Winter Edition February 2016 - April 2016 www. NCACBSA .org
INS IDE Meet NCAC’s New Website page 5
SCOUTING FOR FOOD COLLECTS OVER ONE MILLION POUNDS!
Order of the Arrow’s Centennial Year in Review page 16 Local Scouts Earn Heroism Awards page 22
Boy Scouts
Mark Your Calendars every event includes a special patch!
Monster Jam
Washington Wizards
Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. • Verizon Center Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 2 p.m. • Verizon Center
Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 7 p.m. vs. Detroit Pistons
Harlem Globetrotters
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
March 13, 2015 at 7 p.m. • Patriot Center March 14, 2015 at 1p.m. • Verizon Center March 14, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. • Patriot Center
March 19-22, 2015 • Verizon Center April 8-12, 2015 • Patriot Center April 16-19, 2015 • Patriot Center
Special group pricing available!
For more information, Contact Jill Buxbaum | Call 202.292.1982 E-mail jbuxbaum@monumentalsports.com
Prepared. For Adventure. The following letter was published in our Council’s 2015 Annual Report, to see the annual report online, please go to NCACBSA.org/2015AnnualReport
Fellow Scouts and Scouters, In 2015 we challenged our members with one simple question: What is the value of service? The answer came back in many ways. Based on a national statistic, the 463,761 hours of service our Scouts performed in their neighborhoods had a dollar value of $11.5 million – a return of 680% on every dollar donated to Friends of Scouting! The Order of the Arrow answered with their centennial, a celebration of 100 years of “Cheerful Service.” And for the 47 Scouts and leaders who were recognized for performing heroic and meritorious actions, it is the gratitude of the people they went above and beyond to help, sometimes at risk to their own safety. Beyond that, though, the value of service is measured in the lives we reach with the support of people like you in our communities. In 2015 we served 47,951 young men and women. Through your commitment, those young people developed skills, built friendships, made memories, and learned valuable life lessons that will help them “Be Prepared!” Prepared for success in school, to find their first job, to be leaders in their community. In short, because of you they are learning to be Prepared. For Life. Thank you for all you do for young people in our community. We look forward to working with you in 2016 as we are Prepared. For Leadership. Yours in Scouting,
Robert D. Wood, Council President Garry Lewis, Council Commissioner Les Baron, Scout Executive/CEO
The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016
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The Scouter Digest
Vol 55 Issue 1
WINTER 2016 Published by National Capital Area Council Boy Scouts of America
Order of the Arrow induction ceremony
9190 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814-3897 301-530-9360
Each spring and fall, most of the OA chapters (one per NCAC district) hold “Ordeal” induction weekends, where Scouts participate in various activities to further their understanding of what it means to be a Scout.
Robert D. Wood Council President
Garry Lewis
For more about the Order of the Arrow, please read the story on Page 18.
Council Commissioner
Les Baron Scout Executive
Aaron Chusid Editor-in-Chief
Nicholas Murphy Graphic Design/Layout/Photography
Capital Comments Stay Informed: Sign up for NCAC’s monthly e-newsletter – Capital Comments – and special e-blasts at
www.NCACBSA.org/Subscribe
Index 5 Around the Council 7 Popcorn 10 Development 11 Endowment 12 Camp William B. Snyder 13 Goshen Scout Reservation 14 High Adventure 15 Exploring 16 Venturing 17 Sea Scouting 20 Training 21 STEM 23 Advancement & Recognition 26 Eagle Scout Awards 30 Commissioner’s Corner 31 Council Map 32 District News & Views 46 Council Calendar
6 New Scout Rank Requirements
2016 Print Schedule
10 2015’s “Good Scout” Honorees
Spring Edition 2016 Articles Due: Friday, March 25, 2016 In Mailboxes: Monday, May 2, 2016 Summer Edition 2016 Articles Due: Friday, June 24, 2016 In Mailboxes: Monday, August 1, 2016
12 Travel Through Time at Camp Snyder
Circulation
16 The Many Adventures of Venture Crew 1919
The Scouter Digest is a tabloid format newspaper published four times a year and mailed to nearly 20,000 registered adult volunteer Scouting leaders in and around the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.
20 Reasons You Should Attend University of Scouting
Find us on Social Media
26 New Eagle Scouts 37 Local Boy Scout saves life of choking baby 39 From Mt. Baldy to Eagle 44 Lone Scout in Switzerland On the Cover
Closings Marriott Scout Service Center February 15
President’s Day
Local Scouts collected more than one million pounds of food for local food banks in our annual Scouting for Food service project! Thanks to our co-sponsors for making this possible: Safeway, WTOP, WUSA9, and Capital Area Food Bank.
Supported by Friends of Scouting, The Scouter Digest advertisers, and the Combined Federal Campaign.
Photo By: Aaron Chusid
Community Partner 4
#48974
Around the Council Specialty Weeks at Camp Marriott
NCAC Has a New Website! One of the most frequent topics in the semiannual Voice of the Scout feedback survey is suggestions on how to improve our Council’s website. Well, we’ve been listening and are proud to present the new and improved NCAC website! Check it out at www.NCACBSA.org. The site was built on WordPress by web design firm Ad Savant based on work they had previously done for another large council. For event registration it uses Black Pug, a system built by Scouters based on their
experiences to meet the specific needs of the Scouting program. Both platforms are very flexible, so as we find new ways to improve they can be built into the site. Please explore the new site, test out the features, and let us know what you think at feedback@NCACBSA.org. And to stay current on all the latest Scouting news, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/NCACBSA) and subscribe to our e-newsletter – Capital Comments – at www.NCACBSA.org/Subscribe.
Goshen Scout Reservation is offering four exciting programs during Camp Marriott’s Specialty Week. Instead of the regular merit badge program, participants select one of four themed programs and engage in activities and earn merit badges and awards based around that theme. Specialty Week is traditionally largely attended by provisional Scouts (Scouts attending without their unit), but is also open to units. Please visit www.CampMarriott.org for more details! •
Beach Yacht: If you love aquatics, this is the program for you! Spend a whole week on or in the water! Between our 450-acre Lake Merriweather, the nearby Maury River, and the Class I and II rapids of the James River, there’s a lot of water to be had!
•
Field & Stream: This program is being offered to those Scouts and Venturers who love fishing and shooting. Featuring a combination of Venturing Ranger Award requirements, Boy Scout Merit Badges, NRA certifications, adventures, competitions, and just plain fun, this week promises to be an exciting one.
•
The Marriott Project: Experience STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) in the great outdoors!
•
Trail to Eagle: Trail to Eagle offers older Scouts the opportunity to enjoy a week of fun, advancement, and growth towards becoming an Eagle Scout. We emphasize quality programming to help participants truly become Eagle Scouts.
Specialty Week in 2016 runs July 31 to August 6. Each of the camps costs $400; Scouts paid in full by April 15 get a $40 discount and a free Goshen hat! The program is open to Boy Scouts, Venturers, Varsity Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Explorers who will be 13 or older by September 2016. For questions or to reserve your spot please go to www.GoToGoshen.org today! Be an Adult Volunteer! We’re looking for volunteers to help by being adult leadership for our provisional Troops and/or by teaching Merit Badges they have expertise in! If you’re interested, send us an email at CampMarriott@gmail.com.
2016 NCAC Court of Honor
NOESA Honors Dinner – March 31
The Silver Beaver award is the highest honor that a local council can bestow upon a volunteer! Every year nominations are submitted for those volunteers that exemplify service within our local council but also in the community and youth outside of Scouting. Nominations are received all year long at the Marriott Service Center until the end of November. If you have questions or comments please contact Council Silver Beaver Committee Chair Aasgeir Gangsaas at Aasgeir.Gangsaas.civ@mail.mil or Professional Staff Advisor Sue Hart at Susan.Hart@Scouting.org.
Join NESA-DC for the NOESA Honors Dinner on March 31. The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) recognizes adult Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their chosen profession at the local, state, or regional level; unlike the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, which is a national award, the NOESA recognizes Eagle Scouts whose efforts have been made closer to home. To learn more about the award and the Honors Dinner, please go to www.NCACBSA.org/NOESA.
This year our class honoree is our past NCAC Council President Hugh Redd. It is a privilege to announce the 2016 Class of Silver Beavers:
This year’s class has been named in honor of Distinguished Eagle Scout John Graham, president and CEO of the American Society of Association Executives. It is a privilege to announce the 2016 NOESA Class:
Melanie Anthony
J. Michael McKinney
Monsignor John Brady
Gurvais C. Grigg
Davis Astle
Janet Ramos
Bobby R. Burchfield
Jack Figel
Peter Bielak
William Shakelton
Cory Cozzens
Edward G. Koch
Kristin Chioma
Margaret Smith
Paul D’Andrea
David Link
Anthony Crenshaw
Joseph Swartz
J. Spencer Dickerson, Jr.
Michael G. Long
Jonathan Etherton
Edward Weeks
James R. Doty
Chauvon L. McFadden
W. Scott Gray IV
Randy Wilson
Steven R. Englund
Peter Pantuso
Peter Lagerberg
Robert D. Wood
Steven McDanal
Randolph Young
Merritt Green
The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016
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The Scouter Digest Pay for High Adventure with Camp Cards New Boy Scout Rank Requirements Over the past few years BSA has made changes to the Venturing and Cub Scout programs; in 2016 updates to the Boy Scout program are being implemented. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHANGES? • The Scout joining badge is now the Scout rank. • Duty to God is a requirement at each rank from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout.
• The number of service hours for Tenderfoot through First Class has increased, and three of the service hours for Life must be conservation-related. • The number of campouts required for Second Class and First Class has increased. • A physical activity requirement has been added for Second Class and First Class. Scouts joining on or after January 1, 2016 must use the new requirements. Those who joined earlier may use the older requirements for the Scout badge but must convert to the new requirements beyond that. Likewise, Scouts who joined before January 1 may complete First Class or the rank they are currently working on using the old requirements, but must switch to the new ones afterwards. In 2017 all Scouts will be required to use the new requirements for all ranks. A new Boy Scout Handbook is available to help Scouts with the new requirements, but inserts are also available if you wish to continue using your old book.
To stay up to date on all the changes, and find helpful resources, BSA has created the Program Updates webpage (www.Scouting.org/ProgramUpdates). If you would like more information about advancement and recognition in our Council, please contact Alan Deter, Chairman of the Council Advancement and Recognition Committee at alandeter@verizon.net. Please include your district and unit information.
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Camp Cards help older Scouts pay their way to camp and high adventure treks. Each card sells for just $5 and your unit earns 50% commission on every card sold. The 2016 sale has already begun but if your Scouts would like to be part of it to pay for their own adventures please check out the 2016 Camp Card Sign Up Form (www.NCACBSA.org/CampCardForm). The new cards are even better than before – in addition to the regular coupons and savings, the 2016 Camp Cards give access to a database of online coupons and deals at thousands of stores nationwide! This part of the card is powered by Entertainment™. To ensure your unit gets into the program, email your completed form to CampCards@NCACBSA.org.
Popcorn It’s out of the bag…sales are poppin’ NCAC’s Popcorn sale had an excellent year in 2015. Popcorn sales are an opportunity for your unit to earn money and make an impact on unit’s activities as well as support our council’s camps and programs. Popcorn is also a key factor in NCAC’s financial success, contributing more than 15% of the annual budget. Units in NCAC who participated in our proven fund raising program this year averaged a $354 dollar increase in sales. Over the past four years, unit sales averages continue to increase over $300 each year. This confirms there is a strong demand for the popcorn products and people who want to support our Scouting programs at both the unit and council levels. A key item which assists in unit success and profitability has been our Popcorn Room inventory, where Unit Kernels can buy extra product as needed throughout the sale and better control their on-hand inventories. For the past two years the October and November orders have offered units an option of purchasing cases or containers. This flexibility has led to a significant reduction in product returns, decreasing by 49.2% this year!
These improved systems and policies have helped to manage the ease and profitability of selling popcorn. This along with the local support of our knowledgeable District Kernels helps make your fund raising experience smooth, fun and profitable. Popcorn continues to make a difference at many levels of Scouting. At the youth level, 118 Scouts earned a free week of camp at one of our NCAC Scout camps; 170 received scholarship money from the fine folks at Trail’s End Popcorn; and, more importantly, our youth earned their own way to participate in Scouting. Units grew their sales, earned a higher commission, and taught their members a valuable life skill - selling - while supporting their unit and our Council’s mission. Finally, your unit’s popcorn participation is a vital part of our Council’s bottom line. With our units and Council supporting each other through popcorn, we make a difference to Scouting locally throughout the National Capital Area. To learn more about the improvements in our popcorn fund raiser and how it can impact your program, please contact your District Kernel, District Executive or the NCAC popcorn staff. Let’s get poppin’!
www.NCACBSA.org/Popcorn The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016
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THE SUMMIT BECHTEL FAMILY NATIONAL Scout RESERVE PAUL R. CHRISTEN NATIONAL HIGH ADVENTURE BASE JAMES C. JUSTICE NATIONAL Scout CAMP SUMMIT NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER
For information about high adventure, Scout Camp, & training programs, visit:
www.SummitBSA.org
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The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016
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Development
A Scout is thrifty
Congratulations to the 2015 Character Under Construction “Good Scout” Award Recipients: Joe Stettinius and Frank Saul III On October 27, 2015, over 120 joined together in recognizing Joe Stettinius, Chief Executive, Americas of Cushman & Wakefield, and Frank Saul III, Chairman & CEO of Saul Investment Group, LLC, as National Capital Area Council’s 2015 Character Under Construction “Good Scout” Award Recipients. Mitch Filipowicz, Senior Vice President at HITT Contracting, served as Emcee for the event.
In their acceptance remarks, both Frank and Joe made mention of the value that the Scout Oath and Scout Law played in their daily lives, and while they were never Scouts themselves, they stated those are principles to live by. To learn more about this event or how you can participate in the future, please contact Alex Duvelius at (301) 214-9110 or Alex.Duvelius@Scouting.org.
Congratulations to Governor Frank Keating, the 2015 Financial Services ‘Good Scout’ Honoree
14th Annual Technology “Good Scout” Award
On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, NCAC presented Governor Frank Keating, President & CEO of American Bankers Association, with the 2015 Financial Services “Good Scout” Award.
On November 17, 2015, NCAC honored Todd Stottlemyer, CEO of the Inova Center for Personalized Health, with the Technology “Good Scout” Award.
More than 150 people joined together at the Wardman Park Marriott to pay tribute and recognize Governor Keating’s contributions to our community. The Emcee and Event Chair was Wood Sutton, President & CEO of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association.
This event raised over $105,000 for the programs at NCAC. To learn more about this event or how you can participate in the future, please contact Alex Duvelius at (301) 214-9110 or Alex.Duvelius@Scouting.org.
More than 170 people attended this luncheon to support NCAC’s programs. Presenting the award was Event Chair Tom Davis, Director at Deloitte, and Honorary Chair Mike Daniels, former NCAC Board Member and Good Scout honoree. Thank you to Todd Stottlemyer, Tom Davis and Mike Daniels for helping make this event so successful. For more information on this event, or to learn how to participate in next year’s event, please contact Megan Harbold at 301-214-9151 or Megan.Harbold@Scouting.org.
Attorney of the Year Good Scout Luncheon
Senator John Hoeven Is the 2015 Energy ‘Good Scout’ Honoree On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, guests gathered for lunch at the American Gas Association as National Capital Area Council honored Senator John Hoeven (ND) with the 5th Annual Energy “Good Scout” Award. Khary Cauthen, Senior Director of Federal Relations at the American Petroleum Institute, served as Emcee and Co-Chair for the event.
Thanks to all those that supported this luncheon, which raised over $92,000 dollars to support NCAC’s programs. Congratulations to Senator Hoeven, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year. To learn more about this event or how you can participate in the future, please contact Alex Duvelius at (301) 214-9110 or Alex.Duvelius@Scouting.org.
On Thursday, December 10, 2015, National Capital Area Council honored Eagle Scout Bobby Burchfield, partner at King & Spalding, with the Attorney of the Year Good Scout Award. In attendance to present the award was Jeff Pash, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for the National Football League, and event chair John Montgomery, Partner at Montgomery Fazzone, PLLC. In his speech, Bobby recalled attending the 1969 Jamboree when all 34,251 Scouts watched Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong walk on the moon.
leaders taught us to take the Scout Oath and the Scout Law seriously, and that you could both have fun and lead an upright life.” For more information on this event, or to learn how to participate in next year’s event, please contact Megan Harbold at 301-2149151 or Megan.Harbold@Scouting.org.
A memory to last a lifetime, said Bobby. He closed his remarks with these words “I know I am a different person, a better person, than I would have been without Scouting. Our
DONATE YOUR CAR TODAY
1-855-BSA-NCAC
ALSO ACCEPTING BOATS, RV’S AND TRAILERS Chief Development Officer Clinton Hammett Clinton.Hammett@Scouting.org
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www.NCACBSA.org/SupportScouting
Endowment
Living and giving
Memorial and Tribute Funds Donor:
In Memory of:
Donor:
In Memory of:
Susan Johnson Cedar Grove ES Mary Chrsity Mary Casamento Jean Griffith Priscilla and Robert Sturm Myra Wright Bernice Liening David S. Kappe Revocable Trust John and Carolyn Higgins George Reese Bobby and Janette Schank Lisa Abbott
A. Leon Nelson Bryan Fitzpatrick Bryan Fitzpatrick Bryan Fitzpatrick Bryan Fitzpatrick Bryan Fitzpatrick Carl Schulker David S. Kappe David Sorenson David Sorenson David Sorenson Eagle Scouts of Troop 1131, Matthew and Nicholas Abbott
Kenneth and Mary Davis Lisa Zirkin Susan Harber
Ernesto Uribe Harold Zirkin Hunter Hotsenpiller and Stan Harber James J. Driscoll James J. Driscoll John Camarda John Camarda John Camarda John Camarda Kevin Bond Bradley Kevin Bond Bradley Kim McLeland
Kimberly Pudliner Janet Rea Katharine Bloeser Timothy Camarda Cathy Mitchell Alice Riecks Evelyn Nelson Marion Perkins Weinstein Mark and Resa Director
Ron and Celia Adolphi
Donor: Richard Tobey Jennifer Diaz-Arrastia Ann Davis Charlene Janes Donald Plumb Joyce Lawn Alan and Barbara Anderson Prudential Insurance Company Robert, Bob, and Nancy Goodman
In Memory of: Matt Tobey Paul and Mark Diaz-Arrastia Paul Davis Paul Davis Paul Davis Peter J. Nerret Richard John Heilman Ronald Crown Shorb William Allen Thompson, Jr.
Donor: Joyce Martin Kathy Snow
In Honor of 12th Birthday: Franco Allegro Franco Allegro
Charitable Gift Annuities and You
On behalf of National Capital Area Council and the Boy Scouts of America, we welcome to the Second Century Society Ron & Celia Adolphi. On December 3, 2015, Ron and Celia Adolphi were honored for leaving a deferred gift to National Capital Area Council and the Boy Scouts of America. The presentation included a framed certificate, special Norman Rockwell print, and some custom items of recognition. Thanks again Ron and Celia!
- Forrest Horton NCAC Endowment Chair
I owe a great deal to Scouting! Though I have three degrees and attended five universities, my 75 years in the Boy Scouts of America have provided more practical lifetime learning experiences and opportunities for leadership and service that led to my career in social work and education than all of my formal education. As a senior citizen in retirement, I have found that one of the best ways I can give back to Scouting is through charitable gift annuities (CGA). Over the last seven years I have established six of them for the benefit of NCAC. A CGA is easy to establish and provides a guaranteed fixed rate income for life. Additionally, a substantial portion of the gift is tax-deductible in the year of the gift. A further benefit is that for one’s actuarial life expectancy, a substantial portion of the annual payout to the donor is also deductible. You can see how a CGA established for the NCAC Endowment Fund can not only benefit Scouting and the NCAC in perpetuity, but also yield to the donor substantially more than a CD, savings account or money market fund. I encourage you to explore how a CGA can benefit you now and provide a future legacy gift to the NCAC Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund is designed to provide the Council a “spin-off” of about 5% per year to insure program continuity in perpetuity. The older you are the better your rate of return. Unlike a for-profit commercial annuity, a CGA continues to benefit the charity when you are gone. I invite you to request an illustration of how a CGA can benefit you and Scouting. If desired, a confidential illustration can be provided without cost or obligation. Try it – I assure you that you will be glad you did! Yours in Scouting, John Mosby Russel The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 11
Camp William B. Snyder
Premiere outdoor programs
Camp Snyder Volunteer Opportunities! CAMPMASTER Do you love Camp Snyder? Have a working knowledge of Cub and Boy Scout camping? Then the Campmaster program is for you! Campmasters check units in, provide information and maps of the camp, review camp rules and regulations with unit leaders and make friendly visits to the campsites throughout the weekend. Campmaster hours are 6 p.m. Friday through 12 p.m. Sunday. Campmasters select their own dates and frequency of service, but usually serve two to four times a year. WILDERNESS ENGINEERS Camp Snyder needs you! If you and your family have enjoyed your time at Camp Snyder, here is an opportunity to give back! The Camp Snyder Wilderness Engineers are a group of volunteers committed to the improvement of camp program areas and facilities. Volunteers spend the day performing a variety of tasks intended to enhance the natural beauty of Camp Snyder. PROGRAM COMMITTEE If you like to plan, organize and direct fun events this committee is for you! We hold one or more activities a month and we’re always on the lookout for something new and exciting to do. FAMILY CAMPING COMMITTEE The Family Camping Committee is looking for active, creative, outdoor loving volunteers to plan and staff the popular Family Camping events. Bring your ideas, talents and time to the table to provide fun theme based Family Camping weekends using a variety of Camp Snyder program areas. Contact Camp.Snyder@Scouting.org to volunteer, if you have questions, or are looking for information.
Camp Snyder Happenings Stargazing Saturday February 20, 4 – 8pm $5 a car The night sky is clear and beautiful at Camp Snyder. Join us as we point our telescopes to the stars to identify constellations and planets. Easter Egg Hunt Saturday March 22, 9am $5 per child Meet the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs while keeping an eye out for the prize winning golden eggs. Make sure you bring a basket and your camera!
Bullseye! Family Camping Event Saturday April 16, Scouts and Scout age siblings $30 Adults $10 Siblings age 5 and under are free
Upcoming Events February 2016 Feb 19 – 21 Feb 20
Sully District Klondike Derby Stargazing
March 2016 Mar 3 – 6 Mar 4 – 6 Mar 4 – 6 Mar 26 Mar 26 Mar 27
Northeast Region Day Camp School Occoquan District Camporee Wilderness Safety Course Egg Hunt Paddle Craft Safety / Swimming and Water Rescue Easter
April 2016 April 1 – 3 April 8 – 10 April 1 6 – 17 April 22 April 22 April 28 – May 1 April 29 – 30 April 29
Old Dominion District Camporee OA Lodge Fellowship Bullseye! Family Camping Wilderness Safety Course Girl Scout Father Daughter Dance Woodbadge Course Sully Chapter OA Ordeal Paddle Craft Safety Course
The Shooting Sports Committee is planning an exciting day of BB gun shooting, archery, slingshots and more! After a fun day on the ranges Scouts and their families will join us for an evening campfire program and then camp overnight. Cook your meals in camp or take advantage of our $15 meal plan.
Time Travelers! Summer Camp
New This Summer: STEM Day Camp!
Celebrate a decade of Camp Snyder Summer Camps as we revisit themes and activities from the last ten years at camp.
The NCAC STEM Van is coming to Camp Snyder for one week only. Spaces are limited so sign up early for this unique blend of BBs, Archery, Swimming and STEM!
You must register your unit online and payment in full is expected upon registration. Cub Resident Camp July 8 – 10 July 15 – 17 July 22 – 24 July 29 - 31
Cub Day Camp July 11 – 14 July 25 – 28
Webelos Resident Camp August 1 – 5 August 8 - 12
First Early Bird Deadline April 15 $300 Second Early Bird Deadline May 20 $320
First Early Bird Deadline April 15 - Fees $220 $210 $260
Full Stem Camp Fee after May 20 $360
Second Early Bird Deadline May 20 - Fees $240 $230 $280
Adult Fee $30
Full Camp Fee after May 20 $260 $250 $300 Adult Fees $60 $30
July 18 – 21
$25 Late Registration Fee Assessed after June 15
$80
$25 Late Registration Fee Assessed after June 15.
Refunds for all camps will be granted, less a 15% handling fee, until June 15, 2016. After that date no refunds will be granted. All units are encouraged to find a replacement.
Camping Director Camp William B. Snyder 6100 Antioch Road Haymarket, VA 20169 571-248-4904
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Shirley Couteau Shirley.Couteau@Scouting.org
Business Manager Eileen Walters Eileen.Walters@Scouting.org
www.GoToSnyder.org www.Facebook.com/CampWBSnyder
Goshen Scout Reservation
Premiere outdoor programs
Goshen Scout Reservation is Gearing Up for an Awesome Summer 2016! Goshen is gearing up for another amazing summer in 2016! We already have over 100 units signed up to come to camp with more and more pouring in every day. Will yours be next? Also, we are still looking for staff for this coming summer. Even though our formal interview dates have passed, there are still opportunities. If you like working with kids, have summers free, and want to have an office that overlooks beautiful Lake Merriweather visit www.GoToGoshen.org to apply today. As always, if you have questions, please shoot an email to Phil Barbash at Philip.Barbash@Scouting.org.
Goshen Scout Reservation 340 Millard Burke Memorial Hwy Goshen, VA 24439 540-997-5773
Camping Director Philip Barbash Philip.Barbash@Scouting.org
www.GoToGoshen.org www.Facebook.com/GoshenNCAC
The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 13
High Adventure Lenhok’sin High Adventure
Prepared. For High Adventure.
Lenhok’sin High Adventure is Goshen Scout Reservation’s nationally accredited high adventure program. Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, and their adult leaders experience exciting high adventure opportunities they will enjoy and remember forever. With access to over 35,000 acres of surrounding state wildlife game lands, there is plenty of room to customize a trek based on your crew’s interests and abilities. Standard treks include four outposts from the following list:
With the long winter months setting in, this is the perfect time to start thinking about and preparing for activities next summer. High Adventure activities are critical to keeping older Scouts and Venturers interested and involved in our programs, and National Capital Area Council is proud to be among the most active councils when it comes to participation at the national bases.
Foxfire – Set in 1913 Appalachia, practice the art of blacksmithing, woodworking, and candle dipping. Mountain Man – Shoot black powder rifles & throw tomahawks with fur-trappers of the 1800’s. Caving – Experience total darkness and explore the maze underground. Rock Climbing – Get amazing views of the Goshen pass from our natural rock wall. Mountain Sports – Mountain biking and mountain boarding. Robin Hood – 14th century archery competition and other challenges of the middle ages. C.O.P.E. – Challenge your crew to work together to take on high and low elements. Aquatics – Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on beautiful Lake Merriweather. Looking for a different kind of adventure? Lenhok’sin also offers river trips. Canoe the James River for 4 nights and 5 days and take in one of Virginia’s most scenic rivers. Paddle 61 miles of this historic river from the headwaters at Iron Gate to the Snowden Dam. Experience over 100 class I rapids, and 20 challenging class II rapids, and the infamous Balcony Falls (Class III) rapid. Bring your fishing pole and try your hand at fishing along the way. Camp nightly at wilderness riverside locations along the way. Add an optional river clean-up project and this trek meets the “50 MILER” award requirements.
The NCAC High Adventure Committee is comprised of dozens of volunteers with decades of experience developing and leading a wide variety of High Adventure programs. We are fortunate to have former staffers from the major bases as well as unit leaders who specialize in the “do-it-yourself” programs. We maintain relationships with all of the bases and have access to the latest information and promotional materials. We are always available to make presentations at the unit or district levels. We want to make sure every unit is aware of the opportunities that are available for older Scouts. Even if your unit is comprised of mostly younger Scouts, it’s never too early to start promoting these programs and giving them something to prepare for (e.g., fundraising, hiking endurance, backpack camping skills). Throughout the year there are superb opportunities within the Council for Scouts and Scouters alike to develop and hone their skills for high adventure. Have you considered the Alonzo Stagg hike in the spring for a 10 or 20 mile shakedown hike for your Scouts? The Backcountry Outdoor Leader Skills (BCOLS) course is taught each spring and fall to ensure that Scouters have the skills to lead high adventure trips in the backcountry at national bases or DIY-style. Has your unit completed the clue-based , treasure-hunt challenge History of Scouting Trail (HOST) hikes? The fall of 2016 will be the 27th anniversary of the V3 Hike-o-ree, an opportunity to practice backpack camping and hiking in a safe-to-fail environment in and around Shenandoah National Park. Conducting a High Adventure trip may seem like a daunting task, especially if your unit hasn’t done a trip before. The HAC is here to help; in addition, we sponsor several trips each summer. It’s a great deal as you sign up, either as an individual or as a unit, and we do all the behind-the-scenes work to put the trip together. This is ideal for units that may not have the experience to set-up these types of trips. Here is a summary of our offerings for 2016:
• Bissett Base at Northern Tier: This is a new offering for 2016. Many consider Northern Tier the most rugged of all High Adventure treks, and Bissett is the most rugged offering at Northern Tier. In fact, it’s earned the unofficial designation as the “Most Extreme High Adventure in Scouting.” You will truly be in the wilderness for a whole week, with the only access being by float plane. Estimated cost is $2400 and includes transportation, meals, and base fees. Dates TBD based upon registrations received. This trek is for experienced individuals and those who are interested are encouraged to sign up by mid-January as the trip is subject to cancellation if there is not sufficient interest. We are also planning a winter break trip in 2017 to participate in Okpik, the popular winter program offered by Northern Tier.
• Sea Base: Spending a week on a boat in the Florida Keys may not be everybody’s idea of High Adventure, but there are tremendous opportunities awaiting your crew as part of the Coral Reef Sailing program. There is a lot of work involved in sailing, but the rewards include some of the best fishing you’ll find anywhere and bonding with your crewmates as you sail into the sunset. Estimated cost is $1800, including transportation, meals, and
base fees. This trip is filling up fast, so please register soon if you’re interested. Trip dates are July 17-23, 2016.
• Philmont: Containing 140,000 acres of mountain territory, helping to make it the largest organized youth camp in the world, Philmont is a big attraction for Scouts and Scouters alike. Crews come out and backpack for 12 days, participating in unique programs at camps along their route. Summiting 12,441 Baldy Mountain, fishing for trout in clear mountain streams, and taking in a spectacular sunrise from the top of the famous Tooth of Time are among the highlights for many crews. Estimated cost is $2500 and includes transportation, all meals, sightseeing activities (whitewater rafting and a tram ride up Pikes Peak), lodging for two nights in Colorado, and base fees. Trip dates are June 25-July 9 and July 16-30 2016.
For all of the trips listed above, note that final costs will be determined by the end of March when transportation contracts are finalized; the prices listed above reflect our best estimate of the maximum cost per participant. We work hard to control costs and in 2015 we were able to reduce the final price on our Philmont trips by over $300 per person compared to the advertised price.
• Summit: While NCAC does not sponsor trips to BSA’s newest High Adventure base, it’s close enough for units and individuals to plan their own adventure. We do have a liaison who is in regular contact with the staff and has information on all of the available opportunities, ranging from whitewater rafting to rock climbing to mountain biking. We will be happy to make a presentation to your unit. Summit offers opportunities available for provisional participants who may not be able to attend with their unit; please contact the base directly for more information.
Although the HAC does not conduct trips to other High Adventure bases, there are plenty of adventures waiting for you at locally-operated bases in Maine, the Adirondacks, the Louisiana Bayou country, as well as camps such as High Knoll Trail in Virginia. And don’t forget the NCAC’s own crown jewel for high adventure at Goshen Scout Reservation, Lenhok’sin, with activities including caving, whitewater, rock climbing, ropes courses and mountain boarding. For those participating in High Adventure programs, whether on an NCAC trip or on a unit-sponsored trip, campership funds are often available to help defray part of the costs. The national bases administer these programs so contact them directly for more information. For more information on the High Adventure Committee or if you are interested in participating on one of our trips, contact Brian Gannon at 703-307-2267 or by email at briangannon@outlook.com. The committee meets on the first Thursday of each month, September through May, at 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott Scout Service Center. Anyone with an interest in High Adventure is welcome to attend. Registration forms for all of our trips, along with a wealth of other information, are available online at www.ncacbsa.org/highadventure. You can also find us on Facebook by searching “NCAC High Adventure.” See you on your next adventure!
Program Director Don Durbin Don.Durbin@Scouting.org
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www.NCACBSA.org/OutdoorAdventure
Exploring Virgin Islands District Exploring Ms. Regine Acosta of Post 7514 is the 2015 recipient of a $3,500 scholarship from the National Aviation Exploring Committee. Regine is well on her way to be the female aviator to which she aspires. Before leaving St. Croix this summer, she had almost forty hours of solo flying time and was therefore very close to earning her Private Pilot License. Once she achieves that milestone, she plans to pursue Instrument Rating, Commercial Single-engine Rating, Multi-engine Commercial Certificate and Certified Flight Instructor Certification. Regine was the 2014/2015 President of the V.I. Youth Aviation Club and Post 7514. As a Department Chair at her high school wrote, “She is a highly motivated and conscientious young lady who is extremely goal oriented.” Regine was the salutatorian of her high school class of more than four hundred students and is now at Emory University pursuing a degree in Aviation Administration.
Bull Run District’s Post 1882 and Club 42 Bull Run District was proud to launch Post 1882 and Club 42 in June of 2014. Both of these units explore a variety of fields in engineering and computer science in order to help young adults make decisions about future career possibilities. They participate in many competitions for robotics and programming and go on many field trips in order to learn about STEM. When the volunteers of the Bull Run District created this Exploring post, they had a specific vision in mind for the youth they wanted to bring in. They wanted to target youth that were interested in science, technology, engineering and math and inspire them to use their creative thinking and problem solving skills to move through the hands-on experience that the program was built for. This in return would help them in the future when pursuing a higher education. During their first year, these Exploring units have fielded four VEX Robotics Teams, one zero robotics Team and one MATE Underwater ROV TEAM. To complete these competitions, The Post and Club have the youth organized into several project teams which encourages the use of teamwork to focus the objective on a single engineering challenges or competitions. In addition to these competitions, they have also dozens of field trips and engineering sessions including the Tech Shop, DARPA, NAVSEA Cadderock, Micron, 3D Printers, Electrical Circuits, Model Airplanes, Sky Robotics, Discover Scuba, Virginia STAR and Rube Goldberg. These field trips include visiting NASA’s Goddard Space Facility, Wallop Island, Micron’s Semiconductor factory and VW’s Assembly plant. Recently, the Exploring units had the opportunity to run the first-ever Bull Run District STEM Fall Camporee. With the help of Michael Lowry, the District STEM Adviser, around 360 youth attended and participated at 23 different stations that included a rocket station, robotics station, electronics station and a chess station. The youth were given tickets and had a day to complete each of the stations while getting their tickets punched. The team with the most completed activities got a small prize for their hard work. Thanks to the Post and Club’s hard work, this camporee was a resounding success we look forward to having another STEM Camporee in the future.
Exploring Staff Advisor James Larounis James.Larounis@Scouting.org
www.LearningForLife.org The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 15
Venturing THE MANY ADVENTURES OF VENTURE CREW 1919 shrieking of the birds as the bats flew amongst them and from the mountain forest nearby we could hear what sounded like the baying of wolves. We only had a short time to get off the bus and change into our costumes and leave for Hunyad Castle. It was a short bus ride to the castle and as it came into view it truly took our breath away. This castle was everything that you expect in a castle. Turrets, drawbridge, murder holes, a moat and bats. I have to give to the locals their full credit; they know how to set the mood. There were people dressed in medieval costumes sword fighting by torchlight. There were old muskets being fired into the air causing the bats to fly and scream their anger. Eventually we were escorted into the castle proper. There were bagpipers and dancers and every sort of costumed character you can imagine: vampires, werewolves, zombie brides, comic book characters like Superman and the Joker, and many others. The hosts had a wonderful spread of food that filled even the most hungry of teenagers. The party lasted to midnight and a great time was had by all.
Since 2007, Venture Crew 1919 has been hitting the hot spots of the world. Rome Italy, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Aruba, Dominican Republic, Spain, France. This year we decided to do something a little bit different. We decided to spend Halloween in Transylvania. We flew to Romania and took a tour of the northern portion of the country which is where Transylvania is located. We hit the road running visiting many medieval towns and villages. As we approached the mountain region we were forced onto small two lane roads that took us through some older hamlets. The bus was forced to come to a near stop several times as old people pushed their hand carts along the road. In Brasov we were able to visit Bran Castle, which is the castle that Bram Stoker used as his model for Dracula’s castle. Outside the castle were vendors wagons and carts selling an assortment of foods and sweets and Dracula souvenirs. On Halloween we travelled to the town of Hunedoara. As we approached Hunedoara the sun settled behind the trees and the mist from the nearby mountains slowly covered the villages. Smoke slowly rose from the chimneys of the old homes adding to the haunting atmosphere. Arriving at the town of Hunedoara and exiting the bus we could hear the
Venturing Staff Advisor
NCAC-VOA President
Ben Hazekamp Ben.Hazekamp@Scouting.org
Laura Herbig President@Venturing-NCAC.org
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On the last day of our trip, the challenge intensified. Looking up at Vlad the Impaler’s castle, it looked like a long, long way to the top – and it was. As we climbed towards the ruined castle, many of the adult leaders regretted those missed days in the gym and bemoaned our middle-aged legs. The view from the top was awe-inspiring! It was a commanding view of the valley and you could understand why Vlad built the castle there. You could literally see for miles. All in all it was an amazing trip that everyone claimed they would like to do again. If you want more information about Venture Crew 1919 and how you can join us on our many adventures feel free to contact us at mmgriffin@comcast.net or stevengriffin@comcast.net.
www.NCACBSA.org/Venturing
Sea Scouting Invasive Species Work Done by the Sea Scouts By Zachery Stauffer Ship 548 This May, David Moyer, curator at the Calvert Marine Museum, and Sea Scout Ship 548 of Solomons, MD, will undertake a project in and along the Marsh Walk exhibit. This project involves identifying and removing a number of invasive plant species that threaten the livelihood of certain native grasses and trees. For each plant removed, one sprout of a local plant will be put in the ground to replace it. Moyer hopes that this purging will increase the overall survivability of the wetland, and allow the museum’s visitors to see an example of what a pure wetland in the temperate environment of Southern Maryland would look like without the presence of the threatening plant life. It will likely need to be repeated every year as an annual event. On April 28, 2015, Moyer, accompanied by Peter Vogt, an expert on invasive species of flora, gave a presentation to seven youth (including one Eagle Scout not affiliated with the ship who wishes to do a project on the topic of invasive species) and four adults. The demonstration had about a dozen samples of vines, branches, and tree trunks that the Scouts could look at and touch, accompanied by an information placard going over each one’s features and history in the area.
into the local environment by planting them in gardens for aesthetic purposes. The particularly dangerous invasive species are the ones that leave the natives defenseless by spreading fast, using all the soil’s resources, growing on other plants (causing them to be weighed down), or demanding a large amount of sunlight (in turn blocking it from the lower plants). Fortunately, Mr. Moyer has enlisted Ship 548 to combat this conquest of invasive plants. Although the effects of removing the plants will not last forever, the project’s scope for now is just within the small area of the exhibit’s 12,000 square feet. Later, the Sea Scouts toured the area where the work would take place, practicing how to spot the species that were invasive with the help of Mr. Vogt, as well as pointing out what small shoots were not to be removed. Much of the zone had already been marked off with red tape denoting the invasive and yellow ribbons highlighting the natives (patches of poison ivy were also sprayed orange for safety) by Mary Alves and Judy Okay of the Yard Arm volunteer group. Mr. Moyer explained more about the equipment, process, boundaries, expectations, and how this was most efficiently executed before it becomes too hot in the day or in the season.
Mr. Vogt explained that some invasive species pose more of a threat than others, and that many have uses for crafting, decoration, or food. Many came from Asia, and have been introduced
The Sea Scouts is a co-ed branch of the Boy Scouts for ages 13-21 that specializes in nauticalthemed activities that are often coordinated by the youth; Ship 548 meets at the Calvert Marine Museum on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Sea Scouts - Where STEM gets REAL
off over time and prevent ocean critters from setting up camp on the hull. And when sanded - it can get in your lungs. So never forget - “safety first.”
By Todd Skiles Skipper, Sea Scout Ship 100 NCAC Sea Scout Executive Officer
While the boat is out, “zinc anodes” must be replaced on the propeller shafts. Why? Because any time you have two different metals that are physically or electrically connected and immersed in seawater, they become a battery. Some amount of current flows between the two metals. The electrons that make up that current are supplied by one of the metals giving up bits of itself--in the form of metal ions--to the seawater. This is called galvanic corrosion and, left unchecked, it quickly destroys underwater metals. We don’t like that! So every two years, anodes are replaced to protect fittings, shafts and propeller blades.
Everyone’s talking about STEM. But for over 100 years Sea Scouts have been *doing* STEM. For Sea Scouts STEM really can be a make-or-break part of our program. Why? Because we have a “love-hate” relationship with all this water in our program. Water is good under the hull, in a water bottle or in the Skipper’s coffee maker. Water is NOT good when it’s in the flywheel of the boat engine, overflowing the bilge, shooting out of the stuffing box for the propeller shaft or leaking through an old port hole. So all year, and especially in the winter, what many call “STEM” we call “maintenance.” It can be a lesson in Chemistry, or Physics, or Biology, or basic Engineering. The most common activity for Sea Scouts in the winter is “winterization” where in addition to removing sails and deck gear, the water in heads (bathrooms), galleys (kitchens) and complex diesel engines (water is a coolant for most boat engines) has to be replaced with Propylene Glycol - a type of antifreeze that can withstand temperatures below -50F. Ice in a hose or engine cooling system will cause splits and cracks that can have catastrophic effects on a boat by allowing water to leak into the cabin and if left unattended (as many boats spend their days) will sink the boat. So antifreeze is pumped into the systems. But this isn’t just any weird purple chemical. It has to be something the Coast Guard deems safe for the oceans and bays. Because what goes into the coolant systems and bilge in the winter gets into the open water in the Spring. So Scouts learn about “GRAS” (Generally Regarded As Safe) chemicals, and how to read an “MSDS” (Material Safety Data Sheet) to know how to handle these chemicals. (Don’t worry - this antifreeze is so safe, it’s actually OK to drink in small quantities - although we can’t imagine why. The taste is horrible!)
For some ships - the price of active program and salt-water fun must be paid. Perhaps a starter and solenoid must be replaced on a boat which involves a complex process of removing an engine alternator and ensuring shore power is disabled. (Sea Scouts work with 240 volt power - comparable to what a clothes dryer uses and enough to ruin your whole day - and the day of everyone around you.) Sometimes it even means removing the entire engine. And that’s really when STEM goes from “learning” to “Life Skill”. This is just the WINTER program. Wait until SUMMER comes! What’s very fascinating is that if you ask the Sea Scouts - they’ll tell you it’s actually a lot of fun. Because who does all this work? Scouts. Adults are there, of course, to supervise safety and make sure things are done correctly. But in a youth-led, high-adventure program - for many Scouts this is the first step to a career in commercial or military marine engineering. Stay tuned for how Sea Scouts apply astronomy, geometry and algebra to make kids puke! (It’s a good thing - trust us.)
Oh - and while you’re down there, put some “bioguard” in the diesel tank - because unlike gasoline, life can actually grow in diesel fuel. Did you know that? But wait! There’s more! This is the season when many of the larger boats get “hauled out”. The bottom of larger boats gets covered with ablative paints. Especially yachts on salt water where barnacles and other sea life can turn the hull of a fast-going sailboat into a 1970’s shag carpet in less than a year. So boats are lifted in giant rolling cranes out of the marinas, and the bottoms are sanded and cleaned. As part of rank requirements, Sea Scouts must know what safety gear is required (goggles, breathing masks, gloves, coveralls) before removing the old paint. Then a fresh coat of ablative bottom paint is applied. Again with the Material Safety Data Sheets because these paints include mica, cuprous oxide and crystalline silicon dioxide - all of which is designed to flake
Sea Scouting Staff Advisor Roger Chatell Roger.Chatell@Scouting.org
www.NCACBSA.org/SeaScouts The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 17
Outdoor Adventures Troop 111 Tops Big MD Orienteering Day Arlington Troop 111 won the 69-troop 39th Annual Maryland Orienteering Day on November 7, 2015, at Broad Creek Scout Reservation north of Baltimore. They last won in 2007, and tied a record with their eighth appearance in the top two, and were one of only three troops to find 40 out of 40 markers on the popular afternoon free-for-all “Score Orienteering.” Ben Geertsema of Venture Crew 439 in Kensington was the MD Scout Orienteering Champion for the second year in a row, winning the 4.4 kilometer advanced course in a time of 52:31, edging Troop 111’s Will Hofer by just four minutes; Will was 14 minutes ahead of third place. With over 600 Scouts again this year, competition was fierce after a morning of self-guided training with a practice “Route Orienteering” course for beginners, new this year. Arlington Troop 648 was third overall, just behind a Baltimore troop in second, and dominated the 295-Scout Older Category, won by Troop 648’s James Licato and Charlie Williams. Chase Hildebrand and Joseph Justice from Troop 648 were fourth, just behind orienteers from Balto. and Pennsylvania. Aaron Barnes and James Murphy from eleventh-place Gaithersburg Troop 318 were eighth. Rockville Troop 1434 was fourth overall, led on Score Orienteering and the Advanced Course by fourth-place Matt Halverson (his fourth year in the top five) and fifth-place Hollis Ma. Port Republic Troop 347 (Western Shore District) was seventh overall again this year, led by a second place in the 283-Scout Younger Category by Evan Tracy and Eric Danielson
(just behind a Baltimore pair); Troop 111 had fourth (Lucas Moreno and Thomas Sullivan) and eighth (David Shank and Thomas Warden). Venture Crew 2828 from Darnestown (Seneca District) did well on Score Orienteering: Sajan Mistry and Jack Beautz were one of only six teams out of 285 to earn over 400 points, just ahead of Isaac Weaver and Andrew Tagg from Troop 941 in Olney and Will Gegory and Marshall Ricardi from Troop 1946 in DC. Each Scout received two special color maps with courses during the day, and each troop got answer keys, instructional tips, and patches. For the first time, a morning meeting allowed smaller troops to combine for the event, and several did well. In 2016 the 40th Annual MD Orienteering Day will be at Patuxent River Park near Upper Marlboro on October 29 (Oct. 28-30 if you decide to camp on-site). Search for orienteering at www.BaltimoreBSA.org for more details and for full results from 2015. National Capital Area Council’s annual Scout orienteering day with instruction for beginners is scheduled for April 9, 2016, at Kings Landing Park in Calvert County; contact Jim Chaplin at jhchaplin@comcast.net or see www.ScoutOrienteering.com. Public orienteering events are listed at qocweb.org. That site has a downloadable map for the permanent beginner-intermediate orienteering courses available anytime at Little Bennett Park near Clarksburg. Similar permanent course maps can be picked up at the Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center.
Order of the Arrow Lodge Continues Big Successes in Centennial Year By Jonathan Bjornson OA Lodge Chief Amangamek-Wipit Lodge of the Order of the Arrow is over 4300 strong as we head into 2016, having just completed the Centennial of the OA, which was founded on July 16, 1915. The lodge for the National Capital Area Council was founded in 1952 and in the ensuing sixty-three years has given tremendous service to the council and its members. First, the OA gives service. This takes place in many ways and in a wide variety of locations. The OA supports Scouting for Food throughout the council, often working at food banks to integrate the collected food for distribution to the needy. Each spring and fall, most of the OA chapters (one per NCAC district) hold “Ordeal” induction weekends, usually at a camp, park or property not owned by Boy Scouts of America. As a result, many man-hours of labor are carried out at community venues that benefit youth, churches and public properties, open to many residents throughout the Washington metropolitan area. In addition, the OA routinely carries out service to benefit Camps Snyder and Goshen for the betterment of all our youth members. For years the lodge in NCAC has regularly contributed to annual Friends of Scouting financial campaigns and not too long ago, over a three year period, raised $150,000 to help improve the maintenance facility at Camp Snyder. In 2015 our lodge contributed $12,000 to the council, $10,000 of which was presented to Camping Chairman John Montgomery and Deputy Scout Executive Jeff Berger for the purpose of improving the facilities available at the new council camping property near Walkersville, MD. Additionally, the lodge received a Journey To Excellence Silver Rating for 2015 and recognized thirty-one key leaders since its beginning as “Centurions” of the lodge. Showing their individual commitment to service and excellence in the Centennial year, over ten percent of lodge members earned the challenging Arrowman Service Award. On January 2, 2016, many individuals in the lodge were recognized for service during 2015. There were 61 new Vigil Honor members, the equivalent to Scouting’s Silver Beaver award, but for OA members. Four exceptional members, Ben Press, Morgan Bentley, John O’Connel
All photos were taken at the Mt. West Area Ordeal at Camp Fraser 18
and Kevin Brendel, were presented the prestigious Founders Award of the Order, for highly distinguished service and leadership above and beyond their normal duties over an extended period of time. Another three older youth members received the Servant Leadership Award. This award is available only to Arrowmen 18-20 years old for selfless service of the highest order. It carries with it a James E. West Fellowship, which means the lodge contributed $1000 for each recipient in honor of their service and leadership. This year the Servant Leadership Award went to Jonathan Bjornson, Clark Billups and Geoffrey Loughner. At the banquet, Council Endowment Chairman Forest Horton congratulated the lodge for its support of the NCAC endowment fund. Amangamek-Wipit Lodge of the National Capital Area Council has done great work in 2015 and is expected to continue to do so. For 100 years the OA has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Arrowmen promote year-round and long-term resident camping, develop leaders and provide cheerful service to others. Scouters interested in the OA in NCAC should contact Lodge Adviser Art Widmann at artwScouter@gmail.com; or Staff Adviser Don Durbin at Don.Durbin@Scouting.org.
River & Trail, run by an Eagle Scout. 40+ years of outfitting scouts for active adventures near Historic Harpers Ferry, WV. Only 1 Hour from the Washington and Baltimore area. • CANOE/KAYAK MERIT BADGES AVAILABLE • CUSTOM CANOE TRIPS • WILDERNESS FIRST FIRS AID TRAINING • 840 FOOT ZIPLINE! • ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIALIZED BOY SCOUT DAYS
The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 19
Training University of Scouting – February 27 Why You Should Attend?
The “University of Scouting”, a supplemental training opportunity for all adult Scout leaders, returns to Hayfield Secondary School,7360 Telegraph Rd. Alexandria, VA on February 27. It is the one time during the year where you can find the widest variety of training opportunities in all program areas all in one place. The University offers interesting courses in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, what we call “Adventuring” (a combination of Varsity, Venturing, and Sea Scout activities), District Operations as well as Electives opportunities where the classes cover areas of Scouting not specific to any one program. The University has a degree program where, over time, attendees can earn Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degrees in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing. Classes are taught by experienced Scouters and Scouting professionals, many in subject areas not otherwise covered in the usual adult leader training curriculum.
POW WOW 2015
On November 21, 2015, over 325 Scouters attended the 2015 POW WOW at the Annandale High School. Over 50 classes were offered and the Scouters learned various aspects of Cub Scouting from “BALOO” to “Who’s Who on the Pack Committee.” If you were unable to attend save the date for the 2016 POW WOW on November 19, 2016, and join us for the FUN of learning about Cub Scouting!!!
There are nearly 160 different courses from which to choose. NCAC Council Executive Les Baron will be delivering the keynote address at the opening. In addition to the academic program, there is more… a midway where up to fifty vendors and council committees will have exhibits describing how their products and services can enhance your Scouting program and a Scout shop trading post where you can pick up needed items without having to drive to a Scoutshop. You can even call ahead to the Virginia Scoutshop (703-321-4836) and they will have your order waiting for you to pick up. And finally, there will be a Scouting museum where dedicated collectors will be displaying their extensive collections of Scouting memorabilia. At the closing ceremony, we will be presenting the D. Andrew Grafton Exceptional Trainer Award. This annual award, presented by the NCAC Leadership Training Committee, recognizes a single NCAC Scouter for sustained, dedicated and highly skilled service to Scouting over the years by demonstrating a high commitment to quality adult leader training. The University of Scouting provides all the above, along with great fellowship with dedicated Scouters, making this a day to be remembered. The early bird registration fee is $30 (until February 21) after which it goes to $45. It includes morning refreshments, lunch, an event patch, course materials, a certificate, and a special recognition for PhD recipients. Whether you are new to Scouting or a veteran of many years, the University is a place where you can learn from experienced Scouters from all over the council; it truly provides something for everyone. Hayfield Secondary School is close to the Beltway, just south of Alexandria, VA. Doors open at 7:15 AM. The opening ceremony starts at 8:15 AM with the closing ceremony ending by 4:30. Last year over 950 Scouters were in attendance. Register now to help us push attendance to over 1,000 in 2016. Register early for the best choice of classes as some popular classes do fill quickly. A complete list of classes and registration information is available at www.NCACBSA.org/UOS.
Wood Badge – Training the Way it was Meant to Be! Spring Wood Badge Apr 29-May 1 & Jun 3-5 Camp William B. Snyder, Haymarket, VA Scoutmaster Jim Thomas
Did you know that Corporate Executive Training can cost thousands of dollars? An MBA will take years. On-the-job training takes a long, long time. Of course the common denominator is that these all take time, money, experience and sometimes you don’t get what you pay for. The Boy Scouts of America has something much better: Wood Badge! “What the heck is Wood Badge,” you ask? For starters, it’s The Advanced Training for Scouters! It is, without a doubt, the most worthwhile activity you can experience (inside or outside of Scouting). It has benefits that will continue to pay you (and others) back for a long time. There are some questions that come up when Wood Badge is discussed. What is it? Why do I want to do it? What will it give me that I can’t get through regular training?
Program Director
Don Durbin Don.Durbin@Scouting.org
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Program Specialist
The course has come a long way since 1919 when BadenPowell formalized it. The fundamentals remain the same. Wood Badge for the 21st Century has five themes. They are: Living the Values, Bringing the Vision to Life, Models for Success, Tools of the Trade and Leading to Make a Difference. Knowledge in these areas will make for stronger troops, packs, crews, districts and councils. With close to 50,000 boys in the National Capital Area Council and 21,000 volunteers, taking Wood Badge will help you make a difference! The best part about Wood Badge is the people that you meet. Both the staff and participants come from all parts of the DC Metro Area and sometimes from beyond. You will be given the opportunity to share ideas and expand on the methods of Scouting that you learn as part of the course. Those who attend represent years of experience, not only in Scouting, but in their job or personal lives. Your family will benefit. The organizational and leadership skills will help to make you a better parent and possibly appreciate your family more. It definitely has done that for me.
Margee Egan Margee.Egan@Scouting.org
This course will make you a better volunteer in other community activities. It will help you organize and prioritize in your career. You will become an even better version of the great person you already are. National Capital Area Council just finished up their Fall Wood Badge course with Course Director Jack Culver. Here is what the participants had to say: “Great job by staff and leaders. Thank you for your servant leadership.” Fox (All participants are divvied up into 8 different patrols) “I greatly benefited and plan to introduce change to my troop and Scouts.” Bear “As a new leader, I felt that to be effective, I needed the training. I’m happy to have attended Wood Badge. Mostly, for the introduction of the patrol method.” Buffalo “Understanding things about my own personality that can and should be put aside to make me a more effective group leader.” Buffalo If you missed your chance with Wood Badge this year, there are more courses being offered in the spring and fall of 2016. Sign up today for the opportunity of a lifetime at www.NCACBSA.org/WoodBadge!
www.NCACBSA.org/Training
STEM
Science | Technology | Engineering | Mathematics
STEM classes at Microsoft stores
Microsoft has worked with BSA to design curricula that meet Boy Scout and Cub Scout requirements. In the Tech Talk classes open to Cubs (with the exception of Tigers who are not eligible to work on the STEM Award), Cubs will complete requirements 3-5 of Nova Award: Tech Talk!
Tech Talk Tuesdays are at the Montgomery Mall Microsoft Store on the first Tuesday of every month. Class time is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tech Talk Thursdays are at the Tysons Microsoft Store on the first Thursday of every month. Class time is 7-9 p.m. And Boy Scouts, Microsoft also has workshops where you can work on your Digital Technology Merit Badge! See more information at www.NCACBSA.org/STEM Register for these classes at www.NCACBSA.og/STEMicrosoft Have a question? Email STEM@NCACBSA.org
Meet Noah Ventura
This Boy Scout just earned his Bernard Harris Supernova Award! This is Noah’s second Supernova Medal; he earned the Dr. Charles Townes Award while a Webelos. Though NCAC has seen over 100 Cub Scouts earn Supernova Awards in 2015, Noah is one of the handful of Boy Scouts to have completed it. His family shares with us a little bit about how he accomplished this: Anne (Noah’s mother): STEM is already of interest to Noah, so working on these Awards fit right in. We already watch the NOVA and science shows at home. We tell people to just read the requirements and see how accomplishable this is. Noah knew that as he entered higher grades (he is currently in 7th grade) he would have increased school commitments, not to mention the plethora of requirements to work towards Eagle. However, he enjoyed working on the Supernova as a Cub Scout, and knew he wanted to work on the Boy Scout Supernova too. He knew it was a lot of work and that it’d have to be his summer project. He also knew he’d need to accomplish this while still in middle school, before life became even more hectic. He organized the whole thing; of course, we as parents helped where he needed - for example, driving - but he took the initiative to plan and organize the activities. This is a great program and we recommend that any Scouts with an interest to earn the Supernovas plan to do so early!
Alongside their two wonderful instructors, four Cub Scouts display their certificates for Tech Talk and Hour of Code at the Microsoft Store in Montgomery Mall.
Save the Dates
Star-gazing Party and Out of this World Nova at Camp Snyder February 20 from 4PM-8PM Nova Days in Alexandria March 21-24 from 9:30AM - 4PM Technology & Electronic Days at MSSC March 29-31 from 9:30AM - 4PM Info will be at NCACBSA.org/STEM Supernova Mentor Troy Faaborg with Boy Scout Noah Ventura displaying his Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award. 4C
STEM Advisor
James Hamlin James.Hamlin@Scouting.org
STEM Coordinator
Trisha Dalal STEM@NCACBSA.org
www.NCACBSA.org/STEM The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 21 B/W
2C
FLAT 4C
Advancement & Recognition Meritorious Awards
We thank and honor these Scouts who were recognized for performing heroic and meritorious actions, we would like to show the gratitude of the people they went above and beyond to help, sometimes at risk to their own safety.
Ian Shurr Ian was working as a lifeguard at the pool one evening when his manager Jimmy went to the filter area to add acid to correct pool levels. The acid equipment in use was new, and this was the first time Jimmy had operated it outside of the training. Ian was walking back to the office when he heard Jimmy call his name, and he went over to Jimmy. When Ian arrived at the filter enclosure, he saw that the area was fogged with acid vapor and the acid hose was loose and streaming muratic acid. The acid had pooled and blocked Jimmy’s escape, as Jimmy sat in the back, retching and unable to see or breathe. Ian determined that he needed to dilute the acid and began spraying the room and Jimmy with a water hose. With gas partially subdued, Ian struggled to get Jimmy out. Recognizing that something was wrong, other came over to investigate and one of the adults assisted getting Jimmy to safety. Ian alerted the other lifeguards, asked one to call 911 and ordered the pool to be closed and evacuated. He then assisted Jimmy with a resuscitation mask and washed out his eyes with clean water. EMTs and Hazmat arrived and took over; eventually brining Jimmy to a hospital where he was treated for minor burns.
Thomas Johnson Last fall Thomas went camping with his troop at a campsite at the trail head for Overall Run Trail in the park. The older Scouts went on a backpacking practice trip, and Thomas elected to go with the first-year Scouts on a day hike down to a waterfall about 2 1/2 miles below. While having lunch at the waterfall, a younger Scout named Mason asked ASM Paul if he could try some of his trail mix, and took a small amount. Shortly after, Mason complained that he was not feeling well, and that he was having trouble breathing. ASM Paul and ASM Mike agreed he was having an allergic reaction and they started up the hill, however, it quickly became evident that Mason could not make the climb. ASM Mike said he would go back up to the ranger station for help since they had no cell service, and Thomas offered to carry Mason up with him (neither ASM could do this). Without waiting for an answer, Thomas picked Mason up and began jogging the 2.5 miles up the hill. Realizing that Mason was not doing well, Thomas pushed himself and got Mason to the trail head shortly after ASM Mike notified the rangers. Shortly thereafter, an ambulance arrived and Mason was successfully treated.
Troop 1539 Troop 1539 was doing an out-and-back hike of a rugged section of the Appalachian Trail to prepare for hiking Lenhok’sin Trail. As they were returning south, they heard repeated reports of an injured hiker ahead. When they finally came upon the injured woman, Diana, her ankle was being wrapped by a fellow hiker, but those gathered around her backed away to let the Boy Scouts take over. The Scouts determined that the ankle was reasonably wrapped, however Diana could not self-evacuate. Looking at what was available, the crew constructed a litter from their hiking poles duct taped together to get the needed length and a poncho from one of the adults. After testing the litter, they put Diana on the litter and began carrying her out. Four of the group carried when possible, and a two-man fireman’s carry was done in tight places. As they began evacuation, one of the bystanders contacted 911 with a satellite phone. After about 3/4 mile, as they neared the road, they were met by EMTs who took over the evacuation.
Martin Romero Martin and friends were walking on Highland Street when his friend Caelin saw a pile of snow and, thinking that it was soft and deep, dove headfirst into the pile. As he jumped, it became evident that the snow was only a couple inches deep; and when he did not move Martin realized something was wrong. Using the skills he learned from his Lifesaving Merit Badge, Martin quickly checked Caelin, who was not moving, and stabilized his head, suspecting a spinal injury. Caelin was able to tell Martin that his fingers felt numb. Martin called 911, and while Martin was waiting for the ambulance and keeping Caelin warm, Caelin’s father who is a doctor arrived. Caelin’s father presuming this was a minor accident, moved to get Caelin up; however, Martin insisted that Caelin not be moved and Caelin’s father relented. When EMTs arrived Caelin was transferred to a back board and taken to a hospital, where it was pronounced that he had broken his neck. Months passed without a clear prognosis, however Caelin was present for this interview and has made a remarkable if incomplete recovery.
Daniel Hillenburg Last June Daniel was camping with his father and a friend near the confluence of the Talkeetna River and Clear Creek near Talkeetna, Alaska when he received a text message warning him about nearby flooding. Around the same time, Daniel noticed a kayaker running through some fishing lines upstream, and when he got closer Daniel called to him. The kayaker, named Dylan, appeared confused and dazed; and Daniel suspected he was suffering from hypothermia. Daniel guided him ashore and immediately realized he was in bad shape. Daniel had Dylan sit, gave him his wool hat, and covered him with his sleeping bag. Daniel gave him hot food and drinks, and when the Dylan became more aware, he explained that he had a friend upriver who was stranded. Daniel called state troopers to explain the situation and clarified that Dylan was safe but the friend upstream needed to be rescued. A few hours later Dylan was evacuated, and Daniel and his crew were told that Dylan’s friend, Bobbie, had also been rescued by helicopter.
Garrett Pan One night, Garrett was driving home from a movie with a friend when they noticed a car in the woods off the road. Although this is a normal occurrence, since not all wrecks are removed immediately, they decided to stop when they saw the brake lights were still glowing. They went into the woods and saw that the car was wrapped around a tree on the passenger side, and the driver was out of the car and looking disoriented. Garrett’s friend called 911 and Garrett went off to examine the car. When he glimpsed inside he saw an injured passenger covered with blood, and tried to open the driver’s side door. However, he soon realized that the door was stuck and the car was still running. He reached through the window and turned it off, before guiding the passenger across the car to crawl out the driver’s side window. With both persons out of the car, Garrett had them lie still on the ground while he kept them calm. The Police arrived first and reported the accident, and the EMTs arrived about 5 minutes later and took over the care of the victims. For his actions Garrett received the Medal of Merit.
22
Advancement & Recognition Religious Awards For a complete list of religious awards, including chartered partners, go to NCACBSA.org/ReligiousEmblems. GOD AND CHURCH Anthony Breder Josh Cooper Connor Howlin Matthew Lawley Piers Luscombe James Offringa Michael Petty Daniel Short Will Ubben Koby Valentin GOD AND FAMILY Jackson Arnold Terence Ayers Gabriel Bisrat
Michael Byrd Caden Connolly Adam Esper Michael Fullerton Ian Herd Kyle Houchin Corbett Howell Levi Huddleston Colin Jacobs Jeremy Jordan Patrick Kelly Clinton Kuropkat Shawn Riley McCardell Luke Pedersen Matthew Place
Advancement Advisor Alan Deter alandeter@verizon.net
Jayvelin Price Nathaniel Quick Stephen Radcliffe Nathan Sanders Micah Smith Noah Sullivan Liam Stephens William Tackett Caleb Timmons Samuel Tower Cedric Wilkerson Hunter Wright Garrett Yates
John Carter Noah Faaborg Jonas Faaborg Timothy Farr Joshua McCoy Emory Ortiz Matthew Schelhorn Matthew Sobelman Zachary Sobelman
GOD AND LIFE Jack Bradley
GOD AND ME Jacob Ciccoelella Eli Edwards Caleb Foreman Oscar Gibson William Heather
Sorren Johnson Ryan Klein Robert Kuropkat Henry Miller Jackson Pulley Nicholas Sanders Jordan Schneider Nicholas Seymour Aden Stephens Colten Wright MACCABEE Akiva Chittum PRAY FOUR STAR Timothy Farr
www.NCACBSA.org/Advancement
NESA DC Gathering of Eagles Is Now NESA DC!
Troop Produces Record Number of Eagle Scouts
D.C. is a transient area. Between the military and the government it can be rare to find a true DC “native.” This is one of the reasons why since our group’s inception we have called ourselves the “Gathering of Eagles.” We did this to be inclusive and encourage all Eagles to participate, even if they were not paying NESA members. However, we have heard from several people that they had trouble finding NCAC’s Eagle alumni group when they went online and searched for “NESA.” Some have even started their own LinkedIn groups instead of joining ours. To eliminate this confusion, we are now NESA DC. All are still welcome to participate, even if they are not paid members of the national organization (although we encourage everyone to join!) and we will continue to use the “Gathering of Eagles” name to describe some of our events. We hope this will allow more of the over 16,000 Eagles living in the national capital area to find us and participate in our great programs.
NESA DC Chair
Jim Morgan jpmorgangoe@gmail.com
NESA
With a new name comes a new logo! We put our four finalists to a vote on our Facebook page and the winning design is shown here. Whether you are an active Scouter or haven’t been involved in years, we would love to see you at one of our events. We have designed our programs to reach Eagles of all ages: happy hours, Capitol Hill receptions, speaker series at the Cosmos Club, business networking in Tysons, career day for our youth, and connecting with a local unit to see the Scouts in action are just some of the opportunities we provide.
DC
Last year, Troop 895, chartered to Falls Church Presbyterian Church in Falls Church, VA, assisted 15 young men in their quest to reach Eagle Scout. These Scouts provided over 1,776 hours of service to 13 different community organizations in and around Falls Church while leading their Eagle Service Projects. Projects benefited Falls Church and Fairfax County schools, the Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department, the Falls Church Library, the WO&D bike trail, several local churches, two Little League districts, a women and children’s shelter, the Brother’s Brother Foundation and the Columbia Baptist Food Bank. Twelve of these Scouts started their Scouting careers together in Pack 657 and two started in Pack 1537 more than eleven years ago. The Scouts have participated in BSA high adventures at Sea Base, Philmont and NCAC’s Lenhok’sin High Adventure Base at Goshen Scout Reservation. The Scouts visited Colorado and Wyoming on Big Trips and enjoyed summer camps at Goshen’s Camp Bowman, Blue Ridge Council’s Camp Ottari, Del-Mar-Va Council’s Camp Rodney, Heart of Virginia’s Camp T. Brady Saunders, Camp Peaceful Valley in Colorado and Camp Loll in Wyoming. Boy Scout Troop 895 has been serving boys and young men and the Falls Church community for the last 57 years and in that time has helped 124 young men earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Fifteen Eagle Scouts in a 12-month period is a record that the Troop is very proud to recognize.
www.NCACBSA.org/NESA The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 23
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Eagle Scout, Sea Scout, Venturing Awards The National Court of Honor has awarded these ranks to the following young men and women whose certificates have been returned to our office between May 25, 2015 and August 14, 2015.
Unit#
Name
Appalachian Trail District Troop 273 Troop 277 Troop 278 Troop 278 Troop 1023 Troop 1023 Troop 1023 Troop 1023 Troop 1023 Troop 1066 Troop 1066 Troop 1812
Spencer Christian Paire Cale Joseph Pritchard James Wesley Bongard Corey Robert St. John Timothy Lawrence Baer Evan Robert Dann John Daniel Galuardi Henry James Patrick Kretz Tyler Christopher Weddle Brandon Dane Bargo Alexey Nikolai Jeffers Leo Alexander Krach
Aquia District Troop 26 Troop 26 Troop 26 Troop 26 Crew 49 Troop 63 Troop 121 Troop 121 Troop 317 Troop 516 Troop 516 Troop 845 Troop 850 Troop 907 Troop 907 Troop 907 Troop 907 Troop 1410 Troop 1425 Troop 1717
Seth James Mayle Jacob Andrew Schwartz Alexander David Wright Zacharias Gregory Wright Caleb Mathis Stark Benjamin Joseph Gallaher Thomas Lee Branstetter John Edward Goulette Matthew Daniel Klocek Philip Lawson Mantz Jacob Harrison Wright Jared Windsor Burkhammer William Acy Akridge James Weaver Ball William Michael Deputy Peter McDermott Fritz Matthew Timothy Sherwood Garrett Scott Hawley Daniel Joseph Noel Sean Thomas Kenney
Bull Run District Ship 100 Troop 581 Troop 581 Troop 581 Troop 608 Troop 670 Troop 670 Troop 670 Troop 670 Troop 670 Troop 671 Troop 671 Troop 924 Troop 924 Troop 924 Troop 1196 Troop 1360 Troop 1362 Troop 1362 Troop 1371 Troop 1833 Troop 1833 Troop 1833 Troop 1882
Matthew Lee Friedman Maxwell Connor Kutil Cody Bruin McClellan Christopher Jordan Myers Ian Austin Xavier Maddock James Kenneth Bocompani Julian Eduardo Burbano Gregory Emil Klatt Nicholas Paul Kline Kyle Fitzgerald Picot Carter Hancock Jarrett James Lash William Oeland Denham IV Daniel Vincent Milihram Ian Christopher Winch Alexander David Conrad Ian Cole Uhler Nicholas Preston Harris William Steven Ward Timothy Ray Stallings Matthew Blackwell Iain George Mischel Graeme Thomas Mischel Christian Alexander Saylor
Catoctin Mountain District Troop 243 Troop 570 Troop 628 Troop 727 Troop 799 Troop 799 Troop 886 Troop 1066 Troop 1070
Charles Peter Johnson Gabriel A. Carswell Thomas Ryan Salamon Brendan Isaacson Cruz Junior Gallegos Kevin Sean Jaramillo-Jimenez Andrew Cole Raynor Joseph Howard Stone Tyler Zachary Richmond
Chain Bridge District Troop 106 26 111 Troop
Sean Matthew Grieg Luke Kearney Allen
Unit#
Name
Troop 128 Troop 128 Troop 128 Troop 128 Troop 162 Troop 167 Troop 505 Troop 638 Troop 638 Troop 652 Troop 652 Troop 828 Troop 828 Troop 869 Troop 904 Troop 1130 Troop 1130 Troop 1130 Troop 1916 Troop 1916
George A. Carter Jake Andrew Holzapfel Ryan Alexander Riddle Marcus Johnathan Riddle David Stephen Misra Evan Fitzgerald McLean Jeremiah Robert X Brooks Russell James Adams Matthew Daniel LeHane Andrew John Geithman Jacob Vincent Russo Reilly Cole Kartchner Benjamin Shumway Smith Justin Peter Johnson Vu Nguyen John William Hudson Andrew James Ryan Jacob Steven Ryan Hojun Augustine Boo James Eric Foster, Jr.
Colonial District Troop 129 Troop 135 Troop 301 Troop 301 Troop 301 Crew 601 Troop 680 Troop 680 Troop 993
Troop 996 Troop 1515 Troop 1515 Troop 1519 Troop 4077 Troop 4077 Troop 4077
Zachary Paul Cattaneo Lachlan Kerr Zachary Ryan Cooper John James Daly Thomas Drumm Vickery Evan Layne Sevillano Louis Marie Antonie Chapman John Daniel Schoenewolf Maximilian Boardman Wohlleben Kai Ethan Riley William Humphrey Pessaud Carlos Jose Velez Richard George Tanner John Patrick Millward Gabriel William Bodhi Norris Carter James Sibley
George Mason District Troop 13 Troop 152 Troop 152 Troop 152 Troop 152 Troop 152
Troop 152 Troop 152 Troop 152 Troop 187 Troop 187 Troop 187 Troop 187 Troop 349 Troop 681 Troop 895 Troop 895 Troop 895 Troop 895 Troop 895 Troop 895 Troop 895 Troop 918 Troop 918 Troop 976 Troop 976 Troop 987 Troop 987 Troop 987 Troop 987 Troop 987 Troop 1113 Troop 1113 Troop 1113
William Ricker Bell Austin N Allison James Ryan Crowley Kieran Michael Devany Benjamin David Fybel George Washington Simon Kuhn, Jr Matthew James Nicklas Alexander Michael Podolny Tate D. Wilhelm John Andrew Carter Phillip Daniel Goya Sean Jennings Newman Matthew Schelhorn Thomas Allan Unger Seth Austin Harding George Paulson Castillo Brandon Arjay Castillo Tyler John Gogal Christopher Michael Markus Logan Harley Nesson Nathan Josiah Royce James Wallace deLeon Schneider Mitchell Christian Brazier Daniel Masao Mason Daniel Clayton O’Connell Thomas George Olmsted Erik Edward Eskeland Timothy Connor Flesch Ethan James Richie Matthew Charles Riegelman Jacob Bruce Sternberg Samuel Howard Fountain III James Michael Mansfield Nathan Mark Revor
Unit#
Name
Troop 1539 Troop 1539 Troop 1887 Troop 1887 Troop 1978 Troop 1978
Chritopher Margiotta John Patrick Stonerock Grant Edward Pisner Alexander Fox Shafer Alexander Glenn Cann Edmond Yu-Cheng Kuan
Goose Creek District Troop 39 Troop 39 Troop 163 Troop 163 Troop 163 Crew 533 Troop 572 Troop 572 Troop 572 Troop 572 Troop 711 Troop 711 Troop 711 Troop 711 Troop 761 Troop 786 Troop 786 Troop 950 Troop 950 Troop 956 Troop 961 Troop 961 Troop 966 Troop 969 Troop 982 Troop 982 Troop 982 Troop 997 Troop 997 Troop 997 Troop 998 Troop 998 Troop 998 Troop 998 Troop 998 Troop 998 Team 1106 Troop 1106 Troop 1174 Troop 1941 Troop 2010 Troop 2012 Troop 2950 Troop 2970 Troop 2970 Troop 2970 Crew 1106
Jeremy Edward Esatto Isaac Craig McCurdy Henri Thomas Brown Joshua Patrick Hudson Grant Philip Lundberg Benjamin Coleman Samuel Joseph Burke Luke Everett Ellis Andrew John Humpton Ranjit Zorawar Singh Virk Joel Benjamin Gicker Kyle Matthew Siecker Samuel John Soltis David Stewart Watson Ewen MacKinnon Riordan Nyle Yaseen Abedin Haroon Sohail Edison Ernest Rolle II Kyle Holden Sheridan Nathan Lewis Smith Nicholas James Blackwell Karl Frederik Canby Kyle Alexander Jordan Christopher Myles Hunt Owen Michael Little Daniel Michael Malloy Kyle Patrick Reimer Grant Henderson Jackson Douglas Morton Christopher Rost James Albert Castro Carson James Leopold Clark Zachary Thomas Gallagher Zachary Caleb Johnson Emauel MacLaine Payson Donal Eoin Whelan Hunter Parrish Auch Nathan Richael Hamm Curtis Joseph Murray Avery Freeman Logue Jacob Brian Pelletier Bradley D Leonard Edward William Calley Jared Michael Carey Eric John Potak Patrick Morgan Tolley Michael Shane Hintze, Jr.
Mattaponi District Troop 21 Troop 46 Troop 191 Troop 791 Troop 3510
Benjamin Thomas Culwell Logan Allan Hinnant Ryan Alexander Clark Maxwell Joseph Guyer Kyle Stewart Rhoades
Occoquan District Troop 35 Troop 74 Troop 295 Troop 964 Troop 1363 Troop 1365 Troop 1392 Crew 1456 Troop 1919 Troop 1919 Troop 1919
Duncan James Gibson Griffith Lane Bullard Andrew David Hartshorn Matthew Aaron Root Jonathan Charles Kohler Sebastian A Parada Mark Rafael Gonzales Connor James Haight Tristan Kendrick Dwyer Ian Michael Greene Elam Austin Perry
Unit#
Name
Old Dominion District Troop 150 Troop 688 Troop 688 Troop 702 Troop 853 Troop 994 Troop 995 Troop 995 Troop 1145 Troop 1145 Troop 1518 Troop 1518 Troop 1538 Troop 1538 Troop 1538 Troop 1789 Troop 1853 Troop 1853 Troop 1853 Troop 1853 Troop 1853 Troop 1853 Troop 1853 Troop 1853 Troop 4673
Matthew Gordon McDougall John Desmond Eldredge Zachary Craig Franklin Justin Khoi Phan Jasper Aloysius Tyner Kevin Joseph Puhek Robert Christopher Cable Christopher Michael Cable Miles Soren Johnson Zachary Linus McCoy Michael Casey Howard-Hutton Jonathan Marshall Withington David Malan Komalu Carr Ethan Isaiah Kemeny Elijah Kemeny Dang-Quang Vuong Le Ethan Philip Brooks William Bradford Gutherie Graham William Edward Hogg Graham Patrick Morriss Matthew Jimin Simmers Andrew Fernanado Simpson Jake Thomas Tapper David Scott Wilson Peter Maximillian Gelbach
Patriot District Troop 50 Troop 50 Troop 50 Troop 50 Troop 698 Troop 698 Troop 807 Troop 1131 Troop 1131 Troop 1131 Troop 1344 Troop 1345 Troop 1345 Troop 1346 Troop 1346 Troop 1346 Troop 1347 Troop 1523 Troop 1523 Troop 1523 Troop 1525 Troop 1525 Troop 1532 Troop 1532 Troop 1533 Troop 1533 Troop 1865 Troop 1965
Joseph McHenry Chavez Paul Albert Cipparone Samuel James Craiker Matthew John Hamilton Chayton Reid Koehler Daniel Jordan Tomlin Brandon Davenport Niemann Joseph Aaron Listopad Matthew Brent Lonam Bailey Evan Oliver Matthew Bailey Oubre Robert Andrew Uptmor Jackson Lane Zagurski Christen Michael Black Michael Anthony Lieb Jonathan Patrick Montgomery Dakota Gage Patterson Sean Frederick Burgess Richard Taylor Kinsley Esteban Munoz Calle Michael Thomas Fox Noah Michael Studeman Robert Chandler Swallow, Jr. Neil S Wu James Franklin Agnew IV Ethan James Phillips Matthew Hyland Cook Paul Daniel Marcelli
Powhatan District Troop 20 Troop 20 Troop 51 Troop 51 Troop 51 Troop 51 Troop 55 Troop 55 Troop 55 Troop 159 Troop 160 Troop 160 Troop 160 Troop 673 Troop 673 Team 826 Team 841 Troop 841
Brady Austin Culman Nikhil Patel David Kazimir Gregor John James Lambright III Daniel Bijan McFarland Alexander Nelson Peter Erik Ongman Wesley Sterling Pan Thomas Kendrick Windus Alexander Thomas Woo Bailey Scott Kell Matthew Ryan Scherger Munis Hasan Thahir Gregory Louis Gersony Kiran Omari Hampton Rexford Vaughn Boody Samuel Henry Gustafson John Brown Voelkel
Eagle Scout, Sea Scout, Venturing Awards (Continued) Unit#
Name
Crew 872 Troop 877 Crew 878 Troop 1257 Troop 1313 Troop 1313 Troop 1313 Troop 1313 Troop 1577 Troop 1577 Troop 1577 Troop 1577 Troop 1983
Miles Chandler Bowen Brady Alexander Nelson Daniel Francisco Walter Devin Edward Gardner Alex Acierno Brown Brett V Matthes Joseph Enrique Pavlack Christopher John David Zaboji Brandyn Joseph Bagby Grant Peter Bommer Braden Thomas Cuttler Sean Henry Hagerup Jason Avery Zaita
Piedmont District Troop 10 Troop 10 Troop 911 Troop 911 Troop 1177 Troop 1177 Troop 1187 Troop 1187 Troop 1187 Troop 1187 Troop 1475 Troop 2020
Abram E Baer Joseph Powell Hawkins Daniel James O’Hara Kyle Gregory Pinelli Ryan Francis Granche Zane Mitchelle Woodward Joshua Robert Boggs Stephen T. Moran Hayden Christopher Pence Dalen Avery Sanders Christopher David Johnston, Jr. Ryan T. Kilcourse
Potomac District Troop 3 Troop 8 Troop 15 Troop 15 Crew 27 Troop 52 Troop 52 Troop 52 Troop 209 Troop 209 Troop 241 Troop 255 Troop 439 Troop 439 Troop 447 Troop 447 Troop 461 Troop 463 Troop 773 Troop 773 Troop 944 Troop 944 Troop 944 Troop 1083 Troop 1083 Troop 1083 Troop 1083 Team 1300
Erik Kristinn Gunnarsson Sebastian Gabriel Paredes Daniel Thomas Herman Peter McBride Montgomery Michael Carson Stopher Addison E. Adams Daniel David Goldenberg Alexander James Marketos Marcus Giunta Hibbeln Maxwell Riordan Warsaw James Leslie Viland II Henry Ion Loomis Sidney Benton Geertsema Casey P McCarthy Noah Campbell King Eli Benjamin Levine George Emerson Cox IV Mark Andrew Casassa William Giles Hartmann Kevin Andrew McGuire Austin Banks Nicholas Michael DeGraba Eric N Meyer Matthew Alexander Kimball Nicholas William Kurtz Kevin Andrew Oakes Devon Rappaport Ryan Paul Briggs
Attention Parents: Show how proud you are of your Scout’s accomplishment! You can now place an ad here in
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Unit#
Name
Troop 1300 Troop 1300 Troop 1300 Troop 1449 Troop 1450 Troop 1450 Troop 1800
Zachary Blair Hanson Christopher Joseph Hunter Jamon Michael Jex Jonah David Loeb John Francis Muha Nathan Oliver Serway Nathan Harley Zimmerberg
Powhatan District Troop 20 Troop 20 Troop 51 Troop 51 Troop 51 Troop 51 Troop 55 Troop 55 Troop 55 Troop 159 Troop 160 Troop 160 Troop 160 Troop 673 Troop 673 Team 826 Team 841 Troop 841 Crew 872 Troop 877 Crew 878 Troop 1257 Troop 1313 Troop 1313 Troop 1313 Troop 1313 Troop 1577 Troop 1577 Troop 1577 Troop 1577 Troop 1983
Brady Austin Culman Nikhil Patel David Kazimir Gregor John James Lambright III Daniel Bijan McFarland Alexander Nelson Peter Erik Ongman Wesley Sterling Pan Thomas Kendrick Windus Alexander Thomas Woo Bailey Scott Kell Matthew Ryan Scherger Munis Hasan Thahir Gregory Louis Gersony Kiran Omari Hampton Rexford Vaughn Boody Samuel Henry Gustafson John Brown Voelkel Miles Chandler Bowen Brady Alexander Nelson Daniel Francisco Walter Devin Edward Gardner Alex Acicerno Brown Brett V Matthes Joseph Enrique Pavlack Christopher John David Zaboji Brandyn Joseph Bagby Grant Peter Bommer Braden Thomas Cuttler Sean Henry Hagerup Jason Avery Zaita
Prince Georges County District Troop 81 Troop 214 Troop 403 Troop 450 Troop 740 Troop 1033 Troop 1212 Troop 1212 Troop 1212 Troop 1212 Troop 1212 Troop 1237 Troop 1551 Troop 1559 Troop 1657
Malik Anthony Johnson Christopher Li Sherman Stephen James Allen Austin Dallas Clement John Thomas Pavlat Alassane Matar Diagne Daniel Francis Awang Troy Austin Hepler Young-Do Krienbuehl Gabriel David Marchitelli Micah Karioki Urban Carlos Antonio Lopez Collin Michael Townsend-Nowlin Antonio Roberto Caicedo Ryan Garrett Smith
Unit#
Name
Troop 1688 Troop 1688 Troop 1688
Unit#
Matthew Christopher McFarland Ral Krupesh Patel Bryce Rakshya
Seneca District Troop 291 Troop 291 Troop 291 Troop 291 Troop 489 Troop 496 Troop 829 Troop 829 Troop 945 Troop 945 Troop 1084 Troop 1097 Troop 1097 Troop 1097 Troop 1110 Troop 1304 Troop 1760
Gabriel Jordan Donato Ryan Kent Handel Jacob W Rushkoff Kevin Maitland Schroeder Daniel Shou Cole Matthew McKenney Kevin Patrick McGinnity Daniel O’Dell Milbrath Andrew Buchanan Gibson Ryan Michael Love Brandon Evgeni Wolfe Jonah K Mittlestadt Zachary David Ott Andrew Tood Shiner Sebastian A Hernandez Aaron Taylor Raymond Brandan Matthew Dayton
Sully District Troop 17 Troop 17 Troop 123 Troop 577 Troop 577 Troop 577 Troop 577 Troop 682 Troop 682 Troop 717 Troop 893 Troop 893 Troop 893 Troop 1104 Troop 1104 Troop 1137 Troop 1548 Troop 1995
Santiago Paul Jauregui Jeffrey Parker Tolbert Mark Emmitt Pilipczuk Alexander Alvarado Brian Hugh Carmichael Marcus Pieter deVos Spencer Harrison Horn Landon P Labuskes Eli John McCleary Nicholas Augustin Saied Matthew Henson Ruckert Grant Sinclair Schultz David Jonathan Treat Jacob Steblein Alexander Wilhelm Toenshoff James William Laamea Lehman Kale-Ab Digaffe Dominic Frances Dintino
Washington, DC District Troop 61 Troop 61 Troop 61 Troop 61 Troop 90 Troop 90 Troop 500 Troop 508 Troop 524
Nathan Miles Edelmann Noah Valentin Hinson Christian Edward Oakley Alexander Quianzon William Hamilton Atkins Edwin Wellington Froelich Jacob Charles Drozdowski Aaron Lewis III Jacobi Francois Glover
Western Shore District Troop 303 Troop 347
Matthew Charles Garrison Matthew James Koelbel
Name
Troop 413 Troop 422 Troop 429 Troop 430 Troop 451 Troop 451 Troop 561 Troop 561 Troop 793 Troop 793 Troop 903 Troop 903 Troop 903 Troop 1684 Troop 1785
Benjamin Douglas Kelly Timothy Walker Patterson Justin Jungtack Byun John Michael Hoerauf Christian Dwayne Baker Jeffrey Larsen Moe Colin Barret Jonasen Daniel Jeffrey Rey Lathrop Sean Roderick Paulsen Gregory Michael Sowa Cory Lee Freeman Joshua Luke Oursler Jordan Spencer Shaffer Kyle Preye Gronda Quinton Michael Palmer
White Oak District Troop 97 Troop 264 Troop 264 Troop 264 Troop 264 Troop 433 Troop 457 Troop 457 Troop 457 Troop 772 Troop 781 Troop 1071 Troop 1441 Troop 1444
Dionel Blaise Ifer Diano Olo Peter Lorenz Barth Eric Mario William Fryer John Chrles Walter Fryer III Gavin Michael Mangolas Kurt Evan Willson Ian Anthony Frederick Parker Thomas Matthew Van Patten Jake Andrew Yamada Edward Boyd Flood Evan David Bowen Xavier John Daschner Anthony Patrick Massiah Michael David DelSole
Zekiah District Troop 410 Troop 410 Troop 417 Troop 417 Troop 424 Troop 908 Troop 1321 Troop 1780 Troop 1780 Troop 1814 Troop 1814
Sean Dustin Bowie Patrick Barry King Andrew Christopher Conklin DeAndre amont Weaver Charles Nicholas Rawson Jacob Ryan James Gerald Thomas Hancock Hayden Zachary Boyett Ian Joseph Shelak Joseph Vincent Garrow Aaron Michael King
Venturing Silver Award Crew 463 Crew 463 Crew 463 Crew 463 Crew 463 Crew 463 Crew 463 Troop 253
Henry Boulter Cesar David Caceres Shaadi Jahanbakhsh-Tehran Sumukh-Lucas Karandikar Mario Adrian Secebe Julian M Wood Rebecca Wood Robert Allen Stinnett
Congratulate your Scout on their achievement!
The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 27
Boy Scout
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• Dinner
Special District Recognition 2015 Northern Virginia Good Scout Event Congratulations to Secretary Michael Wynne and the other outstanding Scouts and volunteers honored at 2015’s Northern Virginia Good Scout Event. A huge “thank you” goes to this year’s chair Michael Meese and his committee for their efforts. The NOVA Good Scout event is an opportunity to raise awareness of the Scouting program in National Capital Area Council through recognizing a distinguished leader within Northern Virginia. The area includes Arlington County, Fairfax County, Alexandria City, Fairfax City and Herndon and consists of seven Scouting districts serving more than 17,000 young people. The event took place at the Key Bridge Marriott on December 1, 2015. There were more than 120 community leaders, distinguished guests and volunteers in attendance. As part of the dinner the committee recognized six outstanding youth and six outstanding adults. This was separate from any previous award they may already have but was used to publicly recognize them for their contribution towards Scouting. Congratulations to the youth and volunteers that were recognized: District Chain Bridge Colonial Old Dominion Patriot Powhatan Sully Chain Bridge Colonial Old Dominion Patriot Powhatan Sully
Youth Andrew Schlicht Keenan Pallone Matthew Simmers Izzuddin Abdul-Rashid Morgan Bentley Josiah Daniel John Brown Jim Hellwege Rich Wink Lee Cass Roger Claff David Weisz
20th Annual “George Delaplaine” Distinguished Citizen Dinner
Phil Berkheimer, Dinner Chairman; Dr. Ronald Volpe, Honoree; George Delaplaine, Dinner Sponsor; Les Baron, Scout Executive. The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 29
Commissioner’s Corner NCAC Commissioners College March 12, 2016
Calling All Scouters – Not Just for Commissioners! NCAC Commissioner College Dean Julia Mae-Shen Farr welcomes everyone to attend the 2016 NCAC Commissioner College. She is very excited to announce that the 2016 special guest and keynote luncheon speaker will be our dynamic and inspiring National Commissioner Hector A. “Tico” Perez!
Garry W. Lewis
Council Commissioner
Commissioner Recognition It is my pleasure to announce the following awards to recognize the sustained superior performance and impact of both administrative and unit serving commissioners. You have my sincere appreciation for all that you do to help start and sustain high-quality units. Please join me in congratulating the following awardees: Distinguished Commissioner Service Awards • David H. Carmichael, Sully • Matthew Beyer, Seneca • Mark Grapin, George Mason • Mike Nepi, Old Dominion • James R. Scott, Sully Outstanding Commissioner Service Awards of Excellence • Ken Bustza, Aquia • Kristin Chioma, Patriot • Michael Saunders, Potomac • James W. Schoonmaker Jr, Mountain West • Kurt Struder, Goose Creek • John M. Witek, Goose Creek NCAC Outstanding Commissioner Award (CSP) • Christopher Ty Cooper, Old Dominion • Doug Deem, Occoquan • Pete DeSalva, Occoquan • John D. Griffin, Old Dominion • Horace Robbins Jr., Catoctin Mountain • Rich Sackett, Occoquan
Tico became National Commissioner in 2008 and since 2003 has served on the National Order of the Arrow Committee. A Distinguished Eagle Scout and OA Vigil Honor Member, he is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service awards. He also has been awarded the Whitney M. Young and Vale la Pena awards for service to the African American and Hispanic Scouting communities, respectively. The National Commissioner is a volunteer position. Tico has served as a council president, area president, region president, and in a variety of other local, regional, and national positions. He brings leadership and commitment to BSA’s vision to provide quality program experiences for every youth involved in Scouting. He is passionate about multicultural markets and serving disadvantaged youth. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and chat with Tico Perez and other special guests
including NE Region Commissioner Randy Cline, Assistant Regional Commissioner Ed Yarbrough, and Area 6 Commissioner Charles Morgan. Challenging Ourselves To Better Unit Service is the theme for our 2016 NCAC Commissioners College, which will be held March 12, 2016, at Huntingtown High School (4125 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639). This college will be like none before. In addition to new classes in the traditional Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral Tracks, we will have a Roundtable Track and a NEW Continuing Education Track (including open forum/networking opportunities) covering important Scouting topics beyond the usual commissioner service curriculum. Also new this year, we will be offering the complete Commissioner Basic Training class. There will be something of interest and value to every commissioner . . . but wait, there’s more! This year we are making a special effort to link commissioner service to unit and district success. We are inviting everyone from all across Scouting to attend, including chartered organizations and Scouters serving
National Commissioner Hector A. “Tico” Perez in membership, program, finance, marketing, and the Order of the Arrow to discuss building well-supported relationships. This will be a great time for all non-commissioners to come meet Council Commissioner Garry Lewis and his Commissioners, learn what commissioner service is all about, and see how it can help you succeed in providing better unit service. All the above, along with great speakers and great fellowship with dedicated Scouters, will make for a day to be remembered. Early bird registration fee is $35 (until March 1); that includes light morning refreshments, keynote luncheon, event patch, course materials, and a certificate. A complete list of classes and registration is available now at www.NCACBSA.org/College. Register today!
Unit Charter Renewal – Preparation Begins Now! I know what you are thinking. The dust has not settled on the 2015-2016 charter renewal season and the Council Commissioner is already talking about the next charter season. If so, you would be correct. Preparation for the next season begins as soon as you submit your unit’s charter renewal application. Savvy unit leaders view charter renewal preparation as a year-long campaign. There are things your unit can do now to make the 2016-2017 unit charter renewal process easier: • Keep the unit’s copy of all membership applications in your unit files. For adults this includes a copy of the Disclosure/ Authorization Form and evidence of Youth Protection Training (YPT) completion. If, for any reason, an application must be resubmitted your unit’s copy will helpful. For online applications, print and retain a copy of both the application and the voucher. • Ensure that all applications are filled out completely! This includes, on an adult application, the applicant’s Social Security Number, answering all the questions on the right side of the form, and obtaining necessary unit-level signatures. At the unit level these signatures are the applicant, the unit committee chairman and the chartered organization head or representative.
Dif-tor Heh Smusma By Randall K. Cline Northeast Region Commissioner I thought this might be a good time to remind all of us in Scouting, and especially those serving in the Commissioner Service, of “The Ten Commandments of Unit Service,” as presented in the Masters level Commissioner College course entitled “Good Commissioners Need Both Head and Heart.” 1. A unit leader is the most important person in Scouting. 2. Unit leaders are not dependent on us; we are dependent on them. 30
• Don’t hold new applications. Turn them in as soon as possible! • Keep on top of your unit membership. Regularly check your unit’s membership in my.Scouting.org. If after several weeks the name of an applicant doesn’t appear in Member Manager, follow up with the district membership chair or district executive. • Current YPT is mandatory for all adult members. Use the Training Manager to manage the YPT status of adult members in your unit. • Make sure your unit has a realistic budget and a plan for paying charter renewal fees. Don’t be caught short funds at the last minute. • Plan your unit’s charter renewal process as part of the unit’s annual program planning. Include at least a preliminary meeting around 120 days before your charter expiration date to do detailed planning and another meeting for final review and signatures well before your District’s due date. Appoint a renewal processor early. In short, preparation for charter renewal is a campaign that continues all year round!
3. Units are not interruptions of our work; they are the purpose of it. 4. Unit adults do us a favor when they call. 5. A unit Scouter is central to our team – not an outsider. 6. A unit leader is not someone to argue or match wits with. 7. Unit leaders are not cold statistics; they are human beings with feelings and emotions like our own. 8. Unit adults bring us their needs; it is our job to help meet those needs. 9. Unit volunteers are deserving of the most courteous treatment we can give them. 10. A unit is the lifeblood of this and every council.
Commissioners succeed when our units and the kids in them live long and prosper. An abbreviated version of a traditional Jewish religious blessing, “Live long and prosper” came to wider public attention in the Star Trek TV series. It was used there by the character Mr. Spock (actor Leonard Nimoy) as the greeting of the Vulcan people: “dif-tor heh smusma.” All the best for a prosperous year of Scouting for you and your Scouts, units and council(s) in 2016! This article originally appeared in the December Edition of the Northeast Regions BSA Newsletter. It is reprinted with the permission of the author.
National Capital Area Council Service Areas Map of Council Service Areas & Districts
National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
Contact Information
Marriott Scout Service Center 9190 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814-3897 301-530-9360 www.NCACBSA.org www.BeAScout.org www.Facebook.com/NCACBSA
St. Croix P.O. Box 711 Christiansted, VI 00821
The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 31
Montgomery
A Silver Level Service Area Serving Montgomery County
Potomac
Potomac District
District Chair - Jim Schleckser (h) 301-765-0249 jimschleckser@IncCEOProject.com
Trick or Treating for a cause
A Gold Level District
Commissioner - Mike Saunders (h) 301-468-9268 msaunder@verizon.net District Executive - Erin Gillette (w) 301-214-9133 (c) 202-744-0439 Erin.Gilette@Scouting.org District Executive - Stephen E. Donnelly (c) 301-431-1474 Erin.Gilette@Scouting.org
Seneca
Matthew, John , Orion, Dilan, Peter and Thomas trick-or-treated for candy to donate. They collected 30 pounds of candy and donated it to the Children’s’ Inn at the National Institute of Health on Halloween night.
Wolves, Tigers & Bears, oh my! Potomac Packs!
Klondike Derby registration will open soon for troops and crews. The event will be January 15-17 at Little Bennett Regional Park. Please visit our webpage to sign up. Webelos Dens are invited to attend Saturday, January 16. This is a great opportunity to meet local troops and see them in action. Visit our webpage to RSVP. Contact Rachel Krishnan directly by email at KlondikeDerby@gmail.com for more information.
A Silver Level District District Chair - Gene Schaerr (c) 202-361-1061 gschaerr@gmail.com Commissioner - Gordon Henley (c) 301-943-9713 chenley@starpower.net District Executive - Jonathan Malloy (c) 301-221-9386 Jonathan.Malloy@Scouting.org District Executive - Ben Litten (c) 240-449-9337 Ben.Litten@Scouting.org
Life to Eagle
White Oak
A Silver Level District District Chair - William Totten Chairman@WhiteOakDistrict.org
Pack 773 at the Potomac Day Parade
Commissioner Richard (Rick) Manteuffel, PhD (c) 301-525-5542 (h) 301-482-0460 Commissioner@WhiteOakDistrict.org
Scout Sunday will fall on February 7, 2016. This a chance for faith-based chartered organizations to celebrate and recognize Scouting and for Scout units to show their appreciation for the religious institution that supports their unit. At churches nationwide, you’ll see Scouts and Scouters in uniform greeting the congregation, participating in worship services, earning religious awards and conducting service projects to benefit their place of worship. A Scout is Reverent. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion. To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed religious emblems programs. To learn more about Duty to God and P.R.A.Y, contact your District Executive.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ MontgomeryCountyScouting/
Roundtable
AVP
John Hanson hansonest@comcast.net
ACC
Ben Overbey bfoverbey@comcast.net
Field Director
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The rank of Eagle Scout represents a milestone of accomplishment. A formal application process has evolved that is important in maintaining the award’s wellrecognized prestige. The 2016 Life to Eagle Seminar is set for January 23, 1-4 p.m. at Charles Wesley United Methodist Church.
Scout Sunday
District Executive - Michael Werling (c) 703-350-8628 Michael.Werling@Scouting.org
Don Kilgore (w) 301-214-9133 (c) 301-379-9816 Don.Kilgore@Scouting.org
Klondike Derby
Pack 478 participated in Interfaith Works Giving Program providing gifts to families in need this holiday season.
Potomac Roundtable is held every second Tuesday of each month at 11700 Falld Rd., Potomac, MD. Roundtable provides continuous supplemental training for unit leaders. This monthly event provides program topic guidance and structure suggestions for unit leaders. Join us at Roundtable to network with other local unit leaders and share tips.
District News & Views Seneca District Oktoberfest at the Kentlands A Scouting Circus Adventure On October 11, NCAC had a 40x40 space at the Oktoberfest at the Kentlands. With all of this space we were able to have an assortment of different activities to show the young parents and boys and girls how much fun it is to be in the Boys Scouts of America. There were over 20,000 people walking around and with the space provided we were able to set up tables for membership, STEM, arts and crafts, and the Council’s climbing wall. Each family went to the membership table to find out about local units in their area ranging from our traditional programs (Cub Scout and Boy Scouts) to our coed programs (Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring). This table was manned by Cathy Phan, Phil Dennis, Gordon Henley, Miriam Burnstein and Pete Minderman. A lot of the young ladies in middle school and high school were surprised to find out that we had an assortment of different coed opportunities for them. From the membership table the families got a stamp book that they were instructed to go to each activity and get stamped. Many of the people went straight from the membership table to the climbing wall but a good amount visited each table and learned more about Boy Scouts from our volunteers helping out at each station. Trisha Dalal, NCAC’s STEM Coordinator, and two volunteers from STEM Vendor Raspberry Pi led the STEM activities and the kids were so excited to play the puzzles and learn about computer programing that some of them stayed there the whole day. Deb Franklin led the arts and crafts table with help from White Oak District Executive Michael Werling and the kids had a chance to make spiders and other Halloween themed creatures. The climbing wall was staffed by Kelsey Prunier, Potomac District Executive Erin Gillette, Occoquan District Executive Ben Hazekamp and Seneca District Executive Jonathan Malloy; with their guidance and help many of the climbers made it to the top and tagged the buzzer. With all of the help from Council and volunteers we were able to have a successful and exciting event. We have been asked to come back next year; see you there!
Fall Camporee “Back To Basics” Seneca District held their annual fall camporee at Manidokan Camp & Retreat Center the weekend of October 16-18. This was a “Back To Basics” event focusing on Scout skills. Every part of the weekend contributed to a giant competition for Best Patrol. The weekend started with each troop building a gateway/ entrance for their campsite. In cooking the Scouts were judged on their Saturday morning breakfasts and their Scoutmasters on their dinner presentations. We had two professional chefs stop by on Saturday to judge the Scoutmaster dinners. Scouts showed off their best flag ceremonies for a panel of judges; demonstrated their personal fitness on an agility course to show off running and raw strength and a tug of war to show team work; and
demonstrated leadership by setting up tents blindfolded under the direction of their patrol leader. With their knots and lashings they constructed “A” frames and raced them across the field and when one of their members showed signs of hypothermia on a cool fall weekend they built emergency fires and made hot drinks. All this was done while showing a crowd of Webelos how the “big boys” work together. All told, 20 Patrols competed for Best Patrol. While the scores were tight, winners were finally chosen. Two patrols from Troop 1325 took first and second place and a patrol from 1323 took third place. Each member of the patrol was awarded a gold/silver/bronze neckerchief decorated with a camporee patch.
White Oak District
District Hosts Annual Webelos Weekend
This past October, White Oak District hosted a Webelos Weekend near Brookeville, MD. Over 500 people from local packs and troops made this experience a truly memorable event for Scouts and Scouters of all ages. For the first time in the history of the district the weather cooperated and it was a great time for all! In the morning and early afternoon on Saturday, the Webelos who attended were shown some fun skills and activities by the Boy Scouts, including first aid, fire building, cooking, knot tying, and totin’ chip. Throughout the day, Scouts also competed against one another in various competitions, such as pioneering, an obstacle course, and archery, the fan favorite. After the sun went down, there was a closing campfire filled with songs, cheers, and much more entertainment. The troops were recognized for
their hard work and dedication to the weekend’s events and the Webelos were challenged to use everything they learned in their future Scouting careers. But the Webelos and Boy Scouts were not the only ones to have some fun that day. Fifty Tigers and new Cub Scouts from across the district attended the “Tiger Hunt”. During this event, these new Tigers were introduced to the fundamentals of Scouting and completed many of the requirements for their Bobcat Rank. It was a weekend full of fun, advancement, and Scout pirit. This spirit could be seen on the smiling faces of all people in attendance from ages 6 to 76. A special thanks goes out to Mark Smith, Marvin Arthur, Troop 1444, and all the volunteers that made this event a great success. The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 33
Mountain West Appalachian Trail A Gold Level District
District Chair - Nick Maliszewskyj (h) 301-371-7070 maliszewskyj@gmail.com Commissioner - Melissa Udbinac (c) 240-626-5798 mludbinac@msn.com Field Director - Roger Chatell (c) 860-373-6588 Roger.Chatell@Scouting.org
Catoctin Mountain A Gold Level District
District Chair - Ron Layman (h) 301-788-7496 layman274@gmail.com Commissioner - Bill Desmond (h) 301-662-4151 BSPD1438@aol.com District Executive - Jon Miller (c) 248-417-0862 Jon.Miller@Scouting.org
Goose Creek
A Silver Level District
District Chair - Lynn Chapman (c) 703-348-4086 Chairman@goosecreekdistrict.org Commissioner - Kurt Struder (c) 703-999-7948 Kurt.Laing.Struder@gmail.com District Director - Peggy Durbin (c) 540-359-5335 Peggy.Durbin@Scouting.org District Executive - Matthew Johnson (c) 310-617-2537 Matthew.Johnson@Scouting.org
Powhatan
A Silver Level District
District Chair - Michael Dudzik (h) 703-577-7037 mcdudzik@yahoo.com Commissioner - Tony Petruzzi (h) 703-727-3001 abpetruzzi@verizon.net District Executive - Tejas Patel (c) 301-602-7124 (w) 301-214-9127 Tejas.Patel@Scouting.org
Sully
A Silver Level District
District Chair - Hondo Davids (h) 703-725-3620 Hondo.Davids@verizon.net Commissioner - Randy Young (w) 703-244-0785 Liberator47@cox.net District Executive - Robert Guers, Jr. (c) 240-395-0605 Robert.Guers@Scouting.org
AVP
James Morgan jpmorgan@hbp.com
ACC
Bill Schoonmaker schoonyScouter@hotmail.com
Field Director
Roger Chatell (c) 860-373-6588 Roger.Chatell@Scouting.org
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A Silver Level Service Area Serving Frederick, Loudoun, and Western Fairfax counties
Please see Page 29 for a story about the Northern Virginia Good Scout Award Dinner & George Delaplaine Good Scout Award Dinner
Appalachian Trail District Troop 277 and the Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Troop 277 from Brunswick has been working on the Scouting Heritage Merit Badge. As part of the eighth requirement for this badge, the troop invited three former Scouts (the requirement states that they must be over 40 years of age) to share their Scouting experiences and how Scouting has impacted their lives. Bert Thornton of Burkittsville, Scoutmaster of Troop 279 Tom Wheatley, and Frederick Eagle Counselor Kelvin Anderson each attended a meeting and spoke to the troop. Mr. Thornton is the great grandfather of Brandon Thornton, a Scout in the troop, and was a Scout in Pocomoke in the 1930s. He attributes his good health to his love of the outdoors that he gained from Scouting. Mr. Thornton showed the Scouts mementos from his Scouting years and regaled them with stories of his campouts and antics. Much like today, the Scouts in his time organized the campouts and activities, and even had to use patrol funds – he showed them his ledger of expenses – to buy supplies. Mr. Thorton concluded with the benefits of getting Eagle and encouraged everyone to try to get it as well. Mr. Wheatley has been active in Scouting his entire life. He emphasized the differences between the Scouting rank requirements then and now. Some of the camping and outdoor related requirements have been changed; in current Scouting there is an increased focus on first aid and other safety requirements. Mr. Wheatley went to the National Scouting Jamboree in Ohio in 1969, where the big event was witnessing Eagle Scout Neil
1st row--Ben Weatherhead, Chris Kenny, Tom Wheatley, Chase Rogowsky. 2nd row--Randy Boyle, Glenn Rogowsky, Hank Machen, Stefan Kenny, Simon Naylor, Sean Shorten Armstrong setting foot on the Moon. Another memorable experience for Mr. Wheatley was when he went on a weeklong hiking trip with his brothers. Because they were Eagle Scouts, strangers would let them camp on their property. Mr. Wheatley was the second Scout to get Eagle in Troop 55 and continues to be active in Scouting. Mr. Kelvin Anderson is a youth pastor and Scouting enthusiast who has been involved with Scouting all his life. He got his Eagle Scout just in the nick of time, and advises
any Scouts to try to get it before it’s a major rush. Mr. Anderson has a very large badge collection, including possibly the only full set of the hundred year anniversary badges from each of the Scouting districts. When he was still a Scout, he spent a great deal of time at summer camp, and still considers it one of his fondest memories. Being a Scout has taught him a host of character traits that helped him through life, such as integrity, leadership, and honesty. Scouting is still one of the largest influences in his life.
Catoctin Mountain District
The Peace Light arrives in Catoctin Mountain from Bethlehem, Israel On Tuesday, December 15th the Peace Light arrived in Frederick County at chartered partner St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, and Scouts and Scouters were on hand for the event. For over a thousand years lamps have been continuously lit in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Israel. For the last 23 years, a child from Upper Austria has lit two blast proof miner’s lamps from the grotto lamp. These lamps are then carried on an Austrian Airlines jet from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Vienna, Austria, where the Peace Light is distributed at
a Service of Dedication to delegations from across Europe who take it back to their home countries with a message of Peace. The light is flown from Vienna to New York City. Scout leaders light their miner’s lamps in New York and spread out across the U.S. and Canada to share the Peace Light. It travels to prisons, churches, and homes to anyone who appreciates the significance of the gift. Great job to the Scouts of Troop 1274 who helped others take the Peace Light home with them with oil lamps and candles.
Troop 628’s Trailblazer Klondike Derby By R.J. Grenier Mush! Mush! Mush! Those words conjure up visions of dog sled teams dashing through the snow along the Iditarod Trail. It is the spirit of that race that Troop 628’s Trailblazers Klondike Derby hopes to emulate January 22-24, 2016 (Webelos on January 23 only) at the Walkersville Watershed. The Derby will have a number of activities to test the skill and knowledge of the participants. Are your Scouts up for a challenge? The Derby is open to all Boy Scout Troops and Webelos. Troops are welcome to camp on
Friday and Saturday nights at the unit’s discretion . Webelos are welcome to come for the day (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The cost is $17.50 per registrant and will cover the event. Sled teams should consist of 8-10 Scouts. Further details and registration packets are available from R.J. Grenier of Troop 628 at grenierScout@gmail.com. Information will also be available at Roundtable. The Registration Deadline is January 11, 2016. Come spend the day in the Artic exercising your skills, testing your knowledge and most of all HAVING FUN!
District News & Views Goose Creek District Ashburn, Virginia Stake 2015 Leadership Camporee God as stated in the Scout Oath. The Camporee focused on four fundamental principles: 1. Jesus Christ is our exemplar of a leader who unifies and inspires us to accomplish life’s most important purposes together. 2. Great leaders follow Christ and help others follow Him. 3. Unity within the troop or team, with every Scout committed to do his part, unlocks power that enables us to do what is most important together. 4. Purpose focuses the efforts of the troop or team on what is most important in life, including becoming converted Disciples of Christ, making and keeping sacred covenants with God, serving honorable full-time missions, becoming worthy husbands and fathers.
The 2015 Ashburn Stake Leadership Camporee was held on Friday and Saturday October 23-24 at the Claude Moore Recreation Facility in Ashburn, VA. In attendance were approximately 120 Scouts and 35 leaders from troops and teams representing 11 wards in the Ashburn, Virginia Stake. The theme of the Leadership Camporee was “Leading in the Savior’s Way.” Activities were designed to help Scouts and adult leaders discover how leading in the Savior’s way can help troops and teams more effectively do their Duty to
Using fun and interactive group activities, Scouts set out on a mission to “save the world from a deadly plague.” Accomplishing their mission required them to learn how to understand and be unified in their purpose; work together as teams; give, receive and execute instructions with exactness; and show patience with each other when things didn’t go as planned. The activities were followed by after-action reviews and discussions that helped Scouts and leaders identify how leadership, unity and purpose work together to help troops and teams more effectively fulfill their duty to God by becoming more committed Disciples of Christ.
Powhatan District
Scouting for Food Success By Steven Toole, Powhatan District On Saturday, November 14, 2015, hundreds of Scouts throughout Powhatan District collected 52,612 pounds of food for needy families throughout the area as part of NCAC’s annual Scouting for Food campaign. Forty five units from Powhatan participated. In several cases, troops and packs worked together to turn-in a bag count or weight that reflects the participation of both units. Powhatan District Chairman Mike Dudzik commented, “It is the contributions that our units provide to activities such as Scouting for Food that make all of our volunteer time and effort so
Sully District
Sully District Scouters Honored For Service
rewarding and worthwhile. Thanks again to you and the entire team for this incredible effort.” The food went to several charities including the Community of Faith United Methodist Church food bank, Cornerstones, Link, Food for Others, FISH, WFCM, and Share. Subscribe to the Powhatan Press eLetter! Our biweekly email newsletter containing news, highlights and events throughout the District. Visit www.PowhatanDistrict.com to browse recent issues, subscribe online, join our Facebook page and more!
Daniel Kurtenbach was recognized for his exceptional service to NCAC’s Goshen Scout Reservation with the presentation of the prestigious Elgin Deering Visionary Award in a ceremony at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on December 3, 2015. Mr. Kurtenbach has served tirelessly in leading efforts to assess, maintain and upgrade millions of dollars of Boy Scout property in the Blue Ridge mountains. Also receiving recognition for exceptional service were Aaron Bills, District Friends of Scouting Chair, and Douglas Carlson, District Membership Chair. Mr. Bills spearheaded dozens of presentations to local units and organized phone-a-thons that raised over $60,000 to support programs for local youth. Mr. Carlson led an effort that helped Sully District achieve their 2015 membership recruitment goal. Only two of 23 districts in our Council achieved this goal last year.
Sully District NOVA Dinner Honorees At the recent Northern Virginia Good Scout Dinner held at the Key Bridge Marriott, two members of Sully District were recognized as “Good Scouts” from the District. Youth member Josiah Daniel and adult member David Weisz were both recognized for their extraordinary contributions to Sully District during 2015 and both are well deserving of the recognition.
Helping to recognize these three outstanding Scouters were (L to R), Garry Lewis, Council Commissioner, Robert D. Wood, Congratulations Josiah and David! To read Council President, Douglas Carlson, District Membership Chair more about the Good Scout dinner please turn Randy Young, District Commissioner, Greg Brown, District to page 29. Executive and Les Baron, NCAC Scout Executive. The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 35
Three Rivers Prince George’s A Silver Level District
District Chair - Philip Nichols (w) 301-952-3907 C.Philip.Nichols@gmail.com Commissioner - Mark Adams (h) 301-899-8616 comiclover_1@verizon.net District Director - Stephen Allen (w) 301-214-9189 (c) 571-345-6852 Stephen.Allen@Scouting.org District Executive - Francesca Becerra (w) 301-214-9141 (c) 719-201-7110 Francesca.Becerra@Scouting.org
A Silver Level Service Area Serving Washington, DC, Prince George’s County, and Southern Maryland
Prince George’s District
Troop 224 Responds to Auto Accident
Washington, D.C.
District Chair - Sanford Holman (h) 301-974-7067 sehdman@verizon.net Commissioner - William Hemsley (c) 202-768-0448 allwrits@comcast.net District Executive - Andrew Eacker (c) 540-454-8578 Drew.Eacker@Scouting.org
Western Shore A Silver Level District
District Chair - Paul Phillips (h) 301-481-7830 pfphillips@erols.com Commissioner - Mike McKinney (h) 410-326-6510 jmmckinney@verizon.net Senior District Executive -Trey Miller (c) 816-832-1483 (w) 240-395-0606 Trey.Miller@Scouting.org
Zekiah
A Silver Level District
District Chair - James Thomas Jim.Thomas20640@gmail.com Commissioner - Robert Davidson (h) 301-645-8886 rdavidson@aceweb.com Senior District Executive -Trey Miller (c) 816-832-1483 (w) 240-395-0606 Trey.Miller@Scouting.org
On Monday January 19, 2015, members from Troop 224 of Hyattsville, MD, were headed south on I-70 when they came upon an accident that had occurred on the right side of the interstate. Scoutmaster Thomas and Assistant Scoutmasters Miller and Riordon immediately pulled over to assess the crash scene. The Scouters from Troop 224 were one of the first responders on scene.
While Scouters Thomas, Miller, and Riordon were performing first aid, the other adult leaders – Mr. William and Mr. Gonzales – were directing Troop 224 Scouts Thomas Gorman, Benedict Gorman, Jimmy Gonzales, Stephen Miller, and Joseph Riordon to assist in traffic control and help collect items that were thrown on the road by the crash. This was done at the request of the Maryland State Police.
The accident involved three vehicles, including a State Trooper and a Brinks Armored Car, with two injured victims. The troop’s adult leaders went to triage the victims, initiating first aid, assessing the victims for possible injuries, and treating them for shock. One of the injured was State Trooper Lester Leggett who, upon looking up, saw these Scouters in uniform. This came as great relief because Trooper Leggett himself had been a Boy Scout. As the emergency first responders arrived on the scene, the troop leaders gave a status update to the EMTs who took over from there.
The Scouters believed that they were doing what was required of them as members of the Boy Scouts of America and were happy to be able to help. For their actions these Scouters were awarded the BSA National Certificate of Merit.
Bowie Scout Receives American Legion of Maryland’s Eagle Scout of the Year Award Gregory Scott Brow of Bowie, MD, has been named the Maryland American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year for 2015. Brow, a member of Troop 403, chartered to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, received the award at the American Legion’s 97th annual convention in Ocean City, MD, on July 15.
AVP
Nick Adams nick.adams@verizon.net
ACC
James Thomas jim.thomas2007@comcast.net
Asst. Director of Field Services James Hamlin (w) 301-214-9130 (c) 301-512-7314 James.Hamlin@Scouting.org
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As a follow-up, those involved in the accident did not sustain any life-threatening injuries and are currently recovering. Also important to note is that all contents from the Brinks Armored Truck were recovered and returned. Because a Scout is Trustworthy.
Gregory spoke of family, community and love of Scouting during his acceptance speech. He intends to continue to live those Scout values in college and his career. Having positive role models that he can relate to in Scouting has encouraged him to do his best, allowing him to become a leader at a much earlier age than many of his non-Scouting peers. The award recognizes Brow’s citizenship at church, school, Scouting and his commitment to community service, which has earned him 35 merit badges.
Greg has spent three out of the past four summers working at Goshen Scout Reservation in Virginia and hopes to continue there through college. Greg has also spent the past six years working with special needs athletes within the Special Olympics of Maryland. He says he sees a need to ensure that all people, no matter their “ability”, should not be kept from enjoying the great outdoors, working and playing with others and to live healthy, happy lives. For his Eagle project, Brow built a nature trail in his neighborhood for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The trail is used by many in the neighborhood and is a cool and quiet place to go during the hot summer days. As American Legion of Maryland’s Eagle Scout of the Year, Brow received a plaque and a scholarship. Greg will be a freshman this fall at
Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, and will be studying Hospitality (Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Management). Greg’s older brother Andrew also received the American Legion of Maryland’s Eagle Scout of the Year in 2011. These are honors that both their parents and their grandfathers, both American Legion members and retired Air Force veterans, are truly proud of.
Washington D.C. District Updates The dates for the 2016 Spring and Fall Washington, D.C. District Camporees, the 2016 Spring and Fall Washington, D.C. Order of the Arrow (OA) Ordeal Weekends, and the 2016 D.C. Merit Badge University have been confirmed! The D.C. District Camporees are for all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers in our district. The 2016 D.C. District Spring Camporee will be at Cedarville State Forest from Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17. An information packet with more details about the Spring Camporee, including registration details, was released in January 2016. The 2016 D.C. District Fall Camporee will be from Friday, Oct. 14 to Sunday, Oct. 16, location soon to be determined. The D.C. OA Ordeal Weekends are for all our BSA
District News & Views district’s candidates for membership in the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America, and can also be attended by all current members of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the OA. The 2016 D.C. OA Spring Ordeal Weekend will be from Friday, May 13 to Sunday, May 15, location soon to be determined.
If you are interested in serving as a merit badge counselor at the 2016 D.C. Merit Badge University or otherwise would like to volunteer to help out for the event, please contact Bill at bill.pzedpelski@gmail.com. Additionally, the Washington, D.C. District of the BSA
The 2016 D.C. OA Fall Ordeal Weekend will be from Friday, Oct. 7 to Sunday, Oct. 9, location to be determined.
is seeking volunteers to serve on the District Committee,
The 2016 D.C. Merit Badge University is for Boy Scouts seeking to earn merit badges. It will be held on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10 at Catholic University. Details, including those regarding registration, are to be sent in a follow-up e-mail by Bill Pzedpelski, coordinator of D.C.’s Merit Badge University.
Washington, D.C. District. If you are interested in becoming
which coordinates activities and operations of the a member-at-large of the committee, or if you are interested in serving as our district’s vice chair of program or our district’s vice chair of finance, please contact District Executive Drew Eacker at Drew.Eacker@Scouting.org.
Western Shore District Boy Scout saves life of choking baby By Andrew Cephas An 8-month-old baby is still alive due to the heroics of an 11-year-old Boy Scout from Lusby. Dalton Newsome put to use some training he received from the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad when he assisted a baby who was choking last month. Dalton was at a friend’s house with his father Sept. 16, when he observed a teething baby choking on a piece of an apple. According to Dalton, the mother attempted to turn the baby over and remove some of the apple by hand, but couldn’t successfully remove the big chunk. Dalton immediately sprang into action. He turned the baby around, put the baby’s face in his hand and his belly on his arm, and placed the bottom of my palm so as to strike the baby twice swiftly between the shoulder blades. The infant coughed up the apple and instantly started crying and breathing. “I don’t know if I consider myself a hero,” said Dalton. “I’m trained, so I was just doing my job.”
Dalton received first aid training from Boy Scouts, but expanded on that training at a fire camp hosted by the volunteer fire department of St. Leonard. The training included CPR as well. “I’m proud of him,” said McGarren Newsome, Dalton’s father. “He acted swiftly and did a good job. It was over in a split second. Things like that don’t take very long.” Dalton’s mother, Tina Newsome, did not find out about her son’s heroics until the following morning when she saw an email of reverence from Ted Gronda, committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 1684, in reference to the event. “I knew he could do it, and he would, if he ever came across somebody who needed help,” she said. “I just didn’t realize it had happened.” Dalton has been in the Boy Scouts for a year after doing two years of Cub Scouts. He plans to volunteer at a fire department when he is old enough, and wants to eventually move join the U.S. Marines.
Zekiah District
Zekiah Scouts Deliver 939+ Season’s Greeting Cards to Veterans On Saturday, December 12, 2015, 52 Zekiah District Scouts, parents, leaders, and siblings visited Charlotte Hall Veterans Home (CHVH) for their third annual Seasons Greetings Card Delivery. They delivered 939 “Scout Hand-made” Seasons Greetings Cards to all of the residents present at CHVH and thanked each veteran for their service to our nation. Zekiah Cub Scouts made 459 cards and the Zekiah OA Chapter made 480 cards. This effort of delivering and making cards involved 344 service hours. Also, the Scouts did caroling, which the veterans enjoyed, and 2nd Class Scout Sam of Troop 1814 gave a clarinet solo performance to the veterans in the multipurpose room. During the greeting card delivery, Zekiah Boy Scouts also placed wreaths on veterans’ graves at both Arlington and Cheltenham Veterans Cemeteries. Between December 13 and 24, several Zekiah Troops and Crews delivered their additional “Boy Scout/ Venture Crew hand-made cards” to the CHVH Veterans. The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 37
Virginia Central Chain Bridge A Gold Level District
District Chair - Jon Etherton (h) 703-893-0545 Jon@EthertonandAssociates.com Commissioner - Jack Person (c) 703-201-1304 michelleperson@comcast.net District Executive - Geoffrey Thomas (c) 301-861-6461 Geoffrey.Thomas@Scouting.org
A Gold Level Service Area Serving the city of Alexandria, Eastern Fairfax and Arlington Counties
Please see Page 29 for a story about the Northern Virginia Good Scout Award Dinner
Chain Bridge District
Pioneering the Theme of CBD Fall Camporee Scouts had an opportunity to participate in rope making, knot tying, lashing, and splicing sessions. As the day progressed, more and more patrol flags went up throughout the campsite, demonstrating the lashing skills being taught.
Colonial
A Gold Level District
District Chair - Dominick Caridi (h) 703-360-9206 dscScouting@aol.com Commissioner - Joe Pallone (h) 703-765-4861 JoePallone@verizon.net District Executive - Joel Jackson (w) 301-214-9122 (c) 912-228-9233 Joel.Jackson@Scouting.org
George Mason A Silver Level District
District Chair - James Ashe (h) 703-255-3951 goreashe@aol.com Commissioner - Vacant District Executive - Victoria E. Mack (w) 301-214-9147 (c) 404-372-3460 VictoriaMack@Scouting.org
Old Dominion A Silver Level District
District Chair - Dean Stinson (h) 703-455-4072 stinsonbsa@gmail.com Commissioner - Mike Nepi (h) 03-643-9021 commissioner@oddbsa.org District Executive - Justin Mawdsley (c) 703-973-3868 Justin.Mawdsley@Scouting.org
Patriot
A Gold Level District
District Chair - Jack Campbell wjcampbell1@verizon.net Commissioner - Mike Porter (c) 703-425-8489 mp-bsa@cqrdat.com District Executive - Kyle Molldene (w) 301-214-9128 (c) 407-301-6622 Kyle.Molldene@Scouting.org
Over 175 Scouts and Scouters set an attendance record for the annual CBD Fall Camporee at the Blue Ridge Center for Environment Stewardship (BRCES) this past October. Sawmill Field was the home of considerable Scouting and knot tying activity for the weekend.
Venture Crew 904 put on a pioneering exposition, constructing both a picnic table and a bridge out of bamboo. The Scouts had a hands-on opportunity to see how pioneering skills can be used in practical and large-scale applications, and to ask Crew 904 about their experiences. In addition to teaching splicing, members of Sea Scout Ship 1942 challenged the Scouts to a knot-tying contest. Fingers were
Aasgeir Gangsaas aasgeir.gangsaas.civ@mail.mil
ACC
James Stewart va6stewart@cox.net
Field Director
Sue Hart (c) 301-448-0656 Susan.Hart@Scouting.org
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“It’s great to see this level of enthusiasm and good-times being had by everyone. I think all of the Scouts and Scouters are going home with better skills and having had a great weekend,” said Tom Jacobson, Camporee Chair and Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 641. The day of activities, games, and camaraderie was capped off with Camporeewide campfire. Run by the local OA chapter, all of the participating units chipped in with skits, songs and stories. While the weekend ended in quiet reflection, enthusiasm ran high for Scouting and basic outdoor skills.
Colonial District Colonial Scout Awarded the BSA Honor Medal By Keith Gray
Since the inception of the Boy Scouts in 1923, only 2,452 Honor Medals in Recognition of Heroic Efforts have been awarded. In 2013, only 98 were selected. It is the second highest lifesaving award that may be granted by BSA, and recently Ian Schurr of Alexandria’s Troop 888 was so recognized. Ian was working as a lifeguard at the pool one evening when his manager Jimmy went to the filter area to add acid to correct pool levels. The equipment was new, and this was the first time Jimmy had operated it outside of the training. Ian was walking back to the office when he heard Jimmy call his name. When Ian arrived at the filter enclosure, he saw the area was fogged with acid vapor and the acid hose was loose and streaming muratic acid. The acid had pooled and blocked Jimmy’s escape, as Jimmy sat in the back, retching and unable to see or breathe.
Drawing on his Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge, Ian determined that he needed to dilute the acid and began spraying the room and Jimmy with a water hose. With gas partially subdued, Ian struggled to get Jimmy out. Recognizing that something was wrong, more people came over to investigate and one of the adults assisted getting Jimmy to safety. Ian alerted the other lifeguards, asked one to call 911 and ordered the pool to be closed and evacuated.
Crunchwall Emmanuel K. Lewis Eagle Scout 2012
AVP
flying as Scouts and Scouters alike worked to prove their skills.
Emmanuel is one of the co-founders of “Crunchwall,” a mobile platform where students can connect with organizations they’re involved with on campus and reap the benefits from greater connectivity with and communication among university organizations. The Crunchwall group competed in the University of South Carolina Proving Ground Competition, a threemonth, three-round, points-based
He then assisted Jimmy with a resuscitation mask and washed out his eyes with clean water. EMTs and Hazmat arrived and took over; eventually bringing Jimmy to a hospital where he was treated for minor burns. Ian was presented his award and certificate at the Colonial District Roundtable on December 9, 2015 in front of unit leaders from throughout the District and with his parents and younger brother also in attendance.
competition culminating with the live pitch event on November 17, 2015. The Shark Tank style competition was for $20,000 in grant funds to make their startup idea a reality. Each team was required to submit a business plan for their concept, and the team left standing in each category wins. The Proving Ground business plan competition was first held in 2010 and is part of the celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week in the Midlands of South Carolina. Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who
launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. The Crunchwall group came in second in their completion group on November 17, 2015, earning a grant prize of $2,500. Emmanuel is a junior majoring in International Business at the University of South Carolina. He is a Capstone Scholar and on the Presidential Honor Roll. Emmanuel will study abroad next semester at Erasmus University’s Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands.
District News & Views George Mason District From Baldy to Eagle, six Scouts made the journey together
Please help us welcome new district leadership! George Mason District is extremely excited to announce our new District Commissioner and District Chairman. In mid-December, Jim Ashe was selected by the George Mason nominating committee to serve as the District Chairman. Jim Ashe has played a very important role in the District in previous years and plans to bring new ideas and programs to George Mason within the year!
Troop 976, Sponsored by Our Lady of Good Counsel in Vienna, VA, recently awarded six Scouts the rank of Eagle Scout in a ceremony on January 3, 2016. Pictured are (left to right) Joe Skoff, Colin Healy, Ben Press, Clay Tondreau, Thomas Olmsted, and Daniel O’Connell.
In addition, Patrick Berney was also selected to be the District Commissioner. Patrick Berney, Jim Ashe, and our District Executive Victoria Mack represent the District’s Key 3 and are diligently working together to provide the best programs and happenings within the District.
These Scouts patiently waited for each other to complete the necessary requirements so they could accept their Eagle Oath and medals together as a crew, just as they did when they completed hiking 100+ miles together on the Philmont Scout Ranch in the summer of 2014. In the right-hand picture they are captured celebrating on the summit of Mt. Baldy at 12,441 feet elevation!
If you wish to share your thoughts, ideas, or even wish to volunteer within the George Mason District, please reach out to our District Executive Victoria Mack at VictoriaMack@ Scouting.org. The George Mason District is always looking for eager, passionate, and driven individuals to become involved!
Old Dominion District
Antietam Battlefield Illumination By Dean Stinson Old Dominion District Chair On December 5, 2015, several units from Old Dominion District participated in the annual Antietam Battlefield Illumination. Volunteers helped line the Antietam Battlefield with nearly 23,000 luminaries laid out on the battlefield in honor of each casualty of the battle. Volunteers from Boy Scout Troop 1853, Boy Scout Troop 4673, Boy Scout Troop 1906, American Heritage Troop VA2911, Girl Scout Troop 3192, and Girl Scout Troop 3195 all the worked hard and provided fantastic community service in laying out the luminaries on the fields near Mumma’s Farm. A special thanks to the leaders, parents, grandparents and other relatives for their fantastic support. This is Scouting at its finest!
Patriot District
Scouts Worked with Transitional Living Program Youth to Show Them a Better Future
In 2010 the Patriot District worked with the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to establish a Venture Crew where the BSA could work with adjudicated youth in the Court’s Transitional Living Program (TLP). Due in large part to the success of that program, the Court asked in 2013 to establish a troop with the youth in the Boy’s Probation House (BPH). In 2015, the Court awarded their Partner Award to the Boy Scouts of America for the work our volunteers do with these two units. In presenting the award, Robert Bermingham, Director of Court Services, cited our volunteers for promoting appropriate interactions with the community, school, and job; enhancing positive socialization skills with family, peers and authority figures; increasing self-esteem; increasing the ability to identify and meet personal needs; helping to develop and utilize functional living skills; developing accountability for self; and promoting respect, responsibility, and honesty. The TLP and BPH residents are introduced to positive activities they never thought they could experience and to experience success in accomplishing goals. The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 39
Virginia South Aquia
A Gold Level District
District Chair - Jennifer Bell (c) (571) 247-7946 cajnbell4@verizon.net Commissioner - John Patrick (c) 540-809-8337 aquiadistcmsr@cox.net District Director - James Larounis (c) 215-983-5732 James.Larounis@Scouting.org
Bull Run
A Silver Level District
District Chair - Charlie Fromm (h) 571-229-9569 charliefromm@gmail.com Commissioner - Matthew Messenger (w) 703-365-9051 Matthew.Messenger1@gmail.com District Executive - Drew Petty (c) 817-726-0506 Drew.Petty@Scouting.org
Mattaponi
A Bronze Level District District Chair - VACANT
Commissioner - Fred Beckers blkjack32@verizon.net District Executive - Clarisa Figueroa (c) 787-246-4254 Clarisa.Figueroa@Scouting.org
Occoquan
A Gold Level District
District Chair - David Byrne (c) 571-722-6444 dave@polarispress.net Commissioner - Mark Chipman (c) 571-659-0362 mark.e.chipman.uv@mail.mil District Director - Ben Hazekamp (c) 608-751-9840 Ben.Hazekamp@Scouting.org
Piedmont
A Gold Level District
District Chair - Dave Blanchard chairman@piedmontScouts.org Commissioner - Nelson Brittle commissioner@piedmontScouts.org District Executive - Marvin Mills (c) 434-284-3513 Marvin.Mills@Scouting.org
A Gold Level Service Area Serving Prince William, Stafford, Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Fauquier and Culpeper Counties and, Fredericksburg City
Aquia District 2015 Fall Camporee The Aquia District 2015 Fall Camporee was held October 16-18 at the fantastic Flying Circus Park in Bealeton, VA. This year’s theme was “The Sky’s the Limit”, and the Scouts focused on all things aeronautical and astrological. Sixteen Boy Scout troops brought a total of 190 boys and 77 adult Scouters, and 11 Cub Scout packs brought 93 boys and 82 adult Scouters together for a weekend of energetic Scouting fun with a purpose. We also had many volunteers to help us set up camp and ensure safe ground operations throughout the event. The program started with a twilight observation, guided by Scoutmaster Fred Enfinger, where Scouts setup a couple of impressive refracting telescopes to see planets in our solar system and other stars in our galaxy. The Astronomy merit badge Scouts also got up at 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings to get a clear view of both Venus and Jupiter in the Eastern sky. Although it was cold, the view was spectacular, making Astronomy merit badge memorable. The Space Exploration merit badge classes were taught near the air strip by three space enthusiasts, one of whom was a Cape Canaveral Orbital Launch Commander. Through education and hands-on training, Scouts gained an appreciation of the complexity of space flight and then designed their own orbital mission. Of course, the best part of the class was the rocket launch! Scouts built their own rockets and were able to safely conduct pre-launch operations, including loading fuel, safety checks, and, taking all their commands from the tower, actually had a BLAST launching their rockets high into the atmosphere!!! The thrill and excitement was electric in the air as the entire camp could see rockets zig sagging through the sky. Aviation merit badge classes were taught near the aircraft hangers. Scouts conducted pre-flight safety checks on a real plane before it took off into the sky to start the amazing Flying Circus Air Show. All the Scouts watched the thrilling show as a daredevil actually walked out onto the wing of a biplane while it was flying, even staying out there while the plane flew upside down! Pilots flew so close together they could pass pieces of paper from one to the other!! The danger was real, but the excitement was exhilarating. The Scouts tried their hands building planes out of dowels and cardboard, then launching them in competition. It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. The Cub Scouts used styrofoam planes they decorated and also launched. The evening ended with a relaxing campfire arranged by the Order of the Arrow and Nate Dog. Scouts performed skits, told jokes, and sang songs to end a great adventure in the sky.
Bull Run District
Toys For Tots 2015
AVP
Robert Kahn rlcmk1@gmail.com
ACC
Drew Mrenna commissionerdrew@gmail.com
Field Director
Phillip Duggins (w) 301-214-9115 (c) 540-220-9904 Phillip.Duggins@Scouting.org
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Bull Run District’s Venturing Crew 617 enjoyed a holiday tradition over two weekends in December by once again assisting Marines from Quantico with Toys for Tots. This is the second year the crew has been active with this service project. Last year, new members Wally and Bradley Skaja mentioned their family could use some help sorting toys at the drop-off center and would the Crew like to help? The Skajas had been doing this as a family for years, and even went the extra mile by bringing lunch in for the Marines on the weekends they sorted. It was a no-brainer for the Park West
Speaking of the Order of the Arrow, our Aquia Chapter Chief reported that the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) took place at Michigan State University (MSU) , August 3-8, and was a great kick-off to the next century of the Order of the Arrow. NOAC left a lasting impression on the group of that went from Aquia Chapter. They participated in as many activities as they could, but there was just no way to hit everything. Even though the OA Brothers spread out, every inch of space at MSU that National reserved was put to good use. National issued special red sashes with centennial markings, as an exclusive event memorabilia item. Activities dotted the landscape and made for good times all around. There was a competitive setup that resembled American Ninja Warrior, but was simple enough for everyone to have fun and make it through. A massive powwow took place in the Munn ice arena with at least five major dance styles represented and crafting stations surrounding the top of the stadium, above the bleachers. Additionally, the top floor had a shop selling native regalia. Many of our OA Brothers could be found trading patches with Brothers from across the nation. They shared tales of mountain biking, scuba, and other things like games of volleyball, quidditch, and even gaga, everyone trying to outdo the others with stories of Scouting excitement. At the end of each day, there was an event in the largest stadium with concerts, a world class juggler, and a skit performed by the NOAC staff. On the last night, after the massive official goodbye in the stadium, there was a “Hodag,” a festivity involving root beer on tap and loud music, inspired by a creature from an urban legend. The week was jam-packed, memorable and all agreed they can’t wait for the next NOAC event!
Lion’s Club Crew, especially when their own sponsor’s motto is “We Serve”. This year, members of the crew appealed to the Lion’s Club and asked to help get the word out for donations. The response was amazing, toys came in from their BINGO players, from club members, and from the public at large. On December 12, 2015, the Lion’s had a Breakfast with Santa event and all the toys were there for the crew to deliver. On December 19th, the crew had more toys to deliver that had been dropped off and would also be sorting at the center in Dumfries. VA. Upon arrival the Venturers were asked to help sort and bag
toys for the boys in the 0-2 year-old range. Each heavy duty lawn bag was to have two large toys and 18 smaller toys in it, then get labeled and moved to the completed side of the warehouse. This kind of opportunity was an eye-opener for the crew members and it hit home as to how many families locally were in need of holiday assistance. After sorting and helping out, the Venturers remarked that it felt good to know they were actually able to help kids locally and that they made a difference in someone’s life, and were looking forward to next year to come back again and help.
District News & Views Mattaponi District Two Gentleman Help to Display the Scout Motto of “Be Prepared” Mattaponi District recently had the opportunity to honor both an Eagle Scout and an adult Scouter with the National Certificate of Merit for Lifesaving Actions. Nikolai Baldwin, Eagle Scout of Troop 848, was recognized for performing the Heimlich maneuver to a classmate in need. Mr. Chip Warder, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 1404, was recognized for performing first aid skills in helping a co-worker in need. Both of these gentleman helped to display the Scout Motto of “Be Prepared”.
Spring Camporee and Cub Scout Day Camp are just around the corner. Be sure to look out for more information on both of these events in the upcoming months via Email, Website, and Roundtable flyers.
Occoquan District 18th annual train show stores, beautifully built houses, as well as Raptors, Spongebob characters, and robots trying to take over the world. Kids will get a real joy from switching between looking at the trains to admiring the wonderful scenery and funny little jokes. Adult LEGO fanatics will also find love in this layout for its exquisite architecture, explicit use of pieces, and the enormous amount of creativity. The other scales feature different attractions of their own. The G scale (“garden railroading”) trains offer BIG time fun! The S scale layout features a working miniature drive in movie. The N scale layout has an entire working N scaled amusement park. There will also be a large scale LIVE STEAM locomotive! Boy Scout troop 964 will be having our 18th annual train show on May 12-13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every year we hold the model train show to raise the necessary funds for troop activities. We first held our train show at Saunders Middle School 18 years ago so we didn’t have to sell mulch for fund raising. Since then it has grown to entice train clubs and people from all around Virginia! We will have layouts for every scale, from the enormous G to the minuscule Z. Our largest layout is the HO layout, to which multiple modular model railroad clubs and groups contribute. The layout averages over 120 personal and Boy Scout modules, containing over 500 feet of mainline track! It takes about 15 minutes for one train to go an entire circuit. The Prince William Model Railroad club and several others from around the area all help build and maintain the layout. The track modules range from forests and valleys to big cities, from military bases to SpongeBob Squarepant’s Bikini Bottom! Our other giant of a layout, and probably most popular train “scale”, is the LEGO layout. A local club put together this wonderful layout made entirely from LEGOS! This layout is as diverse as LEGO itself. Full of working trains, imaginative
Once you have had your fill of trains, come to the “Club Car” (located in the cafeteria) and have your fill of food! We will feature American favorites such as hot dogs, nachos, and more... what is more fitting for an event about the ride that connected America? The Club Car just so happens to be right next to the kids corner. Grab a bite and relax while watching your child laugh and play with Thomas the train engine train sets and more. If you know a Boy Scout who would like to learn the railroad merit badge, then we have something for him: counselors and classes for the railroad merit badge. Classes will run from noon to 4 p.m. It’s $25 for Scouts to join (admission and supplies included, except food or drink). All Scouts must have eaten lunch and be on site by noon for check-in. We will teach all the requirements for the merit badge. The classes are: Operation Lifesaver, Railroading Industry, Car Building, Time Tables and Scheduling, and tours of all the trains layouts. There are required pre-requisites. Registration for classes opens January 1. Please visit our website at www.troop964.com for registration forms and contact info door prizes will also be offered, from train sets to gift certificates and Scouting equipment. Two chances come free with admission, with more
chances available for $1. An HO scale railroad car (customprinted for our event) will also be available for purchase. You can support the troop while you enjoy this amazing experience with the small admission of $7 for adults, $3 for children and seniors, and children 5 and under are free! Please come and have fall in love with this show and the world of TRAINS as we have at troop 964.
Piedmont District Piedmont Webelosree Becoming the Can’t Miss Event of the Program Year The middle of October provided the latest installment of the Piedmont District Webelosree. Pete Schoenhoff and his staff conducted the largest ever Webelosree in Piedmont District with well over 100 Webelos and their leaders getting the chance to participate in some great programs, interact with other troops and have a down right awesome weekend of Scouting. One of the unique features of the event has become the tradition of having a photo contest during
the weekend and then using that photo to become the event patch. Webelos leaders, you don’t want to miss out on the next opportunity to participate in this great event. Mark your calendars now for April 29 to May 1 at Verdun Adventure Bound. Can’t wait to see you then! The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 41
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Virgin Islands St. Croix
A Silver Level District Serving the U.S. Virgin Islands
Around the Islands
District Chair - Gregory Francis (c) 404-414-6664 raeburnefrancis@gmail.com Commissioner - Leroy Claxton (w) 340-776.9750 Leroy@vitelcom.net
St. Thomas
District Chair - Gregory Francis (c) 404-414-6664 raeburnefrancis@gmail.com Commissioner - Leroy Claxton (w) 340-776.9750 Leroy@vitelcom.net
Pack 7001 on the trail in the National Park on St. John. About 15 cubs and their den leaders and some parents spent a day hiking on St. John which allowed the boys in all dens to complete one of the requirements of their program. Here a camp ranger has their full attention as she tells one of her many stories.
Eagle Scout Marcus Norkaitis from Troop 7020 on St. Thomas affixing a plaque to one of the picnic benches he built for the Winston Raymo Center. There was no outdoor seating at the center and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Pedro Cruz was delighted to approve Marcus’ proposal. Marcus is expected to attend either the Naval Academy or Coast Guard Academy next year.
Troop 7227 invited Scouts from Troop 7898 to join them for their Christmas meeting. It was a hilarious meeting and a wonderful get together particularly for all the new Scouts in troop 7898. Representatives from the Lighthouse Mission were also on hand to receive the funds, raised by the troop during their Scouting for Food drive. The boys exchanged gifts which created much laughter and was a great delight to all.
Scouting For Food with Troop 7227 on St. Croix. SM Toby Tobias and Star Scout Douglas Capdeville are seen surveying the work done by the troop to sort all the food collected in their SFF drive.
Virgin Islands District Executive
Michael J. Dow, Sr. (w) 340-277-2655 (c) 340-774-2752 Michael.Dow@Scouting.org
Thanksgiving Day at Holy Cross Catholic Church, St. Croix. Each year the parish distributes lunches to the needy in our community. This year these Scouts from Alpha Dogs patrol, Troop 7227 assisted in serving about 1,100 lunches. The boys are all parishioners and are seen (left to right) N’Biko Bowery, Donovan, Douglas and Gabriel Capdeville along with the principal organizers Mrs. Lenore Finch and Mrs. Ricky Nelthropp.
Eleven Scouts and seven adults from the troop collected 1,500 lbs. and raised $406.00 in donations. Twenty cub Scouts and twelve adults from Pack 7227 collected 600 lbs. and $365.00 from their solicitations at a different location the same day. The food was delivered to the Lighthouse Mission, whose volunteers serve food to the homeless in Christiansted daily.
The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 43
International
Lone Scout in Switzerland By Thomas Hill
Thomas Hill, a Boy Scout residing in the National Capital Area moved to Lugano, Switzerland in July 2015. Having no troops in the Lugano region, Tommy opted to become a Lone Scout. As a Lone Scout Tommy keeps up with requirements and merit badge work with the support of Eagle Scout Nick Nelson, a student at Franklin University, also located in Lugano. Thomas has linked with Troop 684 in the Edelweiss District of Zurich, Switzerland, over three hours from his home for various events like the Camporee in Thibault, Switzerland, this past September. In October Tommy participated in the 2015 Fall Rheingold District Camporee at Vieil Armand, Alsace, France. There, an international coalition of Scouts from France, Germany and Switzerland participated in a service project aimed at improving two World War One sites, specifically to rehabilitate French battlefield trenches. The next district gathering will be the Klondike at the Kandersteg International Scouting Centre located outside of Interlochen, Switzerland. The International Scouting Centre hosts Scouts from around the world, and like BSA, was founded by Baden Powell. Tommy is proud to say he is one of the only boys from BSA to have completed his Tenderfoot requirements in France! Commenting on his experience in Alsace with French Scouts, he notes, “Dinner comes later for the French. Our first course wasn’t served until 19:00 [7 p.m.]. We were served in courses. The first course consisted of bread followed by soup. I thought that was the end. But then they released the second course. It wasn’t until 21:00 [9 p.m.] until I finally got my pudding for desert! They have a two-bucket mess kit cleaning system which is surprisingly efficient compared to our three- bucket system. There was a big bonfire that lasted until 22:30 [10:30 p.m.]. Just when I thought it was ‘light’s out ‘, after a hard day working in the trenches, the French launched firecrackers. All of the boys in the troop quickly rushed out of their tents to see what was going on. And what we found was appeared to be a traditional French tradition! I am not sure how much the French Scouts even slept because they always seemed to be talking during our lights out. Overall the experience with foreign Scouting associations is different! Being a Lone Scout is very different from being in a BSA troop community. I think of myself as a ‘one man troop.’ I am a very fortunate to be able to connect with other Scouts in the country. “
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Thomas Hill with his dog Smoke in Vieil Armand, Alsace, France, October 2015
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New River Gorge, WV
855.628.0636 SCOUTSONTHEGORGE.COM
15-ATG-10837 Scouters Digest-JANUARY 2016-vf.indd 1
BSA TROOPS RECEIVE A FREE SPARE TIRE WITH ANY TRAILER PURCHASE
BE PREPARED - HAVE A TRAILER!
9/30/15 9:02 AM
The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 45
Council Calendar February 2016 1 Council VOA Meeting STEM Cmte Mtg 2 CCOS (Arlington Diocese) 3 MAC 4 CMSR Cabinet High Adventure Cmte Mtg 6 CCOS (Arlington Diocese) 7 LEC @ HITT Contracting Scout Sunday 8 Scouting Anniversary Day 13 Scouting Sabbath 14 Valentine’s Day 15 President’s Day (MSSC Closed) 16 Membership Cmte 17 MarComm Mtg 18 ACC MTG Day Camp Cmte Mtg 20 CWBS - Avalanche 21 LDS Relationships Cmte Mtg PCOS Scout Sunday Awards Recognition Service 27 University of Scouting
March 2016 1 SEAL Applications Due CCOS (Arlington Diocese) 2 ARC Mtg, MAC 3 High Adventure Cmte Mtg Council Key 3 Mtg 4-5 Sea Scout Winter Training 6 LO&A @ MSSC Sea Scout Winter Training 7 Council VOA Meeting STEM Cmte Mtg 11 God & Country/PRAY Awards Trng 12 CMSR College God & Country/PRAY Awards Training 15 Trng Cmte Mtg 16 Camping Cmte Mtg 17 ACC Mtg Wardroom International Cmte Mtg Day Camp Cmte Mtg 19 Region Bridge of Honor CWBS Staff interviews BCOLS Classroom
20 21 25 26 27 31
Always online at NCACBSA.org/Calendar
CWBS Staff interviews Membership Cmte Good Friday CWBS Egg Roll Easter Sunday USCG Barque Eagle Training Cruise Applications Due
April 2016 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 15 15-17 16-17 16-17 17 18 21 22-24 22-30 23 29-30 29
Vigil Nominations Due CWBS Kite Festival LEC @ HITT Contracting Council VOA Meeting STEM Cmte Mtg RT & New Unit MTG CCOS (Arlington Diocese) Goshen Leaders’ Meeting MSSC 7:30 PM MAC SA MTG High Adventure Cmte Mtg Goshen Leaders’ Meeting Goshen Leaders’ Meeting CWBS 1st Early Bird Summer Camp Payment PCOS/CCOS Religious Retreat CWBS Family Camping BCOLS Overnight LDS Relationships Cmte Mtg Program Mtg Membership Cmte ACC MTG Day Camp Cmte Mtg Lodge Spring Fellowship @ GSR Passover Trainers Edge (MD) Wood Badge 1of2 Goshen Early Bird Payment Deadline
May 2016 1 LO&A @ MSSC Wood Badge 1of2 2 Council VOA Meeting STEM Cmte Mtg 3 CCOS (Arlington Diocese) 4 ARC Mtg, MAC
5 CMSR Cabinet High Adventure Cmte Mtg 8 Mother’s Day 15 CWBS 2nd Early Bird Summer Camp Payment 16 Membership Cmte 17 Trng Cmte Mtg 18 Camping Cmte Mtg Day Camp Cmte Mtg MarComm Mtg 19 ACC MTG Wardroom International Cmte Mtg 20-22 Section Conclave @ GSR 20-22 Goshen Service Workend 21-22 CWBS Family Camping 25 Goshen Regular Payment due 27-30 Chesapeake Flotilla Regatta 30 Memorial Day (MSSC Closed)
Legend
ACC ADWCCS BCOLS Cmte COC CVOA CWBS DA DACCS EDGE LEC MAC MSSC Mtg OA PCOS -
June 2016
2 High Adventure Cmte Mtg Council Key 3 Mtg MAC 3-5 Wood Badge 2of2 4 Goshen Senior Staff Invitational 6 Council VOA Meeting STEM Cmte Mtg 7 CCOS (Arlington Diocese) 11 Goshen Staff Week 15 CWBS Last Summer Camp Payment 16 ACC MTG 18 Goshen Week #1 Begins (Camp B) 19 Goshen Week #1 Begins (Camps O, L, R, P) 20 Program Mtg Goshen LDS Week Begins Membership Cmte 25 Goshen Week #2 (Camp B, M) 26 LDS Relationships Cmte Mtg Goshen Week #2 Begins (Camps O, L, R, P)
RT Trng -
Assistant Council Commissioner Archdiocese of Washington, Catholic Committee on Scouting Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills Committee Council of Chiefs Council Venturing Officers Association Camp William B. Snyder Diocese of Arlington Diocese of Arlington, Catholic Committee on Scouting Explain, Demonstrate, Guide or Enable Lodge Executive Committee Meritorious Awards Committee Marriott Scout Service Center Meeting Order of the Arrow Protestant Committee on Scouting Roundtable Training
Dates subject to change. Check the website for updates: www.NCACBSA.org/Calendar.
To advertise in
The Scouter Digest Please contact Nicholas Murphy 301-214-9104
Nicholas.Murphy@Scouting.org
by Roger Claff
PINEWOOD DERBY TODAY HEY PACK-MAN I NEED YOUR HELP. I CAN‛T GET MY RACER TO GO
OK, NEWBIE. LET ME TAKE A LOOK
I SEE THE PROBLEM. IT‛S SHAPED LIKE A HAT. WHY DID YOU BUILD IT LIKE THAT?
1
THIS IS THE PINEWOOD DERBY, ISN‛T IT?
The Scouter Digest February 2016 - April 2016 46
National Capital Area Council Boy Scouts of America 9190 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814
Explore the Outdoors with Camp Timberline Sign up to now to start your summer of discovery! Who:
Boys and Girls, ages 9-12.
What:
TimberCamps, a sleepaway camp with a variety of programs designed to appeal to every kid.
When: July 11- August 12, in 5 weekly sessions running Monday – Friday. Where: Timberline Four Seasons Resort, in the beautiful hills of Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. Why:
To learn, explore, grow… and HAVE FUN!
Available Programs Include: • Mountaintop Adventures • Ecology Explorer • Mountain Traveler • Arts Experience
For more information, contact us at: Timberline Four Seasons Resort 254 Four Seasons Drive Davis, WV 25510
1-800-392-0152
timbercamps@timberlineresort.com www.timbercamps.com
Nonprofit Organization US Postage Paid Permit #1673 Suburban, MD