|
April 2012
In this issue:
• Around the Council
• Coming Events
• Outdoor Adventure
• Training
• Jamboree
• Alumni
• In Other News...
• Community Service
National Capital Area Council
Boy Scouts of America
P: 301-530-9360
www.BoyScouts-NCAC.org
9190 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814
Map
Share with a friend and help them subscribe to Capital Comments!
  
 
|
Fellow Scouts & Scouters,
Prepared. For Adventure.
For many, the Scouting program is defined by outdoor adventure. Whether hiking the Tooth of Time at Philmont Scout Reservation, sailing a tall ship at Sea Base, or just camping out in the backyard, Scouting allows youth to experience the type of adventures that, increasingly, many would otherwise only see in TV shows or movies.
Our Outdoor Classrooms
A huge part of Scouting takes place at camp. In 2011, 12 of the top 20 merit badges, including the top three – First Aid, Swimming, and Environmental Science, were available to be earned at camp. But apart from advancement, camp gives Scouts an opportunity to learn skills and form friendships that will prepare them for life. Last year more than 11,000 Scouts went to one of our Council’s camps, and attendance this summer already looks to be even bigger! Make sure you reserve a spot today at Goshen Scout Reservation, Camp William B. Snyder or one of the Council’s 21 regional Cub Scout day camps.
National Jamboree 2013
Attending a National Jamboree is, for many youth and adults, a highlight of their Scouting career. Now, with the grand opening of The Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia as the permanent site of all future BSA Jamborees, the 2013 event will truly offer once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Be the first to hike the trails, ride the BMX bikes, raft the rapids and scale the rocks…and so much more.
Take the NCAC Scouting Challenge!
Have you heard about the NCAC Scouting Challenge? It’s a fun, dynamic way to earn your activity and merit badges while showing your commitment to being “Prepared. For Life.”
The Challenge covers four areas:
-
Challenge 1: I’m Prepared
-
Challenge 2: I’m Eco-Friendly
-
Challenge 3: I’m Fit
-
Challenge 4: I’m Connected
There are separate requirements for every age level, so Scouts can continue to work on the Challenge throughout their entire Scouting career. A Scout who completes all four challenges receives a truly unique patch and develops the skills that he’ll need to be successful. Read more about this exciting new program at www.BoyScouts-NCAC.org/challenge and see if your unit is up for the Challenge!
 Yours in Scouting,
Les Baron
Scout Executive/CEO
|
Around The Council
Key Calendar Dates
Scouts In The News
Have your Scouts been featured by local media? Let us know! And catch all the latest news on the Council’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/NCACBSA.
New Unit Spotlight
Pack 317, chartered by Stafford County Christian Church in Stafford, VA, was started to provide a fun, safe and adventurous program for young boys from the Old Forge neighborhood in Fredericksburg, VA. Cubmaster Lance Deffenbaugh felt the Cub Scout program would help teach the boys responsibility and self esteem through personal accomplishment. As Cubmaster Deffenbaugh says, “Cub Scouts is the ideal program to help these boys learn to make independent, honorable and moral choices, which will help them in their future when faced with difficult situations.”
Also welcome to the NCAC family...
-
Ship 225 – LDS Piedmont Ward Fredericksburg Stake, Culpeper, VA
-
Team 1368 – LDS Haymarket Ward Centreville Stake, Gainesville, VA
-
Crew 212 – Asian Pacific American Arts Foundation, Falls Church, VA
-
Post 444 – Special Mothers, Inc., Fairfax, VA
-
Troop 1882 – American Legion Post 1799, Haymarket, VA
-
Troop 1294 – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Upper Marlboro, MD
-
Troop 345 – Wesley United Methodist Church, Vienna, VA
To find the nearest pack, troop, ship, crew or team visit BeAScout.org.
New NCAC Staff
Please join us in welcoming the Council’s newest staff members:
Derrick Clark, CFO/Director of Support Service: Derrick served as CFO/Director of Support Service at Orange County Council in Santa Ana, CA. He first joined Scouting as a Cub Scout in the Cascade Pacific Council in Portland, OR, and went on to become a Life Scout and Vigil Honor member of Order of the Arrow. During high school and college he served in various roles at Camp Meriwether located on the Oregon Coast, including three summers as Camp Program Director, before becoming a District Executive in the same council he had been a Scout.
Denise Dolan, Development Director: Denise is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with a long history of helping public organizations advance their mission and their resources. She is also the proud mother of a Cub Scout. Before joining NCAC she was the director of annual giving for the United Nations Foundation and manager of the Keystone Center’s Washington, DC, office.
Geoffrey Thomas, District Executive: Geoff will be serving the Zekiah District under the guidance of District Director Wes Haynes. Geoff previously served with Colonial Virginia Council, where he covered two districts and successfully rebuilt strategic volunteer-council relationships. Geoff served as a volunteer Scouter (Scoutmaster, committee chair, and many others) before joining the professional staff. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow, a former assistant camp ranger, and a third-generation Eagle Scout.
Online Tour Permits
The new online tour and activity plan coming soon! Expect to see a significant change in procedure; signatures and approvals are not required for the online process. The required prerequisites for the type of trip or activity will be displayed as the plan is filled in. If any prerequisites have not been met, you will have to certify that all prerequisites will be met prior to conducting the trip or activity.
Once submitted, an email notification will be sent to your council, chartered organization, committee chair, unit leader, and emergency contact to let them know that a plan has been submitted and can be viewed on MyScouting. Units can store, retrieve, copy and reuse completed plans, and upload trekking plans, flight plans and similar files.
Units can expect to see the new system this spring. For an early preview, click here to view the tour plan training video.
April is Youth Protection Month
 April is Youth Protection Month. NCAC places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth and adult members. To achieve that end, Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for all BSA registered volunteers. YPT must be renewed every two years. If a volunteer’s YPT record is not current at rechartering, that volunteer will not be reregistered.
If you have not taken a YPT course in the past year, or have never taken one, now is a good time. The course is available online at MyScouting.org. For more Youth Protection resources for both leaders and youth, click here.
Remember: Youth Protection begins with You!
También está disponible en español!
|
Coming Events
Gathering of Eagles (GOE) Speaker Series Blasts Off – April 11
Mark your calendars! Dr. John Grunsfeld, NASA associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, former astronaut and Hubble Space Telescope Repairman, will be featured on April 11 at 6 PM at the Cosmos Club.
Outer space may be infinite but space at the event is limited. Click HERE to register today!
Character Under Construction – April 17
Join us on April 17 at 5:30PM at the District Architecture Center in Washington, DC, to honor the 2012 Real Estate and Construction “Good Scout” Honorees: Gerald R. Sigal, owner & founder of SIGAL Construction Corporation, and Robert K. Tanenbaum, principal of Lerner Enterprises.
For more information, click here.
Venturing Phenomenon – April 20-22
 The Venturing Phenomenon, co-hosted by the Area 6 Venturing Officers Association and NCAC’s Venturing Officers Association (VOA), is coming to Camp William B. Snyder April 20-22. The event will debut a new program format by and for Venturers. Boys’ Life magazine will be coming to cover the event, so be sure not to miss it!
For complete details about the event, click here. To register, click here.
Patriot 'Good Scout Award' Reception – April 25
Join us as we honor U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions with the 2012 Patriot 'Good Scout' Award. Congressman Sessions is the son of a Distinguished Eagle Scout, a Distinguished Eagle Scout himself and the father of two Eagle Scout sons. The reception will be April 25 at 6PM at Liberty Place (Rooftop), 325 7th St NW, Washington, DC, 20004.
For more information or to register, click here.
2012 Spring Endowment Celebration – April 28
NCAC is hosting its annual Spring Endowment Celebration on Saturday, April 28 at Marriott Scout Service Center. Invitations were sent in the mail to all current contributors to the Council’s Endowment Fund. This includes gifts through NCAC’s First Century Club - James E. West Fellowship, ‘Centennial Club’ James E. West Fellowship, Heritage Society, 1910 Society and/or Founders Circle - and its Second Century Club – James E. West Fellowship, Second Century Society and/or Presidents Leadership Council. Anyone interested in Endowment or major gift opportunities is also welcomed to attend.
Didn’t get your invitation or need more information? Call 301-214-9118 or email Support...@Scouting.org.
Join the Chief Scout Executive at
Excellence In Youth Leadership Evening – May 16
NCAC's Excellence in Youth Leadership Evening (EYLE) recognizes Eagle Scouts, Quartermaster and Venturing Silver Award recipients who earned their awards in 2011, and connects them with mentors from a variety of business, social and civic organizations to help them continue their personal and professional development.
BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca has agreed to be this year’s class honoree and keynote speaker for the event! This is truly an honor for our youth and our Council. Chief Scout Executive Mazzuca will retire at the BSA National Meeting at the end of the month, making this one of his last official appearances.
Don’t miss this chance to support our youth leaders and meet the top professional Scouter in the country! To register to attend or be a mentor, click here.
Order of the Arrow Section Conclave – May 18-20
The 2012 Section Conclave will be hosted by Nentico Lodge 12 at Camp Spencer, Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation, Baltimore Area Council, BSA.
The Section Conclave brings together the lodges in our Section - Northeast Region, Section 6A (NE-6A) - for brotherhood and fellowship. There will be gatherings and opportunities to help your lodge demonstrate its spirit for the Order and for Scouting. For new Arrowmen, this is a great opportunity to experience the excitement of being part of the Order of the Arrow.
For more information or to register, click here.
BSA National Meeting – May 30-June 1
The 2012 National BSA Annual Meeting will be May 30–June 1 in Kissimmee, FL. The theme is “Continuing Our Journey.” The meeting is open to all Scouters. There will be training opportunities, a 5K SCOUTStrong™ Fun Run/Walk, the National Council Recognition Dinner and much more. For more information, click here.
SAVE THE DATE: 32nd Annual Boy Scout Golf Classic – June 25
 Date: Monday, June 25, 2012
Place: Manor Country Club, 14905 Carrolton Rd, Rockville, MD 20853
Format: Four-person full scramble, morning and afternoon shotgun starts
Luxury vehicles or $100,000 cash prize for hole-in-one on every par 3! Hundreds of dollars worth of great giveaways!
For more information, click here.
|
Outdoor Adventure
Goshen Scout Reservation
 New Reservation Director
Patriot District’s Senior District Executive Gary Carroll will be returning to Goshen this summer as Reservation Director. Gary has worked at Goshen every summer since he turned 15, serving as Aquatics Director and Program Director for Camp Bowman, COPE Director for the entire reservation and Camp Director for Camps PMI and Ross. He is looking forward to making this a great summer, to interacting with the Scouts and camp staff and to introducing the new and improved camp food service.
Goshen Bears Workend – May 18-20
For more than 25 years the Goshen Bears have been guided by a simple mission: paint, wire, roof, shingle, cut, store, repair and fix everything at Goshen Scout Reservation. Twice a year these dedicated Scouters head out to camp for a “workend”of fellowship and service. To be a part of the workend click here.
Looking for more information on Goshen Scout Reservation? Go to www.GoToGoshen.org.
Camp William B. Snyder
 Summer Camp Registration
Just a quick reminder that there is a fee increase for all summer programs at Camp William B. Snyder, including Adventure Days and Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Webelos Resident Camp, for registrations made after May 8, 2012.
Cub Family Campouts
The next weekend this spring for Cub Scouts family camping is May 17-19. Cub Scouts are invited to attend with their family or as a pack. Activities will include BB & archery, handicrafts, nature, belt loops, outdoor skills and more! An optional meal plan is available. For more information click here.
Get the Latest Camp Snyder News
Are you following us? Check out Camp Snyder on Facebook at facebook.com/CampWBSnyder.
Looking for information on Camp Snyder? Go to www.GoToSnyder.org.
Cub Scout Day Camp Early Registration Deadline – April 16
 High seas adventure, treasure hunts, excitement and fun! Be sure to register on or before 5PM on April 16 to receive a $20 discount for each Cub Scout camper!
Looking for the day camp nearest you? Click here for all of this summer's schedules and locations. Click here to register.
|
Training
Commissioner’s College – June 9
Commissioner’s College is an annual full-day training event for commissioners, with degrees based on a national BSA curriculum. The courses expose participants to the multiple aspects and approaches to Commissioner Service, providing commissioners with new ideas and resources to take back to their units, districts and councils. This event also provides an opportunity to network with other volunteers and professional leaders – perhaps the most valuable resource of all.
Registration for Commissioner’s College will be available online soon. For more information, click here.
Northeast Region NYLT Leadership Academy – July 15-21, July 22-28
The National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Leadership Academy is the preeminent program for teaching youth how to teach leadership. It is designed for all youth who staff NYLT. There will be two courses held at Camp Snyder this summer, July 15-21 and July 22-28. For more information, click here.
|
National Jamboree
High Adventure Like You've Never Seen!
 There has never been a Jamboree like this. Ever. Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, zip lines, mountain biking…plus all the things you've grown to love about the jamboree: patch trading, SCUBA, arena shows, Technology Quest, and much, much more.
History created by you!
This will be the first jamboree at its new permanent home – The Summit Bechtel Reserve in beautiful West Virginia – and you'll be there for the grand opening: July 15 -24, 2013.
NCAC is forming Jamboree Troops NOW and we want you!
Seeking:
-
Boy Scouts ages 12-18 (or age 11 and completed 6th grade), First Class and above
-
Venturers ages 14-21 (or completed 8th grade)
-
Adults to serve as unit leadership
For information about cost, scholarships, eligibility requirements, or to apply click here.
|
Alumni
Alumni Road Show – April 21
The National Alumni Association Road Show is coming to NCAC on April 21, 7:45am-4pm. Scouters who are interested in increasing and engaging volunteers, recruiting adult members and developing new sources of contributions are encouraged to attend. Subjects include:
-
Effectively Using the National Office and the Scouting Alumni Association
-
Maximizing Council Events for Alumni Activity
-
Alumni Success Stories and Creating a Year-Round Plan
-
The Council NESA Committee
Space is limited so register today!
Join the National Scouting Alumni Association
 Stay up to speed on what's happening in Scouting no matter where you live and help youth experience the excitement, challenges, and adventure that Scouting has to offer.
Join today to receive the following extra benefits:
-
Quarterly electronic newsletter - Alumni Alive!
-
10 bugle calls to use , as ring tones
-
Access to the Alumni Scrapbook to post your Scouting stories
-
Free one-year membership to the National Scouting Museum
-
Welcome packet containing an embossed affiliation card, lapel pin, luggage tag and window cling
-
One-time discount on a purchase from BSA Supply Group
Go to www.BSAalumni.org for more information.
|
In Other News...
Voice of the Scout
The Spring 2012 Voice of the Scout survey is now closed. Thank you to all the Scouts, leaders and parents who took time to give some feedback! If you requested to have someone contact you to discuss your comments, expect to be contacted soon.
If you would like to be part of the Fall Voice of the Scout Survey, click here.
Website Under Construction
The Council website will be undergoing some changes starting this month. If you encounter any bugs during this process or have trouble finding the resources you’re looking for, let us know!
Greg Augustine Camper Aid Application Deadline – April 15
Applications for the Greg Augustine Camper Aid program are due on April 15. To download the application click here.
Scout Shop
 Spring Great Buys – April 6-12
25% OFF All Nylon Uniforming, 30% OFF already marked down T-Shirts, and many other Great Buys available at your local Scout Shops!
Everything 25% Off PLUS a FREE Reusable Bag! – April 13-19
In celebration of Earth Day, Get a FREE Reusable Shopping Bag in addition to 25% off everything that fits into the free BSA Reusable Bag! (Excludes program insignia and literature, Pinewood Derby, advancement, and gift cards)
These promotions are available at your local Scout Shops.
|
Community Service Opportunities
Earth Day Cleanup & Celebration – April 21
 Help the Anacostia Watershed Society and Pepco clean up for Earth Day! Participants will be wearing event t-shirts, so please get your name on the list as soon as possible – and let them know how many of your friends and family will join the team!
 When: Saturday, April 21, 2012, 9am-11:30am, followed by the celebration from Noon-2pm
Where: RFK Stadium Lot #6 (near the bridge that takes you to Kingman and Heritage Islands)
For more information click here.
Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive! – May 28
 Youth ages 12-20 are invited to take part in a Day of Service honoring the memory of the men and women of the World War II generations! We will assemble for a special youth-led ceremony at the National Archives steps to honor the more than 400,000 soldiers who gave their lives in WWII and who are represented by the wall of Gold Stars.
Following this youth-led ceremony of speaking, dance and singing, 400 youth will carry enlarged portrait photos of these American Heroes as they march in America's largest Memorial Day Parade alongside the Spirit of '45 float carrying veterans of World War II. After the parade, join the 400 youth and World War II veterans social hour of chat and ice cream. Parents and friends are invited.
The Parade is approximately 1 mile long. Family and friends are encouraged to watch the Parade, which will be televised live. Participating Scouts are eligible for 6 hours of community service
For more information click here.
Operation Dragoon – July 19-22
Please join us in honoring the veterans of Operation Dragoon – the “Forgotten D-Day”. There will be a series of historical seminars and memorial events July 19-22 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA. For more information click here.
|
 
© 2012 / www.BoyScouts-NCAC.org
|
Issue Sponsor
Vi!Va! Vienna
ViVa! Vienna!, presented by the Rotary Club of Vienna, VA, is a family and community oriented celebration of Memorial Day and the greater Vienna Community spirit. Enjoy amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors and entertainment - fun for all ages!
Attendance is expected to top 50,000, with more than 300 vendors available, including handcraft artisans, retail, professionals, political parties and candidates, and community and non-profit organizations. 100% of proceeds go to charitable, community and humanitarian organizations.
For more information, click here.
|
 |
