Troop 874 Notes, March 15, 2007

 

Tents and Patrol Equipment

In preparation for the first 2007 camping trip (March 23-25), tents and patrol boxes were distributed to scouts this evening.   Scouts are reminded to set-up their tents at home and inspect them for damage and missing parts.  Similarly, all patrol boxes and their contents should be examined and cleaned by the scouts at home.   Damaged and missing equipment can be replaced at the next meeting.  Waiting until Friday evening, March 23 (at Camp Tuckahoe) may spell disaster!   At the end of the camping trip scouts are expected to take the equipment home, clean it and, when necessary, to clean and dry out the tents.  Parents and scouts are reminded that tents and troop equipment that are damaged as a result of the scout's neglect will be replaced at the scout's expense. 

 

Camping at BSA Camp Tuckahoe, March 23-25

Adults who are camping with the troop at Camp Tuckahoe should contact Ken "Mom" Springer so that he can complete the adult food purchasing.   Cost is $20 per person.

 

This will be the first camping experience for the new Pioneer scouts at Troop 874.  Parents are invited to attend and experience the program that their son's will enjoy.   Mark Benz is planning many activities for adults new to Troop 874 to include cooking over an open fire and many other scouting activities.  If you have not already done so, contact Mark Benz.

 

2007 Summer Camp at Camp Powhattan, Blue Ridge Mountains Scout Camp

The second deposit of $50 is due next week.  This will assure the Troop's attendance at the camp.  This represents a non-refundable payment.  See Committee Chairman Mike Filipczak or Troop Treasurer Dennis Gajewski.  For more information on Camp Blue Ridge Mountains Scout Camp see:   http://www.bsa-brmc.org/camp.htm

 

Adult Training Opportunities

Every scout deserves a trained leader!  Training is common for most volunteer coaching positions in sports leagues and training is mandatory in some leagues.   The National Pike District offers an introduction to the fundamental of scouting for adults at a course known as Wagon Wheel.  This will take place over two days and one weekend.   All adult leaders in troop 874 should attend Wagon Wheel and the troop will underwrite 50% of the $45 for a registered adult.  All scouting parents are encouraged to take this training so that they can better understand the purpose and methods of the Scouting program.   The training will take place on Saturday, April 28, Saturday May 5 and the weekend of May 18-20.  For more information see the District web site: http://nationalpike.org/ng/index.php

 

Friends of Scouting

The Friends of Scouting Campaign continues through March.  This is the major fund raising campaign for Scouting in the Baltimore Area.   So far 19 families have contributed over $3,900.  So you can see we have some work to do to meet the $8,500 contribution from 43 families in 2006.   A FOS brochure is attached to the troop notes which families can complete and return at the next Troop meeting.  Contributions can also be mailed directly to Boy Scout of America, Baltimore Area Council, 701 Wyman Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21211.  For more information, contact Bud Hunt (hunt-family1@comcast.net ).  

 

Eagle Projects Abound

No less than three scouts outlined their Eagle projects on Thursday evening.  The scouts and the projects are described below:

 

Tim S. - Saturday, March 31 upgrade a portion of a residential facility for ARC of Howard County.   The first day will rely on adults since it involves the use of power tools.  Additional dates include April 7 and 14.

Brian S. – Saturday, March 31 at the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County.   Brian is constructing a meditation path, benches and modifying a bridge.  Additional day may include April 1.

Shawn B. – Saturday, April 14 and 15 in Old Ellicott City.  Shawn is restoring part of the waterfront on Old Ellicott City.  Additional dates include April 28-29.

 

These Eagle projects are significant undertaking for these scouts and for our Troop.  The entire community will benefit from these projects and the actions of our Eagle Scout candidates.   Participating in any of these projects counts as an "outing" for Pioneer Scouts and are excellent ways to demonstrate Scout Spirit.  These projects need Troop support and are at the heart of the Scouting Program and the essence of service to others.