Are you an Scout/Scouter and available to help August 6-18? We have received a request for assistance in Baltimore in response to flooding as a result of the rains last week. If you are:
• 18 years or older
• Have had a tetanus shot/booster within the past 10 years
• Your name, email and phone number
• Dates you are available
• Any prior flood recovery experience, special skills or equipment you might have
Bring/wear:
• Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes (work shoes/boots are recommended)
• Work gloves
• Lunch (coolers provided)
Water/sports drinks, snacks and safety gear (N-95 respirators, safety glasses and coveralls) will be provided on-site. Depending upon circumstances, they may be working some days and not others. Please let them know ahead of time if you’re planning to serve so they can notify you if there are any changes in the schedule.
Daily schedule:
8:00 (sign-in and briefing);
8:30 depart for worksite;
4:30 return to church:
Catonsville Baptist Church
1004 Frederick Rd
Catonsville, MD 21228
Thank you for helping our community in its time of need!
YIS,
Matthew Beyers
Chair, Seneca District
National Capital Area Council
seneca.districtchair@ncacbsa.org
Cub Scout packs that are becoming Family Scouting units need to update their unit’s Be A Scout pin to reflect they are a Family Scouting unit. Updating your pin is fairly simple and needs to be done at the unit level by one of the Key 3 (Cubmaster, Committee Chair, Chartered Organization Rep) or a Key 3 Delegate.
Please follow the following steps to change your pin, if you have not already done so.
CHANGING YOUR “Be A Scout” PIN
- Log on to my.scouting.org
- Click on the “Menu” button on left hand side
- Under your Cub Scout Pack, click on “Organization Manager”
- Under “Organization Manager” click on “Settings” at the top of the page
- On the settings page, scroll to the bottom
- At the bottom there is a section called “Family Scouting,” select what type of pack best reflects your unit and hit “commit”
- Pins take 24 hours to reflect changes
It is important to update unit pins ASAP. As we move into “Back to School” mindsets, parents will making plans for fall activities. You will want to have the most accurate information updated for those families searching Be A Scout to join your units!
Check out this video for the latest, most up-to-date information on Family Scouting! We can’t wait to welcome girls to our Scouting Family!
Leave No Trace Trainer Course – September 7-9 (IWLA Germantown, MD) or September 15-16, 2018 (Prince William NF, VA)
What is the purpose of this class? The Cub Scout, Boy Scout, 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 and youth aged 14+ to serve their units and districts as Leave No Trace Trainers and as Outdoor Ethics Trainers.
Every Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout unit should have at least one Leave No Trace/Outdoor Ethics Trainer. This course is strongly recommend for Scouts serving, or wishing to serve, in the Troop Outdoor Ethics Guide position. Who should attend? Venturers, Sea Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Boy Scouts aged 14+; adult Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity, Venturing, and Sea Scout leaders; and District and Council leaders and trainers.
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. You will be introduced to concepts and methods that will advance your knowledge of Leave No Trace issues in both developed and high adventure environments, expand your repertoire of low-impact skills, and increase your effectiveness in teaching these important skills to others.
The class is being offered twice this Fall in NCAC. The next offerings of this class in NCAC will be in the Spring of 2018.
Germantown, MD September 7-9
Questions? Contact Paul Schimke, paul@schimke.org or 301 906 0069 (c)
— or —
Prince William Forest NP, Triangle, VA September 15-16
Questions? Contact Victor Bieniek, vbieniek@gmail.com, 703-855-8428 (c)
Camporee registration is open
Seneca District Fall Camporee is October 12-14 at Manidokan Retreat Center near Harpers Ferry. Early (discounted) registration for a unit (campsite) closes August 31. The theme this year is Mountain Man Rendezvous – back by popular demand. Details here.
Cub Scout leaders are invited to attend and learn about JSN and the monthly theme.
We meet at the LDS Church at 20020 Montgomery Village Ave,
Montgomery Village, MD 20886
Thanks to all who attended our June Round Table/Cookout. Great food and fellowship was had by all. Also many thanks to those that brought food to share.
August Round Table will feature a presentation on Family Scouting and The Order of the Arrow as well as updated questions/answers on Family Scouting. We would like YOUTH as well as Adult Leaders to attend August Round Table. The youth will have a chance to talk to us about the things they like in Scouting as well as reviews of their Summer camp and High Adventure trips. A SignUpGenius has been set up at:
https://tinyurl.com/yb7l8l78
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
Explorers are for high school and college age boys and girls.
Vocational and networking experiences – no advancement or badges.
Some recruit in the summer, others in the fall.
Current Explorers in Montgomery County:
– 742 – Emergency Medicine & First Responders – at Wheaton Volunteer Fire Department
– 1010 – Robotics & Rocketry – at Rockville Science Center
– 1711 – Performing Arts – in Rockville
– 1984 – Medical Careers – at Suburban Hospital
– 1986 – Law Enforcement/Police – at Montgomery Public Safety
Join us for Trainer’s EDGE on Saturday, August 25 at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Potomac, MD. This course is required for all trainers who train on the District and Council levels (including Wood Badge/NYLT staff). Unit leaders, Commissioners, and anyone else who would like to learn to communicate ideas better are welcome to attend.
Since this is an important topic – there will be updates on the unit progress. Will your unit be the first unit to have 100% of their leaders trained?
Please report your Summer Camps to Gordon Henley, (District Commissioner.
For each camping experience (including High Adventure, NYLT, camp staff – both inside & ESPECIALLY outside NCAC):
- unit #
- dates of camp
- camp name & location
- # of Scouts attended
- # of adults attended
THANKS – needed right after camp trip latest.
Ticket order form: http://www.milb.com/documents/5/3/8/276814538/2018_Scout_Night_1.pdf
Come out to the Frederick Keys on Saturday, August 11, 2018 and get a great deal. Game, Fireworks, Movie and Optional Sleep on the Field! See attached flyer for details. (note: if you sleep on the field, bring a tent that does NOT require stakes.)
Units are able to register even if they were not scheduled to attend the rained out game from June.
– Bring a friend. Earn the BSA Recruiting patch if they become a Scout.
– Family Scouting (Cub Scout Program only). Packs are encouraged to also invite girls that may be interested in joining. Be sure your unit is versed in Family Scouting requirements.
– This is an excellent opportunity to introduce families and cub scouts to camping in a very low key environment.
– Tickets are 30% below box office prices.
– Show your pack pride: Class B or A uniform event.
Frederick Keys contact is George Cluster at gcluster@frederickkeys.com
– District contacts are George Goldsmith (George_goldsmith@freddiemac.com) or Howard Lichtman (hjlichtman@lichtman.ws) for more information.
Every Youth in Scouting Deserves a Trained Leader
What Makes a Trained Leader? You are considered a trained leader when you have completed leader position-specific training for your position and have current Youth Protection training. (Taken from the Adult Leader application)
It is important for all adults to complete their specific position training so that each youth in scouting has quality leadership. This includes not only the direct contact leadership, committee members and all parents/guardian of all of the youth.
Do you realize that having leaders that have not taken the specific position training reflects on the Unit and the youth? Untrained leadership can not only effect the youth, the quality programing, and safety of all who are involved. Each year a form is submitted to BSA at reregistering/rechartering time that reflects the heath of the Unit.
For those who are registered with BSA, when you signed the adult form you signed that you would take the position specific training.
My.scouting.org web site has given you the opportunity to take online training for all Cub Scout positions including Pack Committee. Boy Scout and Venturing can take all training on line, including Committee and Merit Badge, except for the required outdoor segments. Cub Scout leaders and parents who wish to take the Cub Scouts out camping must take the in person Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). Most of the training is in segments so that you can go back and complete the training on your own schedule.
Learn better by taking training in person – Montgomery Service Area has published a pamphlet with all the training with in Montgomery County in 2018 & 2019. Keep checking the web site for training updates as the pamphlet will reflect any new training opportunities.
Please take the time and take the training that you promised to take when you signed your adult form.
For assistance or questions please contact: Mary Lou Gundersen, 301-869-5625, mdtrainingrecords@comcast.net.
Leader Requirements (Taken from the adult form)
Adult leaders must possess the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the BSA deems necessary for positive leadership to youth.
They must also:
- Abide by the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Scouter Code of Conduct. The Scouter Code of Conduct can be found at www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/Scouter_Code_of_Conduct.pdf.
- Subscribe to the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle.
- Reside within the USA or a U.S. territory, or be a U.S. citizen residing outside the USA.
- Respect and obey the laws of the United States of America.
- Be 21 years of age or older for primary leadership positions. • Be 18 years of age or older for assistant leadership positions.
- Complete Youth Protection training (YPT) before application is processed and renew training as required.
- Review the disclosure information related to the BSA’s background check process and complete and sign a Background Check Authorization form.
- Take leader position-specific training.
- Hold only one position within the same unit. The chartered organization representative may multiple as the committee chair or a committee member.
A closed trailer is being donated. Current owner wants it to go to a Boy Scout unit. It is currently being stored in the Gaithersburg area. Pictures can be found
here. If you represent a unit and are interested please contact
Bill Majurski.
Every registered adult leader and volunteer needs needs to take the new Youth Protection Training (YPT2) by September 30.
The Patuxent District is excited to announce, we will be hosting an in person, no-fee, YPT 2.0 Training. Our training committee will consist of Nick Adams, Danielle Ballantine, and George Martin.
The training will be at Holy Redeemer Elementary School Four Seasons Room, 4092 Berwyn Road, College Park, MD 20740 on Tuesday July 24th.
Northeast Region Seabadge Conference (SB-38-DE-2018) is scheduled for Friday to Sunday, October 5-7, 2018.
APPLICATION DUE DATE SEPTEMBER 7th
What: Northeast Region Seabadge Conference (SB-38-DE-2018)
When: Friday to Sunday, 5-7 October, 2018.
Where: Delaware National Guard Training Site,
Bethany Beach, DE 163 Scannell Blvd.,
Bethany Beach, DE 19930-9770
Who & Why: Best training for Sea Scout Scouters, or ANY adult Scouter interested in the support of Sea Scouting.
How Much& How Do: Application Deadline 7 September SHARP !
Download the application :
http://nerseascout.org/SB-38-DE%2018%20Participant%20r1.pdf
Questions:
Course Director Wayne A. Stacey
N3qji@mchsi.com
(302) 841-9412 (work/cell)
Our Scouting Families, who are familiar with Autism, may be interested in event coming up on September 7, at the Strathmore Music Center.
The Rockville Science Center Presents Dr. Temple Grandin, autistic scientist and author. Dr. Grandin is well known as a successful autistic individual who has written extensively on the subject of autism. She has capitalized on her ability to see in pictures to understand the sensory perceptions of different species and address their needs.
Many of our autistic scout families know Dr. Grandin from her appearance on TV, her TED Talks, and her public presentations. She is on Times list of 100 people who most affect our world. She is an inspiration to all.
The event is at The Strathmore Music center, on September 7, 2018, at 7:30 PM
The link to the ticket site is
https://www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/temple-grandin
Flyer
We will be doing some popcorn tasting and a discussion on how to maximize our sales in our district. I will also give tips on how my pack has sold over $20,000 last year. Lastly I would like to hear from our unit popcorn kernels on what can be improved to help us reach our goals. All unit popcorn kernels should attend and non-selling units are encouraged to send a representative.
Thursday, July 26
6:30pm
LOCATION UPDATED
Montgomery Village LDS Church
20020 Montgomery Village Ave
Montgomery Village, MD
Questions contact Kelly Wratkowski
Many of our units from the Damascus area will be marching in the Parade this coming Friday July, 13th night @7:00pm. Line up is at 6:00pm in the Weis parking lot.
I have connected with our Venturing Crew at the Damascus Fire Department and we will have the canopies there on Saturday starting at 8:00am. The fire department will have lots of action going on (first aid, face painting, moon bounce, balloons, Fire Safety Demos and much more). We will be there with promoting Scouting for all area Packs, Troops and Crews!
Everyone is welcome to stop in and help out!
Ron Bridge
To keep you Scouting this summer, we’re extending a discount for Lenhok’sin High Adventure at the Goshen Scout Reservation to those whose Philmont trips were cancelled due to the Philmont backcountry closure. To register with this discount, please contact Philip.Barbash@Scouting.org directly.
For more information on Philmont programs, schedules, and closures, please visit www.philmontscoutranch.org.
We will be doing some popcorn tasting and a discussion on how to maximize our sales in our district. I will also give tips on how my pack has sold over $20,000 last year. Lastly I would like to hear from our unit popcorn kernels on what can be improved to help us reach our goals. All unit popcorn kernels should attend and non-selling units are encouraged to send a representative.
Thursday, July 26
6:30pm
Kingsview LDS Church
18900 Kingsview Dr
Germantown, MD
Questions contact Kelly Wratkowski
PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH ANNOUNCES CLOSURE FOR 2018 SUMMER SEASON – 7/5/18
After careful consideration of the situation and available options, the difficult but prudent decision has been made that the Philmont backcountry will remain closed for treks and individual programs for the remainder of the 2018 summer season. This means that the following programs scheduled for this summer are canceled: 7- and 12-day treks; and individual backcountry programs, including Rayado, ROCS, Trail Crew, STEM and Ranch Hands.
Refund Checks for all affected crews will be sent to the lead contact advisor on Monday, July 9, 2018. Over the next few days, our staff will be contacting the lead advisor or contingent leader of these crews confirming the refund, offering a trek at Philmont for the 2020 season, and answering any questions. Please wait and allow the Philmont team to contact your crew – your assistance will help make sure that Philmont phone lines remain open. Your cooperation will be most appreciated. While High Adventure opportunities are at capacity at Northern Tier and the Florida Sea Base, there are opportunities at The Summit and they would be happy to accommodate your crew.
What: JOTA’s younger brother, JOTI is an annual Scouting event that uses the Internet and the numerous devices that are used to get online — laptops, iPads and more — to link Scouts from around the world.
When: JOTI begins at 00:00 hours local time on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, and will end at 24:00 hours local time on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018.
Who: Scouts and Venturers of any age, plus their families.
How: Scouts can participate at home with the help of an adult (remember two-deep leadership), or they can participate in a Scout group at a councilwide event. JOTI is an economical way of communicating with people from other corners of the globe. The event allows Scouts to “meet” other Scouts from around the world through the Internet and share more information than just “hi.”
Where to find help: Contact your local council. They may already have an event set up that your Scouts can attend.
Learn more: Get resources, quick-start guides, patch order forms and lots more at the JOTI website.
Just for fun: Check out this archive of JOTI patches through the years.
Safety tip: Scouts should learn the rules of safe internet use by earning the BSA’s digital training tool, the Cyber Chip, before they participate in JOTI.
What: Annual Scouting event that uses amateur radio to link Scouts around the world, across the country and in your own community.
When: Third full weekend of October (this year it’s Oct. 19-21, 2018). There are no official hours, so you have the whole weekend to make JOTA contacts. The event officially starts Friday evening and runs through Sunday evening.
Who: Scouts and Venturers of any age, plus their families.
How: Once at the ham radio station, the communication typically requires speaking into a microphone and listening on the station speakers. However, many forms of specialized communication can also take place, such as video communication, digital communication using typed words on the computer screen transmitted by radio, communication through a satellite relay or an earth-based relay (called a repeater), and many others.
Where to find help: Contact your local council. They may already have an event set up that your Scouts can attend. Otherwise, find a local American Radio Relay League club here.
Learn more: Get resources, quick-start guides, patch order forms and lots more at the JOTA website.
Just for fun: Check out this archive of JOTA patches through the years.
Bonus tip: If your unit or council wants to participate in JOTA but doesn’t have an amateur radio station, hope is not lost. Icom America and the BSA have a sponsorship agreement that began in 2012 and now extends through 2018. One aspect of that agreement is that Icom America will provide up to 10 complete amateur radio stations for use by local Scout councils. Stations can be requested for long-term development loan stations and for event loan stations. You can find the details, application and loan agreement here.
Interested in earning an award for an active Cub Scout summer?
Do three activities, one each in June, July & August – Complete the paperwork and submit it to council.
You can earn a streamer for your pack flag, a ribbon for participating dens, and pins for youth attendance.
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33748.pdf
Bring blankets and chairs to sit or lie on the lawn for this annual meteor watching party at Observatory Park.
The event is from 10:00 PM – 01:00 AM
Turn your eyes skyward and enjoy the amazing sights from Observatory Park, home to the historic Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory.
Location:
Observatory Park
100 DeSellum Avenue
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
As always, stargazing events are weather permitting. Last minute announcements will be posted on the Museum’s Facebook page. Also, please note that there are no restrooms available, and parking adjacent to Observatory Park is very limited. There will be overflow parking available in the St. Martin’s field at the corner of DeSellum Avenue and Route 355, one block from the park.
We have an opportunity for an introduction to Astronomy in the Gaithersburg area. Join us for a special Astronomy Day to explore the historic Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory,
What: An Intro to Astronomy
When : Friday 5 October 2018, 3:30pm – 5pm
Where: the historic Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory, 100 DeSellum Ave., Gaithersburg, MD
Who: Any interested Young Person Cub/Brownie, Home Schooler and their Parent
Why: A special Astronomy Day. Explore space near Earth! Create a model of the Earth-Sun-Moon orbit, train like an astronaut, learn about telescopes, and observe the Sun through the Observatory’s special solar telescopes.
How Much & How Do? $5 per child; reservations must be made as a group.
No cost for chaperones. Payment by check taken at gate.
Bring: Each child should have a pen/pencil and a clipboard, plus a compass for the group.
Reservations Required: When you reserve you will be given a start time for your group. If the weather does not cooperate, registered groups will be contacted with a make up date.
For Reservations and Information: Obtain the registration form from Karen Lottes karen.lottes@gaithersburgmd.gov or 240-805-1120.
Gaithersburg Community Museum
9 S. Summit Ave.
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
We are taking a break in July – See you in August!
If you’re fascinated by celestial events, then mark your calendar for the following meteor shower happening from July 17th to August 24th in its usual time frame, with the peak being on the nights of August 11-12 and August 12-13.
The goal of this BSA Outdoor Ethics Orientation Course is to introduce the concept of Outdoor Ethics to a group with little experience in outdoor ethics in a fun and engaging way. It should help youth and adults at all program levels understand the general principles behind Scouting’s outdoor ethics program. There are hands-on activities. You will take away references to resources that will help you to learn more about outdoor ethics.
Audience: All adult Scouters, and Boy Scout and Venturer youth
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the class, lecture, discussion and practical sessions the participants should have:
– Knowledge of the Outdoor Code and Outdoor Ethics
– Knowledge of how Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly! and The Land Ethic / Stewardship support the Outdoor Code
– Knowledge of Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action Awards Program
– Knowledge to locate additional Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly! and BSA outdoor ethics resources and opportunities for further training
A donation of $2 will be appreciated to cover the cost of materials. This is a 1.5 hour course.
You will receive proof of your completion of the course.
Dates: Saturday, 7/14/2018, or Saturday, 8/4/2018
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 am
Course location: Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg MD
RSVP required at least 2 days before the class to Paul Schimke, paul@schimke.org. You will be provided with more detailed location information when you RSVP. Give Paul a call at 301-906-0069 if you have any questions.
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/
With the upcoming season – a reminder about older Boy Scouts driving themselves to camp based on the Guide to Safe Scouting – In short:
Not Allowed.
Have a leader needing a bit of motivation or looking for something to do? Send them to Wood Badge! This course will inspire your leaders to be involved and if they are already involved it will provide them the tools they need to be the best leaders you can get!
Flyer
Are you looking to take Scouts into the Back Country or Backpacking next year?
Then you need to take BCOLS and learn all the tips and tricks you’ll need out in the wilderness! NCAC has 3 course dates setup over the next year – check out the attached flyer and signup today!
Please pass this along to anyone you know that is interested in being a mock victim!
Volunteers can register on the CERTCON Website at http://certcon.org
2018 CERTCON, the Mid-Atlantic conference for Community Emergency Response Teams, is conducting mass casualty emergency preparedness exercises. These exercises enable our teams to practice responding to large scale emergencies.
We are asking for volunteers to play the role of residents who are victims of a natural disaster. Mock victims will be able to choose their level of injury. We need all types of roles from highly dramatic with little trauma to highly traumatic with little drama. Some volunteers may choose to play entirely non-moulaged victims such as family members, worried well, and psychologically injured patients. All roles are vital in making the scenario as realistic as possible for the responders.
A variety of Moulage (simulated casualty makeup) will be applied by Moulage Technicians. Victims will be briefed on the scenario, safety information, and basic acting skills and then placed in the simulated cityscape or in the high rise building. First responders will assess, triage (level of injury/severity will be rated) and simulate lifesaving treatment. Victims will be moved to a casualty collection point for procedural treatment and then transport to hospitals will be simulated.
Because of the graphic nature of this event, we limit victims to age 14 and above and minors will be required to have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian. Montgomery County Public School SSL hours will be honored, and forms will be available. This is a secured location and a state-issued ID is required. A change of clothes is recommended.
Date: Sunday, June 24, 2018
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Check-In
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
– Role Player assignments
– Moulage application (makeup applied to simulate injuries)
– Role player briefing will be conducted to explain the scenario situation in greater detail, safety procedures, and what actions will be expected of the mock victims
– Actor/role players will interface with emergency responders – they will be assessed, triaged, and simulated treatment will occur
– Hospital transport will be simulated – emergency vehicle transport to actual hospitals will not occur
– A hot wash/debriefing (evaluation of the exercise) will be conducted
– Actor/role players will complete a Participant Feedback Form based on the experience
– Volunteer check-out
Further details will be emailed to those who have registered.
Questions?
Contact Kristen Wear, Moulage Coordinator, Montgomery County CERT at kwear67@gmail.com
It appears that your Boy Scout Roundtable commissioner is unable to read calendars correctly or else he has a really really bad “cut and paste” issue. Our annual Barbecue is THURSDAY, JUNE 14TH!
Hot Dogs and Hamburgers will be provided. Thursday, JUNE 14, 2018 from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm at the Montgomery Village LDS Church. You need to RSVP BY THIS WEDNESDAY!
At our monthly Boy Scout Round Table we will be having the first of our regular discussions on Family Scouting and how it will work with the Scouting program. We will attempt to have the latest information from National and will pass along as much as possible. Please plan on attending for valuable information and bring your questions. Even if we can’t get them answered at Round Table, we’ll find the answers or the folks that have the answers and get them for you. We plan on discussing Family Scouting on a monthly basis as details of the program become available.
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
Many of you watching the events of the Ute Park Fire unfold at Philmont are asking how you can help. The situation is on-going and dynamic so Philmont won’t know all of what it needs for days or weeks to come. We do know, however, that the need is going to be real and substantial. Philmont has insurance for fire damage, but will need significant help for things that are likely not covered, such as reseeding and reforestation, repair of roads and bridges, trail reconstruction, and staff support.
For now, if you’d like to help by giving to the PSA, we’ll work with Philmont to determine how best to apply your donation when the time comes. Your contribution may not go directly to repair or rebuild a lost building, but rest assured it will go to continue making Philmont a premiere high-adventure experience for Scouts for years to come. This is not a PSA fundraiser – 100% of your contribution will go to Philmont for fire support.
Attention Philmont Scout Ranch trekkers. We’re extending a discount for Lenhok’sin High Adventure at the Goshen Scout Reservation to those whose Philmont trips were cancelled due to the Ute Park Fire.
For registration please contact us directly through the
Goshen Scout Reservation website, and we’ll help to keep you Scouting this summer.
One of the important results of our Program Launch event, held May 10, is the new edition of our “Directory of Sources and Resources” for scouters in the Montgomery Area. The current edition includes references to professional scouters, volunteer leaders, government agencies and offices, commercial enterprises, and others. Scouters can read or download the latest version from my “dropbox” at
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nx4r0f1tp103pik/Scouts%2C%20Sources%20and%20Resoures%2C%202018-19.pdfOne way to use this document is to paste it into a spreadsheet on your computer. You can then arrange it as you wish; by name, by subject, by organization or whatever. You can also add notes of your own.
The new school calendar has been published.
The Montgomery County School Calendar is available
here
Attention All Units –
We are pushing collection of all open or pending applications being held by units before end of June. Please bring all applications to Roundtable next week to hand in with fees as needed.
We need all applications in the unit pipeline finished and in from Lions to new Boy Scout transfers at this meeting.
We will post promptly and get Scouts ready for summer activities. Call if you need a pickup.
Adults also.
Thanks in Advance
YIDS
Commissioner Gordon
Should I, Shouldn’t I? This event will have a theme of ethics in STEM. This is the biannual STEM Nova Day for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts! Scouts may select from various Adventures, Merit Badges and Nova Awards. Each Scout may select from up to 2 half-day courses. Register here:
https://www.ncacbsa.org/activitiesevents/stem/stem-events/
At our monthly Boy Scout Round Table we will be having the first of our regular discussions on Family Scouting and how it will work with the Scouting program. We will attempt to have the latest information from National and will pass along as much as possible. Please plan on attending for valuable information and bring your questions. Even if we can’t get them answered at Round Table, we’ll find the answers or the folks that have the answers and get them for you. We plan on discussing Family Scouting on a monthly basis as details of the program become available.
Hot Dogs and Hamburgers will be provided. Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm at the Montgomery Village LDS Church.
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
The Seneca NewsFlash will be moving to a new format. It could be as soon as next week, but you can expect to receive the NewsFlash from
seneca.newsflash@ncacbsa.org in a new format.
Below is what the header looks like
I am in the process of importing all the email addresses. So the timing of the change will depend on when I complete the migration.
Lynn
Currently we’re at just over 90% of our 2018 Friends of Scouting goal! Thanks to all of the units that have hosted presentations and to all of the families that have contributed so far. If your unit has not had a presentation, please contact Phil Dennis at
phil@dennis-family.org. If you have not made your individual pledge, please contact Phil so he can get you the information needed to make a contribution.
IMPORTANT NEWS!!!!! IF SENECA REACHES THEIR FOS GOAL BEFORE THE JUNE 14 ROUND TABLE, PHIL DENNIS WILL TAKE A PIE TO THE FACE IN CELEBRATION OF OUR ACHIEVEMENT!
Thanks for all that you do.
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Friends of Scouting Chairman)
With Youth Protection Training 2 now up and running a new Youth on Youth training was released especially for Camp and Program Directors. Because of the many concerns of child abuse and youth mistreating other youth we have been asked to share the highlights of this training with as many of you as is possible. Therefore, we are offering ALL Cubmasters, Pack Coordinators and Den Walkers an opportunity to join us at the June Cub Scout Roundtable on Thursday June 14th at 7:30pm at the LDS church on Montgomery Village Avenue.
The Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders meet together for the first 15-20 minutes and then separate into breakout meetings. During the breakout time will be when the training will be held.
We encourage all, especially Den walkers, to attend so they can be more up to date with Camp policies. This will not replace the Den Walker walk through meeting at Madison Fields on June 24th @ 1pm but will hopefully reach more of you.
June 14th @ 6:30 is also the time when the Pack Coordinators will be handing in paperwork and picking up the BRAND NEW RED CAMP SHIRTS!!
We look forward to seeing many of you at Roundtable.
Maggie and Kathy
At our monthly Boy Scout Roundtable we will be having the first of our regular discussions on Family Scouting and how it will work with the Scouting program. Please plan on attending for valuable information.
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
The June Cub Scout roundtable will be joining with the Boy Scout Roundtable, opening with a grill out and potluck. Please bring a dish, appetizer, or dessert you enjoy to share. We will then be breaking out to discuss day camp and for committee members, planning for next year’s pack, including activities, leadership, and fundraising. We will also be updating on the family scouting initiative as it applies to the Cub Scout program.
If you just became a new leader, now is an excellent time to see how the Roundtable program can help you, and for our experienced scouters, we always appreciate your sharing what you’ve learned so far, and hope to further your own knowledge.
We look forward to seeing you. Thursday, June 14th, food starts at 6:30 until 7:30pm and roundtable starts at 7:30, Montgomery Village LDS church.
Dr. Zalaya at the Board of Elections has shared important announcements this week:
Montgomery County Board of Elections Recruiting for “Future Vote” Program
MCPS allows students to earn student service learning (SSL) hours the summer after completing Grade 5. School-age students, grades 6-12 are needed to participate in the “Future Vote” Program. Future Vote students will serve as Election Day Ambassadors during the 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election on Tuesday, June 26. Students and their guardians must attend mandatory training to participate in the Future Vote Program and, if applicable, students will receive Student Service Learning (SSL) credits.
– Students 16 years old or older are eligible to register to vote and serve as election workers. Each minor must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Maryland State Board of Elections, that they meet all qualifications for registration in the State. Students serving as election workers may choose to earn up to $210 or 25 Student Service Learning (SSL) credits in lieu of the stipend. (ELECTION JUDGE REGISTRATION:
https://www4.montgomerycountymd.gov/BoardOfElections/qA.seam)
– Due to the diversity within the county, voters who speak multiple languages are also needed. Voters who are fluent in both English and Spanish are especially needed in each polling place to meet the requirements of Section 203 of the 1975 Voting Rights Act which stipulates that bilingual Spanish speakers be available at the polling places.
Montgomery County Board of Election Future Vote Initiative: Students help facilitate voting process!
Vote: Unique Montgomery County program gets students involved in politics (Capitol News Service)
Gilberto “Dr. Z” Zelaya II, Ph.D., CERA
Montgomery County Board of Elections
18753-210 N. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20879-3121
Office: 240.777.8532; Fax: 240.777.8632; Cellular: 240.508.4820
Election related information (24/7)/Para información electoral (24 horas):
www.777vote.org; 240.777.VOTE (8683)
ATTENTION: Board of Elections is seeking registered voters with Spanish speaking fluency to serve as election judges.
With Youth Protection Training 2 now up and running a new Youth on Youth training was released especially for Camp and Program Directors. Because of the many concerns of child abuse and youth mistreating other youth we have been asked to share the highlights of this training with as many of you as is possible. Therefore, we are offering ALL Cubmasters, Pack Coordinators and Den Walkers an opportunity to join us at the June Cub Scout Roundtable on Thursday June 14th at 7:30pm at the LDS church on Montgomery Village Avenue.
The Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders meet together for the first 15-20 minutes and then separate into breakout meetings. During the breakout time will be when the training will be held.
We encourage all, especially Den walkers, to attend so they can be more up to date with Camp policies. This will not replace the Den Walker walk through meeting at Madison Fields on June 24th @ 1pm but will hopefully reach more of you.
June 14th @ 6:30 is also the time when the Pack Coordinators will be handing in paperwork and picking up the BRAND NEW RED CAMP SHIRTS!!
We look forward to seeing many of you at Roundtable.
Maggie and Kathy
STEM University is an annual event held by the NCAC STEM Committee. This year it will be at the Microsoft Technology Center in Reston, Virginia.
The event includes a youth science fair, adult leader trainings, and Cub Scout activities led by Venture Scouts & Boy Scouts. Leader trainings include the following:
12:45 – 1:45 PM: Period 1 class (Trainings include: BSA STEM Roadmap to Success – focus on Troops | STEM in Cub Scout Advancement | STEM & Special Needs)
1:55 – 3:25PM : Period 2 class (Trainings include: Supernova Mentor & Nova Counselor Training, Hands-on Science Experiments, Large STEM Event Planning)
Trisha Dalal
STEM Coordinator
National Capital Area Council
Physics is Phun show presented at a high-school level, Full Spectrum will feature exciting demonstrations related to optical physics and technology.
Both events will be presented in the John S. Toll Physics Building at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. (
http://tinyurl.com/tollbuilding) From 7-8:30pm.
Additional detail found at the University of Maryland
website.
Last chance to Register! The event is next week!
Come out and celebrate the recognition of our District Award of Merit awardees and the Seneca Outstanding Unit Scouter Award (SOUSA) recipients! We’ll have good company and a fine dinner on Tuesday evening, May 22, 6:30 PM at the Washington-Rockville Elks, Lodge No. 15.
Location:
Washington-Rockville Elks
Lodge No. 15
5 Taft Court
Rockville, Md. 20850
Menu:
Top Round of Beef, Boneless Chicken Breast, Buttered Carrots, Tossed Garden Salad, au gratin Potatoes, rolls, coffee, and tea.
Cost:
The cost for registration and walk-ins at the door is $35.00 per person.
Let’s celebrate the many volunteers within Seneca District who do so much for all of us in our Packs, Troops, Teams and Crews and our District where they do so much good work!!!
A Physics Discovery Day for upper elementary students and their parents, Mission: Optics will feature demonstrations and hands-on activities related to light and optics. Registration is required for this program, sign up at
http://bit.ly/missionoptics. From 10am to Noon.
Additional detail found at the University of Maryland
website.
At Camp William B. Snyder in Haymarket, VA
1. Introduction to Leadership for Crews (all day)
-or-
2. Time Management and Goal Setting (half day)
Check In for Day Pass registrants is Sat 7-9am, on the porch of the Hylton/Admin building.. Bring a water bottle and a bag lunch 🙂
Anyone registered with a day pass can join the other exciting camporee activities for free — stay as long as you want, even overnight!
Shooting sports: Tomahawks, Air Rifles, Archery
New Giant-Sized Games: Jenga, Yahtzee, Twister (you’ll want to see this!)
Field games: gaga ball, horseshoes, corn hole, capture the flag, & more
Inside games: board games, cards, arts & crafts, signature scavenger hunt, & more
STEM activities: Rube Goldberg, Egg Launch, Telegraph
Don’t forget to attend the Council Court of Honor at 7:30pm honoring Council Venturing Leadership Award Class of 2017!
STEM Day Camp and Resident Camp – July 23-26 and July 27-29, 2018, Camp Snyder
Open to elementary age Cub Scouts and siblings. Scouts will work on 2 Nova Awards through their exploration with hydraulics, soldering and 3D printing, while also enjoying shooting sports and aquatics.
Build a Quadcopter, July 1-7 and July 29 – August 4, 2018, Goshen Scout Reservation
Build your own drone during STEM challenges Week. Webelos are welcomed during Week 2 (July 1-7) and provisional Scouts are welcomed July 29- August 4.
Youth may display Supernova projects and/or take part in hands-on activities. Adults may take training for Nova Counselor and Supernova Mentor positions.
BSA Announces Name of Older Scout Program! Scouts BSA welcomes girls and boys in 2018!
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) made history today by unveiling the new Scout Me In campaign that features girls, as well as boys, in its iconic Cub Scout program for the first time. Starting this summer, all kids are invited to say, “Scout Me In,” as they join the fun, adventure and character-building opportunities found in Cub Scouts. The campaign presents an energizing Scouting experience that speaks to kids by putting them in the middle of the action. It also engages parents who are looking for ways to make the most of the time they have with their kids and help them to be Prepared. For Life.
Starting in February 2019, the name of BSA’s older youth program will be Scouts BSA. The name of our iconic organization will continue to be Boy Scouts of America. This shows that Scouting is the heart of our program, for both boys and girls.
For more information about both these stories read this
articleLots of other great information has been put out, including updated graphic files. Here are links to check out and share with your units and other Scouting families:
Matthew Beyers
Chair, Seneca District
Northeast Region Seabadge Conference (SB-38-DE-2018) is scheduled for Friday to Sunday, October 5-7, 2018. Due to the high demand for the limited number of participant openings, your immediate attention is requested.
Seabadge is an advanced training experience for Sea Scout adult leaders, Committee Members and other members in Scouting at the Unit, District, Council, Area or Flotilla, Regional or National levels that support the Sea Scout program. The purposes of the Seabadge experience are:
1. Improve the understanding of leadership, management, and motivational skills among Sea Scout adult leaders.
2. Provide management, leadership, and presentation skills and tools to leaders so that they may use and share them with others in day-to-day Sea Scout activities.
3. Use the skills and tools acquired at Seabadge to improve the quality of the Sea Scout program.
4. Encourage the development of lifelong contacts and sharing of resources by and between course participants and staff.
Come to experience an opportunity to get the hands on knowledge and practical resources to provide a challenging and fun outdoor program for your older youth. Powder Horn is the vessel to sustain the spirit of the outdoors in our youth today. Along with the spirit of the outdoors, you will also gather knowledge to share, motivate and direct youth. Powder Horn will give you the necessary skills to oversee a high adventure program. It will also help you identify local resources for your group’s program.
Powder Horn is organized around the Venturing Program’s High Adventure elements and Boy Scouting’s High Adventure Merit badge elements. It is intended to help adult leaders get started finding and using the resources for high-adventure programs.
All registered adult leaders and youth (14 and up) are welcome. All participants must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America. Adults must have completed Leader Specific Training for your registered position. Youth participants must have a letter of recommendation from their Scoutmaster or Advisor
Scouters will practice and internalize the leadership skills taught at Wood Badge in this action-packed, experiential backcountry conference. PLC underscores the values of Scouting, teamwork, and team development; and it promotes the concepts of servant leadership.
You will camp in a team setting that enables participants to use the Wood Badge leadership skills to resolve challenging situations. You will spend five nights in a two-person platform tent at Rayado Ridge Leadership Camp; showers are available and you will prepare and eat meals with other participants and faculty. On Day 4, you will hike 4 miles one-way to Zastrow where you will camp in a two-person backpacking tent on the ground. At Zastrow, you will prepare and eat Philmont trail meals with your crew. You will participate in a two-hour conservation project and hike to Lover’s Leap.
NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) is the National Capital Area Council’s presentation of the National Youth Leadership Training. The objective of our NYLT program is to equip our young people with leadership skills to help them succeed in their scouting program and in life. NYLT brings together scouts from all over the Council to learn and practice the leadership techniques in a risk free, scout friendly environment. The Scouts learn and practice leadership skills and styles together.
The course is presented primarily using a Boy Scout model as the vehicle which allows all attendees to see how leadership skills fit into the scouting program. These leadership skills are applicable to all scouting programs.
While it remains the responsibility of the unit leaders to train the youth leaders, this course is designed to supplement the adult leaders’ role in the training process. NYLT skills build on the fundamental leadership skills presented in the unit basic leadership training in their home unit.
Do you want to choose which movie we should see at the Keys game on June 2, 2018?!
See you at the game!
Matthew Beyers
For those interested in going to the Frederick Keys game on June 2, 2018, they have about 300 seats left for preferred seating.
Get ’em while they’re hot!
Matt
A special 2018 William T. Hornaday – Colin Livingstone Hike will be available on Saturday, May 26th, 2018. The Hornaday Wildlife Conservation-based award honors the man who was the head taxidermist at the Smithsonian, helped establish the National Zoo, and was the first Director of what is now called the Bronx Zoo. He is widely credited with saving the American bison from extinction.
There will be a limit of 750 hike spaces and only 750 special awards will be available. There will be no limit to the number of Livingstone medals available.
To learn more or register, visit us
hereCome out and celebrate the recognition of our District Award of Merit awardees and the Seneca Outstanding Unit Scouter Award (SOUSA) recipients! We’ll have good company and a fine dinner on Tuesday evening, May 22, 6:30 PM at the Washington-Rockville Elks, Lodge No. 15.
Location:
Washington-Rockville Elks
Lodge No. 15
5 Taft Court
Rockville, Md. 20850
Menu:
Top Round of Beef, Boneless Chicken Breast, Buttered Carrots, Tossed Garden Salad, au gratin Potatoes, rolls, coffee, and tea.
Cost:
The cost for registration is $30.00 per person through May 13. The cost for late registration and walk-ins at the door is $35.00 per person.
Let’s celebrate the many volunteers within Seneca District who do so much for all of us in our Packs, Troops, Teams and Crews and our District where they do so much good work!!!
Seneca, Potomac & White Oak Districts are having a joint Montgomery Service Area Program Launch 2018-2019 for the next Scouting year. This event is our annual forum for letting Scout leaders, parents and youth meet with vendors and others in our community to learn about Scouting and opportunities for activities in Montgomery County. Every unit should have scouts and scouters attend!
Learn about Zip Lines, rock climbing, conservation, camping, cooking, backpacking and many other program ideas including district and council events. Come for program ideas and learn about community service opportunities from county and many local agencies in the area. This is a great source to find Eagle Scout Projects in the Metro area!
Doors to the program space will open for visitors at 7:00 p.m. Exhibits will be packed up at 9:00 PM. Let your commissioner know that you plan to attend so that he will not have to pick up your materials or take notes you will want to take for yourself.
The combined program inaugurated this year recognizes that many vendors and firms as well as education, public safety, health and welfare services and other programs that contribute to Scouting are provided in our county as a whole.
We encourage all Scout leaders, parents, and others interested to join us at this event. It is being held right here in our area and is organized to be brief but instructive — and great fun on that evening
Date & Time: Thursday May 10 – 7 to 9 PM
Location: Faith United Methodist Church
6810 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD 20852 (I-270 @ Montrose Rd Exit)
For those interested in going to the Frederick Keys game on June 2, 2018, they have about 300 seats left for preferred seating.
Get ’em while they’re hot!
Matt
Come out and celebrate the recognition of our District Award of Merit awardees and the Seneca Outstanding Unit Scouter Award (SOUSA) recipients! We’ll have good company and a fine dinner on Tuesday evening, May 22, 6:30 PM at the Washington-Rockville Elks, Lodge No. 15.
Location:
Washington-Rockville Elks
Lodge No. 15
5 Taft Court
Rockville, Md. 20850
Menu:
Top Round of Beef, Boneless Chicken Breast, Buttered Carrots, Tossed Garden Salad, au gratin Potatoes, rolls, coffee, and tea.
Cost:
The cost for registration is $30.00 per person through May 13. The cost for late registration and walk-ins at the door is $35.00 per person.
Let’s celebrate the many volunteers within Seneca District who do so much for all of us in our Packs, Troops, Teams and Crews and our District where they do so much good work!!!
Tom Kennedy (Seneca District Eagle Co-Chair) will be on vacation and not have access to voicemail or e-mail from May 10-25. Please direct all questions regarding Eagle Advancement, Eagle Scout Proposals or the May 25 Eagle Boards to Christine Jeffrey (Seneca District Eagle Co-Chair).
Reminder – we are not holding our normal Roundtables on May 10. Instead we invite you to attend the
County-wide Program Launch at the Faith United Methodist Church.
If you have not already done so, please submit your Awardees for the Seneca District Outstanding Unit Scouter Award – “SOUSA”. The cutoff date is May 4, 2018 (this Friday.)
The Seneca District Outstanding Unit Scouter Award – “SOUSA” is a unit level award that gives recognition to registered adult Scouters for their significant contributions to their respective units during the 2017 calendar year. It is a District award presented on behalf of units in the same way that the District Award of Merit is a council award presented by the District, and the Silver Beaver Award is a national award presented by the council.
Who is Eligible?
· Scouters (adult leaders, uniformed or otherwise) registered at the unit level in troops, packs, ships, venture, or varsity units.
· Units are limited to two recipients per year for this award. PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BOTH AWARDS!
Who is Not Eligible?
· Recipients of this award or equivalent the past two (2) years. Equivalent awards include the Bowline, Spark Plug, or Pinnacle Awards, or other former District unit Scouter award.
How are Recipients Selected and Who Selects Them?
· Recipients are selected and designated by their units based on their significant contributions to the unit within the calendar year Jan 1, 2017 through Dec 31, 2017. The definition of “significant” is entirely at the discretion of the unit leader or unit committee chair submitting the award.
· The Seneca District Adult Recognition Committee accepts, without review, Awardees that comply with the eligibility criteria above.
How do Units Submit Awardees?
· Units (usually the unit leader or committee chairman) submit the names of their Awardees by email.
·
Send to Tom Kennedy (
tckenne@comcast.net) NO LATER THAN May 4, 2018.
Please put [SOUSA] in the subject line of your e-mail so we don’t miss it! Please don’t wait till the last minute‼ May 4 is a hard stop.
· Please include a detailed and specific “Statement of Outstanding Service” (a paragraph of 3-5 Sentences (50 to 100 words) describing the Awardee’s contribution that the award is based upon. (Paragraphs will be posted on the Seneca District website recognizing Outstanding Unit Scouter Award recipients and read verbatim at the
Seneca District Adult Court of Honor & Dinner, scheduled for May 22, 2018 at the Rockville Elks Club Lodge, 5 Taft Court, Rockville, MD. Contact information for both the nominator AND the awardee’s (name, position, unit, email and phone number) should be included on the
linked form for 2017 SOUSA Awardees(s).
To register for the Seneca District Adult Court of Honor & Dinner, go to the Seneca district website at
https://scoutingevent.com/082-16482 The cost for registration is $30.00 per person through May 13. The cost for late registration and walk-ins at the door is $35.00 per person.
When are the awards presented?
· The SOUSA certificate is presented to the recipients at the annual Seneca District Adult Court of Honor & Dinner, scheduled May 22, 2018 at the Rockville Elks Club Lodge, 5 Taft Court, Rockville, MD.
Does Seneca District Contact and Invite the Recipients?
· No. Upon confirmation that your submission has been received (usually within a few days of our receipt) you should inform the recipient and ensure that he or she—along with members of your unit—plan to attend the Seneca District Adult Court of Honor & Dinner, scheduled for May 22, 2018 at the Rockville Elks Club Lodge, 5 Taft Court, Rockville, MD.
Please note that the unit committee should consider paying the cost for the awardee’s dinner at the Seneca District Adult Court of Honor & Dinner.
Please remember to take advantage of TWO awards per unit.
Let’s celebrate the many volunteers within Seneca District who do so much for all of us in our Packs, Troops, Teams, Ships, Posts and Crews and our District where they do so much good work!!!
If you have already replied, thank you.
Yours in Scouting and
Best Regards,
Tom
Thomas C. Kennedy
Last call for the Seneca District Den Chief training. The Den Chief supports the Cub Scout Den Leader, serving as a helper, role model, and a friend to the Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts.
Registration closes on 5/3.
Seneca District is offering BALOO training this weekend. This is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout Pack overnighters and Webelos Den overnighters. We have a couple of slots still available due to cancellations.
Registration closes on 5/3.
The Francis Scott Key District is offering a Forestry Merit Badge Day, Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm (or the flag closing ceremony.) The location is the Walkersville Watershed in Frederick, Maryland.
The registration deadline is April 28 and registration will be limited to the first 100 Scouts to register.
Registration:
eMail Registration Form or Questions to:
PLEASE NOTE: Registrations without complete Scout/Unit information will be invalid.
Troop confirmation will be made after we receive your registration.
KidStory Theatre Festival wraps up season three of our Wheaton Family Theatre Series with a celebration of stories for kids and families on Saturday, May 12 at 11 a.m., at Glenallan Elementary School, 12520 Heurich Road, Wheaton, MD 20902.
We celebrate a wonderful year of arts with a special festival of stories and plays written by kids for kids. Throughout 2018, InterAct Story Theatre visited classrooms throughout Maryland, and invited kids from all over Maryland to submit their stories and ideas for short plays. InterAct’s artists chose the best of the best to be developed into a unique collection of performances. Come join us for a joyous theatrical celebration of kid-fired, kid-inspired imagination and creativity!
Our events are free and open to the public. Doors open at 10:40 a.m. I’ve attached a
flyer with information. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Steven Wolf
Design and Publications Manager
InterAct Story Theatre
11510 Georgia Avenue, Ste 140
Wheaton, MD 20902
Phone: 301-467-6133
Please submit your Awardees for the Seneca District Outstanding Unit Scouter Award – “SOUSA” on the attached form.
The Seneca District Outstanding Unit Scouter Award – “SOUSA” is a unit level award that gives recognition to registered adult Scouters for their significant contributions to their respective units during the 2017 calendar year. It is a district award presented on behalf of units in the same way that the District Award of Merit is a council award presented by the district, and the Silver Beaver Award is a national award presented by the council.
Who is Eligible?
· Scouters (adult leaders) registered at the unit level in troops, packs, ships, venture, or varsity units.
· Units are limited to two recipients per year for this award. PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BOTH AWARDS ! ! !
Who is Not Eligible?
· Recipients of this award or equivalent the past TWO (2) years. Equivalent awards include the Bowline, Spark Plug, or Pinnacle Awards, or other former district unit Scouter award.
How are Recipients Selected and Who Selects Them?
· Recipients are selected and designated by their units based on their significant contributions to the unit within the calendar year 01 Jan 2017 through 31 Dec 2017. The definition of “significant” is entirely at the discretion of the unit leader or unit committee chair submitting the nomination.
· The Seneca District Adult Recognition Committee accepts, without review, nominations that comply with the eligibility criteria above.
How do Units Submit Nominees?
· Units (usually the unit leader or committee chairman) submit the names of their nominees by email.
· Send to Tom Kennedy (
tckenne@comcast.net) by 28 February 2018. Please put [SOUSA] in the subject line of your e-mail so we don’t miss it! Please don’t wait till the last minute‼
· Please include—
– Detailed and specific “Statement of Outstanding Service” (a paragraph of 3-5 Sentences (50 to 100 words) describing the awardee’s contribution that the award is based upon. (Paragraphs will be posted on the Seneca District website recognizing Outstanding Unit Scouter Award recipients and read verbatim at the Seneca District Adult Court of Honor & Dinner, scheduled for 22 May 2018 at a location to be determined. .
– Contact information for both the nominator AND the nominee (name, position, unit, email and phone number).
· The form for 2018 SOUSA Awardees is attached for your use.
When are the awards presented?
· The SOUSA certificate is presented to the recipients at the annual Seneca District Adult Court of Honor & Dinner, scheduled for 22 May 2018 at a location to be determined. Please remember the 14th point of the Scout Law, “A Scout is Flexible”
Does Seneca District Contact and Invite the Awardees?
· No. Upon confirmation that your submission has been received (usually within a few days of our receipt) you should inform the awardee and ensure that he or she—along with members of your unit—plan to attend the Seneca District Adult Court of Honor & Dinner, scheduled for 22 May 2018 at a location to be determined. Cost for the Seneca District Adult Court of Honor & Dinner will be kept to a minimum. It is strongly suggested that awarding units pay for the cost for the awardees to attend this wonderful event.
Please remember to take advantage of TWO awards per unit. If you have already replied, thank you.
Yours in Scouting and
Best Regards,
Tom
Thomas C. Kennedy
If you missed the early bird special deadline don’t worry, there are still 2 more chances to sign up!! On or before May 20th the price is $210 and after May 20th the price is $230. Still a great deal. Go to gotodaycamp.org to register!
Need to stay updated on the events in Seneca District, but don’t want to enter them manually?
We have a solution! You can subscribe to the District calendar on your phone or computer and get your own custom link to subscribe to your calendar and never have to update it again! See attached
PowerPoint instructions and contact the District Chair for additional help:
Seneca.DistrictChair@ncacbsa.org.
Matthew Beyers
Chair, Seneca District
Do you have questions about the Family Scouting program and what it’s all about? If so, watch this great YouTube video put together by the NCAC Marketing Team!
Thanks,
Matt
Come with poles and reels if you have them but don’t worry if you don’t. We will supply all your needs. Bait will also be supplied. Even if you don’t know how to fish or work with a rod and reel, come along for the fun and we will show you how. Come rain or shine, be prepared for any weather. We need your registrations so that we can order in sufficient patches.
When: May 12 from (8am-noon)
Cost: $6 per person
Where: Little Seneca Lake fishing pier at Black Hill Regional Park at Lot 5 parking area. (Baltimore Rd in Germantown)
Guide: William H. Thorn (Venture Crew 207 Advisor and Scouts from other troops)
Come out and celebrate the recognition of our District Award of Merit awardees and the Seneca Outstanding Unit Scouter Award (SOUSA) recipients! We’ll have good company and a fine dinner on Tuesday evening, May 22, 6:30 PM at the Washington-Rockville Elks, Lodge No. 15.
Location:
Washington-Rockville Elks
Lodge No. 15
5 Taft Court
Rockville, Md. 20850
MENU:
Top Round of Beef, Boneless Chicken Breast, Buttered Carrots, Tossed Garden Salad, au gratin Potatoes, rolls, coffee, and tea.
Cost:
The cost for advance registration is $28.50 per person through April 30. The cost for registration is $30.00 per person through May 13. The cost for late registration and walk-ins at the door is $35.00 per person.
Let’s celebrate the many volunteers within Seneca District who do so much for all of us in our Packs, Troops, Teams and Crews and our District where they do so much good work!!!
At Round Table last week we had a joint discussion on the new Youth Protection Training required for ALL ADULT LEADERS by September 30th, 2018. If any adults are attending more than 72 hours of camping (even if not consecutive) then the training MUST be completed before the camping event!
New Hazardous Weather training was discussed as well. The training has changed and leaders are encouraged to take the new training. All NEW leaders need to complete this training as part of their required training.
We also held a discussion on quarterly planning vs. annual planning. Powerpoint slide deck for this discussion is posted at:
goo.gl/NacoJ5May Round Table will be Program Launch on Thursday, May 10.
June Round Table will be our annual end of year cookout and our main topic will be Family Scouting and the Boy Scout program.
Phil Dennis
We closing in on our Friends of Scouting campaign for 2018. Several presentations need to be rescheduled due to weather and we will be contacting those units in the next week. As an incentive to reach our goal this year, District Executive Carlos Salazar and FOS Coordinator Phil Dennis are willing to take a pie to the face IF WE REACH OUR GOAL BY JUNE 1st. The aforementioned “pieing” will take place at the June Round Table meeting!
Phil Dennis
Who: Looks like this is for Boy Scouts (various merit badges) and Cub Scouts (hiking) – call to confirm offerings for that day
What: Scout Ranger Program Day
Where: Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102
When: May 12; 10am-3pm
Why:
– Complete Requirements for the Bird Study Merit Badge
– Earn the Nature Merit Badge
– Learn Outdoor Ethics Principles
– Earn Scout Ranger Program Certificates
– Watch the NPS “Leave No Trace” video
– Guided Bird Walk/Hike the Trails
Event will be held Rain or Shine
Effective April 30, 2018 new direct contact leaders must complete Hazardous Weather Training to be considered position trained.
This course is available around-the-clock in the BSA Learn Center by logging in to your account on
My.Scouting.orgAll three Montgomery area Districts have combined for a joint Program Launch. Come join the fun, Visit the various vendors for Program Ideas, Explore what is available for your unit!
This replaces our normal Roundtable event – so wander over to Faith United Methodist Church to see us.
Where: Faith United Methodist Church
6810 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD 20852
When: 7:00p to 9:00p Thursday May 10
Who: Any Scout interested person.
All are welcome to this event. Come with poles and reels if you have them but don’t worry if you don’t. We will supply all your needs. Bait will also be supplied. Even if you don’t know how to fish or work with a rod and reel, come along for the fun and we will show you how. Come rain or shine, be prepared for any weather.
When: May 12 from (8am-noon)
Cost: $6 per person
Where: Little Seneca Lake fishing pier at Black Hill Regional Park at Lot 5 parking area. (Baltimore Rd in Germantown)
Guide: William H. Thorn (Venture Crew 207 Advisor and Scouts from other troops)
My office is excited to be hosting a Military Academy Night in Clarksburg on April 12th with representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. This will be an opportunity for all interested high school students, their parents and educators to learn about the Academies and their admission requirements.
The Military Academy Night will be held at Clarksburg High School, 22500 Wims Road, Clarksburg, MD on Thursday, April 12th at 6:00 pm.
I look forward to seeing you there.
If you have additional questions about the Military Academy Night, the application process or the nomination process, please reach out to one of my Military Academy Nomination Officers at (301) 926 – 0300 or
Delaney.Academy@mail.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Congressman John K Delaney
“Passport to Adventure June 25th-29th.” Attention Cub Scout leaders! Don’t miss this opportunity to sign up for Cub Scout Day Camp before April 22nd and get your “early bird special”. Go to gotodaycamp.org and get your “boarding pass.” Don’t leave it too long or else you might miss your “flight to Adventure!!”
Cub Scouts! Boy Scouts!
Make this a Join Scouting event for your unit. Have your Scouts a friend.
Rockville Science Day, Sunday April 22, Noon to 5pm
Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville
– Just Come for the event (In class A or B uniform)
– Volunteer and enjoy the event
You must be 15 or older. You will receive SSL hours
Scout Volunteers should be in uniform.
We could use some Scouts to help with parking around 10:am
You will have time to enjoy the event
…to May 6 (Sunday). We cancelled because of bad weather (class is outside). If you had a slot in the cancelled class you automatically have a slot in the new class. Registration is open for new folks too.
…to May 4-5 (Friday-Saturday). We cancelled because of bad weather (Cubs are fair weather campers). If you had a slot in the cancelled class you automatically have a slot in the new class. Registration is open for new folks too.
From Montgomery County
This announcement is to notify people in Montgomery County about a planned regional test of the national Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system. It will take place on Thursday, April 5, between 10 and 11 a.m.
Expect your WEA-enabled cell phone and other mobile devices to vibrate and produce a loud warning signal twice before receiving a text-like message: “A test of Montgomery County Emergency Wireless Alerts system. No action is required.”
WEA was developed by the Federal Communications Commission in 2012 as a geographically-targeted system to allow notification to those specifically affected by some type of emergency. The state of Maryland sends out Amber Alerts and the National Weather Service can send out weather emergency messages through this system. When appropriate, the President of the United States can also send an emergency message to the entire Country.
You don’t sign up or register for these alerts, they come automatically to WEA-enabled cell phones and other mobile devices. Over 33,000 WEA messages have been sent across the county. However, many people in our area have never received one.
That’s why we don’t want the public to be surprised when the testing occurs. It will be taking place simultaneously in 20 jurisdictions in the National Capital Region. So if you are traveling through the area during the testing time, you should receive a WEA test message from each jurisdiction you pass through. This time, it is just a test, not an indication that there is an actual emergency, and there is no cause for alarm.
Please take a moment to review the information about the WEA test, and help us spread the word, by sharing this information to your neighbors, friends and family, especially our senior community members. Find additional information, including a list of all the participating jurisdictions, at:
WEA Test.
Boys and Girls!!! Start your engines!!!
If you won in your Pack competition, test your car in the District Pinewood Derby where you compete with other Pack Winners. Join us by registering your Pack of winners at this
site:
Date & Place:
April 14th, 2018
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
18900 Kingsview Rd, Germantown, MD 20874
Schedule:
8:30am-9:30am – Weigh In opens
9:30-9:50am – Registration & Inspection (please arrive on time)
10am-12:30pm – The race
Cost:
Registration fee is $35.00 per pack (covers the entire pack and guests)
For Questions – Contact:
David Henning
Pinewood Derby Coordinator
301-956-0344
Liz Brandenburg, Vice Chair
Activities & Civic Service
Seneca District, NCAC, BSA
We will be discussing the new Youth Protection Training at a joint session to start Round Table this month. Discussion on how to conduct Scout Troop planning without losing the battle for for space on crowded family calendars.
BSA National has release a new youth protection program for ALL adult leaders. This month in our joint session we will be discussing the ramifications to both Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leaders. Information on on-line training as well as group training opportunities will be discussed.
Annual Troop planning always provides challenges to units. This session will focus on how to break down your annual planning to allow for more youth participation while avoiding the pitfalls of dealing with family calendars.
As usual, the monthly To-Do list will be provided to Boy Scout Leaders and we will also talk about the upcoming Program Launch in May.
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
Youth Protection Training will be the interest topic (shared presentation) for both the Boy Scout and Cub Scout Roundtables.
See you at 7:30pm at the Montgomery Village LDS Church, 20020 Montgomery Village Ave, Montgomery Village, MD.
Alex Pranger
Come out to the Frederick Keys on Saturday, June 2, 2018 and get a great deal. Game, Fireworks, Movie and Optional Sleep on the Field! See
attached flyer for details. (note: if you sleep on the field, bring a tent that does NOT require stakes.)
– Bring a friend. Earn the BSA Recruiting patch if they become a Scout.
– Family Scouting (Cub Scout Program only). Packs are encouraged to also invite girls that may be interested in joining. Be sure your unit is versed in Family Scouting requirements.
– This is an excellent opportunity to introduce families and cub scouts to camping in a very low key environment.
– Tickets are 30% below box office prices.
– Show your pack pride: Class B or A uniform event.
George Goldsmith
