The Anthill Times - October 1999

October 1999

Upcoming Events
2-3	Wildwood Camping Trip
4	Meeting
11	Meeting
14	PLC
18	Registration Due
23	Elm Avenue Cleanup
25	Meeting - Halloween Fun
29-31	Ultimate Commands Trip

Error Correction

The editorial staff of the Ant Hill Times apologizes profusely to Derek, the ASPL of communication. Last month's Anthill Times article gave credit to Josh for the article entitled, Fourth of July at Philmont. The author of this outstanding article was instead, Derek. way to go, Derek. In additoin, thank you for not filing a complaint. Could it be because you did not even read last month's newsletter? No way!

Eagle Projects

Mike held his successful Eagle Project on Saturday the 9th of October. Congratulations Mike.

The next project on the horizon is Matt. Stay tuned as Matt's project of collecting and repairing winter coats for those less fortunate is unique and interesting.

Are you Y2K Troop 5 Compliant?

2000 Registration Due

Every October, the troop registers with Bucks County Council for the upcoming year. These annual dues will remain at $35 for another year.

The dues collected are used to register each boy nationally, subscribe to Boy's Life, purchase supplmental insurance, buy merit badges, support advancement expenses, pay for Court of Honor refreshments, contribute to administrative costs such as stamps and photocopying. In addition, dues help pay for the Scoutmaster's vacation home in Tahiti!

Troop Scribe, Nick will be collecting the $35 registration fee from each scout at the October 18 meeting.

Prince of Pancakes Returns to Host Annual Event

The Troop is pleased to announce that Mr K. has agreed once again to oversee this annual Troop 5 fundraiser. Pancakes will eb flopping on Sturday December 4. Expect coffee to be brewing, sausage to be sizzling, and dishwashers to be scrubbing. So shake out that apron, pick up your phone can call Mr. K. to say, "Let me in on the fun." It's always enteraining, and we really needc most scouts and parents involved in some way.

Mr K. will be assisted by Director of Decorations, Ms M. Ms. M is looking for 3-5 more individuals willing to help with decorations and figuring out what serving supplies will be needed the morning of the Big Event. If you've always fancied yourself a Martha Stewart compatriot, go for it. Call Ms M.

NOTE

Elm Avenue Cleanup will be on Sat 23 Oct at 9:00 am. This is a change from the previously distributed calendar.

Congratulations to Some New Ring Grabbers

by Jack C, Committee Chairman

Troop 5 would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the following scout parents who, on the Carousel of Life, have reached out and grabbed at our call for volunteers.

Ernest E has agreed to be the Merit Badge Coordinator, a newly formed position. We would encourage all parents who have not done so to get their Troop Resource Forms into Ernie.

David F will be the Eagle Advisor/Coordinator, also a new position. Dave will be working very closely with Wendell, the scoutmaster Corps and our Life Scouts on their Eagle Scout Service Projects.

Nancy M has agreed to work with Eric K as Decorating Coordinator for this year's Pancake Breakfast (Dec 4). Nancy will be looking for 3 to 5 artisitically gifted persons to assist her. Please give her a call.

As Assistant Edotor for the Ant Hill Times, we welcome the talented and literate Fran B, who will be wokring with Claire K over the next year (and maybe, hopefully taking over after that).

What's Chad Doing Anyway?

By Claire K

Chad moved to Grave City, a small town 60 miles north of Pittsburg at the end of last summer. He hasbeen working for the Grove City School District as a Computer Lab Manager at the George Jr. Republic School. Chad works for a private institution for delinquent youths that has been contracted bythe Grove City School District to rovide educational services for its residents.

There are over 400 of these young people with criminal records that have been remanded to this institution. The residents have been sent from 22 different states and range educationally from grades four through twelve. It is the ope of the criminal justice system that they can earn a high school diploma; otherwise they will be sentenced to Newcastle Maximum Security prison. Chad's facility is considered a last chance for many of these ofenders. He reports this is "an interesting career path."

Chad remains very active in the troop. He participated in this summer's High Adventure to Philmont as a Crew Adviser and managed to atend Summer Camp as an Assistant Scoutmaster as well.

New Klondike Hardware

An Engineering Challenge by Jack C

We are anticipating entering four sleds in this year's Klondike Derby. Ruling out using the Beast (estimated weight: 300 lbs) we will be short by two sleds. Therefore, the Troop is announcing the Troop 5 Year 200 Sled Competition (and Merit Badge Opportunity).

Two engineering teams will compete to biuld the lightest, strongest, best rigged sled in bucks county. The judging will be delegated to a slect group of Honorable Engineering Fellows, the HEF's.

We need some engineering minded dads to headup the design and procurement effort for each of two teams. Jim D has agreed to host one of the build teams in his shop. We need one more volunteer with a home shop to host the second team.

Those Wild Wildwood Days

by veteran BeachJammer, Dan

The usually popular Wildwood trip was, by Troop 5 standards, small this year. Only about twenty scouts and eight adults made the two and half-hour trek down to the Jersey Shore for this year's Beach Jam. Without the obvious presence of Mr G and Todd on this trip, the pressure was off the debuting Senior Patrol Leader, ike.

We left early on Saturday so that we could hit the rides as soon as they opened at twelve. After some embarrassing attempts to set up camp on the beach, we finally got it right and made the rides on time. Saturday was a late night and despite strong winds, many of the scouts visisted with other scouts until the wee hours of the morning.

Sunday we were up at 8:00am, had camp down, and were ready to hit th eboards by ten o'clock. That gave us two hours to wander before the rides opened.

We had from noon until two-thirty to ride the rides. Although the rides got... dary I say it, boring this year? I guess you can only have so much fun in Wildwood each year. We arrived home early and still intact.

Well, Mike this camping trip went all right. Next time, Todd and Mr. G will be there!