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