Hello again,

Yes, there is going to be a North Arlington Projectoree, as planned, on April 23rd - 25th, 1999. And No, I haven't been shirking my organizational duties! This email is to fill you in on what's been going on.

As most of you are well aware, I took the position of Chain Bridge Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner this past year. As part of those duties, I have been attending the so-called Commissioner Meeting every month. During those meetings, the issue of the Spring Camporee has been raised, and I have been approached and urged to make the North Arlington Projectoree into the District's Spring Camporee (if you listen closely, you can hear the fading screams of the Patawomeck District Staff....)

I have steadfastly refused to do so, for a number of reasons:

A) The facility (Camp Wilson) cannot handle more than 24 Patrols (i.e., about 10 Troops) for a Projectoree-type event.
B) I (still) refuse to use the Projectoree as a Council fundraiser (viz, the old issue of "Council Insurance" and "Council Overhead" charges.)
C) You made it quite clear at last Spring's debriefing meeting that you wished us to remain independent.

What I have done, however, is PROPOSE what I passed by you guys last Spring, that being, that I would run a "separate but equal" Projectoree for "the rest of the District" one week after the first event. Based on the Fall Camporee, I would expect about an equal number of Troops to attend this second Projectoree, so it's "do-able" (especially since we could use the same equipment and hopefully some of the same personnel from the previous week to run the second version.) I have also stated, however, that I would do this ONLY if I was allowed to run it my way.

As you might guess, this has not gone over real well, and they've been digesting over the past month (hence, the delay in my initiating this year's planning meetings schedule.) However, they're pretty much between a rock and a hard place - the nominal "Camporee Chairman" is rarely in town, and it's either bite the bullet with Bob or go join another District for a dual-District Camporee again (like the Fall Camporee with George Mason District.)

At this point, I have no idea how this is going to shake out; I suspect they're going to say yes. If they say no - and they very well might - well then we're back where we started, and they're fully aware that we're going ahead with our event with or without their sanction.

This has all been very much behind the scenes. I am now asking all Projectoree 98 Troops whether you are still committed to attending this year's Projectoree, and whether you will support me as I reach out and attempt to help the rest of the District with a second Projectoree.

Regardless of the District's final decision, in the interests of not delaying too long, I would like to hold our first organizational meeting on Sunday, January 10th, tentatively at the St. Agnes Parish Center, starting at 7:30pm. If everyone prefers, we could go with January 3rd instead; let me know.... Each Troop should try to bring one new competition game idea; if you recall, we are only "saving" the Obstacle Course (with changes), Firebuilding Race and Egg Toss from Projectoree 98. We can of course go back and use successful games from 97 or earlier (the pole climb comes to mind), but I'd rather develop some new stuff.

Please respond as soon as possible. Thanks! - Dr. Bob

PS - Hope your Christmas is a good one....

Projectoree 99 Page.
21 December 1998