Please send us the Contact information for your Units Popcorn Kernel
Name, Email, Cell Phone number and unit Number.
Send the Information to seneca.finance@ncacbsa.org
Riley Norton
“Passport to Adventure” that’s what I’m talking about!!! Cub Scout Day Camp this year will be held on June 25th-29th. We have a new venue which is Madison Fields located in Dickerson MD. For some extra excitement we have added a couple of new adventures this year which are FISHING and SWIMMING! We are very excited about this!!
Please contact your Cubmaster or Pack Day Camp Coordinator to register. The URL is gotodaycamp.org, however, only Pack Coordinators should be registering youth and Den Walkers. Please do not forget that to every 5 or less youth there must be 1 Den Walker. The Camp is open to girl cub scouts too.
If you have ANY questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Let’s get this adventure started!!!
Maggie Smith
Seneca District Cub Scout Day Camp Director.
The Boy Scouts of Americas updated youth protection training doesn’t just talk about the dangers of child predators it shows how they work to gain access to their victims.
In early February, the BSA introduced newly updated youth protection training that is required for all volunteers before October 1, 2018. Even if they took the previous training prior to the February rollout, it will need to be taken it again.
The updated training, which includes three modules and a test that take a little over an hour to complete, draws on research from experts in the field of child abuse and maltreatment to identify the contributing factors and threats across the spectrum of child abuse, including: bullying, neglect, exposure to violence, physical and emotional abuse, and child sexual abuse. Once completed, volunteers will not have to retake the training for two years.
New to this version of the training program are video interviews with psychologists and law enforcement professionals who discuss the root causes of abuse, how to recognize it, and how to respond.
There is no substitute for hearing directly from experts who have spent their careers studying child predators and abusers, said Michael Johnson, the BSAs director of youth protection. They shine a new light on the challenge we all face in protecting kids and how parents and volunteers can put barriers in place to keep them away.
Some of the most impactful aspects of the training are interviews with abuse survivors, who give their first-hand perspectives. In developing this training, we discussed whether or not to include survivor videos, said Johnson. It was the right decision. Their testimony is powerful and highlights how predators work and the tragic impact like nothing else.
In addition to updated training, the BSA recently announced new policies to ensure compliance with mandatory training requirements, including:
– As of January 1, 2018, no new leader can be registered without first completing youth protection training.
– As of January 1, 2018, no council, regional, or national leader will be allowed to renew their registration if they are not current on their Youth Protection Training.
– As of September 1, 2017, no unit may re-charter without all leaders being current on their Youth Protection Training. Registrars no longer have the ability to approve charters without full compliance.
Effective June 1, 2018, adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as a leader, including completion of a criminal background check and Youth Protection Training. The 72 hours need not be consecutive. All together, its a bold new approach that will serve as just one part of the BSAs ongoing effort to enroll the entire community in the fight against child abuse both in and out of Scouting.
Need help with the training? Find out more in the How-to Guide for Taking Youth Protection
Join us at the College Park Aviation Museum on Sunday, April 22 from 11-3 p.m. for a day of hands-on learning. Scout Day is our bi-annual interactive STEM based learning event. The event is $5.00 for all participants. All ages are welcome, scouts and non-scouts alike!
Activities include:
Balloon Rockets
Paper Airplane competitions
Parachutes
Guided museum tours to learn about the history and science of flight
Meet the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Aviation Unit and their helicopter up close
Meet aerobatic aviator Doug Byrd and experience what it would be like to fly like an aerobatic pilot using a simulator
What: Aviation Merit Badge
Where: College Park Aviation Museum
When: April 22, 11am-3pm
Why: New this year! We are excited to offer a track that completes the BSA’s Aviation merit badge, an additional $5 fee and pre-registration is required if you wish to complete the Aviation merit badge.
Cost: $10 ($5 for the base registration and $5 for the merit badge portion)
At our April Round Table, we will open things with a joint discussion with the Cub Scout leaders on the new Youth Protection Training (YPT02) and what it’s implications are for the near future.
In our March Round Table, Commissioner Mallia had a presentation on the use of Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (JASM’s). Commissioner Dennis led a discussion on on-line troop planning resources. As usual, our monthly “To Do List” was presented to all leaders present.
Slides are available at:
Monthly To Do List: http://goo.gl/qjrqU9
JASM Presentation: http://goo.gl/AoCG1Q
On Line Planning Resources: http://goo.gl/UTY8f7
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
New News!!
The Pinewood Derby is open for registration.
Where: Kingsview LDS Church, 18900 Kingsview Rd in Germantown, MD
When: Saturday, April 14 from 9:30am-12:30pm (Weigh in starts at 8:30am)
Cost: $35 per PACK, not individual
The 2018 rules are on the registration site
“Passport to Adventure” that’s what I’m talking about!!! Cub Scout Day Camp this year will be held on June 25th-29th. We have a new venue which is Madison Fields located in Dickerson MD. For some extra excitement we have added a couple of new adventures this year which are FISHING and SWIMMING! We are very excited about this!!
Please contact your Cubmaster or Pack Day Camp Coordinator to register. The URL is gotodaycamp.org, however, only Pack Coordinators should be registering youth and Den Walkers. Please do not forget that to every 5 or less youth there must be 1 Den Walker. The Camp is open to girl Cub Scouts too.
If you have ANY questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Let’s get this adventure started!!!
Maggie Smith
Seneca District Cub Scout Day Camp Director.
What: Who is a Den Chief? 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.
Who: an experienced Boy Scout, (at least one full year or more), and First Class rank or above. A Venturing Scout (male or female) can also be a Den Chief.
When: April 8
Where: National Izaak Walton League, 707 Conservation Ln, Gaithersburg MD
Cost: $20 for youth, adults free
Come out to the Keys on Saturday, June 2, 2018 and get a great deal! Game, Fireworks, Movie and Sleep on the Field! See attached flyer for details. (note: if you sleep on the field, bring a tent that does NOT require stakes!)
What: annual Merit Badge University
When: April 14-15, 8am-5pm
Where: The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC 20064
Cost: $5 per badge
Cost: $5 per badge
Leave No Trace Trainer Course: Multiple Dates – First weekend coming soon!
April 13-15, 2018 (IWLA, Germantown, MD)
April 21-22 (Camp Snyder, Haymarket VA)
May 19-20 (Southern MD)
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 three times this Spring in NCAC. The next offerings of this class in NCAC will be in September, 2018.
– Germantown, MD, April 13-15 https://scoutingevent.com/082-LNTTR
Questions? Contact Paul Schimke, paul@schimke.org or 301.906.0069 (c)
– Camp Snyder, Haymarket, VA, April 21-22, 2018 https://scoutingevent.com/082-16172
Questions? Contact Victor Bieniek, vbieniek@gmail.com, 703.855.8428 (c)
– Southern MD, May 19-20, 2018 https://scoutingevent.com/082-SouthMD
Questions? Contact Mike Strong, stronbsart@gmail.com or 301.861.6568
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? – Corrected
· 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.
Please direct inquiries to Tom Kennedy at (tckenne@comcast.net) or 301- 461- 4101.
Yours in Scouting and
Best Regards,
Tom
Thomas C. Kennedy
Save the date!! We are busy building the program and expect more details and registration over the summer.
Visit the event page for the current details.
Save the date!! Details are being finalized for our District event to recognize our volunteers and accomplishments.
Liz
District News
Reference Material
District Training (includes Potomac & White Oak)
Montgomery Service Area 2017-18 Training trifold Updated
Montgomery Service Area 2017-18 Training trifold Updated
Scoutmaster Position Specific Training (S24) – 10/6/2018
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – 10/26-27/2018
Scoutmaster Position Specific Training (S24) – 4/20/2019
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – 5/3-4/2019
None Pending
Other District Training
Den Chief Training
17 March: Powhatan District, McLean, VA
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)
23-24 March: Aquia District, Fredericksburg, VA
20-22 April: Colonial District, TBA
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
7-8 April: Aquia District, Fredericksburg, VA
Wilderness First Aid
19-20 May: Washington DC
Council Training
Council News
The 2019 High Adventure registration is now open at the Summit Bechtel Reservation.VenturingFest 2018: July 1-6VenturingFest is the place to make new friends, explore the Summit’s adventure playground, and unite with thousands of other Venturing aged youth from around the country.
Community Opportunities
To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from the NewsFlash
Send an email to Seneca Admin requesting to be added or dropped. Please include your Name and your email address.
In addition to the primary NewsFlash group – we also have groups to receive calendar notices, Cub Scout or Boy Scout Roundtable news. The default will be set up to receive the NewsFlash and the calendar notices and the appropriate Cub Scout/Boy Scout if a unit type is provided.
Thanks!
Lynn
Contact Information
NewsFlash Editor – Lynn Hamilton, seneca.newsflash@ncacbsa.orgDistrict Executive – Carlos Salazar, carlos.salazar@scouting.orgDistrict Chair – Matt Beyers, seneca.districtchair@ncacbsa.orgDistrict Commissioner – Gordon Henley, seneca.districtcommish@ncacbsa.org
Save the date!! Details are being finalized for our District event to recognize our volunteers and accomplishments.
Liz
Save the date!! We are busy building the program and expect more details and registration over the summer.
Visit the event page for the current details.
What: Who is a Den Chief? 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.
Who: an experienced Boy Scout, (at least one full year or more), and First Class rank or above. A Venturing Scout (male or female) can also be a Den Chief.
When: April 8
Where: National Izaak Walton League, 707 Conservation Ln, Gaithersburg MD
Cost: $20 for youth, adults free
What: Annual Merit Badge University
When: April 14-15, 8am-5pm
Where: The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC 20064
Cost: $5 per badge
Cost: $5 per badge
REGISTRATION
Programs are free, however, donations to The Friends of Patuxent are greatly appreciated! Some programs require advance registration by calling 301-497-5887. Programs are subject to changes or cancellation due to weather or low participation. Please notify the refuge of any special needs so that you may be accommodated.
+++Photo-Adventure Scavenger Hunts+++
Saturday Apr. 7th, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday Apr. 21st, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Using clues, individuals and/or groups can hunt on trails for sculptured stones, mystery objects, plants, and animals while learning about the history and features of the refuge. A camera or cell phone is needed. This is a drop-in program. Come when you wish and leave when you’re are ready.
Beginner’s Hunt (0.75 mile)
This scavenger hunt will be on the Little Patuxent River Trail.
Advanced Hunt (1.2 mile)
This scavenger hunt will be on the Merganser Pond Trail and Wildlife Viewing Area.
Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt
A photo-scavenger hunt that involves driving around the “Wildlife Loop” to find mystery objects and also solve a “Biology Puzzle.”
+++ Nature Photography +++
Sunday, Apr. 8th, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Sunday, Apr. 15th, 8:00 – 11:00 am
Ages 14+, registration required
Come join Mark Seaver for a two day photography workshop designed to improve the quality of your nature photography. The first day, April 1st
(2-5 pm), will include a one hour classroom session learning about composition through examples and two hours of field photography with individualized attention. The second session, April 8th (8-11 am), will start in the field taking advantage of morning light. The workshop will conclude with a discussion and review of participant taken images. Space is limited. Mark’s work can be seen at http://seaverphotos.zenfolio.com/
+++ Star Watch & Stories+++
Saturday, Apr. 14th, 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
All ages, registration required
Can you find a snake, bear, or horse in the sky? Join us as we discover the constellations, learn how animals use stars, and even find some ways we can protect animals at night. Several powerful telescopes will be on hand to reveal distant galaxies and stars.
+++Early Spring Wildflowers+++
Saturday, Apr. 21, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 5+, registration required
Discover spring ephemerals along the Patuxent River and the North Tract.
Field guides are helpful, but not necessary.
+++Owl Prowl+++
Saturday, Apr. 21st, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
All ages, registration required
Look and listen for the owls of the refuge on an evening walk at the North Tract.
+++ Riding Bicycles to Experience Patuxent Research Refuge’s North Tract
+++ +++
Sunday, Apr. 22nd, 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Ages 10+, registration required
Enjoy a spring bicycle outing as you learn about the refuge. Experience the beauty of this natural area on two wheels while discovering local wildlife, plants and historical sites. Learn the importance of reducing your footprint and leaving no trace on this 12-mile guided bicycle ride.
Bring your own bike, energy bar/snack, water bottle and helmet. Ride is weather dependent.
+++ Special Weekday Opening of Lake Allen+++
Friday, Apr. 27th, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Enjoy wildlife dependent recreation at North Tract’s Lake Allen on a weekday. The lake will be open for fishing, hiking, and nature observation all day long. Normal state and refuge regulations apply.
+++Bird Walk+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th. 8:00 – 11:00 am
All ages, registration required
Look and listen for birds around the North Tract. Early migrants are possible.
+++Herpetology Hike+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm All ages, registration required Search for the amphibians & reptiles of the refuge while on a hike at the North Tract.
+++ Woodcock & Whip-poor-will Wander+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
All ages, registration required
Search the evening skies at North Tract for these common but rarely seen birds.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE VISITOR CENTER PROGRAMS
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel, MD 20708
+++Dusk Hike+++
Friday, Apr. 6th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Friday, Apr. 27th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
All ages, registration required
Experience the wonders of the forest at dusk on this guided hike. As the sun sets the refuge comes alive with chirping frogs and the first flight of bats.
+++Screech & Kestrel+++
Saturday, Apr. 7th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, Apr. 14th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, Apr. 21st, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Meet two of North America’s smallest birds of prey: the American kestrel and eastern screech owl. Both expert hunters, the American kestrel uses its acrobatic prowess, while the eastern screech owl is a stealthy silent hunter.
+++Bilingual Hike+++
Saturday, Apr. 7th, 10:00-11:00 am
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 10:00-11:00 am
All ages, registration required
Spring time is here so come for a beautiful hike around Cash Lake and learn some Spanish at the same time!
+++Bird Walk+++
Wednesday, Apr. 11th, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Wednesday, Apr. 25th, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Ages 16+, registration required
Search for fall migrants in various refuge habitats on this guided hike; binoculars are highly recommended. Walk begins at the visitor center.
+++Bird Walk+++
Saturday, Apr. 14th, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Ages 6+, registration required
Please join us at South Tract for a leisurely bird walk around Cash Lake searching for and identifying multiple species of birds. Walk is weather dependent and begins at the visitor center. Water bottle and binoculars are recommended.
+++Nature Tots: An Otter’s Tale+++
Wednesday, Apr. 18th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 3-4, registration required
Learn about the differences between sea otters and river otters in this interactive class with crafts and stories.
+++Tiny Tots: Nature and Music+++
Sunday, Apr. 22nd, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Monday, Apr. 23rd, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Ages 18-48 mos., parent participation & registration required Learn about wildlife at the refuge through fun and interactive songs, stories and activities.
+++Family Fun: Let’s Recycle!+++
Friday, Apr. 27th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Learn how paper is recycled by doing it yourself. Turn shredded paper into a handmade card, and make a colorful envelope to go with it. Enjoy other games and activities related to recycling. This is a drop-in program: come when you wish and leave when you’re ready.
+++Raptors Reign+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Join special guest and licensed falconer, Rodney Stotts, as he shares the power of nature through discussions and up close encounters with birds of prey.
+++Nature Songs with Stina+++
Saturday, Apr. 28th, 2:45 – 3:30 pm
All ages, no registration
Parent participation required
Join nature troubadour Stina for an afternoon indoor campfire sing along in our auditorium. Get your groove on with fun and silly nature songs!
+++Fly Away Home +++
Monday, Apr. 30th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 5-7,registration required
Learn why certain animals migrate and how we can help protect their habitat.
HOLLINGSWORTH GALLERY
March Display- Lynne Parks, Avian Collisions with Glass
Did you know that almost 1 BILLION birds collide with glass EVERY year in the United States? Come see for yourself and ask us about solutions to solve this tragedy.
Tim Parker
Education Program Coordinator
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
National Wildlife Visitor Center
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel, MD 20708-4027
o-301-497-5776
c-240-882-0363
(Days off are Sunday & Monday)
Come out to the Keys on Saturday, June 2, 2018 and get a great deal! Game, Fireworks, Movie and Sleep on the Field! See attached flyer for details. (note: if you sleep on the field, bring a tent that does NOT require stakes!)
Seneca District just opened the registration for BALOO training the weekend of April 6-7. It is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout pack overnighters and Webelos den overnighters.
So prepare for spring and summer by getting your BALOO individuals and Webelos leaders trained!
Come join us for the Cub Scout Roundtable this Thursday. We start at 7:30pm. The meeting is at the Montgomery Village LDS church, 20020 Montgomery Village Ave, Montgomery Village, MD.
Southern Maryland is offering a collection of CPR, AED and First Aid Training classes in Owings Maryland.
Thursday March 29, 2018
5:00 PM
Owings, Maryland
Monday April 30, 2018
5:00 PM
Owings, Maryland
Thursday May 31, 2018
5:00 PM
Owings, Maryland
*All classes include 2 year certification (card issued) in adult, child & infant CPR, AED & First Aid. Classes for non healthcare providers*
This Saturday, we have a great event happening for Wheaton Family Theatre Series for release. InterAct Story Theatre in partnership with The Victorian Lyric Opera Company present “Little Red Riding Hood” by Seymour Barab. This opera for kids and families is made possible through funding from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County’s Wheaton Cultural Projects Grant and the Maryland State Arts Council.
Free and open to the public, Seymour Barab’s funny and sprightly one-act opera delights youngsters as we follow Little Red Riding Hood’s merry jaunt through the woods to Grandmother’s house. Join us for InterAct Story Theatre and Victorian Lyric Opera Company’s fresh take on this classic children’s opera…and watch out for that sneaky Big Bad Wolf! Best for ages 4 and up.
More information can be viewed at www.interactstory.com/wheaton and our Facebook event is available at https://www.facebook.com/events/894751827361158/. I am also attaching our flyer for your reference. The event is this Saturday, March 10 at Highland Elementary School, 3100 Medway Street, Wheaton, MD 20902. Doors open at 10:40 a.m. for this free event and the show begins at 11 a.m.
Thank you so much for helping spread word about this event!
Steven Wolf
Design and Publications Manager
InterAct Story Theatre
11510 Georgia Avenue, Ste 140
Wheaton, MD 20902
Phone: 301-467-6133
In addition to our monthly “To Do List”, we will be having discussions on Junior Assistant Scoutmasters (What They Are and How To Use Them) and on some new online troop resources to help both Youth and Adults with Planning. We hope to see you all on Thursday, March 8 at 7 PM at the Montgomery Village LDS church.
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
What: Scout BOR’s for the Ad Altare Dei Medal and the Pope Pius XII(PPXII) medal
When: Monday, March 5 at 6:45p for Ad Altare Dei
Monday , April 9 at 6:45p for Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII medal
Since the PPXII BOR requires former recipients to conduct the BOR, please let us know if you have a scout who can do this. We also need to try to have a priest, deacon or seminarian attend the PPXII BOR so please let us know if you will be attending and if you know someone who can attend who is a priest, deacon or seminarian. I will also be working to ensure the appropriate attendees.
Because of these requirements, we will be focusing on having all the PPXII BOR’s on the one day, April 9. If you have a conflict that is unresolvable please let us know.
Where: The Pastoral Center- 5001 Eastern Avenue,
Hyattsville, MD 20782-3447
Who should attend: All scouts who have completed the requirements for their medal. All scouts should be in full uniform and have their books with all the required signatures.
For the security desk at the Pastoral Center, I must have the names of all the scouts and adults who will be attending by the Friday prior to the BOR.
Scout Medal Ceremony on Sunday: May 20 , 3:00p at
St Raphael’s Church 1513 Dunster Rd, Rockville, MD
CONTACT for info and reservations: Chris Murray , Lay Chair,
Catholic Committee on Scouting, Archdioceses of Washington
C: 202 253 0756 chris.murray3@yahoo.com
The Samuel Williams Leadership Foundation was started in memory of Samuel Williams. At age 16 Sam passed away in a car accident. Sam was an honor student and an Eagle Scout from Troop 291 in Seneca District. The foundation was established to share and continue Sam’s message of being Trustworthy, Responsible, Uplifting, and Enthusiastic. These traits are highlighted in the “Be T.R.U.E Leadership Award” at Wootton High School. The goal of the foundation is to raise funds to support high school students to attend highly regarded leadership Programs. To date the foundation has awarded over $20,000.00 to Students who have attended Training programs at American University, George Mason University and Rotary Leadership Conference. The “Be T.R.U.E. Leadership Award” is hosting its 5th annual 5K run/walk event at Wootton High School on March 17, 2018.
Registration is open on-line at:http://swracereg.org/
You have a couple more days to submit your pack registration to attend the Tiger 500 on Saturday!
Who: Lion and Tiger dens in the Seneca District
What: A relay race against other dens with boys and girls wearing cardboard “cars” the dens have made and decorated to look like real race cars. 1 car per 4-6 youth in the den. See instructions or contact Jen Chen
When: March 3, 2018 at 10:00 (doors open at 9:30 for final touches to the cars). The morning begins with a parade and races begin promptly after.
Where: Kingsview LDS Church, 18900 Kingsview Rd, Germantown, MD 20874
Why: Watching Tigers and Lions act like race cars is a blast!!!!
How: Sign up by March 1st.
Question – contact Jen Chen at 202-309-0107
Each year Maryland Senators and Delegates receive funds to award scholarships to students in their districts. I have heard from so many students who have shared that these legislative scholarships have made the difference in allowing them to pursue a higher education.
In order to be eligible for a District 39 Senatorial Scholarship, you must:
– be a resident of District 39 (to verify your District, click here)
– fill out the FAFSA form by March 1st
– attend or plan to attend a Maryland college or university
– fill out an application and return it to my office by April 15, 2013 (to obtain an application, please call my office at 301-858-3686 or email me at nancy.king@senate.state.md.us)
You can also obtain information about other scholarships, grants and loans available to Maryland students at the Maryland Higher Education website – www.mhec.state.md.us.
From Senator Nancy King’s email
“Passport to Adventure” that’s what I’m talking about!!! Cub Scout Day Camp this year will be held on June 25th-29th. We have a new venue which is Madison Fields located in Dickerson MD. For some extra excitement we have added a couple of new adventures this year which are FISHING and SWIMMING! We are very excited about this!!
Please contact your Cubmaster or Pack Day Camp Coordinator to register. The URL is gotodaycamp.org, however, only Pack Coordinators should be registering youth and Den Walkers. Please do not forget that to every 5 or less youth there must be 1 Den Walker. The Camp is open to girl cub scouts too.
If you have ANY questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Let’s get this adventure started!!!
Maggie Smith
Seneca District Cub Scout Day Camp Director.
#301-758-6141
Instructions for UoS Walk-ins
1. Go the UoS site www.ncacbsa.org/uos
2. Go to the catalog and pick out the classes you would like to attend. Some classes will be full so it would be well to have alternatives identified.
3. Make up a preliminary schedule using the schedule grids near the end of the catalog
4. Login to the registration site where it says Register Now. Registration is closed but you can still access the site.
5. In the upper right corner of the page is a list of Attachments. Click on the college(s) you are interested in
6. The classes and space remaining will be displayed for each college
7. Make a list of the classes and times you would like from the available classes and bring it with you Saturday morning
8. Note some classes may be filled that morning by those who arrive earliest.
In case you missed last weeks Round Table, here is some information you may find helpful (and that is the the fourth point of the Scout Law):
Commissioner Darryl Hurt led a discussion on making Scouting more affordable. His presentation materials can be found here: https://goo.gl/R4SY4w
A new feature we have is a monthly “To Do List”. Important items that leaders might find useful. Here are links to the January and February To Do Lists from Round Table:
January: goo.gl/476LyB
February: goo.gl/EG59vP
In addition, handouts were provided at the Joint Cub Scout/Boy Scout meeting to help Webelos and their parents when visiting troops. Troops were also provided the lists so they can see what the Webelos are looking for. Those PDF files can be found here: https://goo.gl/7APBgT
We look forward to seeing all of you at University of Scouting and/or at our March Round Table meeting.
Thanks for all that you do,
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
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? – Corrected
· 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.
Please direct inquiries to Tom Kennedy at (tckenne@comcast.net) or 301- 461- 4101.
Yours in Scouting and
Best Regards,
Tom
Thomas C. Kennedy
Registration is open for the 2018 University of Scouting
Full details, course offerings and registration are available here. This promises to be the best UoS ever with almost 190 different courses being offered, many for the first time.
University of Scouting has classes for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Adventure Scouting, Elective Programs offers many “general studies courses”, District Operations provides training to district committee members and Scouters with an interest in district operations and standalone courses are those that are BSA national syllabus courses such as VLSC(Y), VLSC(A), VALST.
So wander over to the site and look at the course catalog. Maybe sign up and join me on February 24 in Alexandria VA.
In case you didn’t see it, CBS news presented a story about Family Scouting that is an excellent profile on us and the girls coming in! Feel free to use it in your spring recruiting efforts if your Pack is going to admit girls. The District leadership would really like to help you welcome girls into your units, so please keep us informed if you wish to do so – a quick email to: seneca.districtchair@ncacbsa.org or seneca.districtcommish@ncacbsa.org would help us greatly to know who is participating so that we can allocate resources to help you!
Editor’s Note: Found the link to the CBS news article. The link will take you directly to the segment.
Yours in Scouting,
Matt Beyers
Please join me in welcoming our new District Executive: Carlos Salazar! Carlos is recently rejoined to the professional staff and we can’t wait to get him engaged and help us all become a Gold District in 2018!
From Bryon on Scouting – These days, higher education comes with a higher price tag. These scholarships for Eagle Scouts, sorted chronologically by deadline, will help take out some of the sting.
National Jewish Committee on Scouting scholarships
American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year
Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship for Catholic Scouts
Veterans of Foreign Wars Scout of the Year
Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship for Philadelphia-area Scouts
Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting scholarships
National Eagle Scout Association scholarships
Arthur M. and Berdena King Eagle Scout Award
Institution-specific scholarships
Greetings and thank you for expressing interest regarding the Montgomery County Cemetery Inventory Revisited project. We are relying solely on volunteers to make this a success, so we truly appreciate that you’re willing to help us out!
Please take a moment to read the details about this project at www.montgomerypreservation.org.
In order to coordinate this project efficiently, we are hosting a series of training sessions to present project objectives, answer your questions and concerns, and offer instruction about our digital process of evaluating our county’s burial sites. At the conclusion of the session, you will be given access to the volunteer packet and survey documents and be ready to begin your site visits.
The third session will be held at St. Paul Community Church at 14730 Sugarland Ln, Poolesville, MD on Saturday, February 10th from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Parking is available in the church lot and along Sugarland Lane. Please call Eileen’s cell at 301-801-3128 if you have difficulty finding this location.
This training session will focus specifically on African American burial sites and is open to all project volunteers. Attendees will be treated to a brief talk about Mutual Beneficial Societies and a tour around this cemetery that has been documented, mapped, cleaned up, and maintained by descendants of emancipated slaves.
If you plan to visit the cemeteries with a friend, please bring that person along as a volunteer waiver will need to be signed by all participants.
The only item we ask you to bring is your mobile device (iPhone, Android, iPad, etc.) Our site evaluations will be done with map applications and your camera. If you do not have a mobile device or a digital camera, we still would like you to attend. Alternate methods are available for gathering the information!
Please spread the word about this important project. The more volunteers who participate, the quicker we can complete the 300+ cemeteries!
Your RSVP to mococems@gmail.com is requested so we can prepare enough chairs and have enough materials on hand for every attendee.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Glenn Wallace, MCCI-R Coordinator
Eileen McGuckian, MCCI-R Project Director
The Jewish and Islamic Committees on Scouting will jointly host a Pinewood Derby for scouts of all faiths on Sunday afternoon, 4 Mar 2018, at the Islamic Center of Fairfax, Virginia.
Date: March 4
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Islamic Center of Northern Virginia
4420 Shirley Gate Rd, Fairfax VA 22030
Attendees: Open to all faiths
Cost: $10 per Scout/$5 for additional Scouts in the same family) – due at check in
Register: Send an email to Philip Sternberg with this information: Scout’s name and parent’s name, email address, phone number (home and cell), Pack number, Den number/name, District, rank, Den or Pack leader Point of Contact – Name, position, email and phone.
Thank you for your support.
Philip Sternberg
Program Coordinator
NCAC Jewish Committee on Scouting
Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills (BCOLS) is aimed at all adults working with older youth regardless of program (Boy Scouting, Venturing, or Exploring). This training IS NOT recommended for Cub Scout leaders. All participants must have completed Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, as well as the position-specific training for their program area (Venturing or, Varsity or, Boy Scout) prior to attending this course and be able to meet current physical requirements of the BSA Annual Health & Medical Record.
The target audience is leaders planning High Adventure treks at backcountry venues not supported by BSA infrastructure; however, units planning to attend High Adventure bases supported by BSA will find this course useful, inasmuch as unit shakedowns will, most likely, take place in venues not supported by BSA infrastructure. If you are participating in an NCAC-sponsored High Adventure Trek, you must also take the course offered by the NCAC High Adventure Committee.
Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills is offered by the Council Training Committee as an optional follow-on to the basic course, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills. Its goal is to provide adult leaders with an overview of such topics as:
● Working With Older Youth ● Leadership Skills
● Team Development ● Leave No Trace
● Water Treatment ● Stove Maintenance
● Risk Management ● Equipment Maintenance
● Crew Equipment Needs & Selection ● Personal Equipment Needs & Selection
● Terrain Awareness & Land Navigation ● Menu Planning & Clean-up
● Hygiene & Health ● Resources
● On The Trail Tips ● Wilderness First Aid Overview
● HA Planning
Part 1 — Addresses ways to effectively work with older youth and covers the detailed preparation and planning that must be done before you go out, including risk management. Summarizes the personal and crew equipment used for lightweight camping. Plans are also made for the weekend overnight session. (Part 1 is the EXPLAIN & DEMONSTRATE part of EDGE.)
Part 2 — Participants will practice core leader skills for the outdoor program — Leave No Trace, navigation (map & compass plus GPS), terrain awareness, expedition menu planning and food preparation, stove and stove maintenance, wilderness first aid issues, expedition health and hygiene, team building. (Part 2 is the GUIDE part of EDGE.)
Part 3— While not required, we strongly suggest participation in the Hike-o-ree which will allow BCOLS trained leaders to apply the BCOLS training with their youth at a real-world event. (Part 3 is the ENABLE part of EDGE.)
SPRING 2018 — Maryland
Classroom: Sat. 3/10 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at
Scientist Cliffs Community Center (Alder Rd & Acacia Rd)
3500 Alder Road
Port Republic, MD
Overnite: Sat. 04/21, 7:30 AM thru Sun. 04/22, 1:30 PM
American Chestnut Land Trust
676 Double Oak Rd
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Fall 2018 — Virginia
Classroom: Sat. 9/29 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at
Heritage Presbyterian Church
8503 Fort Hunt Road
Alexandria, VA 22308
Overnite: Sat. 10/20, 7:30 AM thru Sun. 10/21, 1:30 PM
Camp William B Snyder
6100 Antioch Road
Haymarket, VA
Register via the NCAC web-site — BCOLS can be found on the Training menu
Class size limited to 48. Fee is $45.00
FOR INFORMATION: Dominick Caridi: DscScouting@aol.com / 703-625-4196
The Seneca District Membership Committee is looking for a Female Scouter to join the District committee as we embark on Family Scouting. Please contact Howard Lichtman. His contact information is hjlichtman@lichtman.ws, Cell: 301.580.7190.
Howard
In case you didn’t see it, CBS news presented a story about Family Scouting that is an excellent profile on us and the girls coming in! Feel free to use it in your spring recruiting efforts if your Pack is going to admit girls. The District leadership would really like to help you welcome girls into your units, so please keep us informed if you wish to do so – a quick email to: seneca.districtchair@ncacbsa.org or seneca.districtcommish@ncacbsa.org would help us greatly to know who is participating so that we can allocate resources to help you!
Yours in Scouting,
Matt Beyers
White Oak District is offering Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) on May 5-6. This is the second training to allow you to earn the trained stripe after completing the indoor training (SM Position Specific Training) and the outdoor training (IOLS).
Register by clicking on the class title.
The District is offering Scoutmaster Position – Specific Training and Commissioner Basic Training/Roundtable Training. Come join us for a fun day of training!
Register by clicking on the links.
The Pinewood Derby is open for registration.
Where: Kingsview LDS Church, 18900 Kingsview Rd in Germantown, MD
When: Saturday, April 14 from 9:30am-12:30pm (Weigh in starts at 8:30am)
Cost: $35 per PACK, not individual
The 2018 rules are on the registration site
The High Adventure Skills Resources Management Course
August 24 – 26 (a three-day course)
Camp St. Charles, Newberg, MD
NCAC Powder Horn Course Director: Nick Maliszewskyj
Presented by the National Capital Area Council, BSA
What is Powder Horn? Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adult leaders to exciting program possibilities using a variety of resources for their unit. It helps leaders to provide a robust outdoor program that meets the health and safety requirements as well as the rules and regulations of the BSA as they apply to outdoor programs. The goal for participants is to leave the Powder Horn course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with contacts and resources needed to implement them. It is important to understand that Powder Horn is not a personal development course or a team building experience. It is not a certification course. Its purpose is to educate the youth and adult Scouting leaders about specific high-adventure skills, to connect them to resources to deliver those skills, and to get them excited about delivering those skills in an exciting, challenging way to youth.
Who can attend Powder Horn? All registered adult leaders are welcome. All participants must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America. Adults must have completed Leader Specific Training for their registered position, as well as the on-line courses: Youth Protection, Hazardous Weather, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, and Climb on Safely. Youth participants (14 and up) will be admitted on an individual basis and requires the nomination by the unit leader. Youth must have completed their unit leadership training, National Youth Leadership Training is recommended. All participants must submit Annual Health & Medical Record meeting physical requirements for a backcountry
What will we do? Powder Horn is organized around the BSA’s High Adventure elements. Topics may include:
Archery
Emergency Preparedness
Rifle
Astronomy
Fly Fishing
Sailing
Canoe
GPS – Geocaching
Scuba
Caving
Hunting
Search and Rescue
Communications
Kayaking
Stem
Conservation
Leadership Lessons on Film
Wilderness Survival
COPE Challenge Course
Mountain Biking
Winter Sports
Ecology
Pistol
Youth Development
What is the Course Size? The course is limited to 40 participants (32 adult and 8 youth).
· Adult registrations will be accepted on a first come-first served basis to fill the 32 adult participant positions and, when those are filled, adult applicants will be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellation.
· Due to the limited number of youth participants, we are not able to accept youth registration on a first come-first served basis. We must be able to provide a balanced youth participation, and consideration will be given to those youth applications received by April 14. Youth will be notified via email regarding whether their registration has been accepted or wait-listed. Thank you for your consideration and understanding as we need to service all aspects of the Council and its youth participants.
How Do I Register? Registration opens Tuesday, March 1, 2018. The fee is $250.00. The fee will include a $75 deposit. This deposit will only be refunded if you cancel this application before June 13, 2018 AND there is someone on the waiting list willing to take your place. Register at https://www.ncacbsa.org/powder-horn by July 13, 2018. You will need to register with your BSA Identification Number.
NCAC Powder Horn Coordinator: Dominick Caridi 703-625-4196
Adult + Infant FA/CPR w/CPR & AED
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2017 1:00-6:30 p.m.
…Additional courses & dates by request
Adult First Aid w/CPR & AED
Wilderness & Remote First Aid*
Remote Afloat First-Aid Training (RAFT) w/ WRFA*
COST**
$30 Adult FA/CPR
$35 Adult/Infant FA/CPR
$85 WRFA & RAFT
Be Prepared! Get Trained!
TO REGISTER
E-mail preferred date(s) and names/number of participants to: keeper@21uslhs.org
** Proof of current BSA affiliation required for these heavily discounted fees
Flyer available here.
Online sign-up has been set up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e44a5ac2fa6ff2-american, which allows for electronic payment (with a nominal surcharge, unfortunately… the price of convenience).
For those who prefer to pay by check, please register as “waitlist” and bring a check payable to “21USLHS” on the day of the course. Waitlisted individuals will be accommodated up to our maximum class size (even beyond the 4 allocated waitlisted slots if the prepaid numbers are low… but the pre-paid participants are needed to confirm the course will happen. We can also arrange a physical exchange of checks prior to the course to avoid the electronic payment surcharge for those who are committed to attending, which will help ensure the course is a “go.”
My goal is to train everyone who is willing to be trained, and to make registration as easy as possible… and I will offer additional courses tailored to interests (first aid and CPR/AED, Adult only or Adult and Infant, or just CPR/AED, just Adult or both Adult and Infant) based on the needs of the participants. I also offer Wilderness and Remote First Aid which is required for those attending any of the BSA High Adventure Bases and highly recommended for other units pursuing high-adventure activities where EMS resources might not be immediately available.
The NCAC Marketing Department would like to recruit one or a small group of interns to help with a few key projects this year. If you know anyone looking for experience in marketing, digital communications, or graphic design, please have them contact me.
Thank you,
Chief Communications Officer
Saturday, February 17th from 11 am to Noon @ The National Arboretum
Milkweed for Monarchs, Inspiring Conservation in Scouts and Their Families, is presented by the National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America and hosted by the United States National Arboretum. Please join us to celebrate the start of this new monarch butterfly conservation program and be the first to get your seeds and commemorative patches!
In February 2018, The National Capital Area Council will kick-off Milkweed for Monarchs, a massive conservation project to protect and promote sustainable habitat for the monarch butterfly. One of nature’s most recognized and beautiful butterflies, the Monarch has been in decline in recent years, seeing a 1/3 decrease in its “overwintering” count from February 2016 to February 2017. A sign of spring for many, the Monarch is also a vital food source for other animals in the local ecosystem, and consequently, their dwindling numbers could have profound effects on the food chain. Many factors are at play, including environmental considerations and a loss of habitat.
Scouts are looking to help arrest and reverse this trend. The caterpillars that eventually become the monarch depend upon milkweed as their food source. With Milkweed for Monarchs, Scouts will be encouraging not just the protection of existing stands of milkweed, but the planting and cultivation of more of this vital monarch food stuff. How can you help? Simple. Protect milkweed where you see it and plant more. It’s not a difficult plant to cultivate. Because milkweed is a perennial, once you plant it and establish it this spring, your plants will return the following year to help feed the next generation of monarch caterpillars.
Would you like to earn $2.50 for FREE? That’s essentially what you’re doing when you sell Camp Cards! The cards are $5 each, but they come with a $5 Safeway or Harris Teeter card, so they’re basically FREE to the purchaser! There is ZERO risk to the the Unit – sell what you can and return the rest! Units keep 50% of the sale!!!!
Signup today for distribution at February RoundTable. https://www.ncacbsa.org/support-scouting/camp-cards-sign-up/.
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 three (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.
Please direct inquiries to Tom Kennedy at (tckenne@comcast.net) or 301- 461- 4101.
Yours in Scouting and
Best Regards,
Tom
Thomas C. Kennedy
Come join us at the Cub Scout Roundtable for fun, fellowship and news!
Attention Cubmasters and Day Camp Pack Coordinators! During Cub Scout Roundtable on Thursday February 8th we would like to hold a Day Camp breakout where we will discuss Day Camp. Please have someone from your Pack attend to get the information.
An exciting new adventure is about to begin!!
Maggie Smith Nette Furner
Handouts will be provided to both Boy Scout and Cub Scout units to help Webelos evaluate troops they visit. This will give Cub Scouting parents an idea of what to look for and Boy Scout Leaders an idea of what they Cubs are looking for.
Darryl Hurt will be leading a discussion on the following:
Scouting is for everyone! Sometimes families that want to participate can simply not afford books, uniforms, outings, etc. Sometimes policies of the chartering organization encourage frugal and simplified Scouting (notably LDS). Our Roundtable discussion in February will focus on ways to make Scouting more affordable for everyone while still providing an outstanding program that conforms to the guidelines of the National Council.
If time permits, we will have a discussion on Junior Assistant Scoutmasters and their role in the troop.
Nurse, Doctor, Physical Rehabilitation
Montgomery Medical Center Woman’s Board
Up to $10,000.
Who: Lion and Tiger dens in the Seneca District
What: A relay race against other dens with boys and girls wearing cardboard “cars” the dens have made and decorated to look like real race cars. 1 car per 4-6 youth in the den. See instructions or contact Jen Chen
When: March 3, 2018 at 10:00 (doors open at 9:30 for final touches to the cars). The morning begins with a parade and races begin promptly after.
Where: Kingsview LDS Church, 18900 Kingsview Rd, Germantown, MD 20874
Why: Watching Tigers and Lions act like race cars is a blast!!!!
How: Sign up by March 1st.
Questions – contact Jen Chen at 202-309-0107
We received lots of information from Tim Parker at Fish and Wildlife:
Below you will find our programs for February. You may also wish to visit our programs page.
*REGISTRATION*
Programs are free, however, donations to The Friends of Patuxent are greatly appreciated! Some programs require advance registration by calling 301-497-5887. Programs are subject to changes or cancellation due to weather or low participation. Please notify the refuge of any special needs so that you may be accommodated. www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent
*NORTH TRACT PROGRAMS*
*230 Bald Eagle Drive*
*Laurel, MD 20724*
+++Owl Pellets+++
Sunday, Feb. 18th, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Ages 7-12, registration required
How can owls find food in total darkness? How can they stand to eat a smelly skunk? Learn about these nocturnal hunters and dissect an owl pellet.
+++Riding Bicycles to Experience Patuxent Research Refuge’s North
+++Tract+++
Sunday, Feb. 25th, 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Ages 10+, registration required
Enjoy a winter bicycle outing as you learn about the refuge. Experience the beauty of this natural area on two wheels while discovering local wildlife, plants and historical sites. Learn the importance of reducing your footprint and leaving no trace on this 12 – mile guided bicycle ride.
Bring your own bike, energy bar/snack, water bottle and helmet. Ride is weather dependent.
*NATIONAL WILDLIFE VISITOR CENTER PROGRAMS*
*10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop*
*Laurel, MD 20708*
+++Screech & Kestrel+++
Saturday, Feb. 3rd, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, Feb. 17th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Meet two of North America’s smallest birds of prey: the American kestrel and eastern screech owl. Both expert hunters, the American kestrel uses its acrobatic prowess, while the eastern screech owl is a stealthy silent hunter.
+++Once Upon a Windy Day+++
Sunday, Feb. 4th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 5-7, registration required
Whoosh! Discover how the wind works and how it affects people and wildlife in this hands-on, interactive program with games and crafts.
+++Family Fun: Who was here?+++
Friday, Feb. 9th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, Feb. 10th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Winter is a great time to be a “nature detective” and look for animal tracks in the snow (or mud). Even when we don’t see the animals themselves, we can tell who has been there — and maybe what they were doing — by looking at their footprints and other things they leave behind. Come learn about tracks, scat and other animal signs through hands-on activities and games for all ages. This is a drop-in program: come when you wish, and leave when you’re ready.
+++Winter Adaptations Hike+++
Saturday, Feb. 10th, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
All ages, registration required
Come and enjoy a winter hike around Cash Lake. Learn about the adaptations animals and plants use to survive this frosty time of year. Bring water and dress for the elements. The hike will start inside the visitor center.
+++Camera Basics+++
Saturday, Feb. 17th, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Ages 16+, registration required
The auto function on cameras is often helpful, but usually another setting will get you the image you really want. This is a beginner workshop for those using DSLR cameras. This class is limited to just five people.
+++Raptors Reign+++
Saturday, Feb. 24th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Join special guest and licensed falconer, Rodney Stotts, as he shares the power of nature through discussions and up close encounters with birds of prey. This is a drop in program. No registration required.
+++Nature Songs with Stina+++
Saturday, Feb. 24th, 2:45 – 3:30 pm
All ages, no registration
Parent participation required
Join nature troubadour Stina for an afternoon indoor campfire sing along in our auditorium. Get your groove on with fun and silly nature songs!
+++Tiny Tots: Nature and Music+++
Sunday, Feb. 25th, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Monday, Feb. 26th, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Ages 16-48 mos., parental participation & registration required Learn about wildlife at the refuge through fun and interactive songs, stories and activities.
+++Nature Tots: Tweet Tweet+++
Tuesday, Feb. 27th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 3-4, registration required
Introduce your preschooler to the world of birds through stories, songs, games, and crafts in this fun, interactive program.
*HOLLINGSWORTH GALLERY*
January will showcase the talents of FWS and USGS staff: Abraham Lopez-Thejo, Carlyn Caldwell, Kaitlyn Baligush, Jane Chandler, Jen Chin, Jonathan Fiely, Jenn Malpass, Tim Parker, Jen Hill, and perhaps a few others. February features additional work from Kaitlyn and adds JanMichael Archer; March, Lynne Parks. Many on the refuge staff have artistic talent as well as a passion for its mission.
A few of the contributors “weighed in” with some personal background information and descriptions of the work they’ll exhibit. Carlyn Caldwell is a Veterinary Technician at the Veterinary Hospital at Patuxent. She’s worked at the refuge for 20 years in a “variety of capacities.” A member of the crane crew, she created a retirement gift for Jane Chandler (friend, colleague and crane flock manager). Jane has loaned the cross-stitch of a whooping crane back to Carlyn for the exhibit. Jenn Malpass describes migratory birds as “nature’s ambassadors.” She was bird banding at a stopover area in Alabama a few years ago when she was able to take “headshots” of “birds in hand” – truly a unique perspective we’ll enjoy seeing. Jenn has multiple degrees – including a PhD. in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from The Ohio State University. She is “uniquely positioned” to address wildlife management activity and engage those less aware of the need for wildlife conservation – like young people and city dwellers.
Kaitlyn Baligush, who will have contributed to the staff effort in January, and Jan-Michael Archer share February. Kaitlyn is a native Marylander from Catonsville who works as a recreation assistant here at Patuxent. During this month we’ll see artwork for which she’s used a variety of techniques – oil on canvas, wood, and watercolor. Kaitlyn dates her interest in art to tracing images from her middle school library’s books on how to draw. Later course work included rolling film and developing her own photos in a dark room, but oil paint remains her “go-to” medium.
Also scheduled this month is Patuxent intern, Jan-Michael Archer of Laurel.
Archer has an impressive and varied background – undergraduate biology degree from the University of Tampa and a master’s in interdisciplinary ecology – with a concentration in urban and regional planning from the University of Florida. He spent nine months as a graduate research assistant at the Florida Museum of Natural History in the Herpetology Department. Currently, he supervises Baltimore students pursuing degrees in life or physical sciences for the Urban Conservation and Education Internship Program. While at Patuxent, Archer has served as an environmental educator for K-12 students in Fairfax County. In this role he planted schoolyard habitat gardens and taught a program on ecological principles as well as wildlife conservation in cities.
Tim Parker
Education Program Coordinator
National Wildlife Visitor Center
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel, MD 20708-4027
o-301-497-5776
c-240-882-0363
(Days off are Sunday & Monday)
Registration opens January 23 and closes February 13
VenturingFest is the place to make new friends, explore the Summit’s adventure playground, and unite with thousands of other Venturing aged youth from around the country.
The 2019 High Adventure registration is now open at the Summit Bechtel Reservation.
The registration period for the 2019 Sea Base Lottery begins:
January 23 at 9 AM EST and will end on February 13 at 5 PM EST.
For those who asked for a copy – I have posted the Leadership Appreciation Handout on the NCAC Website. This comes from the 2017-2018 Cub Scout Roundtable Planning Guide.
Lynn
April 13-15, 2018 (IWLA, Germantown, MD)
April 21-22 (Camp Snyder, Haymarket VA)
May 19-20 (Southern MD)
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 three times this Spring in NCAC. The next offerings of this class in NCAC will be in September, 2018.
– Germantown, MD, April 13-15 https://scoutingevent.com/082-LNTTR
Questions? Contact Paul Schimke, paul@schimke.org or 301.906.0069 (c)
– Camp Snyder, Haymarket, VA, April 21-22, 2018 https://scoutingevent.com/082-16172
Questions? Contact Victor Bieniek, vbieniek@gmail.com, 703.855.8428 (c)
– Southern MD, May 19-20, 2018 https://scoutingevent.com/082-SouthMD
Questions? Contact Mike Strong, stronbsart@gmail.com or 301.861.6568
January 20 – 8:30-12:30
Marriott Dining Hall
Camp William B. Snyder
6100 Antioch Rd.
Haymarket, VA 20169
Course Fee: $5
Schedule:
8:30 – Registration
9:00 – 12:00 – Class
Who takes training? This course is intended for those units taking part in the Early Adoption Cub Scout program, and will offer training for Den Leaders/Assistant Den Leaders, Webelos Leaders/Assistant Webelos Den Leaders (C42).
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN:
Questions? Please contact Rob Hoitt, at advisor@crew617.org.
The Cub Scout Roundtable will be on Thursday, January 11th, at 7:30 pm at the Montgomery Village LDS Church. Experienced Scouters and New Leaders are welcome to join us. We welcome Pack Leaders, Den Leaders, Committee Members, and interested parents.
Over the next couple months, the Cub Scout Roundtable will be your go-to source for the latest details and implementation plans for the family Scouting program and a place to seek answers to questions you may have. Please join us to make sure you are up to date on the latest information. Roundtable is also a great place to learn about the many district events coming up this spring.
The January Roundtable will help our leaders prepare for their February meetings focusing on the Scout Law point of “Cheerful” and a theme of “Abracadabra!” We look forward to seeing you.
Alex Pranger
EVERYBODY WHO IS LEFT OUT THERE needs to make one of these dates
1. Office Hours with DE Ben at NCAC – Thurs 4 January – 1 to 4 PM
2. Roundtable Early Start for Turn In – Thurs 11 January – 6:30 PM at LDS Mont Village
Please bring signed Charter Org Agreement, Check, Printout and your filled out JTE.
YIDS
Commish
Gordon Henley
At this time, we need to get units scheduled for their Friends of Scouting presentations for 2018. Seneca district is behind in getting our presentations scheduled. Please email the following information to phil@dennis-family.org
Unit:
Contact Name
Contact Email:
Contact Phone:
Date of FoS Presentation:
Time of FoS Presentation:
Location of FoS Presentation:
Unit Webelos Transition Contact
Thanks for all that you do.
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Friends of Scouting Chairman)
We will have a presentation on lightweight backpacking at this months round table. Please feel free to bring your older youth along as well to this discussion as we are hoping they will be interested too.
2019 Lottery Entries for Northern Tier Wilderness Canoe Trips and Okpik Programs can be submitted online between 9:00 AM CST Tuesday January 2nd 2018 and 11:59 PM CST Tuesday January 9th 2018.
Saturday, January 27th 1 – 4 pm
Information and Registration Link:
Chairman: Rachel Krishnan, klondikederby@gmail.com
On Saturday, January 13, 2018, Germantown’s Sea Scout Ship 125 will be co-sponsoring Quarterdeck/Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships (ILSS) training with other Ships in the National Capital and Baltimore Area Councils. This training is a prerequisite for Sea Scouts hoping to participate in Sea Scout SEAL training and/or National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).
AS A SPECIAL TREAT, this training will be conducted aboard the NS Savannah, the first nuclear-powered merchant ship! Read more about the venue at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NS_Savannah.
Not yet a Sea Scout? Then don’t waste any time! Submit your application today!
Sea Scout Ship 125 is looking to fill several youth leadership positions and to introduce more Scouts to sailing. We meet Sunday evenings at the Greenfield Lighthouse in Germantown, and are just beginning our winter sail training program for new sailors.
Ship 125 has boats, ranging from a Sunfish daysailer and a trailerable trimaran to 27′ and 30′ sailing yachts with overnight accommodations. We can teach small craft sailing and other skills to help Scouts earn merit badges, or we can help a troop organize a sailing adventure, fishing trip, or other activity on the water. We offer an opportunity to bring more variety to your troop’s programming.
Members of Ship 125 are happy to meet with Boy Scout units and explain what Sea Scouting has to offer them. For more information, contact Paula Sind-Prunier, Skipper, at skipper@ship125.org.
Informational Flyer
Winter Sea Scout Recruiting
Adult + Infant FA/CPR w/CPR & AED
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2017 1:00-6:30 p.m.
…Additional courses & dates by request
Adult First Aid w/CPR & AED
Wilderness & Remote First Aid*
Remote Afloat First-Aid Training (RAFT) w/ WRFA*
COST**
$30 Adult FA/CPR
$35 Adult/Infant FA/CPR
$85 WRFA & RAFT
Be Prepared! Get Trained!
TO REGISTER
E-mail preferred date(s) and names/number of participants to: keeper@21uslhs.org
** Proof of current BSA affiliation required for these heavily discounted fees
Flyer available here.
Do you know the difference between a sheet, a boom vang, a cleat, a leech, and a galley? Here’s your chance to get a clew!
Calling all Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and friends or siblings at least
12 years old… Come spend a fun evening with the Sea Scouts and learn a little about sailing. Information about earning the Small Craft Sailing merit badge will be available—and by the end of the evening, you may even have completed 2 requirements! Learn about upcoming opportunities to complete the merit badge before summer, and other sailing opportunities—or just come out for one night of fun!
Sunday, January 7, 2018 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Greenfield Lighthouse – Major Dr. & Greenfield Rd., Germantown
FREE – But space is limited, so pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, contact skipper@ship125.org
This is a fun night to learn a little about sailing. Information about Sea Scouting will be available and what the program can offer Troops and individual Scouts—but there is no obligation to join. Sea Scouting is a co-ed program of the Boy Scouts of America for youth ages 13-20.
Flyer is available here.
ILSS is the first course in BSA leadership training. This fun-filled course fulfills a Sea Scout advancement requirement and is a prerequisite for Sea Scouts hoping to attend BSA’s National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), Sea Scout SEAL Training, and other advanced leadership training opportunities. Several units in the Baltimore and National Capital Area Councils are co-sponsoring this event.
As a special treat—this course will be conducted in Baltimore aboard the NS SAVANNAH, the first nuclear-powered merchant vessel. The NS SAVANNAH is not open to the general public, so this is a unique opportunity for Sea Scouts to step aboard an icon in the United States’ maritime history as they have fun and work as a team while learning fundamental leadership skills.
There is no cost… and the 21st Century United States Light House Service will provide pizza and sodas for lunch. Space is limited, so registration is required:
Flyer is available here.
Registration is open for the 2018 University of Scouting
Full details, course offerings and registration are available here. This promises to be the best UoS ever with almost 190 different courses being offered, many for the first time.
ATTN ALL CUB SCOUT UNITS – NEW INFO ON FAMILY SCOUTING. Bring your questions and discussion to RT in January
Cub Scout Early Adopter Family Program (Part I)
This is a coordinated communication from the National Commissioner Service Team, BSA’s National Director of Communications and Ass’t Chief Scout Executive Patrick Sterrett. In advance I apologize for the length of this post.
Paramount to this process to properly serve “Early Adopter” Family Program Cub Scout units, the commissioners involved at ALL levels (from Council Commissioner to Unit Commissioner) need to be proactively engaged. If you have questions about what is happening in YOUR area of responsibility, ask the next commissioner in your “chain-of-command.”
The following are the Key “take-aways” from the December 14 Family Program Soft Launch Livestream presentation:
• Soft Launch “Early Adopter” program – as soon as January 15, 2018
– Only for K-4 (Lions through Webelos I)
– Full Cub Scout Family Program rollout for the 2018-19 school year – exact dates set by local councils
– Six requirements
1. Council decides whether they want to participate in Early Adopter Program
• Invitational e-mail package sent to all Scout Execs 12/14
• To opt in: Scout Exe replies with council name and number
2. Council approves the pack is in good standing and has the capacity (Leadership, facilities, etc.) to participate
• Councils may create additional requirements for packs to participate
Just found another option for a Pinewood Derby Workshop – at the local Lowes on Market St in Kentlands. The site also lists other locations/dates if the first doesn’t work.
Details and Registration here
It’s time to kick off our 2018 Friends of Scouting Campaign. This past year was quite successful and we look forward to an even better year in 2018. At this time, we need to get units scheduled for their Friends of Scouting presentations for 2018. Seneca district is behind in getting our presentations scheduled. Please email the following information to phil@dennis-family.org
Unit:
Contact Name
Contact Email:
Contact Phone:
Date of FoS Presentation:
Time of FoS Presentation:
Location of FoS Presentation:
Unit Webelos Transition Contnact
Thanks for all that you do.
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Friends of Scouting Chairman)
Our council’s Jewish Committee on Scouting has three great events scheduled for next month, and I am seeking your help in getting the word out to your scout units. Attached to this message are flyers for the events:
– Merit Badge Fair, 7 Jan 2018, for Boy Scouts and Venturers
– Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, 14-15 Jan 2018, for those attending BSA high adventure programs
– Tu B’Shevat Seder (Like our American Arbor Day celebration), 28 Jan 2018, primarily for Cub Scout and younger Boy Scouts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Philip Sternberg
Program Chair
NCAC Jewish Committee on Scouting
Also note, check out a link about the merit badge fair on our council web site:
Audubon’s 118th Christmas Bird Count will be conducted this coming season, with all counts held between the dates of Thursday, December 14, 2017 through Friday, January 5, 2018.
If you’re interested in participating this season, check out the map to find a count near you.
All Christmas Bird Counts are conducted between December 14 to January 5, inclusive dates, each season. Your local count will occur on one day between those dates. Participate in as many counts as you wish!
Ornithologically speaking, Bird Study Merit Badge? Environmentally speaking, Hornaday Award? Another excuse to go take a hike? YES !!
WHO: To all Cub Scout Leaders
WHAT: Annual Pinewood Derby Workshop
WHERE: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
9200 Kentsdale Dr
Potomac, MD 20854
HOST: Hosted by Troop and Pack 706
WHEN: Saturday, January 20, 2018
WHY: This is an opportunity to complete the major tasks of designing and building your cars. We provide a woodworking shop with work stations staffed by experienced volunteers:
– safety briefing with building do’s and don’ts. Eye and ear protection is provided.
– car design station with various templates provided
– basic shape cutting station using multiple band saws
– powers sanding station with multiple bench sanders
– drill station with drill presses rigged to drill holes to insert lead weights (provided)
– weigh station with precision scales to get to the critical 5 ounces
– two powerful dust control systems keep the air clean of saw dust
COST: $15 per car! We will announce a link how to pre-pay online soon!
REGISTER: Pack must register via email to rfairbanks@precisionimagingllc.com. Time slots are every 20 minutes beginning 8am to 5pm. Please also estimate the number of cars from your Pack.
Attention All Units
First Recharter Turn in Date Will Be December 14th, 6:30 PM at LDS MV at 20020 Montgomery Village Avenue,Montgomery Village.
WE NEED YOUR Applications NOW – going for GOLD District and we can do it. About 70 apps to go!!Please bring to Roundtable at LDS MV on THURSDAYTeam on hand to help with apps and packets after 6:30
Second Date will be same location, December 21st at 6 PM, before or during the District Business Meeting and Holiday Dinner.
Please be sure your Check (unless you paid online), Charter Org Form and JTE Scorecard filled out and signed are included.
If you need a date outside of these times, call and turn in to your UC after review next two weeks or so. Everybody should be in and at least logged in and roster downloaded by now. Those 45 or so units that are not PLEASE GET UNDERWAY.
See links below.
Please plan to finish, review with your UC and submit by the end of DECEMBER.
YIDS and Happy Holidays
Commish and your UC Team
Charter Org Agreement Form is here
A note from Jennifer Hill at Fish and Wildlife:
Below you will find our programs for January. … You may
also view the programs on our programs page.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Patuxent/visit/PublicPrograms.html
also view the programs on our programs page.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Patuxent/visit/PublicPrograms.html
*REGISTRATION*
Programs are free, however, donations to The Friends of Patuxent are
greatly appreciated! Some programs require advance registration by calling
301-497-5887. Programs are subject to changes or cancellation due to
weather or low participation. Please notify the refuge of any special needs
so that you may be accommodated. www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent
*NORTH TRACT PROGRAMS*
*230 Bald Eagle Drive*
*Laurel, MD 20724*
+++Sketching the Seasons: Winter+++
Sunday, Jan. 14th, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Ages 14+, registration required
Join a ranger for a hike and to sketch your observations of the refuge
during winter. Dress for the weather. Bring a sketchbook if you have one.
+++Whose Clues?+++
Sunday, Jan. 28th, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Ages 7-10, registration required
Come be a wildlife detective with a ranger on the North Tract. Search for
evidence like Sherlock Holmes and discover what is living in our forest.
Please bring water bottle and dress for the weather.
*NATIONAL WILDLIFE VISITOR CENTER PROGRAMS*
*10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop*
*Laurel, MD 20708*
+++Screech & Kestrel+++
Saturday, Jan. 6th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, Jan. 13th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, Jan. 20th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Meet two of North America’s smallest birds of prey: the American kestrel
and eastern screech owl. Both expert hunters, the American kestrel uses its
acrobatic prowess, while the eastern screech owl is a stealthy silent
hunter.
+++Nature Tots: In the Treetop+++
Tuesday, Jan. 9th, 10:30 – 11:30 am Tuesday, Jan. 9th, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Ages 3 – 4, registration required
Trees are very special homes to many different kinds of animals. Introduce
your preschooler to this wonderful habitat through games, stories, and
crafts in this fun, interactive program.
+++Nature Songs with Stina+++
Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2:00 – 2:45 pm
All ages, registration required
Parent participation required
Join nature troubadour Stina for an afternoon indoor campfire sing along in
our auditorium. Get your groove on with fun and silly nature songs!
+++All that Habitat+++
Monday, Jan. 22nd, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 5 – 7, registration required
Learn about what wildlife (and people!) need to survive.
+++Screech & Kestrel (Esp & Eng)+++
Saturday, Jan. 27th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Meet two of North America’s smallest birds of prey: the American kestrel
and eastern screech owl. Both expert hunters, the American kestrel uses its
acrobatic prowess, while the eastern screech owl is a stealthy silent
hunter.
+++Tiny Tots: Nature and Music+++
Monday, Jan. 29th, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Ages 16-48 mos., parental participation & registration required
Learn about wildlife at the refuge through fun and interactive songs,
stories and activities.
*HOLLINGSWORTH GALLERY*
December brings a special treat – a veritable potpourri of volunteers’
talent. Committed so far are: Lucy and Ed Grimes, photography; Louis Buck,
carving; Barbara Buck, paintings; Brenda Stone, quilting; Dennis Hartnett,
photography; and Mary Ann Hartnett, needlework.
The Tiger 500 will be held at 10:00am on March 3 at the LDS Kingsview Gym. 18900 Kingsview Rd. Germantown. Please let your Tiger Den leaders know the date. More information will be sent out after January 1. The Tiger 500 is a great event where each Tiger Den creates one or two cardboard cars to wear and race relay style around an indoor track. It’s lots of fun and every team goes home with patches and a certificate. Mark your calendars! Questions, contact Jennifer Chen at jennifer_in_dc@yahoo.com or 202-309-0107.
Attention All Units
First Recharter Turn in Date Will Be December 14th, 6:30 PM at LDS MV at 20020 Montgomery Village Avenue,Montgomery Village.
Second Date will be same location, December 21st at 6 PM, before or during the District Business Meeting and Holiday Dinner.
Please be sure your Check (unless you paid online), Charter Org Form and JTE Scorecard filled out and signed are included.
If you need a date outside of these times, call and turn in to your UC after review next two weeks or so. Everybody should be in and at least logged in and roster downloaded by now. Those 45 or so units that are not PLEASE GET UNDERWAY.
See links below.
Please plan to finish, review with your UC and submit by the end of DECEMBER.
YIDS and Happy Holidays
Commish and your UC Team
Charter Org Agreement Form is here
What: The World Jamboree of Scouting
Where: The Bechtel Summit Scout Reserve, Mt. Hope, West bygod Virginia.
When: 22 July thru 2 August, 2019
Who: Scouts from more than 160 nations. Scouts born between July 22, 2001 and
July 21, 2005 can attend. Adult Scouters are needed for NCAC contingents and International Staff.
Why: You are not alone. Make new friends. See things from another perspective.
How Much & How Do: Read the fine print. NO EXCEPTIONS in registration.
Start here:
More Why: This is the same place where BSA holds national jamborees,
High Adventure camps, Training and more! Only about a 5 or 6 hour drive from the beltway. This is absolutely the greatest experience a Scout — or adult Scouter — can have. It’s extremely rare to have this event in the US; the last one was in 1967. It is jointly sponsored by BSA, Scouts Canada and the Mexican Scout Association.
Scouts who were born before July 22, 2001 can attend as staff. This is a great chance for your college-age and young adult Eagle alumni to pay forward some of what they gained from Scouting. The international staff tends to be young, so they will meet a lot of interesting people.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW and this event is likely to be very popular in this area, so sign up early!
This Month the Cub Scout Roundtable will be helping leaders prepare for their January Pack and Den meetings and other upcoming events. The Roundtable is here to help new and seasoned Pack leaders, Committee Members, Den Leaders, and interested parents by sharing topics of interest and discussing the challenges faced by units and ways to overcome them. The December topic of interest will be a presentation by Harley King on how to use Scoutbook. Scoutbook is an advancement tracking tool sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America that can follow a scout for their whole career from Lions through Eagle and everything in-between. This presentation would be suitable for any leader or parent working with tracking advancement. We look forward to seeing you there.
Montgomery Village LDS church
20020 Montgomery Village Ave,
Montgomery Village, MD 20886
Thursday 12/14/2017 at 7:30 pm.
Last weeks NewsFlash had the wrong date, The correct date is below.
This month our Round Table discussion will include:
– How is a Patrol Leader Council really held? What does it look like?
– Journey To Excellence: What is it and Why should I care?
We look forward to seeing you all on December 14th, 7:30 pm at the Montgomery Village LDS Church, 20020 Montgomery Village Ave, Montgomery Village, MD 20886
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
Thanks to all of the units that have reported in! As of today, the total for Seneca District is 29,066 pounds. That leaves us just over 900 pounds short of our 30,000 pound goal! Going through the list there are only 4 units that collected bags and have not reported any numbers. I will be contacting those units Wednesday. Thanks for all of your great help this year!
Phil
CORRECTION! – December 14
Come join us at the Cub Scout Roundtable on December 14, 7:30 pm at the Montgomery Village LDS Church, 20020 Montgomery Village Ave, Montgomery Village, MD 20886
Alex Pranger
If you need training, Seneca District will be sponsoring the following classes on Saturday, December 2.
Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
– Cost: $10
– Register online
Scoutmaster Position – Specific Training
– Cost $10
– Register online
Seneca District Chartered Organization Representative (COR) Training
– Cost $5
– Register online
Area Lodge Development Conference (ALDC) – Montgomery Service Area
– Cost Free
– Register online
The Potomac Klondike Derby planning is now underway. Mark your calendars!
Location: Little Bennett Regional Park
Chairman: Rachel Krishnan, klondikederby@gmail.com
Registration is Open
A Two-Part Request:
GoFundMe
Christiane Robbins needs your help today! David Robbins Medical Fund – Fundraising to help David in his Battle with Osteosarcoma.
Mamma Lucia Fundraiser: December 7
David Robbins, an Eagle Scout from BSA Troop 264, and graduate of Rockville High School Baccalaureate Program, has been fighting cancer since 2014. To help David and his family with the mounting medical bills, BSA Troop 264 Brookeville/Olney is sponsoring a fundraiser. Bring this flyer to Mamma Lucia on Dec. 7 and 20% of your total order will be donated to David’s Medical Fund.
Flyer MUST be presented and attached to each order.
Late orders? No problem! A December order has been added!
Unit orders must be in the Trail’s End system by Monday, December 4th at noon.
Product will be available for pick-up at the Marriott Scout Service Center (MSSC) located at 9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814.
December Pickup Schedule:
– Saturday, December 16 – 9:00-11:00am
– Monday, December 18 – Friday, December 22 – 1:00-4:00pm
Please note: Any product not picked up by Friday, December 22 @ 4pm will be returned to general stock and the product will be credited on the Unit Account.
December Order Payment:
– Payments for the additional December order is due to Council by December 27
– Unit invoices for orders placed between August and November is due December 8
Yours in Scouting
NCAC Popcorn Team
CORRECTION – December 14
This month our Round Table discussion will include:
How is a Patrol Leader Council really held? What does it look like?
Journey To Excellence: What is it and Why should I care?
We look forward to seeing you all on December 14th, 7:30 pm at the Montgomery Village LDS Church, 20020 Montgomery Village Ave, Montgomery Village, MD 20886
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner)
Our current total food collection is 27,278 pounds. That’s almost 14 TONS of food! Thanks to all who participated. There are still a few units that distributed bags, but did not drop off at our Germantown or Quince Orchard drop points. If you collected food, but did not drop at the above locations and have not done so already, please contact phil@dennis-family.org and let me know how much food you collected. We’re very close to our goal of 30,000 pounds!
If your unit is not on the list below and should be, please contact me at the above email address.
The following units participated in Scouting For Food this year:
Pack 64, Pack 76, Pack 210, Pack 221, Pack 291, Pack 436, Pack 464, Pack 468, Pack 618, Pack 694, Pack 1084, Pack 1199, Pack 1220, Pack 1280, Pack 1304, Pack 1307, Pack 1315. Pack 1429, Pack 1440, Pack 1761
Troop 207, Troop 291, Troop 496, Troop 738, Troop 1094, Troop 1397, Troop 1760, Troop 1988
Crew 2828
–Phil Dennis (Seneca District Scouting For Food Chairman)
NCAC and the National Arboretum are sponsoring a project to help our endangered butterfly population.
Check on https://www.ncacbsa.org/milkweed-for-monarchs/ to register as a Monarch Supporter! Receive free Milkweed seeds (that’s what Monarch Butterflies eat) and a PATCH!
Sign up, send in, come to the National Arboretum in February 2018
Please join us on February 17th from 11am to 12:00pm at the National Arboretum as we celebrate the start of this brand new monarch butterfly conservation program.
The National Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 in the northeast section of Washington, DC, approximately ten minutes from the Capitol Building. There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Avenue, NE, and the other at 24th & R Streets, NE, just off of Bladensburg Road.
The online registration for the Old Dominion District Klondike Derby is now live. You can access it here: https://scoutingevent.com/082-oddklondike18
We’d love to have some Seneca units join us!
When: The Klondike will run from Friday, January 26, 2018 through Sunday, January 28, 2018.
Where: We’ll be back at the Harpers Ferry KOA (map).
Cost: Registration for all attendees (both Scouts and Scouters) is $38 per person.
What (and Why): Registration covers camping fees at the KOA, hot drinks and snacks on Friday night, three hot meals on Saturday, a hot breakfast on Sunday, awards for winning patrols, and patches for everyone – in addition to more than 20 stations to challenge and entertain your Scouts and the fun and fellowship that every campout offers Scouters!
Cabins: If units would prefer to stay in the KOA’s cabins, we will be handling that offline. Additional information is included in the attached Info Pack.
Free Registration: We’re always looking for new stations. If any of your units would like to put one together, we offer one free registration as a reward. Just let me know, and we’ll help!
If you have any questions, please let me know!
Luke Rose
Director, ODD Klondike Derby
The sleds are well-constructed and separate from their wheel platforms. One is painted red and the other is clear polyurethane. They have been stored inside and should continue to be stored out of the elements. The measurements are 22″ wide by 48″ tall by 67″ long. Delivery may be available.
Asking $125.00 for each sled, inclusive of wheel platforms.
Contact Gregg Conklin
Troop 1988
Seneca District
IF you have a packet ready with a check and Charter Org Agreement with JTE, call your Unit Commissioner for review.
IF you have submitted online with a credit card, please email me (ghenley2@gmail.com) with status and provide Charter Org Agreement and JTE to your UC.
IF you have not started (about 55 of you!), please get underway to validate your password, data load etc. It gets more challenging to address these issues later. Always hit REFRESH ROSTER each login.
IF you have applications and payment money for scouts, we need them right NOW for metrics for 2017. Please call Ben or myself for pickup earliest for immediate processing. Then you can download with Refresh Roster and renew for next cycle. We are not at Gold District yet for 2017.
Happy Turkey –
Gordon Henley
Commish
A note from Timothy Parker at Fish and Wildlife:
Below you will find our programs for December. … You may also wish to visit our programs page.
Public Programs
*REGISTRATION*
Programs are free, however, donations to The Friends of Patuxent are greatly appreciated! Some programs require advance registration by calling 301-497-5887. Programs are subject to changes or cancellation due to weather or low participation. Please notify the refuge of any special needs so that you may be accommodated. www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent
*NORTH TRACT PROGRAMS*
*230 Bald Eagle Drive*
*Laurel, MD 20724*
+++Riding Bicycles to Experience Patuxent Research Refuge’s North
+++Tract+++
Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Ages 10+, registration required
Enjoy a late fall bicycle outing as you learn about the refuge. Experience the beauty of this natural area on two wheels while discovering local wildlife, plants and historical sites. Learn the importance of reducing your footprint and leaving no trace on this 12 – mile guided bicycle ride.
Bring your own bike, energy bar/snack, water bottle and helmet. Ride is weather dependent.
*NATIONAL WILDLIFE VISITOR CENTER PROGRAMS*
*10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop*
*Laurel, MD 20708*
+++Camera Basics+++
Saturday, Dec. 9th, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Ages 16+, registration required
The auto function on cameras is often helpful, but usually another setting will get you the image you really want. This is a beginner workshop for those using DSLR cameras.
+++Skull Detectives (Esp. & Eng.)+++
Saturday, Dec. 9th 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Ages 7-15, registration required
What was that animal? When you look at a skull there are many clues as to what the animal was. We’ll be looking at the teeth, eye placement, and something called a skull ridge. Participants will be using real and plastic animal skulls.
+++Nature Songs with Stina+++
Sunday, Dec. 10th, 2:00 – 2:45 pm
All ages, registration required
Parent participation required
Join nature troubadour Stina for an afternoon indoor campfire sing along in our auditorium. Get your groove on with fun and silly nature songs!
+++Nature Tots: Senses of Winter+++
Tuesday, Dec. 12th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Tuesday, Dec. 19th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 3-4, registration required
While seasons change, so do the smells. Come explore Patuxent using your senses. Dress appropriately.
+++Spruce, Fir, & Pine+++
Monday, Dec. 18th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 5-7, registration required
Come enjoy the smell of conifers while learning about why they are still green.
+++Raptors Reign+++
Saturday, Dec. 16th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
All ages, no registration
Join special guest and licensed falconer, Rodney Stotts, as he shares the power of nature through discussions and up close encounters with birds of prey. This is a drop in program. No registration required.
HOLLINGSWORTH GALLERY
Our November photographer is on her fourth career! Jean Phillips grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Montgomery County – but farming was (only) her third career. After high school, she took a degree in science at the University of Maryland and taught school for a year. Her second career was a 10 year stint at the National Institute of Health as an immunologist, but she left it to take over her father’s dairy farm and raise her two sons.
Over the years she transformed the farm operation to grainhay/straw/vegetables-and finally, “entertainment farming!”
(translationwhich I needed-suggests corn mazesand pumpkin patches). But with “retirement” Phillips revived a life-long interest in photography piqued originally by a single-lens reflex camera received as a college graduation present, and furthered in 2008 by a more sophisticated one given her as a Christmas present from her children. Presently, she works with a Canon 5D Mark II and a Canon 7D with a Canon 70-300 mm zoom or a 500mm Sigma lens! Impressive, but this is a granny who snaps polar bears up north as well as butterflies in her back 40. She writes that “photography gives her a good excuse to be outdoors and a way to share with others the natural beauty she loves.”
In the last two years Phillips has been working on the Sugarloaf Trails Association Indian Trailguide, and studying at the Smithsonian annex and “recording spots along the C&O Canal where Native Americans once lived.”
This year also included a trip to a Florida rookery! Phillips has submitted photos to the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and “placed” every year since 2009-including two “firsts.” Her other festival and exhibit participation are too numerous to list and her work is available from Gaitherburg’s Artbarn to dozens of points north. Check out PhillipsFarmPhotography.com.
December brings a special treat – a veritable potpourri of volunteers’
talent. Committed so far are: Lucy and Ed Grimes, photography; Louis Buck, carving; Barbara Buck, paintings; Brenda Stone, quilting; Dennis Hartnett, photography; and Mary Ann Hartnett, needlework. Additional last-minute contributors are expected also, so we look forward to a full gallery of goodies-a delightful seasonal array. OK fall, bring it on!
/for Timothy Parker
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/
Season three of InterAct Story Theatre’s Wheaton Family Theatre Series will present Lesole’s Dance Project: Zulu, Gumboot and Street Dances from South Africa. The event is made possible through funding from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County’s Wheaton Cultural Projects Grant and the Maryland State Arts Council.
I am attaching our flyer for your reference. The event is this Saturday, November 18 and is free and open to the public, and begins at 11 a.m. at Glenallan Elementary School (12520 Heurich Road, Wheaton, MD 20902).
Steven Wolf
Communications &
Community Outreach Manager
InterAct Story Theatre
32 Pennydog Court
Silver Spring, MD 20902
Phone: 301-467-6133
Scouting for Food totals are starting to roll-in. Early numbers show that individual units are performing comparably to last year, however, overall reporting of totals has been sluggish. We ask that you use your District websites and social media channels to encourage your units to report their totals ASAP.
As a reminder, totals can be reported at www.ncacbsa.org/sff. The form is short and simple, and if the person completing it has the total pounds in front of her or him, can be completed in about 2 minutes.
As of now, Seneca District has an estimated 13,000 pounds of food collected. For units that did NOT drop off food at the Germantown or Quince Orchard drop locations, we need to hear from you how much food you collected and where it was donated to. Please report the information to the link above as well as to Phil Dennis at phil@dennis-family.org.
Thanks for all who helped make this event a success!
Reminder – the Cub Scout Roundtable will be held at 7:30m on November 9 at the Montgomery Village LDS Church
20020 Montgomery Village Ave,
Montgomery Village, MD 20886
A huge thanks to Matt Burns and his team for completing the update to NCAC Eagle Scout Procedures Guide!
Please make sure you get this to all of your units who have Scouts working towards Eagle – it contains important information for them, their parents, unit leaders, and district volunteers.
Here is a quick summary of the major changes:
· Addition of a “Trail to Eagle” checklist for Life Scouts
· Addition of quick tip tables at the beginning of each section for Scouts, parents/guardians, unit leaders, and District Eagle Representatives (DERs)
· Addition of a new section covering Scouts with Special Needs
· An enhanced and clearer guide to Eagle Advisors and Eagle Project Coaches (Attachment A)
· Addition of information about the William T. Hornaday awards and Glen A. and Melinda Adams award
· Expanded discussion on safety, in general, and Eagle Service Project safety
· Discussion of appeals of Eagle Boards of Review
· Clarification that the District Eagle Representative, when conducting the Pre-Verification Review, looks only at the Eagle Scout Rank Application (ESRA) and Internet Advancement Member Summary Report to ensure the ESRA is correct – review of other items like the Scout’s Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose or Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook take place prior to and during the Eagle Scout Board of Review
· Added explanation of Requests for Extension of the Time to Earn Eagle (Attachment E)
ESPG is posted to the NCAC website in addition to the Seneca district website and announce this update in either the Capital Comments or Scouter’s Digest.
The Guide can be found here.