To receive the Tarheel Scouter newsletter (emailed every other Tuesday)
SIGN UP HERE

We'd like to hear about your Scouts and Unit, send us a story with captioned photos.
Click the following link for GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS

Vol. VI

Joseph O'Brien, Editor January 6, 2015

Gwangi Shipp, Staff Advisor Issue 1

INDEX

January 6, 2015

SCOUT SUNDAY-FEB. 8, 2015

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION?

SCOUT SUNDAY: FEBRUARY 8, 2015 - 105th ANNIVERSARY OF SCOUTING

BE PREPARED for Scout Sunday - February 8, 2015

This annual celebration is a uniquely meaningful way to make the public aware of Scouting, to show that "A Scout is Reverent" and to allow Scouts to live out their "Duty to God" pledged each week. The Boy Scouts of America annually celebrates its founding on February 8, 1910, based on the program started by Lord Baden Powell in England on August 1, 1907. Scout Sunday was added to the Scout celebration in the mid 1940s. This year's Scout Sunday celebration coincides with BSA's 105th birthday.

FROM THE SCOUT EXECUTIVE

Membership in East Carolina Council BSA Turns the Corner

Both the Spring Roundup and "Light the Fire" Fall Roundup produced more new members in 2014 than 2013. It is my hope that the council has turned the corner on membership. The council grew by 37.30 % this fall. In 2014 the council recruited 1,895 youth during the fall round up, 171 more youth than 2013 for a 9.03% increase over 2014 in fall membership recruitment. This fall we seemed to have a built up demand in eastern North Carolina for the Boy Scout program. My thanks to those unit leaders who took the time to take school night training and ran their own school nights with the professional staff providing support with supplies and handling relationships with the schools. Thanks also to our district membership chairs, roundup chairs and other volunteers who assisted with school nights throughout the council.

Another positive trend in the council was the increase in the council's youth retention figure which rose to 64.7%. This represented a 2.4% increase over 2013. Moving this figure even one percent is pretty tough!!! Youth retention measures what percentage of youth are in a Scouting unit today that were in Scouting one year ago. Another positive trend is the council's approval rating in "Voice of the Scout." Our Net Promotor Score increased by almost 5%. This was probably due to all of our present field staff positions being filled and an increase in our tenured staff. The council's percentage of direct youth contact leaders trained also increased by more than one percent increasing the program delivery skills of our volunteers. Some of the improvements requested in the Voice of the Scout included better communications within units, better organized units and lower cost for participating in Scouts.

Through November, the council's Journey to Excellence score increased this year by 375 points over 2013. At the end of November we were still a Silver Council but very close to being a Gold Council. Areas we slid backward from last year include total traditional membership growth, density of available youth served, number of commissioners, the number of commissioner visits logged, Boy Scout advancement and the average size of district committees. Membership growth, even with the major increase in Fall Roundup was down due to the large recharter loss, probably from the major increase in membership fees and membership standards change. It appears the council's membership loss will be less than the National BSA membership loss.

So overall 2014 was a positive year for East Carolina Council, thanks to our dedicated unit leaders, increased financial support and hardworking council staff. Some of the key areas we need to continue improvement into 2015 include organizing more new Cub Scout Packs, training more leaders, increasing the number of unit commissioners and district committee members and continuing to grow our retention rate to match the National BSA retention rate. Through our own survey and the "Voice of the Scout" survey we know that leaders and parents want access to more district executives, increased access to training, more high adventure and in some cases, better organized district committees and units.

Overall East Carolina Council has a lot to be thankful as we end 2014 and move into 2015. I believe we are positioned to have another positive year with continued improvement. So thanks for your continued commitment to delivering the promise. Let's all try to do just a little better in 2015 and do all we can to continuing to strengthen all the links in our councils. Let's "Light the Fire" of Scouting to burn just a little brighter in 2015!! Again thanks for your contribution to the council's success in 2014.

The Summit Summer Camp Council Contingent

East Carolina is still looking for several Scout leaders to lead at least one week of summer camp to The Summit in southern West Virginia. Scouts will gather at Camp Boddie on a Sunday, travel to The Summit for a week of high adventure and return on Friday afternoon to Camp Boddie. The price should be half of the cost to attend Philmont and include more high adventure activities. Please let me know if you have an interest by e-mailing me at ray.franks@scouting.org or call the Perry Family Scout Service Center at 252-522-1521.

2015 Friends of Scouting Leadership Team Training

On Wednesday, January 21, 6:30 P.M. East Carolina Council will hold the 2015 Friends of Scouting Campaign Team Leadership Training at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Greenville just across from the intersection of East Fire Tower Road and East 14th Street. To make the meeting easier to attend, there will be a free dinner provided by the Council. The District Chair, District Finance Chair, District Friends of Scouting Team including Steering Committee Chair, District FOS Chair, Leadership, Dinner, Community, Family Chair and Family FOS presenter, Council Finance Committee and Executive Board members are all invited to attend. In fact anyone interested in being part of this year's Friends of Scouting Campaign is welcomed!!!

Dr. Paul Cunningham to Address Eagle Scouts, Silver Beavers

Dr. Paul Cunningham, Dean of the Brody School of Medicine and East Carolina Council Executive Board member, will be the featured keynote speaker at the 2015 Eagle Scout and Volunteer Recognition Meeting and Reception to be held at Lenoir Community College in the Waller Theatre, Kinston on Sunday, February 22, 2:30 P.M. A reception will follow the program which honors the 2014 Eagle Class and Silver Beaver Recipients. A brochure with registration information and the Eagle Class Honoree will be out later this week. This year's Eagle Scout Class is expected to have about 150 members. Look forward to receiving the complete information on this event later this week by e-mail blast.

Everyone is invited to attend!!!

Yours in Scouting Spirit,

Ray

H. Ray Franks

Scout Executive

Printer-Friendly Version

RECRUITMENT

Fall Roundups Spur Increased Membership

The East Carolina Council had a great Fall Round Up that has resulted in 1898 new Scouting families to join us this Fall. This is an increase of 174 more than last year!

The closing of the Membership Year happens at the conclusion of the first full week of January each year, so more will be realized by Friday, January 9th.

Six out of 9 districts have recruited more scouts than last Fall and two more could by the end of the week. Also, out of the 280 Councils nationwide, the East Carolina Council ranked 54th in Fall Round Up growth from 2013 to 2014! Fall Membership Totals by District

POPCORN SELLING RESULTS

Buy any of our remaining popcorn for 50% off the retail cost,

while supplies last at the BSA Office, 313 Boy Scout Blvd., Kinston .

Call ahead to see if your popcorn choice is still available 252-522-1521.

NEW REDUCED PRICES for our remaining product:

Jalepeno Cheddar = $8 Dark and White Chocolate Drizzle= $10

Caramel Corn = $5 Chocolate Caramel Crunch = $13

Butter Light = $10 White Cheddar Cheese = $8

Kettle Corn = $8 Unbelievable Butter = $10

Caramel Corn w/ Almonds, Pecans, & Cashews = $10

SCOUTER SPOTLIGHT

"Who would you like to see in the Scouter Spotlight in 2015?"

Consider suggesting someone who shows a spirit of dedication and service to Scouting

and has the admiration and respect of their fellow Scouters.

We have hundreds of adult leaders doing a tremendous job serving our Scouts, their Units

and the Council and often they do so quietly and faithfully with no recognition.

We would like to honor their contribution and acknowledge their generous Scouting spirit.

Send the name of your suggestion for Scouter Spotlight along with their phone number

and email address to tarheelscouter@gmail.com

SCOUT SHOP

East Carolina Council

Scout Shop

Directions: 313 Boy Scout Blvd., Kinston, NC 28501

Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

Saturday Hours: 9am-1pm

(September, October, January, February)

Please check for closings due to a holiday

Email orders to: terose@bsamail.org

The Kinston Scout Shop is owned and operated by the

East Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America

Mailing Address: PO Box 1698, Kinston, NC 28503

Phone: 252-522-1521 (fax) 252-522-9707

Click for our Uniform Checklist and Prices

FINANCIAL IMPACT

Contributions to East Carolina Council benefit Scouting and are always appreciated.

To Donate in Memory of a Loved One, or to Honor an Individual,

contact Sylvia Ward 252-522-1521 or Donate Now

ENDOWMENTS

Gifts to an endowment are placed in an interest earning account.

Your gift is never spent, and the interest earned is used to support Scouting forever.

Memory of Lt. Col Nelson Leggette USA RGT

From MH & Diana Pridgen

Memory of Seabury Daniel Thorp

From MH & Diana Pridgen

Memory of Jesse W. Corbett Jr

From Lane T. Corbett

James E. West Fellowship Award / Application

For a gift equal to $1,000, the individual being honored or contributing the gift receives a framed certificate, pin for civilian wear and a Square Knot for their Scout uniform.

For Charles Kralick

From ABC Phones

For Norman Belmore

From The Order of the Arrow

For William Mercer

For Nelson Medford

From Camp Staff

Listing of Donors (to date)

ALERT: TAX-FREE CHARITABLE IRA TRANSFERS TO BSA COUNCILS

On December 19, 2014, President Obama signed the Congressionally-approved Tax Extenders into law. This included the IRA Tax-Free Charitable Transfer provision.

Donors who are at least 70� years old may now make direct transfers from their IRAs of up to $100,000 (total for the year) to a local council or other public charities without being taxed on the withdrawal. Details/Sample Letter

2015 Family FOS Goals Announced

"Every Unit - One Time - Every Year"

Family FOS Goals by Unit

A new change to Family FOS for 2015:

Family FOS Rewards Plan

Every unit in East Carolina Council will have a Family FOS goal in 2015 and units that surpass that goal will be rewarded for the combined efforts of the families in the unit.
Friends of Scouting is a vital part of our council operation each year. It makes up over 25% of our annual council budget. Many of our Friends are companies, community organizations, individuals and grants that may or may not have a past or current connection to Scouting. Our District and Council level Scouters are asked to give, our council employees are asked to give but many times, we fail to reach out strongly enough EVERY ONE of the families to give to an organization that support their son in his Scouting program. The Friends of Scouting team needs one visit, once per year to share with every Scouting family the vital need for their support of the local council - East Carolina Council. We need to attend at the very best attended meeting by parents - when it is cold outside. Blue and Gold Banquet and Winter/Spring Court of Honor are best.
$120 per Scout has to be raised to support one scout in this council.

Reward Plan Details

Family Friends of Scouting

Each family submits a Family Support level pledge in 2015 will receive a unique 2015 FOS patch.

The patch set for FOS is a six patch series featuring six different historical features within the geography of the East Carolina Council.

2015 - Coolmore Plantation near Tarboro, NC

2016 - The Queen Anne's Revenge and Flag

2017 - CSS Neuse Ram

2018 - Somerset Plantation in Washington Co.

2019 - Blackbeard

2020 - Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Each of the six contains a line of script from the Scout Oath. 2015 also signifies the year all programs will recite one oath. There will be a special brochure available at each Family FOS presentation that will allow donors to OPT IN for all six patches. Flyer / Patch Detail

EAGLE SCOUTS SOAR

Eagle Scout & Volunteer Recognition Meeting / Reception - Sunday, February 22

On Sunday, February 22, 2:30 P.M. in the Waller Theatre at Lenoir Community College, we will hold the Eagle Scout and Volunteer Recognition Meeting and Reception. This year's class will honor about 140 Eagle Scouts. At this event we will also honor six adult volunteer leaders with the Silver Beaver Award. The Master of Ceremony will be Bill Daughtridge, Secretary of Administration for the State of North Carolina.

Dr. Paul R. G. Cunningham, Dean and the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University will give the address to honor the Eagle Scout Class and Silver Beavers. Past speakers include Terry Holland, R. Doyle Parrish, Congressman Walter Jones and Judge Paul Newby. Dr. Paul R.G. Cunningham BIO

Seven Started Together As Cub Scouts Are Now Eagle Scouts

The percentage of Boy Scouts who become Eagle Scouts is small. So when seven young men who started their Scouting career together in elementary school all become Eagle Scouts, it is unusual, and we take notice. On December 1, 2014, Northern Star Council's Troop 9226, chartered to Memorial Lutheran Church in Afton, Minnesota, honored Kyle Badger, Sam Horning, Adam Johnson, Ben McConnell, Craige McConnell, Noah Ruh, and Max Weiss for achieving the Eagle Scout rank.

All seven Eagles are members of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's national honor society, and are seniors at Stillwater Area High School in Afton.

To become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank a Scout can earn, a Scout must earn 21 merit badges-13 of which are required-and plan, develop, and give leadership to an Eagle Scout service project. A Scout can earn more merit badges to receive Eagle Palms-Bronze, Gold, and Silver. However, Palms are not considered ranks, so a Scout's decision to earn badges beyond the number required for the Eagle Scout rank is his choice. Full Article

Eagle Scout refurbishes car, donates it to family
Eagle Scout Helps Family Get Mini Van
As his Eagle Scout service project, a Warrenton, VA, teenager helped a family in need solve its transportation challenges.
David Manzella, 17, "planned, developed and led the project from start to finish, securing a donated vehicle, raising the funds to repair the vehicle, and leading a team of eight Boy Scouts and friends in making the repairs themselves,"Vehicles for Change" spokeswoman Josie Hankey said. David and fellow members of Boy Scout Troop 360 presented mini van keys to the family at the Vehicles for Change headquarters in Maryland.
"I really wanted to help a family with my project," David explained. "Two parts of the Scout Law that I live by are to be 'helpful' and 'thrifty.' I believe that I've achieved that in this project. I've helped a family in need of transportation and refurbished a vehicle to be thrifty."
Full Article Newspaper article

Eagle Squadron: Sumner Family Now Has Seven Eagle Scouts

It's the Boy Scouts version of the Magnificent Seven.

One Sumner family can now boast of seven Eagle Scouts - including the father, Tom Yungtum, and his six sons. The latest, Tom's youngest son, Matthias Yungtum, 18, a senior at Sumner-Fredericksburg High School, Iowa, just earned Eagle status and was recognized at a ceremony Tuesday night at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

"We're very proud of all of them," Tom said speaking for himself and his wife, Sally. Matthias, or Matt as he's called, joins brothers Paul, Jon, Will, Greg and Steve in achieving Eagle status. There's about a 10-year age spread among the six sons, with Paul, the eldest, in his late 20s.

"And I was an Eagle," Tom said, but then correcting himself. "Well, once you're an Eagle, you're always an Eagle."

"It's a very good program," he added. "Scouting has a lot to offer young people. We've always encouraged our children to stay active in school activities as well as outside activities, and Scouting is a very good program. It teaches a lot of good values and skills that stick with you." Full Article

Eagle Scouts Make "Men's Journal" List of 2014's Greatest Record-breaking Feats

"Passion can always trump fear." That's the message behind the year's 22 greatest feats of adventure - a list of you've-gotta-be-kidding-me moments in running, rowing, cycling, caving, kayaking, mountaineering, skiing, rock climbing, paragliding and skydiving.

Included on the list of Men's Journal's "22 Greatest Record-Breaking Feats of 2014" you'll find two Eagle Scouts. And why not? They've conquered Scouting's toughest challenge, so conquering the world's highest mountains or deepest caves must feel natural to these guys. Eagle Scout Matt Moniz, 16-year-old climbing superstar, became the youngest person to summit the fifth-tallest mountain in the world.

Distinguished Eagle Scout Bill Steele, caver extraordinaire, who recently retired as director of the National Eagle Scout Association, also made the Men's Journal list. Full Article

Available: BSA Artist's "Eagle Court of Honor" Print

Now you can own a piece of nostalgia painted by official Boy Scouts of America artist Joseph Csatari.

Signed and numbered prints of Joseph Csatari's painting "Eagle Court of Honor" are available for purchase through the National Eagle Scout Association.

These limited-edition lithographs are printed on acid-free, pH-neutral cover stock. The prints ship in heavy-duty mailing tubes to ensure their arrival in mint condition.

The 500 remaining (of 1,000 total) signed and numbered lithographs measure 19" X 24 �".
The cost is $149 each and includes a certificate of authenticity.

There are some unsigned prints available for $60 each.
Shipping charges are included in the price.
To order your "Eagle Court of Honor" prints,
complete and mail this form.

NATIONAL NEWS

FREE - Sat. Jan. 17 webcasts will help prepare you for the new Cub Scout program

Hey, did you hear there's a new Cub Scout program launching June 1, 2015?

If so, you know it'll be more exciting for boys and easier to implement for unit leaders.

But you probably still have questions about how it'll work. There's good news: You can get many of those questions answered by watching a special webcast on Jan. 17.

The webcasts will cover the coming changes, how to prepare and when resources will be available. Sessions are position-specific, but anyone in any role who has an interest in the new Cub Scout program is welcome to attend. No login or special registration is required.

Just click the link below at the times listed, and you're all set.

If you can't make any of these sessions, don't worry. They'll be recorded for later viewing.

New Cub Scout Program Webcasts - Saturday, January 17, 2015

Cubmaster: 8 a.m. or 3 p.m. (Central)

Den Leader: 9:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. (Central)

LDS-Specific Considerations: 11 a.m. or 6 p.m. (Central)

* Those interested in the LDS session should view one of the role-specific sessions first.

Click HERE to attend a webcast (No login is required.) Full Article/Comments

Eagle Scout Bryan Wendell, Senior Editor of "Scouting" and "Eagles' Call" magazines puts his degree in Journalism and love of Scouting to good use in writing: "Bryan-On-Scouting." He looked over this past year of blogs and chose to share his most popular articles...

Greatest Hits: The 14 Most-Read Blog Posts of 2014

More than 375 posts. Nearly 14,000 comments. More than 4 million page views. 2014 was a great year for Scouting, and - thanks to loyal readers like you - for Bryan on Scouting. In 2014, the blog doubled the previous record of 2 million page views set in 2013. And, thanks to Senior Digital Editor Bryan Wursten, the blog's design got a major upgrade in June. I'm also grateful for my magazine colleague, Associate Editor Gretchen Sparling, who writes occasional posts.

But enough about us. Let's talk about you. I have you to thank you for keeping Bryan on Scouting going with blog post ideas, questions for Ask the Expert and tips about great stories. (By the way, you can send me blog ideas here.

So to celebrate 2014, let's look at the 14 posts you gave the most "hits" to this year. (In my honorable mentions section at the end you'll find posts from previous years that still were getting clicks in 2014.)

Full Article

Kate Middleton visits low-income Scouts in London

Kate Middleton's latest royal stop trumps even her high-profile visit to the U.S. earlier this month - in my opinion, at least. Recently, she visited a newly established Scout group in east London to lend a hand to the U.K. Scout Association's "Better Prepared" campaign, which brings Scouting to young people living in low-income areas. In January 2012, I blogged about the Duchess' new role as volunteer with the U.K. Scout Association. And in March 2013, she did what every Scout volunteer should: She got trained.

Today, Kate, who is pregnant with her second child, is at it again. She's wearing a black Scouting hoodie with jeans and boots as she visits a group of 6- to 8-year-old Scouts.

My take: What's good for U.K. Scouting is good for World Scouting. So let's give a big hand to Kate and the Scout Association for making a difference in the lives of youth. Full Article

How to help youth leaders build a Scout-led troop

From the January-February 2015 issue of Scouting magazine

Is it CHAOS or CONSTRUCTIVE DISARRAY?

Here's how you can help your troop's youth leaders take charge.

If you want to know how not to create a Scout-led troop, talk to Dale Werts. In the fall of 2012, Werts' unit, Troop 714 in Edgerton, Mo., decided to become completely Scout-led. The adult leaders made the switch quickly - the youth leaders, not so much. Given the chance to sink or swim, the Scouts promptly sank. "The adults got the message to step back and let the boys lead, but the boys had never done that before; they didn't do it in Cub Scouts, and they hadn't done it in Boy Scouts yet," recalls Werts, an assistant Scoutmaster. "So when the adults stepped back and the boys didn't immediately start humming like a finely tuned machine, it kind of foundered. Camping suffered; meetings were not organized; fun was not being had."

The failure discouraged the troop's adults, but it didn't deter them. They regrouped and developed a transition plan built around three key strategies: training Scouts, training adults and training parents. In the fall of 2013, they tried their Scout-led experiment again - this time with better results. Full Article

Download These Cub Scout Smartphone Backgrounds - They're FREE !

Cub Scout Spirit is alive and well, but until now that's been limited to T-shirts, bumper stickers and Facebook profile photos. Not anymore. Six new Cub Scout smartphone backgrounds let you display your Cub Scout pride on your iPhone, Android phone or Windows phone. Visit this page on the Cub Hub to download your favorite background and set it as your smartphone's lock screen, background or wallpaper. They'll work on any smartphone, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry devices. The free smartphone backgrounds tell others that Cub Scouting is always with you - just like your smartphone itself! Full Article Best Scouting Apps

Boy's Life: Take a Look at 100 Awesome Pinewood Derby Cars of 2014

Need some inspiration for your pinewood derby car design? Boyslife.org readers have sent us photos of amazing pinewood derby cars. Take a look at some of our favorites sent to us in 2014, and then send us a picture of your pinewood derby car.

▪ Complete pinewood derby guide

▪ Make a fast pinewood derby car

▪ Secret tips to make your car go faster

▪ How to paint a pinewood derby car

▪ Make pinewood derby car display

Photos / Tips

COUNCIL NEWS

Sign Up Now for Camp Boddie Merit Badge Winter Camp: January 16-19, 2015

Gather your Boy Scouts for a fun-filled long weekend (Friday - Monday) while earning some of the Merit Badges they missed at Summer Camp. The FLYER includes a list of the Merit Badges offered.

We are looking for great volunteer Merit Badge Counselors as well (attend at no cost plus � off the registration for 1 youth when you sign up to instruct a Merit Badge).

First come first served so hurry and sign up today!

You can register online and pay by credit card.

Late fee for registrations AFTER Friday Jan. 9th (additional $10).

For more information, contact Jon Garn - jon.garn@scouting.org

"Scouting for Food" - February 7 and 14, 2015 - Largest Joint Service Project

A Cub Scout promises to "give goodwill" and a Boy Scout promises "to help other people at all times." There is no better way to show our Scouting Spirit than by participating in the annual "Scouting for Food" drive! Now is the time to show our community the Scouting values of being loyal, helpful, kind and cheerful.

On February 7 and 14, 2015, Scouts throughout the East Carolina Council will help make a difference to fight hunger. "Scouting for Food" is the leading service program and is a part of the national BSA program - "Good Turn for America".

How it works:
1. Get Door hangers from District Executive in January.
2. Place door hangers on houses in on February 7th.
3. Return to collect the Food after 9:00 am February 14th.
4. Donate the food you collect to a local food bank.
(Check with your D.E. if there is a central drop location)
5. Report how many boys participated and how much food was collected.

6. Participating Scouts will earn a "Scouting for Food" patch (mailed to Unit Leader). FLYER

2014 : A Good Year for "Friends of Scouting"

(Click on link below to see details)

▪ Entire Campaign Results

▪ Family Campaigns in Ranking Order by district

▪ All Sub-Campaigns in Ranking Order

▪ Community Campaigns in Ranking Order

▪ Leadership Campaigns in Ranking Order

▪ Board Campaigns in Ranking Order by district

FOS Details

Units that have completed all of the requirements (so far) for 2015 Tartan Guard

Several other packs may qualify with the completion of Summertime Pack Award paperwork.

What's The Quality Of Your Unit - Journey To Excellence

At the bottom of this article, please find the Journey To Excellence (JTE) score for your unit for the past three years. Are you getting better each year? What do you need to do to be Gold for 2014?

To be Gold in 2015 you must start planning now. The council will publish this report on our website and guide prospective Scouts to it as a tool for helping them select a quality unit to join. While we want more youth to join Scouting, it is becoming more important that we place youth in a quality unit. Retention of youth is as important now as signing up new Scouts. Journey to Excellence heavily supports this concept. Retention items in Journey to Excellence include, adult leader training measurements, advancement and camping. We want every unit to be a Gold unit.

Start planning now to be a unit that Scouts want to join because of a Gold level program delivery.

JTE Standings - Check Out YOUR Unit

Unique Individually Numbered Collectable

East Carolina Council Shoulder Patch

A limited edition numbered version (one through 500) of the council strip featuring all the council camps. To enhance the collectability of this large Jamboree size council strip, the border is red but with gold Mylar, the background is beige instead of white and patches are individually numbered.

The pricing is included on the Order Form.

Add $1.00 for shipping.

Order Form / List of Numbers Still Available

DISTRICT NEWS

Scouts From Pack 130, Morehead City, Featured in January "Boys' Life" Magazine

"Making Fitness Fun" - Boys' Life, pg. 18-19, January 2015 Story & Photos by Mark Anders

Pack 130 Cubmaster Ken Richardson has been an avid runner since age 13 (he's now 47), and he knows that without a lot of self discipline it takes family and friends to keep you motivated. Since Cub Scouting is really a "family activity," He thought it would be a good idea to promote fitness and healthy choices in a way to include both the Cub Scout and his family (mom, dad, siblings) - that way everyone could do it together, and support each other. Initially, the idea was to log enough miles to travel from Morehead City to San Diego, CA within one year (see trek on attached map); however, the Pack 130 family has a lot of very physically active members, and after a few months he could tell that they might actually be able to complete a round trip, so he decided to add the extra challenge. He programmed the Pack's website so that everyone could log their miles (walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, & paddling) and could immediately see a bar graph showing daily results compared to previous monthly totals; and then each week he updated the progress map so that everyone could see where they were along the trek.

Since this took a huge commitment from our Pack members, he thought it would be great for the Pack to get some recognition for their effort, so he submitted the Pack's Fitness Challenge to Boys' Life in September of 2013, and about a month later Aaron Derr (Boy's Life Senior Writer) said they would be interested in doing an article. In October of 2013, Mark Anders (Boy's Life "Gear Guy") was assigned to do the article and take photographs. Mark joined Pack 130 to take photos and interview the Cub Scouts on two events; Merry Fitness 5K in Jacksonville (Dec. 2013), and a Webelos 6-mile hike on the Neusiok trail (Jan. 2014). During the 6-mile hike, Mark strapped a GoPro camera to a few Cub Scouts while he ran ahead of them to take more photos as we approached him. After tagging along with us on the Neusiok Trail in January-2014, Mark Anders said that it would take about 6 months to a year before the article would be featured - and one year later (Jan-2015) it was.

Mark took a lot of photographs, and we wish more boys could have been featured, but the "real estate" in the magazine is very limited. We are just excited that Pack 130 is featured in the magazine! The Boy's Life website has a photograph HERE of some Pack 130 Scouts

Full Article Reprint

A Boys' Life annual subscription

(12 monthly issues) is only $12 for Registered Scouts!

That's only $1 per issue delivered to your door.

A Scouting Project: Brown-headed Nuthatches Need a Good Home

With your help, 10,000 new Brown-headed Nuthatch homes will be placed across North Carolina by the end of 2015. Scouts in other states in the southeast can help their states as well. Watch this video to learn more about nuthatches and how your nest box will help them survive and thrive in your state.

The Brown-headed Nuthatch is a tiny songbird found in the southeastern states. This bird is in decline due to loss of habitat from deforestation and urbanization. Scouts made a real contribution to restoring the Eastern Bluebird by building nest boxes; it has been a common Scout service project. I am an Eagle Scout working with Audubon North Carolina to spread the word to our Scouting community. Once informed I know we can make a considerable contribution. This is an excellent Eagle Project or Hornaday Unit Project. It also fulfills other Merit Badge requirements, including Camping Merit Badge 9c and Fish and Wildlife Merit Badge 5a. It also is a great Cub Scout Project; components can be pre-cut and then assembled.

As a demonstration project, I built 22 of these nest boxes with my troop. You can check my website: nuthatch.info for information about this bird and building these nest boxes. You can contact me there with questions as well. Please send me information and photos of your completed project, so I can feature your Troop or Pack and your contribution on this site.

Bennett David, Daniel Boone Council, Troop 91, Asheville, NC bennett.l.david@gmail.com

VIDEO Presentation

Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training (During Winter Camp)

(does not include outdoor skills training)
9:15am - 2:00pm Saturday January 17, 2015 @ Camp Boddie
419 Camp Bonner Boy Scout Road, Blounts Creek, NC
Registration Hall (OA Lodge) lower part of Camp Boddie
Fee: $6, includes training materials and lunch
RSVP to Dee Goliwas by January 14, 2015
Turbo4000@suddenlink.net 252-227-4358 Flyer/Registration

Croatan Trails 2015 Cub Scout Olympics

Saturday January 10, 2015, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. (Check In 8:30am)

Where: Holly Springs Church, 850 Nine Foot Road, Newport NC

Pre- Registration is Required By January 5, 2015

Email Registration to: ernie.giblin@carteretk12.org

Cost: Free Ribbons for 1st, 2nd,& 3rd place in all events.

Events: 50 Yard Dash, Broad Jump, Football Toss, Push Ups, Sit Ups,

Soccer Kick (distance), Crab Walk Race, Softball Throw, Vertical Jump

Volunteers Needed: Please contact: Richard Bush richjr.bush@gmail.com

or Ernie Giblin ernie.giblin@carteretk12.org FLYER

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ?

Are Your Scouts on a First-Name Basis with Leaders?

Some Scouters are OK with first names; others require Scouts to use honorifics and last names. Still other leaders use a combination method: Mr. Bryan, for example.

Here's a representative sample of responses, broken down by subject.

Title/honorific and last name: For many Scouters, this comes down to simple respect. They tell Scouts to use the appropriate honorific (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Father) and the adult's last name.

First names only:

In many units, especially Venturing crews, everyone uses first names.

Leave it up to each Scouter:

Why set one policy? Some Scouters argue you should leave it up to each adult to choose a name he/she prefers.

Take a look at these opinions, and then weigh in by leaving a comment. Full Article / Discussion

CAMPING NEWS

January 19 - Interviews for Camp Boddie Summer Camp Staff

Message from Mickey Whitehead, new Director, Camp Boddie

I would like to take this opportunity to wish a Happy New Year to all the Scouts and Scouters in East Carolina Council. Here is an update on summer camp 2015. The interview process for summer camp staff has begun with area directors. We are still looking for directors for Outdoor Skills, Aquatics, COPE & Climbing, Backwoodsman, and Trading Post.

Applications for all staff are online.

Counselors-in-Training can be at least age 14.

Interviews will be held on Monday, January 19, 2015

beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Camp Boddie dining hall.

My goals for this year are to hire and train a staff of Scouts to provide an outstanding program for all campers at Camp Boddie. I would like to promote the summer camp program to the leaders by visiting all district Roundtables and upcoming council events. I would like to encourage units and Order of the Arrow members to volunteer at camp on service projects to help prepare the camp for summer. I also welcome the Council Camping Committee members to staff training weekends to help train area staff.

I look forward to meeting all applicants at the interviews on the 19th and a great summer camp!

Learn: Online Scouting Knots

These animated knots are described for scouts, but most of them have critical uses in other environments. Select the knots from the Scouting Requirements page which provides details of the knots expected for advancement and different activities.

The selection of knots is based on consultation with many scouting leaders and a review of the requirements by some national organizations.

Instructions:

Go to the Online Scouting Knots webpage. Move your cursor over the picture of each knot. Look at the description to find out what it can be used for. Click on the knot you wish to see. On the new page wait until the selected knot starts to tie itself. You can set the speed of the demonstration and the repeat function

TRAINING NEWS

Remodeling the Scouting Roundtable

Scoutorama spoke with successful roundtable commissioners and asked them what makes their roundtables better than most.

The commissioners identified a number of challenges and suggestions for meeting those challenges. Not surprisingly, they identified the same kinds of problems.

They're grouped here in six general categories, with an introduction on roundtable history.

Full Article

2014-2015 Adult Leader Training Schedule

WILSON

March 28, 2015 Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training

(at Barton Merit Badge College) 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.

CROATAN TRAILS

January 31, 2015 Scoutmaster Leader Specific, Craven Community College - Flyer

February 20-22, 2015 - Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills, Camp Sam Hatcher- Flyer

February 21, 2015 - BALOO, Camp Sam Hatcher

March 7, 2015 - Trainer's EDGE, Craven Community College

March 7, 2015 - Leave No Trace Workshop, Craven Community College

COUNCIL:

January 17, 2015 Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training -
Flyer

(at Camp Boddie during Winter Camp) 9:15 am - 2:00 pm.

February 28: University of Scouting 8:00am-4:00pm, Pitt Community College, Greenville

April 10-12: Training Extravaganza @ Camp Boddie

April 10-12 = ITOLS, BALOO, OWLS

April 11 = Scoutmaster Specific, Cubmaster Specific, Den Leader Specific, YPT

NAYLE, BSA's top training for youth, now offered at all 4 high-adventure bases

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience is to youth leadership training what the Eagle Scout and Summit awards are to Boy Scouting and Venturing, namely, the pinnacle of achievement.

Now's the time to get your Scouts and Venturers thinking about NAYLE. The course is intended for youth who have completed NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) and are ready to take the next step. NAYLE participants make new friends, learn new skills and experience an epic adventure - all in an awesome location. Beginning in summer 2015, NAYLE will be offered at all four national high-adventure bases. That means there's a course within driving distance of most Scout families.

I asked the top NAYLE volunteers for the courses at Northern Tier, Philmont, Sea Base and the Summit to share details about the

NAYLE courses there. Full Article

2015 National Youth Leadership Training Class at Camp Sam Hatcher:

July 24-26; July 31-August 2, 2015

In the past, the class has SOLD OUT every year that East Carolina Council has held the course. Now is the time to register your Scout for the opportunity to change his/her life. Do not miss your chance to send your Scout to an awesome opportunity that will enhance his ability to navigate through his Scouting career, school and life. NYLT is not summer camp but FUN is involved in this learning setting. Boy Scouts must be aged 13 at the start of the class, be a First Class Scout, have completed Troop Leadership Training and have their Scoutmaster's approval to attend. Cost is $200. The application form can be found HERE or below.

National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Check us out on Facebook.

Point of contact: Barbara Parker (910) 455-7266 (no phone calls after 9pm please)

or by email: bjparker208@yahoo.com Flyer/Registration More Info Photos

UPCOMING EVENTS

Exploring and Venturing Winterfest Feb. 6-8, 2015

Once again, the Northeast Georgia Council will be hosting "Winterfest," which is the largest Exploring and Venturing event in the nation. 2015 is the 41st year of this great event, and we would like to ask your help in promoting it, because of the tremendous resource it is for membership growth and retention in your own council.

Check out the website: http://www.bsawinterfest.org/

and download the Leader's Guide

Creating Organizational Excellence: June 8-12, 2015

Philmont Scout Ranch is considered a center of excellence for the delivery of outdoor programs and training in the Boy Scouts of America. This unique session will blend training on four disciplines that build healthy organizations, with the opportunity to see and experience those principles in action at Philmont.

This course will provide you access to see behind the scenes of Philmont. Observe how Philmont uses customer surveys to create a continuous improvement program that creates organizational excellence. Experience the magic of a back country camp and learn how staff are prepared and trained for their role. FLYER

Why 2015 is the year to take your family to Philmont Training Center

Spend a week in one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Learn from Scouters who wrote the book - literally - on Scouting subjects that matter to you.

Oh, and bring the whole family because there's something for infants, spouses, grandparents and everyone in between.

Consider this your formal invitation to spend a week next summer at Philmont Training Center, the national training center of the Boy Scouts of America. Full Article

Philmont 2015 - Trip of a lifetime

This is going to be an exciting adventure... ONLY a few youth spots left, of 36, for the 2015 ECC Philmont Council Contingent !!!

Call now to secure your spot!

Dates: June 17th - July 2nd, 2015, Round-trip flight from Raleigh, NC

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact Jon Garn at 252-864-9119 or jon.garn@scouting.org

Need an application and pay schedule?...check out the ECC Website .

BSA Announces Theme, Logo of the 2017 Jamboree

The National Scout Jamboree, a celebration of Scouting held every four years for Scouts, Venturers, volunteers, and staff from across the nation, has chosen for their 2017 theme, "Live Scouting's Adventure."

This will be the second jamboree held at the 10,600 acre Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia's adventure sports region: the New River Gorge.

The jamboree, open to active youth members and adult volunteer leaders in BSA programs, will be held July 19-28, 2017. Staff members will be able to register for the jamboree in April 2015, while registration for youth and adult participants will open in May 2015. To learn more about the 2017 National Scout Jamboree and the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, please visit www.bsajamboree.org

or https://summit.scouting.org. Full Article Jamboree Logos 1935-2017

23rd World Scout Jamboree Kirara-hama, Japan 2015

The next World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) will be held in Japan, Jul 28th - August 8, next year! Plans are already underway to begin registration for youth who want a once-in-a-lifetime international experience with thousands of fellow scouts from around the world. Scouts need to be 14-17 years old next summer (i.e., born between July 27, 1997, and July 28, 2001) for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a World Scout Jamboree. The World Scout Jamborees only take place every four years, and since the participants must be 14-17 years old, each Scout literally only gets one opportunity in to attend a World Scout Jamboree! More Information

23rd World Jamboree Video, FAQs FLYER

National BSA Calendar