Troop 9

Parent’s Committee Meeting

Minutes

September 9, 2003

 

 

In attendance:  Nancy Barber, Tom Hock, Gayle Risk, John Risk, Dave Scocca, Lisa Ripperton, Dave Filpus and Wendy Powell - a quorum of at least seven people.

 

Prior Month minutes – The May 6, 2003 minutes were reviewed.  We would like the notes to be as accurate as possible recording the troop’s activities.  Any corrections should be sent to Dave Filpus.

 

Treasurer’s report – We have a current balance of $4,479.26, prior to the collection of yearly dues. 

 

A troop rooster listing scouts and parents names and addresses was distributed.

 

 

Leadership - Tom Hock is now our scout master, Dave Filpus will chair the parent committee meetings and John Risk has been asked to sit on the district eagle committee as a representative for the troop.  We appreciate the time spent by each of these individuals.

 

 

Trips/Meetings –

• Kerr Lake – August 30-31. Only four scouts were able to attend.   A good time was had by all.  Much better attendance is expected at the next outing. 

 

• Council Camporee – This may not be a troop outing but members of the troop have chosen to participate in the past as the dates were reserved on the calendar.

 

• Caving Trip – We should consider cost sharing for cabins and food.  Perhaps a separate trip for the younger scouts can be planned for the same dates.

 

• Joyce Kilmer Trip - A three day weekend is available for most of the boys.  The driving time is approximately six hours. 

 

• To summarize – we have 3 back packing, 1 canoeing, a few light trips, the Vertical Edge and the patrol trips which may be lighter for the younger scouts.

 

Recruiting – observations/comments

 

An effort should be made to include outings suitable for Webelos - perhaps a light mid winter trip can be scheduled. 

Grand Father Mountain trip is considered to be intermediate – a 1 mile hike out and another mile hike out.

Shenandoah Trip will probably be at the southern end of the mountains but we should expect a 4 hour drive.

A suggestion was to schedule trips with other troops.

 

Summer Camp                                            

 

Summer Camp was a very good experience last year.  We shared a camp site with another troop.  Although we are changing weeks for summer camp, the other troop may do the same and we may be able to join them again.

 

Parents should be asked to remember that the merit badge classes do run for a full week.  In order to complete the badges, boys should try to stay for the entire time. Arriving late or leaving early does create inconveniences for both staff and the boys.

 

We do request that the boys have full uniforms for the camp functions. 

           

Raven Rock   - the next outing

 

We plan on canoeing to the camp site.  There will be times when you carry a pack.  There will be restrictions as to who can canoe – only scouts with both a canoeing merit badge and the BSA swimming requirements met within the last twelve months can canoe.  Younger scouts can choose to hike in if needed.

 

The water levels may too high and too fast for anyone to safely canoe into the site.  The expected canoeing time is 3 to 4 hours. 

 

Merit Badges –

Citizenship in the nation – in process - Luke Cathell will sign off

Cooking – Wendy Powell is helping to complete this badge

 

We would like to complete at least two badges each year.

A board of review for rank advancement should be set up within the next three weeks.

 

Eagle projects -           

Joe Johnston’s project was sent to Council last week. 

 

 

Recruitment – last year’s efforts

 

Dave Filpus spoke with the district executive responsible for helping the troops “stay alive.”  A suggestion was to have a feeder Cub Scout pack, perhaps a new pack.  Having a better “working” relationship with the church may help.  Notices can be placed in the bulletin.

 

Additional thoughts -

Advertising – but how do we distribute the information.

Sending letters to the 5^th or 6^th grade boys of the church may be possible.

Parking may be seen as an issue and simply offering to reimburse for those parking in the planetarium lot may help.

Visiting Cub Scout packs

Den Chiefs

Fliers

 

No New Business

 

COURT OF HONOR WILL BE OCTOBER 7^TH

 

THE NEXT PARENT MEETING WILL BE OCTOBER 14^TH

 

 Please send minute corrections, additions and/or deletions to Dave Filpus.