Scout`s Honor
Transcription
Scout`s Honor
Scout’s Honor FALL 2014 Vol. 21, No. 2 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Flag Plaza Scout Center 1275 Bedford Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 471-2927 www.lhc-bsa.org Ebensburg Service Center 201 W. High Street, Suite 1 Ebensburg, PA 15931 (814) 471-1090 Flag Plaza Scout Center, 1275 Bedford Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3699 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 1006 Cumberland Service Center 14416 McMullen Hwy SW Cumberland, MD 21502 (301) 729-1300 News and Notes Introducing our New Scout Executive It is with great pleasure that we inform you that Sharon M. Moulds was offered and accepted the position of Scout Executive with the Laurel Highlands Council effective October 1, 2014. ExxonMobil CEO at Eagle Dinner Rex Tillerson slated to give keynote address He may lead one of the largest publicly traded corporations in the world, but the title of Eagle Scout is amongst his proudest accomplishments. Mr. Tillerson comes from a long line of Eagle Scouts starting with his grandfather who was one of the first Eagle Scouts in the state of Texas. Can You Hear Me Now? Council Launches Communications Task Force, Seeks Leader Input Communication is important to advance Scouting’s message among youth members, parents and volunteers, as well as the general public. There was a day when good communication involved picking up the phone or sending a letter. Marketing consisted of posters and flyers. Today we have all kinds of new digital outreach methods, including Twitter, Pinterest, texting, Instagram, broadcast e-mail, Facebook and YouTube, just to name a few. As an organization, we recognize a need to change the methods we use to engage our internal and external audiences. Sharon has a deep connection to Scouting. Her father was a Scouting professional for 39 years and she has served in five different councils in eight different leadership positions over the last 25 years including Scout Executive in Seattle, Washington and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is Wood Badge trained and Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. Please join us in congratulating Sharon as she assumes her new role as Scout Executive in the Laurel Highlands Council and our best wishes go to her and her family as they begin a new Scouting chapter! His dad was an Eagle Scout and he is an Eagle Scout. A Boy Scout to the core, it’s no wonder he is known in the business world as a man of high integrity with a reputation for honesty and straightforwardness. The 65th annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner will be held on Monday, November 17 at the Wyndham Grande hotel. In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of young men who earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the 2014 class is named in honor of a community leader who exemplifies the ideals of service and character that Scouting represents. facebook.com/LaurelHighlandsCouncil Scout’s Honor Submissions Have a story or event that you think other Scouters would appreciate? Share it with your Service Executive and ask for it to be considered for the next issue of Scout’s Honor! This year the honoree is Rich Harshman, Chairman, President and CEO of ATI and former Chairman of the Laurel Highland Council Board. For more information about the dinner, contact Bill Park at [email protected]. The Laurel Highlands Council recently created a special task force to explore and identify best practices for how technology can be used to communicate among and to various audiences. How can you help? At the end of September, leaders with current e-mail addresses registered with LHC will receive a request to complete a Council Communications Survey, which will help the task force better understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Please take a few minutes to respond. If you would like to provide additional input or offer to help the task force, please e-mail C&T@scouting-bsa. org. District Dates and Event Information Information on events and programs, dates as well as contact information are available on the district pages of the council website. To learn more visit: www.lhc-bsa.org/Districts “Scout’s Honor” is a publication of: Boy Scouts of America Laurel Highlands Council Flag Plaza Scout Center 1275 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 471-2927 www.lhc-bsa.org Bernie Lockard - Council President Rick Bausher - Council Commissioner Sharon Moulds - CEO Kurt Roberts - Editor © Copyright 2014 Boy Scouts of America, LHC 2 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Fall 2014 Outdoor Adventure – Facility Rentals, Tour Plans, Camping Programs Mollieann Gray 412-325-7921 [email protected] Tina Debnam 412-325-7913 [email protected] Thank YOU! Winter Weekends The Laurel Highland Council would like to thank the leaders and the parents for sharing their time with the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Staff that were able to participate in the 2014 Camping Season! Come and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the Laurel Highlands this winter at Heritage Reservation! Tim McClure, Director of Camping Outdoor Adventure Five weekends offer parent and son teams the chance to experience cross-country skiing, broomball, sledding, snow shoeing and more! Scouts and their families are also invited to the Nemacolin Woodlands Ski and Snowboard Days throughout January and February. Each weekend includes a variety of winter activities, including: • Sledding • Broomball • Giant Slingshots • Snowshoeing • Cross Country Skiing • Scavenger Hunt Tour de Gap Potomac to Pittsburgh A bike hike for Boy Scouts and Venturers is scheduled for June 16-20, 2015. The ride would average about 40 miles per day starting at Camp Potomac near Cumberland, Maryland ending at Camp Guyasuta near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cost The package includes lodging Friday and Saturday night, Friday snack, all meals on Saturday, breakfast Sunday, plus use of camp equipment and costs only $58 (open room) or $75 (semi private room) per person. January 16-18, 2015 - Winter Weekend I January 30-Feb 1, 2015 - Winter Weekend II February 6-8, 2015 - Winter Weekend III February 13-15, 2015 - Winter Weekend IV February 20-21, 2015 - Winter Weekend V Philmont July 11-26 2015 On October 14th at 7PM at Flag Plaza (Teleconference with Ebensburg) the High Adventure Committee will be holding an info night designed to educate both parents and Scouts. This presentation has all the details about Philmont; what is included in the twoweek high adventure, the requirements and training needed and how to sign up. Contingent Leader: Paul Wain 412-477-1060 or [email protected] Camp Needs List The ten camps within the Laurel Highlands Council are always in need of specific items and supplies to help us prepare and deliver meaningful experiences for all campers and guests who visit us. In order for us to devote more money toward camper programs, we seek individuals to donate. No gift is too small or to large. Please contact a member of the Council Program Team or visit the camping section of the council website for a list of needed items and services. 2015 Camp Staff If this sounds like a fun challenge and you are interested in participating, let us know. A chase crew would handle food and gear (we need leaders for this crew). Are you tired of doing the same old routine? Did you know that Laurel Highlands Council operates five summer camps? If you or Scouts in your Troop or Crew are interested in riding or helping please email [email protected] Registration information will be available at October Roundtables and online in October. Each of these offers opportunities for a variety of summer camp staff jobs. Most Scout camp counselors are at least 16 years of age, but the Boy Scout and Cub Scout camps have a limited number of jobs for 15 year olds with previous Counselor in Training experience. 23rd World Jamboree in Japan LHC-BSA.org/Program In 2015, more than 30,000 Scouts and leaders from 161 countries around the world will converge on Kirarahama, Yamaguchi, Japan. Participants will live and learn with fellow Scouts from around the world. They will be housed in tents along with the BSA contingent but will soon venture out to mingle with tens of thousands of people for two weeks of activities and adventure. That’s right, a world fellowship exercise on an enormous scale! Additional Winter Opportunities: Nemacolin Woodlands Ski and Snowboard Days: Participants can stay at Nemacolin Woodlands, or come up and ski, snowboard and snow tube for the day: January 10,11,31 February 1, 21, 22, 28 March 1 Venturing Getaway Weekend Jan 9-11, 2015 More information and online registration can be found at www.LHC-BSA.org/Camping The Laurel Highlands Council, BSA is an equal opportunity employer that hires females and males, as well as people of all ages and ethnic groups, diverse cultures and mixed abilities. Visit www.LHC-BSA.org/camping for more information. Day Camp 2015: Sea Adventure LHC-BSA.org/Camping 2015 Day Camps in YOUR neighborhood will be here before you know it! Keep an eye on the website and roundtables for this years dates, fees, and exciting program that you won’t want to miss! Fall 2014 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter 3 2014 National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Eagle Scout Project of the Year Awarded to Eagle Scout Cody Eckels Cody Eckels of Troop 300-Tyrone originally planned to make some minor changes to the Soldiers Park for his Eagle Scout Service Project, but the project grew and transformed the small memorial into a beautiful park that pays tribute to our service men and women. Eckels was recently recognized with the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. “I kinda grew up with Scouting,” Eckels said. “It showed me what’s the right thing to do and what’s not the right thing to do. … It really made me into the man I turned today.” “Cody is no different than any other kid in Tyrone,” said Peter Kreckel, Eckel’s Scoutmaster prior to Patterson, “with the exception that he has reached beyond himself and did a fabulous project to benefit the men and women who served our country.” His endeavor started out as placing spot-lighted flag poles around the WWI and WWII monuments at Soldiers Park. To raise the needed funds for the project, a friend suggested selling memorial bricks to surround the flag pole area, adding another $20,000 to the cost. In the end, Eckels raised a total of $86,000 in cash and in-kind contributions. Eckels said, “We met our goal and beyond,” and decided that with the extra funds, “we can make the park even better and get more out of it.” Granite benches were added to the original design, along with the addition of a Fallen Soldiers Battle Cross. The initial work on the park was completed for Memorial Day 2013, where they conducted the Memorial Day Service and dedicated the park. “My advice to your generation, is to put down the iPhone, Android, and computers and to physically “reach out” to the people around you,” added Kreckel, “Cody is a shining example of what the future generation can bring to this place we call home.” In 2009, the National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by a Scout to a religious institution, a school, community, or other entity. The award recognizes the Scout for his Eagle Scout leadership service project, which is part of the requirements for earning the Eagle Scout Award. Each year, local councils select a councillevel winner, and from that pool, each region selects a region-level winner. A national winner is then selected from the four regional finalists. Eckles will receive a $2,500 scholarship for college or trade school for achieving the National Service Project of the Year honor. Thank you to Troop 300, The Eckels Family, Michele Brenneman, and The Eagle Eye News in Tyrone. The entire community supported the project, veteran’s associations, business leaders, and students at the Tyrone Area School District all raised funds and made contributions to the park. With the addition of the engraved brick pavers, orders began to pour in from as far away as California and Florida. Work continues on the park. A fund was established with remaining funds as well as additional funds for the perpetual care of the park. During this year’s Memorial Day Service, a Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial was unveiled. The initial project is complete but work on the park continues. The project has entered its second phase, with the Eternal Flame project. “Cody spent eighteen months planning, fundraising and leading his project. You can see that his hard work ignited additional work being done there now. That work may not have been done if not for Cody’s project,” said Eckle’s Scoutmaster Kim Patterson. 4 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Fall 2014 Advancement Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: STEM Time Aspects in Completing the Eagle Scout Rank Application Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs. Section 9 of the Guide to Advancement describes the steps needed to complete and submit an Eagle Scout Rank Application. In topic 9.0.1.1, it says: “Confirm all requirements have been completed before the 18th birthday.” Then, later, in topic 9.0.1.4, it says to “Obtain Required Signatures” (referring to those of the unit leader and committee chair). Many interpret that these signatures must be obtained prior to the Scout’s 18th birthday. This is incorrect. The Eagle Scout Service Project is tough enough. Confusing paperwork shouldn’t make it even harder. Fortunately for aspirant Eagle Scouts — and the parents and Scouters supporting them — the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (No. 512-927) is regularly refreshed to make it easier to use and understand. From archery to welding, Scouts can’t help but enjoy the wide range of STEM-related activities. To support this initiative, the BSA developed the Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts. With the introduction of the new Nova and Supernova awards comes a fresh opportunity for volunteer positions. A Nova counselor can be any registered adult age 21 or older. They must be registered under the new non-unit position and no fee is required. The Nova counselor code is 58. Supernova mentors must be 21 or older and be subject matter experts in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field and be registered under the new Supernova Mentor position code 52. This is a non-unit position and requires no fee. In addition to the BSA Adult Registration form, mentors must complete the Supernova Awards Mentor Information application (http://www.scouting.org/filestore/stem/pdf/514-017_ WB.pdf) The requirements that must be completed before the Scout’s 18th birthday are requirements 1 through 6, which cover merit badges, service project, active participation, Scout spirit, position of responsibility, and unit leader conference. Nothing else needs to be completed prior to the 18th birthday, including the signatures of the Scout, unit leader, and committee chair. Specifically, the Guide to Advancement, topic 9.0.1.4, states: “There is no requirement that [these] signatures … must be dated before the Scout’s 18th birthday.” In fact, there is no BSA stipulation that the application itself must be submitted before his 18th birthday. Therefore, the same date-related “non-requirement” applies to the written responses from the Scout’s references (requirement 2). If any of these is received after his 18th birthday, there is no penalty to the Scout. Requirement 7, the board of review, may also be fulfilled after the 18th birthday. And now, as of January 1, 2014, (see 2014 edition, Boy Scout Requirements) the statement of ambitions and life purpose that Scouts attach to the application is part of requirement 7 and, thus, may be completed after the 18th birthday. pgh-nesa.org Remember: ‘Once An Eagle, Always An Eagle.” Fall 2014 The previous version of the workbook is no longer available, though Scouts who have already downloaded the previous workbook may continue to use it — even if their proposal hasn’t yet been approved. What changed? Nothing earth-shattering, just lots of subtle improvements. Here are the six key improvements: 1. All general information including the Message to Scouts and Parents or Guardians and the Excerpts and Summaries from the Guide to Advancement is now contained in the front of the workbook. 3. In some cases, functionality has been included to allow certain information from title pages and from the Contact Information page to auto-populate fields elsewhere in the workbook. Pittsburgh NESA Chapter Visit our table at the Eagle Recognition Dinner on November 17th in Pittsburgh. That latest upgrade came on May 20, 2014. Find the new workbook (and tons of other useful documents) on the BSA Advancement Resources page (http://www.scouting. org/advancement. aspx). 2. The Contact Information page is included with the proposal. Note the instructions at the top of the page which indicate that only information that is reasonably required needs to be included. All Nova counselors and Supernova mentors must have current BSA Youth Protection training and certification appropriate for the programs being administered (Cub and Boy Scout Y01, Venturing Y02). This training can be taken online at http://www.scouting. org/Training/Adult.aspx. Learn more and become an active member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Eagle Scout Association. 6 Improvements Certainly, everyone involved in advancement realizes that the chronology of a Scout’s path to the rank of Eagle Scout must occur in the right sequence. Thus, it is important to recognize that the order of some dates— especially those around the 18th birthday—are critical, and that others are not. With more than half of all Eagle Scouts completing their requirements during the three months before turning 18, it is incumbent upon us, who serve to support their efforts, to remember that no one is permitted to add extra requirements for any rank advancement, including that of Eagle Scout. 4. Some additional tables have been included (e. g. Other Needs) and functionality improved to allow certain fields to expand to accept additional text. Note in some cases, field expansion is not unlimited since only a reasonable amount of information is needed for those answers. 5. A project description and impact section has been added at the beginning of the project report. 6. The Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project – Information for Project Beneficiaries document has been added to the back of the workbook. It is intended that the Eagle Scout candidate will provide this document to their project beneficiary and discuss it with them when they approach the beneficiary with their project idea. Note that there is a box on the proposal for the beneficiary to indicate that they received a copy of the document. Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter 5 Advancement Internet Advancement Silver Beaver The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. Annually the Laurel Highlands Council presents the Silver Beaver Award to volunteers who have shown significant contribution to Scouting. The recipients are selected by a committee of district and council volunteers. Nominations must be submitted by December 31 of each year for inclusion in the January selection meeting. The completed nomination form should be submitted to Flag Plaza Scout Center to the attention of the Distinguished Awards Committee. Nomination forms can be found at http://www.scouting. org/filestore/pdf/512-103_WB.pdf District Award of Merit The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level. Traditionally this award is presented at the District Adult Leader recognition dinner in the spring of each year. Deadlines for nominations are determined by the individual districts and the selection process is done by a temporary special District Award of Merit committee appointed by the district chairman. The committee’s selections must be submitted to the Scout Executive for approval by a council committee. Nomination forms for the District Award of Merit are available at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33720. pdf Required January 1, 2015 All Scouting units are required to report the advancements earned by their members. Internet Advancement is for reporting Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Sea Scout ranks; Venturing advancement awards; Webelos activity badges; merit badges; and various other awards available in all BSA programs. Beginning January 1, 2015 all units will be required to submit their advancements using Internet Advancement. When Internet Advancement is used to comply with reporting responsibilities, it alleviates issues in documenting progress as Scouts submit Eagle applications or transfer from one unit to another within a council. Consistent and constant reporting also assures accurate records for use by commissioners, other district and council volunteers, and the National Council. These are critical in evaluating unit health, adjusting service delivery, and researching changes in programs and requirements. Additional information about Internet Advancement can be found at http://lhc-bsa.org Jamboree-on-the-Internet What: JOTI is an annual Scouting event that uses the Internet and the numerous devices that are used to get online — home computers, iPads and more — to link Scouts from around the world. When: Oct. 18 and 19, 2014 Features in Internet Advancement allow unit personnel to view past advancement reports submitted through the Internet Advancement system and to see the dates their leaders have taken Youth Protection training. Simple and intuitive, Internet Advancement works best from a faster Internet connection using Internet Explorer 6 or higher. Units can enter advancement at any time, print reports, obtain current rosters from the BSA system, and print order sheets for the Scout shop. Units select an advancement processor who is granted access with a council-provided unit ID. Once the unit processor sets up the unit profile, they may share this information with the Unit Leader, Committee Chairman and Chartered Organization Representative. It is recommended that units report advancement monthly. They must submit a final annual report each December. These reporting cycles are important because they support local and National Council data collection for the Journey to Excellence program as well as statistical analysis. Who: Scouts of any age! Because of documentation requirements, the Eagle Scout rank may not be entered through this system. Internet Advancement is accessed through http:// www.lhc-bsa.org/Program/Advancement/Internet%20 Advancement or from MyScouting.org. When first-time unit processors enter, they are greeted by a welcome page with instructions and invited to log in and accept a confidentiality agreement. Once they have provided some registration information, they move to an overview page with additional instructions. Returning users skip these steps and go directly to selecting members for advancement. Jamboree-on-the-Air Units may choose to use the data that is available on ScoutNet or upload advancement files generated from PackMaster©, TroopMaster©, or ScoutSoft© instead of manually entering information. Internet Advancement will load the unit’s roster and then allow upload of new advancement information. When manually entering ranks, you must enter each individual’s rank in proper sequence. Once everything is done and verified, an advancement report is printed, signed, and provided to the local council so awards can be purchased. Because entering rank advancement into Internet 6 Advancement and printing the system-generated Unit Advancement Reports typically occur sometime after boards of review are held, obtaining signatures on the report may not be practical. Therefore, after a board of review is held, it is permissible for board members to sign a completed copy of the Unit Advancement Report found at http://www.scouting.org/forms.aspx. This signed report may then be attached to the Internet Advancement– generated report and submitted to the council. How: Scouts can participate at home with the help of an adult (remember two-deep leadership!), or they can participate in a Scout group. JOTI is an economical way of communicating around the world. The event allows Scouts to “meet” other Scouts from around the world through the Internet and share more information than just “Hi.” Learn more: Get resources, quick-start guides, patch order forms and lots more at scouting.org/joti What: Annual Scouting event that uses amateur radio to link Scouts around the world, across the country and in your own community. When: Oct. 18 and 19, 2014 Who: Scouts of any age! How: Once at the ham radio station, the communication typically requires speaking into a microphone and listening on the station speakers. However, many forms of specialized communication can also take place, such as video communication, digital communication using typed words on the computer screen transmitted by radio, communication through a satellite relay or an earth-based relay (called a repeater), and many others. Learn more: Get resources, quick-start guides, patch order forms and lots more at scouting.org/jota Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Fall 2014 Policy for Mandatory Training Every Boy Deserves a Trained Leader Laurel Highlands Council has established a new policy for “Mandatory Training” for all leaders. The new policy is requiring mandatory training in “Four Phases” starting with Phase 1 in 2014. Youth Protection Mission Statement True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels. Phase I – Youth Protection Training Mandatory for 2014 Rechartering and New Leaders. Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers. Following the Journey to Excellence Performance Recognition Program form for your respective programs, all currently registered leaders must complete the required Youth Protection Training. Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of rechartering, the volunteer will not be reregistered with the Laurel Highlands Council, BSA. Training Training Dates NYLT: Twin Arrow Register Online at LHC-BSA.org/program/training LHC-BSA.org/Program Cub Scout Leader Specific: Saturday February 7th 9-4pm St. Catherines of Sweden, Allison Park $10 Includes Lunch Scoutmaster/Asst. Scoutmaster Specific: Saturday February 7th 9-4pm St. Catherines of Sweden, Allison Park $10 includes Lunch National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, actionpacked program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills: November 7-9 at Camp Guyasuta April 10-12 at Camp Twin Echo $35 for the weekend The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must BE, what he must KNOW, and what he must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership. Looking for Trainings in Your Area? Visit LHC-BSA.org and select ‘Calendar’ then choose ‘LHC Training’ from the dropdown menu. NYLT is a six-day course, June 21-27. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided by the use of memory aids, which allows participants to understand and employ the leadership skills much faster. New Leaders registering with any unit or district level positions starting in 2014: New leaders are required to complete the Youth Protection Training. The certificate of completion MUST accompany the new leader’s application form in order to be registered with any program area. You do not have to be a registered member or have a member ID to take Youth Protection training. To take Youth Protection training go to MyScouting. org and create an account. From the MyScouting.org portal, click on E-Learning and take the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, you may print a certificate of completion to submit with a volunteer application or submit the completion certificate to the unit leader for processing at the local council. When your volunteer application is approved, you will receive a BSA membership card which includes your member ID number. After you receive your membership card, log back into MyScouting, click on My Profile and update the system by inputting your member ID number. This will link your Youth Protection training records, and any other training, in MyScouting to your BSA membership. NOTE: Any and all online training will be accepted that the National Boy Scouts of America has provided. Required Training ---http://www.scouting.org/Training/ YouthProtection.aspx This is the first phase to the Mandatory Training Policy passed by LHC. Beginning in 2015 Phase 2 will begin. By December 1, 2015 all direct-contact leaders must be trained in their primary position. Fall 2014 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter 7 Membership & Popcorn Every School, Every Boy Using Facebook to Recruit The Best Popcorn Sale Ever! Everyone reading Scouts Honor has a vested interest and passion for Scouting. Tens of millions of adults use Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family members. During the past year, hundreds of adult volunteer Scout leaders joined Facebook and use it to keep connected with other leaders and parents. We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with Pecatonica River Popcorn for the 2014 sale. If you are on Facebook and have not used it to build a stronger Scouting community, here are 10 ways you can do so: •Show your friends you’re involved in Scouting •Share the fun you’ve had during Scouting activities •Promote planned Scouting activities •Post photographs of fun Scouting activities •Talk about your satisfaction with Scouting in your unit, training courses, camps or other programs •Join Facebook groups in your community and spread the word about Scouting. For example, join your elementary school’s Facebook page and promote School Night to Join Scouting and other events •Promote your School Night to Join Scouting date •Share your School Night to Join Scouting success stories and how youth and adults can still sign up if they missed the event •Shine the spotlight on your new Tiger Cub dens, parents who will lead the dens and how they’re getting started •Educate and encourage new parents and leaders to visit Scouting websites and subscribe to e-newsletters. Learn more at PRPopcorn.com Become one of the fans of the Laurel Highlands Council and the Boy Scouts of America on Facebook. • Over 70% Goes Back to Local Scouting How You Can Help Recruit Timeline: How You Can Help Get New Youth in Scouting: Every Scout, Family and Adult Volunteer has a potential role in recruiting more boys to participate in Scouting. -Orders Due Online by 11:59pm October 22nd Whether it is as a Scout, a parent or a volunteer leader, Scouting is something every one of us values and our goal this fall is to make sure we invite every boy in every school in every community we serve to join Scouting. Our goal this fall is to recruit over 6,000 new youth members to join Scouting across our council. Here are some details on the major component of our plan to do this in September and October: PLAN: 1. Designate one night (School Night) in each elementary school in the Laurel Highlands Council and invite prospective boy members and their parents to attend a special meeting at the school in their neighborhood or community. 2. A School Coordinator will be appointed for each school to be in charge of the School Night program. 3. Leaders of Cub Scout packs in each school district will be asked to be present to participate in the program. PROMOTION: Attractive posters will be provided for school bulletin boards. Printed invitations will be provided and distributed to all prospects in each school. Classroom visits will be held in every school to personally invite new boys to join. Units are encouraged to help promote Scouting in their community via local papers, school newsletters, school open houses and other means. Here are a few ideas of how you can help: PROGRAM: The School Coordinator for each school will be in charge of the following program: 1. Attendance cards will be filled out by parents as they arrive. 2. Scouting information, including what is Scouting parental responsibility, and how to enroll, will be presented to those attending. 3. Membership committee personnel will be on hand to take care of those prospects who cannot be enrolled in existing units by organizing new packs. 4. Training courses will be conducted for new volunteers of District Membership Committee. •Volunteer as a School Night Coordinator •Help at your School’s Sign-up Night •Promote Scouting to your friends in person, via e-mail, via social networking like Instagram, Facebook or Twitter •Put a Join Cub Scout Yard Sign in your yard •Encourage your son to invite his friends to the next Pack or Troop meeting or big unit event •Volunteer as a leader in your Pack or Troop •Write an article about a big Scouting event your Unit did and send it to the local paper •Make sure your unit’s BeAScout.org pin is up to date •Promote Scouting at your school’s PTA or PTO meetings and events Pecatonica River Popcorn offers unmatched popcorn flavors with fantastic packaging (including tins). Our fall line-up will include all of the classic flavors along with some unbelievable chocolate and cheese flavors. • Tins are Back! • New Incentives & Prize Program! • Great gourmet flavors, true premium products. • Online selling -Last day to return show-n-sell popcorn October 22nd -Take Order Popcorn Pick-Up: Week of Nov 3rd by Area -All Money Due No Later Than Monday November 24th More Details online at: LHC-BSA.org/popcorn FOLLOW-UP: Unit leaders will submit applications to the School Coordinator that night. The Organizer and/or the membership committee will organize new units as necessary. School Coordinator, as part of his/her report, will turn in attendance cards. 8 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Fall 2014 Order of the Arrow From the Lodge Adviser Message from our Lodge Chief The Order of the Arrow is nearing its 100th Anniversary in 2015. This is an exciting year to be an Arrowman. The Lodge is working on several projects to celebrate this milestone. You will see announcements on ArrowTour (a rolling OA museum that will visit our council next summer), the Arrowman Service Award, and NOAC. Brothers, Soon upon us our Centennial year will be here and be in full swing. There will be many great adventures and opportunities to be had. For instance we will be looking to set a world record at our Conclave just by signing a sash. Also just like every other year there will be opportunity for all youth between ages 16 to 21 to participate. One of the 100th Anniversary celebration events is the History Project that has asked all lodges to prepare a record of their history. I ask that should any of you have information on any Lodge that preceded Allohak Menewi to please send me that information. I’m not sure what I may get, but you can send information to me at [email protected]. We have had many great successes in the past and I expect to have many in our future years. Being able to participate is a once in a life time chance to go experience 2 weeks with nature and none of your daily worries is truly amazing, and life changing. I was able to experience it this summer up at Canada Odyssey, and if you have any questions feel free to ask me. In addition don’t forget about NOAC 2015 which is shaping up to be a great event. I am planning to attend and receive my red sash. I invite you all to come to a Lodge weekend and celebrate our history. Come to support your unit’s Ordeal candidates as they take their ordeals to join our Brotherhood; or come and support our council camps with cheerful service. I also ask all of you to consider what you can do for your unit, a local cub pack, your district and the Council. We have so much to offer through the service we provide, the opportunities to learn and have a good bit of fun along the way. I have made many friends through Scouting and the OA and look forward to meeting many of you at our 2014-2015 events. Remember, if we do not have your “CORRECT” email address, we cannot hope to do an effective job of communicating with you. If you suspect we do not have your email or your email has changed, send an email to Neil Morton at [email protected] so we can get the correct email into our Lodgemaster database. You can also follow us on Facebook if you desire. Just join the Allohak Menewi group. Yours in Cheerful Service, Evan Erickson 2014 Lodge Officers and Advisers Lodge Chief: Adam Kokus Executive Vice Chief: Nick Gindele Vice Chief of Program: Aaron Blair Vice Chief of Administration: Adam Hoffman Secretary: Bobby Thompson With all the National and Section events please don’t overlook our Lodge events such as Winterfest, Puma Games, Banquet and Ordeal weekends. They are going to be some great events with some new twists for our Centennial year. I can’t wait and will look forward to seeing everyone there. Chapter Advisers Monongahela South: James Gallagher Nischa Nimat: Chris Sokiera Mohican: Francis Laffey, Jr. Chartiers Creek: Craig Zender Nimat Wachtschu: George Kokus Ahtuhquog: Jon Schadt Yours in Brotherhood, Adam Kokus Dance & Drum Team 100 Anniversary 2015 NOAC The National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) is the premier event of the Order of the Arrow, and is Scouting’s second-largest national event. Over 10,000 Arrowmen from across our nation gather for an inspirational and unforgettable experience full of fellowship, training, adventure, and fun! During NOAC, Arrowmen will participate in a six-day conference which includes top notch training sessions, cool recreational opportunities, evening shows full of theatrics and special effects, and exciting programs. Arrowmen attending the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference will get a once in a lifetime souvenir, a special edition red sash The 2015 NOAC will be held from August 3-8, 2015 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. Lodge members will travel to NOAC on air conditioned busses. The lodge plans to take at least 150 members to NOAC. In the coming months you will find everything you need to know about NOAC 2015, how to go, what exciting opportunities await you, and the plans for the conference. Follow us on Facebook at http://www. facebook.com/oabsa/ to stay up to date with information and announcements. Allohak Menewi - Lodge Calendar Sep 26-28 Ordeal/Brotherhood Weekend (Chapter 2 Host) at Heritage Reservation Oct 17-19 Ordeal/Brotherhood Weekend (Chapter 4 Host) at Camp Anawanna Nov 9 Lodge Banquet, Stratigos Banquet Center at North Huntingdon Dec 12-13 Lodge Planning Meeting at Camp Twin Echo Working together in Brotherhood of Friendly Service helps build bonds that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss these opportunities to join in fellowship, help our Council and build our Lodge. Fall 2014 Lodge Leadership I would like to invite all of you to join our Lodge’s newly established Dance and Drum team! Many of you might be saying “I can’t dance” or “I don’t dance”. Most of our current members have had little to no dance experience in the past, and now, after some instruction from some of the best dancers and craftsmen in the area, they love dancing, and are great dancers! Dancing is a representation of personal joy, and this shows in great dancers. Even if you are not an OA member, but you are still interested, please visit http://tinyurl.com/AM57AIA and fill out the form with your email address, so that I can keep you updated on all our trips, meetings, and performances! Yours in Service, Robbie Cortese, Dance and Drum Chairman Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/OA57DrumAndDance/ Follow us on Vine: OA57 Drum and Dance Have You Paid Your 2014 Lodge Dues? The Lodge has over 1,400 brothers, but there are an additional 500 that have not paid their 2014 dues. Should you be one of those who hasn’t paid yet, please do so soon and support the membership committee. Encourage others in your troop or that you know, to register now. It’s easy to get current with your dues online at www.lodge57.org Dues are $15 for the year and supports the lodge and the council. Remember, if you do not pay your dues, you are not an active member of the OA and as such you are not entitled to wear an OA flap on your uniform or the OA sash. Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter 9 Development Unit Coordinators Unit Friends of Scouting Coordinators provide the vital link between the unit and the District’s FOS presentation team. Unit Coordinators are selected from the unit by the Committee Chairman, along with the District’s Family FOS Chair, and Service Executive. The Unit Coordinators work with the families in the unit to prepare them for the upcoming presentation, so that they are aware of when it is happening and have taken some time to think about a pledge prior to the presentation. Additionally, Unit Coordinators work with the FOS Presentation team to schedule the presentation at an event where most of the unit families are in attendance, such as a Blue and Gold Banquet or Court of Honor. The Unit Coordinator also ensures that any physical arrangement items that the presenter may need are arranged, such as a microphone, or video equipment. Unit Coordinators assist in tracking those in attendance, and following up with those who did not attend to ensure that each family has had the opportunity to make a contribution to the Campaign. The Laurel Highlands Council proudly announces that we have achieved our Council’s goal in the 2014 Family Friends of Scouting Campaign! Family FOS is the Council’s annual appeal to the families, alumni and volunteers within the Scouting program. Over $285,000 was raised through the efforts of the volunteers and staff to support this year’s campaign. Congratulations to the leadership in the following districts who achieved their Family FOS Campaign goal: Chestnut Ridge, Chief Logan, Forbes Trail, Frontier, Mingo Trails, Potomac, and Steel City. IN MEMORY OF JIM THOMAS Eric Obergfell IN MEMORY OF ROBERT WHITE Blackridge Garden Club Betty Carlson IN MEMORY OF HARRY MCFARLAND Chestnut Ridge Scouters IN MEMORY OF BEN TRESSELT, JR. Fort Bedford Scouters IN HONOR OF RUDY KARAS Jenn & Michelle IN HONOR OF CLARENCE SMOYER David Henry Memorials & Tributes A gift to our council’s memorial/tribute fund is a thoughtful way to express respect, gratitude, and sincere affection. Your gift honoring a loved one, friend or others in times of sadness or joy will enrich the lives of the thousands of youth served by our council. There are many occasions for you to use the memorial/ tribute fund. Here are a few examples: • Birthdays • Anniversaries • Loss of a loved one • Graduations • Marriages • Public service awards • Silver Beaver recognition • District Award of Merit recognition • Wood Badge recognition • Scouting veteran awards • Eagle Scout achievement • Unit leader recognitions The Staff of the Laurel Highlands Council is busy preparing the supporting information for the 2015 Campaign. Support through the Family FOS Campaign helps our Council to: * Recruit and train youth and leaders * Provide assistance to those in need * Keep our camps and activities affordable * Enhance programs and facilities * Provide communication tools for volunteer leaders Your unit can be ahead of the game by following these simple steps: 1. Select and recruit a Unit FOS Coordinator. 2. Select the date, time and location for your FOS presentation. Look at your Unit’s Program calendar and select the event that works best for your unit. Share your presentation information with the District Family FOS Team. 3. Have your Unit FOS Coordinator participate in one of the training sessions held within the district. 10 IN MEMORY OF PETER PROKOPCHUK, SR. Families of Gary, David, Diane (Stipcak) and Mark Zuchelli As the fall recruiting season gets into full swing, please know that your support helps us to grow Scouting and provide the character and life skills to help youth develop into adults. Family FOS 2015 5. Follow up with those not in attendance. IN MEMORY OF RUDOLPH KARAS Friends at Ultimate Ales and Brushy Mountain Additionally, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the families, alumni and volunteers who have made their 2014 Family FOS Campaign contribution. Through your generosity, the Laurel Highlands Council is able to deliver the promise of Scouting to young people throughout our communities. If you have not had the opportunity to make your 2014 Family FOS pledge, please contact your local Scouting professional, or visit our website at www.lhc-bsa.org and click the “Donate Now” link. For more information on becoming a Unit FOS Coordinator, please contact your District Family FOS Chairman, or Service Executive. 4. Have the presentation. Memorials and Tributes Friends of Scouting- Thank You! Family Friends of Scouting Spotlight Pittsburgh Scout Shop Workshops To make a tribute or memorial, please visit: www.lhc-bsa.org/Finance.aspx Call for More Info Boy Scouts: October 16 (6pm-8pm) Salesmanship Merit Badge November 20 (6pm-8pm) Entrepreneurship Merit Badge Cubs Scouts: Marbles Belt Loop- Date Pending Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Ebensburg Scout Store 201 W. High Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931 (814) 471-1090 Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30pm Cumberland Scout Store 14416 McMullen Hwy SW Cumberland, MD 21502 (301) 729-1300 Mon-Fri 12:00-6:00pm Fall 2014 Area 1 Conestoga, Greene, Mon Valley, and Steel City Jake Kraus - Field Director [email protected] (412) 325-7926 Andy Shissler - Service Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7976 Laura Wilkins - Program Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7965 Area 2 Beaver Valley and Seneca Tracey Burkey - Assistant Director of Field Service [email protected] (412) 325-7995 Brooke Parker - Service Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7978 Clay Shumway - Service Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7975 Area 3 Japeechen and Lackawanna Tracey Burkey - Assistant Director of Field Service [email protected] (412) 325-7995 Area 4 Frontier and Mingo Trails Ryan Geraghty - District Director [email protected] (412) 325-7969 Amanda Smith - Service Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7974 Brandi Butler - Service Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7968 Steve DiMiceli - Program Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7969 Area 5 Area 6 Executive Staff Chestnut Ridge, Chief Logan, Keystone, Forbes Trail, Fort Bedford Michael Morrell - Field Director [email protected] (814) 471-1090 x7107 Kurt Roberts - District Director [email protected] (814) 471-1090 x7111 Ethan Kuhn - District Executive [email protected] (814) 471-1090 Jim Douglas - Field Director [email protected] (814) 471-1090 x7110 Trailblazer, Scoutreach, Venturing, and Learning for Life Jim Orr - District Executive [email protected] (814) 471-1090 x7108 Jason Flowers - Field Director [email protected] (412) 325-7972 Area 7 Darnell Bonner - Service Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7967 Marilyn Brown - District Director [email protected] (310) 729-1300 Darla DiGiovanni - Director of Special Needs Scouting [email protected] (412) 325-7973 Michael Kane - Program Exec [email protected] (310) 729-1300 Potomac Bob Zelleznick - Service Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7973 Jeanne Smith - Program Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7970 Fall 2014 Sharon Moulds Scout Executive / CEO [email protected] (412) 325-7979 Joe Milharcic Director of Field Service [email protected] (412) 325-7930 Council Program Bill Park Director of Program [email protected] (412) 325-7920 Charlie Huse Systems & Information Director [email protected] (412) 325-7950 Tim McClure Camping Director [email protected] (412) 325-7914 Dan Lindh Program Director [email protected] (412) 325-7925 Council Development Amy Franz Director of Development [email protected] (412) 325-7910 Michele Brenneman Development Director [email protected] (814) 471-1090 x7109 Brian Dwyer - Service Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7966 Alahna Bell - Service Exec [email protected] (412) 325-7963 Council Administration Below: Scouts participate in the Seventh Annual Potomac District ‘Whitewater FundRacer’ held at Adventure Sports Center International, in Deep Creek Maryland. The event was held Sunday September 7th with over 80 Scouts in attendance. Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Naudain Radcliff - Development Director [email protected] (412) 325-7976 Council Coordinated Meeting: Saturday October 25th Gateway High School, Monroeville, PA 11 12 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Fall 2014