There are many exciting things teed up for the Apache District and Mecklenburg County Council to honor Scouting’s Centennial: A Year of Celebration. We’re trying to give Scouting a presence all over Mecklenburg County in order to generate additional membership, volunteer support and financial commitment from the community.
First, there is a special Patch program. Scouts, Ventures, Adult Leaders and Scouting Alumni can all participate, with many of the requirements being completed over the normal course of Pack, Troop and Crew activities. This is a unique program which runs from September of 2009 through the end of December 2010, and gives each of us an opportunity to be a part of history. More details are on the web at
http://scouting.org/100years/100years/ayearofcelebration.aspx
Scouts of all units are encouraged to participate in the Charlotte Veteran’s Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2009. Units should register individually at
http://www.carolinasfreedomfoundation.org/salute_veterans_parade.html. There is a key relationship between Scouts and Veterans – this is an opportunity to strengthen that bond, while at the same time honoring those who have served our country.
The Council will be registering to march in the Carolinas’ Carousel Parade on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2009 (setting up around 9:00 a.m. for the 10:00 kickoff). More details to come, but we’re looking for unit interest. Please contact
christopher.kubala@bankofamerica.com if your unit is interested in being a part of this special event.
Our Council-wide service project, Scouting for Food is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2010. Apache District has traditionally been a strong supporter of the Loaves and Fishes. Current plans are to have one single turn-in location near uptown to better demonstrate our unity as a Council.
As the actual birthday of Scouting occurs during the week following February 6, all Scouts and leaders are invited to walk from the Scouting for Food turn-in site to Founders’ Hall for Scouting’s Birthday Party that evening,
3:00 p.m., February 6, 2010. More details on the birthday party are coming soon, but expect it to be a smashing event!
All units are encouraged to march as a unit in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 13, 2010. There is a $50.00 entry fee for each marching unit; the deadline to register is 3/1/2010 but registration begins in the fall. Units should sign up individually at:
http://www.charlottestpatsday.com/Application.htm
Feedback from units has been cautious due to potential less than positive influences, so be mindful of particular sensitivities.
The Boy Scouts of America National Council’s Adventure Base 100 tour launches January 2010 and is
traveling from city to city. Adventure Base 100 gives Mecklenburg County Council the chance to leverage a dynamic, fantastic, interactive campus that showcases the fun and meaningful experiences of Scouting. It will be in the Charlotte area from April 9-11, 2010. It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness of Scouting and - most importantly - recruit youth members, volunteers, and attract financial supporters. Your unit won’t want to miss this activity, and the opportunity to tell everyone about Scouting through Adventure Base 100.
In lieu of a Spring Cuboree or Jamboree, the District is participating in the Mecklenburg County Council BSA Outdoor and Camping Expo. Currently scheduled for April 17-19, 2010, this offers Scouts, families, and the public to re-engage or learn about Scouting. Many displays, Jamboree campsites, vendors, concessions, hands on activities, etc. will be on tap to really hammer the message home.
Another opportunity for service presents itself through Scouting’s partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. Units are encouraged to plant trees all through the month of April, 2010. There is even the opportunity to support the growth of the BSA Centennial Forest National Park by purchasing trees directly from the Arbor Day foundation. The Council is working with Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation to identify sites at which to plant trees.
For more information see http://www.arborday.org/boyscouts
for details.
And don’t forget the National Jamboree 2010 at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia! The Mecklenburg County Council contingent will likely depart on July 25, 2009 and return August 4, 2009. No matter what you’ve heard, the Steering committee is still accepting youth applications, and adults can apply for National Staff positions. Please also note that the event is open to the public for day visits. Every Pack, Troop, Team and Crew in the nation are welcome to come – remember this is the last Jamboree to be conducted at Fort A. P. Hill.
We are considering hosting a District-wide Raingutter Regatta during the summer, 2010 to help promote recruiting in the fall. We’re still working on the details, so keep posted. (If you want to volunteer to help out – contact
christopher.kubala@bankofamerica.com).
Download the Unit
Planning Template 
to start making plans for Your Unit's celebration!
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