www.mccscouting.org • www.mccscouting.org • www.mccscouting.org
In This Issue: 2
Scout Executive’s Notes
3
Council News
4
Scout Shop News
5
Memorials & Tributes
6
The Eagle Nest
7
Hornets Nest
9
Apache
11
Etowah
13
Membership
14
Advancement News
16
Special Initiatives
17
Exploring
18
Finance News
20
Training
Mecklenburg County Council Boy Scouts of America 1410 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204 704-333-5471
The Scouter’s
Backpack Winter 2014
: 4 1 0 2 d o o f r o Scouting f er to make
Coming togeth (pg.1) a difference! s: t h g i l h g i H l i Counc oday! pg. 3 4...Sign Up T
01 is Back for 2 d r a C p m a C The 6 uccess! pg. S t a e r G d n a 13: Great Fun 0 2 g in is a r d n Fall Fu
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 1, 2014 and Sunday, February 2, 2014 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 unit in our council to participate in this worthwhile activity. Please take a minute and commit to your unit’s participation in Scouting for Food 2014. In 2013 we collected 264,000 pounds of food. With your help we can exceed this in 2014. 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.
Del Whittaker 2014 Scouting For Food Chairman
Scouting for Food 2014 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 25 –31.
Scouting For Food 2013— 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
Scouts and Scouters collected an impressive 264,000 pounds of food in 2013. Together we can top that in 2014!
On Saturday, February 1, 2014, 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 26–Distribute bags to members of your congregation. 2.) February 2 (Scout Sunday)–Gather “congregational food donations” and take to a designated 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.
2 | Scout Executive’s Notes
Council News Council Professional Staff 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 Sr. 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 Michelle Owens Jennifer Adkins Camp Rangers: Belk Scout Camp Mac McCullough Mecklenburg Scout Reservation Chris Williams
Sign Up for the 2014 Camp Card! The Mecklenburg County Council is pleased to announce the Camp Card is back for 2014. 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 26, 2014 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. Each unit should go ahead and identify a Camp Card Chairman and have them attend our council kickoff on February 26th 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 visit the link below for the registration form. Camp Card Registration: http://www.mccscouting.org/Funding/2013CampCard.aspx
2014 Silver Beaver Nomination Do you know a Scouter that works tirelessly for the youth of your unit and is dedicated to the Scouting program? Or do you know someone in your unit that works behind the scenes to make sure every court of honor, camping trip or activity runs smoothly? Then maybe you should nominate this person for the highest honor a council can give a volunteer, the Silver Beaver Award. Nomination forms are due in the council office by March 3, 2014. Awards will be presented at the council’s annual recognition dinner in April 2014. To view and download the 2014 nomination form, visit: http://www.mccscouting.org/silverbeavers.aspx
M e c k l e n b u r g C O u n t y C o u n c i l O u t i n g at
Monday, January 20, 2014 & Sunday, February 23, 2014 REGISTRATION COST
PACKAGE INCLUDES
$60 (in advance)
• A full day lift ticket
NOTE: Price above expires 5 days before trip.
• A full set of ski equipment (including poles, skis & helmet: according to the Guide to Safe Scouting helmets are required for all down hill winter sports)
$67 (walk-in rate)
(Check-in is from 8a.m. - noon)
HOW TO REGISTER
For full flyer and registration form, visit: http://www.mccscouting.org/ Resources/Winterplace2013.aspx
3 | Council News
• Group ski lesson • Meal voucher • A savings of $60!
Scout Shop News Pinewood Derby
Highlights: Variety t Shop for a Visit the ScouDerby Decals and Tools! of Pinewood ith Festive e and Gold W Celebrate Blu emed Party Supplies! Cub-Scout-Th
Are you ready for this year’s big race? It’s pinewood derby time, and your Mecklenburg Scout Shop has everything your son needs to finish 1st this year! Make your Scout’s car look as good as it rides with our wide selection of tools, accessories, and decals. Celebrate race day in style with our new pinewood derby themed party supplies. Throw your Scouts the pinewood derby race day party they will never forget!
Scout Shop Hours NEW!
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.
Boy Scout Troop 39 and The Williams Family
Eagle Scout
Personalized Eagle Scout Invitations Available at the Scout Shop Joshua Alex Williams
Cordially invite you to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for
Joshua Alex Williams Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.
Matthews United Methodist Church 801 Sout Trade Street Matthews, NC 28105 Please join us immediately following the ceremony for refreshments.
R.S.V.P. by December 28, 2013 to Williams4255@gmail.com or 704-555-8246
Eagle Scout
r stand out Make your ca ty of fun with a varie decals! stickers and
Pinewo od De Party S rby upplies
Blue & Gold Blue and Gold is a great time to reflect on your pack’s accomplishments, recognize leaders who have made a big contribution, and reward your Scouts for their hard work. At the Mecklenburg Scout Shop, we have everything you need to make your Blue and Gold celebration the biggest event of the year! Make your event festive with our new Cub Scout themed party supplies. We have napkins, plates, centerpieces, cupcake paper liners, lanterns, and so much more!
Boy Scout Troop 39 and The Williams Family Cordially invite you to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for
Joshua Alex Williams Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Matthews United Methodist Church 801 Sout Trade Street Matthews, NC 28105 Please join us immediately following the ceremony for refreshments.
Joshua Alex Williams
R.S.V.P. by December 28, 2013 to Williams4255@gmail.com or 704-555-8246
Visit http://www.mccscouting.org/ resources/invitations.aspx to download an order form or to view more samples
Go Big! Go Festive! Other Gifts 4 | Scout Shop News
If it’s the perfect leader gift you are after, check out our new BSA pullovers, hats, jewelry, plaques, and other recognition items.
19 15
Memorials and Tributes
News from Catawba Lodge This past Fall Fellowship (October 4-6, 2013), Catawba Lodge elected our new lodge leadership for the 2013-2014 year. I would first like to say congratulations to the New Officers; Lodge Chief: Sean Fox, Vice-Chief of Program: Sam Looney, Vice-Chief of Indian Affairs: Ricky Williams, Vice-Chief of Inductions: Matthew Browning, Vice-Chief of Administration: Nicholas Zanzot, and the Lodge Quartermaster: Thomas Chapman. All of these Arrowmen were elected by their fellow members and are looking forward to the next year. Catawba Lodge also recently had our Lodge Leadership Development Course. At this event we discussed our next year’s events and decided on the Lodge Executive Board’s Goals. We have set some pretty high goals to reach but we believe they can be achieved with hard work and dedication from all lodge members. The lodge leadership is looking forward to another great year of service and fun in Lodge and Council events and we cannot wait to get started. Nick Zanzot Vice-Chief of Administration of Catawba Lodge
Lodge Adviser: Darin Reynolds, Lodge Chief: Sean Fox, Past Lodge Chief: Dallas Whittington
BACKPACK (USPS) 250-720 Published quarterly by: Mecklenburg Co. Council Boy Scouts of America, Inc. 1410 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204
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 Steve Clardy By: Dave and Barbara Berryhill David and Ann Caudle Robert and Frances Collins Rennie Cuthbertson Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Fox, Jr. and Sons Mr. and Mrs. Ken Funderburk James and Katherine Gerstemeier Mr. and Mrs. Sigmon Huitt James, McElroy and Diehl, PA Elizabeth and Tom Jetton Mr. and Mrs. John P. McNeill Dicky and Sue Morgan and Family Bill and Eleanor Nichols Paragon Commercial Bank Karl Powers and Gail White Fund Tom, Anne, David and Spencer Reece Paul and Carmlia Reeves Dusty Sparks Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Walton, Jr. Carl and Jacqueline Westbrook John and Pam Williams Kelly Williams
5 | Memorials and Tributes
The Eagle Nest Congratulations to our new Eagles! Troop 1 Church of the Holy Comforter Peter Neal Harris John Crawford Muller III
Troop 164 Providence Presbyterian Church William Bartow Smith III Seth Mark-Lawson Vance
Troop 3 Myers Park United Methodist Church William Pepper Hardaway
Troop 63 Friendship Baptist Church William Gerald Fitzgerald, Jr. Joshua Miles Jones
Troop 7 Calvary Presbyterian Church David Mark Alexander Monk Nathaniel Grey Murray
Troop 65 Philadelphia Presbyterian Church Ryan Paul Hagy
Troop 13 University City United Methodist Church Steven Mario McKenzie
Troop 70 Paw Creek Presbyterian Church Joseph Brantley Burns
Troop 167 Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Davis Dean Michael Krien Layer Hunter Cleveland Smith Jacob Alan Vaughn
Troop 15 St. Francis United Methodist Church Christopher Allen Smith Michael Thomas Smith
Troop 72 Bethel Presbyterian Church David Hamilton Rinker Scott Michael Krabath
Troop 236 LDS-Fort Mill Ward/ Charlotte South Stake Mark Christopher LeRoy
Troop 16 First Presbyterian Church John Austin Schellpfeffer
Troop 94 St. Mark Catholic Church Robert John Nosko
Troop 17 Christ Episcopal Church George Woodruff Lucas
Troop 97 St. Mark Catholic Church Matthew Jordan Clermont Stephen Alexander Hack
Troop 313 South Lake Presbyterian Church Garren Caldwell Hatley
Troop 33 Sardis Presbyterian Church Jack Anthony Cross Trent Alan Kepley Troop 35 Hickory Grove United Methodist Church Brent Evan Joyner Troop 39 Matthews United Methodist Church Ryan William DeLoach Everett Neal Gilliam Troop 51 Cooks Memorial Presbyterian Church Thomas McLean Riggs Daniel Shaner Troop 55 Myers Park Presbyterian Church John Hogan Wilder
6 | The Eagle Nest
Troop 58 Lions Club of Davidson Andrew Braxton Harris
Troop 165 Living Saviour Lutheran Church Matthew Irving Kane
Troop 356 Mount Carmel Baptist Church Cavarcia DeShawn Young
Troop 116 St. Johns Episcopal Church James Andrew Pierpoint
Troop 405 St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Connor Worth Clavijo
Troop 118 St. Stephen United Methodist Church Graham Edward Bryant Oladipupo Fageyinbo Stephen Christian Keesling
Troop 406 Church of Jesus Christ Waxhaw Ward Brandon Wade Bennett
Troop 122 Wings Home School Group Michael Austin Lanier Troop 144 Blair Road United Methodist Men Justin Tanner Huntley Troop 162 St. Anns Catholic Church Benjamin Garrett Keever
Troop 502 Harrison United Methodist Church Anthony William Miller John Clinton Miller Troop 777 Grace Covenant Church Nathaniel Dean Galliher
Hornets Nest Webelos-ree
Highlights: ace by to Take Pl Klondike Der-23, 2014 February 21 Community! pporting the Join us in Su Food–February 1, 2014 Scouting for
Our 2013 Hornets Nest District Webelos-ree was a huge success. A big thank you to Director Rob Monto and Program Director Joe Earnst and their entire staff for a job well done. More than 200 Webelos and their parents enjoyed a great weekend at Belk Scout Camp November 1-3, 2013.
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, 2014.
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Klondike Derby Plans are well underway for our 2014 Hornets Nest Klondike Derby at the Mecklenburg Scout Reservation February 2123, 2014. 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
n is Key! Participatio
District Key 4 District Chairman Bob McLaughlin 704.948.8777 bobandjodi@roadrunner.com District Commissioner Jeff Worboys 704-598-0857 jeff.worboys@catawba459.org District Director Alan Keiger 704.342.9325 alan.keiger@scouting.org Sr. District Executive Roger Penny 704.342.9348 roger.penny@scouting.org
Scouting for Food is the major good turn service project that we do as a council. Our 2014 collection date is February 1st. A list of turn-in sites will be on our council website. In 2013, Scouts across Mecklenburg County collected more than 260,000 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, please contact our Scouting for Food chairperson, Steve Mazur via email at stevie524@ yahoo.com. 100% participation is our goal. Are you with us?
2014 Family Friends of Scouting BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
M e c k l en b ur g
County Council The right choice, right now.
7 | Hornets Nest
2014 FRIENDS OF SCOUTING
Dennis Tucker is serving as our 2014 Family Friends of Scouting Chairman. Grey Merriman is serving as the campaign’s vice chair. In recent meetings, we have discovered that there are Scouting families that did not realize how much their support is needed. Some volunteers and families did not realize that $0 from their Scout’s registration and Boy’s Life fees remain here in the local council. Have you ever thought about what the council pays each year for electricity and Continued on next page
Hornets Nest Highlights: of Scouting– 2014 Friends oice, Right Now” “The Right Ch t Key Dates Hornets Nes
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paper products alone at our three properties (Scout Service Center Uptown, Belk Scout Camp, and the Mecklenburg Scout Reservation)? Ice machines at both camps have required major repairs, gas for mowing...you get the picture. It is not cheap to operate our camps and council buildings! BSA National estimates that the annual cost for a council to put a youth through the Scout program is $200. That’s less than $17 a month over a 12 month period (January – December 2014). Our goal this year is to have 100% of our families contribute through our Family Friends of Scouting campaign. In order for that to happen, we first need each unit to schedule their Family Friends of Scouting presentation, so that we can provide them the reason behind our Friends of Scouting campaign. If you have any questions or have not yet scheduled your unit’s presentation, please reach out to Dennis at dennist@cubpack49.org or to Roger Penny at roger.penny@scouting.org. Our theme this year is, “Scouting: The Right Choice, Right Now.” Please join us!
Hornets Nest Key Dates Key Dates for January
couting! Experience S t u o c S a lp He
1 First day that access to Internet Rechartering is available 2 District Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Huntersville Presbyterian Church 9 District Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 the Park Church 9 District Roundtables at 7 p.m. at the Park Church
Key Dates for February 1 Scouting for Food 2 Scout Sunday 6 District Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Huntersville Presbyterian Church 13 District Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 the Park Church 13 District Roundtables at 7 p.m. at The Park Church 15 Unit Recharters due at the Council Service Center 21-23 Klondike Derby at Mecklenburg Scout Reservation
Key Dates for March 6 District Committee meeting, 7 p.m. at Huntersville Presbyterian Church 13 District Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 the Park Church 13 District Roundtables at 7 p.m. at The Park Church
8 | Hornets Nest
Apache Rechartering
Highlights: ree: Spring Cub-oNew Training
April 25-27th
es for 2014 Opportuniti
Many of our units in Apache District recharter (register) in January each year. Please make sure your unit leadership goes online and takes care of updating things for the charter by the middle part of January. Also, this year the fee for being a member of the BSA has gone up to $24 per youth or adult. The charter fee is now $40 for the unit. The accidental and sickness insurance is still $1 per participant. Once the online portion is complete, an approval from the organization’s executive officer must sign the charter agreement and the online charter paperwork. If you have questions, your Unit Commissioner will be a great resource. We will have a rechartering party at the Scout Office on Wednesday, January 22nd from 6pm-7:30pm for you to turn in your final charter documents and pack or troop check. We will have pizza, too…yummy!
Spring Cub-o-ree
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Cub Scout leaders, we want you and your Cub Scouts to attend our Spring Cub-o-ree at Camp Grimes. The date is April 25th – April 27th. Cost will be $12 per participant which will include a patch, lunch on Saturday, all program supplies, etc. Check online for all of the details. We are going to have so much FUN! Cub-o-ree Chair, Natalie Kosakowski, is looking forward to seeing all you Cub Scouts and families at Camp Grimes to participate in a “Super Hero Adventure.”
Apache Family Friends of Scouting We need for every unit to sign up for Family Friends of Scouting. To schedule the presentation at a unit parent gathering, please contact Jeff Williams-Tracy at jswt@harkeylambeth.com. The council objective is that everybody has an opportunity to make an investment in support of our Scouting program here in Mecklenburg County. 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.
elpful! A Scout is H
District Key 4 District Chairman Stuart Tucker stutucker@aol.com
District Commissioner Don Herzhauser dherzhauser@carolina.rr.com District Director John Crapster 704.342.9324 john.crapster@scouting.org Sr. District Executive John Bittinger 704.342.9336 john.bittinger@scouting.org
9 | Apache
Adult Leader Roundtable All adult leaders are encouraged to attend our Roundtable the second Thursday of each month. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, January 9th 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!
Scouting for Food All units should participate in this year’s “Good-Turn” project. Food collection will be on Saturday, February 1st and Sunday, February 2nd (Scout Sunday). Gather the congregational food donations and take to a SFF Sunday Scout collection site. Details and bag distribution will be at Roundtable on January 9th. Our district collection sites are at The Arboretum and Sharon United Methodist Church between the hours of 10am and 4pm on Saturday Continued on next page
Apache Highlights: rd is Back! The Camp Ca rticipate Today! Pa Sign up to lendars for Mark Your CaCamp! June 23-27, 2014 ay D Apache
Dates to Remember: January
Happy New Year! Eagle Project Review District Committee Meeting District Roundtable Scouting for Food Bag Distribution 20 Council Ski Trip @ Winterplace Ski Resort 22 District Recharter Party @ Scout Office 25 Commissioner College 1 9 9 9 9
and on Sunday from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. 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.
Camp Card Fundraising Opportunity Have a representative from your unit attend our Camp Card kickoff meeting on Wednesday, February 26th. 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 and Scouts can earn scholarship dollars to go to camp this summer.
Scout Sunday Unit leaders, please make an effort to participate in Scout Sunday. The date is Sunday, February 2nd. 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 23rd – June 27th at Belk Scout Camp. Cyndi Murdock will be our Day Camp Director and Natalie Kosakowski will be our Program Director. They are planning some exciting things together for our camp. If you want to volunteer, contact Cyndi at hickorycyndi@yahoo.com. Cost will be $125 per camper. Look at our Apache District website for more information.
February
1 Scouting for Food 2 Scout Sunday/ Scouting for Food 13 Eagle Project Review 13 District Committee 13 District Roundtable 23 Council Ski Trip @ Winterplace Ski Resort 26 Camp Card Kickoff
March
1 Leadership Dinner at the Convention Center 13 Eagle Project Review 13 District Committee Meeting 13 District Roundtable
1 0 | Apache
Congratulations to our Apache District Award of Merit Recipients!
ots h s p a n S e h c a p A
of their Scouts showedility to have skills and ab year’s Fall FUN at last Day Camp!
Etowah Highlights: Scouts Couldn’t Keep Cold Weathera Blast in Freeze’Oree! From Having ecap Camporee R 2013 Etowah
Calendar: District Meetings: (No district meetings or Roundtables in July or December, Eagle Project Review Committee will meet each month) Eagle Project Review Committee: 2nd Thursday Morning Star Lutheran Church, 5:00 p.m. 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews District Committee Meeting and District Commissioner Meeting: 2nd Thursday Morning Star Lutheran Church, 6:15 p.m. 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews Roundtable: 2nd Thursday Morning Star Lutheran Church, 7:30 p.m. 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews
STAFF District Chair Bill Rose 704-668-1642 br855fox@carolina.rr.com
Etowah Cub Scouts Triumph in Freeze’Oree! The theme this year for the Etowah District annual combined Cub-o-ree and Webelo-ree was, “Are you tougher than a Cub Scout?” and it didn’t take long for this theme to be challenged! The Cub Scouts got their first challenge because the temperature began to plummet as the day wore on, throughout check in and into night. As night fell over camp, there was excitement in the air during the flashlight candy hunt. Cub Scouts could see their breath as they scrambled around the large field in front of the BB Gun and Archery Ranges looking for candy with their flashlights—AMAZINGLY, no scraps of candy were present in this field the following morning! While the Cub Scouts were busy finding candy outdoors, leaders from ALL packs attended the Cracker Barrel. The Cracker Barrel is simply a meeting with snacks where leaders discuss how the weekend will unfold with the Camp Directors. Also covered in the meeting are Safety and Emergency Procedures, as well as late check-in and check-out for participants. During this meeting, long-sleeved camp t-shirts were handed out in preparation for the chilly night ahead. As night time marched on to “lights out,” the temperature continued to fall and by the time the sun peaked out the following morning a new record was on the books—26 degrees Fahrenheit! Camp was already full because over 90% of the participants had checked in the previous night— clearly the weather was not “tougher than a Cub Scout!” The Etowah Scouts met these cool temperatures with high Scout spirit. During the initial march across the field towards the wall and BMX track after the opening ceremony Saturday morning, many of the Scouts noticed that they were making tracks in the grass as their boots knocked frost off of the blades of grass. It didn’t take long before many of the boys lay down and started making “frost angels.” As Saturday continued into lunch, the weather warmed up and the campout went off with no injuries. The sunny weather seemed to lighten the hearts of the tough participants. The temperature Saturday rose to the 60’s and the temperature Sunday morning was well above freezing. The entire event was a huge success because everyone had fun, no one was hurt or injured, and the campout passed inspection, logging almost 1000 certified camping nights for Etowah. Lastly, I want to thank all of our parents, leaders and camp staff that put on the best program that I have seen at our Fall event—without you there is no program for the boys! Thank you one and all. Yours in Scouting, David Crowe Etowah O’ree Director
2013 Etowah District Camporee The theme for the Etowah District 2013 Camporee was the Etowah Stampede. The three troops running the event this year, Troop 140, Troop 12, and Troop 65, wanted this year’s Camporee to have a Wild West atmosphere, which we delivered.
District Commissioner Renita Keziah 980-833-4986 renita.keziah@cms.k12.nc.us District Director Mike Rusho 704-342-9347 mike.rusho@scouting.org Gateway and covered wagon courtesy of Troop 159.
1 1 | Etowah
The eleven troops that participated in this year’s event were able to not only test their Scouting skills, but also tried their hand at the corn hole toss and lasso the hay bale. The afternoon events featured a wild covered wagon with a variety of Scout made covered, and some uncovered, wagons. A number of patrols also competed in the Dusty Trail Cook-Off.
This year’s camporee also featured a new event. The Wrangler’s Rally was a high adventure type course set up to challenge higher ranking Scouts in team building and practical application events designed to test their use of Scout skills. Eighteen Scouts in three patrols participated in this event where they started out Friday night hiking with their gear to a ‘remote’ location where Continued on next page
Etowah they made camp. The next morning they broke camp and hiked, gear and all, to their event stations. These Star, Life, and Eagle Scouts thoroughly enjoyed the event and are looking forward to doing it again.
Highlights: Adventure” r a “Jurassic Get Ready fo Etowah Day Camp! at This Year’s ng Program t Our Scouti Help Supporg a Friend of Scouting By Becomin
John Silvestri of Troop 12 will be the coordinator for the 2014 Etowah Camporee. Please feel free to contact him at jps4x4@gmail.com if you are interested in helping with the event. Yours in Scouting, Dwayne Whitmore 2013 Etowah District Camporee Chair
2014 Etowah Day Camp: A Jurassic Adventure ry:
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Etowah Day Camp is scheduled for June 16th – 20th at Belk Scout Camp in Midland, NC. We are excited to present this year’s theme of: A Jurassic Adventure. While learning about the Triassic, Jurassic, and Crustaceous periods, campers will have the opportunity to explore Belk Scout Camp and learn about the Mesozoic Era while experiencing a broad variety of fun activities that include: swimming, boating, climbing, shooting sports, crafts, nature and an archeological dig site. Don’t miss out on the fun. Come join us for Etowah Day Camp— A Jurassic Adventure!
2014 Friends of Scouting – Make an investment in Scouting!
g The Scoutin Continues!
Adventure
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 2014 gift. If you have questions, contact Bill Rhyne, our 2014 Etowah FOS Chair, at brhyne@harristeeter.com or (704) 844-4082 or Rick Jensen, our 2014 Etowah Family FOS Chair at rjensen@accurategroup.com or (704) 430-7472. Your help will be needed this year more than ever.
Unit Annual Charter Renewal packets will be available at our January roundtable.
March is recharter month for Etowah Once again, units will file their charter paperwork via the Internet this year. District Commissioner, Renita Keziah will be leading our annual charter renewal review and turn-in at the March 13 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, Renita Keziah at renita.keziah@cms.k12.nc.us or (980) 833-4986.
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Membership 2013 Fall Roundup Report
Highlights: 13 Fall ks to Our 20 Special Thanadership Team Roundup Le ters! Newest Char Welcome Our
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Through October 31st 2013, the council has recruited over 1300 new Cub Scouts and over 1700 total youth, including Boy Scouts, Ventures and Explorers. We have recorded over 80% of our total 2012 Fall Roundup recruits and, with two months remaining, tracking well for another successful campaign this year. The council and districts have been blessed with great Roundup leadership this fall: Council Chair, Eric Krause; Honorary Chair/CMS Superintendent, Dr. Heath Morrison; Apache Chairs, Traci Scott and Karl Johnson; Etowah Chair, Tori Thorn; and Hornets Nest Chairs, Sheila Allsbury, Latissa Brown and Terricia Gaines. This group has given leadership to supporting nearly 200 recruiting sites on multiple nights and developing all of the support, promotional and marketing materials for these events. In addition we should thank WBT Radio, WRFX Radio, The Charlotte Observer, Matthews Mint Hill Weekly, Adams Outdoor Advertising and our Fall Roundup Sponsoring NBA Charlotte Bobcats. The membership team has moved head first into fall recruiting, phase 2, with additional flyers distributed through schools and churches and a uniform patch for recruiting new members called, “Be A Buddy”; recognizing “Recruiter” for one member and “Master Recruiter” designated for two or more newly-recruited members. Scouting is more fun when you “bring a friend!” A heartfelt Mecklenburg County Council welcome to our newest charters to Scouting/Exploring/ Learning for Life from January 1, 2013 through October 31, 2013:
ver Recruited O e W ll a F st La ! to Scouting 1,700 Youth
STAFF Field Director Gary Moore gary.moore@scouting.org
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14 Total Units/Posts/Groups 171 New Members
Advancement News Presenting Cub Scout Advancement Recognition
Highlights: r Cub Scout Guidelines fo t Advancemen seling it Badge Coun Handling Mer Concerns
Generally speaking, a Cub Scout should advance one rank per year (after earning Bobcat, which all youth must earn). That rank is the one appropriate for his grade (or age) and does not involve going “back” to work on a previous rank that he may have missed. In some packs, the badges of rank are presented at an annual blue and gold event, but that is not required. Some youth may earn the badge earlier in the year and should be recognized at that time. However, no youth should be recognized until he has fully completed his badge requirements—regardless of when the rest of his den has completed them.
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Advancement Newsletter February 2013
Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns What happens when a unit leader discovers that a Scout, through no fault of his own, has not learned or done as much as a merit badge’s requirements suggest? Perhaps a merit badge counselor working with a Scout to complete a summer camp “partial” notes that the Scout just does not understand some of the items that were marked off. Maybe a committee member sitting on a board of review learns from a Scout that due to time constraints at camp, an “alternative option” was substituted for one of the rank requirements. Is there a way to correct these situations so future Scouts pursuing this merit badge may get full benefit from the program? You can find the answer (which is “yes,” by the way) in Topic 7.0.4.7 along with a new form: 11.1.0.0: Reporting Merit Badge Counseling Concerns.
heir Only Earn T Scouts Can leting Fully Comp r e ft A s k n a R ents e Requirem Merit Badg
An adult volunteer can send this form to the council advancement committee to report concerns regarding completion of merit badge requirements. The form requests a description of the merit badge environment, whether completed at camp, a fair or midway, or through an individual counselor. It also asks the person submitting the form to summarize the nature of the concern, such as a non-registered counselor, requirement alterations, lack of personal attention, or other deviations from BSA expectations. Finally, there is space to describe all factual information observed or determined. October 2013 Advancement News
Merit Badge Counselor Resource Page Available A new BSA Web page is available for merit badge counselors searching for just the right resources. Recently posted, it contains informational flyers on all the newest merit badges—including Sustainability, Programming, Cycling, and Game Design. You will find information on upcoming merit badges, a section on how to propose new merit badges, plus the latest news about competitions and scholarships. In addition, there are links to specific sites supporting merit badge requirements. The “Introduction to Merit Badges” link takes the Scouter on an informative walk through the merit badge process and then displays all the merit badges with links to requirements. For access, visit:
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http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/BoyScouts/GuideforMeritBadgeCounselors.aspx
Advancement News Venturing Program Changes in the Works: Stay Tuned!
Highlights: d ges Schedule ogram Chan Venturing Pr May 2014 for Release in Letters of Eagle Scout tion Procedures da Recommen
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As many may be aware, the Venturing award requirements and advancement structure are being reworked. Although final details have not been released, a broad outline of Venturing’s “Direction for the Future” can be found in the Road Map to Venturing report (www.scouting.org/ filestore/venturing/pdf/220-067_WB.pdf) presented at the BSA National Annual Meeting last May. If the road map’s timeline for implementation is adopted, it will be increasingly important for council, district, and unit advancement volunteers and professionals to remain alert for implementation announcements that may affect the ability of Venturers to complete current advancement and award requirements by the projected cutoff date of December 31, 2014. The new program is scheduled for release in May 2014. It will be the general rule of thumb at that time to let the Venturers decide if they want to begin, or continue, work on the old awards, or to begin work on the new awards instead. In any case, December 31, 2014, is the final “earn date” for the current awards. October 2013 Advancement News
Eagle Issues Eagle Scout Letters of Recommendation
are mendations How Recom by Determined re a d le d n a H the Council
An Eagle Scout candidate must list five or six references on his application. The resulting recommendations provide the board of review insight to the Scout and how he lives the Scout Oath and Law in his everyday life. While variety may be useful, councils must not impose restrictions on who, specifically, provides the recommendations. It is the Scout who lists the references, and it is his decision as to who they will be—as long as they fit the general description. If a Scout does not have a job, and thus no employer, he may leave that reference line blank. If a Scout is not associated with an organized religion, or if he is home-schooled, a parent or guardian provides the religious, or educational, references. There is no procedure that prohibits one person from providing multiple recommendations; neither is there a minimum age for those providing recommendations. How references are contacted and how recommendations are handled are determined by the local council. Some councils contact references by phone, while others provide a form and expect the Scout to deliver it to the references. This is acceptable, but it is the limit of the Scout’s involvement. Recommendation letters must be returned to the Scoutmaster, board of review chair, council service center, or someone else; but not to the Scout. The Scout must not be asked to handle the completed recommendations. These are confidential to the board of review and are never shown to the Scout. If recommendations are not received, the troop, or a district or council representative handles follow up. There should be a reasonable effort to obtain recommendations, but following this, the lack of any of them is not a reason for delaying a board of review. For more information see the Guide to Advancement section 9.0.1.7. June/July 2013 Advancement News
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On a related note, please note that Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11 Commander, has passed away. Please advise Scouts not to send requests for Eagle congratulatory letters to his family. His name and contact information should be removed from any lists of such letter sources.
Special Initiatives Season’s Greetings
Highlights:
2013 has proven to be a remarkable year for membership growth and the development of great chartered partnerships. We look forward to the wonderful opportunities 2014 brings.
ll Involved ank You to A A Special Th l Initiatives Program! in the Specia rticipants ugh Soccer Paship Game! on Scouting Thro pi the Cham Compete in
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r s his Team fo Coach Prep e! the Big Gam
STAFF Exploring/Special Initiatives Director Justin Lewter 704.342.9331 justin.lewter@scouting.org Division Chair David Lintz 704.364.0227
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If you are a volunteer in our district please make note to join us on January 30th for our annual volunteer recognition banquet. Please RSVP at justin.lewter@scouting.org. We just want to take a moment to shout out the outstanding work of all of our units, districts and Happy New Year From the Special special programs. Welcome aboard InReach! ConInitiatives Staff and Volunteers! gratulations are in order for Corey Thompson our newest Eagle with Troop 394! Congratulations to this season’s Fútbol champions! (Unfortunately this goes to print before the championship game, but we know somebody won!) Congratulations to all the new swimmers, thanks to Ron Flanders and Rafael Lopez! Thank you Debra Wright and Crew 1243! Thank you Richard Chandler for Troop and Pack 316! Thank you Scott Whitlock for the great success you’re having with Troop 395. Thank you Hector, Fernando, Dana, Beverly, Isidore, Tyewhan, Thomas, Kenneth, Isaac, Rolando, and Nelson. Please keep up the great work. We are making a difference. The next couple of months will be filled with exciting opportunities to learn to swim, backpack, ski, and participate in shooting sports and a variety of other Scouting adventures. I truly hope you had a chance to enjoy the holiday season and get some much needed rest and relaxation. 2014 is going to be an amazing ride with an amazing team of Scouters. Buckle up!
Troop 395 Passed Out Water bottles to Support Local Runners and Provide a Community Service
Our boys and girls teams playing for the championship!
Exploring Exploring Has Successful Fall Kickoff
Highlights: ntinues g Program Co The Explorin by Year! to Grow Year o elcoming Tw Join us in W ers te un ol New V
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In 2012, the Mecklenburg County Council had the most growth out of all 282 councils in the United States. With increased school participation in the annual career interest survey, the Explorer Posts in Mecklenburg County grew approximately 40%. Between 2011 and 2012, that was an increase of about 350 young men and women. The 2013 Fall Kickoff was just as successful, as more and more students across our county are getting hyped up about their future. This year, Exploring in Mecklenburg has grown again by an additional 23%. This shows without a doubt that Exploring is one of the premier youth programs in our community. Offering career information in fields that range from law enforcement to architecture, the youth of Mecklenburg want to know more about what awaits them!
Two Community Leaders Say Yes to Exploring The Exploring Division has recruited two new volunteers to help in the critical areas of fundraising and program. Shanda Martin of CMS Schools has agreed to be the 2014 Chair of Exploring After Dark. Ms. Martin has long been dedicated to the cause of Exploring, serving as a Post Advisor to a teaching program for many years. In her new position, Shanda will revitalize the Exploring After Dark program, a fun late night activity in which students are given the opportunity to tour different facilities in Charlotte and see their operation at night. The event will take place in May and be a great time you definitely do not want to miss. Harry Smith and Shanda Martin (Not Pictured) Join the Exploring Team!
ce! on Experien More Hands-
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
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Harry Smith, the President of the Charlotte Market for Novant Health, has agreed to be the 2014 Exploring Friends of Scouting Campaign Chairman. Mr. Smith is new to Charlotte and this is his first volunteer role in Exploring. He is excited to be a part of the campaign and is eager to do his part to help advance the mission of Exploring.
p i r T i k S g n i r o l p esort R i Ex k s e c a erpl nt At t h e W i
, 2014
3 ebruary 2 F , y a d n u S
The annual Exploring Ski Trip will take place Sunday, February 23rd at Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia. For the low cost of $100.00, you and your family and friends can enjoy a day on the slopes. The price of this trip includes: • Charter bus transportation to the resort and back. • A full day lift ticket • A full set of ski equipment (poles, skis, and helmet) • Group ski lesson • Meal voucher
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity at a great value. If you are interested, please contact Jonathan Russell at 704-342-9342 or at jonathan.russell@scouting.org.
Finance News 2013 Sporting Clay
Highlights:
We had a record breaking Sporting Clay event on Wednesday, October 23 at The Fork Farm and Stables.
s Recap Sporting Clay was a Hit! iday Auction The 2013 Hol
Under the leadership of Executive Board member, John Bond, we sold 24 teams this year. Our gross proceeds are just under $60,000 in 2013.
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Our Popcorn sale is currently underway with 91 units participating. So far, our units have sold $608,000 worth of Popcorn for show and sell. The units report that the sale is going very well this year and you’ll see them out in the community at grocery stores and Panthers’ Game for the next several weeks. L to R , Robbie Lowrance, Jim Cogdell, Rick Mitchell, Keith Overcash
2013 Holiday Party and Auction Hendrick Automotive group was the sponsor and host of the 2013 Holiday Auction held on Friday, November 22 at Hendrick North Lake Auto Mall. Board member Katie Tyler chaired the event which raised over $25,000 including a major sponsorship from Hendrick. Some of the hot items included luxury vacations, exciting sporting event packages, hunting trips, fine wine and more.
s njoyed Drink Attendees E wsing rs While Bro ze ti e p p A d n a ferent Items! Over 160 Dif
Hendricks’ sponsorship included $10,000, food, drinks, and the use of their beautiful facility for the event. The event was held from 6:30-9:30pm. Tickets were $30 per couple.
A Little Something for Everyone!
2014 FOS Kick-off and Good Scout Award Breakfast The 2014 FOS Kick-off and Good Scout Awards’ Breakfast was held on December 4th 2013 at the Marriott Center City in Charlotte. This event doubled as the official kick-off to the Mecklenburg Council’s 2014 Friends of Scouting (annual giving) Campaign and affords us the opportunity to recognize individuals who exemplify what it means to be a “good Scout” in our community. According to Craig May, Good Scout Chairman, the event raised $143K for local Scouting, or 15% of the total 2014 Friends of Scouting goal, and set a new high. This year we honored: William Fitzgerald, Jr., an aspiring Eagle Scout; Felicia and Herb Gray, local philanthropists; and Pat and B.D. Rodgers, who are respected leaders in our community. William Fitzgerald, Jr., a Local Scout, Was One of This Year’s Honorees
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The resounding message heard at the breakfast was to support Scouting so that we can continue this legacy of leadership and service.
Continued on next page
Finance News Invest Now, Invest Later, Invest Forever
Highlights:
A Message From William B. Barnhardt
Endowment the Council’s Your Gift to rever Investment Fund is a Fo ent Ways riety of Differ There are a Vacal Scouting to Support Lo
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As an Eagle Scout, I continue to experience the benefits of the Scouting program. What is more interesting to me is that I speak with boys and men that left Scouting as first class or star Scouts and they still talk about what they learned while they were in the program and how that experience has enriched their lives. I know that many of you give to the Friends Of Scouting program and have for years just as I have. What I would like for you to consider is a long term investment, either through your estate or otherwise (the “Invest Now, Invest Later” part), in the Mecklenburg County Council Endowment Fund. This fund is invested to provide ongoing support (the “Invest Forever” part) to Scouting in our council in perpetuity. Examples of gifts that you might consider are: appreciated securities, IRA funds (either current distributions or the residual value), insurance policies, or an estate gift. There are many tax advantages of gifting these funds rather than having the value diminished by taxation. *Charitable donations of appreciated stock held for more than a year can help offset taxes on ordinary income without having to pay tax on the capital gains. *Donation of residual IRA funds are a great way to get the most out of money that would be subject to ordinary income tax and possibly estate taxes. *Finally, please include Scouting in your will. Let your legacy make a difference in the lives of young men in perpetuity! Your financial advisor can help with details, and you can get in touch with our Council to learn more about your options and the impact your gift will have. Members of our Endowment Committee will welcome the chance to discuss the difference your gift can make. Give Gene Condor a call at 704-333-5471 and ask her to schedule a time where you can meet with one of your team members. Thank you for all you do for Scouting.
p eautiful Cam One of the B e Available to ad Properties M to Generous ks Scouts Than Supporters
STAFF Development Director Carlton Crump carlton.crump@scouting.org
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William B. (Will) Barnhardt Endowment Committee Chair Mecklenburg County Council, BSA
Training Adult Winter Training and Cold Weather Training for Scouts – January 2014
Highlights: be Held Training Will Cold Weather 2014 on January 4, ng Will er Skills Traini Outdoor Leadarch 7-9, 2014 Run From M
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On January 4, 2014, at 8:30 am, Catawba Lodge, Order of the Arrow will offer Cold Weather Camping training at CPCC’s Levine Campus. During this training Scouts, regardless of age and whether or not they are in the Order of the Arrow, can learn skills that will help them camp during cold weather. Classes being taught include Clothing, First Aid, Cooking, Shelter, Leave No Trace, and Sleeping and are being taught by some of the best Arrowmen the lodge has to offer. Please visit the Order of the Arrow Catawba Lodge website (www.catawbalodge.org) for details. Check-in is at 8:30 AM and classes will start promptly at 9:00 AM and will end at Noon. On the same date and at the same location, the Mecklenburg County Council Training Committee will provide the following training courses for Adult Leaders: Scoutmaster/Asst. Scoutmaster, BALOO, Venturing Leader, Climbing Instructor, Leave No Trace Awareness, CPR, Merit Badge Counselor, Youth Protection, Cubmaster, Den Leader, Webelos Den Leader, Pack Committee, Pack Trainer and Troop Committee. Check-in for the adult training will begin at 7:30 AM and classes will start promptly at 8:00 AM. Please register online at www.mcctraining.org.
Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders & Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – March 2014 Starting on Friday evening, March 7, 2014, and continuing until Sunday afternoon, March 9, 2014, Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders and Boy Scout Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will be offered at Belk Scout Camp. Also offered for this course is a non-Sunday alternative on the following Saturday, March 15, for the sections that will be presented on Sunday, March 9th. Participants who chose this option will be required to stay until after the Cracker Barrel, the final activity on Saturday night, March 8th - which should end at approximately 10:00 P.M.
a Outdoors” is The “Great r xperience fo Wonderful E y rl e are Prop Those who Trained!
Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders is an opportunity to take part in an enjoyable outdoor learning experience and discover what the outing in Webelos Scouting is all about! This course is for all adults connected with the Cub Scout program: Webelos leaders, assistant Webelos leaders, future Webelos leaders, parents of a Cub or Webelos Scout, Cubmasters, committee members, den leaders. It is required for Webelos leaders to earn the Webelos Den Leader Award. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills is required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, and Venturing Crew Leaders whose Crews have Outdoor Programs, to receive the Trained Patch, and to attend Wood Badge. For those of you who have not been able to attend this course in the past, I highly encourage you to take this opportunity and join us at Belk Scout Camp for a weekend of fun. We have a great staff of Scouters onboard for this course and we have a blast out there every time we are part of the Outdoor Leadership Skills experience. Most importantly, as past participants will attest, you will have a lot of fun and make many new friends. You can register online at www.mcctraining.org. Hope to see you in March. Bob Lang Outdoor Leader Skills Spring 2014 Course Director
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Winter 2014 Calendar of Events January 1 New Year’s Day 4 OA Cold Weather winter Training Winter Training 8 Council Advancement Cmte Mtg OA Lodge Executive Cmte Mtg 13 Council Commissioner Mtg 15 Council Training Cmte Mtg Council Program Cmte Mtg 16 Council Goal Meeting 20 Winterplace Council Ski Trip 24 SI Recognition banquet 25 College of Commissioner Science 27 Council Executive Bd
February 1 Scout For Food Pick Up Day 2 Scout Sunday 5 Council Advancement Cmte Mtg OA Lodge Executive Cmte Mtg 8 Scout Sabbath 10 Council Commissioner Mtg 12 Camp Grimes Program Preview 19 Council Training Cmte Mtg Council Program Cmte Mtg 23 Winterplace Council Ski Trip 24 Council Executive Cmte Mtg District Operations Meeting 26 Council Camp Card Kickoff 27 Webelos Adventure Camp Leaders’/Parents’ Mtg
March 1 March training (TBD) 5 Council Advancement Cmte Mtg OA Lodge Executive Cmte Mtg 7-9 SEALS Training Outdoor Leader Skills 8 Wilderness First Aid Refresher Course 10 Council Commissioner Mtg 19 Council Training Cmte Mtg Council Program Cmte Mtg 21-23 OA Spring Fellowship 24 Council Executive Board Mtg
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