Troop News

Happy Valentines Day.

Have you read the headlines today and noted the nearly full page picture (February 14) in the Birmingham News with the front page story about J and K Berry? Goes to demonstrate success in using your head to overcome difficult situations, adapting, improvising, and overcoming obstacles as we encounter them.

Last Monday night's (February 8) program featuring Ms. Sally Snoddy's (Troop 23) "what to take to Northern Tier and what to be prepared for when you get there," was excellent and included a program of pictures. Mr. Young will be having an additional meeting for the crews going to Canada this summer to talk more to what you need. We still have vacancies for this "once in life time, " adventure ($1000.00 or less-the more we take the less the price is) There are several Dad's already planning to fly who we will pick up at the destination airport to cut back on travel days.

Yesterday (February 13), thanks to B Debalsi, we were well represented at the Order of the Arrow Winter Fellowship, at the Metropolitan Church or of the Acton Road exit, yesterday February 13. There were several new patches issued, an emphasis on leadership in the Lodge, several classes on protocols, and the usual camaraderie over pizza for lunch.

There will be a practice for the Troop's OA Ceremony Team this coming Sunday, Feb 21, after the Campout at 4:30 PM, All interested OA members in the Troop are invited to attend this and become a member of the Ceremony team if not already.

There will be a OA Nunne-Hi Chapter meeting February 25 at the Scout Hut of Briarwood Presbyterian Church at :630. PM. If more than two go, we can carry them from the Hut and return car pool fashion.

Today, on February 14, we had one of our best turn-outs ever from the Troop and the Pack at the 8:45AM Service, close to 40 Cubs, Scouts, parents, and leaders for Scout Sunday at the Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Speakers P Kidd, Mr. Doug Hardy, and Mr. Greg Scott spoke well of the Troop and represented the 100 years of Scouting Anniversary in an excellent manner in talking to the Troop's history and future with the Church. Reverend Crotty's sermon on the history of Valentines Day and love in the family and work place was exceptional.

The meeting this Monday (February 15) is featuring a special guest speaker (Dr. Art Carras) in terms of a career paths in clinical psychology, success through leadership, and building relationships for success. Scouts and leaders who are planning on coming to the Camporee this coming weekend (19-21) need to be at the meeting for a head count for meals and gear. If he is not going to be at the meeting, but will come on the campout, he needs to advise the patrol leader so we can get a headcount..same for leaders.....We will be setting up the Troop monkey bridge, and should have large number of WEBELOS with us, so will need to encourage attendance for Troop guides and the Venture Crews to erect the bridge, assist the WEBELOS, win in Troop competition and pass the tradition on to the younger Scouts.

This Thursday night (18th) is quartermaster night for the trip and we will need a good turn out to prepare and load our gear. We will need Venture to check for all the bridge parts and also load the bridge on the Frank Tank. Last year too few showed up, so we didn't take the bridge.

Finally, as noted in the Council Newsletter, the Digital Eagle, the 100th Anniversary BSA Jamboree is coming up this summer. They have recently lowered the price for Scouts ($1,995.00) and still have vacancies.

Thanks for all your support, especially in encouraging attendance.