April Smoke Signals 2014 - Muskingum Valley Council, BSA

Smoke Signals
Muskingum Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America,
www.muskingumvalleycouncil.org www.mvcbsa.org
April 2014 EDITION Anyone wishing to receive this newsletter monthly should send their email address to:
[email protected]
Tell your Scouting Story! Have you had an exciting event lately? A great camping trip, or a pinewood derby? Make sure
you have someone taking pictures and sending them to the local paper. Better yet, call them and invite them to cover
your next event. Be sure to send us links to the news coverage so we can share it with the rest of our Scouting family.
Don’t forget to send us your photos as well – we’ll share them on Face Book and our website.
"LIFE AFFORDS NO GREATER RESPONSIBILITY, NO GREATER PRIVILEGE, THAN
THE RAISING OF THE NEXT GENERATION."
C. EVERETT KOOP, Former US Surgeon General
Scouting is an amazing example of the goodness of people and the power of service. In the
Muskingum Valley Council, 3000 youth enjoy incredible growth experiences all thanks to the efforts of
volunteers. The local council serves as the ‘back office’ supporting these volunteers, but it’s the
volunteers who deliver the program. These are busy people, with the same amount of time as
everyone else, yet they sacrifice a portion of their time to help young people grow. Volunteering is
not a simple task and these local heroes deserve to be honored and appreciated.
Because Scouting has been such an integral part of American life for over 100 years we now seem to
take for granted the incredible gift of service provided by Scouting volunteers. By taking for granted
their contribution of time, talent and treasure, we minimize the importance of what they do. As we
minimize the importance of the Scouting volunteer, we find it harder and harder to recruit new
volunteers.
It is time to take the job more seriously. Scouting volunteers play a critical role in the growth and
development of the youth they serve. Study after study confirms the positive outcomes for Scouting
participants. The job is important and rewarding, and there are many benefits; volunteers are more
actively engaged with their children in the program, they strengthen their planning and leadership
skills, and, serving as such a visible example of Scouting values compels them to work harder to live
those values.
When we invite a parent or local person to serve in Scouting, we are offering them a great
opportunity. They should be honored that they are being asked. Your unit committee should discuss
the volunteer opportunities available in your unit and keep a list of prospects. As a leader moves on,
the committee should ‘select’ and recruit the best candidate. Don’t take this responsibility lightly –
your children deserve the best!
‘Like’ us on Face Book: Muskingum Valley Council
Stay in the conversation and be up-to-date on Scouting in
your council. We post updates, changes, and photo’s to keep
Scouting volunteers and families informed.
Saturday, May 10th, 10am – Noon
The council is hosting a program planning seminar open to all Scouting volunteers, interested parents,
and Senior Patrol leaders. At the event, we’ll distribute the new Council calendar for the 2014-2015
program year. We’ll also have program planning charts and program notebooks for each unit. You’ll
receive great tips on planning a great year of Scouting, creating a budget to fund the year’s activities,
and communicating the plan. Participants will receive electronic templates for creating a unit
calendar, budget, and newsletter. This is also your opportunity to speak directly to a number of
organizations that provide excellent programs for Scouts. We have already confirmed: The Columbus
Zoo, The Works, Deerassic Park, LaserQuest, Mohican Wilderness, The Columbus Blue Jackets,
McDonalds Greenhouse, and The Wilds. Each will have information on the activities, discounts, and
programs available for your Scouts.
Let’s get Cooking!
See you at the North Terrace Church of Christ on Saturday, May 10th!
Have you considered a unit annual report?
Each year the council publishes an annual report detailing the accomplishments of the prior year. The
annual report is a great tool to share with potential donors, community leaders and volunteers. It
provides a lot of information in a small, readable package. A unit annual report could be helpful in the
same way. Present it to your local school principle, community leaders, and parents of eligible youth.
What a great way to show them how active and involved your unit has been. The council has
prepared some simple templates for your use. Fill in the blanks, or change the format, whatever you
prefer. These templates are available on the council web site under the ‘Forms’ tab. Then, take a few
Scouts with you to present the annual report to the principal, the Mayor or anyone else who cares
about youth!
Front Side
Reverse
CAMP CARDS: Sign your unit up today to sell Camp Cards!
NEW VENDOR
HIGHER QUALITY DEALS
PERFORATED CARDS
NEW LOWER PRICE
NEW STYLE CARDS
EASIER TO SELL
WHAT IS A CAMP CARD? –
A Camp Card is a discount card that provides the purchasers numerous discounts to restaurants and
retailers. Each card is sold for $5.00. The deals on the card far exceed the amount. Scouts are
encouraged to sell as many as they can. Your Unit will earn 40% ($2.00 per card) of all sales!
WHY IS IT CALLED THE CAMP CARD? –
Many units will use the Camp Card program as a way for a Scout to earn his own way to Summer
Camp, Day Camp, or Cub Scout Resident Camp. The Camp Card may also be used by a unit to help
offset fees for a unit trip, or many other activities.
WHAT MAKES THE CAMP CARD BETTER THAN OTHER FUNDRAISERS? –
There is no risk to your unit. Simply request the number of cards your unit intends to sell. Once your
unit has the 2014 Camp Cards you will issue them to your Scouts one bundle at a time, which is 10
cards or $50 worth of cards. At the end of the sale your unit will return all unsold cards and $3.00 per
card sold to the Council Office. Your unit retains its portion (40%) of money collected.
HOW LONG IS THE SALE? –
The 2014 Camp Card sale will run from March 6, 2014 – May 30, 2014.
WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S CAMP CARD BETTER THAN LAST YEARS? –
The Muskingum Valley Council wanted to produce the best possible Camp Card with the most value,
and in turn make your sales easier. To make this happen we have partnered with a new company,
who has experience working with other Boy Scout Councils, is known for being timely, and has
experience securing quality vendors
WHY DO CUSTOMERS SUPPORT THE CAMP CARD PROGRAM? –
They are supporting a Scout earning his way to camp. Most people relate Scouting with camping.
Second, it has a great price point at $5, which makes it very easy to support. The value of the card is
worth much more than the $5.
WHAT VENDORS ARE ON THE CARD?Buffalo Wild Wings
Dunhams
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Monro Muffler/Brake
Woodbury Outfitters
Cleveland Cavaliers
PetCareRx.com
Hertz Car Rental
Lake Erie Monsters
1-800 Flowers
Wendy’s
Papa John’s
Dunkin Donuts
CheapO Air
Friendly’s
JoAnn Fabric
Childrens Place
Harry & David
Executive Board
Zane Trace
Forest Trails
Arrowhead
Council Total
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90% 100%
Goal
Progress
Arrowhead
$35,000
$9,554
27%
Forest Trails
$13,000
$9,544
73%
Zane Trace
$27,000
$9,023
33%
$50,000
$125,000
$18,296
$46,417
37%
37%
Executive Board
Total
Thank you to our many, many great Friends of Scouting. Your generosity will help us to make this an
awesome year for Scouting. Donations by parents, grandparents, businesses, and community leaders
are statements of confidence in our local Scouting programs, and an investment in our local youth.
Those units that have not yet scheduled their Friends of Scouting presentation are encouraged to get
one scheduled soon. Join us in offering parents the opportunity to invest in their child’s future. It
does not take much to have a significant impact especially if everyone chips in. Special thanks to the
following units who have conducted their Friends of Scouting campaign:
Arrowhead District:
Packs: 339, 344, 350, 402, 403, 409,
424, 427 Troops: 339, 340, 344, 382,
402, 412, 419 Crews: 447
Forest Trails District:
Packs: 500, 510, 533, 547, 550, 564,
584, 620
Troops: 501, 508, 510, 548, 550, 565
Zane Trace District: (24 of 41 Units)
Packs: 98, 100, 104, 121, 132, 137,
164, 197, 257, 260 Troops: 104, 121,
128, 132, 158, 164, 174, 184, 197, 257
Teams: 104, 184 Crews: 104, 184
Earn the Religious Emblem of your Faith:
Would you like your Scout to earn their religious emblem of faith? We have scheduled a jump-start
session for both Zanesville and Coshocton. This 90 minute session will get you and your Scout a fast
start toward earning their award.
A parent and Scout attend the session together. There is a brief orientation to the Emblems of faith
program, and then you’ll get started on the award appropriate for your Scout. The jump-start sessions
are scheduled as follows:
Zanesville – Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 PM
Coshocton – Thursday, May 15, 6:30 PM
Please contact the Scouting Service Center at 740-453-0571 to reserve a spot for your Scout.
Additional Details will be available in next month’s newsletter.
POPCORN POPPER IS MISSING:
One of the council’s popcorn machines is missing. It was borrowed and the
borrower evidently forgot to return it. It has a blue top and bottom. If you know
where it is, please let us know so that it can be returned to us before we start
promoting the next sale.
ARE YOU AN EAGLE SCOUT?
The Muskingum Valley Chapter of NESA (National Eagle Scout Association)
meets monthly and offers a great opportunity to make a positive impact using
the skills you learned to obtain your Eagle, primarily leadership skills. We
would like to invite Eagle Scouts to be liaisons in their district to welcome new
Eagles as they are awarded their Eagle Rank and to promote NESA committee
goals. The committee is currently working toward a council scholarship and
awarding NESA memberships to new Eagle Scouts. Email us with subject ‘Eagle
Scout’ and your contact info to be contacted by a NESA member on how you
can help: [email protected]
Our meetings are held at the Council Service Center starting at 7:00 pm. Please join us and give back
the same service that was given you. We look forward to seeing you there!
April 15
May 27
NESA Committee Patch Trade-O-Ree: Scout Patches, OA Patches, & Scout Memorabilia
WHEN: April 11-12, 2014
WHERE: The Fieldhouse, 300 Sunrise Center Dr, Zanesville, OH
COST: $20 for Center Table; $25 for Wall Table; 30-50 Tables (Approximately)
ADMISSION: $2.00 for Adults, $1.00 for Youth (Free if in uniform)
HOURS: Friday- Noon set up: Open 1pm – 10pm; Saturday – 8am – 4pm
We will hold a Collections Merit Badge class for youth at 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 12. Special patches will be
offered to benefit Muskingum Valley Council Scholarship Fund
For more information contact: Carl Church
Mel Ruby
Jay Lockard
740-617-7564 614-578-0257 740-453-0571
Summer Camps
FOR ALL YOUR SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION VISIT: HTTP://WWW.MUSKINGUMVALLEYCOUNCIL.COM/CAMPING/
CAMPERSHIPS: Camperships for Muskingum Valley Council Scouts are now available. Applications are due
April 26th. Forms are available online and at the Council Service Center.
http://www.muskingumvalleycouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-Campership-Form2.pdf
CUB SCOUT SHOOT-O-REE:
May 31st will be Muskingum Valley Council’s second annual Shoot-oRee! At this great event Cub Scouts may take the opportunity to shoot
BB guns at still targets and a moving gallery, field archery, Deerassic
inflatable archery, sling shots, rock throwing, water bottle rockets,
paintball, and catapults. The event starts at 10 am and lasts until 2
pm, cost is $10 per family, lunch is included and the Scout(s) will
receive a patch! We urge Packs to take this opportunity and use it as a
Pack family campout, site costs are eliminated for the weekend but
each Pack must turn in a Camp use form which can be found and
printed off here.
CUB SCOUT DAY CAMPS- KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE:
Day Camp is held at various locations throughout the council. This Year’s theme is Knights
of the Round Table. During Day Camp, the scout arrives and goes home on a daily
basis. Activities include Archery, BB, Field Sports/Games, Crafts, Swimming, and lots more
fun (depending on location). If you would like someone to come to one of your Pack
meetings (DRESSED AS A KNIGHT OR A MEDIEVAL LADY) to promote day camp to your
Scouts, please contact Jeff Pickett at the Council Service Center and he will help arrange it.
Early Bird Fee is $50 for the 5 day event if registered by each camp’s specific deadline. Fee increases to $60 if
paid after the deadline and to $70 the day of camp.
Forest Trails: June 9 – 12 (4 days) - Deerassic Park, Cambridge
Zane Trace: June 16-20 - Shelly & Sands, Zanesville
Knox County Twilight Camp: July 8-12
Coshocton County Day Camp: August 4 -8 – MVSR
Camp fees due May 16th
Camp fees due May 23rd
Camp fees due June 13th
Camp fees due July 11th
CUB SCOUT RESIDENT CAMP: JULY 24TH – 27TH
A new camp set-up for 2014! The “Family Camping” component for siblings is no longer available for this camp.
It has been moved to the Cub Scout Fall Campout in October. This camp combines the programming of
Adventure Camp, and WEBELOS Resident Camp, into one extended weekend. Cub Scout Resident camp will run
from Thursday afternoon on the 24th through noon on the 27th. Fee: $100 (due June 27th / $125 after June
27th / $150 day of camp). This camp is open to Wolves, Bears, and WEBELOS only. Your Cub Scout will roll-over
and enter his new Den effective June 1st. This camp will be advancement-based, and FUN! Not to mention a
GREAT way for your Scout to begin working on his new Rank. This camp offers three nights of camping and fun
activities for your Scouts, and plenty of advancement opportunities as well. Click here for more information.
***Blue and Gold Placemats are available (free of charge) to help promote Day Camp and Cub Scout Resident Camp.
Please call the office and place your order ***
BOY SCOUT RESIDENT CAMP
“Kickin’ It Old School” is the theme for MVSR 2014. Come spend part
of your summer at our NCAP Accredited Camp, with our awesome
Staff, all while having tons of fun with our full programming (including
our NETAMI, First Class, S.T.E.M. , and High Adventure programs, just
to name a few). Don’t miss out on MVSR 2014; meeting your Scouts’
adventure and advancement needs since 1968! Space is limited!
Contact Camp Director Rev. Tim Lehman – 937-692-6576, to check on
availability.
Staff Week:
June 8-14
Week One:
June 15-21
Week Two:
June 22-28
LDS Week:
June 30 – July-5
Week Four:
July 6-12
Week Five:
July 13-19
BOY SCOUT SUMMER CAMP T-SHIRT ONLINE ORDERING
2014 MVSR Summer Camp
“Kickin’ It Old School” T-shirts
are
available
online
only.
Customize your unit’s t-shirt
with your unit type (Troop,
Team, or Crew) and number!
Orders must be placed before
May 9th, 2014. Information will
be distributed at the March 8th
Camp Leader Meeting.
HTTP://WWW.YOUTHMARKETING.US/CLASSB/UNITORDERS/COUNCILSPLASH.PHP?ORDERNUMBER=W104790
Training News
Follow this link for Boy Scout and Cub Scout Leader Trainings: http://muskingumvalleycouncil.com/training/
TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE
The Council and District Training Committees are ready to assist and guide you with all the hard questions like:
How do I use this Leader’s Meeting Program Guide?
What is the difference between a Pack/Troop Meeting and a Committee Meeting?
The book says to promote a Boy Led Troop but how do I do that? What is this Patrol Leaders Council
thing anyways?
All of these answers and more await you at Training events. If you are not sure what trainings you or your unit
needs then that answer is just a phone call away. Kevin Burch and his team await your call. (740) 674-6510. If
you are unable to make any of the below, especially the Cub Specific and Boy Scout indoor trainings, give your
District Executive a call to see what can be done to get you and your fellow leaders trained..
ARROWHEAD
DISTRICT TRAINING CHAIRS
FOREST TRAILS
ZANE TRACE
Kristy Huffman
(740) 454-4455
Brent Jones
(740) 319-5553
CUB SCOUT TRAININGS (see website for more details):
Cub Leader Specific: If you are interested in getting training, please contact the District Training Chair
above or Kevin Burch the Council Training Chair. These individuals are committed to preparing you for
anything that may come your way!
Position Specific Training (Den Leaders, Cubmaster, Pack Committee)
 Please complete the Basic courses AND Youth Protection found online at
www.myscouting.org.
BALOO Training- April 12th – MVSR
 Cost is $10 and includes Lunch and a manual.
 Please complete the Basic courses AND Youth Protection found online at
www.myscouting.org.
OWL Training- April 12th – 13th – MVSR
 Cost is $15 and includes meals and a manual.
 Please complete the Basic courses AND Youth Protection found online at
www.myscouting.org.
http://www.muskingumvalleycouncil.com/training/cub-scout-leader-training-opportunities/
Formatted: Font: 14 pt, Bold, Font color:
Custom Color(RGB(0,102,0)), All caps
BOY SCOUT TRAININGS (see website for more details):
SCOUTMASTER SPECIFICS (OUTDOOR) – APRIL 11TH – 13TH, MVSR
http://www.muskingumvalleycouncil.com/training/boy-scout-leader-training/


Cost is $25 and includes meals.
It is suggested that the indoor session is completed prior to taking this course.
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2014:
THE premier youth leadership training course! NYLT is returning to MVSR on August 3rd – 8th. Cost is
$175, including a $50 deposit submitted with application. Chip Udischas
will, once again serve as the Course Director (Scoutmaster) for this
awesome training event. The program has room for only 48 Participants!
Each participant must be at least 13 years of age and a First Class Scout or
registered Venture Scout by August 2nd, 2013. The Unit Leader must first
approve the Scout’s application. Application available at:
http://www.muskingumvalleycouncil.com/training/nylt-national-youth-leadership-training/
The NYLT staff is eager to make a presentation to your Troop or Crew! Please call Chip Udischas at
(740) 502-3830 to schedule a presentation and hear what NYLT is all about!
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2014 WOOD BADGE TRAINING COURSE:
Wood Badge is an advanced leadership course for ALL Scout Leaders.
Many believe that Wood Badge is only for Boy Scout Leaders, but that
could not be farther from the truth. Cub Scout Leaders and Venturing
Leaders are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Companies use Wood Badge to train their employees because it focuses
on team work and going above the call. This program is built upon five
central themes: Living the Values, Bringing the Vision to Life, Models for Success, Tools of the Trade,
and Leading to Make a Difference. The course goes farther than other training courses because it
challenges you directly to take what you learned and put it into practice and earn the elements of a
Wood Badge graduate. If you talk to anyone that has taken the course you will receive positive
comments about the methods and understand that it is more than worthwhile.
Dates: August 22-24, 2014 and September 26-28, 2014. Early Bird fee is $220 if received
before June 1, 2014. There are limited scholarships available, please contact the office
for more details. Please consider participating in this great experience.
Karen Richeson will serve as Course Director. Click here for all the details and the
registration form: http://www.muskingumvalleycouncil.com/training/wood-badge-training/
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Order of the Arrow
NETAWATWEES LODGE #424, A GOLD JTE LODGE!
For all OA info (lodge/chapter meeting info, officer info, membership requirements, and lodge calendar, click link below)
http://muskingumvalleycouncil.com/order-of-the-arrow/
DUES: Please remember to pay your OA Membership Dues for 2014 of $10.00. They can be paid at the
Council Office or any lodge event. Please visit the link above and complete the Dues Form.
NEW!!! LODGE TRAIL DAYS: April 12, May 3, August 2, September 20
Netawatwees Lodge has asked to take on the responsibility of the perimeter trail. We have set up 4
Saturdays (two fall on the Spring and Fall Ordeals) in 2014 where Members may participate in trail
maintenance and RECEIVE A UNIQUE PATCH EACH WORK DAY YOU PARTICIPATE. Lunch will be
provided; event starts at 9:00 AM.
LODGE SPRING ORDEAL AND FELLOWSHIP WEEKEND: MAY 2-4, 2014 at MVSR
Cost is $40 if you are a Candidate taking your Ordeal, $25 if you are an Ordeal Member taking your
Brotherhood, and $10 for a Member to participate for the weekend. Follow this link for more
information: http://www.muskingumvalleycouncil.com/order-of-the-arrow/spring-ordeal-fellowship/
RD
***NEEDED: GAS-POWERED AUGERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE CHAPEL PROJECT ON MAY 3 ***
ATTENTION NEW ORDEAL MEMBERS: Welcome to the Order of the Arrow! You are now a member of
the Order, and can attend any Lodge or Chapter event. If you are interested in getting involved, and
becoming more active, see the Chapter Meetings article below. 10 months from your Ordeal date, you
are eligible to take your Brotherhood. Brotherhood is offered at the May Ordeal/Fellowship and each
week of summer camp at MVSR.
CHAPTER MEETINGS: Any Scout wishing to get more involved in the Order may attend their local
Chapter or Lodge meetings. From Officers, to Ceremonies, event planning, camp promotion, and much
more, the Lodge and Chapters need your help in making all these possible. Visit the link for more
information: http://www.muskingumvalleycouncil.com/order-of-the-arrow/chapter-information/
ATTENTION SCOUTMASTERS/TEAM LEADERS: Need another youth position within your Troop/Team?
Check out the OA Troop/Team Representative Program. Not only does it fill a youth position, it will
also help grow participation and leadership skills within your unit: http://www.oabsa.org/programs/ttr/
UNIT ELECTIONS & SPRING CALL-OUTS: OA unit elections will be happening very soon. Once your unit
has completed a chapter-led unit election, you can have your Scouts called-out at the Arrowhead or
Forest Trails Spring Camporee, and attend the Ordeal May 2-4. Or, they can be called-out during
summer camp and attend the Fall Ordeal August 1-3.
Venturing News
To learn more about Venturing, go to: http://www.muskingumvalleycouncil.com/voa/
MUSKINGUM VALLEY COUNCIL VOA EARNS TOP HONOR: Congratulations to the 4 elected officers in
the VOA (Venturing Officer’s Association) for receiving the “Council Standard of Venturing Excellence
Award” for 2013. This award is equivalent a GOLD rating on the JTE. Along with Akron, we were the
only two Council VOA’s to receive this top honor within Area 4!
Venturing News
ATTENTION PARENTS: Do you have a daughter who thinks what their Boy Scout brother does is cool?
Then Venturing is the program they want! Venturing is for boys and girls who are 13 and completed
the 8th grade, or age 14 – 20. Venturing offers all the High Adventure, Camping, and Outdoor
Programming kids want, plus the leadership skills and character development you want for them.
Contact your District Executive, or the Council Service Center, to learn how to get involved today.
VOA (Venturing Officers Association): Meets at the Arrowhead District Roundtable, 2nd Thursday of
every month (excluding June/July) in Warsaw. If you are a Venturing Youth, and would like to get
involved with planning Venturing Activities for all Crews within the Muskingum Valley Council, then
you want to join the VOA. Contact Fred Steele, VOA Adviser, [email protected]
CENTRAL REGION & AREA 4 VENTURING: Want to see what Venturing activities are scheduled around
the Area for you or your Crew to attend? Check out the Central Region Venturing page for that and
more: http://crventuring.org/Home/Welcome/ OR http://crventuring.org/Area_Pages/Area_4/
AREA 4 WHITEWATER WEEKEND AT THE NEW RIVER GORGE ! May 9-11, 2014
Come have fun with the officers of Area 4 as we raft the lower New River, one of the best Whitewater
Rivers anywhere. Keep checking back as our plans unfold, but we expect a non-water alternative such
as Ziplining. Other plans might include the largest CTF game in Area 4 history and a great Social Event
in the evening. All this, your food, a t-shirt and more, we hope to deliver to you for under $100.
Registration Date: 04/11/2014. Contact Henry Gunther, Area 4 President, to register:
[email protected]
http://crventuring.org/Area_Pages/Area_4/
LOCAL POWDERHORN TRAINING COURSE AVAILABLE
Powderhorn: a 2 weekend high-adventure resource course for adults and older
youth interested in local high adventure opportunities to incorporate into their
unit's high adventure crew or patrol; for Venturing, Boy Scouting, Sea Scouts,
Varsity. Location: Seven Ranges Scout Reservation. Dates: Aug 30-31, Sept 2021, 2014. Hosted By: Buckeye Council, Registration Date: 08/01/2014. Contact:
Jim Holman: [email protected] or 330-749-8394.
District News
ARROWHEAD: A SILVER JTE DISTRICT FOR 2013
Chairman: Bill Shriver
Commissioner: Eric Udischas
Sr. District Executive: Jay Lockard
ROUNDTABLE: Thursday, April 10, Warsaw United Methodist Church Basement
7:30 pm – General Information Session
Cub Scouts- Summer Camps / Spring Recruiting / Summertime Awards
Boy Scouts- Summer Camp / Spring Camporee Information
Venturing- VOA Meeting- Planning Council Venturing Activities
UNIT RECHARTERING:
Please remember to turn in your completed Recharter Packet to the Council Office ASAP; they expire as of
March 1st. Your 2014 Charter will run from March 1st, 2014, to December 31st, 2014 (ONLY A 10 MONTH
PERIOD!). You will need to collect $20 for youth/adult registration, and $10 for Boy’s Life Magazine.
2013 Arrowhead District Unit Journey to Excellence Qualifiers:
Congratulations to the following units who have submitted and qualified for a 2013 JTE Award:
Pack 403 Gold
Troop 303 Silver
Crew 333 Bronze
Pack 412 Silver
Troop 339 Gold
Crew 447 Gold
Pack 424 Gold
Troop 340 Bronze
Ship 499 Bronze
Pack 427 Silver
Troop 344 Silver
Pack 339 Gold
Troop 403 Gold
Pack 340 Silver
Troop 406 Gold
Pack 344 Gold
Troop 412 Gold
Pack 402 Gold
Troop 424 Silver
Pack 409 Silver
Troop 402 Gold
Troop 328 Silver
Troop 342 Gold
Troop 348 Gold
2014 FAMILY FRIENDS OF SCOUTING: SCHEDULE YOUR PRESENTATION TODAY!
Family Friends of Scouting plays a vital role in supporting the program that the Muskingum Valley Council is
able to provide to your unit and district. Your unit can receive free rank and advancement for the year if your
unit averages $45 per registered youth through pledges and donations received as a result of your Family FOS
Presentation, not to mention your unit will receive free use of a campsite at MVSR for holding a presentation.
Contact Sarah Udischas [email protected] to schedule your unit’s FOS Family Presentation.
“THANK YOU” TO OUR 2014 FRIENDS OF SCOUTING CHAIRS:
The Arrowhead District would like to take a moment and thank Ann Laudeman of Mount Vernon, and Eric
Abood of Coshocton, for leading the way in their communities for the 2014 Community Friends of Scouting
campaign. Both Ann and Eric have ties to Scouting, believe in the values of Scouting, and the hard work all you
volunteers put into the program for our youth. We would also like to thank Sarah Udischas for leading our
Family Friends of Scouting Campaign. When you see the last name “Udischas”, you know there are strong ties
to Scouting, and we thank her for her time.
DISTRICT PINEWOOD DERBY: April 5th, hosted by Pack 332
Open to all Cub Scouts who race with their Packs in 2014. Cost is $10 per racer. Please come to Roundtable for
the latest information. Check-in begins at 8:30 AM, racing to begin at 10:00 AM. Event will be held at the St.
Vincent De Paul School, 200 East Chestnut Street, in Mount Vernon. See the link for 2014 rules and flyer:
http://www.muskingumvalleycouncil.com/activities/arrowhead-district-pinewood-derby/
ARROWHEAD BOY SCOUT SPRING CAMPOREE: April 25th – 27th at MVSR
Hosted by Troop 339, we will be having a Frontier theme; look for activities such as Blackpowder Shooting,
Tomahawk Throwing, Frontier Survival Skills (primitive fire building and shelter building just to name a few),
Campfire (complete with OA Call-Out Ceremony), and much more. Cost will be $10 per person.
FOREST TRAILS:
Chairman: Kristi Headley
Commissioner: Jim Blakeman
District Executive: Shawn Dyer
News from the Field
Please Welcome these New District Committee Members!
Bryan Lake
Rachel Joseph
Brent Huffman
Kevin Christ
Training Committee
Training Committee
Cub Activities and Civic Service
District National Eagle Scout Association Representative
Forest Trails District has a Facebook Page!
Our Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/#!/foresttrailsdistrict or type forest trails district
muskingum valley council in the search bar to find us! Like us to stay updated with District news,
pictures, and happenings!
Re-charter Time!
Unit recharters should already be in, if your unit is still not rechartered please contact District
Commissioner Jim Blakeman for assistance to get you on the right track. (740) 432-5104
Friends of Scouting Family Campaign
Scouting would not be around were it not for generous people giving their time and money to
the movement. Every unit is asked to have a Family Friends of Scouting Presentation done at a big
family event like a Blue and Gold or Court of Honor because it’s these events that the majority of
families attend.
What do the gifts of generosity go toward? Every year new scouts and families are recruited
and this is done by Volunteers and Professionals going into the schools and distributing recruiting
flyers, yard signs, and posters. New leaders are given Leaders Den Meeting Books so they can start
right away with Den Plans. The Service Center can remain open with a staff to assist and guide you
with understanding the complexities of uniforming (Scout Shop) and the complexities of record
keeping (Registrar). Every parent and leader has access to a full time Professional Scouter whose job is
to assist, guide, answer questions, and develop the District in Leadership, Membership, Finance, and
Program. Maintaining our Scout Camp at Muskingum Valley Scout Reservation and the full time
Ranger is possible thanks to the generosity of Friends of Scouting donors.
The Scouting movement is unique in that Volunteers drive the overall program. The resources
that the Volunteers use are paid for by the generosity of families and the community. Please consider
making a gift at your Family Friends of Scouting event and help another youth hear the word of
Scouting or help a new leader obtain a tool to positively affect their new Den or Troop.
COMING EVENTS
Pinewood Derby Time!
Remember, the Forest Trails Pinewood Derby will be coming up sooner
than you think, April 5, 2014. The District Pinewood Derby will be held at
North School 1451 Deerpath Dr. in Cambridge at 10 am. Registration opens
at 9 am. Packs are to submit the top five winners for participation. Cost is
$3 for each entry, every participant receives a patch. Rules regarding the
car specifications, please see the instructions that come pre-packaged
inside each Pinewood Derby Box. It is suggested that participants bring
their own beverages, snacks, and sack lunches. See you at the finish line!
For Rules and registration click here
Spring Camporee at Deerassic April 25-27
The question of the weekend is “What would Dan Beard Think?” Each unit’s Scoutmaster will present
an old Scout Skill no longer encouraged or part of the handbook so long as it fits within the Guide to
Safe Scouting. One of the big events for the evening will be the patrol dinner cook-off. Troops will
break out into patrols, smaller troops can pair with another troop for the activity. District officers and
Commissioners will be the judges. Now the short list of rules: must serve a three course balanced meal
and special awards will be given for presentation and setting ie: table cloths, candelabras. Cost is $10
per person and will cover a patch and cracker barrel. Skills being tested:
Troop 500
Troop 508
Troop 510
Troop 542
Troop 565 & 570
Wilderness First Aide
Primitive Signaling
Semaphore Signaling
Map and Compass Orienteering
Lashings
Troop 548
Troop 550
Troop 560
Troop 501 & 520
Cooking Without Utensils
Tracking, Trailing and Stalking
Emergency Carrying Methods
Primitive Fire Building
For Registration and More Information Please Click Here
Forest Trails Distinguished Citizens Dinner April 24
April 24 Forest Trails will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the annual Distinguished
Citizens Dinner held at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. This year’s honoree is Richard Riesbeck of the
well-known Riesbeck Food Markets. Richard has served the community on numerous volunteer
boards and supports the youth of all communities he and his stores are involved in. The Salute to
Scouting will be honoring Raymond Chorey and the Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center in
Cambridge. They have supported an Exploring Post there since the Exploring program began in the
70’s. On average they serve 50 youth a year, many of whom went on to work in the medical career
field.
This event is a fundraiser for the District to support our annual financial goals. We hope to
raise $15,000 from this event to support the scouting program. If you are interested in participating
with us for the evening the cost of single seating is $150 and double seating is $200. Half tables can be
purchased for $800 and full table sponsorships are $1000. If you would like to make a donation in the
honoree’s honor in any gift amount we graciously appreciate it. If you have questions please call
Shawn at (740) 277-3830.
District Meetings:
Roundtables offer the opportunity for Scout Leaders to come together to share ideas, learn of
opportunities, and network with other leaders to develop strong meetings and programs for their
Scouts. Roundtables are held every second Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Cambridge. Cub
Scout Leaders meet at 6:30 pm and Boy Scout Leaders meet at 7:00 pm. The Roundtable
Commissioners have some great programs and ideas to share this upcoming year and we look forward
to seeing you there!
Committee Meetings are held every first Thursday at 6:30 pm also at the First Baptist Church in
Cambridge starting in August. If you would like to see a change, mention an opportunity, make a
difference on the District level, or just have something you would like to say to the District officers,
this is the meeting to attend. We would love to have your opinions and input. Please consider getting
involved with the District Committee, we always have a place for the talent you can offer!
Service Hours
Logging your unit service hours is vital for your young people’s hard work to be recognized. We need
to highlight the Scouts making a difference in their community. If you have pictures and information
about your service projects, please email them to me at [email protected] and I will make
sure they get recognized and given the credit they deserve. Please email under the heading
“Troop/Pack # Scout Service project”.
ZANE TRACE:
Chairman:
Commissioner: Moose Hixon
District Director: Jeff Pickett
Cycling Merit Badge:
Attention all Boy Scouts and Leaders!!!
Troop 158 and Certified Fitness Instructor and cycling enthusiasts Kristi and Mike
Agin will be hosting a Cycling Merit Badge opportunity. There will be an initial
workshop and 10 mile ride on Friday May 9th at 6 PM near Kidzville Playground at
Zanesville’s Riverside Park. A cycling helmet is MANDATORY for all participants and
family tagalongs. Phase 1 of 2 of the Cycling MB Schedule will be available that evening or by request.
Each cyclist will improve conditioning, technique, diet, cadence, stamina and overall physical health to
help you successfully complete the required timed 50 mile ride this fall. Most rides will be on scenic
rail trails within or near the Muskingum Valley Council.
To sign up or for more information contact Brent Yarnall at 740 586-7137 or [email protected].
2014 FRIENDS OF SCOUTING:
Friends of Scouting is an integral part of the Scouting
program. Dollars raised through FOS help to keep Scouting
viable in our community. Your unit can receive free rank and
advancement for the year if it raises an average of $45 per
registered youth, additionally, your unit will receive free use of a campsite at MVSR just for holding a
presentation. Contact Jeff Pickett to schedule your unit’s FOS Family Presentation.
Thanks to the following units who have theirs scheduled so far:
Packs: 98, 100, 104, 121, 132, 137, 164, 197, 257, 260
Troops: 104, 121, 128, 132, 158, 164, 174, 184, 197, 257
Teams: 104, 184
Crews: 104, 184
WELCOME BACK!!!
Many veteran Scouters will remember the name Wayne Banks. Wayne has been away from Scouting
for several years, but has recently returned to the fold. Wayne has joined the District Committee and
will serve as part of the Training team. Please join us in re-welcoming Wayne!
KUDOS AND CONGRATULATIONS:
We would like to congratulate our two Cub Scouters of the year April Strunk and Patrick Marsh.
April and Patrick go above and beyond their duties at the Unit level to assure a quality program for all
of the Cub Scouts in the Zane Trace District. Their leadership of the Cub Scout Day Camp is
phenomenal. The creativity, innovation, and imagination that they put into the Day camp make it one
of the best programs available to our Scouts. This is in addition to Patrick serving as Cubmaster of
Pack 166 at Zane Grey Elementary, and April serving as a Webelos Leader at Hopewell Elementary.
The next time that you see either of these Scouters, give them a big pat on the back!
Avondale Youth Center Scouts earn CPR Certification
The newly re-organized Troop 197 at the Avondale Youth Center is
doing some great things. Scoutmaster Brian Strickler is bringing in
outside experts to help these young people along their Scouting
trail, and the trail of life. Recently, the Scouts all learned CPR and
gained that certification. Additionally, they have been working on
Merit Badges and all of them have earned the SCOUT rank.
SERVICE HOURS
Please remember to record all of your Unit’s service hours. You can either log
them into the website yourself, for your Journey to Excellence or you can turn in a
“manual” form and we will have them entered for you. Recording of these hours
is vital not only to your unit attaining the JTE Award, but also service hours are
monitored as a benchmark by our local United Way.
Formatted: Left, Tab stops: 1.36", Left
MUSKINGUM VALLEY COUNCIL SCOUT STORE/SERVICE CENTER
STORE HOURS- Labor Day – Memorial Day
Mon, Weds, Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tues & Thurs.
9:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday
9:00am – 1:00pm
Closed Sunday
THANK YOU TO OUR FRIENDS OF SCOUTING DONORS!
Smoke Signals is the monthly news publication of:
Muskingum Valley Council, B.S.A.
734 Moorehead Ave.
Zanesville, OH 43701
740-453-0571
800-934-2128
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LEAVE A LEGACY, REMEMBER SCOUTING IN YOUR WILL
MUSKINGUM VALLEY
COUNCIL IS PROUD TO BE A
UNITED WAY AGENGY