Scouters' News Scouters' News

Scouters’
Scouters’ News
News
February 2015 Volume 39 Issue 2
Great Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America, Akron, Ohio
OA Annual Meeting
2015 Family Friends Of Scouting
Our 2015 Family FOS campaign kicked off on
January 13, when we trained our district family
presenters with our presentation. Last year we raised
$195,000 and we would like to set a record in 2015
by surpassing that amount. Our Council Family FOS
Chairman Bob Saffle would like every unit in the
Great Trail Council to support our mission by signing
up and conducting a Family FOS campaign. Get
more information and how to sign up by calling your
district’s Family FOS Chairman listed below.
District
Name
Phone
Tri-Fires
Gina Lang
330-715-6536
Pictured left to right: Brian DiPaolo, Lodge Chief;
Mike Jones, Scout Executive; Ricky Angeletti,
Regional OA Chief (Marnoc Lodge Chief 2011).
Moecomdws
Lisa MacKay
330-688-9504
Lakes
Kathy Bugajski
330-336-3000
The Marnoc Lodge held it’s annual Winter Banquet on
December 20, at St. Thomas Hall with over 200 OA
brothers in attendance. Highlights were the
celebration of the OA’s 100th Anniversary and a
presentation by Regional OA Chief Ricky Angeletti
about the OA goals for 2015. He also introduced the
2015 Lodge officers.
Congratulations to Lodge Chief Brian DiPaolo and
Lodge Advisor Dennis Bradley.
Chippewa
Gregg Townsend
630-561-4001
Seneca
Mike Rowe
330-351-3283
Old Portage
Dena Altfeld
330-256-5808
Online Secure Payments Are Here!
Similar to the camp reservation system that we
launched over a year ago, you now have the
opportunity to register and pay online for upcoming
council trainings and events. The University of
Scouting is now active at
http://gtcbsa.org/events/training/UoS/index.html
And you’ll see other activities such as the Council
Annual Dinner, BALOO, OWL, and many more
coming in the near future.
We’re Having A Winter Uniform Day—
Wednesday, February 11
It’s time to use the best recruiters we have to bring
more youth to Scouting and to tell everyone the BSA
is alive and well here in the Great Trail Council—that
means we need to “suit up” our youth members to
mark Scout Anniversary Week 2015.
On Wednesday, February 11, we want to have every
Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturer in the council to
wear their uniform to school.
Let’s make sure our Cubs, Boy Scouts and Venturers
wear their uniforms completely and correctly so they
show only the best of Scouting that day. Sharp
looking uniforms make the difference.
Cub Scout and Boy Scouts who participate in Winter
Uniform Day will receive a new Winter 2015 Great
Trail Council Uniform Day patch.
Let’s use our walking, talking “billboards for Scouting”
during Anniversary Week!
Silver Beaver Applications Due
Council Silver Beaver Chairman Jim
Nilsen announces that 2015
applications are due in the Scout
office by March 13, 2015. The
Silver Beaver is the highest award a
council can present to a volunteer
for outstanding service to Scouting
and his/her community. The award
will be presented at the annual
meeting on May 11, at St. Thomas
Orthodox Church in Fairlawn.
Award applications are available
through your district executive.
1
Council Information
Council Annual Election Notice
Happy Birthday BSA! 1910-2015
Council President Brad Bowers has announced that
George Sherwood will serve as the 2015 Council
Nomination Chairman for the May 11, 2015 Annual
Meeting and Election of executive board and officers.
Nominations from the field can be sent to Council
Nominating Chairman, P.O. Box 68, Akron, OH
44309-0068. No nominations will be accepted from
the floor and must be submitted in writing by April 5,
2015.
As the Boy Scouts of
America celebrates its 105th
birthday on February 8, we
commend the countless
volunteers who have donated
their time and energy to instill
the values in the lives of Cub
Scouts, Boy Scouts,
Venturers, and Explorers. The invaluable lessons
taught in Scouting to young people are made possible
only through the unselfish sacrifice and caring of
volunteers.
The Great Trail Council has 5,000 leaders who serve
over 11,000 youth members. We’d like to take time
out to let the volunteers know how much we
appreciate their hard work and dedication to the youth
in our communities and our nation. Thank you for
keeping the Scouting program strong and effective for
105 years.
If each year, Scouting’s 1.5 million registered adult
volunteers gave only one volunteer hour per week it
would equal 62.4 million volunteer hours per year and
two volunteer hours per week would be equal to 124.8
million volunteer hours per year. However, we know
that Scouting’s volunteers donate significantly more
time than this. Through your actions, you
demonstrate the philosophy that for our children
LOVE is spelled T-I-M-E.
You obviously understand the adage “an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.” For more than
105 years, good people like you have taken the time
to use the Scouting program as a remedy to the social
ills of America’s youth. You have helped save them
from the dangers of drugs, gang violence, teen
pregnancy, and vandalism. Thanks to contributions
from people like you, thousands of youngsters have
gained personal values, self-confidence, leadership
and life skills that are helping them grow into strong
role models for the next generation. Thank you for
being a part of our dynamic team of volunteers who
make a difference in the lives of America’s youth and
tomorrow’s leaders!
Scout Week—The First 105 Years
The Boy Scouts of America has a history of almost
105 years of helping to shape and mold the values
and character of youth. The movement continues to
help strengthen youth, families, and communities
through comprehensive programs for its members.
The extensive nature of the BSA’s programs allows
the movement to address the critical elements of
healthy youth development.
Recruit A Scout—
For A Lifetime Experience
What better program can a young person join than
the Scouting program? Scouting definitely provides a
real alternative to joining a gang! For years Scouting
has been supportive to family, church, and school in
the socialization of young people to life and living.
As dedicated Scouters believing deeply in the
purpose of our movement we must aggressively
pursue recruitment of Cubs and Scouts in our
traditional Scouting program. Traditional Scouting
remains the pillar and backbone of our Great Trail
Council. It lays the foundation for future generations
as a boy or young man develops a commitment to
duty to God, country, others, and self.
Scouting is the only youth organization outside of
organized religion which espouses a belief in God.
This is underscored in our Oath and Law.
Through Scouting’s advancement, camping and
training programs, we teach young people the setting
and achievement of short, medium and long range
goals. As a result, they experience the thrill of
accomplishment, provide hope and self-confidence
and develop self-esteem. The role models that our
adult volunteers provide in developing youth form the
pattern of life for them which has lasting value.
Scouts really do learn skills and values which last a
lifetime.
23rd World Scout Jamboree
Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi, Japan
July 28—August 8, 2015
Participants must be registered Boy Scouts or
Venturers and have been born between July 27, 1997
and July 28, 2001. These age ranges are set by the
World Organization of the Scout Movement and are
not negotiable.
More information is at:
www.scouting.org/worldjamboree
2
Council Information
February Leader Checklist
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Webelos Dens
Begin Visiting Scout Troops
Cub Scout Pack Check List
Recruit a camp chairperson.
Prepare for camp sign-up in February, March or
April.
Turn in remainder of new boy and leader
applications.
Turn in charter if not already completed or start
the process of rechartering for March/April charter
districts.
Prepare for pinewood derby.
Prepare for blue and gold banquets.
Identify leaders that need training and schedule
date.
Attend roundtable.
Conduct your unit’s Family FOS presentation.
For anywhere from one to four
years, Cub Scout leaders work
on the ninth purpose of Cub
Scouting: “preparing them to
become Boy Scouts.” During the
fifth-grade Webelos Scout
experience, this transition from
pack to troop becomes even
more important. The Webelos
Scout is still comfortable with his peers and may be
hesitant about leaving his friends and entering a new
environment with older boys.
One effective means of easing this transition for the
Webelos Scout is a visit to the Boy Scout troop.
Visiting a Boy Scout troop and experiencing a feeling
of welcome by the troop members goes a long way
toward all Webelos Scouts becoming Boy Scouts.
We believe the best time for this graduation is in
February/March. Below are some ideas that may be
helpful toward this graduation.
Boy Scout Troop Checklist
Sign up for summer camp.
Identify leaders that need training and schedule
date.
Turn in charter if not already completed or start
the process of rechartering for March/April charter
districts.
Attend roundtable.
Sign up for NYLT to be held at Camp Butler.
Conduct your unit’s Family FOS presentation.
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Secure tracking lists of fifth-grade Webelos
Scouts from den leaders.
 Share these lists with the Webelos Scout
graduation chairman.
 Identify those troops wanting to establish new
Scout patrols for these Webelos dens.
 Arrange contact between Webelos den leaders
and Scoutmasters to implement your plan.
 Have the Webelos den attend a troop meeting.
 Plan together a graduation ceremony for the
Webelos Scouts at their February/March pack
meeting.
 Follow up with all Webelos Scouts until they join
Boy Scout troops.
Call your district executive for more information
regarding Webelos-to-Scout transition.
Webelos
Webelos Scouts who are in their final year in the pack
should be completing their Arrow of Light
requirements during the next few months. Webelos
leaders and Scoutmasters should be arranging visits
to facilitate these Arrow of Light requirements:
1. Webelos Scout visits a Boy Scout troop meeting
with his den.
2. The Webelos Scout visits a Boy Scout troop with
his parent or guardian.
3. The Webelos Scout visits a Boy Scout troop at an
outdoor activity.
4. The Webelos Scout fills out a Boy Scout
membership application.
We Recycle Paper And You Can Help
Last year we collected 14,150 pounds of paper for
recycling. That’s a lot, but most months the big green
bin in our parking lot isn’t full. With your help we can
increase the amount of paper recycled to help the
environment and add a little cash to the council’s
budget.
Drop your newspapers, magazines, catalogs,
phonebooks, wrapping paper, calendars, etc. in that
big bin at the back of our parking lot and help us kick
start our initiative to help the planet. Remember,
every little bit that we do can make a big difference
for the future.
If you are not sure who leads the Cub Scout pack, the
den, or the Scout troop, ask your commissioner or
district executive. They will help you contact the other
unit so that this important process can start.
Remember, as soon as a Webelos Scout earns his
Arrow of Light, he is eligible to join Boy Scouts and
start the next phase of the Scouting adventure.
3
Council Information
Guiding Unit Finances
Working Successfully
With Your Unit Committee
The unit committee is
responsible for guiding
the unit finances. A
sound unit budget policy
trains Scouts in
thriftiness, saving for
camp and other concerns.
The Boy Scouts of
America has established
policies to protect both
the unit and the good reputation of Scouting. It is
your responsibility to follow national guidelines and
implement the policy of the Boy Scouts as follows:
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No direct solicitation for funds by units is
permitted.
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The unit committee is the custodian of all unit
funds.
The real strength of a unit can often be an active and
involved unit committee. An effective committee will
help support the unit leadership and often make their
job much easier. This is a great opportunity to involve
more families in the on-going operation of your unit.
When parents are active you will begin to find more
interested and involved Scouts. Your goal should be
to involve as many parents as possible in your pack
or troop.
The unit committee can take on many of the
administrative responsibilities of your unit. Financial
record keeping, advancement reports and ordering of
badges, and membership records are just a few of
these responsibilities. Select a different coordinator
for every special event your unit has during the year:
blue and gold banquet, pinewood derby, pack picnic,
unit popcorn sales, and day camp coordinator are just
a few ideas to get you started. Your unit probably has
many more special activities and events during the
year. These are usually short term responsibilities
that may only take a month or two to complete. Other
more long term responsibilities might include a
publicity chairman, newsletter coordinator, etc.
Be sure that each member of your unit committee
understands their responsibilities. Involve the
committee in working with your leaders in program
planning. You will be surprised at all the resources
that are available in your unit. There are parent talent
surveys for packs, and troop resource forms available
at the Scout Shop to help you complete this. These
forms also provide opportunities for your parents to
indicate what kind of activities they are willing to help
with.
Your unit leadership and your unit committee are a
team. Working together, they will be able to organize
and support an excellent unit program. You will be
promoting parental involvement in Scouting. When
you achieve this, each of your families will be involved
in the kinds of programs and events they want for
their son. And in the end, the Scouts in your unit will
be beneficiaries.
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All units submit the Unit Money Earning
Application to the local council for approval. Such
approval is contingent on the prior approval of the
unit committee and chartered organization.
General guidelines for unit money earning projects
include:
 No gambling or conflict with local ordinances is
permitted.
 Ensure “value received for money spent.”
 Respect the territorial rights of other units.
 Do not conflict with goods or services offered by
established merchants or artisans. The date
scheduled must not conflict with established
dates of fundraising in the chartered organization,
council, and community.
 The name and good will of the BSA must be
protected and not used as a “front” for
commercial interests.
 No contract signed by a unit may bind the Boy
Scouts of America, either local or national.
 Unit money earning projects can be planned to
serve a dual purpose of conservation and money
earning. Collection of aluminum, glass, paper,
and scrap metal can be profitable when a
recycling facility is nearby. Units should be sure
of a market before making any collection. A
collection must be well planned with adequate
adult supervision and safety precautions.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
University of Scouting
 Before embarking on a money earning project,
evaluate the need for money against the probable
net income from the effort.
For more information on unit finance and money
earning projects, contact your unit commissioner or
district executive.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Wadsworth High School
https://scoutingevent.com/?UoS2015
4
Council Information
Tributes & Memorials
In Memory of:
From:
Jim White
Mary Mertic
In Memory of:
From:
Carl Lammlein
Denny Lammlein
The Hillman Family
In Memory of:
From:
Robert Payne
Mr. & Mrs. Dean Sotirakopoulos
Scout
In Memory of:
From:
Richard Hasenyager
Gertrude McDaniel
Eagle’s
Nest
Troop
Eagle Date
Patrick Adkins
280
12/18/14
Garrett Anderson
74
11/13/14
Mark Andrews
456
12/19/14
2015 National Youth Leadership Training
Brandon Arbogast
380
11/17/14
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NYLT is an exceptional training opportunity for
youth who are members of Boy Scout troops and
Venturing crews. It is an exciting, action packed
program designed to provide all youth members
with leadership skills and experience they can
use in their home troops and crews.
Brody Brandyberry
401
12/08/14
Gannon Foust
407
12/22/14
Keegan Gallagher
506
12/08/14
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Each troop or crew can reserve up to five slots for
the course.
Allen Geimer
402
11/18/14
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NYLT is a six day, co-ed course with content
being delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor
setting.
Anthony Incorvati
336
11/11/14
Anthony Jenkins
459
11/13/14
Consider for attendance your youth who are
presently holding a leadership position within
your troop (minimum 13 yrs. old the day the
course begins and First Class and completed
“Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops”) or
crew (minimum 14 yrs. old and completed
“Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews” and
“Crew Officer Orientation”) or who have been
recently elected and leadership skills and practice
would be beneficial.
Jared Jesionek
777
12/08/14
Aaron Kelley
385
12/03/14
Joshua Kempton
333
12/17/14
Ryan Kirby
282
11/06/14
Troy Losey
259
12/16/14
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The course is presented by a well-trained youth
staff.
Jess Nicholas
118
12/16/14
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Registrations will be made online only.
Daniel O’Sickey
575
11/12/14
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Space is limited to 96 participants, please sign up
early.
Marcus Parsson
517
12/18/14
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There can be no exceptions to the requirements
listed above.
Christian Sauer
385
12/17/14
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Registration is now available by going to
www.gtcbsa.org and following the link to NYLT.
Logan Stockton
155
11/19/14
Wesley Terrill
169
12/15/14
Brett Tucker
335
12/15/14
Brandon Weimer
456
12/10/14
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5
Council Information
Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Award
Commissioners’ Corner
By Andrew and Bena Paisley
“The idea of wilderness needs no defense. It only
needs more defenders.” — Edward Abbey
Last month, we talked about how the
Leave No Trace principles are part of
the DNA of the Boy Scouts of
America. Leave No Trace principles
are important because they help us
preserve the integrity of the backcountry and wilderness. It’s an
attitude and an ethic that forces us to think about
today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. One of
your legacies as a Scout leader can be to ensure that
those Scouts and Scouters upon whom you have
influence know and understand the LNT principles
and have the skills to carry them out.
That’s why we ended our last article with the
challenge to you Scout leaders to encourage your
Scouts and Scout leaders to earn the Leave No Trace
Outdoor Ethics Award. Here are the requirements for
Scouts:
1. Recite from memory and explain the meaning of
the Outdoor Code.
2. Watch the National Park Service (NPS) Leave No
Trace Program at http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/
The Commissioners’ Corner is presented by the
district commissioners of the Great Trail Council. Its
purpose is to inform unit leaders about the role that
unit commissioners play in delivering service to the
units.
Commissioner Service Is Changing
By David Rice, Assistant Council Commissioner
Scouting is changing, as it must, to remain relevant to
our changing times. The change is not limited to only
how we work, it is fundamental to what we do. On
January 1, our council commissioner service changed
from the former Unit Visit Tracking System to the new
Commissioner Tools. With this change the face of
commissioner service as we have known it also
changed.
This change encompasses more than just the
adoption of the web based Commissioner Tools. Unit
commissioners, under the tutelage of their district
commissioners have been undergoing training in the
use of the new tools now available to them in
November and December. The intention of these
tools is to assist unit commissioners in serving the
unit to which they are assigned.
Commissioner service is now more transparent than it
has been in the past as unit commissioners will be
working in close relationship with the Unit Key 3. The
Unit Key 3 (unit committee chair, chartered
organization representative, and unit leader) was
developed nearly five years ago in conjunction with
the organization of new units. It has proven to be the
single most important element in developing quality
units that deliver a high performing Scouting program
to serve our youth.
The Unit Key 3 and the unit commissioner
collaboratively develop a Unit Service Plan. This plan
(previously done by the unit commissioner alone
without ownership by the unit leadership) identifies
both the areas of strength in the unit’s program and
the areas in which change needs to happen in order
to have a higher performing Scouting program. The
Unit Key 3 and unit commissioner create actionable
items and assign the person accountable for the
completion of these goals. This plan is created
annually near the time of rechartering.
Change takes place in the space between an ending
and a beginning. We all now have the opportunity to
create quality units that deliver a high performing
Scouting program to serve our youth. To make the
decision that what any of us is doing in the units we
presently serve is ‘good enough’ and needs no
change is to also make the decision to let the unit die.
That decision goes against everything we believe
Scouting to be about. As commissioners and as unit
leaders, we must set the example and live into the
new future that is before us.
Home/OutdoorProgram/OutdoorEthics/Awards.aspx
3. Complete the Leave No Trace on-line youth
course for your age group at http://www.scouting.org/
sitecore/content/Home/OutdoorProgram/OutdoorEthics/
Awards.aspx Print the certificate.
4. Earn the Tread Lightly! online course certificate at
http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/OutdoorProgram/
OutdoorEthics/Awards.aspx
5. Participate in an outdoor ethics course, workshop
or training activity facilitated by a person who has
completed the BSA outdoor ethics orientation course
or is a BSA outdoor ethics trainer or master.
(The requirements for Cub Scouts are very similar
and are adjusted to that age group.)
These five requirements are not difficult and should
take only a few hours to complete. But if your Scouts
do complete the training, they will become better
Scouts, better campers, and better caretakers of the
land. To satisfy requirement number five, we expect
to be offering LNT workshops on a regular basis to
the council at large. Please keep an eye out for those
opportunities. In the meantime, if you would like us to
come to your troop for an individual workshop that
lasts approximately an hour and a half, please contact
Andrew and Bena Paisley at
bena.paisley@gmail.com.
Next month we will be talking about Principle No. 1:
Planning Ahead and Preparing.
6
Council Information
From The Registration Desk...
District
Charter Info
Tri-Fires charters should be turned in by now. Once
they are posted in ScoutNet charter certificates,
rosters, and membership cards will be mailed to the
unit leader.
Moe and Lakes charters are due at the February 12
roundtable.
Chippewa and Old Portage charters were passed out
on January 8. The charter window will be open
February 1, and the charters are due at the March 12
roundtable. If you have not picked up your charter,
please contact your district executive as soon as
possible.
Registration Age Requirements
Effective March 1, youth that are 18 by March 1 or will
turn 18 after March 1, will be registered as adults in a
crew or ship. Although they will have to complete the
adult paperwork, have to take Youth Protection
Training and have a background check, they will still
be able to participate as a youth until they are 21
years old.
Training
All unit leaders must be completely trained in order to
charter. Cubmasters can go to myscouting.org to
take Cubmaster Specific and Youth Protection
Training. Post Advisors can go to myparticipation.org
to take Adult Explorer Leader Basic and Explorer
Youth Protection Training. Scoutmasters and crew
advisors, please contact your district executive as
soon as possible.
Also, training can now be updated through
myscouting.org. The unit leader, committee chair or
charter organization rep can update training files for
leaders in their unit. If you have questions, regarding
this you can contact your unit or district
commissioner.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding
registration, internet rechartering, training or internet
advancements, please contact Council Registrar Pat
Gaugler at 330-773-0415 ext. 210 or pat@gtcbsa.org.
Access Code will be in your unit’s charter packet.
Charter Time-Frame
Moe
Exp. Date
2/28/15
Internet Recharter Window
Opens—1/1/15
Recharter Turn-In Party—2/12/15
Roundtable—7:15 p.m.—St.
Stephen Church
Lakes
Exp. Date
2/12/15
Internet Recharter Window
Opens—1/1/15
Recharter Turn-In Party—2/12/15
Roundtable—7 p.m.—Prince of
Peace Church
Chippewa
Exp. Date
3/12/15
Charter Training & Pick-up—
1/8/15—Roundtable—7 p.m.—the
Church at Stony Hill
Internet Recharter Window
Opens—2/1/15
Recharter Turn-In Party—
3/12/15—5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.—the
Church at Stony Hill
Old Portage
Exp. Date
3/12/15
Charter Training & Pick-up—
1/08/15—Roundtable—7 p.m.—
First Baptist Church, 1670 Shatto
Ave.
Internet Recharter Window
Opens—2/1/15
Recharter Turn-In Party—3/12/15
Roundtable—7 p.m.—First Baptist
Church, 1670 Shatto Ave.
Did You Know...
…Almost 170 Scouts earned the Eagle rank in 2014
in the Great Trail Council.
…More than 4,000 merit badges are earned in a
normal 6-week summer at Camp Manatoc. The top 5
merit badges that are earned are Metalworking,
Leatherworking, Camping, Climbing and
Emergency Preparedness.
…Atwater Lodge is the largest sleeping facility on the
Manatoc Scout Reservation and larger in square
footage than even the dining hall at 5,000 square
feet. Atwater Lodge’s ceilings are 15-feet high,
has bunk beds for 52, 2 family restrooms, 8 shower
heads, a large warming kitchen, separate bedrooms
for adults or females and a large Great Room that will
seat 75. Atwater is named for David Atwater, the
author of “The Spell of Marnoc”, and originator of
the 5 separate ceremonies used every Friday night
during the summer camp season.
Save The Date!
April 19
Wood Badge/NYLT Scholarship
and Reunion Dinner
at Camp Manatoc Dining Hall
Registration at 3:00 p.m.
7
Council Information
2015 National Camp Card Sale
We’re pleased to
announce the ALL
NEW 2015 “Camp
Card” Sale. This sale
is designed to help
Scouts earn their way to
Great Trail Council
Summer Camp, day
camps, high adventure treks, jamboree, or resident
camps.
In these challenging economic times, we don’t want
family finances to keep a Scout from attending the
camp of his choice. Scouts will also learn an
important value, earning your own way.
2015 Friends Of Scouting
Council Friends of Scouting Kick-Off
Thursday, February 26—5:30 p.m.
Portage Country Club
RSVP-Megan King 330-773-0415 ext. 215
mdoxey@bsamail.org
For 105 years Scouting has taught young people the
virtues of honor, respect, character, healthy living,
and a true sense of citizenship through the principals
found in the Scout Oath and Law.
The Great Trail Council prides itself on teaching these
virtues through our outstanding programs, leaders,
and facilities. We truly are “delivering the promise!”
You can continue this incredible tradition by becoming
a “Friend of Scouting”.
Earn 40% Commission On Camp Cards!
Our 2015 Great Trail Council Camp Card will be
sold for $5.00 and comes with access to a unique
savings membership throughout the 2015 calendar
year. Users will be able to get access to over
200,000 local offers through the Entertainment
Discount Network. Enjoy up to 50% savings on
dining, shopping, attractions, travel, services, and
online deals. Simply print your savings or
redeem at the merchant by showing your
Smartphone.
Units participating in this program will earn 40%
commission ($2.00) on each $5 Camp Card they
sell. The sale will be promoted in January and
February. Units sign-up in February, receive cards in
March, and can sell until May 1. Scouts have over
two months to sell and make lots of cash!.
No Risk Sale
Units may return all unsold cards (must be in good
condition).
We will only allow units to check out 100 cards at a
time.
Program Sign-Up
Please contact: Barbara at bbigam@bsamail.org or
330-773-0415 ext. 240
Jody Gildersleeve at jgilders@bsamail.org or 330-773
-0415 ext. 218
Key Dates
February 2015—Sign-ups in each district
March 12—Camp Card Kick-Offs at district
roundtables/commit to sell/pick-up cards/begin
selling!
April 9—Continue to distribute Camp Cards to units at
district roundtables
May 14—Money and returned cards are due at the
district roundtables
How Can Your Unit Become
A Family FOS Unit?
 Unit leaders pick a date in February or March
when your unit has a meeting with the best
attendance (leaders, Scouts, & families)….blue &
gold banquets/courts of honor/awards banquets/
pinewood derbies.
 Contact your District Family FOS Chairman and
coordinate to have a district presenter come to
your meeting for a 7-10 minute presentation on
our “105 Years of Scouting” FOS Presentation.
We want each and every family to have the
opportunity to support our programs!
 Assign a unit leader within your unit to coordinate
this process and orchestrate the follow-up with
families not in attendance.
To make an online donation, please go to
https://scoutingevent.com/?2015FOS
see our Family FOS Video
8
Council Information
BIG Prize Drawings At April
Summer Camp Leader’s Meeting
Rennick Andreoli Named
2014 Eagle Class Sponsor
That’s right – if your troop is summer camping with us
at Manatoc this year, you NEED and WANT to be at
this year’s April 18th Summer Camp Leader’s
Meeting!
Every Scoutmaster and every senior patrol leader
who attends the meeting to represent their troop will
be entered into drawings for two separate prizes…
drum roll please…
The Drawing Prize For Scoutmasters in attendance is
A brand-new 5-gallon Coleman beverage cooler!
The Drawing Prize for the SPL’s in attendance is
A pair of new Coleman lanterns.
These will be perfect to light up your troop’s
campsite this summer.
These drawing prizes are gifts for YOUR TROOP, not
the Scoutmaster or SPL personally but the only way
to get in the drawing is to be in attendance at the April
18 meeting.
The meeting starts in the Dining Hall at 9 a.m. sharp
and should be concluded by 10:30 a.m. We’ll be
covering many of the details of camp, especially new
merit badge offerings, the daily schedule, the new
theme (Knights and the like…), a new program area
(did I hear something about a PAINTBALL
RANGE???) and some new plans for making your
summer camp experience even better than ever.
As always, beginning at 7:30 a.m., the Famous Lady
Wilderness Engineers will be serving their awardwinning pancake breakfast featuring pancakes,
sausage, coffee and juice. Cost is just $5 per person
(any age) and we encourage you to come out before
the meeting and enjoy the food and the fellowship in
supporting the Lady Engineers.
Questions? Contact 2015 Summer Camp Director
Dan Henterly by email at dhenterly@yahoo.com.
We’ll see you April 18 at camp!
Rennick Andreoli, President of RDA Hotel
Management Company, headquartered in Akron, will
be the host sponsor for the 2014 Class of Eagle
Scouts.
He joins a prestigious list of past Eagle Class
Sponsors over the event’s 50+ year history in our
council, including John S. Knight, the past President
of the former Knight-Ridder Company. Knight was
the founder of the event and the very first Class
Sponsor. Other famous Class Sponsors include
Howard Flood, past President of First Merit Bank,
past Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. CEOs P.W.
Litchfield, E.J. Thomas, Charles Pilliod, Robert
Mercer, Tom Barrett, Stanley Gault and Samir Gibara.
The list truly is a “who’s who” of the top corporate
leaders in the community and the country.
Rennick is a longtime supporter of Scouting and a
strong leader in the Akron and Fairlawn community
where he heads the longest continually owned and
operated Hilton Hotel franchise in the nation.
The Recognition Dinner to honor the 2014 Rennick
Andreoli Class of Eagle Scouts is set for Tuesday,
March 10, at 5:30 p.m., at the historic Firestone
Country Club.
Invitation letters to 2014 Eagle Scouts have been
mailed, as well as to community leaders who will
serve as “hosts” for our Eagles that night at the
dinner.
Questions? Contact Council Program Director Jim
Shimko at jshimko@bsamail.org.
Wood Badge/NYLT Dinner Is April 19
It’s the biggest and best scholarship and reunion
dinner ever! If you’re a Wood Badger or an NYLT
staffer or participant, you’re invited to share in the
fellowship and fun.
The dinner is in the Manatoc Dining Hall and
registration begins at 3 p.m., the salad bar opens at
3:30 p.m. and dinner begins promptly at 4 p.m.
Cost is $17 per person, $30 per couple or $10 per
youth age 20 and under if paid by March 27 – after
that date, prices go to $25 per person, $50 per couple
or $12 per youth age 20 or under.
Don’t forget to bring money for the trading post,
featuring items from Gilwell Park, along with a silent
and live auction.
Register online at www.gtcbsa.org and click to events
where you’ll find the registration link.
Questions? Just contact Dinner Chairman Patty
Payne at pattypayne30@gmail.com.
Thank You Breakfast With Santa Bunch!
Lots of applause is due to the
Lady Wilderness Engineers and
some “select” summer camp
staff members who hosted a
great Breakfast With Santa
program at the Dining Hall in
December, just before the
holidays. More than 100
youngsters and “holiday veterans” were on hand to sit
on Santa’s lap, get their photo taken, enjoy breakfast
and take home a goodie bag too.
A big Tip ‘O The Hat to all.
9
Tri-Fires District
“Fired Up Scouting!”
District Chair
Steve Schloenbach
330-376-8522
sschloenbach@akroncf.org
District Commissioner
Miles Hardesty
330-283-7168
mgh2073@att.net
District Executive
Wayne Nieman
330-773-0415 X 232
wnieman@bsamail.org
On Your Mark! Get Set! Go!
District Annual Meeting And Elections
It’s time to start building your
cars! The Tri- Fires District
will be holding the 2015
Pinewood
Derby
on
Saturday, March 21, at
Northwest Ave. Church of
Christ, 737 Northwest Ave., Tallmadge. Weigh in is
at 8:00 a.m., racing will begin at 9:00 a.m. We need
volunteers from your pack to help this year’s event
become a success. Please contact District Executive
Wayne
Nieman
(330-773-0415
x
232
or
wnieman@bsamail.org) to register as a volunteer.
More information will follow at upcoming roundtables.
The Tri-Fires District Annual Meeting and Elections
will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2015, at Northwest
Ave. Church of Christ, 737 Northwest Ave.,
Tallmadge. All eligible district committee members
and chartered organization reps are invited to attend
to vote on the district committee slate. Nominations
can be turned in to District Executive Wayne Nieman
at the council office. Thank you
Happy Retirement!
The Tri-Fires District would like to wish a happy
“Retirement” to Jim Gay, who stepped down as
Scoutmaster of Troop 361 after more than 8 years.
Best wishes go out to Jim for the future, and to the
new Scoutmaster of Troop 361, Ken Brown.
“Knights Of The Roundtable” Day Camp
Day camp is coming up July 13-15 at
Camp Butler, and this year’s theme is
“Knights of the Roundtable.” Don’t forget,
you can get free placemats for your blue
and gold banquet. They contain games
along with day camp information. Let
Wayne Nieman know how many you
need. If you would like to have someone
talk to your pack about day camp, contact Camp
Director Doug Merideth at 330-603-4838 or
cubmaster3048@yahoo.com.
Continued on Page 20
District Recognition Dinner
And Awards Nominations
February
5
Come join us Thursday, April 9, from 6:30-8:00 p.m.,
for the Tri-Fires District Dinner as we recognize our
adult leaders. The event will be held at the
roundtable location, Northwest Ave. Church of Christ
(737 Northwest Ave., Tallmadge). Dinner will be
served; the cost is $7.50 per person. Please have
your reservations in to the Scout Shop or turned in at
roundtable by April 1.
Be sure to nominate leaders for the awards!
Nomination sheets can be picked up at roundtable or
at the Council Service Center. Please have your
nominations for District Award of Merit, Scoutmaster
of the Year, Cubmaster of the Year, Venturing Leader
of the Year, Scout Leader of the Year, Cub Leader of
the Year, District Staff Member of the Year and
Charter Partner of the Year turned in by March 2.
Awards will be handed out at the Tri-Fires District
Dinner on April 9.
5
8
12
14-15
16
District Commissioners Meeting—6 p.m.—
Northwest Ave. Church of Christ, 737 Northwest
Ave., Tallmadge
District Committee Meeting—7 p.m.—Northwest
Ave. Church of Christ, 737 Northwest Ave.,
Tallmadge
Scout Sunday
Roundtable—7 p.m.—Northwest Ave. Church of
Christ, 737 Northwest Ave., Tallmadge
Scout Ski Days—Brandywine Ski Resort
President’s Day—Scout Shop/office closed
Registration $24
Boys’ Life $12
March
5
5
7
12
21
10
District Commissioners Meeting—6 p.m.—
Northwest Ave. Church of Christ, 737 Northwest
Ave., Tallmadge
District Committee Meeting—7 p.m.—Northwest
Ave. Church of Christ, 737 Northwest Ave.,
Tallmadge
University of Scouting
Roundtable—7 p.m.—Northwest Ave. Church of
Christ, 737 Northwest Ave., Tallmadge
District Pinewood Derby—Northwest Ave. Church
of Christ, 737 Northwest Ave., Tallmadge
Registration $22
Boys’ Life $11
Moecomdws District
“It’s A Matter Of Pride”
District Chairman
District Commissioner
Sr. District Executive
Paul Schumacher 330-650-2122
paulschus@gmail.com
Dave Harman
234-380-5876
daveharman@yahoo.com
Shannon Sinex
330-773-0415 X 242
ssinex@bsamail.org
District Website: www.moescouts.org
Award Nominees Wanted For 2015
2015 Family FOS Campaign Starts Soon!
The MOE District couldn’t run without great
volunteers like you - and we would like to take time to
recognize your efforts. However, great volunteers
need great supporters to nominate them. We are
calling on supporters to recognize great district and
unit level volunteers through various awards,
including the District Award of Merit, Spark Plug
Awards, Partners in Scouting and the Eisenman
Award. It is truly an honor to receive any of these
district awards. Be the first to recognize someone
that has put your needs before their own. Do a “good
turn” for a great person in our district today. Forms
will be available at roundtable. Below is a brief
description of the awards available:
District Award of Merit: Council level award
presented by districts to Scouters who render service
of an outstanding nature at a district level.
Spark Plug Award: Honors registered adults
working at the unit level who put an extra “spark” in
the unit’s program in the past year.
Partners in Scouting: A unique Moecomdws
District award for married couples with involvement in
the leadership roles of their unit
Eisenman Award: A special Moecomdws District
award that was established to select an outstanding
Scouter each year who highly exemplifies the image
of Scouting and who would represent all district
Scouters.
This year the District Recognition event will be held
on Thursday, April 16! All nominations are due no
later than Saturday, March 28, to Shannon Sinex.
Nomination forms can be found on our district
website, www.moescouts.org or at roundtable.
Our 2015 Family FOS campaign has kicked off! All
units need to schedule a presentation date, if you
haven’t done so, preferably the date of your blue and
gold banquet or court of honor. Please give your date
to Family FOS Chair Lisa MacKay. She can be
reached at 330-688-9504 or by email at
lisa@mackaynet.com.
Charters Due At February Roundtable
This year we will be collecting charter paperwork
during the February roundtable on Thursday,
February 12. You will have an opportunity to talk with
a unit commissioner to make sure that all of the
paperwork is complete including applications,
signatures, money and Journey to Excellence. If you
have any questions please contact your unit
commissioner. Remember, we are adjusting this
year to the new rules next year, when all charters,
signatures and money must be turned in before the
charter expiration date.
Moe District Roundtable Reminder
Roundtables are the second Thursday of each month
at St. Stephen Church, located at the corner of Rt. 59
and Charring Cross in Stow. Roundtables start at
7:15 p.m., and all are welcome to attend! This month
we meet on February 12. Please plan on joining us!
Continued on Page 19
February
12
District Commissioners Meeting—6:45 p.m.—St.
Stephen Church
12
Roundtable—7:15 p.m.—St. Stephen Church—ALL
unit charters are due!
14-16 Scouting Ski Days—Brandywine Ski Resort
16
President’s Day—Scout Shop/office closed
21
Cub Scout & Boy Scout Leader Training—hosted
by Old Portage District
Registration $2
Boys’ Life N/A
District Annual Election Notice
District Chairman Paul Schumacher has announced
that the Annual District Elections will be held on
Thursday, April 9, 2015, at the District Committee
Meeting. Nominations from the field can be sent to
Shannon Sinex, Moe District Executive, P.O. Box 68,
Akron, OH 44309. The annual meeting will be held
at 7:00 p.m., at Hudson Presbyterian Church. No
nominations will be accepted from the floor and must
be submitted in writing by March 3, 2015.
March
5
7
12
12
14
11
District Committee Meeting—7 p.m.—Hudson
Presbyterian Church
University of Scouting—Wadsworth High School
District Commissioner Meeting—6:45 p.m.—St.
Stephen Church
Roundtable—7:15 p.m.—St. Stephen Church
Boy Scout Leader Training—hosted by Seneca
District
Registration $24
Boys’ Life $12
Lakes District
“Leads the Way”
District Chairman
District Commissioner
District Executive
James Schweikert
330-899-9915
jschweikert@hahnlaw.com
Dale Messner
330-896-1219
dale.messner@philips.com
Tom Craig
330-773-0415 X 239
tom.craig@scouting.org
District Website: www.lakesdistrict.org
Webelos-To-Scout Transition
Gentlemen, Start Building Your Cars!
Please welcome Paul Pesut from Pack 3215, our new
Webelos-To-Scout Transition Chair! He will be in
contact with your unit soon to make sure that your
Webelos and their leaders are getting ready for the
transition in 2015.
February is the month in which most Cub Scouts
make the transition into a Boy Scout troop. This can
be both an exciting and scary time for these young
Scouts. The key factor to improved Webelos
transition is the ongoing working relationship of the
leaders of the Cub Scout pack and a Boy Scout troop.
Webelos dens should visit several troops before
deciding which unit they want to join, and the Boy
Scout troops should welcome these Webelos
realizing that these boys may be the future of that
troop. In order to make the passage from Cub Scouts
to Boy Scouts as smooth as possible, with no time
lost in between when the Webelos are ready to cross
over, they and their families should be familiar and
comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the
troop, their role in the troop and troop activities. They
should feel excited about beginning this new
adventure. Also, to make the transition complete, the
troop leaders need to make sure that there is a Boy
Scout application on file for all of the new Scouts.
Without an application on file, any advancement the
new Scout earns will not be recorded. So, please
let’s do everything possible to make this transition as
smooth and comfortable as possible for our new Boy
Scouts.
The District Pinewood will be held Saturday, March
28, at MAPS Air Museum. More info will follow at
roundtables.
Charter Turn-In At February Roundtable
This year the Lakes District Charter Turn-In is
scheduled for Thursday, February 12, at Lakes’
Roundtable. Unit commissioners will be there from 7
p.m. until 8 p.m., to sit with you for a few minutes to
make sure that you have all that you need for your
charter to be complete. Please bring your signed
charter, any additional applications that you added to
your charter, copies of Youth Protection cards and
your check. Last year the Lakes District charters
were very clean, with few errors. Hopefully we will be
100% error free this year!
Start Planning For Day Camp
This year the theme for day camp is “Knights of the
Roundtable.” Join us at Craftsmen Park in Portage
Lakes. Tiger Day at Camp will be Sunday, July 19,
from 1 p.m.– 5 p.m. Cub Day Camp will be Monday,
July 20 through Wednesday, July 22. Webelos Day
Camp will be Thursday, July 23 through Saturday,
July 25. There will be a final registration date (that
date is still being determined). No late registrations
will be accepted and there will be no walk-ins allowed.
Registration for day camp will be exclusively online
and that includes t-shirts Please start planning now!
District Recognition Dinner Is April 24
Continued on Page 20
This year the Lakes District Recognition Dinner will be
held on Friday, April 24. Please be looking for more
information at roundtable. Also don’t forget that the
district dinner is a time to recognize your fellow
Scouters for all of their hard work, dedication and
service. If you know someone who goes above and
beyond expectations please take the time to
nominate him or her for either the District Award of
Merit or the Lakes Commodore Award. Each year
Lakes District gets to award two District Award of
Merits and as many Commodore Awards as there are
worthy recipients. You can get forms either from
roundtable or from District Executive Tom Craig.
Nominations must be turned into Tom no later than
March 31, 2015 for consideration.
February
5
12
12
District Commissioners Meeting—6:30 p.m.—
Acme, 3235 Manchester Rd., Akron
District Committee Meeting—6 p.m.—Prince of
Peace Church, 1263 Shannon Ave., Barberton
Roundtable—7 p.m.—Prince of Peace Church,
12673 Shannon Ave., Barberton
Registration $2
Boys’ Life N/A
March
5
12
12
28
31
12
District Commissioner Meeting—6:30 p.m.—Acme,
3235 Manchester Rd., Akron
District Committee Meeting—6 p.m.—Prince of
Peace Church, 1263 Shannon Ave., Barberton
Roundtable—7 p.m.—1263 Prince of Peace
Church, 1263 Shannon Ave., Barberton
Pinewood Derby—MAPS Air Museum, 2260 International Pkwy., North Canton
District Award Nominations due
Registration $24
Boys’ Life $12
Chippewa District
“Scouting, From Tiger Paws to Eagle Claws”
Chairman
Commissioner
District Executive
Brad Root
John Naizer
Steve Jindra
330-388-1405 ......... broot@rootcandles.com
330-419-8395 ......... team.naizer@frontier.com
(B) 330-773-0415 X 235 stjindra@bsamail.org
Chippewa Facebook page coming soon!
Recharter Turn-In Day Is March 12
Annual District Elections
Attention all units! Recharter turn-in is on Thursday,
March 12, 7 p.m., at roundtable located at the Church
at Stony Hill, 2756 Stony Hill Rd., Medina.
Commissioners and district staff will be available for
assistance in reviewing your charters. If you have
any questions, please contact John Nazier at
team.naizer@frontier.com or Pat Gaugler at
pgaugler@bsamail.org.
Chippewa District Elections are scheduled for May 1.
The Key 3 and nominating committee are accepting
suggestions for the district members-at-large. The
committee will be meeting regularly in the next
several months to appoint volunteers to key positions
throughout the Chippewa District. If you are
interested in assisting the staff in some capacity
please contact our District Chairman Brad Root at
broot@rootcandles.com for more details. All
leadership positions will be voted on May 7, at the
district committee meeting located at Medina United
Methodist Church. We start at 7 p.m. sharp. All
suggestions or nominations must be in writing and be
received no later than 30 days prior.
University Of Scouting In Wadsworth
University of Scouting is scheduled for March 7, at
Wadsworth High School located in the Chippewa
District! We want to encourage you to attend. There
are several classes put on by council volunteers very
beneficial to the Scouting movement. Don’t miss out
on this opportunity. Be prepared be there!
Day Camp Is Around The Corner
Believe it or not-- it is time to start planning for day
camp. See the list below for more information.
Theme: Knights at the Roundtable
Place: Camp Butler
Cost: $65.00
Dates: Session One June 22-24, Session Two June
25-27
Contact: Camp Director, Stacy McFarland:
stacym@mcbdd.org
If you are available to give some of your free time
this year to help on the day camp committee
please do so. It is an awesome experience to help
teach and assist the youth.
2015 Friends Of Scouting
On February 4, the Chippewa District kicks off its
annual Friends-of-Scouting donation campaign.
Being a non-profit, your generosity is how the Great
Trail Council is able to run our day to day operations
providing Scouting for thousands of kids. We ask you
each to continue to participate by hosting a volunteer
presenter provided by the district at your blue and
gold banquet or court of honor. You can schedule a
time with the district’s Family FOS Chairman Gregg
Townsend at Gregg.townsend@osgtool.com or
Assistant Chair Susan Feller at sfeller@neo.rr.com.
Thank you for your continued support.
Continued on Page 19
Bad Weather Alert
February
It’s the time of year where we will start to see heavy
snowfall making the roads and driving conditions
dangerous. To find out if a meeting has been
cancelled please check your email before leaving
your home for a regularly scheduled meeting.
4
5
11
12
16
2015 FOS campaign begins
District Committee/Commissioners Meeting—7
p.m.—Medina United Methodist Church, 4747
Foote Rd., Medina
Scout Uniform Day
Roundtable—7 p.m.—Church at Stony Hill, 2756
Stony Hill Rd., Medina
President’s Day—Scout Shop/office closed
Registration $4
Boys’ Life $2
March
5
7
12
13
District Committee/Commissioners Meeting—7
p.m.—Medina United Methodist Church, 4747
Foote Rd., Medina
University of Scouting—Wadsworth High School
Roundtable (Recharter Turn-In) - 7 p.m.—Church at
Stony Hill, 2756 Stony Hill Rd., Medina
Registration $2.00
Boys’ Life N/A
Seneca District
“Where the Sun Shines First on the Great Trail Council”
District Chairman
District Commissioner
District Executive
Mark Messerly
Ken Focazio
Nate Watson
330-678-5060
330-657-2085
330-773-0415 X 227
nawatson@bsamail.org
Seneca Website: www.senecadistrict.org
2015 Family FOS Campaign
Popcorn Sale Fun
The 2015 campaign is underway for all Cub Scout
packs, Boy Scout troops and Venture crews. Now is
the time to think about having a Friends of Scouting
(FOS) presentation at a blue and gold banquet, court
of honor, or parent night.
Start by selecting a unit FOS chairperson and then
schedule your unit for a presentation in January,
February or early March. Set your own unit goal.
Sign-ups for a presentation may be done at
roundtable in February and NO LATER THAN
MARCH! Our Family Friends of Scouting
chairman this year is Mike Rowe. He will be
contacting you as well to help schedule. Mike
can be reached at mikeroweops@sbcglobal.net
or 330-351-3283. You may also call Nate Watson,
at 330-773-0415, ext. 227 or
Nathan.Watson@scouting.org to schedule. Make
sure the date you select is a date when you will have
the most family and friends of Scouts in attendance
and we’ll arrange for a FOS presenter to attend your
event. Presentations typically take 10 minutes, with a
short follow-up at the end of your program.
We need to be able to tell the “Scouting Story” to
every family and give them the opportunity to make a
financial contribution to help support the great things
we do with the youth of our communities.
District Executive
Nathan Watson was
pied in the face by
members of Pack
3556 who increased
their popcorn sales by
over 250% this year.
Pictured is top seller
Grady Millhoff who
sold over $3,300 this
year!
Did You Survive “Klonditis”?
The Klondike was held on
January 9-11, we had 168
Scouts and Scouters show up
to this incredible event! The
top three troops for the
Klondike Derby were; 3rd place
Troop 556 from Rootstown,
2nd place was Troop 265 from Aurora, and 1st place
was Troop 259 from Brimfield! Great job to all of our
participants who braved the sub-zero “Klonditis”
temperatures to come and have a great time! A
special thanks to Chad and Anitra Roberts who made
our awards for the event, and to Clay Magilavy and
Matt Bisler who were our co-chairs! Without all of
your commitment and dedication we would not have
been able to put together such an incredible event!
Cub Scout Polar Bear Swim
The 2015 edition of the Seneca Polar Bear Swim will
be held February 7, 2015, at Kent Roosevelt High
School from 1-5 p.m.! This event is limited to the
first 80 swimmers. The cost for this event is $4.00
and all participants will receive a limited edition patch!
For any questions contact Kirk Gordon at 330-958
-7851. This year’s event is sure to be a
FREEEEEEZING GOOOOD TIME!
February
5
7
12
Start Your Engines!
16
26
Hey Cub Scouts, mark your calendars
for the best ever district level pinewood
derby to be held on Saturday, March
21, 2015, LOCATION TO BE
DETERMINED. Registration and
weigh-in will be held from 8-9 a.m.
Racing will run from 9-12! There will be plenty of
activities for all including a concession stand and
other activities for the kids! Contact Marco Condos
(330) 296-2575, for any questions.
District Committee Meeting—7 p.m.—Kent United
Church of Christ, 1400 E. Main St., Kent
Cub Scout Polar Bear Swim—1-5 p.m.—Kent Roosevelt Pool
Roundtable—7 p.m.—Kent United Church of
Christ, 1400 E. Main St., Kent
President’s Day—Scout Shop/office closed
2015 Friends of Scouting Kick-Off
Registration $24
Boys’ Life $12
March
5
7
12
21
22
26
14
District Committee Meeting—7 p.m.—Kent United
Church of Christ, 1400 E. Main St., Kent
University of Scouting—Wadsworth High School
Roundtable—7 p.m.—Kent United Church of
Christ, 1400 E. Main St., Kent
District Pinewood Derby—location TBD
Seneca Training Day
FOS Report Meeting #2
Registration $22
Boys’ Life $11
Old Portage District
“THE Quality District”
District Chairman
Donna Axson 330-573-8766
daxson@oldportage.org
District Commissioner Dan Gentile 330-808-4819
gentile2@fuse.net
Sr. District Executive Dennis Vargo 330-773-0415 X 214 dvargo@bsamail.org
Old Portage Website www.oldportage.org
Roundtable—Where The Fun Begins!
“Knights Of The Roundtable” Day Camp
Thanks to all those who braved the cold and snow to
attend our last roundtable. They left feeling more
confident about completing this year’s charter. Cub
leaders will start to learn of the upcoming program
changes at February roundtable. Join us for
friendship, fellowship and free coffee. It is also Camp
Card Sale Kickoff. See you Thursday, February 12,
at roundtable for our Camp Card Kick-off.
All Cubs will be meeting at Camp Butler on July 2729. Volunteers and ideas are needed.
Call or email Jim Horvath at 330-283-4422 or
jhorvath99@aol.com.
Klondike Survived The Zombies!
The Old Portage District Klondike “Zombie
Apocalypse” at Camp Manatoc on 1/30 - 2/01 was a
gigantic success for more than 200 Scouts,
Venturers, Webelos and leaders in attendance from
Old Portage, Chippewa and Greater Cleveland
Council. Congratulations to Klondike Chairman Mike
Fasig and his staff for a great event!
Online Rechartering
This year, the Old Portage District Charter Turn-In is
scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at OP’s
roundtable. Unit commissioners will be there from 7
p.m. until 8:30 p.m., to sit with you for a few minutes
to make sure that you have all that you need for your
charter to be complete. Please bring your signed
charter, any additional applications that you added to
your charter, copies of Youth Protection cards and
your check. Last year the Old Portage District
charters were very clean, with few errors. Hopefully
with the process of online rechartering we will be
100% error free! Questions on JTE or recharter or
need help? Contact our District Commissioner Dan
Gentile at gentile2@fuse.net.
We Need More Family FOS Presenters
Unit FOS Presenters are Scouters, just like YOU,
who have a story to tell and believe in Scouting.
Please say yes to being a presenter. Training is
available, we promise we won’t ask you to do more
than a few presentations and we’ll provide you with
all the tools you’ll need to give a great presentation.
Please think about your own Scouting story and
share it with others. Contact Family FOS Chairman
Dena Altfeld today at dma3622@gmail.com and
step up to help a whole lot of kids through FOS today.
Because Scouting Matters
Family FOS is the best way – the only way – to tell all
of our Scouting families about how important
Scouting is in the life of their son or daughter.
Scouting really does matter in the life of one boy or
one girl. It matters because it makes a difference in
the kind of adults our kids will become; it makes a
difference because it helps our kids learn the skills of
leadership; it makes a difference because it allows
our kids to spend time with us, their parents, in a
quality program with positive outcomes. For all these
reasons, we mean it when, in Old Portage, we say
Scouting Matters.
You should already have your unit’s Family FOS
presentation scheduled for the most important, bestattended meeting of the year – your pack’s blue and
gold, your troop’s next court of honor, your crew’s
parents night. We promise we won’t take up too
much time and we’ll let your families know just how
important Scouting is in the life of their child.
If you HAVEN’T scheduled your FOS presentation,
contact our Family FOS Chairman Dena Altfeld at
dma3622@gmail.com.
February
1
5
Klondike—Camp Manatoc
District Committee—7 p.m.—Bath United Church
of Christ
8
Scout Sunday/Scout Anniversary
11
Uniform Day at schools
12
Roundtable—7 p.m.—First Baptist Church, 1670
Shatto Ave., Akron
14-16 Scout Ski Day—Brandywine Ski Resort
16
President’s Day—Scout Shop/office closed
19
District Commissioners—7 p.m.—Bath United
Church of Christ
21
Boy Scout Training
Registration $4
Boys’ Life $2
March
5
7
12
19
28
15
District Committee—7 p.m.—Bath United Church
of Christ
University of Scouting—Wadsworth High School
Roundtable—7 p.m.—First Baptist Church, 1670
Shatto Ave., Akron
Super Thursday
District Pinewood Derby
Registration $2
Boys’ Life N/A
Venturing/Exploring
Energy...Excitement...Enthusiasm
Chairman
Elizabeth Murphy 330-434-9300 murphy.venture.gtc@gmail.com
Commissioner
Anna Lott
330-699-1854 lott88a@gmail.com
Staff Advisor
Dennis Vargo
330-773-0415 ext. 214 dvargo@bsamail.org
Venturing Friends Of Scouting Campaign
Go Venturing International Style For $45
The 2015 Friends of Scouting campaign will be
kicking off on February 26. Our 2015 Venturing goal
is $9,000.
Trying to figure out what your
crew or ship is doing next April 24
-26? Scrap that typical domestic
trip you always take and go
international. Can't afford the
world Jamboree you say? Well if
you can afford $45, go out to the
world of “Nations” at WorldFest
2015. WorldFest is an annual event put on by the
Central Region Area 4 Venturing Officer Association
and this year is being held at Seven Ranges Scout
Reservation in Kensington, OH. Climbing, shooting,
boating, and the international midway and museum
will give each participant a challenging time, lots of
great food, indoor space, cabins, and new friends
from across Ohio and West Virginia (and we hope
PA, MI, IN, VA, KY and Ontario). You must be a
member or guest of a Venture crew, Sea Scout Ship
or council contingent to get registered. A handbook
and flyers are available on our website that you can
use to publicize this event. A mere $50 will hold your
unit’s reservation until you need to pay in full in March
2015. Cabins are limited to the first units signing up
otherwise you need to find your tent. Questions to
worldfest@CRVenturing.org. WorldFest website is:
Have You Ever Wondered...
Have you ever wondered how Venturing became a
part of the BSA? Venturing was officially created by
the Boy Scouts of America's Executive Board on
February 9, 1998. However, early roots of Venturing
were noticed before then. In 1995, the outdoor
exploring committee chaired by Dr. Dick Miller of
Waynesboro, Virginia, met in Long Key, Florida. The
primary purpose of the meeting was to address the
issue of how to support and sustain the amazing
growth that outdoor Exploring was enjoying. Today,
Venturing can be closely compared to the early roots
of the early Exploring program. However, if you really
want to trace the roots of Venturing, you have to go
way back. The need for a senior Boy Scout program
probably surfaced the second day after Scouting
started in the United States in 1910. Actually, in the
very first National Executive Board meeting report,
there is a discussion about losing older boys. It was
no surprise to our founders that older boys needed an
age-specific program with challenges appropriate for
them. Older boy programs cropped up across the
country during those early years, causing the need for
national action. Venturing officially started in 1998;
but, we can all agree that the principal of Venturing
has existed for nearly a century!
https://sites.google.com/a/crventuring.org/c4voa/worldfest
Congratulations Venturers And Adults
January 11, 2015 the first annual
Venturing Awards Banquet was held
and recognized five individuals with the
Venturing Leadership Award. Forty
young adults and Venturing volunteers
were in attendance. The three youth that
were honored were: Natalie Menke,
Michael Gunther, and Katelyn
Keckler. The adults were Rosemarie Fox and
Kimberly Myers. Please join me in congratulating
all the well deserving recipients and hope to see you
all next year at this great event.
Leader Training
Crew leaders and committee members, on February
7, at 8:30 a.m., at the council service center the
Venturing committee will conduct adult leader
training. Flyers can be downloaded by going online at
gtcbsa.org and clicking on volunteer links and then
upcoming training. Registration deadline is February
5. For more info email Bryan Menke at
blrrengine@aol.com or 330-342-9918.
February
7
Tell Us A Story
14-16
Make the highlights! We are looking for some great
stories about your youth or adult leaders. If you have
a story and would like to share it with us, please call
Dennis Vargo at 330-773-0415 ext. 214 or email
dvargo@bsamail.org. We look forward to featuring
your story in the newsletter!
17
Venture Adult Leader Training—8:30 a.m.—Scout
Service Center
Scout Ski Days—Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski
Resort
Venturing Retreat—6 p.m.—Council Service Center
March
9
9
16
VEOA Meeting—6:30 p.m.—Camp Manatoc
Venturing Congress—7 p.m.—Camp Manatoc
Special Needs
District Chairman
District Commissioner
Staff Advisor
John Stefanik
Wendy Greathouse
Dennis Vargo
330-666-3579
jrstef@roadrunner.com
330-256-0996
iamwendyann@yahoo.com
330-773-0415 ext. 214
dvargo@bsamail.org
Special Needs Training
Offered At The University Of Scouting
Special Needs Mission Statement
The Special Needs Scouting Inclusion Program will
promote Opportunities for ALL individuals, especially
those individuals with disabilities, so that they may
participate in the variety of Scouting Programs and
related activities sponsored by the Great Trail
Council, and will identify and reduce those barriers
encountered in achieving the goal of “Scouting for
ALL boys”.
The universal Scouting curriculum offers a 6-course
training track and awards a patch to Scouters who
complete every course in that track. These
individuals will have some understanding of what it
means to address the needs of all participants in the
Scouting program.
The Universal Scouting Training Track is listed
below:
 Scouting for All Boys
 What Every Scout Leader Needs to Know
 Behavior Management
 Management of Boys
 The How-to for Dealing with ALL Boys
 Disability Overview
Great Trail Council’s Special Needs Committee is
pleased to offer more extensive training opportunities
at the University of Scouting as well:
 Eating Well, in Spite of Restrictions—food
allergies, special diets, and preferences are
addressed in this combination Dutch oven makeand-bake and lecture course.
 Medical Considerations for the Scouter—This
course addresses the concerns that many Scout
leaders have about medicine, its administration,
responsibilities, and rights of Scouts, Scouters,
and parents.
 Advancement with a Special Need—How to
use the ISAP, council resources, the troop and
pack committee, and other available resources to
allow each Scout to be everything he can be.
 Bullying in the Pack, Troop, and Crew—
Identify it, stop it, prevent it, and build a more
productive unit with positive steps.
New this year in the universal Scouting track is
District Advocate Training. Scouters who have an
interest in serving as a district advocate are
encouraged to take this intensive training course (3hour morning session). Topics include how to get
help for an issue, resources available within the
council, best practices within the Great Trail Council,
and many more timely, relevant, and advanced
issues. Not for the faint of heart, this training is
designed to give Scouters the tools needed to
advocate, mentor, and mediate issues.
See you on March 7 at Wadsworth High School!
Torch Of Gold Award For Scout Leaders
Do you know a Scout leader who has gone beyond
the call of duty to help Scouts with special needs in
your unit? The Torch of Gold Award is given to a
Scout leader who has provided extraordinary service
to Scouts with special needs in a unit, a district, or
the council. The award is based on a Scout leader’s
efforts in at least one of the following areas:

Adapting unit/district/council activities to include
Scouts with special needs by developing/
incorporating special accommodations

Providing advocacy for Scouts with special needs
or other youth with special needs as part of his/
her Scouting duties

Promoting awareness of disabilities/special
needs among Scouts, Scout leaders, or the
community as part of his/her Scouting duties
Any registered adult leader may be nominated by
another adult leader, the district committee, or council
staff. Nominations are reviewed by the council’s
Special Needs Advisory Committee, and
recommendations are then forwarded to the
executive director for review and approval.
Please Note: If the adult leader is employed in a field
that regularly provides services to individuals with
special needs, the activities being recognized for the
Torch of Gold Award shall not be conducted as part
of his/her regular work duties, but shall be above and
beyond his/her normal work routine or regular
Scouting duties.
Nominations are made by completing the Torch of
Gold Award nominating form; nominations must be
initiated within 24 months of the service.
For more information, please contact Special Needs
Chair John Stefanik at 330-666-3579 or
jrstef@roadrunner.com.
Continued on Page 20
17
Marnoc Lodge #151
Order of the Arrow
Lodge Chief
Brian DiPaolo
chief@marnoc.org
Lodge Adviser Dennis Bradley
330-510-1072
adviser@marnoc.org
Staff Adviser
Jim Shimko 330-773-0415 ext. 217 jshimko@bsamail.org
Marnoc Website: www.marnoc.org
Congratulations 2015 Vigil Candidates!
Attention Scoutmasters
And OA Representatives
The 2015 Unit elections are officially in full motion.
Elections start date is February 1, 2015. This means
you can conduct your unit elections and register your
Scouts elected for their Ordeal online by going to
https://www.scoutingevent.com/?OAReport
Note: Registering for an Ordeal can only be done
online using the above link. Mail in registrations will
not be allowed.
The 2015 Unit Elections packet can be downloaded
by using the following link: http://goo.gl/zW4TML, or
by looking in your district saddlebags for your troop’s
hard copy.
Note: Eligibility - Scoutmaster will make the final
determination if a youth is mentally and physically
prepared to participate in an Ordeal. If the
Scoutmaster feels the youth is not ready, the youth is
not eligible. Results will be due to the lodge by April
15.
Please keep in mind that the earlier the election is
conducted, the better chance that a youth gets his
Ordeal date of choice.
Adults may be nominated to participate in the Ordeal.
Nominations may be submitted after a youth election
has taken place. One adult may be nominated for
every three youth elected.
All adult nomination forms (both sides of the form
must be completely filled out and signed) are due by
April 15. The nomination forms will be reviewed by
the nomination committee the week of April 20.
Adults accepted will be notified the first week in May.
Let the lodge know ASAP the following:
 When you will have your election (this was due
1/1/2015). Please keep in mind that OA National
is expecting that elections will be conducted by
youth who are not members of your unit.
 If you need help conducting your election.
 If you do not have anyone eligible.
Contact unit_elections@marnoc.org if you have
questions.
Pictured are elected candidates: Ken Focazio, David
Morris, Chris Morris, and Brian Faiola.
Not pictured is candidate, John Naizer.
First Year Arrowman Award
Marnoc Lodge has created a new program to honor
those Arrowmen who get active with the lodge after
being inducted. All Arrowmen who became an
Ordeal member in 2014 are eligible. All those who
earn enough points to earn the award will be
presented a special pin for their lodge flap. Please
find the requirements here:
http://goo.gl/Jfmoka
All requirements must be completed in 2015 to earn
the award.
Arrowman Service Award
From July 16, 2014 until December 31, 2015, every
member of Marnoc Lodge has the opportunity to earn
the Arrowman Service Award. This award will be
recognized as one of the few patches that have ever
been approved by the national Order of the Arrow
committee to be worn on an OA sash.
The purpose of the Arrowman Service Award (ASA)
is to encourage Arrowmen to recommit themselves to
the ideals of the Order, increase their level of service
to their local unit and council, and participate in the
100th Anniversary Celebration of the OA. The award
will have three categories with various requirements
that Arrowmen can complete. These include
components on personal growth, service to Scouting,
and participation in the centennial celebration. Go to
the link below to learn more:
Continued on Page 20
February
18
LEC
14
18
Winter Fellowship
LEC
March
http://www.oa-bsa.org/pages/content/centennial-update-2014-07-3
18
Moecomdws District cont’d.
Chippewa District cont’d.
Journey To Excellence
Upcoming Roundtable Programs
Last year at recharter time we had 80% of our packs,
troops and crews earn either the Bronze, Silver or
Gold Journey to Excellence Award in 2013
(remember in early 2014 you were turning in your
forms from 2013). MOE District was a Gold District
for the 4th straight year! Bronze Award Recipients
are: 3172. Silver Award Recipients are: 3158, 3179,
3321, 179, 180, 182 and 2273. Gold Award
Recipients are: 152, 154, 155, 172, 177, 270, 273,
321, 327, 333, 371, 777, 2177, 2309, 3152, 3153,
3154, 3161, 3169, 3171, 3174, 3177, 3180, 3274,
3322, 3326 and 3327. A job well done by all!
For the 2014 year, MOE District will be a Gold District
again!!!! Thank you to everyone for your hard work.
This really does reflect the quality of the packs, troops
and crews in our district. How did your unit do in
2014? Please remember that the Journey to
Excellence is part of the recharter process. Take just
a few minutes to review the form (it was included in
your recharter packet), evaluate your unit, fill in the
form and turn it in with your charter. Our goal this
year is to have 100% participation and more gold
units than we did last year.
February- GTC Summer & Resident Camp
Programming
Boy Scout Roundtable

Topic: 2015 Summer Camp Program- Reasons
why we should consider attending our Council
Camping Programs.
 Presenter: Jim Shimko
Cub Scout Roundtable

Topic: 2015 Webelos Resident Camp Program
 Presenter: Brian DiPaolo
March- Day Camp & Order of the Arrow
RECHARTER TURN-IN
Boy Scout Roundtable
 Topic: Order of the Arrow
Cub Scout Roundtable

Topic: Day Camp Kick-off Presentation
 Presenter: Stacy McFarland
April- District Awards & Recognition

Topic: We will be recognizing the recipients of the
District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, and any
other adult awards.
May- Leave No Trace
“Knights” Day Camp
MOE Day Camp will be here soon and it isn’t too
early to start planning your Cub’s summer adventure.
This year’s theme is “Knights” and will allow youth to
explore bucklers, swords, jousting the quintain, and
other slices of Medieval life. There will be multiple
craft and advancement opportunities as well to keep
the squires engaged.
Please join us for this journey through time that will
take place on 7/6/15 – 7/8/15 and 7/9/15 – 7/11/15 for
Wolves, Bears, and Webelos and on 7/11/15 for
Tigers. Announcements, updates, and registration
information will be available at
moedaycamp.blogspot.com and questions can be
emailed to MOEDayCamp@gmail.com.
As always, we will need the aid of Boy Scouts,
Venturers, and adult volunteers to help pull this off.
Please contact Jeff (Jeffreyzimmerman@sbcglobal.net), John
(smashingpins@yahoo.com), or Michelle
(msheline@neo.rr.com) if you are interested in being
a part of the team.

Topic: An updated LNT presentation with focus
on technology in the back country and the impact
of social media on the principle of “ Leave what
you find”/“Be considerate of other visitors”
Chippewa Thanks
Thanks to Tom Ables for running an awesome
Klondike Derby at Memorial Park in Wadsworth. We
had a great time!
Thanks John Naizer for your recharter training in
January.
Thank you district staff for your contribution to the
2015 Friends of Scouting District Volunteers
Campaign. We cannot operate without such
generous volunteers.
Thanks to Steve Trommer with Everything Outdoor
Camping for providing awesome door prize
giveaways at roundtable.
19
Marnoc Lodge cont’d.
Tri-Fires District cont’d.
“NCIS” Klondike A Success
University Of Scouting
Tri-Fires District held their annual Klondike Derby
January 9-11 at Camp Manatoc. The event was a
tremendous success with over 150 Scouts and
leaders in attendance. A special thanks goes out to
Mike Thompson for chairing the event, as well as
Wendy Greathouse, Rosemarie Fox, David
Scheck, Pete Marinos, Jeff Derrenberger, Troop
77 and all of the leaders in the Tri-Fires District for
helping this event go well. Overall winners of the
event are:
1. Boogie Bears -Troop 310
2. Flaming Tree Frogs -Troop 361
3. Rowboats -Troop 412
Congratulations also go out to Canadian Bacon
Patrol from Troop 48 for winning this year’s special
event trophy (Rifle Shooting), and Screamin Eagles
from Troop 48 for solving this year’s NCIS Mystery.
The 100th Anniversary patch sets will be available at
the University Of Scouting (March 7) for purchase.
We also will have the Marnoc trading post there.
There will be lodge members available throughout the
day to take 2015 membership renewals and answer
any questions you may have about Marnoc Lodge.
Annual Membership Renewal
Please remember to renew your membership in
Marnoc Lodge for 2015. The renewal form can be
found at:
http://www.marnoc.org/forms_files/memrenew.pdf.
You may pay at the Council Service Center, or at any
Lodge event.
Camp Of The Month
Firelands Scout Reservation (FSR) is located five
miles west of Oberlin, in Wakeman, on 455 acres,
with 70% wooded land. FSR is comprised of two sub
camps honoring the legacy of former camps. Camp
Avery Hand serves as our primary Cub Scout
summer operations, as well as a majority of our winter
operations. Camp Wyandot is home to our Boy Scout
Summer Camp, as well as home of Camp Alaska.
Camp Wyandot has a 23-acre lake with an island
connected by a land bridge. Camp Avery Hand is
home to our brand new 2-acre Waldock Pond. The
camp has operated as a Scout camp since 1938.
Cabin and tent camping are available. For more
information, please contact the Council Service
Center in Ashland by calling 419-207-8300. FSR
hosted the 2014 Section Conclave.
If you would like to check out more camping locations
in the area, check out Marnoc Lodge's Where To Go
Camping Guide.
Lakes District cont’d.
“1001 Arabian Nights” Klondike
Thank you to all who made this year’s Klondike a
huge success. Scouts competed at flying carpet
races, hot sand crossings and missile launches.
Patrols were creative in their patrol names and
costumes, The Flying Carpet Cleaners, and The
Snow Blind Camels were two of the favorites. The
Scouts bid for great prizes and items to add to their
patrol boxes at the annual auction. This year we had
over 200 Scouts, leaders and Webelos attend the
event.
Special Needs cont’d.
Dennis Vargo Promoted
Effective February 1, Dennis Vargo will be promoted
to the position of Field Director in the council. In this
position Dennis will provide direct service to the
Venturing District and committee, the Special Needs
Committee and oversee Venturing and Exploring in
the council. Dennis will also provide direct
supervision to the following districts and their district
executives, Old Portage, Tri-Fires, and Pathfinder. A
new district executive will be hired for Old Portage to
replace Dennis.
Please congratulate Dennis on this new position
which will strengthen service to youth in our council.
20
21
Council Calendar
February
3
4
4
5
6-7
8
9
9
10
11
11
14-15
16
17
19
19
23
24
25
25
26
26
28
March
Membership Committee Meeting
Auction Committee Meeting
Philmont Committee Meeting
Finance Committee Meeting
NYLT
Scout Sunday
Executive Committee Meeting
Religious Committee Meeting
Program Committee Meeting
Philmont Meeting
Scout Anniversary Day/Uniform Day
Scout Ski Days
President’s Day—Scout Shop/office closed
Activities Committee Meeting
Cub Scout Camp Promo
Endowment Committee Meeting
Day Camp Committee Meeting
Council Commissioner Meeting
New Unit Blitz Day
Wood Badge Dinner Committee
Fleur-De-Lis Club Meeting
FOS Kick-Off #1
Campmaster Meeting
Great Trail Council
Scout Shop
1601 S. Main St.
Akron, OH 44301
330-773-4078
sherrie@gtcbsa.org
Hours
Monday—Friday: 9 A.M.—6 P.M.
Saturday: 9 A.M.—1 P.M.
Closed Nov. 27 thru 29 for
Thanksgiving Holiday
2
2
4
4
5
7
Boy Scout Training Committee
Cub Scout Training Committee
Auction Committee
Day Camp Promo Dinner
Finance Committee Meeting
University of Scouting—Wadsworth High
School
9
Executive Board Meeting
10
Eagle Dinner
13
Silver Beaver Applications Due
14
Edge Training
14
Wood Badge Staff
27
St. Patrick’s Day
19
Risk Management Committee
19
Super Thursday—Key 3
20-22 NYLT
23
Eagle Dinner Committee Meeting
25
Property Committee Meeting
25
Wood Badge Dinner Committee
26
FOS Report Meeting #2
26
University of Scouting Committee Meeting
27
Wilderness First Aid
27
Marketing Committee Meeting
28
Camp Staff Training
29
Palm Sunday
31
Council Commissioners Meeting
Spring will be here before
we know it.
Help our feathered
friends get ready.
Get your
bird house
or bird feeder kits
today!
22