Well, if it's September, it's time to start the
new Scouting Year. We've had a lot of changes take place over the summer,
folks. Some of the more critical issues are handled below; others will be
covered in the upcoming Scoutmaster's Minute.
1) Troop Calendar -
The 1997/1998 Calendar has been updated, but lists only the major
activities. The listed dates are pretty firm. Notable
changes from our "normal" annual program include shifting the October
campout up one week to avoid conflicting with the Colombus Day Holiday;
this was by request of the Parent's Committee. By nationwide demand,
Scouting for Food has also been shifted up one week, which (finally)
enables us to have a November
2) Formal Meetings - Formal Troop Meetings started Monday, September
15th. As always, meetings start at 7pm and will run `til
8:30. The "module" schedule will be published in the upcoming "Minute."
Full Class A Uniforms are MANDATORY. Although the Troop is
currently developing a "Class B" Uniform for meetings, we have not yet
done so, and Class A's are still REQUIRED.
3) The Module Program - seems to be going very well. It is apparent that
we've kind of got it down now that we're heading into the third year of
the program. A couple of comments: (A) By popular demand, we have
ELIMINATED our scheduled "makeup" sessions; these were pretty much a waste
of time. Scouts who do not make a scheduled session will have to make it
up on their own with the instructor, or try to fit it in during game times
during subsequent meetings. Every night is now scheduled. (B) Looking
over the current status of the Scouts, virtually every Scout will achieve
their next rank by Christmas, with a number nearly finished right now. (C)
First Class Practical exams may be scheduled any afternoon with me,
starting at 4pm, until daylight savings time expires. Mutually available
weekend times are also acceptable. Scouts should NOT attempt the FCPE
until they have practiced extensively on their own.
4) The Fall Court of Honor - is confirmed for Sunday, November 9th. At
least one Eagle Scout (Joe S.) will be awarded as part of the ceremony.
In addition, all outstanding patches and rank cards will be presented to
the Scouts at the Court of Honor - and no longer at Troop meetings.
5) Withdrawing??? - If you are planning on withdrawing from the Troop,
please notify me ASAP, so that our upcoming rosters, patrol formations and
mailing lists can reflect your decision.
6) ASM (Lack of) Recruitment and Consequences - Our ASM situation remains
critical. We are in dire need of about 4 young ASM's. Again,
meetings are not the problem, campouts are. I have had no luck whatsoever
in recruiting new ASM's. As a direct result, ALL members of the Troop may
anticipate being recruited for driving duties to and from campouts and
other activities. In contrast to past years, parents will be
required to sign up for a certain number of events; this will be
handled at the next parents' meeting - and yes, no-shows will also be
assigned, probably to the events no-one else wants. I need a
"Transportation Chairman" to handle this and related duties; volunteers
appreciated, but if we have to, we'll appoint this job too.
7) Parish Center Update - Many changes have occurred over the summer;
primary for us is the loss of the upstairs rooms and Activities Room
closet to the pre-K classes for St. Agnes School. That is, we no longer
have access to any of the upstairs classrooms. However, we retained the
upstairs Equipment closet. Our new "module closet" is downstairs, next to
the mechanical room; this is a little more convenient, but rather tight.
Our meetings will be considerably more crowded this year, since we'll all
be crammed into the Main Hall (although Merit Badge Classes might be able
to get into the two Conference Rooms.) There will necessarily be a
premium on organization, and all Scouts will have to be "held in place"
during advancement time so as to minimize disruption of nearby advancement
groups.
8) Other Updates - We will probably have at least 4 new Scouts joining us
in the next few weeks; even more are possible, depending on the St. Agnes
"join up" night. Unless a significant number of Scouts choose not to
return this year (which is always possible), we will almost certainly be
re-organizing into four Patrols after the Camp Potomac campout.
New Patrol Leaders will be appointed at that time. Tim H. and Nathan K.
were appointed as SPL and ASPL, respectively, at summer camp, and will
remain in those positions for at least six month terms.
9) Philmont, 1998 - At present, we have 7 Scouts and 2 Adults signed up,
leaving 3 slots. I will keep these 3 slots open to Troop 111 Scouts on a
"first come/first serve" basis until November 1st, at which
time I'll backfill with Scouts from other Arlington Troops. Philmont
Scouts MUST attend the following events - Venture Hike-o-Ree, 25/10 Hike,
April Service Project, May Shakedown campout and June Shakedown campout.
Total cost for the Philmont trek itself is about $850. Questions, call
me.
- Dr. Bob
Parents Note: If
your son
is not in Uniform, don't bother bringing him to the meeting.
Home.