9297 Medical Plaza Drive
N.Charleston, SC 29406
P: (843) 763-0305
www.CoastalCarolinaBSA.org
THE SCOUT & ABOUT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY A GENEROUS DONATION FROM:
Coastal Equity Group
CoastalEquityGroup.com
(843) 737-0182
PUBLISHER
Dr. Bobby C. Baker
EDITOR
Debbi Everitt
A SCOUT IS HELPFUL! WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT THESE FOLKS:
Lincoln Shirey
Wayne Barfield
Lisa Graham
Sean Szymanski
COUNCIL KEY THREE
COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Jay Wallace
COUNCIL COMMISSIONER
Chuck Lance
SCOUT EXECUTIVE
Jason Smith
The Scout & About is published six times a year. Please email articles to debra.everitt@scouting.org with Scout & About in the subject line.
A Letter from the Publisher March 2024
Greetings Fellow Scouters,
As we step into the promise of a new year, there’s a whirlwind of thrilling programs awaiting us on the horizon. I extend my heartfelt salute to all the leaders and volunteers whose dedication breathes life into these programs. Our camp at Ho Non Wah continues to evolve, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming Scouts not only from our council but also from across the nation this summer. Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, our camp boasts unparalleled waterfront vistas adorned by majestic live oak trees draped in Spanish moss-a beauty we sometimes overlook.
I’m diving into an extensive overhaul of our website to ensure every Scout, volunteer, and supporter has access to the latest information, articles, and effortless navigation to all our activities on the calendar, with registration just a click away. Stay tuned as we aim to roll out these updates by mid-spring. We’re always receptive to suggestions on how we can enhance the user experience and efficiency of Scout & About, as well as our website.
Allow me to extend a warm welcome to our new council president, Jay Wallace. With a wealth of fresh ideas and boundless energy, Jay promises to bring benefits to all. Additionally, I wish to express my profound gratitude to my dear friend Chris Staubes for his exceptional four-year tenure as our council president. Chris’s legal expertise served as a guiding light through the challenges of bankruptcy and the COVID-19 pandemic. His resilience echoes the timeless wisdom of Rev. Robert Schuller: “Tough Times Never Last, Tough People Do!” Thank you, Chris, for your tenacity and unwavering commitment to the program.
Lastly, I extend heartfelt appreciation to all our supporters and urge our Scouting families to continue their invaluable financial backing of our esteemed Scouting programs. Every contribution is an investment in our collective future. Y
ours In Scouting,
Dr. Bobby C. Baker VP – Marketing
Council News
Council News March 2024
Dear Scouting Family,
As you may be aware, Chris Staubes was recently recognized for his two terms as Council President. In addition to his leadership at a difficult time for Scouting, Chris also managed a busy business and professional life. Chris has an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been listed since 2010 in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Corporate Law. Charleston Business Magazine named Chris to their 2017 Legal Elite of the Lowcountry for his work in Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions. Many business owners rely on Chris’ knowledge and experience for their personal legal needs as well. He is a certified Circuit Court Mediator.
In 2001, Chris was named to the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 for his public and community service and in 2012 was named a Furman University Riley Institute Diversity Fellow. Chris was General Counsel and member of the Board of Directors for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce from 2000 – 2003. In 2014, Chris was elected to the Charleston County School Board. During that same time period, Chris, as President, transitioned the Mount Pleasant Business Association into the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, where Chris was bestowed the honor of being named President Emeritus. In 2019, the Charleston Leaders organization recognized Chris at their Annual Gala with the William Brian Moody Leader award for his exemplary track record of leadership to the Charleston community. In 2023, Chris was recognized by the French Society of Charleston with their annual Humanitati award. He is also a member of the Board of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
From 2020 until 2023 Chris served as President of the Coastal Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America, where he led over 5,000 scouts and 172 units across nine counties from I-95 to the coast. For his Scouting service Chris was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in 2022, and the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award in 2019. Chris is a graduate of Wofford College and the University of South Carolina School of Law and is a 1998 graduate of Leadership Charleston. He makes time with his wife Tanya and their three children a priority and enjoys playing the guitar and traveling. Chris’ dedication to both Scouting and the community is great and we as a council cannot thank him enough for his leadership through tough times.
Jason Smith
Scout Executive
Council Recognition Banquet March 2024
The Coastal Carolina Council recently recognized the efforts of the Class of 2023 Eagle Scouts, as well as several volunteers who went above and beyond in the past year. Following a stirring speech by Maj. Gen Jeffrey Jones, the Class of 2023 named Ed Freeman, long time volunteer and Camp Ho Non Wah cook, as the class honoree. The Summit Award, the Venturing’s equivalent of the Eagle Scout Award, was presented to three members of Crew 469; London Alford, Perry Patrick, and Aveh Singletary. London and Perry also earned their Eagle Scout Award this year.
The Sea Scout Leadership Award, presented to Sea Scouts who have made exceptional contributions to their program and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, was presented to Boatswain Ethan Jones and Commodore Robert Moise. Ethan is a charter member of Ship 50 and has served as boat leader on several of the ship’s long cruises to the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and Rhode Island. Robert is also one of the charter members of Ship 50, one of the largest ships in our territory and the fastest growing. As an approved Charter Captain, he has been instrumental in our youth having access to great adventures on the water.
Richard Koehler, “Grandpa” to a generation of Scouts, was recognized with the Council Alumnus Award for his many years of service to the Council through his volunteerism with all aspects of Scouting, from the unit level to the Order of the Arrow to spending his summers as camp quartermaster.
The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout award is one of the most prestigious recognitions created by the National Eagle Scout Association that can be granted by a council. It honors an Eagle Scout who continues to make a positive impact through exceptional achievement in their profession and community. This year’s recipient was Daniel Byrnside.
The Silver Beaver Award, the highest award a Council may present to its adult volunteers, was presented to Linda Koehler, Mindy Thomson, and Nick Spaulding.
The District Award of Merit is presented by each District at their annual banquet to volunteers who have gone above and beyond in support of the District’s programs and activities. This year’s recipients are: Black River – Richard Russell; Etiwan – Patti Zimmerman; Palmetto – Kim Schultz; and Swamp Fox – Richard Beasley and Don Johnson.
James E. West Fellowship is made up of those who “lengthen their shadow” by donating at least $1000 to the Council’s endowment fund in addition to their regular support of the Friends of Scouting campaign. Andrew Barton, Chris Cooper, and Gary Hart became members of the fellowship this past year.
Veterans of the Scouting program were recognized with lapel pins denoting their years of service in five year increments. Two notable volunteers are Bob Chase with 70 years of Scouting and Craig Alford with 50.
Two professional Scouters were recognized for their service. Jimmy Crook, former Assistant Scout Executive with the Council, was presented the Professional Circle Award for his 33 years of professional Scouting. Trevor Shelor, Senior District Executive, was presented the William H. Spurgeon III award for his many years, both as a volunteer and a professional, as a champion of the Exploring program. Spurgeon, a business executive at the Irvine Company, personally organized many special interest posts in the 1960’s leading to the Exploring program we know today.
And, after four years serving as Council President, seeing the Council through the ups and downs of the national organization’s bankruptcy and lawsuit, Chris Staubes was presented with the Council’s 100th Anniversary patch set by current President Jay Wallace and VP of Safe Scouting Ray Bryant. Chris’ calm leadership, together with his willingness to spend countless hours conferring with other councils and the national office, made “weathering the storm” a possibility for our Council.
Council Activities
The Old Guard and the New
The Exchange Club of Charleston celebrated National Boy Scout Day at a recent meeting. Pictured left to right, Council President Jay Wallace, Scout Executive Jason Smith, former Scout Executive Legare Clement, and former Assistant Scout Executive Jimmy Crook. The Coastal Carolina Council is a recipient of grants from the Exchange Club, funded through your attendance at the annual Coastal Carolina Fair!
SHE’S A WINNER!
Our very own Program Assistant, Emily Wilber, was named Venturer of the Year by the Swamp Fox District at their recent banquet! Congratulations, Emily!
District Activities
The Palmetto District Camporee
The Palmetto District Camporee will be held April 12 – 14 at 5974 County Line Road in Ravenel. The theme is cooking. Register at mycampmanager: Palmetto District Camporee
Etiwan District – Troop 20 Raptor Patrol and Feathered Friends
On Sunday, Jan 28th, members of the Raptor Patrol of Troop 20 Mt Pleasant got together to help some feathered friends. As a conservation project, they installed 4 wood duck boxes on Cooper Lake in Mt Pleasant. The boxes, provided by the SC DNR, give much needed nesting habitat for the native wood ducks that frequent the area. The Scouts braved strong winds and cold water while using Jon boats, chest waders and ladders to get these large posts, metal shields and wood boxes into areas safe from predators. They also participated in discussions on why the wood duck natural habitat has been lost and how they have evolved to use wood boxes as nesting shelter. They learned that rough hewn wood is essential, as it helps the ducklings’ ability to climb out once they are ready to leave the boxes. The Scouts are anxious to see the first nesting ducks take advantage of their new homes!
-Christian Senden
Life Scout
Etiwan District – Troop 11 Winter Camping
With South Carolina experiencing mild winter temperatures, a group of Scouts from Troop 11 in Mt. Pleasant headed north to test their skills at winter weather camping. Northern Tier, just 16 miles from the Canadian border in Ely, Minnesota, offers year round high adventure experiences, but their winter weather camp is unlike most Scouting opportunities. With temperatures dipping well below zero degrees and the ground covered in snow, the Scouts were fully outfitted with gear to survive the wilderness and stay warm in an environment vastly different from home. A staff member, called an interpreter, helped them pack their gear onto sleds, called “pulks”, that they pulled as they hiked to a frozen lake. There they traded their snowshoes for skis and had a lesson in cross-country skiing before getting some time to explore the serene area. They learned to set up a campsite and cook meals at these cold temperatures, and even slept outdoors using a bundled sleep system to stay warm in the near -20 degree temperature. They crossed frozen lakes, played games, visited the Scout Lodge Museum, cross-country skied and warmed up in a “quinzee”, a hollowed out snow shelter. The highlight of the trip, however, was visiting the sled dogs and going for a ride with the trained mushers. If you are looking for a great opportunity to try something different, look no further than Northern Tier in the winter!
-Lisa Graham
Swamp Fox District – Pack 700 Bear Den
The Bear Den of Cub Scout Pack 700, located at Dorchester Presbyterian Church, completed its project of building and installing 10 bluebird boxes at the new Dorchester Heritage Center site outside of Ridgeville this month.
The Bears spent a den meeting building bird boxes. Then, some of them helped Dorchester Heritage Center’s Edsel Taylor, a member of the Master Naturalist Association, install the boxes around the property and learn more about why it was important for the birds in the area. Like most tree cavity-nesting birds, bluebirds have lost much of their natural nesting habitat due to industrial development and the clearing of woods and forests. The boxes help protect baby bluebirds from predators such as snakes, cats and raccoons. Bluebird nesting activity creates interest and attracts visitors to parks and greenspace areas. “By building and properly installing bluebird boxes, you can boost the bluebird population in the local area,” Taylor said.
Bluebirds feed mainly on insects and, therefore, are essential to farmers and gardeners who need less harmful pesticides to protect crops from invasive insects.
The project was managed so that the Scouts could see it through from start to finish. The project is a step in the “Baloo the Builder” and “Paws for Action” (citizenship) adventures to complete their Bear rank and to participate in the World Organization of Scouting Movement’s (WOSM) Messengers of Peace program.
Swamp Fox District – Crew 777 Sea Base Adventures
Last spring, Crew 777 (chartered through ICCC in Goose Creek), took on the adventures of Florida Sea Base, Coral Reef Sailing. The crew of eight, six Crew members and two adults, departed SC early on Saturday morning headed south. We arrive early in Homestead and spent the night at Saint Faith’s Episcopal Church, a proud sponsor of Pack and Troop 428. After attending Easter mass, the Crew departed for Sea Base check-in and training.
The check-in process was well choreographed with records review, pictures, BSA snorkel training, meals, and departure on the GREEN OLIVE with Captain Martini. Our first night at sea was calm and enjoyable. We got to know the captain and vice versa, spent time fishing, learned about navigation, and got accustomed to being on a sailboat. The forecast for the week had been tentative at best, so early in the morning we headed out to our first of two snorkeling dives before the weather closed in. Each dive was amazing, seeing beautiful coral reefs, many species of fish, and enjoying the warm water of the Florida Keys.
After lunch we began our journey to shelter for the evening, catching many fish along the way. This led to one of the highlights of the trip, as the captain made sushi and seafood ceviche. Having a seasoned captain of 20 years ensured the little extras beyond the standard Sea Base provisions were onboard (chips and bacon).
Following a rough night at sea, requiring resetting the anchor and many soaked Crew members, we made our way to a marina for showers, fresh water and pumping sanitary tanks. Again, the Crew bonded over the previous night’s weather, ice cream from the ships’ store and shared chores. We departed the marina for another day of sailing, which led to some sea-sick crew. Of note – don’t mix daily medicine and sea-sickness pills, it only makes things worse.
In true Scout fashion, we were conscious of the environment and prepared to do a good turn. This proved well when a Crew member’s water bottle went overboard as we were running from storm clouds. With quick action, we performed “man-overboard” procedures and prevented leaving plastic in the ocean. This was greatly appreciated by the HUGE leatherback turtle we spotted; “largest I have ever seen” – Captain Martini.
The next two days were filled with sunshine, sailing, swimming, another snorkeling dive (this time seeing a stingray, eels, and a few small barracudas), fishing, music, and song. One highlight was playing with a pod of dolphin as we cruised south of the islands. They loved the bow wake and knuckles we put in the water through hard turns and surfaced and skimmed right next to the boat.
As our week at sea ended, unscathed by the horrible rains that flooded Miami, we minimized our sun burns, lost, and then found, one cell phone overboard, learned many trivial things about each other, and become Sea Base sailors.
Swamp Fox District – Crew & Troop 777 They’re At It Again!
Who says you can’t have fun skiing in the South? Not Troop 777! For the third year in a row, Troop and Crew 777 traveled to Lake Junaluska, just outside of Maggie Valley NC for a January weekend of Snow Sports and fellowship.
The Crew and Troop enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Ted Singletary, a past Scoutmaster and Crew Advisor who runs a bed-and-breakfast, The Lagoalinda Inn, on Lake Junaluska. The Inn has multiple suites and an open bay berthing in the basement, perfect for the Troop. Add in the family kitchen, fireplace, and front porch with foosball table, and the Scouts had an amazing time even before getting on the slopes.
The next morning began early to avoid the sold-out crowds at the mountain. Rental clothing and equipment went fast and soon everyone was out on the slopes. From lessons to first corduroy runs, the Scouts and adults hit the slopes with enthusiasm. For many this was old hat, but for some this was their first time on a board or skis. All 18 runs and five lifts were operating at full capacity and didn’t disappoint. Our more advanced skiers tackled the Blue and Black diamond slopes, with one completing the Snow Sports MB. The newer ones mastered the magic carpet and made those first runs from the beginner lift. By the end of the day, we had some tired Scouts and Scouters, with lasting memories.
Another hearty meal steaming in crockpots awaited the last group of returning skiers. No on went hungry, that’s for sure! After dinner and a great dessert, we broke out the board games, dad jokes, and a myriad of “find the pattern” games. With Scouts leading Scouts, the evening was filled with laughter, smiles and newfound friendships.
Following a full clean up of the Inn, the Troop and Crew packed into vehicles and headed back to the Low Country, with their muscle aches, snow gear, leftovers, and memories of a lifetime. We are already planning next year’s trip!
Order Of The Arrow
Spring Fellowship
At the end of January, various Section and National Order of the Arrow officers taught several of our adult and youth Arrowmen about the latest and greatest the OA has to offer in lodge leadership and development. Adults completed the Developing Youth Leadership Conference (DYLC), and the youth completed the National Leadership Seminar (NLS) training courses.
Unali’Yi hosted our Spring Fellowship at Camp Ho Non Wah in February. In addition to beginning preparations to compete at the upcoming Section Cornerstone Conclave in Charlotte, the 2024-2025 lodge officers were elected. They will be sworn in and begin their terms at the end of the upcoming Spring Ordeal. Spring Ordeal is scheduled for the weekend of May 17-19. Registration is about to open on the My Camp Manager website. Letters are being mailed out to new candidates and lodge members. Email chief@site236.com if you would like to schedule your 2024 unit election. If so, we will do our best to coordinate.
2024-2025 Lodge Officers
- Chief Elect – Mike McCready
- Vice Chief of Admin – Ayden Hudson
- Vice Chief of Program- Tyler Fish
- Lodge Secretary- AJ Stevenson
- Lodge Treasurer- Falyn Hudson
Yours in Brotherhood,
Lincoln Shirey, Wayne Barfield, Unali’Yi Lodge Chief, Unali’Yi Lodge Advisor
News You Can Use
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Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills
IOLS is a required training course for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters in Scouts BSA Troops which builds and expands on the concepts and themes introduced in the online Scoutmaster Position-Specific, which is required prior to the weekend training.
You must also have completed weather hazard training.
(Please log into https://My.Scouting.org Follow MENU/MYTRAINING/SCOUTS BSA)
Items to bring: Overnight camping gear, uniform, pen and paper, water bottle, camp chair, medical form A&B, and certificate of online trainings.
This course will be held in the Tribe campsite, Camp Ho Non Wah, Saturday May 4th starting at 8am through Sunday May 5th at 12pm.
For questions please contact course director Kevin Lutz - Kirvar77@hotmail.com
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Eagle Scout Boards of Review: Not a Job Interview
Originally published in the November-December 2018 issue of "Advancement News," an official publication from the BSA's National Advancement Program Team.
Occasionally we hear of Eagle Scout boards of review that have been turned into something they were never intended to be.
For example, some have said that the board of review is like a job interview. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Scouts have already "earned the position" of Eagle Scout by completing the requirements. They are not interviewing for the position.
All too often, the "job interview" analogy is used to justify a number of additional requirements that aren't appropriate.
Expecting the Scout to appear in "business attire," grilling them on their qualifications, asking inappropriate questions intended to cause stress and anxiety may all seem justified as making the Scout better prepared for experience in the "real world."
However, the Scout is already in the "real world" of Scouting. The board of review is not about preparing the Scout for something but rather about celebrating their accomplishments.
While part of the board's responsibility is to ensure that requirements have been met, it is not their responsibility to determine if those requirements met the board's personal standards.
Other youth leaders and adults who previously reviewed the Scout determined that the requirements were met when they signed off on the requirement, or merit badge, etc. It is not up to the board to decide that the standards used by those leaders were or were not sufficient.
By the time Scouts have reached the Eagle Scout board of review, they have already demonstrated their knowledge and skills, many times over. This candidate is by all intents and purposes an Eagle Scout when arriving at the board of review. Only in the most egregious cases where it was clear that the Scout could not possibly have properly completed a requirement would the board be warranted in determining that the Scout should not be advanced.
Therefore, make the Scout's Eagle board of review a celebration of their achievement. Make it something to be proud to share with others, not something to be feared.
It is not a job interview; it is a celebration of a job well done.
Thank You!
Because of your generosity last year, our Friends of Scouting campaign was a success!
$331,988 was raised to support the Scouting programs we offer the youth of the Carolina Lowcountry. Can we count on your support this year?
Friends Of Scouting
There are so many ways you can support Scouting in the Carolina Lowcountry—attend the annual fundraising event, buy popcorn, play in the golf tournament, etc. But the number one way we fund the programs we offer is when you make your pledge to support the Friends of Scouting campaign.
You know the value of this program! Speak to your friends and business acquaintances about the importance of Scouting to the youth of the Carolina Lowcountry and urge them to support our programs with a financial gift, matching gift, or grant and foundation information.
Thank you for all that YOU do for Scouting!
2024 Goal - $345,000
Raised so far - $100,783
For more information or to make a pledge, contact Michelle Strobel, Development Director
Email: michelle.strobel@scouting.org
Phone (843) 763-0305
'Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.'
James E. West was appointed to the position of Chief Scout Executive in 1910 by the founding leadership of Scouting in America. West worked with Sir Robert Baden-Powell, Daniel Carter Beard, Ernest T. Seton, and many community leaders to give direction to the infant program of Boy Scouts of America. On January 2, 1911, West and others formed the National Council, B.S.A. During that year the Scout Oath, Law and fundamental policies were established. Under his leadership over the next three decades, Scouting grew and matured into the program we recognize and enjoy today. Scouting today is the lengthened shadow of more than three decades of the farseeing and dedicated leadership of Dr. James E. West.
You can "extend your shadow" by contributing to the West Fellowship Award. Available for gifts of $1,000 and up to the Council's endowment fund, the gift must be in addition to, and not replace or diminish, the donor’s annual support.
For more information, please contact Jimmy Crook, Assistant Scout Executive, at (843) 763-0305.
Veterans' Plaza
Have a special Scoutmaster you would like to honor? How about congratulating an Eagle Scout for a job well done? Consider purchasing a brick for our Veterans' Plaza! Bricks start at $250 for an engraved 4x8 brick and go up to $500 for an engraved 8x8.
For additional information and all pricing options, please call Jimmy Crook, Assistant Scout Executive, at (843) 763-0305.
