the signaler troop 264’s newsletter! · 2 ilst training for scouts 4 patrol meeting 9-10...

The Signaler – Troop 264’s Newsletter!

1

April

3 MCPS spring break begins 5 Easter 6 Patrol meeting 8 District Roundtable (Crusaders) 13 Troop meeting 14 + 21 + 28 SM/ASM Adult Training 16 Troop Adult Meeting, 8 PM 17 – 19 USMMA Camporee 20 Patrol meeting 24-26 White Oak District Camporee 25 Nursing Home Visit (Hawks) 27 Troop Meeting July 11-18 – Summer Camp at Goshen

May 2 ILST Training for Scouts 4 Patrol meeting 9-10 Philadelphia trip 11 Troop meering 13 District Roundtable (Vikings) 18 Patrol meeting / TLC / BOR 21 Troop Adult Meeting, 8 PM 23 Legion Flags (1 PM , tentatively) 25 Memorial Day – NO meeting 30-31 Biking (Eagles) 30 Nursing Home (Crusaders) 30-31 IOLS Training (adults)

June

6 Troop Picnic / Court of Honor 13 Eagles Court of Honor, 1:30 PM

Summer Picnic and Court of Honor - June 6 T264’s annual Troop Picnic and Summer Court of Honor will take place at 1 PM on Saturday

June 6 at the pavilion behind the Smith Center, the first building on the right as you enter the Meadowside Nature Center entrance. After the picnic, completed merit badges and other awards earned over the previous months will be presented. Start planning ahead so that you

complete rank advancements or merit badges before the May Board of Review date. And protect this date on your calendar. More details next month.

Eagle Court of Honor - June 13 Joshua Fowler, William Santos, Miguel Alonso

Come see these three T264 scouts formally receive their Eagle rank on the afternoon of Saturday, June 13. They have worked long and hard to reach this lofty goal, and the families invite you to celebrate with them. All scouts and scouter, family and friends are encouraged

to attend. Details to follow as the event approaches.

Nationally, only about 2% of scouts (1 in 50) ever reach the rank of Eagle Scout. And most

boys are never scouts, which makes it rarer still. That make this a notable achievement worthy of celebration. Eagle scout rank is recognized as a positive indicator of character and

ability: it says that this person can take on a project lasting several years with many distractions and an uncertain outcome, and see it to completion. For this reason, it is a big plus on college applications, job applications, and for those interested in pursuing a military

career, even years after achieving that rank. Keep this in mind as you pursue your own Eagle Scout rank. Your invitation on page 4.

Troop 264 – Meeting time 7:30 PM Mondays

Venturing Crew 264 – 6:30 PM Mondays

(Venturing Crew activities in RED)

Ca

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um

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Green Ridge State Forest, March 22, 2015

http://www.troop264olney.net/


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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2

3 Good Friday and

Passover

(MCPS spring break

begins)

4

5 Easter

6 Patrol meeting

(MCPS Spring Break)

7

(MCPS Spring

Break)

8 District Roundtable

(Crusaders)

(MCPS Spring

Break)

9

(MCPS Spring

Break)

10

(MCPS Spring

Break)

11

12

13 Troop meeting

Eagles-Badge

Vikings-Skill

Crusaders-Flags

14

SM/ASM Training (1

of 3 nights)

15

16 Troop Adult Meeting,

8 PM at Brookeville

Academy

17 US Merchant Marine

Academy Camporee


Academy Camporee


Academy Camporee

20 Patrol meeting,

TLC, BOR

21 SM/ASM Training (2

of 3 nights)

22

23

24 White Oak District

Camporee


Camporee

Nursing Home Visit

(Hawks)


Camporee

27 Troop meeting

Crusaders-Badge

Hawks-Skill

Vikings-Flags

28 SM/ASM Training (3

of 3 nights)

29

30

April 2015

http://www.ncacbsa.org/events/event_details.asp?id=491040&group=113271







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SUNDAY MONDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

TUESDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

THURSDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

FRIDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

SATURDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2 ILST Training

8-12:30

3

4 Patrol meeting

5

6

7

8

9 Philadelphia

(Hawks)

10 Philadelphia

Mothers’ Day

11 Troop Meeting

12

13 District Roundtable

14

15

16

17

18 Patrol meeting,

TLC, BOR

19

20

21 Troop Adult

Meeting, 8 PM at

Brookeville

Academy

22

23 Legion Flags, 1 PM

(tentative)

Venturing Crew’s

Theme P. Weekend

24

Venturing Crew’s

Theme.P. Weekend

25 Memorial Day

NO meeting

Venturing Crew’s

Theme.P. Weekend

26 District Awards

dinner

27

28

29

30 Mountain biking

(Eagles)

IOLS Training

(adults)

Nursing Home

(Crusaders)

31 Mountain biking

(Eagles)

IOLS Training

May 2015

http://www.ncacbsa.org/events/event_details.asp?id=489278




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Eagle Court of Honor - June 13 (continued)

You are cordially invited to join

the families and friends of

Miguel Arturo Alonso

Joshua Paul Fowler

William Sulit Santos at their

Eagle Court of Honor

Saturday, June 13, 2015 1:30 PM

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 4200 Olney-Laytonsville Road

Olney, Maryland 20832

Friends of Scouting (FOS) Campaign Scout Parents/Guardians, Scouters, and Supporters of Troop 264

Still time to contribute!

The Friends of Scouting (FOS) Campaign is currently underway. This annual fundraiser is vital

to Scouting in the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) and to Troop 264. The funds collected support programs, events, and training not covered by dues.

A letter from me dated January 21 was mailed to each Scout family. Enclosed with the letter were an information pamphlet/contribution form, and a self-addressed envelope to facilitate

the return of your check or pledge. If you did not receive the letter, or have misplaced it, please let me know and I can provide you with another copy. If you have already given me your contribution, thank you very much. If you haven’t yet completed the contribution card

and written your check (payable to NCAC-BSA), please consider doing it now, and return it to me as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support. Norman Strickman, FOS Campaign Coordinator

[email protected]

Kindly RSVP by June 1, 2015 via email to: [email protected]

Light refreshments will be served immediately after the ceremony.

Families are welcome.

mailto:[email protected]



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Mulch and Fertilizer Sales NOW

Troop mulch and fertilizer sales start right now. This troop fundraiser will continue for the first three weeks in April. We want everyone to participate.

Scouts make the sales and deliver the material. Scouts also get a part of the profits set aside

for their use in the form of “scout credits” which can be applied to larger activities such as summer camp or a High Adventure trip. The more a scout sells, the more he earns.

Order forms have been sent by e-mail out to scouts and scout families and can be re-sent if needed. Print the forms and start making contacts now, friends, neighbors, family members,

etc. This year, the mulch comes in 2 cubic foot bags, not the larger 3 cu. ft. bags. The new bags

are smaller and easier to handle but more will be required to cover the same area. The price per bag has been adjusted to account for the reduced size. Please make sure your customers

are aware of this change. Mr. Ian Deveau ([email protected]) is coordinating the troop mulch and fertilizer sales this

year with the assistance of Mrs. Christiane Robbins ([email protected]) .

Start NOW!

T264 Eagles Working High Adventure

This summer, Gerad Sherman returns to work at Philmont. Anthony Justus will also be employed at Philmont.

Jim Bickel will work in management at Northern Tier’s Atikokan base in Ontario, while Jeremy Neufeld returns the Ely, MN base for a second year.

These few words cannot properly convey how unusual it is to have four troop Eagle scouts

from a single troop working at High Adventure bases at the same time. It is a tribute to the strength of T264’s program and the leadership of Scoutmaster Bogan.

Congratulations to Scoutmaster John McGovern, T457 Like Scoutmaster Dennis Bogan last year, we now learn that Scoutmaster John McGovern of Troop 457 (St. Patrick’s) has passed the 100 Eagles mark during his tenure as Scoutmaster of

that troop. We offer our congratulations and thank him for his continuing service to local youth.




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Summer camp at Camp Bowman, Goshen Scout Reservation, July 11-18 Lowest cost if registered by April 20 !

Summer Camp dates are July 11-18, 2015. Use the registration form at the end of this Signaler and include a check for that amount. Cub Scouts who may not have bridged yet but who know they are coming to T264 are also encouraged to apply by this date.

New scouts -- scouts just coming into the troop in 2015 -- get places in the "First Year

Camper" program. This program is geared toward the beginning rank advancements (and getting comfortable with Boy Scouting) with some merit badge opportunities. The scouts camp each night with the troop. The troop reserves spaces in anticipation of scouts joining in

spring, but it helps planning if we know, early on, of scouts expecting to join T264. Parents can go too, for part or all of the week. (Please forward this to others in your Webelos 2 den

that may be bridging into T264.) Base Camp is for scouts desiring to earn merit badges. You don't have to select the merit

badges now, but start thinking about what you want to do.

Information about Camp Bowman, including a list of expected merit badges: http://www.ncacbsa.org/members/group_content_view.asp?group=119323&id=282458 – this 2014 information is to be updated for 2015 soon but is unlikely to change much.

This summer's Philmont crews should strongly consider Lenhok'sin trail camp as ASAP:

http://www.ncacbsa.org/members/group_content_view.asp?group=119323&id=282479 The troop charters a bus to and from the camp, so you don't have to drive. The convenience

is well worth the additional (and reasonable) cost. You can reserve your summer camp space by turning in the registration form from the last page of this Signaler. Scouter Doug Long is

available to answer any questions and to collect forms, [email protected] .

Advancement Camp 2015 – July 26 – August 1 Six merit badges in a week!

Each year the Laurel Highlands Council (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Council) holds an Advancement Camp. During this week long camp, scouts can earn up to six merit badges.

This year, the Advancement Camp will be held at Camp Seph Mack which is near Indiana, PA (about 3 hours distant). This year the merit badges choices offered are Kayaking, Motorboating, Rowing, Swimming, Canoeing, Climbing, First Aid, Environmental

Science,Forestry, Mining In Society, Nature, Plant Science, Soil and Water, Citizenship in the Nation. Cost is $350.00 for the week.

We do not do this as a troop, but in past years individual scouts have taken advantage of this opportunity. No conflict with summer camp this year. Scouts must register individually and

arrange their own transportation. Carpooling may be possible if more than one scout attends. Note that some of the water-related merit badges may require the prior completion of the BSA

Swim test or the Swimming merit badge. The registration portal is at http://www.lhc-bsa.org/Camping/Advancement%20Camp

http://www.ncacbsa.org/members/group_content_view.asp?group=119323&id=282458



http://www.lhc-bsa.org/Camping/Advancement%20Camp


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U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Camporee – April 17-19, 2015 [Registration for this event is full]

T264 will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Camporee at Kings Point, Long Island, NY

on April 17-19. This will be the first time the troop or crew has attended this event. The

Camporee itself is not widely publicized and is limited to about 350 participants. T264 has 30

people signed up for this event.

The Academy (also known as USMMA or Kings Point) is one of the five United States Federal Service Academies and it is charged with training officers for the United States Merchant

Marine, all branches of the military, and the transportation industry. Midshipmen are trained in marine engineering, navigation, ship's administration, maritime law, personnel

management, international law, customs, and many other subjects important to the task of running a large maritime vessels. Below are a couple YouTube links that display the academy.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEhHvwiGoxk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Mz5FC7dVk [T]his is one of the best kept secrets of the military. Graduates get to go tuition, room and

board free just like the Naval Academy (which all of these folks know), but when the Merchant Marine Academy Officer graduates, they can join any of the branches. Army,

Navy, Air Force, Marines, or remain Merchant Marine. I would recommend having the scouts think about bringing a sibling that is looking forward to college and willing to consider one of the "uniformed Services". …This link shows the class profile, proving it is not as difficult to

enter as the Naval Academy. http://www.usmma.edu/admissions/class-profile

~ [Dr.]Dave Smisson

Scouts signed up:

Luke T. Jacob Wei.

David R. Evan D.

James F. Daniel G.

Brandon S. Lukas H

Matthew D. Chris N.

Brock H. Fate S.

Sean D. Bradley B.

William S. Peter B.

Jorrdan O.

Jacob Wei.

Keith G.

The expected cost of the event is $100 per person

(based on experiences with similar trips in the past).

All participants will receive a USMMA patch

and T-shirt.

Mr. Bickel, [email protected]

Adults:

Mrs. Shannon G. Mr. Dennis B.

Mr. Rich T. Mr. Jim C.

Mr. Steve S. Mr. Joshua S.

Mr. Ian D. Mr. John D.

Mr. Martin P. Mr. Dale B. Mr. Ric N.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEhHvwiGoxk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Mz5FC7dVk



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White Oak District Camporee – April 24-26

The Spring Camporee will be on 24-26 April 2015 at the Lois Green-Sligo Izaak Walton League

of America on Snouffer School road. You may remember this site from past Cub Scout day camp sessions. Troop 433 has agreed to host. The event will have a Gladiator Theme. Participants will receive a Camporee patch. This is close by so it is possible to come

for part of the event if you have other activities.

Camporee cost will be $20 per person. Troop food costs will be worked out in April. Troop

264 will have signup sheets available at the first meetings in April. Troop scouts are needed

to run one of the stations below.

Theme: Gladiator Theme. Stations:

* Storm the Castle Wall (Have scouts lash together ladders and storm the 'keep')

* "Javelin Throw" (Soak pool noodles in water, and have teams of scouts launch it)

* Build a trebuchet/catapult (Lash together weapon of their dreams)

* Tomahawk Throw

* Throwing Knives

* Chariot Race (Have troops lash together chariots and race)

* Rock Wall

* Gladiator Hospital (A gladiator got hurt, how would you treat them?)

* Possible Cooking Competition??? (Caesar's Last Meal?)

* Remedial lashing for those need refreshers.

Nursing Home Visit – April 25

Hawk patrol has the responsibility of the nursing home visit on Saturday, April 25, 11 AM to 12 noon. This is the weekend of the District Camporee, but scouts may leave the Camporee

to visit the nursing home and return. The next nursing home visit is the Hawks on April 25. The Crusaders are asked to lead the

May 30 visit since none were able to attend in March.

We thank the several people who attended the March 28 nursing home visit: Jacob U. Stephanie D. Angela D. Mr. Al B. Mrs. Trish U. Mrs. Danielle D.

Mr. Duffy S. Mr. Martin P.


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Adult Leader Training for 2015

For a summary of what’s involved with adult leader training, please see the summary

on Page 11 of the September Signaler:

http://www.troop264olney.net/Signalers/2014-09.pdf

That is the place to start. Anyone 18 and over can take these training courses. An Adult

Application must be completed first, and Youth Protection Training taken online at

http://myscouting.scouting.org (takes about 30 minutes).

Upcoming training for Scoutmaster / Assistant Scoutmaster:

Scoutmaster Specific Training course dates:

March 7, 2015 Day: http://ncacbsa.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=473026&group=113271

April 14 & 21 & 28: http://ncacbsa.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=473026&group=113271

(3 Tuesday nights)

Then you must take Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) (dates offered):

May 30-31, 2015:

http://ncacbsa.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=490998&group=113271 Then you are trained and can wear the TRAINED strip on your scout shirt sleeve.

The troop is always in need of fully trained adult leadership! This gives us more flexibility

for troop outings, which require at least one trained adult. More importantly, it gives insight

as to how to work best with the scouts.

The troop always needs new trained leaders !

Philadelphia – May 9 - 10

Here is another memorable opportunity, this one without tent camping! This is an overnight

trip to see a few of the many sights of Philadelphia. Presently we have more than 25 people signed up for this outing. Last chance to sign up is Monday April 6 since group

reservations must be made. First stop on Saturday morning is the Mütter Museum, maintained by the College of

Physicians (http://muttermuseum.org/). The Mütter Museum is small but unique. This is an interesting place to visit but you would not want to be immortalized here. It’s rather a place

that was used to show physicians, in the days before widespread 20th century media, what

http://www.troop264olney.net/Signalers/2014-09.pdf

http://myscouting.scouting.org/

http://ncacbsa.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=473026&group=113271




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different medical conditions looked like. It might be described as a museum of all that can go

wrong with the human body. Don’t look in the drawers of all the things that have been recovered from people’s stomachs.

Then it is on to the Eastern State Penitentiary, another place that you wouldn’t want to be sent to for an enforced stay (http://www.easternstate.org/). You will take a tour through the

now closed “state pen”, which housed inmates for nearly 150 years. Then it’s across the Delaware River to Camden, NJ and the Battleship USS New Jersey

(http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/). Scouts and adults will be given a tour of the WW II battleship and “camp” overnight in the same bunks that generations of sailors also used.

Return to Olney later Sunday morning.

Cost of this trip is expected to be about $90 per person. Drivers to be worked out later. Sign up early, we can get group rates at some places which may help to reduce the overall cost per

person.

Mr. Al Barth is coordinating this trip ([email protected]).

Philmont 2015 – August 1-15

Nearly all arrangements are in place, with only a few details to be worked out. Two crews

head westward on August 1. In the meantime, the crews are working on potential outings to

gain strength and experience in backpacking and working together as a crew. ALL crew

members are expected to attend these activities. Contact Mr. Dan Parks if you have

questions, [email protected] .

Northern Tier 2016 – July 1 - 10, 2016

Two crews of scouts and Venturing crew members will be headed to the Northern Tier High Adventure base in Ely, Minnesota in 2016. From there, they will cross by canoe into the adjacent Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada.

Mr. Tomlinson received word that T264 is cleared to attend. Figure on the total cost per

person being around $1700, including airfare and ground transportation.resently the troop has sent in a non-refundable deposit of $800 for each crew. If anyone else not listed below

has interest in attending NT, please contact Mr. Tomlinson ASAP. Crews need to be no more than 50% adults (2 or 3 adults for a crew of six or seven, 2 to 4 for a crew of 8). At least 18 people are required for three minimum-sized crews, and so far we have 15.

Key Dates:

February 1, 2015 – deposit was paid, $800/crew. The amount due per person will depend on the number of people that have signed on (max 16, would be $100 per person)

http://www.easternstate.org/




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October 1, 2015 - ½ of the remaining balance is due

April 1, 2016 - Remaining balance is due

NOTE: Deposits are NON refundable (unless we can fill your spot -- no guarantees).

Additional information can be found at www.ntier.org

There is space for one scout or one Venturing crew member. Don't miss this opportunity, it probably won't be before 2019 or 2020

that T264 takes another paddle at NT ! Must be at least 14, or 13 and finished the eighth grade, by July 1, 2016.

FOR INFO: [email protected] Mr. Rich Tomlinson

Tell It to Mr. Matyas!

Mr. Gary Matyas is the troop’s Advancement Chair, which is a fancy (and understated) way of saying that he keeps track of all the rank advancements, merit badges, and other

awards that all the scouts earn. Plus completed training for the adults, that isn’t done online by registered scouters at http://myscouting.scouting.org . This is a big job, as

you can imagine, particularly in the weeks before a Court of Honor. You can help. Just drop an e-mail to Mr. Matyas at [email protected] for

any of the following. Include the scout’s name, what the e-mail is relating to, and the date(s):

Rank advancements that may not go through the 3 person Board of Review (BOR). Generally, this applies to Scout rank, most other BORs are administered by

Mr. Greenspon.

Service project hours outside the troop, that a scout wants to use to meet a rank advancement or merit badge requirement. This might include, for example, an event outside of scouting where the hours are not being applied to some other

purpose, whether inside or outside of scouts. Even if you mark the hours in your Scout Handbook, they aren’t entered into the troop database if you don’t say something. So

report them early, before your Scoutmaster conference. Include a short description of the project(s) along with the date(s) and hours.

Scouts:

Brandon S.

Luke T. Jacob Wei.

Luke R. Tommy B.

Luke M.

Venturing Crew: Elizabeth J.

Josie M.

Adults: Joshua S.

Rich T. Pete Wei.

Carolyn R.

Tom B. SM Dennis Bogan

J.P. M.

Space for one scout!

http://www.ntier.org/


http://myscouting.scouting.org/



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Eagle project accounting. At the end of each Eagle project, the scout assembles a

table of who worked how many hours. Please provide a copy to Mr. Matyas so that he can credit project hours to each scout in the list.

Events not in the Signaler. Mr. Matyas uses the Signaler record to establish scouts’ participation record, so he won’t know of anything not published there. The best

solution for that is to put an article in the Signaler, and give public credit to those who participated.

Your attention to these small matters will improve the function of the troop, and thank you in advance for your assistance!

NOVA, Supernova, and STEM Awards

This photo and information was provided by Mr. Kevin H. (far left), of Pack 759 Supernova Award recipients, several of whom joined Troop 264 immediately after (shown in italics). With

Dave Johnson (Pack 759 Cubmaster, behind the line of scouts). The scouts -- Edward P., Dillen P., Curtis N., Cody J., William H., Lucien C., Brady C., and James B. -- were honored at a March 13, 2015, Pack ceremony and received a medal and certificate.

There are four Nova awards for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Each

award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Supernova awards have more rigorous requirements than the Nova awards and require scouts to earn multiple Nova Awards first. The requirements and activities were


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designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-

related activities. Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts can earn the Dr. Luis Alvarez Supernova Award, Webelos Scouts can earn the Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award, Boy Scouts can earn the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Bronze Award and the Thomas Edison Supernova Silver

Award, and Venturers can earn the Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Bronze Award, the Wright Brothers Supernova Silver Award, and the Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Gold Award.

Venturing Crew Winter Backpacking – March 20-22

It was the last day of winter and it was snowing. Venturing Crew 264 (and more specifically Jim Bickel) had made plans for a crew backpacking trip that weekend, yet

that Friday there was accumulating snow through the morning. But as the roads remained clear – and despite many cancellations – we decided to make the attempt,

with the fallback position being to stick to the C&O Canal towpath in the event the backcountry paths were not passible.

Four inches of snow had fallen near Hancock (but the roads were clear). Yet at the Fifteen Mile Creek campground on the C&O Canal, little snow was in evidence, the

warmer Potomac River was keeping the valley slightly above freezing. Here we made camp Friday evening.

Saturday morning, a stop at the Green Ridge State Forest ranger station to buy a backcountry permit, where the ranger approved of Jim’s plans with the caution that the

creeks would be higher because the precipitation. It took a couple of hours to position cars at suitable points along the muddy one lane roads. But at last we were ready to start northward along the Long Pond trail from the Oldtown-Orleans Road access point.

The trail

crossed the stream numerous times

before climbing onto a

mountain ridge. And what goes

up must come down, in this case steeply.

Loose leaves covered in an

inch or two of melting snow made that a

challenge: Josh slipped at one

short steep decent and slid down 10 feet, feet first on his belly. Everyone had difficulty with footing at one point or other. And as the trail wound down one mountain slope, it appeared that we might have to ford a wide mountain stream with swift cold water.


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However, having reached the creek

shore, the trail wound off to the left following a smaller branch stream. A half mile further on, we reached

the Long Pond shelter where we stopped for lunch. By now the sun

was peeking out and the promised warmup had finally commenced.

Further on, the trail turned onto Dughill Road for a ways, then

branched off along the side of a valley. Here at the bottom there

was a nice campsite with a raised rock fire ring and stone furniture. The crew built a nice fire and set up camp even as the temperature warmed into the upper 50s.

As the evening drew on the creek commenced to rise, ultimately about a foot or more (though it never rose

above the stream banks), from all the snowmelt further upstream. Jim became concerned about the safety of his pickup which was parked on low ground

near the stream a mile or so further on. Jim and Mr. Bickel followed the trail further on (without packs)

only to find that it crossed the risen stream at least three times in the last quarter mile, and the water was high enough to make safe crossing questionable

and certainly uncomfortable. Therefore they returned to the campsite as night fell.

Sunday morning the crew packed up and returned to Dughill Road via the previous day’s path. Following the road was longer and easier and safer: the water had sunk a

little by morning but was still running deeper and swifter than would be prudent for a stream crossing, particularly with packs. Three miles brought us back to Jim’s truck.


15

We fetched Mr. Bickel’s truck, then ferried everyone back to the minivan parked on

Oldtown-Orleans road. We finished with a lunch stop at the Hardees in Hancock, MD. Thanks goes to Jim Bickel for making all the arrangements and making adjustments as

the weather forecasts changed. ~ Mr. Dale Bickel

Venturing Crew participants (10 miles backpacking over rugged terrain):

Peter B. Jeremy N. Bradley N. Joshua F. Jim B. Mr. Dale B.

Nuclear Science Merit Badge at Penn State – Sat. March 28

Leaving Olney at 5 AM, and after a short breakfast stop in Breezewood, PA, we arrived in State College, PA a little after 9 AM. Outside temperature was a balmy 18° and there

were snow flurries in the breeze. (It did make it to 33° later in the day.) We parked out near Beaver Stadium and walked over to Pollock Commons to use the restrooms and to stay inside where it was warm. Scouts and participating adults then walked the short

distance to the Breazeale reactor building for the Nuclear Science merit badge. Most scouts liked the way this merit badge was presented, one found it “kinda boring.”

Unfortunately PSU could not pulse the reactor for the scouts because they were lacking a necessary part. All nine scouts satisfied the requirements.

After the merit badge session, Jim Bickel (who is a junior at Penn State) took the group on a tour across campus. First stop was a view of his dorm room (suitably cleaned for

the occasion) with a walk through the HUB (Student Union), past Old Main, and on to the nether end of West Campus where the engineering workshop is. We returned by way of the IST Building (which straddles Atherton Avenue) and past the Nittany Lion. A few

scouts were starting to complain about the length of the walk until we came near the Creamery. Most got ice cream there or other snacks. We continued back to the cars

near the stadium.


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As we were running later than expected, I tried to engineer a quick stop at the Sheetz in Bedford, PA, but the scouts collectively thwarted that by ordering complex sandwiches

and other hot food that caused longer delay. We arrived back in Olney about 9:30 PM. ~ Mr. Dale Bickel

Participants (including a 3 mile walk): *did not do merit badge

Brock H. Elijah H. Sean D. Jacob W. Brian H. Daniel H. Patrick R. Daniel G. Luke T.

Mr. Eric H. Mrs. Caryll T. Mr. Tom H. Mr. Dale B.*


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Merit Badge Madness – March 27-29

Twenty-three scouts earned over 34 merit badges at Merit Badge Madness this year, including many Eagle required merit badges. This “spring” event was hosted by the Four Rivers District

of the Baltimore Area Council, and around 500 scouts and 100 scouters attended. It was well run, and a majority of the classes were held indoors which was a relief to the scouts.

Friday night was cold and got down to 32 degrees (no polar bear points that night). Saturday continued to be cold with temperatures in the upper 30’s with winds in excess of 20 mph.

Saturday night all campers felt the cold as it was a blistering 16 degrees outside. My hat went off to all the scouts and parents who attended, especially the new Troop 264 scouts. Thanks

to Joel P., Tyler H., Trevor B., Carter B. and Keith M. for providing and cooking the meals, toward either their Cooking merit badge or First Class cooking requirements. A very special thanks goes to the dishwashers for sacrificing the warmth of their hands to wash the dishes in

the cold and wind on Saturday.

Watch in February 2016 for next year’s announcements for Merit Badge Madness, to be held

the weekend of April 1st-3rd, 2016. ~ Mr. John Delaney

Thanks to Mr. John Delaney for camping out in the cold with the scouts and coordinating all the camping activities and gear at MBM. I also would like to take particular notice of, and give

thanks to, the washer-uppers, all the cooking gear was particularly clean and well scrubbed, despite the punishing temperatures.

~ Mr. Dale Bickel Participants. Two nights of camping* plus 16 polar bear points for Saturday night campers,

except as (indicated). Merit badges will be awarded at the June 6 Troop Picnic / Court of Honor.

Scouts: Adults: Joel P* John D* Matthew McD* Jay U* Tyler H* Ian D* John F (0) Wesley W* Anthony F (0) Adam S* Brandon S* Ric N* Ian W* Rekha P (0) Luke M* Ed P Sr* Joey U * Deirdre C* (1) Trevor B* (1) John S (1) Carter B* (1) Matt D* Keith M* Sean D* (1) Chris N* Bradley B* More scouts: Edward P* Aidan S* Dillen P. (0) Lucien C* Luca S.* Brady C* Brendan O (0) Daniel G (0)


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MORE UPCOMING EVENTS

Troop Leadership Training for Scouts – May 2 Introduction to Leadership Skills Training (ILST)

Saturday. May 2, 2015 8AM to 12:30PM

Who’s invited: All Boy Scouts (10.5 years of age and older) who have never taken official BSA youth leadership training, especially including those recently assuming a

leadership role (e.g., APL, PL, Troop Guide, SPL, etc) or who are planning to run for a leadership position in the next 12 months.

When: Saturday May 2, 2015 (8AM to 12:30PM)

Where: TBD, watch for e-mail updates

What: Official BSA youth leadership training for those who are in, or wish to take on, ANY leadership role in Scouting (from APL to Quartermaster to SPL, and everything in

between). Why: Two Reasons:

1) Because honing leadership skills in every boy is a core goal of Scouting, and 2) ILST (troop-level) BSA training is pre-requisite to pursuit of higher-level BSA youth

leadership training (e.g., National Youth Leadership Training [NYLT, aka IMPEESA; Council-level] and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience [NAYLE; at Philmont])

Cost: $5/Scout

Dress Code: Class-A Uniform Instructors: Mr. Breitling, Mr. Gerad Sherman, Mr. Sussal and Mr. Gary Sherman

Enroll/Adult Contact: Contact Gary Sherman ([email protected]) to enroll

or make inquires. If enrolling, please provide Scout’s name, age, rank, patrol name and best adult and/or youth contact information (phone and email).

About BSA Youth Leadership Training (http://www.scouting.org/Training/Youth.aspx):

There are three levels of Boy Scout Leadership Training. Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops, ILST, is the first level and is designed to introduce Boy

Scouts 10 to 15 years old to leadership principles. ILST is also appropriate for Scouts 16 to 18 years of age if they have not yet had the opportunity to take any official BSA youth

leadership training. It is recommended that all boys take ILST one or more times during their Scout career to help them explore the challenges and rewards of stepping up into Patrol- or Troop-level leadership positions. Successful completion of ILST is

prerequisite to taking the more advanced BSA youth leadership training described below.


http://www.scouting.org/Training/Youth.aspx


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The next step in the BSA Youth Training continuum is IMPEESA/National Youth

Leader Training (NYLT) which is offered by the Council as a week-long event, or

sometimes as two long weekends in the summer (2015 NCAC NYLT description and dates). These are typically week-long away training camps. The objective of the NYLT

program is to equip young men with leadership skills to help them succeed in their scouting program, and in life. NYLT brings together Scouts from all over the Council to learn and practice the leadership techniques in a programmatically well–organized, risk-

free, Scout-friendly environment. This training is aimed at older Scouts (14 to 18y olds) aspiring to serve as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL), Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) or

other troop-level leadership positions.

The third and most intense level of official Scout leader training is National Advanced Youth Leader Experience or NAYLE. It is offered both to qualifying boys and girls (ages 14-21) , most weeks during the summer and only at Philmont. NAYLE is the

ultimate in training experiences for youth leaders who have successfully completed ILST and IMPEESA/NYLT. It is conducted for older Scouts and Ventures who have the

potential for being on the staff of the council junior leader training or youth leader training conference. Scouts and Ventures must be at least 14 by the program start date but not 21 by its conclusion. You can learn more about NAYLE at

http://www.scouting.org/Philmont/PTC/YouthPrograms/NAYLE.aspx

Don’t miss this opportunity to begin your youth leadership training!

Eagle Career Day – May 30

Here’s a late-found item, but one that may be of interest to our recent Eagle scouts. Every year, Gathering of Eagles offers young Eagle Scouts the opportunity to be mentored by a

professional in an industry or career field they are interested in pursuing. This year's Keynote Speaker is Christian D'Andrea; Producer-Director, The Storyfoundery. Mentors from a variety

of businesses, social and civic organizations are needed to help familiarize youth with his/her workplace and industry.

Additional information for scouts and adults, and the signup portal for the event is posted at:


Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge – June 6-7 The Baltimore County Sailing Center is once again offering the Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge

on June 6-7, cost $75. Scouts learn to sail small one-man craft. The BCSC is located in Essex, MD, which is on the northeast side of Baltimore. Scouts need to register individually and arrange their own transportation. Scouts must bring evidence that they have passed the

BSA Swim Test (see the First Class requirements) or have completed the Swimming merit badge. Registration portal is at http://www.bcsailing.org/boyscout.html This is a fun

merit badge to take.






http://www.bcsailing.org/boyscout.html


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Troop Facebook Group

This is just another way to stay in touch and communicate with our scouts/families.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/T264Olney/ ~ Mrs. Josey Simpson

Video Training for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Scouting.org has videos available to help scouts with the rank requirements of

Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. These short videos include the current requirements listed for Tenderfoot through First Class.

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Applications/RankVideo.aspx

Troop Activity Policy

Please be reminded that it is troop policy (and common courtesy) for a scout or scouter

to pay the costs associated with an event he or she has signed up for but did not

attend, without being asked. No-shows increase the costs to the troop and the

participants, require the troop to reserve unneeded space and transport excess

equipment, and results in wasted food and materials. We realize that situations

inevitably will occur that prevent a scout from attending events, and ask that the scout

or scouter contact the person organizing the event right away. If the conflict is raised

early enough, adjustments can often be made where food has not yet been purchased

or reservations have not been finalized.

Getting Credit for Troop Activities

It’s important that everyone who participates in Troop 264 campouts, trips, and

community service activities gets credit for their hard work. The Signaler provides the

permanent record of everyone who attends these events. Patrol leaders need to take

responsibility for collecting the names of participants in their patrols and send those lists,

preferably by e-mail, to the Signaler staff by the monthly deadline. E-mail lists to

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/T264Olney/

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Applications/RankVideo.aspx



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Remember, the Signaler Exists for You!

Not only is the Signaler a historical record of Troop 264 activities, it is a chance to sound

off about the various activities the troop does. Articles are always welcome, particularly

those written by scouts. Please send them to [email protected]. And please offer

your comments for changes in the newsletter or troop that you think might improve the

Scouting experience. Complaints about activities in the rain will be printed and then

dutifully ignored. All else is fair game.

Troop and Crew Drivers’ Info Update Needed

Each Boy Scout troop and Venturing Crew is required to maintain some basic information

about the adult drivers that may be transporting scouts to and from events. This information is kept confidential and is only used to apply for BSA Tour plans, which are required for all trips outside the NCAC Council area, and for specific kinds of activities within

the Council. So that we can keep our records current, please complete the attached form with current information and return it to Mr. Dale Bickel. Thanks in advance for your

assistance! Name(s): _______________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

City, State: _______________

Phone number: ___________________ E-mail address: _______________________

Vehicles (Make, Model, Year) ____________________________________________ and No. of Seatbelts __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

My insurance meets state standards: Y / N

BSA Youth Protection online training is current (if known)? Y / N



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INFORMATION PAGE

Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

Board of Review (BOR) Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Walt Greenspon @ (301) 774-5394

no later than two Sundays (8 days) before the scheduled Board of Review.

Failure to give proper notification will delay your BOR until the next month. Get

your Scoutmaster Conference prior to calling Mr. Greenspon. If your scout is scheduled for

the BOR, he MUST bring an adult with him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another

scout. This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for advancement.

Scout dress code for BOR will include Class “A” shirt, neckerchief, slide, and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted). Merit badge sash is recommended. A scout hat is preferred.

Scout Spirit for Advancement

We all recognize that Scout Spirit is hard to evaluate.

We know Scout Spirit includes being helpful and

cheerful, but it is more than that…it’s giving back. In an

effort to assist Patrol Dads in recognizing Scout Spirit,

the following guidelines are offered.

Our troop believes that prior to each advancement, participation in the following activities

exemplify the essences of Scout Spirit:

• A minimum of 1 nursing home visit

• Participation in at least 1 fundraiser

• At least 4 overnight outings per year

• Good deeds done outside of scouts

Scoutmaster Conferences

Any scout needing a Scoutmaster Conference for advancement up through First Class, needs to

contact one of the following for a conference:

Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394

Mr. Laing 301-570-4235

Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974

Mr. Matyas 301-570-0610

Mr. Freedman 301-774-7766

Mr. Bickel 301-774-0416

Mr. Irvin 301-570-5548

Mr. Kennedy 301-774-5014

Mr. Delaney 301-412-0509

Mr. Long 301-924-4365

Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life, and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan:

(301)-774-2768. [email protected]

The Patrol Dad, not a senior scout, is responsible for signing off on Scout Spirit prior to your

Scoutmaster Conference.

Preparation for the scout’s BOR must include being

prepared to answer skill, citizenship, first aid, and

merit badge questions.

More Assateague Island photos



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BOR for Star and Life Scout Advancements While ropes and compasses are provided for younger ranks, by the time you are ready for Star and Life

advancement, you should be responsible enough to bring your own knot rope and compass for your BOR.

We are requiring all scouts who are advancing to Star or Life to bring a knot rope and compass to their

BOR.

Life and Eagle Scouts as Advisory BOR Members

If you are a Life or Eagle Scout and would like to sit on a Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, or Star

BOR, as a “Technical Expert”, call Mr. Greenspon on 301-774-5394.


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TROOP 264 SUMMER CAMP 2015

CAMP BOWMAN at

GOSHEN SCOUT RESERVATION

Troop 264 has a reservation for Camp Bowman at the Goshen Scout Reservation for the week of

11 – 18 July 2015 (Saturday to Saturday). This is a patrol cooking camp. In my experience the boys and

adults eat better when the boys do the cooking than in camp dining hall.

The fees for Camp Bowman Are:

BOYS ADULTS

Paid by 20 Apr $345 $270 Best deal !!!

Paid by 25 May $385 $290

Paid after 25 May $425 $350

The fee schedule is established by the council, thus Troop 264 has no control over the timing.

A charter bus will be available for a fee of approximately $80.00 in addition to the above fees.

We encourage campers to travel by bus. The bus fee will be based on the number of riders. Please do not

pay for the bus until the fee is known based on the number of riders. No other transportation will be

provided by the troop. Camp Bowman is approximately 210 miles from Olney.

Parents are welcome!

INFO: Doug Long 301 924 4365 (H)

4405 Skymist Terr. 301 738 5153 (W)

Olney, MD 20832 E-mail: [email protected]

______________________________________________________________________________

REGISTRATION FORM – turn in to Mr. Doug Long

NAME: ___________________________________ BIRTH DATE: _____________

ADDRESS: _______________________________

_______________________________ BUS: Y/N _____

_______________________________

E-MAIL: _______________________________ T-SHIRT SIZE ______

TELEPHONE: ____________________________

PARENT(S): _____________________________

PARENTS SIGNATURE: _________________________________

Parent Attending: ___________________________


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Permission Slip for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy / KPESA Camporee

April 17-19, 2015

I give permission for my son _______________________________ to participate in the Troop 264 trip to the

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy / KPESA Camporee, Kings Point, Long Island, NY on April 17-19, 2015.

In an emergency, please notify ___________________________ _______________ (indicate name and

relationship to your son) at ___________________________ (phone). If this person cannot be reached, I

authorize qualified medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or

injury. My son is allergic to the following medications or foods:

________________________________________________________________________________.

________________________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature Date

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------

Permission Slip for White Oak District Camporee

April 24-26

I give permission for my son _______________________________ to participate in Troop 264’s visit to the

White Oak District Camporee, Gaithersburg, MD. In an emergency, please notify

___________________________ _______________ (indicate name and relationship to your son) at

___________________________ (phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical

personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My son is allergic to

the following medications or foods: __________________________________.

________________________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature Date


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the signaler troop 264’s newsletter! · 2 ilst training for scouts 4 patrol meeting 9-10...

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