The Scouter's Backpack by Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America

In this Issue: 2

Scout Executive’s Notes

Council News

Commissioner’s Corner

Program

Properties/Camping

Memorials & Tributes

The Eagle Nest

Hornets Nest

Apache

Etowah

Training

Membership

Advancement News

Finance News

Exploring

Special Initiatives

The Scouter’s

Backpack Winter 2012-2013

www.mccscouting.org Mecklenburg County Council Boy Scouts of America 1410 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204

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Scout Executive’s Notes The Scouting Promise in Action! Scouts in Mecklenburg County are very concerned about hunger in the community and are proud to “do their duty” by helping provide food for those in need. Our Scouting for Food drive is the single largest food drive event in our community. Every pound collected helps feed a meal to someone in need.

Mark Turner Scout Executive

Scouting for Food is the official “Good Turn for America” for the Mecklenburg County Council. As an organization, the Boy Scouts are dedicated to giving back to our communities. Scouting for Food teaches youth the value of helping others. “Do a good turn daily” is the Scout slogan and “to help other people at all times” is one of the planks of the Boy Scout Oath. Through the Scouting for Food program, we as BSA members in Mecklenburg County again have an opportunity on Saturday, February 2, 2013 and Sunday, February 3, 2013 to come together and join thousands of other Scouts, Scouters, and Scout families from our packs, troops, Varsity teams, Venturing crews and Explorer posts in a weekend effort to collect for our neighbors in need. The time for planning is now! Our goal is for every MCC unit to participate in this worthwhile activity. Please take a minute and commit to your unit’s participation in Scouting for Food 2013. In 2012 we collected over a quarter million pounds of food. With your help we can exceed this in 2013. Your hard work, your “Good Turn,” and your cheerful service will really make a difference. Yours in Scouting, Mark Turner Scout Executive

Thanks to John Mahaffey for providing the cover photo. Scouting For Food 2011— Scouts of all ages, their families and other volunteers teamed up with Loaves & Fishes and worked together in a great effort to collect food for needy families. If you have photos you would like to submit for use in council publications, please email: gene.conder@scouting.org

Del Whittaker 2013 Scouting For Food Chairman

Scouting for Food Details The Scouting for Food collection bags will be available during the January Roundtables. Please plan to have a representative pick up your unit’s bags. Each unit should set their collection goals and plan to distribute bags throughout their assigned collection neighborhoods during the week of January 26 – February 1. On Saturday, February 2, 2013, thousands of Scouts will make their way throughout Mecklenburg County neighborhoods collecting the filled bags. All donated food will be brought to the designated collection sites where it will be weighed and sorted by Catawba Lodge members of the Order of the Arrow. If your unit is participating in church collections (in addition to your unit(s) neighborhood collections), here are other important dates: 1.) Sunday, January 27–Distribute bags to members of your congregation. 2.) February 3 (Scout Sunday)–Gather “congregational food donations” and take to a designated SFF collection site. As unbelievable as it may seem, hunger remains a significant problem in the United States of America. For many Americans, the choice between buying food and paying utility bills is very real. In fact, according to estimates, over 33 million people in this nation aren’t sure from where their next meal will come. One in five children in this country faces hunger and families rely on local agencies like the Boy Scouts of America and Loaves & Fishes for much needed food.

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Council News American Legion Boy Scout High Adventure Award

Council Professional Staff

Nathan Silvestri of Boy Scout Troop 12 in Charlotte was recently named as a recipient of The American Legion Boy Scout High Adventure Scholarship Award. Nathan was one of three North Carolina Boy Scouts selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend a recognized National Boy Scout High Adventure Area or to attend a National or International Jamboree. Nathan, whose application was supported by Matthews American Legion Post 235, plans to use the scholarship to attend “Jambo 2013” at the Summit in July.

Scout Executive Mark Turner Field Director Gary Moore Director of Operations Dave Ritchie Development Director Carlton Crump Exploring/Special Initiatives Director Justin Lewter Exploring/LFL District Executive Jonathan Russell 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

New Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award Application Introduced The National Court of Honor has completed a revision of the Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award application, which can be found at www.scouting.org/awardscentral. Effective Jan. 1, 2013, we will no longer accept older versions of this application. When submitting the application, please include the full name of the applicant as it should appear on the certificate if the award is granted. Provide as much information as necessary using the space provided on this application. No additional documents should be attached. A case should not be forwarded to the council without a signed statement from the applicant and an eyewitness. Applications will not be considered after a lapse of 12 months from the date of the incident. Questions related to the Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award process can be addressed to Velma Cooks at velma.cooks@scouting.org

Register Now for the 2013 Winterplace Ski Trip! Its time to earn the Snow Sports merit badge, take on a black diamond slope, or just learn to ski, snowboard or snow tube. Whatever your pleasure, now is the time. Registration is open for Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia. You can come solo or bring the entire pack, troop, crew, family and friends. Everyone is welcome on the best slopes in the region. This year the council ski dates are: Monday, January 21st (MLK, Jr holiday) and Sunday, February 24th. That’s right, Sunday: no more worrying about make-up snow days for school. Visit www.mccscouting.org and click on “Winterplace2013” in the “Resources” drop down menu for registration form and flyer. Contact the Scout office for more details. Don’t delay!

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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 Phyllis Perry Michelle Owens Camp Rangers: Belk Scout Camp Mac McCullough Mecklenburg Scout Reservation Chris Williams

Council News

Commissioner’s Corner Unit Commissioner Annual Service Calendar

Highlights: will d Venturers w Cub Scouts an & La h at O t ou Sc adopt the cil County Coun Mecklenburg2012 “Voice of the does well in Scout” survey

Commissioners—check out the new Unit Commissioner Annual Service Calendar on our MCC commissioner website. You can download the calendar from the website at: http://www.mccscouting.org/ScoutingPrograms/CommissionerServices/Resources.aspx. The calendar outlines BSA’s recommended focus for units (and for commissioners) for each month of the year and is tailored to be in synch with our council calendar. The schedule for our various commissioner meetings is also embedded in the calendar.

Recruiting New Commissioners Our three traditional districts have successfully reorganized into geographic areas headed by Assistant District Commissioners (ADCs). Kudos to all those involved for completing this important task. Special thanks go to the new geographic ADCs for stepping up to the task of serving as coaches, mentors and resource support for the Unit Commissioners in their respective areas. As we all suspected, the new geographic structure highlights our urgent need for new Unit Commissioners. You will be hearing more about this later, but for now, please work to identify any friends, contacts, and/or Scouters who might be willing to serve in this important role. We need between 40 and 50 new Commissioners across our council.

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National Update: One Oath and Law Approved for All BSA Programs On October 17th, the BSA‘s Executive Board approved a resolution to use the Scout Oath and Scout Law in the Cub Scout and Venturing programs. Specifically, the changes approved are as follows: Cub Scouts: Adopt the Scout Oath and Scout Law for use in the Cub Scout program, retiring the Cub Scout Promise. Revise the Core Values of Cub Scouts to align exactly with the 12 points of the Scout Law. Retire the Law of the Pack, while maintaining the concept of ―Akela as leader. Maintain the current Cub Scout motto, sign, salute, and handshake.

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Venturing: Retire the Venturing Oath, Code, sign, and salute. Adopt the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout sign, and Scout salute. Engage the task force and National Youth Cabinet to determine whether Venturing should have a differentiating motto/slogan or adopt ―Be Prepared. These changes will become effective with the release of youth handbooks and leader aids supporting this and other changes, approximately Jan. 1, 2014, for Venturing-related changes and May 15, 2015, for Cub Scout related changes.

Commissioner Leading Practice of the Month - VOS Hopefully, you have all heard about the new “Voice of the Scout” (VOS) program that was rolled out earlier this year. This is a national program designed to measure the satisfaction of the various “stakeholders” in the Scouting program. These are our Scouts, Scout parents, and adult volunteers. Council participation was optional in 2012, but MCC agreed to participate and we did very well. The program will be rolled out to all remaining councils in 2013. The role of Commissioners in this program is to:

STAFF

• Promote participation by all stakeholders (If we don’t know what people are thinking, we

Field Director Gary Moore gary.moore@scouting.org

• • • • •

Commissioner’s Corner

can’t apply our resources wisely). Prepare yourselves, by attending webinars and reviewing materials. Help interpret the VOS results for your unit key three. Coach and guide unit leadership to implement changes to address any issues. Monitor and recognize unit progress. Access and bring to bear any district resources as needed.

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Program Introducing the International Spirit Award The International Spirit Award is a temporary emblem that is awarded to registered Scouts and Scouters who have completed the necessary requirements, have gained a greater knowledge of international Scouting, and have a greater appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries. This award serves as a replacement for, and therefore eliminates, the International Activity emblem and the Youth Exchange emblem. The International Spirit Award emblem is $4 each and is purchased from the International Department. Please visit www.scouting.org/ international/applications to see the requirements and apply for this new award. The application must be completed with the date that each requirement was completed. All requirements must be met within five years from the start of the award. Please complete the application and email a scanned copy to the Mecklenburg County Council International Representative for their signature (mccinternational@bellsouth.net). It will be sent back to you for submittal to the national office.

Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)

Highlights: Spirit Award International ed introduc er Scouts togeth JOTA brings worldwide!

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“CQ Jamboree” (ham radio speak as a request for any other JOTA station to answer a call). Mecklenburg County Council hosted two locations for JOTA last year. One was at Back Creek Presbyterian Church hosted by Mr. Tim O’Rourke on Saturday, October 20th. The other was held at Belk Scout Camp hosted by Mr. Donald Eaves also on October 20th during the Etowah Cuboree. Both events had active participation, but mostly the Cuboree where many Cub Scouts had the opportunity to speak to other Scouts from all over the world. Some of the locations said they spoke to were Scouts in Greece, Canada, Europe, India, as well as in other parts of the United States. One group even sang a song to our group. This International Scouting Jamboree is an opportunity to exchange information with other Scouts across the globe to include your name, Scout rank, your location (QTH in Ham speak), and hobbies. The 2012 numbers aren’t in yet, but in 2011, JOTA reported nearly 750,000 Scouts participated from over 6000 radio stations around the world. We look forward to a stronger event in October 2013. Look for information next summer. “73” (best wishes in radio speak).

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2012 OA Vigil Honor Recipients Below: Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor recipients stand proudly with their Vigil guides.

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Dave Ritchie Dave.Ritchie@Scouting.org

Program

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Summer Camp 2013

Camp Grimes 2013—Reserve Your Spot for Camp Grimes Today! This year we will celebrate 37 seasons of Scout camping at Camp Grimes. There is still space available in 3 sessions (June 30th – July 6th, July 7th-13th, & July 14th-20th). Stay tuned for further information at www.mycampgrimes.org. The positive word is out about Camp Grimes. In 2012 we had an attendance record serving many Mecklenburg Council troops as well as troops from Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Many sessions will be closed by the end of the year. Make your reservation today to insure your week of choice.

2013 Camp Grimes Highlights:

• 6 periods of merit badge classes are offered each week. Every week is Eagle Week. Merit

• • • es 2012

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Key Summer Camp Dates:

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Camp Grim

February 13th, Camp Grimes Program Preview Meeting @ Council Service Center 6:00 PM March 28th, On-line Merit badge Registration Begins @ 9:00 am May 1st, Balance of Camp Fees Due May 17th-19th, Beaver Days and First OA Ordeal @ Camp Grimes May 29th, Pre-Camp Leaders Orientation @ Council Service Center 6:30 pm June 9th-15th, Camp Grimes Staff Week June 16th, Summer Camp Begins!

• • •

badges are scheduled to allow a scout to take up to 6 Eagle required merit badges each week. Water sports (skiing) is offered on site each week. Camp has a full schedule of requested merit badges. Plans are being developed for an enhanced Eagle area with permanent classrooms. New Merit Badges—This year we are adding five new merit badges, including Welding, Kayaking, Surveying, Chess, and Oceanography. Returning Camp Staff—Most of the camp staff returns each year. This provides for outstanding instruction and consistency in programming. ATV Program—Scouts 14 & up will have a chance to learn how to safely operate and maintain an all-terrain vehicle. They will earn the state license for this program. (This is a pilot program and we are hoping the BSA National will make this a permanent program soon). Wet and High—Scouts 14 & up will work on whitewater kayaking, C.O.P.E. and climbing. There will be an opportunity for an offsite whitewater and climbing on natural rock trip. New to this program, we are adding an offsite caving trip! Afternoon Troop Sign Up—Get a taste of the merit badges offered during the sessions. Troops can shoot, participate in metalwork, woodcarving, swimming and more. New this year is water tubing in the afternoon! Trailblazer Program—Offers new Scouts a chance to advance by completing many of the Tenderfoot and second class skills. Some of the first class skills will also be offered. Campfires—New amphitheater and sound system will make them more fun and interesting. New Evening Programs—Enjoy your nights at camp with fun new programs such as camp luau night and frontier night!

Summer Camp Staff Positions Available: Our council is blessed with two of the finest camping properties in the Southeast. Many of our units work hard to help maintain and improve Mecklenburg Scout Reservation and Belk Scout Camp. Requirements for a great summer camping experience include a quality and energetic camp staff. These staff members are responsible for teaching Scouting skills to our campers. They serve as merit badge counselors and role models for younger scouts. Paid positions start at 15 years of age. Counselor in Training (CIT) is a great experience for 14-year-old scouts who are interested in becoming staff members in the future. Scouts normally volunteer for one or two weeks during the season. Those interested in a staff position can apply on-line at www.mycampgrimes.org. Contact Jonathan Russell, Camp Director, at (704) 342-9342 or jonathan.russell@scouting.org. On-line merit badge class registration continues on mycampgrimes.org This is the seventh year that troop leaders will be able to register on-line for merit badge classes at Camp Grimes and it keeps getting better each year. Council volunteer, Lynn Snuggs, has designed a program that has greatly increased our efficiency getting Scouts registered. Stay tuned to www.mycampgrimes.org for further details.

Properties/Camping

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Memorials and Tributes Scout Shop News Our Scout Shop hours are as follows: 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. Mecklenburg County Council Scout Shop New Year Resolutions! 1. Shop at the Mecklenburg Scout Shop and support programs for your child

2. Read more with your child—explore the non-program books we offer

3. Crafts with kids—check out our

wood, science, and other handicrafts

4. Spend some time outdoors—we have a nice selection of sleeping bags, backpacks, first aid kits, compasses, Dutch ovens & other cookware

Personalized Eagle Scout Invitations Available at the Scout Shop (and at a great price!)

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 Tim Lawson By: Dr. and Mrs. R.L. Auten and family Virginia Cummings Susan Nicholson Davis Richard Doll Michael and Molly Dudick Stephen and Janice Ezzo Nancy Heidel Virginia Hudert Dr. and Mrs. Martin Kreshon Richard and Ruth Mead Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nicholson Jr. Michael and Kathleen Smith Mark Spisak Martha Stacker Helen Welch West End Volunteer Rescue Squad

In Memory of William Trotter By: Keven and Lynn Rust

Visit http://www.mccscouting.org/ resources/invitations.aspx to download an order form or to view more samples

BACKPACK (USPS) 250-720 Published quarterly by: Mecklenburg Co. Council Boy Scouts of America, Inc. 1410 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204

Memorials/Tributes

The Eagle Nest Congratulations to our new Eagles!

Eagle Scout The Scouts gave you a challenge, And you’ve met it faithfully my friend, But it’s quite hard to understand Just all it will mean in the end. An Eagle Scout, you’ve reached the top, Or have you only just begun? I’m betting that you will not stop With so much glory to be won. For life holds out a challenge too, A mountain high for you to scale, And with the training Scouts gave you, There’s really no such word as fail. And so as you press on ahead, You’ll find it’s made much work like play, And as the tasks before you spread, They’ll find you ready, so I’ll say. Congratulations Eagle Scout, The world before you now is spread, Scouts taught you much what life’s about, Prepared you well for what’s ahead.

The Eagle Nest

Troop 1 Church of the Holy Comforter Sean Nicholas McGillicuddy Troop 3 Myers Park United Methodist Church George Aubrey Hawes IV Troop 4 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Isaac Sarit Catchatoorian Troop 7 Calvary Presbyterian Church Rishab Tandon Troop 8 St. Matthew Catholic Church Stewart Addison Day Troop 11 Providence United Methodist Church Ben Fred House III Henry Cannon Talmadge Troop 13 University City United Methodist Church Devan Mykal McDaniel Troop 15 St. Francis United Methodist Church John Michael Gergel John Robert Patrick Troop 16 First Presbyterian Church Jacob Stewart Nabatoff Troop 19 Huntersville Presbyterian Church Theodore Quentin Davis Jahns Evan Thomas Napier Troop 33 Sardis Presbyterian Church Philip Lowry Harris Andrew Paul Satterfield Troop 34 Sharon Presbyterian Church Harrison McLeod Stewart Troop 42 Hopewell Presbyterian Church Terrell Ray Chestnutt Troop 49 Back Creek ARP Church Benjamin William Bingler Trevor James Alexander Heffner Troop 51 Cooks Memorial Presbyterian Church Parker Ross Ramsey Troop 55 Myers Park Presbyterian Church Matthew O’Brien Troop 58 Lions Club of Davidson John Phillips Wacker Troop 65 Philadelphia Presbyterian Church Thomas Joseph Quist Troop 70 Paw Creek Presbyterian Church Daniel Jackson Whitlock Troop 79 Carmel Presbyterian Church Cameron Myers Orlandi Troop 82 Davidson United Methodist Church Charles Griffin Clinard Troop 99 Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church Joseph Malcolm McLean III

Troop 115 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Joseph Ward McCracken Troop 116 St. Johns Episcopal Church Victor James Davis Matthew Hall McCorkle Jonathan Joseph McKenzie Griffin Mosher Wilson Troop 118 St. Stephen United Methodist Church McClain Gilmour Cauthen William Hawthorne Cornett Robert Thomas Fairman Troop 119 South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church Jeffrey Amos Beall Troop 121 Memorial United Methodist Church Joshua Dillon Rayner Troop 122 Wings Home School Group Matthew David Winget Troop 148 Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Hemant Vallabhapuram Troop 162 St. Anns Catholic Church Winston Patrick Conrad Troop 165 Living Saviour Lutheran Church Marco Aneillo LaVecchia Troop 174 St. Gabriel Catholic Church Robert Francis Roux James Brennan Young Troop 232 St. Thomas of Aquinas Roman Catholic Church Jacob W. Shuford Michael Thai-Son Vu Troop 288 St, Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Liam John Anderson Christopher Robert Daly Troop 313 Southlake Presbyterian Church Robert Austin Capps Troop 355 Sharon Road United Methodist Men’s Club Bradford Douglas Hamilton Troop 356 Mount Carmel Baptist Church Kevondae McCullough Blackmon Troop 413 Christ Covenant Church David Nikolas Cothron Troop 502 Harrison United Methodist Church Jocob Robert Howren Troop 515 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Trevor Clark Jackson Troop 715 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Taylor Bryant Cyrier Troop 777 Grace Covenant Church Justin Connor Buck

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Hornets Nest Webelos-ree Our 2012 Hornets Nest District Webelos-ree was a huge success. A big thank you to Director Steve Mazur and Program Director Rob Monto and their entire staff for a job well done. More than 400 Webelos and their parents enjoyed a great weekend at Belk Scout Camp November 2-4, 2012.

Unit Rechartering/Unit JTE Forms Unit recharter packets were handed out at our annual banquet in December. If you have not received your packet yet, please contact either Roger Penny at roger.penny@scouting.org or Alan Keiger at alan.keiger@scouting.org ASAP. All recharters AND unit JTE forms are due at the Council Service Center by February 15, 2013.

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by event Klondike Der t es N ts ne Hor bruary! coming in Fe Get Food 2013— Scouting for involved!

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Klondike Derby Plans are well underway for our 2013 Hornets Nest Klondike Derby at the Mecklenburg Scout Reservation February 22-24, 2013. To sign up your Troop for this great annual event, contact Camp Director Matt Fox at 704-728-7285 or via email at mattfoxbsa19@yahoo.com.

Scouting for Food Scouting for Food is the major good turn service project that we do as a council. Our 2013 collection date is February 2nd. A list of turn in sites is on our council website. In 2012, Scouts across Mecklenburg County collected more than 255,000 pounds of food for the Loaves & Fishes food banks! That’s nearly 10% of what they collect in a given year! This year the need is greater than ever before. Recent food collections have been lower than anticipated. Our help is needed in a big way this year! We are asking EVERY unit to participate. If you usually do a neighborhood, we’re asking you to also do a church drive. If you only do a church drive, we’re going to ask you to please take a neighborhood. Also, as part of our adopt a neighborhood program, we’re asking units to take the neighborhood they sign up for PLUS a neighborhood we ask you to cover. Every year we fight and bicker over neighborhoods. The reality is that every year too many neighborhoods go uncovered! If you have not signed up for our Scouting for Food service project, please contact our Scouting for Food chairperson, Cindy McDonnell via email at cindy. mcdonnell@wellsfargo.com. 100% participation is our goal. Are you with us?

District Awards Banquet Special thanks to the great folks at The Park Church for hosting our annual District Adult Leaders Awards Banquet in December. The food was great and the fellowship was wonderful. Congratulations to our 2012 award winners: Cub Scout Leaders of the Year, Scott and Sheila Allsbury and Mark Giacomin; Boy Scout Leaders of the Year, Mike Jones and Robert Tripp; Venture Leader of the Year, Dawn Perrott; Chartered Organization of the Year, Robinson Presbyterian Church; Commissioner of the Year, Trent Parker; and Lifetime Service Award, Russell Long and Jim Miles. In addition to these awards, four outstanding individuals also received the districts highest award, the District Award of Merit. Those individuals are Dennis Tucker, Steve Moore, Dave Ruggles and Steve Mazur. Congratulations to all and thanks also to Peter Hiekes for putting our program together and to Roland Newsome for an awesome job as our master of ceremonies for the evening.

Key Dates for January 1 First day that access to Internet Rechartering is available 3 District Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Huntersville Presbyterian Church 10 District Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 the Park Church 10 District Roundtables at 7 p.m. at the Park Church

Key Dates for February 2 Scouting for Food 3 Scout Sunday 7 District Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Huntersville Presbyterian Church 14 District Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 the Park Church 14 District Roundtables at 7 p.m. at The Park Church 15 Unit Recharters due at the Council Service Center 22-24 Klondike Derby at Mecklenburg Scout Reservation

Key Dates for March 7 District Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Huntersville Presbyterian Church 14 District Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 the Park Church 14 District Roundtables at 7 p.m. at The Park Church

from on, a Scout Gregory Carsjoys a trip with Troop 70, enWorley ’s Cave! his peers to

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Fun at Worl

District Key 4 District Chairman Bob McLaughlin 704.948.8777 bobandjodi@roadrunner.com 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

The Hornets Nest

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Spring Cub-o-ree Cub Scout leaders, we want you and your Cub Scouts to attend our Spring Cub-o-ree at Camp Grimes. The date is April 19th – April 21st. Cost should be around $10 per participant which should include a patch, lunch on Saturday, all program supplies, etc. Check on-line for all the details. We are going to have so much FUN!

Apache Family Friends of Scouting We need for every unit to sign up for Family Above and below: 1,400 people came to last Friends of Scouting. To schedule the seven year’s Fall Cub-o-ree! The theme was “Salute minute presentation at a unit parent gather- to the Armed Forces,” and Scouts had a blast! ing, please contact John McLean our Family FOS Chairman at jtmclean@bellsouth.net. The council objective is that every unit attains at least 50% of its potential goal which is active Scout families x $200 and each family is encouraged to make an investment in support of everyone’s Scouting program. This allows every family to pledge their financial support to our council. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Training Opportunities There are some great training opportunities for adult leaders coming up. Please go to www. mcctraining.org for more details. Please keep in mind that all new adult leaders must complete youth protection training and submit a completed certificate with their new registration application. Also, all adult leaders must be current within the last two years in youth protection training. Go to www.myscouting.org for more resources.

Scouting for Food All units should participate in this year’s “Good Turn” project. Food collection will be on Saturday, February 2nd and Sunday, February 3rd (Scout Sunday). Gather the congregational food donations and take to a SFF Sunday Scout collection site. Details and bag distribution will be at the January Roundtable. Our district collection sites are at the Arboretum and Sharon United Methodist Church between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thank you for helping feed thousands of hungry people in Mecklenburg County. All food will be donated to “Loaves & Fishes” here in our Charlotte metro area. This year we encourage you to adopt-a-neighborhood. Also, a collection at your chartered organization is something you should consider.

Boy Scout

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y Scout The Fall Bo as a blast! Camporee w h& was “Searc The theme joy some Rescue.” En t m this even pictures fro above.

Apache

New Roundtable Site for 2013 All adult leaders are encouraged to attend our Roundtable the second Thursday of each month. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, January 10th at Providence United Methodist Church located at 2810 Providence Road. We’ll send you a reminder via email if you are on our Roundtable sign-in sheet. This is an important Roundtable because we will be collecting January recharters and distributing Scouting for Food bags. We will have a cracker barrel following the breakout sessions. Fun! Food! Fellowship!

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Apache Camp Card Fundraising Opportunity Have a representative from your unit attend our Camp Card kickoff meeting at the Scout Office on Wednesday, February 27th starting at 6:30 p.m. This is a great way for your boys to earn money to go to camp. The discount cards sell for $5 each. Everybody likes to save money and it teaches your youth salesmanship! Units should qualify for 50% commission on sales if the guidelines are followed. See below for more details.

Highlights: 13 ble site for 20 New Roundta rd is back! The Camp Ca

Scout Sunday Unit leaders, please make an effort to participate in Scout Sunday. The date is Sunday, February 3th. This is a great opportunity to show your reverence. Wear your class “A” uniform and thank your chartered organization for having Scouting.

Day Camp Please put Apache Day Camp on your calendar for June 17th– June 21st at Belk Scout Camp. Cyndi Murdock and her day camp staff are looking forward to a great week and plan to have lots of fun! Look at our website for more information or contact Cyndi at hickorycyndi@yahoo.com with any questions.

Sign Up for the 2013 Camp Card! The Mecklenburg County Council is pleased to announce the Camp Card is back for 2013. What is a Camp Card? It is a discount card that saves you $$$ when buying things around Mecklenburg County. This initiative is designed to make sure all of your Scouts have the opportunity to earn their own way. Simply put—we want our Scouts to go to camp. In these challenging economic times, we don’t want family finances to keep a Scout from attending the council camp of his choice. Units participating in this program will earn 50% commission ($2.50) on each $5 Camp Card they sell. The Camp Card kickoff will be at the Scout Office on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 starting at 6:30 p.m. Our Scouts and units will have two months to sell and close out their accounts. This program is RISK FREE, fun and a great way to earn money for your unit.

Calendar: 1 10 10 10 21 26 2 3 14 14 24 27 9 14 14 20

January Happy New Year! District Committee Meeting District Roundtable Scouting for Food Bag Distribution Council Ski Trip @ Winterplace Ski Resort Commissioner College February Scouting for Food Scout Sunday/Scouting for Food District Committee District Roundtable Council Ski Trip @ Winterplace Ski Resort Camp Card Kickoff March Scout Night with the Charlotte Checker’s District Committee Meeting District Roundtable Leadership Dinner at the Convention Center

District Key 4 District Chairman Stuart Tucker stutucker@aol.com

Each unit should go ahead and identify a Camp Card Chairman and have them attend our council kickoff on February 27th at the Scout Office on 7th Street. Please email John Crapster, our Camp Card Advisor, at john.crapster@scouting.org if your unit is going to participate, or mail this form to the Council Service Center.  Yes, our Scouts want to participate! Unit # _______ District _______________Camp Card Chairman ______________________

District Commissioner Don Herzhauser dherzhauser@carolina.rr.com District Director John Crapster 704.342.9324 john.crapster@scouting.org District Executive John Bittinger 704.342.9336 john.bittinger@scouting.org

Number of camp cards your unit will need (estimate)_______________________________ Phone Number____________________________Email_____________________________

Apache

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Etowah ‘OREE 2012: Our Etowah OREE on October 19th - 21st at Belk Scout Camp was a huge success. Our 2012 OREE celebrated our country’s national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key during the epic battle of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. This battle between the British Navy and U.S. soldiers defending Fort McHenry, in the Chesapeake Bay, was one of the turning points in The War of 1812—which occurred 200 years ago! Here are the highlights from the weekend.

• We had over 530 participants in camp and almost 250 of those were Cub Scouts and

‘OREE 201

Calendar:

District Meetings: (No meetings in July or December) Roundtable: 2nd Thursday Morning Star Lutheran Church, 7:30 p.m. 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews District Committee Meeting: 2nd Thursday Morning Star Lutheran Church, 6:00 p.m. 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews District Commissioner Meeting: 2nd Thursday Morning Star Lutheran Church, 6:00 p.m. 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews

Etowah

Webelos! • Over 90 WEBELOS earned at least two activity pins toward earning their Webelos rank or Arrow of Light • We introduced hundreds of Scouts to activities at camp like boating, fishing, archery, and BMX bike riding that they may have never done before. For some, this was their first campout. • Most importantly, we got together as a group. We had participants from 17 different units in our district and the Scouts got to see that they are part of something greater than just a group that meets once a week. They got an opportunity to see that they are not just a group of 30 or 40 but part of a group of hundreds of Cub Scouts in our district. This is a theme that they will continue to see as they progress through Scouting. A special thank you goes to our ‘OREE leadership team: David Crowe, ‘OREE Chief; Bart Carlson, Webeloree Chief; and Brad Williams, our Cuboree Chief. Pack Awards for the 2012 OREE: Cuboree Spirit Award-Pack 490, Webeloree Spirit Award-Pack 159, Best Camp-Pack 12 Iron Chef: 1st place-Pack 15 2nd place- Pack 12 3rd place-Pack 146

The Amazing Scout Quest of 2012: Over 400 Scouts and Scouters attended this year’s Etowah Camporee at Belk Scout Camp. Patrols Camporee Top-shot Tournament fine-tuned their orienteering skills locating each event, and competed throughout the day Saturday in events including water safety, orienteering, knots, fire building, archery, flag etiquette and operating a kick-bridge. Troops competed in a Top-shot tournament, Native American Travois race and an Iron Chef Competition. This year’s spirit award was awarded to Troop 447. Everyone celebrated with an elaborate campfire that culminated in a formal ceremony acknowledging the 100th anniversary of the first Eagle Scout. Participants completed a service project at the Chapel, and donated hundreds of canned goods Camporee Fire Building Competition to Loaves & Fishes in service to the community. Tyler Brians, Senior Patrol Leader and his elite crew of Scouts designed an exciting quest for a lost gnome and ensured a safe and exciting competitive weekend for all Scouts. Special thanks to Troops 15, 140 and 12 for helping organize this year’s event. The camporee was led by Sam Phifer (Troop 15) Camporee Chair, Dwayne Whitmore (Troop 140) 1st Co-Chair, and John Silvestri (Troop 12) 2nd Co-Chair. Troop 140 will lead our 2013 Etowah Camporee!

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Etowah Pack 118 Takes 2nd Place in the Matthews Rotary Club Fall Festival: Congratulations to Pack 118, represented by leaders Tom Lafaucci and Andrew Kupfer, for winning 2nd place at the Matthews Rotary Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cook-off on Oct. 20th. The team was presented their plaque and check by event chair and Matthews Rotarian Bill Rhyne, who is also Scoutmaster of Troop 140 in Matthews. Pack 118 won $250 which will be put directly back into the pack for the upcoming “super trip”—they will be going to Virginia to visit the presidential estates of Jefferson at Monticello, Madison at Montpelier, and Monroe at Ash Lawn, over President’s weekend in 2013.

2013 Friends of Scouting: Make an Investment in Scouting! Our Scouting programs in Mecklenburg County Council need your support. We are asking everyone to consider making an investment in Scouting. Support Friends of Scouting by having a presentation at an upcoming unit meeting (Blue & Gold Banquet, Court of Honor, etc.) FOS representatives will come to your unit to make a presentation. FOS is the lifeblood of our Scouting programs in our council. FOS helps support units, our great camping facilities, and quality programs throughout the year. Please support Scouting with your 2013 gift. If you have questions, contact Bill Rhyne, our 2013 Etowah FOS Chair, at brhyne@harristeeter.com or (704) 844-4082 or Joe Culpepper, our 2013 Etowah Family FOS Chair at jculpepper@carolina.rr.com or (704) 443-1421. Your help will be needed this year more than ever.

March is Recharter Month for Etowah Again, this year units will file their charter paperwork via the internet. District Commissioner John Dick will be leading our annual charter renewal review and turn-in at the March 10 Roundtable. The commissioner staff has set a goal to have 100% of our units complete their annual charter renewal on time. If you have any questions, please contact our District Commissioner, John Dick, at Jdick@carolina.rr.com or (704) 544-7298.

A Scout is Reverent...

Highlights:

a Etowah OREE October 19ths! huge succes S! ting—2013 FO Invest in Scou

Scouting for Food Last year Mecklenburg County Council collected over 255,000 lbs. of food for Loaves & Fishes! Etowah collected over 115,000 lbs. or over 40% of the council totals! Julia Sain, Etowah District Committee Member, is our 2013 Scouting for Food chair for Etowah. Each unit will want to send a representative to the January Roundtable to pick up Scouting for Food Bags. Etowah District has a strong tradition with this community-wide service project. We are looking forward to every unit participating in this worthwhile service project.

Unit Annual Charter Renewal packets will be available at our January Roundtable. 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

Etowah

Training Highlights: tion Youth Protec 13 dates for 20 New training

Upcoming Dates:

Saturday, January 26, 2013 at CPCC – Levine Campus 7:30 am Commissioners College – joint offering with Central North Carolinas Council

March 2, 2013 – TENTATIVE

Leader Specific Training

March 8 – 11, 2013 at Belk Scout Camp Outdoor Leadership Skills/ Webelos Outdoor Leadership Skills S. E. A. L. S. – Scouts Excited About Leadership Skills

March 22 – 24, 2013 at Belk Scout Camp Wood Badge S5-415-13 Weekend One

April 13 – 14, 2013 at Belk Scout Camp – TENTATIVE Wilderness First Aid Training Course– Scouts 14 years and older

April 27 – 29, 2013 at Belk Scout Camp Wood Badge S5-415-13 Weekend Two

May 3 – 5, 2013 at Mecklenburg Scout Reservation Leave No Trace Trainer Course

May 4 – 5, 2013 at Belk Scout Camp – TENTATIVE Wilderness First Aid Training Course

May 11, 2013 at CPCC – Levine Campus 7:30 am Spring Scouter Success – Details to come

Training

2013 Training News: How do you find out what training you need? When is the training that you need going to be held? How do I become the best Scouter possible? The Mecklenburg County Council Training Committee is working diligently to improve upon providing each MCC Scout and Scouter with easier answers to these questions. Our goal is to help Mecklenburg County Council to have the best trained Scouts and Scouters in BSA. Some “training” topics actually are areas best covered by the Advancement and Camping Committees within the local district and/or council structure. These two committees, along with the Training Committee within Mecklenburg County Council, are working together to provide access to qualified instructors for the courses and topics recommended or required by BSA. With the recent news cycles, Youth Protection is certainly on the forefront of many minds. BSA places great importance on creating the safest environment possible for our youth and adult members. As we enter in to the first quarter of 2013, units throughout MCC will begin the recharter process. Remember that ALL adult pack, troop, team, and crew members must have a current BSA Youth Protection date at the time of recharter. Mecklenburg County Council leads the Area 5 Region in percentage of up-to-date YP. The Training Committee strongly advises that all adults within your unit complete and remain current with our Youth Protection training. The two year date requirement is the minimum. New changes in the course are made to address new issues to be on the lookout for in keeping our Scouts safe. The module is easily accessible at www.scouting.org and a BSA membership number is not necessary to complete the online versions. We are also more than happy to arrange for onsite unit training. Within one’s unit, great discussion can be shared. Remember, YOUth Protection Begins with YOU! New members of your District Training Committee Teams: Brenda Brayer, Apache District Training Chair; David Crowe and April Rose, Etowah District Training Vice Chairs; and Rob Monto, Hornets Nest Training Vice Chair. If you are interested in serving on the Training Team within your District or within the Council as a whole, please contact Miriam Olynick, Mecklenburg Council Training Chair, at msopao@ gmail.com

UPCOMING 2013 DATES: SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013 at CPCC – Levine Campus 7:30am • Winter Leader Specific Training – Youth Protection / Cub Leader Training / Scoutmaster /

Venture Advisor / Wolf and Bear Cub Scout Leader Training in the LDS Church / BALOO / Troop Committee / Eagle Scout Service Project / Work with Scouts with Disabilities • Advancement Committee Training – Merit Badge Counselor / Eagle Rank Mechanics and Conducting Boards of Review • Camping Training – CPR / Climbing Instructor / Leave No Trace Awareness • Commissioner Training – Commissioner Basics (prerequisites for Commissioners College)

*See left for more training dates.

STAFF

Council Training Chair Miriam Olynick msopao@gmail.com Hornets Nest District Training Chair Bob Coughlin rcoughlin@mi-connection.com Etowah District Training Chair Rick Jensen Rjensen@accurategroup.com Apache District Training Chair Brenda Brayer brendab7@aol.com Council Training Cmte Advisor Mike Rusho mike.rusho@scouting.org

Visit www.mcctraining.org

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Membership Motivation to Volunteer in Scouting As we embark upon, what’s referred to as our units’ “recharter season,” you are likely anticipating manpower vacancies in at least a few of your unit’s leadership positions. Boys graduate into the next level of Scouting and frequently leaders do too. Families relocate, some simply quit the program for a variety of reasons and so forth. Sound familiar? Attention to leadership vacancies and retention is just as critical to your success as your youth-member focus.

Highlights: eer ng the volunt Understandi lunteer team Building a vo

Here is the good news. It’s normal to experience leader attrition; you’re not alone and if other units can fill them, then so can you! It takes planning, prospecting, making your case, setting the stage and making the approach (or the “ask”). If these steps sound familiar, they should because they are the same steps any successful salesperson does in making their sale and earning a living. But the first step in selling anything is to know your customer. So ask yourself, “Why do adults volunteer? What human chemistry is necessary for motivating would-be volunteers to become a part of Scouting?” If Scouting is to grow and prosper, we must understand people’s goals and interests and what motivates them to volunteer. What are these motives? They are a mixture of altruism and self-interest. Both types, and even a combination of each, are valid.

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The altruistic motives include: • Helping youth grow into useful citizens • Guiding the spiritual growth of youth • Trying to improve society or solve community problems • Doing something for a cause The self-interest motives include: • Belonging to a group, being part of a team • Social acceptance for supporting youth work • Developing and improving personal skills • Making new friends and associating with the kinds of people not normally found in one’s career or community life • Fun and fellowship • Furthering the objectives of one’s business or organization • Recognition—many people are not satisfied with their career and seek fulfillment through youth work • Supporting one’s sons or daughters in youth groups • Identification with young adults Understanding why people volunteer to give their time, interest, and resources is essential to an intelligent approach to recruiting, building and leading a volunteer team. Scouting has a long history of selecting volunteers. It also has suffered the loss of some competent volunteers after even a brief association with the Boy Scouts of America.

You make a

difference!

Consider these reasons why we lose volunteers:

• • • • • • • • • •

They were underutilized and untrained for their position They were under-sold on the time commitment The physical environment did not support their efforts The atmosphere was impersonal, tense or cold They made suggestions that were not acted-on, or responded-to They did not see the connection between one initiative and another Veteran long-term volunteers wouldn’t accept them More seasoned volunteers treated them as an interruption to their schedule The reality of their experience was not what they expected when they signed on They were expecting to be involved with their own child but were not

STAFF Field Director Gary Moore gary.moore@scouting.org

So keeping a full team of volunteers takes work, advanced planning, anticipating vacancies, adapting quickly, getting the right volunteer for each-and-every job, succession planning and knowing your prospects interest and motivation. A great question to ask is, “What would make the Scouting program the best-possible experience for your son/daughter and family?” Then, LISTEN, LISTEN AND LISTEN SOME MORE! You’ll find the right person for their ideal role and the best for Scouting too. Continued great Scouting!

Membership

Advancement News Highlights: Scout r an “active” Guidelines fo changes oject review Eagle Scout pr2013 coming early

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ADVANCEMENT FAQs—What ‘Active’ Means

How Troop Leaders Should Measure a Scout’s Participation for BSA Requirements. TO EARN EACH of Boy Scouting’s top three ranks— Star, Life, Eagle—a Scout must “be active” in his troop and patrol for a specified number of months and “serve actively” in a position of responsibility such as patrol leader or quartermaster. So what exactly does “active” mean and how can troop leaders measure participation? Read on to find out. WHY IS BEING ACTIVE IMPORTANT? Scouts best achieve the aims of Scouting (character development, citizenship training, and personal and mental fitness) when they participate in meetings, outings, and service projects. Scouts who hold positions of responsibility only fulfill their responsibilities by being present. WHAT CONSTITUTES ‘ACTIVE’? To meet the requirement of active participation, a Scout must be registered in the unit and be in good standing, meaning he hasn’t been dismissed for disciplinary reasons. In addition, he should meet the unit’s “reasonable expectations.” CAN TROOPS SET ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THEIR MEETINGS AND OUTINGS? Yes, so long as the standard is reasonable and recognizes the many worthwhile opportunities beyond Scouting. A Scout who falls short of the unit’s expectations must be given the chance (during a board of review) to offer an explanation. Certainly there are medical, educational, and other issues that may prevent participation. If the Scout would have been more active under other circumstances, he is deemed active. A board of review must also let Scouts demonstrate how non-Scouting activities contributed to growth. For example, a Scout might have missed a campout to attend a church retreat. CAN STANDARDS GO BEYOND PARTICIPATION? No. Expectations such as uniform compliance, payment of dues, and parental involvement can’t be considered when evaluating tenure. DO MONTHS OF ACTIVE PARTICIPATION HAVE TO BE CONTINUOUS? No. A Scout may piece together any periods he has been active and still qualify, and active months won’t expire if followed by inactive months. CAN A TROOP SET PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS? Yes, as long as they are established up front. It’s a disservice to the Scout and the unit to reward work that hasn’t been done. Holding a position and doing nothing is unacceptable.

t project Eagle Scou ill soon be approval w vel a district le t a d e rm o perf

HOW DO YOU EVALUATE A SCOUT WHEN THE UNIT HAS NO ESTABLISHED EXPECTATIONS? An adult leader or the Scout—or both—should work out the responsibilities to fulfill. BSA literature such as the Patrol Leader Handbook can provide the basis for this effort. If it’s left to the Scout to determine the responsibilities, and he makes a reasonable effort, he passes the requirement. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? The best source is the Guide to Advancement 2011 (No. 33088), available at Scout Shops and online at scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf (The above excerpt was taken from the March/April 2012 issue of Scouting Magazine)

Changes Coming To The Eagle Scout Project Review Process Beginning April 1, 2013, the Eagle Scout project reviews will take place in the respective districts rather than at the Scout Office—time and place TBA. The 4:00pm project review meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the month will no longer take place. The responsibility for Eagle Scout project approvals will be performed at the district level by volunteers experienced in the Eagle Scout project review process. The first three months of 2013 will be dedicated to making a smooth transition. This change will be introduced during the “Eagle Scout Service Project “ session at the Winter Training, CPCC Levine Campus, on January 5, 2013. Troop leaders and Scouts with the Life Rank are urged to attend this session to learn first hand of the new project review change. Also, during the first quarter of 2013, details of transitioning to district project reviews will be announced at district Roundtables.

Advancement News

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Finance News 2013 Friends of Scouting Campaign—Investing in our Future We are pleased to announce the leadership team for our 2013 Friends of Scouting campaign. Our goal this year is $1,000,000, and the leaders for each campaign/division are all as follows: Campaign Chair, Barry Weiss; Leadership Dinner Chairman, Pat Riley; Golden Eagle Chairman, Ed Wadsworth; Advanced Gifts Chairman, Van Beck; Good Scout Award Luncheon Chairman, Craig May; Apache District FOS Chairman, Jason Shubert; Etowah District FOS Chairman, Bill Rhyne; Hornets Nest District FOS Chairman, Chris Dyer; and our VP for Finance, George MacBain. Thanks to you all for your tireless leadership to Scouting!

Highlights: for our 2013 Save the date tournament! council golf ip Dinner out Leadersh 2013 Boy Sc

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2013 Council Golf Tournament: Save the Date—June 3rd! Mark your calendar for the council golf tournament scheduled for Monday, June 3rd at the Peninsula Golf Club at Lake Norman. Our committee is planning a great day of fun and fellowship including food, drinks, a networking reception and dinner. The cost per 4-person team is $2,500. Check the council website at www.mccscouting.org under “Funding” for registration details.

2013 Boy Scout Leadership Dinner—“Prepared. For Life.” On Wednesday, March 20, our council will host the annual BSA Leadership Dinner. This is the council’s largest single fundraising event with a goal to raise over $350,000 to support local Scouting programs. This event is geared toward our corporate community as a celebration of the impact that Scouting has made in the community, as well as to recognize key civic and business leaders who have shown extraordinary leadership living up to the tenants of the Scout Oath and Law. We will be honoring Michael Tarwater, CEO, Carolinas HealthCare System as well as recognizing Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of Central Piedmont Community College with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. The event is being chaired by Pat Riley, President and COO Allen Tate Companies. Bob Morgan, President of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the vice-chairman. The event will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center with a 6:15 p.m. reception and a 7:00 p.m. dinner. There will a great keynote speech by Mike Staver, author and leadership expert. His latest book is “Leadership Isn’t for Cowards.” For more information about how your company or organization can become involved, please contact Dave Ritchie at 704-342-9328 or dave.ritchie@scouting.org

E.C. bers of the Above: Mem m l Estate tea Griffith Rea shiny trophies eir show off th rting r 2012 Spo e b to c O e at th ys! Nice job gu Clays event.

Below: Sir Purr helps Scout Executive Mark Turner congratulate Scouts that sold $600 in popcorn last year at our Popcorn Tailgate Kickoff. These Scouts sure can sell—great job!

s 2012

lay Sporting C

STAFF Development Director Carlton Crump carlton.crump@scouting.org www.mccscouting.org

Finance News

Exploring Highlights: to ws students New post allo dio broadcasting! experience ra arn” career “Lunch and Le a hit e ar s seminar

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Exploring Welcomes Five New Posts The past fall has been a resounding success for the Exploring family. The word is out that Exploring is the best kept secret in Mecklenburg County and students are jumping at the chance to learn and experience careers they are fired up about. Most notably, five new organizations have joined the Exploring family. The most popular career choice, medicine, now has a place in the North Mecklenburg area with Explorer Post 1003, sponsored by Huntersville Presbyterian Hospital, as well as Explorer Post 1, sponsored by CMC Huntersville. Also representing Carolinas Healthcare System, CMC Randolph has sponsored Explorer Post 501, with a focus on mental health and psychology careers. Adding a completely new career, Greater Media Charlotte and WBT, have sponsored Explorer Post 1110, allowing students to experience the world of radio broadcasting. Choosing to fire up our next generation of great teachers, UNCC has chartered Explorer Post 49 for students that want to be educators. We want to say thank you for choosing to impact your community in a positive way, and welcome to the Mecklenburg County Council Exploring family!

In-school Exploring Starts With a Bang

ences areer Experi C d rl o W l a Re

g.webs.com mccexplorin

STAFF Vice President Chipp Bailey 704.336.6938 Exploring/Special Initiatives Director Justin Lewter 704.342.9331 justin.lewter@scouting.org Exploring / Learning for Life District Executive Jonathan Russell 704.342.9342 jrussel@bsamail.org

Exploring

Explorer Post 7600 had its first official meeting to start In-school Exploring for this school year. The students have elected officers, and participated in a resume writing workshop. Focusing on the soft skills needed for the workforce, In-school Exploring will kickoff soon at West Mecklenburg High School and Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology. Beyond the post meetings, students from Students at Vance High School participated in across the school had the opportunity to their first “Lunch and Learn” career seminar. participate in their first “Lunch and Learn” career seminar. With the theme of Law Enforcement, students at Vance sat and ate lunch with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Tom Allen and Special Agent Roland Summerlin of the FBI. During this time, the guest speakers talked about what their careers were like and what students needed to do to prepare for a career in law enforcement.

Exploring Officers Association Began November 2012 The Exploring Officers Association kicked off November 26th at the law offices of Shumaker, Loop, and Kendrick. Located at First Citizens Bank Plaza, these Explorers represented every Explorer post across Mecklenburg County. At monthly meetings, the EOA will participate in leadership development, event planning, and marketing for Exploring. If you are interested in helping develop the Exploring Officers Association, contact Jonathan Russell.

Special Initiatives Good to Great! Scouting is all about the great things that can happen when good people come together. We are creating amazing opportunities for young people because of the volunteers who support our organization. On Election Day, sixteen venturers enjoyed a special day of sailing on Lake Norman. Thanks to a host of good people at NC Community of Sailing & Rowing and the SI Activities Chair, Ken Cloaninger, members of Crews 270, 369 and 1243 were introduced to the wonders of the water. We can’t thank NCCSR enough for volunteering their time, energy and Alexis with Crew 1243 prepares her boat to sail with boats. From the sailing to the rowing the help of volunteers from NCCSR at Lake Norman. demonstration and lunch, everyone had a memorable experience. Plans are being laid for interested youth to participate long-term with the NCCSR. We look forward to a continued partnership that helps children and young adults reach beyond the limits of their neighborhoods to the limitless bounds of the imagination.

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Highlights:

rs of joy the wonde Venturers en ! Lake Norman es 378 complet Venture Crew se the VLSC cour

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VLSC in Action On Nov 2nd through 4th, the members of Venture Crew 378 chartered to the East Mecklenburg High School Rugby Club spent the weekend up at Camp Grimes as they completed the VLSC course, team building challenges and prepared for the spring season in an atmosphere of fun. The weekend was a cold one! However, in spite of the “glacial” weather, 5am runs, uphill sprints and grueling rugby drills, Crew 378 was still able to have a fun weekend of goal-setting, vision-building, leadership skills development and fitness training. Where they completed the 4 steps of the Venture Leadership Skills Course: Vision, Communication, Synergy, and Organization.

Leadership Rugby Venture Crew 378 practices in preparation for the Spring 2013 season at Camp Grimes.

in Action!

STAFF

Special thanks to the great attitudes of the Venturers, the crew advisors, Mr. Robert Primm, Mr. Brad Snyder, Ms. Raelyn Jehlik and Tyewhan Luke. This weekend was a success due in no small part to the awesome food prepared by Chef Richard Buchsbaum and his wife, and the dedicated parent volunteers, Mrs. Rebecca Snyder and Ms. Karen Collins.

Exploring/Special Initiatives Director Justin Lewter 704.342.9331 justin.lewter@scouting.org

Crew 378 is looking forward to a great year of playing rugby, bonding as a family, and exploring their options as a Venture crew, who’s eager to go camping, partake in high adventure while seeking truth, fairness and adventure in our world!

Vice President Special Initiatives Bob Marshall 704.383.9280 Division Chair David Lintz 704.364.0227

Photos courtesy of Jose Hernandez: jose.hernandezparis@yahoo.com

Special Initiatives

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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 POSTMASTER Send address changes to Backpack 1410 East 7th Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28204

Visit our Scouts in the News page at www.scoutsinthenews.tumblr.com for outstanding news in local Scouting!

Winter 2013 Calendar of Events January

1 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 2 Council Advancement Cmte Mtg OA Lodge Exec Bd Mtg 5 Winter Training 15 Eagle Service Project Review 16 Council Training Cmte Mtg Council Program Cmte Mtg 17 Council Goal Setting Mtg 21 Martin Luther King Holiday Winterplace Ski Resort 23 2013 Jamboree Cmte Mtg FIND US ON

February

2 Scouting For Food 3 Scout Sunday 6 Council Advancement Cmte Mtg OA Lodge Exec Bd Mtg 11 Commissioners Meeting 19 Eagle Service Project Review 20 Council Training Cmte Mtg Council Program Cmte Mtg 21 Eagle Scout Recognition Banquet 24 Winterplace Ski Resort 27 2013 Jamboree Cmte Mtg Camp Card Kickoff

March

2 Basic Training Merit Badge College 6 Council Advancement Cmte Mtg OA Lodge Exec Bd Mtg 8-10 Outdoor Leaders Skills Course S.E.A.L.S 9 Wilderness First Aid 11 Commissioners Meeting 15-17 OA Spring Fellowship 19 Eagle Service Project Review 20 Council Program Cmte Mtg Council Training Cmte Mtg 22-24 Wood Badge 27 2013 Jamboree Cmte Mtg 29 Good Friday