Join Scouting Night

Join Scouting Night 2015

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

As a council, we are about to embark on our most important annual effort…the Join Scouting Campaign.  You can easily say that everything we do, from organizing amazing camping experiences to teaching youth the values of the Scout Oath and Law, is important.  JSN is still most important.  In 2014, over 3,200 boys became Cub Scouts during the campaign, taking the first and crucial step in their Scouting experience.  In 2013, 2,900 boys joined Cub Scouts during JSN.  Back in 2012, 2,000 kids joined during the fall.

You can see from those numbers that Cub Scouting in the Heart of Virginia Council is on a huge uptick, but we’re not taking anything for granted.  We ordered 1,000 “Join Scouting” yards signs and thousands of binoculars for new Scouts.  There are 11,000 “Join Scouting” pencils and hundreds of posters at the Scout Service Center, sitting next to 30,000 youth-to-youth recruiting cards, 50,000 door hangers, 8,000 promotional wristbands, and 100,000 JSN flyers.  Only one piece is missing…

You.  These promotional materials are useless unless Scouting volunteers get them and use them.  Contact your district executive and get some of these free materials to help promote your Pack’s Join Scouting Night.  We need your help, so stand up.  Let’s turn boys into Scouts.

Want to see our JSN Plan?  Check it out here.

While you’re at it, take a look at our FIRE 2018 Membership Growth Plan, here.

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Council Calendar

1        Popcorn Sale Begins
3        Popcorn Explosion!  Rivers District
5        Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
7        Labor Day - Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
11-13 Order of the Arrow Service Weekend & Ordeal
14       Popcorn First Orders Due On-line
14-18  "Join Scouting NIght" Week #1
17       Executive Board Meeting
17       Maintenance and Properties Comittee Meeting
19       Tire-less James
21-25  "Join Scouting NIght" Week #2
24       Eagle Society Reception
25-26  Popcorn First Order Distribution
25-27  Apollo Youth Leadership Training Weekend
28-2    "Join Scouting NIght" Week #3 
30       Program Department Meeting

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New Cub Scout Program

New Cub Scout Program Starts Now

We’re excited about the start of the Cub Scout year and the new program.  While this was officially launched June 1st, implementation really begins now.  Make sure your Pack is up to speed on the changes:

1.  Check out www.scouting.org/program updates

2.  Make sure your den leaders have completed online training, or preferably, are signed up for instructor based training.  Check out the training calendar at http://hovc.org/training/

3.  Den Leaders have leader guides?   Our Scout Shop at 4015 Fitzhugh Ave. Richmond 23230 has a full assortment of Den Leader guide and youth handbooks.  Are you ready to go?

New Den Leader resources can also be found at the Cubscouts.org website.

The new Cub Scout Pack meeting plans can be found at this link:  http://www.scouting.org/Home/CubScouts/Leaders/CubmasterResources/PackMeetingPlans.aspx

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JTE News

Journey To Excellence -Service

Developing a sense of service in youth is important in Scouting.  The best way to do that is to take on a need in the community and Scouts and families will feel good about completing a service project.

JTE objectives

#8 for Packs (for Gold) Participate in at least 3 service projects plus one that is conversation oriented and record the hours.

#8 for Troops (for Gold) Participate in five service projects (with at least one for the chartering organization) and enter the hours on the JTE website.

#7 for Crews (for Gold) Participate in four service projects (with at least one for the chartering organization) and enter the hours on the JTE website. 

The Heart of Virginia Council coordinates one major service project every year called Scouting For Food to benefit FeedMore (formerly the Central Virginia Food Bank).  (See the article in this newsletter.)  The Council also partners with the James River Association in support of the Tire-Less James project September 19th (article also in this Courier).

Log your service hours at https://servicehours.scouting.org.  

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2017 National Scout Jamboree

The 2017 National Scout Jamboree will be held from July 19 to July 28, 2017. Registration has now gone live at this link: http://www.summitbsa.org/events/jamboree/overview/  The Heart of Virginia Council will be putting together six Troops, each comprised of 36 Scouts and 4 adult leaders and one patrol of Venturers.  Leaders interested in serving as Scoutmasters and assistants need to register online through the same link. A selection process will be determined soon and announced.  Interviews will most likely take place in early 2016.  Adults interested in serving on staff at the Jamboree can also register at this link.  

The Jamboree is now held at The Bechtel Family Summit in West Virginia.  The Summit is home to the world’s largest collection of zip lines, the second largest skateboard park in the country, 36 miles of mountain bike trails, is close to the New River for whitewater rafting and has tons of other outdoor adventures and activities.  

 

Apollo 2015 Youth Leadership Experience

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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 7:00PM
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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Voice of the Scout

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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. Last year about 160,000 pounds of food was collected by Scouts, one of the top food drives in central Virginia.  Recruit a parent in your unit to coordinate this for you.

1.  Pick up bags in September - 

• Sept. 16th 4:00 to 7:00PM at FeedMore 1415 Rhoadmiller St. Richmond 23220 (near The Diamond), tours of the food bank available
• September 23rd at Hopewell United Methodist Church, 6200 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield 23832 from 5-7PM.
• September 24th Tri-Cities area bag pick up 5-7 PM at Wesley UMC 3701 Conduit Rd, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 
• Bags will also be available at the Northern Neck food bank and F.A.C.E.S. in Farmville after September 16th.

2. Coordinate with your District’s Scouting For Food Chairman about what territory you will cover this fall.

Arrohattoc – Rob Bungarden rob.bungarden@gmail.com
Battlefield – James Johnson  jrj5607@comcast.net
Capitol – OJ Robinson 437-9021
Cardinal – Sue McCue  mccue.sb@verizon.net
Crater – TBD (District Executive allen.crump@scouting.org)
HT – Scott Street wsstreet@vcu.edu
Rivers – TBD (field director Jason.Smith@scouting.org)

3.  Bags are to be delivered to doorsteps in your assigned territory on, or close to, October 3rd and must be collected on Saturday morning October 10th.  Instructions will be printed on the bags.  Arrange meeting times for your Scouts and parents to deliver and collect bags.

4.  Log service hours at www.servicehours.scouting.org.

Not only is this a great project to support the food bank and those in need, it also teaches service to our Scouts and makes them feel more connected to the larger community.

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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

Reaching the Tooth of Time

2016 Council Philmont Expedition 620-205

Join the Heart of Virginia Council Philmont Expedition in 2016!

It will be the adventure of a lifetime!

Application deadline is October 1, 2015

For questions or more information call Ellen M. Milano at (804) 204-2610.

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

• 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

(sold out)

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

September

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

October

1          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
1          Tiger Leader Training, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
1          District Roundtable Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
1          OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
3          Scouting For Food Bags Out
10        Scouting For Food Bags In
10-11   IOLS/Scoutmaster Outdoor Training, Camp T. Brady Saunders
10-11   Outdoor Webelos Leadership Skills, Camp T. Brady Saunders
17        Tiger Rally, Cub & Webelos Adventure Camp
16-18   OA Fall Fellowship, Camp T. Brady Saunders
21        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
23-25   Arrohattoc District Zombie Bootcamp Camporee, Albright Scout Reservation
24        Arrohattoc District Cub Scout Fun Day, Albright Scout Reservation

Fall Trainings

All our Scouts deserve a well-trained leader.  Be sure to take advantage of one of the many training opportunities that are taking place this fall.  To register for an event or review the trainings available be sure to visit www.hovc.org/training.

Zombie Bootcamp Camporee

Be sure to get your unit registered for our upcoming Zombie Bootcamp Camporee being held October 23-25 at Albright Scout Reservation.  You can register by going to the Council Calendar at www.hovc.org.

Cub Scout Fun Day

Packs be sure to stay tuned for more information regarding our upcoming Cub Scout Fun Day that is going to be held on Saturday, October 24^th at Albright Scout Reservation.  Activities will include BB Guns, Archery, Fishing, games and more! 

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/

September

2  Commissioner Meeting @ 6:30PM at New Hanover Presbyterian Church
2 Roundtable @ 7:30PM at New Hanover Presbyterian Church
15  District Committee Meeting @ 7:30PM at Fairfield Presbyterian Church
14  Order of the Arrow Chapter 5 Meeting @ 7:00PM at Fairfield Presbyterian Church
Recharter Training - TBD

Your pause for safety this month is: Transportation

Effective September 1, 2015, the use of 15-passenger vans manufactured before 2005 is no longer allowed in connection with Scouting programs and activities. Any 2005 or later 15-passenger vans may be used if equipped with Electronic Stability Control and seat belts for all passengers including the driver. This applies to all vehicles, regardless of ownership.

Fall Merit Badge Camporee

October 23-25 at the VFW on Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. 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 soon.

Back to School Night for Scouts

More information will be coming out shortly. If your unit can help with recruiting or needs help recruiting please contact us at battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com and we will put you touch with the right resources so you unit can have a successful recruitment campaign.

Scouting for Food

Remember the Scouting for Food Drive will take place on Saturday, October 3rd for placing the bags in the neighborhood and then on October 10 we will be going back to get them and take them to drop off points in the district. We will have more details as to the time and locations for bag pick up at the September Roundtable. However, we will not have the bags at roundtable. See related Courier article for details about bag pick-up.

District Dinner

On Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 6:30PM we will be having the Annual District Dinner. Should I go to this? Are you asking that question? Yes, you need to come! It is for anyone! I say again ANYONE who is interested in Scouting! It is recognition time for the 2015 Battlefield District Award of Merit recipients and current years Eagle Scouts (since last years district dinner). Bring two dishes to share that feed 8-12 people or one dish that feeds 16 people. The District will provide meat, drinks and bread. Please plan on attending and bring your family. Your challenge to this is to bring your next door neighbor and your boss. Yep, we want you to bring two people outside of your immediate family to this dinner. The cost is $ 6.00 per person and you can either pay at the door or you can register online at http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/1750235. Also please send an email to battlefieldscouting602@gmail.com if you can come so we can get a head count.

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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

September

1     District Committee Meeting,  First Baptist Church, 6:00PM
1     Commissioners Meeting,  First Baptist Church, :6:00PM
1     Cub Scout/Boy Scout Roundtable,  First Baptist Church, 7:00PM
1     JSN Orientation #2,  First Baptist Church, 7:00PM
1     Order of the Arrow Chapter Meeting,  First Baptist Church, 6:30PM
7     Labor Day - Scout Center Closed

Join Scouting Night for Cub Scouting

Exciting times for Scouting ...September brings the start of school and our main recruiting event (JSN) Back to School rally nights are being set at each local elementary school and your Pack should be geared up to bring in lots of new Cub Scout families. JSN is the time to get new parents involved in your Pack planning and activities. The Popcorn Sale, Scouting for Food and new member drives are excellent ways to engage new families in your Pack. Don't be a babysitter, put those new parents to work! If you missed the orientation in August, plan to attend the September 1st Roundtable where we'll have a special JSN breakout session.

HOLA! - Latino Emphasis at Sacred Heart

We are actively engaged in organizing Scouting in the Latino community through the Sacred Heart Center on the south side. If you speak Spanish and wish to help organize a Pack or Troop, please contact your executive george.smith@scouting.org or 804.239.5065.  We are looking for folks to support training and server as adult leaders and committee members. You can also reach out to Alan & Candy at amjengr@gmail.com or crj498@yahoo.comScout.

Scout Troops 

Mark your calendars for the District Fall Camporee, November 6-8 at Camp T. Brady Saunders, more details to follow. The planning for the event also includes Scout Leader Outdoor Training. If you have new leaders that need training, it will be a great time to get them trained and camping with your Troop in the same weekend. Please take advantage of this offering by the training team. If there is enough interest, we can schedule the five hour classroom session in advance of camporee weekend. Contact Donald Hill at donald.forrest.hill@gmail.com.

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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

September

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

FALL RECRUITMENT

Join Scouting Nights are almost upon us.  Everyone needs to follow the Boy Scout Motto and “BE PREPARED.”  Beginning on Monday, September 7th, and running through the end of September, the Crater District will be conducting coordinated recruitments in our schools.  Our goal is to recruit 600 youth.  That means we would average 18 kids per school recruited.  New Cubs who join at their designated Join Scouting Night will receive an awesome pair of BINOCULARS!  These binoculars are being provided by the Heart of Virginia Council at no cost to units so that parents and kids have an incentive to turn in applications and registration fees that night.

POPCORN COUNTDOWN

Summer is almost over.  Program planning for 2015-2016 should be wrapping up.  How is your unit planning to fund all the cool things you want to do this year?  The best fundraiser for most units is the annual popcorn sale.  If your unit has not yet signed up for the sale, it’s not too late.  Please contact Allen Crump for more information on why this year’s sale is going to be the best ever!  Scouts filling up at least one order form will be a part of our council’s massive Rocket Blast Day at Cub Adventure Camp December 5th!

RECHARTER 2016

The BSA’s annual recharter program for units is an important part of our membership process.  It ensures that our membership is accurate and up to date annually, but it can be an involved process and many units have let the process drag on for a long time.   Some units have even waited well into the new year to recharter their units.  This creates major problems from advancement issues, all the way to insurance problems (if a unit isn’t registered, neither are the youth and leaders who belong to that unit.)  Insurance will not cover claims made by a unit which is not currently registered.  We will be making important changes in the recharter process that will affect all units this year.  Please keep your eyes open for upcoming announcements regarding this important change.

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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

 September

4 Roundtable (7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
11-13 OA Service Weekend
16 District Committee Meeting (7:00PM, Village Bank HQ)
19 Webelos Transition Day (Camp Justis)
19 Boy Scout Leaders Specific Training (7:30AM, Hopewell UMC)
25-27 Apollo Program (Cub Adventure Camp)
26 Popcorn Distribution Day (Richmond)
30 Silver Beaver Nominations Due

Membership

JOIN SCOUTING NIGHTS

Already in our western counties, school has been in session for several weeks.  By September, both Prince Edward County and Cumberland County have had successful recruitment nights, bringing in new youth and leaders to the fold.

During June and August’s Roundtable, there were informational sessions focused on recruiting new families.  Planning materials were handed out, calendars made, and Unit Membership Chairs recruited.  Hopefully by now, everyone is ready to host a Join Scouting Night or Open House.

There have been some sad tales this year related to recruitment, or lack thereof.  Troops without a strong relationship with a Pack, or leadership that can’t work out differences like mature adults can cripple a program, often delivering a mortal blow that it is impossible to recover from.  All it takes is one or two years for a Troop to miss a crossover opportunity and it’s gone….

Your SDE is ready to assist in multiple ways.  But it is best to be proactive with regards to membership.  The mantra “Be Brief, Be Bright and Be Gone!” alludes the upwards flow of Scouting; not only the youth aging through the three traditional programs, but of leaders and volunteers moving into greater circles of influence, from Den to District to Council to Region.

No Scoutmaster should feel he or she cannot leave their post.  They should have cultivated the next in line to be ready to take over at any time.  For all the myriad of reasons adults volunteer, in the end, Scouting exists for the youth. 

The beginning of the school year is simply the greatest and most effective way of recruiting new families to share this amazing thing called Scouting.  Brave the trail and encourage others to blaze new trails and find new horizons.  Scouting needs NEW.

Almost all the school nights have been arranged but it’s going to require a lot of cooperation from everyone involved. The SDE may have been responsible for getting you involved in this long ago, but he can’t do it all to grow a healthy district.  Leaders need to manage, delegate, and set specific, time-sensitive tasks in order to have cooperative parents and fun on outings.  There’s just a little bit of time left to get the last details ironed out.  For the sake of Scouting, let’s make this fall a record-breaker!

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. However, don’t despair if your unit doesn't have it’s plan put together by then, it’s not too late to sell.  Simply contact your SDE and fill out a Unit Commitment form.  It’s that easy!

Program

When new leaders are recruited, they need two things immediately:  Youth Protection Training and Leader Specific Training.  If only in the committee and not leading the youth on outings, only YPT is required.  However, Venture Youth Protection is required for the Venturing program (yes there are some important differences).  YPT is valid for two years, and then must be renewed!  This can sneak up on a volunteer, so please stay on top of it!  

Leaders Specific Training can be a little more challenging, but for Cub Scouts, everything except BALOO and Webelos Camping training is offered online.  Districts around the Council offer training at different times of the year, so please don’t feel restricted to Huguenot Trail only to get things done.  Also, keep in mind that it is joint training between Arrohattoc and Huguenot Trail.  If a training event doesn’t appear on our calendar, it is likely on theirs.

This coming program year, please keep a lookout for the Council events, as well as the Merit Badge Days offered by Hampden Sydney College and Longwood University, in February and April respectively. 

Troop 800 invites ALL troops in the District to develop and operate skill stations in our annual Webelos Transition Day during this month.  Showcase the uniqueness of your Troop, make friends, and hopefully cross some bridges!

Also at Camp Justis, we may have a Cub Day, a one day event for the NEW SCOUTS to attend and have fun doing what Cub Scouts love to do most!  This will be a “Bring a Buddy” event, to get their friends involved and registered as well.  Please stay tuned for more information on this one day event in October!

Webelos Transition Day

Attention all Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts!!!

It's time again for the annual Webelos Day held at Camp Justis, Powhatan, Va!!!

All Webelos and Arrow of Light scouts in Huguenot Trail and Arrohattoc Districts are invited. To register, click on the following link.  Event information is presented and registration buttons are provided at the bottom of the page.

http://www.bsatroop800.net/component/eventbooking/public-events/webelos-day-2015?Itemid=101

With support from local Troops, this event is sponsored annually by Huguenot Trail District as a way to encourage Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to make the transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.  We want to show the W1/AOL Scouts just how much FUN awaits them in Boy Scouting!!!  

Leaders from multiple troops in our area will be present to talk about their programs and how they might be a fit for your Scout and family.

Additional information on the event can be found at:

http://huguenottrail.org/webelosarrow-of-light-transition-day/

A link to an article from the Powhatan Today covering the 2013 event is provided below.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/powhatantoday/community/transition-day-encourages-boys-to-stick-with-scouting/article_ebdbf7bc-2b6e-11e3-ae22-0019bb30f31a.html

To ensure a quality event for everyone, participation will be limited to the first 125 Scouts who register.  Registrants after the first 125 will be put on a waiting list. 

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Rivers District

   
District Chairman: Marty Shirilla, 804-436-7289, shirilla@lancastersheriff.net
District Commissioner: Freddy Dunn, 804-925-5485 or freddunn78@gmail.com
Field Director: Jason Smith, 804-204-2616, jason.smith@scouting.org

September

3          Roundtable at Beale Memorial at 7:00PM
3          JSN Training
3          Popcorn Explosion
15        Commissioners Meeting
15        Committee Meeting

JOIN SCOUTING NIGHT

This year’s Cub Scout Join Scouting Nights are being set up and the dates will be available for your units at September’s roundtable. Please turn in all applications and fees as soon as possible.  Remember that parents are paying for their sons to be registered starting now and not starting in October!  We appreciate everyone’s cooperation with this so that we may keep our records as current as possible.

POPCORN

Come to roundtable in September to kick off your popcorn sale this year!  For those who haven’t signed up yet to sell popcorn there is still a lot of time to do so and a lot of ways for you to fund your units program for the year.  Please contact Stacey Garnett, Rivers District Popcorn Kernel, at staceygarnett@verizon.net to get more information about how you can have an awesome year!

ROUNDTABLE

Roundtables are a form of commissioner service and supplemental training for volunteers at the unit level. It serves as a source of information on events and training and an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fellowship with other unit leaders. Roundtables provide unit leaders with skills, techniques, and program ideas to enhance the quality of their meetings. Roundtables are the first Thursday of the month at Beale Memorial Baptist Church and will start at 7:00PM. Please make an effort to participate in these informative sessions, which are designed to assist unit level leadership in program development.

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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

Roy Benjamin Campbell III   2894   Split rail fence and fire pit for picnic area at Oak Hill Christian Service Camp
Alex Christopher Colbert    185   Flag pole installation for Sutherland Ruritan Club
Matthew Savage Dean    513   Built footbridge for Sandy Point Park
Jared Grayson Fallin    177   Built park benches for Radliff conservation area in Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation
Nicholas Steven Fischer    1891   Shalom Farms Storage lean-to project
Philip Nicholas Grigg    6535   Built sign for the Housewright Museum
Tyler Braden Kennedy    768   Built 10 compost lids for compost boxes at Tricycle Gardens
William Hamilton Koob    2815   Paint USA mural on library wall & built 4 bookshelves for Marguerite Christian Elementary School
Hunter George Langert    7542   Renovation of Swing Set for Kenbridge Christian Church
Ryan Lawrence Maitland Jr.   917   Appomattox River Walk beautification project
Daniel Michael McCabe    1829   Native garden reconstruction for Robious Middle School
Curtis Don Miles II   100   Courtyard makeover for Gillfield Baptist Church
Timothy Michael Powers    2874   Cactus garden for the Richmond Police Academy
Charles Williams Prideaux    799   Shelves and Cubbies for ChildSavers
Jeremy Joseph Robertson    2894   Surreywood shed
Kyle James Running   2852   Educational Map on Crenshaw Elementary blacktop
Conor Michael Sheridan    2860   Built Kiosks at Pocahontas State Park on the Morgan Trail System
William James Thomas    531   Remodeling a local food bank and clothes closet

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 J. "Billy" Burlee III
Assistant Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 400
Mr. & Mrs. Arnold W. Brown and Family
James A. Carleton
Stephanie & Tommy Disharoon
Mary Anne & Matthew Farley
Andy Nea
Tony & Bobbie Smith
Boy Scout Troop 400

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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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