Home.18 February 2001
Hello Again! Yes, I'm still here, but still just about overwhelmed - which is why this "Minute" is so late. Lots to talk about, folks!
Upcoming events include two Courts of Honor, plus (hopefully) our annual May canoe trip over the Memorial Day weekend, and the Annual Yard Sale on Saturday, June 7th (more on all these events below.) Tonight (5/12) also marks the end of most of the Troop Module program for this year (plus the end of formal uniforming for the Spring session), with this coming Monday (5/19) the module makeup night and kickoff of our summer camp merit badge prep campaign. As seemingly always, yet another very busy month....
The Troop adds two new members this month; first, Daniel O., a former Scout with Troop 149 (who dropped out last year) has decided to try again with 111. Thanks to Stefan N. for his recruiting efforts. Daniel is a student a Swanson, and had achieved Scout rank and several merit badges while with 149. Please welcome both Daniel and his parents Ray O.s and Lisa R. Daniel will join Stefan in the Confused Nation Patrol; please adjust your rosters accordingly.
In addition, we welcome Mr. Bill F. as a new Assistant Scoutmaster. Bill, who is a real estate developer with American Housing Associates, answered my "help wanted" advertisement in the Church Bulletin several months ago. He was a Scout in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and here in the National Capital Area Council, achieving Life rank. Critical Data (please adjust your rosters).
Well, even as we welcome two new members, we have to say goodbye to another Troop mainstay:
Keith St. A. has finished his medical degree at Georgetown U. nd will soon be departing for his new assignment in Ohio. Keith, who joined the Troop three years ago with fellow medical student Kurt K., has been a remarkably dedicated ASM during his tenure (especially considering the demands of medical school), and has been very popular with the younger Scouts whom he took under his wing. We are indeed sorry to lose him, and wish him all the best. I will publish his new address and phone numbers when I get them. Good Luck, Keith!
As promised, we started off with the very best kind of news for a Scout Troop - not one but two new Eagle Scouts! First up was Keith Gerarden (Troop 111 Eagle Scout # 52) who passed his Board of Review with flying colors on April 1st. Keith's Honor Role included:
Keith's Eagle Project was an extensive trail lining and rebuilding effort of the Donaldson Run trail at Potomac Overlook Park, and extended significantly beyond the original scope of work. This trail, which is one of the Park's most popular, was becoming seriously rutted and eroded due to heavy use and water runoff during heavy rains and storms; it's now in much better shape. This was one of the few times in my experience that a project was accomplished so quickly and efficiently that we doubled its scope to ensure adequate man-hours. An impressive effort, and one that benefits many Arlington residents every day. Congratulations to Keith, Ann and Ted.
Keith's Board of Review was equally impressive (and Thanks to): Tim Arthurs, Paul Diehl (Patawomeck District Eagle Board), Carl Doughman (Deputy District Commissioner, Arlington County), Mel Hermann (ASM-167), and Gordon Pennington. Additional Thanks to one and all who helped with Keith's Eagle Project or assisted with his last few merit badges.
Matt's Eagle Project was a new one for the Troop - a major tree replanting effort at the Shirlington Circle area off I-395. This project was done in cooperation with the organization Fairfax Re-Leaf, which reforests areas around construction sites and road interchanges in order to help keep Arlington and Fairfax Counties "green." If you've ever seen those bunches of off-white colored tubes in open areas alongside our local interstate highways, that's Fairfax Re-Leaf on the job (the tubes are protectors to help the trees grow.) Matt's group planted over 100 trees - including some of the new disease-resistant American Elms - in the median strips by the Shirlington Gateway area. In ten years, this will convert was is currently a barren, desolate area into another mini-forest alongside I-395. A nice piece of work. Congratulations to Matt, Sally and Tommy (and see you all this Sunday!)
Matt's Eagle Board was also impressive (and Thanks to): Tim Arthurs, Paul Diehl, John Manning, Sally McMullen and Gordon Pennington. Many Thanks to one and all who helped get Matt "over the hump" these last few months - it couldn't have happened without you.
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Matt Berra |
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Keith Gerarden |
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Patrick Kempter |
James Madison University or Virginia Tech ("50/50," says Pat) |
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David Stainback |
In other "Eagle News," both John and Tim Tu. have already completed their Eagle Projects; John did another tree planting campaign at the I-395/King Street cloverleaf (similar to Matt's project), with approximately 115 trees planted. Tim ran a food and clothing collection drive for Gonzaga's McKenna Center shelter, collecting from St. Agnes School, St. Agnes Church and the Bellevue Citizen's Association. More on these in a future "Minute." In addition, Will D., Rusty P., Joe S. and Jamie S. have all started on their preliminary project paperwork. That's eight possible Eagles in 1997, folks, absolutely smashing the previous record of three in one year (which we've done several times in the Troop's history.) Gonna be a busy summer....
With all these Eagles flying around, it's hard to remember that we've got a whole Troop out there also working on advancement - and indeed we do! With our recently completed April Board of Review, it's been another great month for Rank Advancement. Moving up in the World are Matt C. and Ryan S., both First Class, Neal K., Second Class, and Dan and Nick T., both Tenderfoot. Meanwhile, Ryan S., Matt S. and Tim T. all finished Citizenship in the Community merit badge (Thanks to David S.), and John Tu. completed Backpacking, Camping and Hiking merit badges (Thanks to Tim A.) Stay tuned.... Congratulations to all of the above Scouts!
As you know, the last six weeks have also been very busy on the activities front (that is, in addition to the three Eagle Projects!) First up was the Third Annual North Arlington Friendship Projectoree, again held at Camp Wilson at the Pohick Bay Regional Park. Our best Projectoree ever, folks, and that's saying something! This year, we had seven Troops attending (104, 106, 111, 149, 167, 638 and 647), with 172 total participants (a jump of 25 over 1996) organized in 15 Patrols. The Projectoree is oriented around a day long series of patrol competitions (which are run by Senior Scouts), with award ribbons going to the top five finishing Patrols. This has proven to be a highly popular event, with virtually all participants calling it their best "camporee"-type experience "by far."
This year's events included: The Alligator Pit, Caber Toss, Firebuilding Race, Fireman's Carry Relay, Flour War, Log Raising Relay, Nuclear Reactor, Obstacle Course, Over-the-Log/Tire Pass-Through Relay, Pole Climb, Scoutmaster Chariot Race, and Spider Web Escape. Virtually every single event was a winner - our first year where the Scouts enjoyed "everything." So how'd we do? Thought you'd never ask! First place in this year's Projectoree went to our own Confused Nation Patrol (for the second straight year!,) under the leadership of Patrol Leader Michael S. [The few members of the Bama Patrol who attended joined the Confused Nation Patrol for the weekend, so they competed as a "joint Patrol."] Fourth Place went to the Pedro Patrol, under Acting Patrol Leader Brendan Mac. Our best showing ever!
Many of our Senior Scouts also participated, and helped staff the various competition sites, notably the Caber Toss, Log Raising Relay, Nuclear Reactor and (especially) the perennial crown jewel of the event, the Obstacle Course. Other activities included a group campfire program, a service project, and various games of Logan's Run, soccer, football and ultimate frisbee. All-in-all, a top event from one end to the other.
Participants included: John A., Christopher Bks, Charles B., Matt C., Jonathan DeC.o, Will D., Kenny E., Matt G., Daniel Ho., David Hu., Dan and Tim Hu., Nathan and Neal K., Brendan Mac., Stefan N., Jay P., Rusty P.t, John P., Michael R., Joe S., Ryan S., Adam and Jamie S., Matt S., Michael and Steven S., and Dan and Nick T. Thanks also to John K., Keith St. A., Jim and Kim S., Joe T., and especially to Rich S., who performed as Acting Scoutmaster while I was over in the Staff area playing Projectoree Organizer. Same time, same station, 1998.
Next up was our 1997 Philmont Crew's 50-Miler Award Service Project Workday, again down and Pohick Bay and (neighboring) Gunston Hall. This year's project was clearing and cutting new trail for a "VolksMarch" being held the following weekend by Troop 118 (Fort Belvoir.) A volksmarch, by the way, is about a 10 kilometer walk over improved nature trails for anyone who wants to participate; they are apparently growing in popularity, and Troop 118 was expecting approximately 1,500 participants the following weekend. Anyway, we "cleared" about 6 kilometers of existing trail of brush and fallen timber, then "cut" a new section of trail about 1 kilometer long. Tough work! Following that, we also returned to Camp Wilson to continue our ongoing improvements of the campfire circle area, shifting the campfire itself to a better spot about 15 feet away, clearing a "dammed" up area of logs and leaves (to allow easier water flow from the campfire circle area), and placing in new logs for about 30 more people to sit. More tough work, but the campfire circle is really starting to look pretty good now.
Participants included: K.C. Ba. (160), David De. (149), Cole Do. (160), Woody He. (106), Kevin Sh. (160), Stu and Travis Sh. (149), Dave Ta. (149) and Chris and Rick W. (111).
Continuing, next was our third straight "Annual "Good Scout" Accounting of the Year Dinner Flag Ceremony, this year at the Tyson's Marriott Hotel. This is (for a change) a really nice event put on by the Council which enables specific business groups (accounting, in this case) to recognize exceptional community service by their employees. Said service does not have to have anything to do with Scouting. In essence, the BSA is just providing the forum to award citizens who might never otherwise be recognized. Like I said, a nice thing. We provide a few Scouts for the opening flag ceremony (plus to rub elbows with the attendees,) and one Eagle Scout (this year, Keith G.) to present a short address of "what Scouting means to me." All participating Scouts get to eat all they want at the buffet - normally goes for $100/plate for everyone else!!! Well, we did a pretty good job all around - the Scouts enjoyed talking with the visitors and guests, and did an excellent job on the flag ceremony (using our Troop flags, and led by Michael S.) Keith also did an outstanding job on his speech, and we all went away happy. The official BSA types were pleased enough to invite us to the next, similar event, the "Citizen of the Year" Dinner on June 19th; David S. will probably be giving the speech at that event. A nice evening!
Participants included: Keith G., Tim Hu., Stefan N., Adam S. and Michael S. Thanks also to Kim S. for assisting with the driving.
Last but not least was our first Philmont Shakedown Hike, a heavy-duty training session masquerading as a backpacking trip. This year, we did a fairly easy stretch of the C&O Canal towpath, from Point of Rocks to the Indian Flats campground. Because this year's crew is rather inexperienced, we spent a lot of time learning how to do things "the Philmont way": bear-bags, tarps, backpacker tents, cooking and cleaning, hiking protocol, etc., etc., etc. Some team building exercises were thrown in as well. The weather was surprisingly nippy for mid-April (mainly because the wind just wouldn't quit), and I was grateful we didn't go to the Shenandoahs - we'd have froze half to death. A useful exercise, leading up to the real deal. We're starting to come together now. Next up - a mountain trek in early June.
Participants included: K.C. Ba. (160), David De. (149), Cole Do. (160), Woody He. (106), Brad Jo. (149), Brendan Mac. (111), Kevin Sh. (160), Travis Sh. (149), Dave Ta. (149) and Chris and Rick W. (111).
1) Court of Honor, I - Sunday, May 18th, 5:30 - 7:30pm, at the Parish Center. A dinner-like buffet will be served. This Court serves as the Troop's Spring Court of Honor, and will recognize all Scouts for their achievements since last November. Other awards, including the Scoutmaster's Most Active Scouts awards, 25/10 Hike and 50-Miler Awards, will be presented. Personal photos will be distributed to each family. New Scouts will be recognized and inducted. Following the Troop Court of Honor will be the Eagle Induction Ceremonies for Matt Berra and David Stainback. Please plan to attend! Set-up Scouts and Adults should be present no later than 5pm; earlier would be appreciated. A handout with additional details will be provided at the May 12th Troop meeting (or is included with this mailing if you did not attend the meeting.) Full Uniforms required.
2) Court of Honor, II - Monday, May 26th, 5 - 6:30pm, at the Parish Center. Note that this is Memorial Day Monday afternoon. This is Keith Gerarden's Eagle Induction Ceremony, and a light dinner will be catered. Many members of Troop 167 (Keith's first Troop) and Goshen Staff (where he has worked the last four years) have been invited. Note that the Gerardens have requested RSVP's from all invited guests. There will be a yea/nay sheet at the first (May 18th) Troop Court of Honor for you to indicate whether or not you're coming to this event; if you miss that Court of Honor, please be sure to call the Gerardens and let them know your intentions for the 26th. Since this is an Eagle Induction Ceremony only, it will be significantly faster than a regular Troop Court of Honor. Set-up Scouts and Adults should be present by no later than 4:30; earlier would be appreciated. Full Uniforms required.
3) Antietam Creek Canoe Trip - A permission slip is attached. However, I just today received a call on my answering machine from the canoe livery confirming our attendance this coming weekend, which is of course in error - we actually reserved for the Memorial Day weekend. I will be attending Woodbadge training this weekend, so I cannot move the event up unless we have several other Adults in the Troop who are willing to take it over for me right now. The guy in charge is out of town `til Thursday, so I will not be able to clear this up until that time. If our reservation is in error, I will postpone the canoe trip until August, and we'll replace it with something else - perhaps a biking campout on the upper C & O Canal area, or a Scout skills weekend to help our Junior Scouts advance. There is no way I can find another canoe company with available canoes at this late date - everything's been locked up for months. This situation is in flux; please be patient while I try to sort things out. This event - whatever it is - will necessarily be thrown together on the fly. Whatever we do, the attached permission slip will cover the event.
4) The Annual Troop Yard Sale - will be held on Saturday, June 7th, at either the St. Agnes gym or the Parish Center, rain or shine. Note that this is also the Civitan's Sale Saturday, so attendance should be excellent. Although I've listed this as "Annual," in fact we haven't held this fundraiser since `95. Proceeds are split between your family accounts and the Troop Treasury (which, as always, needs the help.) A handout concerning this event was given out to the Scouts at the May 5th Troop meeting (or is included with this mailing if you did not attend the meeting.)
5) Summer Camp 1997 - We have had a flurry of unexpected (and late) signups, so it appears that we will have over 30 Scouts attending. As noted above, we intend to begin our summer camp merit badge prep on Monday, May 19th. The two most usual classes are Personal Fitness and Environmental Science, but we can attempt others if there is sufficient interest. For example, we may try to run a CPR class for Scouts attempting First Aid and/or Lifesaving merit badges. Others are possible. As usual, I need several Adults willing to handle the prep classes throughout the rest of May and early June. If willing, please call me ASAP. Note that this year's Summer Camp coordinator is Matt Bangs.
4) Upcoming Training Opportunities:
(A) Unexpectedly, there will be another Life-to-Eagle Seminar on Saturday, June 7th, 1pm to 4pm, at Christ Lutheran Church (3810 Meridith Dr./Fairfax.)(B) Patawomeck District Den Chief Conference (for Scouts wanting to become Den Chiefs for Pack 111) - will be held Saturday, June 7th, 9am to 3pm, at the Pender UMC (12500 Rt. 50/Fairfax.) Full uniform, bag lunch and notebook/pens required. Note that Den Chief fills BSA Leadership requirements!
(C) Troop Committee Potpourri (General Training for Troop Committee members) will be held Saturday, August 23rd, at Pender UMC (same address as in (B) above.)
5) Our Next Board of Review - If feasible, we will attempt to hold one last Board of Review this weekend for those Scouts who wish to advance before the May 18th Court of Honor.
6) OUTSIDE MAGAZINE - If you are in Eighth Grade or above, you should be receiving Outside Magazine, which is our replacement for Boy's Life for older Scouts. Eighth graders should have just received their first issues - and also noticed the demise of their Boy's Life subscriptions. David Hu. has informed me that he only got one or two issues last fall, and that was all. If you haven't seen your subscription, or if it's been irregular, please let me know ASAP; I'll try to get on them about what's going on.
7) New High Adventure 1997 - Dan C. and Pete W. have put together a new High Adventure trek for our Scouts this coming August - A SCUBA diving and certification trip to St. John's in the American Virgin Islands. A flyer with additional information is attached. Note that you must have been 13 years old by 1/1/97 in order to participate in this trip - NO EXCEPTIONS. Prospective attendees must also commit to attending preparatory classes and other preliminary training here prior to the trip; if you cannot or are unwilling to do this, don't sign up. Reservations must be confirmed by Sunday, May 18th. Estimated costs of the trip itself is $1100; other preliminary expenses may be expected.
8) High Adventure 1998 - The Florida Sea Base fell through for lack of interest. However, we had six signups for Philmont just before the telephone lottery, so I carried on, and was able to reserve a 1998 Philmont reservation on my third phone call; some people have all the luck, I guess. Current participants include: John A., J.T. B., Daniel Ho., Jay P., Rusty P. (tentative), Matt S., and Chris W. I can take up to 10 Scouts, so three spaces remain (four if Rusty is unable to confirm.) I have had nibbles from Greg B., John C., Tim Hu., Nathan K., Michael S. and Tim T.; as always, first come, first serve.
9) Summer of Fun Coordinator Needed - Rich S. is - alas - not available for this year's summer of fun, as his job begins at 5pm and ends at 1am. We therefore need a new coordinator to handle this vital job. I cannot (and will not) do this job. If you can help, please call Dan C. or myself for additional details. Thanks.
10) Troop Credit Accounts - are in disarray at the present time, due to my lack of available time to work them up (I haven't done my taxes yet either, which should tell you how stressed I am at the present time.) Anyway, I will try to have them done by the next "Minute," but make no promises.
11) Order of the Arrow? - Many Scouts received a mailing from the local Chapter of the Order of the Arrow - sort of an Honor and Service Society of Top-Notch Scouts - concerning the Spring Ordeal on the first weekend in May. This was in followup to a recent Troop meeting where they were all elected to the O/A. Obviously, we all missed it; however, it's not a moot point, since there is also a Fall Ordeal as well, and interested Scouts can go for that one if they so desire.
Some preliminary comments, however. In many Councils around the United States (including both that I was in as a boy), the O/A is a very active service organization, and handles a myriad of tasks such as summer camp set-ups, camporee campfire programs, Scout show demos, Indian dance teams, and helping moribund Troops jump-start their camping programs. Larry H., for example, was an extremely active O/A member, and it became part of his defining experiences in Scouting. So was my younger brother Thomas - in fact, he performed on an O/A Dance Team all around the East Coast (and loved it.) Unfortunately, the local chapter of the O/A is itself a moribund organization, amounting to little more than a patch trading society with thousands of members on the books, but only a few dozen truly active members - most of whom spend most of their time trying to get anybody else to actually do something. I have not been impressed - at all.
Recently, however, George Shifflett (who gave us our recent Sea Base discussion) became the primary Adult Advisor for the local Chapter of the O/A. He is trying to turn a new leaf, and has been very active in holding elections and recruiting new members; that's why we just held our first O/A elections in over seven years. I hope he succeeds; however, I also note that most of our Scouts are already wildly overscheduled, and most can barely keep up with just their Troop commitments - never mind another full set of Boy Scout commitments outside the Troop.
Bottom line - DON'T join the O/A just for the (dubious) "prestige" and to wear a pretty patch - ONLY join if you are truly willing to make the commitment to a more complete Boy Scouting experience. Similar to Larry or my brother, it will be worth it - but this is very much a situation where you will get out only what you put in. Note that I will not allow inactive O/A "members" to wear the Lodge flap on their uniforms. Additional Questions on O/A, call me or Larry.
- Dr. Bob, Scoutmaster
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