April 1997

Upcoming Events for April & May

4-6 Apr
Ultimate Commandos
7 Apr
Meeting
8 Apr
PLC Meeting
14 Apr
Meeting
19 Apr
Elm Ave. Cleanup
22 Apr
Committee Meeting
26 Apr
Phil & Mike, Eagle Court of Honor
28 Apr
Meeting (Flower Orders Due)
2-4 May
District Camporee
5 May
Meeting (Boards of Review)
6 May
Flower Pickup
12 May
Meeting (SPL Elections)
19 May
Meeting (PL Elections)
26 May
No Meeting


Troop 5 on the Web?

It's true. Troop 5 has a web page. Can anyone find it? Confirm the Address with John.


Kudos

Paul has earned his Red Cross Lifeguarding and CPR Certificates. Paul is sprucing up his resume for a Bay Watch lifeguard's job this summer. Best of luck!


Brule Survival Camping Trip

The March Wilderness Survival camping trip to Brule was a success according to Andrew. Other scouts on the trip included John, Jim, Andy, Nick, Adam and Nick, Matt.

After a morning hike through World's End State Park, the scouts were required to locate areas that would provide good natural shelter from the wind and the elements for a campsite.

Some examples included a ditch or behind a large rock. As Andrew says, "Someplace already there, where there will be less work for you." I like that thinking.

Later the scouts were asked to work in pairs to construct their own wilderness shelter, the only quipment they were allowed to bring was 2 meters of twine, 2 tarps and a sleeping bag.

Then they actually spent the night in their shelters. Just to prove they were one hearty bunch, it snowed on them during the night.

Did I mention they had to demonstrate that they could start a fire without matches? Not my idea of a luxurious getaway weekend, our reports were they had fun.


Flower Sale Meeting

There will be a short meeting for anyone helping out with the Flower Sale on Monday, April 28th at 8:30pm. Phone calls will be made during the month of April by the Flower Sale Committee seeking new blood (and old) to help out with this very profitable fund raiser for the Troop.

If you've never gotten involved or you are new to the Troop, please consider pitching in with just a few hours of your time during the first week of May as we pick, sort and deliver hundreds of flats of flowers. The front yard will look like the Land of Oz for a few hours on the 6th!


Eagle Court of Honor

Troop 5 will be honoring Phil and Mike on Saturday, April 26th at 4:00 p.m. at the North & Southampton Reformed Church as they receive their Eagle rank.

All parents and scouts are invited to come and support our troop, show some scout spirit and enjoy as many free hors d'oeuvres and as much cake as you can eat.

Congratulations Mike and Phil on a job well done and thank you for all the work you have done for and towards the troop.


Spring in the Air, Flower Sale Forms Everywhere

Yes, boys and girls, it's time for the Troop 5 fund raiser which benefits you, the scout, and helps you earn money for your camping expenses. The money you earn from selling flowers this year will earn you a credit toward your Summer Camp, High Adventure, and monthly camping trip fees. Over the last few years, there have been several scouts who have been able to pay their entire way to Summer Camp simply by selling flowers. Take advantage of this opportunity to help yourself (and your parents). The credit you will earn will equal approximately 45% of your total sales. In other words, if you were to sell about $400.00 worth of flowers, you will pay for this year's Summer Camp.

Forms are coming home tonight. All orders and money must be turned in on or before April 28. Flowers will be delivered on May 6th, just in time for Mother's Day (a selling tip!). As we did last year, pick up day will be held at the Mc's house on May 6th. parent Volunteers are still needed to help pick and transport flowers that day.


Summer Camp Dates

The 1997 Ockanickon Scout Reservation Week will be Sunday, July 13 through Saturday, July 19. Sign up will be at the April 28th meeting.

The cost this year will be $160. Money for camp will be due the following week, May 5.

See Flower Sale article for information on earning a credit to pay for camp. All scouts are encouraged to attend this fun week.

There will be a mandatory parent's meeting on Monday July 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Parents and scouts should plan to attend.


Senior Patrol Elections Coming

It's time to start thinking about who will head up the Leadership for next year. The new terms begin on Saturday, July 19.

The first of the elections will be held May 12th for Senior Patrol Leader. The Scoutmaster will be announcing the candidates shortly. Anyone interested in running for SPL should see Mr. SM.

As Mike says, "It'll be hard to live up to the exemplary standards set this year by Mike as Senior Patrol Leader".

The following week, on May 19th, the four Patrol Leaders for next year will also be voted in. Please think about those qualities you feel make Leadership so valuable to our troop.


May Court of Honor

Scouts and Parents, don't forget the May 19th Court of Honor. Advancement ranks and merit badges will be awarded to the Scouts. New scout parents are especially encouraged to attend and to ask questions of the leadership.


District Camporee is May Camping Trip

The theme for this year's Spring Camporee is "Hobos and Trains" to be held on May 2-4. The idea is that living by your wits and skills, a combination of scouts skills and learned experiences will help each scout enjoy the camporee to its fullest. There will be a cooking contest, campsite contest, twelve different area contests, a hobo attire contest, and a special contest to be announced at the camporee. The candidates for the Order of the Arrow will be tapped-out during the festivities. Also part of the weekend activities is a steam train ride and tour of facilities at the Pine Creek Railroad, located at Allaire State Park near the North Jersey coast.

As usual, the trip will cost $12.00 per scout. This cost includes event patch, Box-Car Buffet on Saturday night, steam train ride, and a tour Sunday. With all the other troops attending this annual camporee, it's sure to be an event not to miss. And with this theme, the usual post camping trip dirty laundry will actually fit right in.