Scoutmaster Corner
Current Notes
October 31, 2011
I certainly apologize for not being more timely in my website updates; life has remained at a fairly high temp since returning home from summer camp. I always look forward to this time of year as we have many opportunities to reflect upon another great year in Scouting and to celebrate all the wonderful accomplishments of our Scouts. I know everyone is looking forward to our annual November camping trip and the hearty menu and activities planned. We are holding our Breakfast Fundraiser on November 20 at St. Paul's Church and certainly look forward to working with everyone that day. We are in the final stages of selecting this year's Bob Beil Award recipient and this year is equally difficult to narrow that down to just one Scout. We look forward to presenting this award and celebrating all of our annual accomplishments at our Christmas Party on December 2 at the New Springfield Church of God.
I want to congratulate Joseph on attaining the rank of Eagle and certainly look forward to the many upcoming presentations of this coveted award to our Life Scouts preparing to complete the final steps. I will be sending an email out to all parents of Scouts in the Eagle and Blue Wombat Patrol discussing our proposed high adventure trip in June. I want to personally thank Mr. Rich Lonardo for the time and energy he put into this remarkable plan.
As we begin November we will seek to accomplish some Eagle service projects, community service projects, and continue to push forward with our varied activity schedule.
June 26, 2011
We are in the final preparation stages for summer camp. Please visit the summer camp page for updated information. Also on the main page there is a link for Laurel Caverns, where we have placed all the necessary information about this outing. I want to thank all the Scouts that participated in both the VFW Memorial Day Ceremony and the Memorial Day Parade. We are honored to have two of our trumpeters play TAPS for the VFW ceremony. I want to thank all the Scouts who attended the opening for the 2011 Relay for Life. This is a great event and wonderful way to show our commitment to the community.
During summer camp we will be planning our 2011-2012 year. The two new Scout Patrols have either completed or nearing the completion of all their First Class requirements. The first year is always the most difficult as the new Scouts are learning many new skills along with acclimatizing to the Troop. Job well done Dragons and Sharks.
Many of the Scouts in the Eagle and Blue Wombat Patrols are preparing to begin their Eagle Projects. As they develop schedules for their projects I would ask everyone to please support them and assist where needed.
Finally I want to thank the many adults who have taken a very active role in the last year. We average about 6 adults during each campout and that makes the event that much memorable. It is nice being able to split the groups up and have them work with different Scout and Adult leaders throughout the weekend.
FEB 21, 2011
A lot has occurred since my last update. I certainly apologize for not having things updated on the website however sometimes that is how life can be busier than other times. We completed a full round of fall campouts and finished out the year with our important community service projects and Christmas Party. I was very proud to recognize Zach C. as this years recipient of the 2010 Annual Bob Beil Award; great job Zach!
January found us camping out in near zero degree temperatures. Over 20 Scouts made it through the night, which is a testament to their preparation and perseverance. We are looking forward to our spring campouts beginning with March and the continuation of our orienteering merit badge with Mr. Lonardo. The new Scouts are really not new anymore and progressing right along.
In the next couple of months we will begin to prepare the administrative portion of summer camp preparations; with so many Scouts going to camp it is important to get the required administrative items in on time. We are also making preparations for our first breakfast that we will hold at St. Paul's on March 27th from 8 AM to 1 PM. We are looking forward to dishing up one of our very best breakfast meals.
SEP 4, 2010
We have had quite a summer since my last update on JUN 20, 2010. We have so much to be thankful for; first we had another great summer camp, 15 Scouts and 3 Leaders experiencing a marvelous time in our new lakeside campsite. The summer camp photos were recently updated to include some additional photos taken by Scouts and parents. This is the first time in the 42 years of our Troop's history that the Troop returned with no partials and accomplished all merit badges they set out to perform. In addition we had Scouts complete partials from the previous summer. Great job to all the Scouts and leaders who helped one another and worked as a great team to accomplish this feat.
Our Trip to the 100th Year BSA Anniversary at the National BSA Jamboree was amazing. Your Scouts have something to talk about for the rest of their life. This was a very memorable trip, which was rounded out with a tour of the Manassas National Battlefield and the NRA National Firearms Museum.
Troop Growth. We have experienced a very large growth in the Troop since April. I am extremely proud of all the accomplishments of our Scouts and look forward to fun and new challenges that are ahead. This website will remain a very good source of information, especially once the weekly calendars are populated shortly. For newer Scouts we ask that you direct your questions to your Patrol Leader who can get most of the answers from the Senior Patrol Leader. This helps maintain the integrity of the organization to ensure everyone has an opportunity to practice their leadership skills.
JUN 20, 2010
I want to personally thank Keith, Ray, and Rich for all their dedication during summer camp. Their support and commitment helped make this one of the very best summer camps ever. This summer camp was special for numerous reasons: First all the Scouts were safe and nobody was injured; Second we had a wide range of age groups and activities and hence there was a lot of learning and adventure happening; Third our Scouts put on the best skit during the parent night. Now what is important about this point is that there was no adult oversight, no adult reviewing the work or doing the work for them rather it was the product of their minds and actions and hence when they have the opportunity they can amaze us all; Fourth, our Scouts completed over 57 merit badges with no partials. According to Mr. Beil this is a first in the history of Troop 119. Finally the Scouts continued to have a full week of fellowship and bonding; something when performed correctly will create a lifetime of memories.
We are preparing for our big trip to the National Jamboree and the celebration of 100 years of Scouting in the United States. We have a great four day trip planned and the Scouts are sure to return from this adventure filled with stories.
May 17, 2010
I want to welcome our six newest Scouts and those in the wings. The crossover ceremony went very well and I want to thank everyone that put forth effort to make the crossover and the ceremony for Ethel go so well. We are gearing up for our May campout and I know all the Scouts are looking forward to returning to Camp Stigwandish. I want to welcome Rich Lonardo to the Committee and look forward to having him onboard.
Previous Notes
April 20, 2010
During the closing part of April we will hold our crossover ceremony to honor the Webelos Scouts transitioning to Boy Scouting. We have three Webelos crossing over on APR 27, 2010 at the New Springfield Church of God and I urge all parents and family members of Troop 119 to attend and help welcome the newest Scouts. We will also honor Mrs. Ethel Mills who is the Registrar for Greater Western Reserve Council. Ethel is retiring at the end of April and we will celebrate and honor her service and dedication to many Scouts and various units. Again this will be a time where parents can meet someone who was instrumental in ensuring your sons records were processed each and every year amongst the many other behind the scenes administrative tasks they accomplish. Permission slips for our May campout will go out tonight. We are rescheduling the car wash to May 8th and a reminder that final summer camp payments are due on May 7, 2010.
March 15, 2010
The past three months moved very quickly. We appreciate everyone's help with conducting a freezeout station for Pack 119. The Scouts had a great day and by the end of the day increased both their knowledge of the task and ability to teach others. We are on the eve of our USAF Museum trip and I know everyone is excited. This is an amazing museum and I know we will all have a great time. We will be meeting with Webelos who are looking to cross over to Boy Scouts. This is a always a fascinating time to watch as the new Scouts learn new skills and become more independent as they progress and advance in the Scouting Program. Dan M just completed his Eagle BOR and was advanced to the rank of Eagle last week. Details on his ceremony will come out in the coming weeks and it is always a splendid event to attend. Scout Sunday was a huge hit this year. We hit a record for cooking and serving over 300 donuts. Job well done! I will be reviewing the updated neckerchief and t-shirt designs with the Scouts tomorrow night.
December 29, 2009
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and enjoying the holiday school break. I want to thank everyone who helped with the Christmas party and our two service projects in December. Supporting our local library is extremely important and although many libraries are being replaced by home computers they are an important component to any community. Our second project was very heart felt as just about every Troop member, Scout and Adult alike, attended. This annual event is one way we can touch the entire community and it instills that there are many folks who need some level of assistance and hence a calling for our program of giving.
Our main focus for January will be preparations for assisting Pack 119 with the Cub Scout Freeze Out, the Court of Honor, and Recharter. We are asking everyone to have their 2010 dues and fees turned in by January 19, 2009.
November 12, 2009
We are fast approaching winter and the colder weather. It is important to ensure you son possesses the necessary cold weather clothing and equipment for all winter camping experiences. Boots, hats, gloves along with appropriate sleeping bag are important components.
We just concluded the board to select the first recipient for the annual Bob Beil Award. I nominated five boys based upon the service hours, nights camping, earned merit badges, and position in the Troop. Those five boys appeared before the board this past Tuesday, which consisted of former Scoutmaster's along with the Troop Committee Chairman. As anticipated the Scouts performed extremely well and I will announce the recipient during our Family Christmas Dinner on Friday, December 4, 2009.
August 28, 2009
I want to thank all the Scouts for their hard work on the Eagle Sanctuary. The area came back to life and was a beautiful location for our summer Court of Honor. Congratulations to all who received well deserved recognition. I would like all the Scouts to continue to reflect on my Scoutmaster's minute that night and really think about the love and admiration the brother showed for his younger brother.
September will keep us occupied on many different fronts. Near term is the cemetery cleanup we will perform on September 3 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Will let everyone know at the next meeting where we are going to meet. After that we have the popcorn kickoff on September 8th followed by attending the New Springfield Township Meeting on September 9th. The weekend of September 11-13 we will be hosting the Webelos from our brother Pack 119 where we will help them complete their Readyman and Outdoorsman Activity Pins. This will be a great weekend and I know each Scout is looking forward to being a mentor to all the Webelos. The month will conclude with assisting the Pack on September 21 at 6:00 PM for their annual Fall Round Up and finally and very importantly our first annual Spaghetti Dinner fund raiser on September 26. Anyone who would like to come bake with Mr. Chapman and I on Saturday morning is more than welcome. Mr. Beil once again delivered a brand new Dutch Oven to the Troop yesterday. That is why he is the Scoutmaster of all time because he is always thinking of the Scouts first and ensuring they have the tools they need to master their craft. Thank You Very Much Bob!
As we continue to develop the web site, please submit any ideas you have for inclusion. Our goal is to get all the weekly meeting schedules up as soon as possible along with all the monthly activity information sheets. I want to wish everyone good luck as we begin another school year and remind everyone that as we grow older another year that we are always Scouts, regardless of where we are. You will find crowds of your peers who change courses and not for the better beginning with this year. Stay close to your brother Scouts and remember that the example you set will remain with you for your life.
AUG 2009
Summer is drawing to a close and we are getting ready for our final summer camping adventure at Cooks Forest. It is really good to see the increased participation and the number of folks going to Cooks Forest; We are currently up to 18 for attendance. Soon everyone will be shopping for school clothes and supplies as we ready for the new school year. The Scouts did a great job during the Annual Planning Conference and it is good to see how far they came from this time last year. They continue to take and accept more ownership for their program and that is one of my primary goals.
You will see some changes to this year's plan. First you will note the Scouts decided to create their own winter camping experience in lieu of attending the annual Klondike Derby. I along with the Troop Committee fully support their desires and I am committed to ensuring that their wishes and desires are executed. The Scouts also decided they want to venture out to some different locations to experience other areas. They want to spend a weekend at Lake Erie and even head to Moraine State Park, which is rather close in proximity.
Near term I want to thank everyone in advance for their support directed towards our first annual Spaghetti dinner. Together we will make this a great event and gain many lessons that we can build upon each year. Please review the information sheet about the dinner, which was sent home a few weeks back. Please let us know if you do not have this information or need additional information.
Our spring has been very fruitful and the Scouts continue to enhance their skills in preparation for summer camp. It is important for Scouts to have at least two pairs of good shoes during summer camp and a water bottle or canteen they can carry with them throughout the day. Send enough sunscreen and other similar essential items. We will have a sunscreen session before we leave camp in the morning and following lunch each day.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009. Happy St. Patrick's Day. We had a wonderful meeting tonight where the Scouts are putting the final touches on their Disability Awareness Merit Badge work. We also introduced the Scouts to cooking using a lightweight stove or backpacking stove. Many of the Scouts tasted the beef stew, which was ready in about 15 minutes. Please take time to review the information sheet with your son for our March overnight camping event. Scouts will be responsible for bringing and preparing their food as a part of a buddy team. They will be able to use a lightweight stove and their mess kit to prepare their planned meals. This is one of the best parts of Scouting, when you see Scouts be able to prepare individual and buddy team meals. It adds additional variety to the program and the memories will remain for a lifetime.
Last Thursday I had the privilege to witness Ricky and Matt go before their Eagle Board of Review. Although many think that Scouting culminates with the award of the Eagle Rank, it is yet a juncture, albeit a very important juncture, in the life of the young man. What this rank signifies is that through perseverance, dedication, and hard work a person can overcome many obstacles to achieve anything. It also is important to note that nobody individually achieves this award. Parents, merit badge counselors, friends, fellow Scouts, leaders, and a host of other family members, community members, and our population all have a part in this achievement. You will never witness any one person who can single handedly earn this award. Baden Powell charged Scoutmasters with two tasks to teach to boys; they are to teach them patience and servant leadership or lifetime of service. I recently listened to this audio address Baden Powell made to Scoutmasters and was not at all surprised he made this very simple charge. You can see Scouting from many different faces and even through it's evolution that it at times moves from these basic principles. These are two principles we will continue to inculcate into our Scouts because they are very important. Our community (town, state, nation, world) need and require servant leaders - those who can inspire and lead others and work with others to continuously improve our overall well being. So with the advancement of Ricky and Matt I expect both to continue to help others and Do a Good Deed Daily.
Mr. Hilderbrand recently forwarded a letter from Mike Rowe. I am posting here so everyone can read:
Mike Offers a Potential Eagle Scout His Eagle Perspective
Still: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent...okay maybe not so clean!
Mike,
I'm not sure where I heard that you are an Eagle Scout, which brings me to my
question. Could you PLEASE take a moment & post to my 13 year old son Kelby &
encourage him to finish scouting (& anything else that'll help with this?)
Reason I'm asking is that he only lacks 1 1/2 - 2 years in reaching Eagle, but
some of his buddies have got him to thinking scouting isn't cool at his age.
Thanks much, Gary -- scooterdave
*****
Kelby,
Your Dad asked me to drop you a line and say something inspirational that might
persuade you to dig down deep and find the determination to make the rank of
Eagle Scout. It's a reasonable request, from a father who obviously wants to see
his son succeed. But here’s the thing - The Eagle Award is not really meant for
people who need to be dragged across the finish line. It’s meant for a select
few, and I have no idea if you have the guts to see it through.
Statistically, I suspect you do not. Only one out of a hundred Scouts make
Eagle, so if you fail, there will be lots of other people with whom you can
share excuses. Quitting now might disappoint your Dad, but I doubt that he or
anyone else will be overly surprised. Anytime 99 out of 100 people do the same
thing, it’s not exactly a shock.
I’m not trying to be cute with a bunch of reverse psychology. When I was 15,
there was nothing that anyone could have said to me that would have inspired me
to do something I didn't want to do, especially a stranger with a TV show. So
I’m not going to assume you’re any different, or pretend that I have some
influence or insight that you haven’t already heard from a dozen other people
who actually know and care about you. I’ll just tell you straight up, that doing
something extraordinary can be very lonely, and most people simply aren’t cut
out for it. Being an Eagle Scout requires you to be different than most everyone
around you, and being different is really, really hard. That’s why the award is
called “an accomplishment.”
Personally, and for whatever it’s worth, the best decisions I've made in my own
life, are those decisions that put me on the outside of being cool. Singing in
the Opera, working in home shopping, staring in the school play when the entire
football team laughed at me, and especially earning my Eagle, were all choices
that required sacrifice, hard work, and delayed gratification. I have no idea if
you possess those qualities, or even envy them. But I can tell you for certain,
that NOT getting your Eagle, will be one of the easiest things you’ve ever done.
Anyway, I have no idea if you would prefer an easy life of predictability and
mediocrity, or if have the passion to follow the road less traveled. Only you
get to decide that.
Good Luck,
Mike