July 12 2020 — Last night Frank laid down the working tools of his Scouting and Masonic life. He was 89.  

To say he will be missed is a given.  He started in our District around 1989 as a volunteer and became the Chartering Organization Representative (COR) for Troop 1570 at Clearview Elementary in Herndon.  

Several of our District Scouters served as Scoutmasters and other roles of leadership in that troop. We all had a special bond with Frank as he provided a common sense approach to so many issues.  Every time we would face an issue we simply asked, What would Frank do?  

Frank was humble.  His life, in and out of Scouting, was one of the perfect examples of what a God loving man, husband, father, military man faithful to his country, educator, Masonic brother, Scouter, OA Brother, and most importantly to all of us, a friend, should be.  

Frank credited Scouting, his path to earning the rank of Eagle and dedication to the Eagle Scout Charge, for the solid foundation upon which his civic contributions were based.  If there was ever a man who deserved the title of Distinction of Eagle Scout it was Frank Smith.  Frank was never a CEO but he shared one title another Important man close to God shared, a teacher.

Powhatan District honors the memory of Frank Smith.

— By Gregg Schwarz

The following individuals will be recognized for their service to Scouting at this year’s Powhatan District Court of Honor:

• Dan Ambrose
• Rajesh Anandakrishman
• Jean Ballard
• John Barr
• Dan Bommer
• Derek Brauner
• Eric Bullock
• Liz Bullock
• Brad Case
• Roger Claff
• Shawn Cochran
• John Colwell
• Steve Conner
• George Costigan
• Craig Dubishar
• Michael Dudzik
• Brenna Emery
• Kenneth Feng
• John Foong
• Inge Gedo
• Katherine Genest
• Chris Gohrband
• Bart Gray
• Joy Heuer
• David Hollender
• Sarah Holtz
• Jonathan Hotz
• Hunter Hutchens
• Leslie Hutchens
• Sarah Ince
• Cullen Kelly
• Kristine Kramer
• Steve Kramer
• Jodi Kuwashima
• Nick Leshock
• Eric Lyon
• Robert C. MacKichan
• Catherine McCabe
• David McDonald
• Brian Meny
• James (JP) Morgan
• Ross Morriso
• Victor Nolasco
• Nancy Nunan
• John O’Connell
• Dawn Parker
• Ted Phillips
• Michael Pocalyko
• Justine Podolny
• Mark Reed
• Paul Reinke
• Todd Rossini
• Fred Rubin
• Gregg Schwartz
• Tom Scott
• Frank Smith
• Scott Smith
• CJ Takacs
• Elena Ziu

Regular communication helps keep Scouts, parents and the community engaged and interested in your unit’s program.  But determining how best to reach out, and putting your best foot forward is complicated in an age of 24-7 online communication.  It also can take time to reach out, so it is understandable why many leaders view it as less important when planning activities.

Unfortunately, planning activities without fully considering communication can negatively affect your unit’s program.  Scouts and their families are more likely to participate actively, and get greater value, when fully engaged.  Great communication catches their attention, generates excitement, and promotes greater participation.   It magnifies the impact of your efforts to plan and carryout worthwhile Scouting adventures!

Whether adult leaders are using social media, monthly newsletters, or emails to share with parents, or trying to encourage older Scouts to share the fun and excitement of your unit’s adventures (think Troop Historian), this resources page will help you make the most of your unit’s communications!

NCAC Marketing Toolbox
Find useful tools and information for outreach and communication on this page created by NCAC’s Marketing and Communication committee.  [ More]

NCAC Social Media Webinar
Check out this webinar (April 2019), hosted by NCAC, about using of social media.  Available tools, rules and techniques are covered, and you can hear about it all over the course of an hour or so.  To jump into the heart of the content, start at minute 19. [ Listen to the Webinar]

With deep appreciation for his service to others, and commitment to Scouting,  Powhatan district  shares news of the passing of B.J. Silvey on January 19, 2019.

Over a lifetime of service, B.J. exemplified the model of strong citizenship, dedication, determination and dignity for Scouts and Scouters alike.  Undaunted by setbacks in later years, he maintained his involvement in Scouting, sharing his enthusiasm and support when others might have retired to quieter pursuits.  Some may even remember his participation on a weekend of community service in the woods – providing encouragement and instruction to Scouts even from the confines of a wheelchair.

As a youth, B.J. earned the rank of Eagle – an honor designed for those who dedicate themselves to Scouting’s highest ideals.  As an adult, he served in numerous leadership roles both at the unit and district level.  B.J. was recognized for his service to Scouting with the District Award of Merit (2004), Silver Beaver (2007), Commissioners Arrowhead Award (1980), Commissioners Key (1986), Outstanding Unit Commissioner Award (2010), and Distinguished Commissioner Service Award (1993, 2008).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 16, at 11 a.m. at the United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190.

If you are interested in high adventure, or want to learn more about activities in Scouts BSA’s co-ed outdoor program, or know an individual aged 13-20 who loves the outdoors, join us for a Venturing and High Adventure Information Session.

Featured speakers Heather Youmans and Brenna Emery will walk you through their experiences as summer staff at Philmont (New Mexico) and The Summit (West Virginia) high adventure bases.  Ask questions, and find out how you can get back to nature next summer.

No RSVP – Just Show Up!
January 7, 2019
7:30 pm
Reston YMCA
12196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA 20190

Questions?
James Emery
Powhatan District Committee
571-289-1551
Venturing1018@gmail.com

On this page you will find the names of Scouters who have been recognized for their service to their unit, or to the brotherhood of Scouting in our community.

Service to Powhatan District

Service in Support of Units (Commissioner Awards)

Unit Leader Awards

BSA chartered units may participate in approved fundraising projects provided BSA Rules and Regulations and guidelines are followed. These help ensure the safety of all participants, the quality of the product or service and avoids commercialization of BSA.  Units conducting such an activity must submit a Unit Money-Earning Application (Form No. 34427) for approval by the chartered organization and their local BSA council prior to holding an activity.

BSA has issued a 15 page Fundraising Policies and Procedures Manual which describes the rules and regulations for conducting fundraising activities to accomplish the above objectives and ensure that fundraising is planned and coordinated using sound fundraising principles.  It addresses the policies concerning contributions, fundraising, advertising, commercialism, use of the uniform, gambling, local council control, unit money-earning projects, pyramid sales, products sales, Scouting public display activities and raising funds. Unit leaders are strongly encouraged to read the manual prior to running a money-earning activity.

The BSA Unit Money-Earning Application (Form No. 34427) serves as the means for obtaining project fundraising approval and complying with the BSA rules, regulations and guidelines.  It consists of an application format that fully describes the proposed fundraising project and provides for approval by the unit leader, unit committee chair, the chartered organization representative, and the District or Council Finance Committee.  The form can be downloaded from the BSA web site.

The reverse side of the form contains the eight guidelines for unit money-earning projects to assist in completing the application and to ensure compliance with BSA rules and regulations.  All unit fundraisers must obtain written approval from the local council no less than 14 days before committing to the fundraising activity.

Before any person in your unit signs a contract, he or she must make sure the venture is legitimate and worthy.  If a contract is signed, he or she is personally responsible.  A contract cannot be signed on behalf of the local council or the Boys Scouts of America, nor may an individual bind the chartered organization without its written authorization.

BSA units are strongly encouraged to participate in existing BSA and NCAC fundraising activities such as Popcorn sales and CampCards which already meet BSA rules and regulations and are designed to support both unit activities and individual Scout financial needs.

Resources

Form No. 34427 – BSA Unit Money Earning Application
BSA Fundraising Policies and Procedures Manual

finance@powhatan-scouting.org

Updated: November 7, 2018 SK