Home.15 February 2001
...and Welcome to Volume 10 of the (seemingly) never-ending series known as the "Scoutmaster's Minute!" Thanks one and all for the many cards, gifts and "edibles" left at my door (my waistline hates you, but my tastebuds have a different opinion! (Oh well, that's what Philmont is for, right???) Anyway, I hope your Holidays were memorable, and that 1997 will be an even better year for you and your families.
As promised in several recent forums, 1997 is going to be a transition year for the Troop - not in personnel, but in operational philosophy. Most of you have already noticed some changes - primarily oriented around giving more authority (and responsibility) to the Scouts, and developing a new and more challenging outdoor activity program. Many more changes are in the wind; in fact, we may soon all be suffering from that ancient Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times!" And with that somewhat disquieting prelude, away we go!
In one of our first innovations, we just published a copy of our proposed yearly activity schedule; i.e., for all of 1997. (Those Scouts who missed the January 6th meeting should have a copy of the calendar included with this "Minute.") The calendar was put together by SPL Jamie S. and ASPL Rusty P. during a recent mini-PLC; a quick review will confirm that close attention was paid to the desires expressed by the Scouts at last September's planning meetings. Among the highlights are additional ski trips, a "true" Winter campout, a beach campout, a new summer camp experience, caving, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and a Troop backpacking high adventure trek. These were the Scouts' top requests for 1997 - and I think everyone will agree that it makes for a very exciting year!
Events in the immediate future include our annual mega ski trip to Canaan Valley, West Virginia, this coming Holiday weekend, plus a Senior Scout ski trip to Seven Springs or Wisp (or possibly a cross- country ski trip in Blackwater Falls, West Virginia). In February, we'll be passing on our traditional Winter Cabin campout at Camp Potomac in favor of a outdoor winter campout in southern Pennsylvania, with "snow-tubing" (the latest craze on the slopes) at Ski Roundtop being the focus of the Saturday program. Three "snow events" in less than a month should keep everyone happy, I think, assuming Mother Nature cooperates!
In what I believe is a salient harbinger of things to come, we ended 1996 - and started 1997 - with Eagle Scout news. First off, Congratulations to David Stainback - the Troop's 51st Eagle Scout! David passed his Eagle Board of Review on December 15th, giving the Troop its third Eagle of 1996 (after Mike Arthurs and Patrick Kempter.) His Honor Roll:
His service project (Goshen sign building and installation) totaled 532 man-hours of work. An outstanding record! Perhaps even more impressively, David was accepted early-decision to Princeton University on December 16th - talk about a one/two punch!
David's Eagle Board was also top-notch: Tim Arthurs (Chairman, Eagle Scout), Carl Doughman (Arlington Area Commissioner), Ted Gerarden (Committee Member), John Meyers (Patawomeck District Eagle Board), and Roy Mimms (Patawomeck District Eagle Board, Emeritus).
...and the good news does not end there, either! Keith Gerarden also loomed large on the Eagle Radar Screen - finishing up his Eagle Scout Project at Potomac Overlook Park just this past weekend (yes, the 75 degree weekend!) Keith has now completed all his requirements for Eagle, and is now working on finishing his Project Notebook in advance of his own Board of Review.
Congratulations to both David and Keith! Next up: Matt Berra, then a half-dozen more! It's going to be a busy summer on the Eagle front, folks!
December has traditionally been "down-time" for the Troop, since our fall campaign is usually quite intense. Things were different this year, however, in keeping with the requests of the Scouts for new activities. Of course, we did start off with the Troop's longest running activity (pre-dating even my tenure) - our 10th Annual Poinsettia/Christmas Wreath Sale. As in years past, Father Gould graciously allowed me to give a personal plug to the Parishioners at the end of each Mass, which helps attendance immensely. We were also fortunate this year in that the Women's Bazaar was held the previous weekend, so we had the entire Parish Center to ourselves for the sale. Results? - well, despite getting "stuck" with about 40 extra poinsettias (and holding our prices for (I think) the fifth straight year), we did nearly as well as last year, clearing just under $2,000. Not bad - and enough to cover the Troop's basic expenses for the upcoming year. Thanks much to Tim and Brendan Mac. for their efforts on this year's sale, plus everyone else who participated (or purchased!)
Next up was a new Senior Scout activity - skeet shooting at the Izaac Walton League in Centreville, VA. This was arranged by Dan Cr., in response to the very positive response by the Scouts to the trap shooting we did at last September's "Guns and Arrows" campout at Camp Potomac. In order to keep the costs down to a reasonable level, we started off doing a quick service project for the club - mainly carting around about a hundred cases of clay birds to restock the skeet houses. Each box weighs about 40 pounds, so this was not a trivial exercise. We also did some minor cleanup of the grounds, plus stacked a bunch of firewood inside the main lodge. In exchange, we got the use of the range for as long as our ammunition - and body temperature - held out. Yes, folks, it was COLD! The temperature wasn't too bad - probably low thirties - but the wind was absolutely ferocious. This was one of the first truly cold days in early December, and it was pretty brutal standing around exposed.
We started off shooting four shot rounds at (what else?) the most difficult position. The wind also had some dramatic effects on the flight patterns of the clay birds, too, which didn't help any. Well, after everyone's ego was completely crushed (including Bob Cl.'s brother-in-law, a former skeet champion), we moved to somewhat "less challenging" positions, and enjoyed commensurately greater levels of success. We eventually were allowed to use a second range (after all the club members had decided this was for the birds, and went home), which doubled everyone's shooting time. We ended up with a number of shooters getting four-for-fours as the afternoon dimmed - so practice really does make perfect. After reloading all the skeet-throwing machines as a final service project, we headed off to McDonalds for a thawing-out session, then cruised home.
Participants included: Greg B., John C., Billy F., Daniel Ho., Kevin K., Adam S. and Chris W. Thanks to Bob Cl. (and his brother-in-law, whose name I now can't remember), Dan C., Rich S., Jim S., and Rick W. for sharing range officer duties.
Next up was our latest quarterly Lazer-Tag session, this time at the Springfield Q-Zar.; this was our first visit to Springfield outlet, which is considerably closer than Manassas. As it turns out, the Springfield Q-Zar is also laid out quite differently from Manassas, and also operates by a different set of rules, so it was almost a new experience. We also got a pretty good deal - 3 full twenty minute games, plus pizza and unlimited drinks, for $20. As usual, we divided up into two teams, the "Reds" and the "Greens," for all three games (which were also Troop 111 "exclusive" sessions - no ringers). Game 1 was a re-enactment of Custer's Last Stand for the Greens, with a final score of 573 to 21 in favor of the Reds. So much for even teams! After a strategy (and meal) break, Game 2 was slightly more competitive (but not by much), Reds 565, Greens 180. By mutual agreement, we switched two players and also switched sides for the last game (i.e., the Reds became the Greens) to make the final game a little more competitive. It worked, as the (new) Reds finally pulled out a tight win, 377 to 321. Most excitingly, yours truly was (accidentally) butt-stroked across the face early in the third game, so by the time the game was over, I looked like I really had been in a war. Only 10 stitches, no big deal in exchange for my new name: "FrankenBob." Let's face it, it's not everyone who can claim to have been injured by a laser-gun, right? (It was certainly a first for the emergency room personnel!) A fun night, if a bit long.
Participants included: Richard (and Chris) B., Matt C., Kenny E., Billy F., Daniel Ho., Dan and Tim Hu., Kevin and Patrick K., Rusty P., John P., Michael R., Ryan S., Adam S., Dan and Nick T., Chris T. and Chris and Eric W. Thanks to Matt B., Jim Ho., Keith St. A., Rich S., Tom T. and Rick W. for sharing the driving and chaperoning duties.
Last up in 1996 - but certainly not least - was our first skiing trip of the Winter season, to Blue Knob Resort in Claysburg, Pennsylvania. Blue Knob has an excellent reputation for good slopes and reasonable pricing, and we were hoping that heading this far North would ensure good conditions between Christmas and New Years. Alas, `twas not to be, as the heat wave that started just before Christmas continued through the Holidays, and the resort only had two major trails open. However, they had put all their efforts into those two trails, and they were both in pretty good shape (especially considering that the temperatures were in the high 40's each day.) This one started off at the proverbial "Oh-Dark-Thirty," as we had a good 3 ½ hour drive to get to the resorts, and the rental shops opened at 8am. Even as pretty as they are, I'm beginning to think I've seen too many dawns behind the wheel of a Scout Van, folks! Oh well, such is the price to get on the slopes early.
After the usual chaos getting everyone through the rental shop, we headed out for the slopes and a full 7 hours of downhill. As usual, Jim S. and I spent about 2 hours getting our beginners going on their first lessons. Despite the fact that the beginner slope was closed, things went quite smoothly, and we got all five novice skiers (Katie C., Kenny and Russell E., Michael Rooney, and Johnny R-W.) on their way in short order (thanks also to Ron E., Keith St. A., Jamie S. and Pete W. for their assistance.) After that, we all enjoyed "speed runs" for most of the day, with occasional breaks for the incredibly overpriced food in the lodge, until things were brought to an abrupt end by the failure of one of the two operating lifts - which forced everyone to walk all the way back up the hill or wait for a half-hour or more at the remaining lift. Thankfully, it was already 4pm, and our lift tickets were about to turn into pumpkins anyway, so no real harm done. After returning all the gear, it was off to the "Ranch House Restaurant" in Claysburg for an excellent dinner, then home. A good day, despite the lack of snow.
Participants included: Kenny (and Russell) E., Daniel Ho., David Hu., Nathan and Neal K., Michael Rooney, Johnny R-W, Adam and Jamie S., Thaddeus W., Chris W. (and guests Katie C. and Kate S.); Jamie passed his Life Practical with this event. Thanks to Ron E., John K., Keith St. A., Jim S., Rick W. and Pete W. for sharing the long drive and "other duties as assigned."
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1) Permission Slips - For the Canaan Valley and Senior Scout Ski trips were handed out at the January 6th meeting. If you weren't present at that meeting, they should be attached to this "Minute." (If not, please call me for copies.) Please pay careful attention to the due dates for the permission slips - as has been previously stated, tardy permission slips now mean "you don't go." The Canaan Valley permission slip is due this Monday night - don't forget!
2) The 1997 Calendar - Again, if you weren't at the January 6th meeting, you should have two copies - one for the Scout, and one for the Parents (in this way, we hope that the Scouts will be a little bit more on the ball with what's coming up.) Note that there is one error in the calendar - there is no meeting on February 17th, and we will be meeting on March 17th. Also note that a number of specialized activities - Bluefishing, Philmont Shakedown Hikes, the Venture Hike-o-Ree, Courts of Honor, etc., are not listed, even though we'll certainly be doing them. These specialized events will be handled in more detailed monthly calendars as we progress through the year.
3) Philmont 1997 - Our first organizational meeting will be held on Sunday, January 26th, starting at 7pm, at the Parish Center. The second newsletter will be forwarded later this week; be on the lookout for it. P.S.: Philmont `97 is now sold out.
4) Upcoming Training Opportunities - (A) The Patawomeck District Life-to-Eagle Seminar is Saturday, February 8th, from 12:30 to 4pm. It is well worth the investment in time, and is highly recommended for all Life Scouts (or Star Scouts near Life Rank). Don't delay, this course often sells out. (B) The annual Patawomeck District Committee Seminar Training will be held Saturday, January 25th, location at a local church TBA. This is excellent training for any committee member desiring a better working knowledge of his or her position. Note that the Troop pays for all Adult Leader Training, so it's free to you. (C) Youth Protection (Child Abuse)Training will be offered Thursday, March 13th, at 6:30, at Falls Church High School (just before the Round Table). All Adults involved with Scouts on camping trips or as merit badge counselors should consider taking this training - it's free, and is likely to be required in the near future. (D) Boy Scout Basic Leader Training (BSBLT) will be offered this Spring on the following dates: Wednesday, March 26th, Saturday, April 5th, and Saturday - Sunday, April 19th - 20th; this is the basic "how-to" training for Assistant Scoutmaster candidates and active Committee Members.
5) Scout Mass - Will be held Sunday, February 9th, at St. Agnes; 9am Mass (assuming we don't conflict with First Communion or another priority group.) Our attendance in both 1995 and `96 was rather disappointing, and I'd like to make a better showing this year. Please mark this event on your calendars, and plan to attend.
6) Troop High Adventure, 1997 - We are currently planning a backpacking trek in the Dolly Sods Wilderness area of West Virginia, with an eye towards training our younger and intermediate level Scouts in backpacking and wilderness camping skills (other than those Scouts who have gone to Philmont with me, there is little backpacking experience in the Troop.) The dates are currently scheduled as August 10th - 16th. Based on prior treks of this sort, I would estimate a cost of about $125, with additional costs if we add whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving and/or rock climbing into the plans. Please mark these dates on your calendar.
7) Summer Camp 1997 - In followup to the Scouts' request to try a new camp, we have now confirmed our reservations at Camp Shenandoah, which is located near Staunton, Virginia, and run by the Stonewall Jackson Council. This camp has an interesting array of merit badge and Senior Scout programs not available at Goshen, but is still close enough to Goshen to allow us to assist our Webelos if necessary (which has been stated as a concern.) It is a half-hour closer driving time, runs from Sunday to Saturday (one day less than Goshen), and will cost, in total, approximately $190. We are planning on taking about 26 Scouts and 6 Adults this year (including myself). Our Scout estimate may increase significantly if all our incoming Webelos decide to attend camp this summer; we'll see. Deposits ($50) will be due by the end of February. More to follow....
8) 1997 Troop Registrations - Are once again upon us. Troop Registrations for 1997 will again be: 1 Scout, $60; 2 Scouts, $90; 3 Scouts, $100; our "Registrar" will be sending a mailing out later this month.
9) Troop Weather Policy - With our first Winter Storm already behind us, it's past time to review our Winter Weather Policy. Simply stated, we do NOT cancel based on the local schools - rather, we pay attention to what's happening through the late afternoon, and make a rational call via teletree. This is because Arlington County has to make their call at 5am, but we don't meet `til 7pm - 14 hours later. A lot can happen in 14 hours weather-wise, both good and bad. For example, had our recent ice-storm occurred on a Monday, we would have canceled - even though Arlington County Schools were in session both Thursday and Friday (because the road conditions late Thursday afternoon and that night were pretty poor.) On the other hand, we've had plenty of past experiences where the weather was horrendous at 6am, but fine at 6pm - and there's absolutely no need to cancel in these cases. In short, we use our noodles.
10) Recent Trip Costs - Skeet Shooting: TBA; Lazer-Tag: $20; Blue Knob Ski Trip: $53.38
11) The Spring Module Schedule - Will also be distributed at the January 13th Troop Meeting.
12) Congratulations - to Mark and Donna Bergeron, and our best wishes for their future together. In addition, congratulations to Toby Striegel, who recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base (San Antonio, Texas.)
13) Our Condolences - to Assistant Scoutmaster Joe Thierry, whose father passed away over the Holidays, and to our friends in Troop 143 (Faith Lutheran Church), for the tragic loss of one of their Senior Scouts last week.
14) 1998 High Adventure Reminders - I must have your $100 deposits in hand by no later than March 30th of THIS YEAR in order for me to attempt to get into either the Florida Sea Base or Philmont. I require a minimum of 6 deposits for either trip.
- Dr. Bob, Scoutmaster
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