Reminder that there are no scout meetings this week.  When the month has five Tuesdays, we take off that fifth Tuesday of the month.

PLC  Training Weekend

We’ve officially started the 2012 Scouting year.  This past weekend, all new leaders camped and trained at Camp Hoover.  The new leaders were trained by both past boy leaders and adult leaders.  During the day on Saturday, the boys participated in 10+ training sessions.  A huge thanks goes out to Peter M, Marc K, Danny M, Brian R, Nick M, and Nathan K for giving up their weekend and leading the training.  Mr Markunas and Mr Ruffo provided cooking that would make a chef proud.  Finally, a big thanks goes out to Mr Peraino for organizing/coordinating this productive weekend.

Welcome new scouts!

On behalf of Troop 41, I’d like to welcome our newest scouts into the troop.  Our new boy scouts include:  Nicholas H, Bennett F, Henry S, Bobby M, Starr B, Tyler B, Nate B, Samuel M, Joshua C, Joshua O, Joshua M, and Joshua R.  I encourage everyone to introduce yourself when you see the new faces at our events.

Ski Trip Weekend

Last call for all skiers (or tubers) for the February 10th outing.  The forms can be found in the left margin.  Please contact Mr. Meyers by February 1st if you plan on attending.  We are limited to 50 people, so first come, first serve.

New Distribution List – Mr. Ruggiero

The troop email distribution list has been updated based on the addresses provided on the troop registration forms.  If you ever need an email address added or deleted from this distribution list, just let me know.

Family Life Badge – Mrs. Hanley

Mrs. Hanley will meet with boys already working on the Family Life badge before the next troop meeting on February 14.  She will be available outside Pilgrim Hall between 7:30-8:00.  For boys who are interested in starting the badge, please contact her to get the packet and future meeting dates.

2012 Friends of Scouting Cards Distributed – Mrs. Ruggiero

The Friends of Scouting Pledge Cards were passed out at the Jan 24 troop meeting and the remaining cards have all been mailed out and should arrive in your mailbox.  I am hoping to have them all back by the next troop meeting (Feb 14).  Regardless of whether you choose to donate to BSA, I need to collect and return all the signed cards so that the Council knows that you received the info and were given the opportunity to give back.  As an incentive, I told the boys that their name would be entered into a raffle to win an ultra, light weight, LED headlamp by Princeton Tec, if their signed white card is returned by the Feb 14 meeting.  Your scout can bring the card to the Feb 14 meeting, or you can mail it to me before then.  Any checks should be made out to Boys Scouts of America.  The name will be picked at the end of the Feb 14 troop meeting (you don’t have to be present to win).

Thanks for your help with this project.  If you have any questions, contact Mrs Ruggiero.

A meeting of the PLC will occur Tuesday at 7 pm in the Chapel prior to the regular troop meeting.  We will get back to our normal meetings on the first Tuesday of the month beginning February 7.  Permission forms for the Jr. Leaders training weekend at Hoover Outdoor Education Center should be turned in Tuesday.  The training weekend is this coming weekend Jan 27-29.  We will meet at the Library at 6:15 for a 6:30 departure.  All newly elected Jr. Leaders are strongly encouraged to attend.  Permission forms are to be turned into Mr. Meyers.  Any questions contact Mr. Peraino.

Ski Trip – Feb. 10-12 –Mr. Meyers

Reminder – The February Ski trip permission form and payment is due at the January 24 troop meeting.  If you have any question contact Mr. Meyers.

Snow Sports Merit Badge –Mr. Ruffo, Mrs. Berry

With snow finally on the ground and our annual ski/snowboard trip fast approaching, Mrs. Berry will once again be offering the snow sports merit badge to boys that are interested in getting started and to any boys that are already started and still need to finish up from a previous year.  She will be at the January 24^th meeting to go over criteria, meeting schedule and to let you know where to print the packets.  Boys interested in doing the badge, but cannot attend the meeting, please contact Mr. Ruffo or Mrs. Berry [see January 22 Troop News email for her email address or contact the Web Site Team].

Attention: Current Life Scouts – Mr. Evans

At Life rank, a Scout used to receive a package of information about becoming an Eagle Scout…you may have received one.  If you received materials as a Life Scout previously, discard them.

In 2011, handout packages were eliminated and the information was placed online. Those materials were recently changed and new materials developed.  The new materials replace ALL former EAGLE applications and workbooks.  As of January 1, 2012, Scouts are now required to use the new Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook and Eagle Scout Rank Application.  In addition, you need to download three other documents — Letter to Life Scout, Eagle Scout Character Reference and Helpful Hints for Eagle Candidates — from the Three Fires Council website.  For your convenience, a “Trail to Eagle” flyer detailing all this information as well as links to the new materials have been placed on our website.  If you have any questions regarding these materials, please contact Troop 41 Eagle Mentor Mr Evans [see January 22 Troop News email for his email address or contact Web Site Team].

2012 Friends of Scouting Campaign – Mrs. Ruggiero

At the January 24^th Troop Meeting, I plan on distributing the Friends of Scouting Pledge Cards, which need to be signed and returned (whether you choose to donate or not).  Please ask your scout for this card so that it doesn’t vanish in the depths of his day pack.

Our unit, through the local council, receives many services that help insure the quality Scouting program your Scout enjoys.  Through the Scouting program, our sons learn lifetime values while having fun with family and friends.  Among the services provided are:

• Training for all adult leaders
• Liability and accident insurance coverage for all Scouts and adult leaders
• Camping and program facilities at Camp Big Timber, Camp Freeland Leslie, and the Scout Adventure Camp.
• A trained professional staff to provide support to unit leaders
• The Norris Service Center and the Deicke Scout Shop to provide “behind the scenes” support for advancement and record keeping.

The cost of delivering the Scouting program to more than 37,000 youth in the Three Fires  Council is $150 per Scout.  If you are able, please consider making a contribution to support the Scouting program.

Click on the following link to see some of the Council’s achievements since last year’s campaign.  If you have any questions, contact Mrs Ruggiero.

We have just one volunteer to wash the PADS blankets for January and February, and none for the remaining dates of the year.  We need two families to volunteer each month.  Remember that we responded to your complaints by making the process easier and more flexible than ever.  You can pick up the blankets any time from the Wednesday before the service date to the afternoon of the service date.  It takes just two hours.  All supplies are provided.  Please consult your calendars right away and email Anne Hanley to sign up.  The 2012 service dates (the Sunday by which the blankets need to be washed) are January 15, February 5, March 4, April 8, May 6, June 3, July 8, and August 5.  [See 1/8/2012 Troop News email for Anne's address or contact the Web Site Team].

NEXT MEETING JANUARY 10th

Tuesday January 10^th is the next troop meeting.  Junior Leaders will meet at 7:00, Family Life Merit Badge will meet at 7:30, troop meeting starts at 7:45.  Please remember to bring your 2012 registration form and fee if you haven’t done so yet.

Toby C is missing his white 3 ring binder full of merit badges.  It was misplaced at the church during our last troop meeting and we are hoping someone from the troop has it with them.  If you have any information about this, please contact Toby [see 12/18 email for Toby’s address].

PADS Blanket Project Volunteers needed (Mrs Hanley)

Thanks to the families that volunteered to wash blankets in October, November, and December.  I need more volunteers for the New Year!  I need two families to volunteer for each month through June.  The project is more flexible than ever!  You can pick up the blankets anytime between Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon for the Sunday evening PADS needs.  The Sunday dates (by when the blankets need to be washed) are  January 15, February 5, March 4, April 8, May 6, and June 3.  Check your calendars and then email me to sign up.  Thanks in advance for your time!

Family Life Badge (Mrs Hanley)

Mrs. Hanley invites all scouts First Class and above to earn the Family Life badge.  She will begin working with a new group at the January 10th meeting, as well as continuing to work with the scouts who are in the process of earning the badge.  If you are interested, you can email her to request a work book and start working on some of the requirements right away!  Winter break is a great time to start keeping track of your chores and to do a project for or with your family.  Family Life meetings will be in the foyer outside Pilgrim Hall at 7:30.