announcements rechartering! announcements!...hosted by george washington university. come and help...
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Rechartering!LAST CALL FOR RECHARTER (BEFORE IT BECOMES A BIG PROBLEM) Most of our units have submitted their recharter packets, but there are still a few hold-outs. If you are not fully rechartered by February 1, you can expect to be unable to register new scouts, unable to process advancements, scouts will not receive Boy’s Life, and you very well could be not insured by the BSA! Contact your Unit Commissioner now! (Or get in touch with our District Executive, Stephen Donnelly, if you don’t know who your Unit Commissioner is.)
MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS, FEBRUARY 2 Join us for the Kick-off Event at George Washington University. Milkweed for Monarchs, Inspiring Conservation in Scouts and Their Families, is presented by the National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America and hosted by George Washington University. Come and help save the vanishing Monarch butterfly. Scouts and others who attend will receive a free patch plus an easy-to-use seed packet of milkweed and other native plants that nourish monarch butterflies and caterpillars. Click here for more info and to register.
UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING IS FEBRUARY 23! University of Scouting is a supplemental training opportunity offering over 200 courses for adult Scout leaders in all program areas. There is a Scouting Museum and a Midway with more than 50 displays. Whether you are new to Scouting or a veteran the University of Scouting has something for everyone. Please Sign Up Now! Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA.
COMMISSIONER’S COLLEGE IS MARCH 9, 2019! Save the date for Saturday, March 9, 2019, and plan to join us for our 2019 National Capital Area Council College of Commissioner Science at Holy Spirit School in Annandale, Virginia. Find out more here.
POWDER HORN 2019! Want to learn some cool outdoor skills to bring back to your unit? Want one of those cool metal Powder Horn pocket hangers? Open to all Scouters, and youth over 14. Find out more here.
TERPS SCOUT LACROSSE DAY 2019! U of MD Scout Lacrosse Day will be March 31 vs Penn State at 7pm! We encourage all Scouts, family members, and friends to come out and help make this an awesome game to remember! Tickets start at just $4! Contact Cortlandt Carter for tickets or questions. His direct office number is 301-405-8126. Go Terps!
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Vice Chairman Marketing & Communications Theresa Garcia-Parks, [email protected]
District Chairman Bill Totten, [email protected]
District Commissioner Mike Holder, [email protected]
District Executive Stephen Donnelly, [email protected]
Wednesday, January 30, 2019Newsletter Issue No. 2019.05
Announcements!Announcements!
Announcements! Recharter, WAY PAST DUEOPEN TO ALL UNITS
Milkweed for Monarchs, February 2
International Scouting Day at the Mexican Embassy! February 2.OPEN TO BOY SCOUT TROOPS
Life to Eagle Conference, February 10OPEN TO SCOUTS WORKING ON EAGLE
University of Scouting, February 23OPEN TO EVERY SCOUTER
Round Table! Every 2nd WednesdayOPEN TO EVERY SCOUTERNext meeting is February 13.
Webinar regarding Girls and Summer Camp 2019! February 25 at 8PM EST.
College of Commissioner Service, March 9OPEN TO COMMISSIONERS, AND OTHER INTERESTED SCOUTERS
Share your stories! (Read Full Story) As you have by now heard, the Scouter Digest—our Council’s quarterly print newsletter—is moving to a digital-first publication. Starting today, if you have news, best practices, stories, service projects, pictures, or videos to share at the council, district, or even unit level, please send them to us using the new online form.
“A little learning may be a dangerous thing, but a lot of learning may turn out to be even worse. I have tried to know absolutely nothing about a great many things, and, if I do say so myself, have succeeded fairly well. And to my avoidance of the responsibilities which go with knowledge I lay my good digestion h. I am never upset when I find that I know nothing about some given subject, because I am never surprised.”
- Robert Benchley -
Have something of interest for the next White Oak District Newsletter? Need to add/remove/change a name/email? Contact: [email protected]
2019 DAY CAMP CAMPERSHIPS
Campership Applications for Cub Scout day camp will go online on February 1 and will be accessible through a link at: Go To Day Camp!. The priority deadline for camperships is April 1. Any applications submitted after then cannot be guaranteed a campership.
CUB SCOUT ARTICLES!
As you can plainly see, we have far less Cub Scout content in this edition. We want to pass on important information relevant to our Cubs (“I know the Cubs are our Future, teach them well and let them lead the way," apologies to the late Ms. Houston). Pass your information on, and let’s share it!
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Living the ideals
Cub Scout News
My mother was my Girl Scout leader, and George’s mother was his Cub Scout leader. In fact, that’s when some say her hair turned white.
- Laura Bush, former 1st Lady of the United States
Life to Eagle Conference
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING (NYLT/IMPEESA)
This is the ultimate Scout training around. Two heavy duty weekends. SPLs, Troop Guides, Instructors, PLs, APLs… basically any Scout aspiring to greatness should consider it. Ideas for the Troop when they return? Resume for school? Apply to life? I should hope so. Excuse for camping? Of course. Make new friends? Added plus! National Youth Leadership Training 2019 (I am told they need a bugler!)
LIFE TO EAGLE CONFERENCE
The White Oak District will be conducting a Life To Eagle Conference on February 10 from 1 to 4 PM. Leaders and parents should attend with their scouts as the process is constantly updated. Space is limited, and remember to wear your Class A uniform!To register, e-mail [email protected] with the names of the attendees.Questions? Call: 301-607-8770 or 301-728-2858. Email: [email protected]————> Location: MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, 18101 Prince Philip Drive, Olney, MD
INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING DAY AT THE MEXICAN EMBASSY! ¡MUY CHÉVERE! (VERY COOL!)
Scouts are invited to set foot in Mexico for half a day, learn about the nation, its culture, and its scouting program at the Mexican Cultural Institute Whether you are getting ready for the World Jamboree, or you are just interested in Mexico, do not miss this event! AND it is an incredibly fun and interesting way to meet requirements for Citizenship in the World Merit Badge or the International Spirit Award. February 2 (SOON!), from 1-3:30pm, at the Mexican Cultural Institute, 2829 16th St. NW, Washington DC. Sign up HERE!
TROOP 759 NEEDS A FEW GOOD (VENTURER AND OTHER EAGER) SCOUTS!
Troop 759 has a couple of open spots for their Philmont Trek this summer! They are very eager to welcome you to join them. The crew is composed of experienced Venture Crew leaders and enthusiastic Scouts. Their Trek (618-141) is scheduled for June 18-30. You must meet the Philmont crew age and physical requirements. Cost is $970 plus transportation (TBD), but $100 deposit is ASAP! Contact Steve Eppeley or at 301-774-0830.
2019 BACK COUNTRY OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS (BCOLS)!
Planning a backcountry experience? Thinking of a backcountry experience? This is the course for you. Available to Scouters and Scouts over the age of 16. More information here.
WEBINAR ABOUT GIRLS AND SUMMER CAMP 2019!
Thousands of girls registered in Scouts BSA will be participating in 2019 summer camps. Find out all you need to know to ensure you are ready for Family Scouting in the outdoors at a livestream webinar on Monday, 2/25 at 8pm EST. Best practices from around the country will be shared, as well as Q&A time with a panel of BSA professionals from the Scouts BSA program team, Youth Protection and Outdoor Programs. Anyone serving in camp leadership this summer is invited to attend! Mark your calendar and save this link to join the livestream broadcast. Aaron Chusid, NCAC Chief Communications Director. Girls should also be able to register for Jamboree once they have Scout IDs!
TROOP 96 AWARDED YOUTH COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD BY ALPHA PHI ALPHA!
Congrats to all the great Scouts of Troop 96 and their dedicated Scoutmaster, Mr. Derek Walker (Chartered to The People’s Community Baptist Church). The Award recognizes outstanding youth service. A personal note: The People’s Community Baptist Church and Troop 96 graciously host our monthly Roundtable. Come by next month and congratulate them! See the box in the District Roundup for the Press Release.
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Scout Led? Absolutely!Scouts USA News
“In Scouting, a boy is encouraged to educate himself instead of being instructed.” - Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell
MESSING ABOUT IN BOATS (SAFELY)
A few months, the Roundtable had a visit from the U.S. Coast Guard about boat safety, presented by Jean and Gordon Riel. They are very willing to come and speak to YOUR Scout Unit. Jean Riel, CGA Public Education Officer for CGA Flotilla 24-01. Maryland Boating Safely Course and Training
SPEAKING ABOUT BOATS (WANT TO HELP FORM A SHIP?)
Your District Outdoor Ethics Advocate (and current Newsletter typist) spent his formative years on Ship 700, SSS Makai (2013 Flagship!). I can’t tell you how amazing it was! If you want to experience adventure on the high seas, contact: Bruce Johnson, District Sea Scout Liason. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and is the Director for Recreational Boating Safety Affairs for the 5th Coast Guard Auxiliary District (Southern Region). He can also be reached by phone or fax at 410-707-1682 (mobile), 202-707-1652 (office), 202-707-6629 (fax)
TROOP 759 NEEDS A FEW GOOD (VENTURER AND OTHER EAGER) SCOUTS!
Troop 759 has a couple of open spots for their Philmont Trek this summer! They are very eager to welcome you to join them. The crew is composed of experienced Venture Crew leaders and enthusiastic Scouts. Their Trek (618-141) is scheduled for June 18-30. You must meet the Philmont crew age and physical requirements. Cost is $970 plus transportation (TBD), but $100 deposit is ASAP! Contact Steve Eppeley or at 301-774-0830.
2019 BACK COUNTRY OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS (BCOLS)!
Planning a backcountry experience? Thinking of a backcountry experience? This is the course for you. Available to Scouters and Scouts over the age of 16. More information here.
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Crew Ship Post
You can't change the ocean or the weather, no matter how hard you try, so it's best to learn how to sail in all conditions.
- Unknown, sometimes attributed to Jimmy Dean
Adventure—Wherever it takes you!
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Chairman Chat Our next White Oak District Committee Meeting is this Tuesday, January 22, 2019, from 7:30 - 9:00 pm, at Transfiguration Episcopal Church, 13925 New Hampshire Ave, Colesville, MD.
We will be having maximum five minute presentations from the Vice Chairs on the following topics of interest:
Finance (vacant)District Commissioner (Mike Holder)Membership (vacant)Spring Join Scouting NightNominating Committee (Phil Piety)Camping (Robert Reader)Order of the Arrow (Dennis Sayre)Outdoor Ethics (Mark Verschell)Advancement (John Wnek)STEM (Kevin Hopson)Training (Jeep Fortuna)Program (Marvin Arthur)Marketing & Comm. (Theresa Garcia-Parks)District Chairperson (William Totten)District Executive (Stephen Donnelly)
Bill Totten
District Round-Up!Roundtable Rap Next meeting is Wednesday, February 13
“A Scout is Reverent…”
Roundtable is every 2nd Wednesday of the month (unless notified otherwise), and is held at The Peoples Community Baptist Church, 31 Norwood Rd., Silver Spring, MD.
7pm is gathering, and 7:30 for official stuff.
(March will be Outdoor Ethics, Leave No Trace)
Scouts: James Lehman
Cubs: Robert Reader
Venture: Charles Roe
Past Issues of the Newsletter Thanks to Donna Dietz, old issues of the WODSRTNews are archived and available.
Commish Thoughts As the week draws to a close we have just about all of our Units rechartered. To explain, the rechartering process involves many stages:
• First, you complete the online work. • Second, you print out the online material, get
all the appropriate signatures and checks. • Third, you turn them into your Unit
Commissioner for review (along with your JTE).
• Fourth, the Unit Commissioner turns the papers and checks into the Council or the District Executive.
• Fifth, the District Executive reviews them again and makes sure the money clears.
• Sixth, the District Executive scans and sends your recharter package to Texas
• Seventh (and I think final step), Texas reviews and if everything looks good to them, your Unit gets posted.
As we have found out, there are many things that can go wrong along the way and we try to make sure that they do not happen.
Upcoming on February 23 is University of Scouting. Everyone needs training and I encourage you to sign up and attend. It is worthwhile.
Then, on March 9 is Commissioner College. All Commissioners need to be trained, so I encourage all Commissioners to sign up and attend.
With each edition of the District newsletter, I would like to introduce a Commissioner. This week I would like you to get to know Martin Predoehl. He is an Assistant District Commissioner and Unit Commissioner. He is a Chartering Organization Representative. He is retired from NOAA and he has a mountain in Antarctica named after him. He rings the bells in his church bell choir, and he is a great guy. You will find him at District Roundtables (hint hint), District Committee meetings, and District Commissioner meetings. Say hi when you find him.
Mike Holder
ScoutBook is now Free! You’ve rechartered, so what now? Internet advancement is OUT, Scoutbook is IN! And the full version of Scoutbook is now free for everyone. Find out more here.
Training 17% of our Scoutmasters are not fully trained and 48% of our Assistant Scoutmasters are not fully trained. Let’s make 2019 the year to Make it 100%! Both courses are required for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, but open to anyone 18 or older.
Scoutmaster Position—Specific Training (S24). Upcoming White Oak dates: April 20, 2019 October 5, 2019
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS/S11). You must attend the entire weekend. Upcoming White Oak dates: May 4-5, 2019 October 26-27, 2019
Cub Leaders! You must take BALOO in order to conduct an overnight with your Den or Pack. We make it easy, BALOO is offered concurrent with IOLS at the dates above, and you will earn both BALOO and IOLS! Take S24 (at the top), and you will be fully trained for a Troop position!
Watch this space and the White Oak District web page for the date/time specifics and registration.
Jeep Fortuna
Press Release The Montgomery County Maryland Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., awarded Boy Scout Troop 96 of Montgomery County, Maryland the Youth Community Service Award. The award, which recognizes outstanding youth service, was presented at the 43rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast held on Monday, January 21, 2019, at the Marriott Bethesda North Hotel and Conference Center in North Bethesda, Maryland. The annual event benefits the Alpha Scholarship Endowment Fund of IUL, a non-profit 501(C)3 organization. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first intercollegiate fraternity for African Americans established in 1906 at Cornell University. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.
Boy Scout Troop 96, established in 1994 at The People’s Community Baptist Church, has a mission to foster and develop the premier Boy Scout Troop in the White Oak District and the National Capital Area Council. The Troop’s objective is to offer Scouts meaningful experiences in leadership, outdoor adventure, learning opportunities and recognition for accomplishment, and the development of life skills to help each boy contribute to his family, his church, his community, and our nation. Troop 96 provides each boy an opportunity to achieve the highest rank in Scouting, the rank of Eagle. As of November 9, 2018, Troop 96 has produced 57 Eagle Scouts since its inception, putting it on the path to becoming a premier troop in the White Oak District.
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Order of the Arrow Brothers, a great time was had by all at the Annual Banquet, held at the U of M Riggs Center on January 6. Congratulate our new Vigil honoree, Tim Miller!
Elections, Elections!Scoutmasters, please email me (link below), to schedule an OA Election for your Troop! Scouts remain members of their Units, and OA membership is a great way to keep older Scouts interested! We also need Adult Members!
Dues! Please pay now!
Upcoming Events!Camp Snyder Amphitheater Restoration! Contact Mr. Sayre for more info!Spring Fellowship at Camp Snyder, April 12-14. Register now!White Oak District Spring Induction (Ordeal). Hallowood Retreat and Conference Center. May 10-12. Registration coming soon!Section Conclave at Camp Snyder, May 17-19. Registration coming soon!
Dennis Sayre
Scouter Classifieds Full size basketball pole, hoop, net and fiberglass backboard in good condition. Cost: Help pull it out of the ground! Contact James Lehman.
Small trees and saplings for flag poles, lashing practice, hiking staves, etc. Cut your own! Contact James Lehman.
Is there free firewood in your future? Contact James Lehman, as he may have lots of cordwood in the near future.
Important Links Go to our District Webpage for all the latest news!
See us on FaceBook (your Scouts won’t!)
Where to camp, where to hike? The O/A Lodge has compiled a list of some of the Good Places. The OA Outdoor Guide.
Check the newly updated 2018-2019 Program Launch Guide for lots of new details.
More District Round-Up!
Outdoor Ethics If you are a Leave No Trace Trainer or Master Educator, consider attending the 2019 Mid-Atlantic Outdoor Ethics Community Meeting on February 10. Contact Victor Bieniek at 70-855-8428.
If you are NOT a Leave No Trace Trainer or at least have taken Leave No Trace Awareness—Why Not? Check both the White Oak District Outdoor Ethics page and the NCAC Outdoor Ethics page for opportunities to become better aware of how to preserve our precious outdoors!
Mark Verschell
Share your stories! As you have by now heard, the Scouter Digest—our Council’s quarterly print newsletter—is moving to a digital-first publication. There will still be a print edition mailed out a few times each year, but it will be much smaller and content will be drawn from the online version. Starting today, if you have news, best practices, stories, service projects, pictures, or videos to share at the council, district, or even unit level, please send them to us using the new online form.
Share this link with your volunteers, unit leaders, and Scouting families—we want to hear from everyone! I encourage every district to post something new at least once per month, but there’s nothing wrong with daily updates. Scouters will be able to customize their notifications to get the news they want with the frequency they want.
We are also looking for volunteer editors to help with the online Digest. These editors would review submissions, check the categories, and ensure the content meets BSA guidelines. This is a literal one-hour-per-week job, and the more editors we have, the faster we can get new stories online. If you know someone who would be interested, please have them contact Aaron Chusid.
In Memorium CLAY LEROY GREER
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Clay Greer, a dedicated Scouter and friend to many. Here is the announcement:
Our exceptional Scouter, Clay Leroy Greer passed away at his home on January 21, 2019, at the age of 71. Clay lived in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Hughes United Methodist Church, 10700 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, Maryland 20902 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to defray the cost of the host church’s services.
A reception will be held in the social hall immediately following the service. Scouters attending the memorial service are requested to wear their Scout uniform.
Clay’s life in Scouting began as a Cub Scout and continued over the years into adulthood with Troop 1254, Assistant Scoutmaster, Temple Hills, Maryland; Scoutmaster, Troop 757, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 495 and Troop 1083, Silver Spring, Maryland. Clay was a devoted Scouter with the Goshen Bears and the Goshen bus loading crew.
Donations may be made payable to and mailed to Walter Varner, 228 Lower Country Drive, Gaithersburg Maryland 20877, 301-869-8208.
Note: the Goshen Bears were a devoted group of volunteers who, for nearly 50 years, dedicated untold hours to the maintenance and improvement of Goshen Scout Reservation. Every Scout and Scouter who has ever spent time at Goshen owes a big debt of gratitude to these true servant/leaders.