Council Hits Membership Growth

Heart of Virginia Council Posts Another Year of Membership Growth

It’s all your fault.

Because of you, the Heart of Virginia Council has achieved growth in Youth Members in 2014.  Our success is due to the quality of local Scouting programs and your efforts to involve new families in Scouting.  Cub Scouting and Exploring both experienced substantial growth in 2014.

Thank you!

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January Calendar

1         Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
4         Order of the Arrow Lodge Executive Committee Meeting
15       Executive Board Meeting
15       Maintenance & Properties Committee Meeting
16-19  Winter Scout Camp
19       Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
24       Patrick Henry #1
28       Program Department Meeting
31       Patrick Henry #2

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2014 Popcorn Sale

The new Blast Day date will be Sunday, January 11th from 1-5 at Cub Camp.

Additional information about Blast Day:

• Build and decorate your rockets before Blast Day
  • A limited amount of supplies will be available on Bast Day, just in case
• Lunch will be provided (hotdogs, chips, cookies, drinks)
• We will be launching rockets all day- if you can’t be there at the beginning, or need to leave early, its okay!
• Wear your Scout uniform, wear your blast day credentials, bring your rocket!

Congratulations to the following top popcorn sellers and units for the 2014 Popcorn Sale! 

2014 Popcorn Sale Top Sellers

Top Sellers Overall

1.  Beck G.    Pack 770    $11,728
2.  Jonathan C.   Troop 101   $7,755
3.  Josiah M.   Troop 799   $6,475
4.  Jared P.   Troop 706   $4,000
5.  Vassilios R.   Pack 720   $3,830

Top Sellers By District

Arrohattoc-  Bobby P.   Pack 2842
Battlefield-  Jimmy B.   Pack 534
Capitol-  Logan B.   Pack 436
Cardinal-  Josiah M.   Troop 799
Crater-  Jonathan C.   Troop 101
Huguenot Trail-  Gabriel R. Pack 1893
Rivers-  Tucker W.   Pack 250

Top Selling Units in the Council

1.  Pack 185   $30,165
2. Troop 101   $25,290
3. Pack 710   $24,385
4. Pack 770   $22,903
5. Pack 1879   $21,315
6. Pack 101   $19,530
7. Pack 747   $18,920
8. Pack 1825   $18,545
9. Pack 1893   $16,955
10. Pack 2842   $16,305

Questions about the 2014 Popcorn Sale can be directed to:

Field Director – Jason Smith,  804-204-2616,   jason.smith@scouting.org
Program Assistant – Lisa M. Washington,  804-204-2633, lisa.washington@scouting.org

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JTE News

Journey To Excellence – Summer Camps

With the holidays behind us, it is time to start thinking about summer camp options for our kids.  Be sure to include a camp experience for your Scout and make sure the other Scouts in your unit are planning to participate also.   Surprisingly, only 59% of our Council’s Boy Scouts attended a week of camp last summer.  That means four out of ten did not go to camp.  Let’s make a stronger effort to get those kids to camp to have a great experience.   

There have been good stories in the media about the benefits of summer camp.  The BSA has outcomes based research posted at this link:  http://www.scouting.org/About/Research/SummerCampOutcomes.aspx .

To learn more about Camp T. Brady Saunders and our Cub and Webelos Adventure camp, go to:  http://bradysaunders.net.  Registration is live and early weeks fill up fast.  

Cub Scout Day Camp information is posted at:  http://hovc.org/camping/council-day-camps/.

See you at camp!

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We're Hiring

Hiring For A New Executive position

The Heart of Virginia Council is creating a new unit serving executive position to start in early 2015.  The position of Program Support Executive will be a dedicated staff member to help a broad spectrum of units plan a more comprehensive program and organize their product sales so that they experience a greater level of family commitment, sale success and therefore resources to deliver a quality program. 

The Program Support Executive will be a full-time commissioned professional position.  Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to brett.smiley@scouting.org.

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Camp Cards

New and Improved Camp Cards are in the works for 2015!

(SAMPLE CARD)

Camp Cards are a great way to raise necessary dollars for your unit during the spring.  Funds raised through the Camp Card Sale can be used for unit funds, or can be used to help individual Scouts earn money to pay their way to camp.  With 50% commission and little commitment, the Camp Card is a no brainer.  If you could use more money for program, you really should take a look at the Camp Card. 

Discounts for the 2015 card are currently being secured and we’re working hard to make the card more valuable for purchasers making it easier for you and your Scouts to sell.  Stay tuned for more.

Click here for the unit commitment form.  Please email it to lisa.washington@scouting.org. 

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2015 Commissioner College

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Cub Scout Program Changes Webinar

Jan. 17 webcasts will help prepare you for the new Cub Scout program

Hey, did you hear there’s a new Cub Scout program launching June 1, 2015?

If so, you know it’ll be more exciting for boys and easier to implement for unit leaders.

But you probably still have questions about how it’ll work. There’s good news: You can get many of those questions answered by watching a special webcast on Jan. 17.

Click here to read more and learn the times for the webcasts.  

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National Outdoor Award

National Outdoor Award 

Looking for a way to encourage your Scouts to earn more outdoor oriented merit badges?   Challenge them to earn the National Outdoor Award.  The award consists of five emblem segments positioned around the perimeter of a beautiful center emblem. All are embroidered in full color. The segments represent five areas of emphasis: Riding, Hiking, Camping, Aquatics and Adventure, with rigorous requirements to earn each segment. The center emblem features an outdoor scene with fleur-de-lis and the words "National Outdoor Awards.”

Read more at this link: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/Youth/Awards/NOA.aspx

Beginning January 2nd, these awards will be available for purchase at the council Scout Shop.  

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Patrick Henry Program

Patrick Henry Program January 24th & 31st

Registration continues for the 2015 Patrick Henry Public Speaking Program.

To ensure your space, please complete your registration online at   http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/1603263 by January 15, 2015

It is important to complete the pre-work required before attending the sessions. This year’s program will  be held at Short Pump Middle school on successive weekends, January 24 & 31. More info, see Patrick Henry listing on the main website banner. Cost: $12 per Scout.

 

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Adopt-A-School

It’s our duty as the leaders of the Scouting movement to encourage our young people to learn the importance and value of community service.  What better place to instill the value of service than with projects that benefit our schools? Most of our units already “give back” to their schools in some manner, but this program helps bring Scouting units face-to-face with principals and PTO/PTA members to work together on select projects.

HOW DOES THE ADOPT-A-SCHOOL PROGRAM WORK?

• Scouting units are asked to adopt one school and pledge to do four service projects or volunteer to help at four school events for that school over a one-year period.
• Units that aren’t chartered by a school are asked to adopt a nearby school or one that you may already be drawing Scouts from or they might be able to in the future.
• Units work directly with the principal of their chosen school to determine the type of projects that need to be done. Examples: grounds beautification, help during school festivals/activities or clean-up after an event, book drives, food drives, “Green” effort coordinator, “Giving Tree” coordinator, literacy programs or building improvement projects.

HOW DO I SIGN-UP MY UNIT

• Units complete a pledge form with their school principal. A copy goes to your District Executive.
• The unit signs up at www.bsaadoptaschool.org.
• As projects are completed, units update the information on the website and can upload photos, comments and share their success stories

HOW DO WE GET OUR PATCHES?

• After signing up, units will receive an Adopt-A-School program patch.
• Units can also earn special “project patches” upon completion of each service project/activity. Patches are currently being offered at no charge to Scouting units.

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS ARE THERE?

• Service Hours COUNT toward Journey To Excellence but must be entered on www.scouting.org.
• Your unit’s work can be featured in The Courier newsletter! Just send a short write-up and pictures to lisa.washington@scouting.org
• You can send the same write-up to the local newspaper (online or print) and get good publicity for your unit!

Check it out at www.bsaadoptachool.org.

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23rd World Scout Jamboree

Registration Open!

In 2015, more than 30,000 Scouts and leaders from 161 countries around the world will converge on Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi, Japan, for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree.

The event will provide opportunities to raise awareness about global issues, explore the environment, participate in community service, make friends from around the world, and deepen understanding of developments in science and technology. The World Jamboree is a unique opportunity for participants to experience an exciting program of activities, including: Global Development Village, City of Science, Cross Road of Culture, and the Peace Program.

Participants will live and learn with fellow Scouts from around the world. They will be housed in tents along with the BSA contingent but will soon venture out to mingle with tens of thousands of people for two weeks of activities and adventure. That’s right, a world fellowship exercise on an enormous scale!

Click here to register!

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James E. West Fellowship

James E. West Fellowship

As 2014 quickly draws to a close we would like to take this opportunity to share with you some information concerning the Heart of Virginia Council’s Endowment Fund.  We have not spoken very much about our endowment in the past but moving forward this effort will become a greater priority for us.

The Council’s Endowment is a restricted fund where a portion of the earned income becomes available to support Scouting programs annually. Building our endowment fund will help ensure our program will remain strong and viable for future generations.

We would like to encourage you to consider becoming a member of the James E. West Fellowship through a permanently restricted gift of $1,000. This is a great way to start your legacy, and it can be added to over the years.  Please consider a pledge or gift before the end of this year.

 Please contact Brett Smiley at 804-426-9241 or brett.smiley@scouting.org if you have specific questions.

Thank you for your consideration and generous support of Scouting.

2014 James E. West Fellows

Herbert Spencer Adams	Tom Shearer
Austin Grappe	Michael S. Shelton
Daniel Hubbard	Earle Taylor
Bruce Kay	Paul Teasley
Paul Kreckman	Granville Valentine
Roy Murray, Sr.	Randall G. Welch

 

 

 

 

 

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Scouting License Plates

Good news for the license plate effort!  Scouter and State Delegate Randy Minchew of Loudon County will sponsor a bill in the 2015 General Assembly to authorize a Scouting license plate.

In order for it to make it through this session, he has a deadline of January 15th to have 450 pre-paid applications.  As of 11/19/2014 we have 94 pre-paid on file.

Sign up for a license plate ASAP:

1.  Have your vehicle's VIN and Title # ready.

2.  Complete and sign the DMV application at this link: click here  Payment of $10 or $20 (personalized plate) is due with submittal of application.  Mail the form with check to: Heart of Virginia Council, P.O. Box 6809, Richmond VA 23230. 

3.  To pay online, click here,  Then email the signed application to Robin.rush@scouting.org or mail signed application to above address.

Go on our council Facebook page and share this post:   https://www.facebook.com/ScoutingVirginia

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Harlem Globetrotters

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JTE News

Philmont Training Center

The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is the only national volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1950, PTC has provided a unique environment for training volunteer and professional leaders, and a fun family program for every member of the family. Each year, more than 6,000 Scouters and family members attend PTC.

Each conference features the latest tools and techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. All registered Scouters are invited to attend training center courses.  Learn more at this link  http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/PTC.aspx.

Take your family to the mountains of New Mexico for a week of family fun and Scout leader training.  Don’t pay top dollar for dude ranch experience when you can have family budget friendly week at Philmont Scout Ranch. 

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Philmont

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!  

2016 Council Philmont Expedition applications will be available on the Council’s web-site beginning January 2015.

Estimated cost: $2,300.  Applications and a $500 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. 

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Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation

    
 

Upcoming Events on the Reservation

Summer Camp 2015

Camp T. Brady Saunders

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP 2015 CAMP T. BRADY SAUNDERS

Schedule
PIONEER WEEK, June 7 – 13, 2015
WEEK 1, June 15 – 21, 2015
WEEK 2, June 21 – 27, 2015 **SOLD OUT**
WEEK 3, June 28 – July 4, 2015
WEEK 4, July 5 – 11, 2015
WEEK 5, July 12 – 18, 2015
WEEK 6, July 19 – 25, 2015

Register NOW at http://bradysaunders.net/camp/summer.html

REGISTER NOW ONLY $250 HOLD-A-SPACE FEE PER UNIT!

Fee $265 if registered by March 16, 2015 and ½ of fees paid after March 16, 2015 $295

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

1 free leader for every 10 paid Scouts

Receive an “I’m Going to Summer Camp Patch” if registered before January 31, 2015!

No Program or Merit Badge fees, including the Civil War Experience & Ranger Challenge!

SCHEDULE YOUR TROOP  PRESENTATION ON CAMP T. BRADY SAUNDERS 2015

 Please contact mic.mullins@scouting.org to arrange a presentation!

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Cub Adventure Camp

2015

Space Adventure – Summer Camp

Cub and Webelos Adventure Camp
Heart of Virginia Council Scout Reservation

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.CUBADVENTURECAMP.NET

Hold-A-Space for the 2015 summer is only $10.00 per attendee

Cub and Webelos Sessions

     RESIDENT CAMP SESSIONS

     Session 1-June 21-24, 2015             Cub Scout $120 Early Bird*
     Session 2-June 24-27, 2015           *If registered by March 16, 2015 and ½ of fees Paid
     Session 3-June 28-July 1, 2015         Adult $95
     Session 4-July 5-8, 2015
     Session 5-July 12-15, 2015     

     WEEKEND ADVENTURES

     Weekend 1 - July 10 -12, 2015         $65 per person 
     Weekend 2 - July 17-19, 2015        * Register by March 16, 2015 for an Early Bird rate of $55 per person

Register by March 1, 2015 and get special “I’m Going to Summer Camp” Patch

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

Albright Scout Reservation

Albright Scout Reservation is a great site for weekend camping.  Situated on 568 acres on Lake Chesdin, it is close and offers three types of camping areas all at NO COST!  It has six traditional campsites for car camping each with a shelter, table and latrine nearby.  Three sites near the lake offer more of a wilderness experience.  There is also a "leave no trace" area and a short backpack trail for a shakedown experience. 

In addition, there are two picnic pavilions and a chapel area for unit activities!  Sites and facilities are free to Heart of Virginia Council units and reservations can be made online at http://hovc.org/camps/albright/.

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Arrohattoc District

Chairman: Drew Biehler, 804-639-9170 , drew.biehler@gmail.com
Commissioner: Karen Wood, 804-748-9664, kwoodcid@gmail.com
District Executive: Matt Malone, 804-204-2618, matt.malone@scouting.org
Website: www.arrohattoc.com

January

8          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
8          Roundtable, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
9-10    Cub Scout Protestant God & Country Campout, Cub & Webelos Adventure Camp
16-19  Winter Camp, Camp T. Brady Saunders
21        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
24        Patrick Henry #1, 8:00AM-3:00PM, Short Pump Middle School
31        Patrick Henry #2, 8:00AM-3:00PM, Short Pump Middle School

February

5          District Commissioner Meeting, 6:30PM, Hopewell UMC
5          Roundtable, 7:00PM, Hopewell UMC
7          Commissioner’s College, JSRCC Parham Campus, 7:30AM-4:45PM
18        District Committee Meeting, 7:00PM, Trinity UMC
21        OA ASR Trail Building Day, Albright Scout Reservation, 7:00AM-5:00PM

New Units

One of the goals of our 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 list 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/

Calendar        

7         Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30PM
7         Roundtable, 7:30PM
20       District Committee Meeting, 7:30PM @Fairfield Presbyterian Church
26       OA Chapter Meeting, 7:00PM@ Fairfield Presbyterian Church

Family Friends of Scouting

It’s that time of year again! Time for every family to have the opportunity to support the Scouting program. Friends of Scouting presentations will be conducted at Pack Blue and Gold Banquets and Troop Courts of Honor this Spring. We need two pieces of information from every Unit.

1. Who will your Unit Captain be? This individual will be responsible for coordinating the presentation with the District.
2. What is the date, time, and location of your presentation?

Please send these answers to Nick Harman or Ann Bevan (Family Friends of Scouting Chairman) as soon as you can. Ann can be reached at abevan@nhsonline.org

Recharter

All recharters needed to be in by the end of the year. They were originally due by the December Roundtable meeting but right now is the absolute deadline! Units that did not turn in their recharter on time were on Santa’s naughty list (he knows all.)  Additionally, Units that do not recharter on time will start receiving more emails and phone calls about their recharter. These will increase in frequency until the charter is turned in. If you’d like to avoid all of this extra communication there’s a simple solution…

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Capitol District

District Chairman: Jonathan Murdoch-Kitt, 804-321-5100, jonathan@murdochkittlaw.com
District Commissioner: Doug Hill, 804-922-3706,  doughillvt409@gmail.com
Senior District Executive: George Smith, 804-204-2632, george.smith@scouting.org

January

6        Cub Scout Boy & Scout Roundtable, 7:00PM, First Baptist Church
6-9     Council Staff Planning Conference,  Exec. out of the office
13      Capitol District Committee Meeting, 6:00PM, First Baptist Church
13      Cub Scout & Boy Scout Roundtable, 7:00PM, First Baptist Church
19      MLK Birthday – Scout Shop & Service Center Closed
24      Patrick Henry #1, Short Pump Middle School
31      Patrick Henry #2

Change in Roundtable & District Meeting Date

Due to the absence of the executive staff, we are rescheduling the regular monthly meeting from the first Tuesday to the second Tuesday, January 13^th.

Recharter update

If your Pack or Troop has not completed the recharter process by December 31st, your group is at risk. Advancements cannot be recorded, members added and unit insurance liability has lapsed. Contact District Commissioner, Doug Hill, for support or George Smith george.smith@scouting.org. Youth protection and individual training issues are the usually where the challenges to complete the process occur. Every registered Scouter can establish an online profile and monitor their personal training records.

Winter Scout Camp

Winter camping is a great experience for your Scouts as they progress along the Scout trail. Sign your Troop up today for a great experience at camp T. Brady Saunders during the winter.

Martin Luther King Day

Celebrate the birthday and life of one of our nation's great leaders. It is a special opportunity to teach an important civics lessons to your Scouts.  Explore what King stood for and encourage your Pack or Troop to study the key moments in the civil rights movement led by Dr. King and many others.

Patrick Henry Public Speaking Program

Enroll your active Scouts, age twelve and older, in the Patrick Henry Public Speaking Program.  Scheduled for January 24th and 31st the program will be held at the Short Pump Middle School. Register online:  http://scoutingvirginia.doubleknot.com/event/1603263

The communications and public speaking merit badges will be offered. Registration due by January 15^th to insure a spot. Limited spaces available.

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Cardinal District

District Chairman:  Bill Janis, bill@billjanis.com
District Vice Chairman: John Hunnicutt, 212-5161, jhunnicutt3602@verizon.net
District Commissioner: Carl Whitaker, 449-1762,WhitakerCarl79@yahoo.com
District Director: Austin Grappe, 218-6795, austin.grappe@scouting.org
Cardinal Website:  www.cardinalscouts.com

January

6     DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS MEETING 6:00PM. at United Methodist Conference Center
6     SCOUT LEADER ROUNDTABLE 7:30PM at United Methodist Conference Center
20   DISTRICT COMMITTEE MTG 6:30PM Dinner, 7:00PM Mtg. at Markel Plaza, Salon B, 4600 Cox Rd.
 

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING FAMILY CAMPAIGN

A big part of our Annual Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign is the family campaign. Our District goal for 2014 is to have 100% of each unit have all members make a contribution to the campaign.  No matter the size of the gift, it will help the Scouting movement go forward. In an effort to make this a successful campaign, the Cardinal District is requesting some information. Please send your Pack’s Blue & Gold date and your Troop/Crew Court of Honor dates to agrappe@bsamail.org  so we can schedule a coach to work with your unit as well as your unit captains contact information.

ROUNDTABLE

So you ask what is 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 Tuesday of the month at the United Methodist Church Conference Center, 10330 Staples Mill Rd. and will start at 7:30PM. 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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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

January

5    District Commissioners Meeting- Wesley United Methodist Church, 6:30PM
5    Crater Roundtable- Wesley U.M.C., 7:00PM
12  OA Meeting, 7:00PM
19  District Committee Meeting- Wesley United Methodist Church, 7:00PM

RECHARTERS ARE OVERDUE!

If you have not submitted your recharter paperwork yet, you are past due!  Any units that have not turned it in have been DROPPED.  Units in this category are not covered under the BSA insurance.  Because of this, those units are not able to go camping, buy awards at the Scout Shop, or even hold meetings until the recharter paperwork is turned in.  If you need to turn in your recharter paperwork or want to know your unit’s status, please contact Allen Crump (804-263-5016) or Bill Simms (804-586-6382).

HAVE YOU BEEN TO ROUNDTABLE?

If not, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to learn more about Scouting and meet other dedicated leaders from the Crater District.  Roundtable is a chance to learn about everything that is going on in the district and council while also getting top-notch training from experienced Scouters and special guests.  Everyone in the district is invited and encouraged to attend.  We meet on the first Monday of every month at 7:00PM at Wesley United Methodist Church.  See you there!

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.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FRIENDS OF SCOUTING PRESENTATION

Friends of Scouting is the Council’s annual fundraising campaign.  The dollars raised through this effort go directly back into the Scouting program for the council paying for our beautiful camps, our service center, and so much more.  If you haven’t already, please contact Allen Crump to schedule your Friends of Scouting Unit Presentation.  Spaces are limited, so please be sure to set up your presentation now to make sure you get the date you want.

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Huguenot Trail

District Chairman: Lt. Colonel "H.C." Davis, 804-239-4105, hcvsp33@aol.com
District Commissioner: Heather Mulvihill, 804 338 7912, ukfools@verizon.net
Senior District Executive: Geoff Angle, 434-390-0466, geoffrey.angle@scouting.org
District Website: www.huguenottrail.org

January

8        Roundtable (7:00PM, Mt. Pisgah UMC)
16-19 Winter Camp (T. Brady Saunders)
21      District Committee Meeting (7:00PM, St. Edwards)
24/31 Patrick Henry

Membership

Thank you very much for all your diligent efforts in getting your unit rechartered for a new calendar year!  Hopefully, no one missed the deadline entirely and has to explain to a group of angry parents and upset Scouts why the Court of Honor or Blue and Gold cannot have advancements!  Recharter is a necessary process and provides a unit a chance to freshen it’s ranks as well, with new youth and new leadership.  It also provides a gauge as to how well the program is doing.  Are more boys coming?  Perhaps you have a good thing going!  Are boys leaving like drowning rats on a ship?  Perhaps you need some help!  Is you unit stagnant, with no new boys, but not really any losses?  This might also be a warning of a stagnant program, and you might want to recruit some parents into some new roles or switch some responsibilities around with existing leadership.

Don’t be afraid to ask someone to do something, as long as it is well defined, and time specific.  And don’t ever say “No” for someone before you have actually asked them.  You might be pleasantly surprised!

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING

Last month we outlined the need and method for raising the $150,000 that is our District’s fundraising goal.  At this time, we only have 3 units that have made arrangements for the Family FOS presentation.  Remember, it might be a Blue and Gold Banquet, or a Troop Court of Honor, or another event where the majority of families will be present, undistracted, and receptive to our message.  When asked, please share the best date for a presentation with either your Senior District Executive, Family FOS Chair Jo Rae Woodlief, Family FOS Coach, or your Unit Commissioner.  We absolutely need to raise this money by May so we can continue the good works of Scouting for another year!

Program

PINEWOOD DERBY CHAMPIONSHIPS, February 21^st, 2015

Second chance:  We need District Leadership for this event.  We may have to move the date in order to secure the best location for this event.

Absolutely one of our most beloved events for Cubs and Dads alike, is in need of leadership currently.  If you have ever said “I could do that better” or “It should have been like…” well, those are the statements of a visionary of a leader.  Don’t be shy, we need your ideas, that’s what makes Scouting great!  And you know how it goes, once someone steps up to say they will do it, that’s when shyness slips away from other parents, and all of a sudden a team of one becomes a dedicated committee. 

We need to freshen our race this year.  Maybe a few changes like linking the venue to a fancy car dealer, or repair shop could make for a good change.  How about someone sticking a GoPro camera on a few of the cars during their Pack races so we can have some advertising?  Someone who is really into NASCAR or other races could help us develop the atmosphere to a really unique event. 

If you want more information about it, just contact your friendly SDE!

Personal Message from our District Chairman

Stars to Steer By

Last weekend, I went with my old Troop to a camping trip near Tappahannock.  When you get that far into the country this time of year, the weather is cold, the night is still, and the sky is very clear – stars lit the night sky like so many candles – it made me think of the following:
 
Sailors learned thousands of years ago that the positions of the stars were always the same in relation to each other and that you could always find them in the same places in the sky, depending on the time of night and the time of year.
 
The stars were always there, regular and predictable. The sea may change, a ship may change, captains may change, but the stars never did. A sailor could steer his ship by them and never have to worry about getting lost.
 
Stars are sort of like values in that way. We have a lot of stars in scouting's sky--the twelve points of the Scout Law. The Scout Oath has some stars in it, and what about our motto? That's a star too, and our slogan?
  
Poet John Masefield once wrote in Sea Fever, "Give me a tall ship and a star to steer her by."
  
Remember that scouting values are just like the stars, ---and if you always set your course by them, you are not likely to get lost.

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Rivers District

   
District Chairman: Marty Shirilla, 804-436-7289, shirilla@lancastersheriff.net
District Commissioner: Freddy Dunn
District Executive: Joseph Orr, 804-909-3262, joseph.orr@scouting.org

January

4    NO ROUNDTABLE

 20 Rivers District Annual Planning Seminar.  6:30PM TBD. 

February

5 Roundtable at Beale Memorial at 7:00PM
10 First Aid Meet
17 Commissioner Meeting at Tappahannock UMC at 6:30PM
17 District Committee Meeting at Tappahannock UMC at 7:00PM
20-22 Klondike Derby

District Goals

In December, the Rivers’ District Committee and Commissioners worked together to build the goals of the District.  They will be revealed at the District Annual Planning Conference.  

2015-2016 District Calendar

The calendar will be given out at the District planning Conference.  Will be discussing the different events and timetables for some great activities. 

Note from the DE

I wanted to say a few things.  What a great year River’s District had.  Over a 10% membership growth and finishing with Gold Status for Journey to Excellence.  I want to say thank you for all the hard work you did for each scout in our communities.  I hope you are excited for the New Year!  I know I am.  

Thought for the Month

“What you do day by day is more important than what you do once in a while.”

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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

Julian Connor Albright    777   Vial of Life - Henrico County
Graeme Hargrove Alderman    444   Roadside Sign for Fork Episcopal Church
Edward Clifford Anderson III   444   Mountain bike trails at Pocahontas State Park
Caleb Emory Barnes    777   Dunncroft Bench Installation
Ryan Andrew Blumenschine    902   Made checker boards & message cards. Collected toys, games & DVDs for the children at Richmond Children Hospital
Kevin Wayne Bruce    528   Fence painting and building benches for Sandston Pool area
Timothy Alan Carter    2860   3 free standing benches for Parks and Recreation
Christopher Bryan Diaz    766   Scotchtown Fence Restoration and Painting
James Mitchell B. Doyle    1869   Fire Pit for Greenfield Community Association
Patrick Daniel Elliott    521   Retaining wall and landscaping for Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Merrick Lewis Furman    840   Garden Tables for Glenburnie Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Cameron Blake Galligher    876   Little Library for The Grove Community
Michael Taylor Gambino    741   Shed Construction for Corinth United Methodist Church
Barry Ivan Griffin Jr.   1893   Id's for kids
Zachary Daniel Gross    303   Repairing the existing shed for the sponsoring church
Austin Shayne Gross    303   Eagle's Nest Trail at Sandy Point Forest
Charles Deshawn Holt    535   Shoe drive for Soles4Souls 2014
Benjamin Bird James    2815   Benches for Southside Nazarene
William Luke Johnson    177   Foot Bridge for Cold Harbor Battlefield
Ethan Alexander Martin    2806   Made historical markers for Point of Rocks Park
Joseph Daniel Martindale    2837   Gun Platforms and Gate for Henricus Park 
Hayden Harrison McMillian    444   Nature Sign for Teaching at Oak Grove Bellemeade
Michael Garnett Norman    535   Mapping of veterans for Walnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery
Grayson Patrick Shultz    735   Made a courtyard for Crestview Elementary School
James Frasier Turner    487   Obstacle Course for the Richmond K-9 unit

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

Ray S. Carpenter
Judith W. Carpenter

Roger Alan Charlet
Sarah Charlet Coffey

Charles Thomas "Chip" Holloway
Margaret & Charlie Berryhill
Mary & Scott Hamel
Carla Traynham
Mildred & Robert Hamilton
Jolene & MIchael Scott

Len Mathias
Wendy & Todd Martin

William H. Messerly Sr.
Mrs. Charlotte S. Phelps

Albert Wood
Randall G. Welch

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Scout Shop Notes

Scout Shop Notes

**The Scout Shop and Service Center Will Be Closed January 1st & 19th**

Stop and see all the fun stuff we have in stock!!!  We have great gifts for Scouts and leaders!

Pack and Troop leaders Please tell new Scouts 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. 

Special event and dated patches have a limited return period.  Please check with the Scout Shop for details. 

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. 

PO BOX 6809 - Richmond, VA 23230-3921   
Phone (804) 355-0628, Fax (804) 353-6109
HOURS - Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM                   
Saturday 9:00 AM - NOON                                                         
Email Address: Scoutshop@Scoutingva.org

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