Scout`s Honor

Scout’s Honor
FALL 2014
Vol. 21, No. 2
Boy Scouts of America,
Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
Flag Plaza Scout Center
1275 Bedford Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 471-2927
www.lhc-bsa.org
Ebensburg Service Center
201 W. High Street, Suite 1
Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 471-1090
Flag Plaza Scout Center, 1275 Bedford Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3699
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Pittsburgh, PA
Permit No. 1006
Cumberland Service Center
14416 McMullen Hwy SW
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 729-1300
News and Notes
Introducing our New Scout Executive
It is with great pleasure that we inform you that Sharon
M. Moulds was offered and accepted the position of
Scout Executive with the Laurel Highlands Council
effective October 1, 2014.
ExxonMobil CEO at Eagle Dinner
Rex Tillerson slated to give keynote address
He may lead one of the largest publicly traded
corporations in the world, but the title of Eagle Scout is
amongst his proudest accomplishments. Mr. Tillerson
comes from a long line of Eagle Scouts starting with his
grandfather who was one of the first Eagle Scouts in
the state of Texas.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Council Launches Communications Task Force,
Seeks Leader Input
Communication is important to advance Scouting’s
message among youth members, parents and
volunteers, as well as the general public.
There was a day when good communication involved
picking up the phone or sending a letter. Marketing
consisted of posters and flyers.
Today we have all kinds of new digital outreach
methods, including Twitter, Pinterest, texting, Instagram,
broadcast e-mail, Facebook and YouTube, just to name
a few.
As an organization, we
recognize a need to change
the methods we use to
engage our internal and
external audiences.
Sharon has a deep connection to Scouting. Her father
was a Scouting professional for 39 years and she
has served in five different councils in eight different
leadership positions over the last 25 years including
Scout Executive in Seattle, Washington and Milwaukee,
Wisconsin.
She is Wood Badge trained and Vigil Member of the
Order of the Arrow.
Please join us in congratulating Sharon as she assumes
her new role as Scout Executive in the Laurel Highlands
Council and our best wishes go to her and her family as
they begin a new Scouting chapter!
His dad was an Eagle Scout and he is an Eagle Scout.
A Boy Scout to the core, it’s no wonder he is known
in the business world as a man of high integrity with a
reputation for honesty and straightforwardness.
The 65th annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner will be
held on Monday, November 17 at the Wyndham Grande
hotel.
In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of
young men who earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the
2014 class is named in honor of a community leader
who exemplifies the ideals of service and character that
Scouting represents.
facebook.com/LaurelHighlandsCouncil
Scout’s Honor Submissions
Have a story or event that you think other Scouters
would appreciate? Share it with your Service Executive
and ask for it to be considered for the next issue of
Scout’s Honor!
This year the honoree is Rich Harshman, Chairman,
President and CEO of ATI and former Chairman of the
Laurel Highland Council Board.
For more information about the dinner, contact
Bill Park at Bill.Park@scouting.org.
The Laurel Highlands Council
recently created a special
task force to explore and
identify best practices for how
technology can be used to
communicate among and to
various audiences.
How can you help?
At the end of September, leaders with current e-mail
addresses registered with LHC will receive a request to
complete a Council Communications Survey, which will
help the task force better understand the challenges and
opportunities that lie ahead.
Please take a few minutes to respond.
If you would like to provide additional input or offer to
help the task force, please e-mail C&T@scouting-bsa.
org.
District Dates and Event Information
Information on events and programs, dates as well as
contact information are available on the district pages of
the council website.
To learn more visit: www.lhc-bsa.org/Districts
“Scout’s Honor” is a publication of:
Boy Scouts of America
Laurel Highlands Council
Flag Plaza Scout Center
1275 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 471-2927
www.lhc-bsa.org
Bernie Lockard - Council President
Rick Bausher - Council Commissioner
Sharon Moulds - CEO
Kurt Roberts - Editor
© Copyright 2014
Boy Scouts of America, LHC
2
Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
Fall 2014
Outdoor Adventure – Facility Rentals, Tour Plans, Camping Programs
Mollieann Gray 412-325-7921 mollieann.gray@scouting.org
Tina Debnam 412-325-7913 kristina.debnam@scouting.org
Thank YOU!
Winter Weekends
The Laurel Highland Council would like to thank the
leaders and the parents for sharing their time with the
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Staff that were
able to participate in the 2014 Camping Season!
Come and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the Laurel
Highlands this winter at Heritage Reservation!
Tim McClure, Director of Camping
Outdoor Adventure
Five weekends offer parent and son teams the chance
to experience cross-country skiing, broomball, sledding,
snow shoeing and more!
Scouts and their families are also invited to the
Nemacolin Woodlands Ski and Snowboard Days
throughout January and February.
Each weekend includes a variety of winter activities,
including:
• Sledding
• Broomball
• Giant Slingshots
• Snowshoeing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Scavenger Hunt
Tour de Gap
Potomac to Pittsburgh
A bike hike for Boy Scouts and Venturers is scheduled
for June 16-20, 2015.
The ride would average about 40 miles per day starting
at Camp Potomac near Cumberland, Maryland ending
at Camp Guyasuta near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Cost
The package includes lodging Friday and Saturday
night, Friday snack, all meals on Saturday, breakfast
Sunday, plus use of camp equipment and costs only
$58 (open room) or $75 (semi private room) per person.
January 16-18, 2015 - Winter Weekend I
January 30-Feb 1, 2015 - Winter Weekend II
February 6-8, 2015 - Winter Weekend III
February 13-15, 2015 - Winter Weekend IV
February 20-21, 2015 - Winter Weekend V
Philmont
July 11-26 2015
On October 14th at 7PM at
Flag Plaza (Teleconference
with Ebensburg) the High
Adventure Committee will be
holding an info night designed
to educate both parents and
Scouts. This presentation has
all the details about Philmont;
what is included in the twoweek high adventure, the
requirements and training
needed and how to sign up.
Contingent Leader: Paul Wain 412-477-1060 or
PWain@memorialparkchurch.org
Camp Needs List
The ten camps within the Laurel Highlands Council are
always in need of specific items and supplies to help
us prepare and deliver meaningful experiences for all
campers and guests who visit us.
In order for us to devote more money toward camper
programs, we seek individuals to donate. No gift is too
small or to large.
Please contact a member of the Council Program Team
or visit the camping section of the council website for a
list of needed items and services.
2015 Camp Staff
If this sounds like a fun challenge and you are interested
in participating, let us know. A chase crew would handle
food and gear (we need leaders for this crew).
Are you tired of doing the same old routine? Did you
know that Laurel Highlands Council operates five
summer camps?
If you or Scouts in your Troop or Crew are interested in
riding or helping please email tourdegap@lhc-bsa.org
Registration information will be available at October
Roundtables and online in October.
Each of these offers opportunities for a variety of
summer camp staff jobs. Most Scout camp counselors
are at least 16 years of age, but the Boy Scout and Cub
Scout camps have a limited number of jobs for 15 year
olds with previous Counselor in Training experience.
23rd World Jamboree in Japan
LHC-BSA.org/Program
In 2015, more than 30,000 Scouts and leaders from
161 countries around the world will converge on Kirarahama, Yamaguchi, Japan.
Participants will live and learn with fellow Scouts from
around the world. They will be housed in tents along
with the BSA contingent but will soon venture out
to mingle with tens of thousands of people for two
weeks of activities and adventure. That’s right, a world
fellowship exercise on an enormous scale!
Additional Winter Opportunities:
Nemacolin Woodlands Ski and Snowboard Days:
Participants can stay at Nemacolin Woodlands, or come
up and ski, snowboard and snow tube for the day:
January 10,11,31
February 1, 21, 22, 28
March 1
Venturing Getaway Weekend Jan 9-11, 2015
More information and online registration can be found at
www.LHC-BSA.org/Camping
The Laurel Highlands Council, BSA is an equal
opportunity employer that hires females and males, as
well as people of all ages and ethnic groups, diverse
cultures and mixed abilities.
Visit www.LHC-BSA.org/camping for more information.
Day Camp 2015: Sea Adventure
LHC-BSA.org/Camping
2015 Day Camps in YOUR neighborhood will be here
before you know it! Keep an eye on the website and
roundtables for this years dates, fees, and exciting
program that you won’t want to miss!
Fall 2014
Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
3
2014 National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year
Eagle Scout Project of the Year
Awarded to Eagle Scout Cody Eckels
Cody Eckels of Troop 300-Tyrone originally planned to
make some minor changes to the Soldiers Park for his
Eagle Scout Service Project, but the project grew and
transformed the small memorial into a beautiful park that
pays tribute to our service men and women. Eckels was
recently recognized with the Glenn A. and Melinda W.
Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year
Award.
“I kinda grew up with Scouting,” Eckels said. “It showed
me what’s the right thing to do and what’s not the right
thing to do. … It really made me into the man I turned
today.”
“Cody is no different than any other kid in Tyrone,” said
Peter Kreckel, Eckel’s Scoutmaster prior to Patterson,
“with the exception that he has reached beyond himself
and did a fabulous project to benefit the men and
women who served our country.”
His endeavor started out as placing spot-lighted flag
poles around the WWI and WWII monuments at
Soldiers Park. To raise the needed funds for the project,
a friend suggested selling memorial bricks to surround
the flag pole area, adding another $20,000 to the cost.
In the end, Eckels raised a total of $86,000 in cash and
in-kind contributions.
Eckels said, “We met our goal and beyond,” and
decided that with the extra funds, “we can make the
park even better and get more out of it.” Granite
benches were added to the original design, along with
the addition of a Fallen Soldiers Battle Cross. The initial
work on the park was completed for Memorial Day 2013,
where they conducted the Memorial Day Service and
dedicated the park.
“My advice to your generation, is to put down the
iPhone, Android, and computers and to physically
“reach out” to the people around you,” added Kreckel,
“Cody is a shining example of what the future
generation can bring to this place we call home.”
In 2009, the National Eagle Scout Association
established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams
National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year
Award to recognize valuable service of an exceptional
nature by a Scout to a religious institution, a school,
community, or other entity. The award recognizes the
Scout for his Eagle Scout leadership service project,
which is part of the requirements for earning the Eagle
Scout Award. Each year, local councils select a councillevel winner, and from that pool, each region selects a
region-level winner. A national winner is then selected
from the four regional finalists.
Eckles will receive a $2,500 scholarship for college or
trade school for achieving the National Service Project
of the Year honor. Thank you to Troop 300, The Eckels
Family, Michele Brenneman, and The Eagle Eye News
in Tyrone.
The entire community supported the project, veteran’s
associations, business leaders, and students at the
Tyrone Area School District all raised funds and made
contributions to the park. With the addition of the
engraved brick pavers, orders began to pour in from as
far away as California and Florida.
Work continues on the park. A fund was established
with remaining funds as well as additional funds for the
perpetual care of the park. During this year’s Memorial
Day Service, a Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial was
unveiled. The initial project is complete but work on
the park continues. The project has entered its second
phase, with the Eternal Flame project.
“Cody spent eighteen months planning, fundraising
and leading his project. You can see that his hard work
ignited additional work being done there now. That work
may not have been done if not for Cody’s project,” said
Eckle’s Scoutmaster Kim Patterson.
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Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
Fall 2014
Advancement
Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics: STEM
Time Aspects in Completing the Eagle
Scout Rank Application
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America
has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of youth
members and their sense of wonder about these fields
through existing programs.
Section 9 of the Guide to Advancement describes the
steps needed to complete and submit an Eagle Scout
Rank Application. In topic 9.0.1.1, it says: “Confirm all
requirements have been completed before the 18th
birthday.” Then, later, in topic 9.0.1.4, it says to “Obtain
Required Signatures” (referring to those of the unit
leader and committee chair). Many interpret that these
signatures must be obtained prior to the Scout’s 18th
birthday. This is incorrect.
The Eagle Scout Service Project is tough enough.
Confusing paperwork shouldn’t make it even harder.
Fortunately for aspirant Eagle Scouts — and the parents
and Scouters supporting them — the Eagle Scout
Service Project Workbook (No. 512-927) is regularly
refreshed to make it easier to use and understand.
From archery to welding, Scouts can’t help but enjoy the
wide range of STEM-related activities. To support this
initiative, the BSA developed the Nova Awards program
so that youth members have fun and receive recognition
for their efforts.
With the introduction of the new Nova and Supernova
awards comes a fresh opportunity for volunteer
positions. A Nova counselor can be any registered adult
age 21 or older. They must be registered under the
new non-unit position and no fee is required. The Nova
counselor code is 58.
Supernova mentors must be 21 or older and be
subject matter experts in a STEM (science, technology,
engineering, mathematics) field and be registered under
the new Supernova Mentor position code 52. This is a
non-unit position and requires no fee. In addition to the
BSA Adult Registration form, mentors must complete
the Supernova Awards Mentor Information application
(http://www.scouting.org/filestore/stem/pdf/514-017_
WB.pdf)
The requirements that must be completed before the
Scout’s 18th birthday are requirements 1 through
6, which cover merit badges, service project, active
participation, Scout spirit, position of responsibility,
and unit leader conference. Nothing else needs to
be completed prior to the 18th birthday, including the
signatures of the Scout, unit leader, and committee
chair. Specifically, the Guide to Advancement, topic
9.0.1.4, states: “There is no requirement that [these]
signatures … must be dated before the Scout’s 18th
birthday.”
In fact, there is no BSA stipulation that the application
itself must be submitted before his 18th birthday.
Therefore, the same date-related “non-requirement”
applies to the written responses from the Scout’s
references (requirement 2). If any of these is received
after his 18th birthday, there is no penalty to the Scout.
Requirement 7, the board of review, may also be
fulfilled after the 18th birthday. And now, as of January
1, 2014, (see 2014 edition, Boy Scout Requirements)
the statement of ambitions and life purpose that Scouts
attach to the application is part of requirement 7 and,
thus, may be completed after the 18th birthday.
pgh-nesa.org
Remember:
‘Once An Eagle, Always An Eagle.”
Fall 2014
The previous version
of the workbook is
no longer available,
though Scouts
who have already
downloaded the
previous workbook may continue to use it — even if
their proposal hasn’t yet been approved.
What changed? Nothing earth-shattering, just lots of
subtle improvements.
Here are the six key improvements:
1. All general information including the Message to
Scouts and Parents or Guardians and the Excerpts
and Summaries from the Guide to Advancement is now
contained in the front of the workbook.
3. In some cases, functionality has been included to
allow certain information from title pages and from
the Contact Information page to auto-populate fields
elsewhere in the workbook.
Pittsburgh NESA Chapter
Visit our table at the Eagle
Recognition Dinner on
November 17th in Pittsburgh.
That latest upgrade
came on May 20,
2014. Find the new
workbook (and
tons of other useful
documents) on the
BSA Advancement
Resources page
(http://www.scouting.
org/advancement.
aspx).
2. The Contact Information page is included with the
proposal. Note the instructions at the top of the page
which indicate that only information that is reasonably
required needs to be included.
All Nova counselors and Supernova mentors must have
current BSA Youth Protection training and certification
appropriate for the programs being administered (Cub
and Boy Scout Y01, Venturing Y02).
This training can be taken online at http://www.scouting.
org/Training/Adult.aspx.
Learn more and become
an active member of the
Pittsburgh Chapter of
the National Eagle Scout
Association.
6 Improvements
Certainly, everyone involved in advancement realizes
that the chronology of a Scout’s path to the rank of
Eagle Scout must occur in the right sequence. Thus, it
is important to recognize that the order of some dates—
especially those around the 18th birthday—are critical,
and that others are not.
With more than half of all Eagle Scouts completing their
requirements during the three months before turning
18, it is incumbent upon us, who serve to support their
efforts, to remember that no one is permitted to add
extra requirements for any rank advancement, including
that of Eagle Scout.
4. Some additional tables have been included (e. g.
Other Needs) and functionality improved to allow certain
fields to expand to accept additional text. Note in some
cases, field expansion is not unlimited since only a
reasonable amount of information is needed for those
answers.
5. A project description and impact section has been
added at the beginning of the project report.
6. The Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project –
Information for Project Beneficiaries document has been
added to the back of the workbook. It is intended that
the Eagle Scout candidate will provide this document
to their project beneficiary and discuss it with them
when they approach the beneficiary with their project
idea. Note that there is a box on the proposal for the
beneficiary to indicate that they received a copy of the
document.
Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
5
Advancement
Internet Advancement
Silver Beaver
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level
distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of
America. Recipients of this award are registered adult
leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth
through service given to the council.
The Silver Beaver is an award
given to those who implement the
Scouting program and perform
community service through hard
work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and
many years of service.
Annually the Laurel Highlands
Council presents the Silver Beaver
Award to volunteers who have
shown significant contribution
to Scouting. The recipients are
selected by a committee of district
and council volunteers.
Nominations must be submitted by December 31 of
each year for inclusion in the January selection meeting.
The completed nomination form should be submitted
to Flag Plaza Scout Center to the attention of the
Distinguished Awards Committee.
Nomination forms can be found at http://www.scouting.
org/filestore/pdf/512-103_WB.pdf
District Award of Merit
The District Award of Merit is a council award presented
by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver
is a national award presented by councils. The award
is available to Scouters who render service of an
outstanding nature at the district level.
Traditionally this award is presented at the District
Adult Leader recognition dinner in the spring of each
year. Deadlines for nominations are determined by the
individual districts and the selection process is done by
a temporary special District Award of Merit committee
appointed by the district chairman.
The committee’s selections must be submitted to the
Scout Executive for approval by a council committee.
Nomination forms for the District Award of Merit are
available at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33720.
pdf
Required January 1, 2015
All Scouting units are required to report the
advancements earned by their members. Internet
Advancement is for reporting Cub Scout, Boy Scout,
Varsity Scout, and Sea Scout ranks; Venturing
advancement awards; Webelos activity badges; merit
badges; and various other awards available in all BSA
programs.
Beginning January 1, 2015 all units will be required to
submit their advancements using Internet Advancement.
When Internet Advancement is used to comply
with reporting responsibilities, it alleviates issues
in documenting progress as Scouts submit Eagle
applications or transfer from one unit to another within a
council. Consistent and constant reporting also assures
accurate records for use by commissioners, other
district and council volunteers, and the National Council.
These are critical in evaluating unit health, adjusting
service delivery, and researching changes in programs
and requirements.
Additional information about Internet Advancement can be
found at http://lhc-bsa.org
Jamboree-on-the-Internet
What: JOTI is an annual Scouting event that uses the
Internet and the numerous devices that are used to get
online — home computers, iPads and more — to link
Scouts from around the world.
When: Oct. 18 and 19, 2014
Features in Internet Advancement allow unit personnel
to view past advancement reports submitted through the
Internet Advancement system and to see the dates their
leaders have taken Youth Protection training.
Simple and intuitive, Internet Advancement works best
from a faster Internet connection using Internet Explorer
6 or higher. Units can enter advancement at any time,
print reports, obtain current rosters from the BSA
system, and print order sheets for the Scout shop.
Units select an advancement processor who is granted
access with a council-provided unit ID. Once the unit
processor sets up the unit profile, they may share this
information with the Unit Leader, Committee Chairman
and Chartered Organization Representative. It is
recommended that units report advancement monthly.
They must submit a final annual report each December.
These reporting cycles are important because they
support local and National Council data collection for
the Journey to Excellence program as well as statistical
analysis.
Who: Scouts of any age!
Because of documentation requirements, the Eagle
Scout rank may not be entered through this system.
Internet Advancement is accessed through http://
www.lhc-bsa.org/Program/Advancement/Internet%20
Advancement or from MyScouting.org. When first-time
unit processors enter, they are greeted by a welcome
page with instructions and invited to log in and accept
a confidentiality agreement. Once they have provided
some registration information, they move to an overview
page with additional instructions. Returning users skip
these steps and go directly to selecting members for
advancement.
Jamboree-on-the-Air
Units may choose to use the data that is available on
ScoutNet or upload advancement files generated from
PackMaster©, TroopMaster©, or ScoutSoft© instead of
manually entering information. Internet Advancement
will load the unit’s roster and then allow upload of new
advancement information. When manually entering
ranks, you must enter each individual’s rank in proper
sequence. Once everything is done and verified, an
advancement report is printed, signed, and provided to
the local council so awards can be purchased.
Because entering rank advancement into Internet
6
Advancement and printing the system-generated Unit
Advancement Reports typically occur sometime after
boards of review are held, obtaining signatures on the
report may not be practical. Therefore, after a board of
review is held, it is permissible for board members to
sign a completed copy of the Unit Advancement Report
found at http://www.scouting.org/forms.aspx. This signed
report may then be attached to the Internet Advancement–
generated report and submitted to the council.
How: Scouts can participate at home with the help of
an adult (remember two-deep leadership!), or they can
participate in a Scout group. JOTI is an economical way
of communicating around the world. The event allows
Scouts to “meet” other Scouts from around the world
through the Internet and share more information than
just “Hi.”
Learn more: Get resources, quick-start guides, patch
order forms and lots more at scouting.org/joti
What: Annual Scouting event that uses amateur radio to
link Scouts around the world, across the country and in
your own community.
When: Oct. 18 and 19, 2014
Who: Scouts of any age!
How: Once at the ham radio station, the communication
typically requires speaking into a microphone and
listening on the station speakers. However, many forms
of specialized communication can also take place,
such as video communication, digital communication
using typed words on the computer screen transmitted
by radio, communication through a satellite relay or an
earth-based relay (called a repeater), and many others.
Learn more: Get resources, quick-start guides, patch
order forms and lots more at scouting.org/jota
Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
Fall 2014
Policy for Mandatory Training
Every Boy Deserves a Trained Leader
Laurel Highlands Council has established a new policy
for “Mandatory Training” for all leaders. The new policy
is requiring mandatory training in “Four Phases” starting
with Phase 1 in 2014.
Youth Protection Mission Statement
True youth protection can be achieved only through
the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting.
It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and
professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America
to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and
safety at the national, regional, area, council, district,
and unit levels.
Phase I – Youth Protection Training Mandatory
for 2014 Rechartering and New Leaders. Youth
Protection training is required for all BSA registered
volunteers.
Following the Journey to Excellence Performance
Recognition Program form for your respective programs,
all currently registered leaders must complete the
required Youth Protection Training. Youth Protection
training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s
Youth Protection training record is not current at the time
of rechartering, the volunteer will not be reregistered
with the Laurel Highlands Council, BSA.
Training
Training Dates
NYLT: Twin Arrow
Register Online at LHC-BSA.org/program/training
LHC-BSA.org/Program
Cub Scout Leader Specific:
Saturday February 7th 9-4pm
St. Catherines of Sweden, Allison Park
$10 Includes Lunch
Scoutmaster/Asst. Scoutmaster Specific:
Saturday February 7th 9-4pm
St. Catherines of Sweden, Allison Park
$10 includes Lunch
National Youth Leadership
Training is an exciting, actionpacked program designed to
provide youth members with
leadership skills and experience
they can use in their home
troops and in other situations
demanding leadership of self
and others.
Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills:
November 7-9 at Camp Guyasuta
April 10-12 at Camp Twin Echo
$35 for the weekend
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what
a leader must BE, what he must KNOW, and what he
must DO. The key elements are then taught with a
clear focus on HOW TO.
The skills come alive during the week as the patrol
goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.
Looking for Trainings in Your Area?
Visit LHC-BSA.org and select ‘Calendar’ then choose
‘LHC Training’ from the dropdown menu.
NYLT is a six-day course, June 21-27. Content is
delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an
emphasis on immediate application of learning in a
fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work
processes are introduced early, built upon, and aided
by the use of memory aids, which allows participants
to understand and employ the leadership skills much
faster.
New Leaders registering with any unit or district level
positions starting in 2014:
New leaders are required to complete the Youth
Protection Training. The certificate of completion MUST
accompany the new leader’s application form in order to
be registered with any program area.
You do not have to be a registered member or have a
member ID to take Youth Protection training.
To take Youth Protection training go to MyScouting.
org and create an account. From the MyScouting.org
portal, click on E-Learning and take the Youth Protection
training.
Upon completion, you may print a certificate of
completion to submit with a volunteer application or
submit the completion certificate to the unit leader for
processing at the local council.
When your volunteer application is approved, you will
receive a BSA membership card which includes your
member ID number. After you receive your membership
card, log back into MyScouting, click on My Profile and
update the system by inputting your member ID number.
This will link your Youth Protection training records,
and any other training, in MyScouting to your BSA
membership.
NOTE: Any and all online training will be accepted that
the National Boy Scouts of America has provided.
Required Training ---http://www.scouting.org/Training/
YouthProtection.aspx
This is the first phase to the Mandatory Training
Policy passed by LHC. Beginning in 2015 Phase 2
will begin. By December 1, 2015 all direct-contact
leaders must be trained in their primary position.
Fall 2014
Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
7
Membership & Popcorn
Every School, Every Boy
Using Facebook to Recruit
The Best Popcorn Sale Ever!
Everyone reading Scouts Honor has a vested interest
and passion for Scouting.
Tens of millions of adults use Facebook
to keep in touch with friends and
family members. During the past year,
hundreds of adult volunteer Scout
leaders joined Facebook and use it to
keep connected with other leaders and
parents.
We are pleased to announce that we have partnered
with Pecatonica River Popcorn for the 2014 sale.
If you are on Facebook and have not used it to build a
stronger Scouting community, here are 10 ways you can
do so:
•Show your friends you’re involved in Scouting
•Share the fun you’ve had during Scouting activities
•Promote planned Scouting activities
•Post photographs of fun Scouting activities
•Talk about your satisfaction with Scouting in your unit,
training courses, camps or other programs
•Join Facebook groups in your community and spread
the word about Scouting. For example, join your
elementary school’s Facebook page and promote
School Night to Join Scouting and other events
•Promote your School Night to Join Scouting date
•Share your School Night to Join Scouting success
stories and how youth and adults can still sign up if they
missed the event
•Shine the spotlight on your new Tiger Cub dens,
parents who will lead the dens and how they’re getting
started
•Educate and encourage new parents and leaders to
visit Scouting websites and subscribe to e-newsletters.
Learn more at PRPopcorn.com
Become one of the fans of the Laurel Highlands Council
and the Boy Scouts of America on Facebook.
• Over 70% Goes Back to Local
Scouting
How You Can Help Recruit
Timeline:
How You Can Help Get New Youth in
Scouting:
Every Scout, Family and Adult
Volunteer has a potential role in
recruiting more boys to participate in
Scouting.
-Orders Due Online by 11:59pm October 22nd
Whether it is as a Scout, a parent or a volunteer leader,
Scouting is something every one of us values and our
goal this fall is to make sure we invite every boy in every
school in every community we serve to join Scouting.
Our goal this fall is to recruit over 6,000 new youth
members to join Scouting across our council.
Here are some details on the major component of our
plan to do this in September and October:
PLAN:
1. Designate one night (School Night) in each
elementary school in the Laurel Highlands Council
and invite prospective boy members and their parents
to attend a special meeting at the school in their
neighborhood or community.
2. A School Coordinator will be appointed for each
school to be in charge of the School Night program.
3. Leaders of Cub Scout packs in each school district
will be asked to be present to participate in the program.
PROMOTION:
Attractive posters will be provided for school bulletin
boards.
Printed invitations will be provided and distributed to all
prospects in each school.
Classroom visits will be held in every school to
personally invite new boys to join.
Units are encouraged to help promote Scouting in their
community via local papers, school newsletters, school
open houses and other means.
Here are a few ideas of how you can help:
PROGRAM:
The School Coordinator for each school will be in
charge of the following program:
1. Attendance cards will be filled out by parents as they
arrive.
2. Scouting information, including what is Scouting
parental responsibility, and how to enroll, will be
presented to those attending.
3. Membership committee personnel will be on hand to
take care of those prospects who cannot be enrolled in
existing units by organizing new packs.
4. Training courses will be conducted for new volunteers
of District Membership Committee.
•Volunteer as a School Night Coordinator
•Help at your School’s Sign-up Night
•Promote Scouting to your friends in person, via e-mail,
via social networking like Instagram, Facebook or
Twitter
•Put a Join Cub Scout Yard Sign in your yard
•Encourage your son to invite his friends to the next
Pack or Troop meeting or big unit event
•Volunteer as a leader in your Pack or Troop
•Write an article about a big Scouting event your Unit
did and send it to the local paper
•Make sure your unit’s BeAScout.org pin is up to date
•Promote Scouting at your school’s PTA or PTO
meetings and events
Pecatonica River Popcorn offers unmatched popcorn
flavors with fantastic packaging (including tins). Our fall
line-up will include all of the classic flavors along with
some unbelievable chocolate and cheese flavors.
• Tins are Back!
• New Incentives & Prize Program!
• Great gourmet flavors, true
premium products.
• Online selling
-Last day to return show-n-sell popcorn October 22nd
-Take Order Popcorn Pick-Up: Week of Nov 3rd by Area
-All Money Due No Later Than Monday November 24th
More Details online at: LHC-BSA.org/popcorn
FOLLOW-UP:
Unit leaders will submit applications to the School
Coordinator that night. The Organizer and/or the
membership committee will organize new units as
necessary. School Coordinator, as part of his/her report,
will turn in attendance cards.
8
Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
Fall 2014
Order of the Arrow
From the Lodge Adviser
Message from our Lodge Chief
The Order of the Arrow is nearing its 100th Anniversary
in 2015. This is an exciting year to be an Arrowman.
The Lodge is working on several projects to celebrate
this milestone. You will see announcements on
ArrowTour (a rolling OA museum that will visit our
council next summer), the Arrowman Service Award,
and NOAC.
Brothers, Soon upon us our Centennial year will be
here and be in full swing. There will be many great
adventures and opportunities to be had. For instance we
will be looking to set a world record at our Conclave just
by signing a sash. Also just like every other year there
will be opportunity for all youth between ages 16 to 21 to
participate.
One of the 100th Anniversary celebration events is the
History Project that has asked all lodges to prepare
a record of their history. I ask that should any of you
have information on any Lodge that preceded Allohak
Menewi to please send me that information. I’m not
sure what I may get, but you can send information to
me at evankerickson@yahoo.com. We have had many
great successes in the past and I expect to have many
in our future years.
Being able to participate is a once in a life time chance
to go experience 2 weeks with nature and none of
your daily worries is truly amazing, and life changing.
I was able to experience it this summer up at Canada
Odyssey, and if you have any questions feel free to ask
me. In addition don’t forget about NOAC 2015 which is
shaping up to be a great event. I am planning to attend
and receive my red sash.
I invite you all to come to a Lodge weekend and
celebrate our history. Come to support your unit’s
Ordeal candidates as they take their ordeals to join our
Brotherhood; or come and support our council camps
with cheerful service. I also ask all of you to consider
what you can do for your unit, a local cub pack, your
district and the Council. We have so much to offer
through the service we provide, the opportunities to
learn and have a good bit of fun along the way. I have
made many friends through Scouting and the OA and
look forward to meeting many of you at our 2014-2015
events.
Remember, if we do not have your “CORRECT” email
address, we cannot hope to do an effective job of
communicating with you. If you suspect we do not have
your email or your email has changed, send an email to
Neil Morton at nrmorton@zoominternet.net so we can
get the correct email into our Lodgemaster database.
You can also follow us on Facebook if you desire. Just
join the Allohak Menewi group.
Yours in Cheerful Service,
Evan Erickson
2014 Lodge Officers and Advisers
Lodge Chief: Adam Kokus
Executive Vice Chief: Nick Gindele
Vice Chief of Program: Aaron Blair
Vice Chief of Administration: Adam Hoffman
Secretary: Bobby Thompson
With all the National and Section events please don’t
overlook our Lodge events such as Winterfest, Puma
Games, Banquet and Ordeal weekends. They are going
to be some great events with some new twists for our
Centennial year. I can’t wait and will look forward to
seeing everyone there.
Chapter Advisers
Monongahela South: James Gallagher
Nischa Nimat: Chris Sokiera
Mohican: Francis Laffey, Jr.
Chartiers Creek: Craig Zender
Nimat Wachtschu: George Kokus
Ahtuhquog: Jon Schadt
Yours in Brotherhood,
Adam Kokus
Dance & Drum Team
100 Anniversary 2015 NOAC
The National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
is the premier event of the Order of the Arrow, and
is Scouting’s second-largest national event. Over
10,000 Arrowmen from across our nation gather for
an inspirational and unforgettable experience full of
fellowship, training, adventure, and fun!
During NOAC, Arrowmen will participate in a six-day
conference which includes top notch training sessions,
cool recreational opportunities, evening shows full of
theatrics and special effects, and exciting programs.
Arrowmen attending the 2015 National Order of the
Arrow Conference will get a once in a lifetime souvenir,
a special edition red sash
The 2015 NOAC will be held from August 3-8, 2015 at
Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan,
and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Order of
the Arrow. Lodge members will travel to NOAC on air
conditioned busses. The lodge plans to take at least 150
members to NOAC.
In the coming months you will find everything you
need to know about NOAC 2015, how to go, what
exciting opportunities await you, and the plans for the
conference. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.
facebook.com/oabsa/ to stay up to date with information
and announcements.
Allohak Menewi - Lodge Calendar
Sep 26-28 Ordeal/Brotherhood Weekend (Chapter 2 Host) at Heritage Reservation
Oct 17-19 Ordeal/Brotherhood Weekend (Chapter 4 Host) at Camp Anawanna
Nov 9 Lodge Banquet, Stratigos Banquet Center at North Huntingdon
Dec 12-13 Lodge Planning Meeting at Camp Twin Echo
Working together in Brotherhood of Friendly Service helps build bonds that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss these
opportunities to join in fellowship, help our Council and build our Lodge.
Fall 2014
Lodge Leadership
I would like to invite all of you to join our Lodge’s newly
established Dance and Drum team! Many of you might
be saying “I can’t dance” or “I don’t dance”.
Most of our current members have had little to no
dance experience in the past, and now, after some
instruction from some of the best dancers and craftsmen
in the area, they love dancing, and are great dancers!
Dancing is a representation of personal joy, and this
shows in great dancers.
Even if you are not an OA member, but you are still
interested, please visit http://tinyurl.com/AM57AIA
and fill out the form with your email address, so that I
can keep you updated on all our trips, meetings, and
performances!
Yours in Service,
Robbie Cortese, Dance and Drum Chairman
Find us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/groups/OA57DrumAndDance/
Follow us on Vine:
OA57 Drum and Dance
Have You Paid Your 2014 Lodge Dues?
The Lodge has over 1,400 brothers, but there are an
additional 500 that have not paid their 2014 dues.
Should you be one of those who hasn’t paid yet, please
do so soon and support the membership committee.
Encourage others in your troop or that you know, to
register now. It’s easy to get current with your dues
online at www.lodge57.org Dues are $15 for the year
and supports the lodge and the council. Remember, if
you do not pay your dues, you are not an active member
of the OA and as such you are not entitled to wear an
OA flap on your uniform or the OA sash.
Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
9
Development
Unit Coordinators
Unit Friends of Scouting Coordinators provide the vital
link between the unit and the District’s FOS presentation
team. Unit Coordinators are selected from the unit
by the Committee Chairman, along with the District’s
Family FOS Chair, and Service Executive.
The Unit Coordinators work with the families in the
unit to prepare them for the upcoming presentation, so
that they are aware of when it is happening and have
taken some time to think about a pledge prior to the
presentation.
Additionally, Unit Coordinators work with the FOS
Presentation team to schedule the presentation at an
event where most of the unit families are in attendance,
such as a Blue and Gold Banquet or Court of Honor.
The Unit Coordinator also ensures that any physical
arrangement items that the presenter may need are
arranged, such as a microphone, or video equipment.
Unit Coordinators assist in tracking those in attendance,
and following up with those who did not attend to ensure
that each family has had the opportunity to make a
contribution to the Campaign.
The Laurel Highlands Council proudly announces that
we have achieved our Council’s goal in the 2014 Family
Friends of Scouting Campaign!
Family FOS is the Council’s annual appeal to the
families, alumni and volunteers within the Scouting
program. Over $285,000 was raised through the
efforts of the volunteers and staff to support this year’s
campaign. Congratulations to the leadership in the
following districts who achieved their Family FOS
Campaign goal: Chestnut Ridge, Chief Logan, Forbes
Trail, Frontier, Mingo Trails, Potomac, and Steel City.
IN MEMORY OF JIM THOMAS
Eric Obergfell
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT WHITE
Blackridge Garden Club
Betty Carlson
IN MEMORY OF HARRY MCFARLAND
Chestnut Ridge Scouters
IN MEMORY OF BEN TRESSELT, JR.
Fort Bedford Scouters
IN HONOR OF RUDY KARAS
Jenn & Michelle
IN HONOR OF CLARENCE SMOYER
David Henry
Memorials & Tributes
A gift to our council’s memorial/tribute fund is a
thoughtful way to express respect, gratitude, and
sincere affection. Your gift honoring a loved one, friend
or others in times of sadness or joy will enrich the lives
of the thousands of youth served by our council.
There are many occasions for you to use the memorial/
tribute fund. Here are a few examples:
• Birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Loss of a loved one
• Graduations
• Marriages
• Public service awards
• Silver Beaver recognition
• District Award of Merit recognition
• Wood Badge recognition
• Scouting veteran awards
• Eagle Scout achievement
• Unit leader recognitions
The Staff of the Laurel Highlands Council is busy
preparing the supporting information for the 2015
Campaign. Support through the Family FOS Campaign
helps our Council to:
* Recruit and train youth and leaders
* Provide assistance to those in need
* Keep our camps and activities affordable
* Enhance programs and facilities
* Provide communication tools for volunteer leaders
Your unit can be ahead of the game by following these
simple steps:
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1. Select and recruit a Unit FOS Coordinator.
2. Select the date, time and location for your FOS
presentation. Look at your Unit’s Program calendar and
select the event that works best for your unit. Share your
presentation information with the District Family FOS
Team.
3. Have your Unit FOS Coordinator participate in one of
the training sessions held within the district.
10
IN MEMORY OF PETER PROKOPCHUK, SR.
Families of Gary, David, Diane (Stipcak) and
Mark Zuchelli
As the fall recruiting season gets into full swing, please
know that your support helps us to grow Scouting
and provide the character and life skills to help youth
develop into adults.
Family FOS 2015
5. Follow up with those not in attendance.
IN MEMORY OF RUDOLPH KARAS
Friends at Ultimate Ales and Brushy Mountain
Additionally, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude
to the families, alumni and volunteers who have made
their 2014 Family FOS Campaign contribution. Through
your generosity, the Laurel Highlands Council is able
to deliver the promise of Scouting to young people
throughout our communities.
If you have not had the opportunity to make your 2014
Family FOS pledge, please contact your local Scouting
professional, or visit our website at www.lhc-bsa.org and
click the “Donate Now” link.
For more information on becoming a Unit FOS
Coordinator, please contact your District Family FOS
Chairman, or Service Executive.
4. Have the presentation.
Memorials and Tributes
Friends of Scouting- Thank You!
Family Friends of Scouting Spotlight
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Pittsburgh Scout Shop
Workshops
To make a tribute or memorial, please visit:
www.lhc-bsa.org/Finance.aspx
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Call for More Info
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Boy Scouts:
October 16 (6pm-8pm) Salesmanship Merit Badge
November 20 (6pm-8pm) Entrepreneurship Merit Badge
Cubs Scouts: Marbles Belt Loop- Date Pending
Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
Ebensburg Scout Store
201 W. High Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 471-1090
Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30pm
Cumberland Scout Store
14416 McMullen Hwy SW
Cumberland, MD 21502
(301) 729-1300
Mon-Fri 12:00-6:00pm
Fall 2014
Area 1
Conestoga, Greene, Mon Valley, and
Steel City
Jake Kraus - Field Director
Jacob.Kraus@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7926
Andy Shissler - Service Exec
Andrew.Shissler@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7976
Laura Wilkins - Program Exec
Laura.Wilkins@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7965
Area 2
Beaver Valley and Seneca
Tracey Burkey - Assistant Director of
Field Service
Tracey.Burkey@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7995
Brooke Parker - Service Exec
Brooke.Parker@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7978
Clay Shumway - Service Exec
Clay.Shumway@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7975
Area 3
Japeechen and Lackawanna
Tracey Burkey - Assistant Director of
Field Service
Tracey.Burkey@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7995
Area 4
Frontier and Mingo Trails
Ryan Geraghty - District Director
Ryan.Geraghty@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7969
Amanda Smith - Service Exec
Amanda.E.Smith@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7974
Brandi Butler - Service Exec
Brandi.Butler@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7968
Steve DiMiceli - Program Exec
Steve.DiMiceli@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7969
Area 5
Area 6
Executive Staff
Chestnut Ridge, Chief Logan,
Keystone, Forbes Trail, Fort Bedford
Michael Morrell - Field Director
Michael.Morrell@Scouting.org
(814) 471-1090 x7107
Kurt Roberts - District Director
Kurt.Roberts@Scouting.org
(814) 471-1090 x7111
Ethan Kuhn - District Executive
Ethan.Kuhn@Scouting.org
(814) 471-1090
Jim Douglas - Field Director
James.Douglas@Scouting.org
(814) 471-1090 x7110
Trailblazer, Scoutreach, Venturing, and
Learning for Life
Jim Orr - District Executive
Jim.Orr@Scouting.org
(814) 471-1090 x7108
Jason Flowers - Field Director
Jason.Flowers@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7972
Area 7
Darnell Bonner - Service Exec
Darnell.Bonner@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7967
Marilyn Brown - District Director
Marilyn.Brown@Scouting.org
(310) 729-1300
Darla DiGiovanni - Director of Special
Needs Scouting
Darla.Digiovanni@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7973
Michael Kane - Program Exec
Michael.Kane@Scouting.org
(310) 729-1300
Potomac
Bob Zelleznick - Service Exec
Bob.Zelleznick@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7973
Jeanne Smith - Program Exec
Jeanne.Smith@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7970
Fall 2014
Sharon Moulds
Scout Executive / CEO
Sharon.Moulds@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7979
Joe Milharcic
Director of Field Service
Joe.Milharcic@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7930
Council Program
Bill Park
Director of Program
Bill.Park@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7920
Charlie Huse
Systems & Information Director
Charles.Huse@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7950
Tim McClure
Camping Director
Tim.Mcclure@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7914
Dan Lindh
Program Director
Dan.Lindh@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7925
Council Development
Amy Franz
Director of Development
Amy.Franz@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7910
Michele Brenneman
Development Director
Michele.Brenneman@Scouting.org
(814) 471-1090 x7109
Brian Dwyer - Service Exec
Brian.Dwyer@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7966
Alahna Bell - Service Exec
Alahna.Bell@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7963
Council Administration
Below: Scouts participate in the
Seventh Annual Potomac District
‘Whitewater FundRacer’ held at
Adventure Sports Center International,
in Deep Creek Maryland. The event
was held Sunday September 7th with
over 80 Scouts in attendance.
Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
Naudain Radcliff - Development Director
Naudain.Radcliff@Scouting.org
(412) 325-7976
Council Coordinated Meeting:
Saturday October 25th
Gateway High School,
Monroeville, PA
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Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council Newsletter
Fall 2014