Wilderness First Aid Basics - How to handle an emergency in the outdoors, this is a MUST for all leaders attending Philmont, Sea Base or Northern Tier. Each High Adventure Venue requires all adults to be trained in Wilderness First Aid. The course is open to Scouts also.
The next course is offered April 4-5, 2009 AT CAMP MABRY – TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - AUSTIN. It can't get any easier than that.
Wilderness First Aid Basics is an American Red Cross (ARC) course for people in backcountry and similar situations where professional emergency care is over 30 minutes away. The course combines classroom lecture, skills practice, and realistic scenarios to teach assessment, basic and advanced first aid techniques, extended care, transports and evacuations. As a pre-requisite, participants should have current First Aid and CPR skills equivalent to what is taught in the ARC Standard First Aid and CPR course. A minimum age of 15 is recommended due to the serious nature of the course and scenarios, however, mature youth are strongly encouraged to attend..
Registration has opened. Please see the following link: http://crew911.sangabrielyouthactivities.com/
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Friends of Scouting 2009
Friends of Scouting is the annual campaign where the Capitol Area Council asks Scouting families, businesses and civic-minded citizens to support our mission of providing the Scouting program to tens of thousands of young people in Central Texas. To see the brochure: https://www.bsacac.org/PDFs/2009FOSbrochure.pdf Please consider a gift to the Friends of Scouting campaign. Click here to donate online.
Troop 399 is at 1/3 of their goal at this point in the campaign with only 21 families contributing. Please consider a contribution no matter how small. The average contibution is $200.00.
Troop 399 is at 1/3 of their goal at this point in the campaign with only 21 families contributing. Please consider a contribution no matter how small. The average contibution is $200.00.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Armadillo Spring Training Day - April 4th
Spring Training is Coming - April 4th!
Are you a Cub Scout den leader who just "crossed over" with your son into Boy Scouts and are ready to start helping your new troop. Maybe your daughter was recruited into a Venturuing Crew by her friends and you will be serving as an advisor? Or maybe (not that this ever happens), you just never got around to taking the required leader training for your Scouting position so you could wear that "Trained" patch. If so, your chance is coming!
The Armadillo District Spring Training Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2009. Classes will be held at St. Martins Lutheran Church (and in the adjoining park). Click here for a map of Saint Martin's Lutheran Church.
Every youth deserves a trained leader.
The Armadillo District offers courses to teach leaders about Scouting, how to manage their pack or troop, learn who does what, plus skills courses. Several introductory courses are available online while in-depth role-specific sessions are offered in a workshop format for all volunteers. Courses are taught by experienced leaders who provide real world dialogue to complement a professionally developed curriculum from BSA.
The schedule is available at www.armadillodistrict.org under Training/Other Training tabs.
Are you a Cub Scout den leader who just "crossed over" with your son into Boy Scouts and are ready to start helping your new troop. Maybe your daughter was recruited into a Venturuing Crew by her friends and you will be serving as an advisor? Or maybe (not that this ever happens), you just never got around to taking the required leader training for your Scouting position so you could wear that "Trained" patch. If so, your chance is coming!
The Armadillo District Spring Training Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2009. Classes will be held at St. Martins Lutheran Church (and in the adjoining park). Click here for a map of Saint Martin's Lutheran Church.
Every youth deserves a trained leader.
The Armadillo District offers courses to teach leaders about Scouting, how to manage their pack or troop, learn who does what, plus skills courses. Several introductory courses are available online while in-depth role-specific sessions are offered in a workshop format for all volunteers. Courses are taught by experienced leaders who provide real world dialogue to complement a professionally developed curriculum from BSA.
The schedule is available at www.armadillodistrict.org under Training/Other Training tabs.
Last Call for Woodbadge
Announcement from Doug Rose, Armadillo District Chairperson
Dear Scout Friends:
In what is an unusual year on many fronts, we have one more change in the weather - this year's Wood Badge Course SR-1005 has only a handful of openings remaining.
If you or someone you know from our Armadillo Quality District would benefit from this high level adult training course please let them know and register in the next couple of days with a $75 deposit to the Council office.
Registration is first come first served with deposit and registration in hand. Once the course list is full they will take a waiting list, which may be tapped in the fall. That said, if you want to confirm a spot for 2009 you need to get that check and your form into the Scout office right away.
Here is the info. http://www.armadillodistrict.org/content/view/189/57/ A course prerequisite is Leader Specific Training for your current position in Scouting (Cub, Troop, Crew, Ship). This is available on April 4 in Armadillo, and on other District dates you can find on the Council website. http://www.armadillodistrict.org/content/view/6/13/
Dear Scout Friends:
In what is an unusual year on many fronts, we have one more change in the weather - this year's Wood Badge Course SR-1005 has only a handful of openings remaining.
If you or someone you know from our Armadillo Quality District would benefit from this high level adult training course please let them know and register in the next couple of days with a $75 deposit to the Council office.
Registration is first come first served with deposit and registration in hand. Once the course list is full they will take a waiting list, which may be tapped in the fall. That said, if you want to confirm a spot for 2009 you need to get that check and your form into the Scout office right away.
Here is the info. http://www.armadillodistrict.org/content/view/189/57/ A course prerequisite is Leader Specific Training for your current position in Scouting (Cub, Troop, Crew, Ship). This is available on April 4 in Armadillo, and on other District dates you can find on the Council website. http://www.armadillodistrict.org/content/view/6/13/
Sunday, March 15, 2009
New St. Theresa's Scout Troop needs assistance!
Announcement from Doug Rose, Armadillo District Chairperson
Hello All – We have just started a new Troop with five crossover Scouts at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, led by Scoutmaster Ron Miller. I’d appreciate your help in communicating this to the families in your Troops for those who may attend St. Theresa’s. St. Theresa’s has been very gracious in opening their doors to the Boy Scout program.
We are not asking for any of your Scouts to join the Troop. However, as part of our initial service to the church we have some opportunities where older Scouts you have who may be Parishioners might be able to come and help.
Our first opportunity is a Fish Fry next Friday, March 20. It starts at 5:45 and they expect 175 people. Scout Class A or B uniforms would be nice.
Scout families could come and help set up, serve, clean up or sell baked goods – any help is appreciated.
Families could bring baked goods to sell – the church has offered us this opportunity to raise money for the Troop.
Fish fry’s are a new venue and they have only held one so far. They could use some additional adults with deep fry experience. They have the equipment and fish. If someone would like to help please contact me so I can get the info to the church. drose@drcgroup.com cell 657-3392
Thank you for sharing this with your families who may wish to help show some Scout spirit at St. Theresa’s.
http://www.sttaustin.org/index.cfm?load=news&newsarticle=22&page=22
Hello All – We have just started a new Troop with five crossover Scouts at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, led by Scoutmaster Ron Miller. I’d appreciate your help in communicating this to the families in your Troops for those who may attend St. Theresa’s. St. Theresa’s has been very gracious in opening their doors to the Boy Scout program.
We are not asking for any of your Scouts to join the Troop. However, as part of our initial service to the church we have some opportunities where older Scouts you have who may be Parishioners might be able to come and help.
Our first opportunity is a Fish Fry next Friday, March 20. It starts at 5:45 and they expect 175 people. Scout Class A or B uniforms would be nice.
Scout families could come and help set up, serve, clean up or sell baked goods – any help is appreciated.
Families could bring baked goods to sell – the church has offered us this opportunity to raise money for the Troop.
Fish fry’s are a new venue and they have only held one so far. They could use some additional adults with deep fry experience. They have the equipment and fish. If someone would like to help please contact me so I can get the info to the church. drose@drcgroup.com cell 657-3392
Thank you for sharing this with your families who may wish to help show some Scout spirit at St. Theresa’s.
http://www.sttaustin.org/index.cfm?load=news&newsarticle=22&page=22
Friday, March 13, 2009
Hornaday program information - April 17 - 19
Many of you may have already signed up for the Hornaday Award weekend merit badge program at Lost Pines on the Capitol Area Council web registration form.
We need to get a list of Scouts, drivers and adults that will be staying at Hornaday so we can plan the adult driving and support. Please sign up for Hornaday at:
http://www.troop399.org/sign-up-forms-1/hornaday-camp-out-april-17-19-2009
Scouts with ranks of First Class and above should have already signed up for Hornaday merit badge programs at:
http://www.hornadaybsa.org/registration.html.
There is no additional charge from Troop 399 for Scouts that have paid and registered via Hornaday registration.
We are offering two programs for younger Scouts at Hornaday, and there is a $15 charge for younger Scouts to cover the cost of provided meals.
Program 1 - New Scout program for Tenderfoot/ Second Class requirements led by Joe Hoover
Program 2 - First Class Scout requirements for Second Class Scouts wanting to complete First Class requirements.
Please specify which program your Scout is interested in, on the Troop 399 Hornaday sign-up form.
More information about Hornaday will be forthcoming in upcoming Troop and parent meetings, and on the Troop399.org website.
We need to get a list of Scouts, drivers and adults that will be staying at Hornaday so we can plan the adult driving and support. Please sign up for Hornaday at:
http://www.troop399.org/sign-up-forms-1/hornaday-camp-out-april-17-19-2009
Scouts with ranks of First Class and above should have already signed up for Hornaday merit badge programs at:
http://www.hornadaybsa.org/registration.html.
There is no additional charge from Troop 399 for Scouts that have paid and registered via Hornaday registration.
We are offering two programs for younger Scouts at Hornaday, and there is a $15 charge for younger Scouts to cover the cost of provided meals.
Program 1 - New Scout program for Tenderfoot/ Second Class requirements led by Joe Hoover
Program 2 - First Class Scout requirements for Second Class Scouts wanting to complete First Class requirements.
Please specify which program your Scout is interested in, on the Troop 399 Hornaday sign-up form.
More information about Hornaday will be forthcoming in upcoming Troop and parent meetings, and on the Troop399.org website.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
No meeting on Tuesday, March 17th.
T399 parents:
Because of the Spring Break holiday next week, we will not have a
T399 Scout meeting on Tuesday, March 17th. I wish everyone a safe and fun week off from
school! If your Scout happens to be going skiing, fishing or other
type activities, please refer to the Scout Handbook as you probably
will be doing some things to earn your Scout some merit badges. This
week is also a good time to clear up some partials.
Also please review the summer camps and fillout the merit badge selection forms.
Because of the Spring Break holiday next week, we will not have a
T399 Scout meeting on Tuesday, March 17th. I wish everyone a safe and fun week off from
school! If your Scout happens to be going skiing, fishing or other
type activities, please refer to the Scout Handbook as you probably
will be doing some things to earn your Scout some merit badges. This
week is also a good time to clear up some partials.
Also please review the summer camps and fillout the merit badge selection forms.
Monday, March 9, 2009
T-399 Patrol Leader's Council meeting date change
T-399, Announcement from Nicky Fox
All youth leadership- The PLC is going to be moved from Tuesday (tomorrow) to Wednesday due to a scheduling conflict. The meeting will be at 7:00 pm at TUMC. Please come to this PLC, as it is very vital to the successful planning of the coming month.
ALL SCOUTS- The Class-A uniform policy comes into effect WEDNESDAY!!!! The patrol that has the highest percentage of members wearing the uniform correctly gets a special treat from the adults!
Nicky Fox
SPL T-399
All youth leadership- The PLC is going to be moved from Tuesday (tomorrow) to Wednesday due to a scheduling conflict. The meeting will be at 7:00 pm at TUMC. Please come to this PLC, as it is very vital to the successful planning of the coming month.
ALL SCOUTS- The Class-A uniform policy comes into effect WEDNESDAY!!!! The patrol that has the highest percentage of members wearing the uniform correctly gets a special treat from the adults!
Nicky Fox
SPL T-399
Thursday, March 5, 2009
T399 Camporee Training Opportunities
This announcement is from the Camporee Staff:
CAMPOREE TRAINING UPDATE - The three programs confirmed are:
CPR Challenge @ 9:00am - Pay $25, pass the Adult CPR test, walk away with your card. Plan to review the current Red Cross CPR recommendations before you arrive.
Adult CPR & AED @ 9:30-~3:30 (including a lunch break) ($30) - Combining lecture, video demonstrations and hands-on manikin (mannequin) training, this course teaches participants to:
- Call and work with EMS
- Perform CPR and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies (adult CPR)
- Avoid blood borne pathogens exposure
- Know the role of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the Cardiac Chain of Survival
- How to use an AED, including precautions when using and AED
Leave No Trace Awareness @ 9:00-~2:00 (including lunch break) (Free)Learn how to enjoy outdoor Scouting program while respecting the land and natural resources, leaving minimal footprint for the next group. Great for any program volunteers: Pack, Troop, or Crew. This course satisfies the 4-hour Leave No Trace training requirement for units that wish to utilize resources such as the Griffith League Scout Ranch.
CAMPOREE TRAINING UPDATE - The three programs confirmed are:
CPR Challenge @ 9:00am - Pay $25, pass the Adult CPR test, walk away with your card. Plan to review the current Red Cross CPR recommendations before you arrive.
Adult CPR & AED @ 9:30-~3:30 (including a lunch break) ($30) - Combining lecture, video demonstrations and hands-on manikin (mannequin) training, this course teaches participants to:
- Call and work with EMS
- Perform CPR and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies (adult CPR)
- Avoid blood borne pathogens exposure
- Know the role of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the Cardiac Chain of Survival
- How to use an AED, including precautions when using and AED
Leave No Trace Awareness @ 9:00-~2:00 (including lunch break) (Free)Learn how to enjoy outdoor Scouting program while respecting the land and natural resources, leaving minimal footprint for the next group. Great for any program volunteers: Pack, Troop, or Crew. This course satisfies the 4-hour Leave No Trace training requirement for units that wish to utilize resources such as the Griffith League Scout Ranch.
T399 Duplicate E-mails
Receiving old and duplicate emails from the CommitteeChair? I am so sorry for the confusion. This is happening because our service provider for the CommitteeChair Blog is Feedburner. Feedburner was recently purchased by Google. The entire feedburner system was converted to Google's system on March 1, 2009. This has caused some blog posts to be sent a second time. Please ignore any posts which deal with an event that has already occured. Once again, sorry for the confusion. Technology is great, usually. If you have any questions or concerns about a posting, please don't hestitate to email me to clarify.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Monday, March 2, 2009
T399 Star Wars meeting at 6:00 pm March 3rd, TUMC
PLEASE NOTE MEETING TIME CHANGE:
Troop 399 Scouts will meet at 6:00 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3rd, at TUMC to watch the movie Star Wars and to prepare for the First Annual Armadillo District Camporee. The theme of Camporee is Space Scouts. T399 will be serving Scouts pizza. Please bring a nalgene bottle for water. We will not be serving any soft drinks.
This should be a lot of fun for the Scouts! It will also help prepare T399 Scouts who will be attending Camporee Scouts because there will be Star Wars trivia questions through-out the contests next Saturday. May the Force be with you.
The Parent meeting will start at 7:00, but I will be available to answer any questions between 6:00 and 7:00.
Troop 399 Scouts will meet at 6:00 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3rd, at TUMC to watch the movie Star Wars and to prepare for the First Annual Armadillo District Camporee. The theme of Camporee is Space Scouts. T399 will be serving Scouts pizza. Please bring a nalgene bottle for water. We will not be serving any soft drinks.
This should be a lot of fun for the Scouts! It will also help prepare T399 Scouts who will be attending Camporee Scouts because there will be Star Wars trivia questions through-out the contests next Saturday. May the Force be with you.
The Parent meeting will start at 7:00, but I will be available to answer any questions between 6:00 and 7:00.
T399 Parent Meeting, Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00 pm TUMC
T399 Reminder:
There is a very important parent meeting Tuesday, March 3rd, starting at 7:00 pm at TUMC. Please plan to attend. We will discuss Camporee plans, hand out Summer Camp merit badge selection forms, discuss Hornaday weekend and outline high adventure opportunities for this summer which have recently opened up at Sea Base and Nothern Tier.
We have recently introduced 20 new Scouts to Troop 399, so if you see a new face please introduce yourself.
There is a very important parent meeting Tuesday, March 3rd, starting at 7:00 pm at TUMC. Please plan to attend. We will discuss Camporee plans, hand out Summer Camp merit badge selection forms, discuss Hornaday weekend and outline high adventure opportunities for this summer which have recently opened up at Sea Base and Nothern Tier.
We have recently introduced 20 new Scouts to Troop 399, so if you see a new face please introduce yourself.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sea Base Scuba Trek openings
Dave Botts, an assistant Scoutmaster at Troop 511, is looking for 1 adult and 3 Scouts to join Troop 511 at a Seabase Scuba trek starting 8/9/2009 (which sounds very cool). Please contact David directly if you have any interest.
His e-mail address is davidbotts@juno.com
His e-mail address is davidbotts@juno.com
Wood Badge Course Filling Up Fast
Wood Badge is the ultimate personal, professional and Scouting training program offered by the Scouting movement. Wood Badge is not just about learning leadership skills - it is about knowing, utilizing, and teaching those skills that make great and effective leaders. The program is designed for all Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity and Venturing Leaders, as well as Professional Scouters. The next Wood Badge course being held in the Capitol Area Council will be on October 9-11 and November 6-8, 2009 at Lost Pines Scout Reservation. CLICK HERE for more information, including registration forms. Or, contact Jason Riley, Course Director, at 512-736-8391 or mjriley@me.com. The course is limited to the first 48 participants and is already half full. If you were waiting until this summer to sign-up, sign up NOW as the course is expected to be full by the spring.
REMINDER - Andrew Klitch's Eagle Project
Flag Dedication Ceremony
Date: Saturday, February 28 Time: 10:00 a.m. Address: 9409 Bluegrass Drive, 78759
Scouts must wear full Class-A uniforms.
All Scouts who attend will receive one service hour for attending.
Directions: From Mopac, take the Anderson Ln/Spicewood Springs Rd Exit. Go west on Spicewood Springs Rd. Cross Loop 360 (Cap. of Texas Hwy) and continue on Bluffstone Ln. Turn right at Bluegrass Dr. Go about 1 mile on Bluegrass Dr. The Fire Station will be on the right. Drinks and refreshments will be provided.
If you have questions, call Andrew Klitch at 632-3441 or email at andrewklitch@yahoo.com.
Date: Saturday, February 28 Time: 10:00 a.m. Address: 9409 Bluegrass Drive, 78759
Scouts must wear full Class-A uniforms.
All Scouts who attend will receive one service hour for attending.
Directions: From Mopac, take the Anderson Ln/Spicewood Springs Rd Exit. Go west on Spicewood Springs Rd. Cross Loop 360 (Cap. of Texas Hwy) and continue on Bluffstone Ln. Turn right at Bluegrass Dr. Go about 1 mile on Bluegrass Dr. The Fire Station will be on the right. Drinks and refreshments will be provided.
If you have questions, call Andrew Klitch at 632-3441 or email at andrewklitch@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Andrew Klitch Eagle Project
Hi my name is Andrew Klitch. In the past few weeks I have installed three flagpoles at Austin Area Fire Stations. This Saturday I will be holding a dedication ceremony at one of the Fire Stations, and it would be great if your scout could be there.
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Address: 9409 Bluegrass Drive, 78759
Directions: From Mopac, take the Anderson Ln/Spicewood Springs Rd Exit. Go west on Spicewood Springs Rd. Cross Loop 360 (Cap. of Texas Hwy) and continue on Bluffstone Ln. Turn right at Bluegrass Dr. Go about 1 mile on Bluegrass Dr. The Fire Station will be on the right.
Scouts must wear full Class-A uniforms. All Scouts who attend will receive one service hour for attending. Drinks and refreshments will be provided.
If you have questions, call Andrew Klitch at 632-3441 or email at andrewklitch@yahoo.com.
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Address: 9409 Bluegrass Drive, 78759
Directions: From Mopac, take the Anderson Ln/Spicewood Springs Rd Exit. Go west on Spicewood Springs Rd. Cross Loop 360 (Cap. of Texas Hwy) and continue on Bluffstone Ln. Turn right at Bluegrass Dr. Go about 1 mile on Bluegrass Dr. The Fire Station will be on the right.
Scouts must wear full Class-A uniforms. All Scouts who attend will receive one service hour for attending. Drinks and refreshments will be provided.
If you have questions, call Andrew Klitch at 632-3441 or email at andrewklitch@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Service Hours, 2/24/09 @ TUMC
Announcement from David Chambers, Youth Director, TUMC
If any of you are looking for an hour of community service, or would just like to help out in a fun way, this might be a great opportunity for you…
On Tuesday February 24th, we have a great tradition in celebrating Fat Tuesday or otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday by coming together as a church for our Shrove Pancake supper. This gathering represents our preparation for the Lenten season, a time when we usually give up something to honor God.
There are members of our church that are asking for youth volunteers to help with the Madri Gras celebration for the children. They need help with activities like the cake walk, and putting fake tattoos on the children, and face painting. This is a fun way to get credit for any service hours you might need for school.
They will need help from 5:45pm until about 6:45pm in Perry Hall.
Please let me know if you will be able to help via email at david@tarrytownumc.org and I will get you in touch with the coordinators of the event. You are welcome to stay for the Shrove Tuesday Feast when you are done. The tickets cost is $7 for the pancake supper.
Have a Great Week!!
David Chambers
Director of Youth Ministries
Tarrytown United Methodist Church
If any of you are looking for an hour of community service, or would just like to help out in a fun way, this might be a great opportunity for you…
On Tuesday February 24th, we have a great tradition in celebrating Fat Tuesday or otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday by coming together as a church for our Shrove Pancake supper. This gathering represents our preparation for the Lenten season, a time when we usually give up something to honor God.
There are members of our church that are asking for youth volunteers to help with the Madri Gras celebration for the children. They need help with activities like the cake walk, and putting fake tattoos on the children, and face painting. This is a fun way to get credit for any service hours you might need for school.
They will need help from 5:45pm until about 6:45pm in Perry Hall.
Please let me know if you will be able to help via email at david@tarrytownumc.org and I will get you in touch with the coordinators of the event. You are welcome to stay for the Shrove Tuesday Feast when you are done. The tickets cost is $7 for the pancake supper.
Have a Great Week!!
David Chambers
Director of Youth Ministries
Tarrytown United Methodist Church
Monday, February 16, 2009
T399 Meeting Plan For Upcoming Scout Meetings
This e-mail is from Nicky Fox, Troop 399 Senior Patrol Leader:
Troop Meeting: Feb. 17- Rank Advancement will be the theme. The merit badges that will be offered are: Communications*, Emergency Preparedness*, and Personal Management*.
Younger scouts can work on requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class. Any scoutmaster conferences and Boards of Review will be offered as needed. *Eagle required merit badge.
Troop Meeting: Feb. 24- Order of the Arrow Elections and Camporee will be the themes. This is an important meeting to attend, as we need to get 50% or more of the registered Scouts attending for the Order of the Arrow election. The first part of the meeting will be spent on electing members to the Order of the Arrow, BSA’s honor society. To qualify, you must have 15 days and nights camping and be at least First Class. Winner(s) of the election will be tapped out at Camporee. After the elections, we will make meal plans, tent plans, and have a discussion about strategy for Camporee. It is important that anyone planning on attending Camporee come to this meeting. This is because we need to make sure everyone has a tent, partner, and sufficient food. Also, patrols will need to finish their flag, tune-up their yells, and develop some team strategy. Note: The theme for this year’s Armadillo District Camporee will be Space Scouts (Hollywood style).
Troop Meeting: Mar. 3- At 6:00p- We will watch Star Wars Episode IV. Pizza and drinks will be provided, so don’t worry about dinner. This is to build hype for Camporee. The movie will end at 8:00p. After the movie, we will review Camporee plans and strategies. It is strongly recommended that anyone attending Camporee come watch the movie. Some events at Camporee will consist of Star Wars trivia. The events will cover more than Scout skills. The events will also cover athletic, academic, and logical reasoning challenges. Take note that this is the first Annual Armadillo District Camporee.
**March 6-8: Armadillo District Camporee at Wolf Mountain. Please sign up for this Camporee at http://www.troop399.org/sign-up-forms-1/camporee-march-6-to-8--2009
Troop Meeting: Feb. 17- Rank Advancement will be the theme. The merit badges that will be offered are: Communications*, Emergency Preparedness*, and Personal Management*.
Younger scouts can work on requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class. Any scoutmaster conferences and Boards of Review will be offered as needed. *Eagle required merit badge.
Troop Meeting: Feb. 24- Order of the Arrow Elections and Camporee will be the themes. This is an important meeting to attend, as we need to get 50% or more of the registered Scouts attending for the Order of the Arrow election. The first part of the meeting will be spent on electing members to the Order of the Arrow, BSA’s honor society. To qualify, you must have 15 days and nights camping and be at least First Class. Winner(s) of the election will be tapped out at Camporee. After the elections, we will make meal plans, tent plans, and have a discussion about strategy for Camporee. It is important that anyone planning on attending Camporee come to this meeting. This is because we need to make sure everyone has a tent, partner, and sufficient food. Also, patrols will need to finish their flag, tune-up their yells, and develop some team strategy. Note: The theme for this year’s Armadillo District Camporee will be Space Scouts (Hollywood style).
Troop Meeting: Mar. 3- At 6:00p- We will watch Star Wars Episode IV. Pizza and drinks will be provided, so don’t worry about dinner. This is to build hype for Camporee. The movie will end at 8:00p. After the movie, we will review Camporee plans and strategies. It is strongly recommended that anyone attending Camporee come watch the movie. Some events at Camporee will consist of Star Wars trivia. The events will cover more than Scout skills. The events will also cover athletic, academic, and logical reasoning challenges. Take note that this is the first Annual Armadillo District Camporee.
**March 6-8: Armadillo District Camporee at Wolf Mountain. Please sign up for this Camporee at http://www.troop399.org/sign-up-forms-1/camporee-march-6-to-8--2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
March 6-8 First Annual Armadillo District Camporee
Please sign-up for the first annual Armadillo District Camporee the following web link:
http://www.troop399.org/sign-up-forms-1/camporee-march-6-to-8--2009
This is the first annual Armadillo District Camporee and will be held the weekend of March 6-8 at Wolf Mountain Scout Ranch, Llano, Texas. This year the theme is Space Scout (the Hollywood type). Think Star Wars. The fee for the Camporee is $35.00 and can be paid on-line when you register, or by delivering a check to Mark Katterjohn.
There will be an number of opportunities for adult leadership training during Camporee, so please consider attending. If you can not campout consider attending for the day. Every Scout deserves a trained leader.
http://www.troop399.org/sign-up-forms-1/camporee-march-6-to-8--2009
This is the first annual Armadillo District Camporee and will be held the weekend of March 6-8 at Wolf Mountain Scout Ranch, Llano, Texas. This year the theme is Space Scout (the Hollywood type). Think Star Wars. The fee for the Camporee is $35.00 and can be paid on-line when you register, or by delivering a check to Mark Katterjohn.
There will be an number of opportunities for adult leadership training during Camporee, so please consider attending. If you can not campout consider attending for the day. Every Scout deserves a trained leader.
Trails End Issues Voluntary Caramel Corn Recall
Weaver/Trails End has issued a voluntary recall for one of the popcorn products from our most recent council popcorn sale. The product in question is the 9.5 oz. Trail's End® Caramel Corn with Peanuts, with code date markings of "102861 109 JAN 19 08" through "102861 297 JUL 23 09". No other popcorn product is in question. Weaver/Trails End issued the voluntary recall because of recent concerns about salmonella and peanuts from Georgia-based Peanut Corporation of America. There have been no reports of anyone getting sick from the Trails End Caramel Corn with Peanuts (most have probably been eaten by now), but Trails End is doing this just to be on the safe side. Consumers with an unopened, sealed popcorn foil bag from the 9.5 oz Trail's End Caramel Corn with Peanuts, with code date markings of "102861 109 JAN 19 08" through "102861 297 JUL 23 09", can get a refund by calling 1-800-782-4255 (Monday through Friday from 7:00am - 2:00pm central time) or by sending an email to ccp@trails-end.com.
Friday, January 30, 2009
T399: Parent Communication
T399 Parents:
Our next Parent Meeting is scheduled for February 3rd at 7 pm at TUMC. Discussions will include parent support for El Rancho Cima backpacking camp-out (Feb 6 - 8), Camporee (Mar 6 - 8), Hornaday weekend (Apr 17 - 19) and Summer Camp selection and sign-up.
It is a good idea to Sign-up now for the El Rancho Cima backpacking camp-out at www.troop399.org.
Spaghetti Supper is Feb 8th, 6 pm at TUMC. Cooking kudos to Julian Fontana for Chairing this supper again! Tickets are $6 each and $20 per family. We only have two Troop 399 fundraisers each year and the money raised directly impacts the program for our Scouts. Please encourage and help your Scout sell the Spaghetti Supper tickets he received at last week's Scout meeting.
Our next Parent Meeting is scheduled for February 3rd at 7 pm at TUMC. Discussions will include parent support for El Rancho Cima backpacking camp-out (Feb 6 - 8), Camporee (Mar 6 - 8), Hornaday weekend (Apr 17 - 19) and Summer Camp selection and sign-up.
It is a good idea to Sign-up now for the El Rancho Cima backpacking camp-out at www.troop399.org.
Spaghetti Supper is Feb 8th, 6 pm at TUMC. Cooking kudos to Julian Fontana for Chairing this supper again! Tickets are $6 each and $20 per family. We only have two Troop 399 fundraisers each year and the money raised directly impacts the program for our Scouts. Please encourage and help your Scout sell the Spaghetti Supper tickets he received at last week's Scout meeting.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
T399 January 27th Court of Honor
T399 Parents:
Please join us Tuesday night, January 27th, for a very special T399 Court of Honor, 7 pm at TUMC Fellowship Hall.
Scouts will receive awards, recognitions and rank advancement. This Court of Honor is also our special chance to honor Mark Marshall and welcome Dirk Heinen as Scoutmaster. To add to the evening, T399 will be receiving the coveted National Hornaday Unit Award. This is a rarely given award and we are very proud of our Scouts for their hard work and achievement. One of our Scouts will be receiving the National Gold Medal Citizenship Award. Please plan to come, you will be inspired by the leadership and stewardship our boys are portraying.
Prior to the meeting I need a few parents to agree to come 30 minutes early and help with Board of Reviews. If you can serve in this capacity, please let me know.
Please join us Tuesday night, January 27th, for a very special T399 Court of Honor, 7 pm at TUMC Fellowship Hall.
Scouts will receive awards, recognitions and rank advancement. This Court of Honor is also our special chance to honor Mark Marshall and welcome Dirk Heinen as Scoutmaster. To add to the evening, T399 will be receiving the coveted National Hornaday Unit Award. This is a rarely given award and we are very proud of our Scouts for their hard work and achievement. One of our Scouts will be receiving the National Gold Medal Citizenship Award. Please plan to come, you will be inspired by the leadership and stewardship our boys are portraying.
Prior to the meeting I need a few parents to agree to come 30 minutes early and help with Board of Reviews. If you can serve in this capacity, please let me know.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Jimmy Donovan's Eagle Project
Jimmy Donovan Eagle Project 1.24.09
Who: Cornelius James “Jimmy” Rodriguez-Donovan II
What: Eagle Project
Where: Barton Creek Hike & Bike Trail,
3755 S. Capitol of Texas Hwy
When: Saturday, January 24th, 9:00 A.M.
How: I am building a bridge over a gully that passes through the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Hike & Bike Trail over Barton Creek. The previous bridge was washed out and the trail is heavily used by runners and bicyclists. We will start at 9:00 A.M. and work about 5-6 hours, ending around 3:00 P.M. All required tools and protective gear will be provided, but it is recommended that scouts bring their own gloves. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. For info, call 512-779-0391 or 512-317-2539, flyer is in the announcement tab of Web site.
Thank you.
Who: Cornelius James “Jimmy” Rodriguez-Donovan II
What: Eagle Project
Where: Barton Creek Hike & Bike Trail,
3755 S. Capitol of Texas Hwy
When: Saturday, January 24th, 9:00 A.M.
How: I am building a bridge over a gully that passes through the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Hike & Bike Trail over Barton Creek. The previous bridge was washed out and the trail is heavily used by runners and bicyclists. We will start at 9:00 A.M. and work about 5-6 hours, ending around 3:00 P.M. All required tools and protective gear will be provided, but it is recommended that scouts bring their own gloves. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. For info, call 512-779-0391 or 512-317-2539, flyer is in the announcement tab of Web site.
Thank you.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
T399 Information & Dates
T399 Parents:
I. Scout meeting on Tuesday, January 20 @ 7 pm, TUMC
#1 Parent Meeting @ 7 pm, TUMC
#2 Scoutmaster conferences and Board of Reviews will be conducted at this meeting.
Please volunteer to help conduct a Board of Reviews. Special thanks to the many
parents who volunteered their time at the meeting to assist with Boards of Review.
We could not do it without you!These conferences and reviews are in preparation
for the January 27th Court of Honor.
II. Camp-outs: Sign-up on-line if your Scout plans on attending. Go to www.troop399.org to sign-up and pay. If you signed up for Cracker-barrel or camp-out leadership (2-deep leadership) you will be contacted by Leslie Benitez. We need two-deep leadership for both campouts.
#1 NASA camp-out, January 23 - 25. Camp Strake & NASA! Tina Chan has agreed
to Ram Rod this campout. If you have any questions contact Tina or Phil Condra.
#2 El Rancho Cima, Backpacking camp-out, February 6 - 8. This is not a misprint,
Tina has agreed to Ram Rod this campout also. If you have any questions contact
Tina or Phil Condra.
III. Special Events
#1 Court of Honor, Tuesday, January 27 @ 7 pm @ TUMC Fellowship Hall. This
is a special ceremony as we honor Scoutmaster Mark Marshall and welcome Dirk
Heinen as our new Scoutmaster. Please make every effort to have your Scout attend.
Class A uniform required.
#2 Spaghetti Supper, February 8 @ 6 pm @ TUMC. Scouts are asked to sell tickets.
They are red tickets and your Scout should have brought some home from Tuesday's
meeting. $6 a person and $20 a family. Last year we had a record crowd, great
fellowship and a wonderful meal. Thanks to Julian Fontana for chairing this
fundraiser again for the Troop. We appreciate your hard work and your great cooking!
I. Scout meeting on Tuesday, January 20 @ 7 pm, TUMC
#1 Parent Meeting @ 7 pm, TUMC
#2 Scoutmaster conferences and Board of Reviews will be conducted at this meeting.
Please volunteer to help conduct a Board of Reviews. Special thanks to the many
parents who volunteered their time at the meeting to assist with Boards of Review.
We could not do it without you!These conferences and reviews are in preparation
for the January 27th Court of Honor.
II. Camp-outs: Sign-up on-line if your Scout plans on attending. Go to www.troop399.org to sign-up and pay. If you signed up for Cracker-barrel or camp-out leadership (2-deep leadership) you will be contacted by Leslie Benitez. We need two-deep leadership for both campouts.
#1 NASA camp-out, January 23 - 25. Camp Strake & NASA! Tina Chan has agreed
to Ram Rod this campout. If you have any questions contact Tina or Phil Condra.
#2 El Rancho Cima, Backpacking camp-out, February 6 - 8. This is not a misprint,
Tina has agreed to Ram Rod this campout also. If you have any questions contact
Tina or Phil Condra.
III. Special Events
#1 Court of Honor, Tuesday, January 27 @ 7 pm @ TUMC Fellowship Hall. This
is a special ceremony as we honor Scoutmaster Mark Marshall and welcome Dirk
Heinen as our new Scoutmaster. Please make every effort to have your Scout attend.
Class A uniform required.
#2 Spaghetti Supper, February 8 @ 6 pm @ TUMC. Scouts are asked to sell tickets.
They are red tickets and your Scout should have brought some home from Tuesday's
meeting. $6 a person and $20 a family. Last year we had a record crowd, great
fellowship and a wonderful meal. Thanks to Julian Fontana for chairing this
fundraiser again for the Troop. We appreciate your hard work and your great cooking!
#3 Just in time for the upcoming Court of Honor! The Casis Elementary School Forest, where several Troop 399 scouts have done Eagle projects, needs volunteers on Saturday, January 17th, beginning at 9:30 AM to remove additional invasive species. Thanks to scouts Sam Faries and Seung yeon Lee, they've all been tagged, so you'll know which ones to remove.
Please come if you can, and bring workgloves, Children are encouraged and welcome.
Don B. Mauro
dmauro21@gmail.com
512/657-0195
"It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping them to install values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential.
The values we strive to install are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law."
Please come if you can, and bring workgloves, Children are encouraged and welcome.
Don B. Mauro
dmauro21@gmail.com
512/657-0195
"It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping them to install values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential.
The values we strive to install are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law."
A Message from Leslie Benitez, Volunteer Coordinator:
T399 Parents:
Parents are leaders in every Troop. Leaders = Parents. Whether you have a specific title or a parent that helps out; we would like to encourage T399 parents to become better trained. Our Scouts benefit from more parents having the training necessary. And you already know the percentage of parent participation of Scouts that become Eagle Scouts ... 95% of Eagle-ranked Scouts had active parents. Leaders = Parents = Eagle Scouts.
Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting said, "Every Scout deserves trained leaders."
The Capital Area Council (CAC) is offering a day of training at the University of Scouting at St. Edwards University. There are 172 different classes offered and each class lasts one hour. Please consider taking a day and doing this for our Troop. We want our Scouts to have the best possible experience and this requires parents to become involved.
Quote from the CAC:
"There is Something for Every Volunteer at the University of Scouting. This is a first for our Council. January 24 the Council is putting on a day of Scouting program ideas with more than 400 course offerings called the University of Scouting for all Scout volunteers, conveniently located at St. Edwards University in South Austin.
Take a minute to look through some of these course guides for lots of interesting sessions. Please use this opportunity to find something new to take back to your program. There are courses in here that would be of interest to any Pack, Troop or Crew parent."
Information concerning this event is located at the Capital Area Council Website: http://www.bsacac.org/Training/university_of_scouting.php.
Parents are leaders in every Troop. Leaders = Parents. Whether you have a specific title or a parent that helps out; we would like to encourage T399 parents to become better trained. Our Scouts benefit from more parents having the training necessary. And you already know the percentage of parent participation of Scouts that become Eagle Scouts ... 95% of Eagle-ranked Scouts had active parents. Leaders = Parents = Eagle Scouts.
Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting said, "Every Scout deserves trained leaders."
The Capital Area Council (CAC) is offering a day of training at the University of Scouting at St. Edwards University. There are 172 different classes offered and each class lasts one hour. Please consider taking a day and doing this for our Troop. We want our Scouts to have the best possible experience and this requires parents to become involved.
Quote from the CAC:
"There is Something for Every Volunteer at the University of Scouting. This is a first for our Council. January 24 the Council is putting on a day of Scouting program ideas with more than 400 course offerings called the University of Scouting for all Scout volunteers, conveniently located at St. Edwards University in South Austin.
Take a minute to look through some of these course guides for lots of interesting sessions. Please use this opportunity to find something new to take back to your program. There are courses in here that would be of interest to any Pack, Troop or Crew parent."
Information concerning this event is located at the Capital Area Council Website: http://www.bsacac.org/Training/university_of_scouting.php.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Message from Nick Fox
Dear Troop 399 Parents:
I have again volunteered to act as Troop 399's Pacesetter Chairman for the Friends of Scouting (FOS) fundraising campaign conducted by the BSA Capital Area Council. This is an extremely important event that every year helps provide 25% of the Council’s annual operating budget, much of which is used to subsidize scouting programs and camps for boys in 15 surrounding counties, including Lost Pines campouts and Winter and Summer Camps, Longhorn District Camporee, Order of the Arrow, leadership training, and even Troop insurance are funded through the Friends of Scouting campaign.
This year your contribution is more important than ever, with charitable organizations like the United Way Capital Area no longer providing financial support to the Boy Scouts. The Friends of Scouting campaign has to pick up the shortfall in order for the Council to be able to maintain the programs it has long provided to our scouts. Last year, the Council set a $5800 target for Troop 399, which we substantially exceeded. I would like to do even better than that this year, but we can only do that with 100% parent participation.
Although a gift of at least $200 is requested (which gets you a nifty patch), any amount is appreciated, even if you can only spare $20. If your scout went to Winter Camp or will be attending Summer Camp this year, you should know that the Council will be paying for $75 of the actual cost for your scout to attend. No doubt all of our boys benefit from Council programs, as well as our adult leaders. And our contributions allow the Council to reach out to thousands of “at risk” youth and teach leadership and self-reliance skills. It is a fact that over 90% of boys that stay with scouting for five years or more graduate from high school.
I will be making a brief FOS presentation during our Court of Honor on Tuesday Evening, January 27th, as well as handing out brochures with the donation form and additional information about the 2009 FOS campaign. But I would like to wrap this up shortly thereafter. So I would again ask that each of you take a few minutes reflecting on the benefits that scouting affords your son and consider making a donation to the 2009 campaign. Making a contribution is easy. You can contribute by check or major credit card, or if you prefer, you may visit www.bsacac.org to make an on-line donation to Friends of Scouting. Please be sure to provide the requested information on the donation form, including our Troop number so we get proper credit, and please send me an email so I can confirm and count you towards Troop 399’s 100% participation goal.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance for your generous donation.
Nick Fox
Pacesetter Chairman, Troop 399
Friends of Scouting Campaign
I have again volunteered to act as Troop 399's Pacesetter Chairman for the Friends of Scouting (FOS) fundraising campaign conducted by the BSA Capital Area Council. This is an extremely important event that every year helps provide 25% of the Council’s annual operating budget, much of which is used to subsidize scouting programs and camps for boys in 15 surrounding counties, including Lost Pines campouts and Winter and Summer Camps, Longhorn District Camporee, Order of the Arrow, leadership training, and even Troop insurance are funded through the Friends of Scouting campaign.
This year your contribution is more important than ever, with charitable organizations like the United Way Capital Area no longer providing financial support to the Boy Scouts. The Friends of Scouting campaign has to pick up the shortfall in order for the Council to be able to maintain the programs it has long provided to our scouts. Last year, the Council set a $5800 target for Troop 399, which we substantially exceeded. I would like to do even better than that this year, but we can only do that with 100% parent participation.
Although a gift of at least $200 is requested (which gets you a nifty patch), any amount is appreciated, even if you can only spare $20. If your scout went to Winter Camp or will be attending Summer Camp this year, you should know that the Council will be paying for $75 of the actual cost for your scout to attend. No doubt all of our boys benefit from Council programs, as well as our adult leaders. And our contributions allow the Council to reach out to thousands of “at risk” youth and teach leadership and self-reliance skills. It is a fact that over 90% of boys that stay with scouting for five years or more graduate from high school.
I will be making a brief FOS presentation during our Court of Honor on Tuesday Evening, January 27th, as well as handing out brochures with the donation form and additional information about the 2009 FOS campaign. But I would like to wrap this up shortly thereafter. So I would again ask that each of you take a few minutes reflecting on the benefits that scouting affords your son and consider making a donation to the 2009 campaign. Making a contribution is easy. You can contribute by check or major credit card, or if you prefer, you may visit www.bsacac.org to make an on-line donation to Friends of Scouting. Please be sure to provide the requested information on the donation form, including our Troop number so we get proper credit, and please send me an email so I can confirm and count you towards Troop 399’s 100% participation goal.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance for your generous donation.
Nick Fox
Pacesetter Chairman, Troop 399
Friends of Scouting Campaign
Monday, January 12, 2009
T399 Spaghetti Supper February 8, 6:00-7:30 pm TUMC
Julian Fontana, Troop 399 Chair of the Spaghetti Supper, has asked me to announce that this Tuesday Troop 399 Scouts will be given their Spaghetti Supper tickets for pre-sales. Please be sure your Scout makes it home with his tickets. We are also asking each parent to assist as much as possible with ticket sales to insure the success of this event. This is one of only two Troop fundraiser each year and the success of the event is important to the program the Troop provides to your Scout. I have posted a copy of the flyer in the announcments section of the web page. Please go to www.troop399.org for all your information concerning the Troop.
Thank you Julian for all your efforts with the Spaghetti Supper!
Thank you Julian for all your efforts with the Spaghetti Supper!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
Announcement from Capital Area Council
Event Can Apply to Citizenship in the World
Boy Scout leaders: Apologies for the last-minute notice, but we got the call only yesterday... If you have Scouts working on the Citizenship in the World merit badge, there is a program happening this Saturday that can satisfy requirement 7e (Participate in or attend an international event in your area, such as an ethnic festival, concert, or play).
The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center is hosting a special series of programs called, "Celebrate Me", which will spotlight different nations and cultures. The first of these programs focuses on Japan, and is co-hosted by the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin. It's happening this Saturday, January 10 from 1pm-4pm. CLICK HERE for more information.
Event Can Apply to Citizenship in the World
Boy Scout leaders: Apologies for the last-minute notice, but we got the call only yesterday... If you have Scouts working on the Citizenship in the World merit badge, there is a program happening this Saturday that can satisfy requirement 7e (Participate in or attend an international event in your area, such as an ethnic festival, concert, or play).
The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center is hosting a special series of programs called, "Celebrate Me", which will spotlight different nations and cultures. The first of these programs focuses on Japan, and is co-hosted by the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin. It's happening this Saturday, January 10 from 1pm-4pm. CLICK HERE for more information.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Service Hours Opportunity at Pease Park.
Dear Gentlemen:
My name is Richard Craig and I am a volunteer with the Austin Parks Foundation. I am heading up an effort to plant 100 trees in Pease Park (along with the Austin Parks Dept. and Old Enfield Neighborhood) on Saturday, February 21, 2009. We would like to respectfully request the help of the Boy Scouts of Troop 9, Troop 5 and Troop 399 in this very big project.
Sunne and Jeff Wiginton were kind enough to share e-mail addresses with me. Please forgive this impersonal means of requesting your troops' assistance.
Here is some information on the tree planting project itself:
The City's Urban Forestry personnel at PARD will dig the holes for these trees by mechanical means prior to the Feb. 21st planting date. Volunteers will simply need to get the trees out of their containers, plant them in the pre-dug holes at the correct depth, backfill the hole with existing soil and organic amendments, mulch the surface around the tree and water them in well.
The trees will be 15 gallons or larger and at least six or seven feet tall. There will be a variety of species, from larger shade trees to smaller spring flowering ornamentals. They will be placed according to a plan developed by a landscape architect working with the Foundation and the City's Urban Forester, Walter Passmore. Each tree will be attached to a bubbler hose running off of a one inch irrigation line and timer to ensure that they have adequate watering to survive their first several years.
The huge number of trees to be planted in one day makes this a very challenging project. We believe we will have a number of volunteers from the neighborhood and other interested stakeholders. But, few groups can offer the manpower and enthusiasm that the Boy Scouts of America can. Therefore, it seemed natural to turn to your three nearby Troops, the future citizens of Austin and custodians of Pease, for help.
Pease Park is in very bad shape, having lost 40 trees in the severe wind and hail storm of May 15, 2008. This was just the latest blow to a park that has been steadily been losing its tree canopy for years as the existing old cedar elms die. New trees have not been planted at a rate to arrest this creeping de-forestation. The Austin Parks Foundation and the City hope to plant an additional 300 trees over the next several years in a campaign we have called "Trees for Pease." This year's planting is just the first phase.
I have attached an article on Pease Park that has appeared in several neighborhood association newsletters and a fundraising letter we have used to provide you more information on the park and the project.
You can also learn more about the "Trees for Pease" campaign on the Austin Parks Foundation's website: www.austinparks.org
It is listed under coming "Volunteer Opportunities."
We hope to have the media present to publicize the event. The West Austin News is working on a story now. We plan to have t-shirts to pass out to volunteers as a token of our appreciation for their assistance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 477-0737 or Charlie McCabe, The Executive Director of the Parks Foundation, or Rosie Weaver, the Foundation's volunteer coordinator, at 477-1566.
We would sincerely appreciate any help you can provide on February 21st and in the future. Pease Park is in need of a lot of work that might fit in well with individual Eagle Scout projects such as erosion control, groundcover/ soil restoration, gardening projects, invasives (non-native plant) removal and irrigation. We would welcome any interest in this regard and could put you in touch with the relevant Parks Dept. officials to coordinate with on such Eagle projects.
I am sorry for the length of this e-mail. But, as you can tell, we are very enthusiastic about "Trees for Pease" and hope you all will be too. Again, many thanks for your consideration and for all you do with scouting in Austin.
Sincerely,
Richard Craig
1419 Preston Ave.
Austin, Texas 78703
477-0737 (home)
925-5306 (cell)
My name is Richard Craig and I am a volunteer with the Austin Parks Foundation. I am heading up an effort to plant 100 trees in Pease Park (along with the Austin Parks Dept. and Old Enfield Neighborhood) on Saturday, February 21, 2009. We would like to respectfully request the help of the Boy Scouts of Troop 9, Troop 5 and Troop 399 in this very big project.
Sunne and Jeff Wiginton were kind enough to share e-mail addresses with me. Please forgive this impersonal means of requesting your troops' assistance.
Here is some information on the tree planting project itself:
The City's Urban Forestry personnel at PARD will dig the holes for these trees by mechanical means prior to the Feb. 21st planting date. Volunteers will simply need to get the trees out of their containers, plant them in the pre-dug holes at the correct depth, backfill the hole with existing soil and organic amendments, mulch the surface around the tree and water them in well.
The trees will be 15 gallons or larger and at least six or seven feet tall. There will be a variety of species, from larger shade trees to smaller spring flowering ornamentals. They will be placed according to a plan developed by a landscape architect working with the Foundation and the City's Urban Forester, Walter Passmore. Each tree will be attached to a bubbler hose running off of a one inch irrigation line and timer to ensure that they have adequate watering to survive their first several years.
The huge number of trees to be planted in one day makes this a very challenging project. We believe we will have a number of volunteers from the neighborhood and other interested stakeholders. But, few groups can offer the manpower and enthusiasm that the Boy Scouts of America can. Therefore, it seemed natural to turn to your three nearby Troops, the future citizens of Austin and custodians of Pease, for help.
Pease Park is in very bad shape, having lost 40 trees in the severe wind and hail storm of May 15, 2008. This was just the latest blow to a park that has been steadily been losing its tree canopy for years as the existing old cedar elms die. New trees have not been planted at a rate to arrest this creeping de-forestation. The Austin Parks Foundation and the City hope to plant an additional 300 trees over the next several years in a campaign we have called "Trees for Pease." This year's planting is just the first phase.
I have attached an article on Pease Park that has appeared in several neighborhood association newsletters and a fundraising letter we have used to provide you more information on the park and the project.
You can also learn more about the "Trees for Pease" campaign on the Austin Parks Foundation's website: www.austinparks.org
It is listed under coming "Volunteer Opportunities."
We hope to have the media present to publicize the event. The West Austin News is working on a story now. We plan to have t-shirts to pass out to volunteers as a token of our appreciation for their assistance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 477-0737 or Charlie McCabe, The Executive Director of the Parks Foundation, or Rosie Weaver, the Foundation's volunteer coordinator, at 477-1566.
We would sincerely appreciate any help you can provide on February 21st and in the future. Pease Park is in need of a lot of work that might fit in well with individual Eagle Scout projects such as erosion control, groundcover/ soil restoration, gardening projects, invasives (non-native plant) removal and irrigation. We would welcome any interest in this regard and could put you in touch with the relevant Parks Dept. officials to coordinate with on such Eagle projects.
I am sorry for the length of this e-mail. But, as you can tell, we are very enthusiastic about "Trees for Pease" and hope you all will be too. Again, many thanks for your consideration and for all you do with scouting in Austin.
Sincerely,
Richard Craig
1419 Preston Ave.
Austin, Texas 78703
477-0737 (home)
925-5306 (cell)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Black Eye for Boy Scouts
On December 26, 2008 J.T. Dabbs III, CEO of the Capital Area Council wrote a letter to the editor of the Austin American-Statesman concerning the conviction and sentencing of Martin Turner, a former Boy Scout leader, to five years in prison for molesting boys. Mr. Dabbs of the Boys Scouts wrote "I am truly sorry for the pain Turner caused his victims and their families and (I) will continue to work to strengthen and enforce Scouting policies. These policies provide several barriers to protect young people from abusers, including: "two-deep" leadership, no one-on-one contact, youth protection training for adults and parents, criminal background checks for all adult leaders plus teaching our youth members to "recognize, resist and report." We encourage all our parents to review youth protection guidelines and renew their vigilance against sexual predators."
Martin Turner, a trusted Scoutmaster, was able to ruin so many young men's lives because he was trusted by parents and the Boy Scout protection rules were not followed by his Troop. Not following the rules in this particular case, had severe consequences.
At Troop 399 we follow the rules. We require "two-deep" leadership at all times, and this means that we need four or more parents at most events. We do not allow one-on-one contact. We continue to ask all our parents to become registered Adult Volunteers and to take Youth Protection training. I have been nick-named "Danger Ranger" because I repeat these requirements at every meeting; my diligence is solely to ensure the safety of our Scouts. The consequences of slack rule following has been displayed here in our own hometown of Austin, in a Troop that is a "neighbor" troop. Martin Turner would not have been able take advantage of boys if his Troop had followed the Boy Scouts requirements. I encourage you to register and become educated on Scouting rules and please review and discuss these Youth Protection guidelines with your son so he can become better educated as well.
At the next parent meeting I will once again call for registration of Adult Volunteers and I will ask each parent to please take the time to go on-line and take the Youth Protection training course. Please contact Leslie Benitez if you are able to serve in the capacity of our Adult Volunteer Coordinator to facilitate training for T399 parents.
Don B. Mauro
dmauro21@gmail.com
512/657-0195
"It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping them to install values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential.
The values we strive to install are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law."
Martin Turner, a trusted Scoutmaster, was able to ruin so many young men's lives because he was trusted by parents and the Boy Scout protection rules were not followed by his Troop. Not following the rules in this particular case, had severe consequences.
At Troop 399 we follow the rules. We require "two-deep" leadership at all times, and this means that we need four or more parents at most events. We do not allow one-on-one contact. We continue to ask all our parents to become registered Adult Volunteers and to take Youth Protection training. I have been nick-named "Danger Ranger" because I repeat these requirements at every meeting; my diligence is solely to ensure the safety of our Scouts. The consequences of slack rule following has been displayed here in our own hometown of Austin, in a Troop that is a "neighbor" troop. Martin Turner would not have been able take advantage of boys if his Troop had followed the Boy Scouts requirements. I encourage you to register and become educated on Scouting rules and please review and discuss these Youth Protection guidelines with your son so he can become better educated as well.
At the next parent meeting I will once again call for registration of Adult Volunteers and I will ask each parent to please take the time to go on-line and take the Youth Protection training course. Please contact Leslie Benitez if you are able to serve in the capacity of our Adult Volunteer Coordinator to facilitate training for T399 parents.
Don B. Mauro
dmauro21@gmail.com
512/657-0195
"It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping them to install values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential.
The values we strive to install are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law."
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Weather Hazard Trained adults required for all campouts
Starting on January 1st, 2009, each unit Tour Permit submitted to the Council will require the inclusion of the name of at least one adult who is trained and current in the new “Weather Hazard” Training program. All leaders and youth thirteen years of age or older are encouraged to take the online course. The course is presented in a multimedia format with many interactive features. Planning for weather and the sources of weather information available is a large part of the presentation. Many topics are discussed including: lightning, thunderstorms, hail, cold and hot weather, floods, tornados, wind and hurricanes. Of the top causes for injuries nationwide, lightning continues to hurt our Scouts.
ps. Happy New Year!
ps. Happy New Year!
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