Old Dominion District
Unit Leader Communications
Announcements (See Upcoming Events & Training Below)
Friends of Scouting - Investing in Old Dominion's Scouting Future
Dear Old Dominion District Families:
As a Scouting parent, I wanted to send you a personal letter asking you to join me in supporting a quality Scouting program for our young men and women. Please consider an investment in Scouting if you haven't already done so.
We ask that each family consider donating $240, as this is the minimum cost to the Council to provide programs and assistance for each Scout. There is a special edition Council Shoulder Patch for those who contribute $240 or more. Of course, every gift is important and any amount that you can give is gratefully appreciated. Our hope is that 100% of our parents will contribute at any level.
I think you’d agree that Scouting is not only one of the finest youth development programs in the world, but it’s also FUN! The National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America can provide a quality program to our youth because of the support received from Scout parents like you.
The annual Friends of Scouting campaign provides training for our leaders, insurance, program support, and maintenance of our four camping facilities, among many other things. The National Capital Area Council depends on the Friends of Scouting campaign for over 13% of its operating budget. It is essential to the wellbeing of the Scouting program for your Scout.
To help wrap-up our campaign, please make a pledge or contribution online. Thank you in advance for your generous contribution and for everything you and your family do to support local Scouting!
Click Here to give online (preferred method). Please make sure you include "Old Dominion" as your District and also specify your Unit Type and Number (i.e. Pack 1234, Troop 4321, etc.).
Click Here to download the FOS brochure.
Click Here to download the Old Dominion District pledge form that can be distributed at the unit level for your presentation.
Donate and get Bling (email Ken Davis and let him know which items you need):
Any contribution receives a Magnet
$240+ receives a CSP & Magnet
$600+ receives a Hat, CSP & Magnet
Yours in Scouting,
Ken Davis, Old Dominion Friends of Scouting Chair
Cub Scouts Bridging to Troops - Important Advancement Info
Cub Scout Bridging
Cub Scout packs, it’s that time of year that many Cub Scouts will be bridging into Scouts BSA troops. Make sure all Cub Scout rank advancements and Cub Scout awards are properly entered in Internet Advancement or Scoutbook, prior to initiating the transfer to a Scout troop.
Awards like Recruiter, Shooting Sports Awards, Outdoor Activity Awards, NOVA, and especially SuperNova Awards; anything earned as a Cub Scout. For rank advancements, things like Cub Scout and Webelos Adventures, and especially their Arrow of Light Rank. Once a troop accepts a Cub Scout onto their roster it is extremely difficult if not impossible to retroactively correct their Cub Scout records.
Once an eligible Cub Scout bridges into a Scouts BSA troop they become a Scouts BSA member and can begin working on Scouts BSA rank advancement but can no longer work on or complete any unfinished Cub Scout awards or advancements. Scouts BSA requirements cannot be fulfilled while a Cub Scout.
Upcoming Events & Training (Click on event for more info - See Other Items below)
Feb 9 (Thu) 7:30pm - Roundtable (all unit leaders should attend)
When: Thursday, Feb 9th 7:30pm - 8:30pm (2nd Thursday of each month - no July mtg)
Where: IN-PERSON at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Pkwy, West Springfield, VA 22152
Who: All unit leaders (Den Leaders, Assistant Scoutmasters, etc. and those just thinking about it!)
Combined Topic this Month: Friends of Scouting
Scouts BSA Breakout Topics this Month: Shooting Sports & Unit Finances
Cub Scouts Breakout Topics this Month: Advancement & Recognition
More:
What is a Roundtable? A monthly opportunity commissioners provide unit leaders with the skill to do and the will to do what is needed to ensure that every member of every unit has a great Scouting experience. Roundtables exist to:
Provide information
Capture information
Offer current program training
Provide networking opportunities
2023 starts with new Roundtable Commissioners for the Old Dominion District
Cub Scouts: Ryan Birkelbach has recent experience as a RTC in another council. Ryan can be reached at ryan.birkelbach@gmail.com and 843-830-2142
Scouts BSA: Former ODD District Commissioner Jim Stewart returns to ODD as the RTC. Be ready to bring your expertise as we get each other more knowledgeable as discussions may range from where to how. Jim can be reached at va6stewart@gmail.com and 571-225-9771.
Announcements will be at the end of roundtable and will only be by prior arrangement with Ryan or Jim they will limited to 30 seconds unless approved otherwise.
Each roundtable will include a Hot Topic and a Safety Moment.
Come in uniform if you can.
We will recognize the Pack and Troop with the most participants at roundtable each month. Could that be your unit?
Join us the second Thursday of each month at 7:30pm at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Pkwy in Springfield.
Feb 11 (Sat) - Akela Chess Tournament for Cub Scouts ($25 by Feb 5)
When: Saturday, February 11, 2023
Where: Marriott Scout Service Center, 9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814
Cost/Registration: $25 by Feb 5
Details: Take on the fun and challenge of playing chess! The Akela Chess Classic is a five-round chess tournament open to all Cub Scouts from Lions through Arrow of Light and STEM Scouts in Junior Labs.
Click Here for more information and to register
Feb 18 (Sat) - Scoutmaster/ASM Leader Position-Specific Training (asap by Feb 11) (Sponsored by Colonial District)
When: Saturday, Feb 18, 2023
Where: Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, Virginia 22308
Cost/Registration: $0 by Feb 17 (register asap - limited to 12 attendees)
Click Here for more information and to register
Feb 18 (Sat) - Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training (asap by Feb 11) (Sponsored by Colonial District)
When: Saturday, Feb 18, 2023
Where: Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, Virginia 22308
Cost/Registration: $0 by Feb 17
Click Here for more information and to register
Feb 24 (Sat) - Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselor Training (asap) (Sponsored by Prince William District)
When: Saturday, Feb 24, 2023
Where: via Zoom
Registration: asap
Click Here for more information, prerequisites and to register
Feb 25 (Sat) - University of Scouting - Registration Now Open! ($45 by Feb 24)
Where: Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, VA 22315
Register: Click Here to register and for more information
Why: Do you like picking topics that you want to learn about vice just take a required online national course? Well the University of Scouting has a myriad of courses from Dutch Oven Cooking to Cub Pack Singing to mental wellness to vendors telling about their offerings - and it is all for one low price and includes lunch and a patch. You can even earn "degrees" such as a Bachelors in Cub Scouting. Let' see if we can get every unit from ODD represented and have at least 75 from the district attend the University of Scouting.
The University of Scouting is a supplemental training opportunity for all adult Scout leaders. It is the only time during the year where you can find the widest variety of training opportunities in all program areas (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting, STEM, Online Scouting/Social Media), all in one place. Whether you are new to the program or a veteran of many years, the University provides interesting courses applicable across the Scouting programs.
Mar 3 & Apr 22-23 - Back Country Outdoor Leader Skills (BCOLS) ($65 by Feb 27)
When: March 3, 2023 and Apr 22-23 - Must attend both sessions
Cost/Registration: $65 by Feb 27
Click Here for more information and to register
Mar 2 (Thu) 7:30pm - Order of the Arrow (OA) Chapter Meeting
When: 1st Thursday of each month; 7:30-8:30pm
Where: Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Pkwy, West Springfield, VA 22152
Who: All Order of the Arrow members
Website: www.wipit470.org
Questions: Contact Jason Huggins at olddominionchapter@wipit470.org
Mar 3-4 - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) ($40 by Feb 19) (Sponsored by Aquia District)
When: March 3-4, 2023
Where: Curtis Park, Pavilion #2, 58 Jesse Curtis Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Cost/Registration: $40 by Feb 19
Details: Required training for Cub Scout adults so Packs can go camping
Click Here for more information and to register
Mar 9 (Thu) 7:30pm - Roundtable (all unit leaders should attend)
When: Thursday, Mar 9th 7:30pm - 8:30pm (2nd Thursday of each month - no July mtg)
Where: IN-PERSON at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Pkwy, West Springfield, VA 22152
Who: All unit leaders (Den Leaders, Assistant Scoutmasters, etc. and those just thinking about it!)
Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts will have breakout sessions - stay tuned for details.
More:
What is a Roundtable? A monthly opportunity commissioners provide unit leaders with the skill to do and the will to do what is needed to ensure that every member of every unit has a great Scouting experience. Roundtables exist to:
Provide information
Capture information
Offer current program training
Provide networking opportunities
2023 starts with new Roundtable Commissioners for the Old Dominion District
Cub Scouts: Ryan Birkelbach has recent experience as a RTC in another council. Ryan can be reached at ryan.birkelbach@gmail.com and 843-830-2142
Scouts BSA: Former ODD District Commissioner Jim Stewart returns to ODD as the RTC. Be ready to bring your expertise as we get each other more knowledgeable as discussions may range from where to how. Jim can be reached at va6stewart@gmail.com and 571-225-9771.
Announcements will be at the end of roundtable and will only be by prior arrangement with Ryan or Jim they will limited to 30 seconds unless approved otherwise.
Each roundtable will include a Hot Topic and a Safety Moment.
Come in uniform if you can.
We will recognize the Pack and Troop with the most participants at roundtable each month. Could that be your unit?
Join us the second Thursday of each month at 7:30pm at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Pkwy in Springfield.
Mar 11-12 - NCAC College of Commissioner Service (Virtual)
Click Here for more information and to register
Mar 14/21/28 - Summer Camp Leader Orientation Webinar Series (Virtual)
Join the NCAC Camping Department and Camp Staff of the NCAC Summer Camps for a "Summer Camp Leader Orientation Webinar Series!" Learn about what's new in 2023, and gain important tools that will help you and your unit get ready for camp this summer. Featured camps and programs include the Goshen Scout Reservation, Camp Snyder, Camp Catoctin, District Day Camps, and the High Adventure Committee.
March 14: Cub Scout Camps
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UYR010YhTxeGbfC59FlsVA
March 21: Scouts BSA Camps
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PajeL9YgR2CSMvypEae5rw
March 28: High Adventure Camps and Programs
https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MgGlWKc0Rx6h9hDc_g_xVw
Yours in Scouting,
Elisabeth Warren | Goshen Scout Reservation Director
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
National Capital Area Council
301 / 214-9192 - Office
Mar 25 (Sat) - District Cub Scout Pinewood Derby (hold the date)
When: March 25, 2023 - Check-in starts at TBD and ends at TBD. Racing starts at 9:30am
Where: Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
Cost: TBD
Register : TBD for more information and to register
Official Rules: Click Here to view official Old Dominion District 2023 rules
Mar 25 (Sat) - Scoutmaster/ASM Leader Position-Specific Training (asap) (Sponsored by Colonial District)
When: Saturday, Mar 25, 2023
Where: Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, Virginia 22308
Cost/Registration: $0 by Feb 17 (register asap - limited to 12 attendees)
Click Here for more information and to register
Mar 25 (Sat) - Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training (asap) (Sponsored by Colonial District)
When: Saturday, Mar 25, 2023
Where: Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, Virginia 22308
Cost/Registration: $0 by Feb 17
Click Here for more information and to register
Mar 31-Apr 2 & Apr 22-23 - Wood Badge - Spring Course #1 ($300 by Mar 18)
Where: Camp Snyder, 6100 Antioch Rd., Haymarket, Virginia 20169
Click Here for more information and to register
Apr - May - ODD Spring Camp-A-Thon - Earn a Patch!
OLD DOMINION DISTRICT SPRING 2023 CAMP-A-THON
WHEN: April-May 2023
WHERE: Camp out in your own backyard. Use your tent or a family tent. If you do not have a tent, make one outdoors out of a tarp or indoors out of a tarp or blankets. If you do not have a yard to camp in, camp inside. Use all of your camping equipment. While you have it out, check it out, fix anything needing fixing, clean anything needing cleaning, and replace/upgrade if needed. You may want to wash or clean your sleeping bag (check the label for proper cleaning). This will also get you ready for spring, summer, and fall camping when you can again camp with your fellow Scouts following COVID safety rules.
WHAT: Camp out (or in), cook a meal outdoors, look at the stars and find the north star and identify a constellation, practice the knots that you know and learn a new one, take a hike with a family member, do a little service along the way or in your neighborhood, if your parents permit make a campfire in a safe place (like a backyard fire pit or barrel) and roast some marshmallows (invite your family members), etc.
Patch: To Earn a Camp-a-thon Patch and help your Scout unit earn a ribbon for your flag, by 15 June 2022 the Scout leader sends an email to program@oddbsa.org reporting the number of Scouts and Scouters who camped out in April and May at least two nights and the total number of Scouts and Scouters registered in your unit. Cost per patch is $2. Please give a check for such to Adair Petty at June Roundtable. Patches will be ordered mid-June and provided to the units as soon as they come in.
SAFETY: In accordance with current BSA Youth Protection Rules: In Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family. In Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting, youth and adults (including parents) must have separate tents.
Camp-a-Thon Unit Award Ribbons:
Blue Ribbon – 80%-100% of Scouts camp out two nights
Red Ribbon – 60%-79% of Scouts camp out two nights
Yellow Ribbon – Less than 60% of Scouts camp out two nights
Flyer: Click Here to view and download Flyer
QUESTIONS: Contact Adair Petty, VC Program, ODD, at program@oddbsa.org
Apr 6 (Thu) 7:30pm - Order of the Arrow Chapter Meeting
When: 1st Thursday of each month; 7:30-8:30pm
Where: Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Pkwy, West Springfield, VA 22152
Who: All Order of the Arrow members
Website: www.wipit470.org
Questions: Contact Jason Huggins at olddominionchapter@wipit470.org
Apr 14-16 - OA Spring Fellowship ($various by 4/10)
What: OA Spring Fellowship
Who: Amangamek-Wipit Lodge
When: April 14-16, 2023
Where: Camp William B Snyder, 6100 Antioch Road, Haymarket, VA 20169
Register: https://scoutingevent.com/082-65805#
Website: www.wipit470.org
Questions: Contact Jason Huggins at olddominionchapter@wipit470.org
Apr 15-16 - Climbing Level 1 Instructor Training ($40 by ASAP)
When: April 15-16 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Great Falls Park
Fees: $40 per participant, first come first served
Register: Contact the Course Director at ncac.climbing@gmail.com to register
Program: Click Here for more details and full program guide
Questions: Email the Course Director at ncac.climbing@gmail.com
Apr 22 (Sat) - District Merit Badge Jamboree (hold the date)
Apr 28-30 - OA Area Spring Ordeal (registration TBD)
Who: George Mason, Old Dominion, & Patriot OA Chapters
When: April 28-30, 2023
Where: Camp William B Snyder, 6100 Antioch Road, Haymarket, VA 20169
More Information: https://wipit470.org/ordeal.html
Questions: Contact Jason Huggins at olddominionchapter@wipit470.org
May 6-7 - Climbing Level 1 Instructor Training ($40 by ASAP)
When: May 6-7 8:15 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Sugarloaf Mountain
Fees: $40 per participant, first come first served
Register: Contact the Course Director at ncac.climbing@gmail.com to register
Program: Click Here for more details and full program guide
Questions: Email the Course Director at ncac.climbing@gmail.com
May 11 (Thu) 7:30pm - District Court of Honor at Roundtable (all unit leaders should attend)
When: Thursday, May 9th 7:30pm - 8:30pm (as a part of Roundtable)
Where: IN-PERSON at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, 8336 Carrleigh Pkwy, West Springfield, VA 22152
Who: All unit leaders (Den Leaders, Assistant Scoutmasters, etc. and those just thinking about it!)
More: District leaders will be recognized for achievement in District leadership
May 12-14 - Goshen Volunteer Work Weekend
Click Here for more information and to register
May 19-21 - OA Conclave (registration TBD)
Who: Amangamek-Wipit, Nentego, & Nentico OA Lodges
When: May 19-21, 2024
Where: Rodney Scout Reservation, Rodney Scout Road, North East, MD 21901
Registration: Coming Soon
Questions: Contact Jason Huggins at olddominionchapter@wipit470.org
May 20 (Sat) - Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training (asap) (Sponsored by Colonial District)
When: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Where: Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, Virginia 22308
Cost/Registration: $0 by Feb 17
Click Here for more information and to register
May 20 (Sat) - Scoutmaster/ASM Leader Position-Specific Training (asap) (Sponsored by Colonial District)
When: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Where: Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, Virginia 22308
Cost/Registration: $0 by Feb 17 (register asap - limited to 12 attendees)
Click Here for more information and to register
Jun 17-18 (Sat) - BALOO & IOLS Training ($45 by Jun 14) (Sponsored by Colonial District)
When: June 17-18, 2023
Where: Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Rd., Lorton, Virginia
Click Here for more information and to register
May 26-29 - Goshen Family Camp
Click Here for more information and to register
June 26-30 - Cub Scout Day Camp (Old Dominion & Patriot Districts) ($200 by Apr 30)
What: Summer Cub Scout Day Camp
When: Monday, June 26 to Friday, June 30
Who: Day Camp is for registered Cub Scouts entering the 1st-5th grades the following school year. Those entering the 1st grade must be accompanied by an 'adult partner' during their participation.
Where: Occoquan Regional Park
Register: Click Here to register and for more information. Fees: Early discount price - $200 (ends Sun 04-30-2023 11:59 PM); Regular price - $240; Late registration price $270.00 (starts Wed 05-31-2023 12:00 AM).
Why: Off to the Races! We will race to Archery, Sling Shots, S.T.E.M. Scout Skills, Climbing Wall, Arts & Crafts & so much more FUN.
Flyer: Click Here to view and download
Jul 19-28 - National Jamboree 2023
The National Jamboree is doing things a bit different this time around, adults 18-20 years old can come as participants and there is no maximum leader to Scout ratio. If you, your Scout or any of the Scouts in your unit are interested in joining the NCAC National Jamboree contingent. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kelly Wratkowski, Program Director, NCAC at Kelly.wratkowski@scouting.org
Click Here for more information and to register
Aug 1-12 - World Scout Jamboree 2023
Click Here for more information
Sep 1-4 - Goshen Family Camp
Click Here for more information and to register
Sep 15-17 - OA Fall Fellowship (registration TBD)
Who: Amangamek-Wipit OA Lodge
When: September 15-17, 2023
Where: Camp William B Snyder, 6100 Antioch Road, Haymarket, VA 20169
Registration: Coming Soon
Questions: Contact Jason Huggins at olddominionchapter@wipit470.org
Sep 16-17 - Climbing Level 1 Instructor Training ($40 by ASAP)
When: Sep 16-17 8:15 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Sugarloaf Mountain
Fees: $40 per participant, first come first served
Register: Contact the Course Director at ncac.climbing@gmail.com to register
Program: Click Here for more details and full program guide
Questions: Email the Course Director at ncac.climbing@gmail.com
Sep 23-24 - Climbing Level 1 Instructor Training ($40 by ASAP)
When: Sep 23-24 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Great Falls Park
Fees: $40 per participant, first come first served
Register: Contact the Course Director at ncac.climbing@gmail.com to register
Program: Click Here for more details and full program guide
Questions: Email the Course Director at ncac.climbing@gmail.com
Sep 29-Oct 1 - OA Area Fall Ordeal (registration TBD)
Who: George Mason, Old Dominion, & Patriot OA Chapters
Where: Camp William B Snyder, 6100 Antioch Road, Haymarket, VA 20169
Stay tuned for registration details.
Questions: Contact Jason Huggins at olddominionchapter@wipit470.org
2023 - Sea Base Registration
Click Here for more information
Jul 29-Aug 3, 2024, National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) (registration TBD)
Who: All OA Members
When: July 29 - August 3, 2024
Where: University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309
For more information: https://oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac
Questions: Contact Jason Huggins at olddominionchapter@wipit470.org
Other Items
Fundraiser for Units - Popcorn
Click Here for full details on how to order and sell popcorn as a fundraiser for your unit.
Fundraiser for Units - Customized First Aid Kits
Click Here for full details on how to order and sell first aid kits as a fundraiser for your unit.
Minor Modifications to Scouts BSA Rank Requirements (Full Effect on Jan 1, 2023)
Beginning August 1, 2022, minor modifications to the Scouts BSA requirements for the ranks of Scout through Star will take effect. On January 1, 2023, all Scouts must use only the new requirements.
Click Here for full details.
Online Registration of New Scouts - Resources & Help
Click Here for resources and help regarding the online registration process.
To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to the MyODD mailing list,
send an email to: MyOdd.org@gmail.com