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Commissioner's Corner
Lafayette District Leaders,
Now that we are experiencing warmer weather, and spring may actually have arrived, our thoughts are probably turning to Cub Day and Resident Camps, as well as Summer Camp at Resica Falls. I sure hope everyone has planned on getting the Scouts out to these wonderful camp facilities to take advantage of all that is offered. And if not a Cradle of Liberty camp, I hope your Scouts are headed to a great Summer Camp experience somewhere.
But as a reminder, now that the fun stuff has started, we have a couple of serious items to take care of. In my previous Corner I mentioned that every Pack should be planning now for your Pack's leadership in the fall. Make it easy on yourself, plan now and complete the required training so you will be ready to go.
Time will be running out before you know it, Youth Protection Training 2 is a must do by Oct 1; you will not be re-chartered without it. Remember everyone needs to complete the new online training since your old YPT expires Sept 30th regardless of when you took it.
And finally the other training that some will need to take is Hazardous Weather Training. As of April 30, yes, the one that has already occurred, any new direct contact leader must take this training to be considered fully trained. If you are already registered it is not required until you Recharter. Why not take it now when you are not under pressure to complete? It is new and contains a lot of important material to protect you and the Scouts you serve.
Please Note -
For your convenience - On May 19 there will be a Training Day that offers all sorts of training, including the new YPT in a classroom setting, at no cost! You can download an information flyer
here.
Yours in Service,
Ken Houseal
Lafayette District Commissioner
[email protected]
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Why Should I Attend a Roundtable Meeting?
This is a very good question. A lot of the paperwork that is handed out at a Roundtable meeting is also either emailed to the leaders or available on the COLBSA web page. If you think a Roundtable meeting is only about making announcements and handing out flyers, applications and forms, then it would make sense not to attend. But, the roundtable is more than that - it's sort of a support group for scouting's leaders. A roundtable has a give and take - you can ask questions or volunteer to give a presentation. You can discuss an issue or topic in a open forum, amongst leaders with varying experience and training. Yes, this also can be done using a web-based discussion forum, but roundtables are much more effective, in that it is live and in-person.
What is Discussed at a Roundtable Meeting?
First, there are current topics, issues or changes to the scouting program that have just came out. These are typically brought up by the Roundtable Commissioner. This is information you need to know now, in order for you to do your scouting job right. As these topics are brought up, you can ask questions and your district representatives are right there to answer them. Other issues or topics can be brought up by anyone in attendance. If you know enough about a topic to put together a presentation, that would be great - talk to your Roundtable Commissioner about getting it on the agenda. Sometimes a presentation will spawn a discussion about it's topic. We announce some topics in advance so that you may be able to prepare for the discussion.
Why is it Called a "Roundtable"?
It's called a roundtable because everyone has an equal say and no one person leads the conversation. The Commissioner only serves to moderate and keep the discussion productive. This is a good opportunity to share your ideas and concerns about your unit and to hear what other leaders are doing about these same issues. We usually get into some very interesting discussions and most of the leaders attending walk away with some great ideas. Others get the confirmation that what they are doing is right, makes sense and is in-line with what other unit leaders are doing.
Who Should Attend the Roundtable?
Anyone with involvement in a Pack's or Troop's program. Scouting is constantly changing and evolving and every leader needs to keep on top of these changes. If you have little experience, then this is the place to learn about how the scout program really works. If you have a lot of experience, then you can share what you know with others. Every unit should be sending at least one of it's leaders to the monthly roundtable meeting, preferably the Cubmaster or Scoutmaster.
Who runs the Roundtable?
The meeting is run by a Roundtable Commissioner, and the roundtable commissioner staff each who is a member of the District Commissioner's ( Ken Houseal's) staff. In our District that would be me, Tom Shaw. Mark Miller and Alex Rembert. I
along with the roundtable staff are the "go to" persons to contact if there is something you or your unit would like to discuss or present at Roundtable. For example, last month two of our District Scouters presented on the President's service award and Mill Grove service projects and the discussion was very informative and lively. If you would like to join our staff please contact me, or present on a topic of interest to you please contact me or my staff. Our contact information is below.
Why Does the Commissioner Staff run roundtable?
The purpose of this staff is to help unit leaders deliver a quality program to youth in their unit. Commissioners have a lot of program experience and supplemental training and are glad to help their units with any issues or problems they may have. Commissioners can provide advice and counseling for any unit leader that needs it. You may think everything is fine in your unit and you don't need help from our district. We understand this, but wouldn't it make sense to touch base with us once in a while?
I Can't Attend - Are There any Alternatives to the Roundtable Meeting?
We are working on supplemental ways of getting the information from the meeting to you. We understand that for some the meeting does not fit into your schedule, however it is so important you should think about sending someone else in your unit to cover for you. Try not to schedule your unit's meetings or one of your other meetings for the second Wednesday of the month, please. Items are changing in scouting so fast, that roundtable is one of the few places where you can get this information and discuss it with like minded people.
Why is Roundtable so Important?
I've observed also that packs, troops and crews where the adult leaders regularly attend Roundtable are among the more successful units. They recruit more Scouts, retain them better, have greater youth engagement and show adult enthusiasm. They have more exciting and interesting activities, advance more Scouts, and parents feel better about their children being in Scouting.
Why should I go?
Because Roundtable is by, for, and about YOU! Every job is made easier by sharing the load, and Roundtables takes on the job of assisting you in creating and presenting your unit program. Sure, you can make your own program from scratch, but you certainly don't have to! Roundtable is loaded with ideas and demonstrations of all kinds. Got a particular problem you just can't work out? Come to Roundtable and ask the group - draw on the years of Scouting experience made available just for you. Also find out the latest information regarding events and district and council activities.
Tom Shaw
Assistant District Commissioner Roundtable
(484) 808-2752 My Google Voice #
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Lafayette District Awards Picnic
You are invited to join the Commissioner Staff and your Roundtable Commissioners as we celebrate the year of scouting and enjoy an evening of fun, food and awards.
This year's picnic will be held at the
Roger S. Firestone Scouting Resource Center, 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087, on June 13th from 5:45 to 8:30
Dinner will be served at 6:30, and the awards presentation will follow dinner.
The picnic will be held rain or shine ( we will move inside if the weather is threatening). Make sure to sign up early to so you can bring the salad or dessert of your choice. We will provide the Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Veggie Burgers, Plates, Cups, Cutlery and Bug Juice and Water. We will need help setting up and taking down the tables and chairs etc.
The cost of is $5.00 for persons over 12 years of age.
We will see you at the Picnic!
Here is the link for signing up.
http://colbsa.doubleknot.com/registration/calendardetail.aspx?ActivityKey=2054308&OrgKey=2795
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World Jamboree Bound?
Do you have any Boy Scouts that are interested in going to the 2019 World Jamboree? If they are going to be 14 years old (or older) during the World Jamboree in 2019 at Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, there is room for your Scouts! There is also money available for Camperships.
Representatives from the Council Committee on World Scouting will make a brief presentation to the Boy Scout breakout session at this month's Roundtable regarding The World Jamboree and World scouting. Please send your Troop representative for this important information.
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Second Week for Half Price at Resica
The Council is again offering half price for a second week of camping at Resica Falls. Also, if you went to NYLT and are going to Resica falls this summer your week will be half price. Contact the camping department to get more information.
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Advancement News
Here are a few quick notes about Advancement and Awards:
- Award forms were e-mailed to all units for the Marquis Award, District Award of Merit, and the Eugene Holladay Award. The award forms were to be submitted by May 1st and will be awarded at the District Picnic in June. Please e-mail forms to Vicki at [email protected] . We have only received one form. It would be nice if every unit submitted someone for the Marquis Award and there are so many volunteers that work so hard in their units and also in the District. We are sure that there are some deserving scouts for the Eugene Holladay award.
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First Aid Meet Rescheduled
The
annual first aid meet had to be cancelled due to the weather in March, but Troop 105 has been able to secure the PV Middle School West for September 15, 2018. Please plan on attending this very worth while event. Registration is on the troop web site at www.troop105pa.org. Anyone who registered last time will have to re-register and issue a new payment, all prior payments by check have been destroyed.
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Order of the Arrow News
For a number of reasons, unit elections have lagged a bit behind our usual schedule. There are a number of units we have been unable to visit to this point but we would still love the opportunity to do so.
If your troop hasn't conducted your OA Unit Elections, please contact us so that we can arrange a visit. The OA can enhance both your troop and your scout's program. Let us help you develop youth leaders, keep older scouts involved and teach the virtues of cheerful service and brotherhood.
Our next Service Weekend will be May 18-20 at Resica Falls. New candidates can complete their Ordeal, those eligible for Brotherhood can seal their bond, and Unami Lodge will welcome it's new Vigil Honor class. Come out and help us prepare Resica for summer camp and for Conclave and share in the fellowship. Registration is open at UnamiLodge.org.
Unami Lodge, One is one of 11 OA Lodges that make up Section NE-5 of the Order of the Arrow. Each year these Lodges get together for fun, fellowship and education. This year, we are hosting Conclave at Resica Falls Scout Reservation on the weekend of June 8-10. We encourage all Lodge members to come out and help us make this event spectacular. There are opportunities to serve on staff or simply attend as a member of our Lodge contingent. These are great weekends shared with Arrowmen from other BSA Councils. Please consider joining us for friendly competition and training as we ignite The Fire Inside.
Unami Lodge, One will be attending the National Order of the Arrow Conference in Indiana from July 30-August 1. Scouting's second largest national event (behind only Jamboree) is a great experience and opportunity for both youth and adult members in the OA. If you are interested, please contact [email protected] with any questions. Indiana University will be the place to be for an exciting event this summer.
On a personal note, 'thank you' to all who shared thoughts, prayers and understanding on the loss of my father. My apology for anything that may have 'slipped through the cracks' during this time. It is a true testament to the Spirit of Scouting that so many of you are "family"!
In Cheerful Service,
Stuart Earl Bowman
Lafayette Chapter Adviser, Unami Loadge, One
484-369-1307
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Spring Camporee 2018 was a Success!
A great big thank you to the Scouts and Leaders of Troop 313 for hosting our Spring Camporee at Camp Delmont along the water front. We had some great weather Saturday and only a little rain Sunday morning. Everyone had a great time completing the various stations, canoeing, fishing, two man saw. tomahawks, fire building and knots. All the activities concluded with a terrific campfire Saturday evening. Some pictures from the event are shown below.
While the 2018 Spring Camporee is fresh on everyone's mind, why not step up and sponsor the Spring 2019 event? I f you would be interested in taking this on as a Troop event, please contact Tim Little at [email protected] .
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Lafayette District Calendar Has Been Updated
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The Lafayette District Calendar has been updated!!! Check out everything that is going on here:
Lafayette District Calendar
Here are some highlights:
- May Lafayette District Roundtable - May 9, 2018
- Training Day at Firestone - May 19, 2018
- District Recognition Picnic - June 13, 2018
The Lafayette Website has new information on it, including an easily accessible calendar, info about District Committee and Commissioners, and new opportunities for Scouting adventures. Check it out at www.colbsa.org/lafayette to see what's new!
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The Roundtable opens at 7:00 PM with an open fellowship and information "Midway" followed by a formal opening at 7:15 PM (*** NOTE THE NEW TIME***) at the Mascaro Building (Upstairs), 2650 Audubon Road, Audubon, PA 19403. The Roundtable formal start time has been moved from 7:30 to 7:15 PM. The informal gathering and information midway will still open at 7:00 PM. Be sure to arrive at 7:00 PM to gather information, flyers, your' mailbox contents and spend time networking with other Scout Leaders, they are an informative and helpful group!
May Roundtable Theme Camping
Big Rock: Scout Me In
Scouters and Scouting friends please come to roundtable to learn the latest and important news on Family Scouting and the Tools that were posted for us to use from the National Council. This program is called Scout Me In.
This Big Rock will be led by Greg Osbourn Chief Operating Officer of COLBSA.
This month's roundtable will be all about camping.
Cub Scouts: Day Camp and Resident Camp.
Boy Scouts: Summer Camp.
Please come and share your success stories with your fellow scouters.
What works best? What are you favorite activities? What does your Troop, Pack of Crew do at camp to make the week special?
We would also like to know where you are going to camp so we can schedule a commissioner visitation.
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Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America
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