I thought January was fast.  February was so quick; I missed it and am writing this in March!  None-the-less – it was a month filled with Scouting with more to come as spring arrives.

 

First – a brief look back at our activities:

 

Eagle Scout

 

CONGRATULATIONS to Alex Barker on becoming our troop’s first Eagle Scout in 2008.  We look forward to celebrating this with him at his Court of Honor in the coming months.

 

 

Troop 763 Goes Italian

 

All the reports are good news and a great time was had by all at our Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser.  Thanks go to Jim Shay on guiding us through this and to ALL the adults who spent time in the background, the kitchen, or right up front with the customers.  You all helped our Scouts in providing an evening of fun and fellowship for many.  The Scouts can now shave their moustaches J.

 

 

Snow Cave Outing – revised

 

Well, we took a look at the proposed weather / travel policy and decided to go ahead and invoke its use for the first time.  Though the weather on Saturday, February 16 was perfect, the prediction for Sunday the 17^th looked pretty grim.  After gathering at the church on Saturday morning and discussing options with the Scouts, we decided to take advantage of the day, and some snow shoes we had available, and went to the Chippewa Nature Center.  What a GREAT Idea it was.  There were blue skies, lots of snow, and plenty of outdoors for all.  We even got in the requisite snow ball battle.  We finished off the evening with a chili dinner at the Carter’s residence where the Scouts enjoyed some video and the adults solved most of the world’s pressing problems. 

 

A big THANK YOU to John Hess for organizing.  Thanks go to Carl Ohsowski, Joe Lindsly, Eric Joffre, and John Carter for providing crowd control and transportation.  Also, many thanks to the Carters for graciously hosting so many on Saturday evening on such short notice.

 

As some may remember, Sunday morning, February 17^th turned out to be as bad, if not worse, than the predictions.  The freezing rain / ice storm we experienced would have made for an extremely difficult return from the U.P.  Not trying to emulate a beer commercial – but adapting our plans was a “good call”.

 

At the PLC this past week, the Scouts wanted to keep this on our calendar if possible.  It looks like we will have to delay until next winter – but we will try again.

 

 

Webelos Crossovers

 

We are in the middle of “the season”.  We currently have four Scouts, who have crossed over to the troop.  We expect 4-5 more in the coming month.  Welcome to all the new Scouts – and we will add them to the e-mail list as soon as we get that information!  Thanks go to Eric Joffre for doing so much leg work as our recruiting coordinator, and to John Hess for helping with the crossovers.

 

Those who have joined us these past few weeks are:

 

From Siebert School Pack 3721

 

Nathan Collins

Matthew Painter

 

From Adams School Pack 3722

 

Ben Kadlec

Calvin Sigelko

 

 

On the horizon, we have the following:

 

Summer Camp

 

August 3 – 9 we will be at Fort Scott at Camp Rotary.  The first payment for Summer Camp of $110 is due on Monday, March 3^rd.  Please plan to register your Scout for this as it is a yearly highlight for many of them.  More details will be forthcoming.

 

Those scouts who are just now in the process of joining the troop via Webelos crossovers do not need to register for Summer Camp until early May.

 

 

Troop Committee Meeting

 

Tuesday, March 4, 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church.  Here is where we organize and plan for the long term!  All adults are encouraged and invited to attend.

 

 

March Outing – Camp Tapico

 

Never been there before – so it should be a unique experience!  Jim Gall is organizing (thanks!) this trip to the Tall Pines Council Boy Scout camp located between Grayling and Kalkaska March 14 - 16.  Due to the unpredictable weather in March, we have reservations for staying in a cabin.  However, if the weather cooperates, the Scouts can put up tents, or snow caves (the two possible extremes!)  We will have a weekend of being out and about, and Scouts can catch up on any advancement activities that they want to work on.  As always, information is available at the Troop meetings.

 

 

Chippewa Nature Center Maple Syrup Day Pancake Breakfast

 

Our annual service to help out the CNC is also on March 15.  For those not going on the outing to Camp Tapico, this is a good time to give back to the CNC for all their wonderful work in our community.  They made our February “plan B” so easy and so much fun, we have more reasons than ever to lend them a hand.  There are sign-up sheets at the troop meeting for folks to help during and after the breakfast.  Take your family along as there are many activities including watching them make the syrup on site at their sugar house.

 

http://www.chippewanaturecenter.com/maplesyrupday.htm

 

 

Eagle Court of Honor

 

Kevin Albrecht will be having his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on March 18, at 7:00 PM.  It will be held at the Whiting Forest – so please note the location!

 

 

Board of Review and Court of Honor

 

The Scouts should take a look at their Handbooks and see what they need to complete the next rank.  The Scouts will have the opportunity to complete advancement for ranks as there will be a Board of Review on March 17 and a Court of Honor on March 24.  All family members are invited and encouraged to attend the Court of Honor and help the Scouts celebrate their accomplishments.

 

 

NO School for Midland Public Schools – so NO Troop meeting on Monday, March 31 (Spring Break!)

 

 

Snow Shoe Construction

 

We wanted to start on this, but we are having difficulties getting the “webbing” material.  The PLC decided to move this to next fall / winter as an activity.

 

 

Patrol Leaders Council

 

The March PLC will be held on March 24, 6:00 PM at First Baptist Church.