Troop News

Less represented leaders we should have had, we had a well turned out quartermasters gear storage from the camp out by the Scouts. The Patrol Leaders Conference and Committee Meeting last night at the Hut were well attended.

There is reception for the outgoing District Executive, Mr. Mike Wells, May 15, at the Scout Service Center, Liberty Park location, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. I plan on attending to meet his replacement...

This Thursday night, May 14, Life Scout B Chaney will have his Eagle Project presented for approval by the Vulcan District Eagle Board and new Scout Hudson Keller and family will be oriented at the Hut. He will join the Dragon Patrol.

The Troop's Order of the Arrow team (nunne- Hi Chapter) will be going to the May Ordeal ( May 15-17) at Camp Comer. Some will return Friday night others will stay until Sunday morning. We will leave from the Hut at 4:30 PM in two vehicles. Need to know if others will attend...if so will need additional transportation.

We will have a well known guest speaker at the meeting, Monday, May 18th. Please encourage attendance.

The High Adventure Sea Base Crews will be departing (Crew One on 22 May; Crew Two on 26 May).

May 23 Swim test as earlier noted at Mr. Kok's pool in Pelham....we had, thanks to Mr. Hutchens, about twenty take the test at Samford on May 2.....Scouts and leaders are reminded that the annual swim test is required for Troop water sports..beginning with summer camp, Grimes Canoe base in July in TN, and White Water Rafting in August (Ocoee and the Nantahala Rivers).

Dr. Brewer is asking for the Troop to assist with service in planting memorial flags at the Moss Preserve Club House on May 20th (Wednesday) for an hour or so in the Class A uniform and a pick up on May 27th (Wednesday) in the Class A uniform at 6:00 PM each evening for a hour or so. Please encourage attendance as help out as an assisting leader.

There will be no meeting on the 25th (Monday) due the the Memorial Day Holiday.

The Troop is normally asked to assist with Memorial Day ceremonies...if and when announced, please encourage Scout attendance.

June 1 will be a regular meeting with focus on Summer Camp Planning and personal requirements...if the Scout will be attending, please encourage attendance.

June 7 (Sunday) through June 13 (Saturday) Summer camp at Camp Sequoyah..please make sure the payments are in and the Medical form is completed and turned into Mr. Brown....he cannot attend camp without the current/updated form.

While relaxing with the family for summer activities, the Troop is going to be busy this summer as usual with the crews departing for Philmont at the end of June....Grimes Canoe Base..and white water rafting....and all the service activities in between.

Activities will include Eagle Projects and Saturday, July 18th is being scheduled for a clean-up/painting of he Hut's exterior being coordinated by Mr. Ian Thompson.

Active leaders are reminded to attend the training offered by the District and the Council offered regularly throughout the year: Scoutmaster Leadership (SMLT), Outdoor Leadership Training (OLS), Wood Badge, Powder Horn, and certified courses located for leaders on myscouting.org. Active members of Troop of the Order of the Arrow have been invited to attend the National Centennial Conference at Michigan State, Lancing (August). Youth Protection training is mandatory for active leaders each two years and before initially registering with the Troop. This year as always, we will have youth protection and merit badge counselor training (annually) available at the Troop's annual training in December in order to re-charter the Troop. Leaders should plan on attending as the time and dates are announced by Mrs. Cathy Kidd.

The Scout, if not attending camp as a camper with the Troop, should consider serving at summer camp this year and in coming years as a CIT (Counselor in Training) or as Counselor at Camp Sequoyah..these are paid room and board positions which abound with team and leadership opportunities as well as teaching merit badges or serving on staff at the camp(s).

The Scout should also consider attending the National Youth Leadership Training offered by the Council twice each year for the experience and leadership skills learned and practiced during the week long camp. For encouragement, the Troop will pay one half of the $200.00 tuition provided he completes the course and will run for senior patrol leader in the Troop. The graduation certificate compliments his earning his Eagle and being a member of the Order of the Arrow when he begins completing applications for college admissions, scholarships, and job interviews and down the road promotions.

Swimming Test: If the Scout is coming to camp, he needs to take the BSA swimming test at Mr. Kok's home May 23 from 9 AM-Noon. S/he can also have it signed by a certified life guard at a local pool. The test is an annual requirement for those Scouts and leaders who will be coming to summer camp and who will swim in the lake at camp and/or who will participate with the Troop for water sports during the summer months.

If the Scout is not coming to summer camp, he and active leaders still need to complete an annual physical (2015), whose available format is located on the Troop web site. A copy of the Scout's and leader's family insurance card both front and back should be attached for emergencies. Normally we expect them for summer camp but they are due not and should be given to Mr. Craig Brown for filing in the Troop's medical form file taken on all trips and activities.