[Troop139] FW: 2015 USNA NESA Jamboree Selection

Mon Oct 13 22:56:03 EDT 2014

Hi Folks!
GREAT NEWS!

Despite the fact that we have been to the USNA NESA Jamboree/STEM weekend for over a decade and that there are twice as many units applying as being accepted, WE ARE GOING BACK TO THE NAVAL ACADEMY ONCE AGAIN IN JANUARY!  

Please see the enclosed email and start planning to attend now!

There is no guaranty that we will be selected “next year”, so plan on this great trip!  Also, be aware that you will need to plan to be out of school that day in order to travel down the Academy for this leadership and technology skill building event.

Yours in Scouting!

Gordon Beattie

201.314.6964

Subject: 2015 USNA NESA Jamboree Selection

Unit Leaders,

Congratulations on being accepted for the 2015 Naval Academy NESA STEM Merit Badge Jamboree held from Jan. 16-18th, 2015 with camping at YMCA Camp Letts. The Naval Academy community looks forward to hosting your troop/crew/ship as your scouts and scouters explore the exciting fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in our state-of-the-art-facilities. This year the NESA staff has been working tirelessly to provide the best program possible.

Program Details:

This year’s program has seen many changes from last year. Based on Scout and Scoutmaster Feedback we are pleased to announce the 2015 Program. Program will be conducted during two program periods, morning and afternoon. Each Scout/Scouter will have the opportunity to earn or attend two merit badges or trainings. 

Merit Badges: Merit Badges serve as the core of our program. The badges will be taught by qualified midshipmen counselors studying disciplines within the scope of the merit badge. In early November the NESA Staff will release the pre-requisite requirements for merit badges based on counselor review. This year’s offerings are: Engineering, Chemistry, Aviation, Space Exploration, Digital Technology(new), Nuclear Science, Oceanography, Weather, Electronics, Electricity, Energy, Radio, Robotics, Medicine, Programming(new), and Search and Rescue (new). 

Specialty: In lieu of merit badges, scouts can elect to fill their program period with one of our specialty programs. 

NOVA Shoot: The NOVA Award is a BSA award for STEM that is offered in four variations (similar in style to merit badge) with an all-encompassing award called the Super-NOVA. NESA will provide program for the “Shoot!” NOVA Award. The NOVA is science intensive and requires near 3 hours of prerequisites and a corequisite of either the Aviation, Robotics, Space Exploration, or Weather merit badges. The NOVA Award is at the forefront of BSA’s initiative to encourage STEM study. Additional information is available at http://www.scouting.org/stem/Awards.aspx.

Military Skills: The Military Skills program will introduce scouts to the military curriculum taught at the Academy. As in previous years the scouts will learn squad combat tactics and basic group movement techniques with rubber rifles. Scouts are introduced to the role the US Marine Corps plays in modern warfighting. New to this year, scouts will learn the basics of seamanship and navigation in a Navy immersion program. Scouts will learn what it is like to be a 21st Century sailor in the World’s finest Navy. Due to the outdoor nature of the event, we recommend bringing warm clothes and athletic shoes. 

High Adventure Prep: As part of summer training, midshipmen serve in leadership capacities at both Northern Tier and Philmont. Midshipmen who have served as Voyagers and Rangers will advise scouts and leaders on how to prepare, what expect, and give tips for successful treks. Recommended for scouts and leaders who are planning on conducting High Adventure this summer or those who would like to incorporate high adventure into their normal troop program in future years. Taught in conjunction with adult class. 

Leadership: Leadership is taught by the Jamboree Commanding Officer. This program examines the Navy’s approach to leadership and explains what makes a successful leader. In addition to leadership theory, participant will be invited to take part in scenarios and discussion. Recommended for patrol leaders and above. Taught in conjunction with adult class. 

Adult Classes: In addition to sitting in on the scout program, adults are invited to participate in a few specialized adult programs. 

NOVA Mentor Training: Taught by local council representatives, the NOVA Mentor Training Program will introduce adult leaders to the BSA NOVA Program. Additionally, leaders will learn about how to incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math(STEM) activities into troop program. The NOVA Award is at the forefront of BSA’s initiative to encourage STEM study. 

BSA Scoutmaster Specifics: The Scoutmaster Specifics is the official training for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. The course will introduce the role of Scoutmaster and leadership principles specific to the troop level. Upon completion of the course, adult leaders will be considered “trained”. Due to the length of training, please note that Scoutmaster Specifics will take both the morning and afternoon program periods. 

High Adventure Prep: As part of summer training, midshipmen serve in leadership capacities at both Northern Tier and Philmont. Midshipmen who have served as Voyagers and Rangers will advise scouts and leaders on how to prepare, what expect, and give tips for successful treks. Recommended for scouts and leaders who are planning on conducting High Adventure this summer or those who would like to incorporate high adventure into their normal troop program in future years. Taught in conjunction with scout class. 

Leadership: Leadership is taught by the Jamboree Commanding Officer. This program examines the Navy’s approach to leadership and explains what makes a successful leader. In addition to leadership theory, participant will be invited to take part in scenarios and discussion. Taught in conjunction with scout class. 

Registration: Registration is now open and must be completed by December 1st to secure numbers in this year’s jamboree. As our interest exceeds twice our capacity, if your unit no longer wants to be included in this year’s jamboree please contact me immediately so we may provide the space to a unit on the waiting list. The majority of camping facilities will be troop tenting spaces at Camp Letts, however there are some cabins available. Please ensure all participants are at least a.)14 or b.)13 and enrolled in eighth grade. Maximum unit size is 24, with 18 for those in cabins. 

Cabin Guidelines: Cabin Camping is based on a first-come-first-serve basis. For cabin registration, your unit must have a complete Excel roster submitted. Please note due to the number of bunks in each cabin, units are limited to a maximum of 18 people. For units tent camping, 24 is still the maximum. 

To complete registration there are two steps:

1.) Return Excel spreadsheet with Roster and Program Priorities no later than Dec. 1st, 2014. Please use the form provided in the attachment and email it directly to jamboree15nesa at gmail <mailto:m160474 at usna.edu> .com with the document saved as “Unit_Scoutmaster.xslx” (example: Troop89_Bell.xslx). Fill in the blue section of the spreadsheet. In the box on the right side I have listed the Program Offerings for this year. Please indicate preferences for each scout/scouter for each program period as well an alternate in case certain merit badges get filled to capacity. 

*Note that only one meal, lunch on Saturday, is provided in the cost of the Jamboree. Troops will have to prepare their own meals throughout the weekend.

In mid November the NESA staff will publish all of the logistical details as well as any program pre-requisites. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. 

Very Respectfully,

Drew Bell

Jamboree Commanding Officer

MIDN USN 

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