Good Sunday Morning Fellow Commissioner,
BSA has updated the Commissioners web page with information on the "Journey to Excellence" program (which replaces the Centennial Quality Unit program), and has developed a webinar for those Commissioners who feel they need some additional training on the topic to share with their units. There is also a Commissioner's Orientation presentation that you can download and review, if you cannot attend one of the webinars. I'll also offer my services to any Commissioner who needs assistance with the program. Since I have worked in process improvement for many years, and I have had many private conversations with those who have worked on this program, I think I really understand the intent, and how to best work with the units on the "Journey to Excellence" program. So if you need me, just ask!
This last week, I managed to get my annual review of "Follow Me Boys" done. I really like the book, by the same title, better, but since I am in the middle of reading "The Scouting Party," I decided to take the Fred MacMurray way out. Glad I did, it always recharges my batteries.
We welcome the remaining Unit Commissioners from the Seminole Springs District to our newsletter. Our District Commissioner, Harvey Francisco, asked me to add the remainder of the commissioners to the newsletter, so this is their first issue. For those who are receiving the newsletter for the first time, there is an archive of past issues available online. If anyone else knows a Commissioner who might like to receive the newsletter, please send them to the archive page, where they can sign-up to receive their own copy.
Commissioner's Meeting:
This month's Commissioner's Meeting will be held in conjunction with the District Committee Meeting.
Both meetings will be very brief, and will be part of a Holiday "Thank you" to all the volunteers to help the district run. Please do not wear your uniforms for this meeting – not required.
The meeting will feature a Holiday Potluck Buffet, and a gift exchange ($10.00 limit – bring one gift and leave with one - Gag gifts [in good taste] are welcome! ).
Instead of meeting at Holy Cross Church, the meetings will be held at our District Chairman's home at 603 Water Oak Lane Longwood (map).
The gathering will start at 6:30 p.m. and should end by 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. Your District Committee will supply the main course of turkey and ham. You are asked to bring a side dish. Please RSVP to Ken Fowle and let him know what you will be bringing for the potluck. If you have any questions, you may call him at: 407-257-4741.
Citrus Bowl Parade
The Central Florida Council is looking for Packs, Troops, and Crews to join us in the Orlando Citrus Parade. Our goal is to have 100 unit flags march with us to conclude our 100th anniversary. The parade begins at 11:00am and details will follow on what time to be there and where to meet. Please do not bring your American Flag with you just your unit Flag. Parade is on December 30, 2010. If your unit wants to participate in the parade contact John Rader at johnthescouter42@embarqmail.com or 407-678-1257.
Winter Camp 2010
Winter Camp 2010 is a Boy Scout resident camp from December 27th through December 30th to be held at Central Florida Council's Camp La No Che in Paisley Florida both sponsored and staffed by the Order of the Arrow Tipisa Lodge Membership. The Camp shall consist of Merit Badge Classes for Boy Scouts from within the Central Florida Council's Troops and Teams, Special Optional Activities for these Boy Scouts, All Camp Activities, and Adult Leader Activities.
You will arrive at Camp on Monday morning with Merit Badge Classes starting right after lunch that same day and then continuing to lunch time on Thursday when you will leave Camp that afternoon. You can either attend Camp as a Troop/Team camping together as a group or attend as a individual Scout or Scouts staying in one of our Order of the Arrow Chapter supported Provisional Campsites.
For more information: Leader's Guide, Registration Form
Camp La-No-Che Summer Camp 2011
Camp La-No-Che has released their Leader's Guide for Summer Camp 2011. This is invaluable information for your unit leaders whose troops will be attending Camp La-No-Che this summer.
Camp La-No-Che is the only camp in Florida to feature a new Alpine Tower, in addition to the Personal Watercraft Program (PWC) that was started in 2010.
For more information: Leader's Guide. In addition, they are accepting applications for summer camp staff (youth - 15 and older, and adult) through January 31, 2011.
Boy Scout Extravaganza
Extravaganza is (2) fun filled days (sat/sun), featuring (8) exciting Treks. Scouts choose a Trek and their set. Please see Trek descriptions for more information.
Daniel Boone Adventure: Features a Turkey shoot, wild game food tasting, Archery, Rifle, Black powder and Shotgun target shooting. Scouts will also get a brief Hunters Safety overview. The “Big Bang” finishes the weekend, as Scouts watch demonstrations of large caliber firearms. Fees include shooting sports materials. (Limit 40 Scouts)
Aquatrek: Come enjoy swimming, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing during this fun filled weekend. Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense and a Scuba demonstration will also be featured. (Scouts will get wet during this Trek)
Rambo.05: It’s back to basics as you hike and camp in the back woods of Camp La-No-Che. Land navigation, Leave No Trace principles, star gazing, night navigation and Camouflage techniques are featured, during this unique trek. Scouts will also participate in a LNT project.
Seekers of "K": Adult Leaders this was designed for you! Come learn new and exciting things about the Scouting program. Various training will be offered such as Trek on Safely, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, and Intro to Outdoor Skills . Experience Alpine Tower, Project COPE, Team Building and Climbing. (Adult Leaders Only)
Vertical Extreme: Feel like climbing? This trek is for you, you’ll enjoy Bouldering, Climbing Tower, Low COPE, High COPE, and Alpine Tower. Team building and knots will round out your total Vertical Extreme experience. (Minimum age is 13yrs. With current BSA Physical)
Buckskin Trek: New to the Scouting program, if so this trek is for you! Scouts will take a hike to the buckskin campsite, where they will enjoy fire building, first aid, cooking and basic intro of outdoor skills. A demonstration by the SWAT Team, Crime Scene tech and DARE program training are featured. To finish off the trek you’ll visit the pool, Archery and rifle range.
Pathfinder: This trek starts off with a demonstration by the SWAT Team, Crime Scene tech and the DARE program. Scouts will then take a nature hike down one of the many trails of Camp La-No-Che. The hike ends up at the pool for a nice refreshing dip. A presentation on the Trail to Eagle followed up with Emergency Preparedness, First Aid and CPR training. The “BIG BANG” at the Rifle range then finishes up this exciting trek.
X Trek: Bring your Mountain bike and gear, because you’re bike riding on a trail in the Ocala National Forrest made for adventure. Scouts will spend an overnight out on the trail, enjoying trail food and nature. Then enjoy a swim in Alexander Springs. X-Trek then returns to camp for more adventure.
Where: Camp La-No-Che, located on the Leonard and Marjorie Williams Family Scout Reservation; Paisley, FL
When: February 11 – 13, 2011 Cost: $32.00 per Scout, this includes a patch and prepared meals in the dining hall. If you choose to provide your own meals the fee would be $22. Daniel Boone Camping Fees include shooting sports materials.
If you need additional information, please contact camp at 352-669-8558. Extravaganza Leader's Guide
Central Florida Council Powder Horn Course
The Powder Horn course is a resource course designed to introduce and expose Venturing and Boy Scouting leaders to the activities and resources necessary to operate a successful outdoor/high adventure unit-level program. It is intended to help adult leaders get out of the box in finding and using resources and in the way they lead their unit-level high adventure programs. It is designed to have some disciplines introduced with a hands-on segment. Participants will learn where to go to find those who can teach these skills to Boy Scouts and Venturers.
April 8-10 & May 20-22, 2011 at Camp La-No-Che. Flyer
Central Florida Council Safety Weekend
The Central Florida Council Training Committee is proud to announce our Fifth annual training event devoted to Safe Scouting: Safe Scouter Training. Get all the safety courses you need to provide a safe and quality program for your Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, District or Council event. There are seven different "TREKS" to choose from. Leader's Guide Registration Form
- CPR/First Aid - April 9, 2010 - La-No-Che
- Aquatics Supervision - April 8-9, 2010
- Cub Scouts Shootings Sports Trek - April 9, 2010 - La-No-Che
- NRA Rifle and Shotgun Instructor - April 2,3 & 8-10, 2010
- Climb on Safely, Trek Safely, and Cave Safely - April 9, 2010 - La-No-Che
- BSA Family Camp Directors Training - April 9, 201 0- La-No-Che
- Wilderness First Aid - April 8-9, 2010
Dates and such
December 6th - FOS Kickoff Training at the Council office 7:00 p.m.
December 7th - Council Commissioner's Meeting at the Service Center 7:00 p.m.
December 7th - FOS Kickoff Training at Central Florida Regional Hospital, Sanford 7:00 p.m.
December 9th - District Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. at Ken Fowle's Home in Sabal Point
December 9th - Commissioner's Meeting 6:30 p.m. at Ken Fowle's Home in Sabal Point
December 10-12 - Fun with Son at Camp La-No-Che - Flyer - Online Registration
December 16th - District Roundtable at Lake Mary LDS Ward 7:00 p.m.
December 17-19 - Holiday Adventure at Camp La-No-Che - Flyer - Online Registration
December 27-30 - Winter Camp at Camp La-No-Che - Leader's Guide
December 30th - Orlando Citrus Parade - Downtown Orlando - 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
January 7-9 - Huracon OA Chapter Ordeal Weekend at Camp La-No-Che
January 8th - Venturing ILSC, and Venturing Advisors Training (VLST) at Council Office
January 17-22 - Volunteer Development Training Conference at Seabase - flyer
January 29th - Trainer's EDGE at Altamonte Chapel - Flyer
February 4th - Tipisa Native American Weekend at Camp La-No-Che - Registration for OA Members, Registration for Packs, Troops, and Crews
February 12th - District Training Day (Cub Leader, Scout Leader, and Venturing Leader Training Classes) at the Lake Mary LDS Ward
February 11-13 - Boy Scout Extravaganza at Camp La-No-Che
February 12th - Merit Badge University at Florida Institute of Technology.
February 18-20 - Venturing and Exploring Super Weekend at Camp La-No-Che - Flyer
February, April, and May Roundtables - Boy Scout Leader Specific Training Parts 1, 2, and 3
March 12th - Commissioner's Conference held in conjunction with the Executive Retreat at Camp La-No-Che - registration
March 18-20 - Tipisa OA Lodge Spring Conclave at Camp La-No-Che - Registration
March 31st - IOLS for Webelos Leaders, Lake Mary LDS Ward
April 1-3 - Seminole Springs District Spring Camporee
April 7th - Seminole Springs Golden Eagle Dinner, Westin Hotel, Lake Mary
April 8-10 - Venturing Powderhorn Weekend 1 at Camp La-No-Che - Flyer
April 8-10 - Health and Safety Weekend at Camp La-No-Che -Leader's Guide Registration Form
April 15-17 - IOLS, Rybolt Field, Camp La-No-Che
April 16th - Commissioner's College, Council Service Center
May 13th - Seminole Springs District Banquet
May 20-22 - Venturing Powderhorn Weekend 2 at Camp La-No-Che - Flyer
May 28th - Daytona Cubs Scout Night Sleepover
June 10th - Council Annual Business Meeting 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
June 10th - Council Annual Recognition Banquet 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
June 11th - Council Program Launch and District Committee Orientation 8:00 a.m.
June 12-19 - Commissioner Training Week at Philmont Training Center - Conference Catalog
July 10-16 - Venturing Kodiak Youth Training on the Suwannee River - flyer
July 31-August 6 - NYLT at Camp La-No-Che
November 18-20 - Seminole Springs District Fall Camporee
December 2-4 - Council Camporee at Camp La-No-Che
10 Best Practices For Unit Commissioners
Best Practice No. 6: Get Organized
Not only will you need to organize your "toolkit," but also your schedule and contacts. Commissioners who serve three (3) units could potentially have to keep track of the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of nine (9) people: a chartered organization representative, unit leader, and committee chair for each unit. You'll also need to know when and where they meet, and have a good idea of their scheduled activities. Along with unit information, you'll need to be current on district and council events as well. Get a school-year calendar. My personal favorite is the Boys' Life commissioner notebook. This is a pocket-sized notebook with special pages for you to fill in critical contact information, a 12-month calendar that starts in September, and several reproduction forms and information in the back. Your district commissioner will be able to secure these for you through the local council.
CONTACT INFO:
Ron Blaisdell | 1060 Meadow Lake Way #103 | Winter Springs FL 32708 | 321-593-4704 | ron@blaisdell.com
CONNECT:
Connect on Facebook | Read my Blog | My Scouting Video Channel | Follow me on Twitter | Archive of Past Issues
 |
Share this newsletter on Facebook |
