, get tips and ideas on best practices for program planning, and conducted an effective program planning conference for your unit.

We’d like to hear what your unit has planned for 2015-16.  Specifically, tell us about one new & exciting activity or trip that your unit has planned for the coming year that it did not do last year.  Email a brief (4-sentence) description of this new activity/trip to bill.givler@scouting.org.  Please put “New Program Contest” in the subject line.  The unit leaders of the 5 units with the most exciting new activity/trip will receive a vintage collectible BSA mug.

If you haven’t held your program planning conference yet, all is not lost.  We are holding this contest open until August 31.    If you missed UP3+, you can get digital versions of the calendar and all of the UP3+ packet handouts, at  http://hovc.org/resources/program-planning/.

If you need one-on-one help with program planning, your unit commissioner, your District Executive, and our Program Support Executive, Heather Dunton, heather.dunton@scouting.org, are ready and willing to assist you.

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Council Calendar

2-8  Buckskin National Youth Leader Training Conference at Camp T. Brady Saunders
11   Capitol District Popcorn Explosion 
12   Commissioner Cabinet Meeting
13   Executive Committee Meeting
17   Crater District Popcorn Explosion
18   Cardinal District Popcorn Explosion
20   Arrohattoc District Popcorn Explosion
25   Huguenot Trail District Popcorn Explosion
27   Battlefield District Popcorn Explosion
29   Cub Leader Trainer Training

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Join Scouting Campaign

Get Ready, Here Comes the Join Scouting Campaign

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

Join Scouting Night, our annual campaign to add new families, new volunteers, and new Scouts to packs, troops, and crews in the Heart of Virginia Council, will start in September, just one month from now.  Our goal is to recruit 900 new adult volunteers this Fall.  With them, 3,500 new Scout families.  We can do it, with your help.  Here are three ways that you can get involved in Join Scouting Night:

1. Help with your unit’s marketing effort  Every pack, troop, crew, and post should conduct a “Join” event for new youth this fall.  Whether it’s a Join Scouting Night at the school, a Bring-a-Buddy pool party, or an Open House, help get new families to attend and join.
2. Attend your District’s Join Scouting Night Kick-off/Training Event.  Most of these are happening in mid-to-late August.  Check out your district’s Show up, hear about the plan, and get involved if you can.
3. Tell others.  You know people – probably lots of people who have Scout-age kids.  Once you know your unit’s Join Scouting Night date, invite non-Scout families to attend and join this great program.  Word of mouth means so much more than a flyer at school.  Tell people through your Facebook page or other social media you use.  Get the word to the people.

Here are 4 recruiting tools that are available to us this year for Join Scouting Night:

1. Joinscoutsva.org online registration portal.  Parents can go online, register their child for Scouting and pay the registration fees.  Scout Service Center Staff will then get those parents connected to the unit leader of the group they want to join.  Join Scouting Nights will remain our primary entry point, but for parents who cannot attend the JSN at their school, joinscoutsva.org  will be there.
2. Every New Cub Scout who joins between August 1 and September 31, 2015 will receive a set of BSA binoculars.  These 4 x 28mm power binoculars help bring the outdoors just a little bit closer.

3.  Youth-to-youth recruiting cards are business card-sized mini-invitations that your Scouts can fill out, take to school, and distribute to their friends in the week leading up to your Join Scouting Night.  They work and younger Scouts love giving them out.
4.   We have 1,000 yard signs and hundreds of posters at the Scout Service Center in Richmond.  Get some.  Put them up.  Help spread the word.

Look for more information about Join Scouting Night in the September edition of The Courier.  Stay engaged.  Tell others.  Thank you for helping keep Scouting strong.

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Adult Leadership Standards Update

Adult Leadership Standards Update

July 27, 2015 – Today, the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board ratified a resolution that removes the national restriction on openly gay adult leaders and employees. The resolution is effective immediately. Of those present and voting, 79 percent voted in favor of the resolution.

Chartered organizations will continue to select their adult leaders and religious chartered organizations may continue to use religious beliefs as criteria for selecting adult leaders, including matters of sexuality. This change allows Scouting’s members and parents to select local units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of their families. This change also respects the right of religious chartered organizations to choose adult volunteer leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own.

Moving forward, we will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth, helping them grow into good, strong citizens. By focusing on the goals that unite us, we are able to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.

For additional information, please visit http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/key-topics/bsa-membership- policies/.

You can read the full resolution at this link:  click here.

You can also view BSA President Robert Gates’ remarks at the May national annual business meeting at this link: click here.

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JTE News

Journey To Excellence

Outdoor Program

August is the time to wrap up your unit’s 2015-2016 program plan and calendar.  Be sure you have purposeful outings scheduled throughout the year.  Not just camping, but determine the purpose and outcomes from each outing.  

Packs JTE #6 Outdoor Activities - Each den has the opportunity to participate in five outdoor activities or field trips during the year.

Troops JTE #6 Short-term camping - conduct 9 short-term campouts.  

Crews JTE #4 Adventure - conduct at least 6 activities.  

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Cub Scout Day Camp

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

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2017 National Scout Jamboree

The 2017 National Scout Jamboree will be held from July 19 to July 28, 2017. If you want to register or learn more about the next Jamboree, go to:  http://www.summitbsa.org/events/jamboree/overview/.

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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 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 a 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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2015 Popcorn Sale

SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SALE! 

Unless you're new, you probably know that the Trail's End Popcorn Sale raises vital dollars for Units to fund their scouting programs.  Our Top Unit sold over $30,000 last year and our Units raised a total of $270,000 in profits!

Most importantly, the sale provides an opportunity to teach our Scouts important life lessons like the value of earning their own way, developing a positive work ethic and to communicate effectively with others.  For many units, the popcorn sale is their only fundraiser where they raise enough money to fund their entire program!

To participate in this year's sale, fill out the Popcorn Sale Unit Commitment Form by clicking the link HERE.  Email your completed form to heather.dunton@scouting.org.  

It is very important to register now to ensure we have sales materials available for your Unit at the Popcorn Explosion event.

RSVP TO ATTEND A POPCORN EXPLOSION!

What's a Popcorn Explosion?  Don't worry... we're not going to blow anything up!  The Explosion is a fun kick-off and training session where we will provide you with vital info on how to plan, prepare, execute and deliver a sale that will fund the budget for your best Scouting year ever!  Popcorn order forms and sales materials will be handed out and we will share new ideas and incentives for this year's program!  Two lucky units at each Explosion will win a Custom Popcorn Costume! 

You won't want to miss it! 

Click one of the dates below & SIGN UP!  All events are at 7:00 p.m.

August 11 - Council Service Center- Richmond
August 17 - Wesley United Methodist- Colonial Heights
August 18 - Martin's, Shoppes at CrossRidge- Glen Allen
August 20 - Hopewell United Methodist - Chesterfield
August 25 - Mt. Pisgah United Methodist - Midlothian
August 27 - New Hanover Presbyterian- Mechanicsville
September 3 - Beale Memorial- Tappahannock

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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Recycling Program

The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority - CVWMA, has created a recycling program that will be fun and educational for Scouts, and includes a patch upon completion.  Working on this program can help with advancement badge work also. Learn more at these links:

Link to Scout Patch http://cvwma.com/cvwma-education/special-scout-patch-program/

Link to patch criteria ( this can be entered online as well as pictures from community project) http://cvwma.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Scout-Badge-Criteria-Final.pdf

Link to CVWMA 12 member local governments  http://cvwma.com/locations/

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Scouting For Food

Scouting for Food Overview:

In October 2015, the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America, will conduct its annual Scouting for Food campaign.  This important community service project is designed to fight hunger locally by helping to fill the shelves of neighborhood food banks at a time of year when needs are high and supplies are low.  During the last 28 years, this national BSA program has collected millions of non-perishable food items for families in need.  Our collaborative council goal is to collect 200,000 pounds.  A second objective is to increase community awareness about hunger in Central Virginia.

            How does the Scouting for Food campaign work?  Scouts will distribute bags promoting Scouting for Food on Saturday, October 3, to each residence in their assigned neighborhood.  The following Saturday, October 10, Scouts will return to these homes to collect donated food items and deliver them to local food banks.

4 opportunities to pick up Scouting For Food bags in the Richmond/Petersburg metro area: 

Primary pick up at FeedMore:  Wednesday, September 16th -  Units can pick up bags between 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  Refreshments will be available and tours of the food bank will be offered. 

Second pick up at FeedMore: Tuesday, September 22nd.  4:00 to 7:00 pm

FeedMore will take bags to two locations to meet units in:

Tri-Cities area - location and time TBD

Woodlake/Midlothian area  -  location and time TBD

Northern Neck and Farmville - FeedMore will drop off bags a those food banks for units to pick up with some agreed upon arrangement with those food banks.  

2014 results are posted at this link:  http://hovc.org/articles/2014/11/scouting-for-food/

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Flags Over Richmond

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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

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

• August 10^th at noon - Winter Camp Registration Begins 
  • http://bradysaunders.net/camp/wintercamp.html
• October 17 – Tiger Rally at Adventure Camp
  • http://www.cubadventurecamp.net/tiger.html
• October 24 – 25 – Creepy Hollow at Adventure Camp
  • http://www.cubadventurecamp.net/fall.html

Winter Camp

January 15 - 18, 2016

Registration begins August 10, 2015

Online Merit Badge Registration Opens on November 16, 2015

Cost $55.00

$50 FOR ADULTS

LIMITED HEATED HOUSING AVAILABLE $25.00

BRING YOUR OWN TENT- CAMPING HAS NO ADDITIONAL FEE

Troops and Individual Scouts Welcome

http://bradysaunders.net/camp/wintercamp.html

TIGER RALLY

TIGER CUBS AND THEIR ADULT PARTNERS

Saturday, October 17, 2015
10:00AM to 3:00PM

Cub and Webelos Adventure Camp
1699 Maidens Rd Maidens, VA

$8.00 per person

• Tiger Parade starts at noon
• Preorder a hot dog lunch or pack a lunch

Carnival type activities including:

Rocket Throw	Fishing
BMX Bikes	Wrist Rockets
Tiger Games	Tiger Parade
Arts & Crafts

                                                                                     
Tiger Rally activities offered are designed to meet the needs and skills of boys who are entering the 1st Grade or are 6 years old, however older siblings are welcome.

Information Available at www.cubadventurecamp.net

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Creepy Hollow

A Howl-O-Ree Event

October 24 – 25, 2015

Cub & Webelos Adventure Camp

Join us at Adventure Camp for a weekend of Fall & Haunted activities.  Spend the night in your own tent, one of our bunk houses, or just visit for the day.

Once a year, the horseman rides, and this night he could be looking for you!

The Heart of Virginia Council invites all Cub And Webelos Scouts to visit

Activities will be related to Fall & Halloween themes.  Other events include BB’s, Archery, Fishing, Haunted Trail, Trick or Treat, Crafts, a Costume Contest and so much more!

FEES & REGISTRATION:  $20 per person which includes:

• Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast
• All Program Materials
• The Trading Post will be open during the event

Program Guide Available at www.cubadventurecamp.net

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Summer Camp 2016

Camp T. Brady Saunders

2016 Program Guide Available at www.bradysaunders.net

Schedule
WEEK 1, June 19 – 25, 2016
WEEK 2, July 26 – July 2, 2016
WEEK 3, July 3 – 9, 2016
WEEK 4, July 10 – 16, 2016
WEEK 5, July 17 – 23, 2016
WEEK 6, July 24 – 30, 2016

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 15, 2016 and ½ of fees paid after March 15, 2016 $295

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

1 free leader for every 10 paid Scouts

No Program or Merit Badge fees for any regular camp program!

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Cub Adventure Camp

2016

Wild West Adventure – Summer Camp

Adventure Camp
Heart of Virginia Council Scout Reservation

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.CUBADVENTURECAMP.NET

Hold-A-Space for the 2016 summer is only $10.00 per attendee

Cub and Webelos Sessions

     RESIDENT CAMP SESSIONS

     Session 1 – June 26 - 29, 2016
     Session 2 - June 29 – July 2, 2016 
     Session 3 - July 6 - 10, 2016
     Session 4 - July 10 -13, 2016
     Session 5 - July 17 -20, 2016

     WEEKEND ADVENTURES

     Weekend 1 - July 15 - 17, 2016         $65 per person

     Weekend 2 - July 22 - 24, 2016            * Register by March 15, 2016 for an Early Bird rate of $60 per person

Questions?  Contact Mic Mullins 804-204-2625 or mic.mullins@scouting.org

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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: Arthur Chester, 804-370-6129 , bbalref@gmail.com
District Executive: Matt Malone, 804-204-2618, matt.malone@scouting.org
Website: www.arrohattoc.com

August

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

September

3          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
3          District Roundtable Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
11-13  OA Fall Service Weekend, Camp T. Brady Saunders
16        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
19        Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training (Indoor), 8:00AM-5:00PM, TBD       

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.

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/

August

5  Commissioner Meeting @ 6:30PM at New Hanover Presbyterian Church
5  Roundtable @ 7:30PM at New Hanover Presbyterian Church
10  Order of the Arrow Chapter 5 Meeting at Fairfield Presbyterian Church
18 District Committee Meeting @ 7:30PM, at Fairfield Presbyterian Church
27  Battlefield Popcorn Explosion @ Location TBA

Twilight Camp
A great time was had by all. We want to thank the staff for all their hard work into putting camp on.  We are looking for staff to plan camp for next year. If you are interested please let us know by contacting us at battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com.

Fall Merit Badge Camporee
The Fall Camporee will be October 23-25. Please keep checking the district facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BattlefieldDistrictInTheHeartOfVirginiaCouncilBsa?ref=hl for more details as they become available. . We hope to have registration open by Mid-August.

Multi-Unit Events
Does your unit want to hold an event with another unit or more? It is a great way to build unit esprit de corps. However did you know there is a procedure that must be followed first?

“There are occasions when units conduct activities or events that involve other units. Units that wish to host events involving other units must have the approval as outlined below. This includes events for packs, troops, teams, crews, and ships from the same council; neighboring councils; the same region; or other regions.

1. The proposed unit event must contribute directly or indirectly to the strengthening of participating units’ program.

2. The proposal, including a written statement of the objectives of the event, must be submitted to the local council Scout executive for approval.

3. If units from councils within the same region will be involved, the Scout executive must then forward the proposal to the region for its approval.

4. If units from other regions will be involved, the proposal must be forwarded to the appropriate division of the national office for review and approval.”

Taken from the Activities and Civic Committee Guide:

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/mission/pdf/33082.pdf page 20.

Food for thought

“Competition: Special note on competition It is a long-standing policy of the BSA that competition, reward, and recognition in Scouting are based on youth reaching a standard of excellence and not on a championship/winner-takes-all system. This youth development practice in Scouting is based on the doctrine “On my honor, I will do my best,” not “We will beat the other team at all costs.” This Scouting principle motivates youth to reach their maximum potential, to help others to reach their personal best, and to expand the sense of Scouting fellowship. Competition at national jamborees, council events, district activities, and in unit program and individual youth member achievement is that in which all who can match an established standard can be declared winners. (This is not to discount patrol competition in the troop where the Scoutmaster can observe week-to-week progress of patrols and adjust interpatrol activity for all to benefit.) District and council activity committee members should help others throughout the council to understand this important Scouting tenet.”

Taken from the Activities and Civic Committee Guide: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/mission/pdf/33082.pdf page 10

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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

August

4     Capitol District Committee Meeting, Scout Service Center, 6:00PM
4     Cub Scout/Boy Scout Roundtable, Scout Service Center, 7:00PM
4     OA Chapter Meeting, Scout Service Center, 7:00PM
11   Popcorn Explosion, Scout Service Center, 7:00PM

September

1     Capitol District Committee Meeting, First Baptist Church, 6:00PM
7     Labor Day – Service Center Closed
8     District Join School Night Rally, Scout Service Center 7:00PM

Special Note

The Capitol district committee and leader roundtables will meet at the Scout service center in August. Mark your calendars and schedules with the change of location for August only.

Popcorn Explosion

August 11, 7:00pm,   Scout Service Center  Units should select your pack and troop popcorn kernel and get them to the Popcorn Explosion.  In addition to supporting your unit budget, boys love selling popcorn and it teaches valuable skills and builds confidence. Scouts can also earn some great prizes as well! Eva Ferguson, Capitol Popcorn Kernel – will be reaching out to each pack and troop to participate. It’s easy, fun and a surefire way to build your unit treasury. Contact Eva at ewfergus1@aol.com or your field executive, george.smith@scouting.org for more information. 

New Cub Scout Program Changes

The changes in the Cub Scout program are in effect. The new books are in stock and training updates will be offered this fall.  The changes should result in more exciting opportunities for new Cub Scouts but also easier record keeping & den management for adult leaders. Importantly, we are planning to re-introduce personal training to new cub leaders in our district. Online training will continue but will be supplemented by training seminars offered by experience staff. We want to help todays’ busy families seamlessly accommodate Cub Scouting into their lives.

Join Scouting Night 2015 Update

We want to be prepared to welcome new recruits this fall. JSN is scheduled from September 14th through September 30^th. We want to add a couple of new wrinkles in the district effort this year. Please plan to attend the school night rally on September 8 at the Scout Service Center. Packs and troops should remember that we must put our best foot forward as we reach out for new members. Parents and kids have so many options these days for activities and their attention. The competition for Scouting is stiff and we must present a compelling case to join the Scouting family. Your district staff and leadership are ready to help in any way as we promote Scouting in your neighborhood, churches and schools. We are planning a follow-up event on October 10, 2015 for all new recruits to get them started right away in the Cub Scout program. Sign up to help.

Dr. Gloria Flowers has agreed to serve as district urban emphasis coordinator.  Dr. Flowers has many years of Scouting experience and is the proud mother of four Eagle Scouts and a professional Scout Executive. The Urban Emphasis focuses on providing direct Scouting programs to underserved sections of the city through staffed programs in schools, recreation centers and other community based organizations.  Contact Tommy Bacote, tommy.bacote@scouting.org for questions.  Our district has  over 20 packs and troops and one crew under the urban emphasis banner. The council commitment to serving all boys who want Scouting is very strong and the Capitol District takes the lead in providing these services. We also have urban emphasis units in Hopewell and Petersburg.  All boys need Scouting is our mantra in the city! Want to help? Contact your executive staff.

Think About It

It would be great if each unit would assign an adult volunteer to the district committee.With more manpower we could support the pack and troop programs better, provide commissioner service and overall increase the visibility of Scouting in our community. At the very least, your chartered organization representative (COR), as a legal voting member of the district, should be active at the district level. Let’s teach the Scout Oath and Law to every boy in Richmond. It’s a great roadmap to success!

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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

August

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

FALL RECRUITMENT

In August, we will have our Fall Join Scouting Night kickoff.  More information about the date, time, and location will be coming through by email very soon.  This will be a chance to come and make sure we know which schools your pack or troop would like to help recruit at.  Please contact Allen Crump with any questions.

POPCORN

The 2015 sale is almost here!  Is your unit signed up?  Last year, Crater district flew past its goal thanks to units like yours selling.  We can definitely do it again this year.  Contact Allen Crump if you would like to sign up for this year’s sale.

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

August

6 Roundtable (7pm, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
18 Join Scouting Night Training (7pm, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
19 District Committee Meeting (7pm, Location TBD)
25 Popcorn Explosion (7pm, Mt. Pisgah UMC)

Membership

Calendar Change:  Our District Join Scouting Night Training will now be on Tuesday, August 18^th at Mt. Pisgah UMC.  This is a change from August 6^th, in order to make sure that we have all the recruitment dates set, materials ready, and total participation from all our units from Powhatan, Midlothian and Bon Air.

Summer is in full swing for some, but can you believe that in the western counties, some schools will begin as early as August 5^th?!  This means that our Packs and Troops need to get prepared for NEW RECRUITS!

Geoff Angle has met with all of the superintendents in our district, and is still meeting with elementary school principals to get recruitment dates sorted out.  Due to a calendar glitch, we will have our Join Scouting Night training at this month’s Roundtable.  Hopefully all materials will be ready by then, but it is doubtful, due to vacation schedules, that all the sign up dates will be set.  In any case, even for the experienced leadership, it is critical to get the right mindset to engage new Scouting families.  Geoff will run the training and it won’t take any longer than Roundtable usually does.

Troops, you aren’t off the hook, either.  Open houses, anyone?  Middle School recruitments will be available as well, and we may have some opportunities for High Schools, too.

Manpower

• The District Nominating Committee process has determined our new 2014-2015 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!

Finance

• 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.  We have a new Program Executive, Heather Dunton, who was the former Popcorn Kernel fro Pack 836!  She carries a wealth of experience and enthusiasm and is ready to make your unit’s sale a success. It is a must to have your Unit Popcorn Kernel there!

Program

• Annual Planning:  For those units who participated in UP3 at Roundtable, 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

 

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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

Nicholas Colter Anderson    160   Appomattox Greenway trail marking
James David Benson    521   Built picnic tables for Taylor Park
Jonathan Race Bradley    534   Composting bins for Camp Hanover
William Kato Burris    498   Built benches for St. Benedict's School
Collin David Chamberlin    503   Built a dock at Stonewall Jackson Middle School
Avery Gibson Clavin    2806   Built 6 benches for the cross-country team outdoor classroom
Christopher Thomas Gangloff    800   Wilton House Museum path
Michael James Gregoire    800   Built shade pavillion for Good Shepherd Daycare and Child Development
Connor Miller Kirk    1891   Kay Robinson Foster Memorial Garden
Frederick Jergens Lyle III   534   Dog park seating area at Pole Green Park
Conner Davis Marsh    2860   Mobile library carts for Clover Hill Elementary
Brendan Lee McCrowell    1891   Rain collection system for Shalom Farms
Brian Alexander Miller    562   Cleaned, painted, built shelves and organized basement for Providence United Methodist Church
Matthew Nyberg Sorensen    766   Built benches for Westwood Park
John Garrett Toler    2894   Powhite Park Kiosks
Justin Andre Woody    491   Duffle bags for kids going into foster care
Tyler Alexander Zawislak    2806   Clean-up, planting, landscaping and replacing fence rails at Pocahontas State Park

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 Honor Of

Ian Coddington, Troop 444
Mr. and Mrs. J. Sheppard Haw III

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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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