January’s Round Table focused on Motivating Parents.  
 
Here is a link to the PowerPoint presentation:
http://bit.ly/Seneca_December_2021_RT
 
Here is a link to the video recording of the Zoom Meeting:
http://bit.ly/January_2021_Zoom
 
This month we will talk about University of Scouting, Rechartering Status, Friends of Scouting update and “The Youth Led Troop”

 

Topic: Scouts BSA Round Table
Time:        Feb 11, 2021 07:30 PM
        Mar 11, 2021 07:30 PM
        Apr 8, 2021 07:30 PM
        May 13, 2021 07:30 PM
        Jun 10, 2021 07:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/j/95927932442?pwd=Yysrb1N3ZEZCQTZ5cHJrUm9UbzB1Zz09

Meeting ID: 959 2793 2442
Passcode: 184335
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Outdoor Ethics Orientation (~90 min)
The course is suitable for scouters and mature scouts. We hope as many units as possible are able to send at least 2 scouts and 1 scouter; this will allow your unit to have youth & adult members qualified to lead Outdoor Ethics at all outdoor events and help your scouts & scouters complete some of the requirements to earn the Outdoor Ethics Award for Scouts or NCAC Outdoor Ethics Award for Cub Scouts.
2/10/21 at 7pm https://scoutingevent.com/082-43835
2/17/21 at 7pm https://scoutingevent.com/082-43836
2/24/21 at 7pm https://scoutingevent.com/082-43837

Leave No Trace Trainer (6 two-hour sessions over 2 weeks)
The Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Varsity Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout programs all include outdoor stewardship, care for the environment, and Leave No Trace as part of their programs. This course is offered to train adults to serve as Leave No Trace Trainers and youth aged 14+ to serve their units as Outdoor Ethics Guides. Every Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Varsity Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout unit should have at least one individual fully trained in Leave No Trace.
Feb 15-17 & Feb 22-24 https://scoutingevent.com/082-43800
April 12-14 & April 19-21 https://scoutingevent.com/082-43805
May 17-19 & May 24-26 https://scoutingevent.com/082-43806

TreadLightly! Trainer
Tread Lightly!’s Tread Trainer™ (TT) course is an 8-hour course designed to provide a “crash course” in outdoor ethics focusing on motorized and mechanized recreation on both land and water. Participation in the course qualifies individuals to present the Tread Lightly! message to others in their state or region. Participants will work with Master Trainers or Tread Lightly! staff on understanding the role outdoor ethics play in the recreation community, learn the Tread Lightly! principles of responsible recreation, and be provided with the tools to conduct workshops and coordinate community outreach.
May 23 at 1-7:30  https://www.treadlightly.org/event/tread-trainer-course-sun-may-23-2021-alexandria-va/
Sep 12 at 1-7:30 https://www.treadlightly.org/event/tread-trainer-course-sun-sep-12-2021-alexandria-va/

InterAct Story Theatre returns on the web February 6 & 7 with our next Free Virtual event for kids and families. The age range starts on the younger side, but since these are virtual, free and interactive programs, I think it might be of interest to the Cubs, Tigers or any Scout with younger siblings. Below is information for both February and March (same date numbers and times but a month apart)
 
Wheaton Family Theatre Series, season six, https://www.interactstory.com/wheaton
 
Dancing With Change
led by Kelly King
Saturday, February 6 at 11 a.m. and Sunday, February 7 at 2 p.m.

We all know how to dance with change–we dance with change with every single step we take. We adapt to the conditions of the ground, momentum, and direction with our every move. So let’s dance! Kelly King, InterAct Story Theatre teaching artist and founder of Contradiction Dance Theatre, brings us together online during this time and the many changes we experience every day. We’ll create a dance just for us with movements based on our individual experiences. No prior dance training expected or required… just bring your body and your enthusiasm! Suitable for ages 5 and up.
For more information or to pre-register for your free tickets today, click on the either date link below to visit our Eventbrite page! See you soon!
Saturday, February 6 at 11 a.m.: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wheaton-family-theatre-series-dancing-with-change-february-6-tickets-135868473261
Sunday, February 7 at 2 p.m.: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wheaton-family-theatre-series-dancing-with-change-february-7-tickets-135869325811?aff=erelpanelorg
 

The Magic Tree
performed by Khaleshia Thorpe-Price
Saturday, March 6 at 11 a.m. and Sunday, March 7 at 2 p.m.

A funny, uplifting story adapted from a Zambian folk tale, performed by actor and teaching artist Khaleshia Thorpe-Price. The animals of the grasslands are in terrible trouble—it hasn’t rained in ages, and everyone is hungry and thirsty! Their only hope is to find out how to get the fruit from a mysterious magic tree, but they must journey across the land to learn how…and they have to remember the secret on the long journey back! Suitable for ages 3 and up.
For more information or to pre-register for your free tickets today, click on the either date link below to visit our Eventbrite page!
Saturday, March 6 at 11 a.m.: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wheaton-family-theatre-series-the-magic-tree-march-6-tickets-135869662819?aff=erelpanelorg
Sunday, March 7 at 2 p.m.: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wheaton-family-theatre-series-the-magic-tree-march-7-tickets-135870651777?aff=erelpanelorg
 
Thanks to the partnership support of Highland Elementary School and their PTA, Connecticut Avenue Estates Civics Association, Wheaton Hills Civic Association; support from a plethora of community members; and funding from Maryland State Arts Council, Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Nora Roberts Foundation, and individual and corporate donors.

Steven Wolf
Design and Publications Manager

InterAct Story Theatre
11510 Georgia Avenue, Ste 140
Wheaton, MD 20902

Last month we talked about Demonstrating Scout Spirit and the Scouter Code of Conduct.

Here is a link to the powerpoint presentation:
http://bit.ly/Seneca_December_2020_RT
 
Here is a link to the video recording of the Zoom Meeting
http://bit.ly/December_2020_Meeting_Recording
 
This month we will be talking about Motivating Parents!    
Here is the Zoom Meeting info. Note that we will use the same meeting for all of our upcoming Round Table meetings.
 
Topic: Scouts BSA Round Table
Time: Oct 8, 2020 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
        Every month on the Second Thu, until Jun 10, 2021, 9 occurrence(s)
        Oct 8, 2020 07:30 PM
        Nov 12, 2020 07:30 PM
        Dec 10, 2020 07:30 PM
        Jan 14, 2021 07:30 PM
        Feb 11, 2021 07:30 PM
        Mar 11, 2021 07:30 PM
        Apr 8, 2021 07:30 PM
        May 13, 2021 07:30 PM
        Jun 10, 2021 07:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/j/95927932442?pwd=Yysrb1N3ZEZCQTZ5cHJrUm9UbzB1Zz09

Meeting ID: 959 2793 2442
Passcode: 184335
One tap mobile
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+13126266799,,95927932442# US (Chicago)

As announced previously, the Potomac District will NOT hold an in-person Klondike Derby this year.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a “virtual” Klondike event will be broadcast instead. 

The date of this virtual Klondike event has been moved back by one day, from Friday February 5th to Saturday February 6th , 7 pm to 8 pm. 

There will not be any activity Stations / competitions involved in this event.  This online event will be roughly equivalent to the Saturday night Campfire & OA Call-Out that is normally held at in-person Klondikes.  We will be asking units to submit a few photos and/or videos of skits to include in the broadcast, and an annual Klondike Derby patch and Polar Bear patches will be available for purchase.  The details regarding all of this, including how to submit photos/videos and how to purchase patches will be published in a Leader’s Guide once all the details have been finalized.  In the meantime, if you have any questions you can contact Klondike Derby Director Steve Salaj at KlondikeDerby@Gmail.com.

Thank you, stay safe, and Happy Holidays.

Steve Salaj
Klondike Derby Director
Potomac District
KlondikeDerby@Gmail.com
NCAC Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow is a supplemental, action-packed training event for adult Cub Scout Leaders and all other adults interested in learning more about the Boy Scouts’  Cub Scout program. In the Pow Wow Webinars you will learn new ideas and concepts that will enhance your ability to deliver and support a fun-filled, exciting program to Cub Scouts.
 
Webinars will include relevant topics for every Cub Scout position and are designed to help you make their Cub Scout programs more fun for the Cub Scouts … and for the leaders too!!!
 
This year sessions are offered by Zoom© and are 45-60 minute sessions on Monday nights at 7:30PM, starting November 23.
Schedule

Link to Nov 30: https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIldemurzsjGNF1MQCHr88b-EAzqynF-nph
Link to Dec 7: https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtc-2rpz4qH9KhyTMcFbxZ7OEyCfXyreUX 

Link to Dec 14:  https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlde6hpjwjGdO2JUZ0J0Ss6t17DaxCMSlf

At last weeks Roundtable meeting, we had a presentation on Order of the Arrow Elections.  Units should contact Bill Johnson at  johnsonwilliama@msn.com  to schedule elections.

 
Our general discussions were about Winter Activities in the COVID-19 era and “How to recognize and prevent Leadership Burnout.
 
The PowerPoint deck can be found here:   https://bit.ly/Seneca_November_2020_RT
 
The entire Meeting (without the OA discussion as youth were present) was recorded and can be found here:  https://bit.ly/November_2020_Meeting_Recording
 
ALL of our past Roundtable presentations are available on line at:  https://bit.ly/Seneca_RT
 
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Scouts BSA Round Table Commissioner)
*Notice to All Unit Leaders and Committee Chairs for distribution to each of your families in your unit*
 
These are especially difficult times for so many families.  The food distribution places are in the greatest need ever.  With careful protocols in place, the Seneca District will be holding our annual Scouting for Food at the 2 locations listed.  The following message is from Phil Dennis, Seneca District Scouting for Food Chair.

Seneca District will be having their annual Scouting For Food drive this year.  With Covid-19, things will be different.  We are encouraging units  to distribute fliers on November 7th and collect food on November 14th.  We will have two drop off locations:

  • Quince Orchard High School as usual from 9 am to 1 pm.
  • In Germantown we will be collecting food at Neelsville Presybterian Church, 20701 Frederick Rd., Germantown, MD 20876 …Also from 9am to 1pm.

When collecting food, remember that FAMILY MEMBERS ONLY in each vehicle!

We are encouraging units to use social media to disseminate information on food collections.  Having neighbors drop off food in boxes at Scout’s houses, and then have the Scouts deliver that food to the drop off location is preferred.  This reduces potential contact with others.

Here is a link for some sample fliers that you may find useful.. 

http://bit.ly/Seneca_SFF

Thanks for all that you do.

–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Scouting For Food Chairman)

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Time: 8:00 pm

As many packs are restarting, they are ensuring their meetings meet local safety guidelines, working with chartered organizations to find meeting locations and also focusing on recruiting. In this webinar, we’ll discuss:

All this, plus lots of other updates!

Register Now

At the last minute we have decided to cancel Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow as you know it and ….

Retool the event to offer you greater Cub Scout Leader training opportunities.  Rather than a one day event were you are limited to 6 – one hour course selections,  we have decided to do something new! This year we will have a series of FREE weekly Webinars on important topics like Rechartering, Family Scouting, Retention and How To have Fun During a Den Meetings! and other relevant topics for you, your, your Pack parents and other interested parties! 
 
We are planning a topic offering each week, held on the same night, at the same time, facilitated by one of NCAC’s expert volunteer trainers on the subject matter just for Cub Scout Leaders.  The schedule will be published in advance so you pick the nights and the topics that you are interested in. Training will be done virtually.
 
So, we give you back your Saturday November 21 (the date Pow Wow was to be held), and we invite you to join us for one night a week, for one hour, for training that is just for you … the Cub Scout Leader.
 
Stay Tuned … More Information Coming about the Start Date
 
Bill Mayo
Chairman – Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow

Thursday, November 12, 2020
– 8:00 p.m. ET
Great for All Scouts BSA Leaders – Including Senior Patrol Leaders

Register Now

Join the National Scouts BSA committee and Scouters from around the country to learn more about the Scouts BSA program Thursday, November 12, 2020 during our live office hours.

This Q&A session is great for all Scouts BSA leaders – including Senior Patrol Leaders – to focus on implementing the Methods of Scouting in your Troop. We will cover the following topics:

To give your questions top priority, please email them to family.scouting@scouting.org by November 6th. When submitting questions please identify yourself as a youth or adult. All questions will be answered, either during our live presentation or later. Space is limited for the live event, a recording will be sent to all who register.

We look forward to hearing from you and speaking with you soon!

SFS is offering the following NRA Firearms courses this fall.

OCTOBER
Sat     24                  Basic Pistol/HQL
Sat     25                  Basic Pistol/HQL
Sat     31                  Shotgun Instructor

NOVEMBER
Sun    1                     Rifle Instructor
Tue     3                     Basic Pistol/HQL
Sat     7                     Pistol Instructor
Sun    8                     Pistol Instructor
S/S    14-15              CCW Instructor    

NRA Standards Require:

Except for CCW, Courses encompass one full day.
MD and DC require 16 hours of training.
Either Pistol or CCW meet VA CCW training Requirements.
Either Pistol or CCW meet FL CCW training Requirements.
A MD CCW permit meets PA training Requirements.

Basic Pistol meets MD HQL training Requirements. 
A 2 hour Utah Law module can be added to meet Utah CCW training Requirements.

CCW meets MD Wear and Carry (CCW) training Requirements. 
A two hour Utah Law module can be added to meet the Utah CCW training Requirements.
A two hour DC Law module can be added to meet the DC CCW training Requirements.

Maximum course size is 5 people, on a private range.
A wide variety of firearms will be used in the courses.
Range Time, Ear Muffs and Safety Glasses are included in all courses.
Family groups may be accommodated based on size and environment.
Firearms and Ammo is included in Basic Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun.
Pistols, Holsters, and Ammo can be supplied for CCW if you do not have your own.

E-mail or Call for details- 
Hal Noer  301-639-9484

Acronyms (as provided by the webmaster!)
HQL – Handgun Qualification License
CCW – Wear and Carry Permit

This year, more than ever WE NEED YOUR HELP.  Food  requests at Manna are up over 35% this year (4100 families a month).

With Covid-19 around us, Scouting for Food will be “different” this year. 

We will not be distributing bags or stickers that restrict us to a single date, and, with safety paramount in our minds, our methods must change. Any drive must be completed within local and council guidelines, including those governing small group size, glove and mask use, limited contacts, and social distancing. 

We would like units to collect food and bring it to our drop off locations on Saturday, November 14 2020.  We will have a food truck at Quince Orchard High School as usual, and we are looking into an elementary school location in the Germantown area.  We will have a location secured next week.  We would like units also to use social media to encourage their neighbors to make drive through donations where we will have the food trucks.  Drive through donations have been very successful this year according to the folks at Manna.

There are many ways to collect food and maintain social distancing, like “front yard” collections and drive-through food drives.  This is the method that we are suggesting for Scouting For Food 2020!  We’re asking units to set up neighborhood collection boxes at Scout residences.  Manna will be providing us with about 300 large boxes that people can collect food in at their homes.  A simple box or milk crate or RubberMaid Tote will do.  We’re asking units to provide their own announcement/fliers for this year that can be placed on/through door handles (simply roll them up and stick them in the handle).  Please use social media to reach out for donations!  NextDoor, Facebook are two excellent ways to reach out.  In addition, we are not limiting collections to one weekend (November 14).  Rather we’re encouraging units to collect over a period of time and drop their donations at their local food bank.  We are looking into using large empty parking lots, for drop offs ON NOVEMBER 14 ONLY, but again, feel free to extend your collections for more donations. 

This year the council will not allow Scouts to solicit donations door-to-door (do not knock on doors asking for donations), and any group sizes should be kept to 6-8 persons, perfect for dens and patrols. We are working with Manna food bank to accept donations directly. Please feel free to contact other area food banks to see if they are willing to accept drop off donations.  

More details will be provided next week.
Thanks for all that you do.
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Scouting For Food Chairman)

Last week we had a great discussion on merit badge counselors with our district Merit Badge Dean, Harley King.  The folder below contains the PowerPoint presentations for ALL of our Round Table meetings, 

Here is a link to Harley’s presentation:  https://bit.ly/2IpvfEx
 
A recording of the zoom meeting can be viewed here:  https://bit.ly/3dquhTW
 
And a link to the rest of the Power Point slides is here:  https://bit.ly/2FvlOT4
 
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)

As always, the safety of our Scouts, volunteers, employees and communities is our top priority. This checklist outlines several minimum guiding protocols that adult leaders/ volunteers must consider while working with local and state health departments, local councils, chartered organizations and Scouting families on when and how to resume meetings, service projects, camping and all other official Scouting activities. If it is not practical to meet these minimal protocols, do not restart in-person activities.

Checklist

A Scoutbook update went into effect Monday, Sept. 28th.  It changes the way merit badge counselors (MBCs) are handled in Scoutbook.

New Process
The MBC is a council position; all MBCs are eligible to counsel throughout the council (scouting units make up a district; multiple districts comprise a council). Consequently, with more scouts, you may have more opportunities to teach! You can modify your council-visibility settings in your Scoutbook profile (​guide​).

Merit badge requirements for a scout can be signed off in Scoutbook. You will need a Scoutbook account.

Use our ​Seneca MBC database​ to confirm that your merit badge offerings are correct and up to date. The merit badges in this document will be synced with ScoutNET. Don’t panic if your merit badges are not listed: syncing may take several weeks. You may update or modify your merit badge offerings by completing​​ form 34405​.

You may also have received a Scoutbook email saying, “…At this time Scoutbook is no longer listing you as a merit badge counselor…” This email is a result of your transition from being unit-entered MBCs to council-entered MBCs. No worries, you will soon again be available to your unit.

Units that do not use Scoutbook will continue to have their scouts reach out in traditional ways with traditional record keeping i.e. merit badge blue cards.

These exciting updates provide our MBCs with greater ease in helping scouts learn and grow through the merit badge program. We can’t do it without you.

How to Register a Merit Badge Counselor in the Seneca District

Thank you,
Harley King
Seneca District MBD
More questions? Read the ​Scoutbook’s FAQs​

“The National Catholic Committee on Scouting offers activities for Scouts and Scouters to learn more about their faith.  The Faith Series provides a group of activities to help youth and adults learn more about the universal faith based practices and traditions used in living the Catholic faith.   Note that these activities can be earned by anyone: Catholic, non-Catholic, Scout, Scouter, adults and children.   To learn about the various Faith Series activities, please take a look at this short video:  https://youtu.be/96uOwSNBZLE”
 
My name is Joseph Barone and I am part of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting – Training Committee.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions/concerns.
 
Yours in Scouting,
 
Joseph S. Barone
Asst. Scoutmaster
Troop 466 
St. John the Evangelist Church
Silver Spring, MD
202-568-5123
All –
Recharter login is open and running at:
 
https://www.ncacbsa.org/recharter/
 
I have been able to verify operations using Edge browser, if you get stuck, try Edge
 
YIDS
Commish

This year, more than ever WE NEED YOUR HELP.  Food  requests at Manna are up over 35% this year (4100 families a month).

With Covid-19 around us, Scouting for Food will be “different” this year.  Details just came in today from Council and we’re still digesting them (no pun intended)

We will not be distributing bags or stickers that restrict us to a single date, and, with safety paramount in our minds, our methods must change. Any drive must be completed within local and council guidelines, including those governing small group size, glove and mask use, limited contacts, and social distancing. 

Please note that the council does not allow units to solicit money donations for non-Scout organizations, and this includes soliciting donations to services like YouGiveGoods and others that use designated donations to purchase and deliver food items.

There are many ways to collect food and maintain social distancing, like “front yard” collections and drive-through food drives.  This is the method that we are suggesting for Scouting For Food 2020!  We’re asking units to set up neighborhood collection boxes at Scout residences.  A simple box or milk crate or RubberMaid Tote will do.  We’re asking units to provide their own announcement/fliers for this year that can be placed on/through door handles (simply roll them up and stick them in the handle).  Please use social media to reach out for donations!  NextDoor, Facebook are two excellent ways to reach out.  In addition, we are not limiting collections to one weekend (November 14).  Rather we’re encouraging units to collect over a period of time and drop their donations at their local food bank.  We are looking into using a large empty parking lot, for drop offs ON NOVEMBER 14 ONLY, but again, feel free to extend your collections for more donations. 

This year the council will not allow Scouts to solicit donations door-to-door (do not knock on doors asking for donations), and any group sizes should be kept to 6-8 persons, perfect for dens and patrols. We are working with Manna food bank to accept donations directly. Please feel free to contact other area food banks to see if they are willing to accept drop off donations.  

More details will be provided next week.

Thanks for all that you do.
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Scouting For Food Chairman)

Come join us for a lively discussion on Cub Scouts.

Topic: Cub Scout Round Table Zoom
Time: Oct 8, 2020 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89300242151

Meeting ID: 893 0024 2151
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Meeting ID: 893 0024 2151
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This month our primary discussion topic will be recent changes to Merit Badge Counselors, their “approved” status and changes related to ScoutBook.  We will also be catching up on how units are doing in the current “virtual” (and some not so virtual) environments.  

 
Here is the Zoom Meeting info. Note that we will use the same meeting for all of our upcoming Round Table meetings.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/j/95927932442?pwd=Yysrb1N3ZEZCQTZ5cHJrUm9UbzB1Zz09

Meeting ID: 959 2793 2442
Passcode: 184335
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Meeting ID: 959 2793 2442
Find your local number: https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/u/abdn4m6zch

Save the Date!!

Join us for the National Capital Area Council 2020 Pow Wow.

Date: November 21
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm (6 45 minute training sessions with a break for lunch)
Where: Zoom
Additional Details: Coming Soon!

More Information: Contact Bill Mayo @ ncac.powwow@gmail.com

Rechartering-Roadmap-1_edited-for-Dec-unitsDownload

To:  All Units
From:  Seneca Commish
RE:  Recharter Time Line and Access Codes                                

Hi everybody —

A few notes on Recharter:

  1. All unit access codes have been distributed to Key 3. Contact DE Ben or me if you do not have them and your Key 3 cannot help
  2. All packages are due back you your UC, Ben or me by NOVEMBER 25th. NO exceptions this year, we expire earlier on December 31st.
  3. A recharter summary timeline is attached. Fees have changed, see the envelope cover I sent.
  4. Many YPTs will expire this year at the end of the new YPT cycle from 2 years ago. Please start working with your adults now.
  5. If you have pending applications from JSN or missing members on your roster, please get in touch now with Ben or me. REVIEW YOUR ROSTER NOW!
  6. The Recharter System opens October 2, codes will not work before that date.

Thanks – questions to your UC.
YIDS
Gordon Henley

We had a great conversation in September with units giving updates on their policies and procedures during COVID-19 times.  In addition, we talked about retaining older youth in our troops.

Your Scouts BSA Commissioner has been a bit remiss in posting slides from previous round table meetings.  Here is a link to a folder containing the April, May, June, August and September Round Table presentations.
 
http://bit.ly/Seneca_RT
 
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)

Join us to learn all the latest information about Cub Scouts this fall.

Join Zoom Meeting




Meeting ID: 849 9438 9824

Passcode: 450864


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All – It’s that time of year again.
 
Recharter training link below for ALL NEW and EXPERIENCED charter processors
 
Bring your questions, codes should be out to Key 3 in the next few days.
 
System opens on 1 Oct, all packets due to your UC or me before Thanksgiving firm, we now expire on Dec 31st recall.
 
Please start reviewing your rosters and YPTs status, many YPTs have expired as the 2 year cycle has completed for the last refresh.
 
Have a great weekend and see you on Thursday on Zoom, link below.
 
Let me know if you have a new processor for your unit!!!!!
 
YIDS
Commish
Gordon Henley
 
 


Topic: Recharter 2020 Training
Time: Sep 10, 2020 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 827 8180 9991
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Meeting ID: 827 8180 9991
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Our September Round Table will be held this THURSDAY, September 10th 2020 at 7:30 PM.  It will be a virtual meeting and we hope to have the meeting open by 7 or 7:15 on Thursday.

 
This month we will be focusing on Keeping Scouts Involved:

Different advanced leadership positions, other Scouting programs: Order of the Arrow,
Exploring, Venturing, Sea Scouts, etc.
Running an Engaging Program:
resources balancing scout involvement in planning and keeping the program engaging.
Thinking outside the box for activities.
 
In particular, we will talk about activities that can be done in a “socially distanced” fashion and some ideas for monthly focus for troops for the fall.
 
Here is the Zoom link:
 
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/j/95927932442?pwd=Yysrb1N3ZEZCQTZ5cHJrUm9UbzB1Zz09 
 
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)

STEMaTHON is a 2 day virtual event hosted by the National Capital Area Council’s STEM Commitee, which aims to encourage exploration of STEM interests, future career opportunities and hobbies. 

Overview
Join us from September 5-6, 2020 for a STEMaTHON: Scouts Building Bridges and Feeding the World through the lens and tools of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This two day event includes online workshops, keynotes, tours, presentations and even activities!

How you can participate

There are events for all ages!  
Youth in grades K-5: 
Youth in grade 6-12: 
Young adults up to age 21: 

The requirements to register for STEMaTHON are: 
1.  Bring a friend!  STEMaTHON is a Great Scouting Invitational, so you must register with a friend. This can be a classmate, neighbor, grandparent, a cousin across the world, bring a friend to STEM!
2. Sign up! The fee for the overall event is $10. If you are participating in additional sessions, you can select them as classes during registration. 

Activities in Advance:

Scheduled Events:

Saturday: Building Bridges
10AM : Welcome Keynote
11AM : STEM Careers Conference 

12PM : BakeOff
1PM : Bridges Competition | LIVE testing of scouts’ bridges! 
3PM : Inventions Showcase
3:30 PM : Nova & Supernova Kick-Off & Information Session | For Cubs & Scouts BSA

5PM : STEM Scouts | Season 6 Info Session
6:30 PM: STEM Innovator Moment

8PM: Astronomy Activity

Sunday: Feeding the World

10AM : WELCOME 
11AM : Keynotes: Feeding the World
12PM : Cooking Chemistry
1PM : Einstein’s Science Fair
2PM : Feeding The World: Rube Goldberg Machines
4PM : Bees and Q&A
5PM : STEMaTHON Awards

Questions? Email us: stem@ncacbsa.org 

2020 Prepared. For. Life. Gala

October 14

Reception: 6:00-6:30pm
Program:  6:30-7:30pm

Please join our friends and fellow colleagues for the 5th Annual Prepared. For Life Gala. On Wednesday, October 14th, we will honor those who have served on the front lines during the pandemic. This year, we have the privilege of welcoming Dr. Anthony Fauci as our keynote speaker and Citizen of the Year Award recipient.

These individuals and their contributions through their industries, have been instrumental throughout the pandemic. While the changing nature of the local threat has and may continue to necessitate changes to in person gatherings, Scouting’s programs have continued and become more valuable and necessary than ever.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the 5th Annual Prepared. For Life Gala or for more information please visit ncacbsa.org/annual-gala.

This event is designed to be an opportunity to invite families not yet in Scouting to check things out.  For your units, this is a perfect opportunity to engage in a fun morning.  For interested families, this is a “don’t miss” opportunity to see what Cub Scouting is all about.

Family Fun Fest! Stream it live on Facebook Sept. 12 at 11am. Virtual activities and special guests. See what Cub Scouting is all about! All families welcome!
scouting.org/familyfunfest #FamilyFunFest

NCAC’s second all-council Campfire will be August 27–Sing-a-longstyle. Hosted by the Order of the Arrow. We expect we’ll all be in our own key and probably off a little in time, but who cares? We’re singing. Special guest from Golden Gate Area Council, Mike Fujimoto–get a kazoo and sing “Scouting Thunder” with Fuji and friends! We can’t forget old favorites like Dum Dum Da Da and the Philmont Hymn.

7-9pm

Facebook link

It’s the first ever council-wide Virtual Court of Honor. Join us as we honor Council and District Scouters and Scouts for their achievements of the Silver Beaver and NCAC Lifetime Achievement Award. 2020 Class of Silver Beavers honoring Julia Mae-Shen Lesko, for her countless years in Scouting. Pre-registration is highly recommended. ncacbsa.org/CoH2020

Saturday, October 24
7:30-9:00pm

The National Institutes of Health / National Cancer Institute will be hosting a virtual Preparedness Fair on Wednesday, August 26th.

The link to the fair is: https://events.cancer.gov/emps/preparednessfair

The fair will have presentations on Anti-Bullying Training For Kids, Keeping Children Safe Online, and Disaster Preparedness.

Additionally the web site has a Scouting Specific “Scouting and Exploration Corner” with resources for kids from K to 12 grade.

The Scouts BSA section has information resources for the following Merit Badges – First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, Fire Safety, Safety, and Cyber Chip.

The Girl Scouts section has information resources for the following badges – Girl Power, First Aid, and Cyber Security.

Cub Scout Adventures Video Resources will be a collection of resources for Den programing which will help Scouts see new things and meet new people through videos recorded throughout the nation. Whether your units are meeting virtually, in person, or some mix, Cub Scout Adventures Video Resources will be there to help our Scouts.

We need your help though! Cub Scouts are depending on our Den leaders to have safe, fun, and engaging program and Cub Scout Adventures Video Resources should be part of it. We need to make sure every Pack and Den is using these resources which will promote good programing, advancement, and retention. These resources will be found on Scoutbook. While many units are on Scoutbook still many are not. If your Units are not using Scoutbook, click here to learn about how to get started. Please as you continue to help serve units please remind our Pack and Den Leaders of the resources available to help.

You can find the Cub Scout Adventures Video Resources posted here: http://www.scouting.org/DLvideos

In addition, we are hosting live trainings on August 31, and September 14th. Register for one of the trainings below. Please help promote these training opportunities to your units!

August 31st: REGISTER
September 14th: REGISTER

Yours In Scouting,
Cub Scout Adventures Video Team

NEW DATE for Council Virtual Roundtable – Wednesday, September 2, 2020, 7 pm – 830pm

Please push the information out to your leaders in your District – There is a flyer to forward along with registration details

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAudeupqDkiEtbZSbBCcQ7iuaVszJ-da3zX 
 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Our agenda was to cover last-minute help with recruiting and retention, but we will also discuss what your leaders may be looking for from a Council level Roundtable in the upcoming year and the long term.

Thanks for all you are doing in Scouting & Commissioner Service!
George Costigan – ACC, Roundtables

Racer Families, Scout Volunteers, and Friends,
 
Saturday’s District Pinewood Derby was a great success! And Congratulations to everybody…you are ALL winners!! 
 
On behalf of our Derby Team we want to thank the 40 families and other Scout volunteers who Zoomed in to watch the race. We had 33 cars in the race from 8 Packs.  Everyone who participated will get a patch.
 
A big thank you to Mark Brady and Chris Rauch who managed all the cars, the car weigh-ins, loading the car information into the racing software, setting up the track, paraphernalia, and timer software. Hunter Shelley was our awesome race announcer, track helpers, and main contact for getting us Mission BBQ. Pam Pagnotta managed the Zoom connection and cameras. Kurt Brandenburg was the runner to move the cars from the finish line to the staging area. Liz Brandenburg organized the registration and racer information, worked the chat room, Zoom layout, and other cameras. We kept our social distance and wore masks. This busy team was a joy to work with.
 
A special note about the venue: We were so excited that we were offered the party room from Mission BBQ (Germantown) free of charge. They allowed us to set the track up Friday evening, test all the equipment, and Zoom connections without having to worry about weather conditions or security for the equipment. For Mission BBQ’s support, we encourage all of you to stop by the Germantown location (19800 Century Boulevard, Germantown, MD 20874) and thank them by your patronage.  Be sure to let them know you are Scouts and how you enjoyed the Derby Race.
 
Now that the racing is over you might want to know when you can pick up your car. We’d like some time to get all the trophies, awards, and patches received so we can include them in your pickup. I will let you know when everything is ready to go. As always, we appreciate your patience.
 
Liz Brandenburg
Activities & Civic Service

What is the purpose of this class? The Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Varsity Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout programs all include outdoor stewardship, care for the environment, and Leave No Trace as part of their programs. This course is offered to train adults to serve as Leave No Trace Trainers and youth aged 14+ to serve their units as Outdoor Ethics Guides. Every unit should have at least one individual who has completed the Leave No Trace Trainer course. We recommend that Scouts complete this course before serving in the troop Outdoor Ethics Guide position.

What will I learn? This course is designed to enhance your understanding of Leave No Trace practices and outdoor ethics, and to increase your level of expertise and confidence in teaching Leave No Trace skills. This class is both active and highly interactive. On completion of this course, participants will be qualified to lead activities to award the BSA Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award patch and the NCAC Outdoor Ethics Awareness patch for Cub Scouts. Students will receive Leave No Trace teaching materials, a certificate of course completion, a Leave No Trace Trainer lapel pin and patch, and a BSA training card.

Cost: $60 per person

2020 Program Year Courses
September 14 – 19 – Virtual Course <- Register here

More to come, please stay tuned

We are so happy to announce the Merit Badge @ Home program will resume this month and continue offering monthly sessions throughout 2020! Beginning August 17, with the assistance of our amazing merit badge counselors, NCAC will provide our youth the opportunity to grow, learn and advance in the comfort of their own homes!

Although the guidelines for in-person meetings remain stagnant, we will continue to help Troops, Crews, and Ships continue their program while continuing to practice social distancing.

If your Scout is interested merit badges such as law, american heritage or journalism, sign up for the Merit Badge @ Home program today! To learn more ways to help your Scout grow, learn and advance please visit the NCAC Summer Adventure page. For more NCAC events and stories, check out the links below!

NCAC Popcorn Leadership & Scouting Families

Call your families & friends to share this short term opportunity!

To date NCAC has recorded total online sales of $87,000 since July 1st, with 65% of those sales coming during a free shipping promotional weekend. Because of the exceptional results from those free shipping promotions, NCAC will begin at 8:00PM EDT Tuesday, August 11 to offer free shipping for all online orders over $30. The promotion will conclude at 8:00PM EST on Friday, August, 15.

NCAC will pay shipping/handling of $7.99 for the first item per order plus $0.99 per additional item for orders $30 and higher. The shipping/handling costs for bundles is based on the number of items in the bundle.

Customer will pay shipping/handling of $7.99 for the first item per order plus $0.99 per additional item for orders less than $30.

NCAC is delighted to announce CSCI, a nationally recognized consulting, enterprise IT, and financial management firm, will sponsor a special edition council shoulder patch honoring retired Air Force Brigadier General Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee. https://councilstuff.com/082-featured The patch will honor the Tuskegee Airman’s legacy and life spent embodying the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law! Learn more about Bri. Gen. McGee’s story and order your patch today!

https://weownadventure.com/boy-scouts-honor-tuskegee-airman-with-special-edition-council-shoulder-patch/

Cubs are meeting separately from Scouts BSA this month – so join us for our little discussion.
 
Topic: Cub Scout Roundtable
Time: Aug 13, 2020 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88513599443

Meeting ID: 885 1359 9443
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Meeting ID: 885 1359 9443
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcM58JbCZa

We hope everyone had a busy and productive summer.  Although our activities may have been virtual, the weather sure wasn’t.  

At this month’s Scouts BSA Roundtable Meeting, we will catch up with units to see how their virtual summer camp trips went. What worked, and what didn’t.  We will also talk about recruitment in these “virtual” times.  

Scouts BSA August Roundtable

Thursday, August 13
7:30-9pm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89701668896?pwd=SzZiamh3UDc1MkE3WTRDWUM5dzRvQT09

Meeting ID: 897 0166 8896
Passcode: 244446
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,89701668896#,,,,,,0#,,244446# US (Germantown)
+13126266799,,89701668896#,,,,,,0#,,244446# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
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Meeting ID: 897 0166 8896
Passcode: 244446
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kKFqn8rlO

Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Scouts BSA Round Table Commissioner)
–Conrad Maillia (Seneca District Scouts BSA Assistant Round Table Commissioner)

STEMaTHON is a 2 day virtual event hosted by the National Capital Area Council’s STEM Committee, which aims to encourage exploration of STEM interests, future career opportunities and hobbies. 

Overview
Join us from September 5-6, 2020 for a STEMaTHON: Scouts Building Bridges and Feeding the World through the lens and tools of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This two day event includes online workshops, keynotes, tours, presentations and even activities!

How you can participate
There are events for all ages!  
Youth in grades K-5: 
Youth in grade 6-12: 
Young adults up to age 21: 

The requirements to register for STEMaTHON are: 
1.  Bring a friend!  STEMaTHON is a Great Scouting Invitational, so you must register with a friend. This can be a classmate, neighbor, grandparent, a cousin across the world, bring a friend to STEM!
2. Sign up! The fee for the overall event is $10. If you are participating in additional sessions, you can select them as classes during registration. 
Activities in Advance:
• Merit Badges: Engineering, Inventing
◦ Merit Badges will open on 8/1
◦ Kits will be sent (for Engineering bridges) on 8/5
◦ The Engineering bridge competition & Inventing showcases will be streamed live on Saturday, per the schedule below. 
• Rube Goldberg Machines: 
◦ Design and execute Rube Goldberg Machine that rolls a can of food a distance of at least 1 foot, film your creation and send the video in to our channel!

Scheduled Events:
Saturday: Building Bridges
10AM : Welcome Keynote
11AM : STEM Careers Conference
12PM : Bake Off
1PM : Bridges Competition 
3PM : Inventions Showcase
4PM : Electronics Competition
5PM : STEM Scouts | Season 6 Kickoff 
6PM: STEM Innovator Moment
7PM: Bloopers Reel
8PM: Aero Game Hour
9PM: Astronomy Activity
Sunday: Feeding the World
10AM : WELCOME 
11AM : Keynotes: Feeding the World
12PM : Cooking Chemistry
1PM : Einstein’s Science Fair
2PM : Feeding The World: Rube Goldberg Machines
4PM : Bees and Q&A
5PM : STEMaTHON Awards
 
Questions? Email us: stem@ncacbsa.org 
Registration is Open

Family Fun Fest

We hope everyone had a busy and productive summer.  Although our activities may have been virtual, the weather sure wasn’t.  

At this month’s Scouts BSA Roundtable Meeting, we will catch up with units to see how their virtual summer camp trips went. What worked, and what didn’t.  We will also talk about recruitment in these “virtual” times.  
 
Zoom link to be provided in next week’s Newsflash.
 
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Scouts BSA Round Table Commissioner)
–Conrad Maillia (Seneca District Scouts BSA Assistant Round Table Commissioner)

Currently Seneca District has achieved 90% of its Friends of Scouting goal for 2020.  Over the next week, we will be contacting units that had their Friends of Scouting presentations canceled earlier this year in order to schedule “Virtual Presentations”  Our Council has a short virtual presentation that we can use at one of your unit or parent meetings.  If we can collect $750 from each unit, then we can achieve our goal  for this year. 

If you have any questions, please let me know via email: phil@dennis-family.org
 
Thanks for all that you do.
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Friends of Scouting Chairman)

From BSA Brand Center

Dear Unit Key Three Members:

Keeping our Scouts healthy during the ongoing pandemic includes reporting of potential exposure to COVID-19 at Scouting events. Prompt notification helps us reduce the spread of disease to other Scouts, and ensures families receive any assistance they require.

Please report any known or suspected exposures using the BSA Incident Reporting Form. As with all incidents, timely notification enables scene investigation, evidence collection, proper notification required under our insurance agreements, and media support. It also helps us ensure mandatory reporting requirements are met.

BSA Incident Reports must be submitted online within 24 hoursof the incident. Serious incidents, including exposure to communicable diseases such as COVID-19 and Youth Protection violations, should also be reported to Deputy Scout Executive Mario Perez (Mario.Perez@Scouting.org) as soon as possible.

To begin an incident report please go to this page: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/incident-report/

In case of suspected COVID-19 exposure, incident reports need to be submitted as “General Liability” reports, not “Near Miss.” Please read these supplemental instructions: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/incident-report/covid-19-incidents-exposures-supplemental-instructions/

You will be asked to provide as much as possible of the following information:

1. Date of Exposure

2. Location of Exposure

3. Length of Exposure

4. Was the employee wearing a mask?

5. Infected person’s date of symptoms

6. Infected person’s COVID-19 test date

7. Infected person’s COVID-19 test results

8. If required, Date quarantine began

9. List of participants – youth/adults

 

If you have further questions, please review the most recent incident reporting requirements(https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/se-packet/2019-07-01/BSA-Incident-Reporting-Requirements-Effective-FINAL-062419.pdf), or contact your District Executive.

NCAC is gearing up for the August session of the Merit Badges @ Home program and we need your help! As summer programs begin to come to an end, our goal is to keep our Scouts engaged and advancing! If you would like to offer a Merit Badge as part of NCAC’s August 2020 Merit Badges @ Home program, please visit the Merit Badges @ Home page and fill out the interest form. Our staff will quickly follow up, share training materials and discuss scheduling for your merit badge! Please respond no later than Friday, July 24th. New sessions are set to begin August 17th!

Are you looking for more ways to get involved? We could use your help! Please visit the NCAC Summer Adventures page to learn how you can volunteer to help us put on more great programs and events!

The Essential worker has kept doing the job despite turbulent times. NCAC wishes to recognize Essential Den Leaders for their work during Summer 2020 (Memorial Day to Labor Day). 

Get the Award: https://scoutingevent.com/082-38284
 
 Requirements:
  1. Work with an NCAC Pack.
  2. Be registered – or register as a BSA Cub Scout Leader – preferably Den Leader by Aug. 31, 2020.
  3. Support a minimum den of at least 4 scouts.
  4. Have at least three den meetings/outings during the summer (online meetings with a program is ok).
  5. Have 75% (or more) of your Scouts complete at least 1 rank Adventure (belt loop or pin) – or their Bobcat rank, during Summer 2020.

Seneca District Fall Camporee (2020) is canceled.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak the 2020 Camporee is canceled. See you in 2021.

For more information or if you have questions please contact Bill Majurski <oldman99@comcast.net>.

GAME NIGHTS Friday night fun for older Scouts. Trivia nights, games, an Escape room and more! Register HERE.

Cub-A-Day Summer Adventure Every day there’s an adventure waiting for you and your Cub Scout! Check out the new Cub Scout Group on Facebook and share some great pictures!

Service Projects A Scout is helpful. Do a Good Turn Weekend August 1-2 will encourage service activities like trash pickup, food drives, blood drives, sewing masks and much much more!

Merit Badges@Home NCAC has built a successful online program of virtual merit badges, with Scouts from all over the US participating. We will continue offering merit badges online this summer with a new session in August.

STEM-TASTIC Summer The NCAC STEM Committee is offering STEM-tastic summer events like the Thursday night STEM@Home Speaker Series on incredible STEM careers. STEM Nova Saturdays and Why? Wednesdays on our STEM Facebook page every Wednesday at noon. Exploring the world of Data Science: This Data Science Lab has a program for youth to learn computer programming and apply their data visualization skills to community service projects! A STEMaTHON will be a can’t-miss activity Labor Day Weekend activity with Scouts Building Bridges and Seeing the World through the lens and tools of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

ADVENTURE TALKS Have you ever wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail? Bike across the US? Attend one of BSA’s high adventure bases? Go to Antarctica? Explore a cave? Reserve your Tuesday nights for this exciting new series! Register HERE.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING Leadership Training by NYLT Staff for youth leaders. Short topics you can use immediately to improve your leadership. Register HERE

CAMP FIRE SING-A-LONG. NCAC’s second all-council Campfire will be August27–Sing-a-longstyle. Hosted by the Order of the Arrow. We expect we’ll all be in our own key and probably off a little in time, but who cares? We’re singing. Special guest from Golden Gate Area Council, Mike Fujimoto–get a kazoo and sing “Scouting Thunder” with Fuji and friends! We can’t forget old favorites like Dum Dum Da Da and the Philmont Hymn.

Register Now for the Next NATIONAL RECRUITMENT WEBINARS:

Who should attend: Unit Leaders, Council Staff, Commissioners, Marketing staff and volunteers – anyone involved in welcoming more youth into Scouting!

Thursday, July 16, 2020
8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT

Scoutbook 101 and Who’s Zooming Who? Thursday, July 16 we’re covering ScoutBook and the Den Leader Experience and how they can simplify your Scouting life. Then we’ll talk Zoom with tricks, tips and how to best configure your security features. Don’t miss it!

REGISTER NOW FOR THE JULY 16TH WEBINAR
Thursday, July 23, 2020
8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT

Geofencing. On July 23 we’ll talk about how to use this powerful and affordable marketing tool. We’ll discuss what is it and how to use it for in-person and virtual events. It’s a great way to reach families you haven’t been able to reach before.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE JULY 23RD WEBINAR

Plus – We’ll have more on Family Fun Fest!
With ideas on how to use it as part of your recruiting this Fall!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Miss the last webinar? You can watch all the previous webinars on ScoutingWire. https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/

Scoutmasters, Committee Chairs, and Other Interested Adult Leaders,

Note:  These Order of the Arrow Election Updates were forwarded from OA National by our Lodge to Seneca Chapter on July 10, 2020.  These Updates replace the Updates sent out on June 6, 2020. 
Thank you,
Bill Johnson

2020 Elections are authorized to continue until the next (2021) election season begins, in our case 1 November.

The goal is to get 100% Unit election (and/or visitation rate)!  Plus 100% induction and activation!

Due to the continued inability in some parts to meet in person the cutoff date for chapters to conduct virtual elections has been extended to September 1, 2020.

Units which have already held an election between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020 are authorized to hold one additional election for any individuals who were ineligible at the time of the election due to the camping requirement, but would have been considered eligible at the time if this temporary policy had then been in effect. This second election must be completed no later than July 1, 2020

Those who were previously considered for election in the first election may not be reconsidered on this second ballot (i.e., no one can be considered for election more than once in a year).

Virtual Long-Term Camping Authorization

Two situations have developed associated with the current pandemic that may prevent Scouts from having an opportunity to qualify for OA eligibility due to not having attended a long-term camp this summer.

In order to address these circumstances, virtual long-term camping of five (5) consecutive nights is authorized to be counted toward the long-term camping requirements for OA eligibility consistent with the above guidance and the following additional guidelines:

o    Progress toward advancement for each Scout

o    Outdoor relevant experience consistent with local conditions and restrictions

This virtual long-term camping authority is not meant to substitute for attendance at traditional council summer camp programs, but rather to provide an alternative for Scouts who fit in one of the two categories mentioned above.

https://oa-bsa.org/coronavirus/temporary-camping-night-policy-due-covid-19

After too long away we are excited to inform you that the MSSC is now open. We are opening in phases, so there will be limited staff support during this time. Someone will be at the front desk to assist with your Scouting needs, but we encourage you to continue to do as much Scouting business as possible electronically. If you have paperwork or materials to turn in, please visit us; otherwise, please call or email.

The Scout Shop at MSSC will reopen on July 10, 2020. They will offer modified hours Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm, and Saturday 10am-1pm.

All visitors are required to wear face coverings while they are in the MSSC. Bathrooms will not be available to the public, and there will continue to be no in-person meetings or gatherings. If you are not feeling well or have been in contact with someone who may be infected with COVID-19, please plan to visit us another time. We are committed to protecting the health of our staff and volunteers.

We are excited to be reopening and look forward to seeing you again soon!

The 2021 National Jamboree has been POSTPONED!  A new date has not been announced at this time.  Visit https://jamboree.scouting.org/  for more information and a link to Frequently Asked Questions.

Dear Arrowman,

Want to participate in an exciting national event this summer without leaving the comfort of your home? We encourage you to join Arrowmen from across the nation for Momentum: Launch, a unique virtual event experience taking place August 4th-6th. Momentum: Launch is more than a virtual program, it’s a fully interactive and engaging event experience that will launch the momentum our organization needs to continue filling its purpose during the new normal we find ourselves in.

Participate in games, activities, and competition with Arrowmen from across the nation. Learn from highly qualified trainers about interesting topics-both in and out of the OA. Ask questions to a panel of OA national officers. These opportunities and more will be available to participants of Momentum: Launch!

There are two different ways to experience Momentum: Launch. Anyone can view a live stream of the event’s program at no cost and interact with Momentum: Launch over social media. There is no need to register for the event if you intend to participate this way.

Registered delegates, for a fee of $30, will receive a full event experience, including:

Don’t miss out on all of the excitement! Learn more and sign up today.

Keeping everyone informed – we are working for two dates for the Seneca District Pinewood Derby.

July 25 – A day for packs who did not have their Pinewood Derby race to complete their unit races.

TBD – The actual District race.

Both events will be shared somehow – we are working out the details whether Facebook Live or Zoom.

Join scouts around the world to pick up 1 MILLION pieces of trash. Register your unit here
(https://scoutstrashthetrashday.org/register)

Hi everyone, 
 
Please use the link below for distribution to our units regarding popcorn. Thanks!
 
All the popcorn details about Who, What, Where & When!
 
http://www.icontact-archive.com/archive?c=1518147&f=7207&s=7449&m=262930&t=496cbd87a4c06c8dc0e05746935e3228b1c18e5577ccbaaac560c015b11be93c
2020-Virtual-Interfaith-Week-Informational-PacketDownload

Happening June 29th-July 5th, 2020
Register for Zoom Sessions (One Registration per Device being Simultaneously Used):

Facebook Page (Daily Challenges, Video Releases): www.facebook.com/dutytogodbsa

YouTube Channel (Video Releases): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyrQ5WhsitgVnQNdrVJftHA

Every summer, Scouts head towards summer camp. Spending a week in the woods, or a nearby park, experiencing the awesome wonder that is the outdoors. During their time in nature, they often reconnect to their belief in a higher power, as who can help but doing so when surrounded by God’s wonders. They spend the whole year looking forward to this opportunity, and this year we find that exceptionally hard. Due to social distancing, we have lost our “Scouting as Usual” summer plans.

The National Religious Relationships Committee of the Boy Scouts of America want to continue “Scouting as Usual as We Can Make It”. Therefore, we are filling the gap of missed in-person events with a family version of our Duty to God summer classes in the virtual world.

We invite you to gather your “Family Patrol” and join us for a week filled with excitement, learning, crafts, challenges, discussions, trivia, and so much more. Join us for the whole week, or catch the sessions as you have time in your busy schedule. We are offering over 60 different program options throughout the week, all free of charge. We will do our best to record and post to YouTube all the sessions throughout the week, except for those that YPT asks us not to because of personal stories being shared and youth being involved.

So pull up a chair, relax on the couch or in a hammock outside, and enjoy this Virtual Interfaith Week brought to you by the NRRC.

Yours in Service to Youth,

Amanda Vogt
Event Chair
NRRC Social Media Chair

Susan Lawyer
Event Co-Chair NRRC Training Chair

Tuesday, June 30
5:00 PM – How To Deliver Engaging Scout Meetings over Zoom
Are your meetings suffering from low energy? Is it hard to keeps Scouts engaged? Join us to learn how to deliver fun meetings Scouts will want to attend.

Register on Zoom

Thursday, July 9
5:00 PM – Mastering the Art of Improvement
Scouting provides opportunities to try new things and take on new roles. But few people are instantly good at something they’ve never done before, like cooking over a fire, or holding a new position of leadership. Learn the tools Scouting gives us to improve after each experience.
Register on Zoom

Wednesday, July 15
7:00 PM – Adult series: Delivering ILST to Scouts

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) is the training Scoutmasters deliver to Scouts to teach them to basic leadership skills they need to run a Troop. It’s a great course, but working over Zoom presents many challenges. This 50-minute overview for Scouters will cover some lessons learned from around the Council. (Youth welcome, but material is tailored for at Adults.)
Register on Zoom

Additional Reading, FAQs

We are very excited to announce that – thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and staff – the Marriott Scout Service Center will reopen to the public on Tuesday, July 7!

We’re looking forward to seeing you in-person again, but social distancing remains the best way to keep everyone healthy. If you need to come visit us, wear your mask and come on by.

But if you can take care of your Scouting business remotely, please continue to do so for now. Scout Executive Craig Poland explains some of the details of how reopening will work.

Sea Scout Ship 125 has a 14-minute COVID-19-friendly virtual presentation (plus live Q&A) for Troops, Crews, and Packs. It includes an overview of the Sea Scout program and what it has to offer youth in general, and what it has to offer other Scouting units: daysails, overnighters, or “surf and turf” island adventure weekends for Troops and Crews, or the nautical version of a pinewood derby—the Raingutter Regatta—for Packs.  Sea Scouts is one of BSA’s first co-ed programs, so we’re available to both boy- and girl- units to help support them.
 
Through one of our sponsors, we have access to our own ZoomPro Platform, and are happy to host the virtual  meeting (subject to availability) so there will be no 40-minute limit, enabling the unit to hold their unit meeting, too. (We’re also available to help units having difficulty embracing this new COVID-19 online thing.)
 
Contact Skipper Paula Sind-Prunier at skipper@ship125.org or ship-to-shore mobile: 202-577-7339.

Bootcamp begins July 11

Register https://scoutingevent.com/082-ayiti

  • Intro to computer programming with Python – Six 1.5-hour courses

  • Nova Award- Earn requirements 3-8, Hello World

  • Shadowing a data science company -Participate in live data lab with professionals upon completion of introductory course

Please visit our website to learn more about us www.mend.is or www.ayitianalytics.org

Brothers,
National just released another update to the Temporary Camping Night Policy due to Covid-19! Given that virtually all Councils have either cancelled or reduced their summer camp programs this year, creating a situation where a high portion of Scouts will not have the opportunity to attend an in-camp Summer Camp in 2020 the temporary provision to allow virtual long term camping credit for OA eligibility is necessary. The new policy allows Virtual Long Term Camping with the guidelines listed below.

In light of the extended period of camping restrictions attributable to COVID-19, the following temporary modification is being made to the camping requirements for OA eligibility:

Virtual camping (i.e., backyard or solo camping) may be counted toward the required nights of camping for OA election eligibility if all the following stipulations are met:

This change is in effect until September 1, 2020.

Units which have already held an election between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020 are authorized to hold one additional election for any individuals who were ineligible at the time of the election due to the camping requirement, but would have been considered eligible at the time if this temporary policy had then been in effect. This second election must be completed no later than July 1, 2020. Those who were previously considered for election in the first election may not be reconsidered on this second ballot (i.e., no one can be considered for election more than once in a year).

Latest Update

Virtual Long-Term Camping Authorization

Virtual long-term camping of five (5) days is authorized to be counted toward the long-term camping requirements for OA eligibility consistent with the above guidance and the following additional guidelines:

         o    Progress toward advancement for each Scout

         o    Outdoor relevant experience consistent with local conditions and restrictions

If you have any questions, please reach out to membership@wipit470.org

https://oa-bsa.org/coronavirus/temporary-camping-night-policy-due-covid-19

FOCUS ON FALL: VIRTUAL RECRUITING AND MORE
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT
Who should attend: Cub Scout Leaders, Council Staff, Commissioners, Marketing staff and volunteers – anyone involved in welcoming more youth into Cub Scouting!

Join us on Wednesday, June 24, at 8 pm Eastern / 7 pm Central, for the next national recruitment webinar where we’ll talk about recruiting strategies despite the challenges of the continued uncertainties related to Covid-19.

 Register Now 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

This webinar will be recorded and shared on ScoutingWire.

A new online and facilitated version of Scouts BSA training  will be available on August 3rd.  If you are currently completing the training please complete prior to this date as we will be changing the Learning Plans for all positions – Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, Committee Member and Merit Badge Counselor. If you do not complete by August 3rd you will have to restart the  training using the new learning plans and modules.
 
The new online learning combines content resulting in fewer modules.  We have also streamlined courses to help reduce the total time it takes to complete the training. The new facilitated course uses offline versions of the learning modules to facilitate maintenance on any future changes – thus the online and facilitated content are simultaneously updated to ensure consistency in the versions of the training.
 
Please note: Completion of the appropriate portion of the Scouts BSA facilitated session will meet the requirements for.
 
 
Thank you for being a trained leader and working with the  youth!

“Honor your dad this Father’s Day by making a donation at www.ncacbsa.org/FathersDayGift  to ensure future generations of father’s and their children can experience the impact of Scouting together.”

“Let dad know how much experiencing Scouting with him has meant to you by making a donation in his honor at www.ncacbsa.org/FathersDayGift

“Help ensure that future father’s and their children can benefit from the memories and bonding Scouting provides by making a donation in your dad’s honor at www.ncacbsa.org/FathersDayGift

“To show your appreciation to your dad for his commitment to family Scouting, consider making a contribution in his honor at www.ncacbsa.org/FathersDayGift”                   

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for participating in the 2020 Camp Card Sale, I hope this email finds you and your family doing well.  It’s time to close your camp card sale, please do so by following this link www.NCACBSA.org/campcardpayment, scroll down and click on Pay For Camp Cards button. If you are not the point of contact for you unit’s camp card sale, please forward this on to the correct contact person. 

Please plan to close out your initial sale by June 15, 2020.  You can do so by mailing in a check (9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD 20814, be sure to indicate on your check that it is for Camp Card Close-out and your unit number). 

The best way is to pay is online and you can do so here, remember you only pay $2.50 per card sold and hold the rest of the funds for your Scouts.

Please don’t send back the cards you have remaining, please see below for the next exciting phase of the 2020 Camp Card sale. 

Camp Cards for Frontline Heroes Campaign

The Scouts from the NCAC found a way to thank our Frontline Heroes using our 2020 Camp Card!  Each Camp Card (discount coupon card) donated by our community through this website will be delivered by NCAC Scouts to local Frontline Heroes in September. 

Please help our Scouts by purchasing one, or several $5.00 Camp Cards, and they will be donated to local Frontline Heroes. 

Help us promote this sale to support our Frontline heroes by sharing this link www.NCACBSA.org/campcardorder

How is this different from the original Camp Card Sale?

·        This is a new addition to our Camp Card sale since it was cut short due to the current pandemic. We want to give Scouts an opportunity to still raise funds for future activities and virtual Scouting experiences by selling Camp Cards and supporting our local frontline heroes.

What’s next?

·        Close out your initial sale by June 15, 2020 by mailing in a check or paying online at www.NCACBSA.org/campcardpayment (you only pay $2.50 per card sold and hold the rest of the funds for your Scouts)

How will the Frontline Hero sale also benefit units?

·        After you close your sale with payment, keep the remaining cards for future donation to frontline heroes.

·        Between June 16th and August 31st, Send friends, family & others to the website www.NCACBSA.org/campcardorder (site opens June 16th) and encourage them to select your district and unit.

·        When it is safe to do so, we will ask your unit to deliver the camp cards you have sold as part of this campaign to Frontline Heroes by going to a hospital, grocery store, fire station, etc.

·        The commission of $2.50 per card sold through our website will be placed in your unit’s account or a check will be mailed for earned commission in early September.

Help us sell 100,000 Camp Cards to support 100,000 local Frontline Heroes!

For questions please contact your District Executive or Campcard@ncacbsa.org

Thanks,
Ben

Annual Opportunity to Discover Fishing in Maryland

Photo of man fishing along riverside

Photo by Stephen Badger

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers license-free fishing days on  July 4 — a free option to explore Maryland’s diverse and unique fishing experiences without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration.

For more details: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/05/28/free-fishing-days-scheduled-in-june-and-july/    

Adults:
New Scouts BSA Training

A new online and facilitated version of Scouts BSA training will be available on August 3rd.  If you are currently completing the training please complete prior to this date as we will be changing the Learning Plans for all positions – Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, Committee Member and Merit Badge Counselor. If you do not complete by August 2nd , by 11:59pm, you will have to restart the training using the new learning plans and modules.

The new online learning combines content resulting in fewer modules.  We have also streamlined courses to help reduce the total time it takes to complete the training. The new facilitated course uses offline versions of the learning modules to facilitate maintenance on any future changes – thus the online and facilitated content are simultaneously updated to ensure consistency in the versions of the training.

Please note: Completion of the appropriate portion of the Scouts BSA in-person session will meet the requirements for.

Thank you for being a trained leader and working with the youth!

Youth and Adults:
In-person Den Chief Training will continue to be offered. (Seneca District – book is included in course fee.)

****New online Den Chief Training (C31)
Allow 50-60 minutes for this course at the minimum.

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/training/den-chief-training/

This link allows you to launch the online version of the training.  Please note that there is no tracking and if you exit from the training prior to the completion of it and without printing your certificate you will have to restart the training from the beginning.

This course will NOT record automatically anywhere in scouting records.

Youth: You will need to take your certificate to your Unit so that they can enter it into your scouting record. Adult: Send a copy of the certificate to Mary Lou Gundersen, mdtrainingrecords@comcast.net, and she will manually record it in your scouting record.

Youth: You will still need to purchase a Den Chief Hand book.  You will need it for reference and for the Den Chief Award.

A Den Chief is a Scout, Venture or Sea Scout assisting a Cub Scout den. But the story is far more important than those words suggest as the Den Chief:

In addition, a trained Den Chief:

This training is designed to build on each of these ideas using a framework that will allow the new Den Chief, or perhaps the experienced Den Chief looking for new ideas, to have fun and learn the role.

Adult leaders need to make sure the role is seen as important and necessary. In agreeing to accept a Den Chief’s assistance, they ensure the Den Chief has meaningful opportunities to support the den and assist with activities, to the best of the Den Chief’s ability. In this way, the den receives the many benefits of having a Den Chief while the Den Chief has opportunities to learn and grow as a leader and Scout.

Cubmasters request Den Chief help from Scoutmasters, Crew Advisors or Ship Skippers. These adults need to acknowledge the importance of Den Chiefs before the whole troop, crew or ship and make sure all members understand that the Den Chief holds a leadership position of responsibility.

Missed last week’s program launch? – we have the materials available for you.

Ship 125 has been offered 2 slots at Seabase—1 adult and 1 youth (males).
 
Date and itinerary are TBD due to rolling cancellations, but as of now, this unit trip is a “go” with openings, as noted above. For anyone interested in Sea Scouting, here’s an opportunity to jump in with both feet! Contact ASAP skipper@ship125.org or call/text: 202-577-7339, if interested, to be put in contact with the unit. Seamanship training available virtually to prepare for the trip, if desired. 
 
Paula Sind-Prunier

We have moved  the Archery event out to Saturday, September 26.

Same time, same place.  We also moved all the registrations forward in time – so you still have your slots.

Register here

Seneca-District-Round-Table-May-2020Download
Seneca-District-May-Cub-Scout-Round-TableDownload
Citizen-Science-1Download

Missed our monthly gathering? You can still see the slides.

 

Thursday, May 21, 2020
7:30 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81693694587?pwd=MlVPR0J3eGcwWVlNUHpXZC8xK2ZqZz09

Meeting ID: 816 9369 4587
Password: 320600
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,81693694587#,,1#,320600# US

Or join by phone (audio only):

+1 301 715 8592 US  
Meeting ID: 816 9369 4587
Password: 320600

From the National Capital Area Council of the cancellation of summer camp activities for 2020
 
Since we began Scouting At Home two months ago, our team has been sending you these weekly emails to keep you up to date with the impact of COVID-19 on local Scouting programs. Today we are saddened to inform you that NCAC’s board of directors voted last night to cancel our 2020 summer camp programs. Please watch this message from Scout Executive Craig Poland about how this decision was made and what comes next.
 
But just because camp is closed doesn’t mean that Scouting stops! We have assembled a team of volunteers who are designing a fun, exciting alternative program that will provide advancement opportunities for your Scouts. More information on these programs will be coming soon.
 
We are also continuing to develop resources for your Scouting At Home programs. Check out this info about new programs for Cub Scouts, digital tools, and most exciting of all our Capital Camp-In on Memorial Day Weekend! 
 
Save the date, find your tent, prepare your S’mores, and we’ll see you all there!

What would any Scouting event be without a patch? To keep you updated on this special Limited Edition National Camp-In patch. Just enter your details below and you will notified when this patch is ready for shipping in the next 3 – 4 weeks. Patches $ 2.99 each.

Order here

Last week, our Council announced that we will be offering our first Capital Camp-In! The event is being presented by the 100 Years of Camping Committee and they need your help getting the word out to the Scouts and the districts. Craig Weston asked me to pass along this message.

Scouters, 
 
Our council-wide virtual camp-out for May 23-24, named the “Capital Camp-In”, is coming together but we definitely need your help to round-up youth lead content for scouts of all ages.
 
So far, we’ve identified contributors for the opening/closing ceremonies, the campfire and Scouts Own service.  We’ve also got guest speakers,  some great adult scouter training and enrichment, as well as orientation courses on Powder Horn, Wood Badge and of course, our summer camps.
 
We’ve got 3 Zoom channels (capacity of 300 participants per channel) and unlimited webinar connectivity reserved for the weekend.  We will be doing presentations and activities in one hour time blocks, although the activities don’t need to be that long.  The activities or presentations can be pre-recorded or live with Q&A.
 
Our big need is scout produced and lead content for Cubs, Scouts BSA and Venturing.  We only have two identified contributors so far!  But we know there are units and scouts in your districts that have been doing fabulous virtual training and fun activities over the past weeks.  The talent is out there, for sure.   Please locate those scouts and units that like to be on stage or have a passion for sharing their knowledge with others.  Ask their unit leader to send me an email and we will schedule them for a time slot on the 23rd or the morning of the 24th.
 
Also, keep an eye out over the next week for a special web page and Facebook page about the Capital Camp-In.  These pages will be the “go to” resource for this event.
 
Scouting Continues
 
Craig Weston
craigweston16@gmail.com

Dear Venturing friends,

Join us on May 16th for a morning of virtual training from 9:00AM to 12:00PM! Our incoming and outgoing officers will be holding a series of trainings focused on planning, promoting, leading, and supporting a successful event.
 
These trainings will be offered for all Venturers, but different aspects may benefit certain positions more than others. For example, Planning/Leading an event is targeted towards the Program and President positions, while Promoting/Supporting an event is targeted towards the Communications and Administration positions.
 
We will also be offering Mentoring training!
 
To sign up, just use this Form!
 

Yours in Venturing,
NER Area 6 Communications

How do you earn your virtual junior ranger badge?

Download the junior ranger activity worksheets.

After completing your junior ranger activities, email photos/scans to yose_information@nps.gov. Make sure to include your full name and address in order to receive the badge.

If you don’t have access to email, you may send finished work to:

ATTN: PIO
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389

Introducing the NCAC Scouting at Home 2020 Award Patch! The NCAC Scouting at Home 2020 Award Patch recognizes Scouts for meeting the challenge of living by the Scout Oath and Law while the pandemic requires social distancing to be in place. To learn more about the Scouting at Home Patch requirements or to pre-order the patch please visit https://weownadventure.com/introducing-the-ncac-scouting-at-home-2020-award/!

Seneca District is inviting you to the 2020 Program Launch.

Thursday, May 21, 2020
7:30 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81693694587?pwd=MlVPR0J3eGcwWVlNUHpXZC8xK2ZqZz09

Meeting ID: 816 9369 4587
Password: 320600
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,81693694587#,,1#,320600# US

Or join by phone (audio only):

+1 301 715 8592 US  
Meeting ID: 816 9369 4587
Password: 320600

Dear Scouting Families:

Today people all around the world are coming together to tap into the power of human connection and strengthen communities at the grassroots level for #GivingTuesdayNow. Will you be one of them? National Capital Area Council is one of the participating organizations and we need your help!

By joining the #GivingTuesdayNow movement and tuning in to tonight’s Virtual Campfire at 7pm, you’re proving that in times of uncertainty, generosity can bring the whole world together. Here is how you can participate:

1. Give. Go to www.ncacbsa.org/give today to donate. In honor of #GivingTuesdayNow we have an anonymous donor match! All donations made to Friends of Scouting today will be matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000 for camperships. This match funding will allow financially burdened families the opportunity to send their Scouts to summer camp! You can also support our organization with gifts from your IRA, stocks transfers, Donor Advised Fund, or with a planned gift by contacting Jenna.Welle@scouting.org

2. Follow. Be an advocate for Scouting by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitterand invite your friends to do the same.

3. Spread the word. Post a short video or photo and share what Scouting means to you and why you support NCAC. Make sure to use hashtag #GivingTuesdayNow and #myNCAC

4. Watch. Join us this evening at 7pm for NCAC’s first Virtual Campfire by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/events/700708750701735

Let’s rally together to ensure that local Scouting Continues! Learn more at https://www.ncacbsa.org/giving-tuesday-now/

See you all tonight around the campfire!

Craig Poland
Scout Executive/CEO 

Our next Virtual Round Table will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 pm.  The “Meeting Room” will be open by 7 PM for all participants.  We will start out with a joint session to get things going and to check in on how units are doing in the new “Virtual Meeting” world.  We will then have a separate breakout meeting for Cub Scout Leaders as well as Scouts BSA leaders.  The link for the joint meeting is below
https://meet.google.com/fqe-kthu-piq
Scouts BSA will talk more about virtual outdoor activities.  Updates on National and local activities will also be presented.  We’d also like to talk about how to “Spin your own Virtual Summer Camp” as some councils have already canceled or delayed their summer activities.
The Cub Scout breakout link will be posted during the meeting.
Here is a link to a folder that contains the PowerPoint presentation, notes from the April meeting and a suggestion for activities for your units.
https://bit.ly/2XMT9zB
Thanks for all that you do,

–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)

We are now experiencing an historic national emergency that has created extraordinary needs. Just as they did in times of world war and those calls for sacrifice by the American people, Scouts and Scouting can demonstrate their devotion to community service by helping to meet the greatly increased food demands while keeping themselves safe.

Local food banks are being overwhelmed by requests from families that lack emergency financial resources and have not had the ability to stockpile food. They need donations of money, shelf-stable food, and other items.  I’m still working on details with local food banks.  I know Manna has drop off at their location on Gaither Road.  I’m waiting to hear back from Gaithersburg HELP.  

Rather than collecting door to door, we are going to try the following:

Place a Scouting for Food sign in your front yard next to a waterproof container, asking for donations for your local food bank. This can be done by block, neighborhood, however YOUR UNIT wants to collect.  When the container is full (or you have a carload!) enlist an adult to drive you to the food agency.  
 
Use Facebook, Next Door, and other social media to let people know of your locations for pick up.  
 
Let’s make this a bigger success than our annual November collection!  It’s time for SCOUTS TO SHINE!  

Thanks for all that you do.
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Scouting For Food Chairman)
I wanted to offer 1/4″ elastic for making masks to help units that want to do a good turn for their community or medical professionals, etc.
 
The back story is that I wanted to encourage and inspire Troop 33’s PLC while they are adjusting the Scouting experience to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 state of emergency.  I made one for each of my boys to test different size templates, and 14 more for all the PLC members when I was ready for production. I made a mask for each Scout with their current rank displayed on the left-hand side like where their rank is worn on the uniform shirt.
 
Anyway, I had some difficulty finding elastic because stores like G Street Fabrics, JOANN, and Michael’s are closed. I found an upholstery shop that hooked me up with a supplier, and now have a large roll of 1/4″ black elastic strip. I’m happy to give it away while I have it, so if you can get the word out to your units then I can work out a way to distribute it to them safely.
 
YiS,
 
Lee Howard
Troop 33 ASM
Wood Badge N6-82-17-2
301-377-2222

Due to the continuing pandemic in our communities, National Capital Area Council, BSA is extending “Scouting At Home” until further notice. The Marriott Scout Service Center and all NCAC camping properties will be closed to the public during this time, but our friendly staff remains available to help! Please contact us for all your Scouting needs.

We encourage all our units to continue holding virtual meetings and events. There are a lot of amazing stories on WeOwnAdventure.com and we are inspired by your continued innovation and creativity! If your unit is looking to start holding online meetings, check out these resources for virtual meetings.

We also want to invite you to our Council’s first Virtual Campfire! Join us on May 5, 7pm on our Facebook page for songs, skits, and Scout Spirit. Can’t wait to see you there!

Want to earn the Cub Scouts Can Code or 1-2-3 Go Math Nova Awards? It’s easy just visit the new STEM@Home website and work on your Nova Awards from the comfort of your home!Also join us every Thursday evening at 7pm for the new STEM@Home Speaker Series. The series includes conversations with STEM professionals, activities and virtual games (including one with virtual reality) through ZOOM & Facebook Live. Register today!

In this time of uncertainty, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope – that together we can do extraordinary things. Over the past few weeks and months, the entire world has been coming together to stand up, help out, give back, and heal, and National Capital Area Scouts are leading the way. Whether that’s through donations to community organizations, celebrating doctors and nurses, or reaching out to a neighbor to help with groceries, generosity has been helping the entire world get through this global pandemic. Together.

May 5, National Capital Area Council is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of unity and giving. We’ll also be hosting our first ever NCAC Virtual Campfire at 7pm on Facebook Live! As you know, here at NCAC Scouting has continued with online merit badge classes, virtual unit meetings and daily good turns everywhere in the D.C. Metro Region. The foundations of Scouting- developing academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership and citizenship, trying new things and providing service to others are now more valuable than ever. As NCAC navigates the impact of the pandemic on our organization, one thing remains unchanged, our youth need and deserve Scouting programs to stay available and to stay strong.

But we can’t do this without you!

NCAC is excited to announce a special donor match in recognition of #GivingTuesdayNow. All donations made to Friends of Scouting will be matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000 for camperships. This match funding will allow financially burdened families the opportunity to send their Scouts to summer camp! Not only do we need your support, we need your help to spread the word. Please tell your friends and family why you believe in our work and encourage them to support us too! Remember, mark your calendar for 7pm tomorrow and join us at: https://www.facebook.com/events/700708750701735 for our Virtual Campfire with special guests, singalongs and skits from local Scouts!

Join the movement tomorrow May 5, 2020 and visit https://www.ncacbsa.org/giving-tuesday-now/ to learn about all the ways you can participate in #GivingTuesdayNow. Thank you for being a part of the NCAC Family! 

Yours in Scouting,
Craig Poland
Scout Executive/CEO

Legend:  A (all programs), C (Cub Scout), SB (Scouts BSA), V (Venture, Sea Scout, Explorer), and ST (STEM)

Virtual Meetings

  1. Aaron Chusid (Chief Communications Officer, NCAC) shares (A):

Due to the continuing pandemic in our communities, National Capital Area Council, BSA is extending “Scouting At Home” until further notice. The Marriott Scout Service Center and all NCAC camping properties will be closed to the public during this time, but our friendly staff remains available to help! Please contact us for all your Scouting needs.

We encourage all our units to continue holding virtual meetings and events. There are a lot of amazing stories on WeOwnAdventure.com and we are inspired by your continued innovation and creativity! If your unit is looking to start holding online meetings, check out these resources for virtual meetings.

We also want to invite you to our Council’s first Virtual Campfire! Join us on May 5, 7pm on our Facebook page for songs, skits, and Scout Spirit. Can’t wait to see you there!

  1. Virtual Eagle Scout Courts of Honor (A Request) (SB):

Has anyone in the NCAC conducted an Eagle Scout Court of Honor online?  We are looking for suggestions on how to best honor this high accomplishment in this time of social distancing.  If you have done one, let us know what happened and how it went.  If you are planning one, let us know that as well.

How to do Scouting in the Time of COVID-19

  1. Merit Badge Pamphlets Available on Amazon Kindle (Bryan on Scouting Shares) (SB):

We’ve previously shared a Scouter’s suggestion of merit badges that can be worked on from home and Scout Shop resources for some of those badges. Another resource you and your Scouts now have are digital merit badge pamphlets, available through Amazon Kindle.

 

You can download the electronic reader application on your phone or tablet. Each digital pamphlet costs $4.99, the same price as hard-copy pamphlets. They’re compatible with any electronic device; they do not include interactive or enhanced content. You can also find digital handbooks and other leader resources in the BSA’s Amazon Kindle library. https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/04/23/updated-merit-badge-pamphlets-now-available-through-amazon-kindle/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer4292020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=

 

  1. Save the Date: NCAC Council Wide Virtual Campfire on May 5 (A):

You bring the S’mores, we’ll bring the songs, skits, and Scout Spirit! Join us for a council-wide virtual campfire on May 5 streaming live on our Facebook page!

https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7055858&msgid=260854&act=GWLE&c=1518147&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebookcom%2Fevents%2F700708750701735%2F&cf=7207&v=a8ed0328592e6abdfec3f46887b243379a084aed40427a896cafd452e68b4ded

  1. Looking for Merit Badge Counselors (forwarded by NCAC) (SB,V):

Volunteer from home: Hundreds of local Scouts are earning advancements with our new Merit Badge @Home program. We still need more instructors! The more classes we can offer, the more Scouts we can help! You can sign up at: https://www.ncacbsa.org/merit-badges-at-home.  

 

  1. Troop 496 Goes Virtual Camping (Recommended by Jim Hardter, ADC, Seneca District) (SB,V):

Traditionally, Troop 496’s campout for April is the New Scout campout   Because of the COVID pandemic and state and BSA rules that do not allow large gatherings, Troop 496 held a virtual campout using Zoom. Ten new boys, representing the Trolls patrol, participated, as did four girls, representing the Artemis patrol. The girls will be the core of a new BSA Girls Troop forming in Poolesville.

The campout was led by the Troop SPL, Zach Ransom. The SPL was assisted by several older Scouts covering 10 different requirements. After the on-line portion of the campout, several of the Scouts took on the challenge to pitch a tent in their back yard and then spend the night in the tent that they pitched. The next day, the participants again met on Zoom to participate in a “Roses, Buds, and Thorns” exercise.

https://weownadventure.com/troop-496-holds-virtual-new-scout-campout/

Opportunities to Serve (A)

1.       Scouts Help Make Face Masks (reported by NCAC, Scouter Digest):

Quoc-Huy Nicholas Nguyen and DangKhoa Noah Nguyen of Scouts BSA Troop 1444, together with their mother (Thai Le) and the Vietnamese charities (Nha VietNam MD, The Marriage Family Enrichment Program of Our Lady of Vietnam Parish and many Vietnamese in DMV area) made thousands of cloth face masks to donate to local hospitals, nursing homes, police stations and places in need.  Volunteers donated money, fabric, and their time to sew masks. The two Scouts packaged the masks, which included washing, drying, ironing, putting them in zip lock bags, and labeling them.
https://weownadventure.com/boy-scout-values-during-a-pandemic/  

2.       Scout Makes COVID-19 Stay at Home Kits (reported by NCAC, Scouter Digest):
Scout Zachary Leka of Troop 642 in Orange County, CA, took Family Life in the NCAC Merit Badge @Home program and was inspired to lead a project making Stay at Home Family Kits for families facing homelessness who are staying in shelters, motels, or RVs.
The kits included diapers, wipes, soap and shampoo, baby formula, non-perishable snacks and at-home activities for kids such as books, craft kits, art supplies and puzzles.
https://weownadventure.com/covid-19-stay-at-home-family-kits/

3.       Star Scout Organizes a “No Contact” Food Drive (reported by NCAC, Scouter Digest):
Star Scout Landon Hummel from Troop 1378 in Dale City, VA! He organized a “no contact” food drive, made a flyer, sent instructions to his troop, and collected 162 pounds of food for the Arlington Food Assistance Center!
https://weownadventure.com/star-scout-organizes-no-contact-food-drive/

A Scout is Reverent (A)

  1. Protestant Religious Emblems Online (from P.R.A.Y):

The Programs of Religious Activities With Youth (P.R.A.Y) Program, a Bible-based religious emblems program for Protestant and Independent Christian churches, has released a series of videos on the P.R.A.Y. YouTube Channel to assist parents who may wish to serve as counselors and help guide their children to completion of their religious emblem Each workbook lesson is highlighted, explained in depth with hints and helps for those who might be serving in the counselor role for the first time
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1HwTGCObuuqaLdBPHvBxmg

At the request of clergy and counselors, a special eligibility extension is in effect until December 31, 2020. This means that students who are eligible for a program based on their current grade level in March 2020, will still be eligible to earn that award until the end of this calendar year, December 31, 2020. Instead of aging out of a program in the fall when starting a new grade at school, the P.R.A.Y. extension will allow young people to complete their requirements until December 31, 2020.  For more details go to https://www.praypuborg/

STEM Corner (ST)

  1. Take a Trip to Yellowstone Park (forwarded by Ben Overbey, ACC, NCAC):
    Airstream has partnered with MacGillivray Freeman Films for this incredible look at Yellowstone. As the park is temporarily closed, this video of the animals, the topography, and the sounds of the place will have to suffice as a visit for now.
    https://www.adventure-journal.com/2020/05/yellowstone-is-closed-for-a-bit-but-you-can-bring-it-into-your-living-room/

BSA Resources Available Now!

•         Boy’s Life App available for free!(C,SB)

•         Scouting Magazine App available for free!(A)

•         National Statement on COVID-19  https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/

·         COVID-19 FAQ   https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/covid-19-faq/

•         Merit badges for social distancing (SB)   58 badges Scouts can complete at home  https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/03/20/merit-badges-for-social-distancing/

•         Fun projects for kids that you can do from home (C)   https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/03/19/fun-projects-for-kids-that-you-can-do-from-home/

·         Guide to Safe Scouting (A)   https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/#a

•         NCAC COVID-19 Updates (A): https://weownadventure.com/ncac-response-to-covid-19/

•         NCAC Guidance on Virtual Meetings with Youth (A)  https://weownadventure.com/ncac-guidance-on-virtual-meetings-with-youth/

•         NCAC Guidance on Advancement during COVID -19 (A) :

·         https://weownadventure.com/guidance-on-advancement-during-covid-19/

•         Scouting.org/ScoutingAtHome – a webpage with an ever-growing list of resources to help Scouting families and friends safely continue their adventures. Also check out #ScoutingAtHome and your council’s website for even more activities, ideas and helpful tips.

Scouts are resourceful. So, while your troop may not be able to go on a weekend campout together during the COVID-19 pandemic, this time could be ideal to learn how to play a new game or work on the car or prepare a first aid kit for the family.

We’ve previously shared a Scouter’s suggestion of merit badges that can be worked on from home and Scout Shop resources for some of those badges. Another resource you and your Scouts now have are digital merit badge pamphlets, available through Amazon Kindle.

Rest of article

Legend:  A (all programs), C (Cub Scout), SB (Scouts BSA), V (Venture, Sea Scout, Explorer), and ST (STEM)

Virtual Meetings

  1. The most recent from BSA on Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities (A)
  1. Bryan Martin Frivida (ACC, NCAC) shares (A):

Bookmark these helpful pages:

  1. Virtual Eagle Scout Courts of Honor (A Request) (SB):

Has anyone in the NCAC conducted an Eagle Scout Court of Honor online?  We are looking for suggestions on how to best honor this high accomplishment in this time of social distancing.  If you have done one, let us know what happened and how it went.  If you are planning one, let us know that as well.

How to do Scouting in the Time of COVID-19

  1. Scouts Go Virtual Camping (forwarded by NCAC Scouting at Home Newsletter) (A):

From the backyard to the living room #myNCAC Scouts are finding ways to continue camping while maintaining physical distance. There’s hiking, tents, and, yes, even campfires. Watch NCAC Scout Executive Craig Poland share how #myNCAC Scouts are keeping the “Outing” in “Scouting”.  https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7055858&msgid=260854&act=GWLE&c=1518147&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2F_R54PIpQvH8&cf=7207&v=8c5786cfac59850bc0e7a07013814ff33ed59765f013f1d1a3538b639eb38668

Even in times of crisis, we must come together to support the greater good. Thank you to our amazing community, you enable us to continue to build and grow through your unwavering support. Please join us for #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5, a global day of generosity and unity. Support local Scouting programs through giving, helping those in need, or spreading kindness.

 

  1. Save the Date: NCAC Council Wide Virtual Campfire on May 5 (A):

You bring the S’mores, we’ll bring the songs, skits, and Scout Spirit! Join us for a council-wide virtual campfire on May 5 streaming live on our Facebook page!

https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7055858&msgid=260854&act=GWLE&c=1518147&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fevents%2F700708750701735%2F&cf=7207&v=a8ed0328592e6abdfec3f46887b243379a084aed40427a896cafd452e68b4ded

  1. Troop 13 Virtual Camp Out (forwarded by NCAC Scouting at Home Newsletter) (SB,V):

After their first month of virtual troop meetings, Troop 13 saw the opportunity to maintain their “troop spirit” and take their virtual meeting experience to the campground!

https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7055858&msgid=260854&act=GWLE&c=1518147&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fweownadventure.com%2Ftroop-13-virtual-family-campout%2F&cf=7207&v=0103588a90dbda1b07ffd2e849a9a11fe3c5f8876666a359a45f89db55f90859

  1. Troop 35 Goes Virtual Camping (forwarded by NCAC Scouting at Home Newsletter) (SB,V):

The youth leaders of Troop 35 designed a distance camping program complete with cooking, advancement, friendly competition, and an announcement video with incredible visual effects!

https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7055858&msgid=260854&act=GWLE&c=1518147&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fweownadventure.com%2Ftroop-35-scouts-telecamping-program-cant-keep-good-scouts-from-doing%2F&cf=7207&v=a1fe54dab882b2114709d33fa78ae84d60ff0b29dc605fc5b0e81fa50d62c95a

  1. From the New Birth of Freedom Council Website! (Recommended by Rick Rogers, Council Commissioner):
  1. Fun projects for kids that you can do from home (Bryan on Scouting) (C ):
    https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/03/19/fun-projects-for-kids-that-you-can-do-from-home/?fbclid=IwAR18b-GOO1H_HJHVYK1J2A-FljlIy6vnTmNsUZEuzbVJ580Www2TnnMnWkY
  2. Acts of Scouting service you can do from home (Bryan on Scouting) (SB,V):
  3. https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/03/18/good-turns-during-the-coronavirus-acts-of-scouting-service-you-can-do-from-home/?fbclid=IwAR0dxQz_2OkaNIUn2jVWlyyu3VMMKPuAJW3hzzNBdVn3jh3fTQlQ-Tunhrk
  4. Check out Bryan on Scouting.  It’s updated regularly.  A Blog for Adult Scouting Leaders.

https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/

  1. Cub Scout Fun! (C ):
    There are a ton of great resources for Cub Scouts and their families.
  1. Check out this great 30-day Venturing challenge.  #VenturingatHome! (V):

https://i9peu1ikn3a16vg4e45rqi17-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Venturing-30-Day-Challenge.pdf

  1. Great Ideas for Cub Scout Packs! (C ) (Capitol Area Council in Austin, TX):

Lions – Build it up, Knock it Down rank elective Adventure belt loop award and supplemental
Tigers – Tiger Theater rank elective Adventure belt loop award
Wolf – Air of the Wolf rank elective Adventure belt loop award
Bear – Super Science rank elective Adventure belt loop award
Webelos – Protect Yourself rank/Arrow of Light required Adventure pin
Webelos/AOL – Art Explosion rank elective Adventure pin
Multi Den Plan – English Video and WriteupSpanish Video and Writeup

Lions –  Protect Your Rules rank elective Adventure belt loop award
Tigers – Tiger Tales rank elective Adventure belt loop award
Wolf – TBA rank elective Adventure belt loop award
Bear – TBA rank elective Adventure belt loop award
Webelos –Build Your Own Hero  rank/Arrow of Light required Adventure pin
Webelos/AOL – Building a Better World rank elective Adventure pin
Multi Den Plan – English WriteupSpanish Video

Opportunities to Serve (A)

1.       Giving Tuesday (recommended by NCAC, Scouting at Home Newsletter):  Please visit www.NCACbsa.org/give  to support us through Friends of Scouting during #GivingTuesdayNow, on May 5, 2020.
We acknowledge that COVID-19 times make this a challenge.

2.      An Idea from the Baltimore Council:  Hold a laptop drive (submitted by Dr. Rick Manteuffel, ACC, NCAC):
The Baltimore Area Council is collecting laptops and tablets to donate for use by underserved youth for eLearning during the pandemic.  Details are available at www.baltimorebsa.org/laptop 

Interesting Stuff (A)

  1. Camp Early Bird Sign Up Extended to April 30 (recommended by NCAC, Scouting at Home Newsletter):

To assist Scouting families in making their plans for this summer, NCAC has extended the early bird deadline for all summer camps to April 30! Plus, if camp does get canceled you get a 100% refund, so there’s no risk! Reserve your tent today!

https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7055858&msgid=260854&act=GWLE&c=1518147&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fweownadventure.com%2Fearly-bird-extension-for-summer-camp%2F&cf=7207&v=3ddadefe6c9a3592b8206e1c52257cef1b31573d71b5c7d4c7795a8b538c2862

STEM Corner (ST)

  1. NCAC Stem Events (forwarded by Jason Kralj, Cubmaster Pack 465):

Due to BSA’s National Camp-In (5/2 on https://www.scouting.org/campin/ ) we moved our STEM@Home Nova program to May 16.

We will run a remarkable STEM@Home Speaker Series beginning Thursday, April 30 at 7PM that you don’t want to miss. Join us!  https://scoutingevent.com/082-STEMSpeakers

Work on Nova Awards from the comfort of your home! In an effort to help support Scouts and families as our communities are practicing social distancing, the NCAC STEM Committee will be offering STEM Nova Awards online! https://scoutingevent.com/082-STEMatHome

  1. Great Ideas from the Capitol Area Council (Austin TX :
    https://www.bsacac.org/activities/coronavirus/ideas-for-home/

a.       Mystery Science ( https://mysteryscience.com/ ) Free science lessons (K-5) online.  Must sign up for the program.

b.       The Kids Should See This ( https://thekidshouldseethis.com/ )
4,500 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to our members, it’s free for everyone.

c.       Crest Awards (https://collectionslibrary.crestawards.org/)
Projects for grades K-12 that can be done at home.

d.       STEM Simulators (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/by-level) Interactive simulations for all grade levels from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

e.       Learn Computer Science (https://code.org/) Grades K-12.  Code.org® is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by women and underrepresented youth.

BSA Resources Available Now!

•         Boy’s Life App available for free!(C,SB)

•         Scouting Magazine App available for free!(A)

•         National Statement on COVID-19  https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/

·         COVID-19 FAQ   https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/covid-19-faq/

•         Merit badges for social distancing (SB): 58 badges Scouts can complete at home  https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/03/20/merit-badges-for-social-distancing/

•         Fun projects for kids that you can do from home (C)   https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/03/19/fun-projects-for-kids-that-you-can-do-from-home/

·         Guide to Safe Scouting (A)   https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/#a

•         NCAC COVID-19 Updates (A): https://weownadventure.com/ncac-response-to-covid-19/

•         NCAC Guidance on Virtual Meetings with Youth (A)  https://weownadventure.com/ncac-guidance-on-virtual-meetings-with-youth/

•         NCAC Guidance on Advancement during COVID -19 (A) :

·         https://weownadventure.com/guidance-on-advancement-during-covid-19/

•         Scouting.org/ScoutingAtHome – a webpage with an ever-growing list of resources to help Scouting families and friends safely continue their adventures. Also check out #ScoutingAtHome and your council’s website for even more activities, ideas and helpful tips.

Compilation from Ben Overbey – if you have others – please reach out to add thru the webmaster.

Our Cub Scout Day Camp has officially changed it’s date from June to August 10th through 14th.  It will still be held at Bretton Woods.

Our first concern is for the safety of our Leaders and Cub Scouts and so camp postponements or cancellations will be determined in accordance with our Governors orders and our Councils decision. 

***Extended Date***
The Early Bird Date is effective until Midnight on May 25th. 

A full refund will be given if camps are cancelled by Council.

We know these are uncertain times but as we move closer to our Camp date we will keep you updated of any other changes.

 WWW.GOTODAYCAMP.ORG

Thanks so much for your support.
Maggie Smith
Day Camp Director

Are you ready for the 30 day Scouting At Home challenge? Scout families take on the challenge of keeping your skills sharp by Scouting at Home and including the entire family. Participate in activities and adventures that are fun, exciting and informative!

If your family is up for the challenge for the next 30 days at 5pm share a picture or video of your family’s Scouting At Home activity on Facebook and hashtag #ScoutingAtHome! We can’t wait to see all the NCAC challengers and share them with other Scouts. Challenge begins Thursday, 3/19/2020 at 5pm!

There are challenges for each level of scouting.

Phil Barbash here with some more important updates for this summer:

  1. Our early bird payment deadline is this Friday, 4/30. At 11:59 PM, the price will switch over. Please make every effort to get your youth/adults registered to avoid the price hike.
  2. We had a very generous donor come forward and replenish the supply of money for camperships. Thus, if you have the youth who are going to be in need, please have them continue to apply. We will approve the camperships as we have funds for and inform the applicants directly on how to register.
  3. Some units have been asking questions on how making a payment online works. Please see here: www.gotogoshen.org/registration/registration-tips-making-a-payment/

COVID-19 Updates:

  1. A couple of changes in how we operate summer camp this summer:
    1. We will no longer be having large group gatherings at camp. This includes but is not limited to flag ceremonies, campfires, and camp-wide events.
    2. We are moving in the direction of 1 person tents. At this time we are asking that all units begin the process of identifying how many tents could be brought to camp with them, in an effort to supplement the camp tents for up to half of the units adult/youth. We will have more information on this as far as how we are tracking it moving forward. Needs will be communicated on a camp by camp, week by week basis.
    3. We are looking at our options as far as daily screening procedures, food service operations, and transportation to/from camp. Rest assured, there will be more changes communicated moving forward.
  2. Please continue to communicate with your doctors in order to get physicals signed. I understand that this is a challenging task and I am awaiting a response from BSA national on what, if any, decision is going to be made regarding part C of the med form.
  3. If you are already interested in preemptively changing your unit’s week at camp to a later week, we have created an online form to do so here: www.gotogoshen.org/weekchange/

Finally, our refund request form is live and can be found here: www.gotogoshen.org/refund. Please remember that if we end up cancelling camp altogether, or the week your unit/youth are attending camp, we will issues a full 100% refund.

That’s all for now. As always, thank you for everything you do and keep the feedback coming on what you would like to see on our end. We will all get through this together!

Philip Barbash , Director of Camping Services
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA,  National Capital Area Council

Marriott Scout Service Center
9190 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814
O 301-214-9195 |  C 202-253-6323
F 301-564-3648
E Philip.Barbash@Scouting.Org

1) Will Summer Camp 2020 happen?                  

The NCAC Executive Board will thoroughly discuss summer camp 2020 during the next full board meeting. We expect an initial decision regarding summer camp after that meeting in mid-May.  There many variables to consider in this matter and the decision could include operate as scheduled, modify or shorten the season, or cancel the entire season. This is obviously a moving target, and we could have announcements out sooner than that.

2) Will the April 30th Early Bird Fee Deadline be Extended Again?

At this time, we will not be offering an additional extension to the 4/30 deadline. Timing dictates the need to secure realistic attendance figures in order to begin ordering supplies and finalize staffing. We want to reiterate that should NCAC cancel any week, or the full summer, we will issue a 100% refund to all youth/adults who paid and registered for immersions camp. We do recognize that this may be creating a financial strain for some families In your, but please recognize paid attendance will be a significant variable in the summer camp decision making process. 

3) Is there new information regarding Part C of the BSA Med Form?

No new information is available at this time regarding Part C of the medical form. Legal and medical experts are assisting the BSA in the creation of a policy that offers flexibility, but ensures the safety of youth and adults who attend summer camp. We realize this is time sensitive. So, as soon as we know, we will let you know.  

Please be aware our NCAC Enterprise Risk Management Committee has been working with our Camping and Outdoor Programming committee to create a new list of health and safety policies and procedures that will likely need to be implemented this summer pending our ability to operate. We will have that document available as soon as it is finalized. Please let me know if you have any feedback on this matter.

 I would like to provide you with more definitive answers regarding the overall summer season. Unfortunately there are still to many unknown variables. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide you with regular updates. Until next time, stay safe and let’s all hope/pray that a summer camp season is the light at the end of the tunnel.

https://www.facebook.com/SmithsonianNMNH

Dear Scouting Families:

I realize that not every family is in the position to help during these times, however, I have had many people ask how they can help National Capital Area Council. Recently, I have seen countless Scouts and volunteers show up to virtual meetings, creatively connect with their units, and continue to work together to ensure our next generation of leaders and helpers are Prepared. For Life. As a small business, National Capital Area Council is not immune from the challenges presented by stay at home orders. In order to sustain and increase the number of high-quality locally produced Scouting programs, I am asking you to take an important step to stand with NCAC.

We’ve joined forces with #GivingTuesday to celebrate #GivingTuesdayNow — a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. As a supporter and friend of NCAC, join us and use the individual power of generosity to stay connected and help heal our community. #GivingTuesdayNow invites you to give back in whatever way you can. Here are a few ways we invite you to participate on May 5th:

Scouting is filling the social and emotional void left as other community centers and sports leagues have shut down. During a time when youth can feel negative impacts from social distancing, it is important that we provide a connection with their peers, to positively impact their mental health. We invite you, your family and non-Scout friends to enjoy NCAC’s upcoming Virtual Campfire May 5th at 7pm. Please save the date and keep an eye out for more details on how to join in next week. 

I hope to see you there,

Craig Poland