summer camp 2013 - Laurel Highlands Council
Transcription
summer camp 2013 - Laurel Highlands Council
Scout’s Honor WINTER 2013 Vol. 20, No. 1 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter SUMMER CAMP 2013 Laurel Highlands Council Camping Camp Independence at Heritage Reservation and Camp Seph Mack are Laurel Highlands Council’s Cub Scout and Webelos summer camping destinations. Contact your Cubmaster, Den Leader or the camping department at (412) 325-7921 to sign up for this summer’s adventure. MountainFest 2013 More information at: http://www.LHC-BSA.org/Camping Scouting for Food Conclave & NOAC Get ready! The largest Registration cards will be Updates and new information camporee in the council is coming to the February on several OA Events are in returning in 2013. We’re Roundtables as well as the this issue! talking adventure, people! online registration system. How can you help with the With activities geared to Register early to ensure your Centennial Crate? all our age groups and an patch order for this year! evening show like no other it Page 13 is a must do event to put on your calendar now! April 8th thru 19th 2013 September 20-22 2013 Flag Plaza Scout Center Ebensburg Scout Center 201 W. High Street, Suite 1 1275 Bedford Avenue Ebensburg, PA 15931 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (814) 471-1090 (412) 471-2927 www.lhc-bsa.org Flag Plaza Scout Center, 1275 Bedford Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3699 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 1006 News and Notes On the Trail... On December 12th, 2012, a special ceremony was conducted at Flag Plaza, Scout Center to induct Mr. William J. Copeland into the very select group of civic and community leaders who have been honored with the American Artificer’s Award. Mr. Copeland joins iconic past recipients- a partial list that includes; Mrs. Chester Hamilton Lehman, Rear Admiral James E. Calvert, Edwin H. Gott, Zenon C.R. Hansen, General William C. Westmoreland, Neil A. Armstrong, William H. Hillcourt. The American Artificer’s Award George Cahill, retired Scout Executive and retired 27 year President of National Flag Foundation made the presentation to Mr. Copeland at a luncheon honoring he and his wife Joan. The Citizen-Soldier in the War of Independance was a Supreme Artificer. He hewed and built the colonies into a nation, Mr. Copeland worked very closely with Mrs. Lehman in planning for and the construction of while keeping his musket and ballot close at Flag Plaza, Scout Center, and provided long and distinguished leadership to our Council, hand to insure the permanance of his labors. serving as President and Chairman of the Board. He was a founder and served as Vice President of NFF for 30 years. Civic-spirited Artificers of today use the same devices to protect and defend the country. See you on the trail........ Invention, adaptation, and employment of Mike Surbaugh, Scout Executive LHC available materials has not dimished in spite of all travail. America has remained, a frontier, receptive to efforts of those who advance the public interest. “Most certainly such an artificer is Mr. William J. Copeland to whom Laurel Highlands Council presents this recognition and mark of esteem. Done at Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania on this 12th day of December 2012.” James Crawford - Council President Richard Bausher - Council Commissioner Michael B. Surbaugh - CEO & Publisher Kurt Roberts - Editor National Scout Jamboree 2013 National Scout Jamboree Get Ready for Adventure! Preparations are underway for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree which will be held at the brand new Summit Bechtel Reserve in the wilds of West Virginia. It will be like no other with white water rafting, zip-lining, rappelling, mountain biking and hiking activities all being offered. The opportunity to attend an event of this magnitude does not come around often. I invite you to join us for this world class event that will be attended by over 40,000 Scouts from around the nation and 180 countries throughout the world. It will provide you with memories for a lifetime. We are getting close, and the planning is well underway. The Laurel Highlands Council is forming a contingent consisting of eight Jamboree Troops and three Venture Patrols. Sign up NOW to reserve your place in the contingent, there are only a few spots left! 2 “Scout’s Honor” is an official 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 Costs and Payment Plan The Laurel Highlands Council will be using Doubleknot as the means of making your 2013 National Jamboree payments. The Jamboree fee is an all-inclusive fee of $1,350 for all participants. For more information or to register and make payments visit www.lhc-bsa.org/Program/ National%20Jamboree Venturing Members to Attend 2013 National Scout Jamboree New to 2013, Venturing members are eligible to participate in the Jamboree. Please relay the correct information that Venturing members are eligible and encouraged to participate in the Jamboree. © Copyright 2013 Boy Scouts of America Laurel Highlands Council Program Sampling 2013 National Scout Jamboree Program at the 2013 Jamboree will include but is not limited to the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3-D Archery BMX Brownsea Island Buckskin Games Canopy Tours Challenge Courses Climbing Competition Archery Conservation Trail Exhibits & Displays Fly Fishing Geocaching Highland Games Hiking Kayaking Merit Badges • Military Experience • Mountain Biking • Orienteering • Photography • Pioneering • Rappelling • Rifle Shooting • Scuba • Shotgun Shooting • Skateboarding • Sporting Arrows • Sporting Clays • Swimming • Technology Quest • Whitewater Rafting • Zip-lines Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Winter 2013 Membership Webelos to Scout Transition It is much easier to retain a Cub Scout and have them cross over to Boy Scouts than it is to recruit an 11-year old to join. The process to follow to assure that every boy has the opportunity to join a troop is called Webelos-To-Scout transition. When followed, this proven method guarantees 100% of the Webelos II Scouts join a troop. With bridging ceremonies right around the corner, NOW is the time to be planning the transition of Webelos –To–Scouts. The move for new Boy Scouts should be natural with no time lost in between. Parents and leaders have a responsibility to make the move from Cub Scout pack to Boy Scout troop easy and fun. By the time Webelos Scouts are ready to cross over, they and their families should be familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the troop, their role in the troop and troop activities, and feel excited about beginning this new adventure. The Commissioner Staff stands ready to provide training and support for Packs and Troops. They will help guide the process and provide advice where necessary. It’s the job of Scoutmaster and Cubmaster (or their representative) to work together with the Unit Commissioner. Below are some ideas on what you can be doing to make transition seamless and successful. Be sure to include the SPL and other youth leaders where appropriate. 27th Annual Scouting For Food Drive April 8th thru 19th 2013 Join your fellow Scouts and Scouters as we all do our Good Turn by collecting food for the families in our communities. Registration cards will be coming to the February Roundtables as well as the online registration system. Register early to ensure your patch order for this year! Watch the website for more details about this year’s drive and what you and your Scouts can do to help! Don’t forget to log your service hours for Journey to Excellence! Unit Drive Advisor—Amanda Smith Immediately! 412-325-7974 #1 Get names, addresses, and telephone numbers of second-year Webelos Scouts. Record [email protected] the information on the Webelos Scout Tracking form. #2 Mail a letter of introduction from the Boy Scout troop to second-year Webelos Scouts (and their parents) to introduce them to the troop. #3 Put second-year Webelos Scouts on the mailing list to receive the troop newsletter. #4 Make sure there’s a den chief for each Webelos den. During the month of January: #1 Host Webelos Scouts and their parents at a Boy Scout troop meeting. #2 Plan a bridging ceremony for the Blue and Gold banquet in February to welcome graduating Webelos Scouts to their new troop. #3 Attend a meeting of first-year Webelos Scouts to introduce them to Boy Scouting. For more information about Webelos-To-Scout transition planning, check out the resources on the web: http://wts.commissioner-bsa.org and call your Unit Commissioner for help in organizing your plan of action. BeAScout.org Did you know that prospective parents can find YOUR unit online? Did you also know that they can contact you directly? Through www.BeAScout.org prospective parents can input their address and find Scouting units near them, including yours! You have the ability to change what information displays to that parent, and whom in your unit they contact. Have you ever set up or updated your Unit’s BeAScout info? No problem! Just have your Unit Leader, Committee Chair or Chartered Organization Representative contact your membership executive to start putting your unit on the map! Winter 2013 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter 3 Outdoor Adventure 2013 Summer Camp Fees The Camping and Outdoor Program Committee will continue to use a sliding, all-in-one camp fee for 2013 to encourage a greater percentage of our youth and adults to commit early to camp and provide our camps with the ability to offer an even better program at a competitive rate by: • Confirming camps are not overbooked • Adjusting staffing and class offerings as necessary where increases in campers dictate • Ensuring sufficient supplies are in camp before the season opens • Purchasing supplies in advance and in bulk, with mail order and negotiation The All-In-One concept means that regardless which program a youth selects he pays the same fee as each youth at that youth / adult rates program. The practice of additional fees for merit badges, activities or out of council Scouts was eliminated. The first year out of council Boy Scouts taking Braddock’s Brigade, Basketry merit badge and Woodcarving merit badge pays the same as a third year Laurel Highlands Council Boy Scout taking Shotgun Shooting merit badge, COPE and Water Sports merit badge. This also eliminates the headache of calculating all the additional fees for each youth. To support our camping programs there are several incentives that we will offer in 2013: • $100 off second full week of camp at our Laurel Highlands Council camps, prorated for Cub resident camps and adults. • $50 Promotion Credit for units utilizing our trained Camp Promotion Team. • $100 Trading Post Certificate for 2013 Summer Camp Payment and nominating a newly selected staff Registration Timeline (Youth and Adults) member or Counselor in Training. • At Registration = $5 Per Cub Scout • Bring another unit of at least 10 youth Camper, $10 per Boy Scout Camper, and save $40 per youth in your own unit. $25 per Eagle Base Camper • Late Webelos Crossovers and New • Now until April 1, 2013 = Register Scouts will still be exempt from the late individual campers by name and pay registration fees. additional $50 per youth camper and • The Cap Program at Heritage and $25 per adult camper Early Bird Deposit Seph Mack will be continued with two to earn lowest tier of camp fees completely redesigned caps and every • April 2 to June 3, 2013 = Register full session camper, youth and adult, will individual campers by name and pay get a free cap. Units will still have the additional $50 per youth camper and option to customize them for $5 each. $25 per adult camper Early Bird Deposit to earn middle tier of camp fees The proposed fee structure is an increase • May 15, 2013 = Balance due for youth of $10- $15 per camper for each of our and adults fees programs. This supports increased costs • After June 3, 2013 = Register campers associated with food, staffing, program by name and get third tier camp fees. supplies and more. 6 night 6 night 4 night 3 night 2 night Heritage/Twin Echo Seph Mack Heritage Heritage/Seph Mack Heritage Commit by 4/1/2013 $310 / $130 $290 / $130 $215 / $100 $160 / $80 $110 / $60 Commit by 6/3/2013 $335 / $140 $315 / $140 $230 / $110 $175 / $90 $120 / $70 Commit after 6/3/2013 $360 / $150 $340 / $150 $245 / $120 $190 / $100 $130 / $80 *No-name registrations must be named by April 1, 2013 or will be cancelled. *Eagle Base adult fees are the same as youth. *Den Chiefs are paid as adults. *Free Adults/Den Chiefs are earned at a rate of 6 paid youth per free Adult/Den Chief. Winter Ski Weekends at Nemacolin Woodlands Venturers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and adult leaders are invited to join the Laurel Highlands Council at Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort for a weekend of winter fun! Weekend I: January 5 & 6, 2013 Weekend II: January 26 & 23, 2013 Weekend III: February 2 & 3, 2013 Weekend IV: February 23 & 24, 2013 Venturing Getaway Weekend Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts To register for any of the weekends or to check availibility visit lhc-bsa.org Advancement Camp 2013 Camp Twin Echo Build it - Fix it Week - July 7 - 13 1. Citizenship in the Nation, 2. Composite Materials, 3. Entrepreneurship 4. Environmental Science, 5. Home Repairs, 6. Metalwork, 7. Painting, 8. Plumbing, 9. Welding, 10. Woodwork SAR/MEDICAL Week - July 14 - 20 1. Crime Prevention, 2. Dentistry, 3. Disability Awareness, 4. Fire Safety, 5. First Aid, 6. Medicine, 7. Public Health, 8. Safety, 9. Search and Rescue, 10. Veterinary Medicine The fee for each week of Advancement Camp is: $310 - if you register by 4/1/2013 $335 - if you register by 6/3/2013 $360 - if you register after 6/3/2013 Includes tent camping, meals and transportation to field trips. Scouts may purchase Merit Badge Pamphlets at the Scout Shop. 2013 Unit Promotion Request The Camping Committee of the Laurel Highlands Council would like to offer the summer camp experience to every Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturer in the Council. We have created a Camping Presentation to be shared with the youth in each unit. Schedule a promotion night and our trained promotion team will come to your meeting with video, flyers and plenty of camp excitement. The presentation takes about 20 minutes. One $50 Campership will be awarded at each presentation conducted by our trained team between October 1 and April 30, 2013. Limit of one promotional campership per unit – only redeemable for the 2013 LHC summer camp season. Schedule a promotion online at http://www.heritagereservation.org/ promotion The merit badge program is one of Scouting’s most important character building tools. It allows youth to explore more than 130 career fields and skills, helping them acquire the kind of self-confidence that comes from setting and achieving goals. Advancement Camp 2013 provides opportunities for Boy Scouts to spend an additional week at resident camp, earning as many as six specialized merit badges each week. Staffing provided by volunteers who are experts in their field from Pittsburgh’s medical, science, construction, and business community. • Learn from Doctors, Lawyers, Veterinarians, Fireman, FBI Agents, Chemists, Plumbers, Welders, Woodworkers, and Metal Workers • Take part in the ideal patrol and troop experience. • Bring a buddy or come by yourself • Make new friends with Scouts who share your interests. • Scouts receive a free camp T-Shirt if they register by April 1, 2013 Scouts are placed in a provisional patrol and troop, elect their own leadership and may earn up to six merit badges in one week. • $100 deposit required with online registration ($50 non-refundable) To attend Advancement Camp, Scouts must have achieved the rank of 2nd class by June 1, 2013 AND have completed at least one week of Boy Scout summer camp or be 12 years of age or older by the start of camp. The camp fee is refundable, minus $50, if a Scout is unable to attend. A request for a refund must be made in writing and received at Flag Plaza Scout Center by June 28, 2013. No refunds will be made after this date. 4 Scouts will be required to submit a completed Annual Health and Medical Record signed by a physician and an Advancement Camp Supplemental Medical form signed by a parent. The rules of the camp are the Scout Oath and Law. Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Winter 2013 Project C.O.P.E. and Climbing Instructor Training Bring Project C.O.P.E. and Climbing into your troop or crew activities. Building teamwork into your unit is an essential part of the patrol method. This training will help you gain the skills and knowledge to develop a better unit. Parent and Son Winter Weekends at Heritage Reservation Jan. 11-13, 2013 Feb. 1-3, 2013 Feb. 15-17, 2013 Jan. 18-20, 2013 Feb. 8-10, 2013 This is a tremendous opportunity for you and your son to enjoy a fun-filled weekend in the great outdoors when nature The C.O.P.E. courses at Camp Guyasuta, Camp Seph Mack provides the beauty of winter. and Heritage are hosts to a variety of schools, youth groups and other organizations. Each of these programs require a You will stay in our Potomac Homes overlooking Lake staff of trained instructors. Instructors receive compensation Courage. Cafeteria style meals are provided in our dining area for helping with these outside groups. Participants who at Pathfinder Lodge. Come with your personal gear and enjoy complete training will receive cards for C.O.P.E. Instructor, winter with its exciting program features. Choose from several Climbing Instructor, and Climb on Safely. weekends. The C.O.P.E. and Climbing instructor training weekend will be held April 19-21, 2013. PROGRAM FEATURES The weekend will include a variety of winter activities including: The cost is $30 per person and includes lodging, meals and • Sledding program materials. • Broomball • Giant slingshots • Snowshoeing Open C.O.P.E. Day • Cross country skiing • Ice skating Open C.O.P.E. is a fun filled experience to help strengthen • Campfire the troop or crew program through developing the skills of • Scavenger hunt Leadership, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Trust, Self-Esteem and Communication. Scouts may attend If we don’t have snow there will be alternate activities that will with their patrol, troop, crew or as individuals. keep everyone excited and having fun. Outdoor Adventure Campmasters Wanted The Campmaster Corps is looking for Scouters that want to join. We are a group of adult volunteers that will spend one, two or three weekends a year at camp working with Scouting units. This is a great opportunity for spouse teams as well as small groups to use the time as a get-away-weekend. Campmaster Requirements • Be a registered adult leader in the Laurel Highlands Council • Be current in Youth Protection • Have a working knowledge of Scout skills • Have positive people skills • Provide service to Scouting units in camp, i.e. checkin, special needs for units, seeing that units in camp are having a great weekend as our guests, ensure that buildings are ready for use by a Scouting unit, and that the buildings are cleaned by the unit before leaving camp, Campmasters are there to assist, not do the work for a unit in camp. The opportunity for a Campmaster to serve is to only volunteer for as many weekends a year as you wish. When a weekend (Friday p.m. till Sunday noon) is completed you have no responsibilities until the next chosen weekend. You also get to choose the camp where you wish to Campmaster. During the weekend you will have time to read, sew, work on hobbies or just relax. For more information contact Molllie Gray at [email protected] Participants will experience initiative games, low course COST elements, high ropes elements and the climbing/rappelling The package includes lodging Friday and Saturday night, tower. Scouts must be at least 12 years of age to participate Friday snack, all meals on Saturday, breakfast Sunday, plus in C.O.P.E. use of camp equipment. The cost for the weekend is $55 per person. Housing is Open C.O.P.E. will be held on May 18, 2013. The Open on a first-come basis. All fees are non-refundable but are C.O.P.E. program fee is $15 per participant. transferable to another Heritage Weekend event if a medical or family emergency prevents you from attending. No-shows and cancellations will not be refunded. Homes include beds, heat, bathrooms and showers. CHECK-IN The Winter Sports Weekends will begin with check in at 6 p.m. on Friday. Participants will receive a snack at 9 p.m. that evening. Please avoid arriving after 10 p.m. All sessions will conclude on Sunday by Noon. REGISTRATION You can register and pay online by electronic check or credit card, or if you prefer, register online and mail in your personal check. The deadline is one week prior to the event. Climb the Night Away Climb the Night Away is an all night Climbing Tower and High Ropes Course program for Scouts and Venturers, 13 years of age and older. The program will begin at 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013 and continue until 6 a.m. on Sunday. Each participant will receive a head lamp, food, glow sticks and a fun filled night of challenges on the C.O.P.E. Course. This program is limited to the first 50 paid youth registrations. Registrations must include the Hold Harmless Agreement and Annual Health and Medical Form. Winter 2013 DETAILS More information including a schedule of events, packing list and registration form is available on www.heritagereservation. org/winter Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter 5 Program Materials & Equipment Needs Twin Arrow Acquire Life Skills on Camp Staff The 2013 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Conference is right around the corner. The Laurel Highlands Council will offer the 2013 Twin Arrow (NYLT) course from June 16 – 22 at Camp Twin Echo, in New Florence, PA. The Laurel Highlands Council operates many camps and our Are you tired of doing the same old routine? Did you know that Laurel Highlands Council operates five summer camps? Scouts deserve the best equipment. Scouts and Venturers will gather at Camp Twin Echo for a weeklong of training of leadership skills, character building and more. The NYLT course is open to any Scout who has earned the rank of First Class or higher, at least 13 years of age, and approved by his Scoutmaster. Register Now! The course fills quickly and you don’t want to miss out on having well-trained youth leadership in your Troop or Crew. Remember, Twin Arrow is Leadership Development Skills represented by state of the art, modern leadership skill presentations. Go to www.lhc-bsa.org, select “Program,” then “Twin Arrow – NYLTC,” for more information, and to complete the registration process. Historic Flag Ceremonies Laurel Highlands Council has the finest program facility for dramatically portraying “Duty to Country,” and presenting a truly inspirational and educational experience in the life of the members of your unit as they participate in a Historic Flag Ceremony. With its five stately flag poles towering 80 feet, Flag Plaza is an extraordinary sight. Here flags fly twenty-four hours a day, the 50-star American Flag, the banner of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the crest of the City of Pittsburgh, the ensign of the Boy Scouts of America, and one of the historic forerunners of Old Glory. As part of the 90 minute Historic Flag Ceremony you will: • Raise one of the 12x18 foot flags • Climb the Eagle Trail Staircase • View original works of flag art depicting forerunners of Old Glory. • Visit the Flag Room and see the “You Are The Flag” mural created by noted cartoonist, Milton Caniff. • Learn the story of our national banner in the “You Are The Flag” video. • See 13 original works of art, in addition to the inspiring painting, “One Hundred Years Ago,” from our Nation’s Centennial celebration. • Visit the Milton Caniff Gallery containing a collection of his original personal comments in pen and brush, plus July 4, 1976 salutes of great American cartoonists. • Hear a stirring audible message from a replica of the Statue of Liberty. However this is often out of our price range so we rely on Camp Independence for Cub Scouts / Webelos, Camp Freedom, Liberty, and Seph Mack for Boy Scouts, and Eagle outside assistance. Have a look at our needs list and if you or someone you know Base for high-adventure programs. could help us through a donation/gift in kind or special pricing, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. 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. The high-adventure program employs young people who are at least 18 years of age. 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. Why Apply for a Camp Staff Job? Here are a few of the countless reasons that are frequently expressed: • Make lots of new friends in your area and other states • Spend a summer in the great outdoors • Acquire experiential education (learning by doing) and new skills that will last a lifetime • Learn how to lead others and to apply leadership skills • Be part of an effective team and cooperate with others to get things done Why work at a fast food or retail establishment that focuses on sales when you can have opportunities like these that will prepare you for more a meaningful future? Visit www.heritagereservation.org to learn more and apply online for a job at Laurel Highlands Council Camps. Interviews have started- Apply Now! Florida Sea Base: June 2014 The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is a unique Scouting program that offers aquatics programs found nowhere else. Whether your interests lie in sailing, scuba diving, rustic camping on an undeveloped barrier island, fishing or a combination of all, this is the place for YOU! The Laurel Highlands Council is planning several contingents for June of 2014. Look for more information in the next issue of Scout’s Honor and online. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • … and your time to help with projects. 2013 Beaver Days Mark Your Calendar! Units are invited to contact Charles Huse at Flag Plaza Scout Center to register for a Historic Flag Ceremony. (412) 471-2927. 6 Heavy duty washer & dryer for units and staff use (front load) Dewalt 18 volt cordless tools Sockets, wrenches, hammers and other hand tools Lawn and landscape rakes, bow saws, shovels and picks, clippers, posthole diggers, push brooms Florescent lights Push mowers, leaf blowers and weed whips (Gas) Riding lawnmower, tractor UTVs Hydraulic dump trailer Scaffolding Mig Welder Lumber (all sorts) Pressure Washers (gas) Vacuum Cleaners (bagless) Car Ports Ice skates, snow shoes, cross country skis and ski boots Archery bows and arrows Shotguns, clay pigeons and shells .22 caliber rim-fire bolt action rifles (can be used as single shot rifles) Muzzle loading rifles Canoes, kayaks, rowboats Oars, canoe and kayak paddles Lifejackets Wireless microphones Digital Video Camera Picnic tables for campsites Stackable chairs Stump grinder Log splitters Rechargeable fire Extinguishers Commercial matting (showers) LCD projectors and laptops Spools of ¼ inch sisal/manila rope Art supplies Laminating supplies Blank DVDs and CDs Radios for staff communication GPS receivers Camp Seph Mack May 3-5 Heritage Reservation May 31-June 2 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Winter 2013 Training Area Training Dates University of Scouting March 16, 2013 The Laurel Highlands Council is proud to announce that Ringgold High School will be the host for the University of Scouting. Choose from courses that have an emphasis on programs, skills, and resources to deliver high quality opportunities to the Scouting youth. University of Scouting offers something for everyone in your Unit! Wood Badge N4-527-13 August 23-35 and September 27-28, 2013 at Camp Twin Echo Wood Badge will provide an opportunity to: • Learn contemporary leadership concepts and discover how these apply to our value-based program. • Understand the Scouting family of interrelated, values-based programs providing age appropriate activities. • Revitalize your commitment to Scouting, sharing in a mountaintop experience. Wood Badge is presented in two phases. The first part of the program is the practical phase. This consists of six days over two full weekends (all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday) at camp plus one patrol meeting between the weekends. The second part of the program, the application phase, occurs after the weekends and consists of applying the skills you learn at Wood Badge to your position in Scouting. This phase is also referred to as “working your ticket.” The primary purpose of the Wood Badge experience is to strengthen Scouting in your units, districts and local councils. During the course, the Wood Badge Staff will help you set some personal goals; things you would like to accomplish in your unit or district. Wood Badge is designed for all Scouting volunteers at the unit level, as well as district and council leaders. The course content and leadership principles introduced apply to Scouters in all leadership positions. These skills provide a common leadership foundation that is beneficial for all program areas. For more information or to register, visit www.lhc-bsa.org/Program/Training.aspx. Please direct questions to: Chuck Paine, on 724-495-2250 or at [email protected]. Cub Scouts - Boy Scouts - Venturers **NEW THIS YEAR** Youth Leadership Conference BALOO Scoutmasters: Bring your Senior Patrol Leaders and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders to University of Scouting this year for their own branch of specialized classes! Pack Camping has come a long way and it is one of the strongest reasons boys join the AREA 2 Training Calendar: Cub Scout program. SENECA DISTRICT For a Pack to go camping however there March 2: Scoutmaster Specific Training MUST be at least one registered leader on March 2: Troop Committee Specific the outing that is BALOO trained. April 26-28: Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, Camp Guyasuta BALOO is a 7 hour indoor and outdoor Just remember that EVERY youth deserves a trained leader and the University of Scouting offers valuable resources to enhance the program! Visit the website below for details and registration. We’ll see you in the classroom! www.lhc-bsa.org/program/training/ universityofscouting Staff Advisor– Amanda Smith 412-325-7974 [email protected] University Chairman—Rich Krapp [email protected] WOW! Webelos Outdoor Weekend May 10-12, Camp Anawanna Mark your calendars now for the Webelos Outdoor Weekend! Are you tired of training taking you away from the one thing that got you here in the first place? Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation training which helps with understanding the BSA progressive camping program. The training reviews guidelines established by the Boy Scouts of America and the Laurel Highlands Council to help us understand the value of the outdoor program. Registration starts at 7:45 a.m. The course starts at 8:30 a.m. BALOO Training Schedule: March 23rd, 2013 @ CAMP SEPH MACK May 31st, 2013 @ CAMP GUYASUTA October 26th, 2013 @ CAMP GUYASUTA The cost of the course is $25.00. The early bird fee is $20.00 if received two weeks before the course. Because of course limitations all participants MUST pre-register. Course fee and registration form are due no later than one week before the course date. BEAVER VALLEY DISTRICT April 20: Cub Leader Specific AREA 3 Training Calendar: Feb 9: Scoutmaster Specific Training St. Catherines, Allison Park $15 Includes Lunch and Handbook Feb 9: Cub Leader Specific St. Catherines, Allison Park $10 Includes Lunch & Meeting Guide April 12-14: Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills $40 Camp Twin Echo Contact Jeanne for Details at: 412-915-4340 AREA 4 Training Calendar: Jan 26: Scoutmaster Specific Training Robinson Twp Jan 26: Venturing Leader Training Columbia Gas, Washington April 6: Cub Leader Specific/Youth Protection/ Risk Management For questions, please call Jacque Schultz at McMurray, PA (412) 330-7347 [email protected] or Brandi Butler at (724) 689-5097 or [email protected] Do you want to have a hands-on training experience with valuable, real-time skills? Leave the classrooms behind, pack up your son and join us for W.O.W. W.O.W. is a fun-filled, information packed experience that will develop you as a leader and provide a weekend of fun and learning for your boy, all in a safe outdoor environment for you to explore together. This weekend training experience is offered in two components: • Traditional Webelos Outdoor Leader training for Adult leaders • PLUS an action-packed day of fun and advancement for their Webelos-age son. Winter 2013 AREA 1 Training Calendar: Jan 26: Scoutmaster Specific Training Robinson Twp Jan 26: Venturing Leader Training Columbia Gas, Washington Feb 16: Scoutmaster Indoor Training St Joan of Arc, South Park March 9: Cub Leader Basic Training 1st Presbyterian Church, Monongahela Mar 16: Scoutmaster Specific Training (University of Scouting) April 6: Cub Leader Specific/Youth Protection/ Risk Management McMurray, PA April 12-14: Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills Camp Anawanna Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter AREA 6 Training Calendar: Feb 9: Scoutmaster Specific Training 9am $5 Pleasant Hill UMC, Friedens Youth Protection Training Online, every day, all day All adult volunteers should take this course. It covers the BSA’s Youth Protection policies, kinds of abuse, signs of abuse, how to respond to disclosure of abuse, and proper reporting procedures. All adults must complete youth protection training every two years to register as a Leader in the Boy Scouts of America. For more information or to take the course online visit olc.scouting.org/info/ypt.html. 7 Camp Independence Community Day Camps Cub Scout Resident Camp, Farmington PA Camp Independence is the perfect way to get your Cub Scouts and Webelos outside and having a one of a kind adventure! Independence offers a great summer resident camping program that no day camp can offer! By allowing our unique annual theme to take complete control we deliver a program allowing challenge, creativity, adventure and learning. We provide many advancement opportunities that take advantage of our beautiful outdoor settings. We offer a variety of sessions from three to five days from mid June to mid August. Camp Independence continues its mission to improve your experience at our world class camping facility. Through superior programming, in-depth theme experiences, comfort oriented wilderness camping facilities and competent, experienced and enthused staff we plan to provide you Action archery Archery Astronomy BB Gun Beltloops Bouldering BMX biking Camp games Campfires Camping Canoeing Carving and your son with the best camping experience. It will be a highlight of your Cub Scout journey. Join us for the summer season at Camp Independence and enjoy an experience like no other. Climbing Crafts First Aid Fishing Geology Hiking Huck Finn raft Kayaking Leatherwork Leave No Trace Nature Cooking Outposts Rock Throwing Rowing Service projects Slingshots Sponge war Swimming Theme activities Webelos pins Whittling Chip FUN, FUN, FUN And even more! Eagle Base Cub Scout Day Camps, throughout the council Cub Scout Day Camps are adventurous times for Cub Scouts and Webelos. It is 3 days of fun, program, activities and adventure at a location close to home. Day Camp is an introductory outdoor program for Cub Scout and Webelos with little camping experience. Our summer theme, a prequel to the next Camp Independence theme allows us to create and deliver a program allowing challenge, creativity, adventure and learning. Fifteen Day Camps will be conducted in June, July, and August throughout the Laurel Highlands Council. Check online for exact dates and locations. Scouts and units can attend any camp that they choose provided they have adult leadership. They are also welcome to attend multiple day camps. High Adventure Base, Farmington, PA If you are ready to experience true high adventure, then Eagle Base is for you! These unique treks are available for Scouts (age 13 and older) and Venturers. Your entire patrol, Troop or Crew can participate together or sign up on your own to participate with others. Perfect for the novice and experienced high adventure camper, our program is a base camp experience with a choice of highlight activities run by professional partner vendors and our trained staff during the day as well as evening programs. Campers are introduced to many high adventure activities, trail cooking, wilderness camping and trail equipment. All treks will be led by experienced Trek Guides meeting Boy Scouts of America and Pennsylvania trek leader guidelines. All program gear needed for the treks is provided. Bring your personal belongings, a great attitude and be ready for the experience of a lifetime. If you are not ready for the resident stay at Camp Independence or are looking for a second summer activity, Day Camp is for you! Archery Arts BB Gun Camp games Crafts Hiking Leatherwork Nature Songs Black powder Special guests Sports Team activities Theme activities FUN, FUN, FUN And even more! Rock climbing Peddle and paddle More Information and Availability Visit us on the web at www.lhc-bsa.org/camping/daycamp or scan the QR code with your smart phone. Pistol shooting Pontoon fishing Shotgun shooting Sporting clays Sunset kayak Swimming More Information and Availability Trail biking Trail cooking Whitewater rafts Water skiing Zip line Visit the website for activity descriptions. More Information and Availability Visit us on the web at www.heritagereservation.org/independence or scan the QR code with your smart phone. 8 Canoeing Caving/rappelling Challenge course Climbing Fishing Fly fishing GPS Navigation Hiking Kayaking Mountain biking Mountain boards Visit us on the web at www.heritagereservation.org/eaglebase or scan the QR code with your smart phone. Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Winter 2013 Camp Liberty and Camp Freedom Boy Scout Resident Camps, Farmington, PA Host to Camp Liberty and Camp Freedom, Heritage Reservation and its 2000 acres of unspoiled woodland is the ultimate laboratory for the experience of Scout summer camping. With its 270-acre lake and six miles of shoreline, Heritage Reservation calls all Scouts for an unmatched summer of fun and adventure. A fully trained and prepared staff is on hand in each of the camps to deliver a wide variety of programs in Aquatics, Braddock’s Brigade (first year camper), Ecology Conservation, Field Sports, Handicraft, Scoutcraft and Trail to Eagle. Challenging merit badges and high adventure activities for the older Scouts are supported through a partnership with Eagle Base. Offering more than 150 merit badge and activity classes in each of the camps, there is a program for each Scout, young and old, Camp Liberty and Camp Freedom. Food service is not the primary focus of Camp Liberty or Camp Freedom. However, it is what makes them different from each other. Is the patrol method a principle part of your troop? Then Camp Liberty is our Boy Scout resident camp for you. Camp Liberty is our only patrol cooking camp and allows troops to live the patrol method the whole week. Scouts prepare their own meals as patrols in the campsite with ingredients and cooking equipment provided by camp and distributed from the commissary. After eating, the patrol is responsible for cleaning dishes and waste removal. If you are looking for a dining hall camp to support your summer experience, Camp Freedom is your destination. A 450-seat dining hall serving family style meals takes care of all your culinary needs. Scouts serve as table waiters but all the cooking and cleaning is taken care of by our staff. Family style dining is a great way to help Scouts learn how to share and gives Scouts and leaders a great opportunity to catch up on the daily activities. Camp Seph Mack Boy Scout & Cub Scout Resident Camp, Penn Run, PA Camp Seph Mack seeks to deliver the promise of outdoor adventure to all Scouts and Scouters through a fun, rustic, and aesthetically pleasing facility that is rich in history. Camp Seph Mack is located on Yellow Creek Lake near Penn Run, PA and encompasses approximately 200 acres within the boundaries of Yellow Creek State Park and lies along the north shore with almost 4,000 feet of lake frontage. Boy Scout advancement programs are available throughout the camping season in our Aquatics, Ecology, Handicraft, Scoutcraft and Shooting Sports areas. Additionally, we offer Sprint Troop, a specialized program for Scouts working on Tenderfoot through First Class ranks. Brownsea is designed to support Star and Life Scouts on the trail to Eagle. For Cub Scouts we offer one session in late July to introduce Cub Scouts to resident camping. Cub Scout activities including Archery, BB Gun and Swimming will keep you busy all week. A 200-seat dining hall serving family style meals takes care of all your culinary needs. Archeology Archery Art Astronomy Basketry Bird Study Boardsailing BSA Lifeguard Camping Campfires Canoeing Caving Cinematography Cit in the Nation Climbing Cooking Day Trek Ecology Electricity Emergency Prep Energy Fingerprinting First Aid Fish & Wildlife Fishing Fly Fishing Forestry Geocaching Geology Hiking Home Repairs Indian Lore Insect Study Kayaking Leatherwork Leave No Trace More Information and Availability Visit us on the web at www.heritagereservation.org/liberty or scan the QR code with your smart phone. Winter 2013 Lifesaving Mammal Study Motorboating Mountain Biking Nature Oceanography Orienteering Outdoor Skills Peddle & Paddle Photography Pioneering Plumbing Project COPE Public Speaking Pulp & Paper Rappelling Rifle Shooting Rock Climbing Rowing Sailing Sculpture Service Projects Shotgun Snorkeling Sporting Clays Swimming Trail biking Watersports Weather Whitewater Rafts Woodcarving And even more! For a complete list of activities visit the website. Archery Basketry Camping Canoeing Cinematography Cit in the World Climbing Conservation Ecology Emergency Prep Fingerprinting Fire Safety More Information and Availability Visit us on the web at www.heritagereservation.org/freedom or scan the QR code with your smart phone. Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter First Aid Fishing Geocaching Indian Lore Leatherwork Lifesaving Mammal Study Motorboating Nature Photography Pioneering Plant Science Project COPE Rifle Shooting Rowing Sailing Swimming Weather Woodcarving And even more! For a complete list of activities visit the website. More Information and Availability Visit us on the web at www.lhc-bsa.org/camping/ camp%20seph%20mack or scan the QR code with your smart phone. 9 For each NEW staff member we will award a $100 Gift Card to our Trading Posts to the first person who nominated the selected individual. Camp Staff Sharing the Adventure Are you tired of doing the same old routine? Laurel Highlands Council operates camps at Heritage Reservation including Cub Scout, Boy Scout, high adventure and winter programs, as well as a Boy Scout program at Camp Seph Mack! Each of these offers opportunities for a variety of camp staff jobs for teens and adults, both male and female. Positions and Compensation Positions and salaries are based on age and the number of years of experience you possess in camp staff or similar environment. All camp staff receive a bunk in a cabin or tent, meals during camp operation as well as two evenings and one day off each week. Why apply for a Camp Staff job? Here are a few of the countless reasons that are frequently expressed: • Be considered for jobs of greater responsibility • Receive letters of recommendation for other pursuits • Spend time in the great outdoors where nature prevails • Serve others (the most noble and fulfilling pursuit of all) • Live in an environment based on the Scout Oath and Law • Learn how to lead others and to apply leadership skills • Give something back for the opportunities you have received • Have the advice, counsel and support of senior staff who are dedicated to helping you succeed • Be part of an effective team • Have meaningful spiritual experiences • Earn the satisfaction of doing a job well • Cooperate with others to get things done • Undertake meaningful challenges • Be paid and receive food and lodging in return for challenge and fun • Make lots of new friends in your area, other states and even other countries • Acquire experiential education (learning by doing) and skills that will last a lifetime • Work with youth and adults of all ages Camp Staff Referral 10 Administration: Manages all operations of our camps including coaching and training the staff. Positions include camp director, program director and camp commissioner. Minimum age is 21 years and salaries begin between $290 to $410 per week, depending on level of responsibility. Advancement Camp Boy Scout Specialty Camp, New Florence PA The merit badge program is one of Scouting’s most important character building tools. It allows youth to explore more than 125 career fields and skills, helping them acquire the kind of self confidence that comes from setting and achieving goals. Area Director: Camp staff who supervise and oversee a camp program or service area. They are responsible for coaching their staff and ensuring a quality experience for our campers. Minimum age is 18 or 21 depending on position and level of responsibility. Salaries begin at $200 and $290 respectively. Program and Support Staff: Camp staff who work with an area director to provide specific service or program. Minimum age is 15 or 18 depending on position and level of responsibility. Salaries begin at $160 and $180 per week respectively. We are looking for the “Best of the Best” to help form our camp staffs. Think about the youth and adults you know and those that stand out as leaders. Recommend them as potential camp staff members. Counselor in Training (CIT): It is an intensive four week training program, with all CITs given the opportunity to work at each of the Cub Scout and Boy Scout camps. CITs will work in a different camp and program area each week and will take part in staff training. There is no pay, however there is no charge for food, board or training while in the program. CITs that successfully complete the program receive a free week of high adventure at Eagle Base. Advancement Camp provides opportunities for Boy Scouts to spend an additional week at resident camp, earning as many as six specialized merit badges each week. Staffing is provided by volunteers who are experts in their field from business communities across the council. • Learn from local experts in the merit badge fields. • Scouts will have the opportunity to learn and participate in exciting field trips. • Take part in the ideal patrol and Troop experience. • Bring a buddy or come by yourself. • Make new friends with Scouts who share your interests. Scouts are placed in a provisional patrol and troop, elect their own leadership and may earn up to six merit badges in one week. Located just north of historic Ligonier, PA, Camp Twin Echo offers the accommodations of a modern camping facility with the allure of a place steeped in tradition. More Information or to Apply Visit us on the web at www.lhc-bsa/org/camping/staff or scan the QR code with your smart phone. Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter More Information and Availability Visit us on the web at www.lhc-bsa.org/Camping/Advancement Camp or scan the QR code with your smart phone. Winter 2013 Heritage Reservation Facility and Program Rentals Nine camps throughout the council Camp Anawanna One hour away from Flag Plaza, this camp offers some weekend cabins and another great place for tent camping. Fish in the pond while you enjoy a nice facility for your weekend unit event. Camp Anderson Located just north of Tyrone, in Bald Eagle, Camp Anderson serves as a local retreat for units, as well as an excellent training facility. One hour north of Pittsburgh, this jewel is a perfect place for a quiet weekend. Close to Raccoon Park, this facility offers great tent camping, two lean-to sites and stream fishing. A perfect place for a Pack or Troop picnic. Putt’s Camp is located on Raystown Lake and is a primitive camping area operated with the cooperation of the Army Corps of Engineers. Beautiful lake views and seclusion make for a great weekend outing. Eagle Base Conference Center Heritage Reservation, Farmington, PA Located on a 2,000 acre tract in the Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands, you just won’t find a better meeting value for the money than the Eagle Base Conference Center. Groups can meet in a relaxed, invigorating atmosphere, with nature and serenity at their doorstep. Youth groups, school environmental camps, non-profit organizations, along with numerous religious, educational, and health-related groups are among the many that frequently enjoy our outstanding facilities and reasonable rates. The center features: • Lake Courage , covering 270 acres, is the recreational focus of the property and provides ample opportunity for boating and fishing • Recreation opportunities include hiking trails, basketball, volleyball and tennis • Lodging for up to 200 persons • Numerous breakout options • Wholesome family-style meals for up to 160 or any special catering requests More Information and Availability Visit us on the web at www.heritagereservation.org/conference or scan the QR code with your smart phone. Camp Seph Mack Camp Guyasuta Camp Joseph Putt’s Camp Camp Baker Located 90 minutes south of Pittsburgh, this premier camping facility has many activities that can enhance a unit program and is just a fun place to be on the weekend. Troops can do wilderness camping in the Valley Forge site. Cub Packs can stay in the Cub Camping area at Independence as well as the Potomac Homes. Crosscountry skis and ice skates are available for a small rental fee. For the older Scouts, there is snow skiing, caving, white water rafting, sporting clays and horseback riding near the camp. These are services provided by an outside vendor for a fee. A little bit of the country in the city. Located in Pittsburgh, 15 minutes east of Flag Plaza, this 129-acre facility is the place for a day and overnight events. Several cabins are available for rental, as well as a lean-to site. A perfect place for a special Pack meeting or a Troop ceremony. Camp Guyasuta is a great place for picnics, Courts of Honor, a pool in summer season for BSA swim tests prior to camp and a convenient place to camp if you want to visit the city for a day. Located on top of Allegheny Mountain, just west of Bedford, Camp Joseph has two primitive campsites. The camp is located near historical sites and along the Forbes Road Trail, stretching from Fort Bedford to Fort Ligonier. Located on Yellow Creek Lake near Penn Run, Camp Seph Mack encompasses approximately 200 acres within Yellow Creek State Park. Camp Seph Mack is used as a summer resident camp, as well as hosting a variety of programs for all ages, including Day Camp, weekend camps, and training for both youths and adults. Camp Twin Echo Just 30 minutes from Johnstown and 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, this is another perfect place for Troop weekend camping. There are cabins for rent to meet your off-season program needs. Camp Twin Echo is a popular place for camping which is also close to skiing in the winter. McGinnis Education Center Camp Guyasuta, Sharpsburg, PA McGinnis Education Center is tucked on 175 secluded acres along Guyasuta Run, minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. Because of its easy access and comfortable atmosphere, the facility has been embraced by corporate, religious, educational and non-profit organizations of all types. The center features: • Rohr Family Challenge Center, low and high course elements to promote cooperation among team members • The Liken Trail, along Guyasuta Run abundant with flora and fauna, a perfect outdoor laboratory • Lodging for up to 120 persons • Conference room for up to 150 persons with two breakout rooms • Wholesome family-style meals or any special catering requests More Information and Availability Visit us on the web at www.lhc-bsa.org/camping or scan the QR code with your smart phone. More Information and Availability Visit us on the web at www.campguyasuta.org/ Conference_Center.html or scan the QR code with your smart phone. Winter 2013 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter 11 Unit Service Ask the Commish This question comes from a Scout leader who wants to save her Pack from extinction. Dear Commish: Our unit has experienced declining membership for the last couple of years. I am afraid if this continues we won’t have a Pack next year. The Cubmaster is leaving in June and going to the Boy Scout troop with his son. He says if someone doesn’t step up the Pack will have to fold. I just signed up to be a Den Leader after my son’s leader moved away for a new job and I just don’t have the time to be Cubmaster. My son loves Scouts. I’m a single mother and recognize the value in this organization. However, he is also involved in sports (baseball and soccer) and there is no shortage of activities for the boys in our neighborhood. If things don’t change in the Pack soon we will need to put our energies elsewhere. What should I do? Who can I turn to for help? -Desperate Den Leader Dear Desperate: Looks like you have multiple issues in your pack, but don’t despair, help is available! First of all, thank you for your willingness to take on the role of Den Leader! This is one of the most important “jobs” in Scouting. Not only will your son and the other boys in the Den benefit from your leadership, I am sure you will find it a most rewarding experience. Make sure you’ve completed the online training at Scouting.org and don’t miss the University of Scouting on March 16. We are all in the membership business. There’s an old saying “before we can put Scouting’s values into youth, we have to put youth into Scouting.” Getting boys to join Cub Scouts is very easy – but we must consider recruitment a year-round effort and not just something we do every fall. Cub Scouting has been around for 82 years so you can bet we’ve tried everything to recruit members. Some of the latest and best methods are right at your finger tips. Check out the resources available on the internet at http://Scouting.org/Membership/Youth_Recruitment. The job of replacing your Cubmaster is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization for your Pack. In practice it takes the efforts of many people to find the right Cubmaster. This could include the pack committee, the charter organization representative, the unit commissioner, the unit service executive and the parents. Just like membership, there is a great resource on the Scouting.org website to assist in recruiting the Cubmaster and other Pack leaders: http://Scouting.org/filestore/pdf/13-500.pdf. Commissioner Training MOST IMPORTANT - there’s a team of people available to help you! The Commissioner staff is ready and available to guide your pack in recruiting more members and help your charter organization recruit a new Cubmaster. Unit Commissioners are experienced Scouters who work as coaches and consultants to help you and your Pack through every challenge. Their sole purpose is to help Scout units succeed. They also serve as the key link between the many resources of a functional district committee and the unique needs of each unit. For instance they might call on the district membership committee to help your Pack with recruitment. They might also ask the professional staff membership executive to provide additional support. In three short hours, participants of the Commissioner Basic Training (CBT) session learn: Send your questions to [email protected]. Please include your position, unit and city. If you prefer to have your name or affiliation withheld, please advise in your e-mail. Letters to “Ask the Commish” may be published on the web or in Scouts’ Honor. Have you ever wondered what Commissioners do? Do you want to better understand how the Commissioner staff works with the District Committee? The four-function concept of council and district operations •The commissioner role in supporting units •The methods and steps for good unit program planning •How to set priorities and be an effective leader The next CBT will be Saturday, February 23 at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, 2800 Old Elizabeth Road in West Mifflin. Registration starts at 8:30 AM. To register or get more information: http://basic.commissioner-bsa.org Future Dates: • April 20 – Hosted by Area 3 • June 15 – Hosted by Area 6 12 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Winter 2013 Order of the Arrow National OA Conference 2015 Section NE-4B Conclave The 2015 NOAC will be one of your most memorable Scouting experiences. NOAC 2015 will be held at Michigan State University from August 3 through August 8, 2015 and is projected to be one of the largest in the Order’s history with more than 10,000 Arrowmen in attendance. The Section NE-4B Conclave is the biggest and best OA Scouting event of the entire year, and it’s something that members of Allohak Menewi will not miss! NOAC will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the order of the Arrow and will feature a number of unique events, including national competitions for ceremonies, drum, and dance; evening shows; the OA history museum; and awesome recreation competitions such as soccer, basketball, and ultimate Frisbee. Highlights such as the Founder’s Day festivities including the Founder’s Day Parade, the Grand Hodag, and the interRegion dodge ball battle are some of the exciting events at NOAC. Arrowmen can participate in service projects, high adventure opportunities, leadership training, American Indian Activities training, and much more. While enjoying the various activities, Scouts will have a great time meeting new brothers and sharing their experiences with people from around the nation. Our lodge will send a contingent to NOAC 2015 and you won’t want to miss out. For information contact the Lodge Leadership at the bottom of the page. Visit www.event.oa-bsa.org This year Allohak Menewi is in charge of the Activities. Allohak Menewi goal is to take 100 Arrowmen to conclave. The price is estimated at $40.00 which covers registration and patches. For more Information contact: Ben Smith: [email protected] Register at the lodge web page: http://www.lhc-bsa.org/ NOAC 2012 Recap The National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) is a large conclave of Arrowmen (members of the Order of Arrow) from across the country, and some Arrowmen are also from other countries. Last year NOAC was hosted at Michigan State University. All together there were over 7,000 Arrowmen that participated in NOAC. for more information and to learn about NOAC 2015. NOAC Centennial Crate Connecting Arrowmen to History, Legacy Project 2015 Every lodge is invited to participate in Legacy Project • 2012 Lodge Rock The lodge will select a rock from your home council’s territory or council camp that will become a part of the Brotherhood fireplace at NOAC 2015. • 2013 Legacy Panel The lodge will paint the inside of this crate’s lid to represent your lodge and its legacy in the Order. Lids will be captured digitally and become part of the NOAC 2015 celebrations. • 2014 History Book The lodge will prepare a written history. This book, along with lodge artifacts will become a part of the 100th Anniversary celebrations. • 2015 Centennial Bonfire The crate itself will be filled with firewood from your local area and brought to NOAC 2015.The wood from each lodge will be burned in a ceremonial fire, with each lodge returning home with a vial of ash. Allohak Menewi is looking for lodge members who have artist skills and those who have an interest in History. The opening show got the ball rolling as a guy rolled out inside of a giant hamster ball. Why? Because he was only doing things by himself when he could be working with others. This goes with this NOAC’s theme, “United We Leave A Legacy,” and that theme was a constant point throughout the week. Arrowmen were encouraged to strengthen bonds with others and to leave their mark on the world. During the week participants took classes on how to lead in their lodge, how to do crafts like beading, and the different aspects of Native American dances. Also, there were many activities outside of classes such as patch trading, sailing, bmx, and powwows. There was also Founder’s Day on Friday, which is a big fair with booths from all of the lodges. No matter what the Arrowmen did they had a blast Monday through Friday. Friday night at the closing there was a show about unity and teamwork that ended with multiple bangs as fireworks were shot, explosions were sounded, and a lightshow started. -Written by Joey Lueck Lodge Contacts During the year of 2013 the lodge needs to paint the inside of the Centennial Crate lid to represent our lodge and its legacy in the Order. In 2014 the lodge will prepare a written History which spans some 90 years. If you have these skills and like a challenge, please contact a member of the Lodge Leadership. Winter 2013 This is a gathering of over 300 OA members from five lodges in Section NE-4B. A weekend of fun and everything OA will bring Arrowmen from Western Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland together on June 14 - 16, 2013 at Camp Conestoga in Somerset, PA. Hosted by Wagon Lodge #6. Allohak Menewi plans to have teams competing in the preordeal ceremony evaluation and Dance Team members competing in the Native American Dance Competition. Lodge Chief Elijah Gass: [email protected] NOAC 2015 Chairman Jacob Straub [email protected] NOAC Adviser Joe Elwell: [email protected] Lodge Adviser Jay Zimmerman: [email protected] Staff Adviser Dan Lindh [email protected] Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter OA High Adventure The Order of the Arrow, in its focus on service, contains four different high adventure programs at the national level that focus on conservation. These programs occur at the three national high adventure bases that the Boy Scouts own. They are only open to youth aged 16 to 21 and are available at a substantially lower price than other programs at the base. They each include a week of service and a trek week during which the participants get to plan their own routes and experience the best of the bases. The first program established is the Trail Crew trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Each session is a fourteen-day program for Order of the Arrow members aged 16 to 21 that gives participants an opportunity to work on various conservation projects around the ranch. Participants build trail for seven days and then go on a seven day trek throughout Philmont. $250 The second program is at the Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases in Minnesota. Instead of hiking and backpacking as in Trail Crew, the participants use canoes for transportation. Their work occurs in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest. Since its inception, the program has worked on some of the most treacherous portage trails in the area. Participants are led by Foremen of the Northern Tier Conservation Department. Participants do conservation service for seven days and then go on a seven day canoe trip. Crews have traveled all the way to International Falls and the Grand Portage National Monument on Lake Superior in only a week. $200 The third program was established at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys. This program also has a week of service but here it follows a week during which participants gain PADI SCUBA Certification. The OA provided services such as marine life monitoring for the Reef Environmental Education Foundation, and coral reef conservation for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. $500 The newest program began in the summer of 2009. Based at the Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases, this program builds on the success of the Wilderness Voyage program by doing trail work in the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario. Work crews canoe from the base in Atikokan, Ontario to base in Ely, Minnesota. $200 For more information, please visit Adventure.oa-bsa.org or Contact Joe Elwell at [email protected] Lodge Dues Dues for the year are $12.00 or $15.00 after March 1. 13 Development Pittsburgh NESA Chapter: Outstanding Eagles Friends of Scouting 2013 What is Friends of Scouting? Think of it as an investment in the future- perhaps one of the most important you can ever make. Your family sees firsthand the leadership, values and character development occurring daily in the lives of young people. Perhaps like never before, America needs future leaders with a strong set of values- built by strong families, supported by Scouting. And now, we need your help. In 2011 the National Eagle Scout Association introduced the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. It is a companion to the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award which is recognition of an adult Eagle who has brought great credit and distinction to the Eagle Rank at a National level. 2012 was a special year, marking the 100th Anniversary of the Eagle Scout Award. It is only fitting that we use this occasion to introduce the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to the Laurel Highlands Council. The inaugural recipients represent the 264th, 265th and 266th Eagle Scout to be recognized with this award across our great nation. The Outstanding Eagle Scout Award is designed to honor Eagles that have brought great credit and distinction to the Eagle Scout Rank at a local and regional level. Their actions and accomplishments have elevated the stature of Eagle Scouts in the public eye and each recipient has lived up to the standards set forth in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Please help us congratulate our 2012 OESA recipients. 2012 Honorees: C.W. Kreimer, Chris Hoke, Joe Salvucci Your child’s Scouting unit receives support through the operation of the council service center, website, council newsletter, adult training courses, professional staff guidance, and our great summer camp programs. In addition to the dues a Scout pays, it costs $144 to support each Scout, participant, and registered adult leader for a year. For that $144 investment, just think about one of those services- the spectacular camping opportunities provided in 9 outstanding Council owned properties- just one of the services provided. Private camps and other youth organizations charge many times the fees for campwe are able to maintain that low cost through the support of our dedicated volunteer work crews and YOUR Friends of Scouting investment. Parents of Scouts and community members in the Laurel Highlands Council are asked to consider the annual Friends of Scouting campaign. Scouting families play a vital role in the annual Friends of Scouting campaign because they see, on an ongoing basis, how important the Scouting program is in the lives of their Scouts and how vital it is for every young person to have a chance for a positive future. Laurel Highlands Council 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 From now until the end of April Scouting volunteers will visit key activities (typically a pack meeting or troop court of honor.) You will be invited to consider making a taxdeductible pledge to the Laurel Highlands Council that can be paid throughout the year. Taking Aim The shooting sports programs in the Laurel Highlands Council are thriving with help of dozens of Council volunteers and especially with the assistance of the National Rifle Association Foundation’s financial support. This year over 3,300 Scouts from all 3 programs (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing) participated in organized shooting sports programs at the Council’s numerous Day Camp sites and long term Camps conducted at Heritage Reservation and Camp Seph Mack. Many of those eager young shooters were using brand new rifles, shotguns and bows thanks to the NRA Foundation and it’s State Grant program. The Council was fully funded on 9 different grant requests for new shooting equipment and supplies. In addition, the air rifle program that has been introduced at Camp Guyasuta was founded with the assistance of NRA Grants. Make sure you thank an NRA member and support your County’s Friends of the NRA initiatives in 2013. They have been a great partner to our Shooting Sports programs. Families and interested community members are encouraged to give based on their interest in the program and their ability to give. By investing in our youth through the Friends of Scouting campaign, you can help direct young people into a program that stands for what is good and right in today’s world. On behalf of our future leaders, for whom the Scouting program is so valuable in their formative years, thank you for being a Friend of Scouting. Memorials and Tributes IN MEMORY OF CHARLES MCKINLEY Art Bertha Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund Virginia Bertha & Family IN MEMORY OF HARRY W. MAY Georgann K. Jenkins IN MEMORY OF FRANCIS X. “FRITZ” O’CONNELL Daniel F. O’Connell Family IN MEMORY OF ROBERT C. WAGNER Amy Franz Dan Howley Kevin & Jane Quinn To make a tribute or memorial, please visit: www.lhc-bsa.org/Finance.aspx 14 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Winter 2013 Area 1 Area 3 Jake Kraus - Field Director [email protected] (412) 325-7926 Jim Douglas - Field Director [email protected] (412) 325-7940 Dan Lindh - Program [email protected] (412) 325-7964 Jeanne Smith - Program [email protected] (412) 325-7970 Alahna Bell - Unit Service [email protected] (412) 325-7963 Clay Shumway - Unit Service [email protected] (412) 325-7975 Zach Costelnock - Membership [email protected] (412) 325-7965 Marilyn Brown - Membership [email protected] (412) 325-7966 Area 2 Area 4 Tracey Burkey - Field Director [email protected] (412) 325-7995 Joe Milharcic - Field Director [email protected] (412) 325-7935 Brandi Butler - Program [email protected] (412) 325-7968 Heath Manbeck - Program [email protected] (412) 325-7962 Aaron Johnson - Unit Service [email protected] (412) 325-7976 Ryan Geraghty - Unit Service [email protected] (412) 325-7969 Brooke Parker - Membership [email protected] (412) 325-7978 Mark Tallarico - Membership [email protected] (412) 325-7976 Conestoga, Mon Valley, Steel City Beaver Valley, Seneca Fort Pitt, Japeechen, Tecumsa Frontier, General Greene, Mingo Trails Executive Staff Area 5 Learning for Life, Exploring, Scoutreach, Trailblazer, Venturing Naudain Radcliff - Field Director [email protected] (412) 325-7994 Darla DiGiovanni - Program/Unit Service [email protected] (412) 325-7973 James Wandling - Exploring/LFL [email protected] (412) 325-7977 Jason Flowers - Special Projects [email protected] (412) 325-7972 Amanda Smith - Teen Lead Coordinator [email protected] (412) 325-7974 Area 6 Chestnut Ridge, Chief Logan, Keystone, Forbes Trail, Fort Bedford Michael Morrell - Field Director [email protected] (814) 471-1090 x107 Dan Stover - Program [email protected] (814) 471-1090 x110 Jason Young - Membership [email protected] (814) 471-1090 x108 Council Administration Mike Surbaugh Scout Executive / CEO [email protected] (412) 325-7979 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 Kurt Roberts Program Director [email protected] (814) 659-4742 Council Development Amy Franz Director of Development [email protected] (412) 325-7910 Matt Mallin Development Director [email protected] (412) 325-7915 Michele Brenneman Development Director [email protected] (814) 471-1090 x109 Calendar January 11-13 Winter Weekend I 16 Advancement Committee 17 COPE and Climbing Committee 17 Leadership Development 18-20 Winter Weekend II 19 Silver Beaver Selection 21 Council Offices Closed 22 Risk Management Committee 22 Camp Promotion Presentor Training 24 Camp Promotion Presentor Training 25-27 OA Winterfest at Heritage 25 Twin Arrow Staff Developement Winter 2013 February 1-3 Winter Weekend III 3 Scout Sunday 9 Scout Sabbath 8-10 Winter Weekend IV 15-17 Winter Weekend V 19 Council Board Meeting 19 Properties Committee 19 Commissioner Cabinet 21 Leadership Development 21 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award Dinner 23 Twin Arrow Staff Development 23 Commissoner Basic Training 26 Summer Camp Leaders Meeting 28 Harry E. Mangle Dinner 28 Summer Camp Leaders Meeting March 2 Summer Camp Leaders Meeting - Eburg 16 University of Scouting 17 St. Patrick’s Day 19 Risk Management Committee 19 Commissioner Cabinet 20 Advancement Committee 21 Friends of Scouting Breakfast 22 COPE & Climbing Committee 23 BALOO at Camp Seph Mack 23 Twin Arrow Staf Development 29 Council Offices Closed April 1 Campership Forms Due 1 Summer Camp Deposits Due 8-19 Scouting fro Food 15 Camping Committee 16 Counci lBoard Meeting 23 Properties Committee 27 Council Cordinated Meeting 26-28 Twin Arrow Staff Development 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 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter 15 Participants arriving at the DLC knew this wasn’t their typical Scout training when they were greeted by a 40-foot tall Cub Scout waving them toward Pathfinder Lodge! The DLC is a new training event hosted by the Laurel Highlands Council for District and Council level Scouters. The inaugural conference, held last October, provided a series of basic and advanced classes for Commissioners, District Committee members and Professionals. Dana Levenson of Dale Carnegie Associates (above) and Council Commissioner Rick Bausher (below) leading their classes. There were over 60 class options on the schedule. Area Director Jamie Shearer (left) and National Council consultant Mike Watkins, (right) explained the importance of Journey to Excellence and Voice of the Scout. Former Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca delivered an inspirational keynote address. Noreen Lockman (left) and Bill Koller (right) enjoying a class break. The DLC included a number of FUN activities throughout the day. Stephen Zelenko (left) made connections with Scouters all over the world via amateur radio as part of Jamboree-on-the-Air. Throughout the day, Tom “Dutch” Pearce (right) made Dutch oven treats for participants. 16 Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter Winter 2013