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The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. Below is a link to an Associated Press article that was published in the News Journal on Sunday, January 22, 2012 titled "Groups strive to prevent the tragedy of Second Mile".
Click here for the article.
The article highlights the measures the Boy Scouts of America and other youth serving agencies have in place to protect young people. The training and policies of the BSA are praised by several national experts on youth protection.
Our youth protection efforts comprise four key components:
The safety of the youth we serve in Del-Mar-Va Council is priority one. This commitment by the BSA to protect youth requires sustained vigilance by volunteers, staff, parents and Scouts.
To learn more please go to: www.scouting.org/youthprotection for more information.
Beginning on February 1, 2012 Del-Mar-Va Council telephone service hours, and walk-in hours at the Dover office, will be extended until 5:00 PM daily. The Shipyard Shop Customer Service Desk remains open until 7pm on Wednesdays and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Please visit the About Us tab on the council website for complete details.
The national council has conducted research to find what makes high preforming units successful. There are three key elements which include: the right leader, annual program plan, and leaders must be trained. New resources are now available to help units with their Annual Program Planning Conferences. Below are links for downloadable PowerPoint presentations for Packs, Troops and Crews.
Unit Program Planning Tools
National Outdoor Challenge Award
Blue and Gold Placemats
Order of the Arrow Nentego Lodge
Click here to watch YouTube promotional video for the OAWV program.
For more information go to www.adventure.oa-bsa.org.
OA Annual Banquet February 11, 2012 Sheraton Dover, 1570 N. DuPont HWY, Dover, DE Click here to register.
OA Wilderness Voyage The Order of the Arrow's Wilderness Voyage offers two weeks in a canoe in the Boundary Waters wilderness area of Northern Minnesota. It is relatively inexpensive compared to other high adventure experiences and it is far more than a just a canoe trip - it's a program that changes the lives of each participant. You are placed on a crew composed of scouts from all over the country. Each crew member has a different scouting background and reason for coming to Minnesota.
The first week of the Voyage is spent maintaining portage trails that have been around for centuries. Trail work is what separates the program from other canoe trips in Minnesota. Scouts learn how to prevent erosion, and to repair trail sections that have been damaged by water. After a week making check dams, water bars, turnpikes, or making gravel, the participants gain a sense of accomplishment knowing that their work has made a lasting difference to the BWCAW. Better trails limit damage to the area around portages and make them easier to pass through. The service the OA crews provide helps make the outings of thousands of people each year more enjoyable.
The second week of the program is a canoe trip. Scouts plan their own routes and create their own itineraries. In addition to testing their limits, scouts experience a phenomenal wilderness area. I have seen loons, beavers, otters, deer, black bears, moose, bald eagles, and more. Brilliant starry nights, Northern Lights, thunderstorms, and picture perfect weather have their place on each voyage. The maturity and growth scouts gain from pushing past their previously imagined limits is incredible. Another facet of the program is the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethic. Learning LNT in such a pristine environment really hits home.
Being on a crew which includes a highly trained and experienced foreman is a wonderful experience. Often, these two weeks are the longest the participants have ever been away from home. It gives scouts an opportunity to show what they can do on their own in a new and challenging environment.
I can't speak highly enough of this program; it has changed my life. I have made friends from all corners of the country that I have, and will continue to stay in touch with. Since visiting the Boundary Waters, the trees back home seem a little greener and I am a bit more passionate about everything I do.
-Travis McCormick Participant 2003
Day Camp 2012
Summer Camp 2012
Many Troops have already made reservations to attend summer camp in 2012. If your Troop hasn't yet decided on camp destination for this summer, what are you waiting for? Register your Troop now to attend summer camp at the gems of the Del-Mar-Va Council, Henson Scout Reservation or Rodney Scout Reservation. You will be glad you did.
Your older, more adventurous Scouts and Venturers may be looking for a "higher adventure" for their summer camp experience. Swim, eat, and explore the Chesapeake Bay on the High Adventure Sailing (HAS) program as you and your crewmates sail from Rodney Scout Reservation to the Inner Harbor of Baltimore and back.
Akridge Scout Reservation Help Wanted!
Henson Scout Reservation
Henson to Offer ATV Adventure Program What’s the most fun you can have on four wheels? If you said ATV riding- you’d be correct! This summer, Henson Scout Reservation will be one of few camps in the country to offer an ATV riding program to Scouts during Boy Scout Summer Camp.
The ATV Adventure Program will offer Scouts the opportunity to learn ATV riding skills, and apply their learning to the safe operation of an ATV across one of the many trails on HSR’s 1800+ acres of property. Scouts will be provided with safety equipment, and only have to provide their own long pants, long sleeve shirts, and ankle-covering boots. There is no additional cost to participate in the ATV Adventure Program. Parental consent for this activity will be required.
Scouts can register with their troop to attend HSR in 2012. Scouts can also take advantage of provisional or encore camping programs at Henson in the event their troop is going to another camp that doesn’t have an ATV Adventure Program.
Don’t delay- register today! Spots in the ATV Adventure Program are sure to fill up quickly!
Henson Interviews Henson Scout Reservation will be interviewing to fill 2012 Summer Camp Staff positions during the weekend of February 17, 18, & 19 at Henson Scout Reservation. Positions are available for youth and adults. The 2012 season will run from June 10-August 17.
Interested youth and adults should complete an application for summer employment prior to February 10, if possible.
For more information or assistance, please contact Eric Salser, Camp Director or call the HSR Camp Office.
Rodney Scout Reservation
High Adventure Sailing on the Chesapeake You can sail a 34 to 46-foot sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay! Join other scouts for a five day cruise, anchoring each night in a new place. Explore the Chesapeake Bay and all it has to offer!
Arrive at Rodney Scout Reservation on Sunday where you’ll prepare for your trip. On Monday, you will train at our sailing base and then travel to Havre de Grace to meet the Captains and board the boat for your adventure. Swim, eat, and explore the Chesapeake Bay from your sailboat.
Each boat will consist of a maximum of 5 crew members (Scouts or Venturers only), a Captain, and a First Mate (a staff member or an adult leader if all 5 crew members are from the same Scout unit). Scouts may have the opportunity to work towards the Small Boat Sailing, Oceanography, Motor Boating and Astronomy merit badges. Your crew will return to Rodney on Friday evening for a family dinner, campfire program and an opportunity to share your tales of your nautical adventures with other Scouts!
Reserve your Spot on the Boat Today.
Rodney Interviews Rodney Scout Reservation will be interviewing to fill 2012 Summer Camp Staff positions during the weekend of March 9, 10, & 11 at Rodney Scout Reservation. Positions are available for youth and adults. The 2012 season will run from June 10-August 17.
Interested youth and adults should complete an application for summer employment prior to March 1st.
For more information or assistance, please contact rsr@dmvc.org.
High Adventure by the Numbers
Looking for more information on the BSA's high adventure bases? If so, we can help you out!
Over the past few months, the SummitBlog has released infographics for all of the BSA's high adventure bases, providing you with a number-by-number breakdown of the excitement awaiting you at each one.
From the cold weather activities at Northern Tier and high-sea adventures at Sea Base to the ranch at Philmont and soon-to-be mountain adventures at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, there is something for everyone.
Check out some of the cool facts we bet you didn't know!
Test-out Announced for Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
Boy Scouts of America has recognized that a small – but significant – number of adults, for whom Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is required, already possess and can demonstrate those skills. Councils have therefore been asked to provide a “test-out” process, which will substitute for the need to take the IOLS weekend course.
Del-Mar-Va Council is initiating its test-out process this winter/spring for applicants who think they possess the knowledge and skills. The process requires:
If you think you are qualified and want to test-out of IOLS, please contact your District Training Chairman.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
ARE YOU A YOUTH LEADER IN SCOUTING? Leadership is a key factor in the development of a Scout. One of the most valuable skills the Scouting program offers a boy is the opportunity to be a leader and to develop his leadership abilities. The National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course provides an exceptional opportunity for the Scout or Venturer to do just that.
NYLT is an intensive six day training experience for Senior Patrol Leaders, Assistant Senior Patrol leaders, Patrol leaders and Venturing Youth Officers as well as prospective troop/venturing leaders. The course uses a systematic approach to teach contemporary leadership skills, with an emphasis on both theory and practical application in a Scouting context. For the Scout who desires to be a better and more effective leader NYLT is an unparalleled opportunity. This year only 48 youth participants will be able to attend Del-Mar-Va Council’s NYLT program. After the completion of this course youth are eligible to attend BSA’s National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) offered at Philmont and the North East Region in New York.
Date & Location: Sun. August 5 @ 1:00pm to Friday, August 10, 2012 at 1:30pm at Henson Scout Reservation.
For Further Information & registration online at: www.dmvc.org/nylt
Or contact Jeff Bell 2012 Del-Mar-Va Council NYLT Course Director by email or 410-829-5698
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC) - Venturing
CALLING ALL VENTURERS AND ADVISERS
Venturing Crew 532 (Easton, MD) is hosting an Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC) combined with an ILSC Train-the-Trainer course February 24-26, 2012!!
As many of you may have heard, there have been a few training changes in regards to youth Venturing. The biggest of the changes were the ILSC (previously ‘VLSC’) as well as the Kodiak (which is now offered to Boy Scouts and Venturers). Kodiak X no longer exists.
This weekend has two purposes for Venturers: introduce the NEW ILSC Course AS WELL AS give the Venturers in attendance the knowledge and tools to run this course for their home units.
TO OUR CREW ADVISORS: This weekend is split up between the youth Venturers and the adult advisors. While your Venturers are participating in the ILSC portion of the course, you can be participating in the “How to run a Kodiak Course” which provides you with all of the information you need to understand what the NEW Kodiak course is. (This is also great if you’re an adult leader for a Troop.)
THIS COURSE IS ALSO “SUNDAY-FRIENDLY”: We understand people may have religious obligations on Sunday. We also respect the needs for our LDS units. All instruction will be concluded by Saturday evening, allowing those who need to depart to do so. However, if you don’t want to leave, you don’t have to.
WHO IS RUNNING THIS COURSE?: We choose only the best to teach the best. Our staff is comprised of:
WHEN ?: February 24-26, 2012. Registration is online. Registration on Friday night will begin at 6 PM and will end when everyone gets there.
WHERE?: Hazel Outdoor Discovery Center, visit their website for directions.
WHAT ELSE?: The cost for each participant (adult and youth) is $10. Registrants will register to CREW 532. Participants will need to bring ALL equipment and utensils for the weekend (tents, utensils AND food, with the exception of Saturday lunch.
Jeff Bell, Advisor 410-829-5698 (c)
Sean O’Connor, Chair 410-228-1476 (h)
Outdoor Adventure Workshop
The high adventure committee of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council is planning its 7th bi-annual Outdoor Adventure Workshop for adult and youth leaders on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 8:45am until 5:00pm at the Ceder Crest Middle School, Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
Registration forms and information is available at www.BSAoutdooradventure.org.
Climbing Instructor Training March 23-24 and March 30-31 Cost is $50 per participant; must be 18 or over.
Click here for printable flyer.
Del-Mar-Va Council BSA will offer a BSA Climbing Instructor training class for anyone interested in becoming trained as a BSA Climbing Instructor. Under the supervision of a Lead Climbing Instructor or a Climbing Director, Climbing Instructors can teach Climbing Merit Badge, conduct Climb On Safely training programs for adult leaders, and instruct youth in climbing and rappelling on natural rock, climbing towers, or climbing gyms, under the BSA program. Del-Mar-Va Council Climbing Program Staff, working within the BSA program structure, use Council-owned climbing equipment and facilities as well as some off-site facilities, and are covered under the BSA insurance program. The training is considered current for 2 years and can be renewed with a refresher course, or by ongoing participation in Council climbing activities.
For details and to register go to www.dmvc.org/climbing.
Council Jamboree May 4-6, 2012 Akridge Scout Reservation
At the January roundtables, unit promotional kits for the Council Jamboree were distributed. If you didn't get yours, please contact your District Commissioner or District Executive. In the kits were a Leader's Guide, patches and magnets. The goal is that you use the bag when traveling around, wear the patch on your uniform and hang the magnets where your Troop or Pack meet to get a 'buzz' going about the event!
The Leaders Guide as well as much more information is available at www.dmvc.org/counciljamboree.
Like us on Facebook (Make sure your Scouts/Venturers do too!) for the latest news of programs and activities for the Council Jamboree!
Sign up and pay the depost to save your unit $75 on or before March 1st!
Scout Sunday
A Scout is Reverent, the 12th Point of the Scout Law.
Del-Mar-Va Council encourages all Scouts and leaders to attend a church service this Sunday, February 5th (some churches celebrate +/- a week) in Scout uniform. During this Sunday's church services, many church leaders will adapt their message to include celebration of the Scouting program and its impact on the faith community and countless families across the Delmarva Peninsula.
In 2011, Del-Mar-Va Council units recorded 60,284 hours of volunteer service projects. We are very proud of our youth and their focus to "help other people at all times". This 60,000+ hours represents only about a quarter of the units in our council who are reporting their service projects and hours through the Journey To Excellence website. We encourage every unit to report these hours as it is a great topic of conversation when you meet with your chartering organization and folks from your community.
In the spring of 2012, Del-Mar-Va Council will partner with Delaware State Parks for projects to be held at State Park locations in each Area. Global Youth Service Day is April 20th and we would like Scout units to participate in conservation projects at each of the sites. Projects will be under the direction of professionals at each park location and will likely be in two hour shifts. More information will be in The Buzz! as details are nailed down.
Klondike Derby
Pinewood Derby / Belt LoopALooza Saturday, March 17
The Area 2 Pinewood Derby will take place in Dover on Saturday, March 17th. The registration will open in the next few days. Rules and procedures are posted online now. Click here for more details (and registration in the next few days).
The planning committee is in need of parents/leaders and also looking for Boy Scout help at the event. Pleace contact Jen Schick with questions or if you can help.
Merit Badge College March 17, 31, & April 14-Dates have changed
The first annual Merit Badge College will take place in the Dover area. This event will be a different set up compared to the MBCs in the other Areas. This event will be half days on three Saturdays in March/April. Merit Badge sessions will run from 8am and finish just before noon.
Our planning committee is working hard and to recruit top notch Merit Badge counselors for a variety of badges including several required for the Eagle rank. If you are interested in serving as a Merit Badge Counselor (or have counselors associated with your Troop) please have them contact Ed Seibert.
As soon as we have a confirmed list of counselors, we will create an online registration which will be available on the council calendar.
Klondike Derby February 24-26, 2012 Henson Scout Reservation
It’s almost Klondike Derby time! Pack up your sleds and boots and head on out to Henson Scout Reservation February 24-26, 2012, for the 2012 Area 3 Klondike Derby.
For years, men have raced across Alaska’s frozen wilderness by means of dogs and sleds. Scouting has taken this idea and created the Klondike Derby, a test of Scouting spirit, skill and teamwork. Each patrol builds a sled, collects materials and equipment, and embarks on the Klondike adventure.
Registration is online now!
In less than 560 days, Boy Scouts, Venturers, leaders, and staff will converge on the BSA’s newest High Adventure Base, the Summit Bechtel Reserve in the wilds of wonderful West Virginia for the 2013 National Jamboree.
This event will be a Scouting milestone, and all who attend will be a part of Scouting history. Rock climbing, whitewater rafting, incredibly long zip lines- with a theme like GO BIG! Get Wild! It is sure to be something to remember!
Still have questions? Check out the Official Jamboree Website, like the Jamboree on Facebook, or check out this cool You Tube Video. Don’t forget to reserve your space in the Del Mar Va Council's contingent.
Spaces in the Del Mar Va Council contingent are filling fast- don’t snooze or you’ll lose out on the opportunity of a lifetime!
Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? Series Debut
The series from Original Productions (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers) will feature teams of adults from different backgrounds facing off against teams of Scouts in challenges based on the Boy Scout Handbook.
“This is a wonderful, unique opportunity to demonstrate the value, fun, and challenge of Scouting to audiences who might be wondering what Scouting in 2012 is all about,” said BSA Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “We know Scouts are ‘Prepared. For Life.TM,’ so they’re up to facing the challenges life throws their way. Watching them face and overcome challenges on national television will be a new way for people to get a glimpse of what it means to be a Scout. It’s a good opportunity to continue building thebrand of Scouting and show the world how cool Scouting can be.”
Production of the six-episode series is set to begin this spring, with the series premiering later this year on the National Geographic Channel.
BSA Joins Edison Nation to Launch $1 Million Innovation Challenge
Click here to check out the YouTube video for more info about the challenge
The BSA has teamed with Edison Nation®, an idea-to-shelf product developer, to create the Boy Scouts of America Innovation Challenge, where today’s kids can develop tomorrow’s products. Whether the invention solves a problem around the house, the yard, or at school; helps you take better care of your pet; or creates a new way to learn or play, the goal of the BSA and Edison Nation is to inspire young minds to submit their creative, new product ideas.
Edison Nation will invest up to $1 million to develop the selected ideas and help bring them to market. Selected inventors will receive a cash advance, royalties for life from the sale of their products, be named the “inventor” on any issued patents, and have an opportunity to appear on the award-winning Everyday Edisons television series. The challenge is open to all boys and girls ages 7 to 21, and does not require that the young person be associated with the BSA to submit ideas or be selected as an “inventor.”
For more information, read the complete BSA news release.
BSA System Outages Will Affect Online Resources
On most weekends during January through March, the availability of BSA systems will be affected as the National Council facilitates multiple council mergers, consolidations, and the creation of a new council structure in Michigan.
If you are a BSA volunteer using MyScouting, you will be unable during these hours to upload membership information to begin processing Internet Advancement and Internet Rechartering. Volunteers may continue online by loading the unit information prior to 9 p.m. CST on Fridays. Submittals may still occur if the membership information was uploaded.
Dates and Maintenance Hours (all times are CST):
With Scout Sunday approaching, I thought I would share one of my favorite prayers. Hope you like and share it with your Troop.
Prayer of an Outdoorsman
With the leafy branches of the forest trees I lift my arms to pray; with the babbling brooks and singing birds I raise my voice in praise:
I thank thee for the out-of-doors I thank thee for old clothes, rough work, and the right to let my beard "grow": I thank the for the curling smoke of my campfire in the early morning:
I thank thee for the steaming coffee, sizzling bacon, and an outdoor appetite:
I thank the for the swish of my paddle and the joy of watching fleecy clouds roll by; I thank thee for the silvery moonbeams on rippling water: I thank thee for the call of the whippoorwill at dusk: across a silent lake;
I thank thee for the singing of my reel and the bending of my rod as the "big one" strikes; I thank thee for the contentment that comes with the patter of the rain on my tent at night:
I thank thee for the blackberries along an old stump fence; I thank thee for my dogs, my gun, and the flaming color of the autumn woods: I thank thee for the wild ducks flying south against a dull grey sky:
I thank thee for the glory and majesty of the stars;
I thank thee for the strong winds pulling at my hair roots and for the spray from the lakes on my cheek: I thank thee for the old trails, for rocks, for ragging rapids, and for a glimpse of deer drinking in a secluded pool:
I thank thee for the drum of the partridge, for the squirrels, for trailing arbutus, the aroma of pine needles, sunshine through the leaves, and all the other miracles of the out-of-doors.
by Wilfred A. Peterson
