BSAtroop623.com - Scoutmaster's Minute

BSAtroop623.com

ScoutMaster's Minute 3/13/2023

3/14/2023

Meeting Activities
Scouts worked on advancements, held Order of the Arrow elections, and played a game.
Advancement
Colin Peek was promoted to First Class

No meeting on March 20, 2023
Happy Spring Break!

Weko Beach Campout and Service Project April 21-23
Please see attached flier for details. We meet at the shed at 5pm Friday and return at noon on Sunday. Pack for the weather! We will hike and do a service project so bring work gloves and appropriate footwear.

Help Church after Rummage Sale, May 6th
Help the Church while getting service hours, more details to come.

Blossomtime Parade, Sat. May 13th
Please reply to this if your Scout is interested in marching.

Order of the Arrow Camporee May 19-21
Details coming soon!

Triathlon Parking Fundraiser Weekend of June 25th
Save the date. This is one of our best fundraisers.

Mackinac Trip: We need more Scouts!
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Contact Orrin Lorenz if interested. The troop has some extra shorts, shirts, and red jackets so check with us before buying more. If you have some you have outgrown, please bring them to help others. Scouts need to be at least 1st class. See attached info.

Summer Camp at Camp Rotary: Week of July 23-29, 2023!
Fill out the “SummerCamp23” form and bring it with payment! We want to get our deposit and badge selections in when they open! See other attached files for badge options and the sheet to list your selections. More info hopefully coming soon on how to sign up for badges.
Please see attached links and files for more camp info. https://scoutingevent.com/272-crsbsarc2023
Camp Rotary summer camp fees -
Scouts $380 if paid before May 1
Adults $175

For adults attending summer camp, please fill out the Michigan Central Registry Clearance form and submit it. See link below.
https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/Folder12/BCHS-Camps_001_Request_For_Central_Registry_Clearance_4_21_21.pdf?rev=d16dd50246b5493597078483d3c7518a

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge
Help coming soon!

Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.

ScoutMaster's Minute 3/6/2023

3/11/2023

Meeting Activities
Scouts worked on advancements, played chess, and planned the upcoming Game Night’s meals.
Advancement
Harrison Rimes was promoted to First Class

Tuesday, March 7th
5:30pm PLC Meeting, 7pm Committee Meeting

Gaming Night! March 10-11: Completed permission slip & payment are required for entry.
Drop off is at 6pm Friday and pick up is at 9am Saturday. Scouts will play games, work on game related badges, and have a cook off against the adults. If they sleep, it will be inside. Cost will be $10 per Scout. Permission slip is attached. Please pack gaming systems, board games, sleeping supplies for indoors (sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries and comfy clothes, etc).

Monday, March 13
Order of the Arrow elections will be held during our next meeting.

No meeting on March 20, 2023
Happy Spring Break!

Weco Beach Campout and Service Project April 22-23
Save the date. More details to come.

Blossomtime Parade, Sat. May 13th
Please reply to this if your Scout is interested in marching.

Triathlon Parking Fundraiser Weekend of June 25th
Save the date. This is one of our best fundraisers.

Mackinac Trip: We need more Scouts!
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Contact Orrin Lorenz at oplorenz@gmail.com if interested. The troop has some extra shorts, shirts, and red jackets so check with us before buying more. If you have some you have outgrown, please bring them to help others. Scouts need to be at least 1st class.

Summer Camp at Camp Rotary: Week of July 23-29, 2023!
Fill out the “SummerCamp23” form and bring it next week with payment! We want to get our deposit and badge selections in next week! See other attached files for badge options and the sheet to list your selections.
Please see attached links and files for more camp info. https://scoutingevent.com/272-crsbsarc2023
Camp Rotary summer camp fees -
Scouts $380 if paid before May 1
Adults $175

For adults attending summer camp, please fill out the Michigan Central Registry Clearance form and submit it. Get the link from scoutmaster minutes in email or online.

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge
Help coming soon!

Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.

ScoutMaster's Minute 2/27/2023

2/28/2023

Meeting Activities
Scouts worked on advancements, played a game, and talked about the upcoming Game Night.

Tuesday, March 7th
5:30 PLC Meeting, 7pm Committee Meeting

Gaming Night! March 10-11
Scouts will play games, work on game related badges, and have a cook off against the adults. If they sleep, it will be inside. Cost will be $5 per Scout. Permission slip and more info coming soon.

Blossomtime Parade, Sat. May 13th
Please reply to this if your Scout is interested in marching.

Triathlon Parking Fundraiser Weekend of June 25th
Save the date. This is one of our best fundraisers.

Mackinac Trip: We need more Scouts!
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Contact Orrin Lorenz if interested. The troop has some extra shorts, shirts, and red jackets so check with us before buying more. If you have some you have outgrown, please bring them to help others. Scouts need to be at least 1st class.

Summer Camp at Camp Rotary: Week of July 23-29, 2023!
Please see attached link and file for more camp info. https://scoutingevent.com/272-crsbsarc2023
A deposit of at least $100 per Scout is needed to reserve their badge class slots which can fill quickly.
Camp Rotary summer camp fees -
Scouts $380 if paid before May 1
Adults $175

For adults attending summer camp, please fill out the Michigan Central Registry Clearance form and submit it. See link below.
https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/Folder12/BCHS-Camps_001_Request_For_Central_Registry_Clearance_4_21_21.pdf?rev=d16dd50246b5493597078483d3c7518a

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge
Help coming soon!

Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.

ScoutMaster's Minute 2/20/2023

2/22/2023

Meeting Activities
Scouts worked on patrol flags, played chess, welcomed a new Scout: Aiden, and talked about the upcoming Game Night.

Mackinac Trip info: Feb 21, 2023 7pm TONIGHT!!
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Attend the last In-person info session, Q&A, Signup: Feb 21, 2023 7pm at the Church. The troop has some extra shorts, shirts, and red jackets so check with us before buying more. If you have some you have outgrown, please bring them to help others. Scouts need to be at least 1st class.

Tuesday, March 7th
5:30 PLC Meeting, 7pm Committee Meeting

Gaming Night! March 10-11
Scouts will play games, work on game related badges, and have a cook off against the adults. If they sleep, it will be inside.

Blossomtime Parade, Sat. May 13th
We need to know if Scouts are interested in marching in the parade. Please let us know if your Scout is available on the attached form.

Triathlon Parking Fundraiser Weekend of June 25th
Save the date. This is one of our best fundraisers.

Summer Camp Week of July 23-29, 2023?
Please fill out the attached form so we can gauge interest in and availability for summer camp. We could still use a few adults for summer camp! We need to decide quickly what camp to go to this summer and need at least 2 adults to lead it.

Blossomtime and Summer Camp Form
Look in your emails for the form.

Street Signs for Eagles
If your Eagle Scout is interested in a street sign (to keep at home), contact Mr. Dansfield, do not go directly to the City Commission. The Troop needs to write a letter along with your Eagle Report-like submission. Contact Mr. Dansfield for details and requirements.

Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.

ScoutMaster's Minute 2/13/2023

2/13/2023

Meeting Activities
Scouts discussed Klondike and Scout Sunday, worked on advancements, unloaded the trailer, played chess, and ate leftover desserts from Scout Sunday.

Advancement
Kevin Svetlev was promoted to Star.

Monday Feb 20th
Scouts will work on new Patrol flags, so please send fabric markers and other art supplies for decorating to the meeting.

Mackinac Trip info: Feb 16 or Feb 21, 2023 7pm
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Attend an In-person info session, Q&A, Signup: Feb 16 or Feb 21, 2023 7pm at the Church. The troop has some extra shorts, shirts, and red jackets so check with us before buying more. If you have some you have outgrown, please bring them to help others. Scouts need to be at least 1st class.

Tuesday, March 7th
5:30 PLC Meeting, 7pm Committee Meeting

Gaming Night! March 10-11
Scouts will play games, work on the cyber chip, and have a cook-off against the adults.

Blossomtime Parade, Sat. May 13th
We need to know if Scouts are interested in marching in the parade. Please let us know if your Scout is available.

Triathlon Parking Fundraiser, Weekend of June 25th
Save the date. This is one of our best fundraisers.

Summer Camp details coming soon!
We could still use a few adults for summer camp! We need to decide quickly what camp to go to this summer and need at least 2 adults to lead it. Here are some dates and prices for camps we are considering. Please have anyone who is attending get their health forms filled out. Form C needs to be filled out by your doctor. See attached forms.
D-Bar-A $380 per scout, $175 per adult about 3 hrs away
Session #1 - Scouts BSA Resident Camp
D-bar-A Scout Ranch
Sunday 06-25-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-01-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #2 - Scouts BSA Resident Camp
D-bar-A Scout Ranch
Sunday 07-09-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-15-2023 12:00 PM ET

Gerber $380 per scout, $175 per adult about 2 hrs away
Session #1
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 06-25-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-01-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #2
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-02-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-08-2023 12:00 PM ET

Session #3
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-09-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-15-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #4
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-16-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-22-2023 12:00 PM ET

Tamarak $335 for Youth, $125 for Leaders about 1 hr away
Scouts BSA Week 1
June 18th – 24th
Scouts BSA Week 2
June 25th – July 1st
Scouts BSA Week 3
July 9th – 15th
Scouts BSA Week 4
July 16th – 22nd

Street Signs for Eagles
If your Eagle Scout is interested in a street sign (to keep at home), contact Mr. Dansfield, do not go directly to the City Commission. The Troop needs to write a letter along with your Eagle Report-like submission. Contact Mr. Dansfield for details and requirements.

Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.

ScoutMaster's Minute 2/7/2023

2/7/2023

Meeting Activities
Scouts worked on advancements, packed up the trailer, practiced knot tying, and turned in Klondike Forms.

Upcoming Events

Mackinac Trip info
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Attend an In-person info session, Q&A, Signup: Feb 16 or Feb 21, 2023 7pm at the Church. We could use one or two more adults for this trip.

Feb 10-11, 2023 Klondike Derby
Meet at Church @ 5pm Friday
Return ~5:30pm Saturday

***Updated Health Forms needed before you go to Klondike! If your Scout’s forms are not up to date, please update your health forms by filling out the attached forms A and B and sending them to Mr. Sparkman at kspark99@gmail.com (Whirlpool and possibly other employers changed their cards and plan #’s, so send fresh scans or copies of those too.)***

Start packing now! Each person should bring a can of soup, day bag with supplies from Scout Book, cold weather gear, your assigned patrol gear, sleep system, spare clothes, mess kits, and water bottles. A hot chocolate cup may be nice too.

Please see attached packet for details about the planned events, practice the 40 knots and prepare for other challenges. If you still need to pay, contact Orrin Lorenz. Don’t bring Class A’s! Wash them and have them nice and clean for Scout Sunday!

If you are not spending the night and coming Saturday only for the Klondike, eat breakfast at home, arrive by 8:30am to get ready for the events starting at 9am. Pick up at Coloma Rod and Gun club will be at ~5:00pm then drive to the church to help unload. Arrive at church around ~5:30pm.

Cold weather camping packing info from Mr. Walsh
Bring a sleeping pad to get you up off the ground. But if it is one that has air inside, also bring a blanket to put on top so it doesn't suck away your body heat. He recommended using a low temperature sleeping bag so check the rating. You want the sleeping bag rating to be 20° lower than what you expect to experience for safety. He said that a 20° bag is probably your best bet but can go lower (forecast for this weekend is in the 20’s so pack the beefiest bag and layers!). He recommends using a mummy bag but if you don't have one you can use a regular sleeping bag and maybe put an extra regular sleeping bag inside of it or add extra blankets. Wear a hat and gator to sleep so you don't get cold. Hooded sweatshirts are nice. Bring Long John's and a long sleeve shirt to sleep in that are different from the clothing that you wear during the day. Dirty and wet clothing are not very insulating. Also bring a different thin pair of gloves to sleep in. He recommended bringing hand warmers but not using them directly on your skin. Make sure you wear a shirt between your body and the hand warmer near your chest and clean dry socks on your feet near the one at the bottom of your sleeping bag. Once you wake up, drop the hand warmers into your boots. Keep your boots inside the tent and try to keep them from freezing. Bring an extra pair of boots or shoes in case one pair does get wet and freezes. Don't let yourself get so hot that you sweat and then get yourself wet. Jeans are not a good idea. Synthetic layers are your best friend. Wool can still insulate when wet. Wear lots of layers! Bring your winter coat, snow pants, face mask/scarf/gater and gloves and make sure to pack extra socks, like 5 or 6 pairs/day (weather is expected to be wet, cold and windy so pack EVEN MORE SOCKS and gloves!!) None made of cotton.

Shower! We need you smelling nice for Scout Sunday!

Feb 12th Scout Sunday
Scouts wear Class A’s and help with the service. Arrive at 9:30am to set up and do some work before the 10:30am service. They will usher, hold doors, welcome guests and help in any other ways requested. Cake!

Summer Camp! Need adults or we can't go!
We need to decide quickly what camp to go to this summer and need at least 2 adults to lead it. We can’t sign up without the leaders so tell Bobby Hill or Kurt Sparkman if you want to lead quickly! Here are some dates and prices for camps we are considering.

D-Bar-A $380 per scout, $175 per adult about 3 hrs away
Session #1 - Scouts BSA Resident Camp
D-bar-A Scout Ranch
Sunday 06-25-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-01-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #2 - Scouts BSA Resident Camp
D-bar-A Scout Ranch
Sunday 07-09-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-15-2023 12:00 PM ET

Gerber $380 per scout, $175 per adult about 2 hrs away
Session #1
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 06-25-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-01-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #2
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-02-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-08-2023 12:00 PM ET

Session #3
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-09-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-15-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #4
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-16-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-22-2023 12:00 PM ET

Tamarak $335 for Youth, $125 for Leaders about 1 hr away
Scouts BSA Week 1
June 18th – 24th
Scouts BSA Week 2
June 25th – July 1st
Scouts BSA Week 3
July 9th – 15th
Scouts BSA Week 4
July 16th – 22nd

Street Signs for Eagles
If your Eagle Scout is interested in a street sign (to keep at home), contact Mr. Dansfield, do not go directly to the City Commission. The Troop needs to write a letter along with your Eagle Report-like submission. Contact Mr. Dansfield for details and requirements.

Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.

ScoutMaster's Minute 1/30/2023

1/31/2023

Meeting Activities
Scouts worked on advancements, watched a cold weather camping demonstration from Mr. Walsh, and checked the sleds in the shed.

Advancement
Matthew Svetlev was promoted to Star

Upcoming Events

Mackinac Trip info
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Attend an In-person info session, Q&A, Signup: Feb 16 or Feb 21, 2023 7pm at the Church. We could use one or two more adults for this trip.

Feb 10-11, 2023 Klondike Derby
Please see attached packet for details about the planned events, practice the 40 knots and prepare for other challenges (hint: first aid). A permission slip is also attached. Please fill it out and bring money to the meeting on Feb. 6, 2023. If you have questions or can’t make it on the 6th (St. Joe 8th graders’ high school scheduling info night), contact Orrin Lorenz.

Cold weather camping packing info from Mr. Walsh
Bring a sleeping pad to get you up off the ground. But if it is one that has air inside, also bring a blanket to put on top so it doesn't suck away your body heat. He recommended using a low temperature sleeping bag so check the rating. You want the sleeping bag rating to be 20° lower than what you expect to experience for safety. He said that a 20° bag is probably your best bet but can go lower (forecast for this weekend is in the 20’s so pack the beefiest bag and layers!). He recommends using a mummy bag but if you don't have one you can use a regular sleeping bag and maybe put an extra regular sleeping bag inside of it or add extra blankets. Wear a hat and gator to sleep so you don't get cold. Hooded sweatshirts are nice. Bring Long John's and a long sleeve shirt to sleep in that are different from the clothing that you wear during the day. Dirty and wet clothing are not very insulating. Also bring a different thin pair of gloves to sleep in. He recommended bringing hand warmers but not using them directly on your skin. Make sure you wear a shirt between your body and the hand warmer near your chest and clean dry socks on your feet near the one at the bottom of your sleeping bag. Once you wake up, drop the hand warmers into your boots. Keep your boots inside the tent and try to keep them from freezing. Bring an extra pair of boots or shoes in case one pair does get wet and freezes. Don't let yourself get so hot that you sweat and then get yourself wet. Jeans are not a good idea. Synthetic layers are your best friend. Wool can still insulate when wet. Wear lots of layers! Bring your winter coat, snow pants, face mask/scarf/gater and gloves and make sure to pack extra socks, like 5 or 6 pairs. None made of cotton.

Feb 12th Scout Sunday
Scouts wear Class A’s and help with the service. Arrive at 9:30am to set up and do some work before the 10:30am service. They will usher, hold doors, welcome guests and help in any other ways requested. Doughnuts!

Summer Camp! Need adults or we can't go!
We need to decide quickly what camp to go to this summer and need at least 2 adults to lead it. We can’t sign up without the leaders so tell Bobby Hill or Kurt Sparkman if you want to lead quickly! Here are some dates and prices for camps we are considering.
D-Bar-A $380 per scout, $175 per adult about 3 hrs away
Session #1 - Scouts BSA Resident Camp
D-bar-A Scout Ranch
Sunday 06-25-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-01-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #2 - Scouts BSA Resident Camp
D-bar-A Scout Ranch
Sunday 07-09-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-15-2023 12:00 PM ET

Gerber $380 per scout, $175 per adult about 2 hrs away

Session #1
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 06-25-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-01-2023 12:00 PM ET

Session #2
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-02-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-08-2023 12:00 PM ET

Session #3
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-09-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-15-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #4

Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-16-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-22-2023 12:00 PM ET

Tamarak $335 for Youth, $125 for Leaders about 1 hr away
Scouts BSA Week 1
June 18th – 24th
Scouts BSA Week 2
June 25th – July 1st
Scouts BSA Week 3
July 9th – 15th
Scouts BSA Week 4
July 16th – 22nd

Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.

ScoutMaster's Minute 1/23/2023

1/28/2023

Meeting Activities
Scouts worked on advancements, practiced knots, played Kahoots to prepare for the Klondike Derby and watched 2 cyber chip presentations. Please attend next Monday for a cold weather camping demonstration from Mr. Walsh.

Upcoming Events

Pack 623 Pinewood Derby Volunteer Opportunity!
Friday Jan 27, 5-7pm help check in and inspect cars
Saturday Jan 28th, 9-11am help run races and keep kids busy
Wear your Class A’s!

Mackinac Trip info
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Attend an In-person info session, Q&A, Signup: Feb 16 or Feb 21, 2023 7pm at the Church. We could use one or two more adults for this trip.

Feb 10-11, 2023
Klondike Derby! Bring trophies from last year to put on your sled to defend your victory!

Feb 12th Scout Sunday
Scouts wear Class A’s and help with the service. Arrive at 9:30am to set up and do some work before the 10:30am service. They will usher, hold doors, welcome guests and help in any other ways requested. Doughnuts!

Summer Camp!
We need to decide quickly what camp to go to this summer and need at least 2 adults to lead it. We can’t sign up without the leaders so tell Bobby Hill or Kurt Sparkman if you want to lead quickly! Here are some dates and prices for camps we are considering.
D-Bar-A $380 per scout, $175 per adult about 3 hrs away
Session #1 - Scouts BSA Resident Camp
D-bar-A Scout Ranch
Sunday 06-25-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-01-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #2 - Scouts BSA Resident Camp
D-bar-A Scout Ranch
Sunday 07-09-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-15-2023 12:00 PM ET

Gerber $380 per scout, $175 per adult about 2 hrs away
Session #1
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 06-25-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-01-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #2
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-02-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-08-2023 12:00 PM ET

Session #3
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-09-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-15-2023 12:00 PM ET
Session #4
Gerber Scout Reservation
Sunday 07-16-2023 12:00 PM ET to
Saturday 07-22-2023 12:00 PM ET

Tamarak $335 for Youth, $125 for Leaders about 1 hr away
Scouts BSA Week 1
June 18th – 24th
Scouts BSA Week 2
June 25th – July 1st
Scouts BSA Week 3
July 9th – 15th
Scouts BSA Week 4
July 16th – 22nd

Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.

ScoutMaster's Minute 1/9/2023

1/20/2023

Meeting Activities
Scouts worked on advancements and we had an info meeting about Philmont and Mackinaw trips.
Mackinac Trip info
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Attend an In-person info session, Q&A, Signup: Feb 16 or Feb 21, 2023 7pm at the Church. We could use one or two more adults for this trip.

No meeting January 16th. MLK Day

Jan. 23, 2023 Philmont non refundable deposit due.

Philmont
We are going to Philmont 6/18/2024-6/25/2024 with travel before and after these dates. The cost per Scout is $1235 not including travel and hotel costs. The first deposit deadline is $150 by Jan. 23, 2023. 2 adults and at least 6 Scouts are needed by this date. There is a max group size of 12. Scouts must be 14 OR completed 8th grade and at least 13 prior to participation.
In the past, we have driven to Chicago and taken a train to New Mexico, then a shuttle to Philmont arriving a day early, just in case (in the past this cost an additional $463 but may be higher now). Spend 1-2 days at base camp then go on our treks. We will do a service project on the trip and lots of fun activities at staffed and unstaffed camps along 6-12 miles/day hikes with 35-50lb 75L backpacks in a variety of terrain and elevations. You will see beautiful, breathtaking landscapes, probably some animals (it is a working ranch with cows, bears and little bears (hangry chipmunks that will eat through your pack if you don’t use the bear bags correctly), and cool plant life! Some trees smell awesome, please don’t lick them. This is a trip of a lifetime!
Don’t buy too much gear now as your Scout will grow. Hiking shoes/boots should be bought a few months in advance to break in, but so you don’t outgrow them by Philmont time. Backpacks should be tried on, but again, growth should be considered.
Practice hikes will begin in Fall 2023. We will do several before our trip.
We will do fundraising to help with expenses: parking, tents, car washes, etc.
Give your deposits to Orrin Lorenz.
Philmont picture slides

Feb 10-11, 2023
Klondike Derby! Bring trophies from last year to put on your sled to defend your victory!

Feb 12th Scout Sunday
Scouts wear Class A’s and help with the service. They will usher, hold doors, welcome guests and help in any other ways requested. Donuts!

Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.

ScoutMaster's Minute 1/2/2022

1/3/2023

Happy New Year Scouts!

Several updates from Mr. Lorenz:
Our next troop meeting is January 9th, and Silas tells me there is a PLC the following evening January 10th. In the meantime several additional timely updates I wanted to get out:

Climb Kalamazoo -
We have passed the minimum number signed up, but plenty of spots are open if you're looking for something fun and unique to do yet this week! We have two adults (Orrin Lorenz, Cory Peek) bravely volunteering - more adults welcome (free), and more drivers needed.
Sign-up: Find Link Online
Current attendees:
Colin P.
Reuben L.
Ian M.
Josh M.
Landynn P.
Levi L.
Emmet L.
John N.
Silas L.
Thompson I.
Theodore G.
Orrin L.
Cory P.
Questions: Contact Mr. Lorenz by email or phone.
Mackinaw 2023

This will be our 61st year! A really unique, fun, service and development camp... on the Island!
We just received our Camp dates! July 15-22 2023, $200
Info and sign-up options: Feb 16th or Feb 21st at the church, 7pm

Philmont 2024 Scout and Parents meeting

We have received a Philmont slot for an amazing wilderness hiking experience June 18-25, 2024. Planning starts NOW! By the end of January we need to submit a downpayment to hold our dates. A lot of scouts showed interest, but considering we are asking for commitments 18 months out, and the higher costs associated with this big a trip, We will have a Scout & PARENT meeting Monday January 9th after the troop meeting opening ceremony for those that are interested. What a fun-filled start to 2023!

-Orrin