23 September 2018

23 September 2018

Court of Honor Monday, 9/24 6:30pm
We will not be having a regular troop meeting tomorrow. Instead, we'll be honoring and recognize all of our scouting accomplishments and achievements since Spring. Dress to impress in your best uniform. Some Pack 1 Arrow of Light den scouts will be attending so we also want to welcome them. Pack 1 is having their first pack meeting so MUMC will be bustling with activity. 

Set up will begin 6:30-7. Court of Honor will start at 7pm. We should conclude by 8pm. 

We'll also be learning all about our Wreath Sale and Popcorn Sale which will run until Oct 26. 

Upcoming Schedule

Oct. 1 - Troop Meeting (Astronomy, Camporee Menus, Gear Prep, etc) 

Oct 7 - Pancake Breakfast at MUMC 8-12, invite your friends, neighbors, teachers, etc. 

Oct. 8 - Troop Meeting (Astronomy, Final Planning & Last day to sign up for Camporee)

Oct. 12-14: Fall Camporee - Sign up HERE

Oct 26: Concessions for Pack 1 Halloween Party at MUMC

 List of TROOP 1 EVENTS

Scoutmaster's Minute

Potatoe, Egg, and Coffee

Once upon a time, while sitting around a campfire, a young scout complained to his SPL that his life was miserable and that he didn’t know how he was going to make it. He was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. Nothing came easy, and it seemed just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed.

The SPL took this young scout over to the chuck box under the dining fly. He filled three pots with water and placed each over the fire (after he'd thoroughly soaped the bottoms so the soot would easily wash off). Once the three pots began to boil, he placed a potato in one pot, an egg in the second pot and the Scoutmaster's ground coffee beans in the third pot. He then let them sit and boil without saying a word. The young scout moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing. After twenty minutes the SPL removed the pots from the fire. He took the potato out of the pot and placed it in a bowl. He took the egg out and placed it in a bowl. He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup.

The SPL asked. “What do you see?” “A Potatoe, an egg, and coffee,” the young scout replied.

“Look closer”, he said, “and touch the potato.” He did and noted that it was soft.

The SPL then asked him to take the egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, he observed the egg was hard-boiled.

Finally, the SPL asked the scout to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to his face, as it should.

“OK...What does this mean?” the young scout asked.

He explained that the potato, the egg, and ground coffee had each faced the same adversity – boiling water. However, each one reacted very differently.

The potato went in strong, hard and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it became soft and weak. The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard. However, the ground coffee was unique. After it was exposed to the boiling water, the coffee changed the water and created something new.

“Which one are you?” he asked the scout. 

When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean?

16 September 2018

16 September 2018

Troop Meeting Monday, 9/17 6:30pm
Troop 1 will be providing fun activities for Cub Scout Pack 1's Join Scouting Night. Think of setting up tents, cooking smores, field games, and the like. Also, we'll be putting some final preparations together for next week's Court of Honor, several scouts will have a Board of Review (BoR), and we'll be working on some of the basic scout training requirements regarding First Aid. First Aid MB requirements. Board of Reviews - If tomorrow is your scout's first BoR, have them be ready to present themselves to the committee in their BEST uniform. 

Uniform

Sometimes we don't wear the "Class A" Field uniform but most often we do, and it is always a good choice if you're not sure. Please try to be in uniform for meetings unless the PLC specifies Class B. It's obvious to anybody that knows our Scouts that Monday nights can be a rush from school activities, sports practices, etc., but please have your Scout make every effort to be in uniform. Sometimes its impossible, and being at the meeting is more important than what one is wearing, but the uniform helps to bind our identity. Wearing the uniform is one of our eight methods employed to achieve the Aims of Scouting. The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout's commitment to the aims (purposes) of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood & sisterhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is the practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished. 

Upcoming Schedule

Sept. 24 - Wreath & Popcorn Kick off and Court of Honor

Oct 7 - Pancake Breakfast at MUMC 8-12, invite your friends, neighbors, teachers, people you sell wreaths or popcorn to, etc. 

Oct. 12-14: Fall Camporee - Sign up HERE

Oct 26: Concessions for Pack 1 Halloween Party at MUMC
 TROOP 1 EVENTS

WREATH & POPCORN Sales 
PACKETS and DETAILS will be provided at the Court of Honor on Sept 24. Participation is vitally important to the Troop. This is an opportunity for a scout to "pay their own way" for their scouting year - These fundraisers goes to the scouts' "accounts" and not to the troop general fund. We've had many scouts over the years pay for their entire scouting experience through wreath sales. Set a goal, work to achieve your goal - your parents and family might even help. All Sales sheets are due at the Oct 22 Scout Meeting or the Oct 26Halloween Party (at the absolute latest, if you want a few more sales days). There are some numbers below that might help your goal setting. 

Cost of Scouting 

Scouting breaks down to be a great deal in terms of associated cost, but because we're an active troop, boys are able to do a lot and that has an associated cost. We try to provide a robust amount of adventure at a thrift price. Total estimated annual costs for 2019 are here (exception of Uniforms and Sea Base). 

SCOUTING SIGN-UP for 2019 by Oct 1 !!!

• Current Troop 3001 Scouts Returning Youth Registration
• Returning Adult Leaders - Returning Adult Registration:
• SUPPORT another Scout -  Scholarship Donation link.
• Scholarship Assistance -  follow this link for registration. The form linked here will allow you to register, and you will be contacted by someone at Council to assist.
• Boys' Life Subscriptions are handled separately this year.
  If you would like your Scout to receive Boys' Life beginning January 2019, please click to order. Subscriptions are $12. The link will also be emailed to you once you register, in the automatic email that gets sent.

SEA BASE - if you'd like to be in the crew and meet the qualifications sign up here by Sept 30. Also if you have friends or relatives in scouts that might want to go, invite them to sign up, it's your crew. 

Scoutmaster's Minute

Juggling
Imagine life as if juggling five balls in the air. Those balls are school (work), family, health, friends, and spirit. School (or our work) is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back to you...eventually. The other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be damaged at best, or at worst, they'll shatter. They will never be the same. As we grow up and obtain more and more responsibilities, and become involved in more and more activities, you're going to have to work at keeping things in balance. Because all of our experiences are different, some of us know this better than others. 

As a Scout you have an advantage toward this challenge, living by our Scout Oath and Scout Law will help you find and keep your balance.  

9 September 2018

Troop Meeting Monday, 9/10 6:30pm:

We'll be starting to work with First Aid Rank Requirements as well as First Aid MB. We'll continue working on some knots: Bowline, Clove hitch, Taut-line hitch, Two half hitches. We'll continue looking at the new patrol cookbooks, picking out some potential menu items for our next campout - in October. Patrols will be using these for at least one menu item on each campout. If you're interested you can view the Troop 1 Patrol Cookbook here.

Upcoming Schedule:
We will NOT be Camping 9/14-9/16... Events 2018- TROOP 1

Fall Camporee, Oct 12-14 - Register Here

Urban Adventure:  Any interested scouts over 14 years old:
This Saturday, Sept 15. Registration due by Thursday 9/12
This is a fun event. Troop 1 had some scouts win this quest a few years ago. 
https://scoutingevent.com/250-2018urbanadventure

Popcorn Kickoff Event! Also this Saturday at Base Camp.
This looks like a great time, its free. There are many of the usually awesome Base Camp things and a Back to the Future DeLorean will also be on site. Even some merit badges...
https://popcornkickoff2018.eventbrite.com

Cycling MB
If your scout is interested in Cycling MB, have them get a blue card from me. Mr. Hartford went over many of the introductory requirements and many of you have been taking some of the required length rides. It'd be fun to complete the 50 together, I think Liam worked on his ride yesterday; Way to go!
Cycling.pdf

Program Focus: Ropework and First Aid
We are working on some of the basics this fall with knots, lashings and first aid. Many of the activities will satisfy requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class as well as some First Aid MB requirements.

Scoutmaster's Minute:
Allegory of the Long Spoons
A Scout is Loyal. A Scout is Helpful. A Scout is Kind.
As B-P famously said, "The real way to gain happiness is to give it to others."

26 August 2018

Troop Meeting Monday, 8/27 6:30pm:
We'll be holding a fun back-to-school meeting at MUMC. We'll be working on some knots: Bowline, Clove hitch, Taut-line hitch, Two half hitches. We'll be looking at the new patrol cookbooks, picking out some potential menu items for our next campout. Patrols will be using these for at least one menu item on each campout. 
If you're interested you can view the Troop 1 Patrol Cookbook here. 

Upcoming Schedule:
No meeting next Monday 9/3, Labor Day. 
Meeting 9/10 - 6:30 MUMC
Camping 9/14-9/16... Valleyfair plans A-C have fallen through. That's ok, we can camp elsewhere though no reservations have been made...yet. As it turns out, this weekend is one of the few campouts I will be unable to attend this year. I don't want to make reservations for a simple back-to-the-woods type camp unless we have YPT adults ASMS / Committee able to attend. If you think you can make it, please reach out to me directly and I'll book a campsite asap. Otherwise, per the PLC we'll schedule something else in Sept. Maybe a 50 miler bike ride?
 Events 2018- TROOP 1

Cycling MB
If your scout is interested in Cycling MB, have them get a blue card from me. Mr. Hartford went over many of the introductory requirements and many of you have been taking some of the required length rides. It'd be fun to complete the 50 together. 
 Cycling.pdf

Program Focus: Ropework and First Aid
We are working on some of the basics this fall with knots, lashings and first aid. Many of the activities will satisfy requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class as well as some First Aid MB requirements. 


Scoutmaster's Minute:
It is said that the Chinese Bamboo Tree begins as a nut, a hard nut, about the size of a walnut. The nut has to be planted in soil and then watered and fertilized every day, every day for 5 years before it finally breaks through the ground. If at any time the watering or fertilizing process is stopped, the Chinese Bamboo Tree will die in the ground. But, in that fifth year, the Chinese Bamboo Tree finally breaks through the ground and in six weeks it grows nearly ninety feet tall! Now, the question is, did it grow ninety feet in six weeks or 5 years? The answer is obvious — It took five years. Five years of watering and fertilizing every day to make it happen.

Think about your school year, and your year ahead in scouts. What's your bamboo tree? What are you going to do to nurture it, every day?

12 August 2018

Troop Meeting Monday, 8/13 6:30pm:

We are cycling Monday and we plan to have a long ride on Saturday, starting from MUMC at 8 am. We’ll work to pick a route, destination(s), estimated duration, and logistics for lunch, first aid, and needed equipment support.
If you’re in interested in reviewing cycling merit badge pamphlet check the link below but don’t be afraid to check out the hard copy from the troop library or purchase one from the new scout shop at Base Camp.
Cycling.pdf

Upcoming Schedule:

Next Monday, 8/20 is a PLC - only PoRs needs to attend: PLs and SPLs, if unable to attend must send a substitute. 

Quartermaster(s) can invite Patrol QMs to help sort gear and organize the shed. 

Events 2018- TROOP 1

Also, subscribe to Troop 1 google calendar. 

Great work Saturday!

We had 16 scouts participate and we washed a lot of cars! We took in almost $450! Thanks for your hard work and good cheer. We had some items left over at the end of the day yesterday. 


I brought home an entire 18-gallon tub of towels as well as several brushes (see attached picture). I’m washing and drying the towels; I will have the brushes at the troop meeting, the towels likely won't be done by meeting time. I'll store them, or if you'd like yours back, I'll have them at a future meeting.

Positions of Responsibility (Troop Youth Leadership)

We held elections last week. Our new leadership team will be in place for the next quarter (Aug., Sept., Oct.). Many Positions of Responsibility (PoR) are available - descriptions are linked in the attachment. If your scout is not currently in a PoR and is interested (or in need) for rank advancement, have him talk to Beni and Mr. Needleman.

Patrols will elect Assistant Patrol Leaders (APL), as well as monthly Quartermasters and Grubmasters - these are vital to a well functioning patrol but do not count toward rank advancements.
Troop 1 Leadership- Fall 2018

Scoutmaster Minute
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Last week I told a story about a talented musician slowly transitioning from leading their peers to falling way behind and ultimately quitting because they never really had to work at being good and then they weren't good enough. Think about how you have experienced hard work, talent not working hard, and hard work beating idle talent. We all have talents. We all need to continue to develop them.

5 August 2018

Troop Meeting Monday, 6:30pm

bring your bike & Helmet (BSA rules)We have a few activities planned at MUMC for the beginning 30 minutes or so but plan to take a short ride at least and do some introductory Cycling Merit Badge things. If you’re in interested in reviewing cycling merit badge pamphlet check the link below but don’t be afraid to check out the hard copy from the troop library or purchase one from the new scout shop at Base Camp.
Cycling.pdf

Elections

Congrats to Everett and the previous leadership team for setting up a solid plan for the next 6 months and running a great summer camp. Our new leadership team will be in place for the next quarter (Aug., Sept., Oct.).

Many Positions or Responsibility (PoR) are available - descriptions are linked in the attachment. If your scout is not currently in a PoR and is interested or in need for rank advancement, have him talk to Beni and me. Patrols will elect Assistant Patrol Leaders, as well as monthly Quartermasters and Grubmasters - these are vital to a well functioning patrol but do not count toward rank advancements.
Troop 1 Leadership- Fall 2018



New Velcro Tradition
If you are in a PoR, please get the appropriate patch from the Scout shop.

Unfortunately, the troop's patches were stolen and we don't have anymore coupled with our financial constraints if everybody picked up their own patch it'd be a big help.

What I'd like to do is provide velcro for your left uniform arm (fuzzy side) and for the back of the patch (sticky side). Then we can simply remove it and hand it to the next scout at the end of your term. I also have these velcro pieces in rank patch size (particularly useful for Scout through First Class) Let's give it our best try anyway.

Upcoming Events:
Saturday, Aug. 11- Car Wash Fundraiser (VERY IMPORTANT!!!) Oxendale's Market, 10-2 bring a sponge, towels and a bucket if you can (Class B)

• Monday, Aug 13 - Troop Meeting (more cycling)
• Saturday, Aug 18 - Bike Ride 8am at MUMC (Class B)

Events 2018- TROOP 1



Congratulations
Donovann B. for receiving his Eagle Scout award. It was great to have so many Troop 1 scouts at his Court of Honor on Wednesday. Eagle Scout truly is the Ph.D. of boyhood and we hope you'll continue to serve as a shining example of Scouting in our Troop.

Troop 1 Website • Troop1min.org

If there are things you'd like available on the troop website, let me know. Alternatively, if you have Website expertise, interest and a bit of time, let me know that as well. I'm trying to get the website useful as both a reference for current membership and recruiting tool for future members - it needs to be something a Scout can manage (Webmaster) but not necessarily need to be much of a content creator for. And for those of you on Facebook, there is a Troop 1 BSA facebook group, please join - we can use that as a comms tool as well.


Scoutmaster Minute
Last week I asked you to imagine you had a magic bank account that deposited $86,400 every day and if you didn't spend it all you couldn't save it until tomorrow; each day you'd get a new $86,400 and that's it. Knowing you get more money every day, if somebody took $30 or $60 would you worry about it? How about $500? If somebody took some of your daily money would you just give them the rest of it? Well, you have a special account with something more valuable than money - it is time. You get a magical 86,400 seconds every day. If somebody does something that puts you in a very bad mood and/or takes some of your time to introduce negativity, draw your Scout Spirit and don't forfeit more time than required. Let it go. Be cheerful, be helpful, be kind and courteous but move on.