Upcoming Meeting

Looking to finish Totin' Chip
We'll aim to finish the Totin' Chip work this coming week as well as have those who need to sit infrong of a Board of Review do so with success.
Anyone with questions, or requirements to be fulfilled prior to Monday, please do not wait until the last minute to do so, because if there's lot of "last minutes" there may not be enough minutes to complete them.
As always, call your patrol leader, SPL or myself (in that order) with any questions.

Getting Wet

Outstanding time at YMCA
Monday's meeting at the Y was of great success. Most of the troop showed for the outing and most of those in need of taking the swim test participated and succeed with the activity. Even a couple of Scouts who have reached First Class joined in and helped out during the testing and that was awesome to see,
The Scouts who did not need the test continued enjoying themselves in the water.

Reminder: This Monday, May 4, we'll have a Board of Review for those in need and those meeting the requirements, so if there's something needed to be signed in your book, have it taken care of before Monday night.

Monday, April 27

What's happening:
Greetings,
Sorry for having not posted previously, but been a busy week Scouting for me.

1. reminder Troop is at YMCA tonight for swimming.
2. I'm tabling Urban Krag until further notice because of a couple of issues. Most notably the quick turnaround on scheduling. I'm not a big fan of such, and I felt the overnighter was being rushed.
3. Board of Review for May 4 will have to take place in the library or the Fellowship Room, as there is a city bowling banquet scheduled for 7 p.m. in Bethany Hall. If the weather permits, we'll take the Troop outside to work on Totin' Chip. This is also PLC meeting night - we should be able to conduct the meeting without any troubles.
4. Farmers Market begins this weekend and is every Saturday until October. Blue Jacket District officials are looking for Troops to volunteer time each Saturday to man a booth from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The help needed is to assist patrons carrying their purchases to their car and setting up a site for people to drop off their purchases to be held while they continue shopping downtown. If you have any scouts interested please let Deb know by April 28. If you are not able to participate this weekend the event will be continuing the first Saturday of each month until October so please keep this in mind.

Camporee loads of fun

BIG HAND FOR THOSE DESERVING
The NT Spring Camporee was survivable - at least that's one way to capture the weekend.
From one patrol not managing to supply itself with food to the other have a couple of boys forget lunch - the weekend gave me a soapbox to stand on and say "that's why its important to pay attention during the Troop meeting!" But all in all, I hope this sticks with the boys as a big learning experience.
The individual highlights for the weekend includes that Connor and Tylor were tapped out for OA, as well as myself. Exciting stuff especially when seeing the looks on C & Ts faces when their names were called.
Another highlight in the shadow of despair was the Pine Tree patrol which did not fold when faced with the fact they did not have food for the weekend. In about 5 minutes prior to departure, they managed a menu with the resources available, and not one said "let's have mom go to the store!" - which makes me very proud of their decision making.
Our SPL did an outstanding job on his first Troop outing in the position and managed to run a pretty smooth operation and establish a great looking campsite.
The patrols managed the CSI stations and from the tone of the Scouts, I think it's safe to say they had a great weekend.
Several of the Scouts stepped up in many capacities and shined when faced with a challenge or a situation.
Thanks to Don C. for his cooking skills and contributions, which led to the Pine Trees having some items to cook with on their menu. Thanks to Grampa Dean for tackling several situations.
Troop 94 weekend guests included, Webelos Bryan W. who made it through his first weekend camping experience, and big ups to Cubmaster Tom for attending to aid Bryan and for his help with several things over the weekend.

See all Monday at the Troop meeting and also for the Troop committee meeting.

Spring Camporee

DRIVER'S NEEDED
With 1 day remaining before we depart for the Spring Camporee, Troop 94 remains in need of drivers to transport the boys to the event.
Currently, I have myself, Grandpa Dean and Kathy Shoemaker, but at least one or two more vehicles are needed.
If we do not have enough seatbelts, then we'll have to have a lottery for who attends and who stays home.
Please contact me on my cell or home number if you can drive.
We're meeting at the church at 5:15 p.m. Friday to load the trailer, with departure slated for 6 p.m. sharp.

Spring Camporee Update 4.15.09

GROSS IS IN
Here's the latest I received late Tuesday night via e-mail about this weekend's spring camporee:

"Feast Sat night-bring unusual or gross food to share.
Costumes allowed during the day.
Costume contest after the feast."

You're guess is as good as mine as to what's going on, but one things for sure - C.S.I. theme is in full swing, because we'll have to investigate to figure this out.

I expect Brian W. to be there along with Cubmaster Tom. Brian will be joining the Pine Tree Patrol.

Hope to see many of you tonight at Our Daily Bread 4:15 p.m. until about 6 or so. I'll be leaving about 5:30 myself for my other engagement.

Spring Camporee update

DINNER AND COSTUMES
This weekend's Spring Camporee has two changes for consideration:
1. Saturday supper will be a potluck meal with all interested preparing enough for themselves and a few extras to share.
2. Costume contest - dress as your favorite superhero or villain for the competition following supper. No weapons of any kind are allowed.

FRIDAY DEPARTURE: meet at the church by 5:15 p.m. to load gear; departure at 6 p.m. for camporee.

April 13

Troop mobilization exercise successful
"Lost child" found by Troop 94
Our April 6 moblilization exercise provided a great benefit to our group. Not only did we put the phone call chain into effect, we orchestrated the plan extremely well.
Once the first phone call went our from myself to the SPL, it took 1 hour to completely reach all members on the chart. The only "hickup" was with one of the younger patrols, as one Scout was searching for his phone call list to continue the informational chain.
By 6:20 p.m., the desinated time, all but 3 boys were in place at the meeting spot (Fred Carter park). By 6:25 p.m., two others arrived but our search had not begun; the third were not sure of his whereabouts at this time.
The Troop learned many things during our excercise, most notably that communication is key to success. I say this always, I believe the most important part of communication is listening.
After a couple passes around the park, and several discussions with the patrols, we arrived back to the area where "signs of life" were first picked up nearly 50 minutes prior. After a couple more directional tips, the Scouts found our "lost child." First aid was applied and the child was removed from the area and reacquinted with its family.

Overall, I have to say I was very pleased the accomplishments. In fact, before the search had even started, I was extremely happy with how the phoning calls worked.

Upcoming items to note on your calendar:

SPRING CAMPOREE
April 17-19
• Northern Tier Camporee at Buck Creek State Park, Springfield; Theme: Can Scouts Investigate
• Cost per Scout and Adult is $5 (Troop is paying other $5 of $10 fee)
• Money due by April 13 or let Mr. Morris know to use funds in Scout account.
• Depart church parking lot at 6 p.m. April 17.
• Writing paper and pencil/pen for each patrol member
• Only above ground fires will be allowed

EAGLE COURT OF HONOR • RECOGNITION NIGHT
WHEN: May 18, 6:30 p.m. at FCC
• The honor of Eagle Scout is a special achievement for any Scout or Troop, but to be able to see 3 of our Scouts receive this honor is triple honor worthy of recognition.
• Anthony, Nathan and Aaron will be honored.
• Also, additional awards and merit badges from Trail Drive will presented.
• Invite your parents, grandparents, family and friends.
• NOTE: Next Board of Review is May 4.

OUR DAILY BREAD
WHEN: 4:15 p.m. - 6/6:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 15
• We have been asked by our church to assist in service during Our Daily Bread’s Wednesday meal.
• wear your uniform
• wear a big smile
• come ready to serve others

April 6 update

MOBILIZATION PLANNED TONIGHT APRIL 6 - RAIN OR SHINE

Our Troop mobilization for Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge, is tonight, Monday April 6. In an effort to make this as real as possible and see if our chain of communication works, this will be all the information released at this time.

I have learned today that the Verbsky home number on the sheet is not correct, the correct number is 465-0456 - this impacts Tylor as he is the one to call Adam. Sorry the mistake wasn't caught when the troop checked numbers.

I will either put our phone call chain of command or the door-to-door notification into action, and we'll meet at a specific time and place to do whatever is requested. Come dressed for the weather.
This should be the last Troop activity for the Scouts who have been working on this merit badge, and for the recently new Scouts, this puts them on a fast track.
In addition to the paper work that our MB counselor asked each Scout to complete, the home emergency survival kit is probably the last big requirement to complete. I'll check with her to see if a photo of the kits will do, or if they need to be presented to her in person.

As to who I expect for this exercise, basically the Troop boys. Other adults I realize have a district committee meeting tonight at FCC.



PLC PLANNED APRIL 6 - TONIGHT
Our SPL has on his agenda a Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) for the first Monday of the month. As to what a PLC is, here's how I can best describe: The patrol leaders' council should always meet monthly (for Troop 94 the first Monday of the month), with the senior patrol leader, not the Scoutmaster or another adult, in charge. The senior patrol leader (SPL) gives instructions to the patrol leaders about coming events. The group also discusses topics for future outings, decides on menus, establishes rules, and conducts other troop business.
Some of those who should be included, in addition to who the SPL also invites:
SPL - Brandon Frasure
Pine Tree PL - Ryan
Viking PL - Brendan
Scribe - Bronson

Brandon F. and myself we'll discuss after the mobilization, where we'll conduct this meeting, as the weather outside may be in question.


EAGLE COURT OF HONORS
Tentatively scheduled for Monday, May 18, during our regular time, we'll be observing a triple Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Anthony, Nathan and Aaron. Additionally, there will be awards for the other Scouts, be it rank advancement, merit badges, etc.
All this makes Monday, May 4, a night for Board of Reviews for those in need.



E-MAIL REMINDER ABOUT E-MAILS
For all the Scouts and those who have Scouts, reminder to bring e-mail addresses for family, friends and anyone else for the Spring Sale Trails End e-mail blast (I dare you to say that five times fast).
This is a great opportunity for the Scouts to earn funds for themselves and Troop.
Turn your list in tonight to Mrs. Mason. If not, e-mail your list to her at nosam@embarqmail.com
(Sorry for the late notice on this, but I'm hoping it's not need because this means your Scout remembered)


CONTACT INFO
As always, my cell number is best to reach me in a timely fashion.

See all wishing to mobilize tonight.
Jim