EVENTS!!!!!
Upcoming Events
OA Weekend at OSR is 5/15-5/17
Camping and boating near Annapolis MD on 5/30-6/1
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You should have
received an invite to access our Troop 280 Google Calendar.
This is an interactive way to have one calendar that all of us can edit, get
driving directions, stay in touch. Please access our calendar on a regular
basis.
We intend to hold Troop 280 meetings on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of every month with a few exceptions noted on our Google calendar.
We have discussed how our meetings will proceed this year. We intend to begin with an opening, then share information for the group. We will then split into Patrols for assigned tasks. We will try to have a fun game or Patrol competition prior to closing at 8:30 sharp. There will not be a game if you run out of time.
During the Patrol assignment period in another part of the church hall, we will conduct a Patrol Leader Council (PLC). In attendance will be each Patrol Leader (PL) and the SPL. The SPL will run this meeting to plan future meetings, prepare for upcoming trips, plan Troop activities and end of meeting games and competitions. We intend to help you improve your leadership and communication skills. We will meet with the SPL at 7 PM before the meeting starts to help him be prepared for the PLC.
We will rotate Patrol assignments. There will be a Service Patrol, Cheer Patrol and others. We will explain this concept on our first camping trip.
Trips will be listed on our calendar.
Our first trip will be tent camping and hiking at the Ockanickon Scout Reservation. We will be dividing up into Patrols, electing leaders, accepting volunteers, registering new youth and adults, working on rank advancements. Cost will be $15 per person. Troop equipment must be returned by the meeting after the trip. If the PL is absent, then we will have a member of the Patrol act as the PL for that meeting. After the PLC is over, the PL will return to their Patrols and share details with everyone. During the PLC, the APL will be running the Patrols.
If you think you are eligible to be the Senior Patrol Leader, Asst. SPL or Patrol Leader, then please contact me ASAP. We will hold an election via email and install our leaders on our first trip. We would like someone who can attend 3 meetings a month and most trips to be our SPL. We prefer someone who has earned the Star or Life rank and who has experience as a leader. Is that you but you don't have much experience? Don't worry, we will train you to be a great leader and to run a fun scout program.
In case you have not heard, Mr. Dave Hibbs is moving up to the Council level to assist with training and camping. Let's wish him good luck when we see him next. I will be starting as the new Scoutmaster beginning this month. Mr. Hibbs is continuing to devote countless hours in helping to improve our scouting programs. Thank you!
Also, Mr. Tony Lapergola has retired. Thanks Tony for all your hard work over the years.
Mr. Bruce Barlow will be our new Committee Chair. Please join me in thanking him for volunteering.
We are in need of additional adult help so please volunteer for one job at the parents meeting on 9/6/07. We will introduce the balance of our adult leaders as we get this year started.
Recruiting new boys, we need your help to bring in new members. Bring a friend on our trips or to a meeting.
We would like to improve participation at meetings and on our trips. We understand that everyone is busy. We ask that if you cannot attend a meeting or trip that you have the courtesy to inform Mr. Barlow and me in advance. We want to help you in your rank advancements and request that you be as active as possible in the Troop.
Active participation
in Troop 280 is self-evidenced by ANY of the
following:
Attending a few meetings and advising leaders if you have to miss a meeting,
Attending a few trips. Let us know if you have something special you would
like to do, Working on Troop service projects and/or Eagle projects on a weekend
day, OR Participating in our fund-raising events. Even if you cannot attend
any meetings due to school, work, sports or music, you can sell mums and wreaths
to your neighbors and family on your free time.
OR go to summer camp with Troop 280.
Show us that you are truly a part of the Troop even though you have conflicts. We can help you find other Troops with different meeting dates if this is a problem, just let us know.
We are here for
you! Let us help you enjoy the program.
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OA Conclave
This
message only applies to Troop 280 members who are in the Order of the Arrow.
Our Ajapeu Lodge is hosting this year's OA Conclave. They need adults and
youth members to participate and to help. Please see Mr.
Rowland Smith or Mr. Tony Cistone for details.
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The calendar can be veiwed through the Calendar link