Central Florida Council BSA
Prepared. For Life.
March 2012
In This Issue
New Scout Saves a Life
Eagle Project Benefits Hospice of the Comforter
Council Retreat
FOS
Voice of the Scout
Tipisa Spring Conclave
Training
Scout Show
Legacy Quest
Online Advancement
Eagle Encampment
What's Going Around
Caring for Your Boots
From the Scout Executive
New Scout Saves a Life 
Nathan Smith
Click on the image for a larger picture
Nathan Smith is a Tenderfoot with Troop 713 out of Christmas Florida. On the weekend of Labor Day, Nathan's father dropped him and his brothers off at their Aunt and Uncle's house to spend the day. When they were eating, Nathan's 6 year old brother started choking. Before the Aunt and Uncle had time to react, Nathan had run over to help, assessed the situation, and performed the Heimlich maneuver. The food was dislodged and Nathan's brother returned to normal breathing.

When asked where he learned the skill, he said in Webelos while being taught the Readyman Badge (he had also taken the First Aid Merit Badge at Camp La No Che). As a result of his quick thinking and Scout skills, Nathan saved his brother's life. All of us at Troop 713 and the Scouting Community are very proud of our Scouts. This is a testament to the valuable life skills the boys learn with this great program.
Eagle Scout Project Benefits Hospice of the Comforter
Andrew Sheppard
Click on the image for a larger picture
Local Legend, Phil Orr of Apopka, wished for a place to watch his great-grandchildren play during his final days on this earth while at Hospice of the Comforter, Altamonte Springs. Orr's daughter, Marilyn Zincke of Apopka, decided to help make that wish come true.

Following the passing of her father in April 2011, Zincke contacted Marilyn Hattaway, executive director of Hospice of the Comforter Foundation, about funding a playground for children visiting their loved ones who are on hospice services. At the same time, Eagle Scout candidate Andrew Sheppard of Boy Scout Troop 62, in the Ft. Gatlin District, had contacted Hattaway about wanting to do his Eagle Scout project to benefit Hospice of the Comforter. Together, the three designed the perfect place for children to play. Situated behind Robison Residence, a six-bed residence for patients of Hospice of the Comforter was plenty of room to build a playground under the tall trees, and residents would be able to sit on the back porch to enjoy watching them.

Under Sheppard's leadership, members of Troop 62 spent three weeks building the playground.

Fifty guests attended the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on Friday, February 10, 2012 including Marilyn Zincke and her family, Robert G. Wilson, founder and chief executive officer of Hospice of the Comforter, Gary Brewer, Director of Major Gifts for the Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America, and Andrew Sheppard and his family, including Frank Sheppard, Hospice of the Comforter Foundation board member.

For more information about Hospice of the Comforter, call 407-682-0808 or visit their web site.

You can click here for more pictures of the dedication ceremony.
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Prepared. For Life.
Greetings! 
Welcome to the March 2012 issue of our Council newsletter.

We are publishing this newsletter on a monthly basis in an effort to provide you timely and up-to-date information on the goings-on in the Central Florida Council.

If you've missed a back issue, feel free to check out our online archive.

And, if you have an upcoming event, information, or a special scout story you'd like to include in this newsletter, please, email our editor.
Council Board Retreat
RetreatThe Central Florida Council Board Retreat is an annual event where Council and District leadership gather to evaluate and prepare the Central Florida Council to continue its Journey to Excellence in providing Scouting programs to the Central Florida area. 

RetreatThe retreat begins Friday, March 9th at 6:00pm with a succulent steak dinner in the W.T. Bland Dining Hall, followed by an evening program. Saturday morning will begin with breakfast at 7:00am followed by the Council Executive Board meeting. Group workshops and planning sessions will follow the Board meeting, bringing the retreat to an end around lunch. Fun, fellowship and a few surprises are included, too. Camp program areas will be open for your enjoyment on Saturday afternoon with activities such as rifle and shotgun, archery, canoeing, and more.  

RetreatIf you would like to camp overnight, a variety of accommodations are offered at Camp La-No-Che. To RSVP for this event and join your fellow Council and District leadership please click here for information flyer or click here to register online
Friends of Scouting
Friends of ScoutingThe Central Florida Council serves over 26,000 youth members in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, Lake and Flagler Counties. A budget of $5.9 million is needed to provide the facilities, support materials, programs, activities and professional leadership for our community.

The annual Friends of Scouting (FOS) Campaign focuses on raising a significant portion of this budget through families who participate in Scouting and friends in the community who support the mission of Scouting. Funds are raised by coordinated presentations made by volunteers to families of Scouts at a special unit event such as a Blue & Gold Banquet or Court of Honor and at a series of "Golden Eagle" community events.

The annual campaign is planned, directed and conducted by volunteers. There is virtually no other volunteer-run fund raising campaign of this magnitude in the United States! Each volunteer team has a professional advisor (usually a District Executive) to assist with information, training and supplies. 

 

You can sign-up a unit for your FOS presentation online. Or, you can check out the brochure for the campaign.
Central Florida Council set to collect the Voices of Scouts, Parents & Volunteers in March
Voice of the ScoutAs part of a national Boy Scouts of America program, the Central Florida Council is excited to announce its participation in the Voice of the Scout.  With over four million members, this program is being adopted as a key way to collect experiences and deliver upon the expectations of members as they participate in Scouting.

Beginning mid-March, parents, Scouts & Venturers over 14, volunteers, and chartered organizations will begin seeing surveys delivered into their email inboxes for Voice of the Scout.  The surveys have been designed to be very brief but will give needed insight into the variety of experiences at the unit and district within our council.

Surveys will stay open for three weeks, and then information will be referenced for making key decisions to drive Scouting forward, as guided by the people who matter most- our members.  It will be a continuous program, in that we will launch these surveys twice per year, with no household receiving more than one survey every six months.

Due to the sheer volume of surveys in this program, we must deliver via email to effectively and efficiently collect opinions.  To make the most of this program, we will begin asking for email updates regularly, so please make sure we have your most recent email by completing your email information on all membership applications, registration flyers and when asked by your District & Unit.

Voice of the Scout is how we will help guide our decision-making for our future programs and operational delivery.  Please take a few minutes of your time to participate!

 

Tipisa Spring Conclave
Tipisa Spring Conclave"Apocalypse Survival Training"

To all who wish to Survive,

Are you ready to survive the end of the Mayan Calendar and experience a new beginning?

Prepare yourself, your chapter, and your advisor for the most thrilling, extravagant, and outrageous adventure ever sponsored by Tipisa Lodge.

Come join the rest of your brothers in Tipisa for what is sure to be the most exciting and educational event of the year!

For those who have been Ordeal members for at least 10 months and who seek the most fulfilling adventure, we invite you to seal your membership in the Brotherhood.

Do you have what it takes to conquer the calendar?

March 16-18, 2012 - Camp La-No-Che

Click here for the Spring Conclave Flyer and Registration Form

Register online at www.tipisa.org by March 12, 2012 to avoid a $5.00 walk-in fee!
 
Training
Looking for the latest information on BSA Training Classes being held in the Central Florida Council? The Council Training Calendar is your one-stop shop for all training classes, when they will be held, who is conducting the class, and how to register.
Scout Show
2011 Scout Show Opening
The Central Florida Council is pleased to announce the Central Florida Scout Show, the largest one-day event in Central Florida Scouting! This event is scheduled for Saturday, April 28th at the University of Central Florida - Bright House Stadium. Thanks to McDonald's for their sponsorship of this event.

The Scout Show is a council-wide event that brings all of our Scouts and programs together participating at the same location. We serve Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties.

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the adventure of Scouting as the Boy Scout Handbook literally comes to life with exhibits of Scout crafts and skills displayed on a variety of levels.

Turner Wallis, the Scout Show Committee Chairman and his team are excited about the Central Florida Scout Show. The theme for this year is: Prepared. For Life.

You and your unit are cordially invited to join us in this unique Scouting experience.
 
Camp Cards

James - the week 1 winner
Click on the image for a larger picture
The first winner for the weekly Camp Card Drawing: James - who has sold 60 cards so far, James is with Troop 720 from Challenger District.
 
How did he do it? James would go door to door in his neighborhood and sell to his loyal customers that he's been selling to for years.

Which prize is he working towards? James would like to go to Summer Camp at Camp La-No-Che. He needs about 300 more cards to achieve his goal.

What drawing prize did he choose? $100 Wal-mart gift card.
 
Weekly drawings will be completed for Scout once selling 20 Camp Cards and then each time another 20 discount cards are sold.

Additional Camp Cards may be requested by contacting Kimmy at the Council Service Center, or by requesting additional cards through your District Executive.
Central Florida Council's Legacy Quest
CFC's Legacy Quest - Be Part of the Future Now!
Be Part of the Future Now!
The Central Florida Council would like to introduce "Legacy Quest" - a program of four volunteer teams that help our council continue its journey of excellence in the next 100 years of Scouting.

The Legacy Quest is broken into four teams:
  1. Camp Masters - serve as an indispensable part of the operations and support volunteer staff at Camp La-No-Che, located in the Leonard and Marjorie Williams Family Scout Reservation, and select council-wide events. Provide assistance during the year round program wherever they hear the call.
  2. Scouting Service Squad (S3) - volunteers who assist the administration and operation sections of the council with special events and program preparations.
  3. Black Shirts - provide technical and audio / visual support at council events and functions. 
  4. Council Capital Conservation Crew (C4) - volunteers who provide specialized skills and work with the council Physical Resources Committee, the Director of Support Services and the Camp Rangers to completed pre-determined projects at the Leonard and Marjorie Williams Family Scout Reservation and other council properties and facilities. 
Recognition will be provided for each Legacy Quest team member including an exclusive special edition patch series and a yearly recognition banquet.

Click here to join the Central Florida Council Legacy Quest.

For additional questions please contact Wendy Thomas at [email protected] or 407-703-2076.
Central Florida Council Policy Change - Online Advancement 
AdvancementAdvancement reporting is a requirement of the Boy Scouts of America. Internet Advancement makes this a simple process that can be done from your home computer. Through Internet Advancement, units will be able to enter advancements at any time, print reports, obtain current rosters from the BSA system, and print order sheets for the Scout Shop.

The Central Florida Council will be requiring all units to use internet advancement as of June 1, 2012. As stated above this will allow units to enter advancements at home and retrieve reports when needed.

How Internet Advancement Works
Each unit needs to select an advancement processor who is granted access with a Council-provided unit ID. The processor will report his or her unit's advancements each month and submit a final Advancement Report by December 31st of each year. The only rank that may not be entered through this system is the Eagle rank due to documentation requirements. Any nominated recognitions such as lifesaving and meritorious action awards will also be required to be submitted by paper.

Internet Advancement is accessed through our council's website. A first time unit advancement processor will need to access the Central Florida Council's website. On the home page, click on the "Leaders" button and then click on "Advancement". After you go to the online advancement website you will be asked to log in, accept a Confidentiality agreement, and provide registration information (your name, email address, telephone number and a new password) and then move to an overview page with additional instructions. The next time you log in you will be able to skip the first three steps above and go directly to selecting members for advancement.
 
Units will be able to print, sign and forward the report to the council. When you purchase advancements, it will be required to print out a copy of the Internet Advancement Report/Unit Awards Summary and bring it with you to the Scout Shop.

If you have questions about On-Line Advancement, please contact Lynette Dukes at the Central Florida Council office. Lynette will be able to help answer questions, help reset passwords, and assist you with problems with creating reports. The contact email is [email protected] and phone number is 407-703-0225. 
Eagle Encampment
Save the Date

June 17-22, 2012
Camp Ithiel, Gotha, Florida

Following a very successful inaugural event in 2008, this is the Council's ultimate camp for advancement and Scouting knowledge. Six merit badges required for Eagle Scout are offered this week, plus in-depth information about service projects, NESA, paperwork and many other important details needed for obtaining the highest rank in Scouting. This in an intensive week, thus, Scouts should be aware that all of the merit badges offered at camp require work done outside of camp to complete. In order to have the merit badges completed at camp, work done prior to camp must be brought to camp along with properly filled out partial merit badge blue cards. If prior work has not been completed, partial work will be credited at conclusion of camp. Blue cards will not be issued at the conclusion of Eagle Encampment. Instead, official accomplishment documents will be provided to each participant which should be provided to each unit's advancement chairman to ensure the participant receives proper credit at the Troop level
 
What's Going Around: INFLUENZA
What's Going Around ...
The flu has arrived in Central Florida. Last week, Centra Care doctors saw a 70% increase in cases. And this past weekend alone, Centra Care had 19 positive Influenza tests. The CDC map is showing an increase across most of the country. Don't panic, but take the flu seriously.

If you haven't already gotten a flu shot, do it now. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.
 
Learn More:
Because many flu symptoms mimic that of the common cold, it can be difficult to tell what illness you have. If it is influenza, the earlier you are diagnosed can make a difference in how long the flu lasts or how severe it may become. So, how do you tell if it's flu, or just the common cold? Both are upper respiratory infections caused by viruses, so many of the symptoms appear to be similar. Chest congestion, a sore throat and a feeling of tiredness are all symptoms of a cold, but if they are accompanied by extreme weakness, muscle and joint aches and a high fever, then you also have telltale symptoms of the flu. Generally, flu symptoms come on more quickly and are much more severe than cold symptoms. Below is a chart that can help you determine if you have a cold or the flu:
  

Symptoms

Cold

Flu

Fever

Rare

High (100-102 degrees for 3-4 days)

Headache

Rare

Common

General Aches & Pains

Slight

Usual and often severe

Fatigue, Weakness

Sometimes

Usual, can last up to 3 weeks

Exhaustion

Never

Usual in the beginning

Stuffy Nose

Common

Sometimes

Sneezing

Usual

Sometimes

Sore Throat

Common

Sometimes

 

 
 Source: CDC
 
The difficulty in self-diagnosing is you don't know for sure what you're dealing with; only lab tests can determine just what type of flu you may have. Centra Care has a quick influenza test, which can tell within minutes if you've got the influenza. Prescription medications (like Tamiflu) are very effective, and all Centra Care locations carry this - - BUT you need to start the medication within 48 hours of symptom onset or they won't work - so don't wait too long before being seen for Flu symptoms.

Every Centra Care location treats adult and pediatric patients and offers flu shots without an appointment. If you or someone in your family needs a vaccination or suffers from an illness, allergy or injury that needs medical attention, Centra Care has 21 locations, serving you 7-days a week.
  
For more "What's Going Around?" Check out the Centra Care web site.


CentraCare - Official Urgent Care Provider of the Boy Scouts of Central Florida
How to Take Care of your Hiking Boots   
Hiking Boots
It makes absolutely no sense to purchase an expensive pair of hiking boots if you don't know how to keep your hiking boots safe. Take care of your hiking boots and your hiking boots will take care of you. Just remember that the boots are only the perfect boots if you learn how to take care of them. There are a few different types of hiking boots and each type has its own maintenance. The following are some helpful hints and tips to help you maintain your hiking boots. 

Waterproofing the boots
Consult the manufacturer for the proper products to put on the boots for waterproofing. Waterproof the boots before you use them for the first time. There are some conflicting thoughts on how to waterproof leather and they will be mentioned here. Some people advocate waxes, silicones or oil based products for leather boots. The thought is that wax or silicone based products will ruin the natural properties of leather and shorten the life of the boot. There is a difference between a paste wax and a water based liquid wax. Some boots require a water based wax while other boots require the paste wax. Whatever waterproofing is used, consult with the manufacturer for sure. Synthetic boots should use a silicone based waterproof product. Always make sure the attachment area where the boot and the sole meet have enough waterproofing. A very soft toothbrush or Q-tips will help get into those tough boot areas. Whatever waterproof product is chosen, use a reputable brand product for those expensive boots.

Clean the boots
When you have finished using the hiking boots for the day and you are ready to put them away, completely clean and wash the boots. Take the stones out of the bottom of the soles and remove all mud. A soft toothbrush with a little water will help clean those hard to get areas. If the boots become really scuffed, check to see if it is time to waterproof the hiking boots again. If the boots are damp and the inside boot pads can be removed, take the pads out to dry. Always wait until the boots have fully dried before putting them away.

Check the laces
Always check the boot laces for potential lace breaks. Catch the defective laces before they break.  

Continue reading ...

From the Scout Executive
Ron Oats, Scout Executive
Can you believe it's March already? It reminded me to pause to reflect on the New Year's resolutions I made just eight short weeks ago. You know the drill; eat healthy, exercise regularly and be more productive. Well, as usual, I am struggling with the eating healthy and exercise so I thought I would share with you how I am doing with my professional resolution ... to be more productive.

As a Scouting professional, I'm charged with the responsibility of growing Scouting in the Council. Today we serve more than 26,000 youth throughout our seven county service area. One component of my resolution to be more productive is to give even greater leadership to long term membership growth here in Central Florida. I firmly believe the new National BSA Journey to Excellence (JTE) tracking tool is effectively helping us to serve more youth, which Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca characterizes as the "main thing." JTE places both individual and organizational emphasis on tracking and improving the leading program indicators, such as increasing the percentage of top leaders trained, the percent of youth having a camping experience, and the percentage of our Scouts advancing in rank. It's obvious why these metrics are important. We all know from experience that Scouts will vote with their feet if they are not having fun. If we are not delivering the promise to camp, learn new skills, and if their leader is not well prepared, the chances are they've lost interest and will stop coming to Scout meetings.

Although we currently lead all Boy Scout Councils in Florida with a 70% retention rate, the fact is clear that 3 out of every 10 Scouts, for one reason or another, leave Scouting. We need to identify why and make the corrections to improve this statistic. What we have learned from the extensive research conducted with parents is that their greatest dreams and aspirations for their children are for them to be successful. Scouting is too important to lose even one boy. Better communication and feedback are vital if we are to improve. That's why I am also pleased to share with you a new survey tool called "Voice of the Scout," that will be emailed by the National BSA headquarters once every six months to all adult leaders, registered Scout Parents and chartered organization representatives. The survey will consist of eight brief questions focused on the quality of experience that the Scout is having. Survey participants will be asked to rate the services they receive from the Council office; parents will be able to evaluate the quality of their Pack or Troop experience and the service delivered by our staff. The aim of "Voice of the Scout" is to help Council's retain and grow youth membership, making us more productive as a professional staff.

To accomplish this, "word of mouth marketing" is vital. This survey will measure the tendency of members recommending Scouting to others. "Voice of the Scout" will revolutionize how we deliver the Scouting program by focusing on customer satisfaction, giving us real time feedback to inform us if we are meeting the expectations of our members.

Although feedback is a gift, it is only as effective as the actions taken to implement what we learn. So, it is my RESOLUTION to fulfill our promise to each boy that he will have a memorable adventure he can experience nowhere else but in Scouting and to his parents, the expectation their son will be ... Prepared. For life!

- Ron Oats, Scout Executive