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The Troop 264 Newsletter
The Signaler www.geocities.com/oldemilltroop264
January 2004 Volume 24, No. 1
Twenty-Four Years of The Signaler
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
Dec 24-31 Winter Break (No school, No scout mtg) Jan 2-4 Seven Springs Ski Trip (Foxes) Jan 5 Patrol Mtg 7:30 pm, Venture Mtg 6:30 pm Jan 10 Friends Nursing Home 11 am (Sharks) Jan 10 Food Bank 8 am (Vikings) Jan 12 Troop Mtg 7:30 pm, Venture Mtg 6:30 pm Jan 18 OA Chapter Mtg @ St. Patrick’s 7:30 pm Jan 19 TLC/BOR (No school) Jan 21 Signaler Mtg @ Adams’ 6 pm Jan 26 Troop Mtg (No school) Jan 26 Mulch Sales Kickoff (Mr. Hoggard)
Jan 31, Feb 1 Winter Backpacking (Sharks) Feb 2 Patrol Mtg 7:30 pm, Venture Mtg 6:30 pm Feb 8 Scout Sunday Feb 9 Troop Mtg 7:30 pm, Venture Mtg 6:30 pm Feb 13-15 Valley Forge (Mr. Bogan) Feb 16 TLC/BOR (No school) Feb 18 Signaler Mtg @Adams’ 6:00 pm Feb 21 Friends Nursing Home (Griffins)
Food Bank (Eagles/Leopards) Feb 23 Troop Mtg 7:30 pm
February Signaler Submittal Deadlines: Information Due to Reporters: Jan 20 Signaler Distribution Date: Jan 26 (Troop Mtg)
Articles Due to Mrs. Adams: Jan 21 at the Signaler Meeting – No Articles accepted after Thurs, Jan 22 The Signaler Staff
Editor/Webmaster: Joe Weiler 301-977-3961 [email protected] or [email protected]
Circ. Coord./Reporter: Kevin Correa 301-924-2942 Reporters: Alex Adams 301-774-7632 Michael Mercado 301-570-0257 Zack Hopkins 301-774-4106 Brandon Wymelenberg 301 570-6353 Liam O’Lone 301-774-6881 Tim Russell 301-924-8635 Amanda Wilbur 301-774-9287 Sean Wilbur 301-774-9287 Signaler Advisors: Mrs. Greenspon 301-774-5394 [email protected] Mrs. Adams: 301-774-7632 [email protected] Mrs. Hopkins 301-774-4106 [email protected] Adult Advisors: Scoutmaster Mr. Bogan 301-774-2768 [email protected] Treasurer: Mr. Sponaugle 301-924-3521 [email protected] OA Mr. Patterson 301-774-0330 Advancement Chairman Mr. Matyas 301-570-0610 [email protected] SPL: Tommy Irvin 301-570-5548 Adult activity coordinators – please submit information about upcoming activities to Mrs. Adams (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 or participants of activities have been left out of the Signaler, corrections will be made in the next issue. Please send any corrections to Mrs. Adams at [email protected]
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Rev..12/16/03
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Seven Spring Ski Trip
January
1
No School
2 (Foxes)
No School
3 Seven Spring Ski Trip
(Foxes)
4 Seven Spring Ski Trip
(Foxes)
5
Patrol Meeting
Venture Meeting @ St. John’s 6:30 pm
6 7 8 9 10OA Lodge Banquet
Friends Nursing Home Visit 11am
(Sharks) Food Bank 8 am
(Vikings) 11 12
Troop Meeting Opening: Hawks Service: Sharks
Venture Meeting @ St. John’s 6:30 pm
13 14District Roundtable
@ St. Patricks 7:30 pm
(Griffins)
15 Troop Adult Meeting
@ Brookeville Academy 7:30 pm
16 17
18 OA Chapter Meeting
@ St. Patrick’s 7:30pm
19 TLC/BOR
NO SCHOOL
20 21
Signaler Meeting @ Adams’ house
6:00pm
22 23
24
25
26 Troop Meeting Open: Hawks MB:Vikings Skill:Foxes
Service:Sharks Mulch Sales Kickoff
(Hoggard) NO SCHOOL
27
NO SCHOOL
28 29 30
31 Winter Backpacking
(Sharks)
2004
Rev..12/16/03
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1
Winter Backpacking (Sharks)
2 Patrol Meeting
Venture Meeting @ St. John’s 6:30 pm
3 4 5 6 7
8
Scout Sunday
9 Troop Meeting
Opening: Sharks Service: Vikings
Venture Meeting @ St. John’s 6:30 pm
10 11District Roundtable
@ St. Patricks 7:30 pm (Hawks)
12 13Valley Forge
(Bogan)
14 Valley Forge
(Bogan)
Scout Sabbath
15 Valley Forge
(Bogan) OA Chapter Meeting
@ St. Patrick’s 7:30 pm
16 TLC/BOR
NO SCHOOL
17 18 Signaler Meeting @
Adams’ house 6:00pm
19 Troop Adult Meeting
@ Brookeville Academy 7:30 pm
20 21Friends Nursing Home (Griffins)
Food Bank (Eagles/Leopards)
University of Scouting
22 23Troop Meeting Open: Sharks
MB:Eagles/Leopards Skill:Hawks
Service:Vikings
24 25 26 27 28
Merit Badge Day
29
February
2004
The Troop 264 Newsletter
Corrections to the December 2003 Signaler
Troop 264 Scouting For Food November 15, 2003
Many apologies to Mrs. Ramienski who organized the whole Scouting for Food Project - her name was left off of the list of participants! Thank you, Mrs. Ramienski!
Corrections to the New Troop Leadership (As of October 27, 2003)
Senior Patrol Leader: Tommy Irvin 301-570-5548 Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Joe Weiler 301-977-3961 Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Joe Matyas 301-570-0610 Chaplain’s Aid: Joe Matyas 301-570-0610 Scribe: Andrew Van Wie 301-774-9663 Librarian: Open Historian: Tony Wilbur 301-773-9287 Bugler: Jason Ilowite 301-260-1757 Guides: Eric Laing 301-570-4235 Brandon Hedrick 301-598-3536 Quartermaster Danny Ramsey 301-570-9654 Signaler Editor Joe Weiler 301-977-3961
Last Call for the Ski Weekend at Seven Springs!
January 2-4, 2004
We have reservations for 40 people at Seven Springs Ski Resort in western Pennsylvania (about 3 ½ - 4 hours drive) for Friday-Sunday, January 2-4, 2003. It’s not too late to sign up. I have to have names and a
count ASAP. This trip is not limited to just Scouts. Invite your parents, sisters, cousins, friends, etc. The more the merrier. End your winter break with a great family outing -- something for everyone. It is always a good
time.
The costs are $171, for 2-nights lodging; lift tickets for the weekend, Sat & Sun breakfast, and Sat dinner. Lunch is on your own – plenty of places to eat there. Dinner Friday night and Lunch Sunday is on the road. You can rent skis for $26 or bring your own. Lessons are $12 for group lessons.
This is a resort with many activities—you don’t have to ski to have fun. There is snow tubing which is fun and requires no skill. They offer an activity package in place of the ski package, including bowling, miniature golf, and a discount on snow tubing. There is also an arcade. Lodging is in two dorms: an 18-person (three floors, with 6 beds on each floor); and a 22-person dorm (3 floors with 6,10, and 6 beds per floor). Women will be housed on a separate floor with their own bathroom. Please let your patrol leader know who from your patrol is planning on coming. Snowboarding is only allowed if your parent is snowboarding with you. Contact person: Tony Laing (301-570-4235).
A Holiday Message for Troop 264
If you want some news about “old timers” - Patrick Pflaum (Eagle Scout, 1989) is the proud father of a baby girl. Mary Justine Pflaum was born on November 2, 2003 at Watertown, New York. Patrick is an Army Captain in the Judge
Advocate General Corps (JAG) assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Ft. Drum, NY. In October, he returned from a deployment in Afghanistan where he was awarded the Bronze Star for superior performance of duties.
Gregory Pflaum (Eagle 1996) is a First Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps stationed on Oahu, Hawaii with the 125th Signal Battalion. Greg is slated to deploy to Afghanistan in April 2004. We wish all of the scouts, scouters, and families of Troop 264 a blessed and joyful Holiday season. Best Regards, Tim Pflaum
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The Troop 264 Newsletter
Cub Scout Pack 434 Skills Night November 18, 2003
Troop 264 proved how resourceful and thorough they are when given a task. Given three scout skill stations, the 264 boys set up a fun-filled event for the cubs. They had the Venture crew put together the fire building station, which had very big following. Brandon W. and Tony W. had the boys captivated with their fire skills. Camping was a big draw because the cubs could climb in the tent and touch things. They enjoyed trying out the backpack and seeing how much it could carry. Brandon H. got a little nervous when the tent started scooting away with the tiger cubs. Michael found out that he has a very charismatic way with the cub scouts. The three first-aiders (Sean, Sean, and Chris) had the liveliest first-aid station imaginable. They smothered flames, breathed life into dummies, and tied up broken limbs. Can't beat that!
Many, many thanks to the adults who came and lent a helping hand when needed. We couldn't have done it without you.
Scouts Scouters Venturers Chris Freedman (first aid) Mark Freedman Tony Wilbur (fire building) Sean Wilbur (first aid) Gina Wilbur Sean O’Brien (first aid) Harold Hedrick Brandon Hedrick (camping) Elaine Van Wie Michael Van Wie (camping) Harold Hedrick Brandon Wymelenberg (fire building) Manuel Correa
National Capital Area Food Bank
December 14, 2003
The Foxes and other volunteers went to the National Capital Area Food Bank on December 14. They worked approximately 3 hours putting food into boxes. The boxes were then sent to different shelters. The following people earned 3 service hours each:
Scouts: Scouters: Michael Mercado Bill Mercado Chris Mercado Jay Feinberg Kevin Feinberg Alex Adams
Holiday Concert at Friends Nursing Home
December 13, 2003
On Saturday, December13th, Troop 264 entertained the residents of Sandy Spring Friend’s Nursing Home. We were very happy to see such a good scout turnout, since we overlapped two other troop events. Some of us played instruments, while the rest sang holiday music. Buffy, the dog was walked around the room greeting many of the delighted residents. We sang for 45 minutes, and then visited with the audience. Everyone enjoyed the
troop’s visit and music. A big thank you to everyone who played instruments. Next year, I would like to continue encouraging instruments. We might even be able to have a guitar group – we have quite a few guitarists in the troop.
The following participated and earned 1 service hour.
Scouts: Scott Berg (Bass Guitar) Dylan Frey John Harris James Kerrick Ryan Mercado (Pack 1074) Sean O’Brien (Guitar) Ron Pendleton (Trumpet) Perry Strickman Dog: Buffalo “Buffy” Strickman
Scouters: Janet Frey Randy Frey Pam Greenspon David Harris Pam Keegan (Piano) Carol Kregloh (Piano) Janice Mercado James O’Brien (Guitar) Christy Pendleton Martin Predoehl Karen Strickman Norman Strickman Rick Wymelenberg
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The Troop 264 Newsletter
Scout Tips Compass Practice
Here's a good three-step exercise for taking compass bearings and following a route:
1. Push a stick into the ground beside your foot. Turn the compass housing to any bearing - 15 degrees, for example. Orient the compass and sight along the direction-of-travel arrow to a landmark. Walk 50 steps
toward it.
2. Add 120 degrees to your first bearing and set your compass again (in this example 120 + 15 = 135 degrees). Walk 50 steps on the new heading.
3. Finally, add 120 degrees to that second bearing (120 + 135 = 255 degrees). Take a bearing and take 50 steps. If you have done everything right, you will be standing beside the stick where you started.
Patrol Corners
Foxes: The foxes are starting to work on the Personal Management Merit Badge. Griffins: The Griffins went on a 5-mile hike at Brookside Nature Center and are working on advancing in rank. Hawks: The Hawks are working on the Collection Merit Badge. Leopards/Eagles: Everyone is working on their Eagle projects. Perry Strickman and John Harris sang in the Holiday Nursing Home Concert. Sharks: The Sharks are working on the “Citizenship in the Nation” Merit Badge. Vikings No report. Ventures: The Ventures are planning to participate in a Basic EMT course and shotgun or rifle shooting. Tony and Brandon are going to be running the fire building station at the Cub Scout Pack 434's Skill Night.
Griffins Day Hike at Brookside December 13, 2003
On December 13, 2003, the Griffins did a 5-mile hike and cooked out in a cabin at Brookside Nature Center. (I didn’t even know there was a cabin at Brookside, leave it to Mr. Allison to find these things.) The following participated: Scouts: Jason Ilowite Alex Evans Brendan Allison Brendan Littleford Edward Milbank? Victor Santos Carl Kauebler
Scouters: Rick Allison Nancy Allison (brought the chicken) Emiliano Santos
What? E-mail the Signaler?
Anyone on the newsletter mailing distribution that would like to receive the Signaler via e-mail (PDF) instead of a paper copy, please send e-mail to Mr. Correa at [email protected]. Important - be sure to include “Troop 264” in the Subject line of your e-mail. Receiving the newsletter electronically would help the Troop save money on the rising costs of printing and postage.
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The Troop 264 Newsletter
Winter Backpacking/Campout January 31- February 1, 2004
This year’s winter campout is at Popular Grove at Catoctin Mountain Park (by Thurmont MD). We will be backpacking into the site. Mr. Correra and Mr. O’Brien recently survived a practice hike in
4 inches of snow during an icy rain. It’s challenging, but a great chance for a nice walk in a snow covered forest. A couple of different hikes are planned (one for newer backpackers and one for more experienced). A list of some basic equipment follows (in case you are looking for some last minute Christmas gifts or after-Christmas sales). REMEMBER NO COTTON! Contact persons: Jim O’Brien 301-774-3694 or Manny Correa 301-924-2942.
Things for Hike
1. Comfortable waterproof hiking boots 2. Thermal underwear 3. Wool socks and wicking socks 4. Rain gear 5. Winter hats and gloves 6. Backpack 7. First Aid Kit 8. Compass 9. Whistle
Automobile Insurance Information To All Parents: The BSA local tour procedures require that we have on file basic insurance information from adults providing transportation for our Scouts. Please complete the following form and return it to: Gary Matyas (301-570-0610) 18415 Snowberry Way Olney, MD 20832
Owners Name(s): ___________________________________Drivers License #: _____________________
___________________________________ Drivers License #: _____________________ Year and Make
of Vehicle # of
Passengers # of
Seatbelts: Public Liability
per Person Public Liability per Accident
Public Damage Coverage:
Signature: ________________________________________
Please Note: All vehicles must be covered by a public liability and property damage liability insurance policy. The amount of this coverage must meet or exceed the insurance of the state in which the vehicle is licensed and the states where travel will occur. (It is recommended; however, that coverage limits are at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000). Any vehicle carrying ten (10) or more passengers are required to have limits of $100,000/$300,000/$50,000. In cases of rented vehicles, the requirement of coverage limits can be met by combining the limits of personal coverage carried by the driver with coverage carried by the owner of the rented vehicle. All vehicles used in travel outside the United States must carry a public liability and property damage liability insurance policy that complies with or exceeds the requirements of that country.
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The Troop 264 Newsletter
Important Tips for Staying Warm and Safe in Cold Weather Conserving Body Heat
Clothing does not make you warm – it provides insulation to trap your body heat, which is what keeps you warm. Dress in layers. Use ventilation to avoid sweating. A stocking hat and scarf that covers your ears and neck or a ski mask works well. Cover your head when you are cold. Remove your cap if you start sweating. Wool clothing is best if you add a layer for wind protection. Cotton is a poor choice since it absorbs sweat and gets wet. Mittens keep hour hands warmer than gloves, though gloves are
useful when you have to work with your hands. Bring extra clothes to change into when you get wet.
COLD
C – keep clothing – CLEAN O – avoid – OVERHEATING L – wear clothing – LOOSE D – keep clothing – DRY
Tent Placement Try to place your tent where it will catch the morning sunrise. This will help melt the frost and warm the tent. Also, place your tent on higher ground, since cold air sinks. Choose a protected site if it is windy. Dehydration Dehydration can seriously impair the body’s ability to produce heat. Drink plenty of fluids especially hot liquids. Plan on having hot cocoa, soup, or other hot liquid with every meal and drink lots of water. Cooking Cooking in cold weather will take about twice as long as normal. Always use a lid on any pots you are cooking in to retain heat. Make sure you start heating cleaning water before you start cooking. Try to keep your menu to good one-pot meals, like stews, chili, and hot beans. A good high caloric snack before bedtime will give you fuel to keep warm all night. Sleeping Bag Tips Do not sleep with your nose and mouth inside the sleeping bag. This will trap moisture in the bag, causing it to become wet and not insulate as well. NEVER sleep in the same clothes you wore all day. Bring a thick pair of sweats and thermal underwear to sleep in and use them just for sleeping. Don’t wear the same ones during the day. Wear a couple of layers or clean wool or cotton socks. Sleep with a stocking hat on you head. Have a waterproof sleeping mat and a sleeping bag rated to at least 15 degrees or add two wool blankets to it. Put tomorrow’s clothes in the bag with you so they will be warm in the morning. Attitude A positive mental attitude is the most important ingredient in winter camping. The demands of winter will drain your energy. You will have to rely on yourself to keep your spirits high. Buddies look after each other and watch for symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia, and exhaustion. Be prepared and have fun!
ZITS Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman
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The Troop 264 Newsletter
ADVANCEMENT INFORMATION PAGE
BOARD of REVIEW (BOR) Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Winter @ (301-774-4695) 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 fort 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 1st class, needs to contact one of the following for a conference: Mr. Winter 301-774-4695 Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394 Mr. Laing 301-570-4235 Mr. Long 301-924-4365 Mr. Pitts 301-774-3208 Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974 Mr. Vinson 301-924-2702 Mr. Zuccaro 301-774-0824
Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life, and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan - (301-774-2768).
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. Winter (301-774-4695). 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.
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