Home.8 January 1998
Dear Scouts and Parents,
"On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty...". These are the words that come to mind as I become your Acting Scoutmaster. Certainly, we were all surprised when we learned about Dr. Bob Klein's request for a sabbatical. And we wondered who could possibly take over and keep Troop 111 going strong. Dr. Bob has been an incredible leader, doer and shaper for this troop and we have all benefited immeasurably. But he has done more than just his duty; he has devoted his whole non-career life and shouldered a tremendous load for a complete decade.
Now it is time for someone else to carry the load. In stepping into Bob's shoes, I am pledging to do my best to do my duties. But, in fact, these shoes are so big that no one can really fill them alone. All of us have to step in and pull together to make Troop 111 the best it can be. In recent meetings with the Troop Committee and most of the parents, I was impressed by the positive "can-do" response. In fact, the Troop Committee's survey is now complete, and we have at least two volunteers to cover each position (see listing later in this newsletter). With this kind of Scout Spirit from you parents, we will surely continue to have a top notch program.
I must also call upon each of you Scouts to do your best to help the troop. From Senior Patrol leader to the newest members, You all want to go on adventurous outings, earn merit badges, help your community, advance in rank and ultimately become an Eagle. To do this, we all need to work together, and I will need your help, namely, to participate in as many meetings and outings as you can, to show a positive Scout Spirit and attitude, and to carry out any duties you have to the best of your ability. With you and your parents all pitching in, we will keep this troop great and, hopefully, improve it further.
I look forward to working with the Troop Committee, all parents, and especially you Scouts. If you have any questions, ideas or concerns, just give me a call. I have a 900 number with an operator standing by! Just kidding, push 2 on the answering machine if I'm not there.
Jeff Kempter, ASM
As mentioned in the last "Minute", our current District is being carved up into four new Districts. Our new District encompasses all of Arlington County and sweeps northwest through Mclean, with the boundaries being the Potomac River, Towlston Road, the Dulles Access Road, the eastern city limits of Falls Church, and the Arlington County lines. About 60 units (including Cub Packs, Explorer Posts and Scout Troops), and 2600 Scouts.
Proposed names include (in order of preference): 1) Robert E. Lee District; 2) Chain Bridge District; and 3) Colvin Mill District. Robert E. Lee is by far the most popular name but may cause some administrative headaches because there is a Robert E. Lee Council to our immediate south. No big deal, but the other two choices are more-or-less unique in Boy Scouts. Regardless of name, our new District formally incorporates on June 1, 1998. For us, the change will be minimal, but District Camporees might be worth attending again ^ no longer a cast of thousands and therefore probably better run and a lot more enjoyable. Only time will tell!
The Poinsettia Sale is scheduled for the first weekend in December. This is the troop's only fund-raiser, and all Scouts are expected to help. Sign-up sheets will be at the meetings, or call Tim or Charmaine MacDonald to sign up. The New Skier training ski trip will be held the week after Christmas. The pre-trip training session is scheduled for December 15th, a Monday. Stay tuned for details! Only new skiers or experienced skiers willing to train new skiers may attend.
With Dr. Bob's leave of absence, the efforts of the troop will be shouldered now by many...and many are definitely needed! (No wonder Bob was looking a little stooped lately!) The steering committee attempted to give people their first or second priorities, but sometimes the interests of the troop, and individual strengths, required different placements. If we moved you, we tried to keep the time commitment the same. We simply felt you would best serve a specific need (usually of critical importance) somewhere else. Call us to yell if you disagree.
Here's what the parents of Troop 111 have agreed to head so far (we've double-teamed some of you so that parents of younger scouts can be trained by parents of older ones):
| Scoutmaster: | Dr. Bob |
| Acting Scoutmaster: | Jeff Kempter |
| Assistant Scoutmasters: | Bill Fahey Larry Helm Brian Preloh Rich Sheehey Jim Smith |
| Chartered Organization Rep: | Tom T. |
| Committee Chairman: | Dan C. |
| Troop Administration: | Jim S. |
| Troop Treasurer: | John K. |
| Troop Accountant: | Jim H. Ron E. |
| Troop Secretary: | Suzi B. |
| Troop Survey: | Ellen D. Sean H. |
| Troop Registration: | Jim H. |
| Poinsettia Sale: | Tim & Charmaine M. Matt B. |
| Yard Sale Coordinator: | Holly W. Pat H. |
| Troop Mailings: | Arlene K. |
| Summer Camp: | Matt B. Frank R. |
| Parent's Meeting Coord: | Bill B. Sally W. |
| BSA Fund Campaign: | Jim H. Larry S. |
| Scouting for Food: | Heidi C. Carol R. |
| Courts of Honor: | Jane T. Nancy S. |
| Scout Mass Coord.: | Bill N. Bill S. |
| Religious Awards: | Catherine S. David S. |
| Troop Advancement: | Jim S. Brian P. |
| Module Monitor: | Tom T. |
| Merit Badge Program: | Kim S. Nancy T. |
| Eagle Scout Coach: | Tim A. Gordon P. |
| Boards of Review: | Kathy L. Rita R. |
| Camping Committee: | Mikki C. Rick W. Tim M. David S. Frank R. Kim S. |
| Transportation: | Larry S. Bill N. |
| Webmaster: | Rich Sheehey |
| Quartermaster: | Pete W. |
| Uniform Exchange: | Walt & Pat H. |
| Newsletter Editor: | Nancy T. Kim S. |
We hope to have regularly scheduled parents' meetings from now on, perhaps quarterly, and the steering committee will meet more frequently, in a timely fashion with those whose events are "up to bat". This way, no one is hanging out in the wind alone, and we're all in this to help our boys learn and act the principals and skills underlying Scouting as well as to insure that any questions about jobs, or emergency needed assistance can be offered by "the group"!
Scouting is a boy-run program, and we have some great leadership in the making. The following are the leaders in Troop 111 for the information of parents:
| Senior Patrol Leaders: | Tim H. |
| Asst. Senior Patrol Leader: | Nathan K. |
| Confused Nation PL: APL: |
Chris W. Matt C. |
| Bama PL: APL: |
Kevin K. Daniel H. |
| Pedro PL: APL: |
Brendan M. Ryan S. |
| Venture PL: | John A. |
| Historian: | Chris W. |
| Scribe/Librarian: | Adam S |
| Quartermaster: | Vacant |
At a wonderful Court of Honor, held in the milieu of Boy Scouts at the forest at Lacey Woods, Joe Schwartz and Will Driscoll were honored as Troop 111's 54th and 55th Eagle Scouts, respectively. It appears that the entire troop was present for this one, and to say that we are proud of Will and Joe would be a serious understatement. Congratulations, both of you!
In addition to the Eagle Court, 134 merit badges were awarded to our Scouts, largely as a result of summer camp. The boys and their awards were listed in the last Scoutmaster Minute, but a few have been completed since that time and deserve mention:
Congratulations to Christopher B., Charles B., Nathan K., John P., Michael R., John RW., and Chris T. for earning the Physical Fitness Merit Badge, to Nathan K. for finally getting the Environmental Science Merit Badge he earned two years ago at summer camp (better late than never, particularly on the road to Eagle!), to Tim T., who completed his Camping Merit Badge, and to Richard B. for earning the Sports merit badge!
NEW EAGLES IN THE MAKING: Tim T., who has now completed all but one merit badge and his Eagle Project; John T., who needs to fine-tune his Eagle book; Rusty P. who has a few more merit badges and will be starting his project in December, Kevin K., who is designing a WEB page for St. Agnes, (PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT RUSTY AND KEVIN IN THESE PROJECTS. IT WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR MANY FAMILIES!) and Jamie S. (who has finished all requirements except the Eagle Project).
We're proud of all our Scouts, whether they are on the road to Eagle or merely enjoying a Scouting experience that will better prepare them for the road ahead!
The weather is changing, and increasingly, we'll be finding ourselves house-bound, particularly in Washington's cold rains. If any of your Scouts say "I'm bored", gently remind them of their Merit Badges.
Parent help is definitely necessary in this process. First, please go through your Scout's records to insure you have all the blue cards and patches for both Merit Badges and Rank Advancements. Compare these to their sash. Knocking on the door of Eagle is not the time to try to reconstruct the records. Use a metal or plastic filing box for safe storage over the years or get really organized and place each card in the plastic card holders used for baseball, etc. card collections.
Try to help your Scout stay on top of the Merit Badges and in contact with their counselor. If they cannot make a meeting, please have them notify the counselors. There's no need for the adults to show up if the Scouts are not there!
Here's a list of First Class and above Scouts taking Eagle-required Merit Badges:
Citizenship in the Nation: Brendan M. (also doing non-Eagle Scholarship), Chris W. (and Dan H. and Neal K. who also do modules).
Family Life and Personal Management: Richard B., Greg B., Nathan K., Matt C., Tim H., Ryan S., Jay P., Daniel H. (Pers. Mgt. only), Dan T. and Nick T. (off-site).
Citizenship in the Community: John A., Mike S. (and off-meeting, Charles B., Stefan N., Michael R., John P. and Chris T.).
Boys still in modules have been given materials to work on at home. They are still young for the Eagles, but if they want to do them, please encourage them.
Speaking of off-site merit badges.... Historically, almost all merit badges were not done during the course of meetings. We instituted the change to make it more convenient for the boys. HOWEVER, most merit badge counselors can work in their homes with groups of boys so that sports and other activities as well as merit badges can be accomplished in a sane fashion.
Non-Eagle merit badges are strongly encouraged. They are fun, they expose the boys to new fields of interest. Talk to your Scout about what he'd like to be doing. We'll help.
We're going to be maintaining a running Troop Calendar from now on, deleting as we pass the time, adding as new activities come our way. Please incorporate this information into your family calendars and really encourage your sons to participate as often as is humanly possible.
UNIFORMS: A tentative Class B uniform has been selected. It will be presented to the Troop in the upcoming weeks.
MEETING ATTENDANCE: As a courtesy, and because Scouting is a commitment, all Scouts are asked to notify their patrol leaders if they will be unable to attend a Monday night meeting.
TRAVEL: The parents meeting last summer agreed to a travel fee for each of our trips to pay for the maintenance of the troop (Dr. Bob's) vans. It is still up in the air whether this will be a cents/mile fee or a flat fee.
As most of you have already guessed, this new Newsletter format marks the beginning of my sabbatical from the day-to-day operations of the Troop. Assistant Scoutmaster Jeff Kempter has kindly agreed to perform as Acting Scoutmaster through the end of the summer. During that time frame, I will be participating in select aspects of Troop operations, primarily the First Class and Life Practical Exams and the Eagle Scout process, and also select campouts, the upcoming Old Rag Hike, the beginner ski trip, the Projectoree and Philmont, possibly others. I will also be maintaining my position with the District Round Table.
As those of you who know me can well imagine, this sabbatical was not a step taken lightly. Rather, I have agonized over it deeply for almost a year.
However, I have now been Scoutmaster for nearly 10 years, and the intense, nearly continuous work associated with the position have ground me down physically, mentally, financially, and perhaps most importantly, spiritually. I no longer enjoy my role, and the constant (and increasing) strain is affecting my relationship with the Scouts and Committee members, both of whom deserve better. In short, I need to rejuvenate myself and gain a better perspective from which I can assess my future role with the Troop. Being perfectly honest, I do not know what that role will be: Scoutmaster, Venture Assistant Scoutmaster, or perhaps, member of the loyal alumni. Only time will tell.
As mentioned above, Jeff Kempter will act as Scoutmaster for the next 10 months. Jeff has the second longest tenure with the Troop, having been the Webelos Den Leader for the entry class of 1990. He and Kathy already have one Eagle Scout son and will soon have another. He is well familiar with Troop operations, and has participated in numerous campouts (including several summer camps) with the Troop. I am indeed grateful that he has agreed to step up and assist both the Troop and myself at this critical juncture.
As you can guess, Scoutmaster transition is always a difficult process. Many Troops experience a virtual collapse upon the departure of a Scoutmaster, especially a long-term Scoutmaster. For obvious reasons, "Acting Scoutmaster" is perhaps an even more difficult job than Scoutmaster. Jeff (and Kathy) will need the full support of the Committee, and the Scouts, in order to make this work. I ask you to be firm in your support, not only to help Jeff maintain the quality program that we have developed over the last 10 years but also to allow me to take full advantage of my sabbatical, knowing that the Troop is in good hands.
Thanks!
Bob
On a nippy November morning, members of Troop 111 and associate troop 978 (western Falls Church) headed off the Martinsburg WV for the first 111 caving trip in two years. Following camp set-up and a game of Capture the Fort at the Williamsport "Jellystone Park", our adventuresome group headed down to Whiting^Os Neck (a bend in the Potomac River to the northeast of Martinsburg) for two caves, Indian River and Whiting^Os Neck.
After hooking up with spelunkers from the John's Hopkins University Caving Club (lost and in need of directions), Scouts donned new helmets and lights, hiked about 3/4 of a mile to Whiting's and, split into two groups. The novices, under Ray Orkwis and Dr. about 3/4 of a mile to Whiting's and, split into two groups. The novices, under Ray Orkwis and Dr. Bob, headed into Indian River, a simple, almost completely walk-in cave. However, the entry was another matter, a very narrow and steep trail along a virtual cliff face overlooking the river. Highlights included some nice flow-stone formations and about a half a dozen bats. Eric W., Johnny RW. and Michael R. discovered that an apparent sinkhole at the end of the walk-in section led to another series of small rooms and tight crawls "leading to a whole" cave experience.
Meanwhile, the more experienced cavers headed off to Whiting's under the leadership of Clay Henderson, ASM-104, Rich Sheehey and John Kennedy. Bob McIntyre, a Potomac Grotto caver who has assisted us in the past, was finishing up his guide duty with another troop, turned around, and simply continued his guide role with 111.
The novice group did get a taste of Whiting's, however, experiencing numerous crawls over slick formations and a 25 foot repel into the main part of the cave. While avoiding the dicier parts of the cave, we did whet the appetites for greater challenges on our next trip!
A quick change of clothes was followed by Pizza Hut dinner and ever-popular Logan's Run back at camp. A chilly night (into the 20s), though well-sheltered by a ridge of trees, completed the event. The cave trip marked the Life Practical Exam for Tim H. and Nathan K. who both did an excellent job. Congratulations!
Troop 111 spelunkers included Richard Bangs, Christopher B., Matt C., Jeffrey C., Matt G., Daniel H., Dan H., Tim H., Nathan K., Neal K., Stefan N., Daniel O., Michael R., Ryan S., Johnny RW., Michael S., Steven S. and Eric W., plus three Scouts from Troop 978.
A special thanks goes to parent/leaders Clay Henderson, John Kennedy, Ray Orkwis, Rich Sheehey, and Don Farmer and Bill McKnight from Troop 978.
December, January and February will all give witness to one of our Scout's favorite activities, skiing. December marks the training session for novice skiers. Dr. Bob and Jim Smith will be taking beginners off for a day of skiing and of training. Bob's track record is outstanding. He usually has them up and swooshing within an hour. They might not be ready to do Double Black Diamond's, but they are comfortable on skis and have the knowledge needed to progress rapidly. He's far better than any Ski School! While the date is still tentative, we're looking at December 30 or 31st. Experienced skiers may accompany this outing if they are willing to tutor the new skiers.
Dr. Patrick's Hall in Canaan will be the next ski target for the troop. Located in West Virginia (about four hours drive from here if the weather cooperates), it is convenient to both the Canaan and Timberline Ski Resorts. Last year, we skied both resorts, one day each. The first day was 60 degrees below; the second day, the boys were skiing in their T-shirts. No wonder we recommend dressing in layers! All meals are eat-out, so we only have to carry personal gear! This ski trip will be held over the Martin Luther King Holiday with departure around 3:00 Friday and return sometime Monday afternoon.
Early in February, the Troop will hit the slopes for Snow Tubing, an event that got heated out repeatedly last year. This will be a nearby trip, probably to Round Top or Liberty. Seven Springs, and its neighbor, Hidden Valley, will be the probable destination for February. Over President's Weekend, this event will also incorporate Winter Cabin Camping, another seasonal favorite. Snow ball fights, tunneling, etc., though not BSA endorsed activities, seem to be looked-forward-to components of this one, as well as taking to the slopes.
Parents new to the troop are always welcomed to come. Please consider adding one or all of these to your agenda. They are lots of fun!
Home.