SCOUTMASTER UPDATE

Troop 1
Scenic Trails Council
Gaylord

Well, Autumn is here and so is the fall camporee which is this weekend 9 to 11 October. This year’s camporee will be at Camp Dagett near Petoskey with the theme of “Fire Safety.” Scouts attending will have the opportunity to earn the fire safety merit badge and we will also do the 5 mile hike for those approaching second class.

We will leave Gaylord from Glen’s parking lot at 5:30 Friday night and return at about 11:30 to Glen’s.

Adults going and confirmed so far include Mr. Arndt, Mr. Proux, Mr. Hare and possibly Mr. Neff. We will work out the final details tonight. We may have to have a later ride up to Petoskey since some of our scouts are on one team or another. This weekend we will also have a day visitor from the Weblos 5 den of Pack 1—and his sister. Don’t worry, we are not trying to compete with the Venture Crew—just accommodating the needs of a Weblos Scout family.

There will also be a ropes course available for the older boys at Dagett for an additional fee. More on that tonight. If you are interested, we will have forms tonight.

Plan for wet weather this weekend. An inexpensive rain suit is a better idea than a poncho if you have or can get one. Also, be sure to bring extra clothes.

The cost of the camporee was reduced to $10.00, so the total cost for our PAYGO scouts is estimated at $25.00. Excess money not used will be added to scout accounts when we return.

More in handout form tonight at the meeting, 7:00PM at Bagley Hall. Please make an effort to be there.

The Court of Honor was held Sunday the 4th and the turnout was a little less than expected. It may be that we have to advertise better. Many of you received awards which we will have to present at a later time. One of the things the new troop staff is doing is developing an annual calendar so that you will have a date for each troop event through June of 2010. That means that Tree Sales, the Christmas Party, Andrae’s Cabin Trip and all the rest will be laid out now and confirmed. That will make everyone’s job easier.

We are also looking for input on programs from December to March which would be conducted at Bagley during regular meetings. One we mentioned at the last meeting is the Short wave class during which we earn the Radio merit badge and also have the option of taking a novice ham radio license at the end. We will learn all sorts of things about radio transmitters, antennas, radio waves and a ton more. You can either choose the ham path or the DX path (listening only). Input from you guys is solicited both on this program and on any other ideas you have.

Both popcorn and wreath sales are well underway. Wreath sales started on the 4th. Don’t miss out on these programs—they are a great way to make money for your scout account. Selling wreaths at Christmas is like selling rafts to people treading water. You are a scout, people need a wreath and want to support scouting so the deal is in the bag as long as you are pleasant. Don’t miss out. See Mr. Proux tonight if you don’t have a sale sheet.

Mr. Modrzynski has popcorn. As fast as you can sell it, he can provide it. No waiting for months for your order to come in. Each of you got a mailer from Scenic Trails and our forms, so you should be set to go. 30% of the cost of the popcorn goes to you.

Come to the meeting at 7:00 tonight or call me if you want to go to the camporee and can’t make it. We will make a place for you.

Yours from the Scenic Trail

Mr. Arndt
989-732-3307 (office)
989-732-3464 (home)