Troop 42: Meeting Monday 4/7

We will have a SHORT meeting Monday night in order for everyone to be able to watch the KU game.

The agenda will include, among other things,:

1. Sign up for the April Campout. The cost will be APPROXIMATELY $27. We will cook in Patrols so $7 of that needs to be in CASH. A flyer will be available.

2. Final details for the KC Brigade game - this is a FAMILY activity night (next week, 4/14). There may have been some confusion about that last week so you can still sign up. The cost is $10 per person which includes parking.

There may be some additional last minute details discussed but this meeting will be BRIEF. Call me with any questions.

Don Dyer

Troop 42: Calendar Revisions/Updates

Please make note of these changes to the Troop calendar/roster.
It has also been attached as an Excel file.

Items in BOLD have been added or changed.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008	-	Parents Meeting	7:00 PM	-	8:00 PM
Friday, March 28, 2008	-	MB ACADEMY - PREREQUISITE REVIEW	7:00 PM	-	8:00 PM
Saturday, March 29, 2008	-	MB ACADEMY - MEET @ OBC	8:30 AM	-	4:30 PM
Monday, March 31, 2008	-	REGULAR MEETING	7:00 PM	-	8:00 PM
Tuesday, April 01, 2008	-	Roundtable - Hickman Mills HS	7:00 PM	-	8:30 PM
Monday, April 07, 2008	-	REGULAR MEETING - PLAN CAMPOUT	7:00 PM	-	8:00 PM
Saturday, April 12, 2008	-	SCOUTING FOR FOOD @ OBC	9:00 AM	-	NOON
Monday, April 14, 2008	-	ACTIVITY NIGHT @ KC BRIGADE	6:30 PM	-	10:00 PM
Monday, April 14, 2008	-	FINAL SCOUT CAMP PAYMENT DUE
Saturday, April 19, 2008	-	Campout - Horsemanship MB @ Urich, MO	TBD
Monday, April 21, 2008	-	PLC, QM Meeting	7:00 PM	-	8:00 PM
Monday, April 28, 2008	-	REGULAR MEETING	7:00 PM	-	8:00 PM
Tuesday, April 29, 2008	-	PARENTS MEETING	7:00 PM	-	8:00 PM
Saturday, May 03, 2008	-	PANCAKE BREAKFAST	6:00 AM	-	NOON

HOAC - Thunderbird District Day Camp We Need You!

Thunderbird District Day Camp We Need You!
Be a member of the best Day Camp Staff Ever!

Thunderbird District Links Thunderbird District Web PageHeart of America CouncilNational Council Boy Scouts of America

Join our list Join our mailing list!
Greetings! Be a member of the best Day Camp Staff Ever! July 7, 2008 through July 11, 2008 Have you always wanted to be a part of something really special? Do you like having fun in the sun? Are you someone who likes a balmy July day with about 400 Cub Scouts? Well if you answered yes to those questions then we have a spot for you. Come and be a part of the Thunderbird Day Camp Staff this year!
You need to be, 14 or older and a registered scout. If you are not registered just let us know and we will make sure you get registered. We are looking for young men and women who are responsible, enjoy helping young Scouts, courteous and like to have fun. We will provide you with a staff shirt, lunch and a great opportunity to meet some new friends. Oh and we will not even charge you tanning fees!
If you think that you would like to be a pat of this or if you would like some more information about serving on staff please call Gretchen Hicks at (816) 524- 9358. You can also email her at missgee54@sbcglobal.net.

We look forward to seeing you this summer at our camp!

Thunderbird District Heart of America Council, BSA

Email: mgettys@bsamail.org
Phone: 816-569-4971
Fax: 816-942-8086
Web: http://hoac-bsa.org

Thunderbird MB Academy Last Minute Details

A few last minute details regarding the MB Academy:

1. Please wear your Class A shirt Saturday.

2. The troop will provide lunch as part of the $5 cost.

3. Bring all completed work, pen and paper (and MB books, if you have them).

4. We will check prerequisites at 7:00 on Friday night at OBC as well as complete MB cards.

5. A copy of the information sheet is attached and also shown below.

WHERE: Hickman Mills High School

WHEN: Friday March 28, 2008

7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Meet at Oakwood Baptist Church

to complete MB cards and sign off prerequisites

Saturday March 29, 2008

8:30 a.m. Meet at Oakwood Baptist Church

8:45 a.m. Depart for Hickman Mills High School

9:00 a.m. Arrive – Check in, get room assignments

9:30 – 11:15 a.m. First Session

11:15 – 12:15 p.m. Lunch provided by the Troop

12:15 – 2:00 p.m. Second Session

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Third Session

4:00 p.m. Depart for home

4:30 p.m. Arrive in Lee’s Summit

FOOD: Eat breakfast at home Saturday morning. Lunch will be provided by the Troop.

COST: $5.00 per person

BRING: Bring Merit Badge books, Merit Badge cards, prerequisites, paper and pen.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Don Dyer

Greensburg Kansas Update - Scouts Helping Scouts

Hi, Steven! Hope you are well . . .

A new website was launched last weekend about the “Scouts Helping Scouts” Organization. The website address is:

http://www.scoutshelpingscouts.org/

We are still $12,338.98 short of the goal of $25,500.00. On the website, there are pictures of the Greensburg Caravan from last June 27th, and pictures of my son Jordan and I when we delivered the first $7,300.00 to the Quivira Council on June 14th. There is also a Guestbook link on the site, and I invite any and all comments that you or others may have.

Also – please know that no BSA Insignia or Logos have been used on this site, as it is not sanctioned or endorsed by the BSA or the Heart of America Council. We cater to the needs of the BSA Units and the Girl Scout USA Units that need our help!

Thank you for all you do! Troop 42 has a WONDERFUL SITE – one that you should all be proud of! Please give my best to Dr. Joe . . . he is great guy – and I know you are fortunate to have him as your Scoutmaster!

Yours in “Leadership in Service”,
---
Jeffrey A. “Yogi” Cook
Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 900
Managing Director - “Scouts Helping Scouts”
North Oak Christian Church
9900 North Oak Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64155
Heart of America Council, BSA
scouter@kc.rr.com
" . . . And a Good 'Ole Antelope, Too!" C-29-99

Adventures in Scouting - March 2008

E-News

March 2008
Scouting News Boy Scouts at the Big 12! 2007 Highlights in the Heart of America Council Friends of Scouting Venturing Officers Association Spring Event Webelos Transition A Great Late Winter To-Do-List Item Scout Designs National 100th Anniversary Logo National Policy on Scout Participation in Political Events District Websites Big Muddy Blue Elk Exploring Kaw Lone Bear North Star Northern Tier Pelathe Pioneer Trails Red-Tailed Hawk Thunderbird Trailhead Trails West Twin Rivers Useful Links Activities Newsletter Archive Calendar of Events Training Opportunities Join our list Join our mailing list!	Dear Steve, With March now upon us, our thoughts turn to outdoor activities. Packs, troops and crews will begin to prepare for their trips to day camp and summer camp. As you well know, attending camp during the summer is an important part of the Scouting experience. It is a time to put skills learned in Scouting into practice and build memories for a lifetime. Make it a point to extend the invitation to attend camp to each and every Scout in your unit. An opportunty to attend summer camp is a chance to fullfill an important part of Scouting's promise of adventure in the great outdoors. Thanks for all that you do. Here are some upcoming events, activities, and resources available for your use. Boy Scouts at the Big 12! Scouts to visit the Sprint Center We're inviting all new Boy Scouts (this year), potential Boy Scouts and the Boy Scouts who recruited them to join us at the Sprint Center for a NCAA Big 12 Conference Championship Basket Ball Practice. On March 12, 2008, the practice is open from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Download More Information 2007 Highlights in the Heart of America Council Pride Points Are you curious about some facts and figures about Scouting in the Kansas City area for 2007? You can download a one page file that will bring you up to date. A link to our "2007 Pride Points" is available on our website. Click to Link to the 2007 Pride Points Friends of Scouting An Investment in Our Future Friends of Scouting, our annual fundraising campaign, provides the essential funding needed to keep Scouting available at an affordable cost. Our communities generously work together to provided the necessary support that ensures that the Heart of America Council remains among the finest council, providing high quality programs and services to our young people. Families of our Scouts, former Scouts, concerned members of the community, local business and corporations all work together to provide this crucial funding. Throughout the spring, volunteers, will be contacting past contributors as well as new prospects to consider a Friend of Scouting gift. Reaching our goals require the support of the families currently involved in Scouting, Scouting's alumni and interested businesses and individuals in our community. Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers whose commitment makes this campaign possible. And thanks to those of you whose generous financial support makes Scouting a reality for so many young people. FOS News and Campaign Status Report Venturing Officers Association Spring Event Getting Bigger and Better Each Year Looking for something new and exciting that will keep your older Scouts involved in your troop? Venturing is an exciting program alternative for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age. Venturing offers activities that will appeal specifically to this age group and help to keep them active and involved. Each year the council events for Venture crews are bigger and better than ever. On April 11 - 13 at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, the Heart of America Council and the Venturing Officers Association, is holding an outdoor event designed to assist crew members achieve advancement towards outdoor awards. Weekend activities include Backpacking, Mountaineering (Climbing), Wilderness Survival and Rifle and Pistol Shooting. For more Information on the Spring Event Webelos Transition Only 1 Boy Scout in 10 did not have a Cub Scout Experience Since over 90% of all Boy Scouts were Webelos Scouts, the Webelos-to-Scout transition is one of the most important membership focuses at this time of year. Our challenge is to ensure the transition to the next level of Scouting is readily available for a young man once he meets the joining requirements. By the time Webelos Scouts are ready to cross over to Boy Scouting, they and their families should be comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the troop, understand their role in the troop and troop activities, and feel excited about beginning this new adventure. For Information about Webelos Transition A Great Late Winter To-Do-List Item Winter offers the opportunity to catch up on indoor projects. It is a time to make things a priority that may not make it on a to-do list during other times of the year. One of the best things to do this winter season is to think about your estate plan. More than half of all Americans have no plan. Of those that do have a will, many are outdated. Take time this winter to take stock of what's important to you. Consider the places, people, and causes that you depend on and that depend on you. Think about the kind of legacy and impact you wish to have. More Information on Wills and Estate Planning Scout Designs National 100th Anniversary Logo When the time came to create the extraordinary symbol that would mark the milestone of the 100th Anniversary, we knew there was no one better to create this icon than Scouts themselves. During the latter half of 2007, more than 4,000 Scouts from representing all 50 states - some even overseas - participated in a special contest to craft the logo that will serve as the centerpiece for Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary. To see this logo and learn more about its selection click here See the 100th Anniversary Logo Design Winner National Policy on Scout Participation in Political Events Since we are in a presidential election year, it is a good time to restate the BSA's long-standing policy regarding the participation of Scouts in political rallies and other political events. Uniformed unit members and leaders may participate in flag ceremonies at political events and may lead the Pledge of Allegiance; however, they should retire after the ceremony and not remain on the speakers' platform or in a conspicuous location where television viewers could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support. In addition, photos of candidates or Scouts in uniform or BSA marks and logos are not allowed in political campaign materials of any kind. Volunteers and professionals must be alert to situations that would imply that the BSA favors one candidate over another. Strict observance of our long-standing policy against the active participation of uniformed Scouts and leaders in political events is mandatory.
Heart of America Council Boy Scouts of America Email: hoac-bsa@bsamail.org Phone: 816-942-9333 Fax: 816-942-8086 Web: http://www.hoac-bsa.org

HOAC - Thunderbird District's Cub Scout Day Camp

Hi my name is Angie and I work staff for Thunderbird District's Cub Scout Day Camp.

I'm emailing you to see if you, or anyone you know, can offer any time up to help staff our camp in July.

We have set up, take down, and a week full of activities that could use some help from the scouting community.

These boys are the district's future Boy Scouts and Leaders.

For more info on camp you can check out our personal site at tbirdcsdc.tripod.com where you can view our Help Wanted flyer or you can email our program director Gretchen Hicks at missgee.tbird@yahoo.com
or simply reply to this email and I can help you out.

Our theme is Spy Cubs, and our Dates are July 7-11th.

Share with the boys in your troop, or at school that might need some community service hours. Its a great time where you get to meet tons of new people.

Thanks for your time, I hope to hear from you soon

*God Bless*

-Angie Duncan-

Overland Trails Council Merit Badge University

Attention Troop Leaders:

The Grand Island, Nebraska, Overland Trails Council is sponsoring a 2008 Merit Badge University, Aug. 1 – 3, 2008. Merit Badge and Registration information is attached for your review. The Early Bird Registration due date is May 1, 2008.

If you would like additional information about the event, please visit the Overland Trails Council website at www.overlandtrailscouncil.org

This is the first ever Merit Badge University in Nebraska and you are invited to attend! A wide variety of teaching, non-teaching, and group merit badge classes will be available both on-campus and off-campus. Scouts will have access to Merit Badge classes, many of which they normally would not have the opportunity to complete.

Again, if you have questions, please refer to either website listed above or you may contact the Overland Trails Scout Office at 308-382-3717 or the Program Coordinator, Dave Scoggins, at 308-381-8173.

Adult Leader Scout Training

To all Adult Leaders of Troop 42:

Whether you are a new to Boy Scouts or a veteran, Leader Training is vital to the success of any unit. There are several resources available to you to become a trained leader. The first step is to visit the HOAC (Heart of America Council), Thunderbird District website on training: http://hoac-bsa.org/TB_BS Training.cfm. This page outlines each step of training and provides links to online courses offered.

To get started, the Boy Scout Fast Start Training will give you an overview of the program. It is available online and only takes 15-30 minutes. Here is the link: http://olc.scouting.org/info/bsfs.html. You will be asked to create an account so certificates can be printed and have the ability to save your progress if you need to suspend the course.

My goal is to have every adult leader that is actively participating in troop activities trained in the following areas: Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, Youth Protection and Troop Committee Challenge. Two other courses would be a bonus: Scoutmaster/Asst Scoutmaster and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.

I've attached a flyer for Spring Training dates for your consideration. Specifically the New Leader Essentials and Troop Committee Challenge on Tuesday, March 25th. There is no cost for this class, however, registration is required. It is held at the Council Service Center at I-435 & Holmes.

Please let me or Craig Brandon know when you complete training courses so we can update our records, even if you have completed a course in the last year or two.

Thanks in advance for investing in our boys' future and let me know if you have any questions.

Don Dyer

Troop 42: Court of Honor 3/24

Please show your support for our scouts by attending Monday night's Court of Honor,

March 24th, 7 pm at Oakwood Baptist Church.

Scouts need to wear the Class A uniform.

Tues March 25th: Parent Meeting

Sat March 29th: Merit Badge Academy

Mon March 31st: Activity night

Troop 42 Reminder: NO MEETING 3/17 (tonight)

Due to number of folks out of town for Spring Break, we will NOT be meeting next Monday, March 17th.

The next meeting will be the Court of Honor on March 24th.

We will meet with those attending the MB Academy on FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH at 7:00 pm to review pre-requisites.

Don Dyer

Troop 42: NO MEETING 3/17

Sorry for the late notice...Phil Daniel

_________________________________________________________________________

From: "Don Dyer" <dyerdon@att.net>
To: "DanielP" <padaniel2@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: NO MEETING 3/17
Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:39:09 -0500

Due to number of folks out of town for Spring Break, we will NOT be meeting next Monday, March 17th.

The next meeting will be the Court of Honor on March 24th.

We will meet with those attending the MB Academy on FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH at 7:00 pm to review pre-requisites.

Don Dyer

Troop 42: First Year scouts, Patrol Leaders, & Quartermasters

Tonight's meeting is for QMs, PLs, & First Year scouts.

The First Year scouts will be meeting with Daniel Philyaw and will need to bring your scout books.

Troop 42: Meeting (3/3)

Due to the extremely wet conditions at Mr. Meyers farm, we will be camping at Longview Lake.

The cost will still be $10 (cash please) and we will stick with the original agenda - leaving Saturday morning and coming home Sunday morning. An agenda is attached and will be available at tonight's meeting.

Thanks,

Don

Troop 42: Meeting 2/25

Tonight's Agenda:

- Introducing new scouts

- Continue working on scouting skills

- It's important to make sure you are current on fee payments:

1) Camp fees (1/2)

2) Troop Dues

3) Ongoing Sea Base payments

Reminder:

ALL pre-requisite work for the Merit Badge Academy should be brought to the March 17th meeting to be reviewed.

Upcoming Calendar Items:

Feb 25 - Regular Meeting

Feb 26 - Parent Meeting

Mar 8 - Campout: at Myer's Farm

Mar 24 - Court of Honor

Mar 29 - Merit Badge Academy - Be concentrating on those prerequisites

Don't forget the following calendar corrections for Parent Meetings:
April 22nd is now April

29th July 22nd is now July 29th

Outdoor Recreation Is Dying?

The Scoutmaster blog points out an abstract of a report entitled "Evidence for a fundamental and pervasive shift away from nature-based recreation" by Oliver Pergams and Patricia Zaradic, in their post called Nature Based Recreation in Decline?

After 50 years of steady increase, per capita visits to U.S. National Parks have declined since 1987. To evaluate whether we are seeing a fundamental shift away from people's interest in nature, we tested for similar longitudinal declines in 16 time series representing four classes of nature participation variables:
(i) visitation to various types of public lands in the U.S. and National Parks in Japan and Spain,
(ii) number of various types of U.S. game licenses issued,
(iii) indicators of time spent camping,
(iv) indicators of time spent backpacking or hiking.

The longest and most complete time series tested suggest that typical declines in per capita nature recreation began between 1981 and 1991, are proceeding at rates of –1.0% to –1.3% per year, and total to date –18% to –25%. ...

In conclusion, all major lines of evidence point to an ongoing and fundamental shift away from nature-based recreation.

While I believe that overall they very well may have a point. As our children become more and more sedentary, preferring to spend time in front of the Xbox or Playstation to playing sports the neighborhood kids outdoors, it only makes sense that fewer of them venture outside for recreation once they become adults.

Thus adding yet another reason that Scouting is more important than ever to the boys it serves. Scouting may be a boy's first and only experience with Outdoor Recreation give the facts sited in the report and if our National Parks are to be fully enjoyed by future generations then Scouting needs to hook them on the outdoors and its wonders.

Troop 42 Meeting 2/18

Yes. We're having a meeting tonight at 7pm

Feb 18 - Second Camp Payment is due

Feb 25 - Regular Meeting

Feb 26 - Parent Meeting

Mar 24 - Court of Honor

Mar 29 - Merit Badge Academy - Be concentrating on those prerequisites

Don't forget the following calendar corrections for Parent Meetings:

April 22nd is now April 29th

July 22nd is now July 29th

Troop 42 - Monday night's meeting 2/11/2008

Monday night's meeting will be for Patrol Leaders only, not Quartermasters.

We will also have several (7 or 8) Boards of Review and are in need of adults to run them. The more adult participation we have, the more quickly we can get through the reviews.

Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks in advance for helping.

Don Dyer

Troop 42: Campout this SATURDAY

If you were not at the meeting last Monday, I've attached the details for the campout this weekend. Some important details:

- A release form signed by a parent is required for admission into G.A.G.E.

- all scouts must bring a change of clothes including a CLASS 'A' shirt as we will be attending Oakwood church services for Scout Sunday.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Don Dyer

Fw: Missing belt from the Ski Event

There was a leather 'Philmont' belt with an inlaid turquoise buckle mis-placed at the Ski Event. It was last seen in the back of the pick up truck with all of the other gear.

If it has ended up at your house I would appreciate a call. The buckle has a great deal of sentimental value to me.

Thanks for looking.

Don Dyer