North Baltimore Boy Scout Troop #315 December 2017 Newsletter From Scoutmaster Shawn Benjamin
For any of the parents who have been with the troop for as long as I have, we all know our humble beginnings. The first bunch to come aboard when I was just taking the role of Scoutmaster, Kyle, Aiden, Damon D, Noah H. Noah P, Billy T. and their moms and dads, That was the year we went from 12 to 19 scouts. It was the beginning of what the troop has become. It was also a time to see the older scouts finish and realize their potential and earn scouting’s highest ranks. It helped all of us develop a truly scouting program and recruit even more young people to learn and have fun in the game of scouting.. To look back and see the number of eagle scouts and wonder if we are really pushing each young man to their full potential, Knowing that in reality, only 5% or less ever reach the rank , but for us we had seen a larger percentage make it to the top. An outsider looking in might think , we make it easy, but in fact…. The ability for each one of these boys to challenge themselves and each other plus electing to earn all the merit badges from various counselors, work with civic, religious and schools, and seeing the large scale improvements in our community helps re enforce the idea that we DO have a very high standard for our scouts. Larry Bateson, Mike Julien and myself all check and double check their growth to ensure we …TROOP 315… Justify and honor each boy who makes it to the top. They certainly deserve it !!
Currently there are 35 active scouts in our troop, we also have been blessed to know former scouts and scouts that have moved away in the numbers of 40+ in my tenure
Re Charter
Yes, it’s that time of year that all scouts are required to pay their annual dues . $33.00 is the membership fee for 2018 and is due by December 31st, 2017. Most scouts have enough in their accounts to cover but I will email you individually if you need to pay. With all the fundraisers our scouts have done. The accounts are in really good shape this year. Some scouts have over $200.00 in their individual accounts. Way to Go.
While we’re on the re charter item. All leaders are required to have YPT Youth Protection Training done every 2 years. Please check your My.Scouting.org account to see if you need to re up this training. Council will not renew any leader who does not have it at current status.
Meat Sticks and Wreaths
The remaining items should be all in be December 1st. Anyone who needs their un filled orders can catch up with me for meat sticks or Dawn Trout for wreaths. We had some top sellers this year for the Meat Sticks, Jeremyah H. and Skyler L. were the top sales . There are patches for all scouts who sold Meat Sticks this year.
Eagle Corner
Aiden Gore is going before the Eagle board this month . Aiden has completed his project and met all requirments for his Eagle Rank. His project required him to renovate parts of St James Church with the help of volunteers, church members and scouts. Lets wish him luck as he goes before the board. and yes, He got his application in just under his 18th birthday . You guys are turning us gray with this “just under the wire” stuff
Damon D. is completing his Gun Range for the NBPD project and will soon be wrapping up his project book.
Wyatt M. is building is Story core project with the Historical Society
Levi Trout is finalizing his Wood County Fair Grounds Project
Kyle G. is in the middle of his NB signage build for his project
Merit Badge
Larry Bateson will continue Citizen Merit Badges through December. All scouts who don’t have them should plan on attending. There will be a total of 5 merit badges to be earned. 3 of which are Eagle required. Even if you missed the first one. We can get you caught up.
Santa Visit
Wednesday, December 6 at Bob Kelley is the Chamber Annual Santa Clause Visit. Scouts should show up at 5:30pm to get their elf costumes. The doors to the public open at 6:00pm and Santa arrives at 6:30pm. Our job is to help with gifts, cookie table, crown control , coloring table and other chores that evening. This is a fun event and also counts as service hours for your advancement.
Video game Night
Saturday , December 30th is our annual video game lock in at the scout house. Plans are to meet at 3:00pm and set up games, trip to Ohio Skate in Maumee to skate from 5:00pm – 7:00ish. Then stop at Pizza Hut for Pizza and then back for the overnighter at the scout house. Cost for event is $15.00 which includes skating , pizza and transportation. Parents can attend but may have to help drive if we go over 30 participants Van(11) Tim(5) Joe(4) Mr Boes(6) plus 4 drivers. If you help drive, your fee is waived. If there’s snow, we will go sledding nearby.
Upcoming calendar of events
December 24 & January 31 – No meetings
January 12 First Aid meet in Bowling Green
January 13 Cub Lock in at Field House in B.G.
February 2-4 Winter Camp at Miakonda – First Reform cabin is rented
Who is Lord Baden Powell
Lord Baden-Powell (1857-1941) was a British general and founder of the modern Scouting movement.
Baden-Powell became a national hero during the Boer war of 1899-1900 when, with a small garrison, he commanded the defense of Mafeking.
During the Boer War, Baden-Powell wrote a Guide to Scouting. This was published in 1903 and was a best-seller. Initially meant for military purposes, after the war, he felt it could be used as a focus for young boys to give them more meaning in life. This led to the creation of the Scout Movements. During his lifetime it grew to be a respected international organisation.
Early life
Baden-Powell was born Paddington in London, on 22 February 1857. His father was a Church of England priest and professor at Oxford University. His father died when he was just three years old, and it was left to his mother, Henrietta Grace Smyth to bring up Baden-Powell and his siblings.
He studied at Charterhouse school and learnt rudimentary scouting skills playing in nearby woods. After school, he joined the British Army as an officer and was posted in India. He served in the British army from 1876-1910. During his army career, he learnt more advanced scouting skills, especially during his time in South Africa where knowledge of the countryside was vital for gaining information and avoiding the enemy. In 1884 he published Reconnaissance and Scouting. From 1899 to May 1900, Baden-Powell commanded the garrison at Mafeking during the Second Boer War. The siege of Mafeking lasted 217 days and the successful defense of the town raised the national profile of Baden-Powell.
Shawn Benjamin
nbtroop315@aol.com
