Adult Recognition

Most adult awards and recognitions have certificates, pins or medals, and a patch usually with a square knot embroidered on it in different colors.  Adult leaders wear these square knot patches on their uniform over the left pocket.  The order that they are worn is up to the individual.  To learn more see the Guide to Awards and Insignia.

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Eagle Advancement Process

Scout candidates should follow these steps to be successful with earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

Step 1: Complete All the Requirements Confirm all requirements have been completed: merit badges, service project (including the completion of the entire workbook including signatures), active participation, Scout spirit, position of responsibility, etc. Note that the unit leader (Scoutmaster) conference must occur before the 18th birthday, though it need not be the last item accomplished. The board of review, however, may be conducted after the 18th birthday and should be conducted prior to 3 months after their birthday. NOTE: Please read all requirements carefully. Remember that requirement 6 includes a statement of ambitions and life purpose.

Step 2: Complete the Application The Scout must complete the official Eagle Scout Rank application, No. 512-728. No other form or application method is permitted. A fillable PDF can be found at http://www.scouting.org/forms.aspx. The application can also be printed and completed by hand. Careful review and thorough proofing will prevent delays. Remember, everything is verified by the local council; discrepancies and errors will lead to a form’s return. Pay special attention to the following red-flag items.

1. Dates: Joining, birth, First Class through Life boards of review, all merit badges, positions of responsibility with “FROM” and “TO,” Eagle service project final signature, Scoutmaster (unit leader) conference, Eagle board of review, and other signatures called for below.
2. Signatures: Applicant, unit leader, and unit committee chair. (Remaining signatures come later.)
3. References: Must list all six (five if not employed). If not affiliated with an organized religion, then the parent or guardian provides this reference.
4. Merit badges: Dates as mentioned above; check the unit number in which each badge was earned. Attach the Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges, if applicable.
5. Position of responsibility: Must be one of those listed for Eagle Scout rank, and must relate to the unit where the Scout is registered and active. For example, “SPL” would not be used by a crew member.
6. Attachments: Service project workbook, statement of ambitions and life purpose, and listing of positions, honors, and awards.

Step 3: Obtain Required Signatures The unit leader and committee chair signatures represent approval for the candidate to move on to a board of review. In providing them, the signers carefully check the application. If there are “red-flag” issues, such as time spans between ranks that don’t meet the requirements, then the dates should be confirmed.

Step 4: Submit to Troop Committee A copy should be made of the application, service project workbook, and the other attachments. Once copies are in safekeeping, the originals are delivered promptly to the troop committee. The candidate should not have to wait. Timeliness is especially critical if he is approaching, or has already turned 18. Sending materials late can imply the work continued afterward. If possible, everything should be hand-delivered.

Step 5: Troop Committee Verifies Application and Board of Review Scheduled Committee chair checks all advancement against council records. If information in ScoutNET or council files is incomplete or inaccurate, the committee chair will research any missing records and/or correct any inaccuracies. When everything is correct, the board may be scheduled.  Be sure to allow enough time for references to be gathered and a district representative to be invited (multiple date options should be offered to the district advancement committee).

Step 6: References Contacted Troop advancement committee members—or others designated—contact all references appearing on the Eagle Scout application. This may be done by letter, form, or phone call. For reasons of privacy and confidentiality, electronic submissions are discouraged. It is acceptable to send or deliver to the references an addressed envelope with instructions, and perhaps a form to complete. The Scout may assist with this, but that is the limit of his participation. He is not to be responsible for follow-through or any other aspect of the process. It is up to the troop’s designated representatives to make every effort to collect the responses. If after a reasonable effort no response can be obtained from any references, the board of review must go on without them. It may not be postponed or denied for this reason, and the Scout may not be asked to submit additional references or to provide replacements. Completed reference responses of any kind are the property of the council and are confidential, and only review-board members and those officials with a specific need may see them. The responses are not to be viewed by, or returned to, the Scout. Doing so could discourage the submission of negative information. For the same reason, those providing references shall not be given the option of waiving confidentiality.

Step 7: Board of Review The Eagle Board of Review should be set up by the troop committee and should consist of at least 2 members of the troop committee and a representative from the district advancement committee. The troop committee chair or advancement chair should serve as the chairman.

Eagle Board of Review Guidelines

Step 8: Application Turned into the Council Service Center If a board of review approves a candidate, the signed application, reference letters, and other confidential information are returned to the local council. Unless otherwise directed, the service project workbook and statement of ambitions and life purpose (requirement 6, Eagle Scout Rank application) can be returned to the Scout.

Step 9: Council Sends Application to National Advancement Team At the council the Scout executive signs the application, certifying proper procedures were followed. The application is then entered into ScoutNET, filed locally, and sent electronically to the national Advancement Team.

Step 10: National Advancement Team Returns Credentials The Advancement Team validates all applications received and generates the credentials. Staff members then print, package, and mail the certificate, pocket card, and congratulatory letter to the council. When this information is received the council contacts a troop representative. An Eagle Court of Honor should be held to recognize this great achievement.

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Eagle Project Approval Process

Purpose The District Advancement and Recognition Committee provides these guidelines to adult leaders and scouts for the purpose of proper procedure for requesting and receiving approval for Eagle Projects. The District Advancement and Recognition Committee is responsible for approving Eagle projects and participating in Eagle Boards of Review and reports to the Chairperson of the Advancement and Recognition Committee.

Eagle Scout Service Project Once the Life Scout decides on his Eagle Scout Service Project, he must begin his documentation on the most current Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook found on the national website.  A fill-able PDF can be found at http://www.scouting.org/forms.aspx.  It is highly recommended to document all input on this pdf file online. For the purpose of the district advancement review of the proposed project, only the Project Proposal needs to be thoroughly documented.  In addition, contact information and appropriate approvals must be provided as well.  The District Advancement team also encourages as much of the Final Plan to be completed as well.  Regardless, the Final Plan must be thoroughly documented before any work on the project commences.  After the project is satisfactorily completed, then the Project Report is completed accompanied with final sign-off signatures.

Eagle Scout Service Project Once a scout is ready to have his project reviewed by the District Advancement Team, he needs to decide when to schedule.  The District Advancement and Recognition Committee convene on 11 scheduled calendar dates to review and approve a candidate’s proposed Eagle Scout Project. These dates coincide with monthly Roundtable meetings that occur on the first Thursday of every month.  The only exception where Project Proposals are not reviewed is July since that coincides with Roundtable Planning.  Any requests can be made outside the normal schedule but are treated as exceptions and seldom granted unless there is just and reasonable cause.

The next step is to notify the District Advancement and Recognition Chairman to inform when the scout wants to have his project reviewed.  The scout is then required to email a copy of his Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, at a minimum the Project Proposal, to the chairman preferably a week before the review date.

Upon the review date, the scout should arrive on time in Class A uniform.  The merit badge sash is not required for this meeting. The scout should be well prepared to present his Project Proposal.  A normal review takes about 20 – 30 minutes depending on the scout’s preparation on the project.  It is suggested that multiple copies of the Project Proposal are brought to share with those reviewing the project.  Projects will not be approved by the district unless all required signatures are obtained on the workbook.

Key Points to Consider The Eagle Scout Service Project is a key factor in your journey to attaining the rank of Eagle. Your project choice is important and should challenge you.  Leadership is the single key factor with your project.  Your project should test all of your leadership skills including organization, time management, and people skills.  Safety is also a key factor when executing your project so do not overlook what dangers could be presented to your volunteers.  An Eagle Coach is highly recommended to mentor you on your project.  This individual can be assigned by your unit leader.  Finally, please record every personal hour you invest in your project.  This includes planning as well as execution.  This also pertains to those volunteers helping you on your project.

Eagle Scout Service Project Review Checklist

• Coordinate an agreed upon date for your Project Review
• Forward an online copy of your Project Workbook to the Advancement Chairman
• Ensure you arrive in Class A uniform.  Merit Badge Sash is optional
• Bring notepad and pen to take notes during your project review.  It is helpful to have a unit leader there to take notes on your behalf so you can focus on your presentation
• Bring multiple copies of your project workbook to distribute to your reviewers

• Ensure your Eagle Scout Service Workbook includes at a minimum:

1. 1. A completed contact page
   2. A thoroughly documented Project Proposal
   3. Signatures to include the Unit Leader, Committee Chairman, and the Beneficiary

• Be Prepared

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Eagle Board of Review Guidelines

Purpose
The District Advancement and Recognition Committee provides these guidelines to adult leaders and scouts for the purpose of proper procedure for requesting and receiving approval for a district representative to participate on Eagle Boards of Review. The District Advancement and Recognition Committee is responsible for approving Eagle Service Projects and participating in Eagle Boards of Review and reports to the chairperson of the Council’s Advancement and Recognition Committee.

Eagle Board of Review
The Eagle Board of Review is a troop function.  A representative of the district or council is required to be in attendance for all Eagle Board of Reviews and has the same review and voting privileges as every other member of the Review Board. The chairman of the board is an adult from the troop, but where the troop is inexperienced with Eagle Boards of Review, the district representative may chair the Board of Review. Before the board will convene, the candidate must have already secured the signatures of his unit leader and beneficiary in the Service Project Workbook. Eagle Board of Review members must be 21 years of age or older to conform to national policy.

Candidates should come prepared by bringing their Scout Handbook, completed Eagle Scout Application, recommendation letters, and Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook in its entirety. This includes all three sections including the Project Proposal, Final Plan, and Project Report. Recommendation letters are for the purpose and use by the Eagle Board of Review members.  At no time is this information accessible to the candidate.  Any letters will be properly disposed according to national policy after the Eagle Board of Review. Additional records may be needed such as blue cards  to verify any discrepancies found.  It is far better to be prepared and have more information than less in case something is needed.

If the Candidate is not successful at the Board of Review, he will be made aware of the reasons why and, when practical, will be told what he can do to be successful. As with other Boards of Review, a candidate must be approved unanimously by all sitting members on the Board.  A minimum of 3 members are required to sit on the Eagle Board of Review.

Attire
Eagle  Board of Reviews are formal meetings and as such require appropriate attire.  When the candidate meets with district or council representatives, both are expected to be in appropriate attire for the purpose and location of the meeting. Uniforms are always appropriate attire.

When the Eagle Board of Review is convened, the candidate is expected to be in a full Class A uniform capable of passing a uniform inspection.  This includes a candidate’s merit badge sash. This policy has few to no exceptions.  The district representative is expected to be in a Class A uniform or business attire (coat and tie for men or suit for women). These  guidelines may suggest attire for the other members of the Board, but they should not be interpreted as a requirement to serve on the Board.

Eagle Board of Review Checklist

• Coordinate an agreed upon date and time for your Board of Review
• Ensure you arrive in Class A uniformw ith your merit badge sash
• Ensure uniform and merit badge sash has all applicable patches and is current
• Scout BSA Handbook with rank pages completed with dates and initials
• Eagle Service Project Workbook with al completion signatures
• Complete Eagle Scout Application to include:

1.  Accurate dates to coincide wth Scout.net (Council’s databas accessible by Online Advancement)
2. Requirement 2 – References to include Letters of Recommendation (not accessible to the candidate)
3. Requirement 7 – Candidate’s Statement of Ambition and Life Purpose (generally at least three quarters to a page typed)
4. The application is a .pdf file and preferred to be typed and not hand written
5. Use the most current application found on www.BSA.org.

• Be Prepared!

Any questions or concerns regarding Eagle Rank advancement or awards should be directed towards the Arrohattoc District Advancement and Recognition Team at arrohattocadvance@gmail.com.

*  Silver Beaver Recipients

2023	Andrew Owens	Sean Nelson
2022	AJ Mezynski	Jimmy La Brecque
2021	Hope Mezynski	Brittany Gill
2020	Mark Learn	Sharlee La Brecque*
2019	Valerie Glazier	Rick Fisher
2018	Christopher Fowden	Nicholas Gebhart
2017	Melissa Eggleston	Daryl Cunningham	Arthur Chester
2016	Deborah Graves	Edward Kondracki*	Herbert Eggleston
2015	Lisa Wright	Darrell Wells	Tom Yoke
2014	Jon James	Jeff Lee	Joe Murray
2013	Lynne Ahles	Drew Biehler	Taylor Frazier
2012	Frank McNeilly*	Keith King	Robert Sizemore
2011	Dean Beuglass	Holly McKay	Steven ‘Smitty’ Smith
2010	Allen Suggs*	Bill Eggleston*	Beth Nelson
2009	Glenn Simmons	Jim Stallings	Karen Wood*
2008	Daniel Hubbard*	Tammy Cahoon	Rob Bungarden
2007	Thomas A. Shearer*	Chris Sherman*	James C. (JC) Thompson
2006	John McCullough	Jamie Walker	Jeff DeHoff
2005	Marian Fletcher*	Joe Ramirez*	Debbie Briggs

Shawondassee District

2004	Steve Church	Bill Chaffin	Carla Daniel	Mike Pace*	Steve Boles
2003	Laura Hanifer	Cameron Richards	Joseph (Trey) Murphy *
2002	Tom Clayton*	Gary Hall	Dana Reynolds	Jim Richards*	Billy Warf*
2001	Mike Caisse	Gary Gibbs*	Jimmy Hanifer*	Barry Hawkins
2000	Jonah Bowles*	Ben Smith	Jan Bliley	Wayne Bliley	Gene Sasser
1999	Bob Damon	Harry Davis*	Barbara Olsen	Steve Olson	Paul Teasley
1998	Richard Ayers	Dickie Coffey*	Cathy Klempa	Sam Marshall*	Jan Rasbasan*
1997	Dave Britenbach	Larry Cary*	Harry Johnson	Mike Jernigan	Freddy Ridout*
1996	Michael Traylor*	Pat Meadows*	Jim Maher	Bob Soderholm*
1995	Mitch Weber	Steve Crane	Dave Estes*	Bob Wentz
1994	John Pleasants	Tom Ryan	Clara Padgett	Don Cross
1993	Larry Barker	Bill Breitenbach	Kathy McKee* ,**	Rick DePlato
1992	Gary Barker	Dale Gipe*	John King	Linda Cawley
1991	Terry Aycock	Francis Crutchfield*	Brian Collins*	Randy Harris*
1990	Alan Barnes*	Bucky Collins	Hunter Hardwicke	Earle Newton
1989	Diane Deplato	Mike Marion	Don Maurer
1988	Jim Beamguard*	Judy Dotson	Ken Dotson
1987	Paul Cheesman*	Bonnie Lippard	Mike Oxford*
1986	Pat Collins	Mike Denton	Bob Eck*	John Vincent*
1985	R. Dale Kitts	Bill Overstreet*
1984	Becky Lang	Gary Miller	Norm Stevens
1983	Virginia Bishop	Winston Overstreet*	James Taylor
1982	George Butler	Fred Kiffner	Catherine Woody
1981	Harold Beavers, Jr.	Marilyn Hardin	Bennie Ward*
1980	1980 Bruce Copal*	Pete Sykes*	Shannon Tate
1979	Raymond Browder*	Curtis J. Branyon*	Harold McCabe*
1978	Ruth Huber*
1977	Phil Clark*	Ted Majewski*
1976	Julian Coleman	Joe Florinp
1975	Norman Carney	Tom Markwood
1974	William Messerly*	Robert A. Wood
1973	Elaine Canada	Garland Ream	B. B. Taylor*
1972	Bill Cahoon*	Morgan Homewood*	Billy Johnson
1971	Robert Cousins	Joel Rackley	Judy Snellings
1970	Giles Harchett	J. F. Irby	Celia Rowe

DAM Received in Other Districts (or Councils)  Mac Drane* John Gasink Dick Guilmart* James Hineline* Tom McKee* Rodney Parsons Barry Roper* Tony Sadowski* Mark Waggoner* Gary Bryant* Don Vaught* James Crumpler*** Mark Fetty Wayne Motsek

**Spurgeon Award Recipients ***Silver Beaver Recipient without District Award of Merit

Our Mission and Pledge

Commissioners are district and council leaders who help Scout units succeed. They coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Scout BSA troops, and Venturing crews. Commissioners help maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America. They also oversee the unit charter renewal plan so that each unit re-registers on time with an optimum number of youth and adult members.

There are three types of commissioners:

• Administrative commissioners include the council commissioner, assistant council commissioners, district commissioners, and assistant district commissioners. Their primary responsibilities are recruiting, training, guiding, and evaluating the commissioner staff.
• Unit commissioners are assigned to one or more units, which they serve and counsel.
• Roundtable commissioners provide resources such as program skills and other help for unit personnel at regularly scheduled roundtables

Commissioner’s Pledge
Just as our Scouts have the Scout Oath and Laws, Commissioner’s have their Commissioner’s Pledge:

On my honor I will do my best, by example in my daily life to make the Scout Oath and Law a more vital force for good character and citizenship in the lives of the youth and leaders I serve.

 I will do my best to help secure, and help to make effective the finest possible leadership, for the units I serve.

I will do my best, to help make the program of the units I serve, the best that can be given, rich in wholesome fun and adventure.

In all that I do, I will strive to help my units attract into membership, every possible youth so that through their participation, those youth can help make America a finer, greater nation in a world community.

Commissioner Roles
A commissioner plays several roles, including friend, representative, unit “doctor,” teacher, and counselor.

The commissioner is a friend of the unit. Of all their roles, this one is the most important. It springs from the attitude, “I care, I am here to help, what can I do for you?” Caring is the ingredient that makes commissioner service successful. He or she is an advocate of unit needs. A commissioner who makes himself known and accepted now will be called on in future times of trouble.

The commissioner is a representative. The average unit leader is totally occupied in working with kids. Some have little if any contact with the Boy Scouts of America other than a commissioner’s visit to their meeting. To them, the commissioner may be the BSA. The commissioner helps represent the ideals, the principles, and the policies of the Scouting movement.

The commissioner is a unit “doctor.” In their role as “doctor,” they know that prevention is better than a cure, so they try to see that their units make good “health practices” a way of life. When problems arise, and they will even in the best unit, they act quickly. They observe symptoms, diagnose the real ailment, prescribe a remedy, and follow up on the patient.

The commissioner is a teacher. As a commissioner, they will have a wonderful opportunity to participate in the growth of unit leaders by sharing knowledge with them. They teach not just in an academic environment, but where it counts most—as an immediate response to a need to know. That is the best adult learning situation since the lesson is instantly reinforced by practical application of the new knowledge.

The commissioner is a counselor. As a Scouting counselor, they will help units solve their own problems. Counseling is the best role when unit leaders don’t recognize a problem and where solutions are not clear-cut. Everyone needs counseling from time to time, even experienced leaders.

District Committee

At District Committee, leaders mobilize resources to ensure the growth and success of Scouting units within the district’s territory. Members of the District Committee are volunteers. The district trains adult volunteers, provides district programs for units (such as Day Camp, Camporees, Klondike Derby, Merit Badge College, to name a few), assists in the formation of new units, and helps coordinate the annual giving campaign.  Please join us at our District Committee meeting this month.

Trinity United Methodist Church
third Wednesday of each month
7:00-8:30 pm

Unit Planning Resources

Incident Report Form
Troop Meeting Plan
Campfire Program Planner
Event Safety Checklist
Unit Money-Earning Application
Age-Appropriate Guidelines
District Event Application (coming soon)
National Summertime Pack Award
Guide to Safe Scouting

Eagle Rank Advancement

Eagle Scout Rank Application
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges
National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Applications
National Eagle Scout Association Membership Application

Awards

Den Leader Training Award
Cubmaster’s Key
Scoutmaster’s Key
District Committee’s Key
Scouter’s Training Award for Cub Scouting
Scouter’s Training Award for Scout BSA Leaders
Scouter’s Training Award for District Committee Members
Silver Beaver Nomination
District Award of Merit Nomination

Latest News

Get the Latest Arrohattoc District News!

Communication

The Arrohattoc District strives for excellent communication. We share information on social media and Constant Contact through our Council’s Friday Five and Courier newsletters. If you would like to receive information from us, please click the button below.

Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well.  Each BSA council has a corresponding OA lodge. The OA Lodge for the Heart of Virginia Council is the Nawakwa Lodge.  Arrohattoc District’s OA Chapter is the Takachsin Chapter. To find out more about the Order of the Arrow visit oa-bsa.org.

Arrohattoc District Roundtable

Roundtable is a monthly program for leaders to pick up new skills and information that they can take back to their Pack, Troop or Crew.  If you are a registered leader, please join us at our District Roundtable.

St. David’s Episcopal Church
1801 Camborne Road
Richmond, VA 23236
first Thursday of each month
7:00-8:30 pm

Roundtable Commissioner
Rob Kelley

Assistant Roundtable Commissioners
Beth Kelley (Scouts BSA)
Pablo Ospina and Jason Melton (Cub Scouts)

Tech
Jimmy LaBrecque

Training Committee

Bart Hinkle, Training Chair
hbart51@yahoo.com

YPT (Youth Protection Training)

• The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members.
• Youth Protection Training is required for all registered volunteers.
• New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before they submit their application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
• Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.

The Heart of Virginia Council is 100% committed to keeping our youth safe, and we appreciate the commitment of all our volunteer leaders to make this happen. Youth Protection training is designed to help you keep our youth safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection Guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. After each section of material, you will answer questions about that section’s topic. To maintain a safe environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scout BSA, and Venturing programs.

Youth Protection and Social Media The BSA has recently updated their Youth Protection policies to apply to social and digital media. For more information on how to communicate via social platforms while complying with Youth Protection standards, please see this guide from the National Office.

Get Trained Today! To take Youth Protection Training go to My.Scouting.org and create an account. From the MyScouting.org portal, click on E-Learning and take the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, you may print a certificate of completion to submit with a volunteer application or submit the completion certificate to the unit leader for processing at the Heart of Virginia Council Leadership Center.  The Council Office will NOT take applications for new adult volunteers without this certificate. When your volunteer application is approved, you will receive a BSA membership card that includes your member ID number. After you receive your membership card, log back into MyScouting, click on My Profile and update your profile by inputting your member ID number and Heart of Virginia Council from the dropdown list. This will link your Youth Protection training records, and any other training, in MyScouting to your BSA membership and Unit records.

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BALOO and IOLS

BALOO stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. It’s the introductory training Cub Scout leaders must complete before taking Cub Scouts on an overnight camping trip. This one-and-a-half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter.

IOLS stands for Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills a training course that provides leaders with basic skills and information to run a successful outdoor Scouting program.

Who should take BALOO? The BSA requires that you have at least one BALOO-trained adult on every Cub Scout den or pack overnight outdoor event.

Who should take IOLS? The BSA requires that you have at least one IOLS-trained adult on every Scouts BSA overnight outdoor event.

Why should I take BALOO or IOLS? You’ll learn how to make camping activities and outings fun. You’ll discover how to keep your Scouts safe and entertained. And you’ll learn how to plan an event that’s rooted firmly in Scouting’s principles. You’ll learn the basic outdoor skills to develop confidence and competence in your Unit’s leaders conducting outdoor camping activities.

How do I take these training courses? BALOO consists of two components: You’ll need to complete both the “online” and “practical hands-on” components to qualify as a “Trained” Cub Scout outdoor leader and receive the BALOO recognition patch.

Online component: (MUST DO FIRST)

• The online portion of BALOO is available 24/7 on the BSA Learn Center. Just log in to My.Scouting.org to begin.

Practical, hands-on component:

• This 1.5-day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders. A Round Robin of topics will include: GPS, Cooking, Aquatics, Sanitation, Gear Selection, First Aid, Nature, Knife Safety, Hiking, Fire Safety, Outdoor Ethics, Basic Knots, and Stoves & Lanterns.

IOLS is a practical, hands-on 1.5-day course is conducted as a Unit outdoor overnight camping experience using the Patrol Method. The program provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics, this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scout BSA Troops in order to be considered “trained”.

• A Round Robin of topics will include: Campsite Selection, Fire Building, Cooking, Outdoor Ethics, Rope Work, Map & Compass, Wood Tools, Plant Identification, Animal ID, Packing & Hiking.

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Trainer’s EDGE

The purpose of the Trainer’s EDGE course is to provide and help develop the platform skills of a trainer and is meant to supplement the practice that is offered through Wood Badge and NYLT staff development. You will have the opportunity to hone your skills and give several presentations during the day to put into practice the skills taught through Trainer’s EDGE Required course for:

• Wood Badge for the 21st Century Staff
• National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)
• Staff Council & District Training Staff
• Pack Trainers
• and anyone interested in polishing their training skills.

Wood Badge

Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course open only to Scouting volunteers and professionals. Scouters from Cub Scouting, Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Explorers, and district and council Scouters all are welcome and belong here.

Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to assure that the leaders of Scout Troops were properly trained. Since then, Wood Badge training has been held worldwide providing advanced leader training to thousands of Scout Leaders.

Wood Badge is considered the premier leadership training course for Scout Leaders. Wood Badge for the 21st Century is available to registered leaders of all levels of the Scouting program – Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Varsity, and Venturing. It concentrates on providing training on modern leadership skills needed in today’s world for Scout leaders. Wood Badge Training will not only make you a better Scout Leader, but it will also assist you in improving your personal and professional life as well.

Through Wood Badge you will gain valuable tools in listening, communicating, conflict management, project planning, and leading change. You will learn to better understand and leverage diversity and the generational differences of society. You will learn to lead with a vision. You will learn the skills that will make you a better Scout Leader to benefit the youth we serve.

Every Scout deserves a well-trained leader. Are you that leader? Get Wood Badge trained and you will be. In doing so, you will change not only your life but also the lives of all that you touch.

Tickets Have you heard of “The Ticket” and wondered what it is? The “ticket” is a group of five goals you set for yourself to do after the course, to improve your unit. You learn more about this on the course.

Purpose of Wood Badge The purpose of Wood Badge is to develop skilled leaders who can strengthen Scouting units in achieving the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.

When we accomplish the mission of Scouting, we do it in the units. Therefore, the short form of the purpose is, the purpose of Wood Badge is to strengthen units.

Although the course is different today, what Baden-Powell said in 1919 still applies: One of the purposes of Wood Badge training is to get Scouters to think about the practice of Scouting, to meet together, to exchange experiences, and to live together in the spirit of the Scout Oath.

Visit www.scouting.org/training/adult/woodbadge for more information.  Contact your area training chair for information about upcoming courses in your area.

How Can You Help? Volunteer! Become a Trained Leader!

Parents are the lifeblood of our District. In the Arrohattoc District, we aim to include ALL parents. Without them, our program would be limited and our Scouts would be missing out on the fun.

It is very easy to get involved and even become a Trained Leader in our troop. For Committee Members, all the required training can be taken online – so you can take the training at your own pace.

Some of the training includes camping experiences that follow the same format as a scout camping weekend. Training courses can be a great experience, and offer opportunities to meet other adult leaders from across the Council.

First Steps to Getting Involved…

1. Complete the Adult Interest Form.
2. Talk to the Scoutmaster, an Assistant Scoutmaster, or the Committee Chair about your willingness to help.
3. Discuss which role would best fit your talents and comfort level.
4. Fill out the Application form.
5. Take the “Youth Protection Training” course at myscouting.org (you will need to create an account).
6. Print the training certificate and submit to the Scoutmaster.

Participate on Camping Trips

1. Complete the First Steps above.
2. Help out with fulfilling two-deep leadership.
3. Have a great time!

Merit Badge Counselor

1. Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.
2. Fill out the Merit Badge Counselor Application.
3. Review additional information on the BSA Website.

Committee Member

1. Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.
2. In addition to the Youth Protection Training at myscouting.org:
   • Fast Start: Scouting
   • Troop Committee Challenge
3. Print and submit the Training Certificates to the Scoutmaster

Assistant Scoutmaster

1. Complete steps 1-6 as listed at the top of the page.
2. In addition to the Youth Protection Training at myscouting.org:
   • Fast Start: Scouting
3. Print and submit the Training Certificates to the Scoutmaster
4. Register and attend the following training courses organized and scheduled by the Council (check website for schedules):
   • Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training
   • IOLS – Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills
5. Submit photocopies of all training certificates earned.

Additional Training Opportunities Include (but not limited to)

1. Wilderness Remote First Aid
2. Wood Badge

Parent Action Items

1. Volunteer to help with small defined tasks.
2. Ask a leader if they need help.
3. Ask the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair about the needs of the Troop.
4. Follow the advice we give the Scouts… Do your best. If that includes getting trained then get trained.
5. Remain positive and look for ways to improve the program – turn problems into solutions. We are not perfect and we will never perfect. So don’t expect perfect, expect honest effort.
6. Encourage other parents to help. Work as a team with projects that need attention.