Visit to Maguire Veterans Hospital
Mr. Ray has arranged for our Troop to visit with our armed
forces veterans at Maguire Veterans Hospital on Tuesday,
Sept. 23, at 7pm.
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Inaugural Scholar
Austin G., 14, has been accepted as an Inaugural
Scholar in the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference to be
held in Washington Jan. 17-21, 2009. Congratulations!
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Maymont Service Project
Maymont celebrated the completion of the Robert M. Freeman
Bald Eagle Habitat & Raptor Valley, featuring bald eagles and
other birds of prey, during a public grand opening on Saturday,
September 13.
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Orienteering Course
Seven first-year Scouts, under the capable leadership of Austin
G., participated in a fun map-and-compass exercise in the
woods of western Hanover County on Sunday, Sept. 14.
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Philmont National Scout Reservation
Signups are underway until October 1st for all Scouts that
wish to go to Philmont during the summer of ’09. The Heart of Virginia Council is sending five (5) crews to Philmont Scout Ranch June 28-July 12, 2009. Each crew consists of ten Scouts and two crew leaders.
Scouts should be First Class and 14 or older (by Jan 1/09). Please
speak to Mr. McCulla if you have questions.
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Jamboree Signups
All Scouts interested in attending the 2010 National Jamboree,
the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, should
consider registering soon, as well. Scouts must be 12 years and First Class
Scouts by 7/1/10. For more information, please speak to Mr.
Golfman, who is helping with registration.
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Merit Badge Counselors Needed
Parents - This is a call for action. You have talent, skills, and
interests. We need your support. In a matter of minutes we
can sign you up to be a merit badge counselor. Check out the
BSA website for information on Merit Badges or come see one
of the Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM).
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Adult Training News
Numerous online courses are available to all registered adults
including Boy Scout Leader Fast Start, Safe Swim Defense,
Safety Afloat, and Weather Hazards. Starting January 1, 2009,
tours must include at least one adult that has completed
Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather training.
Web site: WWW.CARDINALDISTRICT.NET
New Leader Essentials: 10/1/2008, 7-9 PM,
Location: Tuckahoe Public Library TU Meeting Room (100)
Registration ends 9/29
Contact: cardinaltrain@comcast.net
New Leader Specifics: 10/4/2008, 2-3:30 PM,
Location: Three Chopt Presbyterian Church
Registration ends 10/1
Contact: sun1snake@yahoo.com
Introduction to Outdoor Skills: Friday, 10/24/2008, 6:30
through Sunday, 10/26/2008, 2PM
Location: T. Brady Saunders Scout Reservation
Registration ends 10/22
Contact: cardinaltrain@comcast.net
Cost: $15.00
Please see one of the scoutmasters or Charles Dickinson if
you have any questions.
Troop 715 Sentinel
June, 2008
June Newsletter topics of interest:
- Troop 715 Heads to Long Cove for June Campout
- Troop Celebrates Achievements
- Brady Saunders Summer Camp
- Yard Sale Success
- Giannasis Recognized for Their Scouting Service
- FOS Drive Reaches Successful Conclusion
- Mrs. Sojka Receives Boy Scout Leader’s Training Award
- Mr. McCulla Recognized with the Scoutmaster Award of Merit
- Leadership Transition
- Merit Badge Counselors Needed
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Troop 715 Heads to Long Cove for June Campout
Our June Troop Campout will be to Long Cove. Scouts can swim, canoe, kayak, boat, fish, play games, and have fun in the sun! This will be a nice early summer outing after school lets out! Signups have started, and will be taken again at our Scout meeting on June 9.
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Troop Celebrates Achievements
On June 2, Troop 715 held a Troop Court of Honor. Over the past six months, Scouts earned 63 merit badges, and advanced 33 ranks, including our newest Eagle, Bryce Praught. Also, nine new Scouts entered the Order of the Arrow, and three Scouts and leaders became Brotherhood members of the OA. As of the Court of Honor, the Troop has 68 active Scouts. And, for the past year, our Troop again earned the distinction of being a Quality Unit!
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Brady Saunders Summer Camp
Yard Sale Success
The 2008 Yard Sale was a huge, very big, super success with a net around $4,000. The troop will get half of the net amount and the church’s youth ministry program will get the other half. This is the second highest gross amount in 21 years. Thanks to all of you who helped with the sale! Start saving your remaining treasures for the 2009 year sale, which is tentatively scheduled for mid-May next year.
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Giannasis Recognized for Their Scouting Service
Congratulations to Tom and Selena Giannasi! Tom and Selena Giannasi were awarded the Unit Recognition certificate and patch at the Cardinal District Recognition Dinner on May 29th. For the past several years, Tom and Selena have been strong supporters for Troop 715, both in the field, and on our Committee. Recently, Tom helped the Troop procure and outfit the Troop trailer, and Selena led the Popcorn sales at the District level.
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FOS Drive Reaches Successful Conclusion
Troop 715 families generously committed almost $11,000 this year in the Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign. Thank you to every family that participated this year in our FOS campaign.
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Mrs. Sojka Receives Boy Scout Leader’s Training Award
Sandy Sojka was recently recognized as a recipient of the Boy Scout Leader’s Training Award. She has served in various leadership roles in both the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs and has touched many lives in a positive way. Although she recently “retired” after serving over three years as Troop Committee Chairman, she continues to show her dedication to Troop 715 as a committee member. Congratulations, Sandy, and thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Scouting!
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Mr. McCulla Recognized with the Scoutmaster Award of Merit
John McCulla was recently recognized as a recipient of the Scoutmaster Award of Merit, a prestigious award since only a small percentage of Scoutmasters are recognized with this award. John is one of only two Scoutmasters of Troop 715 that has received the Scoutmaster Award of Merit. John has been and continues to be a dedicated Scouter for Troop 715, Cardinal District, and the Heart of Virginia Council. John, congratulations and thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Scouting!
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Leadership Transition
After three years of service, John McCulla has announced that he will be stepping down from the position of Scoutmaster this fall in that capacity. Mr. McCulla assured us that he plans to continue to serve Troop 715 and the Cardinal District for years to come, but indicated it was time for the Committee to select a successor. Troop 715 is pleased to report that the Committee voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Ben Anderson as the next Scoutmaster of Troop 715, effective October 1. Please join me in congratulating and thanking both of them.
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Merit Badge Counselors Needed
CALL FOR ACTION! Parents, you have talent, skills, and interests and we need your support as a merit badge counselor. The BSA has published 121 merit badge booklets that map out everything you need to teach the boys and everything the boys need to learn. Some merit badges are easy and can be taught in a matter of hours with the boys doing some personal homework and having you review it. Some merit badges are more involved, geared toward the older boys and/or more mature (e.g., Personal Finance, Citizenship in the World, Emergency Preparedness). Either way, we hope you will step up and take on the challenge of training our boys and helping them reach their goals and aspirations. Check out the BSA website for information on Merit Badges or come see one of the Assistant Scoutmasters for more information. Helpful links: List of Merit Badges: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34437.pdf Merit Badge Counselor Application: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34405.pdf Adult Application: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/28-501.pdf Note: both the Merit Badge Counselor Application and the Adult Application need to be completed. Position code "42" should be used on the Adult Application.
Troop 715 Sentinel
May, 2008
Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip
April 19-20, 2008
Troop 715’s April outing was a backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail in the Three Ridges area of the George Washington National Forest near Wintergreen. The troop typically takes only a few backpacking trips a year, so this was everyone’s opportunity to experience the challenges and fun of carrying all of their gear on their back. On Saturday we backpacked in about three miles and set up camp at one of the Appalachian Trail shelters. After lunch we took a four mile hike without backpacks to and from a scenic overlook and enjoyed some free time. The rain held off until after dinner, but was heavy overnight. Fortunately, the tents held up to the pounding and the weather cleared in time for breakfast followed by a three mile hike back to the cars. Trips to Three Ridges have long been a significant part of Troop 715’s backpacking program and we were once again privileged to have Mr. Efird organize and lead this outing. Each scout gained a great deal of satisfaction from completing the trip.
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May Camping Trip
Gettysburg, PA
Troop 715 won the lottery in February – no not that lottery - the one where we get to camp at McMillan Woods Youth Campground at Gettysburg, PA (16-18 May). We are permitted to bring up to 35 campers (although they will allow us to squeeze in up to five more, if necessary). So far, we have 26 signed up plus three maybe’s (see list below).
Because of the distance/driving time to our destination, it is imperative that we leave as early as possible, therefore I am proposing the following suggestions for discussion and decision at our next meeting. I recommend a departure time of 5 p.m. on Friday 16 May. This would seem to necessitate loading the trailer and assigning passengers to drivers not later than the 12 May troop meeting, so that we need only meet and leave (maps and directions will be provided to drivers). It would also be advisable to eat beforehand or bring something to eat along the way.
Mr. Skiles has generously offered to leave earlier in the day to prepare our campsite (including setting up our tents). Because our probable arrival time will be too close to quiet time at the campground, I have accepted his offer. He would like someone to ride along with him. Anyone who is interested should please contact him directly.
We will be taking a guided tour of the battlefield. Other activities are still being planned. There is no electricity at the campsite, so our thoughts of bringing a sheet, projector and DVD player to show a “drive-in” style movie (Gettysburg) seem to be out the window. Costs for this trip will be slightly higher than usual (approximately $30 + food for scouts, $50 + food for adults), but they are not final yet either, and will depend on our attendee count.
Please direct any questions or complications to Mr. Ray, Mr. Skiles, or ASPL Tyler H.
Scouts Adults
Troy A. Diane A.
Wes A. Blake A.
Jameson B. Tom or Kristen B.
Jarrett B.
Colin B. Tom B.
William B.
Oscar C.
Adam G. Jerome G.
Alex K.? Bill K.?
George K.?
Austin L. Frank L.
Nick M. Ken M.
Alex R. Edwin R.
Justin S. Larry S.
Ian S.
James T.
Josh W. Robert W.
John M.
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Musing from the Chair
I would like to begin by offering a warm welcome to all of the new additions to our Troop 715 family. April was a busy month as we added 14 fifth graders and their families to our ranks. We had four Webelos cross over to us from Pack 747 and nine from Pack 715. In addition, we were fortunate to add another young man who is new to scouting. This is the fourth year in a row that Troop 715 has had an incoming class in the double digits. Thanks to all of you who have done your part to make Troop 715 the success that it is today and welcome to all of you who have just joined us.
May 31 is the Three Chopt Presbyterian Church and Troop 715 Yard Sale. This annual event is a significant fundraiser for both the church’s youth ministry program and the troop and is a great opportunity for us to show our support for our sponsoring organization. Each year we ask that every family participate in this effort. Donations of yard sale items will be accepted the evening of Friday, May 30, and there will be a significant need for volunteers to work the day of the yard sale. Sign-up sheets will be available at all of the May meetings, so please plan to sign-up early to get the shift you want. Submitted by Hil Richardson, Committee Chair
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Newsletter Editor Found
A big thank you to Robin Lohmann for volunteering to take over as editor of The Sentinel. Her son, Jack, recently crossed over from Pack 715. Robin, way to jump right in and get involved.
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Advancement Report
Congratulations to the following scouts who advanced in April.
2nd Class - Wes A., Hunter B.
1st Class - Troy A., Adam G.
Star - Rami A.
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Trail to Eagle
Chris H.’s Eagle project has been approved by the Troop Committee and will shortly be forwarded to the District Eagle Review Committee for it’s approval.
Chris' project is a landscaping project at his church that involves the movement and installation of about 120 plants and the management of both volunteer and professional landscapers. The project will also involve a significant fundraising effort to cover the cost of the plants and the professional landscaping.
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Dinner Celebrating Leader Service
A buffet dinner honoring Troop 715 leaders who have recently completed their service with the troop will be held Saturday, May 10th at the Red Door Restaurant. We will gather at 5:30 p.m. The cost per person for a great meal will be $15.
Please RSVP to John McCulla. You may pay the night of the dinner with cash or check made out to Joseph Folley. If you have any questions contact John McCulla.
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Troop Court of Honor and Family Cookout
Monday, June 2, 2008
Mark your calendars now for the next troop Court of Honor and cookout. The evening will begin with a cookout with families furnishing side dishes and desserts. This is a fun evening where troop families can enjoy fellowship with one another and welcome our newest Scout families. The Court of Honor will give everyone an opportunity to publicly recognize the efforts of many scouts and their supportive parents.
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Youth Protection
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders online, video and print resources for all BSA programs.
To access on-line resources go www.scouting.org/YouthProtection.aspx.
All leaders should be trained in youth protection practices. Visit www.olc.scouting.org for on-line training. Youth training videos are available at the council service center.
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Adult Training Opportunities
Please visit www.virginiascouting.org and www.cardinaldistrict.net to check out all training opportunities and to register online.
May 10 – CPR/AED Training, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Scout Service Center
October 1 – New Leader Essentials.
October 4 – Leader Specific Training, TCPC
October 24 – 26 – Introduction to Outdoor Skills
Wood Badge – fall 2008 course sign up has started. See www.sr809.org for information about the last course. Click “Gilwell Gazette” in left column.
Remember, some training can be completed online by going to the BSA On Line Learning Center at www.olc.scouting.org. This site provides a variety of materials, from quick references to complete courses, all designed to help adult members improve leadership skills and deliver a quality program.
If you are new to Boy Scouts the following link provides a good overview.
http://www.scoutparents.org/ and Click “Scouting Orientation Guide”.
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Drivers Update Needed
Troop 715 needs your updated vehicle(s) information for our records. Both Parents and Scout leaders if you have not yet provided your drivers information or if you have changed coverage or if you have changed vehicles. Please submit your updated information so our troop records are correct. National Boy Scouts provides insurance coverage for our youth and registered adults, but National requires us to have up to date information to maintain proper coverage. Our troop does a lot of traveling and our boys ride in many different cars to get to and from these great events. In preparation for the travels we need to have any and all vehicles registered. Multiple vehicles in one family should all be registered.
Please turn your information in via email or at our Monday meetings. To Jerome Golfman. A form is provided at the end of this newsletter for your convenience.
Details needed:
Name of Driver
Vehicle(s) type, model, year.
Plate number
Auto Insurance carrier
Amount of coverage
Number of seat belts
Home Phone and cell numbers
Thank you for helping our scouts travel safely . . .
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May Birthdays
Bryce A. (31st), Bobby C. (22nd), Oscar C. (24th), Seth H. (23th), Tyler H. (10th), Scot M. (29th), Bryce P. (22nd)
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Susan G. Komen Run for the Cure Service Opportunity
Saturday, May 10th
Please join us in this wonderful community service project. You will be helping the fight against cancer and can earn up to 5 community service hours at the same time. This will be Troop 715’s third year helping to staff the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. This organization has raised millions of dollars for cancer research.
Our primary responsibility is to serve as race marshals for the Kid's1 mile fun run and the 1 mile senior walk. For the main race we will be responsible for handing out water and collecting ankle/chip timers from the 5k runners. In addition, there will be a ton of water bottles and trash to pick up near the finish lines as the race comes to a close, so we have always helped as much as we can to collect the trash before it gets dropped. We are usually completed with our tasks by 12:00 noon.
We need Release forms for every scout, leader and parent participating in the event. Anyone wanting to participate must turn in signed forms by race day. Forms are available at the link
below. NOTE: We are meeting in a new location from previous years. We will be meeting at Kanawha Plaza, 8th and Canal Streets. There is a pedestrian bridge crossing Canal Street, we will meet near the clove of trees just to the east of the pedestrian bridge within the plaza itself. There are several parking garages in this area available for free parking on this day, just be sure to tell them you are with the Susan B. Komen Race.
Arrive on time, before 6:45 AM, in full Class "A" uniform.
Jerome Golfman is the leader in charge of our Troop, and will be taking signups on Monday, May 5th for anyone who wants to participate. If you have questions, contact Mr. Golfman.
This is a fun project but we need to take it seriously as we are in the public eye.
Releases are available on line at http://www.komenrichmond.org/site/DocServer/volunteer_releaseform07.pdf?docI
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Scout Closet
In an effort to help reduce uniform expenses Troop 715 has a Scout Closet to provide used uniforms to scouts and adults in the troop. Scouts are allowed to borrow items with the understanding that they will be returned after the scout is finished using them.
Also, if anyone has outgrown, or unused parts of the scout uniform, please donate them to the closet. All items must be clean. To find out what is in the closet, or to arrange to rummage through it, or to make a donation contact Dave Lutz.
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Switchback Pants Still On Sale
(Boy Scout only - not Cub Scout)
Buy One – Get One Free. Can be different sizes!
1 Month Only. April 15th - May 15th
Should you need to make an exchange, a receipt is required.
Per the National Distribution Center - the retail customer can not purchase at the buy one get one free (BOGO) price and return a single pair of Switchbacks for any kind of refund.
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BSA Searches for Eagle Scouts
As part of a national initiative, the BSA is on a drive to identify and update information on adult Eagle Scouts. Many have received blue post cards regarding their status and question the validity of the source. These cards are BSA inquiries based on members of the National Eagle Scout Association records and you can feel safe to respond. An on-line form should be available in May. The council is also gathering the same information. If you would like to be on the invitation list to upcoming events for Eagle Scouts contact Kerry Baker at Kbaker@bsamail.org . Reprinted from the April 2008 Courier
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Brag Box
The Brag Box is an item from the past that is being resurrected. Parents, the Troop is interested to learn of the outstanding achievements scouts, and troop alumni, are accomplishing outside of the Scouting program (academics, drama productions, science fairs, sports, band, college choices, etc.). The troop family wants to congratulate you and know the scouts can do more than tie knots and build fires! Don’t be shy about [bragging and] sharing this information. Send items to Troop715@comcast.net .
Since this is my final newsletter I’ll brag about my son, Jeff. Jeff Giannasi was inducted into the National Honor Society at Benedictine High School.
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Troop Newsletter
The Troop newsletter is provided as a service from the Troop Committee to the families of the troop. Its purpose is to keep everyone informed of the current and upcoming activities within the troop, supplementing the information exchanged at the weekly troop meetings. Submissions are encouraged by any adult leader, such as activity leaders, as well as by any Scout. The deadline for submissions is the last day of every month.
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Other
Did you know Camp T. Brady Saunders now has its own web site?
http://bradysaunders.net/camp/brady.html
In case you missed the Plugger cartoon for April 25, 2008 here is the link to view it http://www.pluggers.com/daily/index.html
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Drivers Information Form
Adult’s Name_________________________________________ Date _____________
Home Phone ______________________ Cell Phone _____________________
Vehicle #1
Kind, year, and make of Vehicle ______________________________________
Plate Number ____________________________
Number of Seat Belts ______________________________________________
Name of Owner ___________________________________________________
Owner’s driver’s license number ______________________________________
Auto Insurance Carrier ______________________________________________
Pubic liability insurance coverage amounts:
Public liability, each person $ ____________________
Public liability, each accident $ ___________________
Property damage $ ____________________________
Vehicle #2
Kind, year, and make of Vehicle ______________________________________
Plate Number ____________________________
Number of Seat Belts ______________________________________________
Name of Owner ___________________________________________________
Owner’s driver’s license number ______________________________________
Auto Insurance Carrier ______________________________________________
Pubic liability insurance coverage amounts:
Public liability, each person $ ____________________
Public liability, each accident $ ___________________
Property damage $ ____________________________
TROOP 715 SENTINEL
April 2008
March Outing - Richmond Tour
Pictures are posted on the website.
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Musings from the Chair
The Troop Committee held its first Monday night meeting last night. As I mentioned last month, the change to Monday nights was made to improve participation. We had a larger than usual group in attendance last night and I would like to thank all that found time to be there. The next Troop Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 28, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please consider joining us.
I am pleased to announce that Diane Aitken has agreed to serve as the Troop’s webmaster and that Jim Barden has agreed to maintain the Troop’s e-mail distribution list. The only missing piece to the adult portion of our Troop communications puzzle is a newsletter editor. Near the end of each month, the newsletter editor will be expected to solicit contributions from various Troop leaders, gather other interesting and useful information from other sources including Council communications and prior newsletters, and compile a troop-wide newsletter. The editor will not be responsible for distributing the newsletter or maintaining the website. It is my hope that Diane, Jim, and an editor-to-be-named-soon will work together as a team to provide leadership in the area of troop communications, including the involvement of scouts. Please contact Hil Richardson (512-4071 or hil.richardson@yahoo.com), if you would be interested in serving in this capacity. Submitted by Hil Richardson, Committee Chair
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TROOP 715 YARD SALE
Sat MAY 31 SETUP 5:45 to 7:30am
CLEANUP 12:30 to 2:15 PM
It’s that time of year again. Time to be talking about the upcoming sixteenth Annual TCPC YARD SALE. In a true act of magic, each year we turn tons of stuff into dollars to benefit the youth and families committee and Boy Scout Troop 715. We usually clear over $1,500 on the sale.
The Sale date will be Saturday May 31 this year, with donations accepted on Friday night May 30 from 5pm to 9pm. Please price the items you donate, except for clothing. The sale is a lot of fun and a good way for church members to spend some time working together. We will need assistance from many folks to support the work of the sale.
On Friday night we will need help receiving the sale items and sorting them. On SALE DAY, May 31, work assignments will be for two to three hour shifts beginning at 5:45pm and ending at 2:15 pm. We will need help with setting up the lower parking lot with the items to sell beginning at 5:45am, working the sale from 7:30 am to 1pm., handling traffic, and then cleaning up the parking lot until 2:15 pm. We will also need help from those of you with trucks to pick up items Friday night.
There will be a sign up sheet available during Scout Meetings in April and May to volunteer for a job and a time to help out. There will also be many announcements reminding everyone about the sale and the need for helpers. Contact Jim B., 337-7224, for additional information.
We will have refreshments for the setup crew.
THIS IS A BIG, MAJOR FUNDRAISER FOR THE TROOP THIS YEAR. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
PLEEEAAASE SIGN UP AND HELP.
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Advancement Report
Congratulations to the following Scouts who advanced in rank at the March Boards of Review:
Billy D. and Derrick O. – 2nd Class
George K. and Ian S. - Star
Austin G. and Garrett M. – Life
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Advancement and your Boy Scout
Troop 715 is always trying to follow BSA guidelines and act as a youth led troop. Each scout is responsible for his own advancement work. This allows for the scout to work at his own pace and take responsibility for interacting with the troop for assistance with rank advancements and merit badge work. Our adult leaders will always make themselves available for guidance and motivation, but the boys often need more support. This is where we as parents can help our Boy Scout.
The Scout Handbook is very clear about the details of each requirement. Taking a few minutes to review these details with your scout and encourage him to complete each task and get the appropriate sign off at the Monday night meetings or on any troop outing. This will be a tremendous boost to your son. It's also a great way to keep up with your son's progress and show how much you care about his scouting experiences.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the advancement process please do not hesitate to contact Scoutmaster John McCulla or any of the other fine leaders and committee members of our troop.
Please remember the strength of Troop 715 is built with the care and time we all put in. Submitted by Jerome Golfman, Committee Member
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Troop Court of Honor and Family Cookout
Monday, June 2, 2008
Mark your calendars now for the next troop Court of Honor and cookout. The evening will begin with a cookout with families furnishing side dishes and desserts. This is a fun evening where troop families can enjoy fellowship with one another and welcome our newest Scout families. The Court of Honor will give everyone an opportunity to publicly and formally recognize the efforts of the many scouts and their supportive parents.
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Hospitality Chair and Committee Members Needed
After years of serving on the Troop’s Hospitality Committee Shelia Folley is ready to step down. A new committee chair and members are needed.
The Hospitality Committee organizes the annual Troop Cookout, desserts after Troop Courts of Honor, the Troop Christmas Party and helps with Eagle Court of Honor receptions. It’s a great way for parents who can’t make a full time commitment to contribute.
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Trail to Eagle
The troop encourages all scouts to set their goals high. Strive for Eagle. Don’t lose sight of how much time you have left before turning 18 years old. Are you stumped for ideas? Bill Kohlroser is taking over as the Troop’s new Eagle Advisor. He is available to help you in whatever way you need. Seek him out during meetings or contact him at home.
Bryce P. has completed his Eagle project and is working on finalizing his workbook and application.
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Order of the Arrow
Congratulations to the following scouts and scouter who sealed their membership in
OA by becoming a Brotherhood member.
Austin G. - Life Scout
Garrett M. - Life Scout
Edwin R. - Committee Member
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Troop Elections
Congratulations to the Scouts who were elected to serve in troop leadership positions for the next six months.
Senior Patrol Leader Jay D.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Rami A., Tyler H., Garrett M.
Scribe Alex R.
Quartermaster Sam R., Adam G.
Historian Caleb Y.
Librarian Troy A.
Chaplain’s Aid Alex K.
Patrol Leaders
Goriliegofalco Oscar C.
Moose Alex K.
Lightning Bolts Jason W.
Scorpions George K.
Penguins Billy D.
Cougars Hunter B.
Troop Guides – Austin G., Nick M., Taylor R., Will S.
Instructors – Brendon L., Alex R.
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Committee Meeting Reminder
Troop Committee meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month in the Upper Fellowship Hall from 7:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. All parents are welcome to attend.
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Dinner Celebrating Leader Service
A buffet dinner honoring Troop 715 leaders who have recently completed their service with the troop will be held Saturday, May 10th at the Red Door Restaurant. We will gather at 5:30 p.m. The cost per person for a great meal will be $15.
Please RSVP to John McCulla. You may pay the night of the dinner with cash or check made out to Joseph Folley.
If you have any questions contact John McCulla.
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Adult Training Opportunities
April 5 - CPR Training for leaders and adults. 9 to 4 pm. TCPC Upper Fellowship Hall. $25. to $30. Six signed up so far. Spaces available. Anyone interested contact Charles Dickerson, the troop’s Training Coordinator or John McCulla.
October 1 – New Leader Essentials.
October 4 – Leader Specific Training, TCPC
October 24 – 26 – Introduction to Outdoor Skills
Wood Badge – fall 2008 course sign up has started. See www.sr809.org for information about the last course. Click “Gilwell Gazette” in left column.
Remember, some training can be completed on line by going to the BSA On Line Learning Center at http://www.olc.scouting.org
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April Birthdays
Colin B. (4th), Jay D. (27th), Ryan P. (5th), Kieran S. (27th)
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Troop Newsletter
The Troop newsletter is provided as a service from the Troop Committee to the families of the troop. Its purpose is to keep everyone informed of the current and upcoming activities within the troop, supplementing the information exchanged at the weekly troop meetings. Submissions are encouraged by any adult leader, such as activity leaders, as well as by any Scout. The deadline for submissions in the last day of every month.
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Brag Box
This is another item from the past that is being resurrected. Parents, the Troop is interested to learn of the outstanding achievements scouts, and troop alumni, are accomplishing outside of the Scouting program (academics, drama productions, science fairs, sports, college choices, etc.). The troop family wants to congratulate you and know you can do more than tie knots and build fires! Don’t be shy about [bragging and] sharing this information. Send items to .
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Timing Is Everything!
Timing can be everything! Think about it! What’s Christmas if Santa doesn’t show up until the 26th? What’s daybreak if the sun doesn’t show up first thing in the morning? What’s the 8:10 train if it doesn’t arrive until 8:30?
Guess what? For Boy Scouts, timing is everything, too! What’s a Scout meeting without Scouts in formation at 7:15 sharp? What’s a campout if Scouts don’t sign up until the week of the outing? What’s a Board of Review if not scheduled ahead of time?
Our meetings get off to a better start if all of our Scouts have arrived and are in formation by 7:15 pm. Our campouts are better planned and go off more smoothly if we have family commitments for their Scout’s involvement at least two weeks in advance. And, our Scouts are happier, when, by arranging for a Scoutmaster Conference or a Board of Review in advance, we are able to complete them during a busy Troop Meeting.
It would be very helpful to all if each family would strive to be on time to scheduled meetings or events; sign up for outings and campouts well ahead of time, and if they encourage their son to call well in advance for a Scoutmaster Conference or a Board of Review.
Let’s make a commitment to be on time, sign up on time, and to call ahead! On your mark, get set, go! Reprinted from Troop715 Sentinel, January 2006.
Here’s an easy reminder: 715 means 7:15.
Troop 715 Sentinel
March 2008
Troop 715 Pancake Supper
We had a great turn out for the annual Pancake Supper on February 5th at TCPC. The Scouts set tables, mixed batter and cooked bacon, ham, apples and pancakes. In total we served over 170 meals and the troop made over $700.
Thanks to all of the Scouts, parents and leaders who helped to make this fund raiser such a great success.
Special thanks go to:
- Joe Foley for running the kitchen
- Jim Sharpe for buying the bacon and ham
- Mark Resnick for providing the ice and
- Jim Barden for buying all of the other supplies
Submitted by Blake Auchmoody
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Merit Badge Weekend 2008
Troop 715 participated in the Great Cardinal District’s Merit Badge Weekend (MBW) on February 29th – March 2nd. The campout took place at Camp T. Brady Saunders located in Goochland County. Thirty-two Scouts and ten adults from Troop 715 participated in the program.
Those of us who were camping met at TCPC Friday night and headed out for Camp T. Brady Saunders. We parked our vehicles at the Cub Camp and walked to Camp Douglas Fleet to our campsite that was secured in advance by one of our ASMs. Most of the troop gear was transported to the camp in Troop 715’s trailer. Fortunately, the trailer was a little late arriving to camp because it turned out that the campsite we started setting up in was reserved for another troop. If the trailer had arrived with the rest of us the entire campsite would have been setup. So after repacking several tents and trailer, we moved up the road to an open site where we quickly set up camp in the dark and settled in for a cold night of sleeping. Due to the dry conditions, there were campfire restrictions the entire weekend, which prevented us from building fires on Friday and Sunday. Friday and Saturday nights, the temperature dropped down to the high twenties or low thirties, which is a great sleeping temperature assuming you have the right cold weather bag and clothes.
We awoke Saturday morning to a cool, sunny day. The adults fired up the stoves and handed out muffins, oatmeal, fruit and juice for breakfast. The troop headed out to the opening ceremony by 8 AM and then the scouts left for their respective merit badge classes. The Merit Badge Weekend registration fee included lunch of barbeque, chili, and chips, so most of the boys were out of camp from 8 AM until their merit badge classes ended in the late afternoon. For dinner, the adults grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with all of the fixings. While the adults were preparing dinner, the boys started a campfire, which was nice because the temperature was dropping quickly. After dinner, several parents and Scouts who came for the Saturday night campfire arrived with dessert.
The evening campfire included an Order of the Arrow Tap-out Ceremony. The Order of the Arrow is the honor society of Scouts and Troop 715 had nine individuals tapped (or chosen) as candidates to join the Order of the Arrow. Following the campfire, Nick M. left to sleep in the shelter he constructed as a requirement for Wilderness Survival Merit Badge and the rest of us we returned to camp and enjoyed dessert with our guests.
Sunday morning, we awoke to a clear, slightly below freezing morning. The boys started cooking breakfast and tearing down camp. Nick returned from a cold night sleeping in his primitive shelter and was rewarded with a hot breakfast burrito. We attended the morning worship service by the lake, returned to camp and finished packing to leave. After policing the campsite for litter, we hooked up the trailer got in the cars and returned to Byrd Middle School around 11 AM.
I would like to thank everyone who participated in and helped out with this weekend. Especially those who drove or pulled the trailer, camped, cooked, brought dessert and picked up their children earlier than expected on Sunday. With such a large group of people stuff tends to happen and everyone stayed flexible and pitched in when asked, which made this weekend both enjoyable and possible. Thanks for your help! Submitted by Bill Kohlroser
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Congratulations to the following scouts who were elected to be candidates in the
Order of the Arrow.
Rami A.
Oscar C.
Brendan L.
Tyler H.
Sam R.
Ian S.
Alex R.
Jason W.
Josh W.
What is Order of the Arrow (OA)
Order of the Arrow is an Honor Society within the Boy Scouts of America that recognizes those campers -- Scouts and Scouters -- who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such manner as to warrant recognition.
Scouts are elected to the Order by their fellow unit members, following approval by the Scoutmaster. To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout troop and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced fifteen days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The fifteen days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America.
Once each year, a troop may elect candidates in the OA. All eligible Scouts meeting the above requirements may be voted upon. Scouts should not assume to be elected for membership nor should it be their aim in Scouting to be elected into the OA. Scouts elect their fellow Scouts they feel are deserving. The election process should not be a popularity contest.
Note that the Spring OA service weekend is March 14 – 16 not the April dates printed on Council’s calendar. The correct dates have been posted on Council’s web site calendar.
The Nawakwa Lodge web site has been re-launched at http://www.nawakwa.org/php/.
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March Outing
March 14th - 16th
The next Troop outing is scheduled for Douthat State Park. This campout was originally scheduled for March 21- 23, and then later moved to March 14 - 16, given Easter on March 23. If the signups are low, we may look at rescheduling to March 28 – 30. Anyone interested in attending contact Mr. McCulla.
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Troop Elections
Troop Elections will be held on March 17th. Scouts are asked to sign up for the leadership positions for which they are interested in running. This allows us to see if we have candidates for all position, and it requires the Scouts to think ahead for the leadership positions they need for advancement and would like to fill.
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Musings from the Chair
With the close of our February Troop Committee meeting, came the retirement of our Committee Chair, Sandy Sojka. Sandy has led the Committee for over three years and served as a dedicated member of the Committee for many more. Please join me in thanking Sandy for the long hours and thoughtful leadership she has provided. Fortunately for us, Sandy plans to remain active on the Committee for the immediate future and has committed to helping me transition into her former role. As you will see throughout this newsletter, the Committee is very busy and is looking to continue the strong tradition of active adult leadership that Sandy and others have carefully cultivated over the years. Please consider some of the volunteer opportunities that are currently open and be aware of the adult training opportunities that will be offered. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve the Troop as Committee Chair and look forward to working with each of you. Submitted by Hil Richardson, Committee Chair
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Troop Committee Meetings
The Troop Committee meetings are being changed from Thursday nights to Monday nights with the hope of improving meeting participation and to pull adults away from the program portion of the Troop meeting at least once a month.
Beginning this month, the Committee will hold its regular monthly meetings on the 4th Monday of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 in the Upper Fellowship Hall. The first exception to this schedule occurs in March due to a conflict with Henrico County's Spring Break. The March meeting will be on the 31st.
It is expected that additional meetings will be scheduled to handle Eagle Project reviews and other more time consuming tasks, as needed. I hope that anyone who has difficulty attending the new Monday meetings will continue to be active and will attend our special meetings when able. Submitted by Hil Richardson, Committee Chair
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Troop Training Coordinator
Charles Dickenson has agreed to be our Adult Training Coordinator. The Troop Committee hopes that this will be an area of focus for the Troop this year.
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Adult Training Opportunities
March 8 - Boy Scout Leader Specific Training, Jepson Hall, UofR
March 14 – 15 – Wilderness First Aid, Finley Albright
April 4 – 6 - Introduction to Outdoor Skills, Camp T. Brady Saunders
October 1 – New Leader Essentials
October 4 – Leader Specific Training, TCPC
October 24 – 26 – Introduction to Outdoor Skills
Wood Badge – fall 2008 course sign up has started. See www.sr809.org for some information about the last course. Click “Gilwell Gazette” in left column.
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Volunteers Needed
The Troop Committee is seeking volunteers to take over the following responsibilities: Newsletter (more broadly and perhaps more accurately, Communications), Hospitality, and Equipment. In each case we have veteran Committee members who are looking to transition away from these responsibilities and would be happy to help a new person get established. In particular, the Newsletter position is the most timely of the three and may ultimately be split into two positions with one focusing on the web site and the other on e-mail communications depending on the skills and availability of those who express interest. Anyone interested in more information contact Hil Richardson at Hil.Richardson@VHDA.com or 282-3542.
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March Birthdays
Christopher D. (21st), Josh W. (3rd)
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What is Scout Spirit?
Scout Spirit encompasses many aspects of the total Scouting program. It is different things to each Scout and Scouter. It is helping other scouts, whether it be in a camping situation or at other scouting functions. It is active participation in the activities of the Troop. It can be assisting with fundraising, helping repair tents and other equipment, older scouts working with younger scouts on skills, supporting fellow scouts as they achieve advancement, or supporting fellow scouts as they achieve advancement, or representing the troop at summer camp activities, Courts of Honor, community service projects, or religious services.
There are a number of fun and projective activities available to youth in the community. Such activities as soccer, basketball, band, choir, and religious youth groups are just a few. Some of these activities require uniforms. All of them require that youth participate according to specific rules or guidelines. The Boy Scouts of America is a youth organization which has traditionally required a uniform, and it is a national organization with specific rules and guidelines which each unit must follow. All of these youth activities require a great deal of time and energy on the part of the participant.
It would be interesting to see what reaction a young man might receive if he told the band director he was going to wear only part of the required uniform and play only parts of the notes correctly. It would also be interesting to see how a coach might react if a player decided to wear only part of the required uniform and play by only part of the official rules of the sport. The spirit of these organizations depends upon the spirit of the participants. In Scouting, the spirit of the national organization, and of each unit, depends upon the spirit in which a scout works to wear the uniform correctly, and to participate and advance according to the guidelines established by the organization. Why would a Scout or Scouter interested in belonging to an organization founded upon high principles of honor, respect, character, leadership, and service do otherwise? Reprinted from Troop 715 News, March 1996.
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Troop Historian Requests Pictures
The Troop Historian is collecting pictures taken between May 2007 to present to include in a scrapbook.
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Newsletter Reminder
The Troop newsletter is provided as a service from the Troop Committee to the families of the troop. Its purpose is to keep everyone informed of the current and upcoming activities within the troop, supplementing the information exchanged at the weekly troop meetings. Submissions are encouraged by any adult leader, such as activity leaders, as well as by any Scout. The deadline for submissions in the last day of every month.
Troop 715 Sentinel
February 2008
Quantico Marine Corps Base and Museum
Seventeen campers braved the cold at Lunga Park, Quantico Marine Corps Base during the weekend of 18-20 January. Some snow was already on the ground when we arrived and we received a very light dusting Saturday night, so altogether, not enough for a white bead, but enough for a touch of white on our marine corps colored (blue, red & khaki) bead.
Saturday morning, after breakfast, we headed to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where, joined by ten others who came for the day, we spent the day learning about the history and traditions of the Marines. We all came away with a much greater appreciation for the Marines, their capabilities, experiences, equipment, and sacrifices and agreed that one day is not enough to see everything in the museum. Saturday evening, a couple of our younger scouts finished advancement requirements in order to meet the upcoming board of review; we all enjoyed a great campfire; and we helped Adam G. celebrate his birthday by singing "Happy Birthday" and eating his birthday cake.
Sunday morning, after breakfast, we broke camp and toured Quantico National Cemetery before heading back home. We learned a little about the history of the cemetery, some of the famous and not-so-famous Marines buried there, including Josh W.'s uncle, and we visited several of the monuments comemmorating various battles and Marine units. Just as with the museum, we weren't able to see everything, so we'll just have to make another trip! Submitted by Edwin R.. ASM
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Merit Badge Weekend 2008
February 29th – March 2nd
Our next campout is the 2008 Cardinal District Merit Badge Weekend, which will be held from Friday, February 29th through Sunday, March 2nd at Camp T. Brady Saunders. More than 30 scouts from our troop are already registered. Registration started on February 1st and will run through February 16th. Registrations will still be accepted after that date but each Scout reservation will incur a $6 late fee. See Mr. Kohlroser to register.
Merit Badges offered are: Archery, Art, Astronomy, Backpacking, Basketry, Camping, Climbing, Coin Collecting, Cooking, Crime Prevention, Cycling, Dog Care, Electricity, Electronics, Emergency Preparedness, Fingerprinting, Fire Safety, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Forestry, Golf, Hiking, Indian Lore, Leatherwork, Orienteering, Pioneering, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Rifle Shooting, Soil & Water Conservation, Traffic Safety, Weather, Wilderness Survival, Wood Carving, and Wood Work. Several of the merit badges have additional fees to cover the costs of materials, as follows: Basketry ($20), Leatherwork ($8 to $15). The Golf, Crime Prevention, and Cycling merit badges require the scouts to leave Camp T. Brady Sounders. Pre-requisite information was emailed out to the troop in January and can be found in the form of a PDF on the Cardinal District website http://www.cardinaldistrict.net/.
The registration fee due to the Cardinal District for this event is $12 per Scout and $5 per adult which includes lunch on Saturday in the dining hall. An additional $10 per person will be collected, which should cover the cost of the remaining meals. The total cost will be $22 per scout or $15 per adult. Please make checks for the total amount payable to Troop 715.
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TCPC Pancake Supper
February 5
Come out with your family and friends to enjoy hot pancakes with syrup, breakfast meats, and spiced apples in an all-you-can-eat setting. You will have a great evening of fun and good food. Children 2 and under eat free. Families of four or more are $20.00, individuals are $5.50. As this is a fund raiser, scouts and families will be expected to pay for their meals.
Lots of help will be needed from the Scouts and the adults. Setup will begin around 4:15, with cleanup beginning around 7:00. We will help setting up the tables, cooking, table cleaning, dish washing, and of course a clean up crew. Signup sheets will be at the troop meetings.
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Scout Sunday
February 10
Scout Sunday at TCPC will be held on February 10th. Services are 8:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. followed by a donut and juice reception at Noon. Scouts will be needed to attend each service. Sign up sheets will be at the meetings.
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Popcorn News
Congratulations to Troy A. for being the number two top seller of popcorn in The Heart of Virginia Council this year. Troy sold over $2500.00 worth of popcorn. Way to go Troy!
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Troop Sweatshirts Still Available
There are only five sweatshirts in large sizes still available. See Jerome Golfman if you are interested in purchasing one. They are still just $20. ($23. for XXL). Don't forget to pack your 715 sweatshirt on our upcoming campouts!
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February Birthdays
Brendan L. (13th), Derrick O. (7th)
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New Troop Committee Position
The Troop Committee has added the position Adult Training Chair to the committee.
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
New Leader Essentials - Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at Tuckahoe Library
Adult Leader Training - Saturday, March 8, 2008. Leader Specific training for all Cub Scout leader positions, Scoutmasters and assistants, and adult Venturing leaders. Jepson Hall at UofR.
Introduction to Outdoor Skills – April 4, 2008 – April 6, 2008. Camp T. Brady Saunders
The Troop Committee continues to encourage all parents, particularly registered adults, to complete Boy Scout Fast Start Training, Youth Protection Training, and Troop Committee Challenge. This training is available at http://www.olc.scouting.org/
Twelve supplemental training modules are also available on line. Some topics are Merit Badge Counselor Instructors Guide, Boards of Review Training, Scoutmaster Conference Training, Mentoring, etc.
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Troop Calendar
Changes to the troop calendar have recently been posted on the web site.
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Scouts' Page on the Web Site
Scouts, remember you are encouraged to submit items to be included in the monthly newsletter or posted on the web site.
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It’s Not Over ‘Til . . . .
When the boys get home from a camping trip, they will frequently be bringing with them troop or patrol equipment. It is the Scouts’ responsibility to properly take care of this equipment and return it to the troop as soon as possible.
Tents need to be pitched and aired out the same day the Scout returns from the trip. A tent can mildew in a matter of hours if left rolled up wet. It should be swept or rinsed as needed. The Scout should make a list of any problems, missing, or damaged parts. Only when the tent is totally dry should it be properly packed up.
Tarps should be rinsed or swept as needed and allowed to thoroughly dry. They should then be neatly folded and returned at the next meeting.
Patrol cook kits and utensil kits require the most diligent care. This is due to the issue of food safety. This equipment is washed on the camping trip but due to the lack of running water it requires more thorough cleaning at home. A cook kit that is stored with grease or food particles becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. A cook kit that is thoroughly washed, dried, and properly stored will be safe and ready to use at the next outing.
Remember, it is the Scouts, and not the parents’ responsibility to take care of the troop’s equipment. Scouting, however, is a family activity, and parents are encouraged to support their Scouts with gentle reminders and resources to do the job. Reprinted from Troop 715 News, April 2001.
Troop 715 Sentinel
January 2008
Happy New Year!
Jones Mountain Cabin Trip
Troop 715’s December 2007 outing was our fourth backpacking trip to Jones Mountain Cabin. The Jones Mountain Cabin is located near Bear Church Rock in the Central District of the Shenandoah National Park.
First, we again want to thank Mason Child for bringing the cabin to our attention and for making the arrangements to reserve the cabin. Mason is a volunteer with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. One of his duties is maintaining the trail and the Jones Mountain Cabin. The cabin was discovered by PATC in 1968, rehabilitated during 19969-74, and dedicated in 1974. It is a historic pioneer cabin built by moonshiner Harvey Nichols in 1918 on the remains of the cabin built by his father in 1855. The cabin has bunks, a loft, a potbelly stove, a fireplace, pots and pans, two rocking chairs, a nearby spring, a big front porch and a wonderful view down the mountain.& | 
