Troop 1-News and Views

 

Summer Camp 2010—So far we look happy

Now we move from summer into fall. We worked much harder than we expected at the Air show. We saw summer camp produce more merit badges and partials than ever before for the 19 boys on scene, and the weather was spectacular. Let’s not forget to thank one of our earlier Eagle scouts Ken Recor for the beautiful cash gift which made summer camp easier for all of you. The Brevort fishing trip was a small crowd, but the boys did manage to catch dinner on Saturday night. The first fall event at Hessel is ancient history (no pun intended) but we did see a few of our old friends— the Wagar Boys. Welcome back.



Beauchesne’s trying out their new boat at Brevort



That fish is no dummy, John!

Somebody won at cards---or lost, eh Noah?

  

Somebody has to clean up—
and these guys are setting an example!



And this is the crowd from Hessel—Monks, Bedouins or Apostles?

Upcoming events. First on the agenda for October is the Fall Camporee 1-3 October—next week. We expect to leave Friday about 5:30PM and return Sunday about 11:30AM This year the Cub Pack will send 9 adults and 9 Weblos Scouts with us—so we have work to do to get ready. Wednesday’s meeting will include planning for food and accommodations and planning for the team to go to the Pack meeting and explain the agenda next weekend. We only have this and next week to get ready. We also have a part to play in this fall Camporee since the theme is Olympics based, we will run one event which looks like the stilts race. Come and find out what we end up with on the 22d and the 29th.


Those of you (which is all of you) who have to teach a scout a skill under the new program will have a chance to show the Weblos guys how to cook or use stilts or fire build, so be sure to bring your book so that we can record it.

I will be attending the first Pack meeting on the 23d and would like 3 or 4 scouts to go with me. We can show the kids our gear and tell them a little about the Camporee.

Troop Committee and the Scout staff will meet on October 3 at Bagley to finalize the schedule for the year. Patrol leaders be on scene along with troop staff. Scouts at 6:00 or 6:30 and committee at 7:00PM.

Court of Honor is October 10th, Sunday, at Bagley. Troop buys the meat and drinks and we break the Troop by last name so that last names that begin with A to L bring side dishes and M to Z bring deserts. What could be simpler that that? Please make an effort to come and recognize our scouts.

Second is the Critter Walk on the 16th of October in Grayling at Hartwick Pines. It is an opportunity for 4 scouts to make a few bucks and join the program. We serve hot chocolate, Mr. Proux’s famous chili and hot dogs (for a profit). Sign up early, sign up often.

Uniforms Uniforms Uniforms. CC Tim Baker has noticed that our uniforms have been getting a little raggety... or something like that.

The SPL will be scheduling uniform inspections in the near term and, guess what, I think he has prizes for the best kept uniform. The committee voted and decided that our official scarf will be the forest green with gold lettering. New scouts got one when we welcomed you, others, take note on your Christmas lists or get one with your scout funds. If you need the honor troop patch, let Mrs. Proux know. You should all have a class A and a Class B now.

Grass is over for this season. Last cuts were about the 15th. Minor clean up yet at old St Mary (flags). Good job by all and it looks like more scouts cut more times this year than in past years.

November brings preparation for the Troop Lock in at the Community Center in preparation for the Christmas Tree Sales. Lock in is tentative for 6 and 7 November.

November is also the time to begin thinking about wreath sales. That sounds strange in the middle of popcorn sales, but the holidays will be on us before you know it. Wreath sales are very profitable—very profitable. For you that are planning for Florida Seabase and trips next summer, get ready. Now is the time to make your lists and even call on a few people. People are catching on to how good tree sales are— St Mary just asked us to use our wreath vendor too this year—there is competition. As Kevin Neff used to say, “Spend a minute making a call, make $20.00.” What could be easier?? Parents—step in—Jeff should have brochures by the first of November or so.

Christmas Tree sales need a mention. Jim Sales has agreed to help us again this year—thank the Lord. The only money our troop gets is from tree sales. That is badges, coffee, food for courts of honor and fees up front for summer camp, Hessel and all of the other events. We know that things work better when we have scouts on site and we must have at least one parent at the trailer at all times when scouts are there. We will be publishing a sign up list and we want to make it clear that each family must sign up for at least 3 separate shifts or, if desired, can combine the shifts on one day. We cannot let this drop or we simply will not have money to operate. Sandy is working on a profit and loss statement for the troop for our last full year and I expect that we may see it on the 3d—you will all be able to see just how tight our budget is.

One committee member suggested that a lack of participation could remove the scout family from one of the spring events. Another suggested that I, your loving scoutmaster, get as nasty as Vicki used to when participation waned. Believe it or not, I have Vicki’s old scout pants—hearing that I tried them on and I cannot get into them. Wouldn’t you know it. That said, let’s make this a team effort so nobody has to feel like they got treated like a strangled parakeet when its over. Deal?

Last. Silversides. We now have a paid space on the USS Silversides, the WWII submarine anchored in Muskegon. 16 July we will spend the day at the water park there (huge) and spend the night on the sub.

With any luck, we should have a finalized troop calendar to you on the 5th or 6th of October. In the meantime, your calls and emails are always welcome.

Don’t forget to join us at the Court of Honor!

Until we meet again on the Scenic Trail,

Ken

Ken Arndt Scoutmaster





Welcome Back!

Troop 1-Gaylord


Welcome Back Troop 1

In one way this is a test message and in another it is a brief for scouts and parents of all of the early season activities this year. We hope you are all planning to come back—we miss ya. The scouts who made the Brevort Lake Fishing Trip are anxious to tell you all about it. Thanks to Julia Bushong for the unwinding of the troop site—she posted this and will take over Tim Neff’s duties.

First off-Hessel this year is September 17-19, so, in order to get started with the planning, we will have our first meeting on the 8th of September 7:00PM at Bagley as usual. The agenda for this meeting includes planning for Hessel and planning longer term for the Fall Camporee at Flywheelers on the weekend of  October 1-3.

First, congrats to Doug Tyran—made his Eagle about 2 hours after his 18th birthday and he will come back at the holidays for his investiture—maybe, if we are lucky, with the troop at a regular meeting.

First, the regular Committee Meeting will be held on September 12th at Bagley at 4:00PM for allllllllllll parents. Come and get a hot dog and a soda and we will break out the calendar for the year. We should be out of the meeting by 6:00 so you can get on home. It is very important to the troop that you all be there so we can take a look at the troop activities and plans—modify where necessary—and be sure we have enough adult talent for our events. I have also prepared a new troop manual and have a few comments on scout leadership.

Second-Hessel, our traditional fall opener, is 17-19 September. This will be themed “Through the Decades” and we always put forth a good showing. It is one of the best campouts of the year—warm weather, water, lots of scouts from all over and, as I hear it, GIRLS. So far this year Jeff Proux has signed up and he will drag the troop trailer. We will start planning for that and finish on the 15th of September.

There is also the Friends of NRA Dinner on the 11th of September. Last year we had four scouts there and the Gaylord group made a donation which we split among the 4v scouts there and the troop. We will do this again this year—5:00 to about 10:00—we are runners for charge slips and we deliver gifts. They feed us too so mom, you won’t have to worry about that.

The Camporee on 1-3 October has the theme “Olympic Games” and we have the task of running the stilts race—and of course we have to build the stilts. Mr. Proux—will you keep us from cutting off our hands??

Apart from those activities, we also have the fall Court of Honor for all of the efforts at summer camp and over the summer—and we earned even more merit badges this year than we did last. We also elect new troop leadership in October and new patrol leaders and staff. It will be a busy couple of months. Before you know it we will be headed to the fall lock in to “rest up” for the tree sales over the holidays.

On behalf of the committee I hope to see you all on Wednesday. We all know that we have lost some scouts over the summer—some have aged out and we are not likely to see them much more, some just became Eagles and drifted to other interests. The older boys will be eligible for the higher adventure programs later in the year—hopefully it will be interesting and challenging and they will drift back. We also have our Seabase Trip in the Spring—and we still have a couple of spots. We can promise you a challenging year. This is the cycle for the Silversides and water park trip next summer if you all agree--and there are many new ideas on the table.

Until Wednesday, then, I wish you all a great Holiday

From the Scenic Trail-

Ken Arndt
Scoutmaster

Scout Night at the Beach Bums!

SCOUTNIGHT

AT THE BALL PARK

Tuesday, August 24th

Batting Practice 5:05PM

Game Starts 7:05pm

The first 500 Youth to Wuerfel Park will receive a Beach Bums Baseball.  

The day of the game, Lawn Seats for Scouts will be discounted, to $4.00 each instead of $6.00! Scouts will need to wear their uniform or have a card proving they are registered. Bring blankets or seat cushions for the lawn area.

If you would rather sit in the seats with backs, groups can get tickets for $5.00 instead of $10.00.

Call 231-943-0100, order them online,

(www.traversecitybeachbums.com) or visit the box office at Wuerfel Park.

Come as Packs, Dens, Troops, Patrols or individuals and invite the family. Lets fill the place with Scout Uniforms and show everyone that Scouting is strong in Northern Michigan!

BSA Formally Launches Inventing Merit Badge

BSA Formally Launches Inventing Merit Badge  

Cambridge, MA The Boy Scouts of America, in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology formally launched the Inventing Merit Badge.

This new, exciting merit badge is now available for all scouts to earn.

* Requirements are available at:

http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges/mb-inventing.aspx

* The first printing of the merit badge pamphlet has been shipped to local council service centers.

As part of the development and pretesting of the Inventing merit badge, thirty-eight scouts from six Boston area councils completed the merit badge requirements and were awarded their badges. Additionally two patent-holding Distinguished Eagles with connections to MIT were presented commemorative merit badges for their past inventive activities and ongoing support of Scouting.

Scenic Trails Council, BSA
1499 Business Park Dr, Traverse City MI 49686
231-947-7071 or 1-800-466-2102
Fax: 231-947-7072
Web Site: www.stcbsa.org

Important Changes to BSA's Youth Protection Training Policies

Versión en español.

June 7, 2010

Recently, the Boy Scouts of America announced important changes to its Youth Protection policies. The purpose of these changes is to increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting. Effective June 1, 2010: Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position. New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins. Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered. To find out more about the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America and how to help Scouting keep your family safe, see the Parent's Guide in any of the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting handbooks, or go to http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx. Questions and Answers The following are answers to some of the questions we have received about these important changes. To read more, visit www.scouting.org/youthprotection. Q1: When does the change go into effect? A1: As of June 1, 2010, all registered adult volunteers--no matter what their position entails--must complete Youth Protection training prior to beginning their volunteer service. Q2: Why a new training policy on such short notice? A2: Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the Boy Scouts of America. It is important to implement this training at all levels of the organization. The BSA is always reevaluating and reassessing its policies to ensure the safest youth program and the best training are offered. The BSA's Youth Protection training has been in existence long enough for it to be understood and accepted as a mandated training for all registered BSA adult volunteers. Q3: What is the deadline to meet the new Youth Protection training standard? A3: All registered leaders should take or renew their Youth Protection training so that it is current as of today. A unit will not be able to recharter without its key registered adults being up-to-date on their Youth Protection training. No individual leader will be able to register without being up-to-date on his or her Youth Protection training. Q4: Is there a grace period to get all adults trained? A4: No. If a leader's Youth Protection training is not current, the volunteer must take or renew this training immediately. Every effort should be taken so that all adults involved in Scouting have a current certificate of completion of the Youth Protection training. Q5: Will the system be able to handle the overload of people taking training at the last minute? A5:  The system platform that houses e-learning is expected to be able to handle the high volume. Q6: Does "all volunteers" mean all volunteers -- even board members and council presidents? A6: Yes. The goal is to have all registered volunteers Youth Protection-trained. This is an important statement for the Boy Scouts of America as a youth organization and reinforces the BSA's commitment to the well-being of all youth members and volunteers. Q7: I am sure I know all there is to know about youth protection. Can I "test out" by only taking the Youth Protection online quiz? A7: No. You must complete the entire online training in order for your Youth Protection certificate to be valid. This ensures you receive the latest information on BSA Youth Protection. Important: Please note that the quiz has been removed from the e-Learning Center because the content did not reflect the new changes in Youth Protection policy. Q8: Does the executive officer (institutional head) of a unit need to take Youth Protection training? A8: If the executive officer is not a registered leader, he or she is not required to complete Youth Protection training, although it is strongly recommended. If the executive officer is a registered member of the BSA, then he or she must complete Youth Protection training. Q9: I am a Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent. Do I need to take Youth Protection training? A9: The Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent designations are not registered adult positions; therefore, mandatory Youth Protection training is not required. It is strongly recommended, however, that all adults involved in Scouting take Youth Protection training. All registered adults are required to take Youth Protection training. Q10: I am an Explorer post Advisor. Does this new policy apply to me? A10: Yes. All registered adults are required to take Youth Protection training. Q11: The new policy indicates that a Youth Protection certificate of completion must be submitted "at the time of application." What does that mean? A11: A BSA application should be collected from a prospective leader only with the fully completed form, with a copy of the individual's Youth Protection certificate of completion. Both documents should be submitted together to the council service center. Q12: Do leaders need to wait until they have final clearance on the background check to meet with youth? A12: No. As long as their application is fully completed, submitted to the council service center, and approved, their fee is paid, and their Youth Protection training has been received by and acknowledged by the council, they will be able to interact with youth members while the criminal background check (CBC) is still pending. Q13: Do merit badge counselors need to take Youth Protection training? A13: Yes. A merit badge counselor is a registered volunteer position. Q14: Can units that have some adult leaders who have not completed Youth Protection training be rechartered? A14: In order for a unit to be rechartered, it must have all the required positions filled with Youth Protection-trained adults. Adults who do not have current (within the past two years) Youth Protection training will not be reregistered. Q15: Will the new adult applications have this information? A15: Yes. All new applications will reflect these changes. Q16: Can a council or district organize Youth Protection group training for its adults? A16: Yes. It is encouraged that adults take the training via the online module, but the instructor-led model is still acceptable as long as the most current version of the Youth Protection DVD (item No. 610327 or 36121) is used and the end-of-course quiz is proctored by the trainer at the end of the training session. Reminder: It is critical that training completion certificates be issued after successful completion and that a formal training record roster be submitted to the council registrar so proper credit can be recorded in the profiles of each participant. Q17: Will both the regular and Venturing leader versions of Youth Protection training meet the requirement? A17: Yes, as long as the most current versions of the DVDs are used for group training. The online version is the preferred method, as it allows for those taking the training to get one-on-one training and take all the time they need for review. The individual is issued an immediate certificate of completion, which allows for the updating of the volunteer's ScoutNet record. Q18: If a person is not a registered leader, how can he or she log in and take the Youth Protection training? A18: A person does not have to be a registered volunteer to take Youth Protection training. To take the training, log in to myscouting.org and click on create an account. After you have confirmed your new myscouting account user name and password, log in to myscouting.org and click on e-training to begin the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, print a certificate to submit with a completed adult leader application to the unit leader or your local council representative for processing. Remember to keep a copy for your records. Once the application is approved, the new leader will receive his or her membership card with their member ID. It is important that new members log back in to myscouting.org and update their profile with this member ID to receive credit for completing this and any other training.

Providing you with clear and helpful information is a priority If you have additional questions, please contact your council or please let us know by sending your questions to youthprotection@scouting.org. We will review all inquires and post updates to www.scouting.org/youthprotection.

BSA Youth Protection Training MANDATORY

June 1, 2010

Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA. To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance its Youth Protection policies.

Effective June 1, 2010: -- Youth Protection training is required for all registered volunteers. -- New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before they submit an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins. -- Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

To ensure these policies are fully implemented, please take the following steps: -- If you have not taken Youth Protection training within the past two years, please log on to MyScouting and take the training. Be sure to have your member ID number. The number can be found on your Boy Scouts of America membership card. -- If you do not know your member ID number, contact your unit leader or committee chairman. Your council can also assist. -- A person does not have to be a registered volunteer or have an ID number to take Youth Protection training. To take the training, log in to MyScouting and create an account. From the MyScouting portal, click on E-Learning and take the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, print a certificate and submit it with an application or submit to the unit leader for processing at the local council. -- If you have taken Youth Protection training online but did not input your member ID number, please log on to MyScouting and input your member ID in the My Profile section so the training will be linked to your records. -- If you have taken Youth Protection training within the past two years but did not take the course online, log on to MyScouting to ensure your records are up-to-date, or contact your council for verification that your Youth Protection training records are accurate. -- Finally, please share these important changes with other Scouters.

To find out more about the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America and how to help Scouting keep your family safe, see the Parent's Guide in any of the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting handbooks, or go to http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx. Thank you for your commitment to our nation's young people and to Scouting. Sincerely, James Terry Assistant Chief Scout Executive

Doug's Eagle Scout Project in the Press

Missing Shovel

Mr. Neff is missing a square tipped shovel used at Doug's Eagle Scout project. The shovel has TN in permanent marker on the handle. Mr. Neff has a square tipped shovel from the project but it does not have TN on the handle.

Thanks

Texas Baked Beans

A recipe for the dish served at Kevin's Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

Brown 1 pound of ground beef.
Brown 1/2 pound chopped up bacon.
Brown 1/2 cup chopped onion

Mix the above ingredients and then stir in:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. mustard
2 tsp. vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
1 LARGE can baked beans
1 can kidney beans
2 cans butter beans

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for one hour.

Doug’s Eagle Project

Doug’s Eagle Project

What: Installation of a new fence around the soccer fields, and some minor painting of trash cans, parking guards, and building trim.

When: May 22^nd starting at 10:30 until the project is complete.

Where: The Gaylord Soccer Complex

Why (attend): To help one of your fellow scouts obtain scouting’s highest rank of Eagle.

Note: Lunch will be served at around 1 O’clock, if possible please bring post hole diggers, shovels and work gloves.

Hope to see you there!

P.S. I would like to apologize for my absence at the Court Of Honor as well as well as last weeks troop meeting due to the Junior Senior Banquet (Court of Honor night) and the Honors Convocation/Scholarship night (last week). Thanks for your understanding!

Doug

EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR

All friends and families of Troop 1 are invited to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Kevin Neff.

Sunday May 16 starting at 2:00 PM at the Otsego Lake Township Park.  (Otsego Lake Township Hall if inclement weather.)

Questions? Call Mrs. Neff at (989) 732-4051

May 12th MEETINGS

ATTENTION TROOP 1

May 12^th MEETINGS

GRASS CLASS TONIGHT AT 6:30PM, BAGLEY

FIRST AID TONIGHT AT 7:00 PM TO ABOUT 8:45—adults included if you have not had the class in 2 years.

SUMMER CAMP

We are turning in the list for summer camp this week with our deposit—if you have not signed up, do so tonight or when I call you later or you will not be able to attend. Scouts will receive their “work to play” plan for the year with the commitment to earn the money for camp and other activities, which must be returned to receive the troop stipend for camp.

If you are not at the meeting tonight, I will be calling you to confirm attendance.

Ye old Scoutmaster