The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter TThhee SSiiggnnaalleerr · 10 Troop meeting 14-16 District Fall Camporee 21 No school (MCPS)-23 Assateague Island / Philmont Prep Hike 24 Troop

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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TThhee SSiiggnnaalleerr

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

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

Troop 264 – Meeting time 7:30 PM Mondays

Venturing Crew 264 -- 6:30 PM Mondays

(Venturing Crew activities in RED)

Signaler Turns 30 !

The very first Troop Signaler was issued October 5, 1981. It was no more than a page long, listing some upcoming troop events. The newsletter was unnamed at that time, and did not acquire the Signaler label until September 1982. Many issues of the Signaler – including that very first edition – have been posted to the troop website as PDF files at http://www.troop264olney.net/Signalers/. Spend some time looking through back issues: in addition to learning about the troop’s history, you can also find great ideas for future troop outings. The Signaler is very much alive today and still provides a record of troop events and activities. Scouts and scouters, please continue to submit articles and pictures. Remember, it exists for you! The most recent troop calendar will always be found in the current Signaler. Lastly, why is the current issue part of Volume 31 if the Signaler is just 30 years old? Same reason the current century is the 21

st while

the year is less than 2100. Both started off with a count of 1, not zero. (Watch for this on the SAT!) Philmont Cavalcade Payments Due Now

The second payment to Philmont, in the amount of $320 per person, will be collected by Monday October 16. We still have several spaces for scouts or Ventures that want to join the Cavalcade backpack there next July 31 to August 11. Contact Mr. Evans, [email protected], as soon as possible.

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October 3 Patrol meeting 8 Yom Kippur 10 Troop meeting 13 District Roundtable 14-16 District Fall Camporee 15 Shotgun at P.G. Skeet and Trap 17 TLC / BOR and Patrol meeting 21 No school (MCPS) 21-23 Assateague Island / Philmont Prep Hike 24 Troop meeting 29 Nursing Home visit (Crusaders), 11 AM - Noon 31 Patrol meeting / Halloween November 5 Navy Football Scout Day, vs. Troy 7 Troop meeting 10 District Roundtable 12 Scouting for Food collection 14 Patrol meeting 18 Sharp Street Food Bank, 4:15 PM 19-20 Primitive campout 21 Troop meeting 24 Thanksgiving 25 No school 28 TLC / BOR / Patrol meeting

The image at the top left is the

Witch Head Nebula. See the big picture and many like it at the

Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) site:

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap061211.html

http://www.geocities.com/crossroadstroop264

http://www.troop264olney.net/Signalers/

mailto:[email protected]



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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3 Patrol meeting

4

5

6

7

8

Yom Kippur

9

10 Troop meeting Open: Eagles

Skill: Crusaders

MB: Vikings

11

12 13 District Roundtable

(Hawks)

14

Fall Camporee

15 Shotgun at

P.G. Skeet and Trap

Fall Camporee

OA Fall Ordeal #1

16

Fall Camporee

17

TLC/BOR

Patrol meeting

18

19

20

21 Assateague Island

Philmont Prep Hike

Sharp Street Food

Bank, 4:15 PM

No school (MCPS)


Philmont Prep Hike

(Mr. Russell)


Philmont Prep Hike

(Mr. Russell)

24 Troop meeting Open: Crusaders

Skill: Pumas

MB: Eagles

25

26

27

28

29

Nursing Home visit

(Crusaders)

30 31 Patrol meeting

Halloween

October 2011

3


1 2 3 4

5

Navy Football

Scout Day at

Annapolis

6

7 Troop meeting

Open: Vikings NT Crews –

Presentation on

Northern Tier

8

9

10 District Roundtable

(Crusaders)

11

12 Scouting for Food

Collection

13

14

Patrol meeting

15

16 17

18 Sharp Street Food

Bank, 4:15 PM

19 Primitive campout

OA Fall Ordeal #2

20

Primitive campout

21 Troop meeting Open: Pumas

Skill: Quesadillas

MB: Hawks

22

23

1/2 day school

(MCPS)

24 Thanksgiving

No school

25 No school

Troop wreath /

ornament sales begin

26

NO nursing home

visit

27

28

TLC/BOR Patrol meeting

29

30

November 2011

4


1 2

3

4

5 Troop meeting

Open: Hawks

Skill: Vikings

MB: Crusaders

6

7

8 District Roundtable

(Eagles)

9

10 D.C. Hike/Camp

(Eagles)

11 D.C. Hike/Camp

(Eagles)

12 Patrol meeting

13

14 15

16 Sharp Street Food

Bank, 4:15 PM

17

18

19 Troop Holiday Party,

7:30 PM

20

21

Hanukkah begins

22

23

24

25

Christmas

26

TLC/BOR

Patrol meeting

No school

27

No school

28

No school

29

No school

30

No School

31

New Year’s Eve

NO nursing home

visit

December 2011


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Anthony J. elected SPL !

At the Court of Honor on September 26, scouts selected Anthony as Senior Patrol Leader for the coming months.

Several excellent candidates sought the position but only one could be chosen. Congratulations, Anthony!

Sharp Street Food Bank – October 14

Sharp Street’s food bank is early this month, on Friday, October 14, at 4:15 PM. Come help sort food items for about an

hour! You can then go to the District Camporee on the other side of Olney right after the food bank ends.

The following scouts were at September’s food pantry set up. They finished 1.5 service hours.

Atticus M. Eric L. Jack L. (Eric's friend) Mrs. Bernadette M. Mrs. Barbara L. Mrs. Aimee McC.

And for 1 hour in August: Atticus M. Kevin C. Conor E. (and a mystery scout, name not presently known)

Thanks to all! The food bank setup is held once a month, at Sharp Street Church, on Route 108 east of Olney, in the

speed camera zone. You don’t have to be a scout to help!

District Camporee – Survivorman – October 14-16

This year’s District Camporee is being held at Our House, on Zion Road just off Route 108 west of Olney, near the

Johnson’s Flower Center. This is the closest campout we have to Olney. Troop cooking, and scouts and scouters can

start arriving after 5 PM on Friday the 14th (no set arrival time – come when you can). Cost is $15 + food costs (to be

determined) for anyone signing up before October 10, $20 + food costs thereafter.

Being so close, you can camp, leave for a Saturday activity (such as sports) and come back. If you can’t stay to camp,

you are welcome to come out during the day Saturday and join the troop. You can pay at the gate as you come in, $10

per person. Scouts and adults going to Saturday morning’s shotgun outing can also leave from the Camporee and return

after the event.

There will be several activity stations run by different troops, and T264 will need some scouts and scouters to assist, if

we are assigned an event to run.

Shotgun “Fun Shoot” – October 15

Location: PG Trap & Skeet Center, Good Luck Rd., , Lanham, MD (next to NASA Goddard Space Center)

Time: Meet at St. John’s parking lot 7:45am and depart by 8:15am. Safety briefing at the skeet range's outside pavilion

(in back parking lot) starts at 9am. Shooting 10am - 12pm.

Cost: $16 per shooter - includes clay targets and shotgun shells. Checks payable to : BSA Troop 264. Payment will be

collected by Mr. Dirk Wiersma.

Who May Shoot: Scouts in any patrol other than the first year patrols. Scouters from the same patrols, may shoot if

there is room. Scouts have first priority.


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Note: scouts will be separated into “experienced” or “inexperienced” groups per the following criteria:

• Inexperienced: scout has no training, no BSA shotgun merit badge, or no Hunter Safety Course Certification

• Experienced: scout has the BSA shotgun merit badge, Hunter Safety Course Certification, or has Mr. McCabe or Mr.

Cymerman’s approval.

Maximum Number of Shooters: 25 combined total (inexperienced + experienced)

T264 Firearms Release: ALL shooters must have a Firearms Release Form completed – see the form attached at the

end of this Signaler. The form MUST be signed by the parent/legal guardian of EACH scout regardless of his age. No

signed form – no shooting!

Permission Slip: This is attached at the end of this Signaler. Parents – please be sure to check one of the shotgun

experience blocks on the bottom of the form.

Event Overview

From 9-9:30am everyone will listen to a safety and shotgun basics briefing. We will explain how each group will shoot,

the roles of the Range Safety Officers and the Instructors. What kinds of shotguns you may use. What you may do and

may not do. We’ll then break into groups.

Inexperienced shooters - will shoot one-at-a-time from station #7 on their own range. This is the easiest position on the

range as targets will fly directly away from you. You will receive instruction on the basics of handling the gun and

shooting. You will use either a 12 ga. or 20 ga. shotgun. An instructor will help youmake the choice of gun. Each scout

will shoot 3 shells in a cycle. We’ll rotate all scouts as quickly as possible through cycles so that everyone has several

opportunities to shoot.

Experienced shooters - will shoot on their own range. Shooters will be under the direction of an instructor and an RSO

and may shoot a least 1 complete round (25 shots). Orthey may choose to shoot several shots from just a few positions.

The instructor will explain how skeet scoring works. And the instructor will offer suggestions on how best to shoot from

different positions on the skeet range, to include best body position and tips on how to lead the target for best

performance.

How to Sign Up: Scouts should turn in their Permission Slip and Firearms Release Form to their Patrol Leader. The

sooner, the better. Mr. McCabe will collect these at Patrol Meetings and the Troop Meeting on Oct. 10. Limit – 25

shooters total. We only have 2 skeet ranges to use and a limited number of volunteer NRA Instructors. So, we must

limit the number who can shoot. Your understanding will be most appreciated.

Questions: Contact Mr. McCabe at 301-774-5116, email - [email protected]

77 pounds and counting!

Jim B. has been keeping all the college promotion mail since he turned a junior a

little over a year ago. It presently weighs more than 77 pounds and it’s still

coming in. No wonder colleges have to keep raising tuitions!



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Atlantic Shore Backpacking – Friday – Saturday October 21-22

Mr. Russell is putting together plans for a Philmont prep hike, a backpacking weekend outing to the Assateague Island

backcountry, right on the Atlantic shore. The distance covered will be on the order of 25 miles. While the way is flat,

it is also sand. Pests may include mosquitoes, flies, and wild ponies.

Our present plan is to leave very early in the morning on Friday October 21, a no school day. Hiking on Friday greatly

improves our chances of getting the backcountry campsite that we want, since all campsites are first come / first served

on the day of arrival. The expected length of the hike is about 25 miles in all. The way is mainly flat, but it is all sand,

and everyone will be required to carry a lot of water for drinking and cooking since we can not readily get clean water

from the ocean. This is backpacking so come appropriately attired, with your gear and good hiking shoes and socks

(no beach shoes or sandals except in camp).

Maximum number of persons allowed for backcountry camping is 25. Those who are Philmont-bound next summer

will have priority, but other scouts and adults can fill any remaining spaces. Cost to be determined. Signups will be

taken in the next couple of weeks. More details to follow!

College Football – Navy vs. Troy – Saturday November 5

Navy football Scout Day is November 5 this year, at the Naval Academy stadium in Annapolis. This is an early

afternoon game. Before the game, we may have a tour of the Academy by T264 Eagle scouts – and now midshipmen –

James Kerrick and/or Holland McCabe. Details to follow but get this on your calendars! We will try to order tickets as

early as possible to get good seats. Mr. and Mrs. McCabe are coordinating this event this year.

Scouting for Food – Saturday November 12

Bag distribution for Scouting for Food will be done by local Cub Scout packs on Saturday, November 5. On Saturday,

November 12, the donated bags of food will be collected and returned to the collection point, which this year will be

somewhere other than the Olney Safeway due to the new Safeway construction. Troop 264 runs the Olney collection

point for Scouting for Food and has done so for many years. We will need many hands to sort donated food items and

pack the food into hundreds of crates and load them onto the truck. SSL hours will be available to scouts that assist with

the collection.

Adopt A Soldier Program - Serving Our Troops Since 2005

The Adopt A Soldier Program was initiated in January 2005 by Boy Scout Troop 264 in Brookeville-Olney, Maryland.

The 60+ scouts and their families wanted to express their appreciation for our military personnel, both home and abroad,

by sending letters of encouragement and care packages with a few comforts of home. Since its inception, over 150

soldiers and three K9 units have been adopted by the scouts, and more than 500 care packages have been sent. Boy Scout

Troop 264 has been assisted by, and has received donations from various Cub Scout, Girl Scout and Brownie Troops,

and other local organizations. We thank all who have contributed and those who continue to participate in our mission to

support our troops.


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On a monthly basis, the Scouts and their families prepare care packages for our adopted soldiers with candy, gum,

powdered drink mixes, assorted snacks, magazines, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, lip balm, etc., accompanied by cards and

letters.

Anyone who would like to assist the Scouts by donating any of the above items is asked to contact Mrs. Josey Simpson

at 301.512.5439 or email: [email protected]. Your participation in our Adopt A Soldier Program is very

important and your efforts are greatly appreciated. Please continue to keep the young men and women who sacrifice so

much for your freedom and for our country in your thoughts, in your prayers and in your hearts.

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

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

The Backwoods Crew

The BackWoods Crew (BWC)

A Scout Chorus open to All Boy, Girl, Venture Scouts & Scouters!

Rehearsals: Most Sun. eve's 5:00-6:30PM

at Mr. Sherman's House; 45 Bryants Nursery Rd, Cloverly, MD 20909 (near Blake HS) (Pizza & snacks provided)

All guys and gals, youths and adults who are registered in any capacity with the BSA or Girl Scouts (GS) are welcome

to join the BWC, regardless of musical ability. The only requirements are that you get a kick out of singing with

others, and that you make a real effort to attend as many rehearsals as possible. You also need a Class-A uniform for

performances. BWC's growing repertoire includes songs that are fun and lively (e.g., Y.M.C.A. (adapted to

B.S.ofA.)), patriotic (e.g., God Bless the USA), reverent/interfaith (e.g., On Eagle's Wings) and folk/inspirational (e.g.,

"Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas). Performances are at events such as Webelos weekend and District Camporee

campfires, and by request at Eagle or Gold Award Courts of Honor and other special Scout or community events, as

our schedule permits. Practice sheet music, MP3 files and CD's provided. All you need to bring is yourself, your voice

and an enthusiastic musical spirit. Listening to provided practice audio tracks on you iPod, SmartPhone, home stereo

or computer between rehearsals is strongly encouraged! We rehearse most Sunday evenings (5:00PM to 6:30PM;

pizza & snacks provided). For now, rehearsals are at Mr. Sherman's house (45 Bryants Nursery Rd, Cloverly, MD

20905):

Directions: From Olney head South on Norwood Rd; cross Norbeck Road/Route 28. Take a left onto Bryants Nursery

Rd across from Blake HS. Go ~0.2 mi and take a right into drive way at mailbox number 45.

It’s OK to just show up! Come check us out (no pressure, promise!)

For more information, or to get on the BWC email list, contact:

Mr. Gary Sherman, Asst. Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 264, Brookeville-Olney, MD

[email protected] or at Verizon cell 301-651-9639

Anthony Justus’ Eagle Project – August 8 and 19

My Eagle Scout project was at the Sandy Spring Friends’ Nursing home. The goal of my project was to have

all the benches on the Friends’ property in proper working condition for the residents. The Sandy Spring Friends’

Nursing Home also wanted three more benches to be built. We placed two along a nature path and the other down by

the pond. There are also 27 other benches throughout the grounds that were inspected and repaired as needed, 4 were

painted and 23 were power washed. The entire project took a weekend and my goal was met. My team of volunteers

worked on all the benches and brought in the new ones and put them in place. Just a few weeks ago I received a

letter from my project contact, the Garden club president that the residents love the new benches and how clean all

the old ones are.


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The first phase of my project began on Friday at my house. I had the new benches shipped to my house from

Illinois. The company who provided the benches, EPS Plastic Lumber, was absolutely wonderful. The materials

were put in my driveway and I had scouts move the boxes to the backyard to be built. We first made only one bench

as a test model to see how to properly put it together and to see what factors had to be considered when building.

Once this one was close to being finished we understood how to build the other two benches and we got right to

work. At this point there were three teams working on the three benches. In no time all three benches were complete

with only one step in the building process to face inspection from Mr. Barth himself. Once he approved, we knew the

benches couldn’t be anything less than immaculate. After that we loaded the benches into Jim Bickel’s truck and

took them to the Friends’ property. Thank you so much Jimmy! Before we left to go to Friends, we wanted to relax

and take a break from our hard day’s work. What better way could we do that than having the Ice cream man stop in

front of my house and allowing everyone to get Ice-cream! Boy did it taste great!

On Saturday the work began at 9 am. We had

three power washers thanks to Mr. McCabe (the mobile

unit) Mr. Simpson and Mr. Carr. The volunteers were

split up into four groups; three power washing and one

painting group. Once I had gathered everyone and

explained the game plan, we were off to work! It only

took a short amount of time for the scouts to understand

how the mechanisms worked and the benches were being

cleaned. Our expert team of painters managed to put two

coats of paint on each bench before everyone took a

break for lunch. By this time almost all of the benches

were clean as well. For lunch we had sandwiches and

chips and lemonade to drink. After lunch we rallied the

volunteers and got back to work and in about two hours

the project was complete and we were packing up our

materials and beginning to leave.

Overall the project turned out great with only a few road bumps that were navigated with ease. I would like

to thank everyone that played a part in my project. From the scouts and volunteers that came out, to the Adults who

let me borrow their tools and Scouts to help me out.

My project would not have worked out as well as it did if I hadn’t had any of you so thank you ever so much!

On the trail To Eagle, Anthony Justus

Virtual fishing

with Mr. Ari,

one of the

residents. He

approves of the

bench!

Saturday’s

team!


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Project Sign in sheet: Friday August 19, 2011

Name

Time in Time out Total time

Connor Martin 11:30 3:30 3 Hrs. 30 min.

Jim Bickel 12:30 3:00 2hrs. 30min.

Jon Godfrey 11:30 3:00 3hrs. 30min.

Kyle Wisor 12:54 3:00 2hrs. 6min.

Pat Stoll

12:54 3:00 2hrs. 6min.

Sam Hull

12:58 3:00 2hrs. 2min.

Amanda Woolson 1:04 3:00 1hr. 56min.

Max Simpson 1:08 3:00 1hr. 52min.

Molly Nickerson 1:30 3:00 1hr. 30min.

Peter Barth 1:30 3:00 1hr. 30min.

Al Barth

1:30 3:00 1hr. 30min.

Brandon Orzel 1:10 3:00 1hr. 50min.

Pat Orzel

1:10 3:30 1hr. 50min.

Elizabeth Justus 1:30 3:00 1hr. 30min.

Scouts: 8

Ventures: 1

Friends: 3

Adults: 4

Me

Total number of people attending: 15 Total number of work hours: 29hrs and

55min.

Saturday August 8th, 2011 Project Sign in

Name

Time in Time out Total time

Kyle Wisor 8:55 3:30 6hrs 35min

Jon Godfrey 8:55 3:30 6hrs 35min

Jim Bickel 8:45 3:30 6hrs 45min

Kevin carr 8:55 3:30 6hrs 35min

Mr. McCabe 8:50 3:30 6hrs 40min

Pat Stoll

9:00 3:30 6hrs 30min

Jacen Sherman 9:15 1:06 3hrs 51min

Gerad Sherman 9:15 1:06 3hrs 51min

Mr. Sherman 9:15 1:06 3hrs 51min

Mr. Bogan 9:05 9:30 25min

Elizabeth Justus 8:55 3:30 6hrs 35min

Emily Rowe 9:45 3:30 5hrs 45min

Mrs. Rowe 9:45 10:00 15min

Mrs. Justus 8:55 3:30 6hrs 35min

Mr. Justus 8:55 11:30 2hrs 35min

Anthony Justus 8:55 3:30 6hrs 35min

Andrew Krotchko 10:50 3:30 4hrs 40min

Peter Barth 11:00 2:45 3hrs 45min

Mr. Barth

11:00 2:45 3hrs 45min

Ryan King 11:30 3:30 4hrs

Peter Kirk 11:30 3:30 4hrs

Victor Santos 11:40 3:30 3hrs 50min

Mrs. King

11:51 3:30 3hrs 39min

Justin Stine 2:03 3:30 1hr 30min

Totals: Scouts: 11

Friends: 2 Adults: 9 Work hours: 109hrs 12min

Hard at work!


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Northern Tier – June 28 – July 6

Crew B – BWCAW – E026811B

Michael R. Jeremy N. Enrique A. Miguel A. Ryan K. Mr. Mark K. Mrs. Cindy K. Mr. Mark R.

We glided up Sucker Lake toward Prairie Portage. Ironically, just as we saw bald eagle nests in the trees, we

saw the sign we had been looking for out in the distance: “Welcome to Canada.” We pulled to a stop in front of the

sign. A crew heading back to base camp was just putting their canoes back into the water as they cheered “no more

portages!” We looked at each other; that did not seem like a good sign. Adel, our interpreter noticed our reaction and

told us not to worry about portages. And with that we fumbled around with our gear, about to make our first one.

We finished up the short portage quickly

and the adults bought all of the proper permits we

needed for Canada. We chatted with another crew

and set off after enjoying a leisurely lunch. We

continued for a few miles until we reached our first

portage of any substantial size. Dubbed “the

Yellow-Brick Road,” it was 89 rods long, and

would take us into Burke Lake where after one

other short portage, we would spend the night.

When we reached the end of the Yellow-Brick

Road, we were exhausted. Little did we know, the

portage we had just completed would be

considered short, wide, flat, well-marked, and easy

by the week’s end. After the Singing Brook

Portage, we found a campsite on Sunday Lake. We

set up camp and with difficulty, finally succeeded

in setting up our bear bag after what had seemed

like an hour of frustration. This, we would also

consider easy by the end of the week. After a little unsuccessful fishing, we went to sleep, tired and excited.

The next morning we woke up early, broke down camp and hit the water. After a short amount of paddling,

we embarked on the Meadows Portages: two back-to-back portages with a combined length of over 300 rods. We

worked our way through them and headed to Louisa Falls to relax and swim underneath of a waterfall there. As we

approached the waterfall, Crew E was leaving there. This would be our last contact with Northern Tier crews until we

returned to base. We rested and swam under the falls. It was freezing cold, yet refreshing. After getting out, we

clambered up the rocks to the top of the falls. We would have to scale the rocks again, but the next time with gear and

canoes.

Considering our inexperience, Adel carried all of the

canoes around the waterfall. She did it with ease as the rest

of the crew struggled up with the packs. The portage was

difficult and so is pretty unpopular. This put us in a section

of Quetico that was fairly desolate. The portage trails that

would await us were neglected and unmarked.

We paddled up Louisa Lake and set up camp for the

night right next to where we would have to portage the next

morning. A group of us went out to scout ahead the portage

trail for the following morning. At only 103 rods, it was still

a killer, even without gear or canoes. It was obstructed by


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fallen trees and overgrowth. Numerous times we lost the trail and

after small groups off us gave up and returned to camp, those of

us that remained finally reached the end. We returned to camp

and I used the bear bag rope to make a swing that we all enjoyed.

Though we were slightly anxious about the portage that awaited

us the following day, we looked forward to the challenge; that is,

after all, why we decided to canoe into the wilderness.

We awoke early in the morning. We tramped through

the portage trail, climbed over the obstacles and eventually

emerged at the Arp Lake, the small lake on the other side. That

was the first of twelve portages that day. None of them were

particularly long, but they were all unkempt. We attempted

fishing again but all of the fish escaped from our barbless hooks.

We sat around the campfire after dinner, as a storm was approaching from the south. The sky was dark. The clouds

were gathering on the horizon, coming our way. Lightning streaked across the sky in the distance. Mr. King ran in to

camp, just as we were about to retire to our tents. He had caught a fish! After showing it to each of us, he had to

return it to the water as it was too late to cook it up. We went with him to the water’s edge as he went to release his

catch. Just as it touched the water, numerous lightning bolts struck at once. They were all parallel to each other and

struck the water at the same time. The sky illuminated and lit up. Seconds later the thunder came, crashing

deafeningly. We rushed to our tents to take shelter before the rain came in torrents.

We woke up in the morning. The rain had

stopped and we made our way up McEwen Lake. After

a few hours of paddling, we reached where the portage

should have been. We paddled back and forth along

the coastline trying to find the portage trail. Some of

us got out of our canoes to try to find it. After a long

search, we finally discovered its location. After

making the portage, we wished we hadn’t found it; the

portage from McEwen Lake to Kenny Lake was as

difficult to follow as it was to find. At 253 rods, it was

the longest portage of the week. We saw some more

waterfalls and made another difficult portage around

one. We got a little more paddling in before the wind

became fierce and we had to stop on land for a while

before continuing, lest our canoes capsize. During the

break, we found a good fishing hole and caught many

fish. We also saw a beaver in this area. After the wind

subsided, we pressed on into Kawnipi Lake.

The next morning we awoke and over our tents, perched a large bald eagle. It did not seem to notice us and

stayed there all morning. I looked at the maps to decide where we had to go. We would turn before Rose Island and

head towards Keewatin Lake. We made the turn where I thought it was and after miles more of paddling we noticed

two small islands were on the wrong side of the lake. I stared at the map and realized we had gone all of the way

around Rose Island, tacking on many more needless miles to our trek. We still had a lot more distance to cover that

day and many portages. The last portage of the day was on all of our maps without a distance marked. On Adel’s map

it was marked, not with a distance but with two words: “D*mn Vietnam!”

Soon enough, we realized why another interpreter had called this portage Vietnam. After starting the portage

trail, it disappeared under multiple feet of water. The trail had been submerged by multiple beavers, having built dams

around the creek that the trail was supposed to go around. As we trudged our way through the waist deep water, Mr.


13

King shouted that he thought something had bitten him on the leg. We dismissed it as the zipper of his zip-off pants.

With that, we forgot about it. We finished up Vietnam, making our way around the dams and finally back onto a lake.

We arrived at our campsite as the sun was beginning to set. Our detour had made us tackle 26 miles that day. We

were intending to get the 75 miler patch but my mistake added enough miles to increase our trek’s distance to 103

miles. Nobody complained as we had had a good time doing the extra miles. As we called over everyone from their

tents for dinner, Mr. King arrived with his pants stained red with blood. Lifting up his pant-leg, fresh blood was

dripping from a large leech that had bitten him in the shin. So much for his zipper. After salting the bloated leech, it

popped off and he cleaned up the blood. To my surprise, looking down, my pant leg was stained with blood too. It

had been another leech. Vietnam was an adequate name for the portage we had braved earlier in the day. After dinner,

we went to sleep, exhausted from the day’s hard work, but proud at making it through.

On the Fourth of July, we woke up and finished our last challenging day. The highlight was the Yum-Yum

portage. At 245 rods, it was covered in alternating patches of deep mud and steep rocks. As I was trudging through

mud about an inch deep, I took one more step and my whole body collapsed into a pool of mud 4 feet deep. After

having carried a canoe the entire week, I was able to keep it balanced and work my way out of the mud. We finished

the day with no injuries, despite some falls and slips along the muck filled trails.

The last day we made our way back to base camp. We had had a challenging trek but I think we all enjoyed it

fully.

~ Jeremy N.


14

Triple Crown Award

At the September Court of Honor, two scouts and two adults received

the Triple Crown Award. This award is given to those who have

attended all three national High Adventure bases – Philmont, Seabase,

and Northern Tier.

Mr. Bogan presented these awards to Gerad S., Jimmy B., Mr. Gary S.,

and Mr. Dale B. These are the first Triple Crown awards within the

troop since Robert Crouch received his in 2006. But we are expecting

several more once we complete Philmont in 2012!

Nursing Home Visit Resumed September 24

The following scouts from the new scout patrols, the Pumas and Quesadillas, participated in the visit to Friends Nursing

Home on the 24th:

Scouts: Atticus M., Eric L., Tommy B., Sam H., Jacob G., Nicholas C., Evan N., and Michael W.

Adults: David G., Helene N., Bernadette M., Keith H., and Martin P.

The scouts did a pledge to the flag, held by two of them; they then folded the flag. Next they put up a tent and then took it

down and returned it to its bag. After this they demonstrated tying various knots and how to whip a rope. They were

applauded.

~ Mr. Martin Predoehl


15

The Crusaders patrol members are asked to conduct the next nursing home visit on the 29th of October.

Antietam Hike – September 5

The Antietam campout, which was rained out at the end of August by

the western edge of Hurricane Irene, was reincarnated as a day hike

around the Civil War battlefield. Ten people walked 11 miles around

the battlefield where Union and Confederate forces clashed in 1862.

Jeremy N. did an excellent job of telling us about aspects of the battle.

Although it was quite warm and mostly sunny, all of us had a great

time.

Participants: Peter B. Samuel H. Evan N.

Jeremy N. William S. Jacob W.

Mr. Dale B. Mr. Keith H. Mr. Al B.

Mr. Kevin K. Mr. Dirk W.


16

Venture Crew 264’s Campout for T264 at Ashton, MD

September 9 – 11

On Friday afternoon, Troop 264 and venture Crew 264 scouts

converged on the Haviland property for an interesting weekend. When the

time came we left the site to go to the troop Planning Meeting at Mr. Bogan’s

house. Here, we chose the events we wanted to do the next year, and planned

out some of the dates. We ate pizza and returned to the campsite. Once back

at the campsite, most of the people went to sleep.

The next morning, all campers awoke to the sound and smell of

Spam being fried in butter. Everyone ate their fill of Spamwiches, as well

as some other random food items. After breakfast was over, we geared up

to ride the river, which was much deeper and faster than normal, due to the

recent hurricane-effect rain. In groups of about four, we entered the river at

Haviland Mill Road, and floated down to the end of the Haviland’s field.

From here, tubers would walk back to the start and tube again.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t do the whole route we had planned, but the

abbreviated route was convenient enough that scouts and adults could raft

as much or as little as they wanted.

At around noon, we broke for lunch, eating sandwiches and other

assorted foods. During this time, we worked on digging the fire pits for the

cook fire and the bonfire. We started the cook-fire, and then went to

attempt the science experiments we planned. Some of the experiments

worked; some failed. We got to launch 5 gallon water bottles into the air,

see a smaller scale version of the infamous Sherwood experiment (which

had evacuated the school on a 30 degree, rainy day in the middle of lunch),

and attempted to make an Amish bomb, as well as some other things.

Eventually, we realized that the Amish bomb and the other experiments

would not work (chemical companies add certain things to their chemicals to prevent their products from being used

in that way). But we repeated the whoosh-bottle and the propane experiments successfully.


17

Mr. Science and Little Jimmy Eventually, people drifted apart to do other activities, such as

construct the bonfire stack, work on some requirements for

ranks, or ride the river some more. Eventually, people came

up with the idea to run the river without tubes, with only a

PFD and a helmet. This turned out to be a great way to cool

off as the afternoon grew warmer.

However, it reached the time to end the tubing and

begin cooking. We began heating up the grease in the Dutch

Ovens for a deep-fried everything night. We deep fried

turkey, chicken, apples, pears, and many other things. One

big hit was the bacon-cheese French fries, which had first

been attempted at the last year’s primitive campout. We

decided to forgo deep frying the ice cream because we didn’t

have the time to flash freeze it and then fry it. However, it

was a good food to have as a dessert. Eventually, we got the

dinner dishes scrubbed, and it came time for the bonfire.

The bonfire consisted of two stacks of pallets

surrounded by logs of wood. After a few minutes of trying to

get it to light, it grew to be one of my largest fires yet. (As a note, this will not be my largest fire ever. I am reserving

that for this year’s Primitive campout.) We watched skits put on by various groups of people, and listened to

theVenture crew talk about itself. Eventually, people wandered to bed.

The next morning, we awoke to a cold breakfast, packed up, put out the fires, filled in the holes, and left. The

campout had been a success. Not only did many scouts and adults have fun, the Venture crew got several new

recruits from the troop.

~ Jim B.


18


19

Participants: Anthony J.* Jim B.* Jacob W. William S.* Cody C. Chad C.

Brenden F. Justin S. Luke R. Jonathan G. Brian H. Joshua F.

Mrs. Carolyn R. Kevin C. Joshua F. Ryan McD. Sam Hull Ben S. Trevor B.

Mrs. Helen J. Mr. Dale B. Mr. Dirk W. Mr. Keith H. Mr. Mark F. Elizabeth J.*

Mr. Tom McD. Nicholas C. David Robbins (1 night) Jacob Greenblatt and dad (1 hour )

Eric L. (1 hr.)

*Venturing Crew 264 member

(If we missed anyone in this list, drop a note to [email protected] and we’ll make a correction next month!)

Den Chief Training – October 30

Den Chief leader training will be available on Saturday, October 30 at St. Patrick’s Church in Rockville, 1 to 5 PM.

Cost is $10 per scout, adults are free. Full Class A uniforms at this event. This is essential training for all Boy Scouts

who want to work with Cub Scouts, and proves to the Pack that you are committed to the task. Registration details are

posted online at http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=1028485

You need to register individually, the troop does not do this for you.

Participants need to complete the online course http://www.scouting.org/Training/Youth/DenChefTraining.aspx (takes

about 30 minutes) before attending the training and print out the completion certificate. Take the completion certificate

to the Den Chief Training course.

Please remember to always give a copy of any training completion certificate to Mr. Matyas so he can give you credit

for it in the troop’s database. (That applies to adults too.)

We expect that both Packs 1074 and 434 will ask for Den Chiefs this fall, so here’s your chance to give back to the

pack.

To Get Leadership Credit for Den Chief Service

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

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

Den Chief (at least six months); (2), The Pack and Den you served with; and (3) include the signature(s) of the Den

Leader, Cubmaster, and /or Pack Committee Chairperson and the date they signed off. Submit this letter to Mr.

Matyas prior to your BOR. (301)-570-0610, [email protected].

Den Chief Fast Start training (required) may be taken in about 30 minutes online at

http://www.scouting.org/Training/Youth/DenChefTraining.aspx . Print copies of the completion certificate, as you

will need to give one to the den leader and one to Mr. Matyas.

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

Assistant Scoutmaster Training

The District and Council are offering opportunities for training of Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters this fall for

interested adults. This training consists of 3 parts:

Online training: Set up a personal account at http://myscouting.scouting.org. Unter the Training section, under

E-Learning, and on the Boy Scout tab halfway down the page, you should complete Youth Protection Training, This Is

Scouting, and Weather Hazards. You may also take other courses as desired or needed. Each takes about 30 minutes


http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=1028485

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


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

http://myscouting.scouting.org/


20

and at the end, you will receive a completion certificate. Print two copies of the completion certificate, keep one in a

safe place where you can find it again, and give the other to Mr. Gary Matyas to be entered into the troop database.

The second part consists of a one day classroom course, with adults from other troops. Presently there is a

Scoutmaster Specific Training session in Montgomery County on

October 8: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=1029422

December 3: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=1029502

January 8: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=1028198

March 3: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=1028199

March 17: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=1028200

The third part is Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS), which required a weekend campout with other

adults taking the same training. There are two locations October 29-30

October 28-30: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=1029804

October 29-30: http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=1029798

Additional IOLS sessions will likely be scheduled in the spring.

Once the adult completes all of these items, he or she is considered trained and can proudlywear the coveted

Assistant Scoutmaster patch.

Again, please make sure you give copies of any completion certificates or cards to Mr. Matyas to be entered in the troop

database!

All Scout Shabbat – February 25, 2012

The Religious School at B'nai Shalom of Olney will again host an All Scout Shabbat on Saturday, February 25,

2012, from 9:30-11:30 am. This is a teaching service so is appropriate for all ages and faiths. We had a very large

turnout of scouts last year, and there is a patch available from the Jewish Committee on Scouting via their website.

More info to come by January, 2012.

~ Mrs. Carole L.

Do You Need to Review Your Knots?

If you need to review your knots prior to your next BOR or the next campout, check out

http://www.animatedknots.com. It is very good for visually demonstrating how to tie knots. Click on the

Scouting Emblem for knot demonstrations.

District Roundtable

Our Boy Scout Roundtables feature informative discussions on topics from youth leadership training, using OA

more effectively in your troop, and summer camp experiences. Each month there are wonderful presentations, from

wood carving to Dutch oven cooking, to help your unit leaders provide new ideas and opportunities for your

troop. Come see what great new locations your troop might want to visit!

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








http://www.animatedknots.com/


21

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

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

send one adult to take notes and report back at the following Troop Adult meeting.

Getting Credit for Troop Activities

It’s important that everyone who participates in Troop 264 campouts, trips, and community service activities gets

credit for their hard work. The Signaler provides the permanent record of everyone who attends these events. Patrol

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

preferably by email, to the Signaler staff by the monthly deadline. E-mail lists to

[email protected]. This month’s deadline: October 26.

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.

2012 High Adventure – Backpacking at Philmont – July 9-24, 2012

At the beginning of December, Mr. Russell announced that Venturing Crew 264 was accepted for a 2012 trek at Philmont.

We are looking to fill out two crews of 12, dates of the trek are Thursday July 12 to July 24, 2012. We will probably need

to fly out on Monday July 9 so that we have a couple of days to adjust to the altitude before starting to hike.

Cost overall is expected to be about $1600 per person. Mr. Russell has so far collected the first $420 from interested

scouts and adults. Some spaces are still available for Philmont backpacking but the list is filling up!

Adults will need to have 2½ weeks of vacation available. We can only take 8 adults maximum, 4 per crew. Troop scouts

may fill Venturing crew slots provided that they are age 14 by the date we arrive at Philmont, or age 13 and have

completed the 8th grade by July 1, 2012.

There will be prep hikes and gear shakedowns in the coming months, starting with the Assateague Island backcountry

backpacking hike now in the planning stages for the fourth weekend in October. This will get help get you ready for

Philmont. Philmont participants must meet the height/weight chart shown in the current BSA medical form, Part D.

Mr. Russell is keeping track of Philmont events for 2012 and is collecting names of scouts or Venturing crew members

who may be interested in going, so that we see how the crews might be filled. Contact Mr. Russell now if you have

interest! Scouts who are on Mr. Russell’s current list will have priority over later signups. We expect that we will shortly

be filling remaining positions from outside the troop.

The final payment to Philmont will be due in the spring, as will costs for bus and airfare and related items. The two

backpacking crews will choose their treks in January.


22

2012 High Adventure – Cavalcade at Philmont – Aug. 2-10, 2012

In light of interest from Venturing Crew members and T264 scouts, Mr. Russell submitted a request for the troop to make a

Cavalcade at Philmont. The troop was not initially selected, however, it was notified as being #6 on the wait list. On the

evening of August 19, Mr. Russell received an offer to the troop for a Philmont Cavalcade.

A Cavalcade is an 8 day trek at Philmont with riding horses. Cavalcade participants must take care of the horses during the

entire outing. The first day is mainly training on handling and riding horses. No Cavalcade participant may weigh more

than 200 pounds, that limit is NOT negotiable. Maximum crew size of 15, only four of whom may be adults (21 and

over). Presently we have several adults with interest in participating, these will have priority for the four available adult

slots. But there are scout/Venture spaces that remain to be filled. The dates of the trek are August 2 to 10, allow twom

days at the beginning and one at the end for travel (so keep July 31 to August 11 open). A second installment payment

will be collected in mid-October. Minimum age is 14, or 13 and have completed the 8th grade (Philmont’s requirements,

not ours). Total cost per person will be about $1600.

There are many issues still to be sorted out and more information will be passed along as these matters are resolved.

For the present, Mr. Keith Evans, [email protected], will be coordinating the Cavalcade process, questions and

requests to sign up may be directed to him.

Eagle Scouts, Serving our Country

Some of you may remember Liam O'Lone, who was a member of the Vikings. He received his Eagle in 2002 and was

one of the early fire builders, building it bigger and with lots of things to burn! He graduated from the United States

Naval Academy in 2010 as a Marine Core 2nd Lieutenant. Liam did his training at Quantico and then at Twenty-Nine

Palms in the California desert. He is in charge of a fire patrol and is being stationed to Afghanistan for 7 months.

He told me of some of his experiences while in training and how Scouting helped a great deal, and how at times it was

lots of fun. But he did get his fill of cold weather camping since he was at Quantico last winter, which was fairly rough

around here. I got an update from him and he has departed for his assignment. He is at Manas AFB in Kyrgyzstan for a

while to get used to the area before going out to his post. He said food is great but there is nothing else to do while they

get updated on what's what. Please keep him, and all our service personnel fighting and serving, who protect the

freedoms we have, in your prayers. Some of you may recall his older brother Sean who also was a Viking and got his

Eagle. Sean graduated from the Naval Academy in 2000 and now flies Sea Kings off the G.W. Bush carrier in the Gulf

in support of Naval Air. Sean went over a few months ago for his tour.

Dennis Bogan ~ SM

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;


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


23

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].

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 2010 requirements listed for Tenderfoot through First Class.

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

T264 Scout Leadership

Check your patrol data and advise [email protected] of any corrections! New patrol leaders and ASPLs to be selected at the beginning of October!

Senior Patrol Leader: Anthony J. Assistant SPLs: ?

?

Troop Offices: Ryan K.

Chaplain’s Aide: Joshua F. Librarian: Brandon O.

Scribe: Jonathan G. Troop Quartermaster: William S.

Historian: Miguel A. Instructor: Vacant

Troop Guides: Enrique A., and R.J. G. OA Representative: Anthony J.

Buglers: Kevin C. & Peter B. Signaler Editor: Jim B.

Patrol Offices:

Eagle Patrol: Crusaders Patrol:

Patrol leader: Brenden F. Patrol Leader: Jacob W.

Asst. patrol leader: Jake A. Asst. Patrol Leader: Tripp K.

Patrol quartermaster: ? Patrol quartermaster: Ryan K.

Hawk Patrol: Viking Patrol:

Patrol leader: Sean L. Patrol Leader: Peter K.

Asst. patrol leader: Jonathan S. Asst. Patrol Leader: Sam J.

Patrol quartermaster: Peter B. Patrol quartermaster: Jim B.

Signaler reporter: William S.

New Scouts patrols (Pumas and Quesadillas):

Patrol leader: Rotating basis

Asst. patrol leader: Rotating basis

Patrol quartermaster: not yet selected


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



24

INFORMATION PAGE

Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

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

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

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

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

Signaler for this information.

Signaler Submittal Deadlines: Information Due to Reporters: October 25. Signaler posting date: November 1

Editor: Jim B. 301-774-0416 [email protected]

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

Reporters: William S.

301-260-8605

[email protected]

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

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

Adult Advisors:

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

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

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

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

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

SPL: Anthony J.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[email protected] (Mr. Dale Bickel).

The Signaler Staff

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

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

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

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

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

A scout hat is preferred.









http://www.troop264olney.net/



25

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.

ADVANCEMENT INFORMATION PAGE


26

Permission Slip for Assateague Island Backpacking Overnight October 21-23, 2011

I give permission for my son __________________________________________ to participate in T264’s backpacking

trip to Assateague Island, Maryland. In an emergency, please notify ________________________________________

______________________________________________ (indicate name(s) and relationship to your son or daughter) at

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

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

My son or daughter is allergic to the following medications or foods: ___________________________________

________________________________________________ ______________________

Parent or Guardian signature Date

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

Driver Information

So that T264 can ensure we comply with BSA requirements on drivers, we ask that drivers complete the following form

and give it to the outing coordinator. You may include multiple drivers and vehicles. Make copies of the completed

form for future outings! Thank you for your cooperation.

Licensed Drivers’ Names: _______________________________________________________________________

Vehicles (Make, Model Year): ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Insurance Limits (per person / per accident / personal property): _____________________________________


27

Permission Slip for Troop Shotgun Event PG Trap & Skeet Center, Lanham, MD

October 15, 2011 – 9 am to 12 pm

I give permission for my son __________________________________________ to participate in the Troop Shotgun Event at

PG Trap & Skeet Center. In an emergency, please notify ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________ (indicate name(s) 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: ___________________________________

☐ I have completed the BSA Troop 264 Firearms Release for myself or /son or daughter.

________________________________________________ ______________________


Shotgun Experience (check one box only)

☐ My son is “inexperienced” in handling a shotgun.

☐ My son has the BSA Shotgun Shooting merit badge and/or Hunter Safety Certification

or has permission from Mr. McCabe or Mr. Cymerman to shoot in this group.

________________________________________________ ______________________



28


29

Permission Slip for District Camporee Olney, MD October 14-16, 2011

I give permission for my son __________________________________________ to participate in T264’s camping trip at the

Montgomery District Camporee at Olney, MD. In an emergency, please notify _____________________________________

______________________________________________ (indicate name(s) and relationship to your son or daughter) at

_____________________________ (phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical personnel

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

My son or daughter is allergic to the following medications or foods: ____________________________________________

________________________________________________ ______________________


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

Driver Information

So that T264 can ensure we comply with BSA requirements on drivers, we ask that drivers complete the following form

and give it to the outing coordinator. You may include multiple drivers and vehicles. Make copies of the completed

form for future outings! Thank you for your cooperation.

Licensed Drivers’ Names: _______________________________________________________________________

Vehicles (Make, Model Year): ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Insurance Limits (per person / per accident / personal property): _____________________________________

Documents

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter TThhee SSiiggnnaalleerr · 10 Troop meeting 14-16 District Fall Camporee 21 No school (MCPS)-23 Assateague Island / Philmont Prep Hike 24 Troop