Old Dominion Pride ... Catch it!

CALENDAR February 2010 Page 8 100th Anniversary of BSA 11 Cub Scout, Boy Scout, V3 Roundtables 5, 8 11 Spring Roundup Training (before roundtable) 4 12-14 Klondike Derby (new date) 1, 13 14 OA Chapter Meeting 13 Scout Sabbath 15 Centennial Camporee Unit Registration due 3 23 UC Basic Training (VA Central) 20 University of Scouting 10 24 District Committee Meeting, 7:30 25 Commissioner Staff Meeting, 7:30 27 Unit Commissioner Training 10 March 2010 5 The Old Rag input due 6 COR Training (VA Central) 6 Merit Badge Jamboree 12 6 Adult Leader Training Day (at MB Jambo.) 10 7 OA Chapter meeting 14 11 Cub Scout, Boy Scout, V3 Roundtables 5, 8 12, 13 Mission of Mercy Service Project 7 13 Den Chief Training (VA Central) 13 Pinewood Derby 5 15 Centennial Camporee Roster due 3 20 Scoutmaster/ASM Specific Training 12 19-21 OA Lodge Fellowship 14 24 District Committee Meeting, 7:30 25 Commissioner Staff Meeting, 7:30 27 BALOO Training (VA Central) 27 ADC Training 10 31 Key Six Award Nominations Due 9 April 2010 2 The Old Rag input due 5, 9-10 Intro to Outdoor leader Skills 12 8 Outstanding Unit and Scouter Award 9 nominations due 8 Webelos-to-Scout Follow-up (before Roundtable) 8 Cub Scout, Boy Scout, V3 Roundtables 5, 8 11 OA Chapter Meeting 14 21 ODD Annual & Committee Meeting, 7:30 1 22 Commissioner Staff Meeting, 7:30 23-25 OA Spring Ordeal 30-May 2 Woodbadge #1 May 2010 (partial) 2 OA Chapter Meeting & Elections 14 7 The Old Rag Input due 13 Cub Scout, Boy Scout, V3 Roundtables w/ 5, 8 Program Launch Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and V3 Roundtables are 8:00 PM at Tho-

mas Jefferson High School. District Committee and Commissioner Meetings are 7:30 PM at

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road.

The Old Dominion District WEB Edition February 11, 2010

KLONDIKE DERBY FEBRUARY 12-14, 2010

Note Date Change See details inside on page 13.

The date for the District Awards Dinner has been changed to Friday, May 21, 2010. Save the date. More information to come in next months issue. See page 9 for awards nomi-

nation information

ANNUAL DISTRICT BUSINESS MEETING

The Old Dominion District Annual Meeting is sched-uled for 7:30 PM, Wednesday, April 21st, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road. This is the Annual Business Meeting for our District and the elections for District Officers and members-at-large will take place at this meeting. The District Nominating Committee is in the process of selecting individuals for the various leadership positions within the ODD. Any recommendations are welcome. Please contact Jerry Prentice, Nominating Committee Chairman, at 703-425-1589 or jerry@prenticegroup.com with any recommendations you may have for considera-tion.

Inside Pinewood Derby........................................... 5 Cub World/Goshen patch ........................... 5 FOS ............................................................... 6 Day Camp..................................................... 6 Mission of Mercy ......................................... 7

BSA - 100 on

February 8th

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Commissioner Staff News Welcome to new Commissioner Donnie Bullock.

Centennial Activities Centennial Camporee – Make sure your units know that the deadline for unit registration has been pushed out to February 15th and the deadline for finalizing numbers is March 15th. There are openings for commissioners to at-tend as Camporee Commissioners – cost is less and you will be able to sleep under a roof. Centennial Year of Celebration – make sure your units know to take advantage of this program. See the October Centennial Bulletin for a summary, but this pro-gram is executed at the unit level if the leaders choose. They can purchase the patches and tracking sheet at the Scout Shop and download instructions, requirements, etc. from the BSA Centennial web site. Youth and adults can earn up to five ribbons to be hung on the patch. Very colorful and the kids should love it – but only if they know about it! That’s our job as commissioners – please get the word out.

(Continued on page 9)

Old Dominion is a 2009 Quality District !

We were one of only 12 (out of a total of 20) districts to be awarded the Quality District honor for 2009. This was due in large part to the efforts of the commis-sioner staff throughout the year. Great job to all ! !

Charter Renewal

87 of 88 units completed their on-line charter renewals on time. All charter renewal packets have been turned in. Only one unit does not plan on renewing its charter. This wasn’t quite the 100% unit retention we strived for, but not very far off. Thanks for all of your hard work on this and let’s get 100% next time.

Centennial Quality Unit Status 79 of 88 units (90%) are Centennial Quality Units for 2009. Excellent job to all Commissioners ! We were the highest percentage of all but one other District (out of 20 districts in the council). As of printing date, we have 93.5% of all 2010 units with commitments made for 2010 – great job getting these in as well.

Unit Health Assessments December 2009 results – 63 units (only 71%), which is not a stellar result. While it was over the holidays, these assessments are important so we can identify problem units early. We willl need a better showing this coming Sum-mer, as this is an early warning for possible dropped units next December.

Unit Visitation Keep in mind that you should be visiting your unit once a month. Visits can be defined as any substantial contact with the unit leadership: unit meeting, unit committee meeting or a meeting, phone call, or email exchange with the unit leader. Even though the Unit Visit Tracking System is not yet fully functional, I will still have to report the number of unit visits we make on a monthly basis. This information will be collected by the ADCs and passed on to me.

Roundtable Attendance for January Cub Scout – 38 Scouters from 21 out of 37 units (57%) Boy Scout – 31 Scouters from 21 out of 34 units (62%) Venturing – 12 Scouters from 8 of 22 units (36%)

GOOD TURN FOR AMERICA 2010 is the sixth year that Scouting will participate in the Good Turn for America (GTFA) project. Now is the time to start recording your 2010 Community Service. Reporting projects should be completed soon after the pro-ject while details are fresh.; e.g., a recent Camporee or Eagle project If you have questions or need assistance in navigating the GTFA web site, http://www.goodturnforamerica.org/ , contact Don Palomaki at via e-mail at: dpalo-maki@dspalomaki.com. Or at 703-455-9262. Thanks for supporting Good Turn for America and our local commu-nity.

COMMISSIONERS’ CORNER

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As I write this tonight, I am holed up in my house with 24 inches of snow cov-ering our neighborhood. Due to the bliz-zard, most of the weekend activities, to include Scout Sundays and our very own Klondike Derby, had to be rescheduled

for next weekend. Don’t worry; there will still be enough snow for you to have plenty of fun and challenges at the Klondike. This week is the beginning of our Scout Cen-tennial celebration that kicks off with the National BSA gala at the Building Museum down in DC. Several of us will be attending this black tie event. Hopefully, even with more snow in the forecast, we will make it down to represent you and the Old Dominion District at this pre-mier event. We did it again this year; we achieved the Award of Quality District for 2009! Congratulations to all of our volunteer Scouters and Scouts for again achieving this coveted award. With the economic recession that we are in, this was not an easy task, especially in the fundraising area. But thanks to the parents in our units, they came through for scouting and I thank all of them for caring and going the extra mile. I want to express my thanks to Bart Jarnagin, our District Executive, who guided and kept us focused on the goal throughout this past year. And again I appreciate all that Steve Summers, Holly Brown and Karin Linehan did in organizing and caring out our fund-raising campaigns. Special thanks go out to Dan Erhlich, our Vice Chairman for Membership, who did a fantastic job on working with sponsoring organizations and units to establish new units and also attain the distinction of achieving balanced growth in all three categories of scout-ing. This only happens about once every 5 years in a dis-trict. Old Dominion continues to be the flagship district of the NCAC 2009 Quality Council. The Family Friends of Scouting (FOS) Campaign has started and I encourage all unit committee chairpersons to ask parents to participate in this worthy program. I would also ask each committee chair to send out a letter to the parents asking them to contribute. Our Vice Chairman for Finance, Holly Brown has several examples of letters for your review. It is a proven fact that the units that have used this method, have been among the top fund raising units in the District. Also, I encourage you to reach out to the parents of boys that made Eagle Scout during the past years in your unit. These parents recognize the value that scouting played in their son’s development and are happy to contribute. With this being the centennial year, NCAC has addition expenses that they have to meet. Remember the Council is like a church. They receive no direct finan-cial support from the National BSA office. They can only

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES

COUNCIL CENTENNIAL CAMPOREE—SPRING 2010

Start your unit planning now for the NCAC Centen-nial Camporee May 29-31, 2010. This event includes op-portunities for Scouts at all levels. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing. Preregistration is open now. Visit the NCAC web site for more information and preregistra-tion at: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org and click on the Centennial Camporee link.. Unit registration will close February 15th. Once your unit is registered you will have until March 15th to finalize your roster

exist if they can receive donations from local benefactors and through their FOS and popcorn fundraiser. Please work hard so we can continue the great programs and training they have provided in the past. The Pinewood Derby and the Merit Badge Jamboree are scheduled for March and I’m sure that they will be as fun filled and educational as in the past. So make sure you are registered and ready to get those pinewood cars rolling and get your merit badge prerequisites completed before the big events.

John Rephlo jm@rephlo.com HP 703-451-9473

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The good news: Thanks to you, ODD Scouters, “America’s District” achieved balanced membership growth (growth in all traditional Scouting programs):

ODD membership up 5.8% in 2009 Venturing up 9.3% Cub Scouts up 4.7% Boy Scouts up 6.7% (WOOHOO!)

The challenge: we are now experiencing the “charter renewal bump.” You know—all of our Scouts that “disappeared” after a few meetings or transferred to other districts/councils dropped from our rolls. Preliminary numbers indicate we may have experienced almost 18% attrition. The opportunities: hold on to our transitioning Webe-los by ensuring they thrive as Boy Scouts AND recruiting new Cub and Boy Scouts during Spring Round-up!

Scout Recruiting: Time to train to Round up those new Scouts!

Troop and Pack leaders—time to hone up your wran-gling skills and get yourself down to Spring Roundup Scout Recruiting Training at 7pm prior to February Roundtable on Thu, February 11th at Thomas Jefferson HS. We’ll discuss how to coordinate your unit program with recruiting efforts, the importance of a robust summer program, and help you recognize how troop-pack coordi-nation can lead to powerful synergy!

Webelos-to-Scout (WTS): Leave no (Webelos) Scout Behind

A number of our Cub Scout packs will be awarding Arrow of Light (AOL) awards and launching their Webe-los towards the next step on the trail to Eagle—a Boy Scout troop. In addition to the receiving troops having a strong New Scout program, we need to look at some of the boys who may NOT be receiving AOL at the Blue & Gold. It is very important that we don’t let boys slip away because they feel they can’t continue on the trail. A com-monly held misconception is that a Webelos that does not receive AOL cannot bridge. NOT TRUE! In fact, many Webelos who have not earned AOL can AND WILL thrive in Boy Scouts. Cub Scout leaders—reach out to your “ghost” Webelos and get them back into Scouting!

MEMBERSHIP NOTES

Need Help? Call the Membership Team The membership team is standing by to assist your unit in recruiting new Scouts and families into our units: Vice-Chair, Membership Dan Ehrlich cubmaster678@verizon.net District Executive Bart Jarnagin barton.jarnagin@scouting.org Cub Scout Recruiting Coordinator Janine Bilyeu Janine_38@hotmail.com Boy Scout Recruiting Coordinator HELP WANTED Vacant WTS Coordinator John Ruby ruby.john@verizon.net New Unit Coordinator HELP WANTED Vacant

[Editors. Note: The following may be of interest to Eagle Scouts and their families in search of college

opportunities. Your editor is not an Aggie]

EAGLE SCOUT OPPORTUNITY AT

TEXAS A&M The Spring Aggie Eagle Program (AEP) will soon be upon us, February 26-27, 2010. Our registrations for both in state and out of state Scouts is running about where we were last year. We still have room and more importantly, we still have scholarships for qualifying attendees. As a reminder, the weekend includes the Texas A&M vs Texas Men’s Basketball game – always a crowd pleaser! Please encourage your Scouts to visit the webpage http://www.aggiecorps.org/connect-with-the-corps/aggie-eagle-program.html. They can register for the program at this site, and the site also has links to previous program newsletters and a short video taken at an earlier Spring AEP. It should give them an idea of what the program is like. We appreciate your support.

JON T. HALL '76 Col, USAF (Ret) Assistant Commandant for Recruiting Texas A&M University

1-800 TAMU AGS

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GEAR UP FOR LEADERSHIP AT ROUNDTABLE

Old Dominion District Boy Scout Roundtable

Line-up: Note, Attend, Contribute!

Every 2nd Thursday except July. Month Roundtable Topic February Boy Scout Centennial March Leadership April Special Cooking May Program Launch June Backpacking

DISTRICT PINEWOOD DERBY The Derby is slated for March 13, 2010 at Springfield Mall. We will be in front of Macy’s since the Easter Bunny will be at JC Penney. Registration starts at 8 am and racing will begin as close to 9 am as possible. All awards will be distributed after the final race is completed. This year we will have medals not patches and they will be available on race day. Rules and registration for 2010 have been posted on our District website and were sent out to the Yahoo group last month. Katy Carlson will again head up the Style competition and is looking for a couple of Scouter judges, please contact her if you would like to judge. I still need someone to head up registration on race day. Dorothy Doyle, are you willing and able to help out this year? Maybe someone else would like to volunteer in that capac-ity. I need a pit crew to come forward to handle weighing in and dimension criteria. Please let me know if you can help out in the trenches. Thank you to Packs 678, 685, 991 and 1853 again for volunteering their tracks and volunteers to run the tracks!! This ensures that Old Dominion District will have a great Pinewood Derby this year. We still need volunteers to step forward and take on job assignments. Without volun-teers we can not have a great District wide Pinewood Derby. Don’t delay we need your help now. Please call Vickie Trumbetic 703-451-3223 to volunteer or step up at Roundtable.

2010 SPECIAL EDITION CSP FOR PURCHASE $2

AT GOSHEN OR CUB WORLD

HOW TO QUALIFY:

1. Returning units to Goshen or Cub World that

bring 5 more youth this year than the year before. You may combine youth that attend either Goshen or Cub World camps….Example….a pack that send youth to cub world and a group to PMI (or any of the reservation camps), just needs to bring 5 more youth total…not to each camp….

2. New to Cub World or Goshen, did not go last year, but will need to bring 35% of the youth from your unit. Unit membership will be deter-mined by June 30, 2010 registered youth.

3. If a unit has a special circumstance they need to request this through the district camp promotion team, program team, Key 3 (D.E., District Chair-man, and District Commissioner) for an excep-tion….the Key 3 can make the decision.

Qualifying units can purchase

CSP's at camp for $2 each.

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SUBSCRIBE OR MAKE EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGE?

The fastest way to make an email address change or sub-scribe to the ODD’s YAHOO mailing list is as follows. To subscribe, from the new address, or add a new subscription, send a blank (empty) email to: NCACOLDDOMINION-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To unsubscribe, from the old address, send a blank (empty) email to: NCACOLDDOMINION-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com This has the effect of deleting the subscription for the old address, and creating a new subscription for the new ad-dress. If this does not work for you, send an email request to: NCACOLDDOMINION-owner@yahoogroups.com

Editors note: The e-mail addresses, web page addresses and hyperlinks in this issue were believed to be current at time of editing. However, over time they may become obsolete.

2010 Family Friends of Scouting Campaign (FOS) Has Begun!

Let us start off by saying THANK YOU to all the BUDDIES that signed up to assist their units in making this year’s FOS campaign one to remember. All units are now assigned a BUDDY, if you don’t know who yours is please give me or Tom a call or send us an email. Many units will be receiving their FOS presentations this month. If you would like to have someone give it for you, please contact one of us. We are happy to arrange a presenter for you. Our goal this year is to have 100% of the registered scouts and scouters be given the opportunity to participate in the campaign. We know that with our GREAT team of teams we can accomplish anything. We are truly grateful for all you do for scouting! THANK YOU Tom Quigley

Deputy Vice Chairman of Finance taquigley@cox.net YIS, Holly Brown ODD Vice Chairman of Finance Brown.hollyh@verizon.net 703-690-2899

WORLD FRIENDSHIP FUND

Thank you for the contributions to World Friendship Fund at the January Roundtable. A total of $200 was donated..

JUNGLE BOOK: A CUB SCOUT SAFARI

Old Dominion District’s Day Camp July 12-16, 2010 at Occoquan Regional Park!

Cub Scouts love to camp, and we’re going on a jungle adventure this summer. Join us as we explore the world of Rud-yard Kipling’s Jungle Book and practice skills in archery, bb gun shooting, and sports, and learn about nature, crafts and more!

Boys in grade 1 (as of September 2010) through We-belos are eligible to attend day camp. One adult per every five boys is required to escort these adventurers through our jungle. Adults: If you have an adventur-ous streak and can spend a week in the jungle with us, consider joining our Jungle Staff. Each Full time staff member gets FREE CAMP REGIS-TRATION for one Cub Scout! Boy Scouts: We need your help too! Scouts age 14 and older serving all five days will receive a $75 credit toward camping at Goshen Scout Reservation! Cubmasters & Committee Chairs: If you would like a Summer Day Camp Presentation at your Pack Meeting, please contact Karin Linehan at linehank@verizon.net to coordinate. On-line Registration begins February 2010! If you have questions or want to volunteer, contact Karin Linehan at linehank@verizon.net, or Barton Jar-nagin, District Executive, at barton.jarnagin @scouting.org.

Volunteer Information Sheet

March 12 and 13, 2010

Needs You! Mission of Mercy FAQ’s

1. What to expect as a MOM V volunteer?

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Northern Virginia Mission of Mercy Project. As a volunteer, you will join 400 volunteer dentists, hygienists, nurses and other health professionals helping to provide dental care for 1,500 underserved children and adults. The goal of MOM is to provide more than $350,000 dollar’s worth of free treatment, and your participation makes this possible. All of the patients who come for treatment have been prescreened by local social service agencies and free clinics to ensure they qualify for care. Thanks to you many Northern Virginians will experience relief from pain and a brighter smile.

2. What tasks will volunteers be doing? Volunteers are needed for many tasks including picking up food and ice from local vendors, providing drinks lunch and snacks for the doctors, staff and all volunteers…NO COOKING. We will also help with cleanup and any other duties as needed. For many patients, the day will be very long and sometimes confusing, maybe even scary. Volunteers are asked to try to help anyone who looks lost or confused, and to keep in mind that waiting for care can be frustrating and tiring.

3. When: dates and times?

Friday, March 12, 2010 Shift #1: from 6:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Shift #2: 11:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 13, 2010 Shift #1: from 6:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Shift #2: 11:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. *Or as you are able

4. What if the weather is bad?

The MOM Project will proceed, unless the College is closed or the state issues a request that people stay off the roads due to hazardous conditions. Listen to TV or radio for news of NVCC closing or go to www.nvcc.edu and click on the weather/closings link.

5. What if I can’t keep my volunteer commitment?

If you are not able to keep your volunteer commitment, please contact Jerry Prentice at 703-425-1589 or jerry@prenticegroup.com March 9th if possible.

6. How to REGISTER?

To volunteer, send an email to jerry@prenticegroup.com with your name, day(s) you are available, special skills (physician, nurse, EMT), languages you speak fluently, the school you attend if you are a student and if you will need documentation of community service.

7. Where?

NVCC’s Medical Education Center at 6699 Springfield Center Dr. Springfield, Virginia 22150 (Directions on back.)

GENERAL INFORMATION

MOM volunteers will receive:

An official Northern Virginia MOM volunteer t-shirt and Complimentary parking. Food and beverages during your shift. Verification of volunteer hours (if needed for school or employment).

On the day of your shift:

Free parking in the multi-level parking structure behind the campus. Please park on level 5 then below. Remember to lock your car. Please leave valuables at home or locked in the trunk of your car. Proceed to the first floor of the MEC and follow the signs to the volunteer check-in room. Put on your volunteer t-shirt and nametag. You will be given a brief orientation and training session for your assignment.

At the end of your shift:

If your shift ends before MOM closes for the day, please make sure that a new volunteer has taken your place—if not, let the volunteer coordinator know right away.

Please check out with the volunteer coordinator table when you leave. Please fill out a volunteer satisfaction survey before you leave.

DIRECTIONS TO THE NOVA MEDICAL EDUCATION CENTER

From I-395: Take I-395 south (it becomes I-95 at the beltway). Take VA-644E toward Franconia. Turn right on Loisdale Rd., left on Springfield Center Dr, look for the MEC on left.

From South I-95: Take the I-95 to VA-644E exit toward Franconia; follow directions above.

From I-495: Take I-495 to I-95 south. Exit at VA-644E; follow directions above.

Parking: Volunteers may park free in the MEC garage. Make sure you obey all parking signs. We look forward to working with you; thank you in advanced for helping us make this a tremendous success. Jerry Prentice Old Dominion Chapter Mission of Mercy Adviser 703-425-1589, e-mail:jerry@prenticegroup.com

The Old Rag WEB Edition Page 8 February 11, 2010

THE OLD RAG Old Dominion District

National Capital Area Council Published monthly (except July) by the Old Dominion Dis-trict of the National Capital Area Council, BSA, to provide information to Scouters in the District. John Rephlo District Chairman Scott Staron District Commissioner Barton Jarnagin District Executive Don Palomaki Vice Chairman, Marketing Don Palomaki Editor, 703-455-9262 email: dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com The Purpose of the Old Dominion District is to serve the Scouting needs of the units in the District.

VIRGINIA SCOUT SHOP Located at: 5234 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA, in the Ravensworth Shopping Center - just off the beltway at the Braddock Rd. exit. Phone: 703-321-4836 Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 7 PM Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM They carry uniforms, scouting equipment, badges, literature and will accept most scout advancement form turn ins. (However, Eagle Advancement forms must be turned in directly to the NCAC office in Bethesda so data accuracy can be checked against the ScoutNet database.)

CUB SCOUT ROUNDTABLE Had enough snow, enough shoveling? Come join us at your Cub Scout Round Table on February 11th at 8 PM when we take off for the bright blue skies, and soar to new heights as we prepare to launch a great spring program. Everything flying this night won't be snow as we Take Flight. Join us as we help you seek new and higher levels of fun and activities in this our Centennial year.

We will be introducing some new Academic and Sports pins over the next couple of months during our splits so come gather these helps at the preferred scouting price of free in the Cub style of fun. . Future Cub Scout Roundtable themes include:

March - Spring Into Action - the best time of year to get the boys outside

April - In the Spotlight - songs, skits and stories, great for a campout

May - Hoop De Doo! - sportsmanship and skill games going into the summer

June - Celebrate Freedom - great summertime, outdoor and recruiting activities

July - No July Round Table, but keep up the tempo with Waves of Fun - pool parties and water sports.

SCOTT STARON AND RICK HILLENBRAND RECEIVE THE

JOHN MACK AWARD On January 23, 2010, the National Capital Area Coun-cil of the Boy Scouts of America recognized District Com-missioner Scott Staron and Council Commissioner Rick Hillenbrand with the John Mack Award for Outstanding Commissioner Service. The presentations were made be-fore a gathering of over 200 Scout Commissioners at its annual College of Commissioner Science The Mack Award was established in 1990 in honor of John Mack, a highly effective and much loved Commis-sioner from the former Prince William District. There are no specific criteria for this award. It is presented annually to recognize a District Commissioner or Assistant Council Commissioner in the National Capital Area Council who has had great impact on scouting and commissioner ser-vice in the council. Over the years, there have been a total of 23 men and women who have received the Mack Award. A permanent plaque with the names of Mack Award recipients is on display in the main lobby of the Marriott Scout Service Center. Normally the award is given to only one recipient each year but three times over the last 20 years an exception was made to grant the award to a second person, and to Rick’s great surprise this year was one of those years where two recipients were recognized. Of the 23 awards presented since 1990, five of them are were presented to commissioners from the Old Domin-ion District or former George Washington District, In ad-dition to Scott and Rick in 2009, they are Cong-Tru Nguyen – 2006, Jon Baake – 2001, and Tommy Thomp-son – 1993.

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COMMISSIONERS (cont.)

Support to the District Committee Finance/Fundraising – this is an area where we will need more commissioner support in the coming year. It is Centennial year and the Council will need an extra effort to be able to pay for all of the great planned activities that all units will benefit from. Some ways commissioners will be needed to assist: communicating the purpose behind the Family Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign, persuading units to contribute part of their unit-level fundraising to FOS, and others. More information to come but please get ready to help Holly and her team take our district financial performance to another level.

Miscellaneous Unit Charter Certificates – we know that some units like to present the chartering certificates to the chartering organization at Scout Sundays, but the new certificates will probably not be ready by then. We suggest presenting last year’s certificate at the public ceremony and then pro-viding the new one when you get them in the next month or so. Local Tour Permit Requirements – the ’50 mile’ rule has been reinstated. See the policy at: http://www.www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx?orgkey=370&id=70619

Commissioner Training Over 20 Old Dominion Commissioners attended Com-missioner College last Saturday and heard an inspiring speech by the BSA National Commissioner, Tico Perez. Don’t forget about University of Scouting, which is com-ing up in only 3 weeks (February 20th.). Annual Service Plan – for Commissioner training this month, we discussed the Annual Service Plan. Refer-ence Chapter 15 of the new Administration of Commis-sioner Service Manual at: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34501.pdf Key Points:

1. This is one way to organize your UC efforts throughout the year.

2. There is a key commissioner responsibility/event about once every month.

3. If you make the Annual Service Plan your annual service plan, you will meet most or all of your UC responsibilities which include: checking adult training, assisting with unit program planning, charter renewal, unit health assessment, helping with membership, and meeting with the unit lead-ership at least once per month.

(Continued from page 2)

DISTRICT OUTSTANDING UNIT AND UNIT LEADER

AWARDS ’Tis the season ― for the district Outstanding Unit and Unit Leader Award nominations. These awards are for unit scouters in all programs ― Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Varsity and Sea Scout. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the district web site; go to www.boyscouts-ncac.org and click Districts >> Old Do-minion >> District Forms. An email containing a link to the forms will be sent to the district’s Yahoo groups e-mail list shortly. A small supply of paper forms will be avail-able at roundtables or by request from Tim Kelly (see be-low) Nomination forms are due by April 8, 2010. They should be submitted by the unit Committee Chair, and can be emailed or snail-mailed to the address on the form or turned in at roundtable. Please take advantage of this dis-trict program for recognizing your eligible volunteer lead-ers for all that they do. Questions: Tim Kelly, kelly99@verizon.net, 703-866-1240

KEY SIX AWARD NOMINATIONS

Each year the District recognizes the contributions of its adult leaders with the presentation of the Key 6 Award at the District Annual Awards Dinner in May. The crite-ria used to select these outstanding individuals includes adult positions in scouting, contribution to achieving ODD Scouting goals, and service to youth through community or religious related activities. If you think you know of a deserving individual, nominate them! Nomination information will be provided at the Febru-ary Roundtable, and is available for download from the District Forms section of the Old Dominion District web page. Contact Don Palomaki at 703-455-9262 or dpalo-maki@dspalomaki.com if you need more information on the nomination process. Deadline for submitting nomina-tions is March 31, 2010.

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THE TRAINING PAGES

This is Scouting On-line

Here is where it all begins. Under the BSA training program This is Scouting is the entry-level course required for all Scout leader training. It is the foundation for build-ing award winning "Quality Units". This fast paced course gives new leaders an overview of the entire Scout pro-gram. It covers: the purposes, aims and methods of Scout-ing; organization and structure of Scouting units; program funding; safe Scouting; and, the appropriate teaching methods for all ages and stages of youth and young adults. You do not need to repeat the class as you take additional leader specific training for new scouting positions you may move into. This course is only available online at http://www.olc.scouting.org.

Troop Committee Challenge On-line

Troop Committee Challenge is also available online and provides training for the Troop Committee Chairman and Committee Members. Contact Fred Woody at: sixpacknsam@yahoo.com if you would like to set up a classroom session for your Troop. While the on-line ver-sion covers the key teaching points and is available ac-cording to your personal schedule, the classroom version has the advantage that it provides the opportunity for Qs and As with the instructor and interaction with others in the class in the same position. Please note that to be con-sidered trained in a troop committee position one must also complete This is Scouting and Youth Protection Training.

Supplemental Training Modules On-line

Supplemental training modules are also available online. They are designed to provide orientation beyond the basic training offered in This Is Scouting and leader-specific training. Each module is a unit of training that can be used as an outline for a group, for personal coaching, or for self-study. Most of the outlines should require about an hour to complete. Consider each unit of study to be an in-troduction to the subject. Scouters are welcome to download subjects that are of interest for personal or unit use. There are no training credits associated with the com-pletion of these units of study. Additional training units are being developed and will be continually added to this site.

Course Taught

Date

Responsible District

Basic 2/27/10 George Mason

ADC 3/27/10 Colonial

Basic 5/08/10 Patriot Basic 9/25/10 Colonial

Basic 11/20/10 Old Dominion

Basic 2/26/11 Chain Bridge

ADC 3/26/11 Colonial

ADC 5/07/11 George Mason

Course Taught

Date

Responsible District

Basic 2/27/10 George Mason

ADC 3/27/10 Colonial

Basic 5/08/10 Patriot Basic 9/25/10 Colonial

Basic 11/20/10 Old Dominion

Basic 2/26/11 Chain Bridge

ADC 3/26/11 Colonial

ADC 5/07/11 George Mason

Commissioner Training Dates In Virginia Central Area

Youth Protection Training On-line

Youth Protection Training is available online and pro-vides adult volunteers with an understanding about child abuse and the youth protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America. This course is appropriate for every adult working with youth and may be mandatory to work at or participate in certain Council or National sponsored events. Starting January 1, 2009, re-certification is man-datory at least once every two years. The on-line course is available at http://:www.olc.scouting.org. The course can also be scheduled for units or other groups upon request. For more information or to arrange special presentations for your unit contact Jack Present by email at: jpresent@verizon.net. Please note that there is a different class for Venturing leaders which addresses special considerations for older age youth, and coed units which is also available online.

Contact John Pastino pastino1@verizon.net for additional information on Commissioner Training.

The Old Rag WEB Edition Page 11 February 11, 2010

ODD Training Committee

Program Name Home Phone Email

Training Committee Chairman Vickie Trumbetic 703-451-3223 vktrumbetic@verizon.net

Youth Protection Training Jack Present 703-569-9490 jpresent@verizon.net

Cub Scout Leader Training Chip Souser <redacted> <redacted>

Boy Scout Leader Training Kurt Langenwalter Dennis Wokeck

703-690-4238 703-372-2424

langekl@cox.net wokeck@cox.net

Troop Committee Training Fred Woody 703-644-1088 sixpacknsam@yahoo.com

Venturing and Varsity Ldr Tng Adair Petty 703-913-1124 pettypa@hqda.army.mil

Wood Badge Training Ken Davis 703-941-9018 daviskenjared@aol.com

High Adventure/Back Country Skills Ed Phillips 703-690-6398 edphill@cox.net

Chartered Organization Rep Peter Pate 703-217-5421 ppate1@yahoo.com

Health and First Aid Training Linda Ferrarro 703-913-0679 firtho4th@aol.com

Cub Scout Leader Position Specific Training June 5

Cub Scout Leader Training is position specific, cover-ing all Cub Scout leader positions, and is required for adults to earn position specific training awards. This is Scouting and Youth Protection Training are prerequisites for this class but need not be repeated for those who are coming only to be trained in a new Cub Scout leader posi-tion these two courses are available online at: www.olc.scouting.org. This Saturday class will start at 8:00 AM and will be over by 11:30 AM. The classes will be held at Springfield Christian Church, 5407 Backlick Road. Cost for the class is $4.00. To pre-register send your name, unit #, phone # and the position you are seeking training for to Csouser@verison.net email <redacted>. The Cub Scout Training team looks forward to seeing every new leader at training.

University of Scouting February 20

The highlight NCAC training event of the year is the University of Scouting. This is a once a year opportunity to pick just the classes you want from more than a hundred being offered covering Cubbing, Boy Scouting, Varsity, Venturing, and District Operations. There will be special-ized training in a wide variety of cross cutting subjects along with the full range of safety certification programs, and BALOO. You can come to earn credits towards a Scouter’s Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. degree or come just for the courses, fun, and great fellowship. It will be held at nearby Hayfield High School. Register online at the University of Scouting section from the Training tab section at www.boyscouts-ncac.org. Register early to get the best selection of classes.

Adult Leader Training Day March 6

The ODD Adult Leader Training Day is being held in conjunction with the March 6 ODD Merit Badge Jamboree (same day same location) at Annandale High School, VA and lunch is included. While your Scouts are working on merit badges you can catch up on some important training. The following classes have been scheduled Youth Protec-tion Training, Troop Committee Training, Merit Badge 101, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Climb-on Safely, Trek Safely

Venturing Leader Training February 20

For more information about the course and to pre-register, call or email Adair Petty, Course Director, 703-913-1124 or pettypa@hqda.army.mil.

The Old Rag WEB Edition Page 12 February 11, 2010

PLANNING AHEAD 2010 MERIT BADGE JAMBOREE

The new registration process seems to be popular. Over 300 Scouts were registered on time which is a record. Due to scheduling changes and some Counselors that were unable to participate this year our capacity is about fifty slots less than last year so we expect to be

filled shortly. Once Troops receive their class assignments the registered Scouts should be busy preparing for the badges to which they have been assigned. All Scouts need to come prepared in order to complete their assigned Merit Badge. This event continues to get bigger each year with most of the ODD units participating. Each year we also have more units from out of District wanting to participate. Some of these units have participated for years and we have gained three Merit Badge Counselors from these units. In order to keep this event open to all that want to attend we will need more Counselors for new, or existing badges that are popular. I asked in the fall and I am asking again now for Merit Badge Counselor to join this effort. If your unit is attending please consider helping by teaching next year. I would like to invite you to look in on a class that might interest you and see how it is run. Adults are also welcome at the Merit Badge Jamboree as volunteers or to take a training or informative classes. We will have a schedule posted on the website in the next few weeks. No registration is necessary for any of these classes. There will be a schedule with the room assign-ments available at the registration table the day of the event. Adults attending classes are welcome to purchase lunch for $5 the day of the MBJ. The Merit Badge Jamboree is being held on Saturday, March 6, at Annandale High School which is located at 4700 Medford Drive in Annandale. Take the access road between the school and the stadium to reach parking for the event at the rear of the school. Please use entrance #7. If you need more information about this event or wish to volunteer, please contact Cyndy Blake, at: ODDmom@verizon.net.

Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training

March 20 Join us for a day of learning and sharing - focusing on the tasks that SM and ASM's deal with routinely. This is the second of three required training sessions for the Trained strip for SM or ASMs (the other sessions being This is Scouting (or completion of the previous New Lead-ers Essential course)and Outdoor Leader Skills). Come join us and help your troop and SM by becoming trained. The training location is the Springfield United Methodist Church, 7047 Old Keene Mill Road, Spring-field. Please pre-register to reserve a slot for the courses at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey= dEVzLXNIUFNiSy0weGNIZzJSQmMtVkE6MA The training is FREE. If you have questions you can contact Dennis Wokeck (Course Scribe) at: wokeck.boy_ scouts@cox.net or Kurt Langenwalter 703-690-4238 or email langekl@earthlink.net. New trainers always wel-come - if you’re already trained but would like to share and continue learning - please consider helping the District SM Training Team. We would love to have your assistance in training other scout leaders. Call Kurt Langenwalter 703-690-4238

Outdoor Leader Skills Monday, April 5 and Friday – Saturday, April 9-10

This is a great course for new parents to attend. There is no prerequisite course to take before this course. This is Scouting (or the previous New Leader Essentials) and leader Specific Training sessions are a highly desirable but not required. This training is one of three required to be a “Trained” SM or ASM, covers basic scouting skills and how to teach them, and is conducted in an adult campout setting. It is most appropriate for Boy Scout, Var-sity, and Venturing leaders who want a grounding in out-door skills. We'll have fun, experience new techniques and gain lots of tips to make the Outdoor program a fun and memorable part of your unit's scouting adventure. The course runs Monday evening and then a Friday evening through Saturday evening, April 5, and April 9-10. The Monday evening class will be held at the Spring-field United Methodist Church, 7047 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield starting at 7:30pm. The campout portion tentatively will be conducted at Camp Highroads. The cost is the cost of food. You must pre-register to reserve a slot for the course at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform? formkey= dEVzLXNIUFNiSy0weGNIZzJS QmMtVkE6MA. After registering you will receive a con-firmation e-mail. If you have any questions contact Den-nis Wokeck, course scribe, at: wokeck.boy_scouts@cox.net.

The Old Rag WEB Edition Page 13 February 11, 2010

KLONDIKE DERBY FEBRUARY 12-14, 2010

The 5th Annual Old Dominion District Klondike Derby 4-H Center, Front Royal, VA

IRONY ON THE KLONDIKE TRAILS

As the winters in the YUKON closed some of the trails to the Gold Mines, so too did the Winter Storm of February 5th close the trail to the Shenandoahs. 270 Scouts and Scouters were scheduled to make the trek; but with two feet of snow predicted on the route to this year's Klondike, the 4H Center called to cancel the event announcing they would be closed. Hey - at least it wasn't a Scout or Scouter saying there's too much snow for a Klondike Derby! The Center has arranged their schedule, moving another group up to one of the other lodges, to allow the Old Dominion District to hold the Klondike on 12-14 Feb. Guaranteed to be lots of snow on which to sled! Units interested in attending - even those who did not register for the original weekend - should contact Fred Woody at fred.woody@navy.mil or sixpacknsam@yahoo.com and Jim Templeton at ODDCamporee@Comcast.Net to regis-ter. We recognize this is Valentine's Day Weekend and Presidents' Day Weekend, but many of our youth no longer have 16th off from school.

Camping on the snowy grounds is $45. Bunking in the lodge is $70.

The price includes Saturday & Sunday breakfasts, Friday night and Saturday night socials, and the Saturday night Pizza & salad dinner. Also included are the awards, all you can drink Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, and Bug Juice. And of course it also includes the props and information at the various challenges! The only thing the Scouts need to plan for and dress for is the weather and the Saturday Lunch - including a killer presentation routine for the Golden Spoon judges. The Klondike Derby is repeatedly cited as one of the Scouts' most favorite outings. It combines Scout Skills and Patrol development at fun challenge stations while providing an overall competition that encourages them to do more and more. Keep Scouting Fun! (And the Klondike definitely does that!)

THINKING SNOW WORKED! (ALL TOO WELL!)

The Old Rag WEB Edition Page 14 February 11, 2010

Arrow Elections for 2010 are currently underway and may be scheduled through April 2, 2010, (new end date). The Call-out for this year is scheduled to take place at midday at the Merit Badge Jamboree, on March 6, 2010, at Annandale High School. However, Unit Elections may still take place after that date. OA Elections documents are posted on the Old Dominion OA Chapter Website for your download and use to include:

Unit Youth Elections Form Unit Adult Nomination Form Adult OA Nomination Information Sheet Elections Schedule

Here’s the link: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=19396&orgkey=2017 Send all requests for Unit Elections to the Elections Chair, Robert Hoopes, care of the Chapter Adviser, Allison Hoopes (jmhoopes@midohio.net), and the Elections Ad-viser, Seth Distler (seth.distler@gmail.com) for coordina-tion and to set a date. Units who have not yet submitted their OA Election Request forms are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Even negative responses for OA Elec-tions (e.g., no eligible candidates) are required to ensure 100% Troop/Team coverage throughout Old Dominion District. Arrow of Light Ceremonies (Feb – Mar 09) — ATTENTION PACKS - Old Dominion Chapter Ceremo-nies Team (Order of the Arrow) will perform Arrow of Light Ceremonies over a six-week period at different sites throughout Old Dominion. Each site is hosted by a Pack, with other units participating. All Packs with Webelos IIs earning AOL are invited. Coordinate your participation with the host packs: February 18th , 8:00 p.m.—Pack 1229 (Blue & Gold),

Congressional School, Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church; POC: Karl Gerdes, 703-333-3142;

February 22nd, 7:00 p.m.—Pack 688 (Standalone Ar-row of Light ceremony), Silverbrook Elementary School, Crosspointe Drive, Fairfax Station; POC: Karin Linehan, 703-495-0133.

BE ADVISED:

Webelos IIs will recite the Scout Oath and Law as part of ceremony.

AOL ceremony will run approximately 30 Min-utes as part of Host Pack’s event.

Packs will bring AOL awards to be presented; OA will present event token.

Lodge Fellowship (March 19-21, 2010)— Registration is now open for the 2010 Aman-gamek-Wipit Chapter Fellowship, to be held at Camp Snyder the weekend of March 19-21, 2010. The lodge fellowship is an opportunity for all chapters and members to come together for a weekend of brotherhood and fellowship as well as some friendly competition. This is an event for both new and long time members of the Or-

der. The weekend will be filled with training sessions, work shops, ceremony competitions, sport competitions, and much more. The weekend is topped off with an oppor-tunity for eligible members to seal their membership in the order by participating in a Brotherhood Ceremony, con-ducted by the winning team from the ceremonies competi-tions, and the election of the youth leaders for the coming year. This is also an opportunity for those youth Arrowmen who are interested in running for lodge office to throw their hats into the ring. There are four lodge officers: chief, vice chief, secretary, and treasurer and five area chiefs elected annual at the lodge fellowship. All elected officers must be under twenty-one (21) during their entire term of office. Candidates for area chief must be a member of one of the chapters within the area served. Arrowmen inter-ested in running for one of these lodge offices are encour-aged to download the Lodge Officer Candidacy form and submit the completed form to the lodge ad-viser. YOUTHS: it is especially important that you at-tend, since it is YOU, and not the adults who vote for the lodge officers. Further information on the event, including a link to registration, Lodge Officer candidacy form, and other in-formation, can be found at the following link: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=24617&orgkey=2002 Brotherhood Ceremony (Place, time, and date TBD) The Brotherhood ceremony which was to have taken place at the Klondike Derby over the weekend of 5-7 February is currently being rescheduled as a standalone event. Please watch for details. Lodge Dues may be paid at any time --- We did a great job getting Old Dominion Chapter mem-bership paid up for 2009 by the end of 2009, but it’s a new year and 2010 dues are due. Please remember the lodge does not consider you current if your dues are not paid. One big benefit of paid membership is getting the Shark’s

(Continued on page 16)

OA UPDATE

The Old Rag WEB Edition Page 15 February 11, 2010

Upcoming Events: NCAC Teen Programs Committee

Meeting, 7:30 pm, third Thursday of every month, MSSC

NCAC Sea Scout Wardroom Meeting, 7:30 pm, third Thursday of odd num-ber months, MSSC

Feb 20, Sat – College of Adventure, University of Scouting, location TBA VLST/VCLST – Venturing and Varsity Leader

Specific Training VLSC - Venturing Leadership Skills Course for

youth and adults SSLST – Sea Scout Leader Specialized Training

Feb 20, Sat, 5:00 pm – Annual NCAC Sea Scout Wardroom Dinner, Fairfax, VA

Mar 5-6, Fri-Sun – Kodiak Course Directors Course, Camp Snyder (Sunday friendly)

Mar 13, Sat – NCAC Teen Programs Annual Awards Banquet, Camp Snyder (see article)

Apr 10 – Venturing Service Project, Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, Oxon Hill National Park,

Apr 9-11, Fri-Sun – Northeast Region Area 6 Ventur-ing Quest 2009, Horseshoe Scout Reservation, Rising Sun, MD (Chester County Council) Quest website - http://ne6venturing.org

(May 8, Sat – NCAC Venturing Rendezvous 2009, consolidated in 2010 with Centennial Camporee)

May 29-31, Sat-Mon – NCAC Centennial Camporee, Goshen Scout Reservation Included Venturing Eco Challenge !REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!!

May, 28-31, Fri-Mon – Chesapeake Flotilla Sea Scout Regatta, Camp Brown, MD

(Jun 5, Sat – Venturing Eco Challenge, consolidated in 2010 with Centennial Camporee)

College of Adventure. Don't miss the adventure at the College of Adventure, University of Scouting, Univer-sity of Scouting, Saturday, February 20, 2010; 7:30 am – 5:00 pm At Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA. There are 50-miunute classes in almost everything you ever wanted to know about Scout-ing and Adventure. Whether you are new to the program or a veteran of many years, the University provides inter-esting courses in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Adventure (Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Varsity Scouting), and gen-eral Electives. Leader Training Offered: Venturing Leader Specific Training (VLST) Varsity Coach Leader Specific Training (VCLST) The New Sea Scout Leader Basic Course formerly Sea

Scout Leader Specialized Training

Venturing Leadership Skills Course (VLSC) – one for adults and one for youth (Venturing, Varsity, Sea Scout and Explorer youth invited)

Registration Fee: $30.00 ($20.00 for pre-registration by February 16, 2009)

Registration online, course catalog, more information: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org > Training > Univer-sity of Scouting

See you at University of Scouting! Kodiak & Kodiak X Adult Leader Training Course (CDC), 5-6 March 2010, 7:30 pm Friday – 8:00 pm Saturday, Camp Snyder Kodiak is a youth leadership develop-ment course that is presented as part of an outdoor high program – six days or two three-day weekends. It is based on the ser-vant leader concept and teaches five lead-ership skills called commissions using illustrations found in nature - effective teams, values/vision, communications, decision making, and planning. Kodiak X is the second level of this youth leadership development program. Ko-diak and Kodiak X can be used by Venturing Crews, Sea Scout Ships, Varsity Teams, and Scout Troops. This adult leader training course is for any adult inter-ested in learning how to use this youth leadership develop-ment course with their youth. You will learn how to teach the Kodiak leadership skills and effectively administer this course during your unit’s own high adventure. Additional information and registration form can be found on the Kodiak website – http://www.kodiak-bsa.org The cost will be $70. NCAC Teen Programs Annual Awards Banquet. Venturing/Varsity/Sea Scouting/Exploring will hold an Awards Banquet on March 13, 2010 at Camp William B. Snyder in Haymarket, VA. Nominate your “Outstanding” youth leaders, adult leaders, crew, team, chartering organi-zation, website or unit news letter, and high adventure for an “Outstanding” award. Email Adair Petty for the nomi-nation forms which must be submitted by 26 February 2010. The Award Banquet will start at 4:00pm. During dinner, we will have our own “Teen Idol” variety show – for which we still need some more acts – get your crew or team into the act and show off. If you have an act please contact Stasia at <redacted> . The banquet is in the Acad-emy Awards style event so there will be more than one nominee per award. We will also have last year’s winners present this year’s award in each category

(Continued on page 16)

V3 VIEWS

The Old Rag WEB Edition Page 16 February 11, 2010

Tooth, which is the Amangamek-Wipit newsletter, pub-lished several times per year. Members wanting to be-come Brotherhood members must also be paid up, and youth members seeking elected office. The link to the lodge dues and membership form is: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=24637&orgkey=2002 This form may also be used to correct or update an address or other information in any member’s record.

Key Upcoming Events:

February 11: Elections Training at ODD Roundtable, Thomas Jefferson HS

February 14: Chapter meeting, Sydenstricker United Methodist Church (SUMC), 7 p.m., followed by cere-monies practice

February 21 and 28: Ceremonies practice, SUMC, 7 p.m.

March 6: OA Call-Out Ceremony, Annandale High School, time to be announced.

March 7: Chapter meeting, Sydenstricker United Methodist Church (SUMC), 7 p.m., followed by cere-monies practice

March 14: Ceremonies practice, SUMC, 7 p.m. March 19-21: Lodge Fellowship (Camp William B.

Snyder, Haymarket, VA)

(Continued from page 14)

OA UPDATE (cont.)

Potomac River Watershed Cleanup Service Pro-ject, 9 am – noon, Saturday, April 10, 2010, Oxon Hill National Park. Venturing sponsors this service project for “All Scouts and Scouters” and their families and friends to help. The Potomac River is in our back yard so it is a great place to fulfill the Scout promises of duty to country, doing a good turn daily, being helpful, and reverence for nature and our environment. Come on out and have some fun picking up along the shore line – sort of like beach combing, but with a greater purpose. If your Troop, Team, Crew, or Ship can come and help for 3 hours, please email Adair Petty, ppetty1@cox.net New Adult Leader Basic Training Requirements. Fast Start is now required for completing basic train-

ing. Previously, it was optional. IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) is now

required as part of basic training for adult Venturing leaders of Venturing Crews that have outdoor pro-grams. Varsity Leaders were already required to take IOLS for basic training.

Committee members for Varsity Teams and Venturing Crews take the same basic courses as their Team Coach or Crew Advisor except they do not take IOLS. They also DO NOT take the Troop Committee Chal-lenge.

Sea Scout adult leaders now have three courses re-quired for basic training: This Is Scouting Venturing Youth Protection Training New Sea Scout Leader Basic Course (taught by

the Flotilla) Varsity adult leader’s basic training courses are:

Varsity Fast Start This Is Scouting Youth Protection Training Varsity Coach Leader Specific Training (VCLST) Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

Venturing adult leader’s basic training courses are: Venturing Fast Start This Is Scouting Venturing Youth Protection Training Venturing Leader Specific Training (VCLST) Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) for

crews that have outdoor programs. Winter Sea Scout Training. Sea Scouts and leaders gathered at Camp Round Meadow, Catoctin Mountain for some shore leave and winter training while their boats are secured for the winter. They had instruction in seaman-

(Continued from page 15) ship skills, marlinspike (knots), navigation, boat handling, safety and leadership to name in few. They also had fun in the galley (kitchen) preparing and consuming great food. In the evening, they had a Sea Scout Hornpipe (dance, food, fun, and games). A great time was had by all and we are all

counting the days to spring when we can burn our socks and set sail again.

V3 VIEWS (cont.)

The Old Rag WEB Edition Page 17 February 11, 2010

VENTURERS INTO THE SNOW.

Old Dominion Crew 1501 had a snow-covered week-end of fun at the Getaway Weekend at Heritage Scout Reservation on the weekend of 8 January 2010. The Crew was unanimous in their appreciation of the price, the food, the activities, and the overall program. The price was hard to believe: $30 for lodging and food Friday night through Sunday morning, $10-$55 for resort sports. At those prices, we expected a spot in a snow bank to pitch tents. We were very pleasantly surprised to be housed in two-story houses, complete with fireplace, kitchen, multiple baths and showers. The food wasn't fancy, but it had the three characteristics that matter: tasty, filling, and unlimited. In fact, the full-service kitchen in the Conference Center (site of activities at the Reserva-tion) had a sign, "Have all the seconds you want" (which some of the Venturers saw as a challenge, not just an invi-tation). The lodging and food were matched by the activity program, beginning with the pizza party and social time Friday night. Saturday was spent on the slopes and grounds of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, where the snow was deep and the staff was friendly and helpful. The downhill skiers were challenged with trying to ski in pow-der that seemed to get renewed with each run. Some Ven-turers opted for tubing; and turned it into a challenge they called STP (Snow Tube Physics). The wide run and rock-hard tubes made for fast runs and excitement when groups would zip down the slope using each other's pull cords to form a spinning constellation, each run trying out a differ-ent variation of Newton's 2nd law of motion to achieve flight. [The Venturers of Crew 1501 gratefully acknowl-edge the advice and demonstrations provided by the adults from NCAC Crew 1717 on methods for achieving maxi-mum velocity.] The day's fun was followed by inter-Crew ping-pong, pool, chess, and Wii games through the night, capped by an ice cream / rootbeer "kegger" (a 10 gallon keg of ice-cold draft!). Throughout the weekend, the Venturers and adults followed BSA rules for Venturing; keep safe, be consider-ate, and follow the buddy system for co-ed groups. The youth and adults of Greater Pittsburgh Council were excel-lent hosts and made everyone feel welcome and appreci-ated. This truly was a great outing and one we look for-ward to doing again. A big "Thanks" is due Old Dominion District Venturing Committee Member Mike Stumpf for passing on the notice about the event and giving us a clear and accurate description of the Getaway. [The Crew 1501 Advisor also appreciates the youth who helped push his minivan out of snow banks...twice.]

Above, below: Some photos form Venturers in the snow.

The Old Rag WEB Edition Page 18 February 11, 2010

Dennis Wokeck Coordinator, E-Distribution 6921 Conservation Drive Springfield VA 22153-1013 wokeck@cox.net

WEB EDITION

Scuba Diving merit badge was effective in December and four new badges will soon be available:

Geocaching 2nd Quarter 2010 Inventing 1st Quarter 2010 Robotics end of 2010 Scouting Heritage 2nd Quarter 2010

Historical Merit Badge Program

In honor of the BSA’s 100th Anniversary today’s gen-eration of Scouts will get the unique opportunity to experi-ence some of the activities their predecessors enjoyed. That’s possible thanks to the BSA’s new Historical Merit Badge Program, a set of four discontinued merit badges that today’s Scouts can earn. Boys can earn any or all of these merit badges: Signaling First offered in 1910 and discontinued in 1992. Sample requirements: build a simple buzzer or blinker

capable of sending Morse code messages, and send a message of at least 35 words; send and receive mes-sages using semaphore flags at a rate of at least 30 letters per minute.

Tracking First offered in 1911 (as Stalker merit badge) and dis-

continued in 1952. Sample requirements: recognize the tracks of 10 dif-

ferent animals; give evidence to show you have

tracked at least two different kinds of birds or animals, documenting their speed and direction.

Pathfinding First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952. Sample requirements: be able to guide people to im-

portant places within a three-mile radius of your home; submit a scale map of your community.

Carpentry First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952. Sample requirements: demonstrate the use of tools,

such as a miter and bevel; build a simple piece of fur-niture for use at home.

Sounds like a blast, right? But there’s one catch: Boys must start and finish all requirements within the year 2010. So if your guys built furniture for their patrol kitchen at last year’s summer camp, they can’t use that product for the Carpentry merit badge. And don’t delay—after December 31, 2010, these merit badges will go back on the “retired” list. Though the 2010 requirements are not available (as I write) I have a Word Document file for each MB with the original requirements. The 2010 requirements should be similar.

Ed Phillips Old Dominion District MB Dean edphill@cox.net 703.690.6398

MERIT BADGES Five new badges and four Historical Badges