We first want to welcome all the new Scouts to our ranks -- 15 boys from Packs 149 and 111. When last seen several hours ago, they were being challenged by mailing envelopes and mousetraps. Scouting does take some interesting dimensions.

SCOUTMASTER'S MINUTE

First, we have recently shifted more into the patrol method of scouting, a tried and true approach in which the patrol leaders assume full responsibility for their patrols planning the weekly meetings, assigning older scouts to teach the younger scouts, organizing for trips and serving as role models. The senior scouts have readily accepted their new responsibilities and have been doing an excellent job.

Another big change is the addition of 15 new scouts from Packs 111 and 149, which boosts our ranks to 54, the largest number we have ever had. These fine young men visited our troop and decided hands down that this was the troop for them. We certainly welcome them and their parents, and look forward to working with them!

To accommodate the surge of new scouts, we have reorganized into four patrols. We did this so that the new patrols will be a manageable size and so the boys can *bond* quickly. The upcoming Projectoree will provide everyone an excellent opportunity to get to know each other and to build that good old patrol spirit. After the Projectoree, new leaders and patrol names will be selected. We'll see just how creative our scouts can be in coming up with new names, flags and the like to make their patrol *the best it can be.*

Finally, I want to recognize the changes that have occurred on the parent side of the troop. Since our survey of parents was conducted last Fall, we have had parents take on the positions and activities that are needed to fully support this troop. In addition, the Executive Committee and a few interested parents/adults have been attending meetings every other week (Saturday at 8:00 a.m.!) to address important issues and action items. With the new scouts coming in, our need for ACTIVE PARENTS will even be greater. For example, we need one or more volunteers to immediately assist or lead in planning for the Whitewater Rafting trip on May 15-17 (please call Kim S. asap). We*ll send around a list of possible positions and activities to the new parents soon. This troop will only continue to be as successful as we adults make it.

Jeff Kempter, Acting Scoutmaster

TROOP REGISTRATION PAYMENTS DUE NOW

There are several things that must be attended to NOW, among them the ANNUAL REGISTRATION. Since we seem to be a high adventure troop every month -- and have quite a few boys to outfit and equip — the dues must reflect the costs. This year's fee is $90 per boy. There are no discounts for siblings. The fee includes the parents (or at least one parent) of each Scout. Please complete the following form and return it at the next meeting, complete with check or troop credit:

NAME OF SCOUT #1:_____________________________________

NAME OF SCOUT #2:_____________________________________

I am enclosing a check for $90 per boy __________

Please charge my troop credit account in the amount of $ ___________

SIGNATURE OF PARENT:______________________________________

(Sorry, but you'll have to cut up this Eagle's Nest -- and we'll have lots of little slips of paper!)

SUMMER CAMP RESERVATIONS DUE NOW

The next issue that must be attended to is Summer Camp. We are going to Camp Tuckahoe in Pennsylvania from June 21 through June 27^th. Reservations are due yesterday. If you have not contacted Matt B., our Summer Camp coordinator, please do so. I believe the camp fee is around $175. There should be a permission slip on the Troop Web Page. If not, Matt has copies. If we do not hear from Scouts and their parents by this Friday (4/10), we will assume that your son(s) is (are) not going to attend. For new Scouts, this is an excellent way to get a step up on the merit badge program, a wonderful way to gain camping skills, and generally great fun. We would really like some parents of the newest Scouts to attend camp with us because a familiar face can be extremely important for a new Scout.

Merit Badge preparation for Summer Camp will begin as soon as the general Scout year comes to a close (around May 11^th). For first year Scouts, the recommended badges are Basketry, Leatherwork, Swimming, Fishing, Environmental Science (an Eagle-required), Woodcarving, Personal Fitness (also Eagle required), and any of the animal badges (Mammals, Reptiles and Amphibians, etc.) Our Merit Badge chair will meet with each Scout individually. No one below the 8^th grade should take Wilderness Survival, and only those truly dedicated should take Rifle Shooting (it's almost impossible to get the badge). For the older Scouts, if you have not or are not going to take Lifesaving, plan on taking Emergency Preparedness (which is not offered at Camp Tuckahoe but which we will offer there privately if there is a need). If older boys attend, we will also offer several Eagle merit badges within our own camp setting.

THERE IS PREP WORK required for many of these merit badges --work that must be done prior to going to camp. A more complete description of these will be forthcoming.

SCOUT:__________________________________

Will be attending ______ Will not be attending ______ SUMMER CAMP

WHITEWATER RAFTING

We have tentative plans to raft the Ohiopyle River the weekend of May 15^th. This is located about 4 - 4.5 hours from Arlington, near Pittsburg. The current thought is that we would leave around 1pm that SATURDAY AFTERNOON, set up camp, have a nice meal (the Boy Scout way), play our games, get a good night's sleep and take the 10:30 rafting tour on the river Sunday morning. The cost should be about $75 per boy (transportation, food, equipment rental, tour package), although it will be less for those doing the Middle Yough.

There are age limitations (as well as weight) for the whitewater rafting on the Lower Yough... Participants must be at least 12 years old (and must weigh enough to not go flying out of the raft). This is Class 3 and 4 water -- and it will be high at that time of year, so there might be a few 5's along the route. For all Scouts age 11 (and those who don't feel ready to try the rough and tumble stuff or just want a nice mild whitewater experience) we will also do the Middle Yough... which is a much less challenging Class 1 and 2 experience. In all likelihood, we will abandon rafts for the Middle and stick with the Duckies. There will be two-men to each of these craft, and the ride is supposed to be a whole lot of fun. There are guides on both these trips (which will be run simultaneously). Return time on Sunday is around 9pm.

Please complete the following on the WHITEWATER RAFT TRIP

SCOUT:______________________________________

Will be attending ________ Will not be attending ___________ the Whitewater Raft Trip in May. (There will be a permission form for this as soon as we have designed the trip; it will be posted on the website. It will detail the considerations for the ages and weights and interests of the boys.)

CANADA

The High Adventure (besides Philmont) this Summer is a float trip on the Ridaux Canal in Canada. Four house boats have been rented for this cruise -- as well as an assortment of canoes. Tents will be taken for island camping, and many of the meals will be done the Boy Scout way! This is for any age child, and parents are most welcome. We have several families going in or almost in their entirety. (Yes, there will be Moms on this one!) The approximate cost of the Canada trip is $225 - $250 per person. Dan C. is coordinating this, so please call him with any questions. If you have already signed up for this, don't call. He (Dan) already has your name (and number!).

HIGH ADVENTURE 1999

Two possibilities are shaping up at this time for the Summer of 1999 (aside from Summer Camp which will hopefully be Camp Ottari down near Roanoke). The first is a trip to the Grand Canyon. The second is a backpacking trek through the Shenandoah National Park. These trips normally take place the first or second week in August -- so mark your calendars now. We would like to do an informal poll on whether you and your son would be interested in this (we need adult help, but not all parents are expected to participate).

SCOUT NAME:_____________________________________

Would be interested ________ Would not be interested ________ in attending High Adventure 1999.

At this time, his (their) preference would be:

GRAND CANYON _______ SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK _______

PHILMONT 2000

Dr. Bob, after making approximately 550 phone attempts (at last report) managed to get us into the Philmont program for the year 2000. Scouts attending Philmont must be 14 years of age, or have completed the 8^th grade, by January 1, 2000. Please mark your calendars, if you have a son who might be interested or who might qualify, for departure date of June 26^th and approximate return of July 11^th, 2000. The cost is around $1000, depending upon what happens to air fares in the next two years. Note that we are not going to Philmont in 1999.

SCOUT MEETING ATTENDANCE

For those who were not able to attend the last parent's meeting, there are new requirements for rank advancement in Troop 111. For each rank, a Scout must attend at least 50% of all meetings during that rank period. If your Scout is unable to attend, please have him call his patrol leader. If your Scout is involved in a sport where there is a conflict, please have him indicate the start and end dates of his season as well as the practice times. There has always been a policy that a Scout may come to a meeting out of uniform (and with his MacDonald's dinner) if he must come straight from practice/game to a meeting. This is particularly important as the Scouts become older and more involved in other activities. Scouting is a commitment just like any other team effort. We will do everything possible to help the boys balance the many demands on their time. However, Scouts who have self-inflicted ridiculous schedules should consider withdrawing from the program rather than prolonging out years of minimal participation.

If any of you have any questions about what is happening in Troop 111, please give any of the Committee members a call:

Chairman	Dan C.
Merit Badges Eagle's Nest Camping Advancement/Administration	Kim and Jim S.
Quartermaster	Pete W.
Scoutmaster	Jeff K.
Courts of Honor	Jane T.
Secretary	Suzie B.
ASM	Brian P.
ASM Philmont	Rick W.
Treasurer	John K.
Modules Eagle's Nest	Tom and Nancy T.

(I've probably missed someone, and if so, I apologize....KJS))

Also, if you want your child to earn some of the money for some of the events, there are many families within Troop 111, including Dr. Bob, who hire laborers (the short, young kind) and pay reasonably well. Earning part of the money makes the journey more meaningful, so consider it.

Please click here to see the current Troop 111 Calendar.

Have a great Easter holiday --- and please call if you have any questions.

Kim S. and Nancy T.
Eagle's Nest Editors

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7 April 1998