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Attention to all scouts attending summer camp!
TENTMATES
Please let me know who you would like to be tentmates with for the week. Give me a first and second choice OK? We will do our best to accommodate your requests, however, it may be necessary to assign your tent mate depending on pairings. Let me know by end of day tomorrow, Thursday.
BE PREPARED FOR SUMMER CAMP
Scouts, three days to pack your gear for summer camp, it is NOT YOUR MOTHER’S RESPONSIBILITY! In the past, we have had lots of dead flashlights, younger brother’s swimsuit that is 3 sizes too small, no sleeping bag and more. Often forgotten: Camp chair, towel, Scout Handbook and drinking cup (to be hung in the mess hall). Be prepared, plan accordingly and bring everything you need. Start packing now, instead of Friday night.
Also, if you don’t have one, a tent fan is an awesome thing to get you through a “hot, humid, air is not moving and the sweat is pooling in my summer bag” kind of night. Mr. Hanson and I spotted a $12 one at Soukups. Walmart, Target, REI and others have the Coleman Cool Zephyr Ceiling Fan with Light, $22. FANtastic idea.
LEAVING FROM THE CHURCH
Reminder, because every year someone goes to the library…we will meet at the First Congregational Church Saturday morning at 7:15am sharp. NOT THE LIBRARY, we leave from the church because of the bathrooms (we will return the following Saturday to the library for pickup). Remember to bring your prescription medications.
SORRY FOLKS, NO ELECTRONICS
Troop 41 does have a policy about electronics on campouts, and we have noticed an increasing trend of that policy not being followed, especially with phones. Adults in camp will have phones and can be contacted at any time. This has been a long-standing rule, as described in our scout packet: Can he bring his phone, iPod, game? No. This is increasingly becoming a huge problem and we need to get some control over it. If a scout brings his phone, it must be left in the car he came in. There is NO reason a scout should have a phone on a trip. If there is a reason, please discuss it with the scoutmaster.
Electronics will be confiscated if found, and, it will be written up as a strike towards our “three strike policy”.
DO NOT BRING
Video Games or players (PSPs and like)
MP3 Players
I-Pods
Cell Phones
Laser Pens
Lap tops
Yours in Scouting,
Mr. Evans
–
Bradley Evans
Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 41
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Some quick items:
BE PREPARED FOR SUMMER CAMP
Scouts, you have all week to pack your gear for summer camp, it is NOT YOUR MOTHER’S RESPONSIBILITY! In the past, we have had lots of dead flashlights, younger brother’s swimsuit that is 3 sizes too small, no sleeping bag and more. Often forgotten: Camp chair, towel, Scout Handbook and drinking cup (to be hung in the mess hall). Be prepared, plan accordingly and bring everything you need. Start packing now, instead of Friday night. Check the batteries in your flashlights and fans, believe it or not, I don’t bring 90 spare batteries with me. The entire packing list can be found on page 30 of the Owasippe Scout packet – see “Downloads” in the left margin.
SUMMER CAMP REMINDERS
We will meet at the First Congregational Church Saturday morning at 7:15am sharp. NOT THE LIBRARY, we leave from the church because of the bathrooms (we will return the following Saturday to the library for pickup). Remember to bring your prescription medications. If anyone wants their tee shirts before Saturday, come to the Church at 7:20 Tuesday night (before the Committee meeting) or make arrangements with our Summer Camp Coordinator, Ken McClurg.
THANKS FOR THE HELP
Thanks to all who helped prepare our trailer for summer camp. They spent a Saturday morning pulling everything out of our two trailers and repacking them.
SUMMER CAMP SHOPPING HELP NEEDED
Summer camp is a huge endeavor, 45 scouts and 10 plus adults, lots of gear and supplies. Our Quartermaster, John H and father Greg have offered to pick up our camp supplies that include all things gear, thanks guys. However, we do need help buying our food, the lunch we eat on the way up and the snack items we use throughout the week. If you can help with that task, please contact our Summer Camp Coordinator, Ken McClurg.
TENTS STILL OUT FROM STARVED ROCK TRIP
We still have tents out from our Starved Rock trip. If you took a tent home, we need it back. You can come to the Church at 7:20 Tuesday night (before the Committee meeting) and drop them off. We will be inspecting the tents as we receive them back to make sure you cleaned and aired them out. In the future, this will be part of our new return procedure, as we’ve had far too many musty tents returned this past year. Remember, A Scout is Obedient.
Yours in Scouting,
Mr. Evans
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Bradley Evans
Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 41
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
www.troop41glenellyn.org
Troop 41 parents and scouts:
Here are some brief news items.
HEY PATROL LEADERS!!!!
For the meeting tomorrow, we will be making patrol flags for Owasippe. Base materials will be provided but it is up to you to bring everything else. This includes markers, felt, colored paper and glue. It is up to you guys so if you can’t make it, call your assistants. If you have any questions you can email your SPL.
OWASIPPE MEETING 7:00PM JULY 13TH
All scouts and adults going to summer camp this year, as well as parents of scouts attending for the first time should expect to attend the meeting tomorrow night. We will be collecting remaining forms and distributing t-shirts.
Summer Camp Coordinator Ken McClurg is missing MANY forms guys, which makes it difficult for us to plan properly and sign up for the activities. He is not going to send in our merit badge, outpost and equipment planning forms until Monday morning, so get your forms to him by Sunday if you want to be signed up for the activities you want. Or you will be signed up for Underwater Basketweaving, and you know how cold that pool is right?
NEW “INVENTING” MERIT BADGE ANNOUNCED
The Boys Scouts have invented a new merit badge, the Inventing merit badge is now offered. To learn more, check out the requirements here:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/boyscouts/advancementandawards/meritbadges/mb-inventing.aspx
OUR OLD TENTS DONATED TO HOMELESS IN HAITI
We recently inspected and repacked all our old tents, and have sent 12 of them off to Haiti to support the relief effort. As of this week, there are still 1.5 million people homeless in Haiti and the hurricane season is just about to start. Your fundraising which allowed us to purchase new tents almost contributed to us being able to donate these to help a nation in need. Thanks to Mr. Hanson and Mrs. McGee for packaging and shipping the tents.
NEED TENTS RETURNED FROM STARVED ROCK TRIP
Speaking of tents, we still have tents out from our Starved Rock trip. If you took a tent home, we need it back. We will be inspecting the tents as we receive them back to make sure you cleaned and aired them out. In the future, this will be part of our new return procedure, as we’ve had far too many musty tents returned this past year. Remember, A Scout is Obedient.
PADS PROJECT HELP NEEDED
We have been approached by the people who help out at PADS for some help from us. Once a month they need to have someone launder the blankets. The blankets would be taken to a launder mat and paid for with a swipe card. We would be in need of a parent to coordinate this program, which would consist of making sure each month a scout(s) and parent is signed up and follows through. On the service end, we’d have a signup sheet where a scout could sign up to help, as long as that scout’s parent can get them and the blankets to and from the launder mat. First things first, if you are interested in coordinating the monthly schedule, please let me know. After that, we will communicate further details to the troop and scouts can then sign up if interested.
WARREN DUNES CAMPOUT AUGUST 13-15TH
OFF TO THE BEACH! The perfect summer camping experience, on the beach in Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer, Mich. Forms are due August 3rd, just after summer camp. Of course you could surprise me and get them in early.
MAQUOKETA CAVES STATE PARK CAMPOUT CANCELLED
Our October 8-10, 2010 trip to Maquoketa Caves State Park has been cancelled. We will try to maintain the date for a campout at an alternative location, information will be communicated as soon as the committee determines the new location. The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park are closed to help slow a disease known as white-nose syndrome that is killing bats across the eastern half of the United States. The Iowa DNR closed state owned caves that are known to serve as bat hibernation sites. Because our primary interest in going to this location was to explore the caves, we have decide to cancel the trip there and look for another camping experience.
Your in Scouting,
Mr. Evans
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Bradley Evans
Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 41
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
www.troop41glenellyn.org
Troop 41:
We just returned from our trip to Starved Rock and had an outstanding, albeit, wet time.
TENTS
We had severe storms Friday night/Saturday morning and the new tents performed very well (when properly set up…read between the lines). We decided to pack up the tents damp this morning rather than wait for them to dry out, which was a wise choice as it later poured. We ended up sending the tents home with boys, so, if your son has a tent, he should set it up, dry it out and clean it immediately. The tents will quickly get moldy and smelly in this heat and moisture. These are new tents and are in great shape, please lets keep them this way, we worked hard to earn the money to purchase them, let’s have them last as long as the previous tents. Please bring the dried and cleaned tents to the next troop meeting.
TICKS
If your son went, please remind him to check for ticks, we did spot ticks on one scout.
THANKS
Thanks to the Mr. May, Rossy, Ruffo, Schmitt, and Grimm for driving, Assistant Scoutmaster Meyers for all his help and to Mr. Hanson for pulling our trailer (and bringing the awesome firewood).
Just a reminder, that this Tuesday night, there are no Troop 41 meetings scheduled.
Yours in Scouting,
Mr. Evans
–
Bradley Evans
Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 41
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
www.troop41glenellyn.org
Troop 41 parents and Scouts:
Here is some Troop news you can use.
HELPING EACH OTHER OUT
Just a quick comment of thanks to the scouts who have stepped up and helped out their fellow scouts working on Eagle projects. The turnout and help at these projects has been outstanding and you should all be proud of that.
SUMMER CAMP FORMS DUE TUESDAY JUNE 22
Summer camp forms are due this Tuesday, June 22nd. The Annual Health and Medical Record takes the most planning. This form requires a physical exam with physician’s signature. If you have any other physical exam dated 8/1/2009 through today, a doctor’s visit/signature is not required; this will satisfy part B requirements. You still need to fill out part A & C. Parents staying more than 72 hours are also required to fill out the Annual Health and Medical Record (with physician’s signature). Parents staying overnight for the first time also need to submit an Illinois Background check – this form is quick and easy but should be sent this month. Please contact Ken McClurg with any questions. Additional information and forms can be found on the Summer Camp page on the troop website.
AND NOW, FOR SOME MERIT BADGE STUFF:
CITIZENSHIP MERIT BADGES
Citizenship in the Nation
Citizenship in the Nation continues next troop meeting, on Tuesday, June 22nd, after the troop meeting from 8:15 until 8:45. The requirements to prepare for our next meeting are #4, #5, and #7. Requirement #4 has five parts for it. Write a couple of sentences about each document and how your life would be different without each one so we can have a good conversation. Requirement #5 asks you to list the six functions of government that are noted in the Preamble of the Constitution and then write a couple of sentences about how these functions affect you, your family, and your community. Finally, requirement #7 is about the 3 branches of government. Write a couple of sentences about how citizens are involved in each branch and the importance of each branch and the system of checks and balances.
If you guys can’t get your hands on a merit badge book, visit meritbadge.org (with your parents’ permission of course).
One last note. If any of you weren’t able to make the last meeting and haven’t spoken to Mr. Connor McGee, they covered requirements #3 and #2d. If you have any questions, either shoot Mr. Connor McGee an e-mail or give him a call.
Citizenship in the Community
Citizenship in the Community starts next troop meeting, on Tuesday, June 22nd, during the troop meeting from 7:15 until 8:00. So far, there are 16 boys who have expressed interest in taking the badge.
If your name is not on the list, please contact Mr. Jenner to let him know if are interested or tell him at the meeting. Please come prepared with a book. If you can’t locate a book we have a few, but you can review the requirements and obtain a worksheet at meritbadge.org.
NEW OWASIPPE OFFERED MERIT BADGES
Owasippe will be offering new merit badges to experienced scouts in 2010.
Water Sports Merit Badge. New in 2010, Water Sports Merit Badge will allow scouts to develop their water skiing skills and the learn the safe and fun way to experience this thrilling pastime.
Motor Boating Merit Badge. New in 2010 – if you ever wanted to learn how to operate a motor boat as well as the rules of the lake, this is the badge for you.
2010 HISTORIC MERIT BADGES AT OWASIPPE
The following historic merit badges will be offered in 2010 and ONLY in 2010. These are not appropriate for first year scouts.
Carpentry Merit Badge. Work and learn about elements involving tools and carpentry skill, as well as spending time with Owasippe’s amazing maintenance staff.
Tracking Merit Badge. Learn how to track wild animals.
Signaling Merit Badge. Learn to make signaling devices such a buzzer, blinker, etc. Send and receive messages in Morse and Semaphore Codes.
More information about the badges, including worksheets, can be found at meritbadge.org.
Reminder: All Scout and Adult Owasippe forms are due June 22. Packets are available at on our Summer Camp page. One of the forms, the “Merit Badge & Activity Planning form”, should be used to indicate all your interests (including badges listed above). Several senior scouts received a 6/13 email with additional Owasippe opportunities – use the “Merit Badge & Activity Planning form” for these activities too.
GARDENING, AVIATION AND FISHING MERIT BADGES
Summer is a great time to work on outdoor badges like Gardening with counselor Mr. Markunas. Also, Aviation and Fishing merit badges can be worked on during the summer months with Mr. Anderson.
Yours in Scouting,
Mr. Evans
–
Bradley Evans
Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 41
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
www.troop41glenellyn.org
To Troop 41 parents and scouts:
Congratulations to all our eight-grade scouts who graduated and to a couple of our older/former scouts who graduated from High School. Summer has started, school is out. With that in mind, here are some summer-related announcements and news.
TROOP MEETING TIME CHANGES FOR SUMMER
From this Tuesday June 8th to August 10th, we switch to our summer meeting time of 7:00pm to 8:15pm.
STARVED ROCK CAMPOUT PERMISSION SLIPS DUE
Our next campout is at Starved Rock, we will be doing group individual cooking. What that means is that we will bring the food, you will individually cook it over a personal stove or using one of our coffee-can stoves. To learn more about it, please refer to your scout packet where it is described in further details. Forms for the trip are due this Tuesday.
HOWELL NRA YOUTH SHOOTING CAMP
This weekend is the Howell NRA campout, at which we have three scouts attending with Mr. Motz. Thanks to Mr. Motz for stepping up again to be the adult leader accompanying the boys. To all the boys who have attended this in the past, you probably didn’t know this but Clyde Howell passed away this past February. You will remember we used to sing Happy Birthday to him each year as his birthday falls on this weekend, he would have been 95 this weekend. Literally thousands of adults and young people have learned to shoot on Clyde & Yvonne’s farm over the past 50+ years. He will be missed.
CITIZENSHIP MERIT BADGE BOOKS
Who has Citizenship in the Community books? The Nation books, the World? If you worked on the badge last year and didn’t return the book to our Library, can you? Or, if you worked on that badge or others, and have books you no longer need, can you donate them to our library? A scout is thrifty!
PERFECT AGAIN
Congratulations (again) to Glenbard West student and Troop 41 scout and former SPL Philip W. for achieving a perfect ACT composite score when taking the test as part of the Prairie State Achievement Exam. This is the second time that Philip scored a perfect composite score on the ACT. He took the test earlier in the year and earned a 36.
GIVING BACK
This was sent to me by a parent who asked that I share with others. SCARCE is a local organization based in Glen Ellyn and has a program called “Tools for Schools program accepts donations of school and office supplies from individuals and businesses. A couple of our scouts have dropped off “extra” collections during their Eagle projects here too. Read this article to see if you’d like to help them in any small way.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/napertalk/2315094,6_1_NA26_PAGE2COL_S1-100526.article
Yours in Scouting,
Brad
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Bradley Evans
Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 41
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
www.troop41glenellyn.org
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The Boy Scouts have instituted some changes in their youth protection policies recently. As of June 1 of this year, all registered volunteers are required to have taken the BSA youth protection training. It is available on-line. Leaders are strongly encouraged to complete such training in their Councils (or on-line), but the training is also offered at the Ad Center Snack Bar at 9:30 a.m. each Monday morning at Owasippe Summer Camp.
On a good day the on line version goes pretty quickly. However, based on my recent personal experience, you would be well served to take the training at an “off” time. It was exceptionally grumpy and uncooperative yesterday morning and afternoon – I tried four different times and it locked up part way through each time and I had to re-start from the beginning each time. If you are interrupted for any reason, it appears you will have to start from scratch – it does not “recall” what material you have already covered. This morning it operated without a hitch and I made it through start-to-finish in one pass. Here is a link to the Council website:
http://www.threefirescouncil.org/
Thanks!
Barney Markunas
Troop 41 Committee Chair
Troop 41:
A couple quick news items
TROOP MEETING
Philip W is doing a video as part of his Eagle project and it is important that we look good, so please try and dress in your Class A uniforms this next Tuesday (5/25).
FAMILY LIFE MERIT BADGE
Anne Hanley (Philip W’s mother) is our troop counselor for the Family Life badge. She will work with interested boys on this badge during the summer and fall. We will have information sheets at the next meeting. It will include a timeline for you to use as you work on this badge, including the list of dates she will be at meetings to talk over your progress. She will arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the troop meeting to work with you in the foyer of Pilgrim Hall. You can think of the dates as due dates for required elements of the badge. Please bring your filled-out workbook to the meetings for Ms. Hanley to initial. You can always work ahead! More details on flyers. Remember, especially you recently turned First-Class scouts, this is an Eagle required badge and a great badge for First-Class age scouts. Questions? Click on Anne Hanley.
GARDENING MERIT BADGE
Any Scout that helps mom, dad, or grandma with their garden is well on their way to getting the Gardening Merit Badge. Mr. Markunas is willing to counsel anyone who is interested, it is the right time of the year. See Mr. M at the next Troop Meeting and ask him how you can get started. Questions? Click on Barney Markunas.
Yours in Scouting,
Mr. Evans
–
Bradley Evans
Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 41
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
www.troop41glenellyn.org
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