At the Dutch Oven Cooking event on March 20th our Mr. Bill and our scouts performed the flag raising ceremony. They then found out that the museum was looking to retire that older flag properly. Our boys will take part in that ceremony on June 19 at 2:00pm. We'd like as many of our scouts as possible to attent. See you there.

STSR Camp is June 27- July 3, 2010 Summer Camp is traditionally held at the Spanish Trails Scout Reservation in Defuniac Springs.

The BSA 100 year patch is an honor you all should be striving for and can only be earned this year. I have been giving you the requirements in this news letter now for 4 months. we want to stress that you can only work on this patch till december 31, 2010 after that it will no longer be available.

"Character" Participate in a flag ceremony, in uniform, ofr a non-Scouting organization. You will have a chance to fulfill this requirement at the Jr Museum flag retirement June 19 at 2:00pm. I hope to see you all in your class A uniform. This is the only one we have on the books right now.

"A Scout is Trustworthy" Now that you have crossed over it is your job as a Scout to be prepared for all classes & read all materials when passed out. You have to take all information to your paret or guardian. This also means that if you sign up for classes and events you are expected to show your pride for Troop 356. You will be expected to follow all rules of scouting and the event you are attending. We stay together and participate as a group and use the buddy system.

Scouting Family Tree requirement 1 for Achievement on the 100 year patch. Fill out your family's Scouting Family Tree online to get a certificate to print out and bring to Ms Lizzy for credit or we can do it online on a Monday night.

Coming up: Cooking, Hiking, Backpacking, Pathfinding, Tracking, Safety, First Aid & Camping Merit Badges are just a few we will be working on as a troop.

 

Lake Sands District Roundtable is conducted 7 PM the second Thursday every month (except July) at First United Methodist Church Trinity Bldg. (map link - opens a new browser window).

2010

• January 2010 "Citizenship"
• February 2010 "Physical Fitness"
• March 2010 "Forestry"
• April 2010 "Leadership"
• May 2010 "Special Cooking"
• June 2010 " Aquatics/Scuba"
• August 2010 "Fishing"
• September 2010 "Athletics"
• October 2010 "Science"
• November 2010 "Cooking"
• December 2010 "Wilderness Survival"

 

In honor of the BSA’s 100th Anniversary, though, today’s generation of Scouts will get the unique opportunity to experience some of the activities their predecessors enjoyed. That’s possible thanks to the BSA’s new Historical Merit Badge Program, a set of four discontinued merit badges that today’s Scouts can earn.Boys must start and finish all requirements within the year 2010. And don’t delay—after Dec. 31, 2010, these merit badges will go back on the “retired” list.

Signaling

• First offered in 1910 and discontinued in 1992.
• Sample requirements: build a simple buzzer or blinker capable of sending Morse code messages, and send a message of at least 35 words; send and receive messages using semaphore flags at a rate of at least 30 letters per minute.

Tracking

• First offered in 1911 (as Stalker merit badge) and discontinued in 1952.
• Sample requirements: recognize the tracks of 10 different animals; give evidence to show you have tracked at least two different kinds of birds or animals, documenting their speed and direction.

Pathfinding

• First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952.
• Sample requirements: be able to guide people to important places within a three-mile radius of your home; submit a scale map of your community.

Carpentry

• First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952.
• Sample requirements: demonstrate the use of tools, such as a miter and bevel; build a simple piece of furniture for use at home.

USS Alabama

The weekend on the USS Alabama was a great time for the guys.

Beef O'Brady's

Thanks to Beef O'Brady's and their customers on March 13th and in April, we sold enough camp cards and received enough donations to send 3 scouts to Spanish Trails Scout Reservation Summer Camp for a week. The 4 scouts that came worked hard. We are so proud of them!

Junior Museum

On March 20th three of our scouts sold another 53 cards at the Dutch Oven Cooking demonstration at the Jr Museum. A great time was had by all and we are sending another scout to camp because of their efforts.

Merit Badge University

Two of our scouts took part in this March 27 event. They are working towards two of the retired merit badges that have been brought back for this year's centennial: Pathfinding and Tracking. They have achieved their Tracking and are working on their Pathfinding now.

Five Mile Hike

The five mile trek from Country Oaks Lane to Pitts Spring was a big success. Everyone who hiked made it the whole way and we picniced at the Spring afterwards.

Five Mile hike to Pitts Spring on Saturday, April 03.

(Thank you Mr. Chuck for taking our photo)

USS Alabama Weekend

More Camp Card Sales:

Thank You Beef O'Brady's

We chose the Eagle Patrol because that is our ultimate goal. . .to soar and climb to the highest rank and become Eagle Scouts! now we need to start thinking about our patrol yell, flag, badge, etc. in preparation for Scout Jam, special merit badge classes, awards and many other 100th BSA Anniversary Events.

Boy Scouts should always "Be Prepared" and have a note book, folder or three ring binder and a bag to carry it in, to bring to all patrol meetings.

Advance to Tenderfoot, Second Cass, First Class, Star, Life, or Eagle rank, or earn two Merit Badges.  This is very easy to do all rank requirements are listed in you Scout  Handbook. (Some of you need to earn your Scout rank first. So lets get working on that.) As for two Merit Badges we are all working on First-Aid remember you don’t have to wait on the troop you can answer the questions by your self   (do them in pencil in case you get them wrong) then have them signed off by Mrs. Lizzie. You can also earn the 2010 Tracking Merit Badge with a little time and work on your own Ask Mrs. Lizzie for the requirements she is the Merit Badge Counselor for both. You could also do 2010 Pathfinding Merit Badge with Mr. Bill just ask how.

Scouting Family Tree requirement 1 for Achievement on the 100 year patch. Fill out your family’s Scouting Family Tree at       http://scouting.org    and look for the family tree link. You will be given a certificate to print out bring it to Mrs. Lizzie for credit tword you 100 year patch.

First Aid starting March 15th: A good way to help you be ready is to read Chapter 11 in your Boy Scout Handbook. Go ahead and put together your personal first-aid kit and pick up a First-Aid merit badge book. Ms. Lizzie is going to start working on the First-Aid Merit Badges once a week with Eagle Patrol. Some of the information is found in the Boy Scout Handbook, but each scout would benefit from getting their own Merit Badge Series First Aid Book.

When we are done answering all of the questions and fulfilling all requirements there will be a Saturday American Red Cross CPR/AED class. This is an Eagle required badge and is a tough one to get through, so we will take our time and knock it out together.

First Aid Kits

A first-aid kit well stocked with the basic essentials is indispensable. Choose one sturdy and lightweight, yet large enough to hold the contents so that they are readily visible and so that any one item may be taken out without unpacking the whole kit. Keep a list of contents readily available for easy refilling. Keep the kit in a convenient location. Make one person responsible for keeping the kit filled and available when needed. Quantities of suggested items for your first-aid kit depend on the size of your group and local conditions.

Suggested First-Aid Kit Contents

• Bar of soap
• 2-inch roller bandage
• 1-inch roller bandage
• 1-inch adhesive
• 3-by-3-inch sterile pads
• Triangular bandage
• Assorted gauze pads
• Adhesive strips
• Clinical oral thermometer
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Sunburn lotion
• Lip salve
• Poison-ivy lotion
• Small flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
• Absorbent cotton
• Water purification tablets (iodine)
• Safety pins
• Needles
• Paper cups
• Foot powder
• Instant ice packs

Because of the possibility of exposure to communicable diseases, first-aid kits should include latex or vinyl gloves, plastic goggles or other eye protection, and antiseptic to be used when giving first aid to bleeding victims, as protection against possible exposure. Mouth barrier devices should be available for use with CPR.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

This specialized skill to endeavor to revive victims of cardiac arrest (no breathing, no pulse) may be taught to Boy Scouts and Venturers by an instructor currently trained by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Teaching this skill to Cub Scouts is not recommended.

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

A Scout is Trustworthy.
A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.

A Scout is Loyal.
A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.

A Scout is Helpful.
A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.

A Scout is Friendly.
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.

A Scout is Courteous.
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.

A Scout is Kind.
A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.

A Scout is Obedient.
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.

A Scout is Cheerful.
A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

A Scout is Thrifty.
A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

A Scout is Brave.
A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.

A Scout is Clean.
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.

A Scout is Reverent.
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

The Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to
Be clean in my outdoor manners
Be careful with fire
Be considerate in the outdoors, and
Be conservation minded.

 

Leave No Trace

Take only pictures,                 Leave only footprints

____ SCOUT SHIRT & TROOP ACTIVITY "ZIP-OFF" PANTS (100% Nylon, Olive Drab color) Wear them, don't pack!
____ BACKPACK (a real backpack with a waist strap) Line your Pack with a Lawn Bag first, to keep contents dry.
____ SLEEPING BAG (Place a Lawn Bag inside a tough Outer Bag to protect from ripping, stuff (don't roll) sleeping bag into this double bag)
____ CLOSED-CELL FOAM SLEEPING PAD ("Camp Pad," $7 from Wal-Mart -- NO AIR MATTERESSES)
____ 100% POLYPROPYLENE LONG UNDERWEAR, Tops and Bottoms (To keep you warm if everything gets wet).
____ 2 pair HEAVY-DUTY SYNTHETIC or WOOL HIKING SOCKS, No Cotton! (For year-around use.)
____ 2 pair POLYPRO INNER SOCK LINERS, No Cotton! (prevents blisters)
____ STURDY HIKING BOOTS, 1/2 size larger than regular size to fit both inner & outer socks -- see above. ($5 at thrift stores)
____ RAIN SUIT (A Rain Suit has waterproof pants and keeps you drier than a poncho).
____ T-SHIRT, 1 extra pair BRIEFS or BOXERS
____ LONG SLEEVE SHIRT, No Cotton! (Synthetic fiber for good insulating quality and quick drying - $4 at thrift stores)
____ HEAVY WOOL SWEATER, or POLAR FLEECE SWEATSHIRT, No Cotton! ($4 at Thrift Stores)
____ 1 extra pair LONG PANTS, No Cotton! (extra olive-drab Nylon Troop Activity Pants or other non-cotton Pants -- thrift stores)
____ HAT with a brim
____ WATERPROOF "BLUE" TARP -- 5'X7' ($3 Wal-Mart, or other heavy plastic Ground Sheet)
____ 12 LARGE clear plastic LAWN BAGS (Important! To keep your stuff dry!)
____ GOOD QUALITY WHISTLE on neck chain (Do NOT buy a cheap Whistle, Try Eastern Mountain Sports, $3)
____ POCKETKNIFE with cord (Small enough to wear around neck--SMALL Swiss Army Knife, $13.  Never buy a knife made in China!)
____ MESS-KIT (BOWL, CUP, FORK, SPOON, PLATE -- heavy-duty plastic or metal)
____ 2 ONE-QUART WATER BOTTLES, filled (Any STURDY plastic bottle is OK,  best are Wide-Mouth "Nalgene" Bottles, $4)
____ SMALL FLASHLIGHT, & EXTRA BATTERIES (Can be any style, but a headlamp enables use of both hands -- $8 at Wal-Mart)
____ SMALL FIRST AID KIT (You can make your own: BSA Handbook, Page 289).
____ 50 FEET LIGHT NYLON PARACHUTE CORD (50 foot "Camo-Cord," $1.46 at Wal-Mart)
____ COMPASS with a BASEPLATE, in a Zip-Lock bag (with map, if you have one)
____ MATCHES, in a Zip-Lock bag.
____ CLEAN-UP KIT (Small Hand Soap, Small Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Comb, Floss, small Fast-Drying Camp Towel)
____ TOILET PAPER (Half a roll in a Zip-Lock bag).

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
 
Remember: Your pack, including  FOOD & TENT,  must  weigh less than 1/3 of your body weight!

____SMALL DOME TENT (WE NEED THEM!) Caution: outer Rain Cover should come all the way down to the ground.
____ COMPRESSION STUFF SACKS (Reduces size of sleeping bag or other bulky things -- Can be home-made)
____ SMALL LIGHTWEIGHT GAS STOVE with FUEL (Gasoline, not propane, not butane-see BSA Handbook, page 253)
____ POTS, PANS, UTENSILS (as needed)
____ WATER FILTER, and/or water treatment chemicals
____ BEAR BAG & PULLEYS
____ INSECT REPELLENT (non-aerosol)
____ SUN GLASSES (UV-Proof required for winter camping -- prevents snow blindness).
____ SIX or more 2-GALLON HEAVY-DUTY ZIP-LOCK BAGS (To keep your clothes and gear organized and dry.)
____ REPAIR KIT (Small Duct Tape, Needle & Thread, Safety Pins, Batteries, Extra Buckles & Straps, Parts for your Equipment.)
____ OLD WORK GLOVES (For working with trees & tools, and hot pots & pans)
____ SWIMSUIT & LIGHT WATER SHOES (Ask if there will be a place to wade)
____ BANDANNAS (A million uses)
____ FISHING OR BACKPACKING VEST (Best way to be sure that you always have your 10 Essentials and Survival Gear)
____ PEN, PENCIL & PAPER, SMALL POCKET NOTEBOOK (No, you can't borrow ours)
____ OPTIONAL EXTRA SET OF DRY CLOTHES TO LEAVE IN CAR (In an extra bag, with your name on it)
____ EXTRA BAG FOR HEAVY ACCESSORIES (To be left in car!) BSA Handbook, Camera & Film, Magnifying Glass, Nature Identification Books, Binoculars, Duct Tape, Prayer Book or Bible, More Extra Batteries.