SUFFOLK

A Scout is Reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties.
He respects the beliefs of others.
Relationships
Catholic Committee on Scouting
Diocese of Rockville Centre
VIRTUS PROGRAM
The Virtus Program, “Protecting God’s Children”, is provided by the Diocese of Rockville Centre To
register for one of the scheduled sessions, call the Catholic Scouting Office. Once you have attended
the Virtus training session, you need not attend another as your attendance covers all parish ministries
in which you serve.
SUNDAY MASS OBLIGATION
Father Gerard Gentleman, Diocesan Scouting Chaplain, has asked that Catholic Scouts, leaders and
parents be reminded that attendance at Sunday Mass is a vital part of their faith life. Plans should be
made to attend Sunday Mass during or after any camping trip or Scouting activity. Participation in a
Scouting activity does NOT excuse a Scout, parent or leader from this obligation.
RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS – SCOUTS with DISABILITIES
All Scouts are encouraged to participate in the Religious Emblem programs of the Catholic Committee.
Learning about God and self is the prime purpose of these programs. In a case where a youth finds it
difficult to complete certain requirements, alternate methods and requirements are available. Please call
the Catholic Scouting Office for information.
SPECIAL LETTER for EAGLE SCOUTS
The Most Rev. William F. Murphy, Bishop of Rockville Centre, is pleased to send a letter of congratulations
to all Catholic Scouts upon their reception of Eagle Scout Rank. The Catholic Committee also
presents a certificate and special patch to Eagle recipients. The Court of Honor chairs should send a
letter to the Catholic Scouting Office indicating the Scout’s name, unit number, presentation date, location
and parish of the recipient. Requests should be sent at least four weeks in advance.
VENTURE CREW OPENINGS
Venture Crew 333, sponsored by the Diocese of Rockville Centre, is seeking new male and female
members (aged 14 to 20). Crew 333 assists the Catholic Committee in its work at retreats, Cub Scout
Fun and Faith Days, important Diocesan functions and the annual Boy Scout Convocation. Time is
found for a number of fun activities as well. Those interested in joining should contact the Catholic
Scouting Office.
INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC AWARENESS
This activity is being offered by The International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS) in recognition
of demonstrated awareness of Scouting in the Catholic Church throughout the world. This
activity contributes to the complete education of young people through Scouting from the perspective
of the Catholic faith. It develops and enhances the spiritual dimension of Scouting in the World Scout
Movement. The activity pin, patch or medallion may be earned by any youth or adult, male or female,
Catholic or not, who wishes to participate in this activity. For details go to the National Catholic
Committee on Scouting Website:
http://www.nccs-bsa.org/activities/index.php
SUMMER FUN for CUB SCOUTS
Completing a religious emblem can be a great summer Cub Scout activity. Plan now to have your Cub
Scout spend some of those slow summer days learning about God and family. Emblem work can be
completed in a relaxed atmosphere without the pressure of school and homework. Activity books are
available at the local Scout Shop or the Catholic Scouting Office. These emblems may be earned at
any time during the year. Summer is a very good time to complete them. The LIGHT OF CHRIST is
available for all Catholic Tiger or Wolf Cubs. All requirements must be completed prior to September
1 of the year the Scout enters third grade. The PARVULI DEI (Children of God) is available to all
Catholic Cub and Webelos Scouts in third grade and above. Requirements must be completed prior to
entry into Boy Scouts.
VESPER SERVICES at BAITING HOLLOW SUMMER CAMP
For those Scouts and Scouters attending summer camp at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp, be advised that
the Catholic Committee will once again conduct Vesper Services on Friday evening. Deacons from
surrounding parishes will conduct the service and all are invited. Services will be at the Koch Memorial
Catholic Chapel on the trail to the Dining Hall. See the camp time schedule for the start time. (A Scout
Vespers Service is NOT a substitute for Sunday Mass.)
CONTACT INFORMATION
For details on any Catholic Scouting event or program, contact a member of the Catholic Committee
or call the Austin Cannon, Catholic Scouting Office at 516-678-5800, ext. 245, or email scouting@
drvc.org, or write Catholic Scouting Office, Attn.: Austin Cannon, PO Box 9023, Rockville Centre,
NY 11571-9023.
CATHOLIC COMMITTEE SUFFOLK
ROUNDTABLE REPRESENTATIVES:
Diocesan Vice Chair Suffolk Council Mary Bishop 631-697-6249
Matinecock District Teresa da Luz 631-368-9251
Benjamin Tallmadge District Sylvia Murdolo 631-476-9243
Sagtikos District Mike Kilbourne 631-277-2823
Trailblazer District Michele Aleixo 631-654-2450
WEBSITES
Suffolk Council Catholic Committee Website:
http://www.ccos-drvc.org (Sylvia Murdolo, Webmaster)
National Catholic Committee on Scouting Website:
http://www.nccs-bsa.org/index.php
Jewish Committee on Scouting
This has been a very exciting and busy winter for the Suffolk County Jewish Committee on
Scouting (SCJCOS). Starting in January and ending in April we had 17 temples in Suffolk
participate in our Scout Sabbath services, at which Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Explorers,
Venturers and Scouters participated in Friday services, see various religious awards presented,
and received a patch and certificate for their participation.
On February 27 th , there were 72 Scouts, Scouters and family members in attendance at the
annual SCJCOS Awards and Recognition Breakfast, hosted by Temple Beth Chai of Hauppauge.
Assisted by national JCOS Chair A.J. Kreimer, Eagle Scout Michael Stern of Troop 229
(Selden) gave the invocation and opening prayer and a welcome was made by SCJCOS Chair
Bruce Streger and breakfast Chair Marc Andrew Kramer. The SCJCOS Life Award recipient
for “service above and beyond to the local Jewish Scouting community and to the JCOS” was
awarded to Bruce Streger for his 18 years of devoted leadership to the SCJCOS.
Presentations of medals and certificates were made by Chairman Bruce Streger and religious
emblem coordinators Jan Rose, Fred Cohen, Marc Andrew Kramer and Cheryl Slatsky to those
Scouts who had recently earned their recognitions. The Maccabee Emblem was presented to
Cub Scout David Adler of Pack 57 (Nesconset). The Aleph Emblem was presented to Cub
Scout Jack Puttre of Pack 238 (East Northport) and Webelos Elliott Kalmus of Pack 104 (West
Babylon). The Ner Tamid Emblem was presented to Michael Schnall of Troop 221 (Manorville).
The fifth recipient of the Etz Chaim Award in Suffolk County was Eagle Scout David Schnall
of Troop 221 (Manorville).
Adult volunteer Scouters are honored with the Shofar Award, a National Jewish Committee
on Scouting recognition on the local level, for significant service to Jewish Scouting and the
Jewish community. The Shofar Award recipient for 2011 was Port Jefferson Stations’ Barry
Kopeloff, unit commissioner in Benjamin Tallmadge District and vice chair of the SCJCOS.
Unveiled by SCJCOS Breakfast Chair Marc Kramer was the Ralph Jackson Memorial Award
for Service of the Heart. Ralph Jackson, a 21-year old Scouter who passed away in November
2010, was a beloved member within the Scouting community, civic associations, youth law
enforcement and emergency/rescue services, as well as the community as a whole. The award is
given to those who have tirelessly given from their hearts to help others. This award was given
to Fred Cohen, Andy Calev, Fran Simowitz, Ken Spiegel, Elliot Klugman and Jan Rose.
More than 80 Scouters from all over the Northeast descended upon the East Brunswick
Jewish Center in New Jersey for the 24 th Annual Northeast Regional Jewish Committee on
Scouting Conference on April 3 rd . There were classes, seminars, fellowship, great food and
an awards presentation. The SCJCOS had the highest representation at the Conference with
7 Scouters attending. One of the awardees was Marc Kramer who received the Bronze Chai
Award for outstanding service to Jewish Scouting.
Our final big event of the Scouting year will be the Jewish Conclave, to be held at Baiting
Hollow Scout Camp May 20-22 (Friday PM to Sunday AM). Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts,
Explorers, Venturers and Girl Scouts will need parents or guardians to stay over with them as per
Scout regulations. This is a very popular event, with a merit badge mid-way (over 100 badges
were earned last year), delicious food, arts and crafts, rock wall climbing, and use of all of the
camp facilities. There is a beautiful patch for all attendees, and religious awards counselors for
Jewish, Catholic and Lutheran faiths are available. Hope to see you there!
Lutheran Committee on Scouting
The Suffolk County Lutheran Committee on Scouting is pleased to announce that
James Ebersole has been selected as a Protestant chaplain for Baiting Hollow Scout
Camp this summer of 2011.
James Ebersole is an Eagle Scout from San Antonio, Texas. He is a student at
Concordia College, Bronxville NY. James is also a cross-country runner for the
college and hopes to have a mile-fun-run each week at camp. James will be part
of each Friday evening’ s church service assisting various Lutheran pastors from
Suffolk County.
We welcome James Ebersole.
Thanks,
Lou Sandhop
Page 14 Navigator, May - July 2011