February 2013 - Grand Canyon Council

Newsletter of the Firebird District, Grand Canyon Council, Boy Scouts of America
FEBRUARY 2013
February Roundtable has been moved
from February 14 to February 7.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
DISTRICT
RECOGNITION
EVENING
2-3
SCOUT-O-RAMA
4
CUB SCOUT
CORNER
5
BOY SCOUT
CORNER
5
EAGLES’ NEST
6
TRAINING
6
ORDER OF THE
ARROW
6
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR
7
DISTRICT
STAFF
7
HARLEM
GLOBETROTTER
SCOUT NIGHT
8
INTRODUCTION
TO OUTDOOR
LEADER SKILLS
FLYER
9
7:00 pm at the LDS Thomas Building
(13277 W. Thomas Rd., Goodyear)
NEW Cub Scout Daytime Roundtable
Always the day after Roundtable
10:00 am at LDS Thomas Building
Beginning this month - February 8
New District Executive for Firebird
For more information
about district events,
please visit the district
website.
www.grandcanyonbsa.org
Click on Districts and
select Firebird District.
To view the newsletter of
the Grand Canyon
Council, click here.
Firebird Fireside - February 2013
After many of years with Sal Siniscalchi as our
District Executive (DE), we are sad that he is
being transferred to another district. Sal has
been a great example of someone who truly
cares about the boys and the scouting program.
We will miss Sal but will always remember the
leadership and support he gave our District.
We welcome our new DE, Matt Graham, and look forward to working with him.
Page 1
2012 Firebird District Recognition Evening
January 12, 1013
Thank you to all those who attended and brought food to our Firebird District Recognition Evening and helped make it a
success. We were able to recognize over 25 scout leaders in our District, plus we had 6 members of our District receive
their Wood Badge beads. It was a wonderful evening and we appreciate your support of our district and for all that you
do in scouting.
To see more pictures from the evening, please visit the District Website and click on Photo Albums.
Congratulations to the 2012 award recipients!
SPARK PLUG AWARDS
Peter Christensen, Troop 592
Eric Jeide, Troop 192
Karen Combs, Pack 360
Glenn Kelly, Troop 492
Shannon Cotton, Pack 360
Josette Kerr, Pack 499
Danny Ensign, Troop 292
Lynette Makemson, Troop 962
Julie Harrison, Pack 992 & District
Richard Marshall, Troop 60
Chuck Hartill, District
Paulina Newmann, Pack 360 & Troop 90
William Hughes, Troop 592
Marla Tucker, Troop 90
… of the Year awards
Hall of Fame
Cubscouter of the Year - Conny Lindeman, Pack 395
Scouter of the Year - Roger Greaves, Troop 962
Venturer of the Year - Karla Sharp, Crew 2090
Commissioner of the Year - Shannon Estes
District Scouter of the Year- Duke Kritz
Sheryl Bessett, Pack 360 & Troop 90
Mark Bessett, Pack 360 & Troop 90
Amy Heilman, Troop 90
Special thanks
Heroism Award
Daniel Payne, Troop 99
Firebird Fireside - February 2013
To Jim Stangle for numerous hours spent
offering CPR certification and Wilderness First
Aid Training to the leaders of our District
Page 2
District Awards of Merit
Wiley Ahlstrom
Michael Nay
Mark Sharp
Russell Smith
Wiley Ahlstrom - Wiley has supported Boy Scouts for over 20 years in many different positions. He has been a Scoutmaster,
Assistant Scoutmaster, Varsity Team Coach, Venture Crew Advisor and is currently a member of the District Advancement
Committee. Wiley has planned, coordinated and supervised several week long Boy Scout camps and High Adventure Varsity
camps.
Michael Nay - Michael is an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 90, but he has previously served in many other positions including
Cubmaster, Den Leader, Assistant Committee Chair, Venture Crew Advisor, Merit Badge Counselor, Eagle Counselor, District
Advancement Committee Member, OA Ceremonies Coach and Assistant Scoutmaster at National Youth Leader Training. He is
Wood Badge trained and a member of Order of the Arrow.
Mark Sharp - Mark is currently a Venturing Crew Advisor for Crew 2090, but has been in multiple Crews over the past 14 years.
He is very involved in training and has attended Kodiak, Powderhorn, University of Scouting and Wood Badge. He has also
served on staff for Kodiak, Powderhorn, University of Scouting and National Youth Leader Training. In the district, he has taught
Venturing Leader Specific Training and the Venturing Forum at Roundtable for many years. He is a also a member of Order of the
Arrow.
Russell Smith - Russell has served the past five years as a counselor in the Phoenix Arizona West Maricopa Stake Young Men
Presidency and as a Unit Commissioner in the District. Prior to that, he served on the High Council in the Phoenix Arizona West
Stake, where he was responsible for the youth program. He has a great understanding of the Varsity program and has also been
a Varsity Team trainer.
Silver BeaVER awards
Gary Willow
Jerome Herrington
Gary Willow - Gary has been a great scouter since he was young. His service as a
scout leader began over 30 years ago. He has served as a Den Leader, Webelos
Den Leader, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, and Troop
Chaplain. He has also been a Merit Badge Counselor, Assistant District
Commissioner Religious Chair and Head Commissioner at Camp Raymond for the
past 10 years. Currently he is the Chaplain for Troop 90. Outside of scouting, he
has also served youth as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Pastor and Youth
Outreach Coordinator. Gary has also spent 18 years as a Special Education
Instructor of disabled students in our public schools. Gary is an Order of the
Arrow Vigil Honor and a good ol’ buffalo from Wood Badge.
Jerome Herrington (Silver Beaver awarded by the Orange County Council)
Jerome spends his time serving in both the Orange County Council and the Grand Canyon Council. When he is in
Arizona he serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 90 and is a member of the Firebird District Advancement
Committee. He is a brotherhood member of Order of the Arrow.
Firebird Fireside - February 2013
Page 3
Friends of Scouting
February - March
Let’s all do our part to reach our
goal this year. Many employers
will match employee donations,
find out if yours is one of them!
Scout-O-Rama
February 23, 2013
University of Phoenix Stadium
Scouting’s Expo-Live the Adventure!
Scout-O-Rama is just around the corner! It will be
held at the University of Phoenix Stadium. We
are thrilled to have this great event on the West
side of town and encourage you to attend. Your
scouts will have a great time. You can also get
discounted tickets to the International
Sportsmen’s Expo that will
be going on inside the
stadium.
For even more fun, sign up to have a booth!
Booth applications are available on the council
website.
If you still need tickets to sell, contact
Kerri Van Aken pack990chair@cox.net
Scouting for Food Drive
Did you participate in Scouting for
Food? Just a reminder to fill out your
Unit Score Card so you can get your
patches.
If your unit was not able to participate
on February 2, don’t let that stop you
from doing a great service in the
community. The food banks always need
donations. Our local All Faith Community
Services Goodyear Food Bank (918 S. Litchfield
Rd.) will take donations daily from 9 am - 1 pm.
Spring Camporee
New Date - April 19-21
Store sign up for selling tickets
is available online.
Other Important Dates
Feb 12 District & Council Turn In (35% commission)
Feb 22 Last day for Late Turn In ( 25% commission)
Mar 30 PRIZE program closes
Firebird Fireside - February 2013
Please note on your calendars that we have
moved the date for our Spring Camporee from
March 22-24 to April 19-21, 2013. We will be
combining with the Lake Pleasant District for a
fun filled camporee.
Page 4
February Core Value of the Month: Resourcefulness
Using human resources and other resources to
their fullest.
Webelos Weekend
May 31 - June 1 at Camp Geronimo
Enjoy archery, BB Guns, crafts,
nature, scoutcraft events, fishing
plus so much more!
$69.00 to attend - Register Now
Summer Day Camp
Heart Scout Pueblo
No Youth Leader Breakout at Roundtable
Due to lack of support, we have suspended the Youth
Leader Breakouts at Roundtable. If interest is shown,
we will discuss the possibility of bringing this back.
Camperships Available
It’s not too early to start thinking
about camperships for summer camp
next year. A campership is a grant for
youth with financial need to attend summer camps in
the Grand Canyon Council. Campership instructions
and application are on the council website and must
be submitted by the end of April.
June 2013 - 9 sessions offered
Join us for a three day camp experience packed
with activities including:
Archery
Adventure
Swimming
Webelos Scientist Pin
BB Guns
Crafts
Games & Sports
Decorate your den’s site
Registration is now available. For more details
and registration information click here.
Webelos Encampment
July 20-23, 2013 at Camp Geronimo
Webelos can work on requirements for the Forester,
Geologist, Naturalist, Aquanaut and Outdoorsman
activity badges.
Other activities include earning the BB Gun and
Archery belt loops or boating on the lake. Free time
can be spent hiking scenic mountain trails or
roasting marshmallows over a glowing campfire.
$180 per youth
$140 per adult
Register for Summer Camp
Click below on the camp you want to attend for
registration details and availability.
Camp Geronimo
Camp Raymond
Staff Needed for Summer Camp
Applications should be submitted no later than
March 1, 2013.
Geronimo Staff Application
Raymond Staff Application
Aquatics Camp
at Lake Pleasant
June - July, 5 sessions
$225 Camp Fee
Click here for more details.
Register Online
Firebird Fireside - February 2013
Page 5
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
February 15-16, 2013
Buckeye Hills, $15.00
Life scouts that are ready to start working on their
Eagle Project should review the Eagle Rank Planning
for Success guidelines on our district website.
For the 21st Century
Wood Badge is advanced leadership training for
scout leaders. More information can be found on the
council website at www.grandcanyonbsa.org
While your scouts are camping and attending the
first session of the District Advancement
Challenge, you should be getting trained (if you
are not already.) The training begins on Friday
evening and goes through Saturday afternoon.
You will be busy with your training, so please do
not count yourself as part of your scouts two
deep leadership. Questions contact Bob Vehar
720-299-9226. Register online or see flyer on
page 6 for more details.
2013 Course Dates
March 22-24/April 12-14 @ Heard Scout Pueblo
May 27 - June 1 @ Geronimo
August 8-10/August 22-24, Vernon, AZ
October 10-12/October 24-26 @ R-C
Hassayampa Chapter; Cocopah Clan; Wipala Wiki Lodge 432
Thank you to all the arrowmen that helped with the
Lodge Banquet. We served nearly 250 people. It was
a great success and we appreciate your cheerful
service.
To learn more about OA or to have OA Elections
conducted at your troop meeting, please contact Tom
Crosser. tecrosserbsausnr@aol.com
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an
intense, six day, outpost adventure, outdoor
leadership training experience for youth troop
leaders (like Wood Badge for scouts.) Visit the
council website for more information.
2013 Course Dates
March 11-15 @ Heard Scout Pueblo
May 27-31 @ Camp Geronimo
June 3-8 @ Sunset Crater, Flagstaff
July 22-26 @ Camp Geronimo
Dec 26-28 & Jan 2-4, 2014 @ Heard Scout Pueblo
Firebird Fireside - February 2013
Interested in having the OA Ceremonies Team be a
part of your Arrow of Light or Cross-over Ceremony?
Please contact Michael Nay at mike.nay@gmail.com.
Questions about OA? Talk to our Chapter Chief, Ryan
Kritz. ChiefHassayampa@wipalawiki.org
For up to date information on all of the OA events
and to subscribe to the Tom Tom (OA newsletter,)
please visit www.wipalawiki.org.
Page 6
For more details visit the council and/or district calendar online.
February
2
2
7
7
8
9
15-16
16
23
28
Scouting for Food
Wilderness First Aid Training, Session 1 of 3
Eagle Boards
Roundtable
Cub Scout Daytime Roundtable
Harlem Globetrotters Scout Night
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
District Advancement Challenge, Session 1
Scout-O-Rama
OA Chapter Meeting
March
2
7
7
9
14
15
15
15-16
16
28
Summer Camps Downhill Meeting
District Committee & Commissioners Meeting
Eagle Boards
Phoenix Coyotes Scout & Explorer Night
Roundtable
Cub Scout Daytime Roundtable
Wilderness First Aid Training, Session 2 of 3
District Advancement Challenge, Session 2
(includes Trail to First Class & Trail to Akela)
Wilderness First Aid Training, Session 3 of 3
OA Chapter Meeting
District Committee & Commissioner’s Meeting
First Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
LDS Goodyear Stake Center - 425 S. Estrella Pkwy
Eagle Boards of Review
First Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm
LDS Goodyear Stake Center - 425 S. Estrella Pkwy
Roundtable
Second Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
LDS Thomas Building - 13277 W. Thomas Rd.
Order of the Arrow Chapter Meeting
Fourth Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
Scout Hut in Litchfield Park - 253 W. Fairway Dr.
Firebird Fireside - February 2013
District Chair
District Commissioner
Vern Wolfley
vern.wolfley@gmail.com
Robert Carbonneau
rcarbs@gmail.com
District Executive
Sal Siniscalchi
ssinisca@bsamail.org
602-955-7747 x 252
Program Chair
Jim Stevens
thacinaz@yahoo.com
Advancement Chair
Eagle Coordinator
Training Chair
Membership Chair
Finance Chair
Tim Smith
azalfalfa@aol.com
623-935-6471
Tim Smith
Robert Vehar
rmv@prodigy.net
Vacant
Ryan Vehar
rynoshan@gmail.com
LDS Relations Chair
Ricky King
rickylking@aol.com
OA Chapter Advisor
Tom Crosser
tecrosserbsausnr@aol.com
623-849-9526
Communications Chair
Secretary
Julie Harrison
firebirddistrictnews@gmail.com
Iris King
kinggramiris@aol.com
If you have information you would like posted in the
newsletter or on the website, or to be added to the
newsletter e-mail distribution list, please e-mail Julie
at firebirddistrictnews@gmail.com.
Page 7
Firebird Fireside - February 2013
Page 8
Firebird District Basic Training
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
for
Webelos, Boy Scout, Varsity and Venturing Leaders
6:30 pm Friday, February 15, 2013 thru 2:00 pm Saturday February 16, 2013
Buckeye Hills Regional Park
26700 West Buckeye Hills Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85326
(From central Phoenix, take I-10 west to US 85 south. Buckeye Hills Regional Park will be on the west side of the US 85,
just south of Buckeye and the Gila River.)
Please Bring:
Official BSA uniform (for opening and closing ceremonies)
Scouting appropriate “utility” uniform (T-shirt and pants/shorts) to
be worn during the training sessions
Program specific handbook(s)
Pencil, camp chair, mess kit, knife, fork, spoon, mug or cup
Water and other drinks
Tent, sleeping gear
Friday night dinner (or eat before arrival)
Snacks to share with patrol
Firebird Fireside - February 2013
Register Online at:
http://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/
event/1285902
Must register by Monday, February 11
Cost: $15.00 Pay onsite
For more information:
Bob Vehar, Training Chair
rmv@prodigy.net
720-299-9226
Page 9