Scout Sign. The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been." Henry Kissinger. Scoutmaster Thoughts

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1 Scout Sign A publication for and about Scouters in our Council December 2016 Vol.12 # Dec 3-Dec 4-Dec December - January Council Calendar Popcorn All Monies Due to Council OA Winter Banquet Carolina Hurricanes Scout Day 7-Dec Properties Committee Meeting 8-Dec Commissioner Cabinet Meeting 8-Dec Finance Committee Meeting 9-Dec Popcorn - Prizes released if Invoice is PAID 10-Dec Open COPE 12-Dec Council Training Committee Meeting 15-Dec Executive Committee Meeting 18-Dec VOA Registration begins - Venturing Dec Christmas Holiday - Council Office Closed 24-Dec Christmas Eve 25-Dec MERRY CHRISTMAS 30-Dec New Year's Eve 1-Jan New Year's Day 2-Jan Council Office Closed 4-Jan Properties Committee Meeting 12-Jan Program Committee 14-Jan Open COPE 14-Jan Carolina Hurricanes Scout Day 16-Jan Council Office Closed 20-Jan 21-Jan 24-Jan 26-Jan 26-Jan 28-Jan 28-Jan JW Pope Eagle Scout Scholarship Due Camp Staff Interviews Finance Committee Meeting Commissioner Cabinet Meeting Council Annual Business Meeting Eagle Banquet District Committee Workshop Scoutmaster Thoughts The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been." Henry Kissinger Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 1

2 Great Wolf Lodge Drawing Contest Winners Info on page Occoneechee Eagle Count As of April 27th 150+ Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 2

3 More info on page 25 Jim Saunders Cope and Climbing Committee Chair BSA NCS Climbing & COPE Director Camp Durant, Carthage NC 35 20'20.90"N79 33'10.19"W Wood Badge S S is a hands-on leadership skills experience offered to adult volunteers of the Boy Scouts of America. Encompassing two three-day weekends, the course allows Scouters of all backgrounds to come together at camp to extend their understanding of the youth they lead, the adults they work with, and to go to new levels of personal growth and learning. Many describe this course as their mountaintop experience in Scouting the most fun they ve ever had as an adult Scouter. What past attendees have said about Wood Badge: At last a training that teaches skills I can use immediately in my troop and even at work Scoutmaster, Baden Powell District I thought Wood Badge was for Scoutmasters. Little did I know how much I could learn, or how much I could grow as a person and as a female leader, through Wood Badge. There are so many ways I can help in Scouting, and now I feel empowered to do it! Pack Training Chair, Crosswinds District Great Boy Scouts earn their Eagle. Great Boy Scout leaders earn their Wood Badge beads. Troop Committee Member Three Rivers District I felt like I was a scout, learning and having fun at camp. What an awesome experience. Assistant Scoutmaster Cape Fear District If you can handle a Crew of Scouts in the woods, you can handle Wood Badge. It's the best self-challenge experience there is. Crew Advisor Tuocs District People who delay taking this course are missing out. Varsity Coach Falls District More info on page Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 3

4 Outdoor Ethics Education Program The BSA partners with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Tread Lightly! to inspire our members to practice appropriate outdoor ethics. While LNT focuses on primarily non-motorized activity, Tread Lightly! focuses on motorized and mechanized recreation. All of the courses that our Council offers are instructed by nationally designated and Council vetted LNT Master Educators/Trainers and/or Master Tread Trainers/Trainers Program Year Outdoor Ethics Course Offerings Tread Trainer Course Council Boardroom February 18, 2017 Outdoor Ethics Orientation Courses to be scheduled as needed on 2017 BSA Leave No Trace Trainer Camp Reeves Spring: April 7-9, 2017 Fall: September 30 October 1, 2017 Outdoor Ethics Guide Course (New) Coming in 2017 Youth course for Position of Responsibility Fire! As I watch the news and listen to the radio about the over 20 wildfires, covering 50,000 acres, that are burning in Western North Carolina, I can t help but think about how much fire is a part of Scouting. We do believe that most of these fires are manmade, Governor McCrory said, whether on purpose or by accident. Federal Forestry officials have said that all of the fires are being investigated for suspected arson. Fire is devastating to our public and private lands as seen in the current wildfires near the Nantahala Gorge and the recent loss of the 7,000 square foot Belk Dining Hall at Camp Grimes in the Mecklenburg County Council (Charlotte area). See the Council calendar for registration information for all courses throughout the year. Have questions? Contact Meredith Blackwood at meredth.lnt@gmail.com. Meredith Blackwood, Outdoor Ethics Advocate Camp Grimes photos by Dave Ritchie Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 4

5 Nantahala Gorge wildfire reaches the rafting take out at Carolina Outfitters Part of any camping tradition is to gather around a campfire to tell stories, cook a meal, or just take the chill off crisp mornings or nights. As good stewards of the land, it is our responsibility to heed the challenge of the Outdoor Code through internalizing and following all of the Leave No Trace principles including Be Careful with Fire. Here are a few simple guidelines to minimize the impact of a campfire and reduce the possibility of our fires getting out of control. Ask the ranger or property owner if campfires are permitted. Check for any fire bans in the area. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Use only existing fire rings and keep your fire small. You should avoid building new fire rings. Use only wood that adheres to the Four D s: Dinky (no bigger than your wrist), Dead, Downed, and Distant (away from campsite). Never leave a fire unattended. Provide adequate supervision for young people when using stoves and fires. Always allow plenty of time for the fire to completely burn out. Burn all wood to ash and be sure that it is cold out (cold to the touch) before you go to bed or leave the campsite. Douse the fire with water and stir the ashes to make sure that it is complete out and then scatter the cool ashes. Remember, a campfire is not a garbage can. Pack out all of your trash and food scraps. They do not burn completely and food scraps attract animals. If you see someone who is not being careful with fire, say something or contact the ranger. It s about making good decisions to protect the natural world around us. Do your part to pass on our heritage of outdoor recreation to future generations. Meredith Blackwood Outdoor Ethics Advocate Send your District news to: ocscoutsign@icloud.com Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 5

6 November 2016 Scouting Circles Troop 75 Fuquay Varina, NC Cub Scout Fun Starts Here! What Are Our Cub Scout Packs Doing? Tell us about your ceremonies, AOL, camping, community service, special activities, field trips, etc. Send us your Pack news. Share your STORY Hello In honor of our veterans Troop 75 marched in the Raleigh Veterans Day Parade. Marching with our sponsor the American Legion of Fuquay-Varina, we rose early to attend the parade. It was one of the first few cold mornings of the fall and there was a chill in the air. We marched on to honor the brave men who fought for our freedom. Special thanks for all the veterans for fighting for our country. Looking Great Scouts Then it was on to the Occoneechee Camporee Where Scouts meet with other Troops and have competitions and fun. Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 6

7 Here are some of the things we were doing. The Color Run Heroes From lessons learned Sending Christmas cards to our service men who will not be home for Christmas. In Color Another Good turn: Troop 75 signs 270 cards Next Month: Friday, DEC 2: Game night Sam Taft Eagle project Court of Honor Awards Night Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade Christmas Tree sales at Legion In the trees Thank you Yours in scouting, Celebrate Life Al Milek Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 7

8 Send us your Troop News and Photos Good Citizen Award for Eagle Scouts The Marine Corps League would be happy to attend your Eagle Scout's Court of Honor and present him with a Good Citizen Award. More info on page 22 Get Plugged-in to Venturing As we develop ways to know what is happening in our Council with Venturing: We are looking to post something in the Scout Sign each month. If you have any possible write ups about Crews or things going on please send them to ocvoa.communications@gmail.com There are some Facebook pages and groups you might be interested in that are not only for our Council but our Area and Region. We are located in Area 7 of the Southern Region. Below are the links to each of those pages and/or groups. Occoneechee Council Venturing / Occoneechee Council eecouncil/ Southern Region Area 7 Venturing / Southern Region Venturing enturing/ Useful websites Southern Region website National Venturing website Venturing.aspx Getting The Most from Venturing Opportunities available to all our Crews: National Jamboree Occoneechee Council will carry one full Venturing Crew Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 8

9 Send us your Venturing News and Photos Sea Scout Leadership Award The purpose of the Sea Scout Leadership Award The Sea Scout Leadership Award is presented by Councils, areas, regions, and the BSA National Council to Sea Scouts and Sea Scouters who have made exceptional contributions to Sea Scouting and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Qualifications Be registered and involved as a Sea Scout or Sea Scouter for at least one year. Hold a leadership position or an office at the unit, District, Council, area, region, or national level Show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Sea Scouting and to Sea Scouts (at the level appropriate for the award). Nominations: Nomination Form can be found at Nomination Deadline: Council Dates are set by the local Council; turn forms in to the local Council. Area April 1 to the national service center, Office of the Sea Scout Director Region March 1 to the national service center, Office of the Sea Scout Director National March 1 to the national service center, Office of the Sea Scout Director Area, regional and national nomination forms can be ed to: seascouts@scouting.org OR a hard copy can be mailed to: Boy Scouts of America Office of the Sea Scout Director, S280 P.O. Box Irving, TX Nomination Suggestions The following are suggestions to include in a nomination packet: A narrative that justifies the nomination including where the nominee went above and beyond. Multiple letters of recommendation (2 to 4) from different areas of the nominee s life to give a more well rounded view of the nominee. These could include an instructor, coach Skipper/Commodore/Boatswain, or a church/community leader. A list of all of Scouting positions (specifically list all Sea Scout positions and year held). Even if the position did Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 9

10 not have a title, serving as the chair of a large project should be listed. A list of any involvement outside of the Scouting program (sports, community groups, etc.). A list of awards received in Scouting. Nominations carry more weight if a youth submits the nomination form. Selection Committee The selection committee will be made up of past recipients of the SSLA and leadership from the appropriate organizational level. Only youth and the immediate past youth award recipients are eligible to vote. In the case that no past recipients are available, a committee can be formed at the discretion of the respective commodore and staff advisor but the committee must be made up of at least 50% youth, all adults will serve as nonvoting members. Quotas The national Sea Scout Committee will establish the number of awards to be granted at each level. Currently the numbers are: Council 1 per Council with up to 5 ships, 1 for each additional 5 ships or fraction thereof Area Up to 2 Regional Up to 2 National Up to 2 There will be a balance of awards; if more than one award is presented, at least 50% of the awards will be presented to youth. For example, if two awards are presented, at least one must be awarded to a youth and so on. The National Sea Scout Committee recognizes the importance of recognizing the leadership in the Sea Scout program. In exceptional cases, the National Commodore and Director can review petitions from a selection committee and extend the quota. Selection Committee Report Once a selection committee selects the award recipients, the Commodore of the appropriate level must submit the signed Sea Scout Leadership Award Nomination form to the Office of the National Director. Recognition Council Sea Scout Leadership Awards Medallion suspended from blue and white ribbon, No Certificate, Awarded by the Office of the Sea Scout Director Knot, No with a miniature Sea Scout device, No. 931 Area Sea Scout Leadership Awards Medallion suspended from gray and white ribbon, No Certificate, Awarded by the Office of the Sea Scout Director Knot, No with a miniature Sea Scout device, No. 931 Region Sea Scout Leadership Awards Medallion suspended from green and white ribbon, No Certificate, Awarded by the Office of the Sea Scout Director Knot, No with a miniature Sea Scout device, No. 931 National Sea Scout Leadership Awards Medallion suspended from red and white ribbon, No Certificate, Awarded by the Office of the Sea Scout Director Knot, No with a miniature Sea Scout device, No. 931 Awards should be presented at an appropriate event for the level such as a Council Awards Banquet, an Area Sea Scout Event, a Regional Bridge of Honor, or the Boy Scouts of America National Annual Meeting. Send us your Sea Scout News and Photos Check out the latest issue of at Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 10

11 OA NEWS 2016 OA Lodge Calendar Calendar on page 17 The Occoneechee Council s Next Generation Committee is a group of young professionals engaged in the community and are rising stars within their organizations. The Next Generation Committee is dedicated to providing the next generation of leaders for the Scouting program in the Triangle. The group strives to provide valuable service to Scouting who, in turn, benefit from top-down mentorship from the Occoneechee Council Executive Board. Operation Arrow 2017 More info on page Send Us Your OA News And Photos For more information please contact Robert Shaw at shawrw5@yahoo.com or call Correcting bad habits cannot be done by forbidding or punishment. Sir Robert Baden-Powell Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 11

12 Where to go Camping hgjokfq55tg3bvduavkezff18yvmnofcpc/edit?pre f=2&pli=1 SCOUT SHOP NEWS BSA trunk club: 10 photos of mobile Scouting storage spaces How hands-on leadership lessons help young people soar Fly south for the winter: Attend a Florida Sea Base training conference Check out these and other interesting articles at: The Occoneechee Council Scout Shop is providing an opportunity for the Scouting community to help local Scout members who may be in need of uniforms and uniform items. This help will be done through The Ethan Giving Tree program starting November 17 through December 20, The Ethan Giving Tree program works on a donation basis. An Ethan tree (similar to an Angel tree) will be set up at the Scout Shop with Ethan cards on it. Each card will have the first name of the Scout along with the uniform items that they need. There will also be a space for other items they may want such as books, crafts, camping items, etc. Customers and Scout supporters can purchase the item(s) in their local Scout Shop and give them to the store staff to collect for each Scout. Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 12

13 We will keep the name of the individual(s) confidential. Only the store staff will have access to the Scout's name and your contact information. A code will be issued that will match a card in the safe that will have your contact information, so as the donations are collected store staff will contact you so arrangements for pickup can be made. We need your assistance to make this project a success. Please fill out the information form on page 16 of this newsletter and return to the store by November 17th, 2016 for every Scout who would benefit from donations from the Scouting community to complete their full uniform. More info on page 16 Occoneechee Scout Shop Anne J. Hendrix, Senior Store Manager Boy Scouts of America, Supply Group Phone: Phone: Fax: Street Address: 3231 Atlantic Ave Raleigh, NC Cumberland Scout Shop Tony Garcia, Store Manager Phone: Phone: Fax: Street Address: 717 Hope Mills Rd Fayetteville, NC Scout Shop Hours Monday - Friday Saturday Closed Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Scout news? The mission of this newsletter is to publish on a monthly basis those events that show Scouting at its best and help you deliver a Scouting program that delivers the Scouting promise. Send your events, Eagle projects, and Scouting news articles (with pictures) to: OCScoutSign@icloud.com Deadline: 20th of every month Publication: 1st of every month Editorial Policy The Scout Sign is a monthly publication that communicates relevant news to Scout leaders about the Scouting community of Occoneechee. We welcome articles (with pictures) that demonstrate Scouting in action, including Eagle projects, outings, and upcoming events that can serve as inspiration to others. While we reserve the editorial decision as to what content is relevant, we will attempt to utilize your content as submitted with only minor corrections to improve readability. Send your content and comments to mailto:ocscoutsign@icloud.com Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 13

14 High AdVenturing Northern Tier Florida Seabase Do you want to receive the Scout Sign newsletter via ? Veronica at: SBR Contact Information for Occoneechee Council Office Check them all out at: nturing.aspx Phone: Phone: Fax: Street Address: 3231 Atlantic Ave Raleigh, NC Web: Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 14

15 OCCONEECHEE COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS Congratulations!to!our!Great!Wolf!Lodge.!! $1000!Gift!Certificate!Winners!!!!! Ronan M. of Pack 151 Ryan P. of Troop 461 James W. of Pack 800 [ADDRESS INFORMATION] Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 15

16 Ethan Tree Occoneechee Council Scout Shop is providing an opportunity for the scouting community to help local scout members who may be in need of uniforms and uniform items. This help will be done through The Ethan Giving Tree program starting November 17 through December 20, The Ethan Giving Tree program works on a donation basis. An Ethan tree (similar to an Angel tree) will be set up at the Scout Shop with Ethan cards on it. Each card will have the first name of the Scout along with the uniform items that they need. There will also be a space for other items they may want such as books, crafts, camping items, etc. Customers and Scout supporters can purchase the item(s) in their local Scout Shop and give them to the store staff to collect for each Scout. We will keep the name of the individual(s) confidential. Only the store staff will have access to the Scout's name and your contact information. A code will be issued that will match a card in the safe that will have your contact information, so as the donations are collected store staff will contact you so arrangements for pickup can be made. We need your assistance to make this project a success. Please fill out the information below and return to the store by November 17th, 2016 for every scout who would benefit from donations from the scouting community to complete their full uniform. If you have any concerns or questions please contact the store staff by anne.hendrix@scouting.org or phone at Thank you in advance for your assistance. With leaders like you, this program will greatly benefit our scouting community. Youth's Name Code: (For Scout Shop Only) Leaders Name Phone # Troop or Pack #: Rank: Items that would benefit the Scout: Shirt: Size Neckerchief Pant: Size Slide Cap: Size: Socks: Size Belt: Size Insignia: Belt Buckle Other Items Book Thank you! Occoneechee Scout Shop 3231 Atlantic Ave Raleigh, NC fax Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 16

17 December 3rd, 2016 December seems so far away but it ll be here in no time. This is our time for reflection and recognition. Our annual Winter Banquet will not be a full weekend event as it has been in the past. This event will be held on a Saturday evening at a centralized location convenient to the Chapters. Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 17

18 S Wood Badge is a hands-on leadership skills experience offered to adult volunteers of the Boy Scouts of America. Encompassing two three-day weekends, the course allows Scouters of all backgrounds to come together at camp to extend their understanding of the youth they lead, the adults they work with, and to go to new levels of personal growth and learning. Many describe this course as their mountaintop experience in Scouting the most fun they ve ever had as an adult Scouter. What past attendees have said about Wood Badge: At last a training that teaches skills I can use immediately in my troop and even at work -Scoutmaster, Baden Powell District I thought Wood Badge was for Scoutmasters. Little did I know how much I could learn, or how much I could grow as a person and as a female leader, through Wood Badge. There are so many ways I can help in Scouting, and now I feel empowered to do it! -Pack Training Chair, Crosswinds District Great Boy Scouts earn their Eagle. Great Boy Scout leaders earn their Wood Badge beads. -Troop Committee Member, Three Rivers District I felt like I was a scout, learning and having fun at camp. What an awesome experience. -Assistant Scoutmaster, Cape Fear District If you can handle a crew of Scouts in the woods, you can handle Wood Badge. It's the best self-challenge experience there is. -Crew Advisor, Tuocs District S Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 18

19 In order to attend Wood Badge you must: Complete the training requirements for your Scouting position, including any applicable outdoor skills training Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment Complete and submit Annual BSA Health & Medical Record, Parts A, B & C (required!) Be invited to attend Wood Badge. The all inclusive course fee is $235. This includes all meals, 6-days of superb training, T-shirts, hat, and course materials. Mail this application to: Occoneechee Council, Wood Badge, 3231 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh, NC OR: Deliver this application to the Council Service Center, 3231 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, between 8:30am-5:00pm/Mon-Fri. Name: Address: Phone: Address: District: Unit: Scouting Position: Shirt Size: Select a Course: S ; March 31-April 2, 2017 and April 21-23, 2017 (Two 3-day weekends) Need more information? Contact Kevin Sloop, Course Director, at kevinsloop@nc.rr.com S ; September 8-10, 2017 and September 29 October 1, 2017 (Two 3-day weekends) Need more information? Contact Chris Murray, Course Director, at murraydude@mindspring.com Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 19

20 Operation Arrow 2017 In 2017, the Order of the Arrow will continue its tradition of providing cheerful service to the National Scout Jamboree. More than 750 youth Arrowmen will answer the call to serve in Operation Arrow by staffing one of the OA s program areas, which include the Service Corps, Trek Guides, and Indian Village. Each program component of Operation Arrow carries a unique legacy of jamboree service and caters to various types of Arrowmen. The OA Service Corps, a tradition dating back to 1950, provides reliable manpower support to other essential jamboree programs. Service Corps staffers work to accomplish projects, both big and small, and exemplify the OA s commitment to service with a smile. The OA Trek Guides lead units on their daylong jamboree trek to the summit of Garden Ground Mountain, where participants spend a day enjoying unique programming. Trek Guides enjoy rugged, outdoor adventures and help their crews find fulfillment in their jamboree experience. The OA Indian Village serves as the hub for American Indian programming. Indian Village staffers educate Scouts on American Indian life by teaching dance, craft, song and drumming. In addition to these teams, the OA will have a small exhibit, shows, recreation, program, administrative services and non-emergency medical transportation staffs. The 2017 National Scout Jamboree staff experience promises to be even more rewarding than previous years, based on improvements made in response to feedback received in Among other improvements, staff members will have greater access to Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 20

21 onsite transportation to shorten the commute between staff lodging and workstations. Additionally, the jamboree leadership is committed to ensuring that all staff members receive at least one full day off to explore other jamboree areas. Finally, staff dining will be improved to include stronger lunchtime offerings and the incorporation of retail food stands in the design of staff villages. These changes are welcome news for new and returning OA staffers who work in intense, highly active programs. The Operation Arrow team has been accepting applications to join our staff since October 2015, and our quota is filling quickly. Interested Arrowmen can find more information on our program areas and a link to apply by visiting the Operation Arrow website or by on Twitter. Prospective staff members should be able to commit to Session 1 (the full two week period), must be at least 16 years old by the start of the jamboree and must meet current BSA membership, training, and fitness requirements. If you are unsure if you are able to commit just yet, but interested in staffing in 2017, you can fill out our interest form and a member of our Operation Arrow leadership team will reach out in the upcoming months with more information. Furthermore, there are several opportunities for highly qualified youth Arrowmen, including Project 2013 alumni, to join our promotional efforts through the Operation Arrow Street Team, our grassroots promotional group, and the Ambassadors Program, a recruitment program for section and lodge leadership. Current and prospective youth Operation Arrow staff members are strongly encouraged to participate in these initiatives. The summer of 2017 seems like a long time away, but planning for the next national Scout jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve is already well underway. The Order of the Arrow will continue to release information about Operation Arrow staff opportunities and how to become involved in the coming months. We look forward to serving alongside you at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in 2017! General questions about Operation Arrow staff and the OA s role at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree can be directed to operationarrow@oa-bsa.org. Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 21

22 Good Citizen Award for Eagle Scouts The Marine Corps League would be happy to attend your Eagle Scout's Court of Honor and present him with a Good Citizen Award. To find a Detachment near you, enter your zip code at: Contact the Commandant of the nearest detachment and have him give you the contact information for their Eagle coordinator and give them the following information: Name of Eagle Scout (s) as it is to appear on the award Court of Honor Location: (Facility and address) Date: Time: of Court of Honor Unit type and number: Requestor's Name:, Requestor's cell phone: Any special instructions: If for some reason you get no response from your local detachment or if they can't attend on the date requested or you are in the Crosswinds District send a note to David Gardener: gardener1941@att.net or call at Marines in Red Jackets Marines in Summer Dress Occoneechee Scout Sign December 2016 Vol 12 #12 22

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