Hi All, 4/2/2008
Hope all is going well! I'm writing tonight from Seattle, but I'll be back in
time for Thursday's meeting.
This week's meeting will be focused on the Troop gear. I will bring the trailer
(yes, we successfully freed it from the snow and ice in the Ostberg's yard on
Saturday) and we will check tents, patrol boxes and other gear in preparation
for the Spring Shakedown weekend and other upcoming events. We will also finalize
menus and duty rosters. IF YOU HAVE ANY TROOP GEAR PLEASE BRING IT TO THE MEETING
THIS WEEK!!
Next week we will start the rockets for the Encampment weekend after making
sure that we are ready for the shakedown.
There's a lot going on so it's important for you guys to keep on top of your
advancements and make sure that they get signed off. Please see me or any of
the other adults in tan shirts to get your books signed and get them to Mr.
Caron so that the records are updated! Without these records you will not be
able to advance to the next rank!
Only 3 short weeks until the Shakedown, 4/18-20 at Hidden Valley - BE PREPARED!
If you have any questions about gear, ask this week!
Encampment Weekend is 5/2-4 at Camp Carpenter. We will be getting ready for
the rocket launches at upcoming meetings.
The canoe trip is coming up too! Looks like the Connecticut River! We will work
on cost estimates and get them to you as soon as possible. Sign up as soon as
possible and lets get planning!
Plans for summer camp are the next order of business. In the next few weeks
we will finalize plans between Bell and Valley. Get your med forms in!
Finally, white water rafting in August. Sign up and bring your deposits. Slots
are moving fast!
See you all Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 3/26/2008
Time is moving quickly. Next week brings April and just a couple weeks later
we have our first camp out of the year, well, except for the Klondike... okay,
the first of the spring...
If you completed any of the requirements for Tenderfoot, Fist Class, or Second
Class First Aid last week, make sure to have your book signed off by one of
the Assistant Scoutmasters or myself and get your book to Mr. Caron so that
our records can be kept up to date. This is a good thing to do for any requirements
that you complete. Believe me, yo do not want to make the mistake of completing
these things then losing your book...
In preparation for the campout, this week we will start the duty rosters, menu
planning, and review of gear requirements. If you have any recipe ideas for
your patrol, make sure you are ready to discuss them this week. Patrol Leaders,
be prepared to create your duty rosters with your patrols. That means that you
need a count of your guys who are going on the camp out. Your attendance sheets
have a place to check them off. Do it at roll call this week!
In coming weeks, in addition to preparing for the camp out and working on advancements,
we will prepare for Encampment Weekend (Patrol Leaders, count heads for this
one too). This will include menu planning, duty rosters, and rocket building...
Reminder, if you need merit badge books, please see the Librarian, he will have
them in his trunk...
Another reminder, if you have any of the Troop's gear, please make sure that
it is cleaned and plan to bring it to NEXT week's meeting. We will try to get
the Troop trailer to the meeting if possible.
Important dates:
4/18-20: Spring Shakedown, Hidden Valley Scout Camp. 4/18 for Troop members
as of 3/1, 4/19 for all.
5/2-4: Encampment Weekend, Camp Carpenter.
6/20-22: Canoe Trip
7/6-12: Camp Bell
7/20-26: Hidden Valley
8/23-24 (I think): White Water Rafting, Maine
See you all Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
3/20/2008 Hi All,
Okay, so the update is a little late this week....
Once again, welcome to all of our new Scouts. You guys did a great job last
week! I hope that you remember what you learned. We will start the meeting this
week (as always) with the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, Law, and Outdoor
Code. If you don't remember all the words, that's okay, just follow along as
best you can. You will pick it up in no time.
Not much new relative to last week EXCEPT that the Spring Shakedown has been
moved AGAIN. We have to push it out to the weekend of April 18-20. I apologize
for the continued changes, but this time it is going to stick! The other implication
to this change is that the May Encampment Weekend will be only two weeks later.
This will take a lot of tight planning!
This week we will start preparing for the Spring camp out, and continue advancement
for everybody. For the new Scouts, we will start with some camping basics. Skill
Scouts will help with the demonstration. I will look to Senior Scouts to help
Skill Scouts with advancement and be prepared to discuss what their next steps
are (merit badges, Eagle projects, etc.).
Spring is high gear time for us. Let's get it kicked off right with a great
meeting and great preparations for all of the upcoming activities:
4/18-20: Spring Shakedown at Hidden Valley. Experienced Scouts on the 18th,
New Scouts to arrive on the 19th.
5/2-4: Encampment Weekend at Camp Carpenter. Boy Scouts run the Chuck Wagon
and then fire off rockets!
6/20-22: Canoe Trip: Details to be worked out. Need adult and youth volunteers
to help plan and execute this one!
That about covers it for this week. See you all Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
3/12/2008 Hi All,
First and foremost, please print, read, and post this on your fridge!
Great elections last week and excellent job stuffing eggs. We got a big thank
you from the Rec department, but the job is only halfway done. Be there Saturday
morning, 9:30, to help hide the eggs for the hunt!
Congratulations to our new leaders:
Senior Patrol Leader: Kevin Raison
Asst. SPL: Stephen Chau and Jake Simard
Scribe: David Pierson (no, I had nothing to do with this)
Quartermaster: Freddy Nader
Librarian: John Pierson (and I had nothing to do with this either)
Chaplain's Aide: Freddy Parker
Patrol Leaders:
Monkey: Robby Riendeau
Viking: Ben Gallo
Eagle: Kevin Delfosse
Lightning: Ethan Crossno
We held our first PLC meeting last night and these guys have what it takes to
lead the Troop!
Busy busy times coming up! This week we welcome the new Webelos. It is also
UNIFORM INSPECTION. Come prepared to set the right example, welcome the new
guys, and have a great meeting.
Saturday, March 15th we have two things going on. First, as noted above, we
have the Easter Egg hunt at the Town Hall. Be there at 9:30 to help set up the
area and hide the eggs. This is a lot of fun and counts towards service hours...
The second thing is the overnight at MetroRock. One Scout has had to drop out,
so if you are interested there is a slot available (yes, you would still have
to pay for it). Please see me or Kevin Delfosse if you are interested.
Next week (and following weeks) we will start preparations for the Spring Shakedown
weekend at Hidden Valley. This is going to be a great camp out. 2 nights, with
the first night focused on setting up the ideal camp and having a great time
preparing for the new Scouts who will join us on Saturday. We will also plan
a couple of activities to help those who need a couple of key activities (maybe
a 5 mile hike, maybe an orienteering course, we will see what we can do). I
will need the support of parents and older Scouts to really make this camp out
all that it can be.
Oh yeah, the date for the Spring Shakedown has been moved up to April 4-6.
In May, we have the District event, Encampment weekend. In addition to running
the Chuck Wagon for the Cub Scouts, we will have an opportunity to launch rockets
that we will build in advance of the event. Start saving cardboard tubes (from
paper towels, toilet paper rolls, aluminum foil or plastic wrap for example)
as each rocket will require 2. One must be able to slide into the other....
Encampment weekend is 5/3-5 at Camp Carpenter.
We will spend the rest of May and most of June preparing for the canoe trip,
planned for June 20-22 (assumes that school ends on the 19th, the 20th is planned
to be a full day, adult leaders will need to be prepared to take a vacation
day). This is going to take a lot of time, effort, and commitment on your part.
All I can say is that the last canoe trip we did was OUTSTANDING and you should
do everything possible to go on this one. I will have a sign up sheet at the
meeting this week. I do not yet have a cost estimate.
We will also continue to work to advance as many of you as possible. If you
joined the Troop in Spring of 07 (last year) you should be well on your way
to First Class. Even if you are a Tenderfoot now, we can work with you to get
you there, but you need to work at it too. Bring your books to the meetings
and make sure that Mr. Caron has all of the updates.
Summer camp is not far away. We will start discussing merit badge program and
activities for Bell in the next few weeks too.
Finally, we have whitewater rafting in August. Mr. Caron will bring the sign
up sheet. This is also a really great time. Sign up soon as spots are limited.
See you all Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 3/6/2008
Hope you all had a great vacation. We did, but now I need a vacation from my
vacation...
IMPORTANT: Meeting this week will be held at Town Hall. Pass the word.
Also IMPORTANT: In order to save $10 on your camp fees, please bring your non-refundable
$50 deposit to the meeting this week. We also need to know if you are going
to Bell or Valley (or both, in which case we need $100). Please give your checks
to Mr. Joseph.
This week we will hold Troop elections and stuff Easter Eggs for the Town Easter
Egg hunt next Saturday (the 15th). Everybody running for office should wear
their full uniform and be prepared to discuss their qualifications. Troop wide
elections will be held for Senior Patrol Leader (Star rank and above), Quartermaster,
Scribe, Librarian, Historian, and Chaplain's Aide. In addition, each patrol
must elect a patrol leader. Remember, this is a boy run program and the leaders
YOU choose will execute the defined program for the rest of the year, lead summer
camp, and plan the program for next year. These are really important elections
and we need good solid leadership.
Next week is the Webelos cross over night. This meeting will be held at Center
School. The PLC planned a good program for this meeting and we need your support
to welcome the new Scouts.
Saturday March 15th is a big activity day. First, meet at the Town Hall at 9:30
to start hiding Easter Eggs. Then, for those who have signed up, we have the
rock climbing overnight at MetroRock.
The following weeks at the meetings will be spent preparing for the Spring Shakedown
weekend in April (4/11-13). The sign up sheet will be available at this week's
meeting. Sign up, we're going to have a great time on this one. The new PLC
will take the lead for this activity.
In May, we will participate in the Encampment weekend activity (4/2-4). Sign
up will be available at the meeting this week. This campout is going to feature
model rocketry. We will build rockets in the meetings before the event and launch
them there. This will include an opportunity to work towards the Space Exploration
merit badge. If this type of thing interests you, then you should consider being
a boy leader for this activity.
We are planning the June canoe trip now. I would like for one or two boys to
step up and take leadership on this trip. Please see me this week if you are
interested.
July features summer camp, and August the whitewater rafting trip. We will also
hold a Troop planning meeting to prepare the 08/09 plan sometime this summer.
As you can see, we have a lot going on and this requires a lot of support from
everybody in the Troop. I thank you all in advance.
See you all Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 2/20/2008
I hope you had fun with the catapults last week. Great job with the lashings
and great teamwork. It was fun to watch.
This week we have elections for the Order of the Arrow and some fun activities
to fill out the meeting. The Order of the Arrow is the honor society of Scouting.
It is dedicated to service, including helping with camp set up each year. Thus,
being a member of the Brotherhood carries with it responsibilities. The election
is to nominate individuals who will have an opportunity to attend the "ordeal"
in the spring (May) or fall (September). Many of you may remember when David
and I attended this in September. It is a great experience. If you are nominated,
please make every attempt to attend one of the ordeal weekends. In order to
be nominated, you must be First Class and have 15 nights of camping over the
past 2 years (including one extended stay camp).
Next week there is no meeting due to school vacation. You can go if you want,
but nobody else will be there and the school will be locked...
The following week (3/6) will be Troop elections and Easter Egg stuffing (so
the elections must move swiftly). This meeting will be held at Town Hall. Remember,
I would like to meet with all candidates for SPL by this week's meeting. You
need to be Star or above in order to run for SPL. We will also be electing Patrol
Leaders, Scribe, Historian, Chaplain's Aide, Librarian, and Quartermaster. All
candidates for positions should wear full uniforms. The first PLC meeting for
the new leadership team will take place on 3/10.
The meeting on 3/13 will be the official "First Night" for our new
Webelos cross overs. This will be a great meeting to show these guys and their
folks what a great Troop we have. Let's "be prepared" to welcome them
into the Troop and "do a good turn" by helping them achieve Scout
rank as quickly as possible.
Saturday, 3/15 will be a very busy day. In the morning (around 9:30 or so) we
will start hiding eggs for the Town Easter Egg hunt. This event should run until
around noon or 12:30. It is a great time and counts a service hours. That night
is the overnight at MetroRock climbing gym in Everett, MA. If you are not yet
signed up for this event, do it this week. This will be a really fun time. Be
aware, we will need to schedule a day in advance in order to receive training
in belay technique. This will be mandatory for all attendees at the overnight
and it is likely to be Saturday or Sunday, 3/8 or 9.
The remainder of March will be spent preparing for our first major camp out
of the year, the Spring Shakedown weekend on April 11-13 up at Hidden Valley.
The first night of this campout is for current members of the Troop and we will
welcome our new cross-overs for the second night. This should be a lot of fun.
See you all Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All 2/16/08,
Wow, things sure have been crazy lately. Weather, travel, and just generally
busy times have really put a crimp in our planning. Your PLC has come through,
however, and we have some great plans for the next few weeks.
First, Thursday night we will lash together catapults and see how well they
will sling this heavy wet snow. Come prepared to go outside and have a good,
really old fashioned, snowball fight. For those who need their lashing skills,
this is a must... It will also be a great time. Meeting will be at Center School.
Next, on Saturday we will go snowshoeing at America's Stonehenge in Salem. This
is in lieu of heading up to West Lebanon for the same type of event. We will
meet at 8:45 am in the parking lot of America's Stonehenge at 105 Haverhill
St. in Salem. We should be done by noon or before. There will be a sign up sheet
at the meeting tomorrow night. Cost is $12.
Next week we have elections for the Order of the Arrow. Meeting will be held
at Center School.
The following week is vacation. Enjoy.
The first meeting in March will be Troop elections. Candidates for SPL should
speak to me tomorrow or next week. You must be Star or above in order to run
for SPL. Other positions to be elected include Patrol Leaders, Quartermaster,
Librarian, Historian, Scribe, and Chaplain's Aide. Consider running, especially
if you need it for advancement! We will have to move quickly through elections
as I found out that we also need to stuff Easter Eggs at this meeting. Yes,
that's right, Easter is coming and we will once again support the town Easter
Egg hunt (Saturday, March 15th). This meeting will be held at Town Hall.
March 13th is the night we will welcome the new Scouts crossing over from our
local Cub Scout Packs. The PLC has put together some ideas to get everybody
involved in welcoming the new guys. Meeting will be held at Center School.
Saturday, March 15 is going to be busy. In addition to the Easter Egg hunt in
the morning, we will be heading to Metro Rock indoor climbing gym for an overnight
climbing experience. This is going to be great. If you have not signed up, do
so tomorrow.
On another note, Mrs. Farmer has again offered to run the 3 Citizenship merit
badges over the course of March, April and May. This is a great opportunity
to earn these 3 Eagle required merit badges. These will be offered on Tuesday
nights at 6:30 at Mrs. Farmer's house. Sign up sheets will be available at the
meeting. Sign up if you need these badges. The one with the most interest will
be offered first.
Our April campout (spring shakedown) will be held 4/11-13 at Hidden Valley.
The first night is for our experienced Scouts and the second night will include
our new Scouts. This will be a great opportunity to get camping experience for
advancement and to welcome out new Scouts to BSA camping. A sign up sheet will
also be available for this event. Please plan to attend.
That about covers it. Let's have a great meeting and get things rolling for
2008!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
---------------------------
Hi All, 1/23/08
Great meeting last week. Thank you again for showing respect to Mr. Carpenter
during his citizenship discussion. As you know, it is important to me and the
Troop that we always show respect to those taking time to share information
with us. Also Congratulations to Adam Benabid for making Tenderfoot rank during
the meeing!
Please print, read, and post this on the fridge!
This week, we will have the annual summer camp promotion (another opportunity
for you to show respect to others...). This is a great opportunity for you and
your parents to find out general information about camp. As you know, we would
like to send groups to both camps, Bell and Hidden Valley. Both camps have their
advantages and different experiences, come to the meeting to find out more.
It is possible to go to both - especially if you sell a lot of subs during the
spring sub sale... No matter which camp you choose, it is really important for
you to attend at least one - please plan to go to at least one of them!
Next week we do not have the school available, so we will have a sledding night
behind Golden Brook School. Please come dressed for the weather and prepared
to have some outdoor fun! We may have the staves for those who wish to practice
building catapaults for the upcoming competition. We will also have hot chocolate
and hopefully a fire. We have invited the Webelos II to join us at this event.
Please welcome them.
Upcoming events:
2/16: Snowshoe hike, Lebanon, NH; may include overnight
3/15-16: Indoor rock climbing event, MetroRock, Everett, MA
4/11-13: Spring shakedown weekend, Griswold Scout Reservation
I will miss you all at this week's meeting due to a business trip, but it is
important that you hear about summer camp and make your decision which one (or
both) that you will attend. Again, it's really important that you attend camp
this summer.
I will see you at next week's sledding event (no, I'm not just missing this
week and going next week becuase it is more fun!). We should have a great time.
See you all next week!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 1/16/08
Please print, read, and post this on your fridge!
The PLC met last night and came up with some great plans for our upcoming meetings.
We have activities focused on advancement, upcoming event preparation, and fun!
In fact, since we don't have the school available on January 31, we are planning
a sledding night at Golden Brook.
So, what do you need to do? Come to the meetings prepared to advance and have
a great time. Meet with me or any other adult leader to review your progress
at the meeting so that we can keep you on track or get you back on track. I
will bring the current Merit Badge Counselor list for those of you looking for
merit badges. Life Scouts, please be prepared to meet with someone to discuss
your progress towards Eagle.
As you know, we have a very active spring planned. In addition, we will be holding
Troop elections in February, so start thinkning about positions you want and/or
need as well as who you think should run the Troop through the summer. If you
know of good candidates for any position, please let them know that you think
so. Keep in mind, leadership positions are required for advancement.
Upcoming events:
2/16: Snowshow hike, West Lebanon, NH. May include overnight.
3/15: Indoor climbing wall overnight, Metro Rock climbing gym, Everett, MA
4/11-13: Spring shake-down, HVSR, Gilmanton Iron Works
5/2-3: Encampment weekend, Camp Carpenter
6/21-23: Canoe Trip, details to be planned!
See you all Thursday!
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 1/8/2008
Please print, read, and post on the fridge!
Happy New Year! I hope that you all had a terrific holiday season! The coming
year holds more excitement, more opportunity for advancement, and more fun than
ever! I hope you are all ready and willing to accept the challenges that await!
First is the Klondike, this weekend. It has come upon us quickly. We need to
spend all of Thursday's meeting preparing and we need EVERYBODY'S help, even
if you are not going. We have 18 boys in 3 patrols representing Troop 266 and
we need to make sure that they are prepared. Gear preparation, final skills
testing, and patrol flags/yells need to be finalized. Come to the meeting to
support our teams!
Next, advancement. We'll develop a plan to focus on advancement for all levels
of Scouts, from skills to merit badges. The PLC will need your support of course,
but they will develop the plan at the monthly PLC meeting next Monday night.
If there is something you want to do or need for advancement, tell your Patrol
Leader and make sure he writes it down.
Other activities:
Snowshoe hike: February (2/9 or 2/16), details being worked out
Indoor rock climbing: March, details being worked out
Shakedown weekend: April 4-6, Hidden Valley
Encampment weekend: May 2-4 Camp Carpenter
Canoe Trip: June, details being worked out
So, as you can see, we have a lot going on. We also want to make sure that everybody
who participates in meetings and activities gets the advancement they deserve!
The adult leadership needs you guys keep focused and on track to provide the
program you need to advance.
See you Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
The Court of Honor has been rescheduled! The new date is Thursday, January 3rd, same time (6 PM), same place (Windham Center School).
There will not be another USPS mailing so please mark your calendar, and share this date with anyone from Troop 266 and Crew 266 that you know. (And if you know anyone from the Troop that is not receiving our emails, please have them contact me to be added to this egroup.)
As before, this is a pot luck supper, so please bring a main dish and a side dish to share. The Committee will provide drinks and dessert.
See you there!
And in the interim, Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and Happy New Year!
Chris Cole
Committee Chairman
Hi All, 11/11/2007
Please print, read, and post on your fridge for future reference...
IMPORTANT: This week's meeting will be held at Windham Middle School cafeteria
from 7:00 - 8:30 - we must be out by 8:30!
This week WILL be uniform inspection (I will not forget the forms this time
- they are already printed and in my book!).
Scouting for Food bag pick up and food sorting this Saturday, Nov 17 at 8:30.
Help is needed, especially with sorting. This year Scouting for Food will be
held at St. Matthew's Church.
We had a great, slightly chilly, campout this weekend up at Franconia Notch.
The weather was clear but cold. No snow, a nice hike, and good food. All in
all a successful camp out.
This week we will continue working on Klondike preparation. We need to know
how many patrols will participate, expecially if we need a fourth sled. We have
had a lot of fun at prior Klondike derbies and this should be no exception.
The Klondike consists of 1 overnight campout (Friday night) and the skills competition
on Saturday. Sign up this week!
Upcoming events include the following:
11/17: 8:30 am, Scouting for Food, St. Matthews Church
11/24: 9-12, Christmas tree stand set up for Salem Exchange Club, near Daisy
cleaners in Salem
12/1: 2-6, Windham Tree lighting ceremony
12/8-9: Lonesome Lake hut backpacking and overnight
1/12-13: Klondike Derby and Freeze out, Camp Carpenter
2/2: Tentative snow shoe hike
See you Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 11/6/2007
Please print this out, read it, and post on your fridge...
Good meeting last week. We are prepared for this weekend's campout and ready
to start preparing for the Klondike. In the coming weeks we will spend part
of each meeting working on one or more skills that will be required for the
Klondike competition. They are also required for skill Scout advancement. We
will be focused on advancement so that you guys can make new ranks by the January
Court of Honor.
So for this week we will focus on orienteering and distance estimation skills
(which we will practice on the campout). I did not have an opportunity to work
with the Life Scouts last week, so I will spend some time this week with each
of you to discuss Eagle projects. If you have not started a project yet, please
come to me with 3 ideas. If you need ideas, let's discuss opportunities.
In the upcoming holiday season we have many opportunities for service hours.
Even if you don't "need" them for advancement, it is important to
participate in these opportunities. The Scout Oath includes duty to Country
and helping others. Service hours are one way of living up to the Oath. To re-cap
our service opportunities:
11/10: Scouting for Food bag distribution
11/17: Scouting for Food bag pick up and sorting
11/24: Build Christmas Tree stands for Salem Exchange Club
12/1: Windham Town Tree Lighting and Bonfire
Also, don't forget those Life Scouts who may be looking for help with their
Eagle projects!
We have some great activities coming up too. The campout this weekend, Lonesome
Lake in December, and the Klondike in January. I'm looking forward to our best
participation in the Klondike ever - let's put together 4 full patrols! This
event is a great time and gives you the opportunity to show off your skills.
Sign up this week!
See you all on Thursday!
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 10/31/2007
Please print this and post on your fridge (after reading it, of course!).
I hope you have had a good past week and a half. I understand that you learned
about signaling and other forms of communication at the last meeting. I hope
that you found it interesting and I wish I could have been there to learn along
with you!
This week we will finalize preparations for those attending the November camp
out at Franconia Notch (Lafayette Camp Ground). There is still room - sign up
now! Ask the guys who went 2 years ago - they had a great time.
Also this week - Life Scouts please plan to update me on your Eagle Projects
(no more than 5 minutes, just want to see where you are). If you have not started
or do no know where to start, I need to know that too!
Finally, I know a couple of guys are looking for Scoutmaster conferences. Please
send me an e-mail (to sajdc@comcast.net) and copy Mr. Caron at Don.Caron@power-one.com
so that we are prepared for Boards of Review.
What activities do you want to do for the remainder of the year? In addition
to the Franconia camp out, we have the Town Tree Lighting, Hut Hike, and a couple
of service hour opportunities. We'll also be working on Klondike skills. Is
there anything specific that YOU want to do or need for advancement? Tell your
Patrol Leader. We have monthly meetings to plan upcoming activities including
the Troop meetings and camp outs.
Upcoming events:
11/10-11: Franconia Notch Camp Out at Lafayette Camp Ground. Hiking, games,
skills, and good times to be had by all.
11/24: Service opportunity building Christmas Tree stands for Salem Exchange
Club.
12/1: Town tree lighting and bonfire. I need some Scouts to show up at 2:00
to help move chairs. There are some phots from last year on the we site - check
out those flames....
12/8-9: Lonesome Lake Hut Hike.
1/12-13: Klondike Derby at Camp Carpenter. Patrol Leaders - line up your patrols.
We need to know if we need another sled. Wouldn't it be great to send 4 patrols
this year? These events can be a lot of fun, especially with the right preparation.
The more boys we get to participate, the more time we can focus on Klondike
preparation during the Troop meetings...
2/2: Tentative snow shoe hike, Lebanon, NH.
That about covers it for now! See you Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All,
10-16-07
PLEASE PRINT AND PUT ON YOUR FRIDGE! If the formatting does not look right, please let me know. On my computer it looks like there is spacing between each paragraph. Comcast has changed it's e-mail format and I have no idea if this is going to look right to you....
I hope you had a great weekend and a good week last week. I heard that the meeting went well. Thanks for giving your attention to Zack's mom.
A few notes for this week:
Bring back ALL Troop gear from the Jamboree, clean, dry, and in proper order. I will expect each patrol to gather its gear (Patrol Leaders to coordinate) and prepare lists of missing items or problems with the gear to provide to the Quartermaster (Tyler Caron). All gear will be inspected and put in the trailer.
We will start preparations for the November campout this week including an introduction to cold weather camping.
Annual dues are due this week: $40. Please make checks payable to BSA Troop 266.
Reminder: Saturday morning is sub making. Please arrive at the First Presbyterian Church at 7:00 AM in UNIFORM. All Scouts are expected to participate in the making and delivery of subs. All Scouts must bring a parent and a cooler with ice (in a ziploc freezer bag to reduce leakage). The preparation and delivery of subs should be complete by noon (typically earlier).
Upcoming events:
10/17: PLC Meeting. If you don't know what this is or you haven't been asked, you do not need to attend.
10/20: Sub sale
11/10-11: November campout - White Mountains
11/17: Scouting for food: Service hour opportunity. Bag drop off is the week before.
12/1: Christmas tree lighting and bonfire at Town Common - SERVICE HOURS....
12/8-9: Lonesome Lake hut hike and overnight
1/11-12: Klondike derby and Freeze out: Camp Carpenter
2/2: Tentative: Snowshoe hike: Lebanon, NH
That about covers it. See you Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 10/9/2007
GREAT Jamoboree this weekend! OK, so it rained a little Saturday night, but
we had an awesome time. From the merit badge midway to wrist rocket paint balls
and a Black Hawk helicopter flyover and landing, there was a lot to see and
do. Not to mention, everybody seemed to eat well and had a lot of fun hunting
crawfish in the nearby brook. All in all, an EXCELLENT campout and Jamboree.
I applaud all of you who participated for your teamwork and perserverence through
Saturday night.
A couple of lost and found items from this weekend:
1) Did anybody lose a compass? One was found as we packed up on Sunday morning.
2) Did anybody find a headlamp? The last time it was seen was on the table in
the adult patrol area. This belongs to Mr. Ostberg. If you found it, please
bring it to the meeting Thursday.
This week we will solidify the plans for the November campout, cover some skills
for those who need them, and work on some ways we can improve our community.
I cannot be there due to a business trip, but Mr. Ostberg and Mr. Deranian will
be there to help Kevin, Tim, and David run the meeting.
Also, this week ALL SUB SALE TICKETS ARE DUE. In order to get credit for the
sale, you must turn in your tickets on Thursday.
Finally, for this week, do NOT bring gear from the Jamboree to the meeting.
We will take care of this next week.
Upcoming events:
10/20: Sub sale
11/8 (est.) Campout
12/8-9
Hi All, 10/3/2007
Big campout coming up - 26 boys are signed up! This is going to be a GREAT event.
This week's meeting will be mostly devoted to final preparations, a couple of
Boards of Review, and probably a game or 2.
Some details for the Jamboree:
First, on the permission slips I put a departure time of 5:30 Friday night.
Fact is, the earlier the better. Units can start arriving after 4:00. It would
be best for all to arrive before dark if possible (6:00 or so). Therefore a
departure time of 3 or 4 would be preferable. We will arrange carpools at the
meeting, so it would be great for parents to stick around at the beginning to
make sure that we have transportation solidified.
Next, if you bring your gear to the meeting on Thursday, we will load it in
the trailer and I will haul it up to Gunstock Friday afternoon. This is the
best way to get gear to the campsite, as anything that you bring with you MUST
be carried from the parking lot. In other words, be prepared to carry any gear
you bring, possibly 1/2 mile or more. I will put a wheelbarrow in the trailer
to help with transportation of any gear that arrives after 4:00 (including coolers
for food).
Meals: I have been in contact with all patrol leaders. With the exception of
one patrol, meal plans have been developed. If you have any questions about
your meals, speak with your patrol leader. If they or the cooks have questions,
please call me (437-0740).
Tents: Space will be tight - that means 3 to 4 Scouts per tent. On Thursday
you all need to organize into your sleeping arrangements.
Duty roster: I expect each patrol leader to prepare a duty roster on Thursday.
Help will be available as necessary.
Even if you are not coming on the campout, I still expect to see you at the
meeting. Your patrols will need help and I'm sure that they will be glad to
see you.
I almost forgot, Sub Sale tickets are due NEXT WEEK (10/11). Get out and SELL
THOSE SUBS! The Troop really needs the funds in order to support the program
that we want to deliver. 10 subs are required to qualify for the Campership
next spring and 20 subs will qualify for whatever really cool prize the committee
comes up with. Remember in the spring the prize was a complete Orikaso foldable
mess kit.... Sub construction will occur on Saturday, 10/20 at 7:00 AM. If you
cannot make it, please make sure you see Mr. Borcoche on Thursday to set up
alternate plans to support our fundraiser.
ANNUAL DUES are due now. Please bring a $40 check made out to Troop 266 to the
meeting this week and give it to Mrs. Chau.
Also, this Thursday is the LAST CHANCE to sign up for the Lonesome Lake backpacking
and AMC hut overnight on December 8/9. Estimated cost is $47. We had a blast
doing this last year - sign up and come along. We need to confirm our reservation
with payment up-front, hence the early due date.
We will also have sign ups for interest in the November Pawtuckaway camp out
(11/9-12). We will start planning this one next week.
December 1 is the Windham town Christmas Tree lighting and bonfire. We always
have a great time supporting the town with this one. Put it on your calendars
now (counts towards service hours...).
Speaking of service hours, we have several Scouts who are or will be working
on their Eagle projects over the coming weeks. Show them your support by helping
them out. What goes around comes around. They will send out information as to
when and where they may need assistance.
Mid-January is the Klondike derby and freeze out. Hope for snow!
That about covers it for now (I think...). Oh yeah, print this one and the other
one I sent and post them on your fridge!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 9/19/07
Great picnic last week! I hope you all had a lot of fun.
Thursday night we will finalize preparation for this weekend's campout, work
on advancements, and hand out the advancements from summer camp. I would also
like to get an update from all of the Life Scouts regarding your Eagle projects.
Upcoming events:
9/22-23: Backpack/campout/service project at new Windham campsite. There are
a lot of opportunities for advancement with this one as well as a chance to
help a fellow Scout.
10/5-7: NH Jamboree, Gunstock recreation area. This is a great time. Last chance
to sign up this week!
10/20: Sub sandwich delivery. Tickets were distributed last week at the picnic.
Go out and sell as many subs as you can. The Troop needs the funds both for
gear and to help pay for our activities.
See you all Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 9/10/2007
Please print this and post on the fridge!
Great job last week at the elections! Sorry I could not be there to help, but
it looks like you guys did great. The new Troop leadership for the Fall, 2007
term is:
Senior Patrol Leader: Kevin Delfosse
Assistant SPL's: Tim Swierad, David Pierson
Scribe: Ben Gallo
Quartermaster: Tyler Caron
Librarian: Sean Joseph
Historian: Matthew Raison
Chaplain's Aide: Fred Parker
Troop Guides: John Pierson (Monkeys), Matthew Donnelly (Dragons)
Patrol Leaders:
Vikings: Jake Simard
Lightning: Chris Borcoche
Eagles: John Reese
Black Dragons: Vallen Indelicato
Monkey: Greg Samsel
Congratulations to all of our new leaders. Please note that this group was elected
by the majority of Scouts at the meeting. If you were not at the meeting or
did not vote for the winners, please respect the wishes of the majority and
provide your full support to the leadership. In order for the Troop to be successfully
boy run, you need to allow the leadership to lead.
The new Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) met tonight at my house for the first
Troop meeting planning session. They developed plans for upcoming Troop meetings
and activities. The following outlines the major points of the plan:
9/13: Recruiting picnic at Griffin Park, 5:30 PM. Bring a friend. The PLC has
chosen some games to keep things lively...
9/22-23: New Campsite campout. This is an opportunity to learn/teach/practice
backpacking skills, wrap up cooking merit badge requirements, participate in
Junior Leader Training, and earn some service hours. This is a unique experience
that we have never tried. Sign ups available on Thursday night.
10/5-7: New Hampshire Jamboree at Gunstock Recreation Area. This is the big
one - 10,000 Scouts, merit badge midway, tons of activities, fireworks, lots
of fun. This only comes around every 4 years, so now is the time to do it! Sign
up on Thursday.
10/20: Sub Sale. Details to follow.
In addition, the PLC planned the meetings for each week through most of October.
We have a great plan, fun stuff, lots of advancement, and plans for more. Bring
your friends this week and show them what Scouting is all about.
See you all Thursday!
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 9/4/2007
Print this out and post on the fridge!
Good kick off meeting last week. We have some great activities planned for this
year, but first, ELECTIONS! That's right, this week we have Troop elections.
Anybody who needs a leadership position for advancement (especially those who
are working toward Eagle) should seriously plan to run. I covered the rules
at the meeting, but here they are again:
Senior Patrol Leader: At the meeting I said Life and above, but given the level
of interest, I have decided that Star rank and above will be considered for
this position. This is the most important position in the Troop. Any boy interested
in this position should be prepared to attend all Patrol Leaders Council meetings
(monthly), most camp outs/activities, and most Troop meetings.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders: Chosen by the SPL, to be approved by the Scoutmaster
(yes, that's me). First Class and above only. Since I will not be at the meeting
on Thursday, I will speak with the newly elected SPL before any final decisions
are made. ASPL's will be informed by Thursday, 9/13.
Quartermaster: Responsible for the Troop gear, this position is to be filled
by First Class and above Scouts.
Scribe: Attends PLC meetings and keeps minutes (good writing skills and access
to e-mail important). First Class and above.
Historian: Produces the newsletter for the Court of Honor, this is a great opportunity
for working on the Communications merit badge....
Librarian: Keep track of the Troops' merit badge books and other resources -
give Jake a break and run for this one....
Chaplain Aid: Responsible for helping to keep reverence in the program, the
Chaplain Aide keeps track of religious holidays, prepares grace for ceremonies
and outings, and assists with all faith services at camp outs.
Patrol Leaders: Each patrol is responsible for electing it's leaders (First
Class and above), however, the Monkeys will need a First Class or above PL (or
a Troop Guide appointed by the Scoutmaster). Assistant Patrol Leaders are selected
by the Patrol Leader. PL's are expected to attend the monthly Patrol Leaders
Council meeting.
That covers it for elections. Remember, the picnic is on Thursday, 9/13. Try
to recruit a friend to join the Troop. We're going to have a great year - the
more the merrier. By the way, trying to recruit new members is a First Class
requirement.
There will be a sign up sheet for the Foster's Pond camp out planned for the
weekend of 9/15-16. This will be a great time to wrap up some requirements,
especially for guys who need cooking for advancement. Convince your patrol to
come along. We'll play some games, maybe make ballistas.... Oh yeah, if you
need camping nights for the Eagle required Camping merit badge this is a GREAT
one - close to home and easy to get to.
The NH Jamboree is the weekend of 10/5-10/7 - 2 nights at Gunstock. This is
going to be a great event. 10,000 Scouts will be coming for the festivities
which will include a merit badge midway, many activities and great times.
That about covers it for now. I will not be at the meeting on Thursday due to
the Salem High open house. Have a great election and pick the best leaders for
the next 6 months!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 8/28/2007
Are you all looking forward to starting school again! Sure you are (and your
parents are too, I'll bet...)!
With the start of the school season we also start Scouts. Our first meeting
will be this Thursday at 7:30 at Center School. The guys who could make it to
the planning meeting put together some great ideas that we'll review and we'll
lay out the plan for the year. Our recruiting picnic is scheduled for 9/13 at
Griffin Park. All of you guys working towards First Class should try to bring
a friend (trying to recruit a new member is a First Class requirement). More
details will follow.
See you Thursday!
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson
Hi All, 8/15/07
Monday night we will be holding our annual planning meeting at my house from
6:30 - 9:00. This is a really important meeting as we will be planning our activities
for the upcoming year. This meeting is mandatory for the Patrol Leader's Council
(SPL, ASPL's, PL's, Scribe) and strongly suggested for all other Scouts. I would
also like all registered Assistant Scoutmasters to attend. It is not necessary
for all parents, however, if you are interested in helping define the Troop's
annual plan you are welcome to attend.
I look forward to seeing you all on Monday.
In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson