Meeting Activities
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Scouts worked on advancements and played a game. Please bring back cleaned coolers and any other equipment you have. Treasury announcement: Scouts can use Scout Accounts to pay for gear, events, camps, and dues. Dues will be collected next month!


Volunteer Opportunity with Scout Pack 623: Scouts can be a Den Chief! Meetings are at Lincoln Elementary. Many are at 6:30pm on the 1st and 2nd week of each month. Contact Ben Rimes for specific dates for different age ranges.

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Upcoming Events

Oct 18,2022 5-8pm
Ladling Love Fundraiser at Zoup for Troop 623 raising money for Afgan Scouts. See attached flyer. A code on the flyer can be used for online ordering!


Oct 24, 2022 7pm 
Halloween night at Scouts pitch-in! Leave the class-A at home and come in costume to party! Invite your non-Scout friends! Scouts with last names A-L bring a 2 Liter or jug of a drink. M-Z bring a dessert or snack. Troop will provide pizza. We will watch a movie and have fun activities!
Oct 29, 2022 9-11am
Park clean up at Howard Trail. Rain Date Nov 5. Meet at the Lions Beach Parking lot ($7 parking fee?)


Monday, Oct 31st, Halloween!
No regular meeting. Have a great night!


Nov 7, 2022
Troop Elections! Results will be given at the Thanksgiving Feast.


Nov 11, 2022 
Collect flags from Riverview Park Cemetery and downtown St. Joseph Cemetery. Details TBA


Nov 18-20, 2022
Thanksgiving Feast Weekend at the Church! Feast on Saturday. Details TBD


Dec 3, 2022
Fishing Charter! This one will be more serious about the fishing and they filet your catch for you! Work on your fishing badge with this trip. Tell Bobby Hill if interested. 


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

Some last minute reminders since we didn't have a meeting this week. Please make sure you have your health forms ready and with you if going to the Citizenship Merit Badge Weekend this Friday-Sun. I've copied the text from an email I got to add more details in case you didn't get it. Also, please fill out the permission slip for the Lawless campout and turn it in on Sept. 12, so they can prepare.

Upcoming Events
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Sept 9-11, 2022 9/11 
Day of Remembrance
Gerber Scout Reservation, Citizenship Merit Badge Weekend 
Complete 3 eagle required badges in one weekend!
Please see attached flyer to get more info.
Bo Conroy is coordinating rides. If you can give or need a ride, please email him.
Thank you for signing up for the 9/11 Citizenship Merit Badge weekend. I have attached the prerequisites for the merit badges. The easiest way to document work on the prerequisites is to download the workbooks that go with each merit badge and record progress there. There will be counselors with us for the weekend and they will take the time to talk with each participant about what they have completed. They will also be available after the weekend to work with youth to complete anything that is not finished. Please bring a blue card with you.


Participants will be camping in campsites near to Centennial Dining Hall and will need to bring their own tents and personal gear. Be sure to have a Field Uniform for the salute on Sunday. We have enough adults registered to provide the leadership we need in each campsite. Check in will begin at 5pm at the Business Center/Health Lodge. Please bring a copy of your health form, parts A & B. We will begin at 7pm in the dining hall. Don't worry if you need to arrive later than that as it will be easy to join in the evening's activity when you arrive.


If you have dietary restrictions, please send me an email so that we can purchase the appropriate supplies to meet your needs. Dietary restrictions should be medical/allergy in nature and not just food preferences, please.


We will break camp on Sunday morning and travel to the USS LST 393 in Muskegon for the Scout Salute. We will take lunch with us and have the opportunity to meet and talk with several elected officials prior to taking part in the salute. It is not necessary to sign up for the salute, we are already a part of their plan for the day and they are excited to have us join them. Last year the museum on board the LST was open for us to see and I anticipate that it will be again this year. You will be free to leave from the LST when you are ready, it will be the last programmed part of the weekend. If you are dropping your Scout off for the weekend, please be at camp by 11am on Sunday to load their gear and transport them to the LST ... this is a family/community event so all are welcome to take part in the salute.



Again, we are excited to have you join us for this special weekend of learning and remembrance. See you soon!
Mary B. Stek  | Program Specialist/Camp Director - Gerber Scout Reservation

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Michigan Crossroads Council
Outdoor Adventures

Gerber Scout Reservation

Sept 24-25 Sat - Sun
Hold the date for the Lawless Campout! Sept 23-25, further details and permission slip is attached, select fit to printable area if you have trouble getting it all in 1 page: 
Lawless Park: Astronomy & Biking Campout 
7 miles beginner trail biking, 10 miles purpose built Intermediate Mountain bike trails (Helmets required)
2 nights of Astronomy club @ an international dark sky park!
We plan to also spend time reclaiming some campsites from the forest, cook at camp, hike, and play games.  
Many merit badge and rank advancement opportunities - bring your books and partial merit badges!
Excellent camp out for parents to join! Get a feel for Scout camping and how you can help!

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.

Meeting Activities
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Scouts discussed working on the prerequisites for the Sept 11 campout and played a game.  Fundraising this summer is almost complete. Parents can reach out to Mr. Lorenz to find out their Scout’s balance but more may be deposited after a few more events. Leaders asked the Scouts to think about next summer and if they want to do a canoeing high adventure camp in June 2023 or National Jamboree with a group from the Council. If you want to do an activity, you don’t always have to go with our Troop.

Advancements

Reuban Lorenz was promoted to Second Class
Nathan Sparkman was promoted to Eagle Scout

UPCOMING EVENTS​

Thurs, Aug 25th 1pm-4pm
Silas Lorenz’ Eagle Project installing birdhouses at Sarett Nature Center. 
Meet at the Center’s main building then install the bird houses at various locations. No admission fee if you help out and the time counts as service hours. RSVP to Silas Lorenz. 


Sept 9-11, 2022 9/11 
Day of Remembrance
Gerber Scout Reservation, Citizenship Merit Badge Weekend 
Complete 3 eagle required badges in one weekend!
Please see attached flyer to get more info. Space is limited.
We will complete some prerequisites at a meeting prior to the event, (August 29?). Watch the news or read a news website 5 days in a row for the Citizenship of the Nation #5 requirements. You may also want to watch the movie for Citiz…Community #5. See other attachment below for list of all prerequisites. Some take longer than others.


Sept 17th at the Church
John Norland’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor. RSVP link and more details coming soon.


Sept 22 6:30-7:45pm
Cub Scout Recruiting Event at the Church. All 3 St. Joseph Elementaries will be invited. Cub Mobiles, Foam Flyers, and FREE popcorn for everyone! Come wear your Class A’s and help out! 


Sept 24-25 Sat - Sun
Lawless dark sky camping, and mountain bike riding, details TBA


Order of the Arrow
Sept 16-18 is an OA fall event. More details to come.
 
Tents and Parking
There are still some upcoming opportunities so check the link below periodically to sign up. One is Sept. 9th, if you aren’t going to the Gerber Sept 11th campout.  A big event using a tent is coming up around Sept 18th in Riverview Park.
 
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.

Meeting Activities
 
Scouts discussed the FOP dinner, how they earned some tips, and a possible donation. The Pinewood Derby recruiting event on Saturday with 6-8 young kids attending was great! Fundraising this summer is almost complete. Parents can reach out to Mr. Lorenz to find out their Scout’s balance but more may be deposited from recent events. The missing orange tents have been found! Thank you all for looking and returning tents. If you still have any Coleman tents or gear, please bring them to the meeting next week. We will use them in September. Scouts worked in two teams to build the highest flag holder with rope and wood. This filled some lashing requirements for First Class. We discussed a big opportunity to complete 3 eagle required badges in one weekend. Details below and attached.
Advancements
 
Colton Smith was promoted to Scout
Trey Rusbasan was promoted to Scout
 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Sept 9-11, 2022 9/11 
Day of Remembrance
Gerber Scout Reservation, Citizenship Merit Badge Weekend 
Complete 3 eagle required badges in one weekend!
Please see attached flyer to get more info. Space is limited. Sign up at https://scoutingevent.com/272-911cit
We will complete some prerequisites at a meeting prior to the event, (August 22?). Watch the news or read a news website 5 days in a row for the Citizenship of the Nation #5 prerequisite. See other attachment below for list of all prerequisites.
 
Sept 24-25 Sat - Sun
Lawless dark sky camping, details TBA
 
Order of the Arrow
August 19-21 event. Details TBA
Sept 16-18 is an OA fall event. More details to come.
 
Tents and Parking
There are still some upcoming opportunities so check the link below periodically to sign up. A big event using a tent is coming up around Sept 18th in Riverview Park. 
 
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.

Meeting Activities
Scouts practiced flag etiquette, discussed the fishing trip, and reviewed the Eagle project work day. Both events went well.  We discussed a big opportunity to complete 3 Eagle required badges in one weekend. Details below and attached.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Tues August 9th, 2022
PLC meeting at 5pm at the church
 
Wed August 10, 2022
August 10, 2022 5-8pm at the Fraternal Order of Police at 2665 Niles, Saint Joseph, MI. Scouts will wear Class A’s and serve food. Use the link below to the FOP spreadsheet to sign up. Scouts will be well fed at this event. Lots of buttered corn!

Sat August 13, 2022
10am-12noon Recruiting event with pinewood derby build and racing at the Church! Scouts will help prospective Cub Scouts build their own derby cars and tell them all the cool stuff they do in Scouts. Wear your class A’s and be here at 9:30 to help set up.
 
Sept 9-11, 2022 9/11 
Day of Remembrance
Gerber Scout Reservation, Citizenship Merit Badge Weekend 
Complete 3 Eagle required badges in one weekend!
Please see attached flyer to get more info. Space is limited. Sign up at https://scoutingevent.com/272-911cit
We will complete prerequisites at a meeting prior to the event. See other attachment below.
 
Order of the Arrow
August 19-21 event. Details TBA
Sept 16-18 is an OA fall event. More details to come.
 
Tents and Parking
There are still some upcoming opportunities so check the link in your email periodically to sign up.

Meeting Activities
Scouts talked about the cookout at the church concert. They set up a lot of tents and made lots of good food. Blue Card info from camp will be sent out soon.
 
Advancements
Kevin Svetlev was promoted to 1st Class
Matthew Svetlev was promoted to 1st Class
 
Upcoming Leadership Meetings
 
Tues August 2nd, 2022
Council Meeting Tonight at 7pm at the shed or inside if the weather is bad.
 
Tues August 9th, 2022
PLC meeting at shed at 5pm
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Wed August 3rd, 2022
Scouts can help veterans on a fishing charter. Bait hooks, help reel in large fish, provide refreshments, and listen to stories. Wear your class B shirts. Be at Captain Hook’s Par-Te-Tyme Charters at 220 Anchors Way, Saint Joseph MI 49085 8am till 12:30-1pm. 
 
Wed August 10, 2022
August 10, 2022 5-8pm at the Fraternal Order of Police at 2665 Niles, Saint Joseph, MI. Scouts will wear Class A’s and serve food. Use the emailed link  to the FOP spreadsheet to sign up. Scouts will be well fed at this event. Lots of buttered corn!

Sat August 13, 2022
10am-12noon Recruiting event with pinewood derby build and racing at the Church! Scouts will help prospective Cub Scouts build their own derby cars and tell them all the cool stuff they do in Scouts. Wear your class A’s and meet by the shed!
 
Eagle Project
Sat August 6th, 2022 
Silas Lorenz is working on his Eagle Project and needs some helpers to build large wooden bird houses for Sarett Nature Center. The first build time will be at his house at 9am at 295 Ridgeway, Saint Joseph MI 49085. A few adults are needed to use the power tools. If you have drills and drivers you could bring, please do. They will be installed at Sarett in a future TBA event.
 
Order of the Arrow
August 19-21 event. Details TBA
Sept 16-18 is an OA fall event. More details to come.
 
Tents and Parking
There are still some upcoming opportunities so check the emailed link periodically to sign up.