Popcorn Sales

Popcorn Sales are underway!

I know all scouts are busy selling popcorn to earn extra money for their Scout activities.

Remember:

33%-40% of your sales goes into your personal scout account.
Fill up a page and be entered into a weekly drawing for a $50 gift card. The first drawing is THIS FRIDAY. Please send me a copy of your sales sheet by 10/01 for entry into the drawing. If you need another form, just message me.

Council’s top seller wins an iPad Mini ($2500 sales min)
Prizes for sales over $75.
Sell $1000 and get ½ off summer camp or NYLT
Sell $2500 and get free summer camp or NYLT
Sell $2500 and get 6% credited to a college scholarship.

Popcorn Dates:
Orders and money due 10/19
Product pickup 11/13 at Scout Hut


Wanda Ellenberger

Paint the Hut July 18. 8am

Hello everyone,

As you know, we will have a workday at the hut on Saturday. The main job will be to repaint the outside of the hut (concrete block, not wood, as some wood repair is needed), doors and shutters, and repaint the graffiti-affected areas of the Lions Club building.
I hope you can attend. We will begin at 8.

I need people to bring:

* Trimmers and clippers to cut back holly bushes.
* Chainsaw on a long pole or saw on a long pole to trim branches, as much as possible, that overhang hut roof.
* Paint trays, rollers and brushes.
* Scrapers and sanders to prep wood.
* Ladders and step ladders (I'm getting a scaffold to paint the chimney from)
* Wear old clothes and boots. Recommend hat, safety glasses and gloves.
* Bring water bottle to refill at hut, as it will be hot.

Any thoughts or questions, email me or call me.
Thanks,

Ian Thompson

upcoming Grimes Canoe Base trip

As the Philmont crew was out of town last night at the
troop meeting, there is information we need to pass along:

All Leaders and Scouts planning on attending the Grimes Canoe Base trip the weekend of July 24-26 need to attend the Court of Honor, Monday, July 20th for a final head count for the trip and to plan our patrol meals.

Everyone attending the trip needs to be at the Thursday night, July 23, to pack up and load Troop gear (6:30 PM/ uniform not required)

The cost is $55.00 per person payable with check or cash the morning we leave.

We will have a final headcount and meal planning for the trip at the end of Court of Honor July 20

We will leave Friday July 24 morning earlier than 8:00 AM from the Hut (meet at the Hut at 7:00 AM)

We will stop to fuel, a bathroom break, and a snack on the way up to Grimes, but we will not stop at McDonalds to save time...he needs to pack a lunch to eat on the bus on the way up to Grimes.

We will return Sunday, July 26 between 1 and 2 PM or sooner

The informational web site for the "Grimes Canoe Base, " on the Buffalo River, near the town of Flatwoods,TN can be found on the Internet.

For those who this will be the first time:

This is one of the Troop's "most looked forward to" trips.The paddle down the scenic Buffalo river begins in two person aluminum canoes once we arrive at the camp. We will either float out of the camp or be driven in vans to the "put in" when we arrive, float/canoe down the river until we will camp on the river Friday night, then continue to float the river until completed around 3-4 PM on Saturday. We will have Troop meal w/a camp fire in the evening and depart Sunday as early as we can leave.

The first night on the river will be in a Troop tent (he can bring a hammock with "eco straps "); the second night will be in a two person Adirondack camp shelter. The supper meal on the river will be a "back packing" meal, with breakfast and lunch being the backpacking nature.

The river is normally calm and free flowing with no whitewater. The few turns are easily navigated and the we will stop for swims as we progress. If he hasn't canoed in the past, he will be buddied with an experienced Scout or leader. By the time the trip is over he will be familiar with canoeing, though it is recommended that he take the canoe merit badge at summer camp next year. The journey is memorable and awarded with a patch for his efforts... distinctive .CampT shirts and other patches are also available in the camp store along with snacks and other refreshments. Paddles, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) will be provided.

What he should bring:

- Nalgene water bottle for person use
- We will take our water with us to avoid drinking from the river and to save purification time.
- Swim trunks for the canoe/T shirt
- Sneakers or boat shoes or boots or substantial foot gear in the canoe...flip flops or cheap Kivas will ruin the trip if they break apart
- Sun Screen usually not required due to more shade than sun..some use it as always
- gardening knee pad to sit on in the canoe..or small pad
- water proof bag for his personal gear
- rain jacket if it gets cool at the camp site or for a sudden unexpected shower
- head gear (hat)
- insect repellant
- spoon/cup/bowl for the evening meal
- fingerless, biking gloves for paddling, though not necessary or required
personal hygiene items: small amount of Toilet paper (TP)/tooth brush/etc
- sleeping bag in water proof sack/w pillow if used/dry sleeping clothes for Friday night on the river
- nylon or acceptable rope/parachute cord to tie personal items in canoe to prevent loss if canoe flips or overturns

Uniform for the trip (not in the canoe) is red Troop T shirt, Scout trousers/shorts, Scout socks, scout belt. He/leaders must have passed the BSA swim test this year, and have a 2015 copy of his BSA medical form in the Troop notebook. Bring a signed copy of the BSA release form found on the Troop web site or complete a copy found in the Hut.

We will stop at McDonalds for lunch on the way home.

YiS Dan s "Delivering the Promise"

Advance-O-Rama Aug 29

Vulcan District Advance–O-Rama Registration:
Begins August 15. Ends August 21.

The event is August 29, 2015 all day Saturday (No camp out that weekend)
This is an opportunity to work towards earning 2 merit badges in a day!

Registration opens this Wednesday and I will register Troop 21 scouts for this event.
We usually take the bus with a gas fee ($3) added to the cost of registration. Total $15
Please follow these instructions to get your son signed up.

1. Go to website www.meritbadge.info

2. click on first tab: enter registration system

3. scroll down and click on 8/29/2015 Advance-o-Rama, Vulcan District 2015 tab

4. Select 2 sessions an AM and PM or an all day class (read all the way to the right of the class name to make sure there are seats available in the class)

Note some classes have pre-requisites, are off site and have an additional fee required. If your son takes an off site class you will be responsible for transportation.

5. Copy and paste info below in red:
fill it out and Email me jonesbsa@bellsouth.net

•Scouts name
•Age
•Parent cell phone
•Parent email

•AM choice

•PM choice

or All day choice

I will register your son and send you an email confirmation.
Make payment to "troop 21" and give it to me at a meeting.
The troop will then write one check.
Don’t forget these classes fill quickly especially… Eagle required merit badges.


Please email if you have questions.

YiS

Alan Jones

J Branin Eagle Project

I have scheduled a work day for my Eagle project for Saturday, June 6.

I will be replacing the gravel with brick pavers in the walking path at the Alabama Veterans Memorial at Liberty Park. I will be starting work at 8 AM and can use help from the troop. Please bring shovels, hoes, dirt rakes, wheel barrows and work gloves. We will be working until the project is complete, 8 til ?. Lunch and water/cool aid will be provided.

I am still accepting donations to help pay for the materials.

Thanks

J Branin

Troop News

We had well attended meeting tonight covering summer camp basics. On Thursday, 6/4/15, all patrol leaders, Troop and patrol quartermasters need to be present at the Hut at 6:30 PM for loading gear into the Frank Tank and Trailer. Uniform not required. We will need extra leaders present to assist in packing and loading the large white Troop canopy/cover presently in the Lions Club building.

We will meet at the Hut at 10:30 AM Sunday (6/7), for loading personal gear and heading out to camp. We won't be stopping for lunch enroute to camp, so the Scout should pack a lunch since we will not be eating until 5:00 pm at camp. We will not have breakfast at camp Saturday (6/13) when we leave early in the AM, so he should bring money for breakfast at McDonalds on the way home with an expectation time between 11-12AM.

If you have any questions, before we leave, please don't hesitate to call.

Troop News

Just a reminder that the meeting tonight is required for all those who will be attending summer camp, especially new Scouts and a parent. as the Scouts, with leader comments, will be talking to camp requirements and what we will be doing there for the week. Additional "what to bring to camp" information is in the Troop Guide, the new Scout handouts, the "Camp Guide (2015)" found on the Troop web site, and other locations on the web site that we have used and added to over the past years.



As reminded last night in an email by Mr. Brown, we have to have all the incomplete details on all the required forms tonight as he listed for completion. Over the years the requirements, especially the medical form requirements, are strictly enforced by the camp.

We ( all Troop leadership including all quartermasters) will be coming in this Thursday night (6/4/15) at 6:30 PM to load all our Troop gear for the trip. It normally lasts an hour or so and the uniform is not required. We will meet at the hut with all his personal gear on Sunday (6/7/15) for the final loading and departure for camp. We will not be stopping enroute, so he should eat or pack a lunch for the trip to Camp Sequoyah. (The Scout) will expect a parent or another parent to bring him his dinner Wednesday night (4-10:00pm) during visiting hours as the dining hall will not be open. He will need breakfast money for a stop at McDonalds on the way back on Sunday.

The first crew made it back from Sea Base last week and they will be highlighting the trip tonight for the Scouts with a more detailed program/with pictures to be scheduled at a Troop meeting this summer. Mr. Simon has posted about 3000 pictures of the first crew on the Troop web site. Take the time to look at them and plan on sending the Scout on the next trip we take, be it Sea Base, Philmont, or Northern Tier. The second Sea base crew is on the way back also (due 6/2/15).

Thanks to the continued efforts of Mr. Branin, the Troop Philmont Crews will be heading to New Mexico June 28th, returning on the 14th of July.

A busy summer for us...

As noted on the Troop calendar, we are scheduled for canoeing at Grimes Canoe Base (Tn) (July) (Friday AM-Sunday) and the Nantahala and the Ocoee Rivers for white water rafting in August (Friday PM-Sunday).

Thanks for all your support and for encouraging attendance.

Please make sure you are making a copy of or forwarding this email to your son for his information and planning calendar. It is always discovered at meetings that many of the Scouts are not being informed of Troop trips/activities/service opportunities through their patrol leaders, especially if they were absent at a meeting when the activity was announced.

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.

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 H 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.

Troop News

Congratulations to A Childs, Z Hamley, T Brownbridge, and J Jacobs and their families for becoming new members of the Troop tonight and for joining the Dragon Patrol. As we know P Hinkle and G King joined earlier in the month and are attending regularly.

We had an excellent program tonight with two experienced Alabama Power crew and management members who spoke to the Scouts regarding the importance of the Eagle, the potential for jobs in the field, and as importantly different aspects of life saving and life preserving techniques and procedures involving high voltage situations found in the normal experience of the field.

If the Scout is coming on the backpacking trip this weekend, he needs to be at the Hut this Thursday night (5/7) with all his gear. He may return home with it or leave it at the hut for loading on Friday (5/8).

For those not going on the trip, F Hutchens is still asking for assistance for his Eagle Project at the Open Air Farm in Bluff Park from 8:00 AM until about 3:00 PM Saturday (5/9).

The cost for the trip is $30.00 for fuel and meals. If the Scouts choose, we will stop at a McDonalds on the way back and we should return before Noon.

If the Scout has been in the Troop for more than two years and has not backpacked, it is recommended that he take the effort and enjoy the experience.

The recent request by Dr. Brewer for assistance (5/20 and 5/27) in setting and picking up flags is a good, high profile service project for us wearing the khaki BSA shirt. If the Scout and leaders can assist with this, please make the effort and give him a call for planning purposes. The Troop is normally asked to participate in Memorial Day activities (5/25) at the Alabama Veteran's Memorial at the Liberty Park exit. If asked this year, we will make the announcement for Scouts and leaders to assist.

On Monday, 5/11, we will take down Troop gear and have a Patrol Leaders Meeting ( 7:00PM) and Committee meeting at 8:00 PM.

Troop News

In preparation for the caving trip coming up during the weekend of March 21, and in order to get an accurate head count of who is going, we need all those who plan to attend the caving trip to be at the Monday night meeting March 2, 2015 for an accurate head count... if the leader or the Scout cannot make the meeting, then please email me or call me.

At this time, with good weather, we will be taking the bus and hauling the trailer (Dr. Brewer).....we will leave around 8:00 AM March 21, stop for lunch along the way, arrive at the incline railroad, take the RR to top and visit the National Park, return to the bus, stop at a Cracker Barrel Restaurant for dinner, then enter the cave at 7:00 PM, camping in the cave, then heading for home stopping for lunch at 8:00 EST. March 22.

The cost is $40.00 per person for the cave; $11.20 adult $5.00 Scout for the Rail Road; $3.00 for for admission to the walking portion of the park (under 16 free); $10.00 for fuel, and meals out of pocket per person. Total w/o meals is 75.00 leader/ 55.00 Scout not including meals (figure about 20.00 for two McDonalds stops and one Cracker Barrel supper).

We will look at the weather for going up on the mountain, If bad we will talk to another activity prior to going in the cave. The cave is dry and always in comfortable temperature.

If the weather is bad, preventing the National Park and RR ride, we could (1) consider the aquarium instead (group rate $27.00 adult /16.00 youth and add $6.00 for the IMAX.... or (2) just leave the Hut later in the day from Bham and arrive at the cave at 7:00 PM.....or (3) leave the Hut earlier and just do a bus tour of the Chickamauqa National Military park and visitor center at no cost before going to the cave of which, except for ice and snow, weather has not bearing.

The Racoon Mtn Wild Cave Tour caving is the best offered for groups in a controlled, safe environment with a professional guide...changing before we go in into our caving clothes, we get real dirty while wearing provided protected headgear w/a light/gloves, knee pads, and tote bag provided for your gear while crawling in old jeans and an old long sleeved shirt, through tight fitting crawl spaces.

We will bring a light weight sleeping bag, water bottle, toothbrush for staying in a sleeping space inside the cavern....it is more primitive than the Cumberland Cave and Lost Sea Cavern...more exiting, more exerting, and more fun......recommend a pair of rubber boots (not required) to walk in a ankle deep river or a pair of dry socks if you wear a pair of old sneakers so you have a pair of dry socks in the sleeping area at night. Over the years I have acquired a pair to keep my feet dry and get better traction....noticed that the guides wear boots also.

Great trip and you can buy a patch! We get breakfast at the cave in the AM, shower if you want, change back into uniform, and depart.

The Troop has visited all of these caves in the past and the choice for the most fun is the Raccoon Mtn cave (wild tour).

YiS Dan s