Smoke Signals - 1.1.21
An online edition of our Apache District Newsletter can also be found @ http://www.mccscouting.org/apache under the Smoke Signals tab
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy
From your Apache District Committee
Apache Roundtable for Thursday, January,14 2021 - On Schedule.
In-person outdoor meeting for Scout leaders, 7:00 p.m.
Happy New Year Scout Leaders!
After numerous discussions with Council Leadership, we will hold the January 14 Roundtable outside in the parking lot of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (6828 Old Reid RD, 28210). We request that all who can attend wear face masks and adhere to proper social distancing (6 feet). We will limit our total group size to 25 present at the same time.
This Roundtable meeting purpose is two-fold:
1. Scouting for Food door hangers will be available for pick up. Unit representatives may ‘drive by’ for grab-and-go pickup hangers for your Pack/Troop/Crew.
2. For those who wish to enjoy being outside of your home for a bit longer, you may partake in some hot cocoa and "leftover" Christmas cookies while catching up with your peers on your efforts to keep Scouting moving forward despite COVID-19. We will plan on sharing meeting and outing ideas for 2021 as well.
Soon to follow: more fun facts and successful tips for keeping the “outing” in Scouting in 2021.
YIS and Thank You
Brady Drummond-Ryan
Apache Roundtable Commissioner
https://www.mccscouting.org/apache-roundtables
On Schedule --- Eagle Project Reviews, Thursday, January 14, 2021, 6:00 pm
In-person reviews of Eagle Project Proposals will be available.
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Scouts should follow instructions for scheduling posted at
https://www.mccscouting.org/eagle-scouts, then Project Review Information, or
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/176532_a901c5127e164caebbb165cb131bb7c7.pdf
NEW and IMPORTANT –2021 Camp Card Sale
Brian Sweeney, Hornets Nest District Director is the 2021 Camp Card Adviser. He has said, "I’m excited to lead the easiest 'Fun-Raiser' ever! If you’ve sold Camp Cards before, you know how easy they are to sell to make money for your Scouts to attend camp. Units can also use the sale as a fundraiser to support Super-trips or other activities. If your unit has never sold Camp Cards before, let me be the first to welcome you and get you started on your way!"
Scouts can sell Camp Cards for $10 each. The unit will receive $5. The Council will receive $5.
Even with only 1 or 2 uses, a Camp Card can pay for itself.
As of January 2, 2021, Council staff are currently working to create an online selling platform for Scouts to sell cards online. Sold cards will be mailed from the Council office to card purchasers. More details will follow.
The 2021 Camp Card has 19 one-time use discount coupons, including
Andy's Frozen Custard
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Blackhawk Hardware
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza (Mecklenburg County locations are participating.)
Cabela's
Carolina Raptor Center
Charlotte Independence soccer team
Charlotte Knights baseball team
Charlotte Running Company (Dilworth, Northlake, Lake Norman, Promenade, and Riverwalk locations are participating.)
Dicks Sporting Goods
Domino’s Pizza
Harris Teeter
Jesse Brown’s Outdoors
Kasby's Furniture + Design
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Sabor Latin Street Grill (All 17 locations are participating.)
Sam's Xpress Car Wash
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
True Crafted Pizza
The 2021 Camp Card has 10 re-usable offers, including
Arby's
Discovery Place
Domino’s Pizza
Hawthorne's Pizza
Mellow Mushroom
Monster Mini Golf
Monterrey's Mexican Restaurant (3 locations are participating.)
Mr. Putty's Fun Park
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Sports Clips
Key Dates for Camp Card Sales
January 22 Pre-order forms due at Council Service Center
January 27 Council-wide kickoff starting at 6:30 p.m. by Zoom
January 28 Units can pick up Camp Cards starting on January 28th from the front desk of the Scout Shop along with sales envelopes for Scouts, Leaders Guide, and tracking sheets.
January 30 SALE BEGINS!
March 12 Redistribution day; 50/50 day. Each unit must turn in cards or money if the unit has not sold more than 50%. Cards will be redistributed to units that have sold ALL of their original allotment and want additional cards to sell.
April 9 SALE ENDS! Unit account settlements begin. All cards and money must be turned in! Units turn in Leaders' Tracking Form. For every 20 cards that a Scout Sells, the Scout is entered into the Grand Prize Drawing. One Scout will win.
April 16 Last day to receive 50% commission.
April 17 Commission reduces to 40%.
April 18 Units may settle their accounts at the Council Service Center on or before this date.
April 19 Grand Prize Drawing
April 23 Commission reduces to 25%.
April 30 Commission reduces to 15%.
May 7 No commission.
The Grand Prize Drawing winner will receive a youth annual pass to the US National Whitewater Center (USNWC), valued at $18.
NEW and Important - Scouting for Food 2021
1. We will not have paper bags or plastic bags to hand out this year. This change is NOT due to Covid 19. Instead, approx. 32 states have placed bans on the use of plastic bags. This has created a nationwide shortage of brown paper bags and Harris Teeter does not have access to 150,000 bags for a special SFF print job. This policy shift has also disrupted the plastic bag industry and Harris Teeter does not have access to 150,000 plastic bags for a special print job either. SOOOOOO, Harris Teeter will be able to print card stock door hangers that can be hung on door handles or placed in paper boxes. The door hangers will include dates and times for SFF collection, a list of products most needed, ask people to use bags and/or boxes they already have for their collection, an online giving option, and a place for units to write in their unit number/name so residents know which unit came to their house. Loaves & Fishes staff will design the door hanger and we will include a mock-up with the online Leaders Guide. FYI, for those who choose the online giving option, $1.00 will purchase four (4) pounds of food for a family in need.
FYI, for those who choose the online giving option, $1.00 will purchase four (4) pounds of food for a family in need.
2. Roundtable sign-ups and door hanger distribution. Please ask units to cover the same neighborhoods they have covered in prior years. If a unit backs out, please try to get another unit to cover these areas. Instead of bags, we will give units an equal number of door hangers so the numbers they have used in previous years should remain the same. We are still developing a plan to distribute the door hangers and this will depend on when Roundtables begin to meet in person again. If they meet in person in January then we will have them at the January meetings. Otherwise, we will make arrangements for the door hangers to be picked up at the Scout Office or Loaves & Fishes. I will let you know when a distribution plan has been finalized.
3. Scouts at the Door. Some units have opted to set up tables outside of Harris Teeter stores and solicit donations from customers. We are checking with Harris Teeter to determine if this is still permitted in the world of Covid 19. I will share this info with you when I hear back from Harris Teeter and the Leaders Guide will be updated to reflect any new requirements.
4. Collection sites/locations will stay the same as last year.
5. Sorting and bag counting will not happen at collection sites this year. Because of Covid 19, we are asking units to “Drop and Dash”. Units will bring their bags/boxes of food to the normal collection sites/locations. Catawba Lodge members will assist with unloading food from vehicles. Bags will not be counted at drop-off. However, units are encouraged to count their own bags if this is important to them. NO SORTING will happen at the collection sites. Instead, the bags of food will be transferred by Catawba Lodge members and other volunteers directly into the large boxes that are in each Loaves & Fishes trailer. The food will be hauled to the Loaves & Fishes warehouse where it will be stored and sorted by volunteers utilizing appropriate social distancing guidelines.
Loaves & Fishes encourages units to sign up to help sort. Sorters must be at least age 10 or older and group sizes are currently limited to 10 people. This number may increase as North Carolina Covid 19 guidelines are updated. They ask groups to commit to a 2-hour shift and they are currently open until 6 pm on weekdays. Weekend shifts may be added if needed. This is a great way for units to give back to their community and to earn service hours. The sign-up process will be added to the Leaders Guide.
January, 2021, Bag bundles pickup, date, time, location pending
Saturday, January 30, 2021, Door hanger distribution to neighborhoods
Sunday, January 31, 2021, Door hanger distribution to worshippers leaving church services
Saturday, February 6, 2021, Food donation collection from neighborhoods
Sunday, February 7, 2021, Food donation collection from worshippers arriving to church services
Units should contact
Phil Adams
704-575-5209
Apache SFF Coordinator
Cub Pack Support Task Force
We are starting up a new Cub Pack Support Task Force in the Apache Commissioner Corps and need YOUR help. Many of you are familiar with the unit commissioner role which partners a specific commissioner with a specific unit. We’re expanding on that model to create a team of experts to assist Cub Packs across the district that have a targeted need.
We are seeking two levels of support for this. First are seasoned leaders who can commit to monthly meetings designed to review packs who are in need of this targeted help and formulate plans to assist. Second, a network of leaders within the district who are subject matter experts on specific areas such as recruitment, programing, camping, or fundraising. These folks would be available as "on-call" support when needs are identified in their areas of expertise.
If you can help out with this, or if you know someone who can, please contact Chris McLean at chris.m.1995@live.com and Jason Bennett at jrb287@hotmail.com.
Recruiting Ideas for Your Unit
Recruiting is tough right now. No access to traditional CMS schools, many CO’s not letting you in the building. Families still COVID-shy of in person meetings. The following ideas are for your Unit to leverage now (and in the future!):
Nextdoor.com – promote what your Scouts are doing, when and where you meet.
Facebook – if you don’t have a Unit page, that’s fine, many HOA’s or neighborhoods have a page where you can promote what your Scouts are doing, when and where you meet.
Charter Org News – ask your Charter Org to promote what your Scouts are doing in their news/ bulletins. Have them share on their Social Media channels.
Local School Principal & PTA – do you know the Principal and/ or PTA where most of your Scouts come from? Now is the time to build and foster those relationships. Cleanup around the school, take pictures and have them post on their Social Media channels.
For more information or ideas, contact Apache Membership Chair Andy Waligowski at andy.waligowski@gmail.com
Cub Scout Meetings – Where Do We Go?
If your Charter Org is closed, you can still meet outside. Now is a great time to keep the outing in Scouting. Meet at public parks – Town or County parks are open. If you can’t have traditional Den Meetings, meet as a Pack and let the Scouts learn Scout skills – some may be advanced or repeats, but get them outside and have them bring a friend!!
For more information or ideas, contact Apache Membership Chair Andy Waligowski at andy.waligowski@gmail.com
Merit Badge Information
More information on local courses is available at
https://www.mccscouting.org/around-the-campfire
Information on regional and national courses is posted at
http://www.meritbadge.info/mbn/default.aspx
Spreadsheet sorts by date and by state are recommended.
Current merit badge requirements:
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/
Scheduled Merit Badge Courses
NEW - Dentistry Merit Badge
Offered as an online, virtual merit badge course in 2 sessions.
Sessions are scheduled for February 4 and 10, 2021, each 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
This announcement will be updated in early January with confirmation of dates, times, merit badge homework, and link to online registration and payment.
NEW - Indian Lore Merit Badge
Offered as a hybrid course with 2 online, virtual merit badge sessions on February 25 and March 15, and a concluding in-person craft session on April 10 at Spring Camp. This announcement will be updated in early January with confirmation of dates, times, merit badge homework, and link to online registration and payment. Fees will cover costs of administration, conferencing, crafts, and printing.
NEW – Personal Management Merit Badge
Offered as a hybrid course with 3 online, virtual, monthly merit badge sessions beginning on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. and a concluding in-person session in April. This announcement will be updated in early January with confirmation of dates, times, merit badge homework, and link to online registration and payment.
Please Save These Dates!
NEW – Maporee on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Belk Scout Camp
Mecklenburg County Council invites Scouts and units to participate in a day-camp Maporee to cover basic map, compass, land navigation skills, and Orienteering Merit Badge. Units are invited to camp for the weekend. Climbing and Archery Merit Badges and possibly others will be offered. This announcement will be updated in early January with confirmation of dates, times, merit badge homework, and link to online registration and payment.
NEW – Spring Camp on Friday-Saturday-Sunday, April 9-10-11, 2021, at Camp Grimes
Mecklenburg County Council invites Scouts and troops to participate in Spring Camp 2021, a summer-camp dress rehearsal focused on merit badges. The Catawba Lodge of the Order of the Arrow will sponsor Camping and Indian Lore Merit Badges. Climbing Tower will be open Climbing Merit Badge. Shooting Sports Ranges will be open to offer Shotgun Shooting, Rifle Shooting, and Archery Merit Badges. Communications, Family Life, and Citizenship Merit Badges will be available. The Summer Camp kitchen staff will provide food for Friday night Cracker Barrel, Saturday breakfast, lunch, supper, Cracker Barrel, and Sunday breakfast. All participants will follow COVID precautions for health screening, wearing masks, spacing, hand washing, outside eating, small cohorts.
This announcement will be updated in early January with a link to online registration and payment.
More information on courses
Course Guides, flyers, registration methods, costs, pre-course homework, appropriate clothing, and links to online registration and payments is or will be available at https://www.mccscouting.org/around-the-campfire .
Snow Sports Merit Badge
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, February 26-27-28, 2021
Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center
91 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
https://www.lakejunaluska.com/specials_packages/group_packages/boy_scout_retreats/
Schedule Your Own Merit Badge Courses
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.
Scuba Merit Badge
Lake Norman Scuba LLC
482 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117
Phone: 704 660 3483
https://www.lakenormanscuba.com/
Mr. Andrew Katsamas is a registered Scuba Merit Badge Counselor with Mecklenburg County Council.
Pre-course requirements: Completion of Swimming Merit Badge and 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 a 1-hour review with the counselor.
Schedule Your Own
Scouts BSA STEM Nova Award Course
Scouts BSA STEM Up and Away Nova Award for Engineering
NEW – iFly has added virtual (remote) learning opportunities for Scouts interested in earning the Up and Away Nova Award. Scouts may enroll individually or as part of a group.
iFly Charlotte will hold a Nova Award online course on Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m. The cost will be $19.95 for the online course alone and $44.95 for the online course plus a voucher for a wind-tunnel flight.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bsa-nova-award-up-and-away-stem-education-event-tickets-118200971287
Scouts BSA members can complete requirements 3 and 5 of the Up and Away Award through the online course and requirement 4 with a dedicated visit to iFLY Charlotte (Concord) located at 7840 Lyles Ln NW, Concord, NC 28027, phone 704 851 4359.
Website: https://www.iflyworld.com/charlotte/
For information on registration, programs for individuals or groups, scheduling, and costs, 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/
Scouting EPA Award
On August 17, 2020, the EPA and BSA issued a press release and held a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. announcing a new Scouting EPA Award, recognized by a patch.
Scouts must complete requirements before December 31, 2021.
Requirements are discussed at 6:40 and following on the video.
Scouts must earn 4 merit badges, including 1 merit badge from each of 3 groups,
one from Animal Studies Group (Bird Study or Insect Study or Mammal Study or Reptile and Amphibian Study),
one from Outdoor Activity Group (Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Gardening),
one from Earth Sciences Group (Energy, Forestry, Geology, Oceanography, Plant Science, Weather).
The fourth merit badge is Public Health.
Scouts must also participate in an Environmental or Public Health Community Service project
for 6 hours of service.
BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award
In early November, 2020, BSA announced a new conservation award program to replace the Hornaday Award program. Information is posted at
Youth awards must be earned. Scouts must develop and execute 2 significant projects, involving research, collaboration and project planning, completion, and education.
“The projects must be developed under the guidance and pre-approval of the Scout’s Unit Leader, a BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Adviser, and the Council Conservation Committee. One of the projects may include the Scout’s Eagle Scout project (if applicable). All projects must contribute to environment improvement on a long-term scale.”
ADVANCEMENT NEWS:
Eagle Project Reviews during COVID-19, Update as of 10.23.2020
Having moved into Phase Three of the Governor’s Plan to reopen North Carolina, the Mecklenburg County Council’s Advancement Committee has approved in-person reviews of Eagle Projects. In-person Project Proposal reviews will occur at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church beginning with the November 12 Roundtable day. Reviews will begin at 6:00 p.m. Please note the new time.
We will not be in a position to accept walk in reviews, so please contact Apache.advancement@gmail.com to schedule the review. Upon receipt of the request for review, the Scout will receive instructions as to how to proceed at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on the night of the review. The Scout will receive an email with a phone number for notifying the reviewers of their arrival. When a reviewer is prepared for the Scout, the Scout will receive a text letting the Scout that they may proceed into the building. Please do NOT enter the building until a text has been received permitting entrance.
Masks will be required at all times while the Scout is in the building. The reviews will be set up in a socially distant manner to minimize the risks. If the Scout or anyone with whom the Scout has been in close contact show COVID infection symptoms, please err do not attend in person.
For those Scouts that do not feel comfortable meeting in person, the Scout is to follow the normal protocol of requesting a review request via email to Apache.advancement@gmail.com. Please note in the email that you are requesting a virtual review. With their email review requests, Scouts may attach their Eagle Project Proposal Workbooks and other documents, such as worksite maps, project construction plans, additional pages with details of any logistics, and safety plans, as needed. These requests will be distributed periodically to Eagle Project Reviewers. Once a reviewer has been assigned, the reviewer will contact the Scout (with a copy to another adult to maintain 2-deep leadership) to plan a virtual review.
Age-Extension Beyond the 18th Birthday for Eagle Requirements during COVID-19(Update as of 8/30/20)
The National Council of BSA has issued updated guidelines, which now provide that Local councils will now be given authority by the National Council to grant an additional three-month extension, which will end December 31, 2020
.
National guideline dated 8/30/20 interpreted by the Council Advancement Committee:
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Life Scout turns 18 on 12/15/20
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one extension of up to 3-months allowed ending on 3/14/21
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Since the extension ends after 12/31/2020, the Council cannot grant another extension
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Life Scout turns 18 between 3/31/20 and 6/30/20
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Up to 3 extensions allowed through 12/31/20
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The Scout should request an extension up to 3 times – the original and as the first and second expire
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The first extension would end 3 months after the 18th birthday and each further extension 3 months thereafter until the extension granted between 10/1/20 and 12/31/20 which would be the last one the council may grant
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Life Scout turns 18 between 9/1/20 and 11/30/20
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Up to two extensions allowed
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The first extension runs 3 months from the 18th birthday between 9/1/20 and 11/30/20
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If the Scout then needs a second extension, then a second 3-months extension request is submitted and approved through a date ending 6 months after the 18th birthday but no later than 2/28/21
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NOTE: The 3 month extensions are months and not 90 days and thus a Scout turning 18 on 11/13/20 getting an extension would have until 2/12/21 to complete the Eagle requirements.
Scouts must specifically request age extension beyond 18 to continue pursuing Eagle Scout requirements by submitting an Age-Extension Form, 512-077 (2020 Printing) available at https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-077.pdf, to Joel Moser, Council Advancement Chair, at joelmoser@earthlink.net.
Eagle Application Packet Processing, Update as of 5/27/2020
With the Council office and Scout Shop now open with its normal operating hours, a Scout or troop leader may drop off a newly completed Eagle application packet during Scout Shop hours. If the Scout or leader is uncomfortable with entering the Scout Shop, he or she should call the Scout Shop number 704 342 9323 when they arrive at the Council office and let Scout Shop Manager Jennifer Adkins know that they have an Eagle packet to leave. She will come out to their car to retrieve the packet. Laura Bachelder of the Council staff will review the application material for completeness and notify the District Eagle Scout Board of Review Coordinator that the application is ready to be picked up.
Eagle Scout Boards of Review, Update as of 5/27/2020
Having moved into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Plan to reopen North Carolina, the Mecklenburg County Council’s Advancement Committee has approved the following: Effective immediately, in-person Eagle Boards of Review can now be resumed if all parties are comfortable and feel safe following CDC guidelines. Virtual Eagle Boards of Review are an option if in-person Eagle Boards of Review are not possible. In-person Eagle Boards of Review are encouraged where the situation allows.
The District Advancement Chairs, along with the District Advancement Committees, will immediately start expediting the backlog of Eagle Scout packets submitted to the Scout Office during the COVID shutdown. Also, Eagle Scout packets ready to be turned in may be submitted to the Scout Office during normal working hours.
If units are restricted from their normal EBOR meeting place for COVID reasons and have no other option, the conference rooms at the Scout Office are available. Please contact your District Advancement Chair, or District Director, to reserve a date and space at the Scout Office for your EBOR.
Utilization of outdoor facilities such as public parks where one might have access to picnic tables and benches is another option.
After an Eagle Board, a District Eagle Board Reviewer can return the signed Eagle application and all letters of recommendation to the Council office by following the same schedule and process.
Updates for Rank Advancement/Camping Requirements in COVID-19 FAQ
BSA National has added temporary changes to rank requirements.
https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/covid-19-faq/
Blue Card and Advancement Report Processing
Advancement reports (with supporting blue cards and/or summer camp advancement reports) can be mailed in or dropped off at any time in the mail slot at the back door of the office (the mail slot is 1.5 inches tall) Although many troops use Scoutbook for advancement reports, some may use the BSA Advancement form as posted at https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34403.pdf . Blue cards are very strongly recommended to all Scouts and to all troops because blue card records can be invaluable to confirm merit badges for Star, Life, and especially for Eagle Boards of Review.
After the Scout Shop receives the reports and cards, processing may take up to 7 to 10 business days. Troop leaders should please include contact information so that the Scout Shop can call when reports and blue cards are ready for pickup. Pickup can occur during curbside Scout Shop hours, currently Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. If leaders would like to purchase badges, they can note it with the packet delivery or can email a copy of the advancement report to Scout Shop Manager Jennifer Adkins at jennifer.adkins@scouting.org so that badges can be pulled for curbside pickup. Costs for badges can be deducted from unit Scout Shop accounts with express permission from an authorized user or can be paid for by credit card.
Signatures for advancements
All advancement reports require at least one signature. If any ranks 1st Class and above are listed on the report, 3 signatures are still required. Unit leaders can send e-signatures by email to Council Program Assistant Laura Bachelder at laura.bachelder@scouting.org
How to conduct a board of review through videoconferencing
The Mecklenburg County Council Advancement Committee has endorsed and approved Boards of Review conducted through videoconferencing.
Digital Safety and Online Scouting Activities
Updated Merit Badges
Scouts BSA has updated requirements for several merit badges for 2020. The full list of 137 merit badges and their current requirements are available at
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/.
As always, Scouts that have already started working on a merit badge when revised requirements and a new edition of the pamphlet are introduced, they may continue to follow the old requirements and use the same pamphlet to earn the badge. They need not start over again with revised requirements and the new pamphlet.
Eagle Board of Review Questions
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2012/09/14/20-questions-to-ask-at-your-next-eagle-board-of-review/
Tools for Eagle Projects
Charlotte Community ToolBank provides inexpensive access to tools for group projects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWqwzlkJWv8
http://charlotte.toolbank.org/
NEW – Read Good News
Scouts from Troop 47 in Middleton, NJ save 2 children from any icy pond
https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/watch-middletown-teens-sled-rescue-good-morning-america
From the Pond
Fishing and Fly Fishing Merit Badge Counselor Guides
http://bsacai.org/news/9270910
Fly Fishing MB Counselor Guide
Merit Badge Counselor Registrations
If you are not a merit badge counselor or need to renew, please visit the Council’s Advancement page at https://www.mccscouting.org/advancement Please remember that all Merit Badge Counselors need to renew annually, usually in December.
FISH ON!!!
Outing in Scouting
Long distance trails in NC
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article239278463.html?intcid=connatix
Subscribe for free printable USGS Topo maps
https://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/pdf-quads
NEW - On a cold winter evening, bring Dutch oven cooking and baking to your Scouts:
Intro to Dutch oven cooking
http://www.bsatroop540.com/camping-recipes/
Dessert recipes
http://www.bsatroop540.com/camping-recipes/dessert/
APACHE DISTRICT NEWS AND EVENTS:
Apache Winter Klondike Derby Canceled
The Hornets Nest District Camping Committee has decided to postpone the Klondike Derby that was scheduled for Feb 26, 2021 due to COVID-related safety concerns. Because Apache District was planning to piggy-back onto this event, we will cancel the Apache Klondike Derby and plan to host our first event next winter. We are investigating the potential for a Spring Camporee to provide another opportunity to keep the "outing in Scouting."
For more information, please contact the Apache District Camping Committee at bass.jason74@yahoo.com
Attention: Lion, Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Dens
Apache Spring Cuboree at Camp Grimes
April 16-18, 2021, Friday-Saturday-Sunday
NEW - Philmont Trek for Female Scouters and Scouts
Want to have a Philmont adventure this summer? Female Scouts and Scouters can join
Troop 111's 12 day trek, June 13 to 25, 2021. Please contact Towner Blackstock at townerblackstock@gmail.com, 704-491-4010.
COUNCIL NEWS AND EVENTS:
Scout Shop News
First aid kit supplies and survival kit supplies are available in the Mecklenburg County Council Scout Shop.
Webelos First Responder requirement 6. Put together a simple home first-aid kit. Explain what you included and how to use each item correctly.
Webelos Walkabout requirement 2. Assemble a first-aid kit suitable for your hike or activity.
Tenderfoot requirement 4d. Assemble a personal first-aid kit to carry with you on future campouts and hikes. Tell how each item in the kit would be used.
First Aid Merit Badge requirement 5. Do the following:
(a) Prepare a first-aid kit for your home. Display and discuss its contents with your counselor.
(b) With an adult leader, inspect your troop's first-aid kit. Evaluate it for completeness. Report your findings to your counselor and Scout leader
Webelos-AOL Castaway Requirement # 2. Do all of the following.
A. Learn what items should be in an outdoor survival kit that you can carry in a small bag or box in a day pack. Assemble your own small survival kit, and explain to your den leader why the items you chose are important for survival.
First Aid Skill - What is a “ring string”?
A ring string is used to compress swelling from a finger where a ring is stuck and otherwise cannot be removed. Swelling might occur from arthritis, trauma, infection, burn, or medical conditions like heart or kidney diseases that cause fluid retention. A ring string could be string, a strand of paracord core, fishing line, dental floss, sewing thread, narrow ribbon, a rubber band. A ring string can be wrapped from fingertip toward the ring to force swelling under the ring. A tooth pick, a rounded end of a safety pin, a pen tip cover, or other fine blunt probe can be used to push the string beneath the ring. By gently pulling on the end of the string passing beneath the ring, the ring string unwinds off the finger and pushes the ring toward the fingertip where it is removed. If swelling is only partially improved by the first wrapping, the wrapping and removal process can be repeated. Applying hand lotion or cooking oil or soap as lubrication to the swollen finger can allow the ring to slide off more easily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrDROoJAF4I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6MjZExWmvs
Adult Volunteer Registration and Renewals
BSA National now requires an updated Background Check Form to be submitted with each new Adult Application (along with BSA Youth Protection certificate) and with each adult registration renewal for rechartering units, merit badge counselors, districts and councils. Here are links to information and forms:
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/se-packet/2019-09-30/Background-Check-Disclosure.pdf
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2019/10/14/rechecks-of-criminal-backgrounds-explained/
Attention: Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos Dens
2021 Cub Day Camps
June 7 - June 11, Monday – Friday Etowah Day Camp at Belk Scout Camp
June 7 - June 11, Monday – Friday Hornets Nest Day Camp at Bethel Presbyterian Church, Cornelius
June 21 - June 25, Monday – Friday Apache Day Camp at Belk Scout Camp
Theme is “Weird Science”
NEW Attention: Bear and Webelos Dens
2021 Webelos Adventure Camp (WAC) Sessions at Belk Scout Camp
July 8 - July 11, Thursday – Sunday Session 1
July 11 - July 14, Sunday – Wednesday Session 2
July 15 - July 18, Thursday – Sunday Session 3
NEW Webelos Adventure Camp 2021 – Now Accepting Seasonal Staff Applications
Do you have what it takes to serve on WAC staff? Think you can be a hero to a young Scout? Join us this summer at Belk Scout Camp for Webelos Adventure Camp.
Opportunities for first-choice positions are best among those who apply prior to March 19th. However, applications will continue to be accepted after that time. Additionally, any staff that applies before March 19th will get their name embroidered on their staff hat.
If you think you would be a positive addition to our WAC staff, click the link to complete a Camp Staff Application: WAC Staff Application.
For more information, contact the WAC Camp Director, Sasha Timkovich WACDirector@GMail.com
Attention: AOL Dens, Scouts BSA Troops, Summer Camp Staff
2021 Camp Grimes Dates and Deadlines
https://www.mycampgrimes.org/dates.phtml?ver=5
September 15, 2020 Staff Employment Applications Accepted
January 15, 2021 Troop Camper Deposits Due - $20.00 per Scout
April 15 Campership Applications Due
May 1 Balance of Camp Fees Due
May 5 OA Beaver Days Registration Deadline
May 14-15-16 OA Beaver Days
June 6 - June 11 Staff Week
June 13 - June 19 Week 1
June 20 - June 26 Week 2
June 27 - July 3 Week 3
July 4 - July 10 Week 4
July 11 - July 17 Week 5
ORDER OF THE ARROW – APACHE CHAPTER
Link your Lodge Email to your Personal Email
Some of you may not know how to access your Lodge email account, or may be unaware that
you have one. You can find instructions on forwarding all of your Lodge emails to your personal
email account at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwrGkVVw08OudS1xSHZlb1RSS1U/view?usp=sharing
TRAINING:
https://www.scoutshop.org/trained-leader-strip-280.html
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33066/33066_Training_Awards_WEB.pdf
“Trained” Patches for Youth Leaders
Scout youth leaders who have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST), den chiefs (Scouts, Sea Scouts, or Venturers) who have completed Den Chief Training, and Venturing youth leaders who have completed the Crew Officers Orientation or Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC) may wear the Trained Leader emblem with their badge of office.
Den Chief training is available online at
https://www.scouting.org/training/youth/den-chief-training/
ILST and ILSC are available online at
https://www.scouting.org/training/youth/
Youth should print their certificates to present to unit leaders for facilitate record keeping.
“Trained” Patches for Adult Leaders
Adults leaders can find requirements for earning their trained patches at
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/training/pdf/Trained_Leader_Positions.pdf
along with references to online training courses available at https://my.scouting.org.
Another resource is https://www.scouting.org/training/adult/
Online District Committee training is available.
NEW - National Youth Leader Training (NYLT, AKA “Top Gun”)
http://topgun.mcc-bsa.org/home-1
The next MCC NYLT course is tentatively scheduled for June 2021 (exact date TBD) with registration for this course opening January 1, 2021.
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) at Philmont
https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/ptc/nayle/
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) at Summit
https://www.summitbsa.org/programs/training/seven-day-conferences/nayle/
Philmont Training Center Conferences [for adult volunteer training]
BSA Family Adventure Camp
https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/ptc/2020-conferences/
NEW - SEALS and IOLS courses at Belk Scout Camp are planned for the second weekend of March and for the second weekend in November on an ongoing basis.
https://sites.google.com/site/bsamcctraining/
SEALS - Scouts Excited About Leadership Skills [for youth] at Belk Scout Camp
Canceled SEALS course - Friday-Saturday-Sunday, March 12-13-14, 2021
https://sites.google.com/site/mccseals/home
Next SEALS course: Friday-Saturday-Sunday, November 12-14, 2021
IOLS - Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills [for adults] at Belk Scout Camp
Tenative IOLS course dates: Saturday-Sunday, March 13-14, 2021
https://sites.google.com/site/outdoorleaderskillsmcc/home
MCC Wood Badge S5-415-20 at Belk Scout Camp
https://sites.google.com/site/s5415woodbadge/home
Wood Badge S5-415-20 is scheduled at Belk Scout Camp, starting on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 7:00 am through Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 5:00 pm and Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 7:00 am through Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 5:00 pm.
https://sites.google.com/site/s5415woodbadge/home
Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid courses at Camp Grimes are planned for the last weekend of March and for the last weekend in September on an on-going basis. Please check often at
https://sites.google.com/site/bsamcctraining/ for information on course dates and registration.
The next course is scheduled for February 12-13 at Belk Scout Camp.
College of Commissioner Science training
Mecklenburg County Council will host virtual training for Commissioner on February 27, 2021. Sign up deadline is February 15. For a link to on-line registration, please click on https://sites.google.com/site/bsamcctraining/
COPE and Climbing Instructor Level 1 training
April 30-May 2, 2021 at Belk Scout Camp
For more information, please click on
https://sites.google.com/site/bsamcctraining/cope-climbing-instructor-training
Spread the Word About Scouting.
Please don’t keep us a secret
With all the new parents coming into our Scouting family, please don’t keep Smoke Signals, and the Apache District Web page a secret. We welcome new subscribers and it is easy to do. Also, please help us by sharing these links:
Apache District Webpage
http://www.mccscouting.org/apache
Like the Apache Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/ApacheDistrict
Apache Twitter Account
Be sure to follow us on twitter @ApacheDistrict
Mecklenburg County Council
Mecklenburg County Council Backpack monthly e-newsletter
Go to https://www.mccscouting.org/
Scroll to the bottom of the page, fill in your “Name” and “Email Address”, then
Click on the blue “Subscribe Now” bar.
Like the Mecklenburg County Council STEM Facebook page
https://b-m.facebook.com/MCCBSASTEM/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0
BSA National
Scouting Wire Volunteer Newsletter - The Official Blog of the Scouting Movement.
Bryan on Scouting is the official blog of Scouting magazine, a Boy Scouts of America publication. The blog post is sent as one email per weekday. To subscribe, please go to https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2019/
Smoke Signals. To subscribe, just send a blank e-mail to: smokesignals-subscribe@apachemcc.org from the e-mail address you want subscribed and the rest is automatic.
To Submit a Notice:
If you have any information you would like to share with the district, please send that information to stutucker@aol.com and it will be forwarded to the team to be added. Please make sure you have your contact information included should there be any questions.
To Subscribe or Unsubscribe:
Subscribe: If this E-Newsletter was forwarded to you and you are not on our list, but would like to be added, then please send a blank e-mail to: al@nedrich.com from the e-mail address you want subscribed and the rest is automatic. We do not need any additional information.
To unsubscribe just send an e-mail with unsubscribe in the subject line to: al@nedrich.com from the e-mail address you want unsubscribed and the rest is done automatically.