Troop 874 Notes December 10, 2009

Supreme Sports Outing – The Troop will sponsor the annual outing to the Supreme Sports Club this Friday evening starting at 10:30 pm. Arrive on time as the first event begins at 11:00 pm with the Chain Gang Relay! The pool will be open from 12:00 am until 2:00 am with an introduction to scuba diving. There will be many organized events including the Iron Man competition and the 10 Ton Team Challenge. Refreshments and light snacks will be served by the troop through out the event. Most importantly parents are requested to pick up their scouts promptly at 6:00 am! Make sure your son checks out with Mr. Benz before departing at 6:00 am.

January Outing to Camp Tomahawk, West Virginia – The Troop will hold it annual January indoor trip from January 15 – 17. This trip is cabin camping and features the adults doing all the cooking for the weekend. There is a fine menu with gastronomical delicacies such as the Tortuga! As a result of the extensive menu we must have final counts on time with the required $20 per person attending. Activities including a merit badge midway and other outdoor event are in the planning. The troop will also hold elections for the Senior Patrol Leader position for Spring-Summer 2010.

In addition to great food and program, the Troop will be showing two Youth Protection videos on Saturday evening. One video is intended for Pioneers and Ranger Scouts and another is intended for older scouts in the Venturing program. The attached permission slip must be submitted by the next meeting (December 17). Note that there is additional information on the back of the permission slip which must be completed to indicate parental permission to view the Youth Protection film and program.

Again, this form must be turned in, along with $20, to Patrol Leaders no later than Thursday, December 17.

Ski Trip – See Mr. Dave Eddy for information on the February 19-21 ski trip to Timberline in West Virginia. The initial registration fee of $81 is due next week. This is a fun weekend activity and a great opportunity to ski at a reduced rate. See the attached permission slip.

Seabase Opportunity. Next week will be the last opportunity to sign up for the 2010 Seabase! There are openings for two scouts and one adult and the cost to register is $400. Seabase will run from July 17 – 24, 2010. For more information contact Mr. Olson. Sea Base is a great Boy Scout program of sailing and adventure in the Florida Keys.

Venturing Activities, Summer 2010 - At the recent Venture planning meeting for summer 2010, the Ventures expressed interest in the Claytor Lake Aquatics Center, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains Council Camp in Virginia. This program offers a lot of exciting opportunities for fun and advancement including scuba, wakeboarding, motorboating, and sailing. For more information, please see the video at http://www.brmcreservation.org/camp-ClaytorLakeAquaticsBase_11.htm.

Venture Scouts will need to sign up fast as this program is popular with Scouts across the nation! Come to the next meeting ready to make a commitment to this great camp!

American Odyssey Relay Race. Bud Hunt announced that the Troop would again participate in the American Odyssey Relay Race. This is a 200+ relay from Gettysburg, PA to Washington, DC scheduled for April 23/24, 2010. It is important to pay the $100 fee (per participant) by the next meeting so we can register for the reduced amount. Checks should be made payable to Troop 874. If interested see Bud Hunt. For more information see the article in the August Baltimore Area Scouter newsletter or go to the American Odyssey web site: http://www.americanodysseyrelay.com/

Grass Roots Homeless Shelter – The Troop will support this shelter in January and February by collecting various supplies and providing other service assistance. This is a great opportunity to help others in our community and to earn service time towards rank advancement. See Mrs. Landry-Fida for more information.

Summer Camp Confirmed – The Troop will attend Broach Creek Scout Reservation, Camp Saffron from July 11 – 17. More information to come.

Information worth repeating

Planning for Eagle Scout Projects. Mr. Bob Scarburgh clarified that with new District oversight of Eagle Scout projects scouts must allow for at least 5 weeks from time of submission to Mr. Scarburgh to final approval. Scouts must adjust there schedule accordingly.

Gift Cards - This program is sponsored by Glen Mar United Methodist Church and helps support the church and its ministry. Gift cards are available for many businesses in Howard County. See Mr. Dan Edwards.