Troop 231

Monday, March 3, 2014

Scout Sunday

On March 16th, Troop 231 will observe Scout Sunday at First Presbyterian Church. The Scout Law says that a "Scout is Reverent" and all scouts Promise to "Do Their Duty to God". These values strengthen youth character in their family, community, and faith. Scout Sunday is an opportunity for scouts of Troop 231 to raise awareness of scouting within the church, show our appreciation for the church's support of the scouting program, and allows the scout to live out parts of what is pledged every week. The troop will be assisting with church services during the morning worship and afterwards, hold a spaghetti lunch in the fellowship hall. Donations received during the luncheon are split among the participating scouts to help towards their costs of scout camp.

More information to come regarding Scout Sunday during our regular troop meetings.

Merit Badge University

Merit Badge University will be held on Saturday, March 8th from 9am until 3pm at Gaston College in Dallas, NC. This will be a great way to earn a more difficult merit badge in a short period of time. This is a popular event and many of the scouts choose to sign up for an Eagle required merit badge. There will probably be some pre-requisites involved if a scout wishes to earn the merit badge by the end of the day. Your adult scout leaders can help you find out what is required prior to attending MBU, and help you get started on the merit badge.

Many scouts have already signed up for their merit badge classes. If you plan to attend and haven't signed up for a class, you need to let one of the scout leaders know as soon as possible. The cost for MBU is $15, which includes your lunch for the day. You can bring your payment either on Tuesday night or Saturday morning. Please try to either bring a check to the troop or exact change, if at all possible. Each scout will also need to have a parent sign a consent form, as well.

We will meet at the church at 7:45am on Saturday and return to Hickory around 4pm. Scouts can call home for a ride as we are getting close to Hickory. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Aviation Merit Badge

On Saturday, Feb. 1st, the troop will be participating with the EAA Young Eagles program at the Hickory airport and have the opportunity to earn the Aviation merit badge. This will be a great chance to earn an awesome merit badge! Part of the course will include the chance to to take a short (15-20 min) flight with a fully credentialed pilot from the Hickory area. We will meet at the airport at 9am and should be able to complete the merit badge sometime shortly after lunch. There is no cost to participate and other activities will include a visit to the Aviation Museum and the air traffic control tower at the airport. The Cafe at the airport has a special low-cost lunch deal for the participants of the Young Eagles Program.

However, I need a headcount for them to make arrangements for enough planes and pilots needed. So, please respond to me via email to let me know if your scout will be there.

Thanks!

Mark

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Beech Mtn Ski Trip

Our next activity will be a ski trip to Beech Mountain Ski Resort on Sunday, January 26th. We will leave the church at 8am on Sunday and return to Hickory around 4:30- 5pm. The cost for this event is $54 to ski or $57 to snowboard. This cost includes equipment rental, lift ticket, lunch, and a lesson (normally a $95 value). Please try to bring exact change, if possible, or bring a check made out to PIEDMONT COUNCIL BSA. We had lots of fun last year skiing at Beech and I hope everyone will be able to make it this year. Parents, siblings, and friends are welcome to join us. Invite a friend to scouting!

If able, please send me an email to let me know if you are attending so that we can ensure enough vehicle space. Thanks and see you Sunday before 8am.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Metalwork Merit Badge

This Saturday, after Scouting for Food door hanger distribution, we will start our Metalwork merit badge. Mr. Andrew Chapman, who will lead this merit badge, has made several requests that will make your experience safe and more enjoyable.

In order to participate, you will need to obtain and bring these safety gear items:

1. Safety glasses or goggles (we may have enough pairs in the scout closet- please check on Tuesday night)

2. Leather gloves

3. Ear protection...ear plugs or head phones (I have access to enough ear plugs for everyone)

4. Long pants

5. Leather boots... No sandals or sneakers... Hiking boots are OK

6. Apron is optional... Leather or heavy canvas...no light weight fabric

7. No synthetic fleece or fibers, such as Under Armor shirts...these fabrics can melt.

The best place to find these items for the best price will be Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. For an example, Harbor Freight sells a leather apron for $10 and leather gloves for less than $5. We will need to help him with the cost of materials (ie., the metal we will use). I'll let you know about that soon.

If you have any questions, please feels free to let me know.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Scouting for Food

On Saturday, November 16th and 23rd, as part of the Lakeland District's effort, we will be assisting the Cooperative Christian Ministry in collecting food for the less fortunate in the Hickory area. Let's all participate in order to help out those who need a helping hand this holiday season. On Nov. 16th, we will meet at the church at 8:30am to distribute door hangers throughout the Oakwood and Hillcrest neighborhoods. On the following Saturday, Nov. 23rd, we will collect food items in the same area. Traditionally, Troop 231 and Pack 231 collect some of the largest amounts of food in the district. We need everyone's participation for this worthwhile event.

In addition, we will begin Metalwork merit badge on these days. Andrew Chapman, a local artist, has agreed to lead our troop in designing and making a special metalwork piece in time for the holiday season. We are very fortunate to have someone of his ability volunteer his time and talents to the troop for this unique merit badge. Details will be forthcoming at Tuesday night's meeting, but plan on assisting at Scouting for Food and then heading to Andrew's studio (Red Anvil Studios) for the merit badge class. We have planned to spend both Saturdays after Scouting for Food working in his studio.

Thanks and have a great weekend!