Well, wasn't that a great weather call by the Scoutmaster? For those who hadn't heard, we postponed last weekend's planned tubing and winter campout trip to southern Pennsylvania due to weather concerns - as of Friday afternoon, we had heavy rain/sleet predicted for Friday night/Saturday morning (`til noon), high winds Saturday afternoon, and additional sleet snow moving in late Saturday/early Sunday. Not ideal when you're already planning on camping on 3 - 5 inches of slush. Well, the first front came faster than expected, and the second slowed down by a full day, giving an absolutely perfect window of opportunity to get the tubing event in (although the camping would probably still have been akin to sleeping in a field hip-deep in Seven-Eleven slurpees.) Well, I guess we couldn't be too surprised, since the weekend forecast changed every day for 6 straight days, and turned out wrong even after all that. Anyway, we're going to try again this weekend - but for Friday/Saturday, not Saturday/Sunday as originally planned; this will give the Scouts a full day and a half to recover and get some homework in (we should be back by 6pm at the latest.) Postponements usually crucify our subsequent attendance, and I'm putting an eight Scout minimum on the campout; be ready for the upcoming teletree on this event, probably on Tuesday night (Patrol Leaders Take Note.) Sorry about all this, folks - even I can end up with egg on my face every once in a while. The long-range forecast for this weekend is not encouraging, but I'll bet you can guess how much credence I'm attaching to that right now!

Other February and upcoming March Events: (A) The third Projectoree Planning Meeting, on Sunday, February 23rd, at Mt. Olivet Church, 7pm. I have now gotten re-involved in planning this year's Projectoree, and the upcoming meeting will cover much more than scoring; PLC members should plan on attending. (B) The second Philmont Meeting on Sunday, March 2nd; refer to my last newsletter for additional details. (C) The 50/20 Hike on Saturday, March 15th; more on this below. (D) The incoming Webelos (and First Year) Scouts' Parent Orientation Meeting, on Sunday, March 9th, at the Parish Center, 7 - 9pm. (E) The next Parent's meeting, on Sunday, March 16th. (F) The Annual District Eagle Dinner on Friday, March 21st, at the Fairfax Elks Lodge (FREE!. (G) A bike hike/beach campout on March 21st - 23rd. (H) The next Board of Review on Sunday, March 23rd, at the Parish Center. [Got all that???] More on all these topics below. It's going to be another very busy month!

With our just completed Board of Review, it's been a great month for Rank Advancement. Moving up in the World are: Rusty P. and Jamie S., Life Scouts, David Hu., Stefan N. and Jay P., Second Class, and Kenny E., Michael . and Eric W., Tenderfoot. At least 10 more to come over the next month. Congratulations to each of the above Scouts!

As everyone is already aware, the month hasn't exactly gone according to plan - but it hasn't been a total loss, either. Several of us started off with a visit to Troop 647's Winter Court of Honor, which included the farewell to long-time Scoutmaster John Haller; John, who did a 4 year stint with Troop 104 followed by 13 years with 647, recently married and moved to Gaithersburg. He was a tremendous help to me during my early tenure with 111, and we have worked together on many projects, including Philmont and the Projectorees. Anyway, Margaret Lee, Troop 647's Committee Chairman, invited all our `95 and `96 Philmont trekkers to join the evening festivities, and meet (perhaps for the last time in a group setting) all the 647 Scouts who were part of those crews. I, of course, brought the Troop's `95 and `96 Philmont photo albums along; as you might guess, these were a big hit, both with the Scouts and the various invited guests. Present from 1995 were Bobby C., Tom L., Tom M., Andy P. and David S., while 1995's circle included Paul and Ted Ho., Tim Hu., Nathan K., Brendan L., and Rusty P. 1997 trekker "in waiting" Michael Y. was also a very interested onlooker. Anyway, we all enjoyed dinner, followed by the Troop's normal Court of Honor, then Mr. Haller's farewell ceremonies. The many guests included Carl Doughman and Bill Hunt from the District, plus Roy Morris (SM-106), Dave Navarre (SM-149), and Charlie Bittenbring (Emeritus SM-162), plus many former ASM's and Committeemen from 647. Also visiting from 111 were Kenny and Ron E. and Jamie and Jim S. A pleasant evening! Our best wishes to Neal Wood, the new Scoutmaster for 647; Neal has been an ASM under John for the last 11 years, so the transition should be a smooth one.

Next up was our latest Round Table Flag Ceremony, held last Thursday night (yes, the sudden, late snow-storm night) at Falls Church High School. We've done this twice before during my tenure; it's one of the things that acts as "payment" for the various "extra activities" that 111 is occasionally offered, such as the Redskins Games or the Citizen or Accountant of the Year Dinners. Basically, the Scouts run the opening flag ceremony for the meeting, a monthly get-together of about 100 area Scouters. We've been invited multiple times because we tend to look real sharp and do a good job (unfortunately not the case, many months.) The Scouts themselves get a free dinner out of it, plus get to strut their stuff beyond a weekly Troop meeting. Our guys (David Hu., Tim Hu., John P., and Adam and Jamie S.) did us proud; Tim acted as the "Master of Ceremonies," while the other four were standard bearers. We got a nice round of applause for our efforts. Thanks to Jim S. for providing transportation on what turned into a pretty miserable night weather-wise.

Last but not least for this "Minute,", Sally P-W, Jamie and Kim S., and Jane and Tim T. took advantage of the rescheduled "Life to Eagle Conference" this past Saturday (about the only positive thing that came out of our campout postponement.) The conference is essentially a "how-to" guide for Life Scouts (and their parents) on getting over the hump from Life Scout to Eagle Rank. Very valuable training - especially for 111, where we have potentially 10 or so Eagles this year.

1) Permission Slips - The permission slip for the tubing/winter camping trip still applies for whatever date we end up going. Stay tuned....

2) New Scouts and Webelos Parents' Orientation Meeting - is planned for Sunday, March 9th, 7 - 9pm, at the Parish Center. At least one parent of each Scout who joined the Troop in 1996, plus at least one parent of each incoming Webelos Scout must if at all possible attend this orientation. (You need to hear it, and I do not have the time (or inclination) to give it three or four times.)

3) The 50/20 Hike - As mentioned in the last "Minute," we will be again running the famous/infamous 50/20 Hike (50 miles in 20 hours) on Saturday, March 15th (the "Ides of March.") This event is required for 1997's Philmont trekkers, and is open to anyone else who thinks they can do it; full completion of the hike is not required (or to be frank, expected.) This is a very difficult challenge! Two Scouts and one Adult finished this hike last year, including Rusty P. This was out of about 40 starting participants (which gives you a proper sense of how tough the event is.) Finishers get the coveted Alonzo Stagg 50/20 Medal; we will also offer a 25/10 certificate to those participants who make it at least halfway this year. We Need Adult Assistance! This event requires numerous check-points (water, snacks, first aid, and "bail-out" options) to be manned through the course of the event, plus requires Adult participants (especially after dark) to escort the few remaining Scouts. Most check points require about 2 - 4 hours worth of staffing, with the later checkpoints needing the longer staffing times (as everyone spreads out in slow and fast groups.) The permission slip/commitment form is attached.

3) Philmont 1997 - Our second planning meeting is currently scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd, again 7 - 9pm at the Parish Center. Note that all participants are expected to come with their full Philmont kit for the first shakedown. No, you are not expected to have your kit perfectly up to snuff; but bring whatever you currently have for each item. Additionally, all trekkers should mail me their Itinerary Selection Forms by this coming Saturday, in the self-addressed, stamped envelopes I provided in the last mailing.

4) Upcoming Training Opportunities:

(A) The "University of Scouting" will be offered on Saturday, March 15th this year, at Council HQ in Bethesda (yes, the same day as the 50/20.) This is highly professional training which is worthwhile for any active Adult. Boy Scout courses offered include: "Delivering the Promise of Boy Scouting," "An Introduction to Ethics in Action," "Planning the Troop Program," "Unit Junior Leader Training," "The Patrol Method," "The Advancement Program," "Ceremonies," "Council Junior Leader Training (IMPESSA,)" and "The Venture Scout Program." Call the Council HQ's at 301 530-9360 for additional information.

(B) 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. A promotional flyer is attached.

(C) 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 ASM's and active Committee Members.

5) Scout Mass - As previously noted, rescheduling will be attempted; stay tuned....

6) Troop High Adventure, 1997 - The dates are currently scheduled as August 10th - 16th. 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 - The merit badge schedule offered by Camp Shenandoah was attached to the last "Minute." Attached to this "Minute" is a formal commitment form, due by the upcoming Parent's meeting (March 16th, see below.) Incoming Webelos Parents, please note! As in past years, a deposit of $50 is due with the commitment form; please make out to Troop 111, and indicate "summer camp `97" in the memo section. Older Scouts intending to participate in the COPE/High Adventure aspects of Camp Shenandoah will need to fill out the additional form (included in the last "Minute") associated with that program. Finally, please note that Camp Shenandoah is willing to also provide any merit badge not listed on their form, provided we ask them ahead of time (within the constraints of their facilities.) I would guess that if we have 5 or 6 Scouts interested in a particular merit badge that they're capable of doing, they would make the effort to accommodate us. Another positive factor to consider....

8) 1997 Troop Registrations - If you haven't taken care of your 1997 Registration by this point, you are late.

9) Our Next Board of Review - is currently scheduled for Sunday, March 23rd. As with the just concluded Board of Review, eligible Scouts are expected to contact me for Scoutmaster's Conferences.

10) Recent Trip Costs - Skeet Shooting: $10.

11) Next Parents' Committee Meeting - is currently scheduled for Sunday, March 16th, time TBA by Committee Chairman Dan C.; an agenda will be prepared and mailed prior to the meeting.

12) The Annual Casual Adventure "Scout Night" Sale - is currently scheduled for Wednesday, March 19th, running from 6:30pm `til closing. This sale is a good one - 20 % off everything in the store (except Official BSA stuff and items already on sale.) Philmont trekkers and incoming Webelos Scouts' Parents, take note.

13) The 1997 District Eagle Dinner - Is scheduled for Friday, March 21st, at the Elks Club. This event is open to all Scouts who earned their Eagles in 1996, plus their parents and Scout Leaders. In our case, that's Mike Arthurs, Patrick Kempter and David Stainback. The event is free, and is well worth the time. The Troop has a campout scheduled that weekend, so I may not be able to attend, depending on whether we leave Friday night or Saturday morning; however, I strongly urge all three families to participate regardless of my plans.

14) 1998 High Adventure Reminders - We are rapidly approaching March 30th, the deadline for deposits for the 1998 Philmont and Florida Sea Base treks. I may try to have pre-meeting slide-shows for both prior to the upcoming Parent's Committee meeting (if I can find someone to handle the Sea Base.) If so, it will start about one hour before the scheduled Parent's Meeting, and is open to both Scouts and Parents.

- Dr. Bob, Scoutmaster

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17 February 2001