June 29, 2007

 

End of year update

I apologize for the long wait for an update, we have been incredibly busy and there are many pictures covering all sorts of topics. We have more rafting pictures, Benjamin Miller's Eagle Court of Honor pictures, Father's Day campout pictures and some really nice pictures from our year end Summer picnic and court of honor, including some nice pictures of Mari on her farewell to the troop.

Barton schedule and brochure

For anyone wishing to check on timings etc there is both a Barton schedule and a Barton primer on the troop site, follow the links for each and you will find more, great information. Thanks to Justin Tate for the Barton primer. Everything is set for scouts attending Camp Barton in the first week of July. We have 20 scouts and four adults signed up for what should be a great week. As in the past, we will have a midweek trip down to Union Fields on the night of the July 2nd fireworks spectacular, parents are welcome to join us and we will play Frisbee, watch the display and have ice cream in celebration of our independence. For more information contact Mark Tate, mwt5@cornell.edu or call 266-9422.

Personal Fitness merit badge; Paul Beckwith, Merit Badge Coordinator

Anyone wishing to take part in this 3 month, Eagle required merit badge should get in touch with Mr. Beckwith as soon as possible. The course will start as soon as possible after Camp Barton. Contact Paul Beckwith 533-7524

From Gary Decker, Taughannock District Executive

 

To all of the my friends in the Taughannock District,
It has been my distinct privilege and honor to have served as your District Executive for the past two and a half years. It is with a touch of sadness that I will be leaving you to become Baden-Powell Council Program Director. While I am very excited about this new position and the opportunity to grow and improve our Camps and overall Scouting Program, I can't help but feel a bit melancholy.

In December of 2004 we started a journey together, one that was full of trials and tribulations, but our hard work and dedication ultimately culminated in us becoming a Quality District for the first time in our history in 2006. There is no question in my mind that we were a Quality District long before that, however in December of last year, not only did we prove this to ourselves but also to the rest of the Scouting world. I may now be leaving you to focus on other issues for the Baden-Powell Council and our youth, but I'm confident, in fact more confident that ever, that the legacy of Scouting here in the District will continue to thrive and grow under your direction far into the future. 2006 may be the first time that the Taughannock District was a Quality District, but it will not be the last!! In fact, I expect that Quality District will actually just be one step each year on the District's way to reaching its own goals of improving and expanding the Scouting program in our community. Under the very capable hands and direction of Brian Wilbur (District Chair) and Nolan McLaughlin (District Commissioner) I know that the Taughannock District will continue to grow and prosper far into the future.

A little more than one year ago I challenged the District to return to the days of "A Scout on Every Corner." Well, we haven't quite made it there yet, but we have made steady progress and have plans set in place to make this dream a reality (as evidenced by the more than 200 new Cub Scouts we recruited last fall and the more than 100 Scout net gain we made in Membership last year). As Dave Gross said to me after the Cortland Dairy parade a few weeks ago, "In 15 minutes we will have reached your Dream of A Scout on Every Corner in the City of Cortland (if only for a few minutes)."


This small step is proof that we can and, more importantly, that we WILL return to a Scout on Every Corner!!

When I started out one of my goals was to some day become an "honorary Mike" or maybe to be a "Duck" (sorry for those of you who don't understand the inside joke). Well I'm not sure if I ever made it to either of these levels, but I do know that I had a lot of fun and enjoyed working with you.


The spirit and heart of this District is incredible, perhaps a bit crazy and overwhelming for someone who first looks at it from the outside, but nevertheless incredible!! The very essence of this District is its people and their commitment. Please know that you all make the local program very special for all of our
Scouts and also that you have done so for me.

My official journey with the Taughannock District may now be coming to and end but please know that my thoughts and heart will always be with you all and the District. Please know that I will be watching the Taughannock District from afar and that if the District or any of you ever need anything that I will be there to help. Long live the Taughannock District!!

What we have shared and achieved together over the past few years is very special and something that I will remember and cherish forever. Through the ups and the downs we have worked as a team to put the youth of our area first and to ensure that the Scouting program is available and thriving for them. I thank you for your hard work and dedication and most of all for your kindness and friendship to me.

Yours in Scouting,
Gary

 

Wilderness Survival Experience, July 15-20

For the past 7 years, the Wilderness Survival Experience has been offered at Camp Tuscarora. It was even featured in the December 2004 issue of Boys' Life magazine! Imagine learning the skills of the Native Americans: how would you survive if you were ever without your equipment? This high-adventure program offers scouts the opportunity to build and sleep in their own natural shelters; collect and purify water; carve their own fire-by-friction set and light fires without matches; sample the abundance of wild edible plants that can be found in any environment; try their skill at primitive hunting weapons and traps; practice the arts of stalking and camouflage; and expand their awareness of the natural world. In addition to the exciting wilderness activities, scouts also have the opportunity to earn 4 merit badges by the end of the week: Environmental Science, Wilderness Survival, Indian Lore and Mammal Study. Join us for a week of fun-filled adventures and life-long lessons. This program runs this summer from July 15-20, and it's limited to 8 scouts (13+ years old, First Class rank or higher), so be sure to sign up soon!

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Joe Zapach, Clydester2@aol.com.

Leadership growth opportunities for Scouts,

NYLT - National Youth Leadership Training for scouting youth will be available for boys interested in taking a more active role in the troop and getting great experience in leadership training. Courses will be held at Camps Barton and Tuscarora August 3-5, and 10-12, 2007. More details to follow or contact Jery Stedinger jrs5@cornell.edu or call 257-8016