Notes from Troop 874 Meeting, April 17, 2008

 

Adventures for the Cure (AFC)

On Thursday evening Greg Fabella discussed Adventures for the Cure (AFC) a non-profit organization that undertakes extreme physical challenges to raise money to benefit several worthy charities.  Two years ago they rode across the United States on fixed gear bicycles.  That trip was captured in an award-winning documentary, which will be shown during the April 25-27 camping trip.  This year, AFC will participate in the Race Across America (RAAM) and they would like our support.  AFC representatives will be at the May 1 Troop Meeting to talk about the documentary and their RAAM effort this year.  They will also be accepting donations and selling T-shirts to raise money.  Please consider supporting this worthy cause.  You can view trailers for the documentary and see the T-shirts that will be for sale at www.adventuresforthecure.com.

 

Life to Eagle Seminar

Boys Scouts in Troop 874 who have attained the rank of Life Scout should plan on attending the Life to Eagle Seminar this Thursday evening.  Scouts should have already been notified by Bob Scarborough.  Their parents are also encouraged to attend to better understand the rigorous requirements to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.  This will take place next Thursday evening during the regular troop meeting.  Contact Bob Scarborough if you have any questions.

 

Fire Safety Merit Badge

Scouts attending the April 25-27 camping trip to Fort Frettered will have the opportunity to work on the Fire Safety Merit Badge.  Specifically requirements 6,7,10 and 11 will be discussed.  For those scouts who have already started this merit badge, please bring your merit badge booklet and any handouts and worksheet.  For scouts who are just starting this merit badge, booklets and handouts will be provided.  See Stephanie Landry-Fida.

 

Pioneers Are In the Swim!

As part of the Second Class and First Class requirements, the Troop needs all the Pioneers to attend the swimming session arranged for either next Wednesday, April 23 or the following Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00PM at the indoor swimming pool at UMBC.  Whether a Pioneer scout is a swimmer or not, the Troop needs to see how many of the requirements can be attained.  It also prepares us for whether a scout is capable of passing the standard BSA swimming test and swimming merit badge at summer camp. Either night should take approximately an hour to complete.  The Troop prefers to have 12 scouts each night so please contact Jerry Fleischman to have your son attend one of the evenings.  It is difficult to make arrangements for the pool including additional merit badge counselors so please make every effort to have your son at either night.  For more information contact Jerry Fleischman, Assistant Scoutmaster, Pioneer Program.

 

Important Notes on Youth Protection for Pioneers

Some of the Pioneers have not made Scout rank simply because their parents have not taken the time to review with them the pamphlet on child abuse on the inside cover of the Scout Handbook.  The booklet, "How to Protect Your Child from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide" is part of a continuing effort to educate parents and scouts about child abuse.  For the safety of your son parents are requested to take a few minutes to review the information in the booklet and discuss it with you son.  More than your son's advancement may be at stake!  By the end of this month Pioneer scouts should have attained the Scout rank and have about half of the Tenderfoot rank requirements signed off.   For more information contact Jerry Fleischman, Assistant Scoutmaster, Pioneer Program.

 

Words of Advice from Troop Quartermaster

Max, our Troop Quartermaster, has warned all scouts that they should not leave patrol boxes and other patrol gear in front of the shed without first talking to him.

 

Popcorn Kernel

The troop is looking for someone to run this fundraising event.  Proceeds go to the Wish Upon A Star program to provide Christmas presents to needy families from Glen Mar.  Colleen Beaumont has served as chairperson for this event for several years and is willing in assisting the new chairperson.  The Council adds many incentives to increase the profit from this event.  The new chair can also establish incentives for the scouts to attain.  This a great opportunity for the parent of a new Pioneer scout to take on.  See Colleen Beaumont.

 

Friends of Scouting

This Thursday will be the last opportunity to contribute to the Friends of Scouting campaign.  Thanks to the many families that supported the FOS campaign this year.  Over 25 families contributed over $6,800.  See Bud Hunt for additional information.  Or you can use the attached form and mail it directly to Baltimore Area Council, 701 Wyman Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21211,

 

Note that Howard County Schools are closed on Thursday, April 24 but we will hold our regular meeting that evening.