Scoutmaster's Minute

27 August 2005

Hello friends of Troop 41-

I know I've been a bit lax (ok, a lot lax) in updating this section of the webpage. I promise I will try to update every month or two this coming year!

As I look at the coming year, I can't help but be amazed at how far this troop has come in just under two years. We are a constant participant in all district activities, usually competing well with far more established troops. More importantly, the district and council know we can be relied upon. We will again be one of the troops hosting the Webelos Weekend this coming October. It is an honor that we are approached when help like this is needed.

For a measure of how far we've come, and how much our scouts have distinguished themselves, we can look to the week at summer camp. We were looked up to as one of the more organized troops the week we were there (the bright yellow shirts didn't hurt either!). While there are always a few minor issues, this week went as smoothly as any I've ever spent at camp. Our senior scouts and senior patrol organized the week, and our younger scouts both pitched in with the troop, and got the most they could out of the week at camp. In twelve years I have taken a lot of first-year scouts to camp. I must say our Lightning patrol was the best prepared I have ever had.

The staff at camp recognized this troop. Did you notice how they were fighting over seats at our tables during mealtime? They wanted to sit with the best! Of course, we didn't get to see some of our scouts much this summer: six of them were on staff at camp. What other troop of 23 people can say that?

I'm hoping for another great year this year. In September we'll be starting our year again at Lake Towhee, and as I said, in October we'll be helping run the Webelos Weekend. In November we are hoping for a trip a little farther afield, perhaps at Hickory Run. Other activites will be planned as soon as we get together at a regular troop meeting.

Of course, the Seabase trip is now less than a year away, and we need to start fundraising and getting organized for that. If any scouts are eligible and haven't yet decided to go, I would strongly recommend it. I spent a half-hour or so talking in person to the director of Seabase, and it sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity, it should be great. We will have a presentation at our first meeting from a troop that went recently.

Come to think of it, I know we'll have a great year, because I know our scouts will make it so! I'm looking forward to getting it started!

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or problems, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Al Folsom

215-343-6851

alan@folsoms.net

Scoutmaster's Minute

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