LONGHORN COUNCIL
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
 LEON VALLEY DISTRICT

DRAFT MINUTES FOR THE BSA LVD 7 NOVEMBER 2005 COMMITTEE MEETING


The Meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 6:30 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.


Attending:  Chuck Ashley, Homer Casto, Dave Chambers, Ed Dallas, Fulton Jones, John Gust, Gordon Plumlee, Gene Silverblatt, LaRon Slay, Carroll Beckom, Tony Forte, Frank Leslie, Ivor McKay and Mona Miller.

 

The Agenda for the meeting was approved.

 

The minutes of the 3 October 2005 meeting were approved.

 

McKay Memorial Campership Request.  The Chairman reported that the letter requesting establishment of this Honorary/Memorial Campership had been dispatched to the Council on 5 October and is being considered but a response has not yet been received.

 

Venturing Chair Vacancy.  The Chairman recommended Mr. Dean Johnson as Vice Chair-Venturing noting that he is dual registered as an Associate Advisor with Venturing Crew 229 in Harker Heights and Crew 150 in Morgan’s Point.  He has been extensively involved in Scouting, is a Woodbadger and is serving on the Woodbadge Staff this year.  He is very active and is going on a Trek to Northern Tier this summer.  He has Venturing Specific Training and has participated in VLSC.  Vice Chair-Boy Scouts supported the recommendation and the Committee unanimously approved Mr. Johnson for the position of Vice Chair-Venturing.   The Chairman immediately made the appointment.

 

WEB Site Updates.   The Chairman announced that response to requests for updates from functional area chairs had been spotty but that a revised listing of the District Contacts section had been provided to the Webmaster.  He requested that each functional area chair continue to review the Web site from time to time and submit updates, as required, directly to the Webmaster.

 

Spring Activities.  The Chairman summarized the Committee’s position that the Council sponsored/District operated Klondike Derby at Camp Tahuaya 17-19 Feb. 2006 should be the only major activity for the District in the Spring.  The question of inclusion of an Order of the Arrow Tap Out program raised potential timing problems and the Vice Chair Programs, Dave Chambers, agreed to coordinate with Council for resolution.  The question of a District Camporee at Camp Tahuaya in the Fall of 2006 was addressed and it was agreed that late September is an appropriate time frame. 

 

FOS (Commercial) Planning Function.  The Chairman reviewed the mechanics of District FOS breakfast functions in previous years for the Committee and asked for recommendations as to the best procedure for the upcoming 2006 Killeen area event currently scheduled for 14 February.  During the following discussion it was generally agreed that a locally prominent volunteer organizer securing the services of table hosts who invite prospective donors to sit at their tables at the event could achieve good results provided that such an individual will agree to assume that responsibility.  Some names were suggested and Vice Chair-Emeritus, Chuck Ashley volunteered to provide additional names in the near future.

 

Individual Spot Awards.  The Chairman informed the Committee a plan to develop spot award certificates from existing formats would require major modification.  Ensuing discussion concluded that rather than a certificate use of existing BSA Award Coins could achieve the objective of on-the-spot recognition of exceptional service however purchase of the coins might be a problem for the District budget.  Vice Chair-Emeritus, Chuck Ashley offered to donate $100 for the purchase of an initial stock of coins to be provided to the District Commissioner for test distribution.

 

Food for Families.  The Chairman informed the Committee that further discussions between Assistant District Commissioner Gerry Greene and Boy Scout Round Table Commissioner Tony Forte had determined that Food for Families activities on Fort Hood were generally on track without a need to contact the Garrison Commander’s office for additional support.  Tony Forte noted, however that additional bags were needed and District Executive, LaRon Slay committed to providing additional bags at the 8 November Round Table with replenishment of stocks from Longhorn Council on 11 November.

 

Appointment of Committees.   The Chairman informed the Committee that appointment of a Nominating Committee and an Awards Committee would have to be completed by the end of the year to meet established deadlines and requested recommendations for membership on both committees not later than the December Committee meeting.  Vice Chair Emeritus Chuck Ashley noted that Fulton Jones and Dave Chambers were well experienced in those areas and nominated them as Chairmen of the two committees respectively.  The Chairman noted that these individuals were already carrying heavy loads in support of District activities and deferred action on the nominations until the next District Committee meeting.  Fulton Jones then volunteered to chair the Nominating Committee.   Chuck Ashley promised a further submission of candidates for committee memberships.

 

Cub Scout Day Camp at CTC.  The Chairman informed the Committee that Dr. James Anderson, CTC Chancellor has appointed Mr. Bill Beebe, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, as the point of contact to the District for this activity.  Vice Chair-Boy Scouts Fulton Jones pointed out that the activity is scheduled for 30 May through 2 June 2006 rather than 30-31 May stated in the Agenda.  A check on Dr. Anderson’s letter validated that CTC is expecting to host the activity during the 30 May-2 June period.

 

District Executive’s Comments.   LaRon Slay announced that pickup of popcorn previously ordered is scheduled for 19 November from 0800 until noon.  Directions to the new pickup site will be provided at the 8 November Round Table.

 

Programmed Activities. 

 

Fulton Jones, Vice Chair-Boy Scouts provided the following listing of upcoming activities via e-mail which has been forwarded to the District e-mail address list:   

         12 November 2005:  Highland Games - in conjunction with the Gathering of the Clans at Camp Tahuaya.
The Games will be held on the same weekend as the Gathering of the Clans festival in Salado. Troops and Crews may camp at Tahuaya, participate in the morning Highland Games at Camp and visit the nearby Highland Festival in the afternoon and evening. This is a Venturing event that is also open to Boy Scouts, Varsity Team members, and adults. The Highland Games program includes clackneart (small stone throw), Braemar (big stone throw), hammer throw, sheaf toss, caber toss, weight toss, Highland dancing, and more. EquiPMent, kilts, and awards are provided. There will be adult, youth, male, and female divisions in highland games.

         26-30 December 2005:  Winter Camp.  Three options: traditional Merit Badge Camp at Lakeview Lodge, Horsemanship program (part of the Merit Badge camp), and an 1872 U.S. Cavalry Outpost for youth age 13 and older from 9:00 a.m. December 26th to 8:00 PM campfire, December 30th with an overnight stay in the barracks at Fort Richardson on December 30-31. Learn the history of 1870's frontier Texas as you serve for a week as a Cavalry soldier.  Cavalry Outpost includes authentic uniforms, food, and equiPMent, a large battle reenactment against local Civil War reenactment groups, and an overnight stay in the barracks.  

 

Venture Crew Members can work on their Outdoor Living History Elective for the Ranger Award.

         26-31 December 2005:  Twin Arrows National Youth Leader Training at Camp Tahuaya.  Cost is $125.  Applications will be on the council website in November.

         18 February 2006:  Klondike Derby at Camp Tahuaya.  This event will be district run by Dave Chambers.  Anyone wishing to help may volunteer.  Test your winter camping and outdoor skills at the Longhorn Council Klondike Derby. Open to Boy Scout Troops, Varsity Teams and Venture Crews. Each patrol/crew must build and bring a sled. Sled designs are on the LHC Web Site.

 

Order of the Arrow Advisor Mike Harrison distributed an information handout informing Committee members of the Huaco Tribe Winter Banquet scheduled for 12 November at Camp Tahuaya and providing information on Order of the Arrow Troop election qualifications and deadlines and on the availability of the Thundering Plains Chapter to conduct Order of the Arrow Crossover ceremonies.  He can be contacted at 254-634-5102 or mhwbbear@vvm.com.

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                        Arthur J. Junot

                                                                                                                        District Chairman