Meeting Notes from Troop 874 January 8, 2009

 

Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  Tommy G. will receive his Eagle Scout on Saturday, January 10, 7:00 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, Ilchester Road, Ellicott City.  Tommy joins a long line of Eagle Scouts from Troop 874 as well as his father Dave and brother Reilly.  Scouts are encouraged to attend the ceremony which will count as an "outing" for purposes of advancement.  Congratulations to Tommy!!!

 

2009 Summer Camp Planning Session.  The Troop will hold a planning session on Tuesday, January 13 at 7:30 pm at Glen Mar.  This meeting will cover items such as transportation to camp.  Doreen Klose is returning to continue her excellent efforts at sending the troop off to summer camp.  This is a great opportunity for parents new to Troop 874 to lend a helping hand.

 

2010 trip to Philmont Scout Ranch.  The Troop has won a coveted slot to attend Philmont Scout Ranch from July 21 - August 2, 2010!!!  This is an opportunity for 9 scouts and 3 adults to participate in a 10 day backpacking adventure at Scouting's premier high adventure camp located in New Mexico.  This trip is independent of the Baltimore Area Council trip so separate transportation fees will be required in addition to the $650 fee to attend Philmont.  Total costs are currently estimated at $1350 (Philmont fee plus transportation).  Attendees should plan on backpacking no less than 50 miles at elevation exceeding 6,000 feet above sea level.  Philmont requires that a scout hold the rank of First Class or above and be at least 14 years of age by August 2010.  The troop will establish separate requirements for age and experience.  The troop will be accepting $50 deposits on Thursday, January 15 beginning at 7:15 pm.  The Troop must provide a list of attendees by the end of January 2009.

 

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.

 

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 SPL's vision of scouting in Troop 874.  Answer the sound of the Troop knocking at your door!!!

 

Planning Session for September 2009 to February 2010 Program.  In addition to working on merit badges, previewing fine movies and enjoying the fine cooking of Ken "Mom" Springer, the scout leadership will be planning troop activities to occur between September 2009 and February 2010.  Any scout can participate in this planning session and all scouts should discuss their preferences for activities with their patrol leader or assistant senior patrol leader.   Planning the troop program is the root of a boy-run troop so scouts should not miss this opportunity to mold their program and its future activities.

 

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.  The Troop is looking for at least three more scouts to round out the rooster for the Relay.  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.  For more information contact Mr. Bud Hunt or Mr. Todd Pearsall.  Without a further commitment by scouts the troop's participation in this event will be cancelled.  Check out  http://www.americanodysseyrelay.com/ for more information from the race organizers.

 

Information worth repeating:

 

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. 

 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.

 

Bud Hunt

Assistant Scoutmaster