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Friends of Scouting is the Colonial Virginia Council's annual giving campaign and is the largest and most important source of funding. Your support enables Scouting's programs and outdoor adventures to prepare young people for a lifetime of character and leadership.
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In this Issue...
A New Face at the Council Service Center
 There's a new face at the Council Service Center. Tracy Staten officially joined our staff on March 11, 2015. Tracy is located near the front door to help answer questions and direct traffic. The next time that you are in please stop and say hello and let her help you with your needs. We sat down with her this week to get to know her a little better:
"Hi everyone. My name is Tracy Staten. I am a mother of three, two boys and one girl. The best part about that is my children are all grown up now...no more babies= Freedom! Yay me! On a serious note though, I love my children and will always be there for them. I've owned and operated a childcare facility out of my home for over 20 years and I've been in the fashion world for about the same amount of time in fashion sales and modeling. I also love to sew. I gave up my business two years ago to pursue something different and well, HERE I AM! I'm very excited to be apart of the Boy Scouts of America's Team."
We are excited to have her as part of our front office staff. You'll now receive a warm and friendly greeting when you arrive to the office!
Please note that the Fundamentals of Training scheduled in Colonial Trail for this weekend is canceled. Wendy's GrantThe Colonial Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America is the proud receipent of the Wendy's Community Ambassador grant. Will Bridges, District Executive for James River and Heritage District, received the check from volunteer and Wendy's employee Janet Cooper, alongside Council Scout Executive Scott Rehrauer.The $2,500 grant will be used to support Scouting in the Colonial Virginia Council. Cub Scout Program Updates Q&A Session  The Colonial Virginia Council will host a Q&A session on the new Cub Scout program on May 9th at the Council Service Center from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. We will also host the session online in Google Hangouts. To RSVP please email amanda.wroten@scouting.org.
The Scout Strong Challenge is underway again! Back by popular demand, we will hold a spring and a fall edition - annually. Walk, run, swim or get moving in your own unique way. This virtual distance race covers 1 mile to 50 miles! Your choice. Open to Scouts, Scouters, and the general public. You will be rewarded with a custom medal - different for each season we hold the event.
Medals from the 2014 Scout Strong Challenge are in the Scout Shop available for pickup!
Order of the Arrow Beaver Days
The Order of the Arrow Beaver Days are now listed as: March 28, April 4, April 11, and April 18.
Please click the below documents to see the jobs needed:
Webelos and Cub Scout Resident Camp
  We have a new blog post up this week and a guest blogger! Check it out!
The following local units have signed up to camp at Bayport Scout Reservation in the summer of 2015:Troops:
10, 16, 17, 27, 29, 43, 75, 94, 96, 124, 132, 103, 414, 501
To register your unit for 2015 Summer Camp or High Adventure Programs, click here.
Information in our newsletter is organized geographically.
Although events across the Council are open to all units, most units participate in events close to home. Each local territory has a specific service area and a name. Find your District below:
- Chesapeake Bay: Mathews, Gloucester, and York Counties and the City of Poquoson
- Colonial Trail: Surry and Isle of Wight Counties and the City of Suffolk
- First Colony: James City County and the City of Williamsburg.
- Heritage: The City of Hampton
- James River: The City of Newport News
- Siouan Rivers: Sussex, Southampton, Greenville and Brunswick Counties as well as the Cities of Franklin and Emporia
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Scouting for Food
Save the Date! April 25th from 9 am to 5pm at Food Lion in Poquoson, Tabb, Grafton, York, Gloucester, and Hayes.
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Colonial Trail District Cub Scout Roundatable
We would like to invite you to the monthly Colonial Trail District Cub Scout Roundtable. A Cub Scout roundtable is a form of commissioner service and supplemental training for volunteers at the unit level. The objectives of the roundtable are to provide leaders with program ideas, information on policy and events, and training opportunities. The roundtable is a forum for sharing experiences and enjoying fun and fellowship with other Scout leaders. The roundtable experience will inspire, motivate, and enable all types of unit leaders to provide a stronger program for their Cub Scouts. Come join us every second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm at Oakland Christian United Church of Christ located at 5641 Godwin Boulevard in Suffolk, VA. We'll see you there! Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner: Eric Landreth (eclclandreth@gmail.com)
Did You Know?
Did you know that that about 70 percent of BSA units nationwide are chartered by faith-based organizations? The various Religious Emblems (RE) programs encourage a stronger relationship with your unit's Charter Organization (CO) and helps develop more of a two-way street with regard to involvement and communication. Research also shows that Scouts that work on their religious emblems remain in Scouting longer. In fact, use of the RE programs can also be used as a recruitment tool for your Unit.
Consider the number of kids that may be new to your CO that aren't in Scouts! Think of the kids in your unit and all of the possible different faiths that are assembled there that may not even know about the various RE programs available to them. RE programs are available for Baha'i to Baptist, Morovian to Methodist, and many more in between. You don't have to teach all of them, you just need to let the Scouts know that they are there for them to use! Additionally, use of the RE program by those Scouts who do not claim a particular faith may just spark an interest in learning more about their Creator. Remember, Lord Baden Powell said, "No man is much good unless he believes in God and obeys his law. So every Scout should have a religion." Use of the RE programs could help those Scouts grow into one.
Unit RECs (RE Coordinators), as well as the District RECs, help educate, motivate, evaluate, and facilitate the RE program. Does your Unit have a REC? Need help getting a RE program started? Plenty of good help can be found at www.praypub.org. Want to know if there is a REC for your District and how to contact them; talk to your District Program Coordinator or the Council REC (Yep! We got one of them too!). I would also be willing to assist by answering questions, sharing Lessons Learned or making a presentation to your Unit or CO, regardless of district. I can be reached via email at d.j.willis533@gmail.com.
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2015 Piankatank Nekut Yahakin First Colony Camporee
Date: March 20-22 - PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE DUE TO WEATHER
Location: Bayport Scout Reservation
Cost: $10
Click here to learn more.
First Colony District Pinewood Derby
Date: March 28th
Cost: $5.50 per Scout
Registration Due: March 26th
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District Merger and Name the District Contest
The Colonial Virginia Council, along with the leadership of the Heritage and James River District, has made the decision to merge the two districts. This merger will increase efficiency and the effectiveness of BSA services to our area youth. The merger will enhance service delivery to the units, e.g., even better programs, training, and other Scouting activities.
We would like to run a contest to "Name The District." The contest will run from March 1 through June 1, 2015. Submissions can be made by anyone from either district.
Click here to learn about the merger.
Sea Scouts at Fort Monroe It is no secret that for ages, humans have been attracted by the sea. The biggest surprise is that there is a safe and fun sailing program for young people to explore the Chesapeake Bay - with Sea Scouts at Fort Monroe. Sea Scout Ship 1610 is accepting applications for the 2015 sailing season on Tuesday, April 14. The program invites families with boys and girls ages 14 and over to meet the crew, tour our vessels, and see if this is the adventure they would like to join. The open house is 7:00-8:30 PM at the Old Point Comfort Yacht Club, 102 McNair Drive on Ft. Monroe. Although a youth can join at any time, recruiting in April allows some time for basic seamanship training before participating in the sailing activities. The emphasis of Ship 1610 is the art of sailing. Expect hands-on instruction in piloting, coastal navigation, cruising, racing, meteorology, hydrology, and radio communications. Pursue that time tested advancement program that can prepare a young person for a career in the Navy, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine. In fact, exemplary achievement in Sea Scouts can equate into a boost in rank when joining the service. The Ship' activities are led by elected youth officers who plan their own activities. During a typical year, the crew undertakes four weekend overnight cruises, at least one week-long cruise, and many afternoon practice cruises. Young adults join to experience fun-filled programs and hands-on activities provided by the yacht club, adult volunteer Scouters, parents, and other consultants from the community. The mission of Sea Scouts is to prepare young people to make ethical decisions throughout their lifetimes in accordance with the Scout Oath and Law. Sea Scouting delivers this mission through a safe and fun maritime program which is rich with the traditions of the sea. The program promotes the positive development of youth at a critical stage in their lives and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Sailing is high adventure, there are no passengers. All crew members are expected to learn and use seamanship skills while performing their share of the watch standing and maintenance duties. The Ship operates two sailing vessels about 28 feet long; each is capable of accommodating 6 crew members on sailing treks to anywhere in the Chesapeake Bay. Contact the skipper at 757-550-1610 or ship1610@cox.net. For more information and directions to the Yacht Club, visit www.ship1610.org.  Learning to make a safe anchorage is an important skill for the crew. Photo Credit: Jessica Gall, jessgall21@gmail.com Location/Date: Ft. Monroe, Hampton / June 2014
Cub Gold Rush - Cub-O-Ree
Date: April 10-12th
Click here to learn more.
Guide to building your covered wagon.
Click here to view the Leader's Guide.
STEM Activity Day
Date: March 21st
Location: Virginia Air and Space Museum
Cost: $16.00
Click here to learn more
God and CountryReligious Awards Program for Youth
Date: Sundays 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., February 15-April 26 (except Easter)
Location: First United Methodist Church Fox Hill
Who: Open to all Scouts
Cost: $30.00
Click here to view the flyer. 10 Commandments Hike
Date: March 21
Time: 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Where: First United Methodist Church Fox Hill
What: A Ten Commandment Hike visits several religious faiths and discusses the com-mandments at each location along with learning about each faith.
Cost: $5.00
Want to learn more? Come to the informational ice cream social on February 15th.
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District Merger and Name the District Contest
The Colonial Virginia Council, along with the leadership of the Heritage and James River District, has made the decision to merge the two districts. This merger will increase efficiency and the effectiveness of BSA services to our area youth. The merger will enhance service delivery to the units, e.g., even better programs, training, and other Scouting activities.
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| Send us your news! Email amanda.wroten@scouting.org so we can feature the great things your units, Scouts and Scouters are doing! |
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Order of the Arrow
NOAC (National Order of the Arrow Conference) is the premier event of the Order of the Arrow, and is Scouting's second-largest national event. This year's event is a once in a lifetime experience because it is the 100 year anniversary of the OA and is SOLD OUTwith over 14,000 Arrowmen from across the US!! We will all gather for an inspirational and unforgettable experience full of fellowship, training, adventure, and fun! AND...we currently have an open youth spot!!
Need to know a little more??
During NOAC, Arrowmen will participate in a six-day conference which includes top notch training sessions, cool recreational opportunities, evening shows full of theatrics and special effects, and exciting programs.
NOAC will be held from August 3-8, 2015 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Our contingent will be leaving on August 2nd and returning on August 9th.
The cost will be approximately $850 (we are still trying to lock in the final cost)
Conference fee is $475 and includes housing, food, and program activities.
Travel cost is $275 we are going by Train!!
Contingent Packet approximately $100 this will include Polo Shirt, T-shirt, hat, patches and Founders Day supplies. This is what we have not locked in yet and most likely will be less than more.
If you are interested and you want to be one of the lucky Arrowmen who experience this truly AWESOME event, contact Mr. Morris at owl158@verizon.net. We will take the first Arrowman who response and makes the payment of $350. So do not delay $350 is the total payment that is due at this point and the balance can be made in separate payments.
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Environmentally Focused Merit Badges
Date: March 2 and March 16
Bird Study: 5:30 p.m. until 6:15 p.m.
Forestry: 6:15 p.m. until 6:55 p.m.
Location: Tabernacle United Methodist Church - 831 Poquoson Avenue in Poquoson
Contact: Dave Lauther - Davemmc2000@yahoo.com or 757-753-8309.
All requirements can be completed at the Walk in the Forest (See flyer in Newsletter) 21 March 2015. Camping is available 20 March - 22 March 2015 at no cost.
Visit Your National Parks for Free
Visit Your National Parks for Free
America's national parks are offering free admission to all visitors on the following dates: April 18-19, August 25, September 26, November 11: Veterans Day
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COPE Instructor Training
Date: May 29-31
Location: Bayport Scout Reservation
Cost: $35.00
Contact:
Bill Spence, Council COPE/Climbing Chairman, (W) 757-865-7781 (H) 757-225-0846 or email: spencewt@aol.com
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Date: April 17-19
Location: Bayport, with pre-meeting at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Hampton
Cost: $20/$30
Click here to view the registration form.
BALOO Orientation
2015 College of Commissioner Science
Training Awards
Your youth work hard to earn advancements and awards AND so do your adult leaders. Be sure they are recognized appropriately. Please remember to use the Progress Record Forms with the 2012 requirements for the Adult Leader Training Awards. The old forms will no longer be accepted.
CPR and Basic First Aid
This course covers adult and child/infant CPR with AED, how to respond in an emergency, and render basic first aid. This meets and exceeds the requirements for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Level 1 Provider.
Click here to view dates, times, and locations.
Contact: Al Materia, sales@emta.net or toll free at 1-877-235-3682
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Advancement and Registration
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Arrow of Light and Bridging
Your pack advancement coordinator is responsible for inputting all awards and advancement in Scoutnet via the Myscouting.org Internet Advancement Reporting.
The report generated from IAR must be completed by your Pack Advancement person and submitted to purchase the awards for your ceremony. This report is turned into the shop at the time of purchase.
Your parents/guardians are now responsible to fill out a new application for their scouts to join the troop. The appropriate troop leaders sign and turn the applications into council in order for your bridging scouts to be registered in the troop and to be removed from the pack roster. There is no cost for a transfer application. Be sure it is filled out to include unit from (pack) and unit to (troop joining), and the scouts' BSA ID#. In this way, all advancements and awards that the boys earned in Cub Scouts will remain their record in scoutnet.
The advancement coordinator of the troop should enter AOL date in the Boy Scouts' records in Troopmaster (or whatever software they use) as this is an award that the scouts can still wear from cubs to boy scouts. They will not have access to enter any cub awards- AOL.
Once the application has been processed at council - 2 to 4 weeks - the troop advancement coordinator will see the new scouts on the troop roster and be able to enter advancements and award he earns in the troop.
Transfer applications are used for any adults that move on to the troop as a registered leader as well.
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Monday through Friday: 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
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Next Newsletter Deadline: March 18th
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