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Scoutmaster's Minute
3 November 2005
Hello friends of Troop 41-
It seems like just a week or two ago that summer ended and our regular meetings \
started, but it's actually more than two months. Things are flying!
Our first two trips were about as different in terms of weather as they could be -
Lake Towhee was beautiful, warm and sunny. We had a relaxed and enjoyable weekend,
and got the beginning-of-the-year kinks out of our camping skills.
The next weekend we were at Ockanickon to help with "Webelos Weekend." It Flat
Out Poured!!! I don't know the true rainfall over the weekend, but I've heard
that it was over 9 inches. We set up in the rain, cooked in the rain, worked in
the rain, and packed up in the rain. The weekend had the potential to be a disaster.
Instead, our scouts pulled together, and helped make the weekend a great one for
the Webelos there. I heard not one single complaint from the scouts about the
weather. And, as is usual for this troop, the food was excellent! Believe me,
I prefer the sunny, relaxed trips, but it's the ones like this that make me proud
to be associated with the troop.
We continue to be active. November 7th is the Indoor Rally (at least I hope it
is, we've seen three different dates listed!) We've done very well the first two
years of the troop, I'm hoping to have a great turnout from the troop, and
continue to make ourselves known. On November 11-13 we'll be at Hickory Run state park.
Our intention is to hike to the boulder fields during Saturday, and spend the rest
of the time working on advancement, and, of course, eating!
On Saturday, November 26th, we will be holding what is perhaps the most prestigious
and important ceremony in scouting: an Eagle Court of Honor. I look forward to
these like no other scouting activity. It is a chance to honor the best in scouting,
and to inspire the troop's newer members. Please make an effort to attend,
scouts and scouters in full and complete uniform.
December remains a difficult month for camping. Many potential sites are closed
because of deer season, and the holidays complicate planning. This year we will
be going to Camp Hart December 16-18. I know that's the weekend before Christmas,
but most of our scouts expressed an interest in going anyway. It should be fun.
I encourage our older or more experienced scouts to try winter camping in tents.
For those who are not suitably equipped, we'll also have a cabin available.
Thanks to all who have participated in the various fund raisers so far this year,
especially the popcorn sale. I'm not particularly fond of fundraising myself, but
as a new troop we've had a lot of expenses, and we need these to keep ourselves
on a good course. Speaking of popcorn, special thanks to our "kernel", Jeff
Fellmeth for organizing this! It is a great service to the troop. Jeff has
decided that committee work is too challenging, and to take the relaxed life of
an Assistant Scoutmaster. We really look forward to having him join the ranks
of the uniformed leaders!
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
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© 2003-2005 Alan L. Folsom, Jr.