Articles

Why Attend University of Scouting?

January 17, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

The “University of Scouting”, is a supplemental training opportunity for all adult Scout leaders. It is the one time during the year where you can find the widest variety of training opportunities in all program areas all in one place. The University offers interesting courses in Cub Scouting, ScoutsBSA, what we call “Adventuring” (a combination of Venturing and Sea Scout activities), District Operations, and an Electives College where the classes cover a broad range of areas of interest to scouting but not specific to any one scouting program. A key topic across all programs this year will be STEM Scouting and Scoutbook Training. The University has a degree program where, over time, attendees can earn Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degrees in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Adventuring. Classes are taught by experienced scouters and scouting professionals, many in subject areas not otherwise covered in the usual adult leader training curriculum.

We will offer over 200 different courses from which to choose. In addition to the academic program, there is more… a midway where up to fifty vendors and council committees will have exhibits describing how their products and services can enhance your scouting program and a scout shop trading post where you can pick up needed items without having to drive to a Scoutshop. And finally, there will be a scouting museum where dedicated collectors will be displaying their extensive collections of scouting memorabilia. At the closing ceremony, we will be presenting the D. Andrew Grafton Exceptional Trainer Award. This annual award, presented by the NCAC Leadership Training Committee, recognizes a single NCAC scouter for sustained, dedicated and highly skilled service to scouting over the years by demonstrating a high commitment to quality adult leader training.

The University of Scouting provides all the above, along with great fellowship with dedicated scouters, making this a day to be remembered. Registration is $40 until February 17 after which it goes to $60. It includes morning refreshments, lunch, an event patch, course materials, a certificate, and a special recognition for PhD recipients. Whether you are new to scouting or a veteran of many years, the University is a place where you can learn from experienced Scouters from all over the council; it truly provides something for everyone.

University returns to Hayfield High School, just south of Alexandria, VA on February 29, 2020. Doors open at 7:15 am and the opening ceremony starts at 8:15am, with the closing ceremony ending by 4:30. Last year over 900 scouters were in attendance! Help us get to 1000 for 2020!

NCAC Seeks New Program Director!

January 15, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

Do you love Scouting programs? Are you literally a happy camper? Then come work with our dedicated volunteers to support training, advancement, and camping in one of the country’s largest Scout councils!

National Capital Area Council is seeking an experienced Director of Council Program to join our team. We are looking for someone who works well with others, delegates and coordinates program duties, is detail-oriented, has a good knowledge of camp programs, and possesses a strong Scouting program background. Preference will be given to those with experience in Scouting units, the Order of the Arrow, or Wood Badge. The Program Director should also possess originality, creativity, and an open mind, and should be an enthusiastic camper.

How To Apply: All applications are treated confidentially. Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter with salary requirements, via email, to Mario Perez, C.O.O., National Capital Area Council BSA – mario.perez@scouting.org.

For more information please view the position summary located here https://www.ncacbsa.org/about-ncac/job-opportunities/.

NCAC Council President John H. Graham IV Passes Away

January 13, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

Head shots of BSA Board members for the National Capitol Division of Boy Scouts of America

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of NCAC Executive Board President John H. Graham IV. Mr. Graham has been an incredible leader of our Council and continued to serve Scouting despite his battle with cancer during the past 6 months. For those of us who were in a meeting with Mr. Graham last Thursday, it was clear how much impact this disease had on him physically…but he was still present, still committed, doing the work of Scouting and NCAC.

In his professional career Mr. Graham became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Assoication (ASAE) in 2003. Before ASAE, he served the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Alexandria, Virginia, for 24 years, the last thirteen as Chief Executive Officer. Prior to becoming CEO, Mr. Graham served the ADA in numerous capacities including Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Affiliate, National Director of Affiliate Development, Associate Executive Vice President for Operations and Deputy Executive Vice President. In his tenure as CEO, ADA quadrupled in size, from $50 million to $200 million in annual revenues and successfully moved from 53 independent, separately incorporated affiliate organizations to one nationwide organization with one staff, one budget and one plan.

Before joining the American Diabetes Association, Mr. Graham served as a professional in the Boy Scouts of America for nine years. In May of 2015, he was honored as the recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout award. Mr. Graham received a bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College and served on the Association Committee of 100, US Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the Mobile Giving Foundation Board of Directors; and on the Board of Directors of the Lambda Chi Alpha Foundation.

The Graham family will hold a private service for John in Pennsylvania and a memorial service in Washington, DC, will follow. We will share information as we have it related to services for Mr.Graham. In the meantime, please keep his family in your prayers.

Scouts Donate to Quantico & US Coast Guard!

January 3, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

Image may contain: 8 people, people smiling, people standing

Boy Scouts have always had a strong tradition of giving back to the community especially in regards to our military. Every year Scouts sell popcorn in person or online with the hopes of receiving donations in lieu of popcorn sales.

On December 31, 2019 the Military Donation took place. This year Scouts raised $126,000 worth of popcorn. The tasty snacks were delivered by Moyer and Sons to Quantico and the US Coast Guard-TISCOM.

A specials thanks to Moyer and Sons for assisting with that large delivery. And big thanks to all Scouts for your efforts this fall. You made a bunch of service members very happy!

Troop 793 Messengers of Peace

December 23, 2019 by The Scouter Digest Staff

Toys for Tots is a program in St Marys County and all over the United States of America. It is lead and coordinated by the United States Marines. They begin by putting boxes around the county to collect gifts from people willing to donate to needy families. You can find them everywhere. In large stores like Wal*Mart and in small places like Sweet Frog. They put these boxes out in late October and it runs till December. When complete with store collection boxes, they collect the toys, then bring them to a local warehouse, and finally set up the toys. They set up the toy store and get many volunteers to help the needy people pick out toys for their families.

I went on Dec. 14 and volunteered for the day. I first began by helping people get their toys to their cars. We would take their bags full of toys and load up their cars. After a while of doing that I went inside and helped people shop. We went around and helped the family pick out toys for their kids. We would give them ideas and help them make decisions. They would also get a large toy such as a bike or a skateboard. They also got some games and books.

They would finally get stocking stuffers and wrapping paper. Everybody there was so kind and we all had smiles on our faces there wasn’t a single volunteer that looked sad or unhappy. Everybody contributed in all kinds of ways making families happy.

I learned to be grateful for what I have. These people that I interacted with didn’t have what I have. So I learned to be appreciative of what my family does for me. I think many of the other Scouts who helped that day felt the same way. It was great we all got to make a difference for so many less fortunate people during the holidays. This seems to be what being a Messenger of Peace is all about.

Messenger of Peace Link: https://www.scout.org/node/551720

Nathan Davio

12-23-19

Seeking Camp Staff: Summer 2020!

December 19, 2019 by NCAC Camping Department

Do you like camping and the outdoors? Did you have a great time at camp? Why not go there for the whole summer?

Be part of an awesome group of people and work at one of the coolest summer jobs you could ever have!

Ready to engage your imagination and lead Cub Scouts into the stars? Apply to work at Camp Snyder! The 2020 Camp Theme, Space, is carried through archery, nature, crafts, swimming, boating, and all camp activities as Cub Scouts and their leaders explore the outdoors.

Want to escape to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains for the summer? Apply to work at one of seven Goshen Scout Reservation Camps! Join our energetic and goofy staff at our Webelos Camps – Camp PMI and Camp Ross. Want to teach your favorite Merit Badge? Choose one of our three Scouts BSA/Venturing camps – Camp Bowman, Camp Olmsted, or Camp Marriott. Looking for adventure? Become part of our elite staff at Lenhok’sin High Adventure Base. Want to support camps in retail or in emergency medicine? Our administration camp – Camp Post – might be the place for you.

Staff must be 15 years or older to be an instructor and 16 or older to work at Goshen’s Lenhok’sin High Adventure. Not yet 15? If you’re 14, you can be a Counselor-in-Training at any of our Cub Scout, Webelos, or Scouts BSA/Venturing Resident Camps. We’re also on the lookout for those 18 years of age or older to take on leadership positions.

Have friends or family that love the outdoors, but aren’t in Scouting? Tell them about it! Prior experience with the Boy Scouts of America is not required.

Employment dates are from June 13 to August 4, 2020 for Goshen Camps and June 29 to August 14, 2020 for Camp Snyder.

We’re coming up on hiring season! Apply online and get more information on our website. Visit www.gotogoshen.org/staff for Goshen Camps and www.gotosnyder.org/work for Camp Snyder.