Newsletter 2016-09-22

Post date: Sep 22, 2016 8:42:30 PM

The Cunningham Falls Campout this weekend had its ups and downs as the scouts, Mr. Vandegriff and Mr. Keegan hiked up and down Bill's Hill, (1765 ft)  for a distance of 6 miles and an elevation change of about 1100 feet.  While at the top they cooked and ate their lunch which they carried with them.  The looks on their faces told the whole story as they marched, trotted and limped the last 100 yards into camp.  All very happy that it was over and happy to have done it.  Johan served as Crew Leader/SPL.  Dinner was a mix of specially prepared grilled cheese sandwiches, veggies and meats.  The park is a great place to Camp.

Troop Elections Thursday 10/6 at Troop Meeting.

In order for a Scout to be eligible to run for SPL he must be at least First Class, be in good standing with the troop, (able to commit to the troop's weekly schedule), and have Scoutmaster approval. 

The same goes for Patrol Leaders.

Each Scout running for office must prepare a short talk and present it to the Troop on Oct 6th. before the voting.

Please e-mail me by Sept 30 if you wish to run for office.

The second highest vote getter for SPL will serve as ASPL.

SCOUT PLANNING

At the Troop meeting two weeks ago I asked each Scout to prepare a Personal Plan for themselves covering the next 6 months (March 1st 2017 end date)  as part of their leadership and planning skill development.  This plan should be in writing and will be reviewed by me over the next three weeks.

Items like Rank advancement, Merit badges, leadership activities outdoors to be included.

Parents - remind your scouts of this task. 

SCOUT FAMILY FUN DAYS OCT 8 AND 9TH

All Scouts invited, each will receive a model rocket to assemble and fire.  Flyer sent as separate E-mail.  Let me know if you wish to participate.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND FOOTBALL CAMPOUT 9/30 - 10/1

We will decide this at this evening's meeting whether we are going or not.  We need a headcount of Scouts and leaders. 

SERVICE PROJECT -Stop Hunger Now. October 15th 7 AM until Noon

Colesville Presbyterian Church is running their semi-annual Food Packing Project.   We are needed throughout the morning but most of all in the morning to assist with setup.  It is a Class A event and you can earn SSL service Hours.  Put it on your calendars and let me know you will attend (E-Mail).

WEBELOS WEEKEND Camp Bennett, Friday 10/28 thru Sunday 10/30.

The troop is participating in the White Oak District Webelos Weekend at Camp Bennett on Georgia Avenue above Brookeville, MD.  We will be conducting the fire building training for Web Ones and running the fire building contest.

Knights of Columbus Service Project " Cup O Joe."

The Knights periodically pack breakfast meals for shelters in the area and they are in the process of putting an event together.  They have asked our assistance and we are ready to help.  The date, time and place are to be determined.

High Adventure Trips 2017, 2018

The troop is in the process of determining the locations and potential attendance numbers for the trips.  Under consideration are Sea Base, Northern Tier,  (Camp Wall, Virgin Islands) and  Summit in West Virginia.  Interest has been expressed  by some of the Scouts in earning the Triple Crown Award for attending three of the four National BSA sponsored High Adventure Programs (Philmont, Seabase, Northern Tier and Summit). Reservations are made for these trips at least a year in advance with monetary deposits required.  Requests for slots are submitted and a lottery is used to select the units attending. 

POPCORN SALES

This year the Troop has chosen a different way to sell Popcorn. Each scout will receive two boxes of popcorn to sell.  How and and to whom they sell it is up to them.  Many of the Scouts have completed this task and turned in their $,  ($20 or $30 or $40) depending on what boxes they chose.  Reminder - Scouts you need to turn in your $.  Those scouts who have not picked up your popcorn yet need to do so at the meeting tonight.

UNIFORM POLICY

The Class A uniform is to be worn traveling to and from Scouting events, at troop, patrol and TLC meetings and any formal scouting event.

There will be an annual Uniform Inspection at the troop meeting Thursday, November 3rd.  Clean, neat and with all appropriate insignia and patches.  Be proud of your uniform, it says who we are.

SUMMER COURT OF HONOR, Thursday, October 13th at Troop meeting.

Scouts will be recognized for their achievements over the summer.  Parents, siblings and friends are invited to help celebrate

Scouts have until Thursday 10/6 to complete a Board of Review to be recognized for rank advancement. 

LIFE TO EAGLE CONFERENCE (L2E)  Sunday Oct. 2, 1 to 4 PM

All life scouts, their parents and leaders are invited to attend this conference to help them prepare for the work of transitioning from Life Scout to Eagle Scout.  It will be held at the Montgomery Medstar Unit (old Montgomery hospital in Olney MD.) Conference rooms A and B first Floor.

To register send an e-mail to WhiteOakAdv@aol.com with the names of the attendees.