Commissioners Corner

Commissioner College 2012

2012-02-11T13:13:00.003-05:00

Programs for Scouts

2012-02-07T15:23:00.001-05:00

The Science Center regularly hosts presentations by experts, enthusiasts and scientists. We have a particularly interesting set of programs over the next few months. Join us and bring your Scouts. All talks are FREE.

Methods of Chiropractic Medicine, February 14, 6:30 p.m.

Local chiropractor, Dr. Stephen Eggleston shares how small applications of pressure and adjustments in alignment can bring about large results in the human body.

Dinosaurs Under the Microscope, February 24, 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Mary Schweitzer of North Carolina State University is renowned for her discovery of flexible dinosaur tissue within dinosaur bone. Dr. Schweitzer talks about the evidence for soft tissue in fossils and how this impacts our understanding of ancient animals and their environments.

Talkin¹ Turkey, March, 13, 6:30 p.m.

Did you know turkeys communicate with each other? Come learn about the variety of sounds turkeys produce and the meanings behind them. Local outdoor enthusiasts James Lumpkins and Dave Clark will speak about making box calls, wing-bone calls and diaphragm calls and will demonstrate how to use them.

The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music, March 27, 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Patricia Gray from the Music Research Institute at UNC-Greensboro, shares her studies of other species and their abilities to perceive and manipulate patterns of sound and time thus advancing our understanding of the deeper roots of human musicality.

Peering into the Musical Brain, April 10, 6:30 p.m.

Over the past 15 years, Dr. Don Hodges has worked on mapping the musical brain in an effort to understand how neural mechanisms support various components of musical behavior. Although there is still much to learn, a picture of the musical brain is beginning to emerge.

The Sounds of Bat Sonar, April 24, 6:30 p.m.

Bats live in a world of sound that is mostly inaudible to humans. They use sounds above our hearing range to navigate through their environments, find their food, and communicate with each other. Dr. Rolf Mueller shares his work on the communication systems of these amazing night flyers.

Jeff Liverman, Executive Director

Danville Science Center, 434.799.5160

www.dsc.smv.org

--
David Hyler

(434) 710-4408

Fwd: For List - Weblos Camp-In in Martinsville Museum

2012-02-03T18:48:00.001-05:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "William Oswald" <woswald@bsamail.org>
Date: Feb 3, 2012 2:03 PM
Subject: For List - Weblos Camp-In in Martinsville Museum
To: "David Hyler" <dhyler99@gmail.com>
Cc: "Rob Gunnell (tazman1225@msn.com)" <tazman1225@msn.com>

News Flash for Dan River Weblos Scouts:

WEBELOS Camp-In @ the Museum of Natural History in Martinsville VA: March 16. Arrive Friday night, pizza dinner and tour, breakfast and decamp Saturday morning. The Museum has reduced the price to $23 per Scout, $10 per adult and includes all costs. Geology pin can be earned @ Camp-In. A great night at the Museum! Please sign-up as soon as possible. Call 434-429-6430 (Me) or 229-9830 (Patrick Henry District Executive Lew Hege) to sign-up.

Bill Oswald

District Executive

Dan River District

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Blue Ridge Mountains Council

2131 Valley View Blvd., NW
Roanoke, VA 24012
(540) 265-0656
Fax (540) 265-0659

Cell: 434-429-6430

February 2012 Roundtable

2012-02-03T09:28:00.001-05:00

Announcements

February

08 OA Chapter Meeting
22 Last day to turn in charge
23 District Committee Meeting

March

01 Roundtable
14 OA Chapter Meeting
15 District Committee Meeting
31 Pinewood Derby

University of Scouting

Saturday, March 03, 2012, 09:00am - 04:00pm

The largest Council-sponsored Leader Training Event of the Year. Time 9AM- 4PM Location: Lord Botetourt High School – Daleville. (I-81 Exit 150)

Location : Lord Botetourt High School- Daleville, VA 1435 Roanoke Road Daleville VA

Contact : Lucas Snipes From Bedford/Lynchburg – 460W to Alt 220N (Cloverdale Rd) – turn Rt. on 220N for 6 miles. From other locations: I-81 North. Exit 150B to US11 South, Rt. On US220N at the Truck Stop of America. Follow US220 N for about 1 mile- LBHS on the l Contact Email edbotetourt@carringtonplaces.com Contact Phone Number 540-966-0056 Event Type Training Can Family Participate No Cost to Participate TBD Age Limit Website for More Information(with http://) Training Adult

Scouts on Skis

Sunday, March 11, 2012, 08:00am - 05:00pm For complete details and registration information, click HERE Contact : Ed Harriman Contact Email edh@bsa-brmc.org

Scout EXPO

Saturday, March 17, 2012, 10:00am - 04:00pm

Click HERE for complete information and registration details Tanglewood Mall- Roanoke

Contact : Wanda Centers Contact Email wdcenters2@verizon.net Contact Phone Number 540.761.4416 Event Type Activity Can Family Participate Yes

Wilderness First Aid

From Friday, March 23, 2012 - 08:00am To Sunday, March 25, 2012 - 05:00pm For complete details and registration information, click HERE Contact : Greg Harmon Contact Email harmongw@earthlink.net Contact Phone Number 540-529.5985 Event Type Activity Can Family Participate No

Cost to Participate 125

Commissioners Story or Activity

T-Shirt Relay

Required: 1 extra-large t-shirt for each team. A judge for each team.

Notes: The judge should make sure the shirt is pulled all the way down on each scout and no short-cuts are taken in the heat of competition. This works on teamwork and everyone is involved the whole time.

Instructions: Teams line up in single file. The shirt is given to the first scout in each line. On 'Go' signal, the scout puts the shirt on and then holds hands with the next scout in line, facing the scout. All the other scouts work the shirt from one scout to the next so he is wearing it. He then turns and holds hands with the next scout, and so on.

Teams need to have the same number of players or some need to put the shirt on twice.

Commissioners Guest

Barry Thompson will present Woodworking

Woodworking

Do the following:

Show that you know first aid for injuries that could occur while woodworking, including splinters, scratches, cuts, severe bleeding, and shock. Tell what precautions must be taken to help prevent loss of eyesight or hearing, and explain why and when it is necessary to use a dust mask.
Earn the Totin' Chip recognition.
Tell your counselor what precautions you take to safely use your tools.

Do the following:

Describe how timber is grown, harvested, and milled. Tell how lumber is cured, seasoned, graded, and sized.
Collect and label blocks of six kinds of wood useful in woodworking. Describe the chief qualities of each. Give the best uses of each.

Do the following:

Show the proper care, use, and storage of all working tools and equipment that you own or use at home or school.
Sharpen correctly the cutting edges of two different tools.

Using a saw, plane, plane, hammer, brace, and bit, make something useful of wood. Cut parts from lumber that you have squared and measured from working drawings.
Create your own carpentry project. List the materials you will need to complete your project, and then build your project. Keep track of the time you spend and the cost of the materials.
Do any TWO of the following:

Make working drawings of a project needing (1) Beveled or rounded edges OR curved or incised cuttings, OR (2) miter, dowel, or mortise and tenon joints. Build this project.
Make something for which you have to turn duplicate parts on a lathe.
Make a cabinet, box or something else with a door or lid fastened with inset hinges.
Help make and repair wooden toys for underprivileged children OR help carry out a carpentry service project approved by your counselor for a charitable organization.

Talk with a cabinetmaker or carpenter. Find out about the training, apprenticeship, career opportunities, work conditions, work hours, pay rates, and union organization that woodworking experts have in your area.

Woodworking Worksheet

Commissioners Recipe

Pocket Pizza

Required: aluminum foil campfire coals long fire tongs

Ingredients: 1 pkg pita bread 1 can spaghetti sauce 1 cup grated cheese 1 pkg sliced pepperoni optional: sliced black olives, pineapple chunks, diced peppers, ...

Notes: Use precooked meat since you are just heating it up. Mark your own foil with a special fold so you know its yours.

Instructions: Cut each pita in half and spoon spaghetti sauce into pocket spreading it evenly. Add cheese, pepperoni, and other toppings. Wrap in foil and place in coals. Cook for a couple minutes, flip, and cook another two minutes.

Scout Song

The Scout Leaders Song

Lyrics:

Aren't Scoutleaders grand
For the programs they plan
And the hours they put in each night?
If they're ever home
You know they're on the phone
For the boys who they want to teach right.

Chorus:
We're at home in the woods.
On weekends with our troops we stay.
Though we never get rest,
The boys are doing their best,
And that's what we're getting for pay!

They hike to their site
Though it takes half the night
Through the wind and the rain and the snow!
These leaders so brave
They could live in a cave
Except that their wives just say, "No!"
Chorus

Camp food tastes just great,
Like an old paper plate,
And the bug juice is not fit to drink.
So why every year,
For a week we come here
It's not for vacation, we think!
Chorus

They feel like old men,
On a camp out, they've been
To be clean, to be warm, to be dry!
But to tell you the truth,
they're re-living their youth
So in answer they merely reply!
Chorus

Commissioners Minute

The Unexpected Guest

One night, a soldier had been out scouting the area for enemies. On his way back to camp he stopped at a humble cottage and asked for shelter. An older couple answered the door, took pity on him and told him that he can stay the night. The stranger was exhausted and retired as soon as he was shown his room.

Before the mistress of the home went to sleep, she locked up all of her valuables in case this man was a thief. As she was locking up her valuables, she heard speaking in the next room. She listened closer and heard a prayer offered in gentle yet solemn tones. It was the stranger praying for his country, for the soldiers who were fighting for the noble cause. The woman became ashamed of her suspicious fears, got up and put the key back in the cupboard door. She slept peacefully and soundly through the night.

The next morning, the stranger could not stay, but offered to pay for his night's lodging. The old couple refused. "Then," said the guest, "you deserve to know who I am, who you have entertained and treated so nobly. I am General Washington."

Requirements for the Welding merit badge

2012-01-30T20:11:00.001-05:00

Do the following:

Explain to your counselor the hazards you are most likely to encounter while welding, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, or lessen these hazards.
Show that you know first aid for, and the prevention of, injuries or illnesses that could occur while welding, including electrical shock, eye injuries, burns, fume inhalation, dizziness, skin irritation, and exposure to hazardous chemicals, including filler metals and welding gases.

Do the following:

With your counselor, discuss general safety precautions and Material Safety Data Sheets related to welding. Explain the importance of the MSDS.
Describe the appropriate safety gear and clothing that must be worn when welding. Then, present yourself properly dressed for welding—in protective equipment, clothing, and footwear.
Explain and demonstrate the proper care and storage of welding equipment, tools, and protective clothing and footwear.

Explain the terms welding, electrode, slag, and oxidation. Describe the welding process, how heat is generated, what kind of filler metal is added (if any), and what protects the molten metal from the atmosphere.
Name the different mechanical and thermal cutting methods. Choose one method and describe how to use the process. Discuss one advantage and one limitation of this process.
Do the following:

Select two welding processes, and make a list of the different components of the equipment required for each process. Discuss one advantage and one limitation for each process.
Choose one welding process. Set up the process you have chosen, including gas regulators, work clamps, cables, filler materials, and equipment settings. Have your counselor inspect and approve the area for the welding process you have chosen.

After successfully completing requirements 1 through 5, use the equipment you prepared for the welding process in 5b to do the following:

Using a metal scribe or soapstone, sketch your initial onto a metal plate, and weld a bead on the plate following the pattern of your initial.
Cover a small plate (approximately 3" x 3" x ¼") with weld beads side by side.
Tack two plates together in a square groove butt joint.
Weld the two plates together from 6c on both sides.
Tack two plates together in a T joint, have your counselor inspect it, then weld a T joint with fillet weld on both sides.
Tack two plates together in a lap joint, have your counselor inspect it, then weld a lap joint with fillet weld on both sides.

Do the following:

Find out about three career opportunities in the welding industry. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why the profession might interest you.
Discuss the role of the American Welding Society in the welding profession.

THANK YOU BOYSCOUTTRIAL.COM

Unit College Scouter Reserv

2012-01-30T09:29:00.001-05:00

Does your troop or team have a Scout who has turned 18 and is away at college, on a mission, or in the service and wants to stay registered in the unit?
That situation occurs quite often, and until now the choices were to register them as an assistant Scoutmaster, register them with the council as College Reserve, or drop them.
Each of those choices presented potential problems. Assistant Scoutmasters need to be trained and that could be difficult at school or overseas. College Scouter Reserve meant that they were not registered in the unit. Dropping them from the charter often resulted in losing contact with them.
To help keep these young men in Scouting, a new registration code has been introduced – 92U, Unit College Scouter Reserve. Of course Youth Protection Training is required, but that is the only required course for the position. All of the registration application criteria and fees apply.
Full information is available in the October News and Notes registrars' newsletter.

January Roundtable

2012-01-05T21:18:00.001-05:00

January

● 11th OA Chapter Meeting

● 19th District Committee Meeting

● 20th Winter Camporee (Special Announcements)

February

● 2nd Roundtable Boy

● 8th OA Chapter Meeting

● 23rd District Committee Meeting

Commissioners Activity (5 Minutes)

Doctor!

Arm-Sling Relay Game

Patrols line up on the starting line with one scout playing patient about 30 feet away. The patient needs to get his arm bound in a sling.

On start signal, first scout in patrol runs to patient and uses his neckerchief to bind arm in sling. When the referee sees that the sling is correct, he signals the rescuing scout to remove the sling.

The victim runs back to tag the next patrol member while the rescuing scout becomes the victim.

If this is run as a race, know what the largest patrol size is and all patrols need to rescue that number of victims - some will go twice.

Commissioners Joke (5 Minutes)

Blind Pilots Joke

Two men dressed in pilots' uniforms walk up the aisle of the aircraft. Both are wearing dark glasses, one is using a guide dog, and the other is tapping his way along the aisle with a cane.

Nervous laughter spreads through the cabin, but the men enter the cockpit the door closes, and the engines start up. The passengers begin glancing nervously around, searching for some kind of a sign that this is just a little practical joke. None is forthcoming.

The plane moves faster and faster down the runway, and the people sitting in the window seats realize they're headed straight for the water at the edge of the airport property. Just as it begins to look as though the plane will plow straight into the water, panicked screams fill the cabin.

At that moment, the plane lifts smoothly into the air. The passengers relax and laugh a little sheepishly, and soon all retreat into their magazines and books, secure in the knowledge that the plane is in good hands.

Meanwhile, in the cockpit, one of the blind pilots turns to the other and
says, 'You know, Bob, one of these days, they're gonna scream too late and we're all gonna die' !!

Commissioners Merit Badge: Chess

Requirements for the Chess merit badge:

1. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the history of the game of chess. Explain why it is considered a game of planning and strategy.

2. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the following:

a. The benefits of playing chess, including developing critical thinking skills, concentration skills, and decision-making skills, and how these skills can help you in other areas of your life

b. Sportsmanship and chess etiquette

3. Demonstrate to your counselor that you know each of the following. Then, using Scouting's Teaching EDGE, teach the following to a Scout who does not know how to play chess:

a. The name of each chess piece

b. How to set up a chessboard

c. How each chess piece moves, including castling and en passant captures

4. Do the following:

a. Demonstrate scorekeeping using the algebraic system of chess notation.

b. Discuss the differences between the opening, the middle game, and the endgame.

c. Explain four opening principles.

d. Explain the four rules for castling.

e. On a chessboard, demonstrate a "scholar's mate" and a "fool's mate."

f. Demonstrate on a chessboard four ways a chess game can end in a draw.

5. Do the following:

a. Explain four of the following elements of chess strategy: exploiting weaknesses, force, king safety, pawn structure, space, tempo, time.

b. Explain any five of these chess tactics: clearance sacrifice, decoy, discovered attack, double attack, fork, interposing, overloading, overprotecting, pin, remove the defender, skewer, zwischenzug.

c. Set up a chessboard with the white king on e1, the white rooks on a1 and h1, and the black king on e5. With White to move first, demonstrate how to force checkmate on the black king.

d. Set up and solve five direct-mate problems provided by your merit badge counselor.

6. Do ONE of the following:

a. Play at least three games of chess with other Scouts and/or your merit badge counselor. Replay the games from your score sheets and discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.

b. Play in a scholastic (youth) chess tournament and use your score sheets from that tournament to replay your games with your merit badge counselor. Discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.

c. Organize and run a chess tournament with at least four players, plus you. Have each competitor play at least two games.

Commissioners Guest (15 minutes)

● Bill Stanfield (Trail First Aid)

Download PowerPoint on First Aid >>HERE<<

Commissioners Minute (7:55)

Commissioners Minute

Here are 10 tips to improve how you relate to other people.

1. Smile at people - it takes sixty-five muscles to frown, only fifteen to smile

2. Call people by name - to do that, you need to learn their name

3. Speak to people - take a chance and approach someone new

4. Be friendly - if you would have friends, be one

5. Be cordial - speak and act as if everything that you do is a real pleasure

6. Be interested in people - find out what makes them tick

7. Be generous with praise - stingy with criticism.

8. Be considerate of the feelings of others - think what impact your words will have before you speak them

9. Be thoughtful of the opinions of others - there are three sides to a controversy; yours, the other person's, and the right one.

10. Be ready to serve - helping someone strengthens that bond of friendship.

FW: Need Your Assistance via Tommy Scott

2011-12-08T11:14:00.000-05:00

Sent by David Hyler from my Nokia phone
-----Original Message-----
From: William Oswald
Sent: 12/08/2011 9:47:52 AM
Subject: Fw: Need Your Assistance via Tommy Scott

David,

Please post to our list ASAP. 10 Dec. Noon. Need help laying wreaths at Lee St. Cemetery, Danville from Boy Scout and Cub Scout units. E-mail or call me if they can participate. Danriverde@BSA-brmc.org<mailto:Danriverde@BSA-brmc.org>. or 434-429-643<tel:434429643>)

Sent via DroidX2 on Verizon Wireless™

-----Original message-----
From: Tony Turner <tony@virginiapatriotguard.org>
To: William Oswald <woswald@bsamail.org>
Sent: Thu, Dec 8, 2011 02:46:01 GMT+00:00
Subject: Need Your Assistance via Tommy Scott

Bill,
Tommy Scott gave me your e-mail address. I have been trying to get in touch with several Boy Scout Troops here in Danville, but have failed miserably. Last year we had a troop participate in our Wreath Laying Ceremony at Danville National Cemetery on Lee St. The coordinator of last year's ceremony did not pass his contact information when he decided not to lead this years ceremony. I just came on board about a week ago so I am scrambling to find participants. So far I have several organizations attending. The American Legion and the Civil Air Patrol are, but two.

I was hoping to get more Boy Scout troops involved. It is a brief ceremony honoring our fallen veterans.

We will present seven wreaths representing the
United States Army
United States Navy
United States Marine Corps
United States Air Force
United States Coast Guard
United States Merchant Marines
and
in honor of the 93,129 United States Servicemen
from all branches of the service who last know status was either Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. POW/MIA

We will also lay as many wreaths as we have on the graves of the fallen. It would be an honor to have some Boy Scouts laying some of these wreaths.

Below you will find information concerning the Wreath Laying Remembrance Ceremony that will take place this Saturday December 10, 2011 at Danville National Cemetery. This is the 5th year for our local ceremony. We join with tens of thousands around the country in more than 500 cemeteries in remembering those that have served and passed, those that served and remain and those that currently serve.

We would be honored for you to attend this brief ceremony (approximately 30 minutes). I would appreciate any assistance you can offer with getting area Boy Scouts to participate. I know it's short notice, but I only came on board last week. Anything you can do is appreciated.

Wreaths Across America You Tube Video: http://youtu.be/FNSKh9-yIyM
Wreaths Across America Website: www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org<http://www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org>

Respectfully

Tony Turner
Patriot Guard Riders
Virginia Patriot Guard
Assistant State Captain
State Captain Emeritus
434-728-1968

To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen... to be forgotten is the worst." -Pierre Claeyssens (1909-2003).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wreaths Across AmericaTM Day To Honor Veterans At Danville National Cemetery And Over 600+ Participating Locations Nationwide.

For Immediate Release
Danville, Virginia - Danville National Cemetery - 721 Lee St Danville, Va - On Saturday December, 10th, 2011 at 12:00 Noon - members of the Danville community will gather together to honor veterans during the holiday season as part of the annual Wreaths Across America Day.

The Patriot Guard Riders has volunteered to conduct the WAA ceremony this year at the Danville National Cemetery on Saturday December 10, 2011 starting at (12:00 Noon EST. Seven ceremonial wreaths will be placed to remember all soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who served, honor their sacrifices, and teach our younger generations about the high cost of our freedoms.

Specially designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and POW/MIA will be placed on memorials during a ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at over 600 participating locations all across the Country.

December 10th will mark the 20th anniversary of Maine wreaths being donated and placed on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. 2011 is also the sixth year of the national wreath sponsorship campaign under the guidance of the non-profit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org tha

Popcorn in warehouse and lonely

2011-11-18T11:26:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all parade participants

2011-11-06T15:42:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all the scouts and parents who made the effort to come out for the Veterans Day Parade. We had 30+ boys from T372, T376, T300, P374, P353, P386, P372 and P377. You made us all proud to be scouts.

Roundtable Commissioner

Roundtable Notes for November 2011

2011-11-04T09:19:00.001-04:00

Attendance

Packs

174 Anderson Memorial UMC
353 Sacred Heart School
359 Fairview UMC
376 Trinity United Methodist Church
377 Whitmell UMC
386 New Testament Baptist

Troops

175 American Legion Post
359 Fairview United Methodist Church
376 Trinity United Methodist Church
377 Whitmell United Methodist Church

Crew

361 Bailey Place

Calendar

November

3rd Popcorn Turn In
4th Popcorn Sale Ends
5th Popcorn Orders must be in by 5pm
6th Veterans Day Parade, Line up at 1:30 on Rison Street, Look for me or other Scout Leaders in uniform, we will march as one unit, parade starts at 2:30
9th OA Chapter Meeting
17th District Committee Meeting
18th Pick up ordered popcorn at Dan Valley. Come early to help us sort and you can take your popcorn with you that morning. Others can pick up between 1pm and 5pm

December

1st Last Day to turn in popcorn money
1st Roundtable Boy Scout breakout will be on CPR and Cub Scout is tentative on songs and skits.
1st FOS Starts
14th OA Chapter Meeting
15th District Committee Meeting

Commissioners Story or Activity

Hiker, Biker, Horse

A simple game to reinforce the concept of trail etiquette. Play this game after having presented the concept of giving up the trail when groups meet, including groups of hikers, horses, and bicyclists.
Goal
Participants will know who should give way on the trail when hikers, bikers, and horses meet.
Time
7 minutes - 2 minutes to introduce game, 2 minutes to play and completely memorize which choice wins, 3 minutes to discuss.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:

Understand that horses always have the right-of-way on trails.
Understand that bicyclists never have the right-of-way on trails.
Understand that hikers may have the right-of-way, but a smart, safe, and considerate hiker is always willing to step aside.

Materials
Required items for the activity

none

Motivator When hiking, you will cross paths with others on the trail. You'll be much more confident and leave a better impact by knowing proper etiquette.
Presentation
This game is a play on the well-known children's game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Opponents face each other with their left hand open with the palm up. The right fist is dropped into the left hand as a fist twice and then on the third hit is changed to a meaningful shape:

Horse - 4 fingers out to symbolize the 4 feet
Hiker - 2 fingers out to symbolize the 2 feet
Biker - 0 fingers out to symbolize no feet on the ground

If working with younger children, they could do other actions rather than just fingers:

Horse - hands up to head to make ears
Hiker - wave one hand to say HI
Biker - both hands out in front holding onto handlebars

Reflection
It should only take a couple rounds to quickly see that a Horse always wins and a Biker never wins.

If two hikers meet 8 bicyclists, does it still make sense for the bikes to give way? (may be simple and do less damage for the 2 people to step aside)
What if two groups of hikers meet? (group heading uphill has right of way. If one group is much larger, then it might be better for the smaller group to give way.)
If I see a bike barreling down the trail at me as I'm walking up a steep grade, I'm not going to debate the concept of trail etiquette - I'm going to quickly step aside. Use sense to stay safe - don't expect that everyone is considerate of others.

Commissioners Guest

Rob Gunnell - Leave No Trace

Commissioners Recipe

Corn in a Cooler

shucked corn
cooler
boiling water
lay corn in cooler
pour boiling water over corn
close lid and wait at least 30 minutes (can leave longer)
carefully remove corn from cooler
eat corn

Commissioners Minute

Leave No Trace Scoutmaster Minute

A good way to protect the backcountry is to remember that while you are there, you are a visitor. When you visit a friend you are always careful to leave that person's home just as you found it. You would never think of dropping litter on the carpet, chopping down trees in the yard, putting soap in the drinking water, or marking your name on the living room wall. When you visit the backcountry, the same courtesies apply. Leave everything just as you found it.
Hiking and camping without a trace are signs of an expert outdoorsman, and of a Scout or Scouter who cares for the environment. Travel lightly on the land.
"Leave No Trace" is a nationally recognized outdoor skills and ethics education program. The Boy Scouts of America is committed to this program. The principles of Leave No Trace are not rules; they are guidelines to follow at all times.
The Leave No Trace principles might not seem important at first glance, but their value is apparent when considering the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire is of little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone's responsibility.

2011 Fall Camporee

2011-10-17T05:56:00.001-04:00

Ruth Yeaman (Troop 378) was tapped out and converted to OA Brotherhood this past weekend.

2011-10-11T15:14:00.002-04:00

Message from District Executive

2011-09-10T16:58:00.001-04:00

Congratulations on a successful phase 1 for the fall recruiting season (School Open Houses / Join Scout Nights). Like any good campaign plan, there are several phases. We registered nearly 100 new scouts since 1 August. We have one new Cub Scout Pack and hope to have a second soon. The second phase of our fall membership campaign consists of getting out to you associated schools during their September and/or October PTA/PTO meetings and setting up an information table. If you receive approval from the PTA president, you may also be granted 2-3 minutes to present why parents should consider joining scouts and letting attendees know you are available at a table to provide information to them about scouts and your unit.

Please contact your school this week and find out when their PTA/PTO meeting is taking place. Let me know when you have contacted the PTA and received approval and type of approval (table only, presentation, etc.).

Per all the School Superintendents in our district (yes, even Danville City), we are allowed to set up information tables and speak to parents at the meeting.

We also need to be scheduling Troop Open Houses. To date, I have only received one date for a Troop Open House (Troop 377). Please schedule these ASAP.

Part of Troop Open Houses is to spread the word about the Open House. Go to your Middle School PTA meeting and hand out invitations to the open house.

Direct each of your youth members to bring 3-5 friends with their parents to the Troop Open House (at least 1 will join).

Make sure your Troop Open house announcement is in the community events location of the local newspaper (usually free).

Other ideas – better yet, take out an ad in the paper or school newspaper. Put it in your church bulletins (usually free). Call the local radio station and have them make a community announcement (usually free)

Let me know when and where you are holding your troop open houses.

Bill Oswald

District Executive

Dan River Disrict

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Blue Ridge Mountains Council

2131 Valley View Blvd., NW
Roanoke, VA 24012
(540) 265-0656
Fax (540) 265-0659

Cell: 434-429-6430

September 1, 2011, Boy Scout, Roundtable

2011-09-01T22:03:00.004-04:00

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

● 7th: Show-N-Sell Orders Due

● 9th: OA Fall Ordeal

● 11th: Scout Surge

● 14th: OA Chapter Meeting

● 15th: District Committee Meeting

● 16th: Wilderness First Aid Course

● 23rd: Popcorn Sale begins

● 23rd: Units pickup popcorn at Dan Valley

OCTOBER

● 1st: Spookoree - Brett Jackson or Bill Oswald

● 6th: Roundtable -

● 7th: OA Fall Fellowship

● 12th: OA Chapter Meeting

● 14th: Cub Scout Troutoree

● 14th: Fall Boy Scout Camporee

● 20th: District Committee Meeting

● 21st: Boy Scout Troutoree

● 23rd: Red Ribbon Week

● 29th: Super Saturday Training Blitz

COMMISSIONER FUN

THUMB BALL

● Take a round ball and write questions on it with a Sharpie marker

● Pass ball to one another and when you get the ball you have to answer question closest to your right thumb

COMMISSIONERS SKIT

DOCTOR!

Patient: I can’t figure out why my nose runs and my feet smell.

My last doctor said I’m paranoid. Well, he didn’t actually say it, but I could tell he was thinking

it.

So, I’m going to see a new doctor.

(walks up to Nurse)

Patient: Nurse, I keep seeing spots in front of my eyes.

Nurse: Have you seen a doctor?

Patient: No, just spots.

Patient: I brought my son in two hours ago because he swallowed a silver dollar. What’s his

status?

Nurse: No change yet.

Patient: Well, let me see the doctor.

(walks over to Doctor)

Patient: Doctor! I feel like a set of curtains.

Doctor: Pull yourself together, man!

Patient: Doctor! I've got insomnia.

Doctor: Don't lose any sleep over it!

Patient: Doctor! I have weird dreams that I’m invisible.

Doctor: I can’t see you now. Please come back tomorrow.

Patient: Doctor! I feel like killing myself and I need your help. What should I do?

Doctor: Pay in advance.

Patient: Doctor! I think I’m shrinking!

Doctor: You’ll just have to be a little patient.

Patient: Doctor! Everyone keeps ignoring me.

Doctor: Next!

Patient: Doctor! My back feels like a deck of cards!

Doctor: I'll deal with you later.

Patient: Doctor! I feel awful again. What's wrong with me?

Doctor: Oh, you've had this before?

Patient: Yes.

Doctor: Well, you've got it again!

Patient: My friend's doctor told him he had appendicitis. Two weeks later, my friend died of

heart failure.

Doctor: Don't worry. If I tell you you've got appendicitis, you'll die from appendicitis!

Patient: Doctor! I need this rusty nail removed from my foot. How long will it take and how

much will it cost?

Doctor: $300 and about 5 minutes.

Patient: $300!?! For five minutes work?

Doctor: Well, I can do it slower if you’d like.

Patient: Doctor! What’s wrong? You look puzzled.

Doctor: I can’t figure what’s wrong with you but I think it’s the result of heavy drinking.

Patient: OK, I’ll just come back when you’re sober.

COMMISSIONERS RECIPE

CORN DOGS

Required:

a tall glass, ziploc bag, skillet, pot to boil hot dogs in

Ingredients:

4 cups vegetable oil

1 pkg. hot dogs (8 or so)

1/2 C flour

1/2 C yellow cornmeal

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp sugar

1 Tbsp shortening

1/3 C milk

1 egg

8 wooden skewers

Instructions:

Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a zip-loc bag at home.

Put hotdogs in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let sit with the lid on.

Fill a skillet or dutch oven with oil so it is 2 inches deep. (To use less oil, put an empty vegetable can in the

skillet with a rock in it to take up space)

Heat the skillet to about 375 degrees.

Add shortening to dry ingredients and cut up with a fork so there are only tiny bits of shortening.

Combine milk and egg in a cup or zip-loc bag.

Pour milk/egg into cornmeal mixture and mix thoroughly.

Pour cornmeal batter into a tall glass.

September 1, 2011 Page

Remove a hotdog from hot water and dry with a paper towel.

Insert a skewer into the end of the hotdog, leaving and inch as a handle.

Dip hotdog into batter in the tall glass.

Place hotdog into oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.

Serves 4 to 6

COMMISSIONERS MINUTE

A FAVORABLE YOUNG MAN

There used to be a young man that was a miracle baby for his parents and they were so appreciative they

dedicated their baby to a life of service. It is said that this young man ministered on his job, what does this

mean? (wait for answers) It means he was a help to those who needed it, he cared for those who were needy

and talked with those who were lonely. It is said that he grew in favor with his master and those around him.

What does that mean? (wait for answer) He was known for being a helpful and honest young man that people

could depend on every day. He was also known for how he spoke to others because he was careful about what

he said. If this young man spoke it was with thoughtful consideration and spoke the truth even if it was

unpleasant. He also had a relationship with God to the point that God would tell him things to tell others

around him. Do you know this young man’s name? (wait for answer) His name was Samuel and even as a

young man he lived a life that was noticed by others and young men today can do the same, we just need to

give them an opportunity to do so.

Scout Surge 9.11

2011-09-01T08:24:00.000-04:00

Scouts are encouraged to serve in their communities September 1-10, 2011 using the suggested service projects and posting them to web and social media channels. In addition, these activities should be recorded in the Journey to Excellence service program. On September 11, Scouts are encouraged to gather as groups and invite non-Scout friends to watch the movie, New York Says Thank You, which tells the story of the first responders to the New York City terrorist attacks and which features Scouts from the Little Sioux tornado tragedy.

Things to do:

Select, plan, and schedule your service project between Sept. 1 and Sept. 10
Use Twitterm texting, email, and Facebook to spread the word.
Post your service project ideas and event pictures on www.scoutsurge911.org

, your council's Facebook page, or other social media.
Use the ScoutSurge graphics available on www.scoutsurge911.org

.
Gather as a group on September 11 (invite non-Scout friends) to watch the movie New York Says Thank You, which tells the story of the first responders to the New York City terrorist attachs and which features Scouts from the Little Sioux tornado tragedy.
Purchase and wear the ScoutSurge 911 patch.

Ideas for the event:

Hold a ceremony to properly retire an American flag.
Visit a local fire, police, or EMT facility and present them with a Flag of Honor or another appropriate expression of thanks.
Conduct a service project in honor or memory of the 9/11/01 first responders.

Get Smart About Drugs

2011-08-06T16:55:00.001-04:00

Red Ribbon Week Patch Initiative

Mission

The mission of the Red Ribbon Week Patch is designed to provide Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts the ability to earn a patch from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by for performing anti-drug activities in commemoration of Red Ribbon Week. Furthermore, this initiative seeks to empower young people to create, embrace, and strengthen their drug free beliefs. DEA aims to award a Red Ribbon Week Patch and Certificate of Participation to the first 20,000 qualifying Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Coordination

The Red Ribbon Week Patch is an unfunded initiative. The coordination of this initiative is led by DEA. The agency has dedicated in-kind resources to include staff, website development, website hosting, meeting coordination, graphic design, and other resources.

Only the first qualifying 20,000 Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts will be awarded a patch.

Guiding Principles

The Red Ribbon Week Patch Initiative promotes the delivery of drug free messages by Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts within local communities.
The Red Ribbon Week Patch Initiative incorporates input and direct participation from drug prevention experts, as speakers and presenters in local Red Ribbon Week campaigns.
The Red Ribbon Week Patch Initiative inspires grassroots community outreach strategies to reduce the use and abuse of non-prescribed and illicit drugs among youth.
The Red Ribbon Week Patch Initiative keeps the dangers of use and abuse of non-prescribed and illicit drugs prominent in the public.

Patch Requirements

All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are eligible to participate in the program. In order to receive the Red Ribbon Week Patch, the followingMUST be completed:

Each Scout leader must submit the Intent to Participate form by Friday, October 7, 2011.
Each Scouting unit or troop must sponsor a Red Ribbon Week activity.
Each Scout must attend an anti-drug educational session.
Each Scout must take a drug-free pledge.
The Scout leader must submit the Activity Report upon completion of all program requirements no later than Friday, November 18, 2011.

Note: The Red Ribbon Week patches are limited and are disseminated on a first-served basis. No exceptions will be made.

Reporting

Upon completion of the patch requirements, the Scout Leader or contact person must complete the Activity Report form. In addition, we encourage you to submit photos, newspaper articles, handouts, and posters, describing your Red Ribbon Week activities for use in future program promotional venues. Please note attachments will not be returned.

All submissions of photos must include a copy of a signed Media Waiver Agreement

Once the Media Waiver Agreement is completed it can be scanned and emailed to Demand.Reduction@usdoj.gov or it may be faxed to 202-307-4559

Certificate of Participation

The Scout leader may download and sign the Certificate of Participation upon completion of all program requirements. The online certificate has been formatted to enable the typing of each Boy Scout and Girl Scout's individual name before printing.

Downloads

For more questions or more information on the initiative call DEA at 202-307-7936 or email Demand.Reduction@usdoj.gov.

For more information and employment opportunities with DEA please go to www.dea.gov.

Kroger 200 for Scouts

2011-07-29T18:17:00.001-04:00

Boy Scouts in Uniform get in free

Adults $20

Pre-order tickets by Sept. 27

Use form Here to pre-order tickets.

Spookoree 2011

2011-07-29T18:11:00.000-04:00

Fall Spookoree 2011, Pittsylvania County Fairgrounds, October 1-2

Cost: $15 person (3 years and up)

Bring: Tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, water, toiletries, rain gear, change of clothes, bag lunch for Sat., Health form for all participants,

Complete Registration Form and send it along with $15 to

Spookoree 2011

Blue Ridge Mountains Council

P.O. Box 7606

Roanoke, VA 24019-0606

Reminder

2011-07-24T09:01:00.000-04:00

Dear Dan River Scouters,

This is just a friendly reminder that there will be a meeting this Tuesday night at 7pm, St. Lukes Church. The meeting is to help your units with recruitment this fall at your schools. Audra Keen has put a lot of work into producing materials to help you organize, implement and follow up on a unit recruitment and open house. With out new members our units will dry up, so please plan on sending at least one member from your unit to this meeting.

FW: Summer Camp Staff Positions OPEN NOW- Call Today!

2011-06-09T19:47:00.001-04:00

NEWS FLASH

Summer Camp Staff Positions are OPEN!

Do you know a Scout who is 16 or older and is looking for a great life-changing
experience over the summer? We are still looking for camp staff members to be a
part of the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation family. Positions are open in various areas.
Positions are open to start TODAY! For more information, please contact Tommy Pendleton
at Camp Powhatan at 540-980-3787

Day 3 of Wood Badge

2011-05-05T09:23:00.002-04:00

Day 2 of Wood Badge

2011-05-05T09:21:00.002-04:00

Day 1 of Wood Badge

2011-05-05T09:18:00.002-04:00

Help Your Scouting Brothers

2011-04-09T12:57:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in helping the two troops who lost the majority of their gear in the Gretna Fire, contact me via email and I can give you an account number at American National Bank where you can make a donation. Thanks.

The Present

2011-02-08T18:01:00.001-05:00

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!!!!
Each of us has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow".
You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today.

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time.
And remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history Tomorrow is mystery Today is a gift That's why it's called the present!!
And that my friends is why I finish each blog post and each podcast with...
HAVE A GREAT SCOUTING DAY!

How to Prevent Tent Condensation in Winter

2011-02-08T17:58:00.000-05:00

How to Prevent Tent Condensation in Winter

Tent condensation manifests itself either as frost on the inside surface of your tent or moisture droplets that are transferred from the inner tent to your clothing and gear. It is undesirable, particularly in winter, because it can make your gear wet and degrade its insulating properties

Here are a few camping tips to limit the amount of condensation buildup in a single or double-walled tent.

Vent Your Tent

The best way to prevent moisture from building up you tent is to help it escape by venting your tent. If your tent has a front door and an inner bug screen, you can unzip the outer door fully and still prevent snow from coming inside by keeping the screen closed.

Alternatively, if you side porches, like on the Tarptent Scarp 1 shown above, it's best to open both of them up wide to prevent frost build-up inside. In my experience, venting though a smaller hole is far less effective at reducing condensation or frost build-up.

Don't Cook in your Tent

If you can avoid it, don't cook or melt water in your tent. This only turns it into a Turkish Steam bath. If the weather is just too crappy to avoid this, try digging a hole under your tent's front porch, if you have one, and cook inside it with the door to the tent closed behind you.

Don't bring snow into your tent

If you bring snow into the tent, you are significantly upping the chance that it will melt and increase the internal humidity in your tent. Brush all snow off your boots, back, ropes, and gloves before you get in the tent. If you have a porch outside the main door, leave all gear that doesn't need to be dried there. If you bring snow into your tent despite these precautions, carefully sweep it out.

Don't exhale into your sleeping bag

It's tempting to put your head inside your sleeping bags on those long winter nights. Don't do it. Keep your face clear of the bag and avoid exhaling moisture into your insulation. You can exhale a liter's worth of water at night: not only will it degrade your insulation, but you'll have to carry it all the next day as extra backpacking weight if it remains trapped in your bag.

Dry out your sleeping bag in the morning sun

If it's sunny in the morning, open up your sleeping bag and dry it out in the sunlight on top of your tent. Many down sleeping bags have darkly colored interiors for just this purpose, to absorb as much of the sun's radiation as possible and accelerate drying. Bringing a wet or damp sleeping bag back into your tent on a subsequent night is not desirable because it will create condensation and retain less of your body's warmth. .

Put Wet Gear into a Stuff Sack

Don't try to dry large items such as pants or a sweater in your sleeping bag at night. Instead, put them into a stuff sack, close it, and stuff it in your sleeping bag to keep the contents from freezing. If necessary, you can dry these garments using your body heat by wearing them the next day.

Those are some basic tips to stay dry in a winter tent. If you can recommend any others, please leave a comment.

February Roundtable

2011-02-07T13:23:00.001-05:00

February 3, 2011

Commissioners Announcements (10 minutes)

Dates:

2/9 - OA Chapter Meeting
2/9 - Nominating Committee Meeting (Bill)
2/17 - District Committee Meeting
2/18-20 - Winter Camporee
2/24 - Leader Specific Training
3/5 - University of Scouting
3/3 - Roundtable
3/9 - OA Chapter Meeting
3/17 - District Committee Meeting
3/18-20 - Outdoor Leader Training
3/26 - District Pinewood Derby Race
Announcements from District Executive
Announcements from District Commissioner

Commissioners Story or Activity (1 minute)

Letter from Scout Camp

Dear Mom & Dad,

We are having a great time here at Camp CatchaCough. Our Scoutmaster is making us all write to our parents in case you saw the flood on TV and worried. We are OK. Only 1 of our tents and 2 sleeping bags got washed away.

Luckily, none of us got drowned because we were all up on the mountain looking for Charlie when it happened. Oh yes, please call Charlie's mother and tell her he is OK. He can't write because of the cast. I got to ride in one of the search & rescue jeeps. It was neat. We never would have found him in the dark if it hadn't been for the lightning.

Scoutmaster got mad at Charlie for going on a hike alone without telling anyone. Charlie said he did tell him, but it was during the fire so he probably didn't hear him. Did you know that if you put gas on a fire, the gas could blow up? The wet wood still didn't burn, but one of our tents did. Also, some of our clothes. John is going to look weird until his hair grows back.

We will be home on Saturday if Scoutmaster gets the car fixed. It wasn't his fault about the wreck. The brakes worked OK when we left. Scoutmaster said that a car that old you have to expect something to break down; that's probably why he can't get insurance on it. We think it's a neat car. He doesn't care if we get it dirty, and if it's hot, sometimes he lets us ride on the tailgate. It gets pretty hot with 10 people in a car. He let us take turns riding in the trailer until the highway patrolman stopped and talked to us.

Our Scoutmaster is a neat guy. Don't worry, he is a good driver. In fact, he is teaching Travis how to drive. But he only lets him drive on the mountain roads where there isn't any traffic. All we ever see up there are logging trucks.

This morning all of the guys were diving off the rocks and swimming out in the lake. Scoutmaster wouldn't let me because I can't swim and Charlie was afraid he would sink because of his cast, so he let us take the canoe across the lake. It was great. You can still see some of the trees under the water from the flood. Scoutmaster isn't crabby like some scoutmasters. He didn't even get mad about the life jackets.

He has to spend a lot of time working on the car so we are trying not to cause him any trouble. Guess what? We have all passed our first aid merit badges. When David dove in the lake and cut his arm, we got to see how a tourniquet works. Also Raymond and I threw up. Scoutmaster said it probably was just food poisoning from the leftover chicken.

I have to go now. We are going into town to mail our letters and buy bullets. Don't worry about anything. We are fine.

Love,

Your son

P.S. How long has it been since I had a tetanus shot?

Commissioners Presentation
(15 minutes)

Recognition Awards PPT.

Scout Games (10 minutes maybe)

Learn the names

Stand in a circle
Holding a ball of yarn, call out your name.
Throw the yard to someone across from you
That person must call out your name and then theirs.
Next person must call out the names in order until the yarn has made it around the room

Commissioners Recipe (Pass out while PP is shown)

Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients
- stove, dutch oven, can opener, fork, small pot, aluminum foil
- 2 10oz cans white chicken meat, 2 Tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp minced garlic, 12 large soft flour tortillas, 8 oz shredded Mexican-blend cheese, salsa
Directions
- Heat dutch oven to 450.
  Pour chicken, undrained, into small pot on stove.
  Add chili powder and garlic.
  Shred chicken with a fork and mix well.
  Stir chicken while it heats for about 5 minutes.
  
  To make quesadilla:
  Place tortilla on square of aluminum foil.
  Spread 1/6 of chicken over tortilla.
  Sprinkle cheese over chicken.
  Top with second tortilla.
  Place in dutch oven.
  You can place a second quesadilla on top of the first.
  
  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then lift by corners of foil.
  Cut into 1/4s or 1/6s and add salsa if desired.
  
  Serves about 6 people

Commissioners Minute (20 minutes)

Big L and Little L

Which position leads in this district?
Anyone else?
OK, those are the Leaders of the district, the guys that run the show, the guys with the cool patches, the guys in control.

This is an 'l' (hold left index finger up vertically)
This is an 'L' (stick left thumb out horizontally)
Do you see the difference?
This 'l' is a Little L.
This 'L' is a Big L.
(from now on, make the Big or Little L sign as appropriate)

This is a key difference, especially when we're talking about 'l'eaders. The ones you mentioned are 'L'eaders - guys in a position of 'l'eadership. You think of them as 'l'eaders because of their position.

But, a 'l'eader is someone that leads because some 'l'eadership is needed, not because he is in a position. A 'l'eader is proactive - he sees a need and takes care of it. A 'l'eader steps up and makes decisions.

All of you can and should be 'l'eaders, whether or not you're a 'L'eader.

So, basically:

'L'eaders don't always 'l'ead.
'l'eaders aren't always 'L'eaders.
the 'l'eadership of this district is not limited to the 'L'eadership

Two Great Opportunities for your Scouts

2011-02-05T20:37:00.000-05:00

@ Danville Science Center

Jupiter, the Great Gas Planet – February 8, 6:30PM

Anthony Pilato, astronomy enthusiast and member of NASA's Planetary Ambassadors, presents a program on the planet Jupiter. Learn about its cloud belts and iconic "red spot." This program will be presented in the Science on a Sphere gallery

Talking Prairie Dogs and Fortune-Telling Fossils: Adaptation, Natural Selection and Biodiversity – February 11, 4PM – 7PM

Did you know prairie dogs can talk? Were you aware that studying fossils can tell us how to protect endangered species today? The Danville Science Center will be visited by biologists and science educators from NESCent - the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center in Durham, NC, who will talk about evolutionary biology - essentially changes in plants, animals and other organisms over time - and how it leads to the amazing diversity of life on Earth.

Check out our Field Trip Guide - http://www.dsc.smv.org/visit/WebGVG1011.pdf

Jeff Liverman

Danville Science Center

677 Craghead Street

Danville VA 24541

434 791 5160

www.dsc.smv.org

2010-11-17T21:17:00.002-05:00

NEW! Holiday POPCORN SALE!

2010-11-13T17:51:00.001-05:00

HOLIDAY SALE DATES: Nov. 12- December 30, 2010

UNIT INCENTIVES:

Commission 30%!
Bonus Commission 5%!
$100 Cash!

SCOUT INCENTIVES:

Enter Drawing for an iPad!
Bonus Gift Card!
Qualify for Scout Day with the Hokies!

PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE NOW for Show-N-Sell and Show-N-Deliver (contact your district executive today!)

EARN YOUR REWARDS BY PROMOTING "SUPPORT THE TROOPS"

ONE Military Donation Supports a Scout, a Unit, the Council AND OUR MILITARY!

In honor of our long-standing and special relationship with the United States Military, we are partnering with "Support our Troops" and Trail's End to show our unwavering support and appreciation for the men and women who serve this incredible nation!

Our goal is to send 1,000 popcorn military donation through our holiday sale to our service men and women. All we are asking you to do is support the program yourself by purchasing a military donation (online) or go out and solicit the support of your friends, family, clubs, churches or Sunday School groups to help in this great cause.

DETAILS:

Dates: Nov. 12- Dec. 30 Holiday Sale

Goals: Council: 1000 Military Donations

Units: $1,000 in sales will earn your unit $100 in cash, and a

30% commission, PLUS another 5% commission if your unit

qualified for the bonus commission during the main sale, and must

meet the deadlines of the Holiday Sale.

Scouts: $300 in sales (including Military Donations) during the Holiday Sale

will have their name entered into a drawing to win an iPad (Drawing

is Dec. 31). In addition, any Scout who sells $300 worth of pruducts

online by Nov. 24 (midnight) will receive a bonus $20 Wal-Mart gift

card from Trail's- End, and these added sales can help Scouts

qualify for Scout Day with the VT Hokies.

How it works: Place orders now with your District Executive for show-n-sell and show-n-deliver products. Take-Order purchases will be provided from our existing stock (if available). Special Order items (Sweet-n-savory, 5 way, chocolatey-caramel crunch, or 3 way cheese) or items not in stock with your District Executive will be ordered online through Trail's End.

Deadlines: Dec. 6- "Special Orders" (Sweet-n-savory, 5 way,

chocolatey-caramel crunch, or 3 way cheese) orders

must be placed online with Trail's-End by Dec. 6 to

ensure holiday delivery.

Dec. 15- Delivery

Dec. 30- All Holiday sale money due

All military donations will count toward a unit's $1,000 sales goal and the Scout's $300 sales goal.

HOLIDAY SALES DO count towards the Trail's-End Scholarship Program.

HOLIDAY SALES DO NOT count toward prizes offered during the main sale.

HOLIDAYSALES DO NOT toward the Council Top Seller Awards.

HOLIDAY POPCORN SALES- START NOW!

Philmont 2011

2010-11-13T17:50:00.003-05:00

Imagine, 214 square miles of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico.

Imagine, taking part in living history programs, learning all about mountain men, gold miners, Indians and the Old West.
The Philmont Scout Ranch provides an unforgettable adventure along its hundreds of miles of rugged, rocky trails. Program features combine the best of the old West: horseback riding, burro packing, gold panning, chuck wagon dinners, and interpretive history, with exciting challenges for today: rock climbing, burro racing, mountain biking and rifle shooting. Scouting has always been an adventureand a challenge. At Philmont you will be put to the test.

NOW accepting registrations!

The Blue Ride Mountains Council is sending three 12-men crews to the Philmont Scout Ranch June 16 - 29, 2011. Each crew will be organized with three adults and nine Scouts on a first-come-first-served basis. The expedition is a 12-day program with 10 days of hiking rugged mountain trails, carrying everything you need in your 35-pound pack and living on your Scouting skills. If you are interested in this amazing opportunity, clickHERE

for the brochure and registration information.

Registrar's Corner: You Unit Recharter is due...are you ready?

2010-11-13T17:50:00.001-05:00

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, your unit should begin to think about who will be submitting your unit's recharter. Has the person that will be doing the recharter process had training so the recharter process will go smoothly? Do all your unit leaders have current Youth Protection Training or will their training expire before the end of your current charter? Has your unit completed a youth inventory to make sure every youth in your unit is on your advancement roster?

Here are a couple of ideas to help your unit's recharter go smoothly. First , it will be beneficial if the person doing the recharter has gone to the Council website and done the tutorial for the recharter process. This tutorial shows how to mark a leader "multiple" so the leader will pay in only one position . The tutorial also shows how to up-date personal information for a youth or adult. This is vital in order to ensure our Scouting family is receiving important information pertaining to Scouting.

Effective June 1, 2011 BSA required all adult leaders to have current Youth Protection Training (YPT). YPT is good for a 2 year period, so it must be up-dated every two years. The person submitting the unit recharter should log into the unit recharter process, click on "preview unit roster". Looking at this roster from the recharter process will allow the unit to know if each leader has current youth protection training. If the youth protection training is expired or will expire before your unit's current charter, the leader will need to go to the MyScouting.org website and take youth protection training. Packs and Troops will need Y01 Youth Protection Training. Venture Crew leaders will need to take the Y02 Youth Protection Training. Explorer Posts and LFL Groups will need the Y03 Youth Protection Training.

Unit inventory of your youth and adults prior to recharter will help your unit's recharter process go smoother. Any adult or youth that is not listed on the advancement roster will need an application completed and turned into the Council office. Having all the youth and adults registered prior to recharter time saves your recharter processor the time of entering them. (Also, remember youth cannot earn rank or advancement if they are not registered.)

The BSA training website is www.myscouting.org

. Youth Protection Training is available on this website. There are also many other valuable training modules available at this site. If you have not taken the opportunity to visit this site, I encourage you to do so. Remember the quality of y

I Fought For You By The Sound Tank

2010-11-10T14:16:00.000-05:00

Bell Ringers for the Christmas Season

2010-11-10T13:18:00.001-05:00

Hi,

The Salvation Army is looking for Bell Ringers for the Christmas Season. We would hope that every Troop needs a project or wants to share in the

Christmas Spirit. The Boy Scouts say that we cannot collect money for another organization if we are in uniform, so the Bell Ringers can represent the troop but not in uniform. We will need some adult supervision. To get signed up with the Salvation Army, please Call Kim Jones at 792-3963

Thanks

Bob Warren

District Commissioner

Veterans Day 2010

2010-11-09T07:38:00.000-05:00

And the WINNER of our Final Popcorn Prize Drawing is...

2010-11-08T17:28:00.001-05:00

NEWS FLASH

And the WINNER of our Final Popcorn Prize Drawing is...

Jacob McDaniel - Pack 353, Dan River District

Congratulations to Jacob McDaniel in the Dan River District, his name was drawn this morning as the winner of this week's prize- an iPod Shuffle!

There were 199 names entered into today's drawing, of those, 63 have sold $600 or more, and 27 have sold over $1,000! Congratulations to everyone who worked hard to meet their goals!

__________________________________________________________

Don't forget to "Hold A Place" now for Summer Camp 2011!

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Boy Scouts of America Blue Ridge Mountains Council | 2131 Valley View Blvd., NW | Roanoke | VA | 24012

http://www.boyscouttrail.com/blog/534.asp

2010-11-08T14:16:00.001-05:00

Top 10 Cheap Recruiting Tips

Boy Scout Trail New Resources

There are many things you and your scouts can do to promote your troop to prospective new scouts that don't require a huge effort or expense. If your troop is hoping to grow, think about giving these tips a try:

Eagle Scouts - Tell Webelos den leaders you have two Eagle Scouts that would love to visit a November or December den meeting and answer questions about Boy Scouting, not to promote your troop. If you have no Eagles, go with Life Scouts. Make sure they wear their uniforms, sashes, high adventure patches, and take other mementos from their adventures.
Communicate - Call the Cubmaster and Webelos den leaders in May to let them know what you have planned for their scouts in the fall to help with Arrow of Light and transitioning. Call them again in September to remind them, make sure you still have the correct contact, and ask how many scouts they have in their dens.
Scout Skill Day - A scout-o-rama is a great way to show Webelos some fun scout skills and impress their parents and den leaders. It doesn't have to be a big deal, but does take some planning effort.
Pinewood Derby - offer to help with running the races, moving cars, anything they need on that one day.
Special Awards - Our council has a Summit Achievement Award for scouts that earned the Arrow of Light, joined a troop, and did a few other requirements. Check if your council has any special awards for Webelos and promote them to the dens so they are aware.
Open Troop Meetings - Invite Webelos to visit any troop meeting in the fall.
Catch One Early - If you get one Webelos scout to commit to join your troop early in the fall, chances are good that many of his den mates will follow him, especially if he lets them know where he's going.
Twofers - When a Webelos decides to join, or when he has his scoutmaster conference for the Arrow of Light award, let him know that this is the perfect time to have a non-scouting buddy join him in Boy Scouts. He can get a Recruiter strip if he gets a friend to join with him.
Den Chief - This one does take a big effort on the part of one scout, but it is also a troop Position of Responsibility for advancement. In May, help one of your First Class scouts decide to be a Den Chief for a 5th grade Webelos den from October to March. This gives the Webelos contact with your troop right up to their transition from Pack to Troop. And, he might continue on as a Troop Guide for the next 6 months.
Use Roundtables - Make an effort at every district roundtable meeting to look for and say "Howdy" to the leaders of the Packs in your area. It's easier to send their scouts to someone they know than just to a troop number.

Top 10 Tent Tips

2010-11-06T04:47:00.001-04:00

Scoutmaster Musings courtesy of The Boy Scout Trail .com

Top 10 Tent Tips

Our troop has 32 tents currently in service. With 80 scouts in the troop, I've had lots of opportunity to see how tents wear out, break, or get damaged. Sometimes it is due to nature, other times it is neglect, and on rare occasion it is malicious.

We need to remember that learning is our goal, not perfection. When a person is first learning to do something, he makes mistakes and equipment can take a beating. Teaching how to use equipment will save a lot of money, hassle, and frustration along the way. Teaching early and reminding often for the first few campouts will help the learning become habit.

Here's my Top 10 Tent Tips to help extend the life of your troop tents, the more important first:

Mind the Door - When entering or leaving the tent, always open the zipper almost all the way, but not all the way. Opening just a crack and squeezing through is the biggest cause of tent damage I've seen. The stress on the zipper causes failure which is impractical to fix. Opening it all the way causes failure at the end of the zipper.
No Clutter - The best way to keep a tent floor intact is to keep gear outside. Pulling gear in and out through the door is hard on the zipper and fabric. If the tent has a vestibule, that is fine for items you'll need during the night or first thing in the morning, such as boots and raincoat, but packs covered and kept outdoors are even better. Teaching this one behavior to scouts is probably the one best way to improve their tenting experience.
Clean and Dry - After every use, turn the tent inside out to get everything out and wipe it clean. Set it up to dry completely and then pack it away. Store it in a dry area. This prevents mold and mildew.
Complete Setup - Poles break because stress is not evenly distributed. Ensure all clips, sleeves, velcro, guy lines, and hooks are connected correctly, completely, and sturdily. Leaving a couple velcro straps unhooked during high wind places increased pressure on single spots on the poles instead of spreading it out and SNAP! A broken pole instantly makes a hole in the rainfly.
Use a ground sheet - This protects the floor from the outside, mostly from the dirt. A ground sheet is just a cheap piece of painter's 6mil plastic. It comes in 8.5 foot side rolls, so it's simple to slice off a piece for a 2-, 3-, or 4-man tent's width. Have scouts request a new piece from the quartermaster when their piece is too ripped to continue.
Be Consistent - Always leave the zipper in the lower-right corner of the door if it is a double zipper, or the lower-left if it is a single zipper. It makes it easier to find and ensures the door gets opened fully each time.
Store the Bag - When setting up, put the stake bag and pole bag inside the tent bag immediately. Bags blowing away is an all too common waste of gear. Store the bags inside the front-right corner of the tent - it's easy to get to and consistently easy to find.
Mind the Wind - Set up your tent to protect it from wind. The rainfly on an A-frame style tent makes a great kite when the wind blows directly at an end. Instead, set up so a side is facing the wind. A dome-style tent with full rainfly to the ground can weather very strong winds and it doesn't matter much which way the wind hits it. Be sure to stake down all points and use the longer, higher guy lines at least on the upwind side for that bit of extra support to protect the poles.
Seal It, Tape It - Using a seam sealer annually will help keep the rain out. Duct tape on both the inside and outside of holes and tears works well. Colored duct tape is available so the silver won't stand out so much. Higher quality tape stays much better and doesn't fall off leaving a gooey mess.
No Fires - never, ever, ever have fire inside a tent. That's candles, stoves, matches, any flame.

A couple more tips:

Know how to set up, use, and take down your tent before ever stepping into the wilds. Teach and practice the right way to use the tents before scouts go on their first campout. Friday night, in the dark, fighting the wind and rain, is not the time to learn how to set up the tents.
Stakes don't usually break, but they get lost all the time. Painting a couple stripes of bright colored nail polish on each one makes them much more visible when breaking camp. If they have been driven into the ground, the only part you'll see is the head, so painting it bright is key.
No matter how well you take care of your tent, an animal can destroy it easily. Having any food or smellables in your tent is inviting disaster, and much more than just a ruined tent.

You should strive to create an environment in your troop where experienced scouts understand the value of maintaining their gear and passing that understanding on to newer scouts. Having a couple Instructors or Troop Guides or Eagle Scouts teach these ten tips to new scouts as soon as they join the troop will do wonders for your budget and quality of camping experience. If it's just the scoutmaster lecturing them about how expensive tents are and how they have to use their tent for seven years and blah, blah, blah, ... there's not nearly the impact.

Do you have other tips about tent use to share? comment away.

Scout On

Improve your Scouting for Food drive with these 10 tips

2010-11-01T21:16:00.001-04:00

Happily serving others is a fundamental part of the Boy Scouts of America.

And the Scouting for Food program, an annual drive to collect and distribute food to those in need, is a key element of Scouts' service to their community.

Scouting for Food involves a simple, three-step process: (1) Distribute bags to houses, (2) Collect bags full of canned food and other nonperishable goods, and (3) Deliver the food to a local food bank or aid group.

Seems easy, right?

But even though the fundamentals of the program are simple, there's still some finesse involved in making sure things run smoothly.

That's why we polled our friends on Scouting magazine's official Facebook page and our followers on Twitter to see if they had any suggestions.

All of the suggestions were great, but here are 10 of our favorites:

"We are in a rural area, and we take extra trash bags and pick up any trash that we see in the neighborhood. The neighbors love that extra help." (Micaela H.)
"Our area is large and centered around the school, so we set our dens off with maps and highlighters so they can indicate what sides of the street got done and where they stopped. Then on pickup day, they know exactly what areas to re-canvas." (Jon P.)
"Our troop mans the collection point and serves hot chocolate and homemade donuts to the Cub Scouts. Great for recruiting and retention." (@troop407)
"Organization, organization, organization. Get as many kids as you can that way they are not out there as long and will be in better spirits." (Darrick B.)
"We send two or three Scouts to each door. Many people want to give one item to each Scout so instead of one item we get two or three." (J.T. H.)
"If your unit is big enough set up shop at a local grocery store in addition to the door-to-door pickup!" (@ScoutingNews)
"We include a nice letter in the bags explaining what we're doing as well as leave a thank you note when we pick up. And on the initial bag letter I always leave my contact information in case they miss the pickup and still want to donate." (Jon P. again)
"Where we are, there are only so many entrances to the neighborhoods. So we made up signs that we stick at the front of each area letting everyone know when we would be picking up bags." (Jason M.)
"Have each boy bring in food to their next meeting that they collect from friends and family." (Patricia R.)
Finally, the always-popular pie in the face: "You can set a goal, and if every den gets that goal, then they get to put a pie in their den leader's face." (Chris C.)

Thanks for your contributions!

[link to original | source: Scouting magazine | published: 4 hours ago | shared via feedly]

2010 Fall Camporee

2010-10-29T21:19:00.001-04:00

The 2010 Jamboree: A first-person view

2010-10-26T06:31:00.000-04:00

And the WINNER of our third Popcorn Prize Drawing is...

2010-10-25T19:28:00.001-04:00

NEWS FLASH

And the WINNER of our second Popcorn Prize Drawing is...

Michael Rowland - Troop 346, Dan River District

Congratulations to Michael Rowland in the Dan River District, his name was drawn this morning as the winner of this week's prize- a Mead 50 mm Refracting Telescope!

There were 162 names entered into today's drawing, of those, 46 have sold $600 or more, and 19 have sold over $1,000! Congratulations to everyone who is working hard to meet their goals.

Keep up the good work and remember to sell at least $100 every week to enter the drawing for the Council's weekly prizes- and online sales DO COUNT! Once your name is entered into the drawing, it will remain there until it is drawn for a prize, or until the contest ends. Next week's drawing is for a iPod Shuffle!

HOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING:

To enter the Council's weekly drawing, any Scout who has sold $100 worth or more (through Show'N'Deliver, Take Order and Online Sales) during the week of Monday, Oct. 25 until 9 am on Monday, Nov. 1 should submit a copy of their order form to the council by Monday, November 1, at 9 a.m. They can send it by e-mail (shirleyn@bsa-brmc.org) or fax to Shirley's attention at 540.265.0659.
__________________________________________________________

Don't forget to "Hold A Place" now for Summer Camp 2011!

Merit Badge Counselors for Dan River District

2010-10-22T06:29:00.001-04:00

Merit Badge Counselors for Dan River District

http://www.davidyouritpro.com/scouts/meritbadgec.html

Skywatchers

2010-10-21T09:20:00.001-04:00

Skywatchers tonight @ Danville Sci. Cntr Great night for it too. Jupiter is close to a nearly full moon Thurs, Oct. 21 @ nightfall

Fwd: Sixteen Steps to Build a Campfire

2010-10-13T07:18:00.001-04:00

Sixteen Steps to Build a Campfire

1. Split dead limb into fragments and shave one fragment into slivers.

2. Bandage left thumb.

3. Chop other fragments into smaller fragments

4. Bandage left foot.

5. Make structure of slivers (include those embedded in hand).

6. Light Match.

7. Light Match.

8. Repeat "a Scout is cheerful" and light match.

9. Apply match to slivers, add wood fragments, and blow gently into base of fire.

10. Apply burn ointment to nose.

11. When fire is burning, collect more wood.

12. Upon discovering that fire has gone out while out searching for more wood, soak wood from can labeled "kerosene."

13. Treat face and arms for second-degree burns.

14. Re-label can to read "gasoline."

15. When fire is burning well, add all remaining firewood.

16. When thunder storm has passed, repeat steps 1-15.

Thanks to Ruth Yeaman from Troop 378 for this funny.

Helpful

2010-10-12T08:34:00.001-04:00

The BSA is putting Scouting on the map! Put YOUR Unit on the map TODAY!

2010-10-09T08:28:00.001-04:00

How will it work? In a nutshell, unit leaders will be able to update their unit's Google "pin" - the bubble you see on Google maps - through MyScouting. They can add their unit meeting time, location, phone number, unit Web site address if they have one, as well as a contact name for the unit.

That's right! The BSA is putting Scouting on the map all across the nation! In time for Join Scouting 2010, the Boy Scouts of America will have its own joining Web page with information on Scouting, plus an actual Google map application that will help potential Scouts and their parents find packs, troops, and crews in their communities. It's real and it's coming!

For complete information, click HERE for downloadable PDF

It's easy!

NEW Popcorn Rewards for Top Sellers

2010-10-09T08:25:00.001-04:00

NEW Popcorn Rewards for Top Sellers

Have any Scouts in your unit already sold $100 worth of popcorn? Maybe they are well on their way to the $600 club? To keep their momentum going, the Blue Ridge Mountains Council will be instituting a WEEKLY DRAWING, beginning the week of Oct. 4-10 and continuing through the remainder of the sale!

ANY SCOUT who sells at least $100 in popcorn (from Show-N-Deliver, Take-Order, or Online sales only) EACH WEEK from now until the end of the sale is eligible to be entered into a prize drawing.

Just submit a copy (Fax or Scan) of the week's completed Take-Order Form to the Council Service Center by 9 am

on Oct. 11, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8

Their name will be placed into the drawing for each $100 worth they sell, increasing their chances for a weekly prize. For each $100 sold, enter again and remain in the drawing throughout the sale or until their name is drawn.

Completed forms can be faxed to 540.265.0659, or scanned and emailed toshirleyn@bsa-brmc.org. Please be sure to include the Scout's name, unit number, and contact information.

Sales completed between Sept. 24 (Beginning date of sale) and Oct. 10 may be submitted for the prize drawing at 9 am on Oct. 11.

Popcorn Top Seller Rewards

2010-10-09T08:24:00.001-04:00

Popcorn Top Seller Rewards-

with Virginia Tech!

The BRMC is pleased to announce that this year's Popcorn Top Sellers ($600 or more) will be invited to spend an afternoon at Virginia Tech!

On April 16, 2011, boys and their family members will enjoy the opportunity to tour Virginia Tech's Athletic Facilities, participate in awesome interactive scientific experiments and work with state-of-the-art robotics!. This memorable day will conclude with watching the Virginia Tech vs. Florida State baseball game!

Top Sellers will also recieve a special edition Virginia Tech Baseball Cap.

NEW Winter Camp- Camp Taquatschin

2010-10-09T08:19:00.001-04:00

NEW Winter Camp- Camp Taquatschin

No doubt you have experienced the Blue Ridge Mountain Council's superb summer camp opportunities and you likely have reveled in the many fall and spring programs, but have you ever been on the Reservation in the dead of winter? Prepare yourself for a brand new long-term camp called Taquatschin or "Cold One" in the Lenni Lanape tongue. This is not your traditional merit badge camp. Taquatschin is designed to meet the needs of older scouts who are working toward their Eagle Rank. As such, expect badges and programs not offered during summer camp; plan on expert instruction from the Reservation's most senior staff; and get ready for exciting evening activities that take advantage of the Aquatic Base's unique facilities.

So, if you are looking for a unique way to welcome in the New Year, why not consider hanging with the staff of Taquatschin?

For registration and information click HERE.

Dan River District Fall Camporee 2010

2010-10-08T15:22:00.001-04:00

Scouts on Target

November 12-14, 2010

Halifax Country Gun Club

The Camporee will be hosted by Troop 497 from South Boston
Events will be based on targeting themes, but not just shooting sports. Targeting may include compasses, water balloons, rockets, etc. Events are still being planned and we are looking for units to create and host an activity.
We have already confirmed plans for a .22 rifle competition, homemade sling shot range, a catapult and other great ideas. We need your participation to make this event a success.
Please contact Barry Thompson or Tim Spayde if your unit has an event that they can sponsor. Complete details will be distributed in a later email and at the November Roundtable.
The Halifax County Gun Club is located on Route 58, approximately 7 miles west of South Boston. There will be banners and flags to mark the entrance on the north side of 58. The club has great facilities with running water and electric available at sites if desired, but the space is compact, so consider this in your site planning.

Directions:

From Danville:

- Take 58E toward South Boston
- Approximately 8 miles outside of Danville you will pass the Turbeville intersection. There is a Fire Station and Softball field on the left side of the road directly past the intersection.
- 3.4 miles past the Turbeville intersection, take a left. Before you get to the cut through the median, you will see a large green road sign on the right that says "South Boston 7 Miles."
- As you take the turn, it will appear that you are going into the driveway at the house (mail box # 6192); the gravel road splits to the left and that goes to the club house.

From South Boston:

- Take 58W out of South Boston toward Danville.
- 3.2 miles past R. O. Harrell, take a right into the gravel driveway; mailbox # 6192 with white lattice work around the mail box. It will appear that you are driving to the house, but the gravel road splits to the left and that goes to the club house.

Barry Thompson: barrywoodworker@yahoo.co

Tim Spayde: tspayde@cfpwood.com

Bill Oswald: woswald@bsamail.org

Roundtable Notes for October 2010

2010-10-08T06:17:00.001-04:00

Commissioners Announcements (10 minutes)

● Dates:

○ 10/13 - Tuscarora Chapter of the Order of the Arrow Chapter Meeting

○ 10/16 - Troutoree Powhatan

○ 10/16 - District Scout-O-Rama at Piedmont Mall (Bill Oswald to make any announcements concerning)

○ 10/21 - District Committee Meeting (Now on 3rd Thursday of every month so as not to interfere with Roundtable and more time can be devoted to District Planning. If you have any interest in serving, please see Bob, Bill or Chuck.)

○ 10/23 - Kroger 200 Camping World Truck Series Race

○ 10/30 - Dan River Gunsmoke Skeet Shoot at Halifax Gun Club

○ 11/02 - Skatenight

○ 11/04 - District Roundtable

○ 11/04 - Last day to return popcorn FULL BOXES ONLY

○ 11/04 - Leader Specific Training

○ 11/06 - Scout Day at Averett Football vs. Ferrum College, Danville VA

○ 11/06 - Popcorn orders due online

○ 11/12 - Camporee (TIM SPAYDE)

○ 11/18 - District Committee Meeting

○ 11/19 - Popcorn pickup day at Dan Valley

Commissioners Story or Activity (1 minute)

Nutty Fisherman

● Have someone off to the side playing the part of the fisherman and sometime during the calendar announcements run this skit

● Passer by: "What ya doing there?"

● Fisher: "I'm fishing, what's it like I'm doin?"

● Passer by: "Fishing eh!, what are you fishing for."

● Fisher: "I'm fishing for suckers."

● Passer by: "Have you caught any?"

● Fisher: "Yes you're the third one today"

Commissioners Guest (15 minutes)

● Kathy Keatts

● Will be talking about Scouting for Youth with disabilities. I will also focus on opportunities for service projects involving the disabled in the Danville area.

Merit Badge (5 minutes)

Disabilities Awareness

1. Discuss with your counselor proper disability etiquette and person first language. Explain why these are important.

2. Visit an agency that works with people with physical, mental, emotional, or educational disabilities. Collect and read information about the agency's activities. Learn about opportunities its members have for training, employment, and education.

3. Do TWO of the following:

a. Talk to a Scout who has a disability and learn about his experiences taking part in Scouting activities and earning different merit badges.

b. Talk to an individual who has a disability and learn about this person's experiences and the activities in which this person likes to participate.

c. Learn how people with disabilities take part in a particular adaptive sport or recreational activity. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor.

d. Learn about independent living aids such as service animals, canes, and teletypewriters (TTYs). Discuss with your counselor how people use such aids.

4. Visit TWO of the following locations and take notes about the accessibility to people with disabilities. In your notes, give examples of five things that could be done to improve upon the site and five things about the site that make it friendly to people with disabilities. Discuss your observations with your counselor.

a. Your school

b. Your place of worship

c. Your Scout camping site

d. A public exhibit or attraction (such as a theater, museum, or park)

5. Explain what advocacy is. Do ONE of the following advocacy activities:

a. Present a counselor approved disabilities awareness program to a Cub Scout pack or other group. During your presentation, explain and use person first language.

b. Find out about disability awareness education programs in your school or school system, or contact a disability advocacy agency. Volunteer with a program or agency for eight hours.

c. Using resources such as disability advocacy agencies, government agencies, the Internet (with your parent's permission), and news magazines, learn about myths and misconceptions that influence the general public's understanding of people with disabilities. List 10 myths and misconceptions about people with disabilities and learn the facts about each myth. Share your list with your counselor, then use it to make a presentation to a Cub Scout pack or other group.

6. Make a commitment to your merit badge counselor describing what you will do to show a positive attitude about people with disabilities and to encourage positive attitudes among others. Discuss how your awareness has changed as a result of what you have learned.

7. Name five professions that provide services to people with disabilities. Pick one that interests you and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss what you learn with your counselor, and tell why this profession interests you.

Scout Games (10 minutes maybe)

Kims Game (Play Individually then in teams)

● Locate many small articles, such as keys, safety pins, and that kind of thing.

● Get about 15 of these and put them on a tray and show them all round.

● Then you tell all the boys, except one, to hide their eyes.

● The boy that is left sits up in bed and you take one of the articles and hide it on the boy.

● Then you tell the others to sit up in their beds; you give them paper and pencil and then you show them the articles, and they have to write the name of the missing article.

● Some are right and some are wrong, and the ones that win carry on the game, till at last there is only one boy left and he is the winner.

● Group version is that the team has to list all items in box with descriptions. Group that comes closer than the others win.

Commissioners Recipe (Pass out while PP is shown)

Quik Chicken stew

● Ingredients

○ 2 each Can of Cooked Chicken

○ Can of Potatoes (drained)

○ Can of Corn (drained)

○ Can of Peas (drained)

○ Can of Black Eyed Peas (drained)

○ Can of Chicken Broth

○ One Onion diced

○ 1 tablespoon pepper

○ 1 tablespoon garlic powder

○ 3 Tablespoons Corn Starch mixed in water

● Directions

○ Heat up Dutch Oven to 350 degrees

○ Add Chicken and Stir constantly until seared

○ Add everything else BUT cornstarch

○ Cover and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour (Check at every 20 minutes for taste)

○ On the second 20 minute check add corn starch to thicken and stir. Best if corn starch is mixed in water in empty can and then added to pot.

○ Serve hot

Commissioners Minute (20 minutes)

Bullying

Link to PowerPoint online: http://www.4shared.com/document/Wd60qrqo/BULLYING_PREVENTION__2_.html

Show PowerPoint Presentation:

Think about this: Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer at heart. When passing judgment on another you condemn yourself and bring the judgment of God on yourself. We are to have a mutual respect for one another. (1 John 3:15; Romans 2:1,2; 2 John 5,6)

DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Many people need help. A cheery smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By not bullying other scouts or your peers, you prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world.

A BOY SCOUT IS: FRIENDLY, KIND, BRAVE: A friendly scout is not a bully but one who is a friend to others even if they are different. A kind scout is not a bully but one who respects the rights of others. A brave scout is not a bully only a scared coward is a bully

Be the scout you are meant to be, don't be a bully.

Roundtable Reminder for October

2010-10-07T11:27:00.001-04:00

A reminder that Roundtable is tonight at 7pm, Saint Lukes Church. Park between church and bank, come in side door or back door.

Agenda:

Calendar
Handicapped Presentation and Merit Badge Information
Food
Game
Skit
Commissioners Minute will include PP on Bullying and my thoughts.

I hope you will attend.

Thanks,

David Hyler
Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner
332 Deercrest Lane
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 710-4408
Email Me
Visit Website

RAILROADING MERIT BADGE

2010-09-27T05:55:00.001-04:00

As you may know, The Railroading Merit Badge was offered at the Danville Science Center this past Saturday September 25, 2010. With the assistance of seven other National Model Railroad Associations members, thirteen Boy Scouts participated and PASSED the badge's requirements. Congratulations to the following scouts:

Evan Adkins Troop 300

Matthew Compton Troop 300

Michael Compton Troop 300

Taylor Gibson Troop 300

Caleb Keen Troop 300

Daniel Shelton Troop 300

James Watson Troop 300

Patrick Woodard Troop 300

Dawson Poteat Troop 372

Edward Slaughter Troop 372

Bennett Sowers Troop 372

Andrew Wiles Troop 372

KeTan Pandya Troop 374

Yours in Scouting

Don Jennings

Railroading Merit Badge Counselor

Director NMRA Mid East Region

Liaison to the Boy Scouts

for Railroading Merit Badge

10-10-2010 Danville Area’s Third CROP Hunger Walk

2010-09-03T05:58:00.001-04:00

Hunger and poverty are rampant in our world, and something can and must be done about them. Our local CROP Hunger Walk is a great place to start. For a few miles, friends and neighbors will be coming together to end hunger, One Step at a Time.

On Sunday, October 10th at 3.p.m. Danville's 3rd CROP Hunger Walk will be held to show our love and active concern for neighbors in need. By our sponsored walking we'll be raising funds to change the world in real & measurable ways -- digging wells that will bring clean water to cities; providing seeds & tools so people can grow their own food; helping communities & families rebuild after disasters like Hurricane Katrina : with CROP walks we ARE making a difference. Offering both a 1K & a 5K we'll start and end at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church where we will offer water & snacks, live entertainment and an opportunity to shop at a SERRV Sale (fair trade gift goods). Supporting our local God's Storehouse, we hope you'll step up or sponsor, but join in the effort.

Our KICK-OFF party will be held at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. where you will be able to come and collect your materials.
For more information email us at danvillecropwalk@yahoo.com or search for "Danville Area CROP Walk" on Facebook.

Marie-Louise Crane2010 Danville Area CROP Hunger Walk Planning Team Recruitment Chair

Roundtable September 2010

2010-09-02T11:27:00.002-04:00

OPENING/WELCOME (7pm)

Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, Welcome

Calendar (7:05)

Current Month

Tonight: Leader Specific Training during breakout
8th: OA Chapter Meeting
9th: District Committee Meeting
13th: Online Popcorn Orders are due by 5pm
18th: Super Saturday Training Blitz - Barry Thompson
24th: Popcorn Sales begin, Units pick up popcorn at Dan Valley Warehouse from 12-5pm, POPS Team meet at warehouse at 9am.
25th: Railroad Merit Badge Class
28th: Scout Night at Chick-Fil-A on Riverside Drive - Bill Oswald
30th: Leader Specific Training - Barry Thompson

Following Month

2nd: Spookoree - Brett Jackson or Bill Oswald
7th: Roundtable - Scouts Service for the Handicapped
10th: CROP Hunger Walk - Marie-Louise Crane 770-0136, This will support God's Storehouse the BS can participate. Please contact Mrs. Crane for more information.
16th: Piedmont Mall Scouting Open House - Bill Oswald

Commissioner Fun (7:15) If time allows

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1.. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice!

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.

7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.

9. Sing Along At The Opera.

10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.

11. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'

12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'

13. Tell Your Scouts on the next Campout, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

Boy Scout [and Cub Scout] Program (7:20)

Commissioners Roll Call

Make sure everyone has signed roll sheet and checked for email and phone numbers.

Commissioners Guest

JD Emerson will do a presentation on Scuba Diving in Danville

Commissioners Minute (8:10)

Our Charge

Paul the Apostle made this charge to a young man that he had taken under his wing: Love others, keep a clean mind and live by faith. He was giving this young man three principle that he could use to guide his life and our scouts can use these same principles. Love others by helping others at all times, being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, and brave. He can keep a clean mind by being clean in what he reads, clean in what he listens to and always being mentally awake to the dangers in this world around him. He can live by faith by being reverent and in his duty to God and living by the principles laid down in his word. Charge your scouts to do these things, but remember, your examples is the best teacher.

Roundtable

2010-09-01T06:41:00.001-04:00

Roundtable

Tomorrow Night

Saint Lukes United Methodist Church

Starts at 7pm sharp be out by 8:15pm

Park between bank and church, come in side entrance.

Theme: Scuba Diving in Danville

Speaker: JD Emerson

Look forward to seeing you there.

David - Roundtable Commissioner

Spookoree Airbender Academy

2010-08-25T15:58:00.001-04:00

Spookoree Airbender Academy

2010 Cub Scout Fall Family Camp

October 2-3, 2010

Pittsylvania County Fairgrounds

Chair: Brett Jackson, bjackson@gatewayhealth.com, (434) 799-3838 ext. 3002

Cost: $10 per person

Click Here to Download Information

Click Here to Download Registration form

Scouting Reminder

2010-08-24T21:29:00.001-04:00

District Popcorn Kickoff

Thursday August 26, 2010

Masonic Temple, Tunstall Road, Danville (Facing Ballou Park Theater, Old Post Office)

Must attend for extra % of profit

Get your sales kit

FREE DOOR PRIZES

CAKE AND REFRESHMENTS

I WILL START AT 7PM SHARP AND SHUT UP AT 8PM!!!!

Please be there ready to listen and have a little fun.

Thanks,

David Hyler
Boy Scout District Kernel
332 Deercrest Lane
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 710-4408
www.trails-end.com

RAILROADING MERIT BADGE

2010-08-11T18:34:00.001-04:00

Class Session

On September 25, 2010, a Boy Scout Railroading Merit Badge Class will be part of The OLD 97 Rail Days which has become an annual event at the Danville Science Center in Danville, VA. Many Scouts from a few troops in the local area have already applied for this year's RR MB class. The Scout's merit badge session will be held in a classroom at the main building and attendance is full for this year. National Model Railroad Association members will be assisting with the presenting of the badge's requirements. If any Scouts are interested in a future class, please contact Mr. Donald Jennings, the RR MB Registrar and Counselor at railroadsmb@aol.com .

Call the Science Center at 791-5160 to make arrangements.

Cubscout Plans from Audra Keen

2010-07-29T09:44:00.002-04:00

Audra Keen has shared with us the meeting plans that she used with her Pack. Audra is a school teacher and know the importance in getting the most out of her time and you may benefit from these notes. Feel free to download HERE the lesson plans for your own use. If you find these useful, please let tell her thanks.

David Hyler
Roundtable Commissioner

Cherokee Challenge 2010 Skeet Shooting Tournament Sponsored

2010-07-24T08:38:00.000-04:00

Cherokee Challenge 2010 Skeet Shooting Tournament Sponsored by Goodyear Corp. and Cherokee Challenge Inc. on September 19, 2010 at GOODYEAR RANGE 1901 Goodyear Blvd. Danville, VA

For Youth and Adult Shooters
Who: Adult and Youth Shooters
Where: Goodyear Range
When: September 19, 2010, starting @ 1:00 PM, Rain or Shine

Shooters will be three classes by age group

Class A, Youth age 11 to 14.
Class B, Older Youth age 15 to 17.
Adult Class is 18 and older.

Prizes for 1st place in each Class A, Class B, and Adult Class. Other winners will be determined by Lewis Class judging with lots of prizes. Entry fee is $25.00. All shooters welcome. Eleven year old shooters must be eleven years old January 1, 2010. All Shooters under age eighteen must have parental consent. Cherokee Challenge Inc. will also host a special event at the Rifle Range. The Cherokee Challenge is a member of the NRA Clubs and Organizations.

Need Ideas from YOU

2010-07-16T18:50:00.001-04:00

I need some ideas for Roundtable for the coming year. Here is what I have so far:

Scuba Diving in Danville,
HAM Radio,
Recharter Fill Out Helps for Troops and Packs,
How to deal with Handicapped Scouts.

If you have any other ideas, I need contact information if available.

Please send me information about the Join Scout Nite Training to put on the calendar.

Thanks,

David Hyler
Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner
332 Deercrest Lane
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 710-4408
Email Me
Visit Website

Join Scouts Nite Training, July 22 at Saint Lukes from 6:30 to 8:30

2010-07-11T08:12:00.001-04:00

. All Leader, Commissioners, Parents that are going to be volunteering for open house at your local school needs to attend this meeting. You will get important, training with ideas so you can choose times,dates,and places for your open houses, and counc...il info bags that you will need to recruit new scouts. Please email Audra Keen for more details.

Scouts in Dan River honor the Veterans Graves in Danville

2010-05-30T08:45:00.000-04:00

Our next generation prepares to honor past generations...over 2,000 veterans were remembered with a flag placed on each grave. Actually kind of sad they are so seldom thought of, sadder still the number than are inscribed "unknown". Nearly 3/4 of the confederate graves in this cemetery are from the north, the least we can do is briefly stand in as their family who may not even know they are here.

These were taken from Steve Adkins Facebook Photo Album

Pictures from 2010 Dan River District Banquet

2010-05-29T12:33:00.000-04:00

Post below was sent to me by the Dan River District Executive of the BRMC

2010-05-29T07:30:00.001-04:00

Important Changes to the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection Training Policies

2010-05-28T16:29:00.001-04:00

Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA. To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance its Youth Protection policies:

Effective June 1, 2010:

· Youth Protection Training is required for all registered volunteers.

· New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before they submit their application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.

· Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

To ensure these policies are fully implemented, please take the following steps:

· If you have not taken Youth Protection Training within the past two years, please log on to MyScouting and take the training. Be sure to have your member ID number. The number can be found on your Boy Scouts of America membership card.

· If you do not know your member ID number, contact your unit leader or committee chairman. Your council can also assist you.

· If you have taken Youth Protection Training online but did not input your member ID number, please log back on to the Training section of MyScouting and input your member ID so the training will be linked with your records.

· If you have taken Youth Protection Training within the past two years but did not take the course online, log on to MyScouting to ensure your records are up to date, or contact your council and have them verify that your Youth Protection Training records are accurate.

· Finally, please share these important changes with other Scouters.

Youth Protection Training is available online at http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx.

To find out more about the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America and how to help Scouting keep your family safe, see the information available in any of the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting handbooks, or go to http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx.

Thank you for your commitment to our nation's young people and to Scouting.

Sincerely,

James Terry

Assistant Chief Scout Executive

Announcement

2010-05-24T16:14:00.001-04:00

Each year, for the past many years, the Boy Scouts have helped set flags by the grave markers at the Lee St Veterans Cemetery in Danville for Memorial Day. This has always been an honorable service project for those that have attended, and I'd like to invite all of you to participate. The flag placing project starts at 8:00 AM Saturday May 29^th. All scouts, scouters, and citizens may participate. We ask that scouts dress in class A uniforms. The event usually only lasts an hour or so. Many hands make quick work.

The cemetery is located ½ mile south of Main St and east of Jefferson, on Lee St.

Park on Lee St by the cemetery office.

The Memorial Day service sponsored by the American Legion takes place Monday Memorial Day at 2:30 PM. All branches of the armed services are represented and it is a moving ceremony. All citizens are invited to attend.

Tim Spayde
Dan River Camping Committee

434.203.7754