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