Leon Valley District Commissioner

Notes for the September 2008 Roundtable

September is here and the new school year well on its way, High School Football in the air, and the New Scout Year is beginning. It’s a very busy time in Scouting with many happenings on the Calendar from now until Christmas. I hope your Unit takes advantage of the many opportunities to discover the outdoors with unit members and their families. Make sure your unit leadership takes advantage of Skills Training which is available throughout the Council. Training between Waco and Killeen is readily available and the schedule is posted on the District Website.

Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venture Program PDF files are available on the Leon Valley District website. Look under “Council Programs and Happenings. In the next few days if it’s not already on the website, there will be a listing of “Training” throughout the area. Do not forget you can attend training in the Capital Area Council, Austin, Texas. (http://www.bsacac.org/Index.php) University of Scouting - 01/24/2009 - St. Edwards University, Austin, Texas.

It’s the season of Popcorn in the Council. Knowing the dates came about too quickly, I hope everyone took advantage of the opportunity to earn money for your unit.

It’ almost “Re-Charter” time for the majority of the LVD. We should be able to get every Units packet to you on time with assistance from the DE picking up the packets when visiting Waco. If you are a new leader there is a Re-Charter Guide on the District Website. Please feel free to ask a Commissioner for help!

There are new “Applications” for both Youth and Adults. Beginning 1 September 2008 the old application will no longer be accepted. The new Adult Application has a page which needs to be filled out for a background check in reference to sexual predators.

There is a “New” Position in Scout Units called the “Scout Parents Unit Coordinator.” An adult registration (minimum age of 21) form along with the $10 fee is required. Registration Code is “PC”. The role of this Committee Member is:

ü      Assign parents to help with at least one specific task, assignment, pr project annually.

ü      Provide an orientation for all parents about how the unit works and the benefits to their family.

ü      Keep parents updated on the units’ program and their child’s involvement.

Unit leadership should direct the Scout Parent Unit Coordinator to ScoutParents.org for more information on the position. Training is available for the position at www.olc.scouting.org - This leader cannot double register with the following positions: CM, SM, DL, WDL, Varsity Coach, or Crew Advisor.

As your District Commissioner, I would like to be invited to a Parents Meeting, Pack Meeting, or Court of Honor to speak with the parents of your units. Please contact me with an invitation.

LVD is presently looking for a new Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner. This is an important position in Scouting. As a RT Commissioner you assist the Training Team with a monthly training session where you share ideas with unit leaders, but serve in the Commissioner Cabinet. Help us make the scouting experience the best it can be for each youth in our District. Note: I am sure the new CSRTC will need RT Staff also!!!

If you have had International Scouting experience, see “International Committee” link on the Council website. There are awards you may have been able to earn while stationed overseas.

Do you want to be kept up-to-date with the “Happenings” in Longhorn Council? Sign-up for “LHC News” on the Council website. This is your chance to be “in the know.”

Attending the Council Camporee being held 14-16 November at the Texas Motor Speedway? Pre-registration by 30 October with multiple fee options. See the Council website. You will find a 13 page packet for this happening. Everyone can attend, CS through Venture!

2010 marks the Centennial for Boy Scouts of America. You can find Jamboree information here: http://www.bsajamboree.org/ - I hope to see you there!!

Special Note for the Commissioner:

I want every volunteer to know you are a positive influence for the youth of our community during trying times. Without you giving your time, finances, and many skills, where would out youth be? Continue doing what you do to help better train the future leaders of the United States of America. If I could thank each of you personally I would.

Keep this in mind: No one can pass through life, any more than he can pass through a bit of country, without leaving tracks behind, and those tracks may often be helpful to those coming after him in finding their way. (Lord Baden Powell)

Robert C. Kratzer

District Commissioner

Leon Valley District

“Serving the Greater Fort Hood Area”

leonvalleydistrictcommissioner@hotmailcom