www.mccscouting.org • www.mccscouting.org • www.mccscouting.org
In This Issue: 2
Scout Executive’s Notes
3
Council News
5
Memorials & Tributes
6
The Eagle Nest
7
Hornets Nest
8
Apache
10
Etowah
11
Exploring
12
Program
13
Membership
14
Commissioner’s Corner
15
Finance News
16
Advancement News
17
Training
The Scouter’s
Backpack Fall 2014
Mecklenburg County Council Boy Scouts of America 1410 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204 704-333-5471
s: t h g i l h g i H l i Counc 3-4 Action! pp.
se Scouts in e h T t u O k c Che ale p. 15 S n r o c p o P the 2014 Participate in
Scout Executive’s Notes Input We are a product of what we input. Our thoughts, our feelings, what we think of ourselves, how we see the future and how we see our future—this is all the result of the input. What’s wonderful is that we as a society have influence on each other, and when we come together with positive intent, great things can happen. You know what I’m talking about…service to others, servant leadership and loyalty. When we instill in young people the values of Scouting, we are able to harvest the tangible results we desire as a community. Leaders emerge from the group and accomplish great things. Take a look at the stories about two of our Scouts inside this edition of the Backpack: Trevor Heffner, Troop 49, recognized as a leader.
Mark Turner Scout Executive
Alexander Sheldon, Troop 8, recognized as a leader. We have had tremendous impact over the last 100 years here in Mecklenburg County and we will continue that tradition. As we begin our celebration for 100 years of service, we are getting new Scouts to join every day and expect to sign up 2000 by year-end. Just think of the impact we will have on our community! It’s time to input Scouting’s values, so let’s make a positive change in our world one young mind at a time.
Mark Turner Scout Executive
Thanks to Tommy Lee Hayes-Brown for providing the cover photo. Scouts from Pack 63 earn money for local Scouting by participating in the Popcorn Sale! If you have photos you would like to submit for use in council publications, please email: gene.conder@scouting.org
Fishing!
Archery!
Trailblazer Adventure day 2014!
Enjoy activities for the whole family such as crafts, rock climbing, zip line, fishing, BB guns, living history, archery, boating, BMX track, Scouting games and much more! The adventure is only $10 per person, lunch and patch are included. Children 5 and under are free.
When: Where:
2 | Scout Executive’s Notes
How:
Saturday, Oct 4th 9am–2pm Belk Scout Camp Register online at: www.mccscouting.org
Climbing!
Shooting!
Council News Council Professional Staff Scout Executive Mark Turner Assistant Scout Executive / CFO Dave Ritchie Field Director Gary Moore Program Director Alan Keiger Development Director Carlton Crump Exploring/Special Initiatives Director Justin Lewter Exploring Executive Brian Sweeney Apache District Director John Crapster Apache Sr. District Executive John Bittinger Etowah District Executive Jonathan Russell Hornets Nest District Director Stan Murrow Hornets Nest Sr. District Executive Roger Penny
Council Support Staff Office Manager Gene Conder Accounting Specialist Mary Jo Seymour Finance Assistant Terrie Bailey Finance Associate Carole Stojetz Registrar Jo Esposito Graphic Specialist Lisa Murphy Operations Service Assistant Kris Evans Scout Shop Coordinator Laura Hollowell Scout Shop Associates Michelle Owens Arielle Woody Camp Rangers: Belk Scout Camp Mike Cook Mecklenburg Scout Reservation Chris Williams
Personnel Changes Jackie Torrence Retires
Jackie Torrence
It is bittersweet to announce the retirement of Jackie Torrence, our accounting specialist, effect September 2014. Jackie began working for the council on June 21, 1999 and has dedicated almost 16 years to the Scouting organization. Jackie has proven to be an invaluable employee. In this vital position and under her direction, a payroll has never been missed, invoices are always paid on time, the general ledger has always balanced and audits have always been clean. We thank her for her years of service to our organization.
Welcome Mary Jo Seymour Scout Executive Mark Turner is pleased to announce the employment of Mary Jo Seymour. Mary Jo will serve as the accounting specialist effective August 27, 2014 and report to Assistant Scout Executive Dave Ritchie. Mary Jo, originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, moved to Charlotte 30 years ago. She obtained her accounting degree from Northern Michigan University. Mary Jo and husband Dave have been married for 39 years. They are the parents of three children, a Mary Jo Seymour daughter and two sons. Both sons, Mike and Dan, obtained the rank of Eagle Scout through Troop 118. Dave is a Silver Beaver recipient from the Class of 2005. Mary Jo has been an active volunteer in Scouting, marching band and other activities. Also, she is an avid reader, and enjoys gardening, birds and water activities.
Troop 49 Eagle Scout Receives State and National Awards Trevor Heffner, 18, an Eagle Scout from Troop 49 at Back Creek ARP Church was awarded both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars North Carolina Eagle Scout of the Year Awards for 2014. In addition, Eagle Scout Heffner has just received notification that he has won the Marine Corps League National Scholarship Award. Heffner currently is a student at Appalachian State University. Trevor became a Centennial Eagle Scout on October 9, 2012. He remained active in Troop 49 earning his Silver Palm and 2nd Bronze Palm in 2013. In addition to his Trevor Heffner palms, he also received the Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow and God & Life Award in 2013. He is currently registered as a Venture crew member in Crew 49. Trevor was nominated by VFW Post 6480 in Cabarrus County, American American Legion Post 287 from Newel, NC and the Marine Corps League Cabarrus County Detachment 1175 in Concord, NC. Heffner said “It was an incredible experience to be honored as NC Eagle Scout of the Year by men and women who served our country so valiantly. When I received a standing ovation at both conventions from these veterans, it was really humbling for me and it brought it all home about what it means to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. I would like to also thank all the leaders and especially Scouts from Troop 49 in Charlotte and Troop 173 in Harrisburg for their support and for giving me such an incredible opportunity.” “It is AMAZING…Being an Eagle Scout is an honor that just keeps on giving. I look forward to passing the honor forward in Scouting and the community.”
3 | Council News
Trevor chose to follow in the steps of the Eagle Scout years before him, including an Eagle Scout who laid the foundation for it all. Christopher Chapman, a U.S. Army Continued on next page
Council News Staff Sergeant crew chief, died when his Blackhawk helicopter crashed in Iraq during the Persian Gulf War. Chapman, an Eagle Scout from Troop 49 constructed a military memorial at Back Creek ARP Church Cemetery. Being Inspired by the memorial, Heffner decided to add to the current piece. Heffner completed his military memorial project in 2012. It consist of a side walk stretching around the memorial, five flag poles honoring each branch of service and a military branch insignia plaque at the base of each flag pole. Troop 49 holds a ceremony on Memorial Day honoring all the veterans laid to rest at Back Creek ARP Church Cemetery.
Eagle Scout Awarded Knights of Columbus Scholarship Knights of Columbus Council 10852 has selected Alexander Sheldon, an Eagle Scout from Troop 8, as the winner of their 2014 College Scholarship. The Scholarship is worth $1000 per year for four years. Alexander is the son of Third Degree Knight Marty Sheldon. Alexander will attend Clemson University where he intends to study Physics.
Fall 2014: A new season for adventure! Alexander Sheldon
Alexander is a graduate of Charlotte Catholic High School where earned a GPA of 4.38. Alexander is a National Merit Commended Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society and an Eagle Scout with a Bronze Palm. He volunteered for St. Matthews Catholic Church Vacation Bible School for two summers. He completed the Just Cause Fast with the St. Matthew Youth Group. Alexander has worked several jobs during the summers.
The Knights of Columbus congratulates Alexander on his award and his accomplishments. The Council was very impressed with all the applicants and looks forward to continued contact with these youth as they grow as students, citizens and Catholics.
Local Scouts Featured in Boy’s Life Magazine Scouts and brothers Quinn and Ethan Schneider from Troop 10 in Cornelius, NC were featured in the September issue of Boy’s Life Magazine! The heart-warming story features the Schneider family and their journey raising Kajsa as a future guide dog. Check out the video to the right to hear their story.
Watch it here! http://tinyurl.com/o6c48jy
M e c k l e n b u r g C O u n t y C o u n c i l O u t i n g at
Monday, January 19, 2015 & Sunday, February 22, 2015 PACKAGE INCLUDES
4 | Council News
• A full day lift ticket • A full set of ski equipment (including poles, skis & helmet: according to the Guide to Safe Scouting helmets are required for all down hill winter sports) • Group ski lesson • Meal voucher • A savings of $60!
REGISTRATION COST $60 (in advance) NOTE: Price above expires 5 days before trip.
$70 (walk-in rate)
(Check-in is from 8 a.m. - noon)
HOW TO REGISTER
For full flyer and registration form, visit: http://www.mccscouting.org/ Resources/Winterplace2015.aspx
19 15
Memorials and Tributes Scout Shop News Welcome to a brand new year in Scouting! The Mecklenburg County Council Scout Shop is your one stop shop for all your Scouting needs. Visit us Monday – Thursday 8:45-6:00, Friday 8:45-5 and Saturday 10-4. Leaders, it’s not too early to start thinking about purchasing the Pinewood Derby cars for your pack. Most units purchase cars to distribute at their last December Pack meeting. Purchase your pack’s cars by December 19th and receive a FREE Pinewood Derby game!
The Christmas Villages are back! We have a new Lighted Dining Hall and two new figures to add to your current set. We will also be selling an 8-piece set that includes 4 houses and 4 figures. Collect the full set!
The Mecklenburg County Council has a Memorial/Tribute Fund established for its Scouters and supporters to make living and lasting tax deductible contributions to the Scouting program. Contributions may be made for any amount as a living memorial or lasting tribute to a departed relative or in honor of someone. Condolences, recognition or congratulations may be expressed through the use of the Memorial/Tribute Fund, when material gifts or remembrances may not be desirable or appropriate. Upon receipt of a contribution, the council will mail a card to the family or group in whose memory or honor the gift is made and send an acknowledgement to the donor.
In Memory of Harry Bivens by: Lisa & Andy Robinson
Also, look for our Scout Shop flyer that will be distributed in November showing our Countdown to Christmas Sale 2014! Every day a new group of items is marked down.
Thomas Ranson Lawing, Sr.
Remember, when you shop at the Mecklenburg County Council Scout Shop, the money stays right here for programs for your son.
Trip McMillan by:
“Like” the Mecklenburg County Council Scout Shop!
Bill & Eleanor Nichols Al & Nancy Selby
Peter Hausman Hugh & Barbara Lewis Connie & Larry Rosenberry
Pete Sowell by:
Gina & Herb Clegg Sally & Bob Miller & Family John & Becky Williford
Mark Thompson by: Scout Shop Fall Hours Monday through Thursday 8:45 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Friday 8:45 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Personalized Eagle Scout Invitations Available at the Scout Shop Visit http://www.mccscouting.org/ resources/invitations.aspx
NY NRA Rifle Instructors
In Honor of Jim Partington III by: Kathryn Constantinides
5 | Memorials and Tributes
The Eagle Nest Congratulations to our new Eagles! Troop 8 St. Matthew Catholic Church Michael Alex Waverka Troop 9 St. Patrick Catholic Church Andrew Lewis Hofstatter Troop 15 St. Francis United Methodist Church Donald William Bayne Troop 19 Huntersville Presbyterian Church Mitchell Scott Hutula Troop 33 Sardis Presbyterian Church John Willian Foley Troop 35 Hickory Grove United Methodist Church Christian Alexander Cheyney Kyle Kenneth Wenzinger Troop 39 Matthews United Methodist Church Josiah Hanohano Nelson Troop 72 Bethel Presbyterian Church Hartley Hayden LeRoy Troop 82 Davidson United Methodist Church Nicholas A. Beardslee Kirschan A. Blyden Alexander D. Dahan Austin Charles Francis Troop 94 Faith Home School Group Nathan Edward Lyle Troop 97 St. Mark Catholic Church Christopher Alan Geiler Curtis Robert Hoyt
6 | The Eagle Nest
Troop 99 Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church Benjamin Ward Carmack Joseph Soule Vickers, Jr. Troop 118 St. Stephen United Methodist Church Adam Zalaquett Troop 133 Sardis Presbyterian Shane Douglas Retelski Troop 144 Blair Road United Methodist Church Dolan Todd Williams Troop 148 Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church William Quinn Armistead Andrew Thomas Farber Troop 164 Providence Presbyterian Church Bradley David Stojetz Justin Robert Stojetz Troop 198 St. Luke Catholic Church Jacob Evan Sturm Troop 236 LDS-Fort Mill Ward/Charlotte South Stake Spencer Thomas Vanderwalker Troop 502 Harrison United Methodist Church Zachary W. Groce Troop 815 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Nicholas Orlando Gutierrez
Hornets Nest Webelos-ree
Highlights:
The 2014 Hornets Nest District Webelos-ree will be at Belk Scout Camp on November 7-9, 2014. If you have not heard, the deadline to turn in your registration is October 10, 2014 at 5 p.m. at the Scout office. If you need more information, go through the website or call Joe Ernst or Jenn Bolt. Their contact info is on the information flyer on the site. The event is divided into two courses or stations. Webelos could earn six advancements in each station. Join the fun and teach a Scout something new! See you there!
9, 2014 -ree: Nov. 7HN Webelos et: wards Banqu HN District A Dec. 4, 2014
Hornets Nest District Leader Awards Banquet Our Leaders Award Banquet is scheduled for December 4, 2014 and will be held at The Park Church. More information including registration forms and award nomination forms are available under the Hornets Nest District tab a www.mccsouting.org. Award nominations and dinner reservations are due to the Scout Service Center by November 24.
Learn something new while earning advancements!
Hornets Nest District Banquet
The date of this year’s banquet will be December 4, 2014 and will take place at The Park Church, 6029 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte, NC. The cost is $21 per person. Please start to consider which members of your unit deserve to be recognized as a Golden Nest Award recipient for their special efforts this year to help run the pack, troop, crew or team. We should have 85 nominations in this category. Also, if you have any district level nominations such as the District Award of Merit, Cub Scout Leader of the Year, Boy Scout Leader of the Year, etc., please go to the website and make your voice known. We would like to have every unit represented this year at the banquet. Also, if you have any district event photos you could send in, we would like to make event boards showing the programs from our district. Please keep checking the website for future updates.
Leader Training and Scout Training The council will be offering two great and necessary trainings this fall at Belk Scout Camp. The first one is for adult Scouters and it is Outdoor Leader Skills. The date is November 14-16, 2014. More details are on the www.mcctraining.org website. This is required for the main unit leaders to earn their trained patch. The second is for our youth and it is S.E.A.L.S. training which is also offered on November 14-16, 2014. More details are also available on the website. Build great leaders from your Boy Scouts and send them to this weekend style training. Your troop will benefit from this event. Space is limited in each program so sign up early.
District Key 4 District Chairman Bob Lang 704.577.7259 bob.lang@bellsouth.net District Commissioner Rob Monto 980.297.4542 montoeagle14@aol.com District Director Stan Murrow 704.330.0989 stan.murrow@scouting.org Sr. District Executive Roger Penny 704.342.9348 roger.penny@scouting.org
DATES TO REMEMBER: October 2 District Committee Meeting, Huntersville Presbyterian 7:00 p. m. 9 District Roundtables, The Park Church 7:15 p. m.
November 6 District Committee Meeting, Huntersville Presbyterian 7:00 p. m. 7-9 Webelos-ree 13 District Roundtables, The Park Church 7:15 p. m.
December
7 | Hornets Nest
4 District Banquet, The Park Church 11 District Roundtables, The Park Church 7:15 p. m.
are s e s r u o c g in in Fall tra prepare you designed to rney ahead! for the jou
Apache Journey to Excellence
Highlights:
Our district is working on achieving the Journey to Excellence award for 2014. There are three levels of qualification, your Unit Commissioner will be visiting your unit by the end of November to go over your progress and level achieved. Then we will be recognizing your Unit at a future Roundtable. If you would like more information, please visit www.scouting.org. Go for the GOLD!
Cub-o-ree: Apache Fall 14 20 Oct. 10-12, Camporee: & Boy Scout Webelo-ree 6, 2014 October 24-2
Friends of Scouting Campaign Progress Thank you everyone for participating this year in our Friends of Scouting Campaign. Our district goal for Friends of Scouting is $203,000. As of August, we were over 100% of goal. Great job everyone! A big thank you to Flint McNaughton for Chairing this year’s campaign. If you have not pledged your support for 2014, please do so.
ry:
Scout Galle
Apache Fall Cub-o-ree The Cub-o-ree will take place at Belk Scout Camp on October 10th-12th. We are encouraging only our Tigers, Wolves and Bears to participate. We have a special Webelo-ree scheduled for our 4th and 5th graders at Camp Grimes, October 24th – 26th. This year’s theme is “Cub Scout Fiesta.” We still encourage family members to attend. Cost per participant is $12. Some of the activities to expect are shooting sling shoot, archery and BB’s, crafts, games and more. Deadline to register your pack at the Scout Office is September 26th.
Webelo-ree
District Key 4 District Chairman Stuart Tucker stutucker@aol.com
District Commissioner Don Herzhauser dherzhauser@carolina.rr.com District Director John Crapster 704.342.9324 john.crapster@scouting.org Sr. District Executive John Bittinger 704.342.9336 john.bittinger@scouting.org
8 | Apache
The event is scheduled for October 24th-26th at Camp Grimes. The cost is $15 per participant which will include activities, lunch on Saturday, patch and a t-shirt. Natalie Kosakowski and her committee have a great event planned. Some activities to expect are camping, outdoorsman, shooting pellet guns & archery, craftsman, outdoor climbing and more. The theme is “Get Zombied Prepared.” Cub Scout pack registration forms are due by October 9th at the Scout Office or Roundtable. It is important to get your registration forms turned in on time or your Scouts may not get a t-shirt. For more information, go to our website at www.mccscouting.org and click on Apache District.
Boy Scout Fall Camporee Our Boy Scout Camporee will be October 24th – 26th at Camp Grimes. The theme of the Camporee is “Cook Your Buns Off.” Everyone who attends is in for a great time, so please encourage your unit to participate. Cost is $10 per participant. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Christopher Kubala at christopher.kubala@wellsfargo.com.
Trail’s End Popcorn Good luck with the Trials End popcorn sale. This year’s sale promises to be the best yet. We appreciate you supporting the Mecklenburg County Council. Do you have POPCORN FEVER? CATCH IT! If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Pindall our District Popcorn Chairman at kpindell@bdo.com.
Continued on next page
Apache Cub Scout Fall Recruitment
Highlights:
School Night for Scouting sign-ups are now complete at all Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. We had an outstanding team of volunteers this year and it was a huge success. Please turn your new youth and adult applications into the Scout Office as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone who made this such a great success. Special thanks to our Apache Membership team: Charlie Foxx, Traci Scott, Eric Davis, Karl Johnson and our Unit Commissioners.
ard God Send Aw Turn in Your s by Nov. 15, 2014 Nomination ict Banquet: Apache Distr Dec. 11, 2014
Dates to Remember: October
4 Trailblazer Day @ Belk Scout Camp 9 Eagle Project Review 9 District Committee Meeting 9 Adult Leader Roundtable 10-12 Cub-o-ree @ Belk Scout Camp 24-26 Webelo-ree at Camp Grimes 24-26 Boy Scout Camporee at Camp Grimes 13 13 13 14-16 15
November
Eagle Project Review District Committee Meeting Adult Leader Roundtable OLS/SEALS Award Nominations Due
December
11 District Banquet at Myers Park Presbyterian Church 11 Eagle Project Review
Youth Protection Guidelines New registering adults need to complete the online module of youth protection training, found at www.myscouting.org. A copy of the online certificate showing completion of the Youth Protection module is required to be turned in with all adult registration forms. Previously registered adults need to confirm the date of their last Youth Protection training. This training should be updated every two years. Don’t wait to the last minute to update yours.
October and November Roundtable Roundtable will be on the second Thursday of each month. The meetings always start at 7:30 p.m. and are held at Providence United Methodist Church. All adult leaders are encouraged to attend. Do you like Cracker Barrel’s? Come out to Roundtable and Chef Babb will fix you some great treats.
God Send Award Nominations In each of our units we have an individual (registered or not) who is always willing to help your unit no matter what. When a job needs to get done, that person is always ready, willing and able to help. This person is a workhorse that you can count on all the time and they do it for the Scouts (not themselves). This award is for them, as that person is a God Send to your unit. The award is a name tag showing the following information:
• God Send Award - 2014 • The person’s name (first and last) • Unit name and number (Pack 123) As a unit leader you only need to do two things to give this award to that special person in your unit:
1. Give that person’s name and unit number to John Bittinger before November 15th. John can be reached at john.bittinger@scouting.org.
2. The award will be presented at the District Award Banquet on December 11th @ 6:30 p.m. at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. So you also need to make sure that the person receiving the award is present at the Banquet.
This can be one way to honor and thank that person who does so much for your unit. Let them know how you value their work for the Scouts in your unit.
District Banquet
9 | Apache
Mark your calendars for an exciting District Banquet. We are having our banquet on Thursday, December 11th at Myer’s Park Presbyterian Church–Oxford Hall. Cost is $15 a person and we would like for every unit to be represented. Please make sure you nominate a deserving volunteer for Award of Merit or for some of the other ‘leader of the year’ awards. Check out our website for more details. Deadline to submit the nomination forms to the Scout Service Center is November 15th. We are having the event catered and the food should be delicious. Del Whittaker and Al Nedrich are again serving as our Annual Recognition Banquet Chairmen. Thanks Del and Al!
Etowah Highlights: e: ict Campore Etowah Distr 14 20 Oct. 17-19, 2014 : Oct. 24-26, Etowah O’Ree
Calendar: District Meetings: (No district meetings or Roundtables in July or December, Eagle Project Review Committee will meet each month) Eagle Project Review Committee: 2nd Thursday Morning Star Lutheran Church, 5:00 p.m. 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews District Committee Meeting and District Commissioner Meeting: 2nd Thursday Morning Star Lutheran Church, 6:00 p.m. 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews Roundtable: 2nd Thursday Morning Star Lutheran Church, 7:30 p.m. 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews
Etowah Day Camp 2014: “Dinosaur Day Camp” Etowah Day Camp was a great success at Belk Scout Camp from June 16th – 20th in Midland, NC. With around 400 participants including youth and adult, our theme of Dino-Day Camp was an absolute blast for all who participated. While learning about the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, campers had the opportunity to experience a broad variety of fun activities that included: swimming, boating, climbing, shooting sports, crafts, nature, an archeological dig site, disc golf and the all-new Ga-ga Ball Pit! The success of day camp this year can be attributed to the amazing team that pulled together to make it happen. The Ga-ga ball pit! Without the work of parents, leaders, and so many others, day camp would not be possible. The Etowah District would like to especially thank our area directors and senior staff. Their dedication in planning months in advance really sets the stage for success. A special thank you to Brad McLelland our Camp Director and Teri Ross our Program Director for their commitment. Please let Teri or Brad know if you are interested in volunteering to be in a future Etowah Day Camp leadership position. Never forget: Day Camp Rocks! Brad McLelland, Camp Director: bradmclelland@hotmail.com Teri Ross, Program Director: teri_ross@windstream.net
Etowah District Fall Camporee: “Space Pirates” Attention Etowah Scouts, Venturers, and….SPACE PIRATES! Reserve the weekend of October 17-19th for a journey to Belk Scout Camp for the annual Etowah District Camporee. Our theme this year is Space Pirates, which will influence all of the events. Etowah District Camporee will include traditional competitions, such as a “Challenge Track” for older Scout patrols and Venturers, and special events including: “Restaurants at the End of the Universe” Cook-Off, “Pirates of the Cove” cardboard ship challenge and a “To Infinity & Beyond” zip-line challenge. Other events will include Jamboree On The Air and demonstrations from the Charlotte Rocketry Club and Charlotte Astronomy Club (weather permitting). A Scouter’s Guide and other info was released September 2nd on our dedicated webpage http:// www.mccscouting.org/Districts/Etowah/EtowahCamporee.aspx. Questions? E-mail EtowahDistrictCamporee@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page Etowah District Camporee.
Etowah O’Ree 2014: “Up, Up, and Away!” STAFF District Executive Jonathan Russell 704.342.9342 jonathan.russell@scouting.org
Attention all registered district Cub Scouts, leaders and parents: Join us on Friday, October 24th, 4:00 PM to Sunday, October 26th, 11:00 AM at Belk Scout Camp in Midland, NC for our Etowah O-Ree 2014! The cost is $20.00 per attendee, $80 family maximum. Registration is available online at www. MyCampGrimes.org/etowah_oree/Etowah_oree.phtml?unitreg. Activities include BBs, archery, model rocket building and launch demonstrations, advancement opportunities and much more! Contact Brad Williams at bradley.e.williams@gmail.com or 704-575-2808 for more information. Packs are responsible for all meals except Saturday lunch. Saturday will be a Chick-Fil-A, but no special dietary needs will be provided for, so be prepared! Registration is due 10/8/2014!
Commissioner Service Opportunities 1 0 | Etowah
If you are looking for new ways to serve Scouting, then becoming a Unit Commissioner in Etowah may be just the ticket for you. Unit Commissioners provide a link between our Scout units and the district and council. Their mission is help our units succeed! If you are interested, please contact our District Commissioner Renita Keziah at (980) 833-4986; renita.keziah@cms.k12.nc.us.
Exploring Fall kickoff Expected to be a Huge Success
Highlights: ason With ks Off the Se Exploring Kic ll Program! an Exciting Fa the ew Posts to Welcome 7 Ntrict! Exploring Dis
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Scout Galle
Youth from around Mecklenburg County have put on their backpacks and headed out the door for the start of the new school year. As we all get used to school buses, sports teams and homework again, we can also count on another great year in Exploring. The fall kickoff of Firstnighters is expected to be a great success, as our Explorer posts return for another great year, with the addition of seven new posts as well. The traditionally represented career fields of medicine and law enforcement will continue to support our mission in a big way, and there will also be the continued support of other organizations that make the Mecklenburg County Exploring program unique. In addition to our returning programs, Exploring will also add the fields of fashion design, culinary arts, veterinary medicine, and engineering. With the help of key leaders in the Huntersville area, we welcome the Carolina Raptor Center veterinarian post this fall. If you are interested in helping or signing up your son or daughter for Exploring, then contact Exploring Executive Brian Sweeney at 704-342-9347.
Seven New Posts to Hold Firstnighter We welcome the following posts to the Exploring District: Carolina Raptor Center – Veterinary Science Wells Fargo – Business City of Charlotte Engineers – Engineering Art Institute of Charlotte – Fashion Design Art Institute of Charlotte – Culinary Arts Animal Medical Hospital – Veterinary Science Central Piedmont Community Colllege – Culinary Arts/Food Service
Fall 2014 Explorer Posts
The Culinary Arts is one of many possible career paths to explore!
Explore one of these exciting career fields sponsored by reputable companies in the Charlotte area! There is something for everyone!
General Medicine CMC Pineville
Business
Wells Fargo National Supply Group, BSA
STAFF Exploring/Special Initiatives Director Justin Lewter 704.342.9331 justin.lewter@scouting.org Exploring Executive Brian Sweeney 704.342.9347 brian.sweeney@scouting.org
Fashion Design
Art Institute of Charlotte
Nursing
Carolinas College of Health Science
Engineering
Areva City of Charlotte Engineers
Law Enforcement
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Firefighting
Charlotte Fire Department
Journalism
The Charlotte Observer
1 1 | Exploring
Law/Attorney
Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office
Veterinary Science
Steele Creek Animal Hospital Carolina Raptor Center Animal Medical Hospital
General Medicine
Novant Health Matthews Medical Center
Law Enforcement Matthews Police Department
Architecture
Perkins and Will
Airport Operations Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
General Medicine CMC Mercy
Interior Design
Little and Associates
Firefighting and EMS
Matthews Fire and EMS
Sports Medicine OrthoCarolina
Culinary/Business
Art Institute of Charlotte Central Piedmont Community College
Psychology/Mental Health CMC Randolph
General Medicine
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
Veterinary Medicine Lakecross Veterinary Hospital
Radio/Broadcasting
Greater Media Charlotte
Computer Engineering ITT
Program Camp Grimes Update
Highlights: NYLT-Top Gun Congratulate Class of 2014 October! Coming This JOTI and JOTA
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2015 will be a great year for the Mecklenburg Scout Reservation and our Boy Scout Summer Camp program. If you haven’t been to Camp Grimes for Summer Camp in a while, we’d like to invite you to come home to Camp Grimes and help us celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Mecklenburg County Council. You can register now for 2015 by logging onto www.mycampgrimes.org and clicking on the Online Campsite Reservation link. We are also pleased to announce that Council Program Director, Alan Keiger, will be serving as our Summer Camp Director at Camp Grimes next summer. Alan has been with our council for 18 years having previously served as our Summer Camp Director in 2001 and 2002. He brings a wealth of knowledge to our summer camp program having served as our camping advisor the past 3 years. This past May he served as the Assistant Course Director for the Southern Region’s Area V National Camp School. We’re glad to welcome him “home” to Camp Grimes!
Congratulations to Our NYLT-Top Gun Class of 2014 67 Boy Scouts and Venturing Scouts completed the National Youth Leadership Training-Top Gun course on June 21st, 2014. This was an intensive, 6-day youth leadership training course conducted by previous NYLTTop Gun graduates. The course goal is to prepare young men and women to become superior leaders in their units, their district and other organizations as well as being good stewards of our planet and outstanding citizens of the world. Additionally, understanding the primary principle of what a good leader must BE, what they must KNOW, what they must DO (BE–KNOW-DO). All while following the Scout Oath and Scout Law as their guide. This year we changed our venue to Belk Scout Camp which was a huge success. Many thanks to the Belk Scout Camp Ranger(s) for their support of our program to make it the success it was. We also had the opportunity to help serve our Scouting neighbors from Central Carolina Council who were unable to conduct their course which was cancelled. Many thanks go to our Senior Patrol Leader–Dallas “Big D” Sims, Assistance Senior Patrol Leader–Jake “Giggles” Shuford, and the Troop Guides: Gerard “Fawkes” Katz, Ricky “Rubber Legs” Williams, Kaitlynn “Tipper” Ashby, McKenna “MOJO” Jahns, Brian “Spades” Leech, William “Toast” French, Nick “Tahoe” Zanzot, Josh “Ghost” Caudle, Tyler “T-Bone” Smith, John “Rubik’s” Turpin (Central Council), and our Youth Quartermaster–Zach “Gator” Rose. Thanks also to the 2nd time Course Director, David “Big Mac” McDonnell for stepping in when needed, and his adult staff: Dan “Step Stool” Tito, Kent “Anchor” Shuford, Ken “Joker” Daniels, Renee “Snoopy” Hastings, Bill “Masterchief” Critchfield, Ben “Photo” Yarborough, and our Adult Quartermaster–Ken “Five-O” Sims. Course Advisers were: Michael “Cookie” Turner and Dave “Doc” Ruggles. Congratulations to our newest NYLT-Top Gun Graduates. We look forward to the 2015 course. Look for the announcements and registration opportunity in January 2015.
Get Ready for 2014 Jamboree-On-The-Air (JOTA) and Jamboree-On-The-Internet (JOTI)! Program Director Alan Keiger 704.342.9325 alan.keiger@scouting.org
Visit JOTA’s webpage (www.scouting.org/jota) and JOTI’s webpage (www.scouting.org/joti) to learn how to participate, download participation certificates, learn how to order this year’s patches and MUCH MORE! In addition, patches from previous years for both programs are still available! If you are interested in patches from previous JOTA and JOTI events, please contact international@scouting.org.
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We hope that you have lots of fun and success with these programs and if there are any questions, please contact international@scouting.org.
Membership Highlights: for anks to CMS A Special Th t Their Suppor e Needed for th Updates are g Locator or BeAScout.
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Partners in Education The Mecklenburg County Council Membership Committee would like to thank the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for all the support from teachers and administrators in support of the 2014 Fall Roundup Campaign. Through the leadership of CMS Superintendent and Council Board Member Dr. Heath Morrison, the council and districts were successful in recruiting hundreds of new Cub Scouts in pack recruit night and multiple school nights. The recognition that Scouting is indeed a partner in education, is a major component in the council’s success to reach more youth and families.
Be-A-Scout Updates Needed
STAFF Field Director Gary Moore gary.moore@scouting.org
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There is an online locator tool to assist packs, troops and crews. This way, a person interested in Scouting could just go online, punch in their address, and presto…they find a Scout unit to join. They can also search for the nearest unit, like one would find a retail or restaurant chain online. Additionally there is information on how Scouting works, its mission, age levels, program content, etc. Units should administer their BeAScout.org account to manage their leads. Help us to make sure we don’t miss an opportunity to serve a youth through Scouting by our failure to respond. Just like ours cars, beascout requires occasional servicing.
The Master Recruiter Strip Any registered adult volunteer or youth member who recruits two or more registered Scouts/leaders (any combination), will earn the MASTER RECRUITER strip. To claim yours, you must have the names of the two new members and they must be a registered member. Email Gary Moore at gary.moore@scouting.org for more info.
Heath E. Morrison Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Honorary Chairman 2014 Scout Roundup I am once again honored to serve as this year’s honorary chairman and to support the great work of the Boy Scouts. Scouting is important because it provides our students with meaningful ways to serve our community through service to others. Charlotte-Mecklenburg is a better place because of the Boy Scouts, which promote teamwork and self-discipline, and encourage students to explore career interests—all while engaging in family fun with a purpose. Check out the Scouting experience today!
Scouting is more fun with friends!
Earn the Master Recruiter Strip Earn the new and exclusive Master Recruiter Strip by recruiting two or more friends into Scouting!
BRING A FRIEND • EARN A PATCH • BE A LEADER
Commissioner’s Corner Highlights: ers! Commission Welcome New ates Training Upd
Welcome Aboard: New Commissioners We would like to welcome four new Commissioners to the Mecklenburg County Council Commissioner Service this Summer. Our new Commissioners are:
• • • •
Shawn Glanver – Etowah District Morris Rosen – Apache District Stephanie Vilchis – Hornets Nest District John Frechette – Hornets Nest District
If you have the opportunity to see these new Commissioners, please welcome them to our growing Commissioner Service team.
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Training Resources Online The new https://my.scouting.org/ website has some great tools to assist with adult leadership training. Here are a few:
• Member Training Report located on the Search Training menu bar, lists individual member’s
current, completed training records and any incomplete position-specific trainings. (Check out your own training records!)
• District Contact Report (available at the district level) identifies the Key 3s in each unit in the selected district, including contact information and YPT status.
• Training Summary Report (available to council, area, region and national Key 3s) provides dashboard status overview of those who are position trained and not trained, and YPT status.
A quick review of our districts shows that we are doing fairly well in respect to “Youth Protection Training” (averaging 94% for MCC as a whole). However, we are not doing well with respect to adult position training. As shown in the chart to the left, only 34% of all adult leaders in MCC show up as having current training in their assigned position. I encourage all Unit Commissioners to go online and print off the training report for the units you support. These will list all registered adults, their current position and their current training status. Then present the list to your unit leadership team and discuss what to do about it. It’ll probably be a surprise to everyone. The required actions coming out of this discussion might be additional training for some adults or perhaps some attention paid to correcting current records. In either case, let’s address it as soon as possible. The key to delivering a top-quality program is to have all adult leaders trained in their current position of leadership.
Elimination of 60 Day Registration Lapse Period Implementation Delayed Earlier this year, BSA National Office communicated that the 60 day lapse period that follows a unit’s charter expiration date would be eliminated effective December 31, 2014. This policy change was made to align contemporary business practices of real time reporting that is now expected by most councils. After a period of intense listening to council leadership and feedback, it has been determined that the policy change will be delayed until August 1, 2015. This will allow councils, unit leaders and chartered partners the opportunity to be better prepared for implementation of this policy. While this delay gives us all a little respite, it should not reduce our focus on each unit implementing a disciplined recharter program so we are all fully prepared when the new policy goes into effect in August of next year.
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MCC earned a “Silver” JTE level for the month of July. Once again, MCC led Area 5 in retention with a retention score of 70.1%. Since retention is a key metric for the Commissioner Service, kudos to all for supporting our units in attaining this level.
Finance News MEADOW WOOD FARM
Highlights: . 15, 2014 ng Clay: Oct Scout Sporti . 21, 2014 Auction: Nov & y rt Pa ay Holid
12th Annual Sporting Clay 2014
Holiday Party Auction 2014 Holiday Party and Auction Save the date for our Holiday Auction on Friday, November 21st from 6:30 pm- 9:30 pm hosted by Hendrick Automotive Northlake, 10720 Northlake Auto Plaza Blvd. We are excited to be partnering with Qtego Auction Technology. With Qtego, guests register before the auction and bid on their own cell phones by texting or using Qtego’s Qsite on their smart phones. No more wondering if you are the high bidder! Checking out at the end of your evening has never been easier. You will simply confirm your winning bids, pick up your items and you are done. We are excited about enhancing our auction to further benefit the 10,000 youth of the Mecklenburg County Council.
STAFF Development Director Carlton Crump carlton.crump@scouting.org
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Bring your best team to Meadow Wood Farms for our 12th Annual Sporting Clay event on Wednesday, October 15 from 7:30 am-2pm. Cost is $2,000 per team and includes breakfast, lunch, ammo and 50 birds! New for this year, we will have an Annie Oakley Profession Shoot-out! Teams will shoot the flurry as a four-person team and appoint a shooter to represent them in the Annie Oakley (best shooter left standing) Profession Competition. Pair must be of same or like professions for an additional shoot-out after lunch. Contact Carlton Crump for more details at carlton.crump@scouting.org. In September, we kicked-off the event with a Scout Sporting Clay Sponsors Wild Boar Dinner. This event was sponsored by and took place at City Smoke in Charlotte. Everyone enjoyed great BBQ and wild boar flown in just for the occasion!
Sale Amount
Scout Incentives
$200 Club
One-of-a-kind BSA Fishing Lure
$400 Club
Charlotte Hornets Ticket
$750 Club
Fish Club membership: receive Rod and Reel and ticket to the “Guaranteed Catch” fishing derby at Belk Scout Camp
$1,000 Club
A $20 Darden Restaurant gift card redeemable at Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Longhorn Steakhouse or Capital Grille
$2,500 Club
Trail’s End Scholarship and choice of iPad Mini, Kindle Fire or $150 camp scholarship
$5,000 Club
Choice of iPad, Wii U, PS4 or Xbox
SCOUT SPORTING CLAY sponsors
Wild Boar
dINNER
2014 Popcorn Sale—It’s Not too Late to Participate! Online sales for popcorn began August 1st, but it’s not too late to participate! Just sign onto www.trails-end.com to set up your Scout’s account. Remember, 70% of sales go back to local Scouting, and it is the easiest way for Scouts to earn money for their unit. Once the account is set up, the Scout can send out emails to friends and family that are not local. The emails will have a special link the customer can use to purchase popcorn. This link will take them to www.trails-end.com to make their purchase. They will see your name and unit number in the upper right-hand corner, and they will see that they are supporting you and your unit. Once the purchase is complete, they will see how much goes back to supporting local units and councils. The Scout gets the credit for the sale and he can track his sales online. The product is shipped directly to the customer, so the Scout doesn’t handle any product or money.
All online sales starting August 1 through the end of the sale November 18th are combined with traditional sales and count toward prizes and incentives. There are fourteen prize levels to choose from, starting at $60 and going as high as $4000. Scouts will have several choices of prizes available to them when they sell Trail’s End popcorn. There are also incentives given out by the Council that are IN ADDITION to the prizes. These council incentives start at the $200 sales club level with a BSA Fishing Lure, and go up to the $5000 sales club level with a choice of Wii U System, Xbox or PS4 systems! Units will receive the commission on the sales in December. For more information or to download a sign-up sheet, visit our website at www.mccscouting.org.
Advancement News A Note for 2015 Merit Badge Counselors
Highlights: ay be rtifications M Additional CeMerit Badge Counselors Required for kbook Posted e Scout Wor Revised Eagl
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Registration of merit badge counselors occurs each year for the following calendar year. And while all counselors must have current Youth Protection Training certification, some merit badges require additional qualifications or certifications of the counselor or the instructor of certain subject matter activities. Archery, Canoeing, Climbing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Rifle Shooting, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Shotgun Shooting, Snow Sports, Swimming and Whitewater badges require some current certifications of counselors to improve safety and to manage risks. To renew your counselor registration for any of these 12 badges for 2015, please be ready to provide verification of your current qualifications. More information on this topic can be found in the Guide To Advancement 2013, pages 46-47. http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf
Eagle Issues Revised Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook Posted The revised Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 512-927, was published electronically on the Advancement Resources webpage at www.scouting.org/advancement on May 20. Simultaneously, the previous workbook was removed and can no longer be accessed. The revised workbook is not fundamentally different from its predecessor. It has been reorganized, some functionality has been improved, a few clarifications made, and a new document added for project beneficiaries. The key changes include:
• All general information, including the “Message to Scouts and Parents or Guardians” and
the “Excerpts and Summaries from the Guide to Advancement,” are now at the front of the workbook.
• The “Contact Information” page is included with the proposal. Note the instructions at the top of the page indicate that only information that is reasonably required must be included.
• Functionality has been added to allow certain information from title pages and the “Contact Information” page to auto-populate fields elsewhere.
• Some tables have been added and functionality improved to allow appropriate fields to expand to accept additional text.
• A “Project Description and Impact” section has been added to the project report. • “Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project, Information for Project Beneficiaries” has been added at the back of the workbook. The Eagle Scout candidate should provide this piece to the project beneficiary and use it for discussion purposes. Note there is now a check box on the proposal for the beneficiary to indicate that a copy of the document was received.
Scouts who have already downloaded and begun working with the previous version of the workbook must be allowed to continue using it, whether or not their proposal has been approved. A Scout whose proposal has already been approved using the original workbook may opt to use the “Final Plan,” the “Fundraising Application,” and the “Project Report” sections of the revised workbook. Scouts who have not begun working on their proposal must now use the May 2014 version of the workbook. Council or district advancement committees should use common sense and judgment, however, if Scouts submit former versions of the workbook. There is not much point in having Scouts copy everything from one version of the workbook to another. Recommendations for changes or other improvements to the workbook should be sent to: advance-ment.team@scouting.org.
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Training Scouter Success Seminars 2014
Highlights: : ess Seminar Scouter Succ14 Sept. 27, 20 urses t Training Co Advancemen ble at SSS 2014 Will be Availa
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During the past month, many boys have joined our Scouting family. Along with new Scouts come new parents and opportunities for new and experienced Scout leaders. Training is crucial for brand new adult Scouters, as well as key for experienced Scouters. An upcoming opportunity is available to help you become trained to your Scouter position, so you will be ready to hit the ground running with the boys in your unit. On Saturday, September 27, 2014, the Mecklenburg County Council Training Team will host Scouter Success Seminars—a one-stop training day that covers every Scouting position and lots of Scouting subjects—more than you can imagine. This year’s Scouter Success Seminars will once again be held at CPCC Levine Campus in Matthews, NC. Check-in starts promptly at 7:15 a.m. the morning of Saturday, September 27. For more information on the many course offerings, and to register online, go to www.mcctraining.org and click on the Scouter Success Seminars link midway down the page. Remember: An UNTRAINED leader working with our Scouts is UNACCEPTABLE.
Advancement Training Opportunities at Scouter Success: The following advancement training courses will be offered at the Scouter Success Seminar on Saturday, September 27, 2014, CPCC Levine Campus in Matthews. Information and online registration for these courses are available under the Training tab located on the council’s website. Please plan to attend for these courses are essential in understanding Boy Scout advancement.
Trail to Eagle Training Course Learn about Boards of Review where participants will be instructed on how to properly conduct Boards of Review with emphasis on subject areas common to the Tenderfoot through Eagle ranks. Learn the “nuts and bolts” regarding the steps that occur after a Scout thinks he has completed all requirements for the Eagle Scout rank. Topics will include Scoutmaster Review, Eagle rank Application, Letters of Reference, differences in the Eagle Board of Review, final evaluation of the Eagle Service Project and the appeals process. The target audience is all Scouters who support Scouts’ advancement toward becoming Eagle Scouts. This includes Troop Committee members, District Eagle Reviewers and troop leaders.
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and Process Training Course Learn about the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and the process relating to it. The responsibility of the Scout and the role of supporting adults will be explained. The aim of the course is to provide all the necessary information required so that the Eagle Scout candidate may successfully complete his project. The May 20, 2014, changes to the Service Project Workbook will be explained. The target group is all Scouters who support Scouts in the development and execution of the project. Life Scouts are eligible to attend this session for personal information and understanding in preparing, planning and executing their Eagle Scout project.
Merit Badge Counselor Training Course Why are merit badge counselors an essential part of the advancement process? Learn who is qualified to serve as a merit badge counselor, how to be an effective merit badge counselor, and how to obtain approval of merit badge counselors from your District Advancement Chairman.
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Learn about the twelve merit badges that require certification to be a counselor.
Periodicals Postage PAID Charlotte, NC
Mecklenburg County Council Boy Scouts of America 1410 E. 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204
704 333-5471 • 704 377-4955 (fax) www.mccscouting.org POSTMASTER Send address changes to Backpack 1410 East 7th Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
Fall 2014 Calendar of Events October 1 3-5 4 8 13 15 16 17-19 22 23 24-26 27
OA Executive Board Mtg OA Fall Fellowship Trailblazer Adventure Day OA Conclave Planning Council Commissioner Mtg Council Training Mtg Council Program Mtg Leader Specific Training Leave No Trace Training Council Membership Cmte Mtg Leader Specific Training OA Leadership Development Training Council Executive Cmte Mtg District Operations Mtg
FIND US
ON
November 5 7-9 10 12 14-16 17 19 25 27-28 29
OA Executive Board Mtg Wilderness First Aid Council Commissioner Mtg OA Conclave Planning SEALS Outdoor Leadership Skills Council Executive Board Meeting Council Training Cmte Mtg Council Program Cmte Mtg Council Advancement Cmte Mtg Service Center & Scout Shop Closed-Thanksgiving Scout Shop Closed-Thanksgiving
December 5 8 10 15 17 24-26 27 29 29-31
OA Annual Banquet Council Commissioner Mtg OA Conclave Planning Mtg Council Executive Cmte Mtg District Operations Mtg Council Training Cmte Mtg Council Program Cmte Mtg Service Center & Scout Shop Closed-Christmas Scout Shop Closed-Christmas Service Center & Scout Shop Closed for Inventory Scout Shop Closed for Inventory