Troop News : Swim test

Thanks to all who came out and assisted S Hardy with his Eagle Project on Sat April 7 (28 Scouts and leaders). he was able to finish the project.

If you are coming on the Trip to Troy April 13-15, attendance is required at the meeting on Monday April 9, along w/the $70.00 or $30.00 fee and to take a final head count. If the Scout is not going to be there, his patrol leader must know to arrange for meals..same for a leader planning to attend with his/her son.

Remember........Mr.Hutchens (below memo) has arranged for us to use the Samford pool to take the BSA swim test..on April 28th...this is for any scout or leader who is coming on the May canoe trip on the Cahaba River and has not taken the BSA swim test previously at summer camp or elsewhere.

The BSA swim test will also be available at summer camp and during the the July water ski trip in the lake and will be required for the Troop canoe trip on the Bartram Canoe Trail in Mobile when we go in October...Mr. Cox will also offer the Canoe merit badge at the July water sports trip.

.If you and the Scout are planning on coming with us in May on the Cahaba, you or the Scout must have taken the BSA swim test earlier, if not and you have not taken or cannot take the BSA swim test in a pool, or body of water, then the Scout or leader cannot come on the May trip. unless passed, at an earlier summer camp or as taken elsewhere.

Sorry to appear to be strict, but along with youth protection, the BSA does not skip requirements for water sports or water activities.... and the swim test is one of the anchor requirements.

If a leader or Scout will not be at the Samford pool on the 28th, to take the test at summer camp, or in the lake when we are water skiing in July, that may be the last chance if you are going to Mobile with us in October for the Barttram Canoe Trail there. You can read in the BSA Scout Guide what the swimming requirements are if you have not taken it before...not really bad if you are swimmer....the test will be required for all swimming activities as summer camp also..with instruction for beginners as required.

We have not had the opportunity to use the Samford pool in the past..so take advantage of the chance particularly for those coming on the May trip on the Cahaba.

Thanks in advance to Mr. Hutchens for making this possible for us.

YiS dan s "Delivering the Promise"