the signaler - troop 264 newsletter tthhee ssiiggnnaalleerr · 12 holiday nursing home visit/sing...

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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Website: http://www.troop264olney.net E-mail: [email protected]

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines (Refer to calendars for specific times.)

December 5-6 Baltimore Hike / USS Torsk December 7 Patrol meeting December 10 District Roundtable December 14 TLC/BOR December 17 Troop Adult Meeting December 18 Sharp Street Food Bank December 21 Troop Holiday Party December 22 Signaler meeting December 24 Winter break begins (school) December 28 Patrol meeting

January 1 New Year‘s Day January 4 Troop meeting January 11 Patrol meeting January 14 District Roundtable January 15 Sharp Street Food Bank January 15-17 USNA NESA Jambo January 18 TLC/BOR (MLK Day) January 21 Troop Adult meeting January 23-24 Winter campout January 25 Winter Court of Honor January 26 Signaler meeting January 30 Nursing Home visit (Hawks)

Holiday Wreaths and Ornaments – Sell Early!

Sell Wreaths and White House Ornaments now!! The Wreath and White House Ornament sales conducted each year by Troop 264 is one of the biggest

fundraisers for the troop and for the scouts. It helps to pay for many of the troop

expenses that scout fees do not cover. The 2009 season the fundraiser is being

conducted by the Anderson family.

The Holiday wreaths are 22‖ in diameter and are made from natural balsam fir

from the woods of New England. The wreaths are individually bagged and boxed.

The cost for the wreaths is $25. Wreaths are here and can be picked up immediately.

This year’s ornament is the 2009 White House Grover Cleveland Ornament.

―This beautiful American-made ornament features a view of the South Lawn and façade of the White House on a crispy winter evening. Inside the window, a

Christmas tree with bright lights and decorations illuminates the starry night from the Oval Room. These lights pay

tribute to the first Christmas tree in the White House to have electric lights.‖ The cost for the ornaments is $20 each. We already have ornaments in stock, so scouts can pick them up and deliver them immediately

A portion of each scout sale goes toward Scout Credits, which the scout can apply toward big trips such as summer camp or a high adventure trip. The more a scout sells, the more he earns. Order forms and related information have

been distributed at troop meetings, if you don‘t have yours, see Mrs. Anderson. Questions? Please contact Mrs.

Sheryl Anderson, 301-570-4736.

http://www.geocities.com/crossroadstroop264


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DDDeeeccceeemmmbbbeeerrr 222000000999

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4

5

Baltimore Hike &

USS Torsk (Foxes)

6 Baltimore Hike &

USS Torsk (Foxes)

7 Patrol meeting

8 9 10 District Roundtable

(Gaithersburg)

(Sharks)

11

Hanukkah starts

12

Holiday Nursing

Home Visit/Sing –

All invited

13

14

TLC / BOR

15

16

17

Troop Adult Meeting

at Brookeville

Academy 7:30 PM

18

Sharp Street Food

Bank, 4:15 PM

19

20

21 Troop Holiday Party

7:30 PM Open: Hawks

Service: Sharks

22

Signaler meeting 7 PM

23

24

(Winter break –

no school)

25

Christmas

(no school)

26

27

28

Patrol meeting

(Winter break –

no school)

29

(Winter break –

no school)

30

(Winter break –

no school)

31

(Winter break –

no school)

New Year‘s Day

(Holiday)


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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 New Year‘s Day

(no school)

2

3

4 Troop meeting

Open: Mammoths

Service: Vikings

MB: Foxes

Skill: Hawks

5 6 7

8

9

10

11

Patrol meeting

12

13

14

District Roundtable

(Gaithersburg)

(Foxes)

15 Sharp Street Food

Bank, 4:15 PM

USNA NESA Jambo at Annapolis

16

USNA NESA Jambo

at Annapolis

17 USNA NESA Jambo

at Annapolis

18 Martin Luther King

Day (no school)

TLC / BOR

19

20

21 Troop Adult Meeting

at Brookeville

Academy 7:30 PM

22

23 Winter campout

(Vikings)

24

Winter campout

(Vikings)

25 (no school)

Winter Court of

Honor

Open: Vikings

Service: Sharks

26

Signaler meeting

7 PM

27

28

29

30

Nursing Home visit

(Hawks)

31

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Baltimore Hike and Overnight on the USS Torsk – December 5 - 6

December 5th and 6

th, the troop will do a Baltimore Trail Hike and Submarine overnight. You will actually sleep in crew

berths on a World War II submarine, the USS Torsk. The cost is $50 per person. This is a change from our originally

scheduled outing date due to the submarine availability.

We will have lunch at the Harbor and then hike the 3.2 mile Baltimore Historic Trail that departs from the Inner Harbor

and the USS Constellation. Upon returning from our hike we will board the USS Torsk, Pier 3, at Baltimore‘s Inner

Harbor. We will dine aboard the adjacent lightship, and participate in various activities that will give the group the feel of

life at sea. We will spend the night aboard, and depart after breakfast. See this link for more information: http://www.historicships.org/torsk.html

Questions may be directed to Mr. Harris at [email protected] as soon as possible. We will have the whole sub to ourselves. No tent camping!

~ Mr. Dick Harris & Mr. Art Maxham

American Legion Flag Retirement Ceremony – 2 PM Sunday December 6 The American Legion, Norman Price Post, will hold a flag retirement ceremony at 2 PM on Sunday December 6 at the

Brookeville Academy in Brookeville, MD. Please support our veterans, and please wear full Class A uniforms. A

bugler will be needed. Contact Mr. Bogan, [email protected], if you can help out as bugler.

Adopt A Soldier Program – Holidays

Thank you to the 22 scout families who donated items during last month‘s Adopt A Soldier Program Patrol Challenge, and congratulations to the Mammoth Patrol for collecting the most items. The Mammoths enjoyed a pizza party on

November 20 courtesy of Mr. Bob Irvin and Mr. Bill Mercado. Great job everyone!

Recently, we heard from scout troops in Nashville, TN and Nutley, NJ seeking our guidance to initiate their own Adopt

A Soldier Programs. The impact of our efforts is influencing others to show their support for our military personnel, and

your continued participation is vital to the success of our program.

Since the inception of our Adopt A Soldier Program in January, 2005, we have adopted close to 150 soldiers, three K9

units, and approximately 500 care packages have been sent. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the brave young

men and women who sacrifice so much for our freedom and for our country. Let‘s continue to let them know that they are always in our thoughts, in our hearts, and in our prayers, especially during this season of giving.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Mrs. Josey Simpson (Shark Patrol) at 301.512.5439, send an email to [email protected], or visit our website: www.troop264olney.net.

God Bless America … Land of the Free … Because of the Brave

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Please turn in December donations early so we can get them out to the troops in time for the holidays!

http://www.historicships.org/torsk.html

mailto:[email protected]



http://www.troop264olney.net/


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Mammoth Patrol Pizza Party as the Adopt A Soldier Program Challenge winners. Reddish color is due to neon lighting at Jerry’s.

Nursing Home Holiday Sing – December 12, 11 AM

It‘s time for the Annual Nursing Home Serenade at Friends Nursing Home. Instead of the usual patrol assignments,

scouts who are musicians should bring their instruments and play Christmas carols for an hour starting at 11 AM. Musicians should locate music sheets for common Christmas carols for their respective instruments. Those

who do not play are encouraged to sing carols. Family members are welcome as always.

This event always brightens up the elderly residents who don‘t see much beyond the walls of the home.

Questions? Please contact Mr. Predoehl, [email protected] .

Next Sharp Street Food Bank – Friday December 18, 4:15 PM

―We had a lot to do, and it took us over 2 and 1/2 hours to package all the food for Thanksgiving.‖ ~ Holland McCabe

November 20 participants (2 1/2 hours):

R.J. Grant Matthew McDonald

Jacob Wiersma Ryan Mercado Gerad Sherman Holland McCabe

Mr. Bill Mercado Mrs. Hungerford

Mrs. Wiersma

We also want to give credit to R.J. Grant for helping out at

the October food bank, although we left his name off the participant list. Sorry, R.J.!

The next food bank will be December 18, 4:15 PM, at the

Sharp Street Church, on MD Route 108 east of Olney (across from Sherwood Elementary School).



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Troop Holiday Party – December 21

Troop 264 will hold a holiday party at St. John‘s on December 21 at 7:30 pm, to wind up the past year of

achievements, advancements, and many successful and varied activities. Scouts and scouters should bring about 12

cookies or brownies or similar holiday treats for all to share. Class A uniforms, please.

U.S. Naval Academy NESA Jambo – January 15 – 17, 2010

Registration has been made for the scouts and scouters listed below who will participate in the Naval Academy NESA Jambo.

As part of the initial ―preregistration‖ process (now completed), scout troops were asked whether they would be willing

to host any inner city youths (presumably scouts) for the weekend activities as part of their Scout Reach program. Scout troops would provide camping accommodations (tents), food, and supervision for such scouts during the weekend. After

some discussion at the Troop Adult Meeting, and given the number of scouts from our troop that indicated interest in

Jambo, we felt that two inner city scouts would be appropriate. More details will be sent out by the Jambo staff as the date approaches. Costs for food and the menu still has to be worked out, we will do that at the beginning of January.

All participating scouts must be at least age 14 and at least First Class (their rules, not ours). The Jambo website is located at http://www.usna.edu/NESA/Jambo/index.html . Contact Mr. Dale Bickel at [email protected] with

any questions.

Registered participants:

Holland McCabe` Tripp Karitis Jim Bickel Michael Russell Victor Santos

William Santos Enrique Alonso

Mr. Mark Russell ` Mr. Dale Bickel

Winter Campout – January 23 - 24

Think of this as a ―warmup‖ for Valley Forge in February. This year‘s Winter Campout will be held the weekend of January 23 – 24, 2010. Several possibilities are under consideration and the final location will be announced once a

choice is made. This is a chance to test your winter gear and skills and see what adjustments have to be made.

Warm clothing, including hats and gloves, is essential. Please review the cold weather camping links on the troop website at http://www.troop264olney.net/links.html, as well as Cold Weather Considerations on Page 25 of this Signaler.

Winter Court of Honor – Monday January 25

The new year‘s first Court of Honor will be held at St. John‘s at 7:30 PM. Rank advancements and merit badge

awards will be given out at this event. Finish any ―partial‖ merit badges you may have, and turn in the completed

blue cards to Mr. Matyas as soon as possible. Please schedule Boards of Review with Mr. Greenspon at least 8

days before the BOR date, see pages 26 and 27. That means you MUST have the Scoutmaster Conference for rank

advancement BEFORE January 10, and contact Mr. Greenspon by January 10 to arrange your Board of Review.

Be Prepared!

http://www.usna.edu/NESA/Jambo/index.html


http://www.troop264olney.net/links.html


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Valley Forge Pilgrimage and Encampment – February 12 - 14

This year the Cradle of Liberty Council will hold the 98th Valley Forge Encampment on February 12 – 14 (Presidents‘ Day weekend), and Troop 264 plans to attend. This is the longest running annual Boy Scout event in the country. The

theme this year centers around Captain Robert Kirkwood.

―Captain Robert Kirkwood was commissioned as a lieutenant of the 1st Delaware Regiment in 1775. In 1776 as a

Captain he was under the command of General Thomas Mifflin of Pennsylvania. By 1777 he was under the command

of General Washington. He survived the Revolutionary War and continued his military service until he was killed in a

battle with the Native American Miami Tribe near Fort Wayne, Indiana.

―The Pilgrimage will explore his role in the revolutionary war under George Washington. Also featured at the

Pilgrimage will be Musket Drilling, Artillery and Musket demonstrations and Native American roles in the war

explained by present day members of the Oneida Nation. There will also be other enactors through out the park

demonstrating many skills of living during the revolutionary period.‖

We will travel to Valley Forge on Friday evening and camp overnight. The Pilgrimage hike starts early Saturday

morning and lasts throughout much of the day, with stops at various exhibits and presentations. We will break camp

early on Sunday and be back in Olney in the later morning. Warm clothing and sleeping gear, including hats and

gloves, are essential. Please review the cold weather camping links on the troop website at

http://www.troop264olney.net/links.html and see Cold Weather Considerations below.

Webelos Visits – February 22 and March 1, 2010

The troop will hold its Third Annual Webelos visit nights on Monday February 22 and Monday March 1, 7:30 to about 9 PM, at St. John‘s, in place of the regular troop and patrol meetings, respectively. Webelos II Cub Scouts from local

packs, and parents, will attend on February 22. And in response to a request from Mrs. Grant, who is also a Webelos I

den leader, we will host Webelos I scouts from those same packs in a second exhibition on March 1. Boys who are not presently in Cub Scouts, but who may be considering Boy Scouts, are also welcome to attend, along with their

parents.

Each patrol will be demonstrating skills learned and used in Boy Scouts. Patrol skill assignments will be made

at the January TLC/BOR meeting. Scouts and scouters in contact with local Cub Scout packs should make

them aware of this opportunity and get this on their calendars. Questions can be directed to

[email protected]. This was a popular event both of the past two years and we expect it to be equally so this time.

This is YOUR opportunity to show Cub Scouts and parents what Scouting has done for you, and we hope it will kindle enthusiasm in the Webelos scouts to tread the same path beyond Cub Scouts, whether with Troop 264 or elsewhere.

Information about Troop 264 is always available on the troop‘s website, www.troop264olney.net, and in the recent

Signaler newsletters therein, and via e-mail at [email protected].

http://www.troop264olney.net/links.html



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Seabase 2010 Update – Cast Off in 7 Months!

1) ‗Tis time to identify Scouts to serve as Crew Leaders for our 2 ships. Scouts in each crew should begin thinking about

whom among their crewmates they would like to lead them on their Caribbean sailing adventure! Expect to vote within

the next few weeks to elect your leader. Unlike Philmont where there were several key positions to be filled ahead of time (e.g., Crew Leader, Chef, Quartermaster, etc.), the captains of our ships will assign rotating duties (such as sail rigging,

food prep, clean-up, watch duty) once we get there. So for the time being, we have only to select a Crew Leader (and

perhaps an assistant Crew Leader?) for each ship. Once identified, Crew Leaders will begin to play an increasingly active and responsible role in the planning and execution from here on out.

2) You are encouraged to keep up with payments or savings to cover the estimated $1,500 per person total cost of this

trip. To date, each committed participant should have paid at least the $100 initial deposit and the first ½ (ship) payment

of $330 (payable to ―BSA Troop 264‖ with all checks given to Mrs. Debbie Karitis). We recommend that you continue to make monthly payments of $120 per person each month, to spread the financial impact over a longer period of time.

Please include the SEABASE Installment Payment form from the last page of this Signaler with each payment, to make

tracking easier. We hope to have cost estimates for airfare within the next 30 to 60 days. The second ½ (ship) payment of $330 will be due next March.

FYI - Sea Base Cancellation Policies:

1. The $100 per person reservation deposit is transferable within a crew during the SAME CALENDAR YEAR (the names

may change as long as the count remains the same). These funds may not be applied to any other crew.

2. Crews canceling between the time of application and first 1/2 payment (October 1, 2009 for us) will lose the non-refundable

deposit per cancelled crew.

3. Crews canceling after first 1/2 payment has been (October 1, 2009 for us) made will lose 100% of fees paid.

4. Crews canceling after second 1/2 payment (April 1, 2010 for us) has been made will lose 100% of fees paid.

5. If your cancelled crew is rebooked you will be refunded all your fees paid to date except the $100 per person non-refundable

deposit. Refunds will be mailed within 30 days.

6. Within a crew, cancellation of individual participants will result in forfeiture of their deposit fee and all fees paid to date for

that individual (unless we can find a replacement in sufficient time).

IMPORTANT!! CLEARING CUSTOMS!! IMPORTANT!! Every participant MUST have a valid current United

States Passport. Without proper identification you will not be allowed to enter the Bahamas and you will be sent home. Visit http://www.travel.state.gov/ for more information on obtaining a passport. If you already have one, check to make

sure it will not expire before our return! If you need a passport, or need to renew a passport, this should be your top

priority right now. It may take 6 months to obtain one.

For those who like to ―be prepared‖ by shopping early,

here’s WHAT TO BRING to Sea Base ―Bahamas Sailing Adventures‖ (from the Participant Guide)

Questions? Speak to veteran Sea Basers Patrick Vaughn, Joe Matyas, or Mr. Gary Matyas.

• 1 Set of Field or Activity uniforms

• Several T-shirts (we will have Troop 264 crew shirts made)

• Lightweight rain gear

• Sunglasses with strap (polarized are best) • Non-oily sunscreen (SPF 30+)

• 1-2 pairs of shorts

• Pants, long-sleeve shirt & light jacket (December & Spring only)

http://www.travel.state.gov/


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• Toiletry kit

• Wide brimmed hat

• 2 – 3 pair of socks

• Deck shoes

• Large-mouth water bottle with carabiner (if you like coffee, a mug in addition is good)

• One sheet and warm blanket or sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad – Backpacking style

• Swimsuit (modest style)

• 2 towels and a small pillow

• Bug spray

• Prescription medications

• Valid U.S. Passport – Apply for this NOW if you do not have one, or if it expires before August 2010

• Completed Medical Insurance information form

• Flashlight

• 24‖ duffel bag, to contain all gear except sleeping pad

DO NOT BRING • MP3, iPod, video game player

• Fireworks NOTE: Make sure you can successfully pass the BSA Swim Test.

• Skateboards NOTE: Make sure your name is on the crew roster your leader sends us.

OPTIONAL ITEMS NOTE: Don‘t forget to bring a photocopy of front and back of insurance card. • Camera (waterproof if possible) NOTE: Save $15 cash for your departure tax. (your airline ticket may include this) • Personal snorkel gear

• Extra money ($100—$125)

• Bonine® (for seasickness)

• Skin-So-Soft lotion (non-DEET insect repellant alternative)

PACKING YOUR GEAR

All your gear (except sleeping pad) must fit in a 24‖ duffel bag, about the size of a pillowcase. No suitcases or frame backpacks can be used. You will be living on a sailing vessel during the entire adventure. Space is limited so you must

only bring what you need. **REMEMBER:** There is no storage available for your crew. All belongings will have to go

with you on the vessel, which are tight quarters. Keep this in mind and travel light!

Important Sea Base Links:

Participant Guide (ALL participants should read this): http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/participant_guide.pdf

Sea Base Health and Medical Record. All participants must complete within 12 months of departure: http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/medical.pdf

Sea Base Health and Medical Record. All participants must complete within 12 months of departure:

http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/medical.pdf. Participants should expect to go through a medical re-check before the boat departs. Those who do not pass will not be allowed on board. Any expenses incurred as a result of

nonparticipation are the responsibility of the participant.

Gary B Sherman, MS, DVM, PhD (a.k.a ―White Beard‖)

National Program Leader For Veterinary Science

Off: 202-401-4952

Mobile: 202-445-5561

[email protected]

USDA. National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA; formerly CSREES), 800 9th St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/participant_guide.pdf

http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/medical.pdf

http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/medical.pdf



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This table is based on the revised Dietary

Guidelines for Americans from the U.S.

Department of Agriculture and the Department

of Health and Human Resources.

FYI: Other key dates by which

tasks/forms are due at BSA Sea Base

(Adult leaders will be working to meet each deadline PRIOR to these dates):

90 days prior to arrival - Final ½

payments made to Sea Base (April 1) (Troop will request this from

participants about mid-March, 2010)

90 days prior to arrival - National BSA

Tour Permits filed by adult leaders

(April 1)

30 days prior to arrival - Crew rosters

submitted to Sea Base by adult leaders

(June 1)

30 days prior to arrival - All

participants‘ BSA Swim Tests passed in MD (June 1). However, expect to be

swim-tested again on arrival!

Tentative SEABASE CREW ROSTERS

Crew 1: Bahamas Tall Ship Adventure (crew size 18-20; July 3-9, 2010)

Gary Sherman (Coordinator, registered & trained adult leader)

Mr. Dale Bickel (registered & trained adult leader)

Jacen Sherman

Gerad Sherman Crew 2 - Bahamas Adventure

James Bickel (Crew size 6-8; July 7-13, 2010)

Peter Kirk Mr. Gary Matyas (registered and trained adult leader)

Mr. Jim Kirk Mr. Bill Karitis (registered and trained adult leader)

Michael Russell Patrick Vaughn

Mr. Mark Russell Joe Matyas

Kevin Carr Enrique Alonso

Mr. Jim Carr Scott Maxham Ryan King Tripp Karitis

Mr. Mark King Holland McCabe

Mrs. Cindy King

Jonathan Godfrey Crew 2 Alternate: Crew 1 Alternates (in order):

Mr. Sheldon Godfrey Mr. Tim McCabe Mr. Pat Orzel

Brandon Orzel Daniel Agre

Conor Ellis Aaron Agre

Ryan Mercado Mr. Jonathan Agre

Mr. Bill Mercado Mr. Bill Mercado

HEIGHT RECOMMENDED WEIGHT (LBS.)

MAXIMUM ACCEPTANCE (LBS.)

5’ 0” 97-138 166

5’ 1” 101-143 172

5’ 2” 104-148 178

5’ 3” 107-152 183

5’ 4” 111-157 189

5’ 5” 114-162 195

5’ 6” 118-167 201

5’ 7” 121-172 207

5’ 8” 125-178 214

5’ 9” 129-185 220

5’ 10” 132-188 226

5’ 11” 136-194 233

6’ 0” 140-199 239

6’ 1” 144-205 246

6’ 2” 148-210 252

6’ 3” 152-216 260

6’ 4” 156-222 267

6’ 5” 160-228 274

6’ 6” 164-234 281

6’ 7” & taller 170-240 295


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God and Church Religious Award

[On the right] is the big project that William and

Victor Santos, Jacob Wiersma, Joshua Fowler,

Ryan King and Brenden Fout are putting together in order to complete their religious

emblem. Members of Troop 264 are invited. They

will also be putting together all the sets with rope lashings.

~Dr. Paul Fowler

Primitive Campout

November 7 – 8

The primitive campout started with the first group

arriving around 9 am. First, patrol gear was laid

out, and some was set up. People crossed the cable to find their shelter locations. I was the only

one in my patrol to show up at the beginning of

the day, so I built the entire frame and other parts of my patrol‘s shelter. I managed to do

everything but the leaves, which I left to the

scouts in my patrol that showed up later. I crossed the cable, and dug a very deep fire pit. It was

about six inches deeper than the fire pit I had last

year. Of course, we had to fill it in and widen it,

which created some cooking problems for us. We had to use dry logs bridged across the hole to support our cooking grates. I lit the fire and let coals build up and the soil dry out. While it was burning, we went to do

the annual attraction: Potato cannons. We first started with three people and one cannon, and people

gravitated over with more cannons. We had about thirty people crowded around the spud guns, with six cannons. This was an improvement on last year, where we didn‘t have a single functioning potato gun until

after dark. We kept on shooting until we ran out of potatoes, at which point we shot whatever potato scraps

we could find. Of course there were the normal shots, the shots fired toward a sign, and then the vertical shots. I was close to catching one, but a few feet off. After this happened, we began the cooking competition.

My patrol cooked steak and pasta. The logs we were using burned completely through, but I had set it up in a

way that it wouldn‘t matter if they burned through. No food fell in the fire. The cooking competition was

held, and some ideas were over-creative. After this, all wood left over was dragged to the Viking fire spot, as well as almost a cord of extra firewood, which included dry, pinewood pallets. At the beginning, skits and

songs came very slow, but then they started coming. Eventually I had to force them to stop for the flag

retirement ceremony. One flag was retired, and then came more skits. There was an hour more of skits, some old, some brand new. I threw most of the pallets on at one time, which got everyone out of their seats.

Eventually, we had a pile of coals. At this point, I had to force the skits to end again, this time for the night.

All of the scouts crossed the wire, and went to their shelters, while the adults slept in vehicles r tents on the

other side. The next morning, we woke up, kicked down our shelters, and packed our gear. After we crossed, we found the coals from the previous night‘s fire still burning. We extinguished it by water and burial.

Throughout the entire weekend, not a single scout needed to use the harness and pulley line to cross the cable.

All did s freehand. We left around ten, with two dead batteries needing jumpstarting. All in all, it was a perfect weekend. It could have been colder, thought, to make it more interesting.

~ Jim Bickel


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Hawk Patrol: Peter Barth, Anthony Justus,

Jeremy Neufeld, Mr. Rick Justus,

Mr. Al Barth

Viking Patrol: William Santos, Joshua Fowler, Jim Bickel, Ryan Kreps, Kevin Carr, Miguel Alonso,

Mr. Tim Kreps, Mr. Dale Bickel


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Mammoth Patrol: R.J. Grant, Jacob Wiersma, Matthew McDonald, Zach Wilson, Kristian Gunderson, Eric Fryer, Anthony Fryer, John Fryer, Bradley Neufeld, Mr. Roger Grant, Mr. Dirk Wiersma,

Mr. Tom McDonald and Mr. Mike Wilson

Mammoth Shelter (above) Viking shelter (below) Hawks Shelter (above) Sharks Shelter (below)

Shark Patrol (no report from patrol received by Signaler): Max Simpson, Holland McCabe, Tripp Karitis,

Peter Wilbur, Jake Anderson, Mr. Tim McCabe

Fox Patrol (no report from patrol received by Signaler): Kyle Harris, Chris Cymerman, Brandon Orzel

Geezer Patrol: Mr. Bob Irvin Scoutmaster Patrol: Mr. Dennis Bogan

The evening cooking contest was won by the Sharks, with a Hunter Stew Recipe. In second place was the

Mammoth Patrol with fajitas, and in third place was the Viking patrol with flank steak. To date, only the Mammoth

patrol submitted their winning recipe. Here it is:


14

Boy Scout Fajitas (Mammoths) Fajitas: Chicken breasts Green Peppers, sliced into strips Onion, sliced into strips Fajita Seasoning Packets Garnish: Shredded cheese Salsa Hot sauce Sour cream (optional) Flour tortillas Extra: Oil Butter Salt Pepper Side Dishes: Goya Black Beans Corn Equipment: 2 or more foil pans (one to cook veggies, one clean one for cooked meat and chicken) 2 or 3 frying pans Wooden spoon Tongs for cooking meat and assembling meat & veggies in tortillas when done Serving spoons for salsa, cheese and sour cream Instructions: Slice onions and peppers into thin strips. Put all sliced onions and peppers in large foil sheet pan. Add ¼ cup water, 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Toss with wooden spoon to combine. Then, cut up ½ stick butter into a few cubes and toss in with the veggies. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and place on fire. Should take about 20 min to soften. Check every 7 minutes or so to be sure there are no hot spots and it is not burning. Be careful when you remove foil as it will be steaming and you could get burned. Open the foil end farthest away from you, not right in front of your face. Stir with wooden spoon and cover again. Once you have the veggies on the fire, put enough oil in your frying pans to just coat the bottom (it shouldn’t be deep at all, just coat the bottom of the pans) then, add chicken and steak in a single layer in the pan. You may need to sauté chicken and meat in batches. Turn to cook through. Chicken must not be pink at all in the center. This may take about 10 minutes per batch. As the chicken is done, place them in a foil pan and cover with foil to keep warm. Divide tortillas into groups of 10; wrap in 2 layers of aluminum foil (so they don’t burn) and place on the grill grate or on the fire out of the flames for approx 5 minutes just to heat through and soften. Place beans and corn in a pot. Place the two pots on the fire. Assemble fajitas by placing veggies in tortilla and top with meat and /or chicken. Then, sprinkle with a little shredded cheese. Then, let Scouts garnish with salsa, hot sauce and sour cream.


15

T264 and Scouting for Food

Scouts: Hours of Service

Patrick Stoll 2.6

Kevin Stoll 2.6

Jim Bickel 8

Holland McCabe 1.5

Chris Cymerhan 2

Jonathan Godfrey 6.7

Victor Santos 4.7

William Santos 4.7

Peter Barth 6

Jacob Wiersma 4.7

John Fryer 4.4

Max Simpson 2

David Light 2

Jake Anderson 2

Gerad Sherman 3.5

Jacen Sherman 3.5

Peter Wilbur 2

Matt McDonald 5.3

Kristian Gundersen 2

Ryan King 2.6

Bradley Neufeld 3.7

Jeremy Neufeld 3.7

Anthony Fryer 3

Kyle Harris 3

R.J. Grant 3.3

Sam Jones 2

Tim Morris 1.3

Justin Stine 2.3

Michael Russell 0.6

Jacob Levy 1

Scouters:

Mrs. Linda Lanson 7

Mr. Anthony Ramienski 3

Mrs. Kathy Ramienski 7.5

Mr. Dennis Bogan 4.5

Mr. Dale Bickel 8

Mr. Bob Irvin 3

Mr. Rick Justus 3.8

Mr. Al Barth 4.5

Mr. Roger Grant 3.3

Mr. Gary Sherman 3.5

Thanks too to those who came to help for a short while or did not sign in!

Scouting for Food – November 14

As it has done for many years, Troop 264 operated the Scouting for Food collection point for the Olney area. We set up in the Safeway parking lot at

8:30 AM. The Viking patrol donated the first two bags of food for the

collection. It was not long after that before the local Cub Scout packs began to bring in their collections, at first a few cars and bags here and there, with lulls

in between that grew shorter.

By lunchtime the donations were rolling in and it was taking longer to pack

the food into crates and then pack the crates on the truck. It was also becoming increasingly clear that the food bank hadn‘t sent enough crates to

cover the donated food.


16

Scouts went across the street to the Giant grocery to ask for boxes (Safeway had none), and returned with some from

Giant and a Girl Scout group selling cookies there. The scouts also took large bags full of used plastic grocery bags (from donations) over to the Giant for recycling.

The Cub Scouts, who had done the work of collection earlier that day, were quite interested and ready and willing to help.

By mid-afternoon the donations were tapering off although there were several cars with numerous bags. As we had run

out of crates long before, those donations were packed into

corrugated cardboard boxes on the truck. One minivan

from Pack 178 delivered 755 pounds of food, all neatly packed into sealed boxes which went straight on the truck.

Altogether we packed about 350 crates of food, plus about twenty or thirty boxes of various sizes. A very respectable

collection, and the packs and donors should be proud of their

participation.


17

By our count, 14 Cub Scout packs participated: Packs 178, 433, 434, 451, 457, 468, 492, 493, 763, 774, 941, 1071, 1074,

and 1109. T264 transferred over 1200 bags and boxes of food to the food bank truck (plus the aforementioned 755 pounds already in boxes).

Thanks to all who came out to help with Scouting for Food, your efforts will certainly improve other people‘s fortunes!

OA – November 21 - 22

Saturday evening, November 21st, Brandon Orzel and Conor Ellis

made the initial step into the Order of the Arrow (OA) as Ordeal

members and seven Scouts and one adult leader completed their

conversion to Brotherhood, signified by the red bar above and

below the red arrow sash. Anthony Justus, Jimmy Bickel and Mr.

Rick Justus assisted with the Ordeal for the Montgomery Chapter

of OA, and Anthony and Jim also served on the Ordeal ceremony

team.

Included in the photo below are (back row left to right)

Brotherhood members Anthony Justus (Troop OA Representative),

and new Brotherhood members Victor Santos, Max Simpson,

Gerad Sherman, Mr. Gary Sherman, Tripp Karitis, Jim Bickel and

Mr. Rick Justus (Adult TOAR). Front row left to right: new

Brotherhood Willy Santos, Ordeals Brandon Orzel and Conor Ellis,

and new Brotherhood member Jonathan Godfrey.

Troop 264 Fall Ordeal

Montgomery Chapter

November 21, 2009

Two nights camping for the

following:

Brandon Orzel, Conor Ellis,

Jim Bickel, Anthony Justus,

Mr. Rick Justus

Congratulations to the new Ordeal

and Brotherhood members!


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Nursing Home Visit – November 28

The Viking patrol visited Friends Nursing Home this past month. Rather than the usual games, the activity was to

swap stories. Mr. Predoehl started with some of his, and

encouraged the residents to tell their own. Some residents

did participate, but most just listened.

Participants: Jacob Levy, William Santos, Jim Bickel

Mr. Emiliano Santos, Mr. Martin Predoehl,

Dr. David Levy, Mr. Dale Bickel

The January nursing home visit is assigned to the Hawk

patrol on January 30.

Patrols are reminded to inform the Signaler at [email protected] after the visit of who attended and what they did, so that participating scouts can get credit for attending. Attendance also counts toward the scout spirit aspect for

advancement (see the left-hand column of Page 27 below).

Mr. Irvin Earns Wood Badge Award

This is a photo of Mr. Robert Irvin receiving his Wood Badge

neckerchief, woggle, and beads on November 22, from Peggy

Green, who served as Scoutmaster for the Fall 2008 NCAC Wood Badge training.

Wood Badge is a supplemental training for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters that aims to make Scouters better leaders by

teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and

commitment to the Scout movement.

Congratulations to Mr. Irvin on completing this course!

Life Scouts Take Note – Eagle Documents Changes

There is a new 2009 Eagle Scout Rank Application form and a new 2009 Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project

Workbook. The 2008 version of the Eagle Rank Application will NOT be accepted by the NCAC after August 1, 2009. The 2009 documents are very similar to the earlier ones, so check the bottom the last page for the revision date.

The 2009 Eagle Application is at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-728_web.pdf and

the 2009 Eagle Project Workbook is at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-927.pdf

Find details on this including links to the 2008 Eagle Application and the 2007 Eagle Project Workbook at

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=22161&orgkey=370


http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-728_web.pdf

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-927.pdf



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The NCAC Advancement Committee at

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=17080&orgkey=1988 has up to date links on Eagle Resources as does the National Eagle Scout Association at http://www.nesa.org/

If you have specific questions, please contact Rick Kessel at [email protected]

~ Excerpt from the July 22 Montgomery District NewsFlash

New Boy Scout Rank Advancement Changes Effective January 1, 2010 The Centennial edition of the Boy Scout Handbook is available and with it come several Boy Scout rank requirement

changes that will be in effect as of January 1, 2010. Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Life, and Eagle, as well as

Eagle Palms, are affected. The current requirements remain in effect until December 31, 2009.

2010 Rank Requirement Changes

Tenderfoot.

A scout must teach another person how to tie a square knot using the EDGE method (explain, demonstrate, guide,

and enable). He must also be able to discuss four specific examples of how he lived the points of the Scout Law in his

daily life.

Second Class.

A scout must discuss the principles of Leave No Trace and explain the factors to consider when choosing a patrol

site and where to pitch a tent.

He must explain what respect is due the flag of the United States.

He must again discuss four examples of how he lived four different points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

He must earn an amount of money agreed upon by the scout and his parents and save at least 50% of it.

First Class.

An additional requirement to the 10 separate troop/patrol activities states that he must demonstrate the principle of

Leave No Trace on these outings.

He must discuss four examples of how he lived the remaining four points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

Life.

A scout must use the EDGE model to teach a younger scout a specified skill.

Star, Life, and Eagle.

Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer are two new leadership positions.


http://www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ShowPage.asp?36333837377L343231333235



20

The following statement is from page 443 of the 12th

Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook and applies to all Boy Scout

ranks (including Eagle Palms):

The rank requirements in this book are official as of January 1, 2010. If a Scout has started work toward a rank before that date using requirements that were current before January 1, 2010, he may complete that rank only using

the old requirements. Any progress toward a rank that is begun after January 1, 2010, must use the requirements as

they are presented in the Handbook or in the Boy Scout Requirements book.

CLARIFICATIONS:

Although this paragraph is listed on the Eagle Palm page, it applies to each of the ranks from Tenderfoot to Eagle,

including the Eagle Palm. The scout has the option after January 1, 2010 to continue to use the current requirements for

the next rank (grandfathered) or to use the new requirements.

If a scout is working on Tenderfoot as of December 31, 2009, and does not have a Board of Review until January 2, 2010,

the scout may use the old requirements. Although the scout may work on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class,

and First Class all at the same time, when the BOR for the next rank is completed in 2010, the new requirements apply for

the next rank.

Examples:

1. If a scout has finished all the requirements for Second Class and First Class, and has his BOR for Second Class on January 4, 2010 and is scheduled for his BOR for First Class on January 5, 2010, the

new requirements apply for First Class.

2. If the scout is working toward earning the rank of Star, Life, or Eagle, he may choose to use the two new positions of responsibility (Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer) which are authorized

only after January 1, 2010.

Although the two new positions of responsibility (Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer) are not included in

the list on the Eagle requirements page (Handbook and QRG) or on the current Eagle scout rank application, they do

apply and can be used for the rank of Eagle Scout after January 1, 2010.

Note: When the 2010 Boy Scout Requirements book is published, these positions should be listed. This book takes

precedence over all other sources containing the advancement requirements.

~ From an e-mail by Rick Kessel, Chairman, Advancement Committee, NCAC

[email protected]

Video Training for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class

Scouting.org has videos available to help scouts with the rank requirements of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.

These short videos include the new requirements listed immediately above.

http://www.scouting.org/applications/rankvideo.aspx


http://www.scouting.org/applications/rankvideo.aspx


21

Troop Activity Policy

Please be reminded that it is troop policy (and common courtesy) for a scout or scouter to pay the costs associated with an

event he or she has signed up for but did not attend, without being asked. No-shows increase the costs to the troop and the participants, require the troop to reserve unneeded space and transport excess equipment, and results in wasted food

and materials. We realize that situations inevitably will occur that prevent a scout from attending events, and ask that the

scout or scouter contact the person organizing the event right away. If the conflict is raised early enough, adjustments can

often be made where food has not yet been purchased or reservations have not been finalized.

Getting Credit for Troop Activities

It‘s important that everyone who participates in Troop 264 campouts, trips, and community service activities gets credit for their hard work. The Signaler provides the permanent record of everyone who attends these events. Patrol leaders

need to take responsibility for collecting the names of participants in their patrols and send those lists, preferably by

email, to the Signaler staff by the monthly deadline. E-mail lists to [email protected]. This month’s deadline:

November 23.

District Roundtable

Our Boy Scout Roundtables feature informative discussions on topics from youth leadership training, using OA more effectively in your troop, and summer camp experiences. Each month there are wonderful presentations, from wood

carving to Dutch oven cooking, to help your unit leaders provide new ideas and opportunities for your troop. Come see

what great new locations your troop might want to visit!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NOW ONLY ONE ROUNDABLE SESSION AT ONE LOCATION. The Roundtable time is held on the second Thursday of each month, at 7:30 PM.

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, located on Highway 355 north of the Shady Grove exit of Interstate 270, 610 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Patrols are assigned to cover this event on a rotating basis, as listed on the calendar in the Signaler, and must send one

adult to take notes and report back at the following Troop Adult meeting. To find out more about the Roundtable, or to sign up to make a presentation, contact Bill Lanson at

(301) 774-8040 or [email protected].

Resources for Planning Troop Outings

On the troop website, under ―Outings‖ at http://www.troop264olney.net/outings.html, you will find links to information about places the troop has visited, as well as:

Guide and Checklist for Planning Troop Outings, which provides a step-by-step guide for Scouts and adults to plan

a successful trip;

Troop Outing Expense Accounting spreadsheet, to help Scouts and adults ensure that costs of troop outings are fully covered;

[email protected]

http://www.troop264olney.net/outings.html


22

Historical Hikes and Camping Summary Form, that Scouts and adults can download and complete or update with

new information about particular hikes and campouts that can then be sent to the troop webmaster [presently Mr.

Bickel] for uploading to the troop website; and

Links to completed summary forms containing information about various historical hikes and campouts the troop

has done, including information about Scout patches or medals that can be earned and information about

accessibility for physically-challenged Scouts or adults.

For further information about any of these tools, contact Mr. Bob Irvin at [email protected].

T264 Scout Leadership

Senior Patrol Leader: Jim Bickel Assistant SPLs: Patrick Stoll

Max Simpson

Troop Offices:

Chaplain‘s Aide: Anthony Justus Librarian: Jonathan Godfrey

Scribe: Ryan McFarlane Troop Quartermaster: Victor Santos Historian: Ryan King Instructor: Victor Santos

Troop Guides: Justin Stine & Ryan Mercado OA Representative: Anthony Justus

Buglers: Kevin Carr & Peter Barth Signaler Editor: Jim Bickel

Patrol Offices:

Shark Patrol: Fox Patrol: Patrol leader: Peter Wilbur Patrol Leader: Scott Maxham

Asst. patrol leader: Jonathan Godfrey Asst. Patrol Leader: Brandon Orzel

Patrol quartermaster: Holland McCabe Patrol quartermaster: Ryan Mercado / Scott Signaler reporter: Victor Santos

Hawk Patrol: Viking Patrol: Patrol leader: Jeremy Neufeld Patrol Leader: Enrique Alonso

Asst. patrol leader: Justin Stine Asst. Patrol Leader: Michael Russell

Patrol quartermaster: Ryan King Patrol quartermaster: Jim Bickel

Signaler reporter: William Santos

Mammoth Patrol:

Patrol leader: Jacob Wiersma Asst, patrol leader: Matthew McDonald

Patrol quartermaster: Zach Wilson and Matthew McDonald

Do You Need to Review Your Knots?

If you need to review your knots prior to your next BOR or the next campout, check out the site below. It is very good

for visually demonstrating how to tie knots. Click on the Scouting Emblem for knot demonstrations.

http://www.animatedknots.com/


http://www.animatedknots.com/


23

To Get Leadership Credit for Den Chief Service

If you are serving as a Den Chief for leadership credit, prior to your BOR must notify Mr. Matyas. You should obtain a

note from your Pack Den Leader and/or cubmaster. This letter should include: (1) the dates you served as a Den Chief (at

least six months); (2), The Pack and Den you served with; and (3) include the signature(s) of the Den Leader, Cubmaster, and /or Pack Committee Chairperson and the date they signed off. Submit this letter to Mr. Matyas prior to your BOR.

(301)-570-0610, [email protected].

Den Chief Fast Start training (required) may be taken in about 30 minutes online at http://olc.scouting.org. Print copies of

the completion certificate, as you will need to give one to the den leader.

To earn the Den Chief Service Award, you must serve the pack faithfully as a den chief for one full year.


http://olc.scouting.org/


24


25

Cold Weather Camping Considerations

Clothing:

• Wear layers! • Bring plenty of extra clothes. • NO sneakers! • Wear wool or poly-mix clothing, instead of cotton. • Gloves can get wet – bring extra. Glove liners give extra

warmth. A light pair of gloves for sleeping. • Knit caps – covering the head and ears will keep heat in and the body warm. Bring extra knit caps and change them when one gets wet and have a separate cap for sleeping.

• Hand lotion, to keep skin from drying out and cracking. Sleeping Gear:

• Change clothes at night – wear dry clothes, not what you has perspired in all day • WOOL SOCKS – not cotton • Use a towel to dry yourself off (at changing), especially your feet, before going to bed • Nylon blend or wool long johns to sleep in

• Turtleneck sweater to keep neck warm • Dress in layers when going to sleep • Knit cap (different from the cap worn during the day) • In the morning, put sleeping clothes out on top of the sleeping bag – they will air dry and be ready for the next night

Tents:

• Ground insulation – tarp in tent, or mylar/space blanket (shiny side up), throw rugs, newspaper, or cardboard on tent floor • Closed cell pads – NOT open cell, egg crate, or air mattress, as they allow cold in

• Cots can be used, but are not recommended. Place blankets over the cot so that they drop to the floor on all four sides, to stop air circulation • DO NOT place trash bags over sleeping bags, as this promotes condensation. Bring extra blankets and/or a sleeping bag liner instead. [Exception: if your tent starts leaking in the rain, you may not have a choice but to cover your bag!] • DO NOT bury your head inside your sleeping bag, as moisture will build up and cause chilling. Use knit caps! Winter campsites:

• Put back of tents uphill, towards windbreak or the prevailing wind. • Place tents close together (providing additional windbreak) • Straw or wood pallets in cooking area to reduce muddy areas.

• Drink cold fluids, rather than warm – body-to-air temperature remains the same. Keep hydrated! • Tent pegs -- if ground is frozen (too hard to hammer in a tent peg), bury the peg in the snow and pour water on it. The water should freeze and hold the tent peg in place • Taut-line -- top to bottom, not bottom to top (turn ropes around). It is easier to tighten a taut-line in cold, wet weather when done in this fashion. • NO chemical hand warmers in tents – they will melt tents. Cooking:

• Pre-cook beef (meat) at home (eliminates the need to

drain grease at the campsite) • Break eggs before coming and store in leakproof plastic bags (reduces chance of freezing) • Mix juice concentrate at home and place in a capped container • If snow is on the ground, bury juice and water containers upside down in show at night, to help reduce freezing. If it

freezes, the bottom of the bottle will freeze first. • Insulated coolers for foods, one for cold foods and one for dry foods First aid:

• Frostbite, like burns, has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees: • Hypothermia sets in with first degree frostbite • Keep Core Body temperature up: -2° from 98° is similar to running a fever of +2°. -7° from 98° -- Get to the Hospital! • DON’T rub frostbite, or rub it with snow! • Signs of frostbite include: ashen, waxen skin and/or numb, tingling sensation • Check for frostbite by holding hand (support from beneath) and apply pressure to the first knuckle. Color should return to area if there is no frostbite. Otherwise, seek medical help immediately. • Frostbite signs are similar to signs of drug overdose or diabetic problems • Immersion Foot – a cold and wet foot condition that

occurs when your feet sweat in your shoes in cold weather. Adults especially suffer from this. Critical factors to look for are numbness, stumbling, disorientation, and/or being lethargic or confused. • Kids lose heat faster than adults – they have less body fat. • Bring LOTS of socks. And change them when they are wet and put dry ones on before bed.

~ From the November 2002 Signaler


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INFORMATION PAGE

Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

Some years ago we set up a new procedure for scouts to follow for requesting Board of Reviews. Being a large troop, we needed

to give the adults sitting on the BORs some lead-time. Recently the procedure has been sliding and the adults are getting short

notice because of last minute BORs being scheduled. Therefore we are restating our policy. FORGOT THE PROCEDURE? NO

PROBLEM – It is almost always on one of the last pages of each Signaler edition. Also, you can look at any past edition of the

Signaler for this information.

Signaler Submittal Deadlines: Information Due to Reporters: December 21. Signaler distribution Date: January 1

Articles Due to Signaler Staff— December 21 – No articles accepted after December 21.

Editor: Jim Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Webmaster Mr. Dale Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Reporters: William Santos Victor Santos

301-260-8605 301-260-8605

[email protected] [email protected]

Signaler Adults: Mrs. Laura Evans 301-260-1042 [email protected]

Mr. Dale Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Adult Advisors:

Scoutmaster: Mr. Dennis Bogan 301-774-2768 [email protected]

Treasurer: Mrs. Debbie Karitis 301-774-9653 [email protected]

Troop Committee: Mr. Mark Russell 301-774-1077 [email protected] Order of the Arrow (OA) Mr. Rick Justus 301-774-7833 [email protected]

Advancement Chairman: Mr. Gary Matyas 301-570-0610 [email protected]

SPL: Jim Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Adult activity coordinators – please submit information about upcoming activities to Signaler Staff (electronically or hardcopy)

by the deadline. Please contact a Signaler reporter if you would like to have a Scout generate the announcement for you. If any

information about or participants of activities have been left out of the Signaler; corrections will be made in the next issue.

Please send any corrections to The Signaler at [email protected].

The Signaler is posted on the troop’s website, www.troop264olney.net. Notice is sent by E-MAIL when the new

Signaler edition is posted. To get on the e-mail list, or to be removed or make corrections, please send an e-mail to

[email protected] (Mr. Dale Bickel).

The Signaler Staff

BOR Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Walt Greenspon @ (301-774-5394) no later than two Sundays

(8 days) before the scheduled Board of Review. Failure to give proper notification will delay your BOR until the next month. Get

your Scoutmaster Conference prior to calling Mr. Greenspon. If your scout is scheduled for the BOR, he must bring an adult with

him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another scout. This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for advancement.

Dress Code for BOR: Class ―A‖ shirt, neckerchief, slide and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted).

A scout hat is preferred.




_Aug_Signaler/[email protected]


[email protected]

Documents%20and%20Settings/dale.bickel/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLKF/[email protected]






[email protected]




27

ADVANCEMENT INFORMATION PAGE

BOARD of REVIEW (BOR)

Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Greenspon @ (301-774-5394) no later than two Sundays (8 days) before the scheduled Board of Review. Failure to give proper notification will delay your BOR for a month. If your scout is scheduled for a BOR, he must bring an adult with him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another scout. This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for advancement. Scout dress code for BOR will include Class “A” shirt, neckerchief, slide, and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted). A scout hat is preferred.

SCOUT SPIRIT for ADVANCEMENT

We all recognize that Scout Spirit is hard to evaluate. We know Scout Spirit includes being helpful and cheerful, but it is more than that…it’s giving back. In an effort to assist Patrol dads in recognizing Scout Spirit, the following guidelines are offered. Our troop believes that prior to each advancement, participation in the following activities exemplify the essences of Scout Spirit:

A minimum of 1 nursing home visit

Participation in at least 1 fundraiser

At least 4 overnight outings per year

Good deeds done outside of scouts

The Patrol Dad, not a senior scout, is responsible for signing off

on Scout Spirit prior to your Scoutmaster Conference.

SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES

Any scout needing a Scoutmaster Conference for advancement up through 1

st class, needs to contact one of

the following for a conference:

Mr. Kennedy 301-774-5014 Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394 Mr. Laing 301-570-4235 Mr. Long 301-924-4365

Mr. Pitts 301-774-3208 Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974 Mr. Culbertson 301-774-7049

Mr. Zuccaro 301-774-0824

Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life, and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan, [email protected], (301)-774-2768. Preparation for the scout’s BOR must include being prepared to answer skill, citizenship, first aid, and merit badge questions.

BOR for STAR and LIFE SCOUT ADVANCEMENTS

While ropes and compasses are provided for younger ranks, by the time you are ready for Star and Life advancement, you should be responsible enough to bring your own knot rope and compass for your BOR. We are requiring all scouts who are advancing to Star or Life to bring a knot rope and compass to their BOR.

LIFE and EAGLE SCOUTS as ADVISORY BOR MEMBERS

If you are a Life or Eagle Scout and would like to sit on a Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, or Star BOR, as a “Technical Expert”, call Mr. Greenspon at (301) -774-5394. You would be the fourth person on the Board. While you wouldn’t have a vote, you would have input into the decision-making process and add invaluable knowledge and insight by asking questions that perhaps scouters wouldn’t think to ask. This is a great way to give back to and maintain the quality of your troop.

Documents%20and%20Settings/dale.bickel/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLKF/[email protected]

28

SEABASE Installment Payment -- Please include this slip with any Seabase installment payment to T264 /

Mrs. Karitis. Checks must be made out to ―BSA Troop 264‖.

Please PRINT clearly.

Name(s): ______________________________________________________________________________________

Amount: ________________________ - Checks Scout Credit -_______________________________________

(If using scout credits, please include the scout credit form.)

Date: _________________ Comment: _____________________________________________________________

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Permission Slip for

Baltimore Hike and Overnight December 5 - 6, 2009

I give permission for my son _______________________________ to participate in the Troop 264

Baltimore Hike and USS Torsk Overnight at Baltimore, MD . In an emergency, please notify

___________________________ (indicate name and relationship to your son) at

___________________________ (phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified

medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My

son is allergic to the following medications or foods: __________________________________.

________________________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature Date