S100 50/50 Premium Heavyweight T-shirts from ClassB.com
Prior to Committee Meeting last night we were talking about t-shirts.
Class B will do our shirts. No artwork or shipping fees, print (one color) front and back... free shipping for $9.99 per shirt (40 shirts)... check it out at the link above.
-Andy
Friday, September 22, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
GREAT JOB!
Kudos to the guys that gave up thier Sat. to take part in the classroom portion of the Adult Leader Training. Great job; Steve, Scott and Ted!
It's not too late for everyone else... you can still join these guys durring the Outdoor portion of the training in October. Check out the calendar for details.
It's not too late for everyone else... you can still join these guys durring the Outdoor portion of the training in October. Check out the calendar for details.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Meetings 9/7/06
Happy Thursday... looking forward to seeing everyone tonight!
Patrol Leaders Council for Patrol Leaders Assistant PL's @ 6pm
Month's Agenda
Troop Meeting @ 7pm
POPCORN... We need EVERYONE on board for this. Last night the Popcorn Committee has ordered almost 3 times the amount of popcorn from last years Show n' Sell. They know you can sell this.
Mrs. Steesy is leading the charge with this and will be at tonight's meeting. Bring your calendars and be prepared to commit to selling lot's of POPCORN!
Prep for Open House
New Leader Training... this Saturday in Littleton. There is a link on the BLOG with info. I'll bring a copy of the flyer from the web site to the meeting. So far I have commitments from Mr. Laliberte, Mr. Steesy and Mr. Mannik.
See you all tonight,
Andy
Patrol Leaders Council for Patrol Leaders Assistant PL's @ 6pm
Month's Agenda
Troop Meeting @ 7pm
POPCORN... We need EVERYONE on board for this. Last night the Popcorn Committee has ordered almost 3 times the amount of popcorn from last years Show n' Sell. They know you can sell this.
Mrs. Steesy is leading the charge with this and will be at tonight's meeting. Bring your calendars and be prepared to commit to selling lot's of POPCORN!
Prep for Open House
New Leader Training... this Saturday in Littleton. There is a link on the BLOG with info. I'll bring a copy of the flyer from the web site to the meeting. So far I have commitments from Mr. Laliberte, Mr. Steesy and Mr. Mannik.
See you all tonight,
Andy
Link to the District Training Calendar
For the leaders attending this Saturdays training here is the link to the District training calendar. Click the 'HERE' for the flyer. Dennis Murphy is the contact person for this event.
Thanks for your commitment to providing and excellent program for the boys.
-Andy
Thanks for your commitment to providing and excellent program for the boys.
-Andy
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Fall Camporee 2006
When; Sept 29th- Oct 1st
Where; Palmer Brook Scout Reservation, Broomstick Hill Rd., Littleton, NH
You will need to turn in your permission slip to your Patrol Leader by Thursday, the 21st, if you are planning on attending.
Registration cost is $8 per person. If this is to come out of your Scout account remember to write a 'check' and turn it in with your permission slip (you are responcible to make sure you have funds available).
Please use your Scout Handbook as a reference source for the personal items that you will need to bring. If you have any questions as to what is appropriate please see your Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol. We will be hiking our gear into our camp site.
Where; Palmer Brook Scout Reservation, Broomstick Hill Rd., Littleton, NH
You will need to turn in your permission slip to your Patrol Leader by Thursday, the 21st, if you are planning on attending.
Registration cost is $8 per person. If this is to come out of your Scout account remember to write a 'check' and turn it in with your permission slip (you are responcible to make sure you have funds available).
Please use your Scout Handbook as a reference source for the personal items that you will need to bring. If you have any questions as to what is appropriate please see your Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol. We will be hiking our gear into our camp site.
We will be departing from our Troop shed Friday evening at 5:00 pm. We will be carpooling to this event.
We will be returning to the shed by 12 pm on Sunday, Oct 1st. Scouts will need to be picked-up @ noon.
There is no cell service on this site... in an EMERGENCY you may contact 447-1393; every effort will be made to get word to the camp site.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
What a GREAT weekend for a backpacking trip!
A much reduced version of the Troop went on a backpacking trip to Sawyer Pond this past weekend.
Saturday morning, after a little pack fitting, we left parking lot on the Kanc behind us. Promptly we shed our hiking boots and put on our water shoes to wade across the Swift River. We reviewed proper water crossing techniques and then jumped in. The water was COLD. Upon reaching the other side we dried off, re-laced our boots and donned our packs. We were off following the Sawyer Pond trail. The trail is fairly well marked and we met several other hikers either coming from or headed to the pond. We stopped for a very nice lunch on the trail... it's amazing how good a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich can taste when enjoyed on the right location with the right company.
We had a fairly flat hike for the first half of the trip. Once we hit the the halfway mark we started a slight elevation gain, the trail became rockier with more exposed roots. We started thinking about how much fun it was going to be when we hit camp. In true Scout fashion the guys broke out into marching songs while on the trail. After SEVERAL verses I had to be the wet blanket and beg them to stop... there would be a brief pause (out of respect, I'm sure) and then they'd set off singing again.
Upon reaching the pond we made another water crossing and found the tent platforms. We gave some brief thought about staying in the shelter, but, the boys decided... "we lugged the tent... we're going to sleep in it"... there was no arguing with that logic.
It was fun to watch the guys set up camp... they attacked it like real pros. They set up their tent and stowed their gear. Then they went about the task of gathering firewood... this is no easy job as this area sees a ton of traffic. Using teamwork they built one of the best log cabin fire-sets I think I have seen. They set this beauty a blaze using flint and steel. Their next task was cooking dinner. We prepared spaghetti and carrots on the backpacking stove. We enjoyed some ginger snaps and chai tea for dessert. The fire was timed perfectly we enjoyed it thru dinner and then it burned out. After dinner was cleaned up we set-up the requisite bear bag and then went off to filter some water out of the pond.
As the sun set the guys broke out the LED Frisbee and had a blast tossing it about the camp site, as the throws got wilder we decided to call it a night. We got cleaned up and ready for bed, after a long day we turned in around 8:30... I must have been out as soon as I hit my pad. The next morning the boys reported to me the shenanigans, from the college aged group, going on at the site adjacent to us... I don't know how I missed it. Tough being an old dog!
Sunday morning I was up early to enjoy the pre-sunrise dawn. I took my cup of tea down to the edge of the pond and watched the mist rise off the pond... Truly beautiful. The boys rolled out and we cooked rather lumpy, slightly charcoaled, apple pancakes on the stove... looked rough, but, tasted great. We washed them down w/ hot Tang... it get's no better.
We broke camp and cleaned the whole campsite (it's amazing the garbage that people leave behind). The guys did a super job with following the Leave No Trace principles.
We made an impromptu bush-wack around the back side of the pond before taking the Sawyer River trail back to the parking lot and civilization.
All in all a GREAT weekend. The guys joining me are real troopers... this was their first backpack outing... I would not hesitate to take them anywhere.
Here's to more trips into the backcountry.
-Andy
Saturday morning, after a little pack fitting, we left parking lot on the Kanc behind us. Promptly we shed our hiking boots and put on our water shoes to wade across the Swift River. We reviewed proper water crossing techniques and then jumped in. The water was COLD. Upon reaching the other side we dried off, re-laced our boots and donned our packs. We were off following the Sawyer Pond trail. The trail is fairly well marked and we met several other hikers either coming from or headed to the pond. We stopped for a very nice lunch on the trail... it's amazing how good a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich can taste when enjoyed on the right location with the right company.
We had a fairly flat hike for the first half of the trip. Once we hit the the halfway mark we started a slight elevation gain, the trail became rockier with more exposed roots. We started thinking about how much fun it was going to be when we hit camp. In true Scout fashion the guys broke out into marching songs while on the trail. After SEVERAL verses I had to be the wet blanket and beg them to stop... there would be a brief pause (out of respect, I'm sure) and then they'd set off singing again.
Upon reaching the pond we made another water crossing and found the tent platforms. We gave some brief thought about staying in the shelter, but, the boys decided... "we lugged the tent... we're going to sleep in it"... there was no arguing with that logic.
It was fun to watch the guys set up camp... they attacked it like real pros. They set up their tent and stowed their gear. Then they went about the task of gathering firewood... this is no easy job as this area sees a ton of traffic. Using teamwork they built one of the best log cabin fire-sets I think I have seen. They set this beauty a blaze using flint and steel. Their next task was cooking dinner. We prepared spaghetti and carrots on the backpacking stove. We enjoyed some ginger snaps and chai tea for dessert. The fire was timed perfectly we enjoyed it thru dinner and then it burned out. After dinner was cleaned up we set-up the requisite bear bag and then went off to filter some water out of the pond.
As the sun set the guys broke out the LED Frisbee and had a blast tossing it about the camp site, as the throws got wilder we decided to call it a night. We got cleaned up and ready for bed, after a long day we turned in around 8:30... I must have been out as soon as I hit my pad. The next morning the boys reported to me the shenanigans, from the college aged group, going on at the site adjacent to us... I don't know how I missed it. Tough being an old dog!
Sunday morning I was up early to enjoy the pre-sunrise dawn. I took my cup of tea down to the edge of the pond and watched the mist rise off the pond... Truly beautiful. The boys rolled out and we cooked rather lumpy, slightly charcoaled, apple pancakes on the stove... looked rough, but, tasted great. We washed them down w/ hot Tang... it get's no better.
We broke camp and cleaned the whole campsite (it's amazing the garbage that people leave behind). The guys did a super job with following the Leave No Trace principles.
We made an impromptu bush-wack around the back side of the pond before taking the Sawyer River trail back to the parking lot and civilization.
All in all a GREAT weekend. The guys joining me are real troopers... this was their first backpack outing... I would not hesitate to take them anywhere.
Here's to more trips into the backcountry.
-Andy
Friday, July 28, 2006
To clarify
BP is my shorthand for Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scout movement.
I apologize 'BP' is rather irreverent slang for such a great man.
Please forgive me.
-Andy
I apologize 'BP' is rather irreverent slang for such a great man.
Please forgive me.
-Andy
A response to a note I received from 'anonymous'
Today I received an e-mail from 'anonymous'. It included a link to a gay/ liberal website with various articles about the BSA policy towards homosexuality. I am not including a link to this site as I know that many people, of all ages, read my blog. If you would like me to give you the link so that you can read the article for yourself please e-mail me... I will gladly give you the link.
Most recently there was an article that 'anonymous' sited questioning BP's sexual orientation. Basically, the author regurgitated the standard BP biography that we all have read. Then the author went on to question BP's sexual leaning.
The person that e-mailed me did so on an account that will not accept a reply... Does this tell us something about the honor of this person?... Perhaps.
I wanted to share my response.
Dear Anonymous,
An interesting take.
I have read various claims by other biographers before... All pure conjecture and supposition on behalf of the writer. I have never heard or read any evidence that BP was gay. I am of the belief that serving in the military or having close male friendships does not make or qualify a person as being gay. Of interesting note; those that theorize that BP was a homosexual or bisexual seem to have that tendency themselves, or have a 'political' agenda in regards to the BSA.
In a world filled with immorality and vice it is disheartening to me that people spend so much time and energy trying to tear down the foundations of things that actually have value and are making a positive impact.
I have often thought this is just a symptom of our valueless age. A time of instant gratification and immorality. Then I am reminded of our history... Jesus was crucified for his 'crimes'... again radical Muslims are waging an un-holy war against Christendom. Sadly, it seems those that hate people, or movements, that are positive are not bounded by the constraints of time.
For the rest of us we struggle on. Turning the other cheek, trying to make the world a better and more positive place.
I pray that people will spend more of their energies actually trying to make a difference and impact the future... For the better.
Here's to 'leading change' and 'leading to make a difference.'
-Andy C
Most recently there was an article that 'anonymous' sited questioning BP's sexual orientation. Basically, the author regurgitated the standard BP biography that we all have read. Then the author went on to question BP's sexual leaning.
The person that e-mailed me did so on an account that will not accept a reply... Does this tell us something about the honor of this person?... Perhaps.
I wanted to share my response.
Dear Anonymous,
An interesting take.
I have read various claims by other biographers before... All pure conjecture and supposition on behalf of the writer. I have never heard or read any evidence that BP was gay. I am of the belief that serving in the military or having close male friendships does not make or qualify a person as being gay. Of interesting note; those that theorize that BP was a homosexual or bisexual seem to have that tendency themselves, or have a 'political' agenda in regards to the BSA.
In a world filled with immorality and vice it is disheartening to me that people spend so much time and energy trying to tear down the foundations of things that actually have value and are making a positive impact.
I have often thought this is just a symptom of our valueless age. A time of instant gratification and immorality. Then I am reminded of our history... Jesus was crucified for his 'crimes'... again radical Muslims are waging an un-holy war against Christendom. Sadly, it seems those that hate people, or movements, that are positive are not bounded by the constraints of time.
For the rest of us we struggle on. Turning the other cheek, trying to make the world a better and more positive place.
I pray that people will spend more of their energies actually trying to make a difference and impact the future... For the better.
Here's to 'leading change' and 'leading to make a difference.'
-Andy C
Monday, July 24, 2006
On the you've got to be kidding front...
Boy Scout Council May Be Evicted In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA - The city said it will evict a Boy Scout council from its publicly owned headquarters or make the group pay a fair rent price unless it changes its policy on gays. The Boy Scouts' Cradle of Liberty Council, the country's third-largest, has been battling with the city for more than three years over the policy, which like the national Scouts organization forbids gays from being leaders.
City Solicitor Romulo L. Diaz Jr. wrote a letter to William T. Dwyer III, president of the Cradle of Liberty Council, stating that the council's "discriminatory policies" violate city policy and law, and that city officials have not been assured the group will not discriminate.
Unless the city gets a "fair-market rent agreement," the council will be evicted, the letter says.
The group has made its headquarters on a half-acre owned by the city in the upscale Philadelphia Art Museum area since 1928, when the city council voted to allow the Scouts to use the property rent-free "in perpetuity." The Scouts pay for building upkeep.
Council spokesman Jeff Jubelirer questioned the timing of the city's move.
"With an epidemic of gun violence taking the lives of Philadelphia's children every day, it is ironic the administration chose this time to destroy programming that services 40,000 children in the city," Jubelirer said.
Stacey Sobel, executive director of Philadelphia's Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, said she's pleased the city is taking action.
"If they are going to discriminate, the taxpayers shouldn't be subsidizing it," Sobel said.
The Boy Scouts of America's policy on gay leaders was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2000.
In 2003, the council in Philadelphia said it would adopt a nondiscrimination policy on gays. However, weeks later the group dismissed an 18-year-old Scout who publicly acknowledged he was gay.
Dwyer did not immediately return a message Saturday from The Associated Press, and a phone rang unanswered at the organization's national headquarters in Texas. [AP]
PHILADELPHIA - The city said it will evict a Boy Scout council from its publicly owned headquarters or make the group pay a fair rent price unless it changes its policy on gays. The Boy Scouts' Cradle of Liberty Council, the country's third-largest, has been battling with the city for more than three years over the policy, which like the national Scouts organization forbids gays from being leaders.
City Solicitor Romulo L. Diaz Jr. wrote a letter to William T. Dwyer III, president of the Cradle of Liberty Council, stating that the council's "discriminatory policies" violate city policy and law, and that city officials have not been assured the group will not discriminate.
Unless the city gets a "fair-market rent agreement," the council will be evicted, the letter says.
The group has made its headquarters on a half-acre owned by the city in the upscale Philadelphia Art Museum area since 1928, when the city council voted to allow the Scouts to use the property rent-free "in perpetuity." The Scouts pay for building upkeep.
Council spokesman Jeff Jubelirer questioned the timing of the city's move.
"With an epidemic of gun violence taking the lives of Philadelphia's children every day, it is ironic the administration chose this time to destroy programming that services 40,000 children in the city," Jubelirer said.
Stacey Sobel, executive director of Philadelphia's Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, said she's pleased the city is taking action.
"If they are going to discriminate, the taxpayers shouldn't be subsidizing it," Sobel said.
The Boy Scouts of America's policy on gay leaders was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2000.
In 2003, the council in Philadelphia said it would adopt a nondiscrimination policy on gays. However, weeks later the group dismissed an 18-year-old Scout who publicly acknowledged he was gay.
Dwyer did not immediately return a message Saturday from The Associated Press, and a phone rang unanswered at the organization's national headquarters in Texas. [AP]
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Emergency Preparedness
September is national Emergency Preparedness month... Let's start planning to 'be prepared'.
Good Troop MB topic. Are you prepared? Check out www.ready.gov.
Good Troop MB topic. Are you prepared? Check out www.ready.gov.
Help meeting 1st Class recruiting requirements
Boy Scouts can invite friends using Web site e-mail. The e-card, a new feature available to Scouts and leaders on the www.thescoutzone.org Web site, helps a Scout complete the new First Class requirement to invite a friend to a troop meeting or activity.
To use the e-card, a Scout goes to www.thescoutzone.org, clicks on "Tell a Friend," enters his name and his friend's name and e-mail address in the designated boxes. He selects the action images he thinks his friend would be interested in doing, then chooses music and a message.
After previewing the e-card, he sends it to his friend.
To use the e-card, a Scout goes to www.thescoutzone.org, clicks on "Tell a Friend," enters his name and his friend's name and e-mail address in the designated boxes. He selects the action images he thinks his friend would be interested in doing, then chooses music and a message.
After previewing the e-card, he sends it to his friend.
Blue cards, Scout accounts, advancement
Thanks to everyone that showed up to the 'blue card' meeting. I know the Troop MB library is looking a little sparse. Paul Getchell and I had discussed the Troop purchasing new books for the kids attending camp... but, I am having 2nd thoughts. I think that the boys should be responsible for purchasing their own MB books (they can come our of their Scout accounts... someone just has too keep track of it and write one Troop check at camp {Paul Getchell or Mike Dewar}). I know the guys in the Indian Patrol have been purchasing their own books 'out of pocket'. I think this furthers the 'a Scout pays his own way'.
Along the 'take it out of my Scout account' line. We need to devise an easier way for this to happen... (as I am still short on funds from the Lock Down and the Camporee). As the boys are signing-up and paying for their events and they want to have the payment come out of their account; 1.) they must make sure they have the funds in the account 2.) they need to 'write a check' on a piece of paper asking for the funds to be withdrawn from their account, give this slip of paper to the event leader. This needs to be handled well before the event to allow the leader enough time to get a check from the Treasurer. While on the Scout account issue, does it not make sense to use this only for bigger ticket items... i.e. uniforms, camp, registration, camping gear... etc. It seems to me that it makes a lot of extra work for the leadership to be chasing $5 for outing meal expenses and $3.50 MB books. Thoughts?
Advancement... I know this has been a chaffing point for a few in the Troop. I am making every effort to provide opportunities for advancement... the boys just need to make an effort to show-up. Saturday three leaders took time out of their busy work and family schedules to take the Troop on a hike. We went over showing up prepared for a hike, Leave No Trace, map and compass skills, and identifying plants and trees. These are all First and Second Class requirements, as is, participating in Patrol/ Troop activities (being an 'active member' of the Troop is a requirement for all other ranks). We had 4 Scouts show up. If you are not getting the information about these events in enough time please look at the Troop calendar... the whole year is available on line. Patrol Leaders it is your responsibility to make sure everyone in your Patrol is getting this information... if your Patrol members are not showing up for meetings or outings find out why.
I want no one to be left behind... but, it will require a little effort on the part of the Scout/ parents. I have set the calendar so that we have, at least, one outing a month. If the scheduled outing dates are not working for you let's talk.
Yours in Scouting,
Andy
Andrew Chalmers
Scout Master Troop 150
FOS District Chairman, Great Northern District
Along the 'take it out of my Scout account' line. We need to devise an easier way for this to happen... (as I am still short on funds from the Lock Down and the Camporee). As the boys are signing-up and paying for their events and they want to have the payment come out of their account; 1.) they must make sure they have the funds in the account 2.) they need to 'write a check' on a piece of paper asking for the funds to be withdrawn from their account, give this slip of paper to the event leader. This needs to be handled well before the event to allow the leader enough time to get a check from the Treasurer. While on the Scout account issue, does it not make sense to use this only for bigger ticket items... i.e. uniforms, camp, registration, camping gear... etc. It seems to me that it makes a lot of extra work for the leadership to be chasing $5 for outing meal expenses and $3.50 MB books. Thoughts?
Advancement... I know this has been a chaffing point for a few in the Troop. I am making every effort to provide opportunities for advancement... the boys just need to make an effort to show-up. Saturday three leaders took time out of their busy work and family schedules to take the Troop on a hike. We went over showing up prepared for a hike, Leave No Trace, map and compass skills, and identifying plants and trees. These are all First and Second Class requirements, as is, participating in Patrol/ Troop activities (being an 'active member' of the Troop is a requirement for all other ranks). We had 4 Scouts show up. If you are not getting the information about these events in enough time please look at the Troop calendar... the whole year is available on line. Patrol Leaders it is your responsibility to make sure everyone in your Patrol is getting this information... if your Patrol members are not showing up for meetings or outings find out why.
I want no one to be left behind... but, it will require a little effort on the part of the Scout/ parents. I have set the calendar so that we have, at least, one outing a month. If the scheduled outing dates are not working for you let's talk.
Yours in Scouting,
Andy
Andrew Chalmers
Scout Master Troop 150
FOS District Chairman, Great Northern District
Monday, July 17, 2006
Saturday the INDIANS rule the boulder (loop trail)!
Troop 150 met at the Covered Bridge parking lot at 8am. We had a very sparse turn out, I think the thought of hiking in the heat scared away many Scouters. Prior to setting out with four members of the Indian Patrol and three adult leaders we went over map and compass skills and reviewed what we should be bringing to 'be prepared' in the woods.
It was a very pleasant hike with great views from several vantage points. The boys gorged themselves on fresh blueberries at the summit (I'm thinking the 'black bears' may be a more appropriate patrol name). We identified our 10 native plants and trees, did a little 'bouldering' and saw the preparations the Forest Service was making in getting ready to close and repair the trail.
We passed a few people as we were headed down the trail, we all noted that they were unprepared for the conditions... no gear and NO WATER... not good.
I am always impressed by this group. They are great hikers, with super attitudes... a real pleasure to be around.
-Andy
It was a very pleasant hike with great views from several vantage points. The boys gorged themselves on fresh blueberries at the summit (I'm thinking the 'black bears' may be a more appropriate patrol name). We identified our 10 native plants and trees, did a little 'bouldering' and saw the preparations the Forest Service was making in getting ready to close and repair the trail.
We passed a few people as we were headed down the trail, we all noted that they were unprepared for the conditions... no gear and NO WATER... not good.
I am always impressed by this group. They are great hikers, with super attitudes... a real pleasure to be around.
-Andy
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