Subject: Troop
News
Date: Tue., Jun 24,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
The Patrol Planning Conference(PLC) on June 16 was well attended
and worked into planning our activities through the end of July.
The meeting on June 23 was highlighted by Mr. Hardy talking to the
requirements for Insect study and more of entomology with more
detail and interest in recent memory...the same
applied to B Debalsi on his review of the requirements for
the most of the Aviation Merit badge. Also, thanks to
Mr. Frost, all the Fox patrol present received their Tenderfoot
rank for all their work at summer camp and the their activities since
joining the Troop.
The Philmont Crews will depart this Thursday morning around 9:30 AM
from the Hut.
Thanks to Z Harbin and Mr. Smith we will wash down the inside and
outside of bus at the hut starting at 8:30 AM for about an
hour. Scouts and Leaders are welcome to help out,
especially if you are going on the trip to New Mexico (Philmont).
This coming Monday, June 30, we have another guest speaker
talking to another merit badge for the Troop. Not to be missed.
We are looking to completing the Aviation Merit Badge this summer by
attending Aviation Merit Badge Program at the Southern Museum of Flight
in Birmingham in July or August. On June 30 will pick a day
if the Scouts are interested.
One Monday during July or August, those who the requirement, will
go to the Hoover City Hall for a City Council meeting to meet the
requirement for the Citizenship and the Nation Merit Badge.
We will try to pick a date on that on the 30th also. summer we
will also be.
The Troop will not meet on July 7 owing to he 4th of July observed
Holiday on the weekend.
When we return 14th, we will complete the preparation for the
Buffalo River Canoe Trip in TN on the weekend of 18, 19, and 20.
Scouts will make a presentation on basic canoeing and water
safety. The round trip is about 400 miles so we need a good turn
out to cut down on the fuel fees for the group, so encourage
attendance to assure patrol integrity and economical costs for the
Troop to make the trip. We will leave Friday morning, be at the
Hut at 7:00AM, after loading our gear on the 17th. We will expect
to arrive before lunch on Friday, paddle the remainder of the
day, camp out on the river Friday night, paddle and swim
all day Saturday, (total paddle is about twenty-twenty-five miles) then
come in Saturday night for dinner. We should arrive
back at the Hut between noon and 1:00 PM on Sunday. The final cost for
the trip will be announced on the 14th with our final
headcount. At the time it will be $15.00 for meals, $10.00 for
the two day use of the canoe, $10.00 (or less) for the use of the
Adirondack, and the price of gas split by the number going.
There is no special gear needed for the trip except for acquiring two
five gallon sized pickle buckets if you don't want to buy water proof
bags for his personal gear (Sleeping bag/foam/change of
clothes/toothbrush). These re-sealable buckets are found at fast
food restaurants and establishments like Mr. P's Deli or the Top
of the Bluff restaurant across the street from the Buff Park restaurant
on Shade Ccrest Road. Usually the stores throw them out or
sell them for a minimal cost to customers.
We have a fast moving summer coming up yet as you can see by
taking a look at the Troop Calendar....Not counting the OA
ordeals (2) in August and September, August is Whitewater rafting on
the Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers in Tennessee, September is biking the
Silver comet trail in GA, October is caving in Cumberland Caverns in
TN, and November is Shiloh National Military Park Trail hikes.
Please encourage attendance to keep down our individual cost for fuel.
The missing Eagle Projects book has been returned. Thank you.
We will wash the bus on Wednesday, 8:30 AM at the Hut, for
those who want to help. Bring a wash rag or sponge you can take back
home or toss, bring a old t shirt to wash and wipe the
Window....Mr. Smith will pressure wash the inside with his pressure
washer....should take about an hour to an hour and one half.
Thanks for all your support.
YiS Dan s.
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: News
from Summer Camp
Date: Sun., Jun 15,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
The Troop returned Saturday at about 10:30 AM from summer camp.
We did very well as usual, and except for the heavy rain
on Wednesday night, and losing one Scout to vacation on Tuesday, the
Conch being taken once over night by another Troop and returned,
all the Scouts earned or nearly completed all of their projected merit
badges, eleven Scouts and Mr. Young was nominated into the Order
of the Arrow, J Berry ran the Camp Marathon again for us this
year, thanks to Josh Ng's creativity, we took a third place for a
Troop campsite entrance gate, though blown down in the Wednesday storm
and rebuilt on Thursday. Finally, all the members of the new Fox
patrol earned the rank of Scout and Tenderfoot, and most of their
requirements for Second Class and First Class as we usually do..they
also earned the Emergency Preparation, Swimming, Fingerprinting,
and First Aid merit badges also.
Want to congratulate Mr. Lepianka, L Young, D Lepianka, J
Berry, M Phillips, and E Davis for swimming the mile swim...They were
part of the largest ever of 31 who made the swim on Thursday.
Want to thank Mr. Lepianka, Mr. Griffith, and Mr. Gunn for
staying the entire week and Philip and Elaine Eggers for spending
half of their week with us also in assisting the New patrol in
gathering their requirements for rank advancement.
Order of the Arrow: The following Scouts were tapped out at
the Order of the Arrow Ceremony Wednesday evening: R Blackburn, B
Garrett, L Young, D Plyler, J Ellis, D Holditch, E Davis, N
Madison, A Byrd, and C Griffith. They should go to
the Coosa50.org web site, located on our own Troop website, and
become familiar with with the forms and Ordeal dates coming up this
year. There will be one Ordeal in 8-10 August and 5-7Sept..there
will also be one in May 2009. We recommend he attend the August
Ordeal as it will be the largest and best attended. If we
have enough to go, we can take the bus with a fee for fuel to Camp
Sequoyah.......If all of the Troop OA ceremony team go, and all those
who need their Brotherhood go with the Orderal Candidates, the number
should keep the fuel fee down considerably. Registration forms
for the Ordeal are on the Coosa 50 web site.
There will be a Troop Patrol leaders Conference(PLC) this Monday
(16th) night at 7:00 PM at the Hut..Since there were no tents
used, patrol and troop quartermasters don't have to be there at
6:30PM. Patrol leaders should be called by the Senior
(Mason Phillips) and they are L Young, M Frost, A
Elders, S Hardy, I Egger (or rotating Fox patrol
member) and B Garrett...attendance was weak last month, please
encourage attendance this month..uniform not required......
The Troop Committee meeting is at 8:00 PM Monday (16th) night
also. New Fox leaders are welcomed to attend to meet the
Committee and become active with the Troop.
The Philmont Crew will be leaving June 26 and returning July 13.
The Buffalo river Trip is reserved and scheduled for July 18-19-20...we
will leave in the morning of the 18th to get up there late morning,
canoe and camp the river Friday, paddle on Saturday all day,
return to the camp to eat on Saturday night, and leave early Sunday for
Birmingham. We need leaders and Scouts to attend to get our
numbers up to off set the cost of fuel for the bus and Frank
Tank. We are going to the BSA Grimes Canoe Base on the Buffalo in
middle TN, a free flowing, no rapids river, which we float every year
or so when we can. We carry our gear and food the first night,
and come into camp the second. Check your calendars now so
when he raises his hand to go on June 23 he will have no doubt that he
can. They will be making a phone call check soon and we will ask
for hands on the 23 June as a final count.We have to have minimum of 15
Scouts and more leaders to make this affordable.
Families should check their calendars with the Troop schedule,
remembering that we usually camp on the third weekend of the month and
attend summer camp (09) the second week of June.
Camp Sequoyah is always looking for assistant counselors to help
at camp each year. It is a great experience for the Scout and
pays his room and board plus spending money. He can apply through
the Greater Alabama Council.
Thanks for all your usual support..
YiS Dan
S.
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Troop
News
Date: Thur., Jun 5,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Since we didn't hear from anyone who wanted to be there, we will cancel
the Paul Bunyan morning this coming Saturday, June 7, at 9:00 AM
. Thanks to Dr. Nelson and Mr. Smith we picked
up a great deal of pine in the past two days that the Scouts unloaded
tonight......most of it is cut for exactly what we needed at
campfires...Will save the Paul Bunyan for another day....
Thanks to the leaders and Scouts who were there tonight we are loaded
for our trip to Sequoyah on Sunday. We are taking 36 Scouts
and Leaders and space on the Frank Tank is tight...make sure he is
packed in soft carry on bags as we will definitely not carry trunks
this time....
Remember also that there is a $10.00 gas cost this year per
person that we will collect when we meet on Sunday.
Finally, at the last meeting Mr. Smith mentioned that the Scout
should bring a empty garbage bag for his dirty laundry so you can pick
it up on Wednesday night for him when you visit.....another for the
rest of the week will also help him out.....
This should be one of our best summer camps....and we are looking
forward to a fun filled week....
As announced, we will be staying in "Bucks Hideout" this year,
overlooking the dining hall, and the first camp site on your left
as you walk down from the main parking lot trail...your scout should be
there to pick your up and escort you in to the camp site...Parents are
welcome any time after 3:30 PM on Wed June 11 with his favorite
meal and attendance for those who wish at the Order of the Arrow Tap
Out when it starts to get dark. It usually concludes at about
9:00 PM or you can leave any time before that.
Remember there are maps to the camp and the campsite in the Troop guide
and on the web site...if you get disoriented give us a call
on the cell phone.
Thanks for all your support.
YiS Dan s.
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: News
from troop meeting
Date: Tue., Jun 3,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
This Thursday, June 5, at 6:30 is quartermaster night for packing
for summer camp..no uniform required..should take us about an
hour to load the Frank Tank with Troop gear.. personal gear not
required until we leave on Sunday.
Make sure he brings a rain suit to summer camp and cheap, plastic drop
cloth, your find them at Walmart for about a dollar in case it is a
rainy week. He will be able to use the drop cloth over his
personal gear in the tent if he has a leak..rarely happens....
Please don't let him bring a rectangular steamer trunk with a hard body
as we don't have room on the Frank Tank for everyone to bring one...he
can bring a soft bag, large duffle bag, or his back pack
for all his gear or both..whatever..but no square or rectangular hard
body trunk. If there is something he will want to secure, the
Scoutmaster will have a locked bag for that reason at camp.
He needs to bring a lunch with him to eat on the way or when he gets
there..as we plan to arrive around 1:30 1:45 for our sign
in.
He needs to be at the Hut on Sunday June 8 at 10:30AM..we have moved it
up from 10:15 as stated earlier.
If we have enough Scouts, we will split wood at the hut on
Saturday Morning, June 7, 9:00 AM - Noon for summer camp
and future camp fires..he will earn most the BSA Paul Bunyan patch if
he decides to come...He needs to call his Patrol leader to advise
the Senior Patrol leader he is coming..other wise we will not meet.
Finally, he needs his Class I II medical form in order
to go to camp....please bring it the morning we leave if he
hasn't turned it in....
We will ask again at summer camp if he is coming on the Buffalo River
canoe trip in July (18-20), if we get the reservations, we
will leave Friday morning and return Sunday morning....Please advise
him if the weekend is available for the trip so he can decide
while at camp when we ask for a show of hands. If we do not get
20-25 going, or we can't get the reservations, we will make other
plans for another location/subject area in a more local area...
Thanks for all your support:
YiS Dan
S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Troop
News
Date: Tue., May 20,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Please don't forget that there will be no meeting on May 26th due to
the holiday.
June 2nd is a required meeting for all those coming to summer
camp. We will be talking about camp preparation. Parents are also
invited if he is a new Scout and you want to know more about the camp.
One item that is important for the Scout not to bring a steamer
trunk/square trunk to camp as we do not have room for everyone to bring
one and then transport them on the Frank Tank. He can pack his
backpack or a soft travel bag/duffel bag of any nature...we just
haven't the room for everyone with a steamer trunk(square/rectangle)
anymore.
There will be a $10.00 fuel fee this year for summer to off set
the price of gas for the bus and the Frank Tank also. He should bring a
check or cash for this on the day we leave.
We will have a quartermaster night on June 5 to load our gear for
camp on the Frank Tank. He should be there at 6:30 PM.
Should take no more than one hour.
Remember that all of which he needs for camp is in the Troop 21 Guide
and on the Troop Web site for a reminder. He fees should
all be paid for by now, he should be registered for merit badges,
and his updated BSA medical form should be in the Troop Medical Forms
Book...
He needs to wear his complete uniform to the Hut at 10:15 AM Sun when
we leave...to assure he has the complete uniform for camp. He
will wear it each night, but will dress casually during the day, so he
should have plenty of casual shorts, underwear, socks and t-shirts for
the week.
We will plan on returning between 10 and 11 AM on Sat June 14.
The bicycle trip to the Chief Latiga Trail in Anniston was
excellent. We hade a group of about 21 Scouts and leaders
and bicycled about 40 miles with the younger group and more than 50
with the older group while we camped at the Tunipseed Hunter's camp at
Cheaha State Park.
The Philmont Trainer hikes are also going on every other weekend, this
weekend at Oak Mountain, next weekend at the Walls of Jericho.
We had a weak showing at the patrol leader's conference. If your
son is a patrol leader or the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, he needs
to be there with your encouragement for attendance.
Senior Patrol Leader M Phillips
Ast Snr Ptrl Leaders J Ellis and K Berry
Grizzlies: Logan Young
Hawks: M Frost
Indians Adam Elders
Penguins Sam Hardy
Fox : I Eggers
Venture Britton Garrett
These Scouts are required to call all of their patrol members to remind
them about Troop activities including Monday night meetings each week
and to be able to say who is going to attend to the Senior Sunday night,
These boys are required to be present at each PLC in order to plan out
the next months activities and speak to other Troop issues...please
encourage them to attend....
We are going to plan on a Grime Canoe trip for the third weekend in
July (if we can get the reservations). We will leave Friday
morning from the Hut, July 18, camp on the river, come in Saturday
night to camp, and leave Sunday Morning. Please look at your
calendar and advise the Scout if he will be able to go so we can take a
head count on the 16th of June. We will need leaders also.
If the numbers aren't there to justify going, we will plan
another activity at Cheaha or something more local if they want rather
than miss camp out in July.
Also we will also be planning a day trip to the Southern Museum of
Flight in July, if attendance is too low due to the Philmont trip or
too few for the Buffalo River or a campout at Cheaha....this will give
him the opportunity to complete the aviation merit badge.
Mr. Griffith is starting to plan for a Trip to BSA Sea Base in
Florida around July 4 or so in 2009.Listen for dates and times and
encourage attendance.
Mr. Logan is thinking about facilitating a Northern Tier Canoe base in
Minnesota/Canada in 2010 around the 4 July also. Please watch for
the dates and encourage attendance.
All of these High Adventure Camps are once in a life time opportunities
for the boys and Leaders alike. If the leader
cannot attend, please encourage the Scout to attend to have this
experience to remember as he grows older.
I believe the Council is talking to a contingent for the Jamboree in
Camp AP Hill in the summer of 2010 also. He should be encouraged
to go as part of the contingent, but it is rather costly, $1600, and I
think the trip to Northern Tier, should it materialize is much more of
a lifetime experience in Scouting, and costing far less also.
As you can see, there are plenty of activities coming up in the
Troop....please encourage at attendance at meetings and Trips to make
the "boy Led" concept work.
Finally, Venture attendance as been low at the Hut for
meetings. Please assure they attend, have their
uniforms on, and plan on staying the entire meeting.
This is recently becoming a problem and we plan to help them improve on
it.
If he is a life Scout, he should be working with Mr. Harbin on a
concept for his Eagle Project. Good places for assistance are the
Hoover parks and Recreation, the Birmingham Zoo, the Southern Museum of
Flight, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, his Church, his
school, the Bluff Park Elementary School. If you are
a leader in attendance at a meeting, question the Life
Scout you meet, ask him if he is working on a project, and come
up with an idea for him to think about if he is not. All of these
things help.
During the June PLC, the boys will be picking a Monday night to go to
the Hoover City Council meeting to get credit for the Eagle Merit Badge
Citizen in the community..we only do this once a year and take the bus
load down in place of the meeting..watch for the announcement and
encourage attendance if he hasn't the credit yet.
We are still looking for leaders to step forward and get the CDL to
drive the Troop Bus. Please help out as this is critical
for us in planning trips. Please also plan on attending the basic
training offered to leaders by the Council. the Scoutmaster
basics course (SMLT) will be offered in September or October, It
is also required that we all be trained in the basic Leadership
essentials course offered by the Council as well as all the
leader certification course offered on the Internet and at a classroom
setting. We need to see our numerals among the classes to assure
our status as a BSA Quality Unit.
Finally, We need to start keeping an eye open for buying a bus...the
current bus we have is a 1990 model, and insurance will begin to soar
in 2010 once it reaches 20 years of age. Know any one in the
School System that can help us out with one?
Finally, thanks to Mr. Smith we have a new tarp bags for the new tarp,
the Frank Tank has a new set of rear brakes, and more wood has
been stocked and stacked in the back of the Hut. Finally, thanks
to Mr. Smith, we have all the propane tanks topped off for summer
camp. Thanks to Mrs. Kidd the grass around the Hut .....looks
great with the bushes trimmed also...
Remember..if you can't visit with him at summer camp on Wednesday
night, pleas arrange for someone to bring him his dinner for the
evening....
Please encourage attendance, properly wearing the uniform before
leaving home, and become more active if you are not now so we can
assure we are "keeping the promise" for the program.
Finally, as you know, we will more than likely be moving the Tree Lot
this year to a more visible location. We will probably be more
active in displaying and observing our signage this year than we have
in the past.
We are still missing one of the Eagle Project Books from the Hut so the
boys can have an idea of projects in the past..please return the book
if you have it...
YiS Dan Strunk
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Trip
changes
Date: Thur., Apr 30,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
The Weekend at Oak Mountain was one of our best for getting three goals
accomplished: the new Scout campout, the Philmont
trainer, and canoeing/fishing the upper lake. Thanks to Mr.
Griffin we had an excellent demonstration of outdoor cooking including
Trash can turkey.
At this time we are going to cancel the canoe trip to Grimes owing to
an anticipated low numbers and the fact that the new Fox Patrol members
aren't certified BSA swimmers (haven't taken the BSA swimming test) so
they cannot get on the river in a canoe in keeping with BSA safety
afloat requirements...We may be able to reconsider this trip in July
and spend a night on the river rather than just one day since school
will be out and sports will have a minimal impact.
As alternatives,we have contacted our expertise (Mr. Vander Hill) in
rappelling to see if Buck's pocket is available and we have contacted
Dr. Nelson and are working on Camp Jack Wright for a wilderness
survival weekend. We are also open to other suggestions....
Please don't forget that the Troop Court of Honor is coming up this
Monday(May 5) at the Bluff Park United Methodist Church).
An agenda was posted on a previous letter..please make a copy of that
and bring it with you. extra copies won't be available at the
door...the Court starts at 6:30 PM and all the information was
previously described. Please encourage attendance at this family
affair honoring the Scout's advancement, newly leadership
responsibilities for the next six months, and the earning of
merit badges since October 2007.
Subject: Troop News
Date: Fri., Apr 18,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Several items interest and updates that you should have learned
from the Scout:
We will be having a popular guest speaker on Monday for the meeting,
along with additional "need to know" Scouting information for the
Scouts.....please encourage attendance...
If anyone knows where the missing Eagle Project Book is that should be
on the project stand, could you please return it so others may share it.
Congratulations and thanks to Patrick Kidd for completing his Eagle
project this week and for all the members of the Troop that assisted
him with it. An excellent example of service to the community for
us...
Want to especially thank J Ng, J Kunka, P Kidd, and J and K Berry
for attending the Order of the Arrow Conclave in Georgia this
coming weekend ( April 16, 17, and 18)..Also thanks to their
parents for supporting them in making this all happen. This is a
real precedent for the Troop to have five Scouts on the GAC OA (Coosa
50) ceremonial team, especially when competing Regionally/Nationally
for the honors...It is certainly a first time for the Troop to
have five Scouts at the same time who are doing so well.
The other good news is that we had eleven Scouts nominated by Troop
election to the OA last week....that is the greatest number in recent
memory that we have ever nominated at once....They will be tapped out
at summer camp and advised of dates of the coming ordeals to seal their
membership.
We have the makings of a great weekend on 25, 26, and 27 April.
Thanks to Mr. Lanier, Mr. Madison, and Mr. Hardy, we have enough
for canoeing and fishing for the day in the upper lakes at Oak
Mountain. The Troop has six canoes so we still have room for six
more Scouts/leaders. We will have the Troop Philmont
training hikes also with us that weekend, and of course, all the
new Scouts will be there for their orientation campout also.
Every one going on the Trip should be at the Hut on Thursday April 24
at 6:30 PM to load patrol gear. Everyone also attending should be
at the meeting on April 21 for trip details. The cost is twenty
dollars for food and fuel.
Please don't forget that we will have a Troop Court of Honor on May
5...This is a family affair in congratulations for the
leadership, rank advancement, and merit badges the Scouts earned
since last October as well as recognition for leaders and Scouts for
the last six months of Scouting.
The following are assigned for patrols to bring to the Court:
Host Patrol: Grizzlies
Venture: family entree plus an additional salad plate/or a
vegetable dish
Grizzlies: Family entree plus additional bread/buns
Hawks: Family entree plus a desert dish
Indians: Family entree plus a bread/salad/ or desert
Penguins: Family entree plus vegetable dish
New Patrol: Family entree plus bread/buns/or salad dish
As a reminder: this is a Pot Luck/buffet type of
dinner with each family contributing the dinner and side dishes.
The Troop provides drinks, cups, and dining condiments.
Uniform for the Scout and uniformed leaders is the complete BSA
uniform, with the Troop neckerchief/ BSA bolo, and merit badge sash
(Class A Plus) It starts at 6:30 PM and ends between 8-9 PM...We
will be in the new Reid Crotty Fellowship Hall in the Bluff Park United
Methodist Church using the Valley Avenue parking lot. Please
encourage attendance and plan on having a good time. Host patrol
will assist with the set up and should arrive at 6:00PM.
Finally, remember, thanks to Mr. Simon, that we have one of
the best Troop Web sites in the Council...please take a look at
it frequently and assure the Scout is familiar with it also. It loaded
with everything you ever needed to know or can link you to what
you are not sure of in Scouting.....
Thanks for all your usual support...
-------------------------------------
Welcome again to our new Scouts and their parents as recent
additions to the Troop...the Troop Roster on our web site has been
updated with each family as well as updating recent rank advancements
in the Troop. Please look it over and check it for
accuracy. Any changes can be replied to me...
Attached is the agenda for the up and coming Court of Honor on May
5. Please noted that the results of the recent troop election is
also attached indicating the Scout's responsibilities for the next six
months. This is a flexible document in order to assure we meet
each Scout's needs as we move along.....there are also
leaders/parents names listed in order to serve a mentors/council
for the assignments...
Please bring a copy of the Agenda with you to the Court of Honor for
you reference as we move through it.
YiS Dan
S.
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: P.
Kidd Eagle Proj this Saturday
Date: Thur., Apr 10,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
As the Scouts who attended the last meeting know, P Kidd is going to
complete most of his work for his Eagle Project at the Bham
Museum of Flight this Saturday....we need a good attendance in
the Troop red T shirt to distinguish us from others just visiting...any
trousers or shorts will do......this is a good opportunity for all
Scouts to see what a Eagle Project looks like, serves as service for
rank, and will help P Kidd a great deal. We will meet at the Hut
at 8:30 AM to be there at the Museum at 9:00 AM...He doesn't have
to stay the entire...please encourage attendance. Bring work
gloves and safety glasses...Lunch will be a provided. This is a
good time to see the Museum and impress our spirit on them to assure
future projects down the road...
YiS Dan
S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Meeting Apr 14
Date: Thur., Apr 10,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
the Regular Monday night meeting on April 14th is going to be busy and
we need maximum attendance.
We are having our annual Order of the Arrow elections. That means
50% of our Troop roster has to be present in order to
have the elections....or we won't have them.....
We are having Troop elections also, and that means he should be there
for his getting voted as Senior Patrol Leader or other positions
that he wants and needs for rank advancement throughout the Troop for
the next six months.
We will also be doing the Communications merit badge, an Eagle
requirement he should be there for if he hasn't got it yet.
Please encourage attendance.
YiS Dan
s
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Troop
news
Date: Thur., Apr 10,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Good thing we canceled Vicksburg......
Want to thank all of the leaders who attended the wilderness survival
first aid training during the past two Saturdays....As stated
earlier ...this gives us a great deal of depth in the Troop now in this
area.
Want to thank Mrs. Kidd for priming and finally painting out all of the
graffiti that turned up on the Scout Hut two weekends ago.
As you know, thanks to Mr. Madison, we ordered twelve new two person
back packing tents for backpacking in the future, and had all the
(15) backpacking stoves refitted by the manufacturer (MRS) in
preparation for the Philmont trip.
Thanks to Mr. Madison and Mr. Smith we ordered the large canvas tarp
for Shiloh, summer camp, and the winter Camporee...It really made a
difference for us this year.
We are having a real difficult time with attendance with the older
Scouts...This has always been a problem, but it seems worse
now.....
We need encouragement from parents and Leaders to attend activities and
some more assistance with the Venture in particular. We are
starting to see it in the Grizzlies and Hawks also....
We need some Dad's/Moms to make more of a commitment to getting
with these boys at a meeting or another time when they can schedule it
and come up with some alternative activities if they are bored with the
Troop agenda..which some of them were present for at the Panning
conference in January, but we have to have Dads and leaders to do
that.....We haven't seen some of the boys on a regular basis at
all which means they are not contributing to
the welfare and morale of the Troop.
We are talking about some of you arranging for older Scout
activities in place of Troop trip weekends to get them out and to have
the younger ones look forward to the same when they arrive at
venture....we are talking about suggestions for biking,
backpacking, climbing..whatever...you can drive your cars since
we are so short on drivers for the bus and that will free the bus for
regular trips....
I don't know what happened to our plans for the April trip to Oak
Mountain, but all of the boys who wanted to go biking or canoeing other
than backpacking or the new Scout Camp out have backed out on
numbers....The can't do canoeing or biking unless we have more than one
leader present with them......so far there is only one.
Same goes for uniforms...when you drive them over to drop them
off...please make sure they are dressed or can change at the hut to set
the example for the younger Scouts....the uniform at this time is class
"C" or shorts and a Scout T shirt of any kind,,,
Whether she wins or not, Hillary Clinton remains correct in stating the
African axiom that it "takes a village" if we are going to
continue with a successful program.
Finally, as you know, its going to be participation numbers that keep
our costs down with rising fuel costs, and lower tree
and wreath profits.. Unfortunately, the days are gone when we
used to absorb it through troop operations without worrying about going
into the red.....we can stay ahead with twenty or twenty five boys..but
we can't do it with just ten or so...
So far there are only three new parents going with me to summer camp
this year.....any 1/2 weekers who can consider going to share the
teaching load with the new Scouts?
Summer camp is the only time this Troop get together for a week of
camaraderie and esprit, an active use of leadership, and
fun..it's not completely for merit badges.....if he is not going to the
Nendawen Challenge he should be coming with us to camp to show the
younger Scouts the meaning of esprit.
We need some help....
Thanks for your support....
YiS Dan S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Troop
news
Date: Fri., Apr 4,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Want to thank Mr. Griffth and Ms. Kidd for attending the Round Table
last night..these are of course open to all scouters/ parent/leaders
and they are held at 6:30PM each first Thursday of the month.....great
place to meet other troops and pick up great information on what is
going on and tips for troops information.....
Want to thank all of the members of the Troop who are attending the
wilderness survival first aid course, last Saturday, and which will
conclude this Saturday....this will give us a great deal depth for the
future for the boys...
The basic leader course (SMLT) was given over the past few weeks and
the sister course "Outdoor Leader Training" is in the process of being
completed...there were over 40 in attendance and its too bad none of
our own attended..Please consider these district courses to assist you
in understanding our purpose in the BSA but also to give the Troop the
depth we need in trained leaders..we need attendance to also pick up
our Quality Unit award...please make this a priority in the future to
give us the depth we need for the Scouts, and of course, the
program..Remember..."Scouts deserve trained leaders"
For any Scout interested in going to Philmont next year....call the GAC
for more information..it should be posted pretty quickly on the GAC web
site..the cost as stated is about $1600. As you know this troop
makes an effort to go every three years and that will be our continued
plans in the immediate future following our trip this summer.
We also need a leader or leaders to step up and volunteer to facilitate
a trip to Northern Tier Canoe base in the North country and Canada and
for another trip, as we usually take to Sea Base.....please think about
this for 2009 and 2010. We have to start planning now....
There will be a big Scout activity on May 25 at the Alabama Veterans
memorial on 459. it starts at 3:00 PM and all are invited in
uniform.
John's Pizza is offering scholarships to camp for selling
Pizza...Please encourage the Scout to do this to chip in or cover the
cost of camp for him.....
Thanks to Mr. Simon's initiative, it looks like we may have several
boys going to the Nendawen Challenge. I can't over emphasize the
rewards of this program for the Scout and the depth it gives to the
Troop...Please encourage his attendance for this life time experience
in leadership.
The Council is in need of selling more popcorn for their annual
sales...since our tree sales are falling a little, and we need more
help in wreath sales to overcome rising prices for fuel, we may
want to consider this as an alternative for the boys and for financial
depth for the troop. That and a car washes remain strong
additional options for us...we will talk to this in committee meetings
as we began to discuss Mr. Peterson's and Mr. Hardy's initiative in the
consideration of moving the location of the Tree lot in order to
increase out exposure for more sales....
This year the Council is sponsoring the annual Talladega Raceway
jamboree on November 7, 8, and 9...we will be thinking about a going
there for those who want to, but assuring we visit Shiloh also later
that month.
Good time are coming.....
for the next trip, changed to the last weekend in April by a
majority vote of the Committee, the Scout will have the
opportunity to backpack (Philmont Training requirement), ride mountain
bikes with Mr. Lanier around the Oak Mountain biking loop, or go
fishing with Mr. Madison who will tow the troop canoes to the upper
lake at Oak Mountain State Park. The new Scouts who have joined
the Troop this year will attend as a regular camp out for "new Scout"
as we do annually to accustom them to Troop camping protocols,
operations, and fun.
In May, the Troop will definitely be canoeing the Buffalo River in
TN....we will leave on Friday night, camp out in the Adirondacks, canoe
all day, and camp out again Saturday night, coming home Sunday as usual.
Encourage attendance..remembering..that the only way for us to blow
through the fuel costs is to have all of the Scouts attend as to lessen
the cost for fuel for all....please make an effort to make this work.
Finally..again welcome to all the new Scouts coming over from WEBELOS
this last week. They are all added on the most recent Troop
roster on the Troop Web Site.....please give them the personal welcome
we always do..
Thanks for all your usual support.....
YiS Dan s
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Troop
news
Date: Wed., Mar 14,
2008
From:
KMadison@saila.com
Hello, Troop 21.
I am proud to send this email message on behalf of our Scoutmaster and
your Troop Committee.
The camp out to Cheaha State Park was shortened due to the weather
situation last weekend but a good time was had by the die hard
backpackers who attended. Thanks to the adults who drove the vehicles
and the scouts who weathered the cold weather. The Philmont group got
some practice in and some younger scouts got their first exposure to
backpacking.
We have a busy few weeks and months ahead….
There will not be a meeting next Monday March 17 due to Spring Break.
The meeting on March 24 is very important to Troop 21 and to Pack 321.
All Scouts and Leaders are to meet at the Scout Hut a few minutes
before 7:00 in CLASS A uniforms to head over to the Bluff Park United
Methodist Church for the Cub Scout Crossover. The bus will be at the
hut and we will travel over and return as a group. Please make every
effort to attend this meeting to show our support to the scouts and
families at Bluff Park United Methodist.
On Saturday March 29 and Saturday April 5 there will be Wilderness
Survival First Aid Training classes for Leaders. The classes start at
8:00 AM, please contact Mrs. Kidd for more information.
You will not want to miss our meeting on Monday March 31. Dr. Tracy
Hamilton will be performing his Chemistry experiments and hopefully the
scouts will all be anxious to obtain the Chemistry Merit Badge as a
result. Mr. Madison will have Scoutmaster’s minute.
On Monday April 7 Mrs. Annette Thompson is scheduled to join us. Mrs.
Thompson is R Blackburn’s mother and will enlighten the troop on the
subject of Journalism. Hopefully she will inspire some boys to work on
the Journalism merit badge or become interested in a writing career.
Also on this night, P Kidd will tell us about his Eagle Project which
is scheduled for Saturday April 12. Mr. Frost will have the
Scoutmaster’s minute.
Monday April 14 will be a busy night. First of all Mr. Harbin is
scheduled to attend and will offer his instructional and speaking
skills on the subject of Communication. This is an Eagle Required Merit
Badge and a presentation that many boys will find valuable. Also on
this night we will hold OA ELECTIONS AND TROOP ELECTIONS for the coming
six months. Please make every effort to attend this meeting to support
the future leadership of the troop. We will make time to discuss the
upcoming trip to Oak Mountain State Park . (April 25, 26, 27) J Kunka
and D Holditch will start the trip planning. Captain Holditch has the
Scoutmaster’s minute.
Monday April 21 will be spent preparing for the Campout to Oak Mountain
State Park . We are planning a variety of activities to include;
Hiking, Backpacking, Fishing and Bicycling. This will also be the
weekend of the New Scout Camp Out . We are looking for a great turn out
for this weekend. We hope to do most of the preparations for the trip
so that the Quartermaster night on Thursday will go smoothly. Please
encourage all members of the troop to attend this Campout. Mr. Branin,
Mr. Oliver, Mr. Young and Mr. Berry will be helping to plan.
Thursday April 24 is Quartermaster night, final preparations and
loading of Frank Tank for Trip to Oak Mountain . Please be at the Hut
by 6:30.
Monday April 28 will be tent take down and equipment stowing at 6:30
for at least two members from each patrol and the quartermasters.
Anyone who can come is encouraged to join us. There will be a PLC
following and the Troop Committee will meet at 8:00. All parents and
new scout parents are welcome to attend the committee meeting.
One more event, Monday May 5 will be the Court of Honor to be held at
the Bluff Park United Methodist Church starting at 7:00. The Grizzlies
are host patrol and should be at the church by 6:30.
I want to take a minute to inform everyone of the passing of Mr.
Strunk’s mother. Please keep Mr. Strunk in your thoughts and prayers.
He is still in Connecticut and will be returning home late in the week.
The service is tomorrow.
Thank you for your support of Troop 21 and the Boy Scouts of America.
Subject: Troop
news
Date: Tue., Feb 19,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Well, as you might expect from your hearing from your son, we had a
great time a the Camporee as usual..sorry for the ones who didn't
attend as they missed the experience...
We had more than ten WEBELO families in attendance along
with 19 Scouts..and thanks to Mr. Madison, Mr. Simon, Mr. Hardy for
making sure it worked out for us.....Thanks to Mr. Branin, who visited
Saturday and who helped Mr. Madison set up our new large 14 X 20 tarp
on Friday, we were able to keep some rain off Friday night and a
great deal as we were departing on Sunday Morning.The Scouts did
well in all the cooking competitions and the games as well. Mr.
Griffith's demonstration of Dutch Oven Cooking, foil cooking, and back
packing cooking in feeding more than twenty people at the
Camporee breakfast and supper spoke well of our growing skills in the
cooking areas and getting past the usual spaghetti, hamburger, or hot
dogs on a grill routine in the past. The Roasted chicken by the
Venture Crew was also excellent.
The March 7-8-9 back packing trip to Cheaha State Park is coming
up..The Troop at this time is going to hike the Chinnabee Silent Trail,
about five miles, with a two mile turn around the lake for those who
want the extra length. This will count as a Philmont
trainer for the Philmont crew and a regular trip for everyone
else. This is not a rigorous hike and all
should try to attend. We will need two or three
leaders who will not hike, to drive the Troop vehicles from
the initial camp site at the (Turnipseed Hunters/Fish Camp Friday
night to the Pick-up point on Saturday night or Sunday
morning at Lake Chinnabee. We will return to the Hut
between noon and 1 :00 PM on Sunday.
On Monday March 3 Mr. Berry and Karl and Joe will speak to the
Backpacking merit badge requirements and preparing for the trip.
Everyone attending the trip will be required to be present.
All back packing gear will have to be brought in and packed with crew
gear on March 6 at 6:30 PM and packed on the Frank Tank.
The Cost of the trip will be $12.00 for meals, less buying lunch at
McDonalds on the way back and another $11.00 for fuel costs per
person if twenty five or more come on the trip...if less than twenty
five persons but twenty or more the cost for fuel will go up to
9.00 dollars per person for fuel ....likewise, if more than
thirty come...the price for gas will only be $7.00......please
encourage attendance to keep our costs down...it is going to be this
way from now on as fuel prices escalate for our trips.
The April trip Vicksburg is canceled due to probable low
attendance. Instead we will go to Oak Mountain State Park
for back packing training for the Philmont Crews, biking or
hiking or fishing (Troop canoes or off the bank of the upper lake) and
a regular first camp out camping trip for the newest
in-coming WEBELOS. We will be staying in Primitive camp site
number two or number one if Mr. Branin can make the reservation.
We are changing the dates for Oak Mountain to to 25, 26, and 27 April
instead of 11-12-13.
A change of date for the Court of Honor normally on April 28 is
changed to May 5 at the BPUMC the Reid Crotty Fellowship
Hall (same place as always).
The May trip for canoeing is changed from Bear Creek, AL to
Grimes Canoe base, TN , where we will go up on Friday Afternoon, canoe
the buffalo River all day Saturday, and return Sunday as usual.
Please make sure he is registered for summer camp merit badges.
If he is a first year Scouter, he need only sign up for the swimming
merit badge. Please also get your fees into Mr. Simon and
make sure the Dates June 8-14 are marked for him to attend summer
camp. The costs and requirements are all posted on the Troop Web
Site.
Parents/Leaders: please plan on attending some or all of the up
and coming leader training sponsored by the district and the Greater
Alabama Council....please also don't forget that we need bus drivers
(CDL) to keep our legacy strong and the Scouts on the road.
PLC Assigned Scoutmaster Minutes:
25 February: Mr. Debalsi
3 March: Mr. Griffith
Want to thank the Debalsi family for contributing a $250.00 scholarship
fund to the Troop and to Mr. Dan Fulton, for contributing a EBSCO
free standing printer for the Hut for individual copies as
needed. We also have been recently given a GPS system that
operates off of a Lap Top we can use if some one want to donate a Lap
Top to install it on for the Troop's use. Lastly, Thanks to Mr.
Harbin and ATT, we have ten seats for the Eagle recognition banquet
coming up on Feb 29th..there are still six seats left which normally
would cost $30.00....please call him and join us in celebrating 2007's
Eagles.
Thanks for all your support: Please encourage attendance to keep
our costs down, to keep the patrol system working in a boy lead
troop, and to keep him involved strongly in this program to
develop into the person we want taking us into the
future...he can't do it by not attending.....
Thanks for all your support...
YiS Dan Strunk
Subject: Troop
news
Date: Mon., Feb 11,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
This last weekend was action packed and well attended. Want to
thank Mr. Smith and Mr. Simon Ng for being present at the Troop
Junior Leader Training Course at the Hut on Saturday...Also want
to thank J Kunka for teaching the Course and to his two assistants B
Garrett and B Delbasi.....Scouts awarded the "Trained" uniform
sleeve tab were: F Oliver, C Griffith, S Clark, S Hardy, A
Bansal, L Garrett, M Frost, W Campbell, and E Davis.
Thank to the parents for encouraging attendance and for
adding the added depth we gained in the Troop because of it.
Thanks to Mr. Griffith who was assisted by Mr. Young and Mr. Ng the
following boys picked up a great deal of otherwise unknown
knowledge about great cooking techniques in back packing
meals, foil cooking, and Dutch Oven baking....the Scouts
attending were: J Ng, J Ellis, S Hardy, A Bansal, C Griffith, B
Garrett, J Berry, and K Berry.....this will add a great deal of
depth as the cooking team this coming weekend, but will also expand
that depth and personal conviction on their own...thanks for
encouraging attendance.
We didn't have a good a turnout for Scout Sunday as the Congregation
would have expected and was a little bit of a disappointment for the
leadership who were present in wondering where the rest of the Troop
was on this once a year, high profile for us, event...Thanks to Mrs.
Kidd, Mr. Simon Ng, Mr. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy, Mr. Greg
Scott, for leader participation and thanks to the following
Scouts for being there...J Ellis, the Scott boys, P Kidd, S Hardy
and his WEBELOS brother.
Want to thank Mrs. Kidd and Mr. Simon supporting the Troop's OA
ceremonial team by being there with them on Sunday at the Hut for their
regular practice from 2:00 to 4:00 PM...We've never in my troop
experience had this many scouts on the OA ceremony or as many regular
parents supporting them..thanks to J and K Berry, J Kunka, P
Kidd, and J Ng for making us look as spirited and knowledgeable as you
are.
Other news: everyone attending the Camporee this weekend
with us should be present tonight (2/11)for final detail
planning, and a head count...we need to know exactly who is
coming. Thursday night (2/14) will be a quartermaster night to
Pack for the Trip.....We will depart at 5:00 PM on 2/15...so be a the
Hut at 5:00 PM with a sack supper, dressed for cool weather and maybe
some cold, or maybe a great weather weekend..please encourage
attendance for this one as we are competing against the rest of the
Vulcan District in all the games. We are going
to need Leaders also to accompany the patrol around to all the
competitions and to help Mr. Griffith, Mr. Hardy, and I with as
many as 12-15 visiting WEBELOS with the initial tent set up and
meals......We should arrive home before noon on Sunday.
We would like a well attended Committee Meeting on 2/18 following the
campout...there are several issues which need to be discussed
with a great deal of input...for instance...greater attendance to
minimize trip costs (eg. the more we have the less it costs,
particularly at the rate of $4.00 per gallon in the immediate
future...leader participation and training.....This is becoming an
issue we believe because attendance isn't being encouraged. The
smaller numbers will cut into the effectiveness of the patrol
method, increase the cost of the trips for those attending in
minimal numbers (cost of gallons fuel for travel vehicles is the same
and the more leaders and Scouts present lowers the percentage required
to share, and as well as lower the effectiveness of the Troop as a
whole. We are not alone in this, but we want to stay on top of it.
Finally....We are am going to need some leadership at summer camp this
year and the shelf/pool looks like it is getting bare.....please start
thinking about attending (no cost for leaders) now either for the
entire week or half or it ( first of second part) to serve as a guide
instructor for the new Scouts, or one or two or more days of your
choice.....
Thanks for all your support!
YiS Dan
s
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Troop
news
Date: Mon., Feb 4,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Remember the Meeting tonight...we are starting to
gear up for this year's coming down the track like a diesel
locomotive..
Wanted to thank all of the Scouts and Leaders who were present at the
Annual Pack 321 Pinewood Derby..Particularly Mr. Smith and Mr. Oliver,
Jim Ellis, all the Berries, Z Kaiser, and M Frost
Wanted to thank P Kidd and J Ng for attending the Order of the
Arrow Leadership Conference at the Scout Service Center this last
Saturday by representing the Troop and by being members of the OA
Ceremonial Team.
Also, we again to thank Mrs. Kidd again for making sure all
of the boys who wanted to attend the Shelby County Merit badge Course
had the opportunity to do that January 26
If we can get the numbers to attend and Scout Leadership to teach
it ..we are still having the Troop Junior Leader Training (JLT)
this Saturday, Feb 9, at the Hut starting at 8:00 AM and finishing
at 1:30-2:00 PM. Troop provides the. The cost is
$5.00 (Check made out to Troop 21) for fees.
All Scouts who have not attended this Troop training, need to
attend...it's the first of his basic leadership skills he'll need and
won't get otherwise..also it’s a requirement in order to be the Senior
Patrol leader in the Troop. Weather is forecast as sunny and
clear. You can see if he has attended by looking on the Troop
Roster under his name and the column (JLT..marked yes if
attended)
And, of course February 10..Scout Sunday for the Troop..for the
Penguins patrol , this counts as a Troop activity for
advancement and for the troop an annual opportunity to pray with out
Organizational Charter Sponsor, the Bluff Park United Methodist Church
on Valley off of Tyler Rd where we park the bus and have
our Courts of Honor. We will be there in the complete
uniform, including socks, with sash and Troop neckerchief at 8:30
for the 8:45 AM Service..the entire family is welcome to sit with
us. we usually complete the service in one hour.
This will all be announced tonight also..
Thanks for all your support...please encourage his
attendance....
YiS Dan
s
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject:
USS Yorktown
Date: Mon., Jan 21,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
For the 16 Scouts and six leaders who were present, we had a great trip
with the other 400 scouts and leaders who were present...we left on
time and arrived ahead of the bad weather...we still had to pay $15.00
per person who didn't make the trip. If you would like to
contribute that to the troop budget (there were 20 no shows), please
send Ms. Kunka the check.....there were no travel difficulties..we
arrived on time and the trip was one of our best and second trips
there....
There will not be a PLC or committee meeting on January 22, as we had
them both on the Ship yesterday.
Don't forget the Shelby District Merit badge day on January 26 as
facilitated by Ms. Kidd....
Our first regular meeting will be Monday, January 28...please encourage
attendance as usual.
Our annual Scout Sunday, promoted by BSA, is going to be February
10 at the Bluff Park United Methodist Church at the 8:45 AM service. He
needs to arrive at 8:30 AM in front of the new Sanctuary. We
usually have a good attendance by the Scouts in Class A plus
(with sash and neckerchief) uniform in representing us to the Church as
we do every year. Scout Parents, leaders, Cub Scout Pack
321 are all welcome to join us. It lasts about an hour.
We are also going to have a JLT on February 9 for all Scouts who have
not attended..the Scout needs to attend in order to be a Senior
patrol Leader in the Troop. He will be awarded the distinct "Trained
Patch." It will be held at the Hut starting at 8:00 AM and
conclude by 2:00 PM. It will be taught by SPL John Kunka and
other older Scouts. The Troop will provide lunch...uniform is class
A. Will need a leader to accompany the Scoutmaster in
attendance. This is the Scout's first introduction to leadership
and leadership techniques in his Scouting career and is provided in
order to give him a firm understanding of it as he matures in Scouting
and all other activities..please encourage him to attend. Mr.
Frost will provide the patches and certificates of completion at the
April Court of Honor.
Our next trip, as posted on the Troop web site, will be the Camporee at
Tannehill State Park.. the third weekend in February...we are
encouraging parent to visit to get a good idea of how he camps and a
real good idea of other troops there with us. We will be
competing in three cook-offs and multiple game/contests in troop
competitions all afternoon Saturday.....Hopefully we will get the
temperature down to 19 degrees so he can earn his Polar Bear
Patch! We plan on setting up the big engineering/monkey bridge
for the camp to see and walk over as well as inviting any WEBELOS who
would like to join us for the camp out and earn their overnight camping
requirements for the Arrow of Light.
Finally thanks to Mrs. Phillips...the Scout can see what merit badges
can be picked up in the troop by leaders who have volunteered to
serve as counselors....there is a password to see them...call Mr. Simon
if you are not sure...If there is a merit badge not signed for by an
adult, he needs to call the Scoutmaster to see who will work as a
merit badge counselor with him. There are well over 120 merit
badge choices for him..he only needs 21 for his Eagle..11 are eagle
required, 10 are optional...
Also.. again..thanks to Mr. Simon and Mr. Frost, the Scout can sign up
for Boards of Review for rank advancement by using the Web Site...
Thanks for all your support...here is seeing you on the Trail....
Sign up for getting your CDL...attend some leader certification
courses...stay tuned with us by regularly looking at our Web
Site...which thanks to Mr. Simon, ranks as the best in the GAC....
YiS Dan s.
"Delivering the Promise"
As you can see we are off to fast and busy start for the year.
Subject:
USS Yorktown Trip
Date: Thur., Jan 17,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Making sure of some details he should have picked up at the last
meeting about this up and coming trip.
First, thanks to Mr. Branin, we are going with all the details
taken care of. Mr. Madison is towing the trailer for
us. If there are any other cars coming I need to know by a
reply...
What does he need?
Sleeping bag and personal hygiene articles.
He will wear the uniform at all times on the bus, on the ships,
and at Fort Sumpter (look up both on Google/Troop Web Site and read
about it for the full story about both), so he needs to wear the khaki
shirt, green Scout pants or shorts, belt and socks, as usual. He
can wear jeans under his short if he doesn't have Scout shorts.
It will more than likely be cold, especially on Fort Sumpter and on the
decks of the ships, so he needs to have a stocking hat,
cold weather jacket/coat and rain suit, and his long underwear to
be comfortable if it really gets cold. Gloves may work also
All meals are provided on Sunday on the ship and on the ship on Monday
breakfast. He will need money for all meals/snacks and souvenirs
(ship’s museum) on Saturday( Except for Saturday night when the
Troop provides dinner at CiCi's Pizza) and Monday afternoon on the way
back to Birmingham.
He needs to be at the Hut at 6:45 AM on Saturday (Jan 19). We
hope to return between 4:00 and 5:00 PM on Monday (Jan 21) ..he can
call if earlier or later by cell phone.
The cost for the ship is $75.00. The troop is picking up the tab
for fuel and the Saturday evening meal.
There is no meeting or PLC or committee meeting on Monday the night we
return. We will have those on the Ship on Sunday night
before bed.
Thanks for all your support.....
YiS Dan s
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject:
Troop Committe Meeting Monday
Date: Fri., Jan 4,
2008
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
There will be a Troop
Committee Meeting on Monday January 7 at 6:30 PM... there won't be a
regular Troop meeting or PLC on the 7th as we will have that during the
planning conference on the 5th........see you there...
Dan
S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject:
Troop News
Date: Mon., Dec. 17
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
We are whittling
the number of trees down each day.....we’ve gone from about a hundred
down to less than 75 up to now with a best offer. Remember..each
tree out there on the lot is the same as money in our operations
account and annual budget so we should stick with it to the end.
Also, If anyone knows of a needy family, please make sure you
take them a tree. Remember..we are taking the lot down at 12:00
Noon on Sunday December 23. Unless you will be out of town, all
Scouts should be present and we are normally out of there in an hour or
so. Please bring rakes to pickup some pine needles.
Thanks in advance for encouraging attendance for this.
We did very well with wreaths this year, thanks to Dr. Hamilton's hard
work, and those who helped him break them down into family lots for
distribution. On behalf of the boys and the Troop Committee,
thanks for everyone's time and effort to sell wreaths this year in
order to keep out budget where it needs to be. the seven highest
sellers as already recognized by Dr. Hamilton at a Troop meeting were
listed in the following order, with the first through the third places
receiving ribbons: the Hamiltons, the Watts,
the Petersons, the Kaisers, the Smiths, the Madisons, and the
Youngs...This was, according to Dr. Hamilton a banner year for wreaths
with the goal of each family selling six...please encourage this again
next year. We are coming up with a solution for rewarding the
wreath sellers ..perhaps by regular discounts on Troop trips depending
on the amount they sell in order to encourage sales by the
Scouts...will be discussing this at the next Committee meeting.
The Metropolitan Church of Birmingham, just off of 459, is
having a Crossover ceremony at 7:00 PM December 18. I am
attending to welcoming Cameron Garrett and his Family into
the Troop from Pack 312. Please feel free to join me in the Class
A uniform.
The Eagle Court Sunday December 16th for W and C Hensons, J
Howell, and P Clark was one of our best attended in several years,
though guests of the families made up the greatest numbers,
current and former member Troop visitors and guest made up the
remainder. There was close to more that 150 present.
On behalf of the families and the Eagle recipients, thanks to Mr.
Mickey Harbin for getting the boys moving toward Eagle during the last
year, for Mr. Steven Frost in assuring the advancement paper paper work
was in order for the past seven years, and for all the leaders who
contributed to the Scout's progress in making the ceremony possible.
Thanks also to the leaders and family members for arranging the set
ups, refreshments, and all the remaining requirements for the
ceremony. Finally thanks to all the parents and
leaders who attended or encouraged attendance to make the purpose of
the ceremony what we are all about in the few times a year that we see
the fruition of the program work as well as it does.
Want to thank Mr. Young, Mr. Berry, and Mrs. Kidd for attending a Troop
CPR refresher course last Saturday, Dec 15th to keep us up on certified
leader requirements.
Remember, it is not too late to sign the Scout up for two merit badges
on the Shelby County Merit badge day in January as has been announced
by Mrs. Kidd for the past several meetings and in Troop News
letters. We will leave from the Hut in the bus and return in the
early afternoon.
The Scout needs to be present at the January 5, 2008 planning
conference, as earlier described in recent past newsletters on this
website...as we will be planning the 2008 agenda of activities for the
Troop. If he is an elected patrol leader or holds any other
position in the Troop, he definitely needs to be there.
As a reminder, the First Trip for 2008 will be to the USS Yorktown in
Charlestown, SC. This is a three-day trip, starting on
January19, and returning on January 21. The cost is $75.00 per person
payable to the Ship/Park. The Troop will underwrite the costs of
fuel, More information will be passed out at the Planning Conference on
Jan 5.
Thanks to Mr. Simon, the Troop website continues to look better than
ever and is full of information about the Troop and our
direction...hope you are frequently visiting it and encouraging the
Scout to view it weekly to stay up with the Troop.
See you for the Troop Tree Lot break down.....
Thanks for all your support this year....and again..on behalf of the
entire Troop...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
YiS Dan S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject:
Tree Lot Assignment Revision / Up coming events
Date: Mon., Dec. 10
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
As noted below in the memo from Mr. Jones and to be put on
the web site by Mr. Simon, we are extending tree sales for
another week since we have quite a few left and all that remains on the
lot goes strictly into our Troop Budget..this will mean one more shift
for everyone, hopefully paying of for us...remember...no one
leaves the lot without taking home a tree..so you can accept what a
customer offers you if he doesn't initially look interested.
******We will all meet on Sunday December 23rd at Noon to take down the
Lot...Remember the more we have there the quicker it goes....*****
******Please mail Mr. Watts your Scout Dues for 2008 during the next
week or so...The fee is $25.00 for Scouts and $12.00 for leaders. We
have to have this in by December 31....*****
It is not too late to sign the Scout up for two merit badges at the
Shelby County District in January..please call Ms. Kidd to sign him
on..we will take the bus from the Hut and return the same day...
This Saturday, at the Hut..for those who want the certification,
I will give CPR certification...It will only take a couple of hours and
you should be out by 10:00AM..the certification (American Heart
Association) is good for two years..it is needed for Philmont as well
as other trips we go on.....It's free to members of the Troop the
instruction is for leaders only....
Remember that the Scout and active leaders needs\ to the at the
Bluff Park United Methodist Church on January 5 (SAT) at 8:30 AM vic of
the gymnasium and youth area for our annual planning conference in
which the Scouts will be planning next year's activities, trips, and
meetings. Troop supplies lunch and dinner..he will need his
sleeping bag as it is a lock-in for the night. Uniform is regular
clothing, but leaders eating out with us should have the uniform on.
Want to especially thank Mrs. Cathers, Dr. Hamilton, Mr. Branin, Mr.
Madison, Mrs. Byrd, Walter Henson, and Mrs. Kidd for devoting the
extra time for the Troop's "Operation SignWatch" on Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday to prevent the signs we had made by the owner of
Custom Signs (Robert Evans). That meant a great deal to us.....
We had a very well attended Christmas Party at the Hut...this Monday
meeting night...just about all the boys and fifteen leaders. One of our
best attended yet..and the most fun had by the boys.
As you all know..Mr. Jones will be stepping down from the Committee
Chairmanship. and we will miss his persona and experience
each Committee Meeting night.....Dr. Tracy Hamilton will be stepping
into his shoes effective the first of the new year. On behalf of the
Troop.... Congratulations to both of you.
Our First trip in 2008 will be to the USS Yorktown, thanks to all the
work Mr. Branin committed to making it work. The cost is
$75.00...for the two nights on the ship and the Troop will underwrite
fuel for the bus and follow-on vehicles....we normally take a troop
trailer for our personal gear and can use a truck to haul it...please
reply if you can tow the trailer for us....
More......
Subject:
Wreath Arrival & Troop
news
Date: Wed., Nov. 28
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Thanks to Dr. Hamilton, all of the wreaths have arrived at the Hut
today on the 28th.... He needs some volunteers to be there
at 4:30 Pm on the 29th (Thurs) to help break them down into their
family orders/units, then everyone else can come in between 5:00 PM and
7:00 PM to pick them up for dispersal...call Dr. Hamilton for other
scheduled times.
Your
order click here
As some of you may have noticed, some one(s) have taken all
of our tree signs and banners from everywhere on all the streets and
property where we hung and staked them out. That
included our entire inventory of banners and signs except for a few
small ones...we are working the Hoover PD and the News in overcoming
the problem/ predicament...as when we put one or more up they come and
take it in a regular routine... hopefully, this should not
interfere with the regulars (customers) from coming buy and
buying as usual.....we have had this problem over the years, but never
this bad.....will keep you posted...for your information....it's not
against the Troop..they are taking them all over the city including
real estate, churches, Christmas decoration, private
and public business announcements....sales or other......
Thanks for all your support for the trees and wreaths..it should remain
a banner year for us........Please make sure we are taking the string
off the trees and standing as many up as possible to make a sale....
YiS Dan
s
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Troop
updates
Date: Wed., Nov. 21
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Shiloh: More than 70 Scouts and leaders were in attendance,
making it one of our best attended in a long time...all the pictures
taken by Mr. Simon are published on the Troop Web site.
Thanks to Mr. Frost and the advance party, who arrived early on
Friday, the camp site was set up with over 35 tents along with the
canvas meeting/meal area.
Wanted to thank all the adults who did not hike such as Mr. Blackburn
and Mr. Jones as well as Paul Clark who, assisted Mr. Gilbert and
Mr. Smith in preparing all our meals as we do at Shiloh for the
weekend. Finally, we wanted to thank Dr. Hamilton for driving up
late with the Scouts who had school activities past our departure time.
The weather was cool and sunny all day long, making for the best
possible conditions for hiking. Wanted to also thank all
the WEBELOS and their parents who attended and got a good feel for the
Troop in a camping mode.
Thanks to Dr. Hamilton's planning, the trees arrived on Sunday
the day we returned from Shiloh and were unloaded in less than an
hour. Thanks to Mr. Smith, the scaffolding for supporting the
trees, were loaded in the Frank Tank for the set on this Friday
at 8:00 AM by all. He also brought over the Marquis and secured
on Valley in front of the Church. So we are ready to go except
for the set up by all on Friday.
Meeting on the 26th: Mr. Madison and the Venture Crew
facilitate the Salesmanship merit badge, to include skits on how
and how not to sell trees on the Lot. Scoutmasters Minute:
Dr. Hamilton. This is required meeting to assure all the
Scouts are read into the Lot, Salesmanship, and requirements to make
the year our most successful.
Wreaths are coming and will be announce by Dr. Hamilton when they
arrive for families to pick up.
December 3 Meeting: Special guest Speaker, Jeff Jones,
representing Mountain High Outfitters, in tips for backpacking, and
deals for items you may need for Philmont. Will talk about store
discounts also. Scoutmasters minute: Mrs. Kidd.
December 10 Meeting: Troop Christmas party:
Each boy is to bring a "gag" gift as usual. Also: Venture
Soft Drinks, Grizzlies: Chips, Hawks and Indians: Cookies,
Penguins: cookies or chips. Same time as usual:
Mr. Simon will bring over a tree from the lot in his truck and return.
No more meetings until January 5. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
the Tree lot Schedule is in effect for all Scouts and
their family. Please remember that you have to be there or
find another Scout and family member to replace you while notifying
your shift leader of any change.
We will probably take the lot down on Sunday December 16th, unless
sales for some reason are poor, then we will probably leave them up
until announced on the 23rd. In the past the weekend of the
16th is usually our target date for take down with all families
participating to make it quick.
January 5 is the Troop planning Conference at the BPUMC starting at
8:30 AM and ending when he is picked up at 8:00 AM on Sunday, Jan
6. We will plan all our activities for 2008. Uniform
not required except for adults. Troop provides lunch and
supper. Dr. Hamilton will be conducting a "youth protection
class" for the Scouts and leaders for the Troop. Please plan on
attending when the time is announced. This is a requirement for
us in the Council.
Our first Trip for 2008 is the USS Yorktown in Charleston SC.
This has been coordinated by Mr. Branin and is usually well
attended by the troop. The cost is $90.00 per person (admission
price to the Ship for two nights aboard) with the troop paying
for the fuel for the bus, the Trailer hauler, or Frank Tank, and
a follow on vehicle. The dates are January 19, 20,
and 21 (Martin Luther Kings's holiday). More information to
follow as announced.
January 26 is the Shelby County Merit badge day. he
needs to be registered already as they are already signing up for and
booking the best classes (Eagle Merit badges) call Mrs.
Kidd for more information, Will probably take the bus from the
hut and return.
WEBELOS: you are welcome to join us at the Vulcan District
Camporee at Tannehill State Park for you campout if you didn't make
Shiloh or want to camp out with the Troop again on Feb 15-17
2008.
Other information; Vulcan District Award Banquet will be held at
the Metropolitan Church of God facility on January 24 in the
evening. Leaders should plan on attending to represent the Troop.
The Greater Alabama Eagle Banquet will be given on February 29th for
all of our Eagles from the Troop and the Greater Alabama Council in the
evening.
March 1 is the Date of the University of Scouting for all our troop
required basic classes for leaders. Please plan on attending with us
and enroll now to pick up you certification courses for the Troop. GAC
Web site.
Want your CPR certification? Call the Scoutmaster or see
him at our meetings to set it up for a Saturday meeting for an hour or
so for re-certification. If not sure to talk to him about
it. We need it for trips and high adventure trips.
Plan on getting your CDL this coming year. and if you haven’t
attended, please plan on attending the basic scoutmaster training
courses in the Spring to keep this troop accredited with proper
certifications for leaders.
On behalf of the Troop Committee, the congregation of the Bluff Park
United Methodist Church, and the Boys Scouts of America.....have a
merry Christmas and happy new year! Thanks for all your
support in making us as strong as we are...
YiS
Dan Strunk,
SM
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Troop
News
Date: Mon., Nov. 6
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
We saw one of the best films on Shiloh at the meeting last night....
Want to thank again those members who represented us at the Round table
and at the Moss Rock Festival in assisting the Troop with its service
goals.
Z Harbin is starting on his Eagle Project this coming Saturday,
November 10....call him for details if the Scout missed the
meeting...Scouting serves the same purpose of an athletic
team..But more in terms of a life time...but can't maximally work
without the team concept of supporting the boys trying to make it
work. He doesn't have to be there all day he can help out part of
the day...same for leaders.....
The Wilderness First aid Course was cancelled for Mr. Peterson and
myself...they are offering it December 8 and 15 and the first two
Saturdays in March 1 and 8. These are the American Red
Cross courses required by one member of your group if you are going on
a high adventure trip. Red Cross number is
458-8296..Deborah...Remember ...the troop will subsidize one half the
cost (full cost for two days (78.00) if you are an active leader with
us by attending trips with the troop. I believe Mr. Branin is
still trying to coordinate other dates so we can have a class scheduled
for the Troop leaders also as group....your call...
The Veterans Day Parade is this coming Monday (12th).
Unless you want him to sit at home, please encourage him to come to the
hut at 7:30 AM for some work activities and bring his class A uniform
with Sash so we can march in the parade in Downtown Birmingham with the
rest of the Council. We are taking the bus and the frank tank
with us. The cubs from 321 will join us. We
will meet at the Hut at 7:30 for activities....will take them for a
hamburger somewhere for lunch, then go the parade..we should
return at between 3 and 4 PM......
We will still have the meeting Monday night also to prepare of Shiloh.
WEBELOS: attached is a letter of introduction to
Shiloh. the Cub and a parent/guardian are
invited. Please try to be at the meeting on November 12 for
the Shiloh prep and final announcements. this meeting can
also serve as a meeting he needs to attend with a Troop for his Arrow
of Light requirements.
YiS Dan S
Subject: News
from Roundtables
Date: Fri., Nov. 2
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Want to thank Kathy Kidd and P Kidd for attending the OA Meeting for
the Troop on the same night as the roundtable in a different location.
Want to thank Mr. Ng and Mr. Madison for attending also. The
overview Mr. Madison gave to the District Round Table was excellent and
we anticipate the same for the Troop to keep the interest and
information for the next crew going.
The Moss Rock Preserve assistance the Troop is giving is still
planned...for those of you who commitment at the Court of Honor, please
read the message from Mr. Lanier for the details for the 3rd and the
4th.
Mr. Peterson and I will be attending the Red Cross Wilderness First Aid
Certification Course in N. Birmingham all day on the 3rd of Nov.
Please plan on attending this same course in March. The troop
needs it for certified leaders and we will subsidize 1/2 the cost if
you are active on trips with us in order to utilize it.
Remember the Scout Uniform for meetings and trips is the Khaki shirt,
the troop red T shirt under the Khaki is optional in the winter
uniform, Scout shorts or trousers, Scout Socks, and Scout belt on the
Monday after Daylight savings time starts.
The Troop Meeting is still scheduled for Monday with an excellent newly
published DVD about Shiloh, please encourage his attendance.
Tues night, Nov 6th, the Hoover Flag Ceremony is still on for the
boys who volunteered at the Court of Honor...Remember its Class A Plus
with sash..parents bring the Scout to the Hoover Library at 4:30 PM for
the flag ceremony and return the Scout Home.
The 12th is still the Veteran’s Day parade...the biggest in the Nation,
and the biggest for the Boy Scouts, but in order to meet Youth
Protection Guidelines, and safety requirements, I need one or two Dads
to accompany us. Of these one or two, I need a driver for the
Frank Tank. No CDL required. It looks like we have as many
as ten boys going who will meet in class A uniform with sash at 7:30 at
the Hut..will we do work at the hut, so come in work clothes to change
into uniform, leave for lunch around 10:30 (provided by Troop)
then on to the parade....I think we will be done between 3-4 PM
easily. Will need to know this Monday (Nov 5) or will cancel our
activity.
A regular meeting on Nov 12 at the Hut. More details for
Shiloh.
Don't forget to think about signing him up for the big Merit badge
opportunity called Winter Blast on the Grater Alabama Council Web Site.
Please Plan on taking Leader certification Courses at the University of
Scouting, March 1, 2008, see GA Council web site. In
order to water sports we need certified safe swim defense and
water safety leaders..same for trek certification,
climbing, rappelling, and Scouting general safety......this
applies to water skiing activities or getting in a raft on the white
water or wading in the same river. Please plan on assisting with
this. Some of these are on the web site. but they work best in a
classroom environment.
Shiloh is coming up quickly. The cost is going to be $35.00 for
each individual...Weather is starting to look good for. Please
call Mr. Frost if you want to be in the advance party going up early on
Friday to do the initial set up. Will also need non-hikers to
help Mr. Gilbert prepare the lunch and supper meals.
Subject: News
from Court of Honor
Date: Tue., Oct. 30
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Welcome and Congratulations to J Kunka for picking up the Mantel and
leading the Troop for the next 6 months, and again for X Guo for
getting us through the last six months as well as we did.
Several highlights took place: thanks to Mr. Frost and his
persistence with awards and advancement all of last years Shiloh awards
and patches were passed out. A reminder to new folks that the
Scout has to hike and complete all requirements on all six trails at
Shiloh Military park in order be eligible for the Shiloh Veteran's
Certificate (a frame able completion certificate that less than 300o
Scouts and leaders have earned over the years since the middle
1960's) Other merit badges and rank advancement were also passed
out.
Thanks to all his hard work and assistance from other leaders, Mr.
Simon ran a slide presentation for all the trips the boys participated
in over the past six months.
Mrs. Kidd, who initiated an attendance roster for the Troop several
months ago as a candidate for her Wood Badge project (ticket), with the
assistance of Mr. Harbin awarded Z Kaiser and S Hardy awards for the
best attendance records for the past year.
Thanks to J Kunka, P Kidd, J Ng, J and K Berry for forming the Ceremony
Team for the Order of the Arrow. In my recollection, we
have never had one scout, never mind five, who have stepped up this
leadership role in the Council. Congratulations to the parents
for supporting this and for the time they and the boys are taking to
make it work. It speaks highly for the Troop with out role in the
Council.
For those Scouts and leaders coming to the Veteran Days Parade on
November 12, 2007, be at the Hut with your class A Plus at 7:30
AM. We will do projects in the Hut until we leave for the parade
(10:00 to arrive at 11:00AM) in the bus, the Troop will buy lunch for
them, and we should return to the Hut around 4:00 PM the same
day. Thanks to Mr. Smith for towing the trailer and Dr. Hamilton
for driving the Frank Tank...We can use a substitute driver the Frank
Tank to replace Dr. Hamilton in case the parade starts late as he needs
to be at a 3:00 class. Please call me if you can.
The Scouts who are lowering the flag for the Hoover Library should at
the Library with the attending cubs (Pack 321) at 4:30 PM
November 6. Uniform is class plus (with sash). Dress for
the weather. Parents should take them there, stay with them, and
return after the ceremony which will only last a short time.
Contact is Sally Sizemore 444-7820.
The Scouts and leaders assisting with beverages at the Moss Rock
Preserve annual celebration should report at the time designated by Mr.
Lanier on Nov 3 and 4 in Class A Plus uniform at the Moss Rock Preserve
recreation/concert area as we did last year. Thanks to the
parents and Scouts who are assisting with this. Scouts and leaders
should call wit Mr. Lanier to confirm you are coming.
Congratulations to P Clark, C and W Henson, and J Howell for earning
their Eagles! The Eagle Court of Honor will be on Sunday,
December 16th. Please plan on attending.
The next meeting on Nov 5th will deal with the Shiloh Trip (a very
recent and comprehensive Shiloh DVD) ( Mr. Branin will give the
Scoutmaster's minute), and the November 12 meeting with also cover
Shiloh with a guest speaker on the subject along with an introduction
to the WEBELOS II pack attending with us from 321 (Mr. Watts will
give the Scoutmaster's Minute). Mr. Gilbert will be cooking for
our lunch and Supper at Shiloh this year and he will need assistance
from leaders want to go on the Trip but who prefer not to hike a
trail. Plan on coming on the trip with us and hike of assist the
staff in making it work under what will undoubtedly be the best weather
yet. We will have two restaurant breakfasts (Sat and Sun) to get
every one off to a good start. Each trail is about 8-10 miles so
the Scout should be prepared for the weather (warm clothing and a rain
suit if necessary) and wear polypropylene sock liners with a pair of
wool hiking socks for footgear. He will need a water bottle also
especially on a warm, sunny day. The Troop as usual, provides all
camping equipment other than personal gear.
Further notification will be made by Dr. Hamilton for our status on
wreath sales (the goal for each family was 6) and when the
Christmas trees are coming in for us to unload them and Mr. Jones will
be printing and mailing out the Tree lot assignments for Christmas tree
sales this year. The tree Lot set up will be the Friday of the
Thanksgiving Holiday. More details on all of this to follow.
Thanks to both of these leaders for making all of this happen.
Mr. Smith is intending to rewire the Troop's lighted Marquee for tree
sales also.
Thanks for your support for making all of this happen.
YiS Dan
s
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Troop
News
Date: Mon., Oct. 15
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Want to give special thanks to Mr. Harbin and all those leaders
who assisted him and the parents for getting P Clark, J Howell, C
Henson, and W Henson their Eagles this year...the Eagle Court of Honor
will be announced in the future.
As of the meeting on October 15, there are only 16 Scouts and five
leaders going on the Rappelling Trip (Bucks Pocket State
Park)....though only one bus driver is going and a though a
disappointment for overall numbers, we won't cancel, though the cost
will be in the red (as we are paying for a top specialist/instructor in
the field)......the cost for the trip per individual is
$35.00...we meet at the Hut at 5:00 PM (Oct 19th) traveling
uniform....the Troop provides lunch on Saturday.....and will return
between Noon and 1:00 PM on Sunday (Oct 21). Quartermasters for the
Trip should be at the hut at 6:30 PM Thursday (Oct 18th) for
about an hour (uniform not required).
The following Monday (Oct 22) is the PLC and Committee
meeting at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM, respectively..we will be planning for
the Shiloh Trip, discussing trees and wreaths, and other Troop
business..please plan on attending.
The following Monday night is our Court of Honor. This is a
family affair for the Scout in recognition of his work and
advancement...please plan on attending. It starts at 6:30
PM at the Bluff Park United Methodist Church on October. 29. The
Host Patrol is the Grizzlies and they should report at 6:00 PM with a
parent to assist with the set up.
The menu is the usual pot luck where every family brings an entree and
the following plates:
Hawks: Entree plus a desert dish
Grizzlies: Entree plus a desert dish
Venture: Entree plus a salad or bread
Indians: Entree plus a salad
Penguins Entree plus bread
There has been a problem with attendance with some of the boys....he
cannot get the benefits of the program unless he attends regularly
enough to understand and participate in the program's purpose.
Unless he is excused by a parent, he should be attending meetings
and trips, otherwise he won't keep up with his peers and will fall
behind in advancement.
As for leaders...it takes a village......
Please remember..the Troop goes back to wearing the tan uniform shirt
the first Monday meeting after daylight savings time goes into effect
(end of October).....please watch the uniforms when you drive them to
the hut...Scout trousers, scout shirt, Scout belt, Scout socks are
required for all Monday night meetings and all trips, except where
announced that the uniform is not required.
We still need CDL bus drivers if we are going to continue our success
with programs in the Troop. This has to happen....otherwise
we revert to parents driving their cars with scout passengers...
Also, please plan on attending leader certification courses,
particularly in the University of Scouting, and as they are offered in
the District Council....most of these are required for all our trips
more than ever before by the Council as stated on our tour permits....
Thanks for all your support...
Attached is a copy of the Troop Court of Honor Agenda of the 29th of
October..please make a copy and bring in with you to the Court.....see
you there...
YiS Dan S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject:
More Troop News
Date: Sun., Oct. 7
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Want to thank all the leaders and Scouts who attended the Bluff Park
Art Show as part of our annual service for the Troop. This was
important for us and we again convinced the community of our presence
and service...
Don't forget that this Monday September 8 is a no meeting night due to
the School Holidays.
If he is going on the rappelling Trip to Bucks Pocket State Park the
weekend of Sept 19-20-21 he has to be present for a safety briefing by
Mr. Vander Hill at our regular meeting on Sept 15....we will also be
doing Troop elections that night and we need all present for voting.
If your son is in the Order of the Arrow he will have an opportunity to
take a service trip to the Bridger Teton National Forest Wyoming
in July 26-August 2 for about $250.00. He will learn more as more
information comes through our local OA "Nunnehi" Chapter in
which P Kidd was recently elected Treasurer and he and J and K Berry, J
Kunka, and J Ng are volunteering for being on the OA ceremony team to
induct new members each Ordeal.
Please be thinking about attending the University of Scouting on March
1 2008 to pick up some certifications for the troop to have so we can
assure we have certified leaders on our monthly trips. Youth
Protection, safe swim defense, safety afloat, trek safety, Health and
Safety,, Merit badge Counselor orientation, charter
org representative training, and many more.
Please think about getting your CDL in order to drive our bus...and if
you haven’t think about attending basic course such a Scoutmaster
fundamentals and outdoor leadership training announce by the District
at different times.
Thanks for all your support in making us a strong as we are.,
Dan
S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject:
Troop News
Date: Mon., Oct. 1
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Philmont.....Want to thank Mr. Branin for all the work he has done and
is doing for the Philmont Trip coming up June 26 through July
13. They had their first briefing yesterday at
Church. I was disappointed as some Scouts for not showing an
interest in attending this once in a life time adventure in New
Mexico....This trip is being done a very reasonable fee and in very
well planned out manner.....and since we only go every three
years..this was probably the last chance for the older than
fourteen/fifteen years of age Scout to attend. Few experiences in
Scouting top this trip and not many troops have an opportunity as we do
to make it possible for the boys to go.
If you go to the Greater Alabama Council Web Site, you will
see that they are offering "the annual December 27-31, 2007 annual
"Winter Blast" The cost is $150.00. I have spoken to
Scoutmasters who have attended, and it is an opportunity for the Scout
to pick up as 6-8 or more merit badges that he may be behind
on. Another "deal" to move him along if he is behind in
gathering his 21 badges for Eagle
"Order of the Arrow" ... Want to thank Mrs. Kidd for transporting J Ng,
J and K Berry, and P Kidd to Order of the Arrow Fall Fellow ship
this last weekend...Want to thank Mr. Ng for also staying and along
with P Kidd for completing his brotherhood requirements with the
Lodge. All scouts four have volunteered to serve on the Chapter
Induction Ceremony Team of the Coosa 50 Chapter's induction
portion of the Annual activities for the Chapter. This is no
small honor and says a great deal about the skills and spirit in our
Troop. OA is as important for the Scout as is getting his
Eagle and attendance should be encouraged as much as possible.
The OA is a blend of fun and leadership skills and is universally
recognized by Scouters throughout the world when it comes up in
conversation and when asked if a member. It is also referred to
in Scouting as the BSA Honor Society because of the opportunities
it makes available to the boys for leadership and person to person
skills not found at the Troop level.
The PLC wasn't made aware of this coming Friday (9) and Monday (12) as
being School Holidays....this will be discussed tonight at the Meeting
for a majority vote by the Boys.
Several Scouts are getting into the habit of not wearing the full
required uniform to meetings. Since the full uniform is
required, summer consists of a Scout T shirt shorts or trousers, socks
an belt, and winter adds on the tan shirt, the boys who have been
warned by the Scoutmaster will just be sent home until they return with
it. Part of the program is attention to detail in being
prepared as required by the entire group, and that includes the
uniform which should be gathered on Sunday night in preparation for a
"no time" Monday afternoon.
Elections are coming up this month as earlier indicated. If he is
coming up star and life, he needs to have been a patrol leader for the
patrol or a crew Chief for Venture. If he doesn't volunteer, he may be
appointed in order to become aware of the importance of leadership
concepts in organizations as introduced formally in the Troop JLT or
District JLT as he gets older.
Adult Leadership:This is important for us in the Troop. BSA
Short Term and long term Travel permits required by the Troop for our
weekend campouts are making certain training subjects more mandatory
for one or more leaders in the Troop to have in order for the Troop to
go. All of these can be picked up at the University of
Scouting (March 08) when offered by the Council. As many
adults as possible should attend to assure we have a quota on any given
trip: Some of these can be picked up on line with the Greater
Alabama council Web site: Climbing Safety, Trek
Safety, Wilderness first aid, safe swim, safety afloat,
Youth protection, and others...please consider some or all of
these in the immediate future with us as the opportunity to attend
occurs.
Speakers: we are always looking for interesting speakers for the
boys for their programs..if you know of any, including yourself, please
make sure we have to opportunity to hear them with an invitation to
speak on a Monday night at the Hut.
Finally: Think about driving the bus...it is still critical
for us at this time...the option is to take your car and three boys
with their gear on our trips...the Bus makes this so easy and
painless......
Finally...finally...The Bluff Park Art Show is this weekend (6
Oct)....all the boys and uniformed adults need to be there to
help all day long. two to three hour shifts will be
scheduled tonight at the Hut...they start with a set up crew at 6:00 AM
Sat and go through 5:00 PM We have to staff the Art Exhibit
building, pick up trash, assist as required/needed and sell
wreaths, water, and coffee, and ice cream help with the child
care set up near the Hut and keep the area policed from
litter. This is the Troops annual service project for the
community and counts for service in his rank progress....please
make sure the Scout shows up in Class A uniform without sash and stays
all day or as scheduled. Leaders also. The weather is
projected to be a beautiful Fall day...so come out and enjoy it
and spread the Scouting Spirit.....
Thanks for all your support.
YiS Dan
S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject:
News from PLC and Troop Committee Meeting
Date: Tue., Sep 18
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Wanted to thank all the leaders who made the Shooting Sport trip
possible by attending. Want to also thank Dr. Frank Nelson
and Mr. Gilbert for their presence and making all the equipment we used
possible. Finally, we ant to thank Mr. Bill Benifield for
bringing all the equipment we needed for shooting posts activities and
for staying all day at the range for us. The trip was one
of our best.
Wanted to thank Ms. Kidd for her cutting the grass and trimming the
bushes around the Hut..never looked better...
We are looking forward to Rappelling at Buck's Pocket the weekend of
Oct 19-21. The cost for the Trip will be $35.00 and the
time will be about the same on Friday and our return on Sunday.
Sorry, again, but we are going to cancel the Junior Leader Training
Course (JLT) this Saturday, September 22, to be held at the BPUMC in
order to assure P. Clark's Eagle Project gets the emphasis he needs for
attendance and for the younger Scouts to see what a Eagle Project
is. A recent memo from P. Clark indicates the time
and dates he needs assistance. We will re-schedule the JLT at a
later time.
Want to thank Mr. Larry Young for getting his CDL to drive
the bus..this really helps out the Troop in giving us the depth we need
in keeping our legacy as a Troop.
Want to thank Mr. Young also for attending the Wilderness Survival
First Aid Course over the past two Saturdays. This course is
required for all high adventure trips and recommended for all Scout
activities. The next one is scheduled for November 3 and November
10. Please call the Red Cross and sign up for it. The
training is good for three years. Call Kevin Brooks at the Red
Cross at 458-8247. The Troop will under write 1/2 the cost
provided you are active on camp outs with us.
Coming up:
September 24 Regular meeting Merit Badge:
"Entrepreneurship" Mr. Hardy will facilitate this Mr. Frost
will do the SM minute.
28, 29, and 30 OA Fellowship at Camp Comer...Need to know who is coming
so we can arrange transportation. this is for members who have passed
the ordeal.
September 30: Mandatory Philmont meeting with Mr. Branin at the
BPUMC
1 October Merit Badge: Radio communications and Ham
Radio by Mr. Gilbert; SMM Mr. Free We will also schedule
the Art show times for Scouts to report for service.
6 October Art Show: Right now we will not be cutting meat for the
Lions (Venture Crew) on Friday night the 5th. All Scouts and as
many leaders as possible should plan on attending during the day.
As you know, this is the Troop's annual service project for the
community and is counted for service for rank advancement in the Troop.
8 October: Troop Elections requires everyone being there.
We will also show a twenty-minute survival DVD as part of a four part
series. SMM Mr. Branin
15 October Rappelling safety briefing required for all those attending
the trip on Oct 19-21 Mr. Vander hill will be conducting a safety
briefing SMM Mr. Wes Smith.
18 October Troop and Patrol Quartermasters report at
6:30 PM on Oct 18 to load Truck....
22 Oct PLC and committee meetings
29 October Court of Honor. Change of Scout
Leadership. Families arrive at 6:30 PM at the BPUMC
Fellowship Hall. Host Patrol: Grizzlies report at 6:00 PM for set
up.
Thanks for all your support by attending Committee Meetings,
attending trips, getting your CDL and becoming certified in
all the required BSA subjects that leaders can attend. Thanks to
Mrs. Jeanne Phillips for working on our Merit badge list for the boys
and thanks to all the leaders for volunteering yourselves to be on this
soon to be published list. Remember: "the boys deserve
trained leaders"
YiS
Dan S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject:
Shooting sports trip
Date: Sun., Sep 9
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
The Shooting sports trip
Sept 14-16....he needs to be present September 10 at the regular
meeting for safety briefings by Dr. Nelson and Mr. Gilbert in terms of
rifle, shotgun, and archery. We will also need a specific
headcount determining how much ammunition we need to buy and other
details for the campout......the cost is $30.00 per person and we leave
as usual on Friday and return at the regular time on Sunday,,,,
YiS Dan
S
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: Summer Camp date for 2008
Date: Sun., Sep 9
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
In a Troop Web site letter dated August 8, 2007, we stated that
Summer Camp at Sequoyah was set for the first week in June (June 1-7)
when we normally always go. There is a change...the
Camp Director has moved the first week of camp to June 8-14 in
order to give him enough time to recruit his staff from the
community. We were made aware of the possible change
at camp this year by the Director based on his reason for
recruiting, but stated he would have to have approved by the Scout
Executive. He also later made an informal show of hands and vote
by consensus with all the leaders at each camp during the summer and
most said it was no problem.
This change has been approved by the Council. Well,
it was...so please make a memo of this when you start planning for
the family's next year's schedule...sorry for the problem
this may have caused now.......Remember Summer camp is June
8-14...
Thanks for all your support..
YiS Dan
S.
"Delivering the Promise"
Subject: News from Roundtable
Date: Fri., Sep 7
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Scout Master Dean Snow, Troop 93, Trinity Methodist, is hosting
"Remember Pearl Harbor" at the Homewood Community Center
this Saturday, September 8, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Scouts and Leaders should wear their uniforms. Speakers will be
actual witnesses on the ground at Pearl Harbor and WWII.
The Veteran's Day Parade for November 12 is still on and the
Council would like to have more than 500 Scouts in Uniform there to
participate with their National flag and Troop flag. For
those who can make it, we will meet at the Hut at an announced time
Monday morning and have morning activities...log splitting, chuck
box cleaning, back pack stove cleaning, Troop Bus
washing, or other activities, then depart for the the parade area
by 12:00 Noon. We will probably return between 4 and 5
PM. Uniform is Class A plus for the
parade. Activities in the AM will be class B and TBD
by the Scouts planning in October meetings.
Please remember, we changed the Shiloh Trip to the weekend of
November 16, 17, and 18 due to the Holiday on the 12 and other sports
activities.
Want to have some input into enhancing Sequoyah and Comer summer camp
programs? Compare it to other out of State Camps?
Then plan on attending a meeting on September 20th at 6:30 PM at the
GAC Service Center with Scoutmaster Bill Cather serving as
moderator/facilitator.
The GAC is sponsoring the annual Winter Blast December 27-December 31
for $150.00. Should be more info on the GAC web site.
Opportunity to earn merit badges, especially the snow sports merit
badge, and a patch. Fees include equipment rental,
lessons, skiing. meals, and lodging.
Leader Courses being offered by the District/Council:
New Leader Essentials September 29, 2007 and Feb 23,
2008 Briarwood Presbyterian Church 7:30 AM
Facilitator: Doug Graham :dwgrahamsr@charter.net
Outdoor Leadership Skills(Companion to Scoutmaster Specific
Course) Oct 12-14 2007 and March 21-23 2008 Contact
dwgraham@charter.net
Merit badge Counseling September 8 , 2007 at
Briarwood Presbyterian contact dwgraham@charter.net
"Scouts deserve trained leaders"
YiS Dan
S
""Delivering the Promise"
Subject:
Troop news
Date: Thur., Aug 23
2007
From:
DanielMS107@aol.com
Tonight, Thursday, August 23: Mr. Griffith is conducting his
annual cub scout School Night for Scouting at 6:30 PM at the
BPUMC. As we know whoever he recruits we hope to see in the troop
as Scouts not far down the road and recruitment is important for us
each year to maintain our numbers. A recent letter
from him to the Troop explains what he is doing and we need to be there
to support him.....
Boys who volunteered to help with this when they were elected last
April were: J Ellis, B Delbasi, B Preston, JJ Hamilton, P
Clark, and T Cathers.....As discussed in the last Patrol Leaders
Meeting on August 20th, it wouldn't hurt if the current patrol
leaders and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders showed up to help
out...This type of service is what they should be doing to fulfill
their responsibilities in the Troop to earn their rank and complete
service requirements.
Mark September 22, Saturday, from 8:00 AM t