Troop 315 Newsletter – December 2015
This month, we will be working on alot of basic knots, lashings and other scout craft that both older scouts and younger scouts tend to forget or need for advancement. Please plan on either helping or learning since I seem to get the same answer after time passes, ” Oh We did that once” and ” I forgot”. This will prepare us for some upcoming camporees and Camp Alaska in February. They also advance you in rank for your T21 training. Remember, If you dont use it, You lose it. Bring your scout book so we can sign off on this stuff.
Larry just finished Citizenship merit badges and all scouts who participated, earned 4 merit badges. Citizenship in Nation, Community, World and American Heratige. 3 of them are Eagle required. We will have a Court of Honor in February at the Virginia Theater to recognize all achievment’s since July.
Santa Visit
Reminder, Wednesday, December 2 at Bob Kelley Chevy will be the annual Santa Claus visit. Scouts will help with street lighting, and various stations at the event. Setup is at 5:00pm if you can come early to help but please be sure to be there, no later than 5:45 PM. I have the elf costumes for 10 scouts so first come first serve, otherwise, wear your Class A uniform.
Meat Sticks
We will also be selling our Meat sticks at a table and 2 scouts will man that. Speaking of meat sticks. I have a new shipment coming in by Wednesday so anyone who needs orders filled that were incomplete, please see me ASAP. We will continue to replenish our supply as scouts continue to sell .
Wreaths
All wreaths are ready for pickup at Dawn’s Flower Shop. Please pay any remaining money to her or myself when you recieve your wreaths.
Scout dues
$24.00 scout membership fee is now due. All scouts are required to pay these dues by December 30. If your account has the money, I can take out of it, however, BSA council will not re charter any scouts who have not paid by then. Parents, please make this a priority. Also leaders, please make sure your Youth Protection is still valid. We are required to take the coarse every 2 years.
Video Game Night
December 27, Sunday Afternoon. We will leave the scout house at 3:30pm. I will be there at 2:30pm for everyone to set up game systems or arrive. We will have use of the shelter house again and will also include outdoor activities , especially if it snows so bring a sled.
We will go to Pirates Cove in Findlay and then stop at Wilson for Supper. It cost $15.00 per scout fo 2hours of game play but also consider the game room and food at Wilson’s when planning for the event. Scouts will stay up all night and be fed breakfast on Monday at American Legion. ——> This event is a scout favorite.
Scout Gift Ideas
Christmas time and what to buy. Sure, they all ask for electronics, Video Games, Phones, Tablets, IPODS, Beats, I know, I get it . Scouts also like camping supplies, pocket knives, scout memorabilia , etc.
Wearing the scout uniform.
We have a unique situation with our troop. I see alot of ambition and excitement in our young scouts who show up to meetings in uniform ready to do scout stuff. And I also see it get to be hit and miss as time passes or scouts get older . Now, when I inspect other troops , pretty much all of them. I see scouts uniformed in class A’s, at least the shirt . My hopes are to build to those standards . Our troop is very strong and we enjoy the fact that we are the 3rd biggest in Wood County. I’ve included some excerpts from past scouting publications. Lets see those uniforms ! !
UNIFORMS: KEY TO SUCCESSFUL SCOUTING
“. . . putting on the uniform does not make a fellow a Scout, but putting on the uniform is a sign to the world that one has taken the Scout obligations and folks expect Scout-like acts from one wearing it.” Handbook for Boys, 3rd Edition, 1927
“Like the Scout badge, the uniform is an emblem of Scouting. It might be brand new, or it might be an experienced uniform already worn by another Scout to many meetings and campouts. Old or new, wear your uniform proudly whenever you are taking part in Scout activities. By dressing alike, Scouts show they are equals. Your uniform is also a sign to yourself and to others that you are a person who can be trusted. You can be counted on to lend a hand when help is needed. Dressed as a Scout, you will want to act as a Scout.
“. . . Wear full uniform for all ceremonial and indoor activities, such as troop meetings, courts of honor, and most other indoor functions. The uniform should also be worn during special outdoor occasions, such as Scout shows, flag ceremonies, and special times at summer camp.” The Boy Scout Handbook, pp. 12-13, 11th edition, 1998
Shawn Benjamin
[email protected]
[email protected]
