The Anthill Times

December 1997


Pancake Breakfast on the Menu for Saturday, December 6

The Bahama Mama is waiting to be fired up, while reports have it that the Flaming Sombrero is back. And by request, this year we will have coffee. What are we talking about? Why, it's the Annual Troop 5 Pancake Breakfast. Pancake helpers from years past will remember Doug in his award-winning role as the Prince of pancakes, with guest appearances from Jimmy D as the Grillmaster and the aproned Jack as the Earl of Sausage. The stunt work will be performed by an all-star cast of parent volunteers and scout recruits.

But to pull off this production, an ensemble of parents and scouts is needed to help set up. The big show starts at 6:30AM, with scout servers reporting at 7:00, followed by parent kitchen help at 7:01. The breakfast itself runs from 8-11:30 with lots of time slots for you to fit an hour or two of help into your busy Saturday schedule.

Did I mention the tickets which were sent home weeks ago with your scout? Well, they were. Don't feel bad, we can't find ours either. Some families simply lavish the tickets on neighbors who are very generous during our flower sale, while others simply opt to "eat" the $40 ticket fee. Anyway, each scout is expected to turn in at least $40 from advance Pancake Breakfast sales.


Big Boulder & Jack Frost Ski Trip in January

The biggest camping trip of the year is always the SKI TRIP. The Troop has been able to secure Camp Acahela for this year's trip which will be the weekend of January 23-25. Start thinking about your holiday presents wish list for some equipment. While you're at it, don't forget to "Think Snow".

The price will include lift tickets, rental (if needed), night skiing, tubing and a lesson. Will Chad ski? Does Chad ski? What about B? Come find out.

With all the crowds watching Chad and B, the troop will have to limit the shockingly low, discounted tickets to only those scouts and parents who camp overnight on this trip. Sorry, Folks, no friends this time.


Frisbees Fly at French Creek

by ace reporter Derek

On the night of Friday, October 10, Troop 5 left for another exciting camping trip. The main theme for this trip was Frisbee Football/Golf, with some hiking and orienteering mixed in. Because a lot of kids came late, we once again left 40 minutes behind schedule for the 1 1/2 hour drive.

Saturday morning the fun started quickly. Right after breakfast, the troop was split in half. One group went on a ten mile hike with Alex, and the other went orienteering with Jeff.

When the groups returned, we all ate lunch. Then FRISBEE! One group was to play football, the other golf on a large field perfect for playing. As the games progressed, the styles and tactics were observed to be flawless. Everyone contributed to their team; there were hardly any messups and no arguments despite playing in the heat and humidity.

After dinner we all sang Happy Birthday to Matt, talked for while, had some hot cocoa and went to bed. The next morning we headed home. While waiting for our parents in the Church parking lot, we managed to play a little more Frisbee. it seemed like French Creek was still with us.


Driver's Insurance Info Needed or Else

Our Secretary of Transportation, Steve, has proclaimed December as "last chance to get me your car insurance info or..." month. I, for one, have now provided Steve will all the insurance info he wants. How about you? These forms are required by the Boy Scout Council of Bucks County anyway. So folks, humor him and fill out a form, please.


Needy Family for Community Service Project Selected

One of the more worthwhile endeavors that Troop 5 gets involved with each year is collecting goods to assist a needy family in the immediate Bucks County area at Christmas. This year's anonymous family was chosen by the ministry from the North & South Reformed Church. It's always shocking to realize that there are some among us who, in fact, are in need.

As in the past, each patrol will decide what items they will be responsible for providing. Items may include presents, food, household items. Check with your patrol leader for the exact nature of your donation.

At the December 22 meeting, scouts will join in the wrapping party for this service project. Wrapping paper will be provided by the troop (AKA Judy). Thanks for sharing in the Spirit of the Season.


Scouting for FOod

A whopping 75 pounds of non-perishable food items were collected during the "Scouting for Fod Campaign" waged by the troop last month. Every eyar, the Bucks County Council Boy Scouts of America sponsors a food drive to add to the inventories of local food pantries.

Troop 5 is proud to support this worthy effort and has designated the 75 pounds of food collected to augment the North & South Church Kitchen which aids those in need in our community. Many thanks to those who remembered to send in the food items.


February Banquet Change

Because the Troop is celebrating its 75th year of scouting, plans are under way for an Anniversary Banquet in the early Spring. This dinner will replace the February Banquet for this year only. It sounds like fun, honoring a Troop that has been in existance for the last 75 years.

Ideas have been flying around about a commemorative neckerchief, or honorary patches. Maybe we could have the dinner at Ockanckon? Questions like these or about who in the troop has ties with past Troop members abound. A more compelling question may be whether or not two bathrooms at Ockanickon can handle the extraordinary crowd expected!

As the excitement grows, you too will want to become involved.
Hint:Choose your involvement now, before you are recruited. Anyway, it's all in fun and the help will be greatly appreciated. Give Betty a call. your ideas will only make our celebration more fun.


Lion's Club Spaghetti DInner

On Saturday, November 22, while most of the troop was enjoying their weekend at camp Rodney, a few dedicated scouts turned out to support the Lion's club annual spaghetti Dinner.

Under the watchful eyes of Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Phil (Now assistant scoutmaster phil), Dan, Justin, Don, Matt, and Kevin served and bused tables for this fund raising event.

For the scouts' efforts, the Lion's club makes a generous donation to Troop 5 to support our outdoor program. Many thanks to those scouts who participated.