Heart of Virginia Council
	The Crater Paper
Volume 1, Issue 4			February 6, 2006
Dates to Remember: Feb. 4 Cub Leader Basic Training Feb. 4 - Patrick Henry #2 Feb. 5 - Scout Sunday -Scout Anniversary Week begins Feb. 6 Roundtable Feb. 8 - Official Scout Anniversary Day Feb. 9 - FOS Kickoff Dinner Feb. 11 - Patrick Henry #3 Feb. 20 District Committee Meeting Feb. 18 - Webelos Klondike Derby Feb. 25 B.S. Leader Basic Training Feb. 27 District Commissioners Meeting Mar. 4 - Commissioners College Mar. 6 Roundtable Mar. 11 Pow Wow (New Date & Place !!!!! ) Mar. 14 - Council Recognition Night Mar. 17 to 18 - OA Winter Ordeal Mar. 18 B.S. Leader Basic Outdoor Training Mar. 20 - District Committee Meeting Mar. 25 - District Pinewood Derby Mar. 27 - District Commissioners Meeting Crater Links: Heart of Virginia Council www.relcbsa.org Crater District www.craterbsa.org		The Boy Scout Klondike Derby By Charlie Vance The Crater District Boy Scout Klondike Derby got off to a roaring snail’s pace start Saturday 21^st. It began with the loud clattering of a cow-bell and the patrols opening their sealed Mushing Orders, which included a page of instructions and the trail map, directing each sled to make way to their first assigned Klondike town by their choice of bearing or direction. After a tense ten-minutes of competitive map orientating the patrols were off in pursuit of their skill areas. Unfortunately there was no snow lying on the ground. Thirteen sleds competed across a mile and a third long course at the Albright’s Scout Reservation in pursuit of the treasured gold nugget. The competition was keen and the scores were close but by the end of the day the Unnamed Patrol from Troop 107 was on top followed by the Wolverines from Troop 105 for second place and the Frozen Arrows from Troop 175 for third place. I trust all the scouts had a great time, an event such as this definitely gives a scout a chance to practice and show his scouting skills. A special thanks to all those that lent a hand in making the Klondike 2006 a success. Lowell Flickinger and his crew – Sled Check-In Bill Barga, Lowell Flickinger, Carlos Montejano, Brandy Martin – Registration Cecil Smith and Donald Kyle – Map & Compass Ralph Orr, Mark Fetty, Buck Buchannan – Height & Distance Mike Schofield & Clarence Jackson – Fire Building Allen Harvelle, Chris Vernon, Randy Leedy, & Donna Wells – Team Building Rick Molter & Fredrick Molter – Rescue Rope/Stretcher Relay Pattie Richardson and the Namozine EMS crew – First Aid Phil Hagerich and his crew – Knots Preston Clarkson – Chapel Service A BIG Thank You also goes out to Charlie Vance for putting this event together!

From the Desk of the District Commissioner: COLLEGE OF COMMISSIONER SCIENCE The College of Commissioner Science is one of the methods of training a Commissioner. It is an optional type of annual conference training, the College Conference format is modeled after a normal college format and awards the student a degree or certificate upon completion of a set of prescribed courses. This format also uses the conference to encourage a continuing education experience for Commissioners. The purpose is to provide ongoing practical training for all Commissioners. Planning a conference with the college approach gives special attention to important planning guidelines, promotional ideas, work schedules, sample program outlines, classroom techniques, and other suggested session topics. These factors apply to any conference and are not unique to the College. What is unique to the Commissioner’s College is that it borrows terminology from higher education. The Conference Chairman is called a “Dean” and Conference fee is “tuition.” The teacher is called “instructor”. The College Faculty (staff) for the college Dean may consist of: Two Assistant College Deans Registrar Dean of Bachelor’s program Dean of Master’s program Dean of Doctor’s program Session topics become “courses” with a course number. Courses in the “curriculum” are divided into three program levels: Bachelor’s program Master’s program Doctor’s program Awards are called Degrees: Bachelor of Commissioner Science Masters of Commissioner Science Doctor of Commissioner Science (Ph. D.) A diploma is awarded to each participant who completes the appropriate degree requirements. Those who have received both the Bachelor and Master degrees at previous conferences may receive a Certificate of Achievement for “postgraduate” studies after completing additional courses (continuing education courses). You can see from this brief description of the Commissioner’s College, a lot of work goes into achieving a successful annual college program. So, when you receive the information on location, time, and registration I would like to invite you to attend our March 4^th Commissioner’s College. Your Unit Commissioner will have the Information soon. You do not have to be a current Commissioner to attend, any Leader or Adult interested is invited, so that they may learn the organizational and operational opportunities available to all of our Scouts. Eric Hamilton
This event will be held at the US Army Logistic Management College on Fort Lee. Registration will be required by March 1, No on-site registration will occur. Cost $20 if signed up by Feb. 20; $25 - if signed up between Feb. 21 and March 1. (Lunch, patch, snacks are provided). Commissioner Handbook is required for Associate Level courses and may be purchased there for $7. (Look for more info and course descriptions on the Council Website after Feb. 1)
Are your Leaders and Parents as informed as they should be of all the opportunities for events and training held in our District? Are you? One of the goals of the Crater District Commissioners this year is to improve overall communication within the District to all of our Leaders and interested Adults. We have 57 Units in our District so it is our hope that with the use of Roundtable, our Web Site, and a Crater Email we can achieve better results getting the information out that you need to know in a timely manner. We believe that all Units will be interested in our Email chain, and ask that you gather a list so that we may begin as soon as possible. Once you have your list of email addresses, please send them to me at seanhiggins@earthlink.net
Boy Scout Basic Training will be held February 25 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Contacts for this are Brandy Martin and Joe Vinsh.
Cub Corner - Pack and Leader Recognition Awards
This is Blue and Gold month, and all the Leaders in your Pack are busy finishing up any last requirements to insure that the boys receive all the awards they have earned so far this year. You have your event planned out, and running down your list you might wonder are you forgetting anything? Well, you might be, with some of the Recognition Awards. The National Summertime Pack Award, and National Quality Unit Award, are probably the most widely received. Packs that have been chartered for over 50 years are eligible for the Veteran Unit Emblem. The William T. Hornaday Unit Award is there to encourage learning about natural resource conservation and the environment. Understanding and practicing sound stewardship of natural resources and environmental protection strengthens Scouting's emphasis on respecting the outdoors. A Cub Scout Pack may earn this award by completing a unique, substantial conservation project. At least 60 percent of registered unit members must participate. This award is granted through the Conservation Service of the BSA National Council. Packs must apply for the award through their local council. There is a National Den Award which recognizes Dens that conduct a quality, year-round program. Service projects, Cub Scout Academics and Sports, field trips, character development, and Cub Scout camping are areas that are emphasized. Dens earn the award as a team, not as individual den members. The recognition is a ribbon for the den flag.
	Leaders are eligible for recognition as well, and their awards are the knots or patches which are sewn on the uniform. Knots are available for every position held in the Pack. There is also the Trained Award, and for work they do with their Den, they may also be eligible for the Religious Emblems Awards, the Leave No Trace Awareness Award, and the Emergency Preparedness Award.

Coming Events:	Commissioners College March 4 at US Army Logistic Management College on Fort Lee Registration is required - No onsite registration will occur. Check in starts at 7:30am Courses begin at 8:30am. All Leaders and interested Adults are invited to attend. (Look for more info on the Council Website after Feb. 1) Pow Wow is now March 11 See Council Website for details.	District Pinewood Derby March 25
Webelos Klondike Derby Feb 18, 2006 White Bank Park, C. H. Sean Higgins 526-9514 Ready for the challenge?		CRATER DISTRICT MERIT BADGE CAMPOUT AT ALBRIGHTS April 7 - 9, 2006
	Boy Scout Leader Basic Training - Feb . 25 Basic Outdoor Training - March 18	Wood Badge Part 1 April 21, 22, 23
Be a STAR - A Scouter That Attends Roundtable !!!

Rocky Mountain High Adventure :

Program: Elkhorn High Adventure Base Council: Longs Peak Council Located Near: Red Feather Lakes, Colorado Directions: I-25 to Fort Collins, Colorado; U.S. 287 to Livermove, Colorado; Cty RD 74E to Cty RD 68C. Turn left on 68C. Base is on the right side within the first mile. Description: Backpacking on Scout ranch with other activities like climbing, Project COPE, rappelling, and mountain man 50-miler. Equipment Provided: Cooking pots, food, (Other items for rent include tents, stoves, and backpacks). Price Range: $225 per Person per Trek (plus airfare about $220 and add the split cost of a rental van) Crew Size: 7 to 11 Sessions length: 6 days Sessions per year: 7 Season Begins: Late June Season Ends: Mid August

The Elkhorn High Adventure Base program has been put together to take advantage of the magnificent location high in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. Located just north of Rocky Mountain National Park, it offers a unique experience for older Scouts to hike, camp, and climb in the Rocky Mountains. Each crew will spend five full days of high adventure activities. Minimum crew size is seven participants. Full crews have a maximum of eleven participants (youth and adults). With the addition of the Hike Ranger, a full crew will be twelve. Friday night at the Base is a Western Cookout steak fry! The Northern Rockies offer some challenging hiking terrain and it is essential that your personal and group equipment be up to the test.  Snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures are not unusual at higher elevations, and groups not properly outfitted will be restricted in their participation.

Trek A - BDSR High Adventure
This trek includes a full week of backpacking on our 3400 acre ranch. Each day crews will backpack to different program sites and participate in activities such as low and high C.O.P.E., ground school, rappelling, rock climbing and the Mountain Man Rendezvous site.
Trek B - BDSR Alpine Adventure
This trek includes half a week of backpacking and program on our 3400 acre ranch, and a half week of backpacking in the beautiful Colorado wilderness. The program half of the week will include the Mountain Man Rendezvous, ground school, and two of the following three programs: rock climbing, C.O.P.E. or rappelling. Crews will be shuttled off-ranch to backpack at elevations of 7,000 to 13,000 feet in the Colorado wilderness.
Trek C - Sub Alpine 50 Miler
This trek includes up to a 50 mile backpacking trip in the Colorado wilderness. Other than backpacking and the opening and closing campfire, there are no program activities. The crew will be off-ranch for the entire week at elevations of 7,000 to 13,000 feet.
Trek D - Alpine 50 Miler Trek includes up to a 50 mile backpacking trip at high elevations. Other than backpacking and the opening and closing campfire there are no program activities. The crew will be off-ranch for the entire week at elevations of 9,000 to 13,000 feet. This trek is available only to crews who have completed a prior Elkhorn trek.
www.longspeakbsa.org

Program: Tahosa Rocky Mountain Adventure Base Council: Denver Area Council Located Near: Denver, Colorado Directions: Camp Tahosa is located in Boulder County near Ward. It is approximately a 1.5- to 2-hour drive west from central Denver. This 300 acre mountain camp is located about 30 miles west of Boulder, Colorado. Description: Small crews of no more than 10 youth and 2 leaders choose from a menu of treks ranging from beginner to expert. There is no age limit for trek participation, as some treks are designed to introduce the sport of backpacking. Crews have the option of adding a COPE or climbing activity to their trip plan. Furthermore, some units opt for one of our "Project Leadership" treks, where the focus is on junior leader development. All treks are unique, depending on the individual goals of each group. Equipment Provided: All tents, food, stoves, water treatment equipment, and any additional program equipment is included in the fee. Participants need to bring their personal gear, including sleeping bag, boots, and backpack. Price Range: $250 per Person per Trek (plus airfare about $220 and add the split cost of a rental van) Crew Size: 5 to 12 Sessions length: 6 days Sessions per year: 7 Season Begins: Late June Season Ends: Early August
Tahosa Adventures is a six night mountaineering adventure in the high country of Colorado, combining the training facilities of their High Adventure Base with the lakes and vistas of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Members of the team will be learning and applying the skills to conquer the strenuous challenges of the program in a dynamic mountain environment. www.denverareacouncil.com