Thanksgiving Week 2021 Meeting Activities
 
Scouts worked on advancements and met as patrols to list advancement requirements that they need help with. They learned how to get out of being tied to a partner.
 
Dues are Due TONIGHT!!
 
2022 Annual Dues: The annual Scouting BSA dues are due! Thanks again to the Scouts’ (and adult volunteers) efforts in tent rentals and event parking, the troop will be collecting $0 in annual dues.  The Michigan Council and National BSA - that provide content and insurance, do need to collect $132 per Scout, and $57 per adult volunteer. You can use Earned scout account money for this, make a check payable to BSA troop 623, or even pay on-line by credit card at this link. Payments are needed by the end of the Month!  Thank you. - Orrin Lorenz
$132.00 for scouts without Scout Life Magazine
$57.00 for adults
$12.00 more for Scout Life Magazine
 
Advancement
 
Josh Marsh was promoted to Scout
 
Last meeting of the year is on Dec 13!
 
Please save the date for dodgeball, pizza and potluck dessert. Location is being finalized.
 
Klondike Derby 
 
February 4th to through 6th at Coloma Rod and Gun Club
 
Merit Badge Counselors
 
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.
 
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/

Meeting Activities
 
Scouts worked on advancements and practiced making stretchers out of flagpoles and tee-shirts then carrying each other for a timed race. 
 
Thanksgiving feast packing guide
 
Bring your class A shirt!
 
Mr. Walsh showed his gear for cold weather camping and advised the scouts on what to do and bring for the Thanksgiving feast this weekend. Friday 5:30pm drop-off. Sunday pickup time around 10-12noon or TBD.
 
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 in 20° bag is probably your best bet but can go lower. 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 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 and 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 and gloves and make sure to pack extra socks, like 5 or 6 pairs. None made of cotton.
 
Dues are Due NOW!!
 
2022 Annual Dues: The annual Scouting BSA dues are due! Thanks again to the Scouts’ (and adult volunteers) efforts in tent rentals and event parking, the troop will be collecting $0 in annual dues.  The Michigan Council and National BSA - that provide content and insurance, do need to collect $132 per Scout, and $57 per adult volunteer. You can use Earned scout account money for this, make a check payable to BSA troop 623, or even pay on-line by credit card at this link. Payments are needed by the end of the Month!  Thank you. - Orrin Lorenz
$132.00 for scouts without Scout Life Magazine
$57.00 for adults
$12.00 more for Scout Life Magazine
 
Advancement
 
Eric Burrow was promoted to Star
Scarlet Schmidtman ranked up to Tenderfoot
 
 
Klondike Derby 
 
February 4th to through 6th at Coloma Rod and Gun Club
 
Merit Badge Counselors
 
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.
 
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/

Meeting Activities
 
Scouts planned a few more meals for the Thanksgiving Feast. They worked on rank advancements and played outside.
 
Dues are Due
 
2022 Annual Dues: The annual Scouting BSA dues are due! Thanks again to the Scouts' (and adult volunteers') efforts in tent rentals and event parking, the troop will be collecting $0 in annual dues.  The Michigan Council and National BSA - that provide content and insurance, do need to collect $132 per Scout, and $57 per adult volunteer. You can use Earned scout account money for this, make a check payable to BSA troop 623, or even pay on-line by credit card. Payments are needed by the end of the Month!  Thank you. - Orrin Lorenz

$132.00 for scouts without Scout Life Magazine
$57.00 for adults
$12.00 more for Scout Life Magazine
 
Advancement
 
Ian McKim was promoted to Scout
 
Service Hours Opportunity
 
Saturday, Nov 13, 2021, 1 - 3pm
Leaf Raking Service Project
Meet at FCC parking lot and we’ll hand out a list of homes to visit. See attached page for details.
 
Thanksgiving Campout and Dinner
 
The troop is currently planning the Thanksgiving Campout on November 19-21 at the church. The scouts will be sleeping outside in tents so please start preparing your Scout’s colder weather gear.

Merit Badge Counselors
 
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.
 
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/

Meeting Activities
 
Scouts learned how to set up the camp kitchen to get ready for the Thanksgiving Feast. This fulfilled a requirement for Tenderfoot. They also worked on rank advancements and played janitor.
 
PLC Meetings
 
The next PLC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 2nd.  The meeting will run from 5:30 to 7 pm.  Food will be provided for those who attend. 
 
Dues are Due
 
Please see Mr. Lorenz to pay annual dues over the next few weeks.  The troop payments website is an option for Scouts to pay their annual dues with credit card if they would like.  
 
https://boy-scouts-of-america-troop-623.square.site/
$132.00 for scouts without Scout Life Magazine
$57.00 for adults
$12.00 more for Scout Life Magazine
 
Advancements
 
Landynn Peterson was promoted to 1st Class and Patrol Leader
Matthew Svetlev was promoted to 2nd Class
Kevin Svetlev was promoted to 2nd Class
Reuban Lorenz was promoted to Tenderfoot
 
Service Hours Opportunities
 
Saturday, November 6, 2021, 9am - 11am
Removing invasive species from Howard Family Trail near Lions Park. Park cars near 1st Street. Contact Mr. Rimes for details

Saturday, Nov 13, 2021, 1 - 3pm
Leaf Raking Service Project
Meet at FCC parking lot and we’ll hand out a list of homes to visit. See attached page for details.
 
Thanksgiving Campout and Dinner
The troop is currently planning the Thanksgiving Campout.  The dates for the event are November 19th-21rst.  The location is at the church.  Please mark your calendar. The permission slip is attached below.
 
Merit Badge Counselors
 
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.
 
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/