Apache District - Around the Campfire
Occasional items of interest that you can search, discover, share, or toss in the fire.
Upcoming Area Events & Information - Posted 3.25.20
NEW – 2021 Scouts BSA National Jamboree
Council Recruitment is now OPEN for Scouts, adult Jamboree unit leaders and Jamboree Service Team (JST) youth and adult staff !!!
When: July 19-30, 2021
Fees: Council fee is $1,695 for youth participants and $950 for adult unit leaders. JST fees range from $450 to $895, depending on status (youth or adult) and on duration of attendance.
JST fees are paid directly to Scouts BSA.
All youth and adults for both Council contingents and JST must register online at https://jamboree.scouting.org/
Click HERE for Council Jamboree Fact Sheet
Chair - MCC 2021 Jamboree Committee
GREAT ONLINE ADULT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES!
Dear Apache District,
To quote Dr. Seuss, "the more that you learn, the more places you will go." Looking beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic, Scouting will eventually resume its traditional activities and outings. Doing so will require trained leaders, committee members, and volunteers. During this time, the Program Committee of the Apache District wanted to encourage scouting volunteers to utilize BSA's online training resources.
First, all adults participating in scouting must complete Youth Protection Training within the last two years. If your certification is expiring soon, I would encourage you to complete the training now. The training is available on My.Scouting.org.
Second, there are numerous other online training resources available for all other scouting positions, such as Cub Scout Den Leader, Scouting BSA committee member, or merit badge counselor. Those courses are also available at My.Scouting.org.
Third, the Apache District maintains a website with live training class updates and links to training resources. https://www.mccscouting.org/around-the-campfire. Updates to the training calendar will be published when available.
During this time, I hope all volunteers will utilize the online training resources to broaden their scouting knowledge.
Yours in Scouting,
Alex Eyssen
Program Chair, Apache District Committee
Canceled or rescheduled as of Tuesday, 3.17.20
Collections Merit Badge
Welding Merit Badge
Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge
Landscape Architecture Merit Badge
Conservation Service Hours Day
Apache District Cuboree scheduled for April 3-4-5, 2020, at Belk Scout Camp has been canceled.
Certified Angling Instructor Course scheduled for April 17-18-19, 2020, at Belk Scout Camp has been canceled.
Upcoming Merit Badge Workshops
NEW 2020 Merit Badge Classes!!! - GREAT NEW ADDITIONS - UPDATED 3.17.20
No merit badge courses at Discovery Place Science and at Discovery Place Nature are scheduled for through April 30. Courses scheduled for May and later will be confirmed or canceled in mid-to-late April.
Scouts can register for merit badge workshops at Discovery Place Science at
https://science.discoveryplace.org/programs-and-classes/scout-programs
These courses are scheduled:
Saturday, May 2, 2020 Oceanography
Saturday, May 2, 2020 Energy
Saturday, May 2, 2020 Space Exploration
Sunday, May 3, 2020 Chess
Saturday, June 20, 2020 Electricity
Saturday, June 20, 2020 Weather
Saturday, June 20, 2020 Chemistry
Sunday, June 21, 2020 Electronics
Saturday, August 29, 2020 Energy
Saturday, August 29, 2020 Engineering
Sunday, August 30, 2020 Chess
Sunday, August 30, 2020 Sustainability
Saturday, September 19, 2020 Robotics
Saturday, September 19, 2020 Oceanography
Sunday, September 20, 2020 Space Exploration
Saturday, November 7, 2020 Weather
Saturday, November 7, 2020 Programming
Saturday, November 7, 2020 Pulp and Paper
Sunday, November 8, 2020 Chess
Saturday, December 5, 2020 Electricity
Saturday, December 5, 2020 Chemistry
Sunday, December 6, 2020 Electronics
Sunday, December 6, 2020 Sustainability
Please call Discovery Place Science at 704 372 6261, extension 300 to register and pay.
For information on requirements, registration, and pre-course homework,
Click HERE for Merit Badge Guide - / 2020.
Discovery Place Nature Merit Badge Courses
Discovery Place Nature, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC 28209
https://nature.discoveryplace.org/programs-and-classes/scout-programs
Environmental Science Merit Badge
Discovery Place Nature, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte NC 28209
https://nature.discoveryplace.org/programs-and-classes/scout-programs
All on Saturdays - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
May 9, 2020
Cost is $15 for one class for one person.
Please call Discovery Place Nature at 704 372 6261, extension 300 to register and pay.
For information on requirements, registration, and pre-course homework,
Click HERE for Merit Badge Guide or
https://nature.discoveryplace.org/programs-and-classes/scout-programs
CANCELED - Collections Merit Badge
and the Charlotte Trade-O-Ree [TOR] Boy Scout Memorabilia Show
scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2020, at Sardis Presbyterian Church
have been canceled to follow public health initiatives for social distancing.
We will process refunds for current registrants. We will reschedule Collections Merit Badge course to coincide with the next Charlotte TOR.
CANCELED - Welding Merit Badge
scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020, at the CPCC Harper Campus, 315 W Hebron Street, Charlotte, NC 28273 has been canceled to follow public health initiatives for social distancing. We will process refunds for current registrants. We will reschedule when we can.
Lees-McRae Merit Badge College
Saturday, April 4, 2020, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
191 Main St., Banner Elk, NC 28604
For information on merit badge courses offered, costs ($15 to $25), optional camping, and registration, please click on https://www.danielboonecouncil.org/LMMBC20
Rescheduled with New Date - Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge
scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Charlotte AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway has been postponed and rescheduled with new date of Saturday, June 13, 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Free entry to Charlotte AutoFair and free parking in the Youth Program area with tickets and parking passes obtained by registration in advance. Scout leaders and parents are welcome to attend.
For updated Merit Badge Guide with information on merit badge homework, optional camping, and registration by email, please click on
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vIpd6yXG6T1rmBE0vNfgZ9w9eFIf2G-G/view?usp=sharing
Rifle Shooting Merit Badge (.22 caliber rifles)
Saturday, April 4, 2020, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Point Blank Range, 10726 Monroe Rd., Matthews, NC 28105
Cost is $30.
For information and links to online registration and payment, please click on http://www.pointblankrange.com/boy-scouts-of-america/
CANCELED - Landscape Architecture Merit Badge
scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207 has been canceled to follow public health initiatives for social distancing. We will process refunds for current registrants. We will reschedule when we can.
Astronomy and Space Exploration Merit Badges
PARI (Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute)
Scouts BSA Space Camps
1 Pari Dr, Rosman, NC 28772
828 862 5554
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, April 24-25-26 Scouts BSA Boys Weekend
Information and registration:
https://71259.blackbaudhosting.com/71259/Boy-Scout-Space-Camp-24Apr2020
Mining in Society Merit Badge
Saturdays, June 6, June 20, July 11, July 25, August 8, 2020, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
9621 Reed Mine Rd, Midland, NC 28107
Website: https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/reed-gold-mine
Cost is $5, which includes ticket for gold panning.
For Merit Badge Guide with information on optional camping, pre-course homework, and registration by phone or email, please click on
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IlEgVzzdaEsyJvOW2ZPEQkPAWINgLmZg/view?usp=sharing
NEW – Aviation Merit Badge
Tuesday, June 16, 2020, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Charlotte–Monroe Executive Airport
3900 Paul J Helms Dr, Monroe, NC 28110
Information and registration: https://www.aviationcamps.org/
For Merit Badge Guide with information on pre-course homework, please click on
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BuhNUzZLciOU3cL41utvPDGCORyVUsUT/view?usp=sharing
NEW – Stamp Collecting Merit Badge Please Save This Date
Saturday, July 25, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Charlotte Philatelic Society’s Annual Stamp Show
CPCC Central Campus, Worrell Building, formerly Taylor Hall
1228 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
NEW – Aquatics Merit Badge Days at Belk Scout Camp Please Save These Dates
Monday, August 3, 2020
Swimming Merit Badge - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon ($35)
Kayaking Merit Badge - 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ($40)
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Lifesaving Merit Badge - 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
(includes 30-min BYO lunch break) ($45)
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Swimming Merit Badge - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon ($35)
Canoeing Merit Badge - 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ($40)
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Lifesaving Merit Badge - 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
(includes 30-min BYO lunch break) ($45)
Belk Scout Camp Pool
Schedule Your Own
Scouts BSA STEM Nova Award Class
Scouts BSA STEM Up and Away Nova Award for Engineering
Scouts BSA members can complete requirements 3, 4, and 5 of the Up and Away Award with a dedicated visit to iFLY Charlotte (Concord).
Website: https://www.iflyworld.com/charlotte/
For information on registration, scheduling, and cost, please click on
https://www.iflyworld.com/programs/boy-scouts/
For Scouts BSA STEM Nova Award Requirements, please click on
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PfTMhH0_cEBgt7PO3s9bcYCdHQX-zV9m/view?usp=sharing
For Scouts BSA STEM Nova Award Video Suggestions, please click on
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PfTMhH0_cEBgt7PO3s9bcYCdHQX-zV9m/view?usp=sharing
For information on adult registration and training as a Nova Award Counselor and a Supernova Award Mentor, please click on
https://www.scouting.org/stem-nova-awards/volunteer-support/
STEM News
Scouts and their leaders from Mecklenburg County Council made news with a feature article “STEM’S Hidden Gem” in Scouting magazine, March-April 2020, pages 28-31, about their adventures at PARI (Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute) in March of 2019.
NEW - Upcoming International Scouting Opportunities
https://www.scouting.org/international/events/
July 27 - August 6, 2020, European Jamboree EuroJam Polska
https://www.scouting.org/international/events/european-jamboree-2020/
Additional events with BSA contingents (tentative):
Summer 2020, Caribbean Scout Jamboree (exact dates and location TBD)
July, 2021, 16th World Scout Moot, Ireland (exact date TBD)
https://www.scouting.org/international/world-scout-moot/
2021, 4th Interamerican Scout Moot, Argentina (exact date TBD)
2013, 25th World Scout Jamboree, Korea
Other international Scouting opportunities:
European Scout Voluntary Program
https://www.scouting.org/international/ecamp/
Participants must be 18 to 30 years old and must commit to serve on camp staff in Europe for at least 6 weeks.
Kandersteg International Scout Centre
Schedule Your Own Merit Badge Courses
Astronomy, Backpacking, Bird Study, Camping, Environmental Science, Fishing, Geology, Hiking, Insect Study, Kayaking, Mammal Study, Nature, Orienteering, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Soil and Water Conservation, Sustainability, Weather, Wilderness Survival Merit Badges, BSA Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Award
at McDowell Nature Center and Preserve
15222 South York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
980 314 1128
and
Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Orienteering, Wilderness Survival Merit Badges, BSA Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Award
at Latta Nature Center and Preserve
6211 Sample Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078
980 314 1129
Patrols or troops may schedule merit badge instruction with minimum group size of 6, up to a maximum of 15, with BSA-registered Merit Badge Counselors. Groups must schedule their programs of instruction at least 3 months in advance.
SUP at Latta has a maximum class size of 10 Scouts.
Because of requirements which require pre-course and/or post-course activities, partial completions with a one-day course are possible for Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Insect Study, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Sustainability, and Weather merit badges.
Cost of instruction is $15 to $40 per Scout, varying by the course request. Each class must have at least one supervising adult present throughout the class for class size of 9 or less, 2 adults for class sizes of 10 or more. Parents are welcome to attend all sessions.
Camping options are available on-site at McDowell Nature Preserve.
Scouts enrolling in Kayaking Merit Badge and BSA SUP Award courses must complete the BSA Swimmer Test before arrival and bring evidence to participate.
Blue card requirement: Each Scout must present to the counselor a separate blue card signed by their Scoutmaster indicating permission to participate in the course. Scouts should fill out the requirement grid portion of the card and have the Merit Badge Counselor initial this section of the card for each completed requirement. When the Scout has completed all requirements, the Merit Badge Counselor must sign and date the card in 2 places. Each Scout is responsible to obtain these signatures and to turn the card in to their Scoutmaster so that the merit badge can be registered and awarded.
Bird Study Merit Badge
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
704 875 6521
http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/
Patrols or troops can call to schedule a Bird Study Merit Badge course with minimum class size of 6.
Climbing Merit Badge
Inner Peaks
10715 Independence Pointe Pkwy., Matthews, NC 28105
https://www.innerpeaks.com/climbing-for-kids/
704 844 6677
Mr. Chris Dimatteo of the Inner Peaks staff is a registered Climbing Merit Badge Counselor with Mecklenburg County Council. Courses are offered for a minimum class size of 6, a maximum class size of 18, on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 1/2 hour lunch break or on Sundays from noon to 7:00 p.m. Courses cover all requirements except for requirement # 1 covering first aid skills, which Scouts must complete through their home troops.
Indian Lore Merit Badge
Town Creek Indian Mound
509 Town Creek Mound Rd.
Mt. Gilead, NC 27306
https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/town-creek-indian-mound
An overnight stay may be available by special permit.
A Troop must have their own merit badge counselor to sign blue cards and to coordinate instruction.
Please call Mr. Daniel Alexi at 910 439 6802 for planning.
Mining in Society Merit Badge
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
9621 Reed Mine Rd, Midland, NC 28107
Website: https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/reed-gold-mine
Cost is $5, which includes ticket for gold panning.
For Merit Badge Guide with information on optional camping, pre-course homework, and registration for your patrol or troop by phone or email, please click on
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IlEgVzzdaEsyJvOW2ZPEQkPAWINgLmZg/view?usp=sharing
Scouting Heritage Merit Badge
Hammerstone Scout Museum
2166 Leaflet Church Rd, Lillington, NC 27546
919 618 2965
https://www.ourstate.com/theres-a-patch-for-that/
http://www.dunntourism.org/hammerstone-scout-museum/
Tours and/or camping on site are available only by appointment. Troops must schedule their visits by calling Mr. Wayne Farrar at the number above.
Camping is also available Raven Rock State Park 8.8 miles away.
Troops must provide their own merit badge counselors.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/edftUjnBBGyCz8Mz8
Scuba Merit Badge
Lake Norman Scuba LLC
482 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117
Phone: 704 660 3483
Mr. Andrew Katsamas is a registered Scuba Merit Badge Counselor with Mecklenburg County Council.
Pre-course requirements:
Completion of Swimming Merit Badge
Completion of CPR training
Course completion requires 6 hours of pool instruction each day for 1 weekend and 6 hours of quarry diving instruction each day for 1 weekend and 1 hour review with the counselor.
2019 - Apache Awards Banquet
Congratulations to Apache District’s 2019 recipients of the following awards, and to all the scouters who were recognized by their units with the God Send Award.
District God Send Award – Laurie Breininger and Gary Wilson - Pack 79 and Andy Waligowski - Pack 7
Cub Scouters of the Year - Tony Fabiano - Pack 613 & Hector Soberson - Pack 249
Boy Scouters of the Year - Jason Bennett - Troop 3 & Don Denton - Troop 111
Venture Leader of the Year - Doug Whitaker- Crew 167
Commissioner of the Year – David Larsen
55 Years in Scouting
Congratulations to Del Whittaker who received a certificate for 55 Years in Scouting.
2019 District Award of Merit
The District Award of Merit is a Council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national award presented by Councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level.
Congratulations to members of the Apache District - District Award of Merit class:
pictured - Brian Tenholder - Troop 175, Tara Christensen - Pack 34, Sean Spainhour - Pack 258
Special award -
55 Years in Scouting
Congratulations to Del Whittaker who received a certificate for 55 Years in Scouting.
Opportunities for Eagle Projects
Cancelled - Conservation Service Hours Day
scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Belk Scout Camp
has been canceled to follow public health initiatives for social distancing. We will process refunds for current registrants. We will reschedule when we can.
Hemby Program Center Brace Family YMCA
The Hemby Center is located on Kuykendall Road; between Providence and McKee.
It is a 21-acre site housing a Preschool, Afterschool Program and Eagle Rock Day Camp. Plenty of opportunities for Eagle Scout Service Projects.
For further details:please contact: Mr. Ben Penegar, Executive Director of the Brace Family YMCA ben.penegar@ymcacharlotte.org Phone: (704) 716-4209
NEW - President James K. Polk Historic Site update!! - posted 10.1.19
Midland Commons is a low income senior housing community. It is owned by National Church Residences a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing to seniors 62 years old or older and persons with disabilities. They have several potential project, but especially the need for a raised community garden.
Background information from the Service Coordinator:
“Last year we started our first community garden which took the majority of my residents back to their gardening days. Everyone was excited and worked hard making our garden the best. However, Midland Commons has some residents in wheelchairs and lack range of motion to bend and kneel; this prevents them from participating in our garden.
As Service Coordinator, I am attempting to add some cheer to their lives during this spring and summer time by having raised garden beds installed and wanted to know if your Boy Scouts Unit would take this project on? I hear the Boy Scouts have an “Eagle Project” and can’t think of a better project where the boys would gain wisdom from Midland Commons residents and improve their gardening, project management and construction knowledge.”
For further details, please contact Jonas Richardson, Service Coordinator at (704) 395-8777 or 0827. His email address is sc@ncr.org
Reed's Gold Mine
Located in nearby Midland, NC, not far from the Belk Scout Camp, and just a 30-minute drive from the Ballantyne area, this is the site of the first gold mine in the United States. For information about merit badges and Eagle service projects call Mike Scott at (704) 721- 4653.
Comments, suggestions and potential Eagle Service Projects
If you have comments, suggestions or potential Eagle Service Projects, send an e-mail to: w.kalbas@gmail.com.
Keep the Outing in Scouting. Check out the latest Where To Go Camping Guide
Looking for great places to camp? Each year the Catawba Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, prepares an update to the Where To Go Camping Guide (WTGCG). The 2019 version has now been published to the web at
http://www.catawba459.org/where-to-go-camping-guide
The WTGCG contains information on Mecklenburg County Council and BSA camping policies and our Council camps. You can discover where your unit might go car camping or backpacking or canoe camping with sample trips that units have taken. The Guide also contains information on camping in association with unit, council, regional, and national training programs, on camping at BSA National High Adventure Bases and at National and World Scout Jamborees
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden – Belmont, NC - posted 9.4.18
Eagle Service Project and other volunteer opportunities
Eagle Scout projects are a great way for the Garden to not only work with individual Scouts to complete this major milestone, but also to enhance the Garden itself. Garden staff will work with scouts to ensure all projects fall within Garden parameters. Scouts interested in completing their service project at the Garden must contact the Volunteer Manager to set up their initial meeting. The Garden also offers opportunities to fulfill community service hour needs throughout the year. Whether it’s spending some time with our horticulture staff or helping out at one of our many weekend events, there are endless volunteer opportunities at the Garden! Please feel free to contact
Heather Wiley, Volunteer Manager at (704) 829-1257 or Wiley@dsbg.or
Carolina Outdoors Radio Show
Looking for some great information on hiking, fishing, camping or wonderful places to visit, camp, or hike? Listen to Bill Bartee and Don Yager on “Carolina Outdoors Radio Show. You can hear them on WBT radio (1110 AM or 99.3 FM) on Saturday mornings at 5 a m. Or better yet, or download their podcasts and listen to them at your convenience. You can access their podcasts from http://jessebrowns.com
Bill is an Eagle Scout and the owner of Jesse Browns. He and Don have been doing the show for nearly 20 years.
Carolina Thread Trail
Looking for new places to Hike, Bike Walk, Run, Paddle, Learn, or Volunteer
Check out Carolina Thread Trail - http://www.carolinathreadtrail.org
Also view the excellent interactive Map - http://www.carolinathreaedtrai.org/map/
The Carolina Thread Trail (The Thread) is an exciting project that’s creating a regional network of greenways, trails and blueways that reaches 15 counties, 2 states and 2.3 million people. There are 141 miles of The Thread open to the public – linking people, places, cities, towns and attractions.
Fishing Resources
Looking for places to take your kids fishing?
Both the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department
And the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have EXCELLENT websites. The N C Fishing Access map is AWESOME!
For further details please visit:
http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/StewardshipServices/Pages/Fishing.aspx
http://www.ncwildlife.org/Fishing.aspx
Thank you for visiting - Around the Campfire!!
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