Calling all Scouts!
Registrations are still being accepted for the 2009 Centennial Merit Badge College. But hurry, all the classes are going fast! To assure that you get the class you want, register. Contact Mrs. Denton with questions.
To all members of Troop 16:
Today, I have initiated a TROOP MOBILIZATION DRILL.
All available members of Troop 16 are to report to the Gazebo at the Park across the street from PUMC (on the west side of Parker Rd) today at 5:00 pm for further instruction.
In the spirit of Emergency Preparedness Month, I’d like to share a bit more with all of you about our Troop’s Emergency Preparedness.
The US Department of Homeland Security has developed a partnership with Boy Scouts of America to help citizens in the case of an emergency. Troops across the United States must be prepared to mobilize in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency situation in order to come to the aid of the citizens in their area.
Periodically, Troop 16 will hold Mobilization Drills to test our readiness to respond in the event of an emergency. We have developed a plan for mobilization and will attempt to execute that plan so that we can see how effective it is. These drills will be unannounced and will test troop communications, and measure our success in mobilizing our members.
Consistent with the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared”.
In an effort to better assess the Troop program, Mr. Abell will ask each scout seeking a Scoutmaster Conference after October 1, 2009, to prepare for his conference by completing a Scoutmaster Conference Worksheet and bringing it to his conference. In addition, Mr. Abell has posted a checklist of skills and discussion topics and some other information that will help the scout prepare for his Scoutmaster Conference. Both can be found on the new “Preparing for a Scoutmaster Conference” page under Resources / Advancement.
The High Adventure Day on September 26th will be a day trip to Little Blue Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area.
NEW: We will leave at 7am from the Church, so be there about 6:45am. Bring gear to be at high altitude in cold and windy conditions. If you can, bring a ski pole or trekking pole, since we may encounter some snow. Also, bring a trail lunch.
This will be a 7 mile trip to 11,500 feet in one of the most photographable mountain cirques in the State. There are waterfalls and tall shear cliffs that drop into the water. Little Blue Lake will involve some rock scrambling and strong hiking skills. It is an excellent kick-off to a Philmont training program. If we are successful time-wise, we will attempt to route-find our way to Mount Toll.
This trip is open to only older Scouts 13+ and First Class (unless you are officially on the Philmont list). Bring your digital cameras, because we will have a photo gallery exhibition on the website for those who shoot the best shots. Travel in this area is restricted to 12 heartbeats per crew, so we’ll break into two groups if we have more than that.
This is fall in the high country at its finest and you shouldnt miss it.
Contact Mr. Coleman if you want to be included. We need a couple of adults to be involved as well.
Please note these new dates for Popcorn sales. Remember, all scouts are expected to participate in each of our three fundraisers.
October 13 – ALL Popcorn forms are due
November 8 – Yes, SUNDAY! Come and pick-up the popcorn after the camp-out. Schedule to be posted at a later date.
November 17 – ALL popcorn money is due to the troop.
Don’t forget that 20% of your sales go into your personal scout account. Don’t procrastinate – get out and sell that popcorn!
Some have asked, so here is an update. My brother, Sean, who is an Eagle Scout, a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow, and a Troop Committee Chair of a Troop in Boulder is pulling through after spinal cord and vertebrae surgery at Boulder Community Hospital.
Two meetings ago the Troop said some words of prayer for him because the extremely high risks involved, and we thank you all. While not out of the woods, the doctors say he is recovering at the very top end of the expected range.
Sean’s impact to Scouting can’t be overstated. To illustrate, while in the ICU waiting room, the Chief of Nursing asked us if Sean had been a Scouter. He had recognized him as his Eagle Coordinator 23 years ago, and couldn’t wait to talk to him. The Chief Nurse credits Sean and Scouts for allowing him to get his position. Moreover, literally hundreds of folks from Scouting across the West have looked in on him. Scouters from across the country have sent emails and Facebook posts. He sets a far better example than do I, for being a committed Scouter. When things get crazy and we wonder if our Scouting efforts are worth the time and trouble, his story reminds us of the impact each of us makes — much of which we will never realize.
Mr. Coleman
Assistant Scoutmaster in Charge of Really Cool Campouts
Be prepared. That is the Scout Motto and also the theme for September which is National Emergency Preparedness Month. With winter approaching consider assembling vehicle and home survival kits.
Vehicle survival kits should contain:
Blanket(s)
Warm clothing/old coats/hats/gloves
Non-perishables (trail mix, candy, 1-2 meals canned/dry (canned goods may expand when frozen)
Water (not filled all the way due to freezing/expanding)
Flares, reflectors, and jumper cables
Essential medications (as needed for family members)
Cell phone charger(s)
Waterproof matches and candles
Portable radio
Flash lights
Extra batteries (flash light, radio)
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
A home survival kit would look much the same, except with “more” – more food, water, batteries…and without the flares/reflectors/jumper cables.
You have greater odds of experiencing a true emergency situation than you have of winning the lottery…but folks still buy lotto tickets, and don’t prepare for emergencies.
If you ever find yourself or another in a real emergency situation, you will be glad to have a survival kit.
Parents and Scouts,
Please be advised that one of T16’s scouts was diagnosed with H1N1 (or “Swine”) Flu shortly after last week’s troop meeting. He is doing better now and will be returning to school tomorrow, but it is important that all scouts and parents be on the look-out.
Watch for symptoms in your own family, which include the following according for the Centers for Disease Control: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
If you discover that you have these symptoms, please see your doctor as soon as possible, and follow these suggestions to protect your health:
Contact Mr. Abell with questions or concerns.
The September camp out will be dedicated to backpacking in the James Peak Wilderness Northwest of Nederland. It is the perfect training opportunity for boys that are planning to go to Philmont in 2010, or those wanting to work on the backpacking merit badge.
Two spots remain available for the long trek, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for signup is tonight, Sunday September 6, 2009, at midnight. Payment of $18/person is due Tuesday, September 8th.