Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!!

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1 DECEMBER 2009 Page 1 Smoke Signals DECEMBER 2009 WESTMORELAND FAYETTE COUNCIL Boy Scouts of America 2 Garden Center Drive Greensburg, PA wfbsa@bsamail.org VOLUME #14 ISSUE #12 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!! Jamboree Rally 2010 National Scout Jamboree July 26- August 4, 2010 Fort AP Hill, Virginia Monday, December 14, :00 PM Council Service Center Greensburg Pa. Only Twenty spaces remain for the 2010 National Jamboree contingent of the Westmoreland Fayette Council. A $200 prize Drawing will be held at the Rally!! We invite all Boy Scouts and their parents and all Boy Scout Leaders to attend a Jamboree Rally to be held Monday, December 14, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Council Service Center in Greensburg. At the rally the Jamboree Committee will review for those interested in the twenty remaining troop spaces for our jamboree contingent. The Westmoreland Fayette Council is organizing three troops for participation in the National Scout Jamboree. All the details of participation in the Jamboree will be discussed, including fees and funding opportunities available, equipment, uniforms and training needed to participate. All Scouts and their parents and all Scout Leaders should attend this meeting if they have any interest in the National Scout Jamboree. It is not too late to participate. There will a drawing for a $200 credit towards the Jamboree fee held at the Rally. Only Scouts who attend the rally on December 14, complete an application and pay a $200 deposit will be eligible for the drawing. Scouts previously and currently registered for the Jamboree are not eligible. We ll see you at this fun, and informative important meeting! For more information contact Jack Waite at the Council Service Center or jwaite@bsamail.org Jamboree Application can be found on page 26.

2 DECEMBER 2009 Page 2 Smoke Signals 2010 Volunteer Recognition Dinner 100 th Anniversary of Scouting Monday February 8, 2010 Where? Stratigo s Banquet Centre, North Huntingdon, PA Who? All adult volunteers and their guests Cost? $27.50 per person or Unit Table of 10 Scouters for $ if you register and pay at one time Time? 6:30 PM (There will be an Alumni reception at 5:30 p.m. See page 4 for details) Don t miss this Celebration of our 100 th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America and our Volunteers! Rev. Dr. Gene Stuckey of Greensburg will be the Chairman of this Dinner. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Silver Beaver Awards, Wood Badge Bead presentations, Veterans Awards, Unit MVP Awards and many other awards. The Council will recognize its 12 Hall of Leadership nominees. Unit Table -$250 for 10 Scouters. The unit will receive a Unit Sign, Most Valuable person award for unit, ribbon for Unit Flag, and Program Recognition We will present a Special Award to the District that has the most attendance at the Volunteer Recognition Dinner. A sit-down dinner will be served. Menu: Choice of Stuffed Chicken Breast or Top Sirloin of Beef au Jus, Questions? Please call your District s Dinner Chairperson: Braddock Trail: Bushy Run: Marilyn Martinelli Laurel Hills: Keith Gaskill Old Trails:

3 DECEMBER 2009 Page 3 Smoke Signals 100 th Anniversary of Scouting Recognition Dinner 2010 VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION DINNER REGISTRATION FORM $27.50 per person = $ enclosed # a table= $ enclosed (please pay and register all at one time) Unit# Mail Tickets to: Phone: Please return to: Westmoreland Fayette Council 2 Garden Center Drive Greensburg, PA Choice Choice Name (Beef or Chicken) Name (Beef or chicken) Attach separate sheet if necessary DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: January 29,2010. Unit Most Valuable Person of the Year Award This year each pack, troop or crew should select their Most Valuable Person of the Year. The selection is completely up to your unit committee. Complete the nomination form and return it to the Council Service Center by January 15, Unit Most Valuable Person of the Year Award Application Name Unit # Position Submitted by: Name Position: Unit# Phone:

4 DECEMBER 2009 Page 4 Smoke Signals Scouting Alumni Reception Held in conjunction with the annual recognition dinner, this event will feature Robert D Koncerak, CFO of Touchmark Bank, Eagle Scout, and Past Wagion Lodge Chief. Admission is $20 and includes light refreshments, fellowship, and silent and live auctions of Scouting memorabilia. Doors will open at 5:30; the reception will conclude with the live auction beginning at 6:15. From there, guests can adjourn to the recognition dinner.

5 DECEMBER 2009 Page 5 Smoke Signals COMMISSIONERS NEEDED COMMISSIONER S CORNER We are in need of adult Scouters willing to be part of our Unit Service Team supporting the Units across our Council. Every District in the Council has a critical need for Commissioners. One of the most important commissioner positions is that of a Unit Commissioner. The Unit Commissioner is a commissioned, uniformed volunteer who works very closely with individual traditional Scouting Units. In this assignment the Commissioner develops a friendly relationship with the Unit Leadership and is there to help the leaders in any possible way. This Commissioner becomes a direct connection between the Unit and the District and Council, making sure that the Unit is kept up to date on all activities or programs. They assist the Unit in completing Recharter Applications, Quality Unit Awards and chasing down loose ends in other areas. Our Council conducts Training Events for Commissioners throughout the year. Please contact your District or Council Commissioner to let us know of your interest in Commissioner Service. MEMBERSHIP NOVEMBER COMMISSIONER SERVICE PLAN ASSIGNMENTS Work with your Units to complete Membership Inventories to make sure every youth or adult is correctly registered with their Unit. This will allow both the Unit and the Council to have correct membership records for the year end and prepare the Unit for the upcoming Recharter. CENTENNIAL QUALITY UNIT AWARD Units may now apply for their 2009 Centennial Quality Unit Award starting at the end of October. All completed 2009 Award Applications are to be turned in by the end of this year. Remind Units to review Unit records to prepare them to complete their 2010 Quality Unit Goal Form. The forms will be distributed with the 2010 Recharter Applications and are to be collected with the new Recharter Application are turned into the office.. UNIT RECHARTERING / 2010 OUR CENTENNIAL YEAR. Our Centennial Year, every youth and every adult who has ever been involved in any phase of Scouting will hopefully join in the celebration. What a year it will be and everything starts with Rechartering. The only way a Cub, a Scout, a Venture or an Explorer can participate is to be an active registered member of an active registered unit. What better reason to have a zero dropped unit year and an increased membership in every unit. If we don t do it in 2010 when will we have a better chance or a better reason? Recharter applications are on the way so let s get it done and do it on time Dick McKelvey Council Commissioner

6 DECEMBER 2009 Page 6 Smoke Signals Scouting For Food th Anniversary of Scouting- 100,000 pounds of food to be collected in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties Door Hangers will be distributed starting April 17, 2010 by participating units Food will be collected in neighborhoods door to door on Saturday, April 24, 2010 Glenn Johnson, Council Chairman of Scouting for Food needs your unit and youth participation. Johnson stated, To Achieve our goal of 100, 000 pounds collected for the 100 th Anniversary of Scouting we need all units and youth to participate. The plan is for each unit to participate in the food drive by being responsible for a geographic area, distribute door hangers and to pick up the food the following Saturday. Selected units will be asked to staff local super markets on Scouting for Food Days to collect food donations. Chartered Organizations are also being asked to participate by putting out Food boxes at their locations and asking organization members to participate in the Scouting for Food campaign. If each Scout in every unit would collect at least 5 bags with at least 10 pounds of food, our goal of 100,000 pounds would be realized, Johnson stated recently. What better way to celebrate Scouting s 100 th Anniversary than to do a Good Turn something that Scouts have done since day one. Hunger is the number 1 problem in our Westmoreland and Fayette area. Who better to lead the way than Scouts!!! April dates have been chosen for Scouting for Food in 2010 so that all Scouts in Western Pennsylvania will collecting food at the same time in order to maximize our marketing efforts and maximize the amount of food that can be collected during this 100 th Anniversary of Scouting year. The Recognition Plan for Scouting for Food in If your Unit: Meets or exceeds your unit goal earns each participating Scout a Good Turn Pin (in 2010 only if your unit earned the patch in 2009). Meets or exceeds your unit goal for the first time earns each participating Scout a Good Turn patch. To be a part of THE 100 TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOUTING and this historic event this is all you have to do: 1. Get the commitment to participate from your chartered organization and your unit committee. 2. Set your unit goal based on a minimum of 20 pounds per registered Scout, or make a commitment to achieve the CHALLENGE GOAL OF 50 POUNDS PER SCOUT. 3. Complete the Scouting for Food registration form and return it to the Council Service Center. 4. Attend your District s March Roundtable to receive your unit s materials for Scouting for Food. At that time your unit will receive your assignment of zone to cover for the food drive. 100 th Anniversary of Scouting Scouting for Food 2010 Registration Form Unit # District Contact Person Zone covered Deliver to or (Unit to contact this site directly to make arrangements) Number of registered scouts on March 1st x 20 pounds per registered Scout = Unit goal = Meeting or exceeding your unit goal earns each participating Scout a Good Turn Pin (in 2010 only if your unit earned the patch in 2009). Meeting or exceeding your unit goal for the first time earns each participating Scout a Good Turn patch. CHALLENGE GOAL: 50 POUNDS PER SCOUT (just 5 bags at 10 pounds per bag per Scout) For more information contact your District Executive or Jack Waite at , jwaite@bsamail.org Please return to the Council Service Center, 2 Garden Center Drive, Greensburg, Pa

7 DECEMBER 2009 Page 7 Smoke Signals 2010 Blue and Gold Banquet Placemats The Council will be providing Placemats for Blue and Gold Banquets this year. The Placemats will feature the Cub Camping program for Please place an order by completing the form printed below and return no later than December 31, The Placemats will be available for pickup at the Council Service Center or at District Roundtables in January Blue and Gold Banquet Placemats Order Form Pack # District Number of Placemats needed: Person placing order: Name Date needed by: Phone PLEASE RETURN TO THE COUNCIL SERVICE CENTER BY Thursday, December 31, Westmoreland Fayette Council, BSA 2 Garden Center Drive Greensburg, Pa Phone: (724) Fax: (724) wfbsa@bsamail.org

8 DECEMBER 2009 Page 8 Smoke Signals Camp Director Appointments Scout Executive Martin Barbie announces the appointment of Camp Director for the 2010 Season at Camp Conestoga. Jack Waite will serve as Camp Director for Camp Conestoga for a fifth year. Jack is looking forward to serving as Camp Director and is working to assemble his staff. Martin also has appointed Andrea Doppleheuer of Connellsville to serve as Camp Director for Camp Buck Run for will be Andrea s third year as Camp Director. Those seeking any Camp Staff position should return a Staff Application to the Council Service Center as soon as possible. Camp Staff interviews will be conducted at the OA Banquet on February 27, Camp Tenacharison News Hunting Permits: If you would like a Hunting permit to hunt at Camp Tenacharison contact Jack Waite at the Council Service Center, or jack.waite@bsamail.org. Permits are issued for hunting on Camp property from Monday morning to Friday afternoon. There is no hunting on property from Friday afternoon until Monday morning. The camp is used by Scouts and Scouters on the weekends. Firewood: Firewood is available for the taking at Camp Tenacharison. Please call Jack Waite at the Council Service Center, or jack.waite@scouting.org if you would like to take some firewood. We ask for a free will donation to the Council if you take firewood from the Camp. Eberly Scout Reservation Christmas Party Date: Saturday, December 19, 2009 Time: We will gather about 4:00p.m., dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. We will conclude by 7:00 p.m. Place: Wolenter Lodge, Camp Tenacharison, Route 981 between Scottdale and Smithton. Who s invited? All Eberly Reservation staff, friends, family, Council Camping Committee Come join us to celebrate Christmas! Come to see Camp friends you have not seen since August! Join us for fun and fellowship. If you would like to participate in a gift exchange bring a gift valued at $ $ We will have a great time. We ll have staff memory books at the party for you! If you would like a staff photograph please let us know when you make your reservation for the party. The pictures will be $5.00 and you can pay for them at the party. Camp 2010 is just months away and we have begun to make plans for this historic year, the 100 th Anniversary of Scouting. We will be interviewing for Area Director s positions at the party. We will have staff applications available. We want to begin preparations now so that we can Be Prepared for this awesome 2010 Camp Season! Please return the reservation form to Jack Waite at the Council Service Center by December 16 th. Or your response to jack.waite@scouting.org Merry Christmas! See you soon! Jack Waite Ken Hager Chuck King Camp Director Program Director Camp Commissioner ESR, Christmas Party- BSA, 2 Garden Center Drive Greensburg, Pa I will attend- Name or phone number I would like a staff photograph (please check if you would like a photo)

9 DECEMBER 2009 Page 9 Smoke Signals Cub Camping Program Camp Buck Run 2010 Theme for 2010-Dinosaurs/100 th Anniversary of Scouting Our mission is to offer a quality Cub Camping program following the guidelines established by the BSA. Maximize the use our facilities, staff and program to insure that the council can continue to offer a quality program in a quality facility with a great staff. Camp Buck Run is the Westmoreland Fayette Council s camp for all Cub Scouts. It is located in Laurel Hill State Park near Somerset, Pa. Camp Buck Run has cabins/ tents to house the Cub Scouts and their leaders. Meals are served in Jackson Dining hall. Showers and rest rooms with flush toilets are provided. Buck Run has a sports and parade field, BB and archery ranges and a Nature pavilion. Swimming and Boating activities will be offered. The Camp operates with a theme, in 2010 the theme will be Dinosaurs and the 100 th Anniversary of Scouting. This new program will enable our Cub Scout packs to attend Camp as a pack. Sessions will be available every week for new packs to attend. Program to be offered works off the theme. The Camp offers age- appropriate activities. Dens will be organized by Wolves, Bears, Webelos so that age appropriate activities will be offered. We will operate all camping opportunities from our Camp Buck Run facility over a six week season. Camps that will be operated this summer and offered every week of the six week season: Cub Weekend Camp- 2 days and 2 nights starting on Friday night ending on Sunday evening after Closing Campfire. This camp is for the new Cub Scout and his parent attending Camp for the first time. The purpose is to get acquainted with the Cub Scout Camping program. Cub Scout Camp for Wolves and Bears- 4days and 4 nights starting on Friday night and ending on Tuesday evening after Closing Campfire. Wolves and Bears attend this Camp with their pack leadership. Webelos Camp for Webelos I and II s- 5 days and 5 nights starting on Friday night and ending on Wednesday evening after Closing Campfire. Webelos attend this Camp with their pack leadership. Camp Schedule-2010 o June 18-23, Camp Buck Run Week #1 o June 25-June 30, Camp Buck Run Week #2 o July2-July 7, Camp Buck Run Week #3 o July 9- July 14, Camp Buck Run Week #4 o July 16- July 21, Camp Buck Run, Week #5 o July23-July 28,Camp Buck Run, Week#6 Cub Camping Calendar Early January, 2010 Camp Smoke Signals mailed. January 11, Cub Camping Kickoff- North- 7:00 p.m. Stanwood Elementary School. All Packs are required to attend this Important Kickoff meeting. Each pack will be provided materials prepared for packs to begin Signup for Camp Buck Run. The 2010 Camping program will be discussed in detail. (Continued on page 10)

10 DECEMBER 2009 Page 10 Smoke Signals (Buck Run, continued from page 9) January 12, Cub Camping Kickoff- South- 7:00 p.m. at Otterbein United Methodist Church in Connellsville. All Packs are required to attend this Important Kickoff meeting. Each pack will be provided materials prepared for packs to begin Signup for Camp Buck Run. The 2010 Camping program will be discussed in detail. Directions printed below: April 12, 2010-Cub Camp signup- Stanwood Elementary School,7:00 p.m. Registrations and deposits for Camp Buck Run are due at this meeting. Directions printed below: May 1, Camp Buck Run Activity Day ( Spring Nature Walk)- 9:00 a.m. at Camp Buck Run. Nature Activities for all Cub Scouts and a Camp Buck Run Leader orientation. Bring a bag lunch and have a fun day at Camp. There will be a small registration fee for a patch. May 7, Final Camp Run fees are due. Pack Cub Camping Coordinator Each pack should appoint a member of the Pack Committee to be the Pack Cub Camping Coordinator. That person is responsible to promote the Cub Resident Camp program at Camp Buck Run. That person is responsible for attending the Cub Camp Kickoff meeting, promoting Cub Camp at pack meetings and activities and for handling the Pack s registration for Camp Buck Run. Blue and Gold Placemats Placemats are available for Pack Blue and Gold Banquets. The placemats feature the Cub Camping program for 2010 and the 100 th Anniversary of Scouting. Please place your pack s order by December 31, 2009 at the Council Service Center. The placemats will be available for pickup at the Council Service Center or at the Cub Camp Kickoffs in January. Camp Buck Run Fees Fees will be announced in the Camp Smoke Signals. Directions to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 201 Lincoln Avenue, Connellsville PA 15425, From the South: RT 119 North to Connellsville, Past Light at McDonalds bear right onto Pittsburgh Street. Past Three Traffic Signals go up a hill. The 5 th street is Green Street Turn left onto Green Street. Go to the stop sign turn left at stop sign on to Race Street. Race Street ends at the church (red brick).parking on either side. Go into the doors at the bottom of the building. From the North: RT 119 South to Connellsville, Turn Left onto Pittsburgh Street. Follow the directions above. DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO STANWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL From PA Turnpike: Take New Stanton Exit (#8) on to Rte. 119 North. Once on Rte. 119 North, take the 2 nd exit, Rte. 66 Turnpike North. Take the 1 st Exit off Rte. 66 Turnpike North to Arona Road. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right at the stop sign. Go to the next stop sign and turn left onto Arona Road. The school is ¼ mile on the right. From Connellsville Uniontown: Take Route 119 North to Route 66 (Toll). Get off at the first exit (free) Arona Road Exit. At the end of exit ramp (stop sign) take a right. Follow until you come to next stop sign. Turn left onto Arona Road. Go ¼ of a mile, Stanwood School is on the right. Park in parking lot on the right. From Delmont Murrysville New Alexandria: Take Route 22 to Route 66 Toll. Go South on Toll Road the whole length. The toll is $1.00. Take the Arona Road Exit. At end of Exit ramp (stop sign) take a left. Go to next stop sign take a right. At next stop sign take a left on to Arona Road. Go ¼ of a mile, Stanwood School is on the right. Park in parking lot on the right. From Latrobe Greensburg: Take Route 30 to Route 119 South. Follow Route 119 South through Youngwood. At Route 66 Toll Road turn right on to toll road. Go to first exit (free) Arona Road Exit. At the end of exit ramp (stop sign), take a right. Follow till you come to next stop sign. Turn left on to Arona Road. Go ¼ of a mile, Stanwood School is on the right. Park in parking lot on the right

11 DECEMBER 2009 Page 11 Smoke Signals EBERLY SCOUT RESERVATION 2010 SUMMER CAMP STAFF APPLICATION The Westmoreland-Fayette Council has a great challenge this year to provide the Scouts and Scouters who attend our beautiful camp with a great camping experience. The council is looking for a few dedicated people to serve scouting by being members of the Council Camp Staff. The requirements are stiff, the jobs are demanding, the experience is exhilarating. The minimum age requirement for a staff position is 15 years of age. There are volunteer training positions for 14 and 15 year olds. All Staff members must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America prior to employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act enacted November 6, 1986 requires all employees to verify that each applicant is legally authorized to work in the United States. You will also be asked to provide documents to verify your eligibility. The standards of the Scout Oath or Promise and Law must be adhered to and will serve as a guide for staff conduct. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be tolerated during the period of service on the camp staff. The use of tobacco is restricted to areas where employees are not in contact with Scouts and leaders. The staff must set an example of excellence in Scouting which includes the proper wearing of the full uniform and proper use of official equipment while in camp. All summer camp staff members, paid or volunteer, are to provide the camp, upon arrival, with a current health history and results of an up-to-date physical examination. Salary is based on position responsibility with some consideration given to the individual s tenure and experience. If you are interested in joining us this summer for an experience that will last a lifetime, complete the application on the next page and mail to the address below. Retain this page for your information. Mailing Address: Westmoreland-Fayette Council, B.S.A. 2 Garden Center Drive Greensburg, Pa Telephone No.: (724) Fax No.: (724) jack.waite@scouting.org

12 DECEMBER 2009 Page 12 Smoke Signals Westmoreland Fayette Council Boy Scouts of America PERSONAL INFORMATION NAME: PRESENT ADDRESS: CITY, STATE, and ZIP: TELEPHONE (Home and /or cell): ADDRESS: As of June 1 st are you at least: Age 21 Age 18 (If under 18, please give birth date) Social Security Number: Driver s License Number State Name and Location of School EDUCATION BACKGROUND # of Years Did you Graduate Date of Graduation Major Avg. Grade Junior High High School College Other Scholastic Honors: School Activities: Sporting Activities: Other Activities: List past experiences with youth outside of Scouting: Do you have CPR certification: If Yes, Issued by: Exp. Date: Do you have any physical or mental disabilities, which limit your ability to perform assigned duties in camp? If yes, explain PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT Previous or last employer: Address: Contact Person: Reason for Leaving:

13 DECEMBER 2009 Page 13 Smoke Signals 2010 Camp Conestoga Stake your Claim! As you can see most Troops have staked their claim for their campsite for the 2010 camping season. All Weeks of camp are now open for any Troop to make a site reservation for the 2010 Season. There is a $25.00 site reservation fee. Call the Council Service Center at to make your reservation. The Camp Fees for 2010 will be announced in the Camp Smoke Signals to be issued in January Reservation dates and Information The reservation fee of $50 per Scout will be due March 12, The troop will receive the discounted fee to be paid in full by May 7, 2010 for only the number of Scouts that the Troop has paid for $50 by this date. Exception will be Webelos Scout moving to the troop. They will receive the discounted price until May 7 th. The final fees will be due by May 7, A discount will be received if paid in full by this date. If payments received by May 7, 2010 do not reflect your troop filling at least 2/3rds of the campsite capacity, your reservation may be transferred to another site in the same week or another troop may be assigned to share your site. If your Troop arrives at camp with more Scouts than they are registered for or they arrive with too many Scouts and exceed the maximum number of campers for the site, we reserve the right to switch your campsite All troops are responsible for notifying the Council Service Center of reservation changes for site reservation forms are available at the Council Service Center. CAMP CONESTOGA RESERVATION CHART 2010 CAMPSITE WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 6 6/20-6/26 6/27-7/3 7/4-7/10 7/11-7/17 7/18-7/24 7/25-7/31 HILL 1.Blackhawk o/c 131 o/c o/c 2.Mohawk o/c Lenape Shawnee o/c Iroquois Paiute Catawba VALLEY 9.Chief West o/c Dan Beard Guyasuta GROVE 12.Nemacolin Davey Crockett Seneca o/c 150 o/c 15.Kit Carson 1640 o/c o/c 16.Delaware Colonel Bowie Eagle Bill Cody o/c

14 DECEMBER 2009 Page 14 Smoke Signals BRADDOCK TRAIL DISTRICT NEWS District Chairman Mike Blasko District Commissioner Marty Ridenour District Executive Matthew Dowling December CALENDAR OF EVENTS 3 Commissioner Meeting Bud Murphy s 9 Roundtable Southmoreland Elementary School 25 Merry Christmas Office Closed January 7 Commissioner Meeting Bud Murphy s 13 Roundtable Southmoreland Elementary School 21 District Committee Meeting YMCA

15 DECEMBER 2009 Page 15 Smoke Signals BRADDOCK TRAIL DISTRICT NEWS REPRINT The items below were in an article I printed last month. The information is important and therefore we are reprinting it once again. Please look at last month s edition to see the full text Friends of Scouting Campaign This one hits us early in January and it is like running a race, we want to get to the finish line as quick as possible. Like last year we will be having a Kick-Off event at Bud Murphy s on January 5, Each Unit should send two adults (one should be the Cubmaster/Scoutmaster and the other a FOS Chairman for the unit). At this meeting you are going to be asked two important questions: #1 When would you like to have your 2010 FOS Presentation (remember it is race so let s try to get them in before May). #2 If you would like to make a contribution to the campaign (last year our unit leaders made very generous gifts and helped to set an example for others). More specifics about the 2010 Campaign will be coming out soon, but please start looking at the calendar and getting the dates together for your Unit s presentation! 2010 Scout Show The Scout Show is a great event and really is a good time to take a look at Scouting in Action. Unit leaders should already have the information on this event as it was passed out at the June 2009 Program Picnic, the September 2009 Roundtable and the October 2009 Roundtable. If you need more information please let me know! 2010 Activities Patch Information about this patch program can be found on this page! Please take a look at it and start getting your orders together as they are due in December. Save The Date!!! Braddock Trail 2010 District Scout Show Saturday, February 6, 2010 Boy Scout First Aid Meet 9:00AM Cub Scout Pinewood Derby 9:00AM Cub Scout Cake Bake 10:30AM Tiger Cub Pinewood Derby 10:30AM Tiger Cub Cake Bake 9:00AM Tiger Cub / Cub Scout Poster Contest 12:00PM Old-timers Pinewood Race (Boy Scouts Allowed) - 12:00PM Awards 1:00PM Registration $5.00 Per Scout 2010 Summer Camp While information is not yet out about the cost and exact program plans for this summer s camps please start talking about camp in your unit. In addition to the Boy Scout Camp the Council offers there is also an exciting new Cub Scout Program being planned, at the District level we are trying to make plans for a new Day Camp format (utilizing a Friday, Saturday & Sunday) where parents will be encouraged to attend. If we start our publicity early I see no reason why Braddock Trail cannot have 150 Cub Scouts at Day Camp pass the word!

16 DECEMBER 2009 Page 16 Smoke Signals BUSHY RUN DISTRICT NEWS District Chairman District Commissioner District Executive John Bertoty Glenn Ament Kyle Bryan CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER 02 District Commissioner/Committee Meeting Brush Creek Lutheran Church 09 Roundtable 7:30 PM Brush Creek Lutheran Church 12 Hanukkah Christmas Office Closed 31 New Years Eve Scout Shop closed for inventory JANUARY 01 New Year s Day Office Closed 06 District Commissioner/Committee Meeting Brush Creek Lutheran Church Klondike Derby Camp Tenacharison 12 Troop/Crew Charter Turn-in Brush Creek Lutheran Church 13 Roundtable *7:00PM* TIME CHANGE Brush Creek Lutheran Church 30 Pinewood Derby Westmoreland Mall

17 DECEMBER 2009 Page 17 Smoke Signals BUSHY RUN DISTRICT PINEWOOD DERBY PRE-REGISTRATION Date of race: January 30, 2010 Westmoreland Mall (Center Court) $5.00 each car Times of races:** (TIMES MAY BE CHANGED PRIOR TO RACE DAY) Troops & Old-timers: 2:00 PM Tigers 3:00PM (1:30-2:30 registration) Cubs 5:00 PM (3:30-4:30 registration) DEADLINE FOR PRE-REGISTRATION: JANUARY 25, 2010 EACH CAR MUST PRE-REGISTER IN ORDER TO RACE ON JANUARY 30, THERE WILL BE NO REGISTRATION THE DAY OF THE RACE. BUSHY RUN DISTRICT NEWS IMPORTANT ROUNDTABLE NOTICE After discussion with the Roundtable Commissioners, and attendees at the October and November Roundtables, the time of Roundtable has been changed. STARTING JANUARY 13, ROUND- TABLE STARTS AT 7:00 PM. Also starting in January will be a Teen Council. The Senior Patrol Leader, or a designee from each Troop is welcome to attend to discuss Troop operations, activities, and participate in planning. They will meet with the Boy Scout Roundtable for the opening and program review, and then break-out for their own meeting. EACH UNIT CAN SEND 3 RACERS FOR THE TIGER CUB RACE, AND 3 RACERS FOR THE CUB RACE. (YOU MAY LIST TWO ALTERNATES THAT MAY RACE IF ANY OF THE THREE ARE UNABLE TO RACE THAT DAY). PACKS WITH MORE THAN 50 MEMBERS MAY SEND AN ADDITIONAL 3 RACERS FOR A TO- TAL OF 6 RACERS (EXAMPLE: IF YOUR UNIT HAS 51 BOYS REGISTERED, YOU MAY SEND 6 TIGERS AND 6 CUB SCOUTS) THERE WILL BE MOST ORGINAL AND BEST DESIGN CATEGORIES THIS YEAR. Bushy Run Klondike Derby Troops, mark your calendars for the annual Bushy Run Klondike Derby. Held again at camp Tenacharison, we are going to have fun in the snow. The weekend of January Come for the day or the entire weekend. Saturday the 9th we will be competing. Program information will be available at the December Roundtable. OFFICIAL RULES AND REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT DECEMBER ROUNDTABLES. Bushy Run Unit Recharter Just a reminder to the Units of the Bushy Run District. Recharter night is set for Tuesday Night, January 12th for Troops/ Crews and February 9th for Packs at the Brush Creek Lutheran Church on Brush Creek Road near Adamsburg. Units using the online Rechartering system can bring the completed and signed cover sheets, and fees that night and use the Express lane. Otherwise, the Unit Commissioners will review the printed charter and continue to process the recharters as we have in years past.

18 DECEMBER 2009 Page 18 Smoke Signals LAUREL HILLS DISTRICT NEWS District Chairman District Commissioner District Executive Bill Kemerer Barry Hillman Tim Dingman CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER 1 District Committee Meeting Council Office - 7:00 p.m. 5 Cub Leader Training 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Heritage Methodist, Ligonier 17 Roundtable Church of St. Paul, Carbon - 7:00 p.m. 22 Commissioner Meeting Council Office - 7:00 p.m. 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS! JANUARY DATES 5 District Committee Meeting Council Office - 7:00 p.m. 10 Scout Swim Begins - See flyer for details 8-10 Klondike Derby at Tenacharison 21 Roundtable Church of St. Paul, Carbon - 7:00 p.m. 30 Mall Show/District Pinewood Derby Race Westmoreland Mall

19 DECEMBER 2009 Page 19 Smoke Signals 5 th Annual Distinguished Citizen Dinner On Thursday, November 5 th at the Fred M. Rogers Center, Saint Vincent College, we honored Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B. as our 2009 Distinguished Citizen. Archabbot Nowicki has been a great supporter of the Boy Scouts, the Greater Latrobe community, and beyond. We d like to thank master of ceremony, Rev. Dr. Gene Stuckey, who did an excellent job, as you would imagine followed by a scouting presentation by Bill Kemerer, who always does an excellent job like few can tying together the Scouting program with our honoree and Fr. Gilbert Burke, O.S.B. who presented our honoree. The most moving moment was possibly hearing the Archabbot, in all his humility, accept the recognition and deflect direct honor and sharing with all those that are dedicated to the support and healthy development of today s youth through programs such as Scouting. I consider myself very fortunate to be a part of such a special event and feel that there is not a more worthwhile way to spend an evening. I encourage any volunteer to get involved in the planning, sponsoring and attending of this first class event. Annual District Dinner The Laurel Hills District Committee would like to thank all adult Cub and Scout leaders who joined us for a special night out where we recognized those individuals that have gone above and beyond to help us have an outstanding Scouting year. After an exceptional dinner catered by Chef Dato, we had the pleasure of recognizing Darcia Kifer and Barry Auman with the Service to Boyhood Award for their dedication and service to Scouting. We also presented our Community Scouter Award to L&S Machine Company for their financial contributions to the District and Council scouting programs. The District Award of Merit, the highest honor a District can bestow on someone was awarded to Chuck Boyer and Keith Gaskill. Without these folks involved in and behind the scenes, our district would not be able to function as well as it does. We are looking for feedback and suggestions for planning next year s dinner possibly moving it to a weekend. If you have any suggestions or would like to serve on the committee, please let the district committee know.

20 DECEMBER 2009 Page 20 Smoke Signals OLD TRAILS DISTRICT District Chairman District Commissioner District Executive David Meredith Terry Mattis Kristen Eagle CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER 10 District Dinner - 6:30 p.m. Menallen School 17 District Annual Meeting - 6:00 p.m. Third Presbyterian Church 17 DCM/CSM - 7:00 p.m. Third Presbyterian Church JANUARY 7 FOS Kick-off - 6:30 p.m. Hopwood Amvets 14 Roundtable - 7:00 p.m. Menallen School 21 Boy Scout Rechartering - 6:00 p.m. Third Presbyterian Church 21 DCM/CSM - 7:00 p.m. Third Presbyterian Church Upcoming Events February 6 February 18 February 11 February 24 March 16 Mall Show Roundtable/Cub Scout Rechartering Build a Troop Scout Swim starts First Aid Meet

21 DECEMBER 2009 Page 21 Smoke Signals OLD TRAILS DISTRICT NEWS Friends of Scouting Dinner We will be having a Kick-off for the Friends of Scouting Campaign on January 7 th at 6:30P.M. at the Hopwood Amvets. Each Pack and Troop can send up to two people to attend the dinner. The purpose of the dinner is to get the campaign started with a BANG. This is the year of the 100 Anniversary of Scouting. We will unveil the 100 Anniversary patch for the $ pledges. We would ask that you bring the dates of your Family Presentation of your Unit. It can be done at a Blue and Gold Banquet, Court of Honor, and/or Pack meeting. Any time the parents and leaders are together would be an excellent time to schedule a presentation. Please fill out the form below to let me know you are coming. Ski Day We will not be having a scheduled Ski Day at Nemacolin Woodland this year. Your Troop or Pack can go up on any Friday and Saturday and enjoy what the resort has to offer by showing your Scout Membership Card. Due to weather conditions and the availability of the resort all winter long we have decided to let you go up anytime not just a scheduled weekend. Old Trails FOS Dinner Reservation Please return this form before December 21st, 2009 Unit Number District Unit Leader Information (Scoutmaster/Cubmaster) Name: Address: Phone: Will the unit leader be attending the kick-off? YES NO Please list the names of any guests or other attendees Total number of guests: Old Trails Troop Rechartering Nights January 14, Menallen School - 7:30 p.m. OR January 21, Third Presbyterian Church - 6:00 p.m. Be sure to bring your complete charter signed by your: Charter Rep or Institute Head and Scoutmaster You will also need 2 blank checks (1) Registration Boy s Life (2) Insurance Attendance is MANDATORY. Charters will NOT be taken at the office without prior arrangements with the Commissioner staff or Kristen. If you cannot attend, please have it completed no later than January 25th. If you used Scoutmaster Software or did it online, you still need to submit the cover sheet along with your checks Registration is $15.00 Boy s Life is $12.00 Insurance is $1.00

22 DECEMBER 2009 Page 22 Smoke Signals National Leadership Team Update November 23, 2009 First-Ever BSA National Rally Launches the 100th! January 1, 2010 is right around the corner. What we have been preparing for and working towards for two years is now just one month away. Now, it s time to make Scouting history. For the first time in our 100 years, the BSA is inviting every volunteer, every staff member, every Scouting alum, and every parent to hear straight from the lips of the BSA s top leadership the vision for Scouting s future. Join AT&T Chairman, President and CEO Randall Stephenson, our 100th Anniversary Chairman; Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca; BSA National President John Gottschalk; and BSA National Commissioner Tico Perez for a nationwide 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally on December 10th. Get excited about the 100th Anniversary Celebration and learn how we can help lay the foundation for Scouting s next century of service. You can even submit questions in advance for our presenters! What: Date: Time: How: 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Audiocast Rally Thursday, December 10, :00 8:30 p.m. Eastern 7:00 7:30 p.m. Central 6:00 6:30 p.m. Mountain 5:00 5:30 p.m. Pacific RSVP and submit questions at On December 10 th, this is also where you ll find the link to the rally. Our goal is very simple: to create a sense of energy and excitement around the 100th Anniversary so that you and your council can harness that enthusiasm to drive your engagement plans at the local level. We want to create buzz. We want folks thinking about and dreaming about this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. The 100th Anniversary celebration is meant to inspire, excite, and engage the entire Scouting family. Done right, it s the greatest gift we can give to our next generation of Scouts and Scouters. We re aiming to have a quarter of a million people join the rally the largest single gathering of its kind in BSA history. To help us reach our goal, we re sending this to 1.6 million Scouters, staff, and alumni to share the details about the rally. Feel free to pass it along! And, please join us on December 10 th. The celebration has begun! National Director 100th Anniversary Celebration Project

23 DECEMBER 2009 Page 23 Smoke Signals 21 st Century Wood Badge We are happy to announce that the Westmoreland Fayette Council will host a Wood Badge course in The course, NE-IV-220, will be held September August and September 10-12, 2010 at Camp Conestoga, Eberly Scout Reservation. Roger Rittenhouse of Smock will be the Course Director. Ross Bash of Delmont will be the backup Course Director. Roger will begin recruiting his staff from our Council and other councils who are members of our cluster in Western Pennsylvania. Watch for more information about cost and registration for the Course. Used Car Donation The Westmoreland Fayette Council in cooperation with Valero Motors in Delmont has a program to accept used cars as donations to the Council. We will consider any vehicle in good running condition. If the Council accepts your vehicle you will receive a letter confirming your donation. We have raised over $20,000 from this program to date. car You will need to consult your tax accountant for your allowable tax deduction. If you are interested please contact Jack Waite at or jwaite@bsamail.org Raise money for Westmoreland-Fayette Council just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch.com (powered by Yahoo), or shopping online with GoodShop.com. Visit for more information.

24 DECEMBER 2009 Page 24 Smoke Signals Philmont 2011 Council Contingent Our Reservation at Philmont has been confirmed! We have been granted a contingent of 60 participants or 5 crews for Philmont in Our arrival date at Philmont will June 12, 2011 and we will depart Philmont on June 24, 2011 Philmont is 137,493 acres of challenging Scout adventure set in among the mountains and mesas of Northeastern New Mexico. Philmont s mountain terrain ranges in elevation from 6,660 feet at headquarters to 12, 441 at the top of Mt. Baldy. Wildlife is abundant on Philmont s forested mountains and grassy plains. Explore the Philmont high-country on a 12-day backpacking expedition. Experience the thrill of climbing mountains over two miles high. Learn technical rock climbing, archaeological excavation techniques, and black-smithing. Relive the by-gone days of the Old West as you ride a Western saddle horse, learn the ways of the mountain man, pack burros and pan for gold in a clear mountain stream. Discover the wonder of Scouting s paradise as over 650,000 Scouts and leaders have since A Scout must be 14 by January 1 or completed 8 th grade prior to participation. A crew is 7-12 people including 2 leaders. The Westmoreland-Fayette Council will be sending a Council contingent to Philmont in Because of the tremendous demand for Philmont expeditions local troops will not be able to get reservation. Individuals or Troops may register as a part of the 60 spaces in the Council Contingent we have for Costs of the contingent will be set by Council but will be in excess of $1,700. If an individual or a troop is interested in attending, please fill out the form printed below with a $50 deposit to hold your place. For more information contact Ross Bash, Council High Adventure Chairman at or , or call Jack Waite at the Council Service Center, PHILMONT RESERVATION PROCEDURES 2011 A. Individuals or Troops that wish to attend Philmont as part of the Council contingent in the year 2011 need to do the following 1. Notify Jack Waite at the Council Service Center as soon as possible. 2. Confirm the size of the group with a $50 per person non-refundable deposit as soon as possible.. Crews will be formed with 12 persons including a minimum of 2 (preferably 3) adults. Philmont 2011 Reservation Form Participant Name Phone Troop Number Town Please reserve me a space; enclosed is my $50.00 non refundable deposit

25 DECEMBER 2009 Page 25 Smoke Signals Deadline for nominations: December 31, 2009 SILVER BEAVER NOMINATION For noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth, within the territory of Westmoreland Fayette Council, I present for your consideration for the Silver Beaver Award: Name: Address: Occupation: Currently Registered as: Unit # RECORD UPON WHICH NOMINATION IS BASED: (Give pertinent facts, dates, offices held. If more space is needed, add extra sheets.) A. Record of service in BSA. (Name, chartered organizations and recognition earned). A. Standing in the community, involvement in activities, professional, civic, religious, educational, fraternal, veteran, and other non-scouting. C. Record of noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth within the territory of this council. (Include recognition earned). D. Attach photograph. Signed: Address: Phone: Mail completed nomination to: Silver Beaver Committee Westmoreland Fayette Council 2 Garden Center Drive Greensburg, PA 15601

26 DECEMBER 2009 Page 26 Smoke Signals 2010 National Scout Jamboree July 26- August 4, 2010 Fort AP Hill, Virginia The 17 th National Scout Jamboree will be held July 26 August 4, 2010, at Fort A.P. Hill, near Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Jamboree will celebrate 100 Year of Scouting. The 2010 National Scout Jamboree 73 years after the first BSA National Jamboree held in 1937 in Washington, DC will be the eighth and final Jamboree at the 76,000 acre U.S. Army Facility located between Richmond, Virginia, and the nations Capitol. Qualifications: Be a Scout who has completed the sixth grade or is at least 12 years of age and is a First Class Scout by July 1, 2010, but not have reached his 18 th birthday by August 4, Participate in the pre-jamboree training experience. File a personal health and medical record prior to the pre-jamboree training. Have been active in a troop for at least 6 months prior to July 1, Be approved by his Scoutmaster or Varsity Scout Coach. Be approved by the local council. Organization: The Jamboree is open to all who are qualified on a first come, first served basis. After our troops have been filled, a standby list of alternates will be established. Scouts will be assigned to a Jamboree troop consisting of 36 Scouts and 4 adult leaders. You will be a member of a patrol within the troop. The council contingent will consist of 3 troops. We currently have 2 Troops filled. Sign-ups will be based on a first come, first served basis with the reservation fee paid. Application: The 2010 National Scout Jamboree will use an online application for all Scouts, leaders and Jamboree staff applicants desiring to attend the Jamboree. You must complete an online application. It is accessed through Applicants will need to use their BSA ID number located on their membership card to access the application Web site. The initial application fee is $10. This fee is nonrefundable and does apply to the registration fee. Scouts applying to be part of a council contingent will be directed to print a confirmation and send it to the council with a $200 deposit. The confirmation will state that their application must be accepted by their Council and does not guarantee participation. Fees include: The Jamboree fee covers all transportation, meals, patrol and troop equipment, as well as insurance. Your fee also covers the training camp before the Jamboree. Additional expense will be your personal equipment, uniforms and spending money. Refund policy: If you sign up for the Jamboree and then find that you cannot attend, you will receive a full refund from the Westmoreland Fayette Council only if there is an alternate to take your place. In the event that there is not an alternate, a partial refund will be made. This includes the fees you have paid to date less any expenses related to contractual agreements made on your behalf. Return applications to: National Jamboree Committee Westmoreland Fayette Council, BSA

27 DECEMBER 2009 Page 27 Smoke Signals 2009 Trails End Popcorn Sale Margaree Pertle, Council Popcorn Chairman is pleased to announce that the sale is completed with total gross sales of $510,000. Margaree wishes to thank all the Unit Popcorn Chairmen and the District Popcorn chairs for a job well done! The District Popcorn chairs are Hope Smith of Braddock Trail, Bob Plummer of Bushy Run and Pat Krempecki of Laurel Hills and Lisa Maurer of Old Trails.

28 DECEMBER 2009 Page 28 Smoke Signals UNITED WAY DESIGNATION When you contribute to the United Way, please consider earmarking the Westmoreland-Fayette Council, BSA as your designated agency. Simply add Code Number 493 and indicate the Westmoreland-Fayette Council, BSA on the United Way pledge card. Your donation must be $50.00 or more for the Council to receive the gift. DIRECTIONS TO COUNCIL SERVICE CENTER GREENSBURG, PA at the Council Service Center for all your Scouting needs! Smoke Signals is the Official Newsletter of the Westmoreland-Fayette Council Boy Scouts of America Serving the adult leaders, Smoke Signals is published six times a year by the Westmoreland-Fayette Council. Saved on Recycled hard drives James Cebula Council President Locust Valley Road *HOURS* OF OPERATION Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Scout Shop Only: Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Dick McKelvey Council Commissioner Martin J. Barbie Scout Executive Marketing Division Dave Somerville Public Relations Chair Tim Dingman Editor Sheri Rolain Production The official registration and financial information of BSA Westmoreland Fayette Council may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) Registration does not imply endorsement. Phone: (724) Fax: (724) wfbsa@bsamail.org Visit our Website at The Council Office and Scout Shop will be closed on December 24 December 25 and December 26 MERRY CHRISTMAS!!