The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter The The …The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter Page 6...

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

The The The The SignalerSignalerSignalerSignaler

Website: http://www.troop264olney.net E-mail: [email protected]

AugustAugustAugustAugust 2002002002008888

Volume 2Volume 2Volume 2Volume 28888, Number , Number , Number , Number 8888 TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS OF THE SIGNALER

Upcoming Dates and DeadliUpcoming Dates and DeadliUpcoming Dates and DeadliUpcoming Dates and Deadlines (Refer to calendars for specific times.)nes (Refer to calendars for specific times.)nes (Refer to calendars for specific times.)nes (Refer to calendars for specific times.)

August 4 Patrol Meeting August 6-10 Philmont Prep Hike #3 (Long hike) August 11 Troop Meeting August 13 District Roundtable August 15 Sharp Street Food Bank August 15-17 Solomons Island Family Campout August 18 TLC/BOR August 21 Troop Adult Meeting August 22 Signaler DEADline August 25 Troop Meeting August 26 Signaler Meeting August 30-Sept. 1 Seneca Rocks WV/Stargazing

September 1 Labor Day - No meeting September 5 Planning Overnight at Mr. Bogan’s September 8 Patrol Meeting September 10 District Roundtable September 15 TLC meeting September 18 Troop Adult Meeting September 19 Sharp Street Food Bank September 19 Signaler DEADline September 20 Nursing home September 22 TLC/BOR September 23 Signaler meeting September 29 Fall Court of Honor

Read Me!

Tales recently have abounded of T264 scouts who don’t bother to read the Signaler. Mom and Dad know more of future scout events and opportunities than the scout does. It is the scout that should be taking the lead in such matters as keeping track of what type of meeting it is, which patrol is responsible for service, merit badge presentations, or skill presentations, what outings or events are coming up, and for putting such items on the family calendar. And a good patrol leader – not the scoutmaster, SPL or the patrol dad – will make sure that all patrol members are up to date with upcoming events or changes. Early planning is usually essential in arranging an event, and announcements at meetings or via e-mails often cannot provide full information on such activities. The Signaler will often provide such details, as well as a person to contact with questions. The Signaler also provides a permanent record of scout activities and a roster of who participated in them, along with personal impressions of the event. Scouts (and adults too) are encouraged to write items for the Signaler. You do not need to be on the Signaler staff to contribute (but any scout that wants to join is welcome). These items may be passed to Jim Bickel (Signaler editor) or e-mailed to [email protected].

Finding Sirius, the Dog Star, brightest star in the sky

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Summer Camp at Camp Bowman

2 Summer Camp at Camp Bowman

3

4 Patrol Meeting 7:30 pm

Ventures Mtg @ St. John’s 6:30 pm

5 6 Philmont Prep Hike 3

7 Philmont Prep Hike 3




11 Troop Mtg 7:30 PM

Open: L-Patrol Service: Foxes


12 13 District Roundtable, 7:30 p.m. Hospital (Vikings)

14 15 Sharp Street Church Food Bank – 4 PM Family Campout Solomons Island

16 Family Campout Solomons Island

17 Family Campout Solomons Island

18 TLC/BOR 7:30 p.m.

@St. John’s

19 20 21 Troop Adult Mtg Brookeville Academy, 7:30 p.m.

22 Signaler Deadline

23

24 25 Troop Mtg 7:30 PM

Open: Hawks MB: Vikings Skill: Foxes

Service: L-Patrol Ventures Mtg @ St. John’s

6:30 pm

26 Signaler Meeting 7 p.m.

27 28 29 30 Seneca Rocks/Stargazing (Vikings)

31 Seneca Rocks/Stargazing (Vikings)

(Sept 1) Seneca Rocks Stargazing

2008

August

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Patrol Meeting 7:30 pm

(Seneca Rocks trip return) Ventures Mtg @ St. John’s

6:30 pm Labor Day

2 3 4 5 Planning Overnight

(Bogan)

6 Gear Day


Open: Sharks Service: Vikings


9 10 District Roundtable, 7:30 p.m. Hospital (Hawks)

11 12 13

14 15 TLC/BOR 7:30 p.m.

@St. John’s

16 17 18 Troop Adult Mtg Brookeville Academy, 7:30 p.m

19 Sharp Street Church Food Bank – 4 PM Signaler Deadline

20 Nursing Home

(Vikings) 11 a.m.


Open: Foxes MB: Vikings Skill: Sharks

Service: Hawks Ventures Mtg @ St. John’s

6:30 pm

23 Signaler Meeting 7 p.m.

24 25

26

27

28

29 Court of Honor

7:30 p.m.@St. John’s Open: Sharks

Service: Foxes Ventures mtg. 6:30 p.m

30

2008

September


Summer Camp Stories

The Signaler would like your summer camp tales for the September issue. Long or short, bring them on! Scouts that attended the merit badge Advancement Camp at Camp Twin Echo at Ligonier, PA are also asked to summarize their experience there. What you say may well encourage another scout to try it next year. Give articles for the Signaler to Jim Bickel, or e-mail them to [email protected] .

Sharp Street Food Bank

Very little food at first, mostly stuff left over from last month and a few smaller donations. Then an SUV arrived crammed full of goods, which made a more respectable showing. Sorting foodstuffs took about an hour. Participants: Ryan Mercado Holland McCabe Mrs. Aimee McCabe Jim Bickel Jacen Sherman Gerad Sherman Mr. Dale Bickel Mrs/ Laura Hungerford The August food bank will be held on Friday, August 15, at 4:15 PM, at the Sharp Street Church, just across from Sherwood Elementary on Route 108, east of Olney. Please assist if you can.

Solomons Island Family Camping – August 15 - 17

Family Camping this year will be at the Navy Recreation Center at Solomons Island, MD, on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, on August 15, 16, and 17, 2008. The recreation center has a fishing pier, swimming pools, beach, miniature golf, a driving range, basketball and tennis courts, and walking trails. This event will be PATROL COOKING. Patrols must bring their own gear, and should provide gear for scouts and adults in their patrol who don’t have any (hint: tents). If you are the only one in your patrol that is going, we could put you in with another patrol. There will be a camp fee, perhaps as much as $6.50 per person per night. We will confirm the cost.

PLEASE REPLY BY TUESDAY JULY 29 IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND. We must provide a list of names by July 29 to the camp.

Please send an email to Mrs. Karitis, [email protected] AND Mr. Justus, [email protected] with names and patrols of all who plan to attend. We recommend you put your name on the list if you are not sure, as we need to provide a full list to the camp. It is better to have your name on the list than not being able to add you at the last minute. All drivers must carry driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If you don’t have all of these, you might not be allowed into camp.


Light pollution map, posted at www.novac.com.

Seneca Shadows is just above the center of the circle.

Tiny white “SN” = Spruce Knob

Seneca Rocks from Seneca Shadows Campground

Possible activities include a trip to the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, http://www.paxmuseum.com, and the Calvert Marine Museum, http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.

Seneca Rocks / Astronomy Weekend August 30 – September 1 (Labor Day Weekend)

Ever notice the orange glow in the sky at night? That’s light pollution, caused by the illimitable street lights, headlights, and lights of all kinds in our region. It’s difficult to find a place anywhere on the East Coast that’s free of light pollution, so that the stars can be seen in all their glory. Many people have never seen a sky free of man-made light. But we have a partial cure for that (for a weekend at least), an outing to one of the least light-polluted places on the East Coast that is close to Washington, on the night of the new moon when the sky is darkest. And we will have some 3600 feet less atmosphere to peer through than we have in Olney.

Troop 264 has made arrangements for a group campsite at the Seneca Shadows campground, just across the highway from Seneca Rocks, WV. This site is approximately four hours distant from Olney, and is south-southwest of Petersburg, WV. Bathrooms (showers, sinks, and toilets) are available at this campground. Because this area is rural and within the radio quiet zone surrounding the NRAO Observatory, don’t expect cell phones to work. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have kindly offered to bring their telescopes, so that scouts and adults can peer into the

heavens after nightfall on the 30th and 31st (if the cloud gods cooperate one or both nights). Expect to see stars, planets, nebulae, and perhaps meteors and satellites. And of course the Milky Way, our galaxy. Bring your telescopes or binoculars, too! Who knows, we may stay up all night. The present plan is to leave early Saturday morning [August 30] about 6:00 AM, arriving at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center around 10:00 AM. Scouts and scouters will have the option of hiking the 2.6 mile (round trip) trail that leads from the base of Seneca Rocks to an observation deck some 900 feet above, adjacent to the Rocks. Having returned to the base of the mountain, we will have a bag lunch, and by then our campsite across the highway should be available.


Tentatively, during our stay we will visit nearby Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, which has an observation tower and nearby hiking trails. Sunday morning, we expect to travel roughly one hour southwest to the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (http://www.cassrailroad.com), and take the 12 noon train up the mountain to Whittaker Station (2 hour return trip, $19 per person), pulled by an early 20th century steam engine on this old logging railroad (aside to Philmont prep #1 hikers – remember the Lumberjack Trail in May?). We will also visit the nearby National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) at Green Bank, WV (free) and take the one hour tour through the massive dish antennae that listen to the radio echoes of the universe. Optionally there are commercial caverns we can tour for about $15 per person, if we have the time and inclination later in the afternoon. All tents at the group campsite have to be erected on the five tent pad areas at Group Site D, none can be on the grass. That limits the number of tents we can set up. (Parking is immediately adjacent to the campsite.) However, there are close-by additional single or double tent campsites (same campground) that we may be able to reserve in advance, if we have a lot of interest in this trip (remember, the trip’s on a holiday weekend, and this is a popular camping spot). For that reason, it’s important that we know EARLY of all scouts and adults interested in this trip, the sooner the better. Mr. Justus has suggested that we consider including an optional hike, on the order of 10 miles (5 out and 5 back) in the Seneca Creek Backcountry (along the creek, not over the mountains), that can count toward both the Personal Fitness and Hiking merit badges. This would probably occur Monday morning-to-mid-afternoon, so as to allow those not interested in hiking to leave directly from camp Monday morning. Comments from anyone interested in this option are requested.

LAST DATE TO SIGN UP IS AUGUST 15 ! This cutoff date is necessary so that we can insure sufficient space at the campsite, and to reserve the proper number of tickets for the Cass Railroad. Costs are $10 per person at the campsite (includes both nights), $19 per person for the railway ticket, and $15 per person for food. Plus about $15 per person if we decide to visit a cave, and money for trinkets, etc. Interested scouts and adults must sign up with Mr. Dale Bickel, [email protected], 301-774-0416.

Planning Overnight – Friday September 5 This year’s planning overnight will be (tentatively) held Friday, September 5, 2008 at Mr. Bogan’s Forest (3325 Richwood Lane). It will start at 7 PM and go as long as needed to plan the calendar for the next year. If you volunteer an idea for an outing, your patrol will have to be able to host it during the year. Each patrol must contribute 2 events (Leopards patrol one event). Absent patrols will be assigned events. The SPL, all ASPLs, patrol leaders, and two adults from each patrol MUST attend (bring chairs). After that, we will have pizza, watch movies, and stay up late. Scouts or adults wishing to stay overnight after the planning should bring a sleeping bag and ground cloth. Any questions, please contact Mr. Dennis Bogan, [email protected], 301-774-2768. Start thinking now about what you want to do next year!


Merit Badge Day at Camp Snyder – September 6

NCAC will hold a merit badge day on Saturday, September 6 at Camp Snyder in Haymarket, VA. Camp Snyder is approximately one hour distant from Olney in Haymarket, VA, near the intersection of I-66 with U.S. Route 15. Scouts must arrange their own transportation, as this activity is done individually and not as a troop. The list of which merit badges will be offered will be posted sometime in mid-August. Scouts must obtain a blue card from Mr. Bogan after registering for the merit badge, and take the blue card and merit badge book to the session. Some merit badges have prerequisite work that should be done (if possible) before arrival.

Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge – September 12 - 14

The Baltimore County Sailing Center is offering the Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge in September. Cost is $75, and the instruction site is in a suburb of Baltimore (Essex). It runs Friday evening for a couple of hours, then Saturday and Sunday. Text from the Sailing Center’s July e-newsletter:

OPENINGS AVAILABLE for Session: September 12-14

The BSA Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge can be earned at the Center in as little as one (1) weekend! It's not too late to register for the September program which includes two full

days of sailing in small boats on Hawk Cove, Rocky Point. US Sailing certified instructors lead scouts through eight of the ten requirements for the merit badge. CPR (1b) and Swimming (2) are not offered as part of this session and are necessary to complete merit badge

requirements. It is recommended that these 2 requirements be satisfied in advance of the session. This program is open to both boys and girls. Cost is $75.

Contact your local scout leadership for more information or call Don Kohlhafer at 410-544-7466. To register, visit http://www.bcsailing.org or follow this

link: http://www.bcsailing.org/programs/Youth/BoyScout/merit.html .

Registration is done on an individual basis (that is, contact the Sailing Center directly). Presently T264 has three scouts signed up to take this merit badge course.

Fall Court of Honor -- September 29

The fall Court of Honor will be held at 7:30 PM at St. John’s on Monday, September 29, 2008. Class A uniforms are required. Scouts needing a Scoutmaster conference should arrange one by the first week in September, and scouts needing a Board of Review on September 22 should contact Mr. Greenspon no later than Sunday, September 14 (see the last pages of this Signaler). Scouts with “partial” merit badges should try to complete them so that they may be awarded at the Court of Honor.


Class A Uniforms Are Back!!

Class A uniforms – scout shirt, neckerchief, and slide -- are required at and after the September Court of Honor.

Prep Backpacking Hike #3, August 6 - 10 and Update for Philmont O’Niners

The third preparatory backpacking hike for Philmont is scheduled for August 6-10 (5 day trip). We plan to hike on the Allegheny Highland Trail which runs northwest from Cumberland, MD. Details for the August trip are being finalized.

These trips will give us a chance to learn equipment, what to carry, what NOT to carry, how to do what’s needed, and who we are. Philmont-bound scouts and adults should plan on making all of these hikes that can be fitted into your schedules. As it is recommended that all scouts headed to Philmont have already completed the Backpacking merit badge, we will plan to work on that too for anyone that does not already possess it.

Finances: Mr. Sponaugle (troop treasurer) has put together coupon books for monthly payments. This spreads out the cost of the trip over the next 11 months so that scouts and scouters don’t have to face a sudden large bill. It also will be used for covering various reservation deposits and fees associated with the trip. At this time, most Philmont-bound scouts and Scouters aren’t taking full advantage of this opportunity. See Mr. Freedman to pick up your coupon slips if you have not already done so.

Who’s who for Philmont 2009:

Daniel and Mr. Jon Agre Alex Cole James Kerrick David Light Jim and Mr. Dale Bickel Scott Maxham Holland McCabe Victor Santos Chris and Mr. Mark Freedman Michael Mercado Peter Wilbur Patrick Vaughn Tripp and Mr. Bill Karitis Anthony and Mr. Rick Justus Chris Mercado Gerad and Mr. Gary Sherman Max and Mr. Chris Simpson

New Boy Scout Rank Advancement Changes

The National Youth Protection Committee recommended additions to Boy Scout rank requirements that became effective January 1, 2008. These changes are intended to help the Boy Scouts advance the importance of Youth Protection training beyond the initial Boy Scout joining requirements, and keep youth informed and actively engaged in understanding the key elements of personal safety and protection. Henceforth, any Scout must complete these requirements to advance to the next rank, in addition to the rank requirements in the book. Notation for these new requirements should be made in the margins of the page in the Scout Handbook listing the completed requirements. These changes will be posted in the next printing of the Scout Handbook.


Tenderfoot Rank -- Revised requirement 9:

• Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your

neighborhood. Describe what a bully is and how you should respond to one.

Second Class Rank -- New requirement 8b:

• Explain the three R’s of personal safety and protection.

First Class Rank -- New requirement 12:

• Describe the three things you should avoid doing related to use of the Internet. Describe a cyberbully

and how you should respond to one.

Video Training for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class

Scouting.org has videos available to help scouts with the rank requirements of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. These short videos include the new requirements listed immediately above.

Link: http://www.scouting.org/applications/rankvideo.aspx

The Cartwheel Galaxy


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Adopt a Soldier Program

The weather has warmed and the needs of our adopted soldiers has also changed. Temperatures are reaching the 90s and 100s, and we can no longer send any chocolate or items which will melt in transit. Right now, the best items to send are drink mixes, granola bars, sun screen and lip balm. Don’t forget our soldiers during the summer vacation months: any donations received would be greatly appreciated. We still have Troop 264 water bottles available for purchase for only $5 each, and all proceeds benefit our Adopt A Soldier Program. Summer is just around the corner so pick up a few extra water bottles to take camping, hiking, or on your next scout adventure. Our adopted soldiers truly appreciate our efforts. Please continue to keep these brave young men and women in your thoughts and in your hearts, and pray for their safe return home. For more information about our Adopt A Soldier Program, please contact Mrs. Simpson (Shark Patrol) at (301) 512-5439, send an e-mail to [email protected], or visit our website: www.troop264olney.net.

God Bless America … Land of the Free … Because of the Brave SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Limited Edition Troop 264 32 oz. Water Bottles

$5.00

All proceeds benefit our

Adopt A Soldier Program

Thank you for Supporting Our Troops!!

“My name is Lt Andrew Walsh and I wanted to thank you on behalf of my team for the generous package we

received. We appreciate all of the support.”

Thanks again,

Lt Walsh


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Nationals / Orioles Baseball June 29

Scout Day at Nationals Park

The Nats won, 3-2, with a walkoff 2-run homer by Rafael Belliard in the bottom of the 12th, after the O's had taken a one run lead in the top of the 12th. Exciting game, even for this disappointed O's fan! ~ Mr. Irvin

Max's uncle & cousin (Ed & Timmy Packard) joined us on Sunday. Timmy is a Webelos scout with a pack in Howard County. ~ Mrs. Simpson


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Participants: Chris Freedman Kevin Carr Mr. Freedman Mr. Carr Max Simpson Mr. Irvin Mr. Simpson Mrs. Irvin Mrs. Simpson Chris Mercado Ryan Mercado Michael Mercado Thanks, Mr. Mercado Mr. Irvin! Jonathan Godfrey Mr. Godfrey Mrs. Godfrey

Philmont Prep Hike #2 – July 12 - 13 Cunningham Falls State Park / Catoctin Mountain National Park, MD

The second Philmont prep hike was interesting. We started out by meeting at St. John’s and driving up to the park, then waiting another hour for the vehicles to be dropped off. Eventually, we got onto the trail, which was steep at first, and don’t forget the humidity, which would not allow sweat to keep you cool. After much hiking, we dropped packs and went straight downhill to the falls to have lunch. Some stayed there and dipped their feet, while others braved chest deep water filled holes in the rock under the falls, and the third party hiked to the visitor’s center, as we ate lunch. After over an hour, we worked our way back up the mountain to

get our packs and hike on. After much trail, we reached the vehicles, overheated and exhausted. We retrieved all vehicles, the ranger showed us the site, and we went and set up our site. We had a chicken and rice dinner, of which much was consumed. We then discussed the next hike, with details of where and when, and then hit the (lightweight) sack. We woke up, broke camp, ate breakfast, and cancelled most of our planned hiking due to the president leaving Camp David, which blocked off every single road in Catoctin National Park, and hiked the Catoctin Furnace trail, which led to the ruins and a poorly reconstructed replica. We ate an early lunch and returned home.

~ Jim Bickel

Thanks,

Mr. Irvin !


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Up and up and up. That’s the way our trail started, from the Manor Area in Cunningham Falls State Park to the top of Bobs Hill, some 1200 feet higher. At the top, we were able to look out from the east and west overlooks on Bobs Hill. Continuing along the ridge on the now-much-more level Catoctin Trail, we reached a point above Cunningham Falls, about 5 miles into the hike. Here we dropped packs and descended a side trail to the falls. While most scouts and scouters ate lunch and examined the area around the falls, Mr. Freedman, Sean, Patrick and myself crossed the creek and MD Route 77, taking at a fast pace the 1.5 mile path that led to the Catoctin Mountain park visitors’ center, where we were expected to register for our campsite. Having arrived, we found that a large section of the park was closed for President and Mrs. Bush’s weekend visit to Camp David. (By chance or luck or prognostication, Patrick’s trail plan avoided all the closed sections.) Here we were advised that a ranger had to escort us and our vehicles to the site, we could not walk in to it. It was with some difficulty that we got them to understand that our vehicles were either at the Manor Area some miles further down or at the Round Meadow parking lot three or four miles further up the mountain, and that our packs and gear were two miles away on the hill on the further side of the falls. We arranged for a park ranger to meet us at the vehicles at Round Meadow about 5 pm.

The four of us having hiked the mile and a half back to the falls, we collected everybody and returned uphill to the packs. After some minutes rest, we continued on northward about another mile and a half, crossed Route 77 into the Catoctin Mountain park, and then another 2/3 mile to Park Central Road. Turning left, we descended along the road to Round Meadow and reached our vehicles. The promised ranger arrived shortly thereafter, and Jim and myself drove behind his vehicle to Site A at the Poplar Grove Youth Group site. The site was overgrown with weeds; the ranger mentioned this was the first time anyone had used the site this year. (There are two Poplar Grove Youth Group sites, each used alternate years, but the water supply in the other site had failed.) We returned to Round Meadow and returned with the other vehicles and set up camp, complete with campfire (despite the heat). Next morning, at 7 AM when breakfast was about over and packing up already started, a ranger arrived to tell us that if we weren’t out by 8 AM, we would be locked in the campsite until 10 AM (security again). We did move a bit faster and were all packed and left before 8

AM. Security vehicles were already on the roads and they were ready to close it the moment the word came.


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We had planned to hike further in the national park on Sunday morning, but the security precautions precluded that. So we returned to the Manor Area and backpacked along the ¼ mile trail to Catoctin Furnace. The furnace isn’t very impressive, but a pleasant hike. Having returned to the parking lot, we had a very early and light “lunch” (around 10 AM) before returning to Olney.

~ Mr. Dale Bickel

Participants: Peter Wilbur Gerad Sherman Anthony Justus Patrick Vaughn Jim Bickel Chris Freedman David Light Max Simpson Sean Wilbur Brandon Wymelenberg Mr. Dale Bickel Mr. Rick Justus Mr. Mark Freedman Mr. Chris Simpson

To Get Leadership Credit for Den Chief Service

If you are serving as a Den Chief for leadership credit, prior to your BOR must notify Mr. Matyas. You should obtain a note from your Pack Den Leader and/or cubmaster. This letter should include: (1) the dates you served as a Den Chief (at least six months); (2), The Pack and Den you served with; and (3) include the signature(s) of the Den Leader, Cubmaster, and /or Pack Committee Chairperson and the date they signed off. Submit this letter to Mr. Matyas prior to your BOR. (301)-570-0610, [email protected]. To earn the Den Chief Service Award, you must serve the pack faithfully as a den chief for one full year.

Getting Credit for Troop Activities

It’s important that everyone who participates in Troop 264 campouts, trips, and community service activities gets credit for their hard work. The Signaler provides the permanent record of everyone who attends these events. Patrol leaders need to take responsibility for collecting the names of participants in their patrols and send those lists, preferably by email, to the Signaler staff by the monthly deadline. E-mail lists to [email protected]. This month’s deadline: August 22.


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Do You Need to Review Your Knots?

If you need to review your knots prior to your next BOR or the next campout, check out the site below. It is very good for visually demonstrating how to tie knots. Click on the Scouting Emblem for knot demonstrations. http://www.animatedknots.com/

Troop Activity Policy

Please be reminded that it is troop policy (and common courtesy) for a scout or scouter to pay the costs associated with an event he or she has signed up for but did not attend, without being asked. No-shows increase the costs to the troop and the participants, require the troop to reserve unneeded space and transport excess equipment, and results in wasted food and materials. We realize that situations inevitably will occur that prevent a scout from attending events, and ask that the scout or scouter contact the person organizing the event right away. If the conflict is raised early enough, adjustments can often be made where food has not yet been purchased or reservations have not been finalized.

District Roundtable

Our Boy Scout Roundtables feature informative discussions on topics from youth leadership training, using OA more effectively in your troop, and summer camp experiences. Each month Bill Lanson and his crew provide wonderful presentations, from wood carving to Dutch oven cooking, to help your unit leaders provide new ides and opportunities for your troop. This year we are also asking each troop to help out by giving a presentation on a favorite activity or camping location that your troop does. Come see what great new locations your troop might want to visit! Roundtables are held the 2

nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Montgomery General Hospital. Be

sure to check the front desk for the room number of the meeting. The rooms will change, but the meeting is

now at Montgomery General Hospital.

To find out more about the Roundtable, or to sign up to make a presentation, contact Bill Lanson at (301) 774-8040 or [email protected].


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IIIINFORMATION PAGENFORMATION PAGENFORMATION PAGENFORMATION PAGE

Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

Some years ago we set up a new procedure for scouts to follow for requesting Board of Reviews. Being a large troop, we needed to give the adults sitting on the BORs some lead-time. Recently the procedure has been sliding and the adults are getting short notice because of last minute BORs being scheduled. Therefore we are restating our policy. FORGOT THE PROCEDURE? NO PROBLEM – It is almost always on the last page of each Signaler edition. Also, you can look at any past edition of the Signaler for this information.

Signaler Submittal Deadlines: Information Due to Reporters: August 22 Signaler distribution Date: August 29

Articles Due to Signaler Staff— August 22 – No articles accepted after August 22.

Editor: Jim Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected] Webmaster Mr. Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected] Reporters: Zach Hopkins 301-774-4106 [email protected]

Victor Santos 3 301-260-8605 [email protected] Signaler Adults: Mrs. Evans 301-260-1042 [email protected] Mr. Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected] Adult Advisors: Scoutmaster: Mr. Bogan 301-774-2768 [email protected] Treasurer: Mr. Sponaugle 301-774-4814 [email protected] OA: Mr. Patterson 301-774-0330 Advancement Chairman: Mr. Matyas 301-570-0610 [email protected] SPL: Victor Santos 301-260-8605 [email protected]

Adult activity coordinators – please submit information about upcoming activities to Signaler Staff (electronically or hardcopy) by the deadline. Please contact a Signaler reporter if you would like to have a Scout generate the announcement for you. If any information or participants of activities have been left out of the Signaler; corrections will be made in the next issue. Please send any corrections to The Signaler at [email protected].

The Signaler is presently posted on the troop’s website, www.troop264olney.net. Notice is sent by E-MAIL when the new Signaler edition is posted. To get on the e-mail list, or to be removed or make corrections, please send an e-mail to [email protected] (Mr. Dale Bickel).

The Signaler Staff

BOR Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Walt Greenspon @ (301-774-5394) no later than two Sundays

(8 days) before the scheduled Board of Review. Failure to give proper notification will delay your BOR until the next month. Get your Scoutmaster Conference prior to calling Mr. Greenspon. If your scout is scheduled for the BOR, he must bring an adult with him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another scout. This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for advancement. Dress Code for BOR: Class “A” shirt, neckerchief, slide and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted). A scout hat is preferred.


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ADVANCEMENT INFORMATION PAGE

BOARD of REVIEW (BOR)

Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Greenspon @ (301-774-5394) no later than two Sundays (8 days) before the scheduled Board of Review. Failure to give proper notification will delay your BOR for a month. If your scout is scheduled for a BOR, he must bring an adult with him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another scout. This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for advancement. Scout dress code for BOR will include Class “A” shirt, neckerchief, slide, and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted). A scout hat is preferred.

SCOUT SPIRIT for ADVANCEMENT

We all recognize that Scout Spirit is hard to evaluate. We know Scout Spirit includes being helpful and cheerful, but it is more than that…it’s giving back. In an effort to assist Patrol dads in recognizing Scout Spirit, the following guidelines are offered. Our troop believes that prior to each advancement, participation in the following activities exemplify the essences of Scout Spirit:

• A minimum of 1 nursing home visit

• Participation in at least 1 fundraiser

• At least 4 overnight outings per year

• Good deeds done outside of scouts

The Patrol Dad, not a senior scout, is responsible for signing off on Scout Spirit prior to your Scoutmaster Conference.

SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES

Any scout needing a Scoutmaster Conference for advancement up through 1

st class, needs to contact

one of the following for a conference: Mr. Kennedy 301-774-5014 Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394 Mr. Laing 301-570-4235 Mr. Long 301-924-4365 Mr. Pitts 301-774-3208 Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974 Mr. Culbertson 301-774-7049 Mr. Zuccaro 301-774-0824 Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life, and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan - (301-774-2768). Preparation for the scout’s BOR must include being prepared to answer skill, citizenship, first aid, and merit badge questions.

BOR for STAR and LIFE SCOUT ADVANCEMENTS

While ropes and compasses are provided for younger ranks, by the time you are ready for Star and Life advancement, you should be responsible enough to bring your own knot rope and compass for your BOR. We are requiring all scouts who are advancing to Star or Life to bring a knot rope and compass to their BOR.

LIFE and EAGLE SCOUTS as ADVISORY BOR MEMBERS

If you are a Life or Eagle Scout and would like to sit on a Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, or Star BOR, as a “Technical Expert”, call Mr. Greenspon on (301-774-5394). You would be the fourth person on the Board. While you wouldn’t have a vote, you would have input into the decision-making process and add invaluable knowledge and insight by asking questions that perhaps scouters wouldn’t think to ask. This is a great way to give back to and maintain the quality of your troop.


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Permission Slip for Astronomy / Seneca Rocks, WV Trip August 30 – September 1, 2008

I give permission for my son _______________________________ to participate in the Troop 264 trip to Seneca Rocks and vicinity, WV. In an emergency, please notify ___________________________ (indicate name and relationship to your son) at ___________________________ (phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My son is allergic to the following medications or foods: ____________________________________. __________________________________________ ________________________ Parent or Guardian Date

Permission Slip for Philmont Prep Hike #3 August 6 - 10, 2008

I give permission for my son _______________________________ to participate in the Troop 264 Philmont Prep Hike #3, August 6-13, 2008, on the Allegheny Highland Trail near Cumberland, MD. In an emergency, please notify ___________________________ (indicate name and relationship to your son) at ___________________________ (phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My son is allergic to the following medications: ____________________________________. __________________________________________ ________________________ Parent or Guardian Date

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