Meeting Notes from Troop 874

December 18, 2008

 

January 2009 Trip.  Last opportunity for adults who intend to attend the January trip to Camp Tomahawk in West Virginia will be at the first troop meeting in 2009.  Adults should provide funds directly to Mr. Ken Springer.  All funds must be received by January 8.  

 

Youth Protection Training.  The January Troop outing includes youth protection training.  This is among the most important training a scout will receive during his time in the scouting program.  One part of the Youth Protection Training teaches about child sexual abuse and the steps that scouts should take to protect themselves from being sexually abused.  Another part of the training is for teenager's fourteen year of age and older and it has been produced to start discussions on the areas of sexual harassment, date rape and internet stalking.  This training takes about one hour and is better described in the attached document.  Parents must provide permission for their son to participate in this training.  Parents can also elect to not have their son participate in the training.  Parents must sign the attached form to indicate their preference and the signed form must be returned by Thursday, January 15.

 

Patrol Equipment.  All tents and patrol boxes MUST be returned to the next regular troop meeting if they have not already been returned.  All cooking equipment must have been cleaned since the last camping trip.  Tents should have been set up to dry and have been cleaned since the last camping trip. 

 

Senior Patrol Leader Elections.  SPL elections are scheduled to take place at the January 2009 trip (January 16-18).  Candidates must hold the rank of First Class Scout and be a member of the second year Ranger Program or the Venturing Program.  Scouts must also meet with the Scoutmaster before the election takes place.  This is an incredible opportunity to mold the scouting program and to implement the SPLs vision of scouting in Troop 874.  Answer the sound of the Troop knocking at your door!!!

 

Skiing Trip in February 2009.  Permissions slips are available for individuals interested in participating in the troop skiing trip in February.  Initial payments of $75 are due.  See Mr. Dave Eddy.

 

American Odyssey Relay Race.  We are closing in on submitting a team for the American Odyssey Relay Race.  Interested scouts should complete the attached registration form and return to Mr. Hunt ASAP.  The fee is $100 and the check should be made to Troop 874.  Many have expressed interest but no formal commitment has been received.  The Troop hopes to field a team of at least 8 scouts and 4 adults for this April 2009 event.  See the attached flyer and permission slip.  For more information contact Mr. Bud Hunt (hunt-family1@comcast.net) or Mr. Todd Pearsall (todd@pearsall.us).  Without a further commitment by scouts the troop's participation in this event will be cancelled.

 

Information worth repeating:

 

Den Chiefs Needed.  There is a critical need for Den Chiefs in local Cub Scout Packs.  Being a Den Chief is a great way to fulfill leadership requirements for rank advancement.  It is also a great way to influence Cub Scouts to join Troop 874.  See Mr. Will Land for more information.

 

Eagle Projects.  Mr. Bob Scarburgh has information on possible Eagle Scout Projects at Patapsco Valley State Park.  See Mr. Scarburgh during a troop meeting or e-mail him.