Troop 146 has been selected to participate in the Council’s 2011 Contingent to Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico.  Philmont is the highpoint in most Scouting careers and is truly a life-changing experience.  During the 12 day trek, we will be backpacking within the 215 square miles of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rockies.  The elevation ranges from 6,500 to 12,441 feet.  There are 32 staffed and 50 un-staffed campsites at the ranch.  We will follow an itenerary that will guide us through 12 to 15 of these sites.  Next March, the crew will select the itenerary that they want to follow.  More information on Philmont is available at this website http://www.sccovington.com/philmont/trek_info/philmont_overview.htm

Our troop has been allocated a 12-person crew slot.  A sign up sheet for the trip was started last Monday.  A deposit of $250 is due by 4/2/2010.  (Three other payments of $250 are due on 8/6/10, 12/3/10, and 2/4/11)

Adventure dates: June 25 – July 8, 2011 (this includes travel time) Maximum crew size: 12 (10 scouts & 2 leaders)

Cost: $1,000 (includes transportation, 12 day trek, duffle bag, patches, trail maps)

All participants must meet Philmont’s Height and Weight requirements.  (There is a minimum and maximum weight for each person’s height).  A copy of these requirements is attached to the signup sheet.  All participants must be 14 years of age by Sept 1, 2011.

Leading up to the trek, we will make several “shake down” backpacking trips in the central texas area.  These shorter trips will involve about 15 miles of hiking.  The crew will also participate in a weekend COPE course to foster team building.

There are three organization meetings for the contengent.  The first is Tuesday, March 16, 2010.  The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts until 9:00pm.  Location is Tarrytown Methodist Church, Rm 101.  I will attend this meeting and represent the toop.  It is open to anyone else that is interested (youth, adults, parents, potential participants, …)

YiS,

Christian Nelson

Assistant Scout Master 146

The Troop will be attending summer camp at Lost Pines Scout Reservation in Bastrop June 13 – 18.  Lost Pines is the perfect place for new scouts to complete both rank advancement and earn merit badges in the Trail to Eagle program.  Older scouts have many merit badges to choose from including many water sports which are always a hit on hot summer days.  The list of merit badges has not yet been released by the Council.

The cost is $210.  $105 deposit due Monday, March 29 with the balance due Monday, April 26.

The  Troop does not want any scout to miss this opportunity for lack of resources.  If your scout is in need of a scholarship, please speak to our Committee Chair, Bob Bolender and it will be handled with discretion.

Sign up is in the Committee room.

Mr. Thornton, Scoutmaster

Capitol Area Council is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2010 “Silver Pines” National Youth Leadership Training June 7-12.  Scouts will learn leadership skills that will not only help them in scouting, but for the rest of their life.  The troop recognizes these benefits and requires this training for SPL candidates.  The cost is $225.  The troop offers 3 $100 scholarships on a first come, first served basis.  Scouts must be at least First Class and 13 years old by 6/7/2010.

More information and the application form may be downloaded from the Council website.

http://www.bsacac.org/Training/OutdoorClassroomTraining_NYLTTraining.php

I must sign the application so bring it to a meeting before mailing it to the Council.

Mr. Thornton

All,

Mr. Chris Kingsbury will be starting the Spring 2010 class for God and Church (for 6-8^th graders) on Sun, 28Feb2010.

If you are interested, please contact him at email: scoutrboy@aol.com, cell: 658-0111.

For: Boys and girls in grades 6 – 8

Meeting Place: Bethany UMC, Room D212

Introductory Meeting: Sunday, February 28th, 4:00 – 5:30 pm - PARENTS MUST ATTEND -

 Dates: We will meet every other week at this same time for 3 to 4 months

Cost: Each participant must have a student workbook which can be purchased on line for $3.50. Go to: http://www.praypub.org/store/default.aspx

See Programs with Religious Activities for Youth (PRAY) Publications’ website above for all the details on the program or contact Mr. Kingsbury.  A flyer has also be uploaded to this websiteBUMC God and Church Spring2010 (8).

YiS,

Mr. Markle

Hello Troop 146,

I want to let everyone know that Sheri Moore has volunteered to take over the job of keeping up with the medical records for the troop.  Thank you Sheri!!!! 

I also want to remind everyone that the Troop passed a bylaw last summer that states starting January 1, 2010, everyone that camps or participates in a strenuous activity must have the new medical forms completed with a current physical and doctor’s signature.  If you are not sure you have done this then you probably haven’t and need to  stop by and talk to Sheri.  We have copies of the forms if you need them or you can download them from the website.

Thank you

Pam Serino

I added a new photo gallery to wordpress so that we do not need to leave the blog-o-sphere to have a good photo gallery going. Log in and select “site admin’. Click on Gallery at the bottom left.

You can then add an Gallery which is then added to an album. Then you can display the album like this.

http://dpotter.net/Technical/2008/03/nextgen-gallery-review-image-management/

Mr. Hasting

As we wind down 2009 and recharter for 2010, my plan is to plug every hole we presently have in our committee positions. The crossover transition for new boys and new parents will go more smoothly if we aren’t short-handed on the committee side of things.

So, you have been warned! I will be speaking with as many parents as possible throughout this recharter time and encouraging your increased participation.

If you have any questions, please email PastorBob@AustinBibleChurch.com

[Download not found]   We need to update our training records. I have a spreadsheet listing all current card copies I have on file for our troop as of 9/23/09. Please review what records, if any, I have recorded for you. If your name is not listed or a spot is blank for a particular training and you have completed the training class, it could be a couple of reasons:
• The training is not longer valid
• I do not have a copy of your certification
I know some of you must be current but I do not have proof! Youth Protection, safe swim defense and safety afloat are valid two years from the date listed on your card. Please visit the on-line training link to complete something you may be lacking: http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx

Although not classified as BSA training, CPR records are also important but you must provide a copy of the card. They want to know who you received your training from. All CPR courses are not created equal and each outfit that offers training usually carries a different expiration date.

Once you have completed a particular course, please bring a copy of your card to the committee table. I will pick them up there. If you have the cards and would like to scan them and send them to me by e-mail, that is OK too. Please submit any documentation you have to: lmsteel@swbell.net I will update the spreadsheet as the records are received and will try to post new reports monthly.

If an ASM or anyone needs more complete records for an individual for purposes of nominating them for a particular award, please contact me. I do have some specialty training certificates that are not listed for classes taken at Philmont, etc.

Thank you for your cooperation with this.
Linda Steel
lmsteel@swbell.net
512-331-1690

Title: Eagle Scout Court of Honor
Location: Austin Bible Church
Link out: Click here
Description: Bob Bolender III\’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Location: old Austin Bible Church building (now Liveoak Bible Church) 7500 Woodrow Ave., Austin, TX 78757
Start Time: 20:00
Date: 2009-08-18
End Time: 21:30

Troop,

I’ve uploaded the form that you will need to complete in order to be reimbursed for Troop expenses (e.g. supplies, equipment, campsite fee, etc.) or to request a payment (e.g. Eagle Projects, Summer Camps).  Please fill out the form completely and attach all receipts to match the amount you are requesting.   It would really help to have this completed prior visiting with Ms. Todd. 

Please don’t hesitate to email (tyjeffrey@austin.rr.com) or call (918-0827) me with any questions.

YiS,
Tom Jeffrey, ASM

4/30/2009 Update: Links were not working. They have been repaired.  Mr. B.

I have posted on the Troop website the advancement tracker which i will update weekly. If your name is not on the sheet please send me an email telling me so. IF YOU HAVE NO REQUIREMENTS MARKED OFF, YOU HAVE NOT SHOWN ME YOUR BOOK!!! THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! I will also be making a sheet for the Warrior patrol which will be up within the next few days, as well as a plan for the future meetings regarding requirement advancement.

YiS,
Quentin Babb

I put the new 2009 BSA Medical Form in the downloads area.

YiS,

Mr. Babb

El Rancho Cima campout was fun, but a bit chilly.

Here are some photos.

We have pictures to prove it.

It’s time for spring Scoutmaster training courses. You must first complete the online Fast Start training. You must also take New Leader Essentials (NLE).

The Chisholm Trail training flyer indicates NLE must be completed before taking SM courses but does not appear to offer NLE this spring. I will check with District leadership to see if you can take the North Shore NLE course on 3/14.

North Shore District offers NLE on March 4 and their website indicates you can take the SM course as long

Chisholm Trail District

Register @ http://www.chisholm trail-bsacac. org/index. php?option= com_rsform&Itemid=191

Cost $25 per course or $40 for both

SM Leader Specific Training (offered once in 2 classes)

Part 1: 2/26/09 6:30-10:00 pm @ St. Vincent DePaul Church dining area

Part 2: 2/28/09 8:00 am – 4:30 pm @ St. Vincent DePaul Church portables

Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills

3/13-15/09 @ LPSR

North Shore District

Event registrations on the lower left of the page @ http://www.northsho rebsa.org

New Leaders Essentials

Cost $5

3/4/2009 7:00 – 9:00 pm @ St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church on RR 620

SM Leader Specific Training (offered twice in 3 classes each)

Cost $5 per class ($15 per course) due at the door

1^st offering 7:00-9:30 pm on 1/29, 2/5 & 2/19 @ Crystal Lake Baptist Church in Leander

2nd offering 7:00-9:30 pm on 3/11, 3/25 & 4/1 @ St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church on RR 620

Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills (offered once on 2 days)

Cost $20

3/14/2009 8:00 am – 8:00 pm place TBD

4/8/2009 8:00 am – 8:00 pm place TBD

YiS,

Darrel Thornton
Scoutmaster Troop 146
North Shore Cub Scout Round Table Staff

I have added more information about Camporee to the downloads area. 

The events and their rules and a map of the site are now out there.

Each event has a scout and scoutmaster mentor assigned. Each scout is responsible for getting the materials we need to run the event !

Mr. Babb

Hey troop 146, Camporee is ours to plan for 2009.

In that vein, here are all the resource files that we obtained for the 2008 camporee.

Camporee.zip

Title: Junior leadership Training
Location: Bethany UMC
Description: All scouts in a leadership position – training
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2009-01-17
End Time: 18:00

I found this story and had to share it… It is just a wee bit too long for a scoutmaster minute.

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to
choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided
to do something different. He called all the young executives in his
company together.

He said, “It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I
have decided to choose one of you.” The young executives were shocked,
but the boss continued. “I am going to give each one of you a SEED
today – one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it,
and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from
the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you
bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO.”

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others,
received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story.

She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.

Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After
about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about
their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept
checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks,
five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about
their plants, but Jim didn’t have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by – still nothing in Jim’s pot. He just knew he had
killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had
nothing. Jim didn’t say anything to his colleagues, however. He just
kept watering and fertilizing the soil – He so wanted the seed to
grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company
brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that
he wasn’t going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest
about what happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach, it was going to be
the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was
right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he
was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives.
They were beautiful — in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot
on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for
him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young
executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. “My, what great
plants, trees, and flowers you have grown,” said the CEO. “Today one
of you will be appointed the next CEO!” All of a sudden, the CEO
spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the
financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He
thought, “The CEO knows I’m a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!”

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his
Seed, Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and
then announced to the young executives, “Behold your next Chief
Executive! His name is Jim!”

Jim couldn’t believe it. Jim couldn’t even grow his seed. How could he
be the new CEO the others said?

Then the CEO said, “One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a
seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it
back to me today.

But, I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead – it was not possible
for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and
plants and flowers.

When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another
seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and
honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one
who will be the new Chief Executive!”

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment.
If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.

Title: 2008 Webelos Woods
Location: Camp Tahuaya, Belton
Description:
Assemble: Friday, Oct 10th at 6:00PM Bethany UMC parking lot

Return: Sunday, April 12th at 1:00PM Bethany UMC parking lot

Scoutmaster in Charge of Camp Out: Darrel Thornton

Emergency Contacts: 497-3715

Start Date: 2008-10-10
Start Time: 18:00
End Date: 2008-10-12
End Time: 13:00