Troop News

Last night's Christmas party was one of best and the use of real gifts, with the exception of those who didn't get the word about not bringing gag gifts, worked well..Good idea on the PLC's part.

Welcome again to F Crabtree and his Dad (Patrick) and Mom (Samatha) for joining the Troop.

We have done very well with Lot..but we need to keep going for the last trees...remember all the trees on the lot either go into our operations fund or into a lake somewhere....our motto remains "no one leaves without one." The lot take down will be this coming
Sunday at 1:00 PM..Everyone should attend and we can be out of there in an hour....Make sure the Scout is there to contribute.

Thanks to all the Scouts and Families who took the extra time and effort this year to sell wreaths...that effort really got us over the top for our operating budget and all our sales in general. Thanks especially to Dr. Tracy Hamilton for not only serving as our Committee Chairman. but for all the work and coordination for the annual tree and wreath sales...Thanks again to Mrs. Eggers for stepping up[ to coordinating our Pop Corn Sales this year which exceeded last year's numbers. And not forgetting Mr. Bert Oliver for stepping up to the Troop Treasurer's position and managing tree funds each night from the Lot with a final report of our budget.

December 17th is the Order of the Arrow Christmas party as explained on a recent message. Encourage attendance. This is usually a great time for all.

There will be no more meetings/Troop activities until January once the Tree lot is down.

January 3 is the Eagle Court of Honor for J Ellis and X Quo...please encourage attendance..at the old sanctuary of the Bluff Park United Methodist Church..starting at 1:00 PM.

January 9 is the Annual Planning Conference for the Troop...the Scout needs to be there for input particuarly for program planning..want to see Venturing there to plan also, maybe their own trips and activities..need Venture dad's this year to help with this since the Venture crews are claiming repetition.....we will still be planning basics for the youngest and middle age Scouts, but need Dads/Leaders for ideas for Venturing Crews this year.

The APC starts at 8:00 AM next to the kitchen/gym in the Bluff Park UMC on Valley. We will have lunch for them and will go to the Golden Corral or Ci Ci's pizza for dinner: Cost $10.00 (cash or check made out to Trp 21)) per person for the day (meals). We will stay the night in the youth area and will be out of the Church at 8:00 AM Sunday.......Uniform is class A. w/o sash or neckerchief....Can change into casual clothes when we return from dinner for the evening. Will need a sleeping bag and pillow...Will need one Dad/Leader to stay the night with the Scoutmaster.

January 11 Troop Committee to approve APC and set up annual calendar of events (Troop Agenda)


Jan 16 and 17 Trip to Chattanooga for Racoon Mountain ovenight cave trip and activities during the afternoon of the 16th. Return between Noon and 1:00 PM on the 17th. Cost $38.00 entry fee per person... Lunch and dinner at fast food restaurants at he Scouts expense and $10.00 for fuel costs if we just take the bus. $15.00 for fuel costs if we haul a trailer for carrying bikes if they want to bike the Chicamaugua National Military Park.

January 25 Make up Troop pictures with Mr. Dean Snow and Troop program.

February 1st Guest speaker /Camporee Planning subject to PLC recommendations

February 8th Guest Speaker/ Camporee Planning subject to PLC recommendations

February 15th Guest Speaker/ Camporee Planning subject to PLC recommendations

February 27: Troop Leadership Training ( Junior Leadership Trainin-Troop level) from 8:00 PM to 3:00 PM )Tentative until approved by the APC . This the BSA progam for basic leadership for all Troop Scouts who have not received it and is required in order to be a patrol leader and Senior Patrol leader in the Troop. Noprmally, this is an annual activity for us.

Norther Tier payments are still due to Mr. Young.

Please mail your check or personally give it to Mr. Frost for annual registration fees for next year.. The cost is $30.00 per Scout and $15.00 per leader. Have you planned for his attending summer camp this year (June 6-12). If not, they are offering the annual National Youth Leadership Training (1 Week) he can sign up for (Newanden Challenge), or he can get his Lifeguard certification at summer camp, or he can work a summer camp as a Counselor in Training or a full time Counselor in camp ( include room and board as well as renumeration) . Finally..please don't forget to plan on getting his annual BSA physical form filled out for 2010..same for active leaders for activities with the Troop.

Thanks for all your support this year. See you at the Lot take down...and behalf of Dr. Hamilton and the entire congregation of the Bluff Park United Methodist Church..Have Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year ever!

YiS Dan s "Delivering the Promise"