September 2004

GENERAL NOTES:

· What a great Scouting summer! 39 Scouts and 12 leaders spent a full week at Camp Squanto, 2 Scouts attended Eagle week at Camp Squanto, 9 Scouts and 5 leaders backpacked over 70 miles at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, 3 crews participated in a weeklong adventure at Seabase in Florida, and 2 Scouts attended the National Order of the Arrow convention. And it started with a great bike trip on Martha’s Vineyard and ended with 2 rafts that went down the Kennebec!

· Missing tents – Several LLBean and EMS tents that were used during summer trips have not been returned. Please return them at the first meeting (or sooner) since they are needed for an Order of the Arrow trip on Sept. 10.

· Any Scout not returning this fall, please contact the Scoutmaster and let him know. Mr. Schaub’s phone number is XXX-XXXX.

· The Scotland trip has been cancelled due to low participation. The PLC is currently working on a proposal for a different high adventure trip for Summer 2005. Refunds will be given to those who put a deposit down for Scotland.

GENERAL NOTES FOR PARENTS:

· The current coordinator in Medfield for the Religious Emblem badge for the Catholic church is stepping down. There is training being offered September 11 for anyone interested in taking over. This position involves overseeing any Medfield Boy Scouts or Cub Scouts who are pursuing the Catholic version of the Religious Emblem – usually no more than 4-6 boys work on this in a given year. Any questions, call Patti Schwartz, XXX-XXXX.

· We could use a few adults (no experience necessary) to help with Boards of Review at the September 23 meeting. In fact, this is a good place for parents who don’t have time for camping or committee work to help us out. It gives us a new perspective on how well we are doing with our scouts, and it gives you some great insight into how our scouts are progressing and what it takes to advance. You’ll be paired with someone who has done these before – it’s pretty easy. Talk to Patti Schwartz to volunteer, XXX-XXXX.

· Please see below for information on the September 18 yard sale and how you can help!

· Mom’s night out – Saturday, Sept 25, 7:30 p.m. – while the boys are camping. Hosted by Patti Schwartz, Stuart St. Please bring an appetizer or dessert, and a beverage of your choice to share. Please let Patti know if you plan on attending. It’s a fun way to meet other moms in the Troop.

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REGISTRATION (September 9 and September 23 meetings)

Please bring a parent to ONE of the above meetings for yearly registration. The cost is $45 and includes a subscription to Boys’ Life. If there are multiple Scouts in a family, the cost is $35 for the additional Scout(s). At the same time, please return the enclosed permission/medical form with a copy of your insurance card. Also, please bring in any records that pertain to advancement/awards/badge work that was done over the summer and give to Mrs. Schwartz so it may be recorded.

Parents – we need updated vehicle/cell phone information for anyone who has a remote possibility of driving the Scouts during this year so you are backed up by BSA insurance. If your information has changed since last year or you did not provide it last year, please come prepared with your license, plate numbers, and insurance coverage amounts.

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SWIM TESTS/ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS (September 14, 7:00, Thole’s pool, 28 Whichita)

Coordinator: Mr. Dave Thole, Committee Member, XXX-XXXX.

Any Scout who has not passed the Basic Scout swim test (such as at summer camp) or needs advancement requirements for First or Second Class – this is for you. Leaders will be on hand to sign off on various requirements. You must pass the swim test to participate in the October 16-17 canoe trip!

MEDFIELD DAY (September 18, 19)

Coordinator: Mr. Jeff Rahn, Assistant Scoutmaster, XXX-XXXX.

Once again our Troop is helping at the rides for Medfield Day as a fundraiser for the Troop. Wear your Class B. Scouts are needed for 2.5 shifts between 9-4. Also, we really need everyone to help on Sunday morning cleaning up after the fireworks. Service hours will be earned for Sunday. Please see Mr. Rahn at the September 9 meeting to sign up for these days.

YARD SALE (September 18, Davis house, 63 Pine St)

Coordinator: Mrs. Iris Davis, XXX-XXXX.

Adults needed. While the Scouts work at Medfield Day, their parents are going to have a garage sale. This is to sell what was left over from the spring sale as well as any new items. Please call Mrs. Davis to sign up, for details, or to drop off additional merchandise.

MT. ABRAM TRIP (September 24-26)

Cost: $20, cash only please

Payment deadline: September 9

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

Enjoy camping in the fall in Maine! As part of this camping trip, the Troop will be helping to clear a trail at Mt. Abram (where we take our February ski trip) to thank the mountain for their hospitality.

COURT OF HONOR (September 30)

Invite your parents to attend our Court of Honor where all rank advancements and badges earned over the summer will be awarded. Any Scout planning on rank advancement must call Mrs. Patti Schwartz by September 9 to coordinate your Board of Review which will take place during the Sept 23 meeting, or for higher ranks, may require a separate short meeting with the Scoutmaster. New Scouts – if you have any question of whether “rank advancement” applies to you, please check with Mrs. Schwartz – many who attended summer camp will be eligible. (Remember, Board of Review requires wearing your Class A uniform.)

EAGLE COURT OF HONOR (October 2, 1:00 p.m., St. Edward)

Coordinator: Mrs. Patti Schwartz, Advancement Chair,XXX-XXXX.

All Scouts are invited and expected to attend Mike Shea’s Eagle Court of Honor. Wear full Class A uniform and plan to arrive 12:15 to 12:30 to help with the ceremony. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend as well.

CANOE TRIP (October 16-17, Charles River)

Cost: $10, cash only please

Payment deadline: October 7

Coordinator: Mr. Dan Gilliland, Trip Coordinator, XXX-XXXX.

Join the Troop for their annual canoe trip on the Charles. All Scouts must have passed a swimming test to participate.