Mecklenburg County Council
Summer 2011
The Scouter's
Backpack
In this Edition: 2 Scout Executive’s Notes/ Annual Business Meeting
7 The Eagle Nest
14 Finance News
3 Summer Reading/ BSA Tour Plan
8 Apache
16 Properties
9 Hornets Nest
17 Exploring
4 Council News 5 Program 6 Memorials & Tributes
b o y
10 Etowah
18 Special Initiatives
12 Training
19 Venturing Silver Award Presentation
13 Membership/ Scouting Connects Generations
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SCOUT EXECUTIVE’S NOTES
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t’s a great time to be a Scout. In fact, maybe Scouting should be a part of every boy’s “formal” education. Over the last couple of months, leaders have shared stories with me about the excitement our young men experience while being involved in Scouting. It is amazing the impact you have on this generation of young men. I read an article the other day written by a mom of an eleven-year-old Scout and she writes: “Something vital is missing from their school education. They find it at Scouts, thanks to dads who serve as our pack and troop leaders–men of commitment, generosity, patience, kindness, and action. Men of honor who, by embracing this tradition, become better husbands, brothers, and friends to the women in their lives. And this woman is grateful to them for being there tonight and every week, ushering my sons safely forward, welcoming them into their company.” I recently met with Dr. Gorman, our School Superintendent. He said: “The Scouts are our good partners in education and directly contribute to improve student behavior and classroom performance.” This is the impact we want on our community! This is the impact we are making on our community!
Boy Scouts of America - Annual Business Meeting We want to welcome our new President and Vice presidents and thank our outgoing officers for a job well done. A heart felt thank you to Henry Harkey, Partner Harkey Lambeth, for serving as our Council President. Henry led our council through some exciting times. An Eagle Scout & past Scoutmaster, Troop 55, Henry led us in celebrating our centennial year. Many thanks go to Mike Munley, President Residential Services, Time Warner Cable. Mike served as our VP of Marketing for two years bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organization. Mike also serves as a volunteer leader with his two sons in Troop 8. Our thanks go to Steve Hagood, VP & CIO Goodrich Corporation for serving as our VP of Administration. Steve served for two years bringing his enthusiasm to serve the Scouting organization.
A big welcome to our new officers: Benton Bragg, President, Bragg Financial, will bring his leadership skills and passion to lead our council as President. Benton grew up in Charlotte becoming an Eagle in Troop 116. Joe Grier, Partner, Grier & Furr, PA will be serving as our VP of Administration. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our organization. Growing up in Charlotte, Joe became an Eagle Scout in Troop 55 and later served as Scoutmaster Troop 55. Steve Jegier, Head of Strategy at Well Fargo, will be serving as our VP of Marketing. With Steve’s experience in marketing and his enthusiasm for the Scouting program, the sky’s the limit as to what we can achieve. Steve works with his sons in Troop 15.
Thank you for investing your time, your talent and your treasure in the Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America!
In Service,
Mark Turner Scout Executive
Cover photo - Thank you Troop 49 for providing the cover photo.
Scouts at Beaver Day cleaning up debris left by the recent storms at Camp Grimes. If you have photos you would like to submit for use in council publications, please email gene.conder@scouting.org.
Summer Reading
Council Professional Staff
Some of your most exciting summer journeys start right here! From enthralling stories that capture Scouts' imagination and interests to a critical resource guide, these books reconnect you to what you love most about Scouting. So get ready to read... our new Summer Reading Rewards Program makes it super easy to get started! Once you've purchased five books, chosen from titles listed on the official Summer Reading Series Book List at the Mecklenburg County Scout Shop, you receive a $5 Scout Shop Gift Card*. Just ask an Associate for a program punch card to keep track of your purchases! So have fun this summer and Happy Reading! Shop at your Mecklenburg County Scout Shop. Some supplies are limited; selection may vary. *Only books listed on the official Summer Reading Series Book List will count toward Summer Reading Rewards Program and eligibility for Gift Card reward. Program participation available through the Scout Shop only; not available online. Offer does not apply to ANY program-related literature including merit badge pamphlets or other materials.
BSA Tour Plan-Effective June 1, 2011 You may have heard of a change in how tour permits are being handled. This was a recent development from BSA National Council. This is very much a developing situation which is being guided by our National Organization. Mecklenburg County Council’s goal is to keep you informed and make this process as user friendly as possible. The new Tour Plan is available on the home page, in the resource links section of www.mccscouting.org as well as the standard Activity Consent Form and Approval by Parents or Guardian. The Tour Plan is a great tool to ensure that your unit plans a safe and fun outing. One major change is that the plan is submitted for review 21 days in advance of your outing. This will require some more advanced planning by the unit committee. We ask that units try to honor the 21 day requirement; however, beginning on June 1, 2011, the council will accept tour plans 7 days from departure date. Example: you are leaving on a Friday evening for a event requiring a tour plan. Your tour plan MUST be at the council office for approval on the Friday one week before you leave. Tour Plans may be submitted by the following methods: • On line by using www.myscouting.org • Over the counter at the Council Service Center during regular business hours. • By fax at 704-377-4955 • By US Mail to 1410 E. 7th St. Charlotte, NC 28204
Scout Executive Mark Turner Assistant Scout Executive Tony Morton Field Director Gary Moore Program Director Dave Ritchie Finance Director Carlton Crump Exploring/Scoutreach Director Justin Lewter Apache District Director John Crapster Apache District Executive John Bittinger Etowah District Director Mike Rusho Hornets Nest District Director Alan Keiger Hornets Nest Sr. District Executive Roger Penny
Council Support Staff Office Manager Gene Conder Accounting Specialist Jackie Torrence 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 Samantha Das Pat Levesque Eva Montes Phyllis Perry Camp Rangers Belk Scout Camp Mac McCullough Mecklenburg Scout Reservation Chris Williams
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COUNCIL NEWS
Mecklenburg County Council Launches BSA Alumni Connections Group Scouting has been making a difference in the lives of men and women for more than a century. In fact, today there are more than 50 million living Scouting alumni. Whether you were a Scout, leader, volunteer, parent, or supporter - you are alumni of the nation’s foremost youth movement. We have kicked off a local BSA Alumni group made up of a cross section of many great people across Mecklenburg County. The goal of this group is to be of benefit to both the individual Scouting Alumnus as well as the Scouts currently in the program. Now you can reconnect with the adventure of Scouting, through the Alumni Connection. Join the thousands of others who care about the youth of our nation and the Boy Scouts of America! Stay tuned to the council website at www.mccscouting. org for updates. The BSA Alumni Committee is committed to reaching out to and inviting our Scouting Alumni to get involved with the Boy Scouts of America once again. In addition to former Scouts, Scouting alumni include all those positively impacted by the BSA—family members of Scouts (past and present), volunteers, Scouters, community leaders, and the millions of Americans who benefit from Scouting in their communities everyday
Alumni Focus:
The Alumni Committee focuses around the three R’s • Reconnect alumni with Scouting friends, mentors, and the council • Rekindle enthusiasm for Scouting and the values it represents • Re-engage alumni to become active in Scouting again.
Goals: 1. 2. 3. 4.
To improve the registration process and tracking of Alumni Association Members. Continue to grow the Alumni Association. Provide opportunities to engage BSA Alumni in meaningful service to Scouting and the community. To Better Market the Alumni Association in our own Council community and the surrounding communities outside of the Council. 5. Provide the Alumni Association the opportunity to participate in “Alumni Only” events. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Mecklenburg BSA Alumni Association, please email Dave Ritchie at: dave.ritchie@scouting.org
International Scouting Opportunities: International Camp Staff
Camp Grimes hosts an international camp staff member each year. This is a tremendous growth opportunity for that individual and to our campers. International Camp staff members are normally young leaders in their own country. This year our camp is blessed to have Ching-Pei Chen from Taiwan on our staff. Ching-Pei has a tremendous Scouting background and has participated in many international leadership events. Scouting is actually a course of study in the school system of Taiwan and Ching-Pei is a Scouting Instructor. She is a fantastic asset to our camp and the Trailblazer, First Year Camper Program.
Scouting Instructor Ching-Pei Chen
PROGRAM www.mycampgrimes.com STAFF Dave Ritchie Dave.Ritchie@Scouting.org
Summer Camp Dates: July 3-9 Camp Grimes Week #3 10-13 Webelos Resident Camp Session #1 10-16 Camp Grimes Week #4 14-17 Webelos Resident Camp Session #2 17-20 Webelos Resident Camp Session #3 17-23 Camp Grimes Week #5 21-24 Webelos Resident Camp Session #4
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Plans Underway for 2013 National Scout Jamboree: It may seem like a like a long way out but planning has begun for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree to be held at the new location in West Virginia! Not only will this be a new location, this jamboree will be much different than what our Scouts have seen in the past. Some major highlights that we know at this time: Limited support equipment will need to be transported to the site. Tents, cooking gear, etc. will be provided at the jamboree. Scouts will carry a duffel bag with all of the gear that they will need for the experience. Health and safety and environmental sustainability will be stressed. This will be a walking jamboree. The footprint will be much smaller than the past and there will not be bus shuttles to the campsites. Day visitors will only have access to the main Summit Visitor Center. Most of the activities will be reserved for the full jamboree participants. The jamboree footprint is much smaller than the old site. Many of the activities will take advantage of the natural landscape surrounding the area. Scouts can expect to participate in: whitewater rafting, canopy zip wires, mountain biking, rock climbing, shooting, mountain boarding, and much more. This is going to be an incredible adventure! Sub-camps will no longer be separated by region. Our Scouts will camp with other Scouts from across the nation and world. Mecklenburg County Council has been awarded 5 troops of 36 boys and 4 adults. This is the first jamboree that will include Venturing. Our council has been awarded spots for 18 Venturers. Veteran Scouter, Bob Branan, has been named as Mecklenburg County Council Jamboree Chairman. Bob served as a contingent leader on the 2010 Jamboree. Bob will be putting together a jamboree steering committee that will begin meeting this fall to prepare for this experience. Jamboree applications are now available at: htpps://summit.scouting.org!! There are some key items to be aware of as we gear up for 2013 and registration! Three new easy steps will be required before accessing the jamboree applications. Once selecting “Apply Now” to submit an application, an applicant will be required to read and agree to the Be Prepared policy. This policy covers the details of the jamboree fitness requirements, alcohol and tobacco policies. The applicant will then have a drop down box with the applications he/she is eligible for based on their BSA membership records. They can select one category only. (Should the category they are anticipating not be present, they are instructed to contact their council to confirm their membership records.)
Jamboree specific questions should be sent to 2013jamboree@scouting.org All questions relating to creating or maintaining a Summit account should be directed to the National Service Desk at:
For program, security and medical identification purposes, every applicant (regardless of the age and/or category in which they wish to apply) will be issued a photo ID upon check-in. It will be necessary for each applicant to upload a current photo of themselves. Instructions will be located on the page to direct the applicant through the photo upload process. The photo can be from any venue (school, sports, Scouting, etc.) as long as it is a current headshot (not full body) and clearly shows only the applicant. Once the photo has been submitted, the applicant will then have access to the first page of the application.
972-580-2267
(more Program news on page 6 )
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Memorials & Tributes 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 Honor of
In Memory of
Grant Schoonmaker
Lula Kimbrell
By: Pam & Chuck Richards
By: Wellene Griffin
Robert Banfield
By: Jennifer & Nick Tennyson
John McKay
By: John & Judy Martin
Program News
(Continued from page 5)
Mecklenburg County Council to launch “A Scout is Fit” Campaign Personal fitness has always been an integral part of the Scouting program since its beginning. As we begin our second century of Scouting it will be stressed even more. Recently at the BSA Annual Meeting in San Diego there were some alarming statements given regarding the overall health of our young people. Overweight children have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults, at much higher risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers. Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona has stated, “because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.” In response to this BSA Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca said, “That really got my attention. I wanted us to look at what we can do as an organization to increase the awareness and engagement in healthy living — not just within the BSA but also in communities across the country.” The Boy Scouts is now rolling out healthy living initiatives that, so far, include partnerships with the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” program and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. The organization’s online and print magazine, Boys’ Life, has started a section with tips for strength training, working out and getting fit. Since Scouting is a family program, parents and other relatives are encouraged to set the example and get involved as well. “Maybe together, we can have an impact on adults, not just kids.” says Mr. Mazzuca. Mazzuca said he’d like to see local Scout units team up with community groups or individuals to promote healthy, active lifestyles and a connection with the outdoors. Here in Mecklenburg County, there are already some great community partners. We will be launching a formal “Scout Fitness Challenge” over the summer. There will be a culminating event for Scouts and families to participate in this fall. Stay tuned to www.mccscouting.org for details.
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The Eagle Nest Troop 3 Myers Park United Methodist Church Robert Duncan Huggins
Troop 122 Wings Home School Group Peter James Gossage
Troop 4 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Parker Riley Blake Klayton William Kraft
Troop 130 Reeder Memorial Baptist Church William Braxton Hairston Hicks
Troop 7 Calvary Presbyterian Church Joshua David Komer Timothy L. White Anderson Davis Carman Troop 8 St. Matthew Catholic Church Jeremy Ross Nelson Bryan Timothy Herzhauser Christopher August Nelson Troop 13 Univeristy City United Methodist Church Louis Gustavo Lilienthal Andrew Fleming Troop 15 St. Francis United Methodist Church Spencer Thomas Clem Sean Trainor Troop 17 Christ Episcopal Church David Ross White Cameron Robinson Finley Samuel Watson Wishnek Zachary Christopher Roberts Troop 18 Christ Episcopal Church Andrew McLean White Troop 33 Sardis Presbyterian Church Ian Blair LeBlanc
Troop 144 Blair Road United Methodist Men Evan Jared Wall Troop 164 Providence Presbyterian Church James Andrew Irwin Troop 165 Living Saviour Lutheran Church Wesley Cade Jacobs Christoffer Ryan Mohr Troop 174 St. Gabriel Catholic Church Anthony Raymond Lopez Walter Alan Sypniewski Troop 186 Robinson Presbyterian Church Seth Preston Locklear Troop 256 Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church James B. Sanford Troop 405 St. Martins Episcopal Church David Prieto Troop 413 Christ Covenant Church Paul Cunningham Troop 447 Concerned Citizens of Scouting Mitchell Lewis Wyse Paul D. Mendoza
Troop 39 Matthews United Methodist Church Edmund Christopher Miramontes
Troop 715 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chad William Murdock Jacob Mark Coombs
Troop 51 Cooks Memorial Presbyterian Church MacKenzie John Ruttkamp
Troop 777 Grace Covenant Church Davis Jones
Troop 55 Myers Park Presbyterian Church Charles Austin Lucas
Troop 815 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Newell Palmer Cobb
Troop 70 Paw Creek Presbyterian Church Richard Jacob Burns Troop 82 Community in Christ Lutheran Church Michael Shoemaker Troop 97 St. Mark Catholic Church Walker Joseph O’Brien Troop 116 St. Johns Episcopal Church Charles Alexander Sowers
Gus Mandrapilias has made contributions in the name of all Eagles Scout listed above to the Council’s permanent endowment fund.
A PA C H E
8 STAFF District Chairman George MacBain 704.954.1139 gmacbain@bbandt.com
District Commissioner Christopher Kubala 704.996.2043 christopher.kubala@bankofamerica. com District Director John Crapster 704.342.9324 john.crapster@scouting.org District Executive John Bittinger 704.342.9336 john.bittinger@scouting.org
Key Dates:
August 11 District Commissioner’s Meeting 11 Program Preview Roundtable / School Night for Scouting Training 11 District Committee Meeting
September 1
Cub Scout Open House at Charter Organizations
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District Committee Meeting
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Roundtable
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District Commissioner
District Committee Updates We would like to thank George MacBain for his leadership and serving our Apache District. He will be our District Chairman for the 2011-2012 Scouting year. He has identified the following to serve on our District Committee. Christopher Kubala is our new District Commissioner. Lon Nigro (Activities), Dick Parks (Camping), Trainor Critz (Marketing), Craig Gross (Advancement), Phil Adams (Membership), Miriam Olynick (Training) and David Allen (Finance) will serve as our Sub-Committee Chairman. We thank Del Whittaker (Past Program Chairman), Steve Eriksen (Past District Commissioner) and Margot Hensen (Past Roundtable Commissioner) for your years of service to our District Committee and the youth we support and serve. Council Twilight Camp Our Twilight Camp this year is at Marion Diehl Recreation Center on July 11th-15th. The camp will run from 6PM-9PM daily and cost $65 per participant. If you would like to volunteer to help in some capacity, please contact Brenda Brayer the Director at brendab7@aol.com. Cub Scouts will have a chance to earn activity belt loops and participate in crafts, learning nature in the great outdoors and sportsmanship. Cub Scout Open House Mark your calendars now Cub Scout leaders. Our annual open house recruit night at all Cub Scout Pack charter organizations will be on Thursday, September 1st starting at 7pm. Let Christopher Gamble know if your Cub Scout Pack would like to participate by emailing him at ccgamble@bellsouth.net. This is a great way to recruit new Cub Scouts and their parents and grow your Pack. School Night for Scouting Make plans now to have several volunteers present at the August 11th Roundtable at Sharon Baptist Church. We will be going over the School Night recruiting game plan. All CMS elementary schools will be open one evening during the month September (please be prepared to give us your school preference at the roundtable if not before). We will need many volunteers to get involved to be successful this year. Let’s get more youth involved in our great Scouting program. Christopher Gamble is serving as our Fall Round-Up Chairman. Thanks Christopher for your leadership! Adult Leader Roundtables Roundtable will be on the following dates at Sharon Baptist Church starting at 7:30pm: August 11th, September 8th, October 13th and November 10th. In July, we will not have any district meetings. The August and September roundtables are extra important and all adult volunteers should attend. On December 9th, we will be having our District Banquet at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Check our Council website for more details. We need your help with providing an excellent program this year. If you or someone you know can help with Roundtable, please let Christopher Kubala (District Commissioner) know. He can be contacted at christopher.kubala@bankofamerica.com. Cub Scout Day Camp A huge thanks goes out to all volunteers and Cub Scouts for making this years Day Camp a “FUN FILLED” event. We had almost 200 Apache District Cub Scout’s attend the week long camp at Belk Scout Camp. A special thanks to Cyndi Murdock and Laura Haines for going to the extra mile and leading the Day Camp Staff. Our youth made backpacks, learned some really cool knots, and had a chance to work on advancement. (Continued on page 9)
HORNETS NEST
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Fall Roundup Our Fall Roundup season will start on August 4th at Roundtable with our yearly Roundup Training for all Packs. Please make sure your Pack is represented. Unit Recruit nights across the district will take place on September 1, 2011. Our School Nights for Scouting dates will be announced in accordance with the superintendent’s approval.
Day Camp More than 250 Cubs enjoyed a great Cub Scout Day Camp experience this year. Our theme was the Wild West. Special thanks to all adults who volunteered their time to make this such a fun event. Special thanks to Camp Director Bob Caughlin and Program Directors Michael Perrott and Dennis Tucker for their hard work and leadership.
Senior Camporee/Scout Jamboree There’s a new twist on this year’s Senior Camporee. We’ve added a Jamboree style component for ALL Boy Scouts that want to participate. To register your Troop, contact our Chief, Bob Shaner, at bshaner@acosta.com, or at 704-393-7954 (home), 704-756-8140 (m). Information should also be posted on our website.
Key Dates: Key Dates for July No district activities – enjoy your summer Key Dates for August 4 District Committee meeting at 7 p.m. at Huntersville Presbyterian Church 11 Cub Scout Roundup Kick off and Boy Scout Roundtable, 7:15 at University Park Baptist Church
STAFF
Key Dates for September 1 Recruit Night for Cub Scout Packs a their meeting facilities 8 District Roundtable, 7:15 at University Park Baptist Church 8 Pack Recruit Night turn in will be at University Park Baptist Church in conjunction with Roundtable 9-11 Hornets Nest Senior Camporee and Scout Jamboree, Mecklenburg Scout Reservation 24 Scouter Success Seminar, CPCC-Levine Campus 30 Popcorn Distribution
District Chairman Artis Boyd 704.371.5215 artisgboyd@bellsouth.net District Commissioner Terence Thompson 704-948-4559 tthompson466@gmail.com District Director Alan Keiger 704.342.9325 alan.keiger@scouting.org Sr. District Executive Roger Penny 704.342.9348 roger.penny@scouting.org
Apache
(Continued from page 8)
They also had a swimming session to cool off during the hot summer days, shot BB guns and bows and arrows and participated in Den Competition Rain Gutter Regatta. Apache Fall Cuboree Mark your calendar now for this year’s fall Cub-o-ree October 7th-9th. Location will be Belk Scout Camp. We are encouraging all Cub Scouts and family members to participate. See the Council website for more information. We are going to have so much FUN! Boy Scout Fall Camporee Our 2011, Boy Scout Camporee will be November 4th -6th. The events are being planned. Check the district website for more information. Please send a couple of leaders to the August 11th roundtable to get all the details. Our Boy Scout Leader breakout session will concentrate some on the Camporee and will be important for those coming. We need leaders to serve on staff for this event, if you are willing to help contact: Dick Parks at dickpark7@aol.com
E T O WA H
10 STAFF District Chair Bill Rose 704.668.1642 br855fox@carolina.rr.com District Commissioner John Dick 704.544.7298 Jdick@carolina.rr.com District Director Mike Rusho 704.342.9347 mike.rusho@scouting.org
1st Eagle Scout in Troop 140:
Kiernan McCarthy, a founding member of Troop 140, became the Troop's first Eagle Scout in December, and celebrated with a Court of Honor in March. For his project, Kiernan designed and built a fire ring at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church (of which he is an active member of, and is also the Chartered Organization for Troop 140). In addition, Kiernan has completed the SEALS program and is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Congratulations Kiernan and Troop 140.
Troop 33 Completes another Service Project Weekend at Camp Grimes: For the 3rd year in a row Troop 33 of Sardis Presbyterian Church has completed Service Project weekend at Camp Grimes. They accomplished a lot in two days: •Built 2 shelters at campsites •Built 12 picnic tables •Cleared the 5 mile perimeter trail •Took down old trail markers and put up new ones Troop 33 has completed three Service Project weekends at Camp Grimes. With 6 shelters built to date, Troop 33 has built at least half of the total new shelters. Many thanks to the 40+ scouts and 35 adults who made it happen from Troop 33. Well done!
Key Dates: (No meetings in July or December)
Congratulations to District Award Recipients:
2nd Thursday Roundtable, 7:30 p.m. Morning Star Lutheran Church, 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews
Etowah District recognized their volunteer leaders at an awards program on April 14 at the Culbertson Dining Hall at Belk Scout Camp. Special thanks go out to District Chair Bill Rose, District Commissioner, John Dick, and Chris Schatz, District Advancement Chair, who handled the arrangements for the event. Troop 144 of Blair Road UMC provided the set-up, decorations and meal for the evening. Troop 144 did an awesome job!
2nd Thursday District Cmte. Mtg., 6:15 p.m. Morning Star Lutheran Church, 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews
Please congratulate the following Scouters on their recognitions:
4th Wednesday District Comm. Mtg., 7:00 pm Americana Restaurant 1628 Matthews Mint Hill Rd Matthews, NC (704) 841-0801
Silver Beaver Awards: Ted Biggers, John McPherson, David Evans District Award of Merit: Bill Rhyne, Jennifer Smith, John Dick Lifetime Service Award: Rich Alter, Gene Kobel Commissioner of the Year: Renita Keziah District Committee Member of the Year: Rick Jensen Volunteer of the Year: Bart Carlson
E T O WA H
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Cub Scout Leader of the Year: Michelle Jegier Boy Scout Leader of the Year: Ron Shaw God and Service Award & Building Faith Award: Brad McLelland James E West Fellows: Allen Dick Palmer, Brian Dick Palmer
Godsend Awards:
The following individuals were recognized by their respective units for making a significant impact in the lives of young people: Chris Corbitt – Etowah District Maddie Van Anden – Crew 447 Scott Major and Michael Fenk – Pack 12 Douglas Graham and Richard Saia – Pack 65 Frank Burnett – Pack 118 Stephen Roberts – Pack 135 Elizabeth Adams – Pack 140 Eric Rudisill – Pack 159 Daniel Parker and Debbie Hemmingsen – Pack 164 Sharon Browning – Pack 198 Rich Jensen and Kristin Jensen – Pack 214 Elaine Pruitt – Pack 447 Teri-Jeanne Ross – Pack 515 Mark Krouse – Troop 12
Keith Herron and John Gergel – Troop 15 Jim Yount and Mike Bowen – Troop 33 Dan Latta and Steve Cash – Troop 39 Donna Sosebee – Troop 95 Tim Gilland and Tim Enten – Troop 118 Mary Vincent – Troop 121 Emerson Thompson II – Troop 133 Paul Claus – Troop 140 Steve Fisher – Troop 144 Jim Hagwood – Troop 159 Patty Irwin – Troop 164 Carolyn Trott and Judy Wilson – Troop 413 Ken Mendoza – Troop 447
Friends of Scouting: Etowah District is closing in on our 2011 FOS goal of $134,000! We would like to thank each of our supporters and every Etowah unit that participated in the campaign. Congratulations on a great effort! We have 19 Etowah units that achieve FOS recognition levels:
Foundation Unit $1000-$2500: Pack 15; Pack 140, Pack 144; Pack 413; Troop 12; Troop 65; Troop 95; Troop 133, Troop 144; Troop 164; Troop 198, Troop 447 Silver Eagle Unit $2500-$5000: Troop 413 Golden Eagle Unit $5000-$10,000: Pack 214; Troop 15; Troop 33, Troop 140 Platinum Eagle Unit $10,000-$20,000: Troop 39 Double Platinum Eagle Unit $20,000+: Troop 118
Cub Scout Round-Up is around the corner.
• Recruitment Training and materials pick-up are scheduled for August 11th at 7:30 PM at Morning Star Lutheran Church. All
packs should have at least one representative attending this event to pick up their packets, review their school assignments, and get updates on any changes in the program. • Unit Open House Nights are scheduled for September 1st at your specific meeting locations. Specific turn-in locations will be discussed during the August Roundtable. • School Nights are slated for the September 12th and 19th weeks. • Each school will have a lead pack that will coordinate all activities with school personnel and other packs also recruiting at that location.
A safe and fun summer of Scouting activities to all!
TRAINING
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STAFF Bob Coughlin Hornetsnest@mcctraining.org Rick Jensen Etowah@mcctraining.org Miriam Olynick Apache@mcctraining.org WWW.MCCTRAINING.ORG
Scouter Success Seminars 2011 Scouter Success Seminars 2011 will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at CPCC’s Levine Campus in Matthews. At this, our largest annual training event, we will offer over 40 different courses that will include all position specific training courses for Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing Crew Adult Leaders; outdoor courses like map and compass, GPS and Geocaching, Dutch Oven Cooking, Campfires, and Backpack Cooking; Where to Go Camping, Board of Review Courses; and all about Eagle Projects and Mentoring your Boy Scouts from Life to Eagle. Courses are geared to all levels of Scout leaders in all Scout programs, and for all experience levels. If you miss this event, you will be missing a great opportunity to learn how to Deliver the Promise of Scouting and how to help your unit provide a more exciting program for your Scouts.
Scouting Connects Generations Scouting can be described as the ultimate connector of generations and the original family program. While some of the methods of Scouting have changed, the timeless values and connections through the generations run deep. There are many great stories out there to be told. One such story is the Morgan family. In May we held our council’s Order of The Arrow Beaver Weekend at Mecklenburg Scout Reservation. During this weekend, Eagle Scout Taylor Morgan was called out as a Vigil Honor candidate. Taylor is the third generation and fifth person in his family to receive this honor. He is also a third generation Eagle Scout and fifth Eagle in his family. Taylor’s grandfather, Buddy Morgan earned his Eagle Scout as a youth in the Concord, NC area. When the three Morgan boys: Jeff, Bob, and Tim were old enough they joined Hickory Grove Presbyterian Church Pack 235. They moved to Hickory Grove United Methodist Church Troop 35 where Jeff and Bob earned their Eagle award. Tim helped his father start Troop 235 and earned his Eagle award there. During this time, Buddy and each of his sons were able to go on treks to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Buddy, Jeff, and Tim also received the Vigil Honor in OA during this tenure. Now this rich tradition of Scouting continues through the Scouting program. Jeff lives near Philadelphia, PA and has a son who enjoyed the Cub Scouting program. Brother Bob serves as the Executive DiThe Morgan Family rector of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. He has two sons currently in the Scouting program in Mecklenburg County. Tim currently serves on the Board of Education for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Taylor earned his Eagle award in 2010 and attended Philmont with is father in 2008 and plans to attend again in 2012. When asked to reflect on the impact of Scouting on his family, Tim states. “For me to follow in my dad and brother’s footsteps, it created a bond that you really can’t achieve in any other youth organization. Now Taylor and my nephews will be able to add and continue in this legacy.” There are many stories out there just like the Morgan Family. We are interested in hearing your family story. Email Dave Ritchie at dave.ritchie@scouting.org.
MEMBERSHIP
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Greetings, Scout Leaders! Today we are serving more youth in Mecklenburg County than we have ever before. We are truly building our community’s future one Scout at a time. Thank you for your hard work in providing a quality program to keep the Scouts interested. But as you’ve heard before, in order to get the values of Scouting in our youth, we need to get youth IN SCOUTING! It’s never too early to start planning for the fall recruitment season. We have had a lot of success with some new tools for Cub Scout Pack recruitment (data shows that Packs who used the recruiting scorecard available from your District Membership Committee recruited 36% more Scouts than those that did not). We know that our Council continues to get stronger through your enthusiasm and efforts. We have another odd year due to Labor Day falling on September 6, so here are some dates to mark in your calendar now for the fall:
•Unit Open House: Thursday, September 1 •School Nights for Scouting: September 14, September 15, September 21, September 22
•Adventure Day at Belk Scout Camp: Saturday, October 1 •Final turn in Applications from Roundup: Monday, October 3
As you know, we typically have the same few leaders at each unit doing just about everything, so we encourage each Pack and Troop to identify one or more leaders outside of the Cubmaster or Scoutmaster to lead the Fall recruiting efforts in your unit. This is a great way to get an enthusiastic parent more involved! We look forward to our Fall Recruiting Round-up! Thank you for all that you do for the Youth of Mecklenburg County – we couldn’t do it without you! Yours in Scouting, Christopher Kubala Mecklenburg County Council Membership Roundup Chair 2011 704/996-2043
STAFF Field Director Gary Moore Gary.Moore @Scouting.org
Come visit us!
Mecklenburg County Council Scout Shop Summer Hours
(June 11th- August 13th) Monday - Friday 8:45-5:00 ~Shop for all your summer needs ~ Going to camp? We have a selection of sleeping bags, tents, back packs, knives, and more! Have you seen the new Jetboil products? Come take a look - cooking made fast & fun! Get your merit badge pamphlets before you go - be prepared.
The Scout Shop The Scout Shop Visit our CLEARANCE table for great deals! Regular Hours Monday–Friday
8:45a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Regular Hours Monday–Friday
8:45a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Uniforms Literature Camping Needs Insignia Gift Ideas Crafts Trophies & Awards Uniforms Literature Camping Needs Insignia Gift Ideas Crafts Trophies & Awards
Cub Scouts
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F I NA N C E N E W S
2011 Sporting Clay Plans are underway for the 9th Annual Sporting Clays to be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Meadow Wood Farms in Waxhaw, NC. This year’s fee will remain at $2,000 per 4 person team for the morning shoot and the afternoon 2 man shoot will be $750 per team. The morning shoot will begin with breakfast and warm ups from 7:30-8:30 a.m .The competition will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. A delicious fish fry lunch and awards ceremony will be held immediately following the shoot. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place teams as well as high individual shooter and the coveted “Clay Conservation Award”. This year’s Sporting Clay is Co-Chaired by Jim and Preston “Fred” Griffith. For more details visit www.mcc.org or contact Carlton Crump at ccrump@bsamail.org
2011 Scout Auction
Jim & Preston Griffith
Mark your calendar for one of our councils’ signature all adult “FUN” raising activities, the 9th annual auction!! This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, October 20 at Felix Sabates’ Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte from 6:30-10:00 p.m. The event features great food, beverages, music and tons of auction items of your choice. Our auction promises something for everyone including handmade crafts, sporting tickets, golf and restaurant passes, beach house rentals and even a big game hunting trip to Iowa. The committee, chaired by board member Paul Stein has already started gathering unique items for our patrons to bid on. The tickets which include dinner and drinks are $25 per person. If you have interest in hosting a table of guests, just let us know. Details to this event and registration are located under “fundraiser” on the council website at www.mcc.org or contact Carlton at ccrump@bsamail.org
2011 Popcorn Sale
Paul Stein
Our council’s biggest fundraiser is just a few months away and units are gearing up for the “Biggest sale in Council history”!
Anthony Aldrich
This year, executive board member, Anthony Aldrich will serve as our Council Popcorn Kernel. If the name sounds familiar, his son Anthony Aldrich Jr, was the top popcorn salesman in the council and the United States in the early to mid 2000s. Anthony brings a wealth of “first hand” experience to the sell along with determination to get more units and boys involved. We are very excited about growing our On Line Sales. Plans are underway for a new council-wide contest to help us to achieve that goal.
STAFF Assistant Scout Executive Tony Morton Tony.morton@Scouting.org Finance Director Carlton Crump Carlton.crump@Scouting.org
F I NA N C E N E W S New products and new rewards for 2011! Kettle Corn is back! The Chocolate Lover’s Collection is gone, but no worries, we are selling the Triple Chocolatey Delight and White Chocolatey Pretzels by themselves. The Sweet & Savory Collection now include the butter toffee bag. Sell $600 and get the Zyclone and $600 patch. Sell $100 in military orders and get a cool patch. Signed up now to sell, contact Terrie Bailey at: tbailey@bsamail.org.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 1410 East Seventh Street Charlotte, NC 28204
Endowment News We are please to announce the James E. West 100 for the 100th Campaign has been extended through 2011. With a gift of $1,000 or more to the council’s endowment fund you will receive
• • • •
A Framed Certificate Pin and Knot Engraved brick in the “100 Years of Scouting” walkway at the council office Limited Edition “100 for the 100th” patch
Gifts may be made to recognize Eagle Scouts, Silver Beaver recipients, honor Scoutmasters or mentors, in memory of special individuals or simply to help insure the future of Scouting for another 100 years.
JAMES E. WEST Perserving scouting for another hundred years! “100 for the 100th”
Contact the council office for further detail or check the website at www.mcc.org
BACKPACK (USPS) 250-720 Published quarterly by: Mecklenburg Co. Council Boy Scouts of America, Inc. 1410 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204
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PROPERTIES
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Program and Facilities Upgrades to Enhance Program for Scouts and Leaders: Our council is blessed to own two wonderful camping properties that serve our Scouts, leaders and our community very well. Both Belk Scout Camp, near Midland, NC and Mecklenburg Scout Reservation (Camp Grimes) in McDowell County are available to our units and for district and council events year round. Each camp gets an incredible amount of use throughout the year. Because of your generosity and participation in Friends of Scouting, popcorn sale, and support of our council’s camping program, this is possible. Highlight projects include: adult staff cabins at Camp Grimes, additional program shelters, multi-purpose building at Belk Scout Camp, major amphitheater upgrades at both camps, BMX course and new climbing tower at Belk Scout Camp.
Thanks to our Service Volunteers: Our council has many skilled Scouts and adult leaders who provide service to our camps. This month we highlight two troops who have gone the extra mile in service to our camps. Troop 33 is chartered to Sardis Presbyterian Church. This is the second year they have come to Mecklenburg Scout Reservation to provide a weekend of service. This year they completed nearly two campsite shelters as well as many other conservation projects around the camp. This service is a great benefit to our council. Each year, Troop 45, chartered to Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church completes a major project at camp. Much of this is made possible by Scoutmaster, Lynn Snuggs. Lynn is a Duke Energy employee and is able to attain a Duke Foundation project grant to benefit our camps. This year they helped to replace the perimeter trail bridge that had been previously washed out. Scouters Gus and Geary Mandrapilias have spent many hours planting trees and other plants at Belk Scout Camp. This will beautify our camp for generations to come. Thanks to all Scouts, leaders, and parents who give unselfishly of their time and talent to benefit our camps.
Catawba Construction Company: The council camps are growing in use and require new and additional facilities. Some of the shelters, buildings and other proprieties are aged and require minor repairs. Most of the work is the same as each of us do on our own homes. We have two choices: we can pay people outside of Scouting to do the work or we can group together, work as a team and complete as much as we can with volunteers. With cuts from outside funding groups, we can best manage our cost by volunteer construction. Funds saved can be invested in other programs for the council What are we asking for? • Your time and commitment to work with us for about two weekends during the year. You are not signing up for all requests. Small groups will be put together for each project. • We are not asking you to fund the projects. • Bring your own small tools, large tools provided. • What you get: • Satisfaction of being able to say I built that at camp. You will be a long term part of camp. • A chance to meet others in the Scouting family and share some great fellowship. • Meals while you are on site. • A chance to earn your Catawba Construction t-shirt. If you can be part of the Catawba Construction Co. volunteer team, please send an email to Joe Culpepper at jculpepper@carolina.rr.com. To make this work, we need about 50 volunteers. This way we would be able to share the load and work with your schedule. STAFF Dave Ritchie Dave.Ritchie@Scouting.org
EXPLORING mccexploring.webs.com. STAFF Vice President Art Gallagher 980.598.1012 arthur.gallagher@jwu.edu District Chair Vanessa Benton Exploring Director Justin Lewter 704.342.9331 justin.lewter@scouting.org
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The Exploring Committee would like to thank all of our post partners for another wonderful year in Exploring. Parent we speak to continue to rave about how much their students enjoyed their post experiences. We also want to thank our school Career Development Coordinators for taking the time to make sure students at their respective schools have completed the surveys. Without your help Exploring would not be possible in Mecklenburg County. We are looking forward to bringing new students in to our post programs. Please consider the images below as a reminder of the great help you have been in the lives of our city’s greatest responsibility: the children. Informal surveys of students indicate that what they would like to see from us aside from more and diverse post opportunities is college tours. In our last newsletter we shared that we had begun the planning for this activity. Right now we have tentatively set November 5th as the date to visit schools in the city and local area. This would be a one-day trip. If students and parents were interested in schools outside the local area we will need to look at a weekend long activity. If you are in fact interested in our college tours, please contact the Exploring committee to indicate your preference and to offer your help. The planning is just getting underway and now would be the best time to hear from our parents and Explorers about what and where they’d like to go. We’re counting on you. We also want to congratulate any and all Explorers selected to participate in the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program this summer. That is quite an honor and a difficult process. We hope you have an enjoyable experience and continue to make Exploring proud. If your Explorer would like to learn more about this opportunity for next year contact us here at the Scout Service Center. Have a great summer!
Lastly, let’s congratulate the members of Matthews Fire Department Post 911 for their participation in the Warren County Junior Fire Fighters competition on June 11. Here’s a list of the trophies they brought home. First place in tug of war First and second place on the knowledge-based test Third place in knowledge-based oral test Norlina fire department award for best overall in knowledge based events Team that traveled the farthest award.
Great Job Guys!
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S P E C I A L I N I T I AT I V E S www.wunita.org www.mccbsasts.webs.com www.mccbsapueblo.com
Congratulations to the Waholi District Scouting through Soccer Committee!
STAFF District Chairman Wunita Gary Mitchell garymitchell01@gmail.com www.wunita.org District Commissioner Wunita Jeff Greene 704.491.5070 jeffgreene@carolina.rr.com District Chairman Waholi Pablo de la Canal 704.609.2170 pablo.delacanal@gmail.com
District Chairman Pueblo Michael Gleaves 704.299.6497 mgleaves@yahoo.com Sr. District Executive Karl Strohminger 704.342.9329 karl.strohminger@scouting.org
Recently, the Waholi District was recognized by National BSA’s Scouting and Soccer Task Force for their outstanding program. “We were amazed at the high percentage of Scouting and Soccer Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in your council who have advanced in rank. This tells us your Scouting and Soccer staff and volunteers are on to something, and other councils need to know what you’re doing to keep your Hispanic youth engaged in the traditional Scouting program,” said Frank Ramirez, a program specialist with the program impact section of the National Council. In 2010, Waholi District achieved over 100% Cub Scout advancement, and 87% Boy Scout advancement, far surpassing other Scouting and Soccer programs nationally, and well above the national district advancement benchmarks of 73% and 56% respectively. Thanks Waholi, and keep up the great work!
Special Initiatives Volunteers Earn Many Honors at Annual Council Awards Banquet Several district and unit volunteers from Special Initiatives were recently recognized for their outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of youth in Mecklenburg County at the recent Council Awards Banquet. Crew 228 Advisor, Reggie Singleton was awarded the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award for outstanding service to urban or low income Scouts. A long time veteran Pueblo District Crew Advisor, Reggie recently led a trip to Ghana, Africa where his Venturers experienced missionary work, cultural enrichment and historical learning. Whitney M. Young was a former executive director of the National Urban League and an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. The Russell C. Hill Award, named for a Texas businessman who dedicated his life and fortune to promoting character education in the public school system, is the highest recognition available for service in and for the Learning for Life program. This year’s Russell C. Hill award went to Disability Rights and Resources, Inc. for the organization’s ten years of service to and through the Wunita District. DR&R Executive Director Julia Sain, Crew 726 Chartered Organization Representative and Troop 140 committee member, was on hand to accept the award on behalf of her agency. Speaking of Wunita, congratulations for earning both the 2010 Centennial Quality District and the 2010 Learning for Life District Award. Waholi District also earned the 2010 Centennial Quality District. Thanks to District Chairs Gary Mitchell (Wunita) and Pablo de la Canal (Waholi) and their entire district leadership team for a great 2010!
S P E C I A L I N I T I AT I V E S Spring Camping Program a Huge Success! Special Initiatives just completed a great camping season. Two major events highlighted the season, including Wunita’s day camp, known as Fun Days, and the SI camporee. Our camporee, Scouting Skills Worldwide, hosted over 100 youth from all three SI districts. Programming went off without a hitch, this despite a torrential thunderstorm all Saturday morning. Kudos to our senior camporee youth staff, Jarvis Williams (Troop 1914), Raphael Lopez (Troop 394 and SPL) and Gene Kinney (LFL Group 1066) for their quick adaptive thinking for inclement weather programming that saved the weekend! Wunita’s Fun Days are in their 12th year of operation. This year, 228 youth with various disabilities, learning challenges or other special needs enjoyed a fun day at camp using the brand new climbing wall and zip line, archery, hiking, learning about camping skills and a special appearance by Magician Eddy Wade! Our thanks to the Mecklenburg County ABC Board for their generous financial support of both of these programs! A special thanks goes to our camp directors Nelson Rankin (Pack and Troop 394) and Ginny King (Pack 2101 and Troop 12) and SI Camping Chairman, Dickson Vaughan (Pack 802) for their outstanding leadership and commitment to special initiatives youth!
Venturing Silver Award Presentation Between two Boy Scout councils in two states and a hurricane named Katrina in between, Venturing Scout Steven Llambias persevered and stayed true to the spirit of Scouting to earn his Venturing Silver Award. In 2004, soon after Steven turned 14, he joined Venturing Crew 378 in the Southeast Louisiana Council. Later that year he took part in his first Ranger skills weekend and his first super activity, which was a week-long trip with his Venturing crew. After Steven and his family moved to North Carolina, he joined Crew 46 (Matthews Presbyterian Church) in Mecklenburg County Council, Etowah District. In this crew he earned the Outdoor Bronze, the Venturing Gold Award, and the Ranger Award. Steven also served as treasurer on the MCC Venturing Leadership Council. Shortly after his time in the VLC, he took on the post of president for the District Venturing Council for Etowah district. With this position, he arranged a Ranger Skills weekend for the Venturing crews of the area. Soon after, he joined Crew 95, and it was here that he completed the requirements for the Venturing Silver Award.
Steven Llambias
Please join Crew 95 (Christ Lutheran Church) in congratulating Venturing Scout Steven Llambias in completing the requirements for his Venturing Silver Award which was presented to him in conjunction with Troop 95’s Court of Honor on May 24, 2011.
Mecklenburg County Council Welcomes Lisa Murphy to Their Staff As New Graphics Specialist Lisa grew up in the small city of Monroe, NC, along with four other brothers and sisters. Her family would say she was born with a pencil and paper in her hands, and she hasn’t put them down since. Her desire to pursue a creative career lead her to graduate with an Associates Degree in Advertising & Graphic Design in the Spring of 2010. Lisa enjoys creative hobbies of any kind; including drawing, sculpting, painting, photography and graphic arts. She’s glad to be here at work with the Mecklenburg County Council, and looks forward to getting to know the staff better as well as expanding her knowledge of the the Boy Scouts of America.
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BACKPACK 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
CALENDAR July 3-9 4 6 10-13 10-16 11 14-17 17-20 17-23 18 19 21-24 28-30
Camp Grimes Week #3 Service Center ClosedIndependence Day OA Executive Board Webelos Resident Camp Session #1 Camp Grimes Week #4 Council Commissioner Mtg Webelos Resident Camp Session #2 Webelos Resident Camp Session #3 Camp Grimes Week #5 Popcorn Training Eagle Service Project Review Webelos Resident Camp Session #4 Wood Badge #1
August 3 8 10 15 16 17 18-20
OA Executive Board Council Commissioner Mtg Council Training Committee Mtg Popcorn Training Eagle Service Project Review Committee Council Program Cmte Wood Badge #2
September 1 5 7 9-11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 24
Cub Scout Recruitment Open Houses Service Center, Camps Closed – Labor Day OA Executive Board Leave No Trace Council Commissioner Mtg Popcorn Kickoff School Night for Scouting School Night for Scouting Eagle Service Project Review School Night for Scouting Council Training Committee Mtg Council Program Committee Mtg School Night for Scouting Scouter Success Seminar
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