February 2004

 

SCOUT SUNDAY (February 1, 8) and SCOUT SABBATH (February 14)

Please be “Reverent” and attend your place of worship in full uniform on the appropriate date.  If possible, find out how you may participate in the service.  All local churches are observing this on February 8, except the United Church of Christ (UCC) in town which is observing it on February 1.

SKI TRIP (February 20-22)

Mt. Abram, Lock Mills, Maine

Trip fee: estimated $110

Payment deadline: February 5

Coordinator: Mr. Drew Merck, Assistant Scoutmaster, 359-XXXX.

See handout from February 12 meeting.

SCOUTING FOR FOOD (March 4, 11, 18, 19)

Your neighborhood

Coordinator: Mrs. Patti Schwartz, Good Turn Coordinator, 359-XXXX.

Troop 89 will once again be conducting our local Scouting for Food campaign during the month of March.  Each Scout will be asked to have 5 of his neighbors donate nonperishable food to help restock the Medfield Food Cupboard.  Bags will be handed out on March 4, Scouts will return food on March 11 and 18.  Scouts will have an opportunity to help sort and stock shelves at the Medfield Food Cupboard for service hours on March 19 at 2:30 at the UCC church.  More information will be available at the March 4th Troop Meeting.

 

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING NIGHT (March 11, 8:10 p.m. for parents)

Regular meeting location

 

Parents – we will have a representative from Council visiting for the Friends of Scouting campaign this night.  Please plan on arriving early to pick your Scout that night and attending this brief presentation.

SCOUT HOCKEY NIGHT (March 12)

Providence

Trip fee: $7

Payment deadline: January 15

Coordinator: Mrs. Jan Rahn, Activity Night Coordinator, 359-XXXX.

Providence Bruins vs. Philadelphia Phantoms.   This is a special game promoting Boy Scouts, so uniforms will be required.  We need adults to drive – call Mrs. Jan Rahn if you are an adult planning on attending so that carpooling may be set up.

 

MEDFIELD SPORTSMAN’S CLUB (March  13-14)

Sportman’s Club, Medfield

Trip fee: $15

Payment deadline: March 4

Coordinator: Mr. Dave Thuma, Assistant  Trip Coordinator, 359-XXXX.

See enclosed handout.

 

MARCH ACTIVITY NIGHT (Tuesday, March 23)

 

Note the date change for Activity Night in March.  We will be going to USA Archery in Dedham.  Details next    month.

 

2004 SUMMER CAMP (1-7 August)

Camp Squanto Scout Reservation, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Trip fee: $250.00

Payment deadline: April 30

Coordinator: Mr. Jim Schwartz, Assistant Scoutmaster & Summer Camp Coordinator, 359-XXXX.

Troop 89 will once again be attending summer camp at Camp Squanto in Plymouth.  This year we are scheduled to attend from Sunday, August 1st through Saturday, August 7th. 

 

Summer camp provides the greatest opportunity for advancement all year.  New Scouts can quickly jump-start their Scouting careers, while veteran Scouts, in addition to continuing their own advancement, will gain valuable leadership experience.  Most of all, summer camp affords an atmosphere of camaraderie, teamwork, and fellowship.  We live, work, and compete together as a troop and have a lot of fun along the way.

 

Several adults who have attended in the past are participating in other Scouting activities this summer.  As a result, we are in need of adults to attend for the week.  Any parent who is interested in helping Troop 89 during the week is requested to contact Mr. Schwartz or Mr. Schaub.

 

The total cost for the week is $250.00 per Scout.  The full payment is required by Thursday, April 29th.  Please write checks to Troop 89, BSA.  An additional $20.00 per Scout late fee must be charged after this deadline.  Please talk to Mr. Schaub if cost is an issue.  We will provide additional information in future newsletters and handouts.  In the meantime, we recommend that parents schedule appointments for summer camp physicals now in order to avoid conflicts as the summer approaches

 

 

ADDITIONAL SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

Camp Squanto Scout Reservation, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Coordinator: Mr. Jim Schwartz, Assistant Scoutmaster & Summer Camp Coordinator, 359-XXXX.

 

In addition to Troop 89’s week at camp, Camp Squanto offers additional opportunities available to Troop 89 Scouts.  These specialty camp weeks are offered directly by Camp Squanto and are not coordinated by the troop.  Costs listed below are based on early registration.

 

·         Eagle Week offers Scouts First Class or higher and an opportunity to focus on merit badges required for the Eagle rank.  Since these are difficult merit badges, it is recommended that Scouts be 14 years of age and a STAR Scout by the time Eagle Week starts.  This special week is held from August 10-15.  It is considered a separate specialty camp week and costs $250 ($200 when combined with a week with the troop).

·         Junior Leader Training conducted by Old Colony Council is scheduled for July 4th through July 10th.  Key topics include the patrol method, decision making, team work, and having fun!  It is considered a separate Specialty Camp week and costs $250 ($200 when combined with a week with the troop).

·         Scouts may attend a second week of camp as part of the Provisional Troop for a reduced rate of $200 if they spend a week with the troop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*** Attention! ***

 

We are going electronic!  In an effort to save money, time, and trees we are going to start sending the monthly newsletter packet via email.  Anyone who wishes to receive the newsletter and calendar via email, please send an email to SueSchaub@comcast.net with  (1) your email address and (2) whether you wish to still get a snail mail copy.   Parents are welcome to submit their address as well.  

 

 

NOTES for SCOUTS

 

·         See note about email above.

 

 

NOTES for PARENTS

 

·         See note above concerning email.

·         We have the following positions available:

-          Committee Chair -- Mr. Mike Short would like to let some other  parent have the opportunity to serve the troop.  The Committee Chairperson’s job is more administrative in nature – they mainly are responsible for running the monthly adult Committee meetings.  Occasionally additional duties are required when a representative from our Troop is needed to attend a Council event or sign papers.  Summer Camp Coordinator -- for Camp Squanto.  This does not mean you need to attend camp (although that would be helpful!), just organize and plan.

-          Summer Camp Attendees -- We need some adults who can stay the whole week at Squanto and be able to assume a leadership role, but you are also welcome to join us for only a few days.

-          Advancement Assistant -- Assist the Advancement Chair as needed, particularly with Courts of Honor.

-          Chaplain – The Troop Chaplain ensures that religious observances are included in troop activities, serves as a resource to the Chaplain’s Aid (Scout) for preparing religious services for trips and troop activities, and helps Scouts learn about the religious emblem program for their faith.

 

For information on any of these positions, call Mr. Rick Schaub, 359-XXXXor Mr. Jim Schwartz, 359-XXXX.

 

 

NOTES for ADULT LEADERS

 

·         Upcoming training available:

-          New Leader Essentials – March 4, 7:00 p.m., Foxboro Company Cafeteria, Foxboro

-          Boy Scout Leader – March 11, 18, April 1, 7:00 p.m., Foxboro Company

-          Outdoor Leader Skills – May 1-2, Camp Squanto

-          Committee Training – March 20, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30, Weymouth, free

 

These sessions are recommended for Scout Masters, Assistant Scout Masters, and Committee Members.  To be certified as Boy Scout Basic Leader Trained you must complete New Leaders Essentials and Boy Scout Leader Series.  (If you have a conflict with dates, a session may be skipped and taken later.)  Talk to Mr. Rick Schaub for more details, 359-XXXX