Troop Roster - Saturday, March 10 2007
We have put together an updated Troop Roster and contact list. Due to privacy issues, the roster is not published on this site. It has been emailed to members who have signed up for the troop mailing list. Printed copies will be available at future Troop meetings.

If you haven't signed up for the troop mailing list yet, please do by sending an email to:
troop-subscribe@troop128.net

Corrections, revisions or additions to the roster should be emailed to roster@troop128.net

March Campout - Monday, March 5 2007
The March campout has been moved to 3/31-4/1 (Sat-Sun) to accommodate Merit Badge Challenge participants. We will be meeting at the church at 7 AM on the morning of the 31st and returning 2-4 PM on Sunday. We will be backpacking on the Wildcat Hollow Trail near Athens, Ohio. The cost of the trip is $10/person. Food will be provided. The group will be split into two groups: inexperienced backpackers (1st year scouts), experienced backpackers. The experienced backpackers will be hiking the entire 15 mile trail over the two days. The first year scouts will be covering 5 miles over the two days.

In preparation we have several activities planned:

Gear Exchange and Sale - We are asking Scouts who have boots, backpacks, sleeping bags, etc. that they no longer use or are too small to bring them next week (March 12th) to give away or sell. This is an opportunity for younger scouts to get lightly used equipment at a deep discount.

Boot Water Proofing - On March 12th, bring your hiking boots to the meeting.
We will be waterproofing boots for the campout.

First time backpackers, bring your fully packed backpack to the March 26th meeting. This will be a chance for the adult leaders and older scouts to go over what you might have forgotten, provide helpful hints, take out things you won't need (lighten the load), etc.

On Friday night, March 30th, 7:00 PM, we will distribute food, tents, flys, and load up the trailer with all the backpacks. This will take approximately an hour.

Permission slips, $10, and a copy of insurance card need to be turned in by Monday, March 19th. Parents are welcome. Drivers will be needed.

Welcome New Scouts!! - Sunday, March 4 2007
It is our privledge to welcome many new Scouts from various area packs to Troop 128. We're glad you've decided to join us.

New Scouts and Parents . . . Keep in touch with all the latest information. Join our mailing list to receive periodic information on Troop meetings, projects and events.

To subscribe to the mailing list, send a blank email from the address you want to subscribe via to:

troop-subscribe@troop128.net

Merit Badge Challenge Cancelled - Friday, February 16 2007
The 2/17 session of Merit Badge Challenge at Sycamore High School has been cancelled. This session will be replaced by a session on March 24.

Muskegon Trip - Monday, February 5 2007
For those going to Muskegon this weekend, there are required waivers from the Winter Sports Complex and the YMCA camp as well as the standard Troop Permission Slip. These are available for download in our Calendar section under the event.

The plan is to leave on Friday at 5:00 pm. If we have to waste time on Friday accounting for the paperwork and money it will delay our departure and we will get to Muskegon much too late. Therefore, all participants must have the paperwork at the Troop Meeting or arrange to get it to my house by Thursday.

There are also only 27 luging spots. Those will go to the first 27 who turn in the paperwork and payment. The cost is $60, which is about half the actual cost. Please make every effort to have the paperwork and the money for the meeting on 2/5.

2007 Summer Camp - Monday, February 5 2007
For those Scouts who are interest in attending Summer Camp at Camp Friedlander in late June, we need your $50.00 deposit to reserve your spot by the 2/5 Troop Meeting.

Complete details on Summer Camp is outlined in our calendar.

New Electronics Policy - Saturday, February 3 2007
The Troop Committee has revised our Policy and Procedures manual to include an Electronics Policy. This was included as the increased availability and use of such devices has increased. Please ensure you review this policy by clicking here

Troop Committee/PLC - Monday, January 29 2007
Due to the Superbowl on Sunday, the PLC will be on Saturday this in February on 2/3 at 5:30 p.m. All junior leaders in the troop are expected to attend.

The Troop Committee will meet afterwards at 6:30 p.m. All parents are encouraged to attend to help our troop thrive.

Court of Honor - Tuesday, January 23 2007
Monday, January 29th is our next court of honor, on the second floor at Milford First. We will begin dinner at 6:30pm. We will have chicken and drinks available. Please bring a side or dessert to share. Ceremony will begin at 7:30.

Please let Ellen McCrate know how many from your family will be attending.

December Troop Meeting Plans - Sunday, December 3 2006
12/04/06
-Mr. McCrate will give his annual gift giving speech to all the new scout's parents. He will talk about different camping equipment to give as gifts.
-Sign-ups for the Amazing Race will take place. The Amazing Race will be December's Troop Activity.
-There will be a mini- campfire/skits and the end of the meeting.

12/11/06
-There will be a Christmas Gift Exchange. Each scout is to bring a gift ($10 maximum) related to scouts/camping. This has been a really fun event in the past so please participate.
-Mr. DiSilvestro will give a presentation on winter camping gear for our upcoming January camp out to New York.
-There will be no game this meeting.

12/18/06
-Tonight is hobby night, so bring your talents and collections to share with other scouts. Last year people brought their musical instruments and performed for the troop. Other guys brought collections. This is a very fun activity so come with a snack to share.
-Pack 415 will be visiting so welcome them nicely.

Merit Badge Challenge Date Change!!! - Saturday, November 18 2006
We regret to announce a change in the Sycamore High School Merit Badge Challenge schedule! Please pass this information along to any Scouts in your unit who have registered for the Sycamore Merit Badge Challenge.

Through no fault of ours, we have to change the last class date to February 24th.

It seems that Sycamore High School has a Father/Daughter dance planned for March 10th and they need to decorate the building that day, during the time we had been scheduled to hold Merit Badge Challenge. They have told us that there will be no activities in the building that day, other than the decorating and then the dance. With this change, our dates are all in February; the 3rd, the 17th and the 24th. The Snow Date remains on March 24th.

We know this may affect some of the Scouts who have signed up, since their parents or Troops may have planned outings around our dates. We apologize for any inconvenience, but this date change was the best solution we could obtain.

We will send an additional notice along with the registration information.

Thanks in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Yours In Scouting,

Sycamore MBC Committee

Allegany State Park Camping Trip - Tuesday, November 14 2006
Just a reminder . . . deposit money and your reservation are due at the next Troop Meeting on 11/20 if you want to go on the 4-day trip to upstate NY for fun at the Allegany State Park. See http://www.calendar.troop128.net/view_event.php?id=39&eDate=1168578000 for details.

Popcorn Orders Due! - Saturday, October 28 2006
All orders for Boy Scout Popcorn are due during the NEXT Troop meeting on Monday, October 30th. I must turn our order into the Dan Beard Council the following day. On Monday I only need your order sheets and your prize selection (indicated on the bottom of the order sheet). I do not need (nor do I really want) any money you've collected for the sales.

If you are unable to attend the next Troop meeting, you can drop your order forms off at my house:

1284 Piedmont Drive (Off Mt. Vernon, North of SR 131)

I have a "scout" drop basket on the front porch you can put the sheets in. Again, I'll need the order forms by Monday evening. Unfortunately any orders not to me by then cannot be filled.

If you fail to select a prize on the order form, I will automatically select "Scout Bucks" for you that can be used at the Dan Beard Council Scout Store.

I will have the product ready for distribution during the Troop meeting on Monday, November 20th.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to let me know.

Thank you for your hard work in support of the Troop and the Dan Beard Council.

Merit Badge Counselor List - Friday, October 6 2006
We have posted a new Blue Jacket District Merit Badge Counselor list on our site under the merit badge area. To protect the privacy of those counselors, we have placed this list in a secured area of our site. To access this list you will need a username and password. Contact the Webmaster to receive a set of credentials to enter this secured area.

Merit Badge Challenge - Saturday, September 23 2006
The Dan Beard Council Merit Badge challenge is an excellent opportunity for Scouts to earn up to 3 merit badges over 3 weekends this winter.

Although the actual challenge is not until February, registrations are due in by November 17th and classes are on a first-come first-serve basis.

For all the registration information see our calendar

Popcorn Sale Mystery House Clues - Friday, September 22 2006
Below are clues to the location of the some of the mystery houses within the Dan Beard Council. At each mystery house is a very special prize like an Ipod or Scooter that a Scout will receive for just knocking on the door and asking if they would like to buy Boy Scout Popcorn. Is one near you?

Edited 9/26 - Found Houses have been removed

Fort Hamilton District:

-In Hamilton, close to railroad tracks, near some “hollowed” ground, on a street whose name bears the highest rank in the Boy Scout program.
-In Liberty Township, in a newer subdivision, right next to a new school that is currently under construction.


Blue Jacket District:

-In Loveland, between Oasis Golf Club and Hickory Woods Golf Course, in a neighborhood bordered by two streets with long hyphenated names.
-In Oakley, near a park, on a street that is connected to another with a name that rhymes with a type of duck.
-Fly to the Blue Ash Airport, take the train to Kenwood, and “Zig Zag” on over to the area where I live.


William Henry Harrison:

-Help, I’m surrounded by a country club, a memorial field, and a park.


U.S. Grant District:

-In Georgetown, on a road that’s the opposite of night, and not quite a mountain.


Trailblazer District:

-In Alexandria, look south of a place you don’t want to be on Halloween, for a street that’s off of Route 27, named for a primary color, and just north of “a little bitty creek”.
-In Fort Wright, think of some places related to a couple of our most popular past Presidents to find this home’s neighborhood.


Maketewa District:

-In Wyoming, you’ll find one of these, but you won’t be able to see an ocean from it, or play in the sand.
-In Springdale, I can be found near one of New York City’s well-known landmarks. My neighbors help me sweeten my tea, and provide me with luxury transportation.

Change of Plans!!! - Friday, September 22 2006
Those of you who have been with the troop for a while know that we never cancel an outing. We occasionally find it necessary to redeploy, however.

The weather does not look good for canoeing tomorrow and my concern is that we may not be allowed on the river. I have made an executive decision to change our plans. We will still be going to Ft. Knox and Mammoth cave this weekend. We will stay at Camp Carlson, an Army travel camp. Yes, that means slack packing in cabins. We will tour the Patton Museum tomorrow morning and Mammoth Cave tomorrow afternoon. Most of us will be going on the Historic Tour.

There are five spots available for the Introduction to Caving. If you are interested in the Introduction to Caving, please note the following:
-High-top, over-the-ankle lace-up boots, with lug or deeply treaded soles, are required.
-No low-cut hiking or athletic shoes allowed
-Chest or hip measurement should not be more than 42 inches to avoid situations that impact tour for all participants
-Work or climbing gloves and long pants are recommended - do not overdress.

Meet at the Church at 6:00 to load. We will only be loading cooking gear as no tents are required. Remember it is cool in the cave so bring a jacket.

Mitchell McCrate

Venture Crew 128 - Tuesday, September 12 2006
Are you a Scout in at least the 9th grade? We're getting ready to start up our Venturing activity at Venture Crew 128. If you'd like to learn more . . . please join our Venture Crew mailing list by sending an email to venturecrew-subscribe@troop128.net

Peterloon Campout Deadline TOMORROW! - Tuesday, September 12 2006
To take advantage of the discount, we must submit our Peterloon 2006 registrations by Wednesday, September 13th.

Immediately contact your patrol leader and let them know if you will be attending this great council event - See our October calendar for details.

We need:

Scout Name and T-Shirt Size.

Thanks

September Campout - Monday, September 11 2006
The weekend of September 22-24 we will be canoeing out of Morgan’s Canoe livery on the Whitewater River in Indiana . Yes, we will leave early enough on Sunday to be back for the Steelers game. Cost will be $35. A permission slip and waiver from Morgan’s is required.

Class B Shirts - Sunday, August 27 2006
We have 8 troop T-shirts we would like to sell. Your first one should have been provided when you joined our troop. If you have grown, or gotten a big hole in your shirt, please consider buying a new one!

They are red with yellow design. Each shirt costs $11.00 cash or check to: Troop 128.

Here's what we have:
Quantity Size
1 2X
2 XL
2 L
3 M
0 SM

Reminders - Sunday, August 27 2006
Have you signed on to the Troop email list?
This is the last message I will be sending to individual addressees. If you are not signed on to the Troop web list and want to keep receiving email updates you should sign up immediately. All you do is send an empty email to troop-subscribe@troop128.net and respond to the confirming email.

First meeting tomorrow. 7:00 in the Scout Room. We will be reconfiguring patrols and electing patrol leaders. Make sure you are there to get the patrol you want. Also “How I Spent My Summer Vacation” slide shows.

Alaska Leaders. Please have a list of any expenses you incurred by the meeting tomorrow. I am trying to finalize our total per person cost.

Reminders - Thursday, August 17 2006
A couple of reminders and a new announcement:

Work day from 9-5 in the scout room. Bring buckets, sponges, paint rollers and trays, gloves.

Email list: Be sure to subscribe to the troop email list. See Chris Leonard’s email for details

PLC: This Sunday at 5:00 in the Scout Room. All officers, patrol leaders and their assistants should attend

Mitchell McCrate

Troop Mailing List - Monday, August 14 2006
In an effort for better communication we've established a new Troop 128 Mailing List. This list will allow people to email the entire troop at one time.

Our hope is that as our member's email addresses change, the list can be self updated by our members for the email they prefer to receive information.

Please take a moment and subscribe to the email list by sending an empty email to troop-subscribe@troop128.net from the email account(s) where you want to receive information about the troop. Within moments you will receive an automated message that YOU MUST REPLY to confirm your subscription to the list. You can subscribe from more than one address if you so choose.

Summer Camp Reminders - Monday, June 19 2006
Troop 128 Summer Campers,

There is one week left before camp. Here are a few items to review.

I need to see a parent for every scout on Sunday when you are dropping off scouts. I need to be sure I have all necessary forms and signatures before we leave for camp.

Health Forms: If your scout attended camp last year, I will have his medical form from last year. I will need a parent to sign the class1 part of the form to update it for this year. If your scout did not attend camp last year and you have not gotten a Class 1 and 2 forms to me, bring it on Sunday. The class 2 form requires a doctor’s signature. Without this form, scouts will not be allowed to attend camp.

Release Form: If your scout should have to leave camp for a prescheduled event like a baseball game, please fill out the early release form document that is attached and bring it Sunday. You will need a separate form for each time your scout is leaving camp. Parents picking up scouts must have a picture ID. This form will help make the sign in/out process go smoothly. At least that’s what the people at Camp Friedlander said.

Climbing Agreement Form: If your scout thinks he will want to do any climbing or rappelling during the open sessions in the evenings, please print out and sign the attached form and bring it on Sunday. Camp will not allow anyone to climb or rappel without this form. If there is even the slightest chance your scout will want do this, please sign the form.

Swimsuits: Every scout will be tested to be classified as to their swimming ability on Sunday. This will happened shortly after we arrive at camp. So, scouts may want to wear their swimsuits as shorts or under their shorts on Sunday. Or have them packed so that they are easily accessible. Don’t forget a beach towel or a towel for swimming. Scouts will be swimming in the lake and shouldn’t us their bath towel for drying after swimming.

Class A Uniform: Every scout must wear his Class A uniform shirt on Sunday. He will need his Uniform shirt every day for meal time. Do not leave home without it.

Family Fun Night on Friday: Family Fun Night will begin on Friday night with dinner from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Dinner is $6.00 for guests. Afterwards, families can tour camp with their scouts and even participate in some activities. Climbing and swimming are not available for family members.


Snacks: Scouts may bring a few snacks with them to camp. Please do not send perishable items. Snacks will be stored in the troop trailer, so I wouldn’t send anything that will melt, or will not taste good after some heat. There is a trading post at camp where snacks are available in the evening.

Money for Crafts: If your scout is taking a craft class, he will need money for kits or supplies for the crafts. Archery also requires an arrow kit to build an arrow. Please be sure to send money for these.

Visitors: Any visitors to camp must sign in and out at the main camp office located next to the Trading Post.

Every scout should bring his Scout Handbook with him. And don’t forget your Class A uniform shirt.

Medicines: All medicines, prescription and over the counter, must be kept at the Camp Health Lodge. Medications are not to be kept at our campsite. If scouts become sick at camp, they will be taken to the health lodge. Medicines for the week must be in their original container and contain this information: camper’s name and troop number, prescription number, name of prescribing physician, date prescribed, name of the medicine, and directions for use. Multiple medicines should be put together in a plastic bag (ziplock) with camper’s name and troop number on it. Please bring these medicines to me on Sunday when you drop your scout off.

Be sure to eat a good lunch on Sunday before coming to the church as the first meal served at camp is dinner that evening.

I’ll see everyone on Sunday.

Mike Roa

New Website!! - Thursday, June 8 2006
Hey! You may have noticed a new face on our website. As part of Troop 128's committment for solid communications among all the Troop's members, we've solicited the help of Chris Leonard to develop and manage our website for us.

Our intention is for this website to be a full resource for parents, leaders and scouts, not only from our Troop, but from Scouting units throughout the country.

The site is currently a work in progress. Some of the basic functions such as news, calendar of events, and basic information are ready. As time goes along, more will be added including merit badge requirements, uniform and award information, forms and many other resources.

Chris has many years of experience with both Scouting and website development. He was Cubmaster for Pack 846 in Milford for 5 years. He developed the www.pack846.org website many years ago that continues to be a resource for Scouts and Scouters throughout the country. He is also owner of Scout Web Services (www.scoutwebservices.com) that provides web based solutions to hundreds of Scout units and small businesses throughout the world. His boys decision to join our Troop brought his talents our way.

So kick back . . . take a moment and explore our new site. Come back often as it develops and new features and information are added. We're glad you came to visit.