January 9, 2006

Snowshoeing Campout

At the PLC it was decided to make the January 28/29 campout a snowshoeing event. To achieve this we will have scouts making their own snowshoes at the next two meetings. The way the weather is looking we will have to travel to find snow and so the details cannot be finalized yet. We are inviting Webelos from Pack 4 to join us in making snowshoes, a process involving very hot sand which sounds like it should be great fun.

More information from your patrol leader or Mark Tate mark@bigbro.biophys.cornell.edu or call 266-9422.

Merit Badges

Our Merit badge coordinator, Rick Grossman, would like to announce an general info session for anyone wishing to take Reading merit badge this year. All those interested should meet at the First Congregational Church next Monday at 7:00pm for half an hour prior to the scout meeting. For more information on this or to discuss any aspect of merit badges, please contact Rick Grossman rdg@tc3.edu or call 277-5556 evenings and weekends.

Beginning at the end of February and running through the Spring, David Kuckuk will be running the Communication Merit badge each Monday from 7:00 until 7:30 at FCC. More details will be coming soon.

Pack 4 & Pinewood Derby

We have offered to work with Pack 4 in some of their Den activities. Also, special activities like the Whittling Chip would be a great chance for Scouts to pass on their knowledge and skill. An immediate opportunity will be the Pinewood Derby this Saturday afternoon. Tim Nord and Tony Brock have offered to help and are looking for some scouts to volunteer. There will be plenty of opportunity to help with what is always a great, fun-filled afternoon. For more information contact Tim Nord nord@ithaca.edu or call 266-0429

Recruitment - 2006 and beyond

Troop 2 is not alone in facing difficulties with maintaining numbers in the face of increasing alternatives to Scouting. Some of our recent events have been incredible experiences for the boys taking part and the value of scouting cannot be overestimated. To ensure that we grow our numbers we are looking for ideas from scouts, parents, troop alumni or anyone else interested in helping. If you know boys between 11 and 18 then talk to them about the troop and see whether they would like to come along and find out what's going on. If your scouts have friends at school then talk to them about overcoming their fears and asking them to come to a meeting - they might just enjoy themselves!  

Annual dues collection

If anyone has not paid their first dues payment yet please make arrangements to send it in. For those not reaching the $200 sales level in fundraising please note the second installment of $35 is now payable. Please send dues with your scouts to the next meeting or mail the payment (payable to BSA Troop 2) direct to our treasurer Tony Brock 257-8776

Upcoming events, January/February

1.16 - Scout meeting at FCC, Snowshoe making. First year patrol at 7:00, meeting starts at 7:30

1.17 - Troop committee meeting, the Library @ FCC, starts 7:30

1.23 - Scout meeting at FCC, Snowshoe making. First year patrol at 7:00, meeting starts at 7:30

1.28 - Winter campout, snowshoes - details to follow

1.30 - Scout meeting at FCC, SPL and OA elections. First year patrol at 7:00, meeting starts at 7:30

2.4 - Scout overnight at FCC followed by Scout Sunday

2.5 - Scout Sunday at First Congregational Church

2.6 - Scout Meeting at FCC. First year patrol and Merit badges at 7:00, meeting starts at 7:30

2.13 - Scout Meeting at FCC. First year patrol and Merit badges at 7:00, meeting starts at 7:30

2.20 - School break

2.21 - Troop committee meeting, the Library @ FCC, starts 7:30

2.27 - Scout Meeting at FCC. First year patrol and Merit badges at 7:00, meeting starts at 7:30