Winter Scouting

Fall recruitment. Popcorn. The holidays. They all have one thing in common….they are over! Now what?

 

Scouting hardly takes a break just because the weather has turned colder. Packs are holding their own Pinewood Derby races in anticipation of the district race on March 3. Troops are camping, and practicing their skills for the Klondike Derby on February 25. Friends of Scouting presentations are being held throughout the district, giving families like yours a chance to financially support Scouting locally.

 

And despite the frigid temperatures, it is never too early to pan for summer camp! Have you reserved your space at one of our premier council camps? Spaces fill up fast, and as many found out last summer, weeks close due to capacity, so be sure your Pack or Troop is signed up today! Call our Camping Department at 432-5232,

 

Fall Camporee 2011

While you will more than likely see reviews of last weekend’s fall camporee, held at Camp Conewago, I wanted to take a moment to jot down a few personal thoughts.

 

First, I must congratulate our new District Activities Committee Co-Chairs, Barb Guise and Donna Baum. They certainly has a team of volunteers behind them, but they pulled off an outstanding event, especially it being their first attempt. I can’t count how many positive comments I have received both during and after the event, and it is thanks to Barb, Donna, and their volunteers. Since it was a Civil War themed event, I will say Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!

 

I also wanted to mention something that emerged from the weekend based on the wet weather experienced in the days leading up to the camporee. The committee had met several times prior to the event at Conewago to plan out where everyone would sleep, program areas, and the like. They even went up a day early to mark off camp sites for each unit who registered so things would go smoothly on Friday night. Then it rained. And rained. And rained some more. All of that water made the predetermined campsites a virtual swamp. So, doing what Scouts do best, they adapted.

 

All of this lead to the point I wanted to make. The new camp arrangements lead to some tight quarters. One would have thought this would create issues. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Troops not only got to know each other better, they even helped each other out, whether it be moving trailers stuck in the mud, or by lending that cheese grater left at home. It was great to see everyone working together. This is what Scouting is all about!

 

A New Scouting Year

Welcome to Scouting 2011! What a year we had in 2010, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

 

The anniversary may be over, but the excitement is still alive. I hope you are as energized about this upcoming year in Adventure District as I am. Fall is always a bsy time of year for Scouters, veterans and novices alike. Popcorn. Fall Recruitment. Camping. It may seem overbearing at times, but remember why we do this. It is for the young man and women in the program. And of course it is OK for us to have some fun along the way as well!

 

I look forward to meeting all of you as I begin my first full year as your district director. Feel free to include me in your committee, unit meeting, court of honor or Pack meeting plans. If my calendar allows, I will make every effort to attend.

 

Here’s to a great 2011 in Adventure District!

 

Training

We always are talking about the benefits of a trained leader. The professional Scouter is no different. This week, I am at the national office in Irving, Texas, taking “PDL-3″ (Professional Development Level 3), the third and final course of a series meant to help me serve you and Adventure District better.

 

Despite temperatures in the 100′s all week, it has been an outstanding experience. The course itself provides a wealth of information which I am looking forward to applying when I get home. In addition to the formal material, networking with both my contemporaries from all over the country, as well as staff from the national office, is priceless.

 

 

 

Memorial Day

As we pause our busy schedules and welcome summer, please remember our veterans and active military personnel, which the is real reason behind our long weekend. For many of you, this is preaching to the choir, I realize. As Scouters, true meaning behind this holiday is not lost, but let’s do what we can to spread the message. Fly the Star Spangled Banner proudly. Thank a service member, past or present. Attend a parade or memorial service. Duty to Country. How will you fulfill this Scouting value? Happy Memorial Day, and thank you to all who have served!

 

 

 

Welcome to Kevin’s Korner!

Yes, I know I spelled Korner wrong, but hey, it got your attention, right?

I will use this small bit of cyber space to communicate with you about my travels within the district, thoughts on Scouting, whatever crosses my mind. Feel free to let me know what you think by emailing me at kevin.gill@scouting.org.