the signaler troop 264’s newsletter! the signaler · the primitive campout has it all – making...

The Signaler – Troop 264’s Newsletter!

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The Signaler

Website: www.troop264olney.net Contact: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/T264Olney/

Brian Hersey’s Eagle Project Needs YOU in August!

My name is Brian Hersey and I plan to begin working on my Eagle project this weekend [August 6] at the Olney Boys

and Girls Club, located at 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Road in Olney.

The first day will be Saturday, August 6 from 8:00 - 12:00 AM. We will be clearing out the old fire pit and we will

begin to dig the new pit. All volunteers should bring a reusable water bottle, a pair of gardening/work gloves, a pair

safety goggles/glasses, and a shovel, if possible. To get close to the site, drive straight to the back of the parking lot

(through the Field of Screams gate). Someone will direct volunteers to the site from there. Lunch and refreshments will

be provided. All help is greatly appreciated!

~ Brian Hersey

There will be additional work days in August, please watch for e-mailed notice of dates and times!

Family Camping – August 19-21 Come to FAMILY Camp at Solomon’s Island Navy Rec Center, Friday-Sunday, 19-21 August

Troop/Crew 264 is planning a FAMILY CAMPOUT for the ENTIRE FAMILY less than two hours away from Olney

and along the Chesapeake Bay at Solomon’s Island Navy Recreation Center, 19-21 August. The drive there is about

85 miles, and we suggest you arrive and set up camp Friday evening so you can enjoy all day Saturday and most of

Sunday on the facility. Check out Sunday by 11 am, but you can stay until sundown if you want. This is TENT

Camping on level ground at a military installation which is fenced and guarded 24x7. Patrol cooking for patrol

members and their families.

The Leisure Pass includes access to 3 pools, beach, miniature golf, Adventure Zone and more. You can bring bicycles,

skate boards and roller blades as long as you have a HELMET.

Across the street is the Calvert Marine Museum or drive a few miles to lots of great activities in the local area such as

a Naval Aircraft Museum near the front gate of Patuxent Naval Air Station for nominal fees. We can form tour

groups for savings. Sign-up sheets and more info will be provided at the 11 June Court of Honor.

~ Mr. Rick Justus and Mrs. Helen Justus

August 2016 No. 8, Vol 37 Thirty-seven Years of the Signaler

http://www.troop264olney.net/

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/T264Olney/


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Nursing Home Visit – September 24

The Eagles patrol is asked to take the first fall visit to the Sandy Spring Friends Nursing Home, at 11 AM on

Saturday, September 24. The Viking patrol will follow on October 29.

Baltimore BSA Council STEM Event on Saturday, October 1

WHO:

Cub Scouts: will have the opportunity to earn one STEM NOVA award

(includes an adventure belt loop) OR progress towards completing their

SUPERNOVA award *Tigers are not eligible for the NOVA award, but may

register to complete a Tiger Adventure related to STEM*

Boy Scouts: will have the opportunity to earn ONE Merit Badge OR one STEM

NOVA award.

Venturers: will have the opportunity to earn one STEM NOVA award.

Adult Leaders: will be able to select from an array of Adult training classes

WHERE: Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, an Active Duty Army Installation specializing in Research,

Engineering and Technology

WHEN: Saturday 1 October 2016. 9:00AM – 3:30PM

WHY: To foster STEM oriented skills, badges, and promote the NOVA awards.

Be a part of the event that started it all in 2011. The Sixth Annual STEM in Scouting event is the most inclusive STEM council event of its kind.

All registrants can earn the Scouting STEM NOVA award. Boy Scouts can choose from an

array of STEM merit badges facilitated by numerous Aberdeen Proving Ground/ community professionals. Camping sites are reserved at Broad Creek Scout Reservation for those units

needing overnight accommodation near the site. Navy Midshipmen Eagle Scouts will support the day mentoring and instructing scouts. Adult training will offer innovative and required training for leaders and new volunteers.

All registrants can earn the Scouting STEM NOVA award. Boy Scouts can choose from an array of STEM merit

badges facilitated by numerous Aberdeen Proving Ground/ community professionals. Camping sites are reserved at

Broad Creek Scout Reservation for those units needing overnight accommodation near the site. Navy Midshipmen

Eagle Scouts will support the day mentoring and instructing scouts. Adult training will offer innovative and required

training for leaders and new volunteers. Final merit badge selections [which merit badges will be available] will be

made/informed during the week of September 1. Prerequisites for NOVA's as well as Merit Badges will be coming

shortly.

Information on registration and any updates will be passed along via the troop e-mail list.


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September Court of Honor – October 10

The Fall Court of Honor will be delayed for two weeks from its usual place at the end of September, to allow time to

register and obtain all the merit badges, awards, rank advancements, and other materials. This delay works to your

advantage, you now have a little more time to complete these things. All blue cards and rank advancements must be

turned in by Monday, October 3. But don’t wait! Earned rank advancements, merit badges, and awards will be

presented to scouts at 7:30 PM on Monday, October 10.

Scouting for Food – November 12

November may seem like a long way away, but it will be here before you know it. So put November 12 on

your calendar now. On November 5, collection bags will be delivered to houses in the area, on November

12, Cub Scouts and Scouts will pick up donations and being them to the delivery point. Troop 264 typically

runs the delivery point at the Olney Safeway, transferring the donated goods from bags to truck. We need

lots of scout help for this task. SSL hours will be available for participants.

Primitive Campout at Ashton – November 19-20

Ditto the calendar placeholder here, keep this date open! The primitive campout has it all – making patrol

primitive shelters, a cooking contest, potato canons, campfire, and not least, crossing the river on a two-wire

bridge! And cold weather to add to the challenge. Close by north of Ashton, MD so no travel worries.

Start practicing your knot and primitive camping skills now!

September / October Events

You may have notices that the troop calendar looks a little sparse for September and October. That’s because events

have not yet been finalized for those months, and also because the annual troop planning meeting will be scheduled in

September. That’s where troop scouts put up a list of events and decide what the troop would like to do over the next

year. Patrols take ownership of events and make them happen. More details to follow once a planning date is set.

July 22 – 29, Seabase 2017 !!!

Troop 264 has received confirmation from Seabase, the Bahamas Tall Ship adventure is locked in. Specifically,

a Tall Ship outing out of Marsh Harbor, Bahamas in the Sea of Abaco, for one week starting July 22, 2017.

For 20 persons.

Crew numbers code = Adventure/Arrival day of week/first date of adventure/identifying letter Crew Number: BTSA072217A By the middle of September, we need to collect the first ½ payment due to Seabase (due October 1). Scout credits may

be used. The remainder owed to Seabase will be due February 2017. Transportation arrangements will be made early next

year. Total cost will be around $1700.


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Now at last count T264 had 22 scouts and adults with interest in a 20 person Tall Ship Seabase trip, either in the Bahamas or

in the Florida Keys or both. (19 have paid the $100 deposit to date.) This does not pose an immediate issue, as it seems that

there is always someone has to (reluctantly) cancel because of a change in plans.

Scouts must be age 14 by the start date of the trip, or 13 and finished the 8th grade.

Presently, we have received the $100 deposit from 22 people:

Carter B. Trevor B. Sean D. Matt D., Evan D. Daniel H. Daulton S.

Brandon S. Luke T. Ian W. Kira W. Mr. Blake B. Mr. Ian D. Mrs. Karena D.

Mr. Tom H. Mr. Jim S. Dr. Joshua S. Mr. Rich T. Mr. Wesley W. Luke M. Mr. J.P. M.

Ben R.

Tell It to Mr. Matyas!

Mr. Gary Matyas is the troop’s Advancement Chair, which is a fancy (and understated) way of saying that he keeps

track of all the rank advancements, merit badges, and other awards that all the scouts earn. Plus completed training

for the adults, that isn’t done online by registered scouters at http://myscouting.scouting.org . This is a big job, as

you can imagine, particularly in the weeks and days before a Court of Honor.

You can help. Just drop an e-mail to Mr. Matyas at [email protected] for any of the following. Include

the scout’s name, what the e-mail is relating to, and the date(s):

Rank advancements that may not go through the 3 person Board of Review (BOR). Generally, this applies to

Scout rank, most other BORs are administered by Mr. Greenspon.

Service project hours outside the troop, that a scout wants to use to meet a rank advancement or merit badge

requirement. This might include, for example, an event outside of scouting where the hours are not being applied

to some other purpose, whether inside or outside of scouts. Even if you mark the hours in your Scout Handbook,

they aren’t entered into the troop database if you don’t say something. So report them early, well before your

Scoutmaster conference. Include a short description of the project(s) along with the date(s) and hours.

Eagle project accounting. At the end of each Eagle project, the scout assembles a table of who worked how many

hours. Please provide a copy to Mr. Matyas so that he can credit project hours to each scout in the list.

Events not in the Signaler. Mr. Matyas uses the Signaler record to establish scouts’ participation record, so he

won’t know of anything not published there. The best solution for that is to put an article in the Signaler, and give

public credit to those who participated.

Your attention to these small matters will improve the function of the troop, and thank you in advance for your

assistance!

Northern Tier 2016

While the two Northern Tier Crews returned three weeks ago, and rumors abound of a good time, nor article nor

even a picture has yet made it to the Signaler. We’ll nag ‘em for next month.

http://myscouting.scouting.org/



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Goshen Scout Reservation, Summer Camp Picturama – July 16-23


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Thanks to Mrs. Patel and Mrs. Christianson for the pictures! The summer camp participants list is on Page 11,

below.

Fort Delaware and Cowtown Rodeo – July 29-31 by Nate Kinzer

We all arrived at the youth group campsite of Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware at around 8:00 PM on Friday,

July 29th. As we arrived, we were in awe of the tall cornfields that rose from the ground alongside the entrance to our

campsite. After hastily assembling our tents and eating dessert, we all went to bed, ready for what the Saturday had in

store for us.

Saturday morning, we all had omelets in a bag, and bagels & cream cheese for breakfast. After breakfast cleanup, we

left for Delaware City to take the ferry to Fort Delaware. During our visit at Fort Delaware, we got to see the history

of the Fort come to life thanks to many period actors who played the part of people living there in 1864 when Fort

Delaware was still in full use. We learned that the Fort never fired a single shot except during target practice, despite

the huge number of cannons that they had. The fort proved to be a deterrent to enemy attack.

Because the Fort Delaware trip was a Troop 264 outing, it rained as soon as we got back to the campsite Saturday

afternoon. When it stopped raining, we took that opportunity to build a fire and make camper (sandwich) pies for

lunch. Soon after lunch was finished, it started to rain again. Later that day, we drove to the Cowtown Rodeo in New

Jersey, but we stopped at a local pizza place for a quick dinner on the way. The rain wasn’t done, however, and it

would continue to rain during the two hour rodeo, and into the early hours of Sunday morning. However, that did not

stop us from having fun at the rodeo. The seven events of the Pro Rodeo event ranged from bull riding to bronco

riding to steer wrestling and girl's barrel racing, all of which were very entertaining to watch.

With clear, sunny skies overhead, we packed up early Sunday morning and headed home. We all had fun on the trip

and I’m sure that we would all be willing to do it again next year.

Two Night participants:

-Bradley B. -Mr. Brian D. -Daulton S. -Mr. Al B.

-Dillen P. -Mr. John K.

-Sam D.

-Evan D.

-Nate K.

-Peter S.

One night participants:

-Aiden S. -Mr. Adam S.

-Edward P. -Mr. Ed P.

-Mr. Jim S. -Mr. Keith D.

Day trip, Saturday participants:

-Mr. Dale B.

-Mrs. Rekha P.

-Niki P.


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And at Cowtown, NJ…


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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 e-mail, to the Signaler staff by the monthly deadline. E-mail lists to [email protected] .

Troop 264 Facebook Page

It’s available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/T264Olney/ . Mrs. Josey Simpson moderates this site and does an

excellent job at transferring events and notices sent out to the troop by Mr. Bickel. Presently there are about 70

members in this closed group. To sign up, contact Mrs. Simpson at [email protected] .


https://www.facebook.com/groups/T264Olney/



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Troop and Crew Drivers’ Info Update Needed

Each Boy Scout troop and Venturing Crew is required to maintain some basic information about the adult drivers that

may be transporting scouts to and from events. This information is kept confidential and is only used to apply for

BSA Tour plans, which are required for all trips outside the NCAC Council area, and for specific kinds of activities

within the Council. So that we can keep our records current, please complete the attached form with current

information and return it to Mr. Dale Bickel. Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Name(s): _______________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

City, State: _______________

Phone number: ___________________ E-mail address: _______________________

Vehicles (Make, Model, Year) ____________________________________________

and No. of Seatbelts __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

My insurance meets state standards: Y / N

BSA Youth Protection online training is current (if known)? Y / N

Summer Camp Participants

Scouts:

Tommy B. Dylan B. Carter B. Brady C. Lucien C.

Thomas C. Sean D. Matthew D. Evan D . (6 nights) Ben C.E,

James F. Daniel G. Brian H. Daniel H. William H.

Luke M. Morgan M. Atticus M (SPL) Joel P. Dillen P.

Edward P. Aiden S. Luca S. Isaac S. Fate S.

Daulton S. Brandon S. Neil W. P.J. W, Jacob Wei.

Aiden W.

Adults:

Mr. Dennis B. Mrs. Deirdre C. Mr. Sydney C. Mr. John D. Mrs. Joan G.

Mr. Kevin H. Mr. Doug L. Mr. Steve S. Mr. Jim S. Mr. Neil W.

Mr. Paul W. Mr. Martin P. Mr. Jeff J. Mr. Blake B.


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INFORMATION PAGE

Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

Board of Review (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.

Scout dress code for BOR will include Class “A” shirt, neckerchief, slide, and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted). Merit badge sash is recommended. 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

Scoutmaster Conferences

Any scout needing a Scoutmaster Conference for advancement up through First Class, needs to

contact one of the following for a conference:

Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394

Mr. Laing 301-980-8932

Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974

Mr. Matyas 301-570-0610

Mr. Bickel 301-774-0416

Mr. Irvin 301-570-5548

Mr. Kennedy 301-774-5014

Mr. Delaney 301-412-0509

Mr. Long 301-924-4365

Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life,

and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan:

(301)-774-2768. [email protected]

The Patrol Dad, not a senior scout, is responsible for signing off on Scout Spirit prior to your

Scoutmaster Conference.

Preparation for the scout’s BOR must include being prepared to answer skill, citizenship, first aid, and

merit badge questions



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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 on 301-774-5394.

Scout Leadership for Troop 264

Senior Patrol Leader: Atticus Meehan (SPL)

Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders: Jacob Wei. Joey U.

Troop Guides: Luke M. Trevor B. Sean D. Neil W.

Scribe: Daniel G.

Quartermaster: Matthew D.

Librarian: Eric L.

Bugler: Luke R.

Chaplain’s Aides: Peter S. Ben R.

Den Chiefs: Tommy B. Eli H.

(Effective as of June 27, 2016)


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Permission Slip for Family Camp at the Navy Recreation Center, Solomons, MD

August 19-21, 2016

I give permission for my son or daughter _______________________________ to participate in Troop /

Crew264’s family weekend camp at the Navy Recreation Center in Solomons. MD on August 19-21. In an

emergency, please notify ___________________________ _______________ (indicate name and

relationship to your son/daughter) 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/daughter is allergic to the following medications or foods:

______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature Date

Notice to drivers: you must have (1) vehicle registration, (2) driver’s license, and (3) proof of current

insurance for the vehicle, before you will be allowed access to the base. Please check that you have this

required documentation before you leave home.


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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

MONDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

TUESDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

THURSDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

FRIDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

SATURDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY











































1 Troop meeting

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Patrol meeting

9

10 District Roundtable

(Hawks)

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12

13

14

15 Patrol meeting

Venturing meeting

TLC / BOR

16

17

18 Troop Adult Meeting,

7:30 PM at

Brookeville Academy

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Family Camping at

Solomons Island

(Justus)

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Family Camping at

Solomons Island

(Justus)

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Family Camping at

Solomons Island

(Justus)

22 Troop meeting

Flags: Voyageurs

MB: Vikings

Skill: Hawks

Game: Eagles

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24

25

26

27

NO nursing home

visit

28

29 MCPS school starts

Patrol meeting

30

31

August 2016


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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

















































1

2

3

4

5 Labor Day

(no school)

6

7

8

9

10

11

12 Troop meeting

Flags: Crusaders

MB: Voyageurs

Skill: Vikings

Game: Hawks

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14 District Roundtable

(Crusaders)

15 Troop Adult Meeting,

7:30 PM at

Brookeville Academy

16

17

18

19

Patrol meeting

TLC, and BOR

20

21

22

23

24

Nursing Home Visit

11 AM (Eagles)

25

26 Troop meeting

Flags: Eagles

MB: Crusaders

Skill Voyageurs

Game: Vikings

27

28

29

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September 2016

the signaler troop 264’s newsletter! the signaler · the primitive campout has it all – making...

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