Parent Meeting of Boy Scout Troop 9
February 12, 2002
Minutes from the December meeting were read and there were no additions or comments.
Treasury Report: currently we have $3700.00 in the account.
Growth of the troop continues with at least six new boys this spring. Three Webelos will be joining (siblings of current scouts) and three boys that have been coming will be old enough to become official scouts. An active roster of about 24 boys +- 6 was a suggested range. 30 is probably the upper limit for being a manageable group with 18 being the lower limit to keep the troop running as it should. The suggestion was made to always advertise that this is a backpacking/outdoor troop. That will attract the type of scout that wants that kind of experience and let boys looking for something else to learn early what to expect.
Sarah Mason is managing the uniform program and it seems to be going well. It was suggested that the troop institute inspections either by troop or by patrol, Dave will consider this.
The February trip is split. The troop staff have planned a trip to Grandfather Mountain. The staff trip may or may not happen depending on the number of boys and adults signing up. Other scouts should be organizing patrol trips or patrol experiences.
Elections for Order of the Arrow will be coming up in March. Some boys are close to reaching their “night under tent” requirement for be eligible for the election.
We are reaching a point where we have enough scouts to form a third patrol. Dave will look into dividing out the scouts and arranging for elections for a new patrol leader. It was also suggested that each patrol have an adult that work with the patrol leader to provide mentoring and guidance to the patrol leader as well as some general help to the patrol. It is also suggested that the senior staff also be assigned to a patrol so that they will have a specific allegiance with other scouts in the troop.
Summer camp commitments are due soon. The $50.00 deposit is due by March 1 and the last meeting prior is February 26. There is the potential for 15 boys from our troop at this camp. Dave will be there all week but another adult must also be there. Volunteers are needed from the adults to help cover the six days. Any adult can volunteer for one or more days.
The ABC Sale at the Church of the Cross is March 2, 2002. There will be a sign up sheet for scouts and adults to work the parking lot during the sale. At the end of the sale other scouts are expected to be there to help clean up. One by product of the sale is that we will not be able to use the Church of the Cross as a meeting place the Tuesday before the sale. We are looking for a place if anyone has suggestions.
Eagle candidates are making progress. Andy Hoover is ready for Board of Review. Joe Johnston is about to start his project. Two other candidates are investigating possible projects.