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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines (Refer to calendar pages and articles for specific times.)

Troop 264 – Meeting time 7:30 PM Mondays

Venturing Crew 264 -- 6:30 PM Mondays

(Venturing Crew activities in RED)

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

May 11 Eagle Court of Honor for Enrique Alonso and Ryan King

Enrique and Ryan will be formally awarded Eagle rank at this 1 PM ceremony at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, corner of Route 108 and Olney Mill Road. All Scouts, Venturing crew members, and their families are welcome. Please RSVP in advance to [email protected] .

Peter Kirk’s Eagle Project – May 18 & 25

I'm doing my Eagle project at First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg (200 West Diamond Avenue) on May 18th and 25th, from 12 Noon - 6 PM on the 18th, and 8 AM - 2 PM on the 25th. I'm planning on planting some crepe myrtles on the 18th, along with putting in anchors for the benches. I plan to place the benches on the 25th, and put in a small concrete slab for a memorial on the same day. There will be food provided on both days. Thanks! ~ Peter Kirk [email protected]

Date Change for Troop Picnic and Summer Court of Honor to June 8

Please mark your calendar – T264’s Troop Picnic and Summer COH is now Saturday, June 8 (not June 15)., 1 PM to 4 PM. The date change was necessary because another group had reserved the site first. Place remains the same, behind the Smith Center, first building on the right as you turn into the Meadowside Nature Center drive. Scouts, work on completing rank advancements and finishing Merit badges in early May to that they can be awarded on this date. Turn all completed blue merit badge cards in to Mr. Matyas as early as possible.

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May

3 Pack 1074 bridging, 7 PM 3-5 Natural Bridge / Safari Park 6 Patrol meeting 8 District Roundtable (Eagles) 9 Venturing roundtable 11 Eagle Court of Honor, 1 – 4 PM 13 Troop meeting 16 Troop Adult Meeting, 8 PM 17-19 Assateague Island Backcountry (Vikings) 20 BOR, TLC, Patrol meeting 24-27 Amusement Park Weekend (Venturing Crew) 25-26 OA Spring Ordeal 27 Legion Flags (noon) 27 Memorial Day – NO meetings 31 to June 2 Yorktown (Crusaders)

June 1-2 Yorktown (Crusaders) 3 “Last Chance” BOR / Patrol meeting 5 District Roundtable (Vikings) 6 Venturing Roundtable 8 Troop Picnic and Summer COH, 1 PM 10 Troop meeting 14 Last ½ day of school (MCPS) 17 Patrol meeting 17-21 Cub Scout Day Camp 20 Troop Adult Meeting, 8 PM 21 Summer starts! 21-23 Whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle (Eagles) 29 Nursing Home Visit

July 1 Patrol meeting 4 Fourth of July 8 Summer Camp Information Meeting 7-13 Advancement Camp (Camp Twin Echo) 14-20 Troop Summer Camp – Powhatan 22 Patrol meeting 28 – Aug 3 Guppy Gulch (Venturing Crew)

TTThhheee SSSiiigggnnnaaallleeerrr

http://www.geocities.com/crossroadstroop264

mailto:[email protected]


2

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

Natural Bridge, VA

(Joel P.)

4

Natural Bridge, VA

(Joel P.)

5

Natural Bridge, VA

(Joel P.)

6

Patrol meet ing

7

8

District Roundtable

(Eagles)

9

Venturing Roundtable

10

11

Enrique and Ryan’s

Eagle COH, 1 PM

12

Mothers’ Day –

Be n ice to Mom ALL

DAY or else…. !

13 Troop meet ing

Open: New Scouts

Skill: Eag les

MB: Crusaders

14

15

16 Troop adult meet ing,

8 PM, Brookeville

Academy

17 Assateague Island

Backcountry

(Vikings)


Backcountry

(Vikings)


Backcountry

(Vikings)

20 “Last Chance”

TLC / BOR

and Patrol meeting

21

22

23

24 Amusement Park

Weekend (Venturing

Crew)

25 Amusement Park

Weekend

OA Spring Ordeal

NO nursing home

visit

26 Amusement Park

Weekend (Venturing

Crew)

OA Spring Ordeal

27 Memorial Day

No meetings

Amusement Park

Weekend (Venturing

Crew)

Legion Flags (12- 4 PM)

28

29

30

31 Revolutionary War /

Civil War Hike at

Yorktown, VA

(Crusaders)

May 2013


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Civil War Hike at

Yorktown, VA

(Crusaders)


Civil War Hike at

Yorktown, VA

(Crusaders)

3 Really

“Last Chance” BOR

and Patrol meeting

4

5

District Roundtable

(Vikings)

6


7

8 Summer Court of

Honor & Troop

Picnic (1-4 PM)

(new date)

9

10 Troop meet ing

Open: New Scouts

Skill: Vikings

MB: Hawks

11

12

13

14

Last (1/2) Day of

School (MCPS)

15

16

Fathers’ Day

17 TLC

Patrol meet ing

Cub Scout Day Camp

18

Cub Scout Day Camp

19

Cub Scout Day Camp


8 PM, Brookeville

Academy

Cub Scout Day Camp

21

Summer!

Cub Scout Day Camp

22

Whitewater Rafting at

Ohiopyle (Eag les)

23 Whitewater Rafting at

Ohiopyle (Eag les)

24 Troop meet ing

Open: New Scouts

Skill: Crusaders

MB: Eag les

25

26

27

28

29 Nursing home v isit

(Serpents)

30

June 2013


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1

Patrol meet ing

2 3

4 Independence Day

5

6

7

Advancement Camp

at Camp Twin Echo

(Week 1)

8 Troop meet ing –

Summer Camp Info

and Questions and

Answers

Advancement Camp

9

Advancement Camp

10

NO Roundtable

Advancement Camp

11 NO


Advancement Camp

12

Advancement Camp

13

Advancement Camp

Ends

14

T264’s regular

Summer Camp at

Powhatan

15 NO meet ing

Summer Camp at

Powhatan

16

Summer Camp at

Powhatan

17 National Jamboree

opens to visitors

Summer Camp at

Powhatan


8 PM, Brookeville

Academy

Summer Camp

19

Summer Camp at

Powhatan

20

Summer Camp at

Powhatan

21

22

Patrol meet ing

23

24

25

26

27

28

Guppy Gulch

(Venturing Crew)

29 Troop meet ing

Guppy Gulch

(Venturing Crew)

30

Guppy Gulch

(Venturing Crew)

31

Guppy Gulch

(to Aug 3)

(Venturing Crew)

July 2013


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Nursing Home Visits

There was no nursing home visit scheduled in April, and there will be none in May because the last Saturday in the month falls on Memorial Day weekend. So the next nursing home visit, at Friends Nursing Home in Sandy Spring, will be on June 29, and we ask the new Serpent patrol to conduct this one hour visit, at 11 AM on that Saturday.

Natural Bridge / Safari Park Campout – May 3-5

This overnight trip is down to the Natural Bridge in Virginia, and the nearby drive-through Safari Park ( http://www.virginiasafaripark.com/ ). The plan is to leave Olney as soon as possible after school ends on Friday, camp at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista, VA, do the activities Saturday and camp Saturday night, and return Sunday morning. Contact Joel P. and Mr. Dan P. for information on this outing. This campout was conceived, planned, promoted, and executed by scout Joel P., and demonstrates his leadership skills in following a project from start to finish, over a period of some months. This is exactly the kind of initiative we encourage scouts to exhibit. We commend Joel for his efforts on this outing.

Assateague Island Backcountry – May 17-19

Viking patrol is assembling a backcountry backpacking excursion along Assateague Island, on the Maryland Eastern Shore, May 17 to 19. 3.5 hours' drive from Olney to Assateague Island. May see some of the wild ponies the island is famous for.

Friday night -- 4 drive-in campsites have been reserved at the Assateague Island STATE Park, so we can arrive any time Friday evening and camp over night. Six people maximum per campsite, so 24 people maximum. Water and toilet facilities available. Cost of campsites will be split among all participants.

Saturday morning -- Jump over to the National park, to the ranger station, and try to register for a backcountry campsite at Little levels, four miles south of the station in a roadless area. No facilities once we leave the ranger station. Sites are first come first served so we have to be there EARLY. We will be walking on the beach, Atlantic Ocean to the east, over sand. We must carry EVERYTHING -- sufficient water, clothing, sunscreen, firewood, etc., and hiking over sand isn't like walking along a trail. Good hiking shoes and a backpacking backpack needed.

Sunday morning -- four miles to hike out, leave Assateague late morning, return to Olney in mid afternoon.

More details to follow. Interested? Dale Bickel [email protected]

http://www.virginiasafaripark.com/



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Legion Flags – May 27 (tentative)

Legion Flags will be held this month, on Memorial Day Weekend. The exact date and time will be announced. Scouts and members of the Norman Price Post #68 of the American Legion, the sponsors of Troop 264 and Venturing Crew 264, spend a couple of hours at various local cemeteries to honor local veterans who have passed on. Class A uniforms are required for scouts and scouters. The American Legion provides a meal for the scouts and participants afterward. We ask that all scouts and scouters that are available come to this memorial to local veterans. Cub scouts, parents, and siblings are certainly welcome too. Troop 264 has participated in Legion Flags with the American Legion for many years, and we want to continue this worthwhile tradition. Please show your support for our veterans!

Amusement Park Weekend – May 24-27

(Memorial Day Weekend – Venturing Crew 264)

Hello, Troop and Crew 264! The deadline for the Cedar Point trip is rapidly approaching. The deadline to sign up is Monday, May 6. After that I will be buying tickets to take advantage of group rates. That doesn't necessarily mean you can't come along after that, but it will cost you more since you will have to buy your own tickets at the gates. The Cedar Point trip is a trip to multiple amusement parks in Pittsburgh and Ligonier, Pennsylvania and Sandusky, Ohio. The trip is being put together by Venture Crew 264 for itself and Troop 264 members are invited. All members of Troop and Crew 264 are eligible to attend. More details: Friday, May 24: We will leave Olney as early as we can after school ends (4 PM, possibly) and travel to Keystone State Park. We will likely eat dinner along the way. At the park, we will set up, relax, and go to sleep. Saturday, May 25: We will wake up, eat food, and drive to Kennywood Amusement Park (http://www.kennywood.com/), where we will spend most of the day. The park is open 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, so we will have all day to spend at the park. When we are tired of the park, we will leave and return to the campsite. We will likely eat on the way back to the campsite. At the camp we will go back to sleep. Sunday, May 26: We will wake up, and again pile into the vehicles, find someplace to eat, and begin the long journey northwest to Cedar Point, on the shore of Lake Erie at Sandusky, Ohio. Roller coasters are the claim to fame at this park. (http://www.cedarpoint.com/). The park is open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, so we will have all day to spend there. When we get tired of the park, we will pile back into the vehicles and drive back to the campsite. We will likely again eat food along the way. At the camp we will sleep. Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day): We will wake up (again), and pack everything up, and leave the campsite. We will begin our journey home, stopping for breakfast. We will stop at Idlewild Amusement Park (http://www.idlewild.com/), where we will spend about half of the day. In the late afternoon, we will head home, hopefully returning to Olney in a reasonable amount of time. Here is a Google Maps of our current trip plan (minus food stops): http://goo.gl/maps/G2ZsO


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Currently, we have enough drivers to cover those already signed up + gear. We presently have no problem with vehicle space. More drivers may be needed depending on how many more people sign up. Please let me know if you can drive (adults only). For food, we plan to eat at restaurants while on the road, to save time. Bring money for food on the road and at the parks (suppers and lunches) since there is no way we can purchase such meals in bulk in advance. For the fixed costs, right now we are looking at (per person) about [$120 park costs and campsite] + [share of gas money, turnpike tolls, misc.] Food at the park and on the road is additional, plan to bring money for that on the trip. This looks expensive but we are doing a LOT and driving far. I will collect $120 from all who have signed up when I

buy tickets, so bring checks for $120 on Monday May 6. Please keep in mind that, once purchased, the park

ticket costs can't be refunded unless we can find someone to take your place. Checks to be made out to BSA Troop 264. Additional costs will be computed and divided up once we determine who is driving, how many they can take, how much gas they expect to use, gas costs, etc. The more people we get on this trip, the lower the cost will become. Again, group ticket prices and carpooling. We currently have 15 people confirmed for the trip, and 13 spaces left in the two group campsites I have already reserved. If we exceed 28 people we might be able to reserve more single campsite space, but it depends on campsite availability. Please let me know if you are interested in the trip or have any questions.

Thank you, Jim Bickel [email protected]

Troop Picnic and Summer COH – Saturday June 8

As mentioned way back on page 1, the new date for the troop picnic and summer Court of Honor is June 8. Cost of the picnic is $6 per person or $15 per family, all family members welcome. A collection box will be at the food table. Families with a last name starting M – Z, L please bring a dessert to share. Those with last names starting with A - L , please bring a salad or other dish. Bring enough for your own family and to share with others. The troop will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, fixings, and drinks. Also, please bring a camp chair or two. There are picnic tables at the site but there are not enough seating for everyone. Please wear Class A uniforms to the Court of Honor, including neckerchiefs and merit badge sash. Venturing Crew 264 members and families welcome too. Class B uniforms (scout T shirts) may be worn to troop and patrol meetings after the June 8 Court of Honor until the September Court of Honor.



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Fleur de Lis Accessories

All proceeds benefit our

Adopt A Soldier Program Serving our Troops since 2005

Zipper Pull - $ 2.00 (Silver-Tone)

Earrings - $ 5.00 (Silver-Tone or Gold-Tone)

Gift Package - $ 10.00 (Gift Boxed - Zipper Pull, Silver-Tone and Gold-Tone Earrings)

Crafted by Mrs. Josey Simpson Assistant Scoutmaster

Adopt A Soldier Program Eagle Scout Courts of Honor 301.512.5439 [email protected]

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

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Advancement Camp at Camp Twin Echo

July 7-13 or 14-20

SIX MERIT BADGES IN A WEEK!

This is what you can get by attending the 2013 Advancement camp at BSA Camp Twin Echo near Ligonier, PA, about 3 1/2 hours from Olney. This is run by the Laurel Highlands Council (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Council). A few T264 scouts have attended this camp each year for the past several years. The details, and list of merit badges available, are available at http://lhc-bsa.org/Camping/Advancement%20Camp . Cost is $335 for the week, including meals. There are always good, and less common, merit badges at this camp. Pick six of the eight merit badges offered for the week. There usually is some work to be done ahead of camp, in order to complete the merit badge that week, but the prerequisites have not yet been posted.

http://lhc-bsa.org/Camping/Advancement%20Camp


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The first week (Fix It Build It week, July 7-13) occurs the week before T264's summer camp at Camp Powhatan in Virginia (July 14-20). So it is possible to go to Advancement Camp, come home Saturday, do laundry, and leave the next day Sunday for summer camp (and do another two or three merit badges). And scouts have done this. We do not do this as a troop, so register individually. You must arrange your own transportation, but if more than one scout goes, carpooling may be possible. (If you send an e-mail to [email protected] after registering, I will put you in contact with anyone else I know of that plans to go.) One scout is already registered to attend. It is possible for an adult to attend too, and serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster at the summer camp. Youth Protection Training (YPT) must be taken on line before the adult can go. Ask if you are interested.

~ Mr. Dale Bickel [email protected]

Summer Camp at Camp Powhatan – July 14-20

It’s time to register for summer camp! This year summer camp will be at Camp Powhatan, on the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation in southwestern Virginia. Older scouts -- take notice of the different programs and let Mr. Long know which one(s) you are interested in. Also, the merit badge list is available at: http://bsa-brmc.org/images/stories/PDFs/CAMP/Prerq_and_merit_badges_CLG_2013.pdf Please let Mr. Long know, as soon as you can, which merit badges you are interested in completing.. The merit badge schedules (when each merit badge takes place on what days) has not yet been established. Webelos II parents (and recently former Webelos II parents) -- please share this with your Webelos II den. T264 automatically reserves a certain number of spaces for incoming Webelos II scouts (and other new scouts coming into T2640 in the next few months. But the sooner we know of your interest, the easier it is to make accurate arrangements.


http://bsa-brmc.org/images/stories/PDFs/CAMP/Prerq_and_merit_badges_CLG_2013.pdf


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First year scouts generally enter the Brownsea Island program during the day, at night they camp with the troop.. Parents can go too, for all or part of a week. All scouts must be registered with the troop and council before they can attend summer camp, but that doesn’t stop you from applying now. The troop charters a bus to and from the camp for a nominal additional charge of $80. This is the easiest way to make the 5 hour trip to southwestern Virginia. More on that in the coming weeks. Cost of the camps is listed on the pages at the end of this Signaler. Any questions, or to sign up, please ask Mr. Doug Long at [email protected] . Powhatan 2013 Leaders' Guide: http://bsa-brmc.org/images/stories/PDFs/CAMP/Powhatan_CLG_2013.pdf Brownsea Island program: http://bsa-brmc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=300:camp-powhatan-base-camp&catid=46:camping-a-reservation-pages

T264 and V264 Family Camping – August 9-11

FAMILY CAMP!!!! Navy Recreation Center, Solomons Island, Maryland!!

Get it on your calendars! Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11, 2013 (NO date change) Family camping-all are welcome. $6.50 per night per person... this includes campsite, 3 pools, river beach, putt-putt golf, pool tables, ping pong, softball game and whatever else we want to use of theirs (board games, sports equipment, etc). Bring fishing poles and crabbing equipment! Patrol cooking... food costs will be decided at a later date Lots to do on base as well as in the town. You can bring bikes/skates but MUST have helmets. BEST crabcakes ANYWHERE at a local restaurant . Can rent paddle boats, kayaks, pontoons. Check calendars and we'll start the list of who is joining in the fun. It is "family camping" for all to attend. ALL drivers MUST have: Drivers’ license, Auto Registration, and Proof of Insurance to gain access to the base and campsites.

~ Helen Justus [email protected]


http://bsa-brmc.org/images/stories/PDFs/CAMP/Powhatan_CLG_2013.pdf

http://bsa-brmc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=300:camp-powhatan-base-camp&catid=46:camping-a-reservation-pages

http://bsa-brmc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=300:camp-powhatan-base-camp&catid=46:camping-a-reservation-pages



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Adventure Park in Sandy Spring – April 6

The Red Bulls patrol assembled a local, Saturday evening outing to the Adventure Park in Sandy Spring. It was well attended and enjoyed by the participants. Unfortunately the list of participants was not received in time for this Signaler, nor any pictures, so we’ll catch up in the next edition at the beginning of June.

Camping with Webelos – April 13-14

Back in February, T264 worked with Packs 434 and 1074 to arrange a mutually agreeable date for an overnight campout. These Webelos scouts needed just one night of camping with a Boy Scout troop to attain the Arrow of Light award, which is the highest award in Cub Scouting, and the only Cub Scout award that can be officially worn on a Boy Scout uniform. That day turned out to be the perfect day for a campout – warm, clear, and bright sun. T264 scouts arrived at Pinecliff Park outside Frederick, MD around 10 AM to set up, in advance of the Cub Scouts and families. The primitive camping area is at the far end of the park, past the ball fields. (Mr. Bogan, who arranged this park site, remarked that this was the first campsite he went to upon joining T264, 25 years ago.) Adjacent to the grassy

camping area was a new-looking pavilion where we set up cooking gear and food.

The Cub Scouts and parents arrived at different times so lunch was rather drawn out, but as it was only sandwiches, that did not

matter. T264 scouts ran stations for the Cub Scouts: knots, fire building, and first aid, while Mr. Wiersma conducted a very popular fishing area on the Monocacy River bank not far away (catch and release, youth only). One Cub Scout actually caught a fish. Scouts played games until supper, which consisted of hamburgers and corn (although several Cub Scouts would have preferred more than the few hot dogs we had available). T264 scout Luke R. was completing his first class


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cooking requirements att his campout, and he helped a number of scouts and scout parents create foil dinners to cook in the campfire. Most people had hamburgers cooked on for camp stoves by T264 scouts, and there were no leftover hamburgers or hot dogs. At the evening campfire in the fire ring, scouts performed skits and talked until about 10 PM. Sunday morning, T264 scouts were up early and assembled a simple breakfast for the scouts and parents, after which we packed up and left the park around 9:30 AM. Several of these Cub Scouts are expected to bridge into T264 on May 3, and we welcome them to T264! T264 participants: Neil W. Tyler H. Nate K. Brian H. Peter B. Jacob Wie. Luke R. Michael W. Joshua F. Sam J. Joel P. Brandon S. Bobby S. Caleb H. Elijah H. Mr. Doug Long Mr. Dale Bickel Mr. Al Barth Mr. Neil Walter Mr. Eric Harris Mr. Tom Hersey Dr. Joshua Sussal Mr. Stutzke Mrs. Carolyn Renshaw Plus 6 Pack 1074 Webelos II scouts, and parents Plus 3 Pack 434 Webelos II scouts, and parents

50th Anniversary Scout Color Guard – April 21

The Board of Elders of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Olney, MD wishes to thank Asst. Scoutmasters Martin Predoehl and Dirk Wiersma and the scouts from Troop 264 for serving as the Color Guard during Good Shepherd’s 50

th Anniversary Jubilee Service. Scouts that participated included Joshua F., Jacob Wie., Ryan K.,

and Dominic H. (Troop 489). Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett thanked the scouts and church for their service to the community. ~ Dr. Paul Fowler


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West Point Military Academy Camporee – April 26-28

The West Point Scoutmaster Council Camporee is an annual Invitational Camping Event sponsored by the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. It attracts scout units from over a dozen states and over 75 different Scout councils. It is reported to be the largest annual Scouting event held in the country (rivaling only national Jamborees held every four years). The event consists of a weekend camp out on the West Point Military Academy property with static and active displays, competitions, demonstrations and trading post. The Camporee is exclusively run by the Cadets themselves.

This year, there were over 5,000 Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Adventure Scouts that attended the Camporee from over 200 Troops. This year was the 51

st time they held the Camporee, and it honored a West Point graduate (and Eagle

Scout) who was killed in the war in Iraq.

We left for the Camporee at 3:45 PM, and arrived at the camp site by 10:45 PM (traffic was bad, don’t get me started.)


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A few additional West Point Camporee observations, no particular order: * ALL the cadets were very respectful, friendly and helpful, but yet always in charge. It was very pleasing to see these future leaders in action. * The Camporee was not held on the main West Point campus, but rather on property owned by West Point, to the west of the Academy proper. * Near perfect weather over the weekend made the event much more enjoyable. It was rather chilly at night, Saturday morning there was light frost on a few tents, Sunday morning was a little bit warmer. * Sometimes you can tell a successful event by how fast everyone falls asleep when they board the bus for the trip home (15 minutes!). * Mr. Bogan and I ran into a cadet who could not understand how kids could like the music being played today (Saturday evening concert). * The roll up tables worked great, except once when an unbalanced table dumped a stove and a pot of boiling water into the grass Sunday morning. Mr. Bogan was the only earlybird to get a cup of coffee out of that pot. * We saw Kristian and Mr. Magne Gundersen, former members of T264 who now reside in eastern Pennsylvania. Also, Mr. Justus spotted Troop 1323 from Laytonsville, MD in a campground. ~ Dale Bickel

To start things off on Saturday morning, the Cadets did a demo hostage rescue with a military helicopter that dropped the troops in. A Humvee (those jeeps with the machine guns on top) drove in and provided support. Of course, the troops that were in the demo were using blanks, but the fighting seemed pretty real.

After the demo, our Troop split into two groups and proceeded to go from site to site learning skills and being scored on different challenges. It was a lot of fun, but sadly we didn’t win any prizes this time :(

At 5:00, activities stopped and we all had dinner. At about 8:00, they started a huge bonfire, Scouts performed skits on stage, and a DJ played music, turning the field into a dance party that lasted until roughly 10 PM. Sunday morning, they held a closing ceremony and Scout parade, and one by one, the Troops got in line and marched past the military Cadets. After that, we were pretty much free to go. We got back at around 4:00 PM. It was a great experience, and I strongly suggest that the next time we go, everyone comes! (Hopefully we’ll get a bigger campsite next time too.) ~ Nate K. The following Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, Scouters attended: SCOUTS William S. (SPL) John F. Anthony F. Adam Russell (ASPL) Jacob Wei. Joshua F. David R. Gavin M. Keith M. Matt McD. Ryan McD. Luke T. Peter B. Nate K. Atticus M. VENTURES Elizabeth J. Lara C. Josie M. ADULTS Anthony Justus Justin Stine Dennis Bogan Dale Bickel Paul Fowler Shannon Garrity Tom McDonald Caryll Tomlinson Rick Justus Al Barth Bret Stine John Kinzer


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51st

Scoutmasters’ Council Camporee at West Point Military Academy


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Cadet Matthew Lane


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Seabase 2014, August 13-20, 2014

After the initial disappointment of neither the troop nor the crew being selected in the Seabase lottery, Mrs. Robbins was able to snag a first-come/first-served tall ship adventure in the Florida Keys. The offer to join the 264 Crew was first made to those scouts and adults that had signed up to participate in a Seabase trip some months ago, before T264 and V264 entered the lottery. At this time, the crew of 20 is filled. The troop has just sent a deposit of $2000, or $100 a person, to Seabase to hold the ship and date. So it's time to collect the first $100 installment from everyone. Make checks out to BSA Troop 264. You can use scout credits if you have them and you can apply scout credits to siblings or parents too. Checks or scout credit slips are being collected by the Treasurer, Mr. Al Barth. The next big payment (1/2 of the remaining amount due to Seabase) will be due around September 1, and the final amount due to Seabase will be due around March 1, 2014. If you are so inclined, you can make advance installment payments to Mr. Barth (say $100 per month per person) to spread out the financial impact. About that time, March 2014, travel arrangements will be initiated too. Remember that this trip is over a year away so it's unlikely to have current conflicts with other activities, and once it's on your calendar, it will be easier to defend against conflicts from other activities. No interest has been expressed in looking for a second ship of any size, so we will abandon that avenue of exploration for the present.

New Signaler Editor(s) Needed! Sam Hull and Mr. Hull have advised that, for personal (and sound) reasons, they can no longer continue to assemble the monthly Signaler newsletter. So we are asking if we have any volunteers to take over this important troop function. For the scout, this can count as a troop leadership position up through Star and Life ranks. (For leadership positions for Eagle scout, please see the Eagle“On Track” Timeline on the troop website.) If you are interested, please contact Mr. Dale Bickel for details.

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 current requirements listed for Tenderfoot through First Class.

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Applications/RankVideo.aspx

Crew Who:

David R.

Matt McD.

Ryan McD.

Elizabeth J.

Gina H.

Anthony J.

Luke R.

Peter B.

William S.

Miguel A.

Brian H.

Jacob Wier.

Jacob L.

Mrs. Christiane R.

Mrs. Carolyn R.

Mr. A l B.

Mr. Tom H.

Mr. Bart H.

Mr. Dirk W.

Dr. David L.

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

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Applications/RankVideo.aspx


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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].

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.

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;

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].

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



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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! Note that changes in the BSA requirements means that we don’t need as much data as in the past. Name(s): _______________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City, State: ____________________________ BSA registration no. (if known): _____________________ 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


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INFORMATION PAGE

Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

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

give the adults sitting on the BORs some lead-t ime. Recently the p rocedure 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 informat ion.

Editor : Currently Vacant

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

Reporters: William S.

301-260-8605

ejs [email protected]

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

Adult Advisors:

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

Treasurer: Mr. Al Barth 301-570-0869 [email protected]

Troop Committee: Mr. Mark Russell 301-774-1077 [email protected]

Order o f the Arrow (OA) Mr. Rick Justus 301-774-7833 [email protected]

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

SPL: William S.

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

informat ion 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 w ith

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 b lack pants can be substituted).

A scout hat is preferred.

More Assateague Island photos


mailto:%20%[email protected]






http://www.troop264olney.net/



21

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 First Class, needs to contact one of the following for a conference: Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394 Mr. Laing 301-570-4235 Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974 Mr. Matyas 301-570-0610 Mr. Freedman 301-774-7766 Mr. Bickel 301-774-0416 Mr. Irvin 301-570-5548 Mr. Kennedy 301-774-5014 Mr. Long 301-924-4365 Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life, and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan - (301)-774-2768, [email protected]. 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 on 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.

AAADDDVVVAAANNNCCCEEEMMMEEENNNTTT IIINNNFFFOOORRRMMMAAATTTIIIOOONNN PPPAAAGGGEEE



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Troop 264 Summer Camp 2013

CAMP POWHATAN

BLUE RIDGE SCOUT RESERVATION

Troop 264 has reservations for Camp Powhatan at the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation for 14 – 20 July 2013. This is a dining hall camp.

See next page for fee schedule.

Request deposit of $100.00 by 1 February and $200.00 by 1 May A charter bus will be available for a fee of approximately $80.00 in addition to the above fees.

We encourage campers to travel by bus. Bus fees will be collected when the actual cost is available, which is based on the number of passengers. No other transportation will be provided

by the troop. The camp is approximately 310 miles from Olney.

Parents are welcome, and may attend for all or part of a week.!

INFO: Doug Long 301 924 4365 (H)

4405 Skymist Terrace 301 738 5153(W)

Olney, MD 20832 [email protected]

New scouts typically enter the Brownsea Island program, which is geared for new / younger scouts. These scouts work on advancement and a few simpler merit badges.

REGISTRATION FORM

PROGRAM: _______________________________ NAME: ___________________________________ BIRTH DATE: _____________

ADDRESS: _______________________________ _______________________________ BUS: Y/N _____ _______________________________

E-MAIL: _______________________________ T-SHIRT SIZE ______ TELEPHONE: ____________________________

PARENT(S): _____________________________ PARENTS SIGNATURE: _________________________________ Parent Attending: Y/N and how long ___________________________



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BLUE RIDGE SCOUT RESERVATION PROGRAMS

To view a video of these programs go to: http://bsa-brmc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=297&Itemid=366

Program Description Cost

Base Camp Tucked into the valley formed by the Big Macks Creek, Camp Powhatan is the largest council

owned Scout camp in the United States. The big camp atmosphere surrounds you with excitement

from morning flags till evening taps. Extensive camping facilities, wireless Internet, and many

opportunities for advancement make Powhatan an ideal spot to live the Scout Oath and Law.

Adult: $195.00

Scout: $320.00

Brownsea Island First Year Scout Program: Designed for younger boys new to scouting or transitioning Webelos,

this program teaches the Patrol Method, basic Scout Skills, and get boys excited about Scouting! Scout: $320.00

High Knoll Trail * Often called the Philmont of the East, the High Knoll Trail is an excellent opportunity to take your

group backpacking. Each morning will be spent hiking to a new backcountry outpost on the

beautiful Blue Ridge Scout Reservation. Each staffed outpost features programs ranging from

liv ing history to mountain climbing, and now includes Paintball and Mountain Boarding!

$320.00

http://bsa-brmc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=297&Itemid=366


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New River Adventure * If you are a thrill seeker and looking for a ro ller coaster week of challenge and fun, look no further

than the New River Adventure. There's so much to do! Whitewater Rafting, ATV's (4

wheeling/All-Terrain Vehicles) and more! Often called the Philmont of the East, the

High Knoll Trail is an excellent opportunity to take your group backpacking. Each

morning will be spent hiking to a new backcountry outpost on the beautiful Blue

Ridge Scout Reservation. Each staffed outpost features programs ranging from

living history to mountain climbing.

• Based out of Camp Ottari

• Horseback Riding

• Mountain Boarding

• Paintball Shooting* (In accordance with BSA policy, Scouts do NOT shoot at each other)

• Natural Rock Climbing

• Blackpowder Shooting

• Living History

$320.00

Requirements: BSA

Swimmer and canoeing

experience

Mountain Man * Travel back in time to 18 th Century Appalachian Virgin ia where a single shot muzzle loader, an

axe, and a hunting knife were the only tools a man needed to survive. At Mountain Man, Scouts

will dress, eat, and live like the Long Hunters who exp lored, trapped, and eventually settled

Virginia 's western frontier.

$350.00


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Claytor Lake * Located on a brand new facility situated on the 4,500-acre highland reservoir of

Claytor Lake, this camp caters to older Scouts and Venture age youth looking for

thrills on the water.

• Wakeboarding

• SCUBA Certification

• Motorboating

• Waterskiing

• Kayaking

• Olympic-style Rowboats

• Excellent Food!

$350.00

Requirement: BSA

Swimmer

Voyageur * Embark on a 5-day, 50-mile-plus canoe trip down the breathtaking New River. We

are looking for a few stout mates who are ready to put their sense of adventure

and their canoeing skills to the test.

• Based at Camp Powhatan

• Whitewater Rafting in the New River Gorge

• Living History

• Advance Canoe Skills

$320.00

Requirement:: BSA

Swimmer

Canoing experience

recommended

• Minimum age 13

•

To view a video of these programs go to: http://bsa-brmc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=297&Itemid=366

http://bsa-brmc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=297&Itemid=366


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Permission Slip for Venturing Crew’s Amusement Park Trip May 25-28 (Memorial Day Weekend)

I give permission for my son or daughter _______________________________ to participate in the Venturing

Crew 264 trip to Kennywood Park (Pittsburgh, PA), Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio) and Idlewild Park (Ligonier,

PA). 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 or

daughter is allergic to the following medications or foods: ______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature Date

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

Permission Slip for Assateague Island Campout, May 17-19

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

backcountry backpacking trip on Assateague Island. 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

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