Year End Update

We had our last Monday meeting a few days ago and it certainly has been a busy year for Troop 88. Some things to think about for 2006:

1. Our next Monday meeting will be on January 9.
2. We need to schedule a winter Court of Honor. We've had a lot of advancements we want to recognize, not the least of which is our new Eagle Scout Michael Carman. Somehow I expect Mike will look more mature and larger than life on January 9 as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Please let me know if you cannot attend the following dates for the Court of Honor:
January 16
January 23
January 30
3. On January 9, the Troop needs to select a new SPL/ASPL to fill Mike's vacancy. How it will be done will be up to the Scouts. Don't miss the meeting to decide who will be up front for the next year. The only requirement is that the Scout be at least First Class rank.
4. On December 19, the Scouts decided the January event will be a day trip to Cabella's in Pennsylvania. For those who don't know the place, Cabella's is a huge outdoor store, perhaps the biggest in the country. Be sure to save your money because they have lots of nice outdoor toys to spend it on. As always, parents and friends (non-Scouts must have an adult with them) are welcome. With winter sports schedules, a Sunday trip seems to be preferred. We will also do a brief Forrestal clean-up before or after we go. Please let me know your preference for:
January 8
January 15
January 23
January 30.
5. Our February event will be cabin camping in the Water Gap. Dr. Wertz is making the arrangements and will communicate more at our next meeting.
6. We are beginning the Personal Fitness merit badge. On January 9 baseline measurements (both with a tape measure and things like sit ups/push ups/reach can be done and entered on the worksheets that were passed out several weeks ago (so bring your worksheets to the meeting). Part of the requirements for the merit badge are a physical examination with results on a BSA form (I will accept camp physicals from this past summer) and a dental examination with a note from the dentist. The badge takes 12 weeks so we want to get moving. This winter we can also work on Personal Management and Family Life which are 3-4 month badges (and Eagle required). Our Eagle Scout (Mike) and Eagle candidates (Ross and Rinku) can take the lead on all 3 badges.
6. The spring Central New Jersey Council camporee is April 28-30 at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds in East Brunswick: "Be Prepared: Scouting Salutes our Emergency Services". Do we want to go?
7. We have a reservation at KMSR in July 2006 for our week at summer camp. The Council is making lots of upgrades to KMSR including food service so it should be fun (and a chance to earn additional merit badges).

If I have forgotten anything, please let me know.

Enjoy the holidays and I'll see you all next year.

Kent S. Allenby
Scoutmaster, BSA Troop 88
Allenby.Kent@kyowa-kpi.com