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July 2012
In this issue
• Around the Council
• Coming Events
• Outdoor Adventure
• Popcorn
• Training
• Jamboree
• Alumni
• In Other News...
• Community Events
Subscribe to Capital Comments
   
Key Calendar Dates
July 21-22
Ramadan Camporee
July 22
BSA Century Bike Ride
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Fellow Scouts & Scouters,
I trust that you, your family, friends and neighbors are safe and sound after last weekend’s surprisingly strong and destructive summer storms.
Power was restored to Marriott Scout Service Center late Sunday night, Camp William B. Snyder is up and running after sustaining very little damage and power is almost completely restored to Goshen Scout Reservation (GSR).
I commend GSR leadership and staff for their swift response to the storm, ensuring those on property were safe. I am also happy to report that no serious injuries or structural damage occurred. But because safety of our staff, Scouts and Scouters is our number one concern, the decision was made to cancel the Week 2 (June 30-July 6) camping session. While camp staff worked around the clock to clear fallen trees and storm debris, camp leadership and Council staff did their best to contact Week 2 unit leaders to inform them of this decision and offer alternative options. With so many people without power for so long, often affecting home phone service as well as internet and cell service, it proved to be a challenge that required a lot of perseverance and a little ingenuity. In fact, we learned a great lesson in that our Facebook page turned out to be one of the best communication mediums to not only get the word out but to get immediate feedback that aided our outreach efforts.
Goshen is safe and will be open and fully operational for Week 3 (July 7-13) campers.
I’m proud of our Scouts, Scouters, camp and Council staff. While Mother Nature can be unpredictable, we prove time and time again that it pays to “Be Prepared!” If you have any questions about the Week 2 GSR closure or about the alternative options for Week 2 campers, please click here.
 Yours In Scouting,
Les Baron
Scout Executive/CEO |
Around The Council
Scouts In The News
Have your Scouts been featured by local media? Let us know!
Catch all the latest news on the Council’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/NCACBSA.
New Unit Spotlight
Welcome to the NCAC family...
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Pack 114 – Islamic Center of Northern Virginia Trust, Fairfax, VA
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Pack 201 – Leckie PTA, Washington, DC
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Pack 311 – America’s 911 Foundation, Inc., Leesburg, VA
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Pack 426 – Trinity United Methodist Church, Prince Frederick, MD
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Pack 2657 – City of Glenarden BSA, Glenarden, MD
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Troop 114 – Islamic Center of Northern Virginia Trust, Fairfax, VA
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Troop 2657 – City of Glenarden BSA, Glenarden, MD
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Crew 11 – Virginia Run Home Owners Association, Centreville, VA
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Crew 15 – Church of the Little Flower Parish, Bethesda, MD
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Crew 100 – St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Washington, DC
To find the nearest pack, troop, ship, crew or team visit BeAScout.org.
NCAC Staff Changes
Please join us in welcoming the Council’s newest staff members:
Tara McGhee, District Executive, George Mason District: Tara is a former Girl Scout and an honors graduate from the University of Alabama. A native of Mobile, she previously worked with the American Heart Association and the Creek Indian Economic Development Association.
Daniel Prager, Accounting Specialist: Daniel is a graduate of University of Maryland and a native of Montgomery County. He has worked in the field of accounting for the past 10 years.
And congratulations to these staff members on their new positions:
Pamela Tamayo, Director of First Impressions: Back by popular demand, Pam is once again offering first-rate customer service as Director of First Impressions at Marriott Scout Service Center. In addition to welcoming guests on the phone and in person, she is processing tour permits and offering the best assistance possible to help volunteers and parents navigate the fun that is Scouting paperwork.
Walt McKee, District Director, White Oak District: Walt has served Montgomery County as District Executive and then as Senior District Executive in the newly formed White Oak District.
Peggy (Green) Durbin, District Director, Goose Creek District: Peggy previously served as District Executive for Aquia District.
For updated staff contact information, click here.
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Coming Events
Ramadan Camporee – July 21-22
Celebrate the month of Ramadan at the NCAC Islamic Committee on Scouting’s first Ramadan Camporee at Camp William B. Snyder, July 21-22nd. Bring your troop for a day of Scouting activities followed by an evening of Islamic education and celebration including games, handicrafts, merit badges, a campfire and an opportunity to work on the Islamic Religious Emblem. Experience the communal breaking of fast – Iftar – and daily prayers, and cap off the event with the special Tarawih prayer! For more information or to register go to www.BoyScouts-NCAC.org/ramadan.
BSA Century Bike Ride – July 22
Sign up and support the second annual BSA Century Bike Ride on July 22nd! Not looking to do a full century ride? There are also 33, 60, and 80 mile rides available. A special 14 mile ride for Scouts and their families will be led by the Charles County Sheriff's Department. For more information or to sign up visit www.BSACentury.com.
National Order of the Arrow Conference – July 28-Aug 4
The National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) is the premier event of the Order of the Arrow and one of Scouting's largest national events. More than 8,000 Arrowmen from across the nation will gather for an unforgettable experience full of fellowship, training, adventure, and lots of fun! This year NOAC will be at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. For more information, click here.
Order of the Arrow Vigil Induction – Aug 11-12
Amangamek-Wipit Lodge 470 is hosting its annual Vigil Induction on August 11-12, 2012 at Goshen Scout Reservation. The cost is $20 per member. The Lodge expects the Chapter to identify appropriate vigil members to serve as guides for the vigil candidates from their Chapter. If the Chapter is unable to do so, it is expected that they will advise the Lodge Vigil Induction Chairman and his Adviser immediately. A second induction will be held Nov. 23-24 at Hallowood Retreat & Conference Center. To register for either event, click here.
Attorney of the Year "Good Scout" Award Luncheon – Sept 12
NCAC will honor NCAC Advisory Committee Member and Silver Beaver recipient Robert G. Sterne of Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox and Grace E. Speights of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP with its Attorney of the Year "Good Scout" Award at a luncheon on September 12. For more information or to register for the event, click here.
Scouting Salutes the Military – Sept 20
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NCAC will honor one active duty enlisted person from each of the five military branches – Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard – who personifies the values found in the Scout Oath and Law. For more information, click here.
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Outdoor Adventure
Goshen Scout Reservation
Open for July 7-13 Session!
Goshen Scout Reservation and its staff are ready, prepared and excited to welcome Week 3 campers. Food preparation areas and dining facilities are fully functional and operating under normal power. Generators kept food cold and safe during last week’s power outage, and are being kept on hand as a precautionary measure, putting into action the Scout motto: “Be Prepared!” If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Goshen Camping Director Gary Carroll. Thank you for your support of Goshen and Scouting.
Looking for more information about Goshen?
Visit www.GoToGoshen.org or find Goshen on Facebook at Facebook.com/GOSHENNCAC.
Camp William B. Snyder
 Swimming & Water Rescue
The Swimming & Water Rescue training course expands on Safe Swim Defense, preparing leaders to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies during unit swim activities. The course takes approximately 8 hours and is valid for three years. The course will be at Camp William B. Snyder on Saturday, July 28. Registration is $25 and the deadline is July 20. Minimum age for the course is 16 years old and class size is limited, so click here to register TODAY!
Earn Your SCUBA Merit Badge at Camp Snyder!
Get your merit badge and PADI Open Water Diver Certification over just two weekends. For more information, click here to contact the course director.
Looking for more information about Camp Snyder?
Visit www.GoToSnyder.org or find Camp Snyder on Facebook at facebook.com/CampWBSnyder.
Day Camp
NCAC day camp is well underway with 15 of 20 sessions already completed and more than 3,400 Cub Scouts signed up. THANK YOU to all the wonderful volunteers who staff these events and help young people have an outstanding summer camp experience!
The theme for the 2013 day camp program will be WILD WEST ADVENTURE, offering opportunities for Scouts to work on the NCAC Challenge. So find your cowboy hat, polish up your boots and get ready for a grand ol’ time. Yeehaw!
High Adventure
2013 Council Treks to Philmont
NCAC has the following Philmont Treks available for 2013:
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P705 (July 3-July 17)
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P713 (July 11-July 25)
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P720 (July 18-August 1).
The cost is $1950, and all travel will be arranged by the Council. For more information, click here. For registration forms, click here.
Sea Base
If hiking is not your unit's main interest, then it's time to head to the sea! NCAC has Sea Base Crew S-717 scheduled for July 17-23, 2013. The cost is $1600, and all travel will be arranged by the Council. For more information, click here. For the registration form, click here.
Lenhok'sin
Want High Adventure a little closer to home? In 2013 there will be two provisional crews at Lenhok'sin, dates to be determined. Watch the Lenhoksin webpage for more information.
Looking for more high adventure? Check out the NCAC High Adventure page.
Looking to join another unit's trek or need more leaders for your own? Check the High Adventure Bulletin Board.
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Popcorn
Regional Popcorn Kickoff Presentations: "Power Your Program With Popcorn"
 The 2012 Regional Popcorn Kickoffs have been scheduled! If your unit is selling popcorn this year, or if you just want to learn about how to sell and what popcorn can do for your unit, there is a seat waiting for you. Plus, attending a Kickoff can earn your unit a 3% bonus commission. Click here to find the date of the Regional Popcorn Kickoff near you and sign up! For questions or concerns please contact Lisa Snip.
And be sure to visit the Trail's End website to check out training videos and other tools, such as the Virtual Sale Planner, to help grow your sale!
Looking for more information about popcorn?
Visit the popcorn webpage at www.BoyScouts-NCAC.org/popcorn.
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Training
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.
Save the Date: Pow Wow – Nov 17
Pow Wow is a supplemental, action-packed training event for Cub Scout Leaders, Pack Committee Members, parents of Cub Scouts and anyone interested in Cub Scouts! Spend the day learning new program ideas and get hands-on experience that will enhance your ability to deliver and support a fun-filled, exciting program! Watch for more information at your September Roundtable.
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National Jamboree
High Adventure Like You've Never Seen!
Did you know that during the National Jamboree the Summit will become the second largest city in West Virginia? There's still time to be part of the excitement! Currently NCAC is sending 9 troops and 1 crew. To sign up for your spot please go to www.bsajamboree.org.
For Scouts and leaders who have already signed up, remember that your first payment of $300 is due. The next payments due are $375 on Sept. 1 and $400 on Jan. 5, 2013. The NCAC Jamboree Committee is finalizing leader assignments and plan to contact Scouts with their troop assignments by the end of September.
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Alumni
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:
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Quarterly electronic newsletter - Alumni Alive!
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10 bugle calls to use as ring tones
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Access to the Alumni Scrapbook to post your Scouting stories
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Free one-year membership to the National Scouting Museum
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Welcome packet containing an embossed affiliation card,
lapel pin, luggage tag and window cling
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One-time discount on a purchase from BSA Supply Group
Go to www.BSAalumni.org for more information.
Gathering of Eagles: NOESA Award Submission Deadline – Sept 30
The deadline to submit applications for the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award is September 30. This new council-level award recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state or regional level. For more information about the award or to download the application, click here.
Gathering of Eagles is NCAC's Eagle Scout alumni association.
For more information or to join, visit www.boyscouts-ncac.org/gathering.
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In Other News...
Voice of the Scout
 Thank you again to everyone that participated in the spring round of Voice of the Scout (VOS), BSA's new national program to get feedback from our members, leaders, volunteers and community partners on what we are doing well and where we need improvement. VOS goes out twice a year, and planning is underway for the fall survey. If you would like to be part of it or want more information, please click here.
STEM Program Launches!
 At the Annual National Meeting in May, BSA officially launched its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program. NCAC was one of the pilot councils for the program last year and was recognized for its commitment to developing Scouts’ excitement for this initiative.
NCAC STEM Committee
The NCAC STEM committee had its first meeting last month. Scouters interested in helping out should email James Hamlin for more information.
Cyber Chip
Cyber Chip is a new program designed to teach Scouts how to be safe online. It addresses topics such as cyberbullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming, and identity theft with grade-appropriate information, lessons and games. If your unit uses computers or smartphones as part of the program or your Scouts want to bring electronics on campouts, this program is an excellent resource. For more information, click here.
NCAC Challenge
The first NCAC Challenge medallion has been awarded! Tiger Scout Thomas Misiano, from Cub Scout Pack 907 completed all four sections of the NCAC Challenge and was recognized at the Occoquan District Day Camp. Congratulations Thomas on blazing the trail for the rest of us to follow!
To learn more about the NCAC Challenge, click here.
New Merit Badges
Starting this summer Scouts have two new merit badges to work on - Kayaking and Search & Rescue! To see what other merit badges you can look forward to earning next year, click here.
BSA Messengers of Peace
For more than 90 years, Scouts have been answering Lord Baden-Powell's call to "help to develop peace and happiness in the world and goodwill among all Scouts." To recognize their efforts - and to inspire more young men and women to help Scouting create a better world - the World Scout Committee has launched the Messengers of Peace (MOP) initiative.
Units can participate by going online to register any MOP-related community service projects - including Eagle Scout projects - they undertake. Scouts who complete MOP projects will earn a special recognition: a ring patch that goes around the World Crest. That patch will symbolize their participation in an ever-widening circle of Scouts who are not just visualizing world peace but are helping to make it a reality. To learn more about the Messengers of Peace program, click here.
Improved New Unit Process
At its May meeting, NCAC’s Executive Board adopted three resolutions designed to improve the way we start and support new units in our communities. These resolutions ensure everyone who plays a role in forming new units - including professionals, district committees and commissioners - works closely together to provide the support new units need to survive and thrive.
The new resolutions increase the number of youth required to start a unit, require leaders to complete training before the unit's first meeting, and adopt the council-specific NCAC New Unit Charter Application. To learn more and read the full text of the resolutions, click here.
If you, a friend or a community organization you know of are interested in starting a new unit, download the New Unit Charter Application here and contact your district executive.
BSA Indy Car Comes To Baltimore
The BSA Indy Car, owned by Dale Coyne Racing, will be available for Scouts and Scouters to see and take pictures with outside the Maryland Science Center on Monday, September 3 from 10am - 3pm at no charge. Scouts and Scouters in uniform can also receive a $5 discount on tickets to the Maryland Science Center. For additional information, visit www.baltimorebsa.org/indycar.
BSA National Annual Report
The 2011 Annual Report for the National Council is now available. To view it online, click here.
To, ur and Activity Plan Is Online
The new digital Tour and Activity Plan is now online. NCAC will be accepting paper tour plans until Sept. 1, 2012 to ease the transition; please encourage your leaders to use the online form for new events. Exploring Posts now also use the Tour and Activity Plan. For an instructional video on using the form, click here.
All Leaders listed will receive a proof of insurance. Currently there is not a way to identify a "tour leader," so please verify all email addresses to ensure you receive your proof of insurance. If you have any questions, please contact your District Executive.
BSA National Introducing "Unit Tools"
BSA is in the process of releasing Unit Tools, a new set of online tools that will replace MyScouting.org. This is an important step in moving toward a more user-friendly, service oriented BSA. Like MyScouting.org, Unit Tools will give unit leaders, volunteers, parents and Scouts the opportunity to create a profile, take and track training, recharter their unit, update advancement, plan activities, and more. There will also be improved administration capabilities, access to unit rosters and attendance tracking applications. More information will be coming soon about these new online resources.
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Community Events
Operation Dragoon – July 19-22
Scouts are invited to join 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.
ScoutFleet 2012 – July 19-22
AHOY! Mark your calendars to sail with Sea Scouts from across the nation and around the world in celebration of a Century of Sea Scouting! This exciting and historic event will take place in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Four days of celebration will mark 100 years of service, culminating in a Fleet Review of the Parade of Small Ships as they sail past Fort McHenry, birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, and a gala 100th Birthday Dinner with cake, dancing, and fireworks (weather permitting). Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of history and to celebrate Sea Scouting’s 100th Anniversary! For more information, click here.
American Heritage Merit Badge Workshop at Calvert Library – Aug 14
Calvert Library is hosting the Smithsonian Exhibit: Lincoln and the Constitution in Prince Frederick late this summer. It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in history to learn more and appreciate the depth of local area relevance to the growth of the US. For more information, click here.
Dominion Trail Mix – Oct 20
Come help with the Hail the Trail clean up and beautification project, join the Great Skedaddle bike/run/walk event or enjoy the many fun offerings at Trailfest. For more information, click here.
36th Annual Maryland Scout Orienteering Day – Oct 27
The 36th Annual Maryland Scout Orienteering Day will be Saturday, Oct. 27, 8:30 am-4:45 pm. This year the event is at Patuxent River Park's Jug Bay Natural Area. Instruction and courses are suitable for beginners, emphasizing fun map skills on a special six-color orienteering map, in addition to compass games. Registration deadline is October 12. For more information or to register, click here.
Scout Day at Navy Football – Nov 17
Join the Naval Academy Athletic Association for “Scout Day 2012” at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in
Annapolis, MD on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Navy vs. Texas State home football game. Kickoff is tentatively set for 3:30pm. More than 10,000 Scouts and family members have attended in the past years, making it one of the largest football events in recent history. Scouts can also take tours of the United States Naval Academy or camp for the weekend. For more information, click here and use the promo code "SCOUTDAY".
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© 2012 / www.BoyScouts-NCAC.org
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Issue Sponsors
Washington Nationals Scout Days
 The Washington Nationals will be hosting their popular Scout Days again this season. The Nationals are already off to a great start – especially at home games – and have one of the best pitching staffs in the league. Be part of the excitement:
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Sunday, July 8 (vs. Colorado Rockies)
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Saturday, August 18 (vs. New York Mets)
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Sunday, September 23 (vs. Milwaukee Brewers)
For more information visit www.nationals.com.
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