Reminder:  You are cordially invited to Brian R’s Eagle Court of Honor which will be held Sunday, May 20^th at 2:00 pm at First Congregational Church.  Please show your support and join in the celebration of Brian’s achievement.

Conor M Eagle Project – May 27th

I am working on my Eagle project organizing and coordinating a blood drive with LifeSource.  The Blood Drive will be held at the lower level (Pilgrim hall) at First Congregational Church on Sunday, May 27, 2012 from 8:30am to 12:30pm.  Parents, please consider signing up for an appointment to donate blood.  To sign up, please visit Lifesource.org, click “Donate Blood” and go to “New Donor make an appointment.” Click on the “Sponsor Code” option and enter “836C” to reach my blood drive appointment page.  Thank you.

Pancake Breakfast – Mrs Grimm & Mrs Strohl

Thank you to all the scouts and parents who helped to make this year’s pancake breakfast a huge success!  We served more food than we have in the past few years.

Thank you to Mrs Charniak for chairing the bake sale.  A huge thank you to our troop’s own Mr Schmitt for all his donations.  Also thanks to Flour Barrel Bakery, Einstein’s Bagels, Trader Joes, Jewel, McDonalds on Roosevelt, CK Auto, and Family Health & Wellness Clinic for their donations.  Please patronize these businesses.

If you haven’t turned in your ticket sales, PLEASE TURN IN YOUR ENVELOPE AT THE TROOP MEETING ON MAY 22^nd.  Prizes will be awarded to the top three sellers in June.

The Pancake Breakfast is one of our two major fundraisers each year.  It helps to fund equipment, awards, supplies, outings and more for the upcoming year.  We appreciate all the support!

Two items from Eagle Mentor Mr Evans to Younger Scouts (and parents)

One, you may have noticed a lot of Eagle project items in our Troop News lately as many older scouts work towards Eagle.  Part of the Eagle project is for the candidate to lead others, most often, other scouts.  It is important that younger scouts help out on these projects when they can.  They earn volunteer hours towards rank advancement by “doing a good deed,” and, they form the foundation of their Eagle Path…so many boys I’ve worked with have said they had their first thoughts about becoming an Eagle when they helped out on a project.  Consider helping out on one of these upcoming Eagle projects the next couple months, it is not only rewarding for the boy working toward Eagle, but to all those who help.

Two, at our recent Eagle ceremonies there has been a noticeable absence of younger scouts.  While weekend schedules often come into play, most often I hear that young scouts and families don’t come because they don’t know the Eagle Scout.  I was one of those parents.  And I was wrong.  Attending an Eagle ceremony is one of the best things a young scout can do…they get a visual dose of “what” the whole Eagle thing is…they see teachers, coaches, grandparents and neighbors show up to congratulate the achievement, they even see Dads cry.  Please consider attending the next one you can, we’ll have numerous opportunities this year.  In fact, this Sunday, May 20th is one of those opportunities.  Brian R’s Eagle Court of Honor will be held at 2:00 pm at First Congregational Church.  Please come.  Once again, it is not only rewarding for the boy who has achieved Eagle, but to all those who attend.

OWASIPPE – Mr. Peraino

The final payment for summer camp is due May 22.  The fee is $360 per scout.  Be sure to include your payment coupons and your scout schedule.  All forms and information required to fill out the schedule are on the website.  Scouts and parents should be working on the completion of the remainder of all forms.  Turn paperwork in at next Tuesday’s troop meeting or drop it in the red bag on the Peraino’s front door.  Once the final count is tallied the focus will shift to transportation and adults attendees.  Parents please consider driving TO, FROM, or BOTH WAYS to camp.  Drivers may stay overnight in our campsite for free.  Adults staying multiple nights will be charged $30 per night.  Any adult in camp longer than 72 hours will be required to have the adult forms filled out including the BSA Youth Protection (online) and the BSA medical form.

A reminder that only the BSA Medical form is allowed at camp.  No school medicals or sport team medicals are accepted.  The date of the medical exam is to have occurred less than one year prior to the date of camp.

Space Available for this Weekend’s Campout!

The weather looks great – time to get out and do some tent camping and individual cooking.  We still have openings for the MS Pallisades campout.  If interest, e-mail Mr. Meyers by Wednesday evening.  Permission form can be turned in at the library on Friday night (meeting at 6:00).  We are planning to return by noon, so everybody can shower before Brian R’s COH at 2:00.  Boys will be out enjoying nature and working on rank advancement.  We will leave Saturday’s schedule open to exploring the extensive grounds, for hiking and learning how to be a scout.

Individual cooking-  Refer to pages 14, 15 and 16 of Scout packet but remember… the Troop will provide the food on this one; the boys will be cooking using personal stoves.  There are a couple links as examples of personal stoves for camping.  If the boys wish, we will have coffee can charcoal stoves, and will be making some extras on Friday night to teach the boys how.

Space Available for Howell Shooting Camp

Anyone who is interested in attending the Fourteenth Annual Clyde Howell Shooting Camp on June 2-3 can still sign up until Wednesday evening.  This includes scouts and Dads.  There is no fee for Dads, but they are required to help out at the campout by chaperoning a group of boys to the different events.  All food is provided, so there is no cooking!  We only camp one night.  Click here for the troop permission form and Howell adult/youth camp forms.  Any questions contact Mr. Ruggiero.

Help is needed by scouts and adults to make this a success.  This Friday night, May 11, we need scouts at First Congregational from 7-8 pm to help set up and to receive instructions on what to do Saturday.  And on Saturday, we’ll need scouts around 7:00 am to start.  If you can’t make it then, you can come later too, but everyone should plan on helping for at least 3 hours.  We also need help from both adults and scouts for the cleanup and are usually short of help because many come early, leave early.  Please do your part, help in any way you can.  Some parents have already signed up.  Others can just pitch in that day.  Look for Mrs. Grimm or Mrs. Strohl for your instructions.

We are holding a bake sale during the Pancake Breakfast.  All scouts are asked to bring fresh baked items to be sold.  The more items we have, the more profit the troop makes.  Two plates of six items each will sell for more than one plate with a dozen items.  Wrapped bake sale items can be dropped off at the church Friday, May 11 during set up or before 7:00 am Saturday morning.  Please label all baked goods as to what the item is.  It’s especially important to note if it contains nuts.

Scouts, remember to wear your class A uniforms including neckerchief Saturday morning.  Parents, remember to park far away so we leave the best spots for our customers!  Thanks for making this a success!  Questions?  Contact Mrs Grimm or Mrs Strohl.

High Adventure 2012 – Mr. Evans

Please read this document that describes this year’s high adventure trip scheduled for  June 23-30^th.  If you would like to participate, we need to know by May 8th.  You can find Mr Evans’ contact information in the 5/6/2012 Troop News email or send an email to the Web Site Team.

Howell Shooting Camp, June 2nd-3rd – Mr. Ruggiero

A reminder that the Fourteenth Annual Clyde Howell Shooting Camp will be June 2-3.   This camp is for scouts that are first class or above as of Jan 1. 2012.  Forms are due at the troop meeting on May 8^th.  Any questions contact Mr. Ruggiero.

OWASIPPE – Mr. Peraino

Final Payment for summer camp is now due. The fee is $360 per scout. Bring your payment along with the completed permission form to Tuesday’s troop meeting. Payments may also be left in the red bag hanging on the Peraino’s front door. The deadline for the final Payment is May 22.

Scouts also need to complete and turn in their schedule indicating the merit badges and outposts they plan to attend. Use the camp program guide, master schedule and the various descriptions and prerequisites to plan.  Remember the following:

1) First year scouts participate in the Pathfinder program during the morning each day.

2) Afternoon merit badges available to first year scouts are: Geology, Mammal Study, Sculpture, Basketry, Fishing and Cooking

3) Outposts available to first year scouts are: Horseback Riding, Open Climbing, Fishing Outpost and River Tubing

4) First Class or above is required for the following Outposts: Sailing, Cope, Motor Sports, Lake Tubing and High Adventure Merit Badges.

Mr. Peraino will be on hand prior to Tuesday’s meeting (approx. 7:30 pm) to collect payment, answer questions and provide scheduling assistance.  Pathfinder and standard merit badge classes are guaranteed.  However, Outposts and High-Adventure merit badges are first-come first-serve and have limited space.  So get your schedule complete and turn- in to reserve a spot for the activities you wish to do!  For more information and forms, visit our Summer Camp page.

My project is to refurbish 12 outdoor tables at BR Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn.  This requires both volunteers and fundraising. The fundraising will be at McChesney & Miller on May 5th (and 6th if necessary).  The fundraising will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until 3:00 PM.  I am asking for 1 hour shifts from each person, but you can do more if you wish.  We will refurbish the tables on June 2nd and 3rd, after school gets out.  If you are able to participate, please send me an e-mail with your name.  [See 4/29 Troop News email for contact information or click to send an email to the Web Site Team].  Thanks, Jason M

Mark S Eagle Project –Saturday, May 5

We got a good start on the project today.  Thanks to Jason, Shawn, and Aaron for helping with the digging.  We will continue working on Saturday 9am to noon, lunch from noon to 1pm and another work shift from 1pm – 3pm (Sunday if needed 1pm – 3pm). The project if you weren’t aware of, is at Windsor Park in Carol Stream where we are doing landscaping work around the community there.  I know Jason M is also working on his project that day but he will only need about five people around to help during the day.  If you could please get back to me via E-Mail or phone and let me know if you could lend a hand.    [See 4/29 Troop News email for contact information or click to send an email to the Web Site Team].  I am hoping for 10 – 12 people during each shift and I would like to know if you would be able to come before hand so I can get a head count for lunch on Saturday.  Thanks, Mark S.

Pancake Breakfast – Mrs. Grimm & Mrs. Strohl

Are you selling tickets for the pancake breakfast?  This is our biggest fundraiser on the year.  Each scout is expected to sell a minimum of $100 in tickets and donations.  Remember, the more scouts sell the more money they can earn for their own scout account to be used as they wish for future campouts or to help pay for summer camp.  Any parents who are interested in helping during the pancake breakfast can contact Carol Grimm.  We will also be holding a bake sale during the breakfast.   Thanks

Brian R Eagle Court of Honor – Sunday, May 20

You are cordially invited to Brian R’s Eagle Court of Honor which will be held Sunday, May 20^th at 2:00 pm at First Congregational Church.  Click here for the invitation.  Please show your support and join in the celebration of Brian’s achievement.

Howell Shooting Camp, June 2nd-3rd – Mr. Ruggiero

The Fourteenth Annual Clyde Howell Shooting Camp will be June 2-3.  We will be camping Saturday night only, which means a very early departure Saturday morning (6:00am) from the library.  This camp is for scouts that are first class or above as of Jan 1. 2012.  The permission form can be found in “Downloads” in the left margin.  Click for the link to their website where you’ll find brochure, as well as Adult and Youth forms.  Please return slip on or before May 8^th.  Any questions contact Mr. Ruggiero.

Owasippe Summer Camp – Mr. Peraino

Can’t wait to make that final payment for Owasippe?  Wrapped up some of the paperwork and want to turn it in before the next Troop meeting?  Looking to get that Scout Schedule in to reserve your merit badge slot and outpost?  No problem, put it in an envelope and drop it off in the red bag hanging on Mr. Peraino’s front door.  The address can be found in the 4/29 Troop News email.  Payments for summer camp are now due.  Be sure to include the proper payment form!  Scout schedules, the BSA medical form/insurance card, the 3-strike policy, the medication form and horseback riding form should all be filled out and turned in shortly after payment.  Click here for scout forms.

Parents give some thought to driving TO, FROM or BOTH WAYS to camp.  Drivers wanting to spend the night at camp may do so for free.  Parents wishing to attend camp for more than the overnight pay $30 per day up to the weekly rate of $150.00.  Information for adults attending camp is on the Troop’s Summer Page page.  Additionally, adults may contact Mr Peraino with any questions.

Remember, we will be hosting our Spring Court of Honor during the regular Tuesday Troop Meeting this Tuesday, April 24 from 7:45-9:00pm.  All Scouts (wearing Class A uniform) and their parents are encouraged to attend the Troop Court of Honor, as this is a time to recognize all of the hard work your Scouts put in earning rank advancement and merit badges.  Each family is asked to bring a desert to share.

We are looking for boys to come early Tuesday, April 24 to help set up table and chairs for the Court of Honor in Pilgrim Hall.  Please arrive at 6:30pm if possible to assist. We know there are a lot of activities going on that night, so we appreciate any assistance.  Please contact Mrs Hatfield or Mrs Carter if you are able to help.  [See 4/22 Troop News email for contact information or click to send an email to the Web Site Team].  Thank you in advance for your help.

Mark S Eagle Project –  Saturday, April 28 at 9:00am Sunday, April 29 at 1:00 pm

My Eagle Scout project will take place at the Windsor Park Manor Nursing Home / Retirement Community in Carol Stream on Saturday, April 28 Sunday April 29 and Saturday May 5.  I realize that next weekend is Glen Ellyn’s Clean Sweep but I hope you will be able to give me a few hours of your time on Saturday.  Please let me know which shift you are able to volunteer at and if you are planning to stay for lunch.  [See 4/22 Troop News email for the flyer & contact information or click to send an email to the Web Site Team].  Thank you. Mark S.

Jason M Eagle Project – Saturday, May 5 and June 2-3

The BR Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn provides many benefits to kids in our area.  When I was younger I benefitted from their programs.  I figured that my Eagle project would be a good opportunity to give back.  They have 12 outdoor tables that they use for many of their programs.  They’re in bad shape.  My project is to refurbish them.  This requires both volunteers and fundraising.  The fundraising will be at McChesney & Miller on May 5th (and 6th if necessary).  Please note that the date has been moved from April 28th to May 5th.  The fundraising will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until 3:00 PM.  I am asking for 1 hour shifts from each person, but you can do more if you wish.  We will refurbish the tables on June 2nd and 3rd, after school gets out.  If you are able to participate, please send me an e-mail with your name or see me at the troop meeting, I will have a signup sheet.  [See 4/22 Troop News email for contact information or click to send an email to the Web Site Team].  Thanks, Jason M

OWASIPPE – Mr. Peraino

Payments for Summer Camp are due!  It is time to plan for a week of growth, advancement and memories at Owasippe.  Payment of $150.00 is due at this Tuesday’s Court of Honor.  The Final Payment of $210.00 is due May 22.  Scouts may also make a onetime payment of the total amount of $360.00.  Don’t delay, pay today!  Be sure to include your payment stub (filled out of course) with your check.  When making your final payment, submit the remainder of the stub which includes the Troop Permission form.  The form is the third page of the ‘Scout Form Packet’ located on the SUMMER CAMP page.

Print the remainder of those forms and get the balance of the Owasippe paperwork going: Make a Dr.’s appointment for your physical; fill out your scout schedule; sign your name on that 3-Strikes policy and turn em’ all in!

BSA Swim Test – Mr. Peraino

Sunday, April 29, is Troop 41’s swim test at the B.R. Ryall YMCA.  Scouts should plan on arriving prior to 4:45 pm to change.  We have the pool from 5 pm- 6 pm.  Scouts will be instructed on the requirements of the test and then graded on their performance.  This is a great opportunity for scouts to become aware of their swimming ability prior to attending summer camp.  Any deficiency can then be addressed via practice or a lesson in preparation for Owasippe.  A Troop 41 Permission form and YMCA waiver form are required for each scout.  There is no fee for this activity.

High Adventure 2012 – Mr. Evans

Please read this document that describes this year’s high adventure trip scheduled for June 23-30^th.  If you would like to participate, we need to know by May 8th.  You can email Mr. Evans or call him.  [See 4/22 Troop News email for contact information or click to send an email to the Web Site Team].

Howell Shooting Camp, June 2-3rd – Mr. Ruggiero

The Fourteenth Annual Clyde Howell Shooting Camp will be June 2-3.  It is at a new location and we will be camping only Saturday night, which means we will be leaving very early Saturday morning.  Registration form and more details will come out in the next troop news.  This camp is for scouts that are first class or above.

Remember, we will be hosting our Spring Court of Honor during the regular Tuesday Troop Meeting on April 24 from 7:45-9:00pm.  All Scouts (wearing Class A uniform) and their parents are encouraged to attend the Troop Court of Honor, as this is a time to recognize all of the hard work your Scouts put in earning rank advancement and merit badges.  Each family is asked to bring a desert to share.

Pancake Breakfast Packets – Mrs. Grimm

The Pancake Breakfast packets were distributed at our last troop meeting.  Any boys that did not attend should contact Mrs. Grimm to pick up their packets.  It includes information about the breakfast, selling tickets, the bake sale, and the tickets themselves.  The Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for May 12.  Now is the time to start selling!

Jason M Eagle Project – April 28, June 2-3

The BR Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn provides many benefits to kids in our area.  When I was younger I benefitted from their programs.  I figured that my Eagle project would be a good opportunity to give back.  They have 12 outdoor tables that they use for many of their programs.  They’re in bad shape.  My project is to refurbish them.  This requires both volunteers and fundraising.  The fundraising will be at McChesney & Miller on April 28th (and 29th if necessary).  We will refurbish the tables on June 2nd and 3rd, after school gets out.  I would appreciate your participation.  If you can attend, please send an e-mail to the Web Site Team.  Thanks, Jason.

A Scout is Clean…

Just a reminder with all the spring sports starting up – if you come to troop meetings straight from a sport event, please change into clean shoes before entering the church.  We must be respectful to First Congregational Church and ‘Leave no Trace’ of mud throughout the building.

OWASIPPE – Mr. Peraino

The kick-off to summer camp has begun.  Owasippe is just 3 short months away.  The troop departs the church parking lot Saturday July 21 and returns to the library July 28.  Deposits of $150 are due and can be paid at the upcoming scout meeting/court of honor.  If your parent is attending the committee meeting, they can make payment at that time too!  Be sure to print the payment and permission form and turn in with your check. Full payments of $360 are also welcomed!

Other important Owasippe tasks:

Print off those forms and fill them out.  The sooner you turn them in, the better.  Set that appointment for your physical and bring in the BSA medical form for the Doc to fill out.

April 29th is the BSA swim test at the B. R. Ryall YMCA.  Show up at 4:45.  We have the pool at 5:00 pm.  We will review and administer the BSA swim test.  It is a great opportunity for new and younger scouts to test themselves prior to arriving at camp.  Any deficiencies or area needing improvement can be addressed and corrected in the months leading up to camp.  Click here for the permission slip.

Review the program packet and fill out the scout schedule.  All merit badge classes must be pre-registered as well as any outposts or High-Adventure a scout wishes to do.  So get with your buddies, choose your classes, pick your outposts and turn that schedule in ASAP.  Remember, outposts and Hi-Ad will be first come first serve!  Note: Cope, Sailing, Motor boating, water sports, water skiing require First Class rank or above.

Parents check those calendars and give some thought to driving ‘to’, ‘from’ or both ways to Owasippe.  Our large contingent requires many (possibly 18-20) vehicles to haul our scouts and their weeks ambitions to camp.  Drivers can stay overnight in our campsite for free.  Parents wishing to stay longer may do so for $30 per night or $150 for the week.

All forms and information can be found on the troop website under the summer camp page.  Mr. Peraino will be available prior to troop meetings to answer any questions or provide direction.  He may also be contacted via the troop website.  Let’s get planning to make this year’s trip to America’s Premiere Scout Camp the best ever.

Our counselor for Citizenship of the Nation  is Mr. Motz.  To start the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge, Mr. Motz has reserved the library room at the GE library for Monday night, April 9th, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.  It is recommended that the Scouts wear Class B’s and something to take notes with.  Contact Mr Motz with questions.

Citizenship in the World Merit Badge – April/May

Mr Hatfield is our counselor for Citizenship in the World.   Please contact Mr Hatfield at if you would like to sign up.  We will have 3 half-hour workshop sessions prior to Troop meetings, starting in late April or early May, 2012, and completion of a course worksheet.  The merit badge booklet is required.  Topics covered will include forms of government, U.S. diplomatic activities around the world and related current events, State Department briefings, foreign aid agencies and services, and international low and world court mechanisms.

April Camp-Out – April 13-15

Join us for a trip to Springfield, where we’ll spend the day learning why Illinois is known as the ‘Land of Lincoln’.  This is our first outdoor camp-out of the year.  We will spend the nights camping at Clinton Lake Recreation Area with a field big enough for a game of capture the flag and a fire pit with space for all.  Please remember to bring your forms to the troop meeting Tuesday.  E-mail Mr. Meyers if you are planning on attending.  The form can be found in “Downloads” in the left margin, and in your troop packet.  If you have any questions, contact Mr. Meyers.