Best Regards

Good job to the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) this week to plan the next few meeting and get a jump on the November camping/hiking trips. The PLC is doing a good job at taking responsibility for all aspects of running the troop. Well done! The PLC (14 scouts were in attendance) also consumed 6 pizzas.

We have a special day of service coming up on November 17, as we rake leaves at the Scout House starting at 7:30 AM (arrive by 7:20). The patrol leaders will be painting (color coding) all of the patrol equipment, so the gear will be recognizable. I will also be in attendance doing Scoutmaster conferences (who needs one?) and signing off on any Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd and 1st class requirements if you are ready or need some help. After raking, painting, and advancement, we will need seven scouts to head off to Miles Inman’s Eagle Service project at the Concord Council on Aging.  Pizza will be offered at lunch in addition to the morning donuts and other good stuff. Hope to see everyone there.
Monument Hall has been working well for us. Good facilities which have allowed for breakouts and boards of review. Reminder the turkey truck is Sunday, November 18th. Bring a frozen turkey for those who may not have a meal without your donation.
For Star and Life Scouts, Mr. Quigley, Flintlock District Advancement Chair, gave a presentation on the path to Eagle. Attending were Miles, Ben, Luke, Xander and Nolan along with their parents. This presentation was very valuable in describing the process and challenges for attaining Eagle. This is not an easy process. In addition to earning 21 merit badges (13 Eagle required), being active in the troop (attending meetings and Troop outings), fully participating in a Troop position of responsibility as Life Scout for 6 months, completing an Eagle project (planning, conducting, and writing up an Eagle project), filling out an Eagle application (references & dates), and passing a board of review. This is a challenge. For those in sports, I like to use the analogy that it is like having two varsity sports at the same time. Can you do it? Maybe. But in any case, it’s a huge challenge. It’s also challenging if your on a deadline. That’s why “Be Prepared” means just that. Plan ahead. The Troop and adult Scout leaders like myself, volunteer countless hours to help you (the Scout) along this journey, but it is all up to you (the Scout) and not your parents to earn Eagle.
Remember, the goal is to become good scouts. We have good scouts at every rank. What makes a good scout? A scout who lives and tries their best to live by the Scout Oath and Law. This is what we do and who we are. It’s the foundation for your life and our mission as Scouters (adult leaders) to give you that opportunity in all our events and activities. Not many other clubs, teams, or activities that request that you take an Oath and live by a Scout Law. Remember that. These are words that hopefully will shape your character.
We are here to support you and encourage you to become good scouts! Go do your good turn – daily – repeat …daily!