March 13, 2006

Skioree at Greek Peak

Despite the weather being in the 50s and a reduced turnout, the annual Skioree was a great success and a good opportunity to get in some skiing and catch up with old acquaintances. Steve Lampke led the mission and will be providing photos for the web site shortly.

Snowshoeing hike

Scoutmasters Jery Stedinger, Mark Tate and Tim Nord led a trip to the frozen north in search of snow for our snowshoeing hike. The troop ended up near Tug Hill, NY and managed to find plenty of snow, as can clearly be seen in the photos on our updated photo archives (thanks Mark, you took some really nice pictures).

Memorial Day weekend trip

Many thanks are due to Mari Tiwari for researching this year's memorial Day trip options. The Patrol Leader's Council heard details about both Gettysburg and Boston as options and chose to visit Boston. More details will be announced in coming weeks but the departure will be Friday May 26th and we will return on Monday 29th. Families are encouraged to join us for what has always been a great group getaway with lost of fun things to do and see over the holiday weekend.
University of Scouting 2006 - From Dave Martin, Chancellor
I am pleased to announce that Baden-Powell's 2006 University of Scouting will be March 25, 2006 at Chenango Forks High School, with the theme Building on the Foundation. The University Catalog and Registration Form is posted on the Council website http://www.badenpowellcouncil.org/, and will be distributed at the February RoundTables and at the Feb 4 Scout Show at Oakdale Mall.
 
New this year: This year we have a pool available where we will offer Kayaking BSA, Kayaking Skills for Trip Leaders, and Intro to Snorkeling/Scuba (offered twice).  For all these, bring swim suit & towel and current Class 1 medical; have passed Swimmer test within past 12 months; extra $5 to cover lifeguard expense.  Your older youth leaders (minimum age 14, with Scoutmaster/Venturing Advisor approval) may take courses that interest them (except the adult position training ones, e.g. New Leader Essentials, Youth Protection, Boy Scout Basic Leader Training, and the like) – they will not earn Merit Badges but they’ll gain skills and have fun.  Also new are Intro to Special Awards, Intro to Aquatic Awards, Finger Lakes Trail, Giving & Receiving Feedback, Certified Safety Trainer, Record Keeping, and Compass Game for Webelos.

Merit Badges

Our Merit badge coordinator, Rick Grossman, would like to announce a 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.

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, March/April

3.10/11 - Ski-O-Ree at Greek Peak, rentals are available - contact Tony Brock for more information

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

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

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

3.25 - University of Scouting, Chenango Forks HS - see above for details

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

4.1/2 - Campout, contact Jery Stedinger jrs5@cornell.edu or call 257-8016 for details

4.3 - PLC meeting at FCC, First year patrol at 7:30 - no regular troop meeting

4.5 - District meeting, details of venue and time to follow

4.8 - Pack 4 crossover - Go Webelos!

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

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

4.18 - Troop Committee meeting, the library @ FCC, starts 7:30

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

4.28 - District awards dinner, details to follow

4.29/30 - Campout, details to follow