Colonial Virginia Council
Boy Scouts of America
March 30, 2015
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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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Bayport Scout Reservation Website

 

National Website 

 
 
In this Issue...

We experience a send failure with our newsletter on Friday.  Please excuse this getting out a little late - our contact management software is now running at full capacity.

Council Office and Scoutshop Closed Friday, April 3rd in Observance of Good Friday. 
 
Bayport Scout Reservation - Now Hiring 
We are currently interviewing summer camp staff.  To be considered please click here to complete an application.
 
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 Training Fair (please note the new location of Graft High School) from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
  By the end of this session, we'll cover...
  • Background and Precedent for Change
  • Evaluation of Current Program
  • Changes coming to Cub Scouting 
  • Ongoing Support

 To RSVP please email [email protected] your name and unit number.  Until then you can click here to learn about the program updates! 

 

Scout Strong Challenge 
Click Here to Learn More! 
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
 
 
Webelos:  July 26-30
Cub Scouts:  July 31-August 2
Click here to view the Leader's Guide 
Connecting with CVC Blog 
Visit our blog
We have a new blog post up this week!  Check it out!






Pack 143's Den 7 is excited for Webelos Resident Camp at Bayport Scout Reservation this summer.  We are open for business and are excited to have your unit join us this summer.  Register for Summer Camp and High Adventure programs today!  If you need help you may contact Eric Smith at 757-595-3356, ext. 217 or email [email protected].   

  

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


  

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Know Your District!

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
Chesapeake Bay District
Scouting for Food
Save the Date!  April 25th from 9 am to 5pm at Food Lion in Poquoson, Tabb, Grafton, York, Gloucester, and Hayes.

Chesapeake Bay District Cub Scout Roundtable
Chesapeake Bay Cub Scout Roundtable! The New Cub Scout Progam starts soon. Get all the new information here.
  • When? Every first Thursday of the month.
  • Where? Yorkminster Presbyterian Church in Grafton on Route 17.
  • Who? All leaders, Cub Masters, Committee Chairs/Members, Parents- everyone that has an interest in Scouting.
  • Next Roundtable: Next Thursday the 2nd April 2015.
Agenda: Core Value: Faith, New Cub Scout Program: Planning Worksheet and Pack Meetings, Pack Activity: Spring Hikes, Walks and Observations. We have a great sample ceremony and a game you can use in your den and pack meetings, Break out session for den leaders: Nutrition, build a model and marvel beltloop. Webelos leaders: Nutrition and Showmen Cub Masters and Committee: Membership Recruitment, Leadership selection and Pack record keeping. Info on upcoming events. Chance to win one of 3 door prizes. Opening and Closing ceremony you can use at your meetings. Pack 200 has the Show and Tell and will share something special they do at their Pack with all. A snack and drinks and lots of fun will be provided.
Colonial Trail District
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 ([email protected])

 

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 [email protected].

First Colony District
Leonardo DaVince Drawings at Muscarelle Museum 
Including 22 drawings plus a look at his Codex on observations of the Flight of Birds.  In comparison to Leonardo they have also brought in 8 drawings of Michaelangelo.   This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will never appear again, as such, in the states or anywhere for that matter.  This is a good activity for a Troop to entertain its Scouts.
Date:  Through April 5th
For more information visit:  http://muscarelle.org/ 
Heritage District
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.  

Click here for the contest.

Heritage District Cub-O-Ree

Date:  April 10-12 

Location:  Gosnold's Hope Park 

Click here for the registration packet. 

 
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 [email protected]. 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, [email protected] 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.

God and Country
Religious 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.  
James River District
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. 

Click here for the contest. 

Siouan Rivers District
Send us your news!  Email [email protected] so we can feature the great things your units, Scouts and Scouters are doing!
Council Events & News

Annual Yard Sale 

Date:  May 2nd

Time:  7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Be a vendor or customer.

Click here to learn more. 


Training
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
As you all know, the weather was not good to us or Bayport this spring. We have had to postpone the NYLT course. With our busy Bayport schedule we will have to reschedule NYLT for Oct 30-Nov 1, 2015 and Nov 6-8, 2015. This will mean we will need to restart with a new/revised staff so we will be taking applications of Scouts to be considered for staff. For anyone registered for the March course who cannot make the new date, refunds will be done on a case-by-case basis. Please notify Dennis Camp at [email protected].

Training Fair 

Date:  May 9th 

Location:  Grafton High School in Yorktown, Virginia

Cost:  $20/$30

Training that will help you deliver the promise.

The Adventure Begins....
Basic training opportunities in all program areas (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Venture Scouts).
For Some It Continues....
Supplemental training to broaden a person's understanding and knowledge of the Scouting program.

  

COPE Instructor Training

Click here to Learn More 

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: [email protected] 

 

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 

Date: April 18, 2015 

Cost:  $10  

Location:  Council Service Center

Registration Deadline:  April 11th 

Click here to view the flyer 

  

2015 College of Commissioner Science 

Date: April 11 

Cost:  $35.00 

Click here to view the flyer. 

  

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, [email protected] or  toll free at 1-877-235-3682  

Advancement and Registration

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.


Did You Know?
Scout Shop
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 31st
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