BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
November 2006 Newsletter
Announcements
Schedule Change: Activity night this month has been moved to WEDNESDAY, November 15th for a swim party at the Grand Ledge High School pool. There will not be a scout meeting on Tuesday, November 14th. Cost is $2.50/person exact change appreciated or $7/family. I'm certain Nick and Alex have some fun activities planned
Wreath Building: Don't forget to sell your wreathes! Building will begin on the 18th and continue until we are done. More details to come during scout meetings.
December Cookie Bake Don't forget December's cookie bake on the 19th. Bring 2 dozen nicely decorated cookies and 4 blank Christmas cards to the church at 6:30. We will provide pizza and pop. Assembled plates of cookies will be distributed at Serenity Place in Grand Ledge.
Recharter It's not too early to start thinking about rechartering. We hope you all intend to renew for another year. $25 per scout or $35 per family. Give payment to Kim Ramm by December 15th. Scouts older than 18 can recharter with the Venture Crew if you want to keep participating.
White Water Rafting We have decided to return to Ohiopyle, PA and cruise the mighty Youghagheny River next summer. Details to follow, cost is usually less than $100 per person, and this is a great family trip if you haven't been before. Tentative dates are June 20-23rd, 2007. Sign-up sheet will be available beginning in October.
New Policy on Troop Eagle Scout Account:
Troop 70 has a separate sub-account that is funded by donations, primarily from money left over from other scout's Eagle Project money. The troop committee has set a policy that this money be made available to help scouts fund unanticipated costs associated with their Eagle projects, according to the following guidelines:
·
The Eagle candidate must have already had his project approved, including the budget, and raised the funds that he projected he would need.
·The scout must petition the committee in person, stating what the money is needed for.
·The maximum contribution from this fund will be $50.
·The money must be used for supplies and services directly associated with the project. This could be materials, rental of equipment, or fees charged by professionals such as electricians, architects, or inspectors, for example.
·Any money appropriated from the fund that is not used for the Eagle project will be returned to the fund.
·The Troop 70 committee may grant exceptions to this policy when, in the opinion of the committee, it serves the function of Troop 70 and of Scouting to do so.
Calendar
November 7Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Class A Uniforms Required
November 10Fish Fry Seal, Momber, Masters, Smith
November 14TuesdayNO MEETING
November 15WednesdayActivity Night
POOL PARTY GLHS Pool
November 18-19Wreath Building
November 21Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Class B Uniforms (Red T-shirt)
Agenda TBA
November 28Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Patrol Leaders Meeting
November 29Wednesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Dec 8Fish Fry Sanderson, Crabtree, VanDeCasteele
2007
Jan 12Fish Fry Ramm, Ballou
Jan 12-14Winter Camping weekend/Polar Bear Kiwanis
Mar 9Fish Fry Kentner, Schooley
June 20-23White Water Rafting, Ohiopyle, PA
BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
March 2007 Newsletter
Announcements
Don’t forget Scott’s Eagle Ceremony on Saturday, March 3rd, 2pm at the church!
Welcome new crossovers from Wacousta Pack 260: Christian O., Tayler R., Dan G., Wesley P., Ben L., and Adam D.
Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser – Saturday, March 17th. All scouts are expected to participate. Don’t forget practice night at 6:30 on Tuesday, March 13th at the church in place of our regular meeting. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE.
Northwoods: Sign up will begin in March. Cost is $215 with a down payment of $75 due by March 17th. We will need adults to share leadership duties for the week as well as drivers and trailer haulers.
White Water Rafting – June 20-23rd, 2007. Sign-up sheet available now through the end of May. I will need a $30 down payment by March 17th to hold your spot. Final payment will be due in May.
Religious Instruction: Mrs. Lawson is now able to provide instruction for the Ad Altaire Dei program. If you are a member of the catholic church and wish to earn this special achievement in scouting, please contact her.
Congratulations to the following adults for stepping into some of our open positions: Bud Lawson - Treasurer, Steve Momber – Webmaster and Troopmaster software, Michelle Lawson – Fundraising, Committee Chair – Jim Gartung, Northwoods Coordinator – Graham Crabtree, Popcorn Kernel – Tom Smith
We still need warm bodies for:
Scoutmaster – Must take scoutmaster training through council, you know the rest
Advancement Chair – Processes blue cards and related paperwork, buys badges from scout store and assists with distribution at scout meetings. Communicates advancement to Troopmaster software keeper.
Secretary – Writes these entertaining monthly newsletters after attending the monthly adult leaders meeting and distributes them via e-mail to the troop
Spaghetti Dinner Coordinator – Coordinates annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser and gets tons of help from everyone that hasn’t volunteered for anything else all year
Service Work Coordinator – Identifies and communicates service work opportunities for scouts.
Calendar
March 3SaturdayEagle Scout Ceremony 2pm Wacousta Methodist Church
March 6Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Class A Uniforms Required
Merit badge work and rank advancement
March 9FridayFish Fry – Kentner, Schooley, Gartung
March 13Tuesday6:30pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Practice being CLEAN and REVERENT Spaghetti Dinner Waiters. Pizza to be provided.
March 17Saturday4-7pm Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser – Masonic Hall
March 20TuesdayActivity Night - TBD
March 27Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Patrol Leaders Meeting
March 28Wednesday 7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Adult Leaders Meeting
All Parents are Invited
Apr 13FridayFish Fry – Clapp
April ?????CMU High Ropes?
April ActivityWednesdayNorthwoods Swim Tests – High School Pool
May 5-6Sat-SunService Work Weekend
May 11FridayFish Fry – Bedard
May ActivityTuesdayNature Hike – Lincoln Brick Park
June 20-23White Water Rafting, Ohiopyle, PA
July 1-7WeekNorthwoods – Campsite Huron
July 7-13WeekMackinac Island Honor Guard
BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
April 2007 Newsletter
Announcements
EAGLES!!!! Don’t forget Calum’s Eagle Ceremony on Saturday, April 21st, 11am at the church! Congrats to Nick S., Zach M. and Nick B. for turning in their books and heading toward their final steps. We will be looking for parent volunteers for these Boards of Review. If you have not participated before, this is a great opportunity to see the leadership process at work. If you have participated before, we will try to ask you for only one of these upcoming “opportunities”. 3 parents from our troop are required for each board of review.
Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser – We raised $1,155 for the Troop 70 account! YEAH! Big, big, big thanks to Terese Kromer and Cathy Kuhlman for their hard work, incredible organization, and dedication to the troop.
Northwoods - We have 13 boys and 5 adults signed up. Looks like it will be a good year for merit badges! Final payment announcements will be made soon. In the meantime, start thinking about the merit badges you need for rank advancement and don’t forget the swim test on Wednesday, April 18th during open swim at the Grand Ledge high school pool. Show up between 6 and 8pm and let Ann Manning know you are there for the Boy Scout Swimming test and that you are with Troop 70. Cost is $2 to get into open swim and you are welcome to swim about once your testing is done. You will be graded on your ability to complete the following: Jump in water over your head, swim three laps any stroke, one lap on your back, and tread water for 30 seconds. Don’t worry if you can’t do any or all of these – swimming is available as a merit badge (required for Eagle) up at Northwoods. You must STILL BE TESTED at the Grand Ledge pool before you can go to Northwoods regardless of your swimming ability.
White Water Rafting – June 20-23rd, 2007. Many downpayments still missing. I will be calling folks this week and taking you off the list if payment is not made so that those waiting can still get on . Final payment will be due in May.
Congratulations to the following adults for stepping into some of our open positions: Bud Lawson - Treasurer, Steve Momber – Webmaster and Troopmaster software, Michelle Lawson – Fundraising, Committee Chair – Jim Gartung, Northwoods Coordinator – Graham Crabtree, Popcorn Kernel – Tom Smith, Advancement Chair – Kathy Smith!!!!!!!
We still need warm bodies for:
Scoutmaster – Must take scoutmaster training through council, you know the rest
Secretary – Writes these entertaining monthly newsletters after attending the monthly adult leaders meeting and distributes them via e-mail to the troop. Keeps Roster Current.
Spaghetti Dinner Coordinator – Coordinates annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser and gets tons of help from everyone that hasn’t volunteered for anything else all year
Service Work Coordinator – Identifies and communicates service work opportunities for scouts.
Merit Badge Counselors – We received some good news this week from the council. There is no limit to the number of merit badges adults can sign up for as long as one single adult doesn’t coach all of the Eagle Scout merit badges. And now that we know the currently accepted practice for becoming a merit badge counselor, we’d like to add a few more to our ranks. Please check in with either Kim or Lynn if you have a skill that may lend itself to merit badge counseling. We are always looking for assistance on Eagle badges that are not covered at Northwoods as well as unique merit badges around which we can build new opportunities for the boys. Flip through the list in your son’s merit badge book or go to www.meritbadge.com for a list of badges and requirements.
Calendar
April 3Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Class A Uniforms Required
Merit badge work and rank advancement
April 10Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Class B Uniforms (Red Shirts)
Flag Handling – folding, raising & lowering, disposal (This involves FIRE) plus PATROL PATCH HANDOUT!!!
April 13FridayFish Fry – Kentner, Clapp, Ballou (I think)
April 18WednesdayActivity Night – NOTE DAY CHANGE
Swim Tests at the GLHS Pool 6-8pm $2
April 21SaturdayEagle Court of Honor – Calum Ramm
11am Wacousta Methodist Church
April 24Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Patrol Leaders Meeting
April 25Wednesday 7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Adult Leaders Meeting All Parents are Invited
May 5-6Sat-SunService Work Weekend
May 11FridayFish Fry – Bedard
May ActivityNature Hike – Lincoln Brick Park
June 20-23White Water Rafting, Ohiopyle, PA
July 1-7WeekNorthwoods – Campsite Huron
July 7-13WeekMackinac Island Honor Guard
BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
May 2007 Newsletter
Announcements
Northwoods - We have 15 boys and 5 adults signed up. Merit badge selections must be made at the May 1st or May 8th meeting. Final payment is due by May 12th.
White Water Rafting – June 20-23rd, 2007. Final payment due May 8th.
Congratulations to the following adults for stepping into some of our open positions: Bud Lawson - Treasurer, Steve Momber – Webmaster and Troopmaster software, Michelle Lawson – Fundraising, Committee Chair – Jim Gartung, Northwoods Coordinator – Graham Crabtree, Popcorn Kernel – Tom Smith, Advancement Chair – Kathy Smith!!!!!!!
We still need warm bodies for:
Scoutmaster – Must take scoutmaster training through council, you know the rest
Secretary – Writes these entertaining monthly newsletters after attending the monthly adult leaders meeting and distributes them via e-mail to the troop. Keeps Roster Current.
Spaghetti Dinner Coordinator – Coordinates annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser and gets tons of help from everyone that hasn’t volunteered for anything else all year
Service Work Coordinator – Identifies and communicates service work opportunities for scouts.
Calendar
May 1Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Class A Uniforms Required
Merit badge work and rank advancement
Northwoods Merit Badge Selection, Health Form distribution
May 8Tuesday7-8pm Delta Mills Elementary School (Corner of Ingersoll
and Delta River Drive) for our annual Nature Hike.
Wear Class B Uniforms (Red Shirts) and shoes for walking a
long, long way. Bring your scout books, final payment for
Northwoods and/or White Water Rafting, and your
Northwoods Merit Badge picks if you did not complete them
last week.
May 11FridayFish Fry – Bedard
May 12SaturdayScout Service Day
Meet at the church at 8:30. We will work until 11am.
May 15TuesdayRain date for Nature Hike, otherwise, no meeting.
May 22TuesdayPatrol Leaders Meeting is cancelled
May 26SaturdayWacousta Memorial Day Parade and Color Guard
May 29TuesdayFree Tuesday – Go do a good deed!
May 30Wednesday 7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Adult Leaders Meeting All Parents are Invited
June 5Safety Afloat taught by Nick Ballou
June 15-17Backpacking Weekend
June 20-23White Water Rafting, Ohiopyle, PA
June 24-30 Junior Leader Camp – Camp Kiwanis
July 1-7WeekNorthwoods – Campsite Huron
July 7-13WeekMackinac Island Honor Guard
July 246:30pmCanoe Down the Grand River
August ?Weekend Campout at the Clapp Farm
August 21Summer Wrap up and New Year Activity Selection
September 4End of Summer Court of Honor and Potluck
BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
June 2007 Newsletter
Announcements
Northwoods – Mr. Crabtree is doing an OUTSTANDING job coordinating this year’s efforts. Please check with Mrs. Ramm or Mr. Kentner at the June 5 meeting to see if we have a health form from last year for you. Otherwise, continue to work on gathering up those forms and getting them to Mr. Crabtree. REMINDER: Troop 70 policy – no bikes at Northwoods! Walking is GOOD FOR YOU!
White Water Rafting – June 20-23rd, 2007. Participants will receive a separate notice from Mrs. Ramm. Mr. DeYoung will be assuming the leadership of this adventure as the Ramm family is heading towards Annapolis! As a result, there may be a few open spots for rafting if you couldn’t decide before now…
One more really important announcement:
Eagle Scout Court of Honor for ZACH at the church on Sunday June 24th @ 1:00pm!
Calendar
June 5Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Class A Uniforms Required
June 12Tuesday7-8pm Wacousta Methodist Church
Class B Uniforms Required
Merit Badge, Rank Advancement
June 15-17Fri-SunBackpacking
June 20-23White Water Rafting, Ohiopyle, PA
June 24 Eagle Scout Court of Honor for ZACH at the church @ 1:00pm!
June 24-30 Junior Leader Camp – Camp Kiwanis
July 1-7Week Northwoods – Campsite Huron
July 7-13Week Mackinac Island Honor Guard
July 246:30pm Canoe Down the Grand River
August 11 or 12Weekend Campout at the Clapp Farm
August 21Summer Wrap up, New Year Activity Selection, Elections,
September 4 End of Summer Court of Honor and Potluck
BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
July 2007 Newsletter
BIG NEWS !!! If you have not already seen the article on our recent Eagle Scouts, please check out page 16 of this week’s Grand Ledge Independent (June 24 edition) for a great article. Also available on line at http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007706240476
Announcements
Northwoods – We leave this Sunday at 8:30 AM, please note time change, from Heritage Park in Wacousta. Come prepared for a fun full week.
REMINDERS: - Troop 70 policy – no bikes at Northwoods! Walking is GOOD FOR YOU!
- Full uniform is required for travel to Northwoods. This includes shirt, neckerchief and slide.
White Water Rafting – Sounds like white water rafting was fun for all and everyone one returned. Thank you to the Deyoung’s for taking over the leadership and to everyone that went that help looked out for the Scouts.
Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Nick Schooley is planned for the evening of Saturday, August 4, at the Campus Life facility on Snow Ave. More details such as time will follow
Calendar
July 1-7 WeekNorthwoods – Campsite Huron (see note above)
July 7-13 WeeMackinac Island Honor Guard – we have 6 scouts representing our troop
July 10 7:00 pm Badge work and rank advancement
July 17 Tentative work on Stuart Clapp’s Eagle Scout Project
July 24 6:30pm Canoe Down the Grand River
July 25 Parents Meeting – everyone is invited.
August 11 or 12 Weekend Campout at the Clapp Farm – details and sign up the week of July 10.
August 21 Summer Wrap up, New Year Activity Selection, Elections,
September 4End of Summer Court of Honor and Potluck
BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
August 2007 Newsletter
Announcements
Northwoods: An excellent report from Northwoods. 60+ merit badges were earned by the 16 boys attending! We also had 7 boys nominated for the Order of the Arrow. Congratulations and THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all the parents that assisted this year. Special thanks to Mr. Crabtree for coordinating the effort.
Eagle Court of Honor: Don’t forget Nick S’s on August 4th, 7pm at the Campus Life facility, 5222 Dumont Court, northwest corner Snow Road and Mount Hope.
Current Eagle Projects: Both Stuart C and Kevin G will be looking for help this month completing their projects. You can contact them directly for a schedule of work times and we will also be making announcements at our regular meetings. Stuart is specifically looking for folks to donate perennials.
Camp at Clapp Farm: More info on this will be announced on August 7th.
End of Summer Potluck/Court of Honor: Mark September 4th on your calendar for our annual end of summer potluck, Court of Honor bash beginning at 6:30 at Heritage Park. All family members are invited. The troop will provide the hot dogs. Please bring a dish to pass, your own beverages and table service, lawn chairs, bug spray, a flashlight, and a good attitude from the first day of school! The second year NoSeeums will be responsible for the program – Trevor, Curtis, Matt, Kirk, and Christian. You can get the Cobras to help – Adam, Ben, Christian, Tayler, and Dan.
Calendar
August 7Class A Uniform Meeting at the church 7-8pm
August 11/12Clapp Farm Camping
August 14Class B Uniform Meeting at the church 7-8pm
August 21TBD
August 28Patrol Leaders Meeting at the church 7pm
August 29Adult Leader meeting at the church 7-8pm
Sept. 4Court of Honor/Annual Summer Potluck Heritage Park 6:30pm
Sept. 28Popcorn Sales Begin
Nov 17-20Wreath Building
2008
June 29-July 5thNorthwoods
Seabase?
BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
September 2007 Newsletter
Announcements
End of Summer Potluck/Court of Honor: Mark September 4th on your calendar for our annual end of summer potluck, Court of Honor bash beginning at 6:30 at Heritage Park. All family members are invited. The troop will provide the hot dogs. Please bring a dish to pass, your own beverages and table service, lawn chairs, bug spray, a flashlight, and a good attitude from the first day of school! We have a HUGE number of merit badges, rank advancements, PATROL BADGES, and honors to bestow. You don’t want to miss it! Class A Uniforms a must.
Popcorn and Wreath Sale details available soon.
Calendar
September 4Class A Court of Honor/Potluck at Heritage Park 6:30pm
September 11Class B Uniform Meeting at the church 7-8pm
September 18TBD
September 25Patrol Leaders Meeting at the church 7pm
September 26Adult Leader meeting at the church 7-8pm
Sept. 28Popcorn Sales Begin
October 2Class A Uniform INSPECTION at the church 7-8pm
Nov 17-20Wreath Building
2008
June 29-July 5thNorthwoods
Seabase?
BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
November 2007 Newsletter
Announcements and Activities
Scout Trailer Clean Up: We have established a committee of Scouts to be in charge of the trailer. The scouts are as follows:
Jake CDan C
Dan GAlex S
Adam DShawn D
Rich MLuke A
This committee will be meeting at the the Momber’s house next Saturday, November 3 @ 9:00 am to clean up the trailer for winter storage. We will meet 2 – 3 hours. The address is listed on the Troop Roster or call 204-3463 for directions.
Wreath Building: The orders were due in this past week. Building will begin on the 18th and continue until we are done. More details to come during scout meetings.
December Cookie Bake – Don’t forget December’s cookie bake on the 18th. Bring 2 dozen nicely decorated cookies and 4 blank Christmas cards to the church at 6:30. More details to follow.
Sea Base Trip 2008 – We are working to put together a trip to Sea Base in Florida during the summer of 2008. Coral Reef Sailing will be trip and we estimate the cost between $1000 and $1200 per person. More details at the next few scout meetings and we will need a commitment by December 1.
Calendar
November 3 – Scout Trailer Clean up (see note above)
November 6 – Badge work, fitness, and rank advancement (Class A)
November 9 – Fish Fry
November 13 – Badge work and rank advancement (Class B)
November 17 – 20 – Wreath building (contact Mr. Kenter to confirm time)
November 28 – Patrol Leader Meeting
November 29 – Adult Leader Meeting
December 4 - Badge work and rank advancement (Class A)
December 11 – Badge work and rank advancement (Class B)
December 14 – Fish Fry
December 18 – Activity Night – Cookie Night (more details to follow)
December 26 – Adult Leader Meeting
January 8 – Badge work and rank advancement (Class A)
January 11 – Fish Fry
January 11 – 13 Winter Camporee
January 15 – Badge work and rank Advancement (Class B)
January 22 – Activity Night
January 29 – Patrol Leader Meeting
January 30 – Adult Leader Meeting
BSA Troop 70
Wacousta, Michigan
December 2007 Newsletter
Announcements and Activities
Wreathes: What a great event! Big thanks to the Kentner's and Mrs. Lawson for providing the assembly location and making all of the arrangements. Everyone did an outstanding job! Remember to turn your wreath $$$ in at the Dec. 4 or 11th meeting.
Cookie Night: At the Dec. 18th meeting we will be assembling cookie plates for seniors again. Bring 2 dozen, pre-decorated, holiday cookies and 4 gift cards. The meeting will start @ 6:30 with Pizza and Soda for everyone.
On Wednesday December 19 we are going to deliver the cookies and are looking for scout volunteers to help. This will be right after school. We will have more details at the weekly meetings and will finalize on the 18th.
Rechartering in December: This is your commitment to scouting for another year. $25 per scout, $35 if more than one scout per family. Payment via check or scout account transfer should be turned into Kim by December 11th.
PARENTS Meeting December 26th: 7PM at the Kentner's. B.Y.O.A, B or C (Appetizer, beverage or cookie!) and help celebrate another successful year!
Sea Base Trip 2008 – We are working to put together a trip to Sea Base in Florida during the summer of 2008. Coral Reef Sailing will be trip and we estimate the cost between $1000 and $1200 per person. More details at the next few scout meetings and we will need a commitment by the end of December.
Equipment for Trailer: please return any equipment/tents you have from the last camp out at the next meeting.
Fish Fry Schedule – Please see the page on the web site for the update to date schedule.
Winter Campout – January 11 – 13. We will have all the details at the December 11 meeting along with a sign up sheet.
Calendar
December 4 - Badge work and rank advancement (Class A)
Please bring your current edition of Boys Life.
December 11 – Polar Bear Prep – Clothing/Shelter/Food (Class B)
December 14 – Fish Fry
December 18 – Activity Night – Cookie Night - meeting will start at 6:30.
December 19 – Delivery of cookies after school (details at meeting on Dec 18)
December 22 – all day winter hike at Sleep Hollow
December 26 – Adult Leader Meeting – see note above
January 8 – Review OA qualifications and finalize camp out (Class A)
January 11 – Fish Fry
January 11 – 13 Winter campout
January 15 – Badge work and rank Advancement (Class B)
January 22 – Activity Night – Dodge Ball at township Hall
January 29 – Patrol Leader Meeting
January 30 – Adult Leader Meeting
February 5 – Badge work and rank advancement (Class A)
February 8 – Fish Fry
February 12 – Badge work and rank advancement (Class B)
February 19 – Activity Night
February 26 – Patrol Leader Meeting?
February 27 – Adult Leader Meeting
