The Signaler June 2017 The Signaler Troop 264’s Newsletter!The Signaler – Troop 264’s Newsletter! 4 Cost of the picnic is $6 per person or $16 per family, all family members

The Signaler – Troop 264’s Newsletter!

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

3 Assistant Scoutmasters Receive White Oak District Awards, May 23

Dale Bickel, Al Barth, and Kevin Kennedy received White Oak District Awards om the evening of May 23. The Troop and Venturing Crew are fortunate to have these dedicated and active scouters. We also have many other adults who could qualify for similar recognition. All panegyrics courtesy of Mr. Rick Justus, Troop Committee Chair, with Mrs. Helen Justus, Venturing Crew Committee Chair.

Dale Bickel – District Award of Merit I am very proud to inform you that our very own Assistant Scoutmaster Dale Bickel has been selected to receive the White Oak District Award of Merit. We all know whether you call him Mr. Bickel or Dale, he is normally the first adult leader that we see when entering our Troop meeting room at St. John’s Episcopal Church on a Monday night, that he attends nearly every Troop Event, and that he can answer almost any question about Scouting. And if he can’t provide an answer, he knows who to ask or contact to obtain the correct information for you. But what you may not know is that Mr. Bickel has been supporting Troop 264 since his son James (Eagle 2010) bridged into our Troop from Pack

June 2017 No. 6, Vol 38 Thirty-Eight Years of the Signaler

The Signaler Troop 264’s monthly newsletter June 2017

http://www.troop264olney.net/

mailto:[email protected]

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


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1074/Belmont Elementary School way back in Spring of 2005, some 12 years ago. Shortly after joining the Troop, Mr. Bickel completed Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) to become an Assistant Scoutmaster. Then he offered to put his computer knowledge to good use and became the Troop Webmaster, responsible for release of all Troop emails and the monthly Signaler. He also searches the internet for Scouting events that would allow our Troop the opportunity to expand our activities such as various Merit Badge Weekends, the Merit Badge Advancement Camp, attending the West Point Camporee, and plans many weekend trips to camp, hike, bike, or white water raft while visiting lots of local, state and national historical sites. In addition, a number of our troop’s Eagle Scouts have recognized Mr. Bickel in their Eagle ceremony and given him a Mentor pin in gratitude for his support on their journey to Eagle. He has completed the BSA National Trilogy of High Adventure Events at Philmont, Northern Tier, and Sea Base. And he knows just how and when to submit crews from our Troop into the lottery for selection to those locations. Lastly, the frosting on his cake: Mr. Bickel is also (since 2010) Crew Advisor for Venturing Crew 264 (coed Scouting for youth ages 14-21). Alfred Barth – Outstanding Unit Scouter Award

Al Barth joined Troop 264 when his son Peter (Eagle 2015) bridged from Pack 774. He completed his Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) and became an Assistant Scoutmaster. Al became my assistant Hawk Patrol Dad and then took over in 2009. He put a priority on Hawk Patrol and became very reliable to insure they had equipment and transportation to/from the event. Al and Peter completed Northern Tier in 2011, and while on summer break from college, Peter will be going back to NT for his second season as an Interpreter. Later the Troop had an opening for Treasurer in early 2012, and he accepted that position too. Remaining as our Treasurer, Al interacts with all of our Scouts and Parents from the very moment they join our Troop by discussing initial membership fees to insure the new Scout, and sometimes even a new Adult, understand the Registration process. Our Troop is quite active and has two to three events each month that require payment from the participants, and once he receives the list of participants he tracks that list to

insure all fees are paid. He is a wealth of information to our Troop and can be seen at most Troop events. Lastly, when Peter joined Venturing Crew 264, Al became active there also, supplying transportation and remaining as their Treasurer. Kevin Kennedy – Outstanding Unit Scouter Award

Kevin Kennedy joined our Troop in the 1990-s with his son Ted (Eagle 2002). Kevin became a Committee Member and was also the Troop Adult Order of the Arrow Representative (TOAR) for many years. Since 2007 he has been working with First Year Scouts as they join our Troop. He has provided Adult Leadership and Mentoring for 6-15 (and this year 19) new Scouts during their first year as they progress from Scout to Tenderfoot and many to Second Class. He also works with those new Scout parents and helps them become involved with their son’s Patrol. One look at our Troop Adult registration and you will see we are fortunate to have many adults registered to support their sons and our Troop, and Kevin plays an outstanding roll towards getting our new parents interested and on board. Lastly, Kevin remains on our listing of Merit Badge counselors, offering to work with Scouts wishing to complete the Citizenship, American Heritage, Golf and Music Merit Badges.


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New Assistant Scoutmasters, Venturing Advisor

We welcome the adult leaders who recently completed the Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) training to finish the required training for Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster positions. Keith Dickey, Wesley Wisner, Joan Geller, and Kevin Hopson can proudly wear the “Assistant Scoutmaster” and “Trained” patches on their uniform’s sleeve. Jessica Wisner also completed the SM/ASM training (although registered with Venturing Crew 264), and the IOLS completed her training requirements for a Venturing Crew “Advisor/Associate Advisor” position. We thank these adult leaders for taking the time out of their busy schedules to

complete this training. The beneficiaries will be, of course, the scouts and Venturing Crew members. “Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader.” We encourage adults to get BSA training and serve the troop. New training opportunities will come up this fall. We will pass word to the troop and crew as we get word of dates and time. Watch for it!

Circus Parking Help and Service Hours Opportunity – June 5 & 6

American Legion Post 68, which sponsors T264, has in the past sponsored the Kelly-Miller Circus on the old hospital grounds (although this was called off last year), and has asked for and received the help of some of the Scouts of T264. Post 68 is again asking for such help for this year during the afternoon and evening of Monday, 5 June, and Tuesday, 6 June. Afternoon times would be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the evening times from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. We realize that school is still in session so that this could interfere with your schedules and school work. Nevertheless, if any of you can, your service would be most welcome. Contact me if you feel you could help with this event: [email protected], or 301-774-0974.

Thank You. Martin Predoehl, Post 68

Troop Mulch Fundraiser Has Ended

T264’s annual mulch fundraiser has ended for 2017, and thank you to the scouts, adults, and (especially) the customers. If you have any outstanding orders or payments, please turn them into Mr. Ian Deveau promptly.

Troop Picnic and Summer Court of Honor – Saturday, June 17, 1 PM

T264’s annual Troop Picnic and Summer Court of Honor will take place at 1 PM on Saturday June 17 at Zion Park, off of Brookeville Road (between Zion Road and MD 108 – new location). Please plan to carpool as parking space is very limited. All troop and Venturing Crew family members are welcome. After the picnic, completed merit badges and other awards earned over the previous months will be presented. Start planning ahead so that you complete rank advancements or merit badges before the June 12 Board of Review date. And protect this date on your calendar.



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Cost of the picnic is $6 per person or $16 per family, all family members welcome. A collection box will be at the food table. Checks can be made out to BSA Troop 264. Families with a last name starting A to L, please bring a dessert to share. Those with last names starting with M to Z, 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. This site has a larger pavilion that the one used in previous years, but there might not be enough seats for everyone. Wear Class A uniforms to the Court of Honor, including neckerchief and merit badge sash if you have one.

Rafting at Harpers’ Ferry– Saturday, June 24-25

The Viking patrol was planning this event, but because of uncertainty of the date of the Troop Picnic / Summer Court of Honor, plans could not be finalized before the release of the Signaler. As soon as information is available, it will be e-mailed to troop scouts and parents.

District Roundtable

Once a month, the White Oak District holds a Roundtable for the units in its boundaries. Information is passed out about upcoming events, camporees, and opportunities for training, service, and learning for scouts and adults. Troop 264 asks that one adult from the designated patrol (patrols are assigned in rotation) attend and report at the Troop Adult Meeting on what transpired. White Oak District Roundtables are held the second Wednesday of each month, at 7:30 PM atThe Peoples Community Baptist Church, 31 Norwood Rd. Silver Spring MD about 1/4 mile WEST of New Hampshire Ave. By the way, the White Oak District now has a Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/WhiteOakDistrict/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf in addition to the District website at https://www.ncacbsa.org/white-oak/ . The Facebook site currently has this posting for January 30, 2017:

Nursing Home Visit - Saturday, June 24

No scout patrols were assigned to visit the Friends Nursing Home in Ashton in May due to the Memorial Day weekend. The Viking Patrol is asked to conduct a nursing home visit on June 24 for one hour,11 AM to Noon. No visits are scheduled for July and August. The next visit will be scheduled for September.

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteOakDistrict/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

https://www.ncacbsa.org/white-oak/


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National Youth Leadership Training – June 18-23 or June 25-30

In 2017, the National Capital Area Council is offering National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) during week-long sessions June 18-23, June 25-30, and July 31 to August 5. Cost is presently pegged at $275. Scouts must be First Class rank or above, 14 (or 13 with the course leader’s approval) and have completed “Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)” (formerly called Troop Leadership Training or TLT).

The NCAC information page is at https://scoutingevent.com/082-nylt2017 . This leadership training doesn’t fill

any rank requirements for leadership but it gives you tools to do so. A completion is added to your Scouting

record.

See Gavin Wheeler’s (Mangolas) summary of the 2015 camp in the September 2015 Signaler: http://www.troop264olney.net/Signalers/2015-09.pdf#page=7 . And from Mr. Sherman’s summary in the April 2015 Signaler:

About BSA Youth Leadership Training (http://www.scouting.org/Training/Youth.aspx): There are three levels of Boy Scout Leadership Training. Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops, ILST, is the first level and is designed to introduce Boy Scouts 10 to 15 years old to leadership principles. ILST is also appropriate for Scouts 16 to 18 years of age if they have not yet had the opportunity to take any official BSA youth leadership training. It is recommended that all boys take ILST one or more times during their Scout career to help them explore the challenges and rewards of stepping up into Patrol- or Troop-level leadership positions. Successful completion of ILST is prerequisite to taking the more advanced BSA youth leadership training described below. The next step in the BSA Youth Training continuum is IMPEESA/National Youth Leader Training (NYLT) which is offered by the Council as a week-long event, or sometimes as two long weekends in the summer. These are typically week-long away training camps. The objective of the NYLT program is to equip young men with leadership skills to help them succeed in their scouting program, and in life. NYLT brings together Scouts from all over the Council to learn and practice the leadership techniques in a programmatically well–organized, risk-free, Scout-friendly environment. This training is aimed at older Scouts (14 to 18y olds) aspiring to serve as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) or other troop-level leadership positions.

The third and most intense level of official Scout leader training is National Advanced Youth Leader Experience or NAYLE. It is offered both to qualifying boys and girls (ages 14-21), most weeks during the summer and [at Philmont, Seabase, Northern Tier and the Summit Bechtel Reserve in WV]. NAYLE is the ultimate in training experiences for youth leaders who have successfully completed ILST and IMPEESA/NYLT. It is conducted for older Scouts and Ventures who have the potential for being on the staff of the council junior leader training or youth leader training conference. Scouts and Ventures must be at least 14 by the program start date but not 21 by its conclusion. You can learn more about NAYLE at

[ http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/Resources/NAYLE.aspx ] . Don’t miss this opportunity to begin your youth leadership training!

https://scoutingevent.com/082-nylt2017

http://www.troop264olney.net/Signalers/2015-09.pdf#page=7

http://www.scouting.org/Training/Youth.aspx

http://www.scouting.org/Philmont/PTC/YouthPrograms/NAYLE.aspx

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/Resources/NAYLE.aspx


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Summer Camp at Camp Bowman – July 8-15

Mark these dates down for summer camp! The place is Camp Bowman at NCAC’s Camp Bowman, Goshen Scout Reservation in southwestern Virginia. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Goshen Scout Reservation. On June 26, there will be a special “Summer Camp Meeting” for all scouts and adults going to summer camp two weeks later. This meeting will replace the regular troop meeting. Current information and the registration form page are posted on pages XX and XX of this Signaler. Adults can attend for all or part of the week. Incoming scouts are placed in a special “new scout” program at camp, where they work together on the early rank requirements and also a few merit badges. However, they will camp and eat with the troop. At last count, two-thirds of the Warriors “new scout” patrol will be attending Goshen summer camp in 2017. Older scouts may work on merit badges of their choosing. A schedule of merit badges and activities is listed in the Bowman Leaders’ Guide: http://www.ncacbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2017-Bowman-Leaders-Guide.pdf at pages 4-7. Prerequisite work for some merit badges begins at page 16. As some merit badges have age or skill requirements, please check the prerequisites list first before selecting specific badges. And make sure the timing of your merit badge selections don’t overlap (see page 4 therein).

July 22-28 or July 19-25, Seabase 2017 – One Month Aweigh!

Troop 264 has TWO ships for Seabase 2017!

Crew numbers code = Adventure/Arrival day of week/first date of adventure/identifying letter

First, a 20 person ship: Crew Number: BTSA072217A July 22-28, 2017

Mr. Wesley Wisner has offered to take the adult lead with that ship.

Second, an 8 person ship: Crew Number BA6-8W071917B July 19-25, 2017

Mr. J.P Marple is coordinating that crew.

Thanks to the machinations of Jonathan Godfrey (a Troop Eagle), airline reservations are made for all 28 persons.

Seabase has received the final payments for both crews. There are a number of items still to be resolved, please

work with Mr. Marple and Mr. Wisner to complete these things. The earlier the better so that they can’t affect

your trip.

And thanks to Venturing Crew member Elizabeth Justus for conducting the required swim test for these two

crews.

http://www.ncacbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2017-Bowman-Leaders-Guide.pdf


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The Crews: * denotes the Adult Crew Leader Carter B. Trevor B. Sean D. Matt D. Daniel H. Daulton S. Brandon S. Luke T. Ian W. Kira W. Tommy B. Ben R. Mr. Blake B. Mr. Ian D. Mrs. Kellee B. Mr. Tom H. Mr. Jim S. Dr. Joshua S. Mr. Rich T. * Mr. Wesley W. Evan D. Mrs. Karena D. Mr. Brian D. Eli H. Ben K. Luke M. * Mr. J.P. M.

Family Camping at Solomons Island – August 11-13 Troop 264 is extending you an invitation to join the Troop at FAMILY CAMP so update your calendar for Friday-Saturday-Sunday August 11-12-13. The cost is $7.00 per person per night for those 5 and older. This fee includes use of the Large Group Campsite and a Leisure Pass which allows FREE Admittance to the life-guarded beach and swimming pools, the Adventure Zone with lots of games, the miniature golf course and much more. The camp site is located on Solomons Island Navy Recreation Center, located.at 13855 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD which is one hour and a half (82 miles) down I-495 Beltway South and then East and South on MD-4 passing through Upper Marlboro, Prince Leonard, and Calvert Cliffs State Park. If you cross the big bridge over the Patuxent River and wind up in Pasadena or Lexington Park, MD you have gone toooooo far. So book it on your calendar and we will see you there!!! Additional information will be provided by the 10th of June. Rick and Helen Justus, points of contact – [email protected]

Philmont ! July 2-16, 2018

Troop 264 was successful in getting slots for 2 crews to Philmont in 2018, dates July 4-16. As T264 generally files out to Denver/Colorado Springs a couple of days before, in part to allow time to sort out any airline snafus and to allow a couple of days to acclimatize to the mile high elevation (above mean sea level), add 2 days at the front. Crews are up to 12 members in size, with no more than 4 in each crew being adults. Youth are considered “scouts” up through age 20, at the High Adventure bases. Presently both crews are at maximum. We have collected checks and forwarded the payment to Philmont to hold the reservation for 2 crews. In fairness to everyone else, no refunds unless we can replace you. The next installment – a half payment to Philmont -- will be collected in September 2017. Airline and ground travel arrangements will be made early next year. Here is a draft list of crews, based on who requested first, relative strengths, and the need to separate into 2 crews

(Adults in parenthesis, no more than 4 per crew.) 8 to 12 persons per crew. All subject to change, and these rosters WILL change.



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Potential Crew 1 (12 maximum)

Scouts: On standby:

Daniel G. Mr. Rick Cook

Matt D. Mr. Tom Hersey

Ian W. James F.

Sean D.

Mercedes H. (Venture)

Eli H.

Ben K.

Aidan B-M.

Adults (4 maximum):

(Joan Geller)

(Ian Deveau)

(Wesley Wisner)

(John Delaney)

Troop 264 Facebook Group Page

Join our growing group of 90+ members! Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/T264Olney/ to learn more about upcoming meetings and events. This is a closed group, however, members may post photos and articles of interest to share with scout families. Mrs. Josey Simpson moderates the group and does an excellent job at transferring events and notices sent to the troop by Mr. Dale Bickel. Sign up at the link above, or email Mrs. Simpson at [email protected].

White Oak District Camporee Attendance – April 28-30

Last month’s article covered the District Camporee at Camp Bennett, but the timing was too late in the month to compile an attendance list and include it in the May Signaler. So here’s the list, courtesy of Mr. Greenspon. Ny corrections can be sent to [email protected] . Unfortunately, we don’t know how well T264 fared in the competitions. Participants (nights camped): Jacob Wei. (SPL) (2) Kyle S. (2) Nick S. (2) Aidan W. (2) Jacob U. (2) Sean D. (2) Elijah H. (1) Dillen P. (1) Aidan B-M. (2) Julian B. (2) Assan S. (2) Michael H. (1) Noah S. (1) Sam D.` (2) Connor P. (2) Daniel H. (1)

Potential Crew 2 (12 maximum)

Scouts:

Dillen P.

Daulton S.

Brady C.

Edward P.

Lucian C.

Brandon S.

Neil W.

Daniel H.

Adults (4 maximum):

(Jim Stewart)

(Deirdre Christianson OR Jeff Jakobowski)

(Dr. Joshua Sussal)

(Neil W. Sr.)

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




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Adults: Dennis B. (SM) (2) Walt G. (0) Ben G. (2) Dale B. (1) Steve S. (2) Don L. (2) Mark S. (2) Steven W. (2) James P. (2) Cherno S. (2) Martin P. (2)

Venturing Crew 264 at a Conservation Project – May 14

Rachael P-J., Katherine C., Mercedes H. and Mr. Dale Bickel worked on a conservation project at Silver Spring United Methodist Church. The project, coordinated by Mr. Robert Horn, consisted of preparing ground for plants to attract butterflies. Here are some extracts from Mr. Horn’s explanation of the project:

The CBT [Chesapeake Bay Trust] (https://cbtrust.org/) has a mini-grant for places of worship that install projects with a water conservation focus. This garden will receive flows of water from the parking lot and help to filter the storm water. The green box part [not shown here] works together the yellow box part [not shown here], which is a rain garden/conservation landscape combo funded by the Montgomery County Rainscapes program (https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/water/rainscapes/index.html). There are some photos and a video at the Rainscapes site. Please take a moment to educate yourself. I am something of an amateur naturalist. The plants selected (names shown above) are good for the sometimes wet environment of a conservation landscape, but the blossoms are especially good for Maryland’s butterflies and birds. The site as a whole includes a birdhouse trail and 5 existing wildflower gardens. Butterflies and birds have an ecological tie as caterpillars are used as the food of choice for baby birds. A nice set of photos of Maryland butterflies is at http://www.marylandbutterflies.com/. We sighted 12 types of butterflies last year and our goal for 2017 is 20 kinds.

Some further information: the grounds are certified wildlife habitat (http://www.nwf.org/Garden-For-Wildlife/Certify.aspx ). Our efforts work together with the Anacostia Riverkeeper (http://www.anacostiariverkeeper.org/ ) and the Friends of Sligo Creek (http://www.fosc.org/ ). These groups are associated with saving our local river system and our local stream.

Olney is high ground its streams are the head waters of Rock Creek, then into the Potomac; and the head waters of James Creek, then into the Patuxent River.

Three conservation service hours were earned by each of the three Venturing Crew members attending the project (Mr. Bickel two).

Venturing Crew 264 on the C&O Canal – May 20 - 21

The Crew went on a practice backpacking hike, from White’s Ferry in western Montgomery County up the C&O Canal towpath, past the Monocacy Aqueduct to the Indian Flats hiker/biker campsite, where we stayed overnight. A flat hike on level ground, intended to give the hikers some practice carrying 20 or 30 pounds on their back. The weather was uniformly cloudy and cool but it did not rain. No blisters, and we made some observations and some adjustments to make backpacking easier for those with less experience.

https://cbtrust.org/

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/water/rainscapes/index.html

http://www.marylandbutterflies.com/

http://www.nwf.org/Garden-For-Wildlife/Certify.aspx

http://www.nwf.org/Garden-For-Wildlife/Certify.aspx

http://www.anacostiariverkeeper.org/

http://www.fosc.org/


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When we arrived at the campsite in the early afternoon, we found a family group setting up who clearly and perhaps naively) had expected to have the entire site for themselves for the weekend. But they ceded us an area to the left site, and we set up camp there. (Later a Boy Scout group from Potomac, cycling down from Antietam, camped on the other side of the family group.)

With camp set up early, we started supper early – foil dinners with corn and fruit, and Mercedes made a cobbler in a Dutch on that lasted probably less than 5 minutes once it was ready. We then cleaned the lone picnic table off and offered it to the other two groups at the site.

A nice campfire in the evening, and mild temperatures overnight (near 60° ) made for good sleeping weather. Sunday morning early, we had a light, no-cook breakfast as we packed up and returned gear to the cars parked near the Monocacy Aqueduct. A pleasant outing, all around. ~ Mr. Dale Bickel Backpacking: 7 miles total ** did not hike (T)=Troop member One night of camping Katherine C. Mercedes H. Rachael H. Kira W. Daniel G. (T) Luke M. (T) Mrs. Jessica W. Mr. Al B. Mr. Dale B. Mrs. Joan G. (T) Mrs. Elizabeth K.** Mr. Robert H.


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Olney Days Parade – Sunday, May 21

A good turnout for the 2017 Olney Days Parade. The same gray weather that the backpackers had, but it didn’t dampen the scouts spirits. See if you can spot these people in the pictures below. Daniel H. Brian H. Michael H. Matthew D. Sam D. Peter S. Connor P. Mr. Kevin H. Mr. Keith D. Mr. Kevin K. Mr. Martin Predoehl was in the parade also, with the American Legion Post No. 68.

Bonus: Find a living Kilroy in this photo!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilroy_was_here

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilroy_was_here


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Many excellent parade photos were submitted by to the Signaler. Thank you for your support of Troop 264!

OA Ordeal – May 13-14

Four Troop scouts -- Ian W., Daniel G., Dillen P, and Sean D. – completed the Order of the Arrow Ordeal to become Arrowmen, in the OA Amangamek-Wipit Lodge #470. These scouts had been selected by the troop back in January. The Lodge supports some 4,500 members in the region. For more information on the OA, see the Council webpage at https://www.ncacbsa.org/program/order-of-the-arrow/

https://www.ncacbsa.org/program/order-of-the-arrow/

https://www.ncacbsa.org/program/order-of-the-arrow/


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Legion Flags – Monday, May 29 (Memorial Day)

Legion Flags was held this month, on Memorial Day at 1 PM. Scouts, members of the Norman Price Post #68 of the American Legion, and family members travelled to local cemeteries to honor local war veterans. At the request of the Post, troop scouts this year formed the Honor Guard and Color Guard and conducted the ceremonies formerly done by Post members. They did an excellent job. To the many scouts and family members who turned out for this event, your presence is deeply appreciated.

Matt D. / Sean D. – Riflemen P.J W. / Peter C. - Flags Jacob Wei. – Bugler Sam D. – Chaplain’s Aide Daniel G. & Tommy B. – Ceremonial assistants


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Attending American Legion Post 68 members


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Memorial Day

2017


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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. 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!

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 (25th of the month). E-mail lists to [email protected] .

http://myscouting.scouting.org/




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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 301-646-2371

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



21

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.

TROOP 264 SUMMER CAMP 2017 CAMP BOWMAN 8-15 July

GOSHEN SCOUT RESERVATION

Troop 264 has a reservation for Camp Bowman at the Goshen Scout Reservation for the period of 8 - 15 July 2017. This is a patrol cooking camp. In my experience the boys and adults eat better when the boys do the cooking than in camp dining hall. The fees for Camp Bowman are: BOYS ADULTS Paid after 15 May $460 $325 Parents are welcome!

The fee schedule is established by the council, thus Troop 264 has no control over the timing. 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. The bus fee will be based on the number of riders. Please do not pay for the bus until the fee is known based on the number of riders. No other transportation will be provided by the troop. Camp Bowman is approximately 210 miles from Olney. Note: The additional information requested on the registration form is required by the council to register a scout for camp. If you have any questions regarding summer camp please call or e-mail: INFO: Doug Long 301 924-4365 (H)

4405 Skymist Terrace Olney, MD 20832 E-mail: [email protected]


22

Summer Camp REGISTRATION FORM NAME: ___________________________________ BIRTH DATE: _____________ ADDRESS: _______________________________

_______________________________ BUS: Y/N _____ _______________________________

E-MAIL: _______________________________ T-SHIRT SIZE BOY______ PARENT(S)/ GUARDIAN INFORMATION: NAMES: _______________________________________ HOME HONE: _____________________________ CELL PHONE: _____________________________ DAY PHONE: _____________________________ EMERGENCY E-MAIL: ______________________ DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: ____________________________________________ PARENTS’ SIGNATURE(S): _________________________________ Parent Attending (Name): _________________________________ T-SHIRT SIZE: ______ Available T-shirt sizes: Adult S, M, L XL, XXL, XXL All participants must have turned in a completed BSA Medical Form (Parts A, B, and C) before July 8. This requires a doctor’s signature. http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_ABC.pdf

Turn this form into Mr. Doug Long or his assistants, with a check made out to BSA Troop 264.

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_ABC.pdf


23

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

2

3

4

5 Patrol meeting

Scoutmaster

Conferences for Rank

Advancements

6

7

8

9

10

11

12 Troop Meeting

Boards of Reviews

(BORs) for Rank

Advancements

13

14

District Roundtable

(Eagles)

15

Troop Adult Meeting,

7:30 PM at

Brookeville Academy

16

Last day of school

(MCPS) – Early

release day

17 Troop Picnic /

Summer Court of

Honor, 1 PM at Zion

Park

18

19

Patrol meeting / TLC

20

21

Summer arrives

22

23

24 Nursing home visit

(Vikings)

Rafting (?)

25

26

Summer Camp

Meeting 7:30 PM

27

28

29

30

June 2017


24


















































1

2

3 Patrol meeting

(maybe)

4 Independence Day

5

6

7

8 Summer camp starts

9 Summer Camp at

Goshen Scout

Reservation

10 Summer camp

NO meeting

11

Summer camp

12 NO Roundtable

Summer camp

13

Summer camp

14

Summer camp

15

Summer camp ends

16

17

Patrol meeting

18

19 Seabase Adventure

(small ship)

National Jamboree

starts


Troop Adult Meeting

at Brookeville

Academy, 7:30 PM

21

Seabase Adventure

22

Seabase Adventure

Seabase Tall Ship

23

Seabase Adventure

Seabase Tall Ship

24

Seabase Adventure

Seabase Tall Ship

Troop meeting


Ends

Seabase Tall Ship

26

Seabase Tall Ship

27

Seabase Tall Ship E

28 Seabase Tall Ship

Ends

National Jamboree

ends

29

No nursing home

visit

30 31

July 2017


25

Labor Day: Monday September 4. MCPS school start date – Tuesday, September 5, 2017.


















































1

2

3

4

5

6

7 Patrol meeting

8

9 District Roundtable

(Hawks)

10

11 Jacks Mountain Trail

(Eagles) (date may

change?)

Family Camp at

Solomons Island, MD

(Justus)


(Eagles) (?)

Family Camp at

Solomons Island, MD

(Justus)


(Eagles) (?)

Family Camp at

Solomons Island, MD

(Justus)

14

Troop Meeting

15

16

17

Troop adult meeting

7:30 PM Brookeville

Academy

18

19

20

21 Solar Eclipse

Max 2:42:30 PM

Sun is 80% eclipsed

at Olney

22

23

24

25

26 No nursing home

visit

27

28 Troop Meeting

29

30

31

August 2017

http://www.summitpost.org/jacks-mountain-1000-steps/153845



Documents

The Signaler June 2017 The Signaler Troop 264’s Newsletter!The Signaler – Troop 264’s Newsletter! 4 Cost of the picnic is $6 per person or $16 per family, all family members