Leon Valley's District Commissioner's Page

Leon Valley District Commissioner

February 08 Roundtable Notes

Clifton Klaverweiden, DE and Robert Kratzer, DC request the contact information of Committee Chairs, Cub Masters, and one other leader of Packs, Troop’s, Crews, and Posts. This will allow us the opportunity to disseminate information to multiple personnel which in turn provides the unit with up-to-date information. Feel free to email me which in turn will give me your contact information.

Re-Charters are an important part of the Units yearly planning process. If your time is approaching, please be sure your Committee follows the guidelines as closely as possible to insure a timely turn-in date. To insure your paperwork is correct, have your Unit Commissioner, an Assistant District Commissioner, or the District Commissioner review the packet for completeness one week before turning the packet over to a Council Representative. This will allow you to gain the needed signature to qualify for "On-Time" Re-Charter and the Commissioners Award. One of the benefits of being a Commissioner's Award unit in 2007 is that your unit gets $1.40 per re-chartered registered youth credited to the Scout Shop Scout Bucks. These "bucks" can be used to buy Scout rank/awards. (This dollar value comes from the Mustang District Website.)  There is a 31 page Re-Charter Training paper within the files on my blog space.

*Special Note: The Centennial Quality Unit is no longer tied to the Re-Charter Packet. The Council wants ALL 2008 CQUA’s by 14 Feb. 2008. In turn, they have to have them all into National by 1 Mar. 08. Please contact your Units to get the needed forms completed. I have a copy of the form which can be found on BSA website. Once the form is completed make sure the Unit has a copy, you have a copy, and I get a copy. Council needs a copy also. BACKUP COPIES are very important.

Training is an essential tool in preparing new leaders to become effective Den Leaders, Cub Masters, or Committee Members. A “trained” leader leads to a good program. A good program keeps the youth interested and challenged. Be sure to get your new leaders trained! Take advantage of this opportunity! Jennifer Boyd will be serving as the District Training Chairperson.

Roundtable is an important facet of the training tools, especially for new leaders. This monthly meeting should have splits for the different level of leaders. The Cub Scout RT requires a staff of 5-6. Being fully staffed allows splits for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Leaders. There should also be a split for Cub Masters and Committee Members. This split allows for the “administrative” training for leaders.  Do not forget the Boy Scout side of the house during RT!!!

Need CS Meeting ideas? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cubscout_roundtable/

Have you invited a Commissioner, the District Executive, or the District Chairman to your Blue & Gold? If not, please do.

Important Dates:

16 February 2008--Klondike Derby, Camp Tahuaya

17 February 2008--09:00-5:00pm – Trainer Development Conference, $5 pre-reg. or $ 7 at the door. LHC Office, Hurst

**There are many other happenings! See the Council Calendar for everything happening within the Council.

18-20

Know of anyone who may be a great fit for the District Committee or Commissioner Service? These people do not have to be “Scouters” to operate within these areas. If you know anyone, please contact the DE or myself. The more staff available makes for a better program, and a better program means the youth have a great time Scouting.

"OA ELECTIONS BEGAN 7 JANUARY!" HAS YOU TROOP CONTACTED MIKE HARRISON @ mhwbbear@vvm.com or 289-3516? If not, please do.

 
Scout Master and Senior Patrol Leaders, Each Troop should have at least one representative at the monthly OA Meeting. Here is your guideline for that:
 
The Order of the Arrow Troop Representative or Team Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or chapter and his unit. In his unit, he will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. He will do this in a fashion that strengthens the mission of the lodge, purpose of the Order and the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. By setting a good example, he will enhance the image of the Order as a service arm to his unit.

Administrative Notes:

The passage from Cub Scout pack to Boy Scout troop should be smooth, with no time lost in between. By the time Webelos Scouts are ready to cross over, they and their families should be familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the troop, their role in the troop and troop activities, and feel excited about beginning this new adventure. Have the Webelo Scout meet with a few different Troops in order to see which Unit meets what they want from Scouting. The Webelo Scout's graduation ceremony should clearly signify his transition to a new level of Scouting, and could include the presentation of his Arrow of Light Award, a Boy Scout Handbook, and a troop neckerchief.

The key factor to improved Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the leaders of a Cub Scout pack and a Boy Scout troop. Ideally a community organization would have both a pack and a troop with leaders who work together to help move Webelos Scouts into a Boy Scout troop the same way schools move students from elementary school to middle school.

Your “Bridging Ceremony” should be available too all members of the Pack. This is a great opportunity to allow the younger Cub Scouts to see what they can look forward to in a few years. This is not a “Private” Ceremony for particular leaders and youth. When you have the “Bridging Ceremony”, do not stop a Troop Leader from attending! This ceremony is for all eligible Webelo Scouts, not just for those going to your “Brother Troop.”

Visit my MSN SPACES BLOG PAGE http://leonvalleydistrictcomm.spaces.live.com/

You’ll find different forms, applications, training, tools, etc... in the Public Folders. I am trying to make information accessible 24/7/365. There are 15 different folders with many files in each folder. Visit the LVD Website, click on District Commissioner to get there.

I hope everyone attends the District Awards Dinner for FUN and FELLOWSHIP!!!

Robert Kratzer

LVD District Commissioner

“Serving Youth of the Greater Fort Hood Area”

Feb2008/rck

Leon Valley District Commissioner

January Roundtable Notes

I would like to ask for the contact information of Committee Chairs, Cub Masters, and one other leader of Packs, Troop’s, Crews, and Posts. This will allow me the opportunity to disseminate information to multiple personnel which in turn provides the unit with up-to-date information. Feel free to email me which in turn will give me your contact information.

It’s that time of the year! This is the time of the year when we have the largest amount of Re-Charters. Re-Charters are an important of your yearly planning. If your time is approaching, please be sure your Committee follows the guidelines as closely as possible to insure a timely turn-in date. To insure your paperwork is correct, have your Unit Commissioner, an Assistant District Commissioner, or the District Commissioner review the packet for completeness one week before turning the packet over to a Council Representative. This will allow you to gain the needed signature to qualify for "On-Time" Re-Charter and the Commissioners Award. One of the benefits of being a Commissioner's Award unit in 2007 is that your unit gets $1.40 per re-chartered registered youth credited to the Scout Shop Scout Bucks. These "bucks" can be used to buy Scout rank/awards. (This dollar value comes from the Mustang District Website.)  There is a 31 page Re-Charter Training paper within the files on my blog space.

Training is an essential tool in preparing new leaders to become effective Den Leaders, Cub Masters, or Committee Members. A “trained” leader leads to a good program. A good program keeps the youth interested and challenged. Be sure to get your new leaders trained! Take advantage of this opportunity! Jennifer Boyd will be serving as the District Training Chairperson.

Roundtable is an important facet of the training tools, especially for new leaders. This monthly meeting should have splits for the different level of leaders. The Cub Scout RT requires a staff of 5-6. Being fully staffed allows splits for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Leaders. There should also be a split for Cub Masters and Committee Members. This split allows for the “administrative” training for leaders.  Do not forget the Boy Scout side of the house during RT!!!

Need CS Meeting ideas? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cubscout_roundtable/

Important Dates:

January 26 2008, Cub Scout Trout-O-Ree, Camp Tahuaya, Family Fishing Event   

09 February 2008, Cub Scout Trout-O-Ree, Camp Tahuaya Family Fishing Event

15-17 February 2008, Klondike Derby, Camp Tahuaya

17 February 2008, LHC Office, Hurst, 09:00-5:00pm – Trainer Development Conference, $5 pre-reg. or $ 7 at the door.

 23 February 2008, Webelos Woods, Camp Tahuaya

***Look at the District Calendar and Council Calendar for happenings.

Know of anyone who may be a great fit for the District Committee or Commissioner Service? These people do not have to be “Scouters” to operate within these areas. If you know anyone, please contact the DE or myself. The more staff available makes for a better program, and a better program means the youth have a great time Scouting.  I know some of you larger Units have a parent or two who have a skill the District can use. They’ll not have to work directly with boys! Just help the District attain goals set forth to make the youth in Leon Valley District want to stay in Scouting and tell their friends about the great program we have.

"OA ELECTIONS BEGIN 7 JANUARY" HAVE YOU TROOPS CONTACT MIKE HARRISON @ mhwbbear@vvm.com or 289-3516

 
Scout Master and Senior Patrol Leaders, Each Troop should have at least one representative at the monthly OA Meeting. Here is your guideline for that:
 
The Order of the Arrow Troop Representative or Team Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or chapter and his unit. In his unit, he will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. He will do this in a fashion that strengthens the mission of the lodge, purpose of the Order and the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. By setting a good example, he will enhance the image of the Order as a service arm to his unit.

Administrative Notes:

Webelos-to-Scout Transition, Bridging Ceremony; Do not take the Webelos off to some camp site and not allow the younger scouts the opportunity to watch the ceremony. A “COOL” Bridging make the kids want to be part of it. The boys should have the opportunity to visit multiple Troops in order to decide which program suits their needs and wants. If a boy decides to attend a Troop outside of you and your bother Troop, those leaders should be invited to the Bridging Ceremony.

Blue and Gold - It’s that time of year already. I hope you set up a great experience to the youth and their families.

FOS is coming too! Be sure to contact the DE and Dist. Chairman to schedule a visit to either a Pack Meeting, Blue and Gold, or Court of Honor.

Visit my MSN SPACES BLOG PAGE http://leonvalleydistrictcomm.spaces.live.com/

You’ll find different forms, applications, training, tools, etc... in the Public Folders. I am trying to make information accessible 24/7/365. There are 15 different folders with many files in each folder. Visit the LVD Website, click on District Commissioner to get there.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS! PLEASE STAY SAFE ON YOUR HOLIDAY TRAVELS.

Robert Kratzer

LVD District Commissioner

“Serving Youth of the Greater Fort Hood Area”

jan08/rck

Leon Valley District Commissioner

December Roundtable Notes

I would like to ask for the contact information of Committee Chairs, Cub Masters, and one other leader of Packs, Troop’s, Crews, and Posts. This will allow me the opportunity to disseminate information to multiple personnel which in turn provides the unit with up-to-date information. Feel free to email me which in turn will give me your contact information.

It’s that time of the year! This is the time of the year when we have the largest amount of Re-Charters. Re-Charters are an important of your yearly planning. If your time is approaching, please be sure your Committee follows the guidelines as closely as possible to insure a timely turn-in date. To insure your paperwork is correct, have your Unit Commissioner, an Assistant District Commissioner, or the District Commissioner review the packet for completeness one week before turning the packet over to a Council Representative. This will allow you to gain the needed signature to qualify for "On-Time" Re-Charter and the Commissioners Award. One of the benefits of being a Commissioner's Award unit in 2007 is that your unit gets $1.40 per re-chartered registered youth credited to the Scout Shop Scout Bucks. These "bucks" can be used to buy Scout rank/awards. (This dollar value comes from the Mustang District Website.)  There is a 31 page Re-Charter Training paper within the files on my blog space.

Training is an essential tool in preparing new leaders to become effective Den Leaders, Cub Masters, or Committee Members. A “trained” leader leads to a good program. A good program keeps the youth interested and challenged. Be sure to get your new leaders trained! Take advantage of this opportunity! Jennifer Boyd will be serving as the District Training Chairperson.

Roundtable is an important facet of the training tools, especially for new leaders. This monthly meeting should have splits for the different level of leaders. The Cub Scout RT requires a staff of 5-6. Being fully staffed allows splits for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Leaders. There should also be a split for Cub Masters and Committee Members. This split allows for the “administrative” training for leaders.  Do not forget the Boy Scout side of the house during RT!!!

Need CS Meeting ideas? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cubscout_roundtable/

Important Dates:

26-30 December 2007 – Twin Arrows/National Youth Leader Training, Camp Tahuaya.

5 January 2008 – Cub-O, CS Holiday Adventure, Sid Richardson Scout Ranch

What is Cub-O?: Cub-O is a fun Orienteering competition for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos held each year right after the holiday break. Over 2000 Cub Scouts, leaders and parents participate each year in the CUB-O orienteering competitions. The information packet is available on the Council Website.

17 February 2008, LHC Office, Hurst, 09:00-5:00pm – Trainer Development Conference, $5 pre-reg. or $ 7 at the door.

***Look at the District Calendar and Council Calendar for happenings.

****Cub Fish o’ Ree at Tahuaya have been put on hold due to the lack of sponsorship. Jeff Peters had told me things are being worked out and the 2008 events should be a go.

Know of anyone who may be a great fit for the District Committee or Commissioner Service? These people do not have to be “Scouters” to operate within these areas. If you know anyone, please contact the DE or myself. The more staff available makes for a better program, and a better program means the youth have a great time Scouting.

"OA ELECTIONS BEGIN 7 JANUARY" PLEASE HAVE YOU TROOP CONTACT MIKE HARRISON @ mhwbbear@vvm.com or 289-3516

 
Scout Master and Senior Patrol Leaders, Each Troop should have at least one representative at the monthly OA Meeting. Here is your guideline for that:
 
The Order of the Arrow Troop Representative or Team Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or chapter and his unit. In his unit, he will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. He will do this in a fashion that strengthens the mission of the lodge, purpose of the Order and the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. By setting a good example, he will enhance the image of the Order as a service arm to his unit.

ALSO, OA ANNUAL DUES PAYMENT TIME!!! MAKE SURE TO KEEP YOUR MEMBERSHIP ACTIVE AND CURRENT.

Administrative Notes:

Good Turn forAmerica is a national call to service by the Boy Scouts of America that will help provide adequate food and shelter and to develop good health habits in our nation. To address these issues, we are collaborating with some of the most respected service organizations working in each of these areas.

These lead organizations, and thousands of other local groups, will work to provide volunteer opportunities for youth and adults to fight hunger, provide shelter, and teach the habits of healthy living.

What began with a singular act of service on a foggy London night quickly evolved into daily Good Turns and then into more encompassing national initiatives. These have included selling war bonds, collecting rubber and scrap metal, growing victory gardens during World War II, and more recently, Scouting for Food.

Visit here for more information: http://www.goodturnforamerica.org/

Visit my MSN SPACES BLOG PAGE http://leonvalleydistrictcomm.spaces.live.com/

You’ll find different forms, applications, training, tools, etc... in the Public Folders. I am trying to make information accessible 24/7/365. There are 15 different folders with many files in each folder. Visit the LVD Website, click on District Commissioner to get there.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS! PLEASE STAY SAFE ON YOUR HOLIDAY TRAVELS.

Robert Kratzer

LVD District Commissioner

“Serving Youth of the Greater Fort Hood Area”

Dec/2007/rck

Leon Valley District Commissioner

November Roundtable Notes

I would like to ask for the contact information of Committee Chairs, Cub Masters, and one other leader of Packs, Troop’s, Crews, and Posts. This will allow me the opportunity to disseminate information to multiple personnel which in turn provides the unit with up-to-date information. Feel free to email me which in turn will give me your contact information.

It’s that time of the year! This is the time of the year when we have the largest amount of Re-Charters. Re-Charters are an important of your yearly planning. If your time is approaching, please be sure your Committee follows the guidelines as closely as possible to insure a timely turn-in date. To insure your paperwork is correct, have your Unit Commissioner, an Assistant District Commissioner, or the District Commissioner review the packet for completeness one week before turning the packet over to a Council Representative. This will allow you to gain the needed signature to qualify for "On-Time" Re-Charter and the Commissioners Award. One of the benefits of being a Commissioner's Award unit in 2007 is that your unit gets $1.40 per re-chartered registered youth credited to the Scout Shop Scout Bucks. These "bucks" can be used to buy Scout rank/awards. (This dollar value comes from the Mustang District Website.)  There is a 31 page Re-Charter Training paper within the files on my blog space.

Re-Charter Packets available for pick-up/delivery as of 13 November 2007:

Pack 253, Pack 242, Pack 239, Pack 244, Pack 241, Pack 201, Pack 222

Troop 244, Troop 242, Troop 222, Troop 243, Troop 239, Troop 238, Troop 241

The above are February 2008 Re-Charters

Training is an essential tool in preparing new leaders to become effective Den Leaders, Cub Masters, or Committee Members. A “trained” leader leads to a good program. A good program keeps the youth interested and challenged. Be sure to get your new leaders trained! The 17 November training in Austin is a great chance to better your skills with Pack/Den Management, District Committee Workshop, and Commissioner Science. This is only a one hour rider versus the 3 hour ride to Ft. Worth. Take advantage of this opportunity!

Roundtable is an important training tool, especially for new leaders. This monthly meeting should have splits for the different level of leaders. The Cub Scout RT requires a staff of 5-6. Being fully staffed allows splits for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Leaders. There should also be a split for Cub Masters and Committee Members. This split allows for the “administrative” training for leaders.  Do not forget the Boy Scout side of the house during RT!!!

Need CS Meeting ideas? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cubscout_roundtable/

Important Dates:

16 November is “Food for Families” – We can use volunteers manning the Events Center, the two Commissaries on Fort Hood, and the HEB’s across the area. Schedule this with Clifton. I’ll be out of town on this day.

16-18 November 2007 – Wilderness First Aid Course --- Need for Philmont Trek (open to anyone over the age of 16 but one adult has to be certified)

01 December 2007, 09:00-4:00 – BALOO Training, Camp Tahuaya, Michelle Drake is POC 254-217-0361 or Belton177@aol.com –Each CS Pack must have at least “one” BALOO Trained leader in order to camp overnight.

01 December 2007 - OWL - Outdoor Webelos Leader --Camp Tahuaya -- Training runs Fri 6Pm to Sat 9PM Contact Bryan Johnson 254-947-1967 or johnsonbryan@otc.army.mil

26-30 December 2007 – Twin Arrows/National Youth Leader Training, Camp Tahuaya.

5 January 2008 – Cub-O, CS Holiday Adventure, Sid Richardson Scout Ranch

What is Cub-O?: Cub-O is a fun Orienteering competition for Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos held each year right after the holiday break. Over 2000 Cub Scouts, leaders and parents participate each year in the CUB-O orienteering competitions. The information packet is available on the Council Website.

17 February 2008, LHC Office, Hurst, 09:00-5:00pm – Trainer Development Conference, $5 pre-reg. or $ 7 at the door.

***Look at the District Calendar and Council Calendar for happenings.

****Cub Fish o’ Ree at Tahuaya have been put on hold due to the lack of sponsorship. Jeff Peters had told me things are being worked out and the 2008 events should be a go.

Know of anyone who may be a great fit for the District Committee or Commissioner Service? These people do not have to be “Scouters” to operate within these areas. If you know anyone, please contact the DE or myself. The more staff available makes for a better program, and a better program means the youth have a great time Scouting.

Administrative Notes:

Youth Advancement: Please be sure your Unit Leaders and Parents understand the Advancement Policies of BSA.

Den Leaders – Advancement should be presented as soon as possible after a boy completes the requirements and be done with a proper ceremony. Presentation of badges should be part of each monthly Pack Meeting. Do not hold onto a boy’s award in order for everyone in the den to complete the requirements. We all work at different levels and speeds.

Cub Master - Make certain the boys who have earned awards receive them at the next Pack Meeting. Don't let them get discouraged by having them wait for recognition. Follow-up with boys who are not advancing and find out why they not advancing. Boys sometimes develop behavior problems in seeking recognition. If they receive proper recognition, they may not need to do so many exasperating things trying to gain it.

Speed of Advancement - Boys should advance one rank per year which is age of grade level. If necessary, allow the boy an extra month or two to earn the badge. A Cub Scouts' advancement progress depends on his own motivation for learning new skills; on the encouragement and help he gets from his family, and on his need for recognition. Normally, it should take a boy about 6 months to complete the requirements for Wolf and Bear rank. There is NO hard and fast rule, but if a boy rushes through the requirements, it may be difficult to hold his interest with electives through the rest of the year. Example: If a boy becomes a Bear at the end of the school year (May) and begins to work towards his Bear rank immediately. If this boy attends Day Camp and works throughout the summer, he can receive the Bear Rank in November of that year.

Boy Scout Advancement: Much of the above does not apply for the Boy Scout Aged Youth. Due to the requirements for Merit Badges and the like, each youth earns Ranks and Merit Badges at different stages. Be sure to award the Rank or Merit Badge at the “next” Court of Honor.

Visit my MSN SPACES BLOG PAGE http://leonvalleydistrictcomm.spaces.live.com/

You’ll find different forms, applications, training, tools, etc... in the Public Folders. I am trying to make information accessible 24/7/365. There are 15 different folders with many files in each folder. Visit the LVD Website, click on District Commissioner to get there.

Robert Kratzer

LVD District Commissioner

“Serving Youth of the Greater Fort Hood Area”

13Nov2007/rck