These materials will not substitute for missing the training but it may help give those that read them an overview.

They are a good reminder for those that did attend.

Please click on the links in the Training tab to download the PowerPoint presentations from Mr. Tokarski, Mr. Bauer, Mr. Trutner and Mr. Ettari respectively.

Mr. Bauer

There is a list of all the troop merit badge counselors on the website.

Please plan to complete the form as soon as possible to hand to your patrol leader during the meeting Thursday. You must have at least parts A and C completed and handed in to go to the Winter Camporee in January.

Parts A and C need to be completed annually by all BSA unit members for all events that do not exceed 72 hours (weekend campouts). This does not need to be completed by a doctor.

Part A – Medical information required includes a current health history and list of medications. If you have your immunization dates you do not need to have this completed by a physician.

Part C – includes the parental informed consent and hold harmless/release agreement as well as a talent release statement (this means if Council takes pictures they can use them in their literature).

Part B – is required for any event that exceeds 72 hours or for any activity considered strenuous. Part B must be completed and signed by a certified and licensed health-care provider—physician (MD, DO), nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant.

I suggest that everyone try and have all 3 parts completed so we don’t have any issues.

– Mr. McGarry

Dear Parents-
Here are some inexpensive holiday gift ideas that will enhance your son’s outdoor experience.

Wool/polyester socks (NOT COTTON)- under $10 at Costco, Wal-Mart, Target…

Polyester/nylon sports tee shirt long or short sleeve- worn as the first layer of clothing against the body. It wicks away moisture to help the body stay dry and warm.- $10 at Wal-Mart, $30 at Dicks. Cotton holds moisture, cotton is to be avoided!

Fleece jacket- $12 at Wal-Mart, $22 at Kohl’s, $35 at Dicks. Worn over polyester tee shirt as the second layer of clothing.

Fleece or Wool hat- $8-15 Wal-Mart/Target, $20 Dicks. Significant body heat is lost through the head and cotton looses it effectiveness when wet.

Gloves- three pair for winter camping is best (two to get wet on Saturday and one pair for Sunday)

Poncho- $2 Dicks, Wal-Mart. Staying dry is the key to comfortable winter camping. If you are wet-you will be cold, it’s that simple.

Waterproof rain pants- $18 Dicks. Worn as an outer layer over clothes.

Waterproof / breathable jacket- $50-85 Dicks, Campmor, REI, Sports Authority. Often called a “shell”, this is the first choice for an outer layer.

Water resistant / breathable jacket- $20-60, Wal-Mart, Target, Burlington Coat Factory, Campmor, Sports Authority. This shell is the second choice for an out layer. Spray garment with Scotch Guard to make it waterproof.

Can of Scotch Guard- $10. If waterproof capabilities are in question then spray it!

Boots (waterproof) – $20-80. Payless, Sports Authority, Dicks. Sneakers are NOT appropriate hiking or winter camping gear.

High tech mountaineering brand names- Columbia, Patagonia, North Face, REI, Mountain Hardwear, etc. offer quality products at very expensive price points. The same utility is obtained from significantly less expensive products made from the same materials and purchased at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. Again, avoid cotton.

Happy Holidays.

To use the indoor rock climbing wall at Alpine that they will have available to us, you and your parent must complete the new BSA Medical Form, which you can download at the forms page. You only need to complete Part A and Part C (not the parts that require a doctor’s signature).

Tenderfoot

• A Scout must teach another person how to tie a square knot using the EDGE model (explain, demonstrate, guide, and enable). He must also be able to discuss four specific examples of how he lived the points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

Second Class

• A Scout must discuss the principles of Leave No Trace and explain the factors to consider when choosing a patrol site and where to pitch a tent.
• He must explain what respect is due the flag of the United States.
• He must again discuss four examples of how he lived four different points of the Scout Law in his daily life.
• He must earn an amount of money agreed upon by the Scout and his parents and save at least 50 percent of it.

First Class

• An additional requirement to the 10 separate troop/patrol activities states he must demonstrate the principles of Leave No Trace on these outings.
• He must discuss four more examples of how he lived the remaining four points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

Life

• A Scout must use the EDGE model to teach a younger Scout a specified skill.

Star, Life, and Eagle

• Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace trainer are two new leadership positions.

In addition, in contrast to previous practice, only adult leaders may sign off rank requirements.

Anyone interested in obtaining a religious award, download the registration form and email it to Mrs Dodd at dit1028@optonline.net. If you’re interested, you’ll need to get that form to Mrs Dodd right away because religious awards take several months to complete so if you delay you may have to wait until September 2010 to participate.

BTW, I got 2 religious awards. I enjoyed the work and I’m happy I participated. Thanks and I’ll see everyone in September.

Download form (DOC format): ReligiousAwardRegistration2009.doc