February 10, 2014  
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In This Issue
Kittatinny Lodge 5
38th Annual Leadership Dinner
Training Records Update
Boy Scout Leader Specific Training
Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation
Summer Camp Employment Opportunities
SuperNova Counselor/Mentors
Friends of Scouting
District Committee Training Workshop
Commissioner Basic Training
2014 Trail to Eagle Camp
Leave No Trace Trainer Course
District Operations
District Recharter Turn-in
Weekend of Faith
Day of Faith
Wood Badge N6-528-15
Council Calendar of Events
Appalachian District Calendar
Black Rock District Calendar
Cacoosing District Calendar
Frontier District Calendar
Quick Links

 
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Kittatinny Lodge 5


2014 OAService Weekends
April 26-27, 2014
May 16-18, 2014
September 19-21, 2014

HOURS OF OPERATION
Beaver Family Service

Center  & Scout Shop

5027 Pottsville Pike

Reading PA  19605

 

Hours of Operation

 

  Monday-Wednesday-Thursday-Friday 

9:00AM-5:00PM

 

Tuesday

9:00AM - 7:00PM

 

2nd Saturday  

of each Month

9:00AM - 1:00PM  

 

(P) 610-926-3406

(F) 610-926-4965

______________________

______________________ 

 

Hawk Mountain Scout

Reservation &  

Scout Shop

402 Blue Mountain  Road

Schuylkill Haven, PA

17972

   

"NEW"  

Hours of Operation  

 

Friday
1:00PM - 5:00PM

 

Saturday

9:00AM - 2:00PM 

Telephone support  

available:  

Monday - Friday  

9:00AM - 5:00PM 
(P) 570-754-7552
(F) 570-754-7889
 
Hawk Mountain Council
38th Annual Leadership Dinner
"A Tribute to Heroes"

February 25, 2014 (Tuesday)
6:00 PM Reception - 6:30 PM Dinner

Crowne Plaza Hotel
Wyomissing, PA  
Keynote Speaker
Michael J. Durant
Pilot of Helicopter Super Six Four
Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia 1993

On-line Registration for our 38th Annual Leadership Dinner is available on our website.
Training Records Update - Cub Scout Phase

You know how important running an exciting, fast-paced meeting is to our Scouts.  National BSA studies show that leaders who complete training are happier, feel more confident in running meetings and retain boys in Scouting longer.  And the longer we keep young  and women in Scouting, the more apt we are to pass on to them the leadership skills and character traits that we hold dear.

 

In the near future, each of our Cub Scout direct contact leaders and Pack Committee chairs will receive a letter asking for their help in keeping our training records updated. There are two ways to update training records:  1)complete the form included with the letter and mail or fax to our office or 2)unit committee chairs and unit leaders can update Pack leader's training records through MyScouting Tools using the training dashboard.

 

Thank you for taking the time to ensure our data is correct.

 

 What Makes a Trained Leader! 

Boy Scout Leader Specific Training
Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training will be held on March 22, 2014 at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation.  Click here for additional information.

Greetings from Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation

HMSR NEW Shirt
Reservation staff has already begun preparations for the 2014 camping season.  Construction has begun on the final addition of the Reary Shower House expansion.  This summer you will find single-entry bathrooms and showers as well as a reconfigured female camper shower area.  And thanks to Wood Badge Course N6-528-13, campers will be able to sit at the improved fire circle and enjoy the view of Lake Nalaheman.  For more information on summer camp opportunities, be sure to go to http://www.hmc-bsa.org/camping.
Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation  
Summer Employment Opportunities
Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation summer staff positions for 2014 are still available.  Whether you are interested in working the Cub Scout Program, Boy Scout/Venturing Program, or Support Services (Ranger duties, food service, administration), be sure to submit your application.

 

A new position has been added to the Reservation staff is Photographer/Media Director.  This staff member is responsible for unit photos as well as program photography throughout the week; also included is the production of the weekly DVD. 

 

For those interested in Food Service Staff, the largest program area, staff members are eligible for an additional $150 to $250, depending on what position held.  Food Service Staff includes cooks, prep-cooks, kitchen utilities, and heater stack drivers (delivering meals to campsites).

 

So if you are looking to enter the outdoor recreation job market or just to simply gain experience, working at HMSR is a great way to gain experience and build your resume.  Here you will serve in a rewarding position where you can be a positive force in the development of future leaders while having "fun with a purpose."

 

Applications are available at the council service center, Reading, the satellite service center, HMSR, and on the council website.  You may submit your completed application to Hawk Mountain Council.  

 

Feel free to contact David Muldowney at 570.754.7552 or email at [email protected] if you have any questions.

SuperNova Counselor and Mentors

The Boy Scouts of America's NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards will stimulate interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members.

 

The awards program is fairly uncomplicated.  Parents and unit leaders may serve as NOVA counselors even if they have little or no background in STEM-related fields.  However, because the Supernova program is more complex, it requires an adult mentor.  A Supernova mentor is, ideally, someone who has successfully negotiated a STEM career or has other subject matter expertise (hobbies or special training) and is willing to share accumulated wisdom and experience.  The mentor will work closely with the youth member for a number of weeks or months, and will likely provide significant input and guidance to Supernova candidates.

 

If you would like to become a Supernova member, please send us an email at [email protected] or call us at 610.926.3406.

 

For more information on the Boy Scouts of America's STEM programs, please visit the following link:  http://www.scouting.org/stem.aspx 

Friends of Scouting 2014

Each Year the units in the council are asked to participate in our Annual Friends of Scouting campaign, where families are given the opportunity to make an investment in Scouting.  We are asking every unit to give a FOS volunteer an opportunity to conduct a 10 minute presentation at an upcoming Court of Honor, Blue and Gold Ceremony, or parent event.   The FOS volunteer will share the council story and how the funds will be spent.  The decision to invest will be left to individual families.  Please work with your district FOS volunteers to make sure every family has the opportunity to support Scouting in the Hawk Mountain Council.

 

This year's theme is Skills For Life.  Supporting the campaign at $100 and above will allow you to receive a Bronze FOS patch, gifts of $175 and above will allow you to receive a Bronze and Silver patch, and gifts of $250 and more will allow you to receive a Gold, Silver, and Bronze patch.

Now Available in our Scout Shops

Pinewood Derby - Are you gearing up for your Pinewood Derby?  If so, stop by one of our scout shops to pick up your supplies. Additionally, check out  pinewoodderby.org 

for tips and tricks on conducting a fun and rewarding derby.  

 

Blue and Gold Banquet - How about your Blue and Gold Banquets?  We have supplies for them too!    

 

                       

District Committee Training Workshop
There will be a District Committee Training Workshop conducted on March 15 at St John's (Gernant's) Church, 13 Gernant's Rd., Leesport 19533.  Registration begins at 11:45 AM.  Training starts at 12:00 PM and will wrap-up before 5:00 PM.  Rich Howett, Vice President of District Operations will be Course Facilitator.

This workshop meets the basic training requirement of district committee members. The workshop results in a well-coordinated and dedicated group of Scouters committed to achieving the mission of the district and council goals.

Who should Attend:

  • District Chairmen, District Vice-Chairmen.
  • All members of the District Committee: Finance, Membership, Training, Activities, Advancement, Camping, and Outdoor members.
  • District Commissioners, Assistant District Commissioners.
  • Any volunteer interested in serving on their respective District Committee.
Commissioner Basic Training

null Commissioners are district and council volunteer leaders who help units succeed.  They coach and consult with Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing adult leaders.  They help maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America.  They oversee the unit charter renewal plan so that each unit registers on time, and with the optimum number of youth and adult members.


This training is for "New" Unit Commissioners and Unit Commissioners who have not completed Basic Training.  The next Commissioner Basic Training is Sunday, March 23, 2014. Registration is available online.  Registration forms are also our council service center and at HMSR satellite service center.
2014 Trail to Eagle (TTE) Camp
This year, once again, for those Scouts with the sincere desire to become the ultimate rank in Scouting, "EAGLE," the Trail to Eagle Team of Hawk Mountain Council is offering their assistance to obtain some of your merit badges with the "Trail to Eagle" program being offered at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation. 

This program is available to any Scout who has achieved the rank of First Class and is the age of 14 by the start of the program.  We will be offering five Eagle required merit badges and one additional merit badge.  The merit badges offered are Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the Community, Personal Management, Family Life, and Public Speaking.  The TTE program will run from July 27, 2014 to August 1, 2014 (week 6).  Applicants must attend a meeting April 12, 2014 to learn how the camp will function and cover the prerequisites that will be required to complete the merit badges prior to attending.

 

Applications for the program are available at the Hawk Mountain Council, Beaver Family Service Center and on our website.  The fee for the program this year will be $340.00.  The program can only accept 36 scouts and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  Any questions please feel free to call Rudy Benkert, TTE course director, at 570.739.2752. 

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

This trainer course is a vital component of the Leave No Trace program. Participants receive training in Leave No Trace skills and ethics in a condensed two-day format.  The trainer course assists the student participants in learning more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace and techniques for teaching these low impact skills.  Read on.....
District Operations

Over the course of the next several months, the Key Three members in Appalachian, Frontier, and Cacoosing will be working to implement changes that will allow us to better serve our existing units as well as to grow the Scouting programs in under-served areas.

  

These changes include:  The hiring of Fran Rodriguez as the new Appalachian District, Program Specialist. She will serve the Muhlenberg and Reading school districts. Units in the Fleetwood and Kutztown school districts will move to the Frontier District, Units in Hamburg and Schuylkill Valley school districts will move to the Cacoosing District. Units are asked to consider becoming a mentor to units in our urban areas or units just getting started. 

 

The district Key Three volunteers are hard at work putting a formal transition plan together.  For now, please know that our current staff and district committees are operating as usual.

District Recharter Turn-In
District Recharter Day is quickly approaching.  On Saturday, March 15, a team of volunteers and staff will be available from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM to review and accept your completed recharter packet.  Remember, the recharter deadline is Monday, March 31, 2014.  Every youth and adult member deserves to be in a registered unit, please do not allow your unit to operate with an expired charter.  Recharter materials can also be dropped off at February or March District Roundtables.
Catholic Scouting Weekend of Faith
The Hawk Mountain Council Catholic Committee on Scouting will hold its annual Weekend of Faith (Catholic Retreat) at the Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation, Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March 16, 2014.  All Scouts and Venture Crew members are invited to attend. Registration is available online at by clicking here.
Catholic Scouting Day of Faith
The Hawk Mountain Council Catholic Committee on Scouting is inviting current Cub Scouts of the Catholic Faith, their leaders and parents, to participate in a day of scouting and faith related activities this March during our annual Catholic Scouting Weekend of Faith! Scouting activities with a twist on the Catholic Faith will be featured. Registration is available online.
Lancaster Science Factory

Lancaster Science Factory - Volunteer Cub Scout Program Instructor - The Lancaster Science Factory is seeking an adult volunteer to assist the museum with the existing Webelos Engineering Activity Badge Program.  Please follow this link for additional information.

Wood Badge N6-528-15
  • Weekend #1 - SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2015
  • Weekend #2 - OCTOBER 9-11, 2015   

                                                              read more..... 

Council Calendar of Events
February 2014
17   Presidents' Day - Office Closed
18   Council Training Committee, BFSC, 7:00 PM
19   Council Safety Committee Meeting, BFSC, 7:30 AM
20   Council Commissioner Cabinet, STEM Building, HMSR, 7:00 PM
25   38th Annual Leadership Dinner, Crowne Plaza Reading, Wyomissing, PA - 6:00 PM Reception - 6:30 PM Dinner
26   Council Advancement Committee, BFSC, 7:00 PM

March 2014
01    Order of the Arrow Fellowship Feast -  HMSR, 4:45 PM
08    Maintenance Committee Meeting, HMSR, 8:00 AM
14-16 Weekend of Faith, HMSR
15     Day of Faith, HMSR 9:00 AM
18   Council Training Committee, BFSC, 7:00 PM
19   Council Safety Committee Meeting, BFSC, 7:30 AM
20   Council Commissioner Cabinet, STEM Building, HMSR, 7:00 PM
22   Boy Scout Leader Specific Training, HMSR, 9:00 AM
23   Commissioner Basic Training, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, Wyomissing, 1:00 PM
25   Council Camping Committee, BFSC, 7:00 PM
26   Council Advancement Committee, BFSC, 7:00 PM
28-30  Leave No Trace Trainer Course, HMSR

April 2014
4-5   Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, HMSR
4-5  Phenomenon 2014 - Game Traveler, HMSR
5     Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation, HMSR

HMSR-Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation

BFSC-Beaver Family Service Center

Appalachian District

District Chair -- Chuck Denis    Commissioner -- Tony Calvaresi    District Director -- Jeff Lewis  

Program Specialist -- Francisca Rodriguez  

February 2014
11   Commissioner Staff Meeting, St. John's Gernant's UCC Memorial Church, 6:15 PM
11   Roundtable Meeting, St. John's Gernant's UCC Memorial Church, 7:30 PM

March 2014
11   Commissioner Staff Meeting, St. John's Gernant's UCC Memorial Church, 6:15 PM
11   Roundtable Meeting, St. John's Gernant's UCC Memorial Church, 7:30 PM

Download a form or look up and register on-line for upcoming training athttp://www.hmc-bsa.org/Appalachian/Calendar/

Black Rock District

District Chairman -- Jerry Beaver  District Commissioner --   James Briel  
District Executive - Adrienne Wrona
February 2014
12   Roundtable Meeting, Schuylkill Tech Ctr-North Campus, 101 Technology Drive, Frackville, 7:00 PM
15   Derby Clinic, Home Depot St. Clair, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

March 2014
05   Commissioner Staff Meeting, Holy Family School, 7:00 PM
06   District Committee Meeting, Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 7:00 PM
12   Roundtable Meeting, Schuylkill Tech Ctr-North Campus, 7:00 PM
29   District Pinewood Derby

Download a form or look up and register on-line for upcoming training at http://www.hmc-bsa.org/BlackRock/Calendar/

                       
Black Rock District Klondike Derby - photos by Stephanie Hoysock
Cacoosing District
District Chair -- Brad Small   District Commissioner -- Paul Crow   District Director -- Sally Trump
February 2014
11   Commissioner Staff Meeting, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, 7:00 PM
13  
District Roundtable, St John's Lutheran Church, Sinking Spring, 7:00 PM


March 2014
05   District Committee Meeting, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, 7:00 PM
11   Commissioner Staff Meeting, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, 7:00 PM
13  
District Roundtable, St John's Lutheran Church, Sinking Spring, 7:00 PM

22   Boy Scout Leader Specific Training, Allegheny Lutheran Church, 9:00 AM
22   Cub Scout Leader Specific Training, Allegheny Lutheran Church, 9:00 AM

Berkshire Mall Pinewood Derby  -  We are very pleased to announce the first Pinewood Derby to be held at the Berkshire Mall in CENTER COURT!  The event will take place over 2 days, Saturday & Sunday, May 3 & 4, 2014.  On Saturday we will be running the Lion/Tiger and Wolf Class entries.   On Sunday we will run the Bear and Webelos Class entries.  Keep an eye out for additional information as the "Timing" for the different classes will be announced soon.  There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each class, judging of the cars on various style & creativity, etc...and also door prizes.  We highly encourage pre-registration for the event as it will help with the setup of the races. 

 

The event will be for Cub Scouts only.  We would like to ask Troops, Crews, or individual Scouts from Troops and Crews to assist us both days as runners during the races so that we can keep the races moving smoothly and quickly.  This event is sponsored by the Cacoosing District but all Cub Scouts are welcome to attend.

 

Look for Information packets, registration forms and online registration in future Scoutwires.

 

Download a form or look up and register on-line for upcoming training at http://www.hmc-bsa.org/Cacoosing/Calendar/
Frontier District 

District Chairman-- Bill Tarapchak   District Commissioner-- Matthew Hensinger   

February 2014
12   Frontier District Commissioner Staff Meeting, Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6:15 PM 
12   Frontier District Committee Meeting, Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6:30 PM
12   Frontier District Roundtable, Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7:30 PM
12   CS Leader Specific Training, Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6:30 PM
12   BS Leader Specific Training (part 1 of 2), Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6:30 PM

March 2014
03   Frontier District First Aid Meet, Oley Valley Middle School, 6:00 PM
12   Frontier District Roundtable, Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7:30 PM
12   BS Leader Specific Training (part 2 of 2), Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6:30 PM

Roundtable Themes
Feb 12
BS - A Scout is Reverent: Religious Awards Programs
CS - Before Meeting (Gathering) Activities
Mar 12
BS - Making the Jump: Webelos to Scout Transition
CS - Adult Leader Training and Fundraising
Apr 9
BS - Be Prepared: Weather Awareness
CS - Interfaith Service Programs
May 14
BS - Troop Challenge: Physically Strong & Mentally Awake
CS - T.B.A.

Look up and register on-line for upcoming training at http://www.hmc-bsa.org/Frontier/Calendar
Modified Hours and Closings
The Hawk Mountain Council Service Center, Satellite Center
 and Scout Shops will be closed or have modified hours as noted below.

February 13, 2014 (Open 12:00 PM - Close 5:00 PM)     
February 17, 2014 (Closed - President's Day)  
   Save    5%
SCOUT SHOP SAVINGS

Shop at the Hawk Mountain Council or Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation Scout Shop and SAVE!  Bring this coupon with you and get a 5% discount on Official Uniform clothing items (includes belts and socks).  
Offer VALID - thru February 2014