Summer Camp (Fees, and Important Information Night): A reminder that the early bird rate for summer camp payment ends soon.  To receive the reduced rate of $340, please turn in your payment at the May 12^th troop meeting (earlier is welcome).  After that date, the price is $370.  The rate for the second scout in a family is $269/$299 respectively.  The early bird deadline does not apply to new crossover scouts; you get the early bird rate even if you sign up later.  All checks should be made payable to Troop 4.  There is lots of summer camp information posted on our website

IMPORTANT – The Troop will be having a great summer camp information night at the April 28^th Troop Meeting.  The session will start at 7:50pm.  Parents are welcome to join.  We will meet in the small hall, and will cover the merit badge program, camp activities, the waterfront, the troop’s Nomolos campsite, camp dining, and all other aspects of this annual troop summer camp tradition.

Merit Badge Books: The Troop continues to pursue work on many merit badges, and as a result, there is a high demand for merit badge booklets.  If you purchased merit badge books that you no longer need, please consider donating them to the troop library.  If you borrowed a merit badge booklet, and are no longer working on the badge, please return the booklet as soon as possible.  Merit badge books, and any troop library questions, can be directed to Troop Librarian Christian.

Merit Badge Info Night: The troop will provide an overview of the Merit Badge program to all new scouts at the April 28^th troop meeting.  Discussion will cover the signup/blue card process, roles and responsibilities of scouts-leaders-councilors, badges offered, eagle versus non-eagle required badges, and tips on keeping merit badge records and work well organized.

Advancement: We are in the home stretch to wrap up advancement requirements prior to the next round of scoutmaster conferences and board of reviews.  If you are interested in advancing this spring, please make every effort to come to the May troop meetings and campout to partake in the scheduled advancement activity.  Also planned for this spring is a continuation of our Environmental Science and Inventing Merit Badges.  Those working the Inventing Merit Badge should be bring their prototype and working model (along with notebook sketches and documentation) to the May 5^th Troop Meeting.  There is a great prize for the best invention; a deluxe BSA patrol chef kit.  This is a large and very complete kit with each piece emblazoned with the BSA logo.  The kit comes in its own stainless steel carrying case.  Inventions will be judged based on creativity of the solution, the effort involved, how well the invention addresses the user’s needs, and the quality of the documentation (invention notebook, sketches, etc).

May Camping Trip will be Saturday, May 14th and 15^th, at the Troop campsite in Milford.  We will meet at the parish center on Saturday morning at 9:30 AM.  We will return for pick up at the parish center by 12:00 PM on Sunday.  Scouts need to bring a bag lunch and the items listed on the Troop 4 camping equipment list, including their scout handbook.  The list is available on our website.

This local campout at our secluded Troop campsite is very convenient for scouts that have sports games to attend.  Scouts can check out to attend their game, and then return after it is over.  Be sure to indicate on your permission slip if you arriving late, or need to leave for a period, in order to attend a game.

Any scout desiring to reach Tenderfoot, 2^nd Class or 1^st Class rank by the end of the spring season should attend, as we will be covering many of the remaining advancement requirements at this event.    This campout will have a survival and woodland games theme.  Activities will include archery, tomahawk throwing, and wilderness survival fire starting training and contests.

We will be cooking patrol style over open wood fires for dinner and breakfast.  Scout patrols will create their own menus and duty rosters at the May 5^th troop meeting.  Dutch ovens and dutch oven recipes will be available for scouts that have interest in this cooking technique.  Scouts need to bring a bag lunch for Saturday.

In addition to the survival and woodland theme activities, the troop will also cover other advancement requirements, hold several games and contests, and will conduct an entertaining Troop evening campfire.  Prizes will be awarded for the best patrol skit, song and stand-up comedy act.

If your son will be attending this campout, please complete the permission slip and return it to the Troop Scribe at the May 5th^th troop meeting (earlier is preferred).  If your son would like to attend but won’t be at the May 5th^th troop meeting, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or pbedard1@gmail.com before May 5th.   We may need a few parents to drive to/from and/or stay for the event.  If you can help out please indicate on the permission slip.  Note that the troop’s Milford campsite has very limited parking, so adults that plan to attend are encouraged to carpool.

Order of the Arrow

Unfortunately, the OA Lodge has still not confirmed the election of our new members. The first Ordeal for new members is scheduled for May 13-15, and we understand the lack of information is frustrating.  If your scout has interest in attending the May Ordeal, and he received verbal notice at our previous troop meeting that he was elected, we recommend that you go ahead and register for the Ordeal at the Lodge’s website.  http://www.chippanyonk.org/.   On our most recent call to the Lodge last week, we were told again that new member materials were to be mailed out next week.  Newly elected members that are not available to attend the May Ordeal have another opportunity to attend in September.

Troop T-Shirts

The Troop is assessing demand to make a purchase of our lime green Troop T-shirts (aka Class B shirt).  Our plan is to purchase these before summer camp.  If interested in purchasing one of these smart looking shirts for $10, please sign up and indicate your size (Youth M, L, Adult S, M, L, XL, XXL) at the next troop meeting.  These shirts are great for scouts, parents, and siblings.  Class B shirts are also highly recommended for those attending summer camp.  No payment required until delivery.

Cemetery Clean-Up – Thanks!

A big thanks to all the scouts, parents and leaders who participated in the cemetery service project cleanup last week.  The troop collected a tremendous amount of trash (a whole dumpster!).  The church (and our sponsor) are very appreciative of all your help, and the improvement in cemetery appearance is significant.

White Water Rafting Trip

The trip is ON!  Scouts will begin detailed planning in late May.  Remember that this trip required advanced sign-up and payment of a $20 deposit.  Those that have signed up are listed below.  The rafting company has only a limited number of state permits for rafters on a given day, so if your name is not listed, and you wish to go, we may be able to get you on one of the few remaining slots.  Please call Phil Bedard as soon as possible and submit your $20 deposit at the next troop meeting.  The total price per person is $85, so the final payment is $65 per person for those that already paid the deposit.  Please bring a check payable to Troop 4 with final payment no later than the May 26^th troop meeting.  To recap the previous newsletters… the trip price is a special price for Scout troops, and is really a good deal.  The price covers raft training, all equipment, a guided all day exciting rafting trip down the Kennebec River, riverside BBQ lunch, 2 nights camping in a resort campground, to include swimming pool and hot tub, athletic fields, and a nice lodge for late night movies, etc.

Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 30.  This is the only parade that the troop attends each year.  Scouts should meet in the Stop and Shop parking lot near the 99 Restaurant at 9:30 AM in full uniform.  Scouts may be picked up at Draper Park at Noon.  Please notify Phil Bedard if your scout plans to attend.  It’s important for the Troop to have a good showing at this important event.

New Scouts:

Welcome to all our new scouts and families. We have 5 new scouts either joining from Pack 4 or coming into scouting for the first time. The first troop meeting that includes new scouts will be Thursday 3/3 at 7pm-830pm. There is a lot of great introductory program information on our website. Important information will also be distributed to new scouts over the next few days. Please email Phil Bedard at pbedard1@gmail.com if new scout families have any questions. We plan to meet many of the new scout families at the upcoming Pack 4 Blue and Gold ceremony.

Pancake Breakfast: Thanks to all for the hard work at the Pancake Breakfast. It was the biggest crowd to date. Fantastic results; over $6000 profit, which will defray the cost of next year’s really big high adventure trip. Great performances by all – ticket sellers, ad sellers, bake sale, troop store, chefs, waiters, entertainment staff and clean-up crew. Special thanks go to Stacey Barie, the Brundrett family, Bruce Hastings, Ken Lincoln, Tara Spiegelman, Amy Croteau, Mark Stiles and Peter Lanciano for supervising key aspects of this event.

Merit Badges:

Several merit badges were kicked off recently, including music, scholarship and personal fitness. It’s not too late to start. Contact the appropriate merit badge councilor for the badge that you are interested in.

Advancement:

For those scouts wrapping up merit badges, you must turn in a councilor signed blue card by the 3/10 troop meeting if you would like to receive the badge at the court of honor. Scouts looking to advance to the next rank at the next Court of Honor must complete all rank requirements no later the start of the 3/10 troop meeting, and you must email the scoutmaster in advance of 3/10 in order to have your scoutmaster conference scheduled for that evening.

Many scouts are starting the quest for the First Class Rank. The troop plans to do many of the lashing and fun pioneering related requirements at the upcoming troop meetings.

DATE CHANGE: Eagle Court of Honor: The Court of Honor was recently rescheduled from March 3rd to Thursday, March 24th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at St. Mary’s parish center. This special Court of Honor will honor our newest Eagle Scout, Stephen Ward. Awards earned by all other scouts since the last Court of Honor will also be presented. There will be a dinner before the awards ceremony. The troop committee is planning the details and will communicate more information to families shortly.

Lanciano Cabin NH Winter Weekend:

A big thanks again goes to the Lanciano family for hosting us at their cabin for another exciting winter event this past weekend. There was tons of snow for great sledding and snowmobiling.

Venture Ice Fishing Report:

The ventures recently took to the ice for an ice fishing and cookout event on Fiske Mill Pond. Thanks to Mr. Hobart for coordinating the logistics and to Mr. Lanciano for providing pond access. Troop investigators are scheduled to speak with the attending scouts to verify the details of their amazing trout catch story. Photos will be posted on the website shortly.

Troop Day Hike:

Saturday, March 19th at the Holyoke Range in the vicinity of South Hadley MA. We will meet at the parish center at 8AM so that we have sufficient day light for the hike. We will return for pick up at the parish center by approximately 5:30 PM that evening. Scouts need to bring: a bag lunch, poncho or rain coat if it looks like rain that day, boots, a hat and gloves/mittens. A spare pair of socks is a must to bring. If the weather is cold, bring a warm coat as well. Scouts should bring two quarts/liters of water (no soda, juice, punch, etc.). Do not bring water in disposable water bottles – get a canteen or hiking water bottle at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. for about $10. Scouts need to bring a day pack (school pack will work fine) to carry their personal and troop gear for the day.

The Holyoke Range is a great place to hike and explore. The range is home to the “Seven Sisters”, a continuous series of small peaks topping out at 1000 foot elevation, and overlooking the scenic Connecticut River Valley. We will be traversing the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, which travels along the Metacomet ridge. This ridge is a unique and ancient traprock formation that extends from Long Island Sound in Connecticut all the way to the MA/NH/VT border area.

We will divide the scouts into age/ability groups and cover distances that are comfortable for each group. Younger scouts will tackle a 5mile route, and older scouts working on the hiking merit badge will tackle a 10 mile route.

At the end of the hike we will have some of Troop 4’s famous fried dough!

If you son will be attending the hike, please complete the permission slip and return no later than the March 10th troop meeting. If you son would like to attend but won’t be at this troop meeting, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or pbedard1@gmail.com We will need a few parents to drive to/from and/or stay for the event. If you can help out please indicate on the permission slip.

SCOUTS – Camping Merit Badge Trek Plan Opportunity: For scouts looking to fulfill the camping merit badge “trek plan” requirement, here is a great opportunity. The troop will give credit to any scout who drafts a compliant trek plan for the March day hike. Use the web, where you should be able to find trail maps, road maps and town/park details. Your plan must include a trail map with a suggested 5mile hiking route (you can find a good map at the state’s website for this park), a road map (e.g., google map) with your suggested driving route from Milford to the park, local emergency numbers (police/fire), address of nearby hospital, troop leadership contact information (can be found on this newsletter), and your suggested schedule/itinerary for the day. In the very unlikely event that we have trouble on the trail, a good trek plan, left behind at home and on our car windshields, would help guide friends/family and rescue workers to our aid. In addition to merit badge credit for all entries, a great prize for the best Trek Plan will be awarded.

Winter Sports Weekend

The annual NH Winter Sports Weekend is almost upon us. The Lanciano’s have once again graciously invited the troop to their mountainside “cabin” in Alexandria NH. Venture scouts (high school) are eligible to depart with the advance party on Friday. Ventures will meet and depart at the St. Mary’s Parish Center on Friday February 11th at 6pm.

The Adventure Patrol (8th graders) are also eligible to depart Friday if they work extra hard on the pancake breakfast fundraiser, by selling at least $200 worth of tickets.

All other scouts will meet and depart from the Parish Center on Saturday February 12th at 8 am. Scouts will return from the event for pickup at the Parish Center at 3 pm on Sunday. All scouts should eat a meal before they arrive, as there will be no meal stop on the ride up north.

The weekend will be filled with winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross country skiing, shelter building, and other activities. This year’s competitive event will be a Team Luge competition. The event is a high-speed team sledding challenge down the 1 mile long mountain trail. Best cumulative team time wins. Scouts must navigate course challenges along the way, including the “gauntlet”, “snowball tsunami”, “avalanche” and other ominous obstacles. The winning sled team gets bragging rights, and a snowmobile tow back to camp. Losers have to walk back up the mountain! Scouts will design the course, and assign leaders to man the obscure corners for safety, and to catch short-cutters. Don’t forget your sled on this trip.

Ventures (and qualified Adventure scouts) should eat dinner prior to arrival, and plan for an outdoor patrol breakfast on Saturday. All scouts should bring a bag lunch on Saturday, and will cook patrol style meals for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. We’ll stop for a fast food lunch on the ride home. Meal planning will be done by scouts at the Feb 3rd troop meeting. Meals will be cooked by patrols outdoors over their wood fire.

BACK THIS YEAR! – Your Saturday night patrol meal will be part of the 2nd annual Troop 4 Outdoor Cooking contest. A fabulous patrol prize will be awarded to the winning patrol (deluxe BSA emblazoned BBQ cook kit). And a bonus prize if you can top the adult Pedro Patrol’s dinner (good luck on that!). Details will be discussed in a special contest meeting scheduled for the Jan 27th troop meeting.

Scouts will be sleeping in the heated luxury of the Lanciano cabin ground level (aka basement). While no tents are required, scouts should bring their full complement of winter camping gear (see website checklist), including sleeping pad and sleeping bag.

A permission slip (attached at the end of this newsletter) for this event is due at the beginning of the Feb 3rd Troop Meeting. Remember, as with all camping trips, if you sign up to go, and something comes up at the last minute, you must make arrangements to provide your assigned food items to your patrol leader.

NOTE – If you can’t go to the Feb 3rd meeting, and want to go on the trip, you must email Phil Bedard before Feb 3rd so that your patrol leader can include you in the plan. We need to enforce this rule for this camping trip. Late permission slips have been making for difficult patrol meal planning, and difficult transportation planning. Scouts that do not meet this deadline cannot attend. Play it safe and turn in your slip early.

Pancake Breakfast Update:

It’s almost here. The breakfast is scheduled for Feb 6th. Tell all your friends and relatives. Thanks to all the scouts who are working hard to sell tickets and advertisements. All scouts have picked up their initial 20 tickets to sell for the breakfast. Nearly $2000 worth of tickets, and $1000 worth of advertising, has been sold so far. Several scouts have sold several hundred dollars of tickets each. Great job! It’s not too late to get more tickets, and to cash in on the outstanding prizes to be given out to the top salesmen. See Wyatt or Sam at the next troop meeting if you need more tickets. Prizes will be based on tickets sold and money turned in no later than the Feb 3rd Troop Meeting.

The pancake breakfast is one of more important troop events of the year. All scouts (not parents) are expected to sell their initial $100 allotment of tickets and to participate at the event. The SPL has put together a plan with roles for all scouts at the pancake breakfast. Plans will be finalized at the Feb 3rd troop meeting. If you can’t attend the breakfast because of a serious schedule conflict, you MUST contact the SPL. The venture kitchen staff should report for KP no later than 630 AM sharp. Scouts in charge of a station (ticket booth, camp display, troop store, etc) should arrive no later than 7AM. The wait staff (all other scouts) should arrive between 700 – 715AM for set-up and waiter training, and must be in regular Class A uniform. Cooks should wear a Troop 4 T-Shirt. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Uniforms: Reminder

Wearing the scout uniform (tucked in and buttoned up) at troop meetings is a requirement for scout spirit, and scout spirit is a requirement for advancement to any rank, including Eagle. Wearing a jacket over the uniform throughout the meeting (in a well heated building) sets a bad example to the younger scouts, and for the purposes of scout spirit, is equivalent to not wearing the uniform at all.

Cooking Contests:

The Troop is bringing back periodic patrol food contests to our troop meetings. The most recent featured a Pizza Cooking Contest, where Judge Danny survived the sampling, and awarded the top prize to the Adventure Patrol. Keep your ears open for more contests coming soon.

June Whitewater Trip Deposits:

The Troop is planning a return to Maine for a 3day White Water Rafting and camping trip on June 24-26. We are using the same outfitter (Adventure Bound) as two years ago. This trip is a traditional troop favorite conducted every 2 years. Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the Whitewater Merit Badge on this trip. This notice is a “heads-up” that a $20 deposit (check payable to Troop 4) per person is required by the February 17th Troop Meeting. Most scouts and parents are already familiar with this trip, however, we will offer an information session at the Feb 10th troop meeting for those that are unfamiliar with the trip, or would like more information. While we may be able to take additional deposits after Feb 17th, only those deposits received by Feb 17th will be guaranteed a spot on our reservation. Adults are welcome to join their scout on this exciting trip. The Adventure Bound facility provides us with nice tent camping accommodations, a swimming pool, hot tub, and an entertainment hall for movies, card games, etc. Our rafting will be down the challenging Kennebec River. The total prices for the trip will be $85 per person.

Eagle Scout Reunion:

A big thanks to Troop Historian Brian for organizing the Troop’s first Eagle Scout Reunion in January. Thirteen of the Troop’s 22 Eagle Scouts, and several retired leaders, joined us for an outstanding night of fellowship and discussions on the path to Eagle. Sam gave an outstanding “State of the Troop” address to summarize the troop’s activities over the past year.

Advancement:

Keep your eyes on your email for announcement of your scheduled Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. Come prepared. Many scouts are advancing this winter, so you may have just one opportunity to conduct your required conference and board of review prior to the March 3rd Court of Honor. Life Scouts that are ready to discuss eagle projects should contact the Scoutmaster, or their assigned Eagle Scout Mentor, to schedule a discussion on the proposal process. Any scout that has a question on their advancement status should contact the Scoutmaster early so as to avoid surprises.

Christmas Tree Pick Up:

Thanks to Mr. Matondi, Mike Mahoney, and other scouts who led and participated in this year’s Christmas Tree Pickup. This annual service event and fundraiser was very successful. The troop raised approximately $325.

Venture Outdoor Activities: Mr. Hobart has offered several outdoor and camping activities “for ventures only” this year. Unfortunately, there has been insufficient response on many events, so some had to be cancelled. The troop will continue to offer venture scout activities if the interest is there. Ventures should talk to the Scoutmaster or Mr. Hobart if they have a particular activity of interest. As you know, scouting is a boy-led program – so take charge, and let us know what you want to do. The adult leadership is prepared to guide and facilitate the activities you want, but we need your interest and leadership to make it happen.

Carpentry Merit Badge – Must be Complete by 12/31/10:

Scouts working on the historical Carpentry Merit Badge must finish up by 12/31/2010.  The badge can only be earned in this 100^th anniversary BSA year.  Contact Mr. Matondi to close out your work before this due date.  Don’t forget to bring the piece of furniture you made to the Jan 6 troop meeting.  The best piece wins the mystery prize in the black case.

Eagle Scout Re-Union:

The troop is holding its first Eagle Scout re-union on Jan 6^th, at 7pm, during normal troop meeting hours.  We hope many of our 20+ eagles can join us for a night of fellowship, and inspiration to our younger scouts.  All are welcome to come and meet the elite scouts of Troop 4 who have made it to Scouting’s highest rank, and who are now active leaders at college, in their community, or in their profession.

Merit Badges:

Several are in process; including carpentry, personal fitness, communications, environmental science, CIT Community.  For scouts that are committed to advancing to the highest ranks, do not wait for troop meetings to make progress on badges.  Many badges can and should be worked at home.  See a merit badge councilor if you want to start any of the badges that are the troop has councilors for.  Also – the troop could use more merit badge books.  If you have unused books at home please consider donating them to the troop.  MB book donations save the troop a lot of money.  Thanks!

January Winter Camping Trip:

Last chance to sign-up! This trip will be Saturday January 22, 2010 through Sunday January 23.  We will be camping in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in nearby Uxbridge MA.  Blackstone Canal State Park has a large forest with lots of trails and a secluded and sheltered pine grove camping spot that is perfect for winter camping. Planned activities include sledding, hiking, animal tracking, snowshoeing, and perhaps a visit to King Philips Cave and Lookout, and other adventures.  At this winter camping trip we will be doing some aluminum foil cooking (no pots and pans to clean) and Dutch oven cooking.  The winter is a great time to do this type of cooking because you need some good warm fires to cook – and to stay warm with, too!

The Troop 4 Website has a list of gear needed for a one night winter campout. Most scouts already have most of the gear and anything else is usually around in the scouts homes.  Read the list carefully.  Winter camping can be comfortable and fun, but only if you come prepared.

We will be patrol cooking for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast.  Scouts should bring a bag lunch for Saturday (no soda). A plastic sled comes in handy on this trip, for both sledding and for hauling in your gear.  If you have one, please bring it.

We will meet at St. Mary’s parish center at 9:00 AM on Saturday January 22.  Patrols will have an opportunity to assemble their ingredients into tin-foil cooking packets using the parish center kitchen before we depart.  We will need a few parents to drive to/from the site.  We will return for pick up on Sunday, January 23 by noon.

We will be planning the trip at the January 13 troop meeting.  If your son is planning to attend, please return the attached permission slip by the January 13 troop meeting.  If your son can’t make the January 13 troop meeting but wants to attend, please call or email Phil Bedard before that date so we can include him in planning for the event.

Winter camping is fun and a great outdoor experience – and not that difficult.  The adult leaders and troop have many years of winter camping experience and all of our trips have been a great time.  Hope for lots of snow cover!

Town Christmas Tree Pick Up:

Sunday, January 2.    This is a fun combination fund raiser and service project that we participate in with other scout units in town.  We are looking for one or two more parents with pick up trucks or trailers to drive around our assigned territory in Milford to pick up the trees and transport them to the town disposal area. Our trucks leave the parish center at 8:30 AM sharp, and we will not return to the parish center until the end of the event, so please be on time.  The event ends at noon.  Please call or email Ken Matondi at kenmatondi@comcast.net if you can participate.

Advancement Reminders:

Be aware that there are several requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, and 2^nd Class that can’t be finished at troop meetings.  Scouts must work these at home and/or at campouts.  These are requirements that frequently hold scouts up from advancing in rank.  If applicable, please encourage your scout to make progress on these requirements.

For Scout Badge: Complete the youth protection exercises in the pamphlet attached to the inside cover of the scout handbook.  Parents must email the scoutmaster when complete.

For Tenderfoot: Camp overnight in a tent that the scout set up himself.  This requirement is completed on the scout’s first overnight campout.

For Tenderfoot: 30 day fitness requirement.  Scout must exercise for 30 days, and turn in the exercise log form to the scoutmaster when done.  Scouts should ask an adult leader if they need a new form.

For 2^nd Class: 30 day money management requirement.  Scout must track saving and spending for 30 days, and turn in the form to the scoutmaster when done. Scouts should ask an adult leader if they need a new form.

OA Election:

Re-scheduled for Thursday, Jan 13^th at the regular troop meeting.  A separate mailing has been sent directly to those scouts who meet the eligibility requirements for this BSA honor society.   Questions can be directed to the Scoutmaster, or the Troops OA Rep, Richard.

Pancake Breakfast:

Is coming soon on Feb 6^th.  Ticket sales for the breakfast have begun, and should be in high gear over this holiday break.  20 tickets were distributed to all scouts already.  If you’ve run out…get more!  The ticket package included a list of all the rules and incentives for this year’s ticket selling.  There are lots of great prizes for the top sellers this year.  Scouts are expected to sell a minimum of 20 tickets.  This breakfast is a very important fundraiser.  Without good sales, our bi-annual high adventure trips (e.g., Colorado, Canoe Trips, etc) would be prohibitively expensive.  Please sell hard, and turn in money to the Troop scribe as you sell tickets.  The scribe will be tracking sales weekly and reporting on progress for both total troop ticket sales and the patrol ticket sales contest.  This year’s pancake breakfast advertising sales has also kicked off.  The Biohazard Patrol is in charge of this year’s ad sales effort.  Final ad salesman training is complete.  Please contact Mark Stiles or Bruce Hastings for upcoming ad sales events.  Other logistical questions regarding this year’s Pancake Breakfast can be directed to Amy Croteau at Amy.Croteau@comcast.net.

Troop Four Website:

Have you seen the recent improvements to the Troop Web-Site?  Troop web-master Bob Garber recently added an attractive “Troop History” tab that is very cool, and chronicles the major accomplishments and milestones of the troop over the years.  Thanks Bob!

Checkout the Troop 4 website at: www.troop4milford.org.

It contains lots of current schedule and other useful information.  Pictures, too.

Please call the Phil Bedard at 508-478-5773 or email at pbedard1@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Backwoods BBQ Campout – Trip Report:

A great time was had by all at the Troop’s Backwoods BBQ and Webelos campout at the Troop campsite in November. 30 Troop 4 scouts and 5 Webelos attended. The venture scouts did a superb job managing the field kitchen, efficiently cooking and serving authentic smoked pulled pork and a variety of tasty BBQ side dishes. Scouts also organized and led a variety of fun contests and events. A big thanks goes to the scout and troop leadership for organizing a great campout.

Swim Night:

This week’s troop meeting (Dec 2nd) will be a swim night at the Milford High School pool. Bring swim attire and a towel. No uniform required, and there is no fee for this event. Younger scouts will cover important advancement requirements related to swimming and water safety. We’ll also have pool games, diving, and of course, pizza/drinks to end the night. Normal meeting time: 7pm start (sharp) & 830pm pickup.

January Winter Camping:

Trip will be Saturday January 22, 2010 through Sunday January 23. We will be camping in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. Blackstone River Park has a large forest with lots of trails and a secluded and sheltered pine grove camping spot that is perfect for winter camping. Planned activities include sledding, hiking, animal tracking, snowshoeing, a visit to King Philips Cave and Lookout, and other adventures. At this winter camping trip we will be doing some aluminum foil cooking (no pots and pans to clean) and Dutch oven cooking. The winter is a great time to do this type of cooking because you need some good warm fires to cook – and to stay warm with, too!

We will be using the spacious regular troop tents (not the backpacking tents) to sleep in Saturday night. These tents have more room to keep gear out of the snow, and have worked great for other winter campouts. The Troop 4 Website has a list of gear needed for a one night winter campout. Most scouts already have most of the gear and anything else is usually around in the scouts homes.

We will be patrol cooking for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Scouts should bring a bag lunch for Saturday (no soda). A plastic sled comes in handy on this trip, for both sledding and for hauling in your gear. If you have one, please bring it.

We will meet at St. Mary’s parish center at 9:00 AM on Saturday January 22. Patrols will have an opportunity to assemble their ingredients into tin-foil cooking packets using the parish center kitchen before we depart. We will need a few parents to drive to/from the site. We will return for pick up on Sunday, January 23 by noon.

We will be planning the trip at the January 13 troop meeting. If your son is planning to attend, please return the permission slip by the January 13 troop meeting. If your son can’t make the January 13 troop meeting but wants to attend, please call or email Phil Bedard before that date so we can include him in planning for the event.

Winter camping is fun and a great outdoor experience – and not that difficult. The adult leaders and troop have many years of winter camping experience and all of our trips have been a great time. Hope for lots of snow cover!

Town Christmas Tree Pick Up:

Sunday, January 2. This is a fun combination fund raiser and service project that we participate in with other scout units in town. We are looking for one or two more parents with pick up trucks or trailers to drive around our assigned territory in Milford to pick up the trees and transport them to the town disposal area. Our trucks leave the parish center at 8:30 AM sharp, and we will not return to the parish center until the end of the event, so please be on time. The event ends at noon. Please call or email Ken Matondi at kenmatondi@comcast.net if you can participate.

Troop Knife Contest:

Will be held at the December 16 troop meeting. Scouts can bring a knife that they can use under the troop/BSA rules and enter it in the competition for sharpest, best looking, and most functional. There will be prizes for the winners.

Holiday Party:

The troop’s holiday party will be at the December 16th troop meeting. Scouts that want to participate in our annual Yankee Swap gift exchange can do so by bringing an inexpensive wrapped gift in the $10-$15 range. Note that this will be the last troop meeting of the year. There is no troop meeting on Thursday 12/23/10.

Special Service Event:

Decoration of the Town Nativity Scene: The troop will once again decorate the town’s nativity scene in Draper Park. The troop is looking for scout volunteers to help decorate. We have a head start this year because we already chopped down a stack of pine boughs at the last campout. We plan to use these boughs to decorate the nativity scene on Saturday December 4th, at 9:30AM. Please meet at Draper Park (near the general on the horse). We will wrap up by 10:30AM. Pick-up will be at the same spot.

Advancement:

There are many merit badges in progress, or about to begin. Mr. Matondi and Mr. Bedard have a Personal Fitness Merit Badge crew that is about 8 weeks into the 12 week fitness program. These scouts should look for an announcement of the final fitness test to be scheduled over the upcoming school vacation. CIT Community and Communications Merit Badges have recently kicked off, and activity will continue at troop meetings, and scouts should also work on these badges at home. Mr. Sgamatto’s Environmental Science Merit Badge class is scheduled to start on Dec 9th. Be sure to get a scoutmaster signed merit badge blue card AND speak to your councilor BEFORE you begin any badge work.

OA Election:

Scheduled for Thursday, Dec 16th at the regular troop meeting. A separate mailing will be sent shortly directly to those scouts who meet the eligibility requirements for this BSA honor society. Questions can be directed to the Scoutmaster, or the Troops OA Rep, Richard.

Scouting for Food Success:

Thanks to all the scouts and leaders who participated in the Scouting for Food event, which was a big success. Approximately fifteen Troop 4 scouts worked on the Sunday of the event to help sort arriving food; a great showing. Thanks to Stacey Barie for volunteering to supervise this year’s event.

Pancake Breakfast:

Ticket sales for the breakfast have begun. 20 tickets were distributed to all scouts at the last troop meeting. The ticket package included a list of all the rules and incentives for this year’s ticket selling. There are lots of great prizes for the top sellers this year. Scouts are expected to sell a minimum of 20 tickets. Please turn in money to the Troop scribe as you sell tickets. The scribe will be tracking sales weekly and reporting on progress for both total troop ticket sales and the patrol ticket sales contest. This year’s pancake breakfast advertising sales has also kicked off. The Biohazard Patrol is in charge of this year’s ad sales effort. Their final ad salesman training session is scheduled for the 12/9 troop meeting. Logistical questions regarding this year’s Pancake Breakfast can be directed to Amy Croteau at Amy.Croteau@comcast.net.

Please call the Phil Bedard at 508-478-5773 or email at pbedard1@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Eagle Court of Honor:

Congratulations to Spencer Carlin and Jim Malnati on their achievement of Eagle Scout. The Court of Honor was a big success. In addition to the fine show put on by our two new Eagles, Troop 4 scouts were awarded a record 185 merit badges. This display of achievement is a testament to our hard work of our scouts, and to the troop’s leaders for offering so many merit badge opportunities. Special thanks go to the COH planning crew consisting of the Cathy Avery, the Brundrett family, the Garber family, and many others.

Trip Report – Appalachian Trail Backpack Trip

The troop recently completed the a very challenging backpacking trek through the A.T.’s scenic section in southwest MA. Twenty scouts backpacked for 12 difficult miles over two days through steep ravines, cliff hanger ledges, and two mountain peaks. All scouts performed superbly. Special kudos goes to our two newest scouts, Jack and Ulisses, who each performed admirably and with good cheer throughout the journey. And 3 cheers to the venture “dispatch team”, who after completing their grueling 6 miles each day, doubled back up the trail to help younger scouts take it across the goal line; admirable scout spirit by all. Keep your eyes on the website for some great pictures soon to be posted.

Halloween Party:

The next troop meeting (October 28th), features the annual Troop Halloween party. The uniform of the night will be “costumes”. There will be prizes for the best costumes (funniest, scariest, most realistic, most creative). Prizes also awarded to the winners of our traditionally nutty games and contests. Scouts should bring a snack or dessert to add to the food/beverage table.

November Backwoods BBQ Camping Trip:

Will be Saturday November 20 and Sunday November 21 at the troop campsite in Milford. We’re going with a backwoods BBQ theme. The troop chefs are just beginning to formulate an exciting menu to cook out in the field. If you’re not a BBQ fan, there will be some hot dogs and other food too. We’ll have a full schedule of outdoor activities, including Archery, the troop’s famous obstacle course, and other games/contests. We have invited some Second Year Webelos to attend as well. We will have a troop campfire Saturday night. The troop will provide a complete dinner and breakfast along with all the eating utensils, cups, plates, etc. The scouts will be planning the meals, activities, and doing the cooking for the weekend.

We will meet at St. Mary’s parish center at 9:00 AM Saturday November 20 and will return to the parish center for a noon pickup on Sunday the 21st. Scout should bring their regular camping gear and bag lunch for Saturday. As always, scouts can come / leave early late, etc, if they have conflicts with sporting or other local events. We will need a few parents to drive to/from the event.

If your son is planning to attend, please return the permission slip by the Nov 11 troop meeting along with a check for $12 to cover the cost of the food for the weekend (dinner / breakfast). If your son can’t make the Nov 11th troop meeting but wants to attend, please call or email Phil Bedard before the 11th so we can include him in planning for the event. Note that this is the only regular campout that we charge a fee, because this is the only regular campout that the troop provides the food.

Special Service Events:

The troop will be supporting at least 3 service events this fall/winter. Please make every effort to attend at least one of these events (mandatory for scouts advancing to upper ranks (Star, Life, Eagle)). The next event is on Sunday November 7th at the food pantry on Exchange Street. The troop will support the scouting for food event by receiving and sorting incoming food that other troops and packs have collected. The event will run from 1230 to 330pm. Mr. Barie will be onsite to work with the senior attending scout to coordinate our troop’s activity.

Canoe Trip Memory Books:

A big thanks goes to Amy Croteau for the wonderful job on the Troop Memory Album for the Penobscot River Canoe Trip. The book contains beautiful pictures and wonderful anecdotes from all places on the trip. If you did not participate on the trip, be sure to look at the Troop’s copy of this album, which will be on display at future events, like the pancake breakfast.

Troop Equipment:

Scouts should return equipment they were recently assigned to bring home and clean (e.g, tents) at the next troop meeting. All tents should be set-up, aired out, and thoroughly shaken out to remove debris. If the tent is short stakes (should be at least 6), notify the troop Quartermaster upon return. Coordinate all returns with the Quartermaster James and DJ.

Troop Recruiting:

There are two big recruiting events coming up….the November camp out at the Troop Campsite, and the 11/4 troop meeting. Webelos will be attending both. Please take a moment or two to speak with these Webelos and their parents, and do your best to make them feel welcome. Thanks. Contact Troop recruiter Justin if you want to help work with the Webelos at these events.
And congratulations for their successful recruiting efforts so far this fall, which has seen the addition of two new Scouts: Jack and Isaiah.

Life Scouts:

The troop has a very large number of newly minted Life Scouts. A meeting will be held at an upcoming Troop meeting to discuss the Eagle Service Project process with these scouts, and to brainstorm some possible ideas. This meeting will be announced several days in advance, and conducted in parallel with our normal troop meeting.

Troop Elections:

The Troop conducted Senior Patrol elections at the end of the season. Joshua won the election, and appointed Matt , Dev , Nolan and Alex  as Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders. This leadership team then selected new leaders for the various troop positions, such as scribe, quartermaster, etc. Select new leaders have been invited to participate in a leader training session scheduled for Sept 16. While many posts have been filled, some election activity remains. The election of patrol leaders and assistant patrol leaders is scheduled for opening night on Sept 23rd. Note that all scouts will be given multiple leadership opportunities over the course of their scouting career.

Trip Report – Penobscot 50 Mile Canoe Trip.

This year’s high adventure trip was a huge success. 18 scouts paddled 50 miles through the last tract of true wilderness in the Northeast. Great adventures were had as the troop paddled the lakes and rivers of the Penobscot River Corridor. Moose, loon and eagles were common sightings, and the troop members completed a variety of outdoor and wilderness related merit badges. Congratulations to Asbhy for earning the Honor Camper award, James for winning the wilderness journal contest, and Eric for earning the most improved paddler award. Special thanks go to all the adult leaders and parents who helped our scouts plan this great adventure. Keep an eye out for trip photo presentations at the upcoming troop meetings.

October Backpacking Trip:

The outdoor adventures continue, with a scheduled backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail in western Massachusetts on the weekend of October 23-24.

Scouts will meet Saturday October 23rd at the parish center for an on-time departure at 730AM. Our destination is home to many interesting features including cascades, dramatic ledges, and campsites with dramatic views to the east.

This trip will be more challenging than the April backpacking introduction trip, so all attendees must be physically fit. Consider starting the personal fitness merit badge to get in shape. Please direct any questions on this merit badge to the Troop 4 Personal Fitness Merit Badge Councilors listed on the troop website. While this trip will be challenging, the troop will split into several ability groups on the ascent, to afford scouts an opportunity to hike to our campsite at a comfortable pace.

All attendees (scouts/adults) will cook patrol style. Scouts should also bring some money for a fast food lunch on Sunday’s return. Detailed meal planning and packing instruction will take place at the October 14th troop meeting. There is no fee for this trip.

If your son will be attending, please drop off the attached permission slip no later than the October 7th Troop Meeting, or email the form earlier to Phil Bedard.

Troop Eagle Court of Honor:

Thursday, October 21st from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at St. Mary’s parish center. This special Court of Honor will honor our newest Eagle Scouts, James Malnati and Spencer Carlin. Awards earned by all other scouts since the last Court of Honor will also be presented. There will be a dinner before the awards ceremony. The troop committee is planning the details and will communicate more information to families shortly.

Troop Dues and Medical Forms:

Due at the Sept 23th or Sep 30th troop meetings. The annual Class 1 medical form is attached, and is required for each scout. Unlike summer camp forms, only a parent signature is required. Vaccines, if current, can be stated as such. The combined troop and re-charter dues are $95 per scout ($75 for additional siblings). More information on these forms and dues was previously provided in the kickoff letter, which is still posted to the troop website.

Advancement:

All scouts who are ready for advancement, or who are very close, will be receiving an email from the scoutmaster with reminders on badge wrap-up, service hour wrap-up, or to schedule a scoutmaster conference. Due to the limited number of meetings between now and the Court of Honor, it is important that scouts meet the deadlines established in these emails, and attend their scheduled conferences/reviews, if they desire to advance this fall.

Merit Badges:

There are many merit badge activities planned this year, some starting very soon. The venture planning meetings, and patrol leader’s council, will determine which badges will be offered, and when. Look for announcements at upcoming troop meetings. A reminder on merit badge process: Scouts must obtain a blue merit badge card signed by the Scoutmaster before beginning any merit badge activity. Scouts are also responsible for ensuring that completed and signed off merit badge cards are submitted to Scoutmaster once all requirements are completed. Other merit badge “frequently asked questions” are answered on the troop website. The troop has also recently expanded our merit badge offerings with more merit badge councilors. Check out the website for the latest information. Lastly, Mrs. Amy Croteau will attend the September 23rd troop meeting to offer scouts tips and strategy on effectively tracking your merit badge progress to completion. Don’t miss this presentation.

Troop Library:

Merit badge booklets are a significant expense for the troop. Please help the troop to be thrifty by returning any borrowed booklets to the troop library as soon as you are finished. Contact the new troop Librarian Christian if you have any library questions, would like to donate booklets, borrow books, or are seeking a particular merit badge book that’s not in the library.

Troop History:

Troop Historian Brian has taken the challenge to improve the collection and preservation of Troop artifacts. Please see Brian if you can provide useful artifacts, like newspaper clippings of Troop 4 scouts, an especially good picture or two of a Troop 4 event, or any other notable artifact. Brian will also be coordinating this first Troop 4 Eagle Scout Reunion, to be held this winter.

Troop Equipment:

The troop has recently made significant enhancements to the troop equipment inventory. We have recently re-stocked with new and refurbished tents, water filters, axes, hatchets, stoves, cook kits, chef kits, and a variety of specialized backpacking equipment. You are lucky to be in one of the best equipped troops in the area. In order to maintain this growing inventory of adventure gear, the Troop has appointed TWO new quartermasters this year, James and DJ . All scouts should work closely with the quartermasters to account for, clean and return all troop equipment used at camping and other events. Any outstanding troop equipment from the summer’s high adventure trip should be returned at the Sept 23rd troop meeting.

Troop Recruiting:

Troop 4 is always on the lookout for a few good young men. Contact Troop Recruiter Justin if you know of friends that you think would be a good fit to join our troop.

Patrol Leaders:

The strength of Troop 4 is based on the strength and initiative of our patrols. Patrol leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders will be elected at the 9/23 troop meeting. Patrol members should use the Patrol Leader as their main point of contact for campout and event coordination.

“Good Morning Everybody!”

Every scout who has ever camped with the troop has heard this pleasant and high decibel bellow at sunrise. Well, Mr. Lanciano finally has some competition, as the troop has tapped Franciel to be the troop’s first Troop Bugler. An authentic brass bugle will be issued to Franciel, to be used whenever there is cause to rally the troop during our activities. We plan to break in this new bugle for the first time at 5AM (maybe earlier) just outside Mr. Lanciano’s tent on the next campout.

A Scout is Reverent.

The troop will make an extra effort this year to raise the profile of the Chaplain’s Aide position during our troop events throughout the year. Thommy has been assigned this post, and is charged with helping the troop incorporate this very important part of the Scout Law into our activities.

Procedures for Submitting Troop Forms/Dues:

Troop meetings can be very hectic at the start. Families can help by submitting routine dues, trip payments, permission slips and medical forms directly to Troop Scribe at the start of the meeting. Scribe duties will be performed this year by Wyatt and Sam . You will see the troop scribes near the “scribe box” at the beginning of each meeting. Please deposit forms and dues to their box. Of course, parents are free to direct special questions on forms and payments to any adult leader when required.

Information Especially for Venture Scouts:

Venture Program 2010/2011: The ventures will hold a meeting on September 16th to plan the activities of the Venture Patrol, and to work with the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters to plan logistics and supervision of the troop meetings & trips for the new season. Mr. Mark Hobart has volunteered to be the Venture adult advisor this year (thanks Mark!). Ventures should come to the September 16th meeting with some exciting ideas for the new season.

Troop Four Website:

Please frequent the Troop 4 website at: www.troop4milford.org
It contains lots of current schedule and other useful information. A special thanks goes to Mr. Steve Eddins and Mr. Bob Garber for their recent work to improve the website’s look, content and maintenance instructions. Through Steve and Bob’s efforts, the troop boasts one of the most informative and up to date troop web sites around.

Please call the Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or email at pbedard1@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Dear Parents and Families,

On behalf of all the Adult Leaders, and the new Scout Leadership Team led by SPL Joshua, I would like to welcome you and your sons back for another exciting 2010 – 2011 scouting year. We have many exciting and challenging activities planned for troop meetings and outdoor events – some old favorites and some new adventures as well.

This past year was filled with many outdoor adventures, including camping, backpacking, ocean island camping, winter camping, snow sport adventures, canoeing and hiking. The troop closed out the year with a great summer camp week at Camp Resolute, and a spectacular 50 mile canoe adventure on Maine’s wild and remote Penobscot River.

Over the past year there were many awards, merit badges, and badges of rank earned by the scouts. We are very proud of our five new Eagle Scouts from this past season; Mike Tusino, TJ Fasulo, Tim Brundrett, Jim Malnati and Spencer Carlin. Jim and Spencer’s Eagle Scout awards will be celebrated at our next Court of Honor in October.

Our scouts participated and completed many individual and group service projects, including Scouting for Food, the Relay for Life, providing holiday decorations at Draper Park, and work on several Troop 4 Eagle Scout projects.

The troop website continues to serve as an excellent resource for current information on activities and calendar dates/times. Be sure to check out the website on a regular basis at www.troop4milford.org

The Venture scouts will continue to have a “Venture Corner” in each of the troop newsletters with information especially for them. Mark Hobart has volunteered to be the adult Venture advisor this year. We will continue to bring in guest speakers to talk to the Ventures on a variety of careers and occupations, and plan to schedule some venture-only trips to challenge these older scouts.

Troop meeting activities will include old favorite activities including: cooking, scout craft, pioneering, engineering, advancement, demonstrations, and merit badge classes. The Patrol Leader’s Council will also schedule new activities to freshen up the program. The troop meetings will continue to be held 7:00 – 8:30 PM on Thursday nights at St. Mary’s parish center.

In addition to our regular assortment of monthly outdoor activities, the Troop has begun early planning for a multi-day backpacking adventure next summer in a scenic and rugged area of the White Mountains; perhaps the Presidential Range. More information will be announced on this trip later in the year, but for those interested, it’s never too early to get in shape. At a minimum, Scouts will have to complete the Personal Fitness Merit Badge prior to signing up for this trip. And it’s never too early to start thinking about the week-long High Adventure 2012. Bring your high adventure ideas to this season’s Patrol Leaders Council and committee meetings.

The Venture Scout organizational meeting will be held Thursday, September 16 from 7-8:30PM. This meeting applies to High School age scouts. On this same day/time, there will also be a leader training meeting for select scout leadership positions. The Scoutmaster and SPL will personally invite those scouts required to attend this meeting. The first meeting for ALL OTHER SCOUTS will be Thursday, September 23. This will be our organizational meeting for the year, for election of Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders, and the announcement of other leadership posts assigned by the SPL. Venture scouts will come to the meeting as well.

Dues for the Year:

The troop is collecting both the BSA re-charter fee and annual troop dues in one combined payment. The total due will be similar to last year. The specific amount will be based on the next troop financial report. The amount due will be defined in the first newsletter of the season (prior to the first troop meeting). There will be a discount for families with more than one scout in the program. If this fee is a hardship please email/call Phil Bedard (confidential). We will once again conduct a pancake breakfast as a supplemental fundraiser for our high adventure programs. We are expecting all scouts to fully participate in this year’s fund raising effort.

The annual dues are due at the start of the season. Please drop off your check at the start of the September 23 or September 30th troop meeting. If your son(s) can’t make either meeting but would like to continue in the troop, please mail the dues prior to September 30th to the Troop Treasurer, Mrs. Debra Laviolette at 7 Paulene Drive, Franklin 02038.  Please make all checks payable to Troop 4. As a courtesy to the troop and to assist in our planning, if your son does not plan to continue in our program, please have him call the scoutmaster to convey his decision.

For Assistant Scoutmasters in high school or college that can only occasionally attend – your annual fee is $15. Other registered adult leaders: no annual fee. Please remit a check to Mrs. Laviolette at the above address.

Reminders for the Troop Meetings:

We realize it’s hard sometimes to make the 7:00 PM meeting start time. Coming late from another activity or school work/job is fine, but when scouts arrive they should come into the meeting room (no detours to the corner convenience store). We will be starting the meetings at 7:00 PM.
– Uniforms must be worn to all the troop meetings.
– Return of troop camping equipment. Most troop equipment will be cleaned and put away after a trip. If your son does bring home equipment from a trip to clean – probably a tent, please clean it and get it back within 2 weeks of the event. Tents can be dried out in a garage or cellar – they don’t need to be aired out in the open. If you currently have any troop equipment, please return it by the September 23rd troop meeting.

Advancement and Badge Work:

Troop 4 has a long tradition of many scouts earning many awards and badges. The upcoming year will be another year of great accomplishments.

The troop will continue to help scouts working on Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class badges of rank at troop meetings and troop events. These scouts, as well as the other scouts in the troop, will also have the opportunity to work on merit badges in Communications, Personal Fitness, Citizenship, Camping, Environmental Science, and other badges soon to be determined.

This year, Life Scouts preparing for an Eagle Service Project will be assigned an adult adviser from the troop leadership. Advisers will be available for questions and guidance as you work on your project. Life Scouts will meet to discuss their Eagle advancement plans and/or project status as part of the Sept 16th venture planning meeting.

Scouts working on Star, Life and Eagle ranks will also have opportunities to complete their scout spirit, participation and leadership requirements at troop meetings and activities this year.

Adequate participation is necessary for scouts working on Star, Life, and Eagle ranks in order for them to demonstrate and meet the scout spirit, active participation, and leadership requirements for advancement. While it is up to the Scoutmaster to determine if the scout meets the requirements, the Troop Committee has established these minimum participation requirements (and there may be more on an individual basis):
– Scouts must attend and be an active participant in at least half the troop meetings in the scout year.
– Scouts must attend and be an active participant in at least 4 outdoor troop activities in the scout year.
– Scouts must attend at least 1 troop service activity in the scout year (e.g., cemetery clean-up, scouting for food, Christmas tree pickup, etc).
– To demonstrate leadership among your peers in the Troop, a minimum of 25% of the total number of Eagle Scout Service project volunteer hours (not the project leader’s hours) should be from Troop 4 Scouts, with a stretch goal of at least 50%.
– Scouts must demonstrate scout spirit during troop meetings and outdoor activities and obey the scout law. Violations of the scout law will delay advancement. Serious or repeated violations will be reviewed by the Scoutmaster and Committee to determine further action.
– In order to complete leadership requirements, scouts may need to attend more than the number of activities listed above, and may have to work independently to complete some requirements.
– Scouts wishing to advance more than 1 rank in a year would be expected to meet the meeting requirements and the appropriate ratio of outdoor activities for each period (e.g., 2 outdoor activities for half a year).
– The Scoutmaster determines if the scout has met any and all requirements for advancement. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a delay in advancement to the next rank, including Eagle.

Upcoming Events:

The complete calendar of events for the 2010-11 season is on the website. Here are a few dates for some upcoming events with more information to follow:

– A Troop Eagle Court of Honor on Thursday, October 21 for all the awards and badges earned since the June Court of Honor. Dinner will be served. Scouts and families should arrive at 6:15 PM. Dinner will be served at 630PM sharp, and awards will start about 7:00 PM. The evening will conclude around 8:30 PM
– The will be a troop fall backpacking trip to a rugged and scenic area TBD. The trip is scheduled for October 23/24.
– The Troop’s annual Halloween Party will be Thursday, October 28.

The first Troop Family newsletter will be out shortly with lots more information.

Please call or email if you have any questions.

On behalf of all the Adult Leaders, I’d like to extend a sincere thank you for all of the help from families and friends over the past year. We’re looking forward to an exciting new season!

Very truly yours,
Phil Bedard
Scoutmaster

New Scouts

Welcome to all our new scouts and families. We have 10 new scouts joining from Pack 4, Pack 67 and Pack 32. The first troop meeting that includes new scouts will be Thursday 3/4 at 7pm-830pm. Parents are welcome (but not required) to stay for this first meeting. An adult leader will offer parents an overview of troop operations, and a scout will offer a quick presentation on the short list of personal camping gear that each scout should have. Other kickoff details for new scouts were recently provided via email. If you didn’t receive the email, please let Phil Bedard know at pbedard1@gmail.com.

Pancake Breakfast

Thanks to all for the hard work at the Pancake Breakfast. It was the biggest crowd to date. Fantastic results; nearly $6000 profit, which will fund some much needed troop equipment purchases, and it will make the upcoming high adventure trip much more affordable. Great performances by all – ticket sellers, ad sellers, parent help on the ad sale logistics and day of event, chefs, waiters and clean-up crew. Special thanks go to Stacey Barie, the Brundrett family, Pat Gallagher and future “Hell’s Kitchen” host Peter Lanciano, for supervising key aspects of this event.

Merit Badges

Keep an eye out for kickoff announcements on a variety of merit badges this spring, to include Personal Fitness.

Camp Resolute and Maine 50 Miler Canoe Trip: Plans are moving forward on the troop’s participation in a couple of week long summer events; Camp Resolute in July, and the Maine 50 Miler Canoe Trip in August. Dates and details are posted on the troop website, and more will follow. An important date to remember: March 4th. That is the date that the $100 Maine canoe trip deposit is due. Our reservation and pricing will be based on the deposits that we turn over to the outfitter next week, so please submit on time. The un-subsidized price for this trip is approximately $590 per person. This prices reflects the cost of motor coach transportation, backcountry meals for 1 week, opening/final night campsite at the outfitter’s campground, outfitter shuttle vans to/from wilderness drop point, canoe/paddle/PFD rental, troop adventure t-shirt, and special troop equipment required for the event. The only out of pocket cost to scouts is a couple fast food stops on the way up/back.

While $590 may seem expensive, it is less than what BSA High Adventure camps charge for similar events ($700-$1000). Plus, we include cost of transportation. Compared to similar BSA trips, our Troop-led adventure offers even more high adventure, better food and more personalized and advanced training for our scouts. It’s a good deal. And we are fortunate to have had a successful fundraiser to further reduce the price. Estimated pricing for the 2010 Maine Canoe Adventure is:

Adults: $350
Scouts who sold $100 worth of pancake breakfast tickets: $350
Scouts who sold >$100 worth of tickets $350 less value of tickets sold over $100
Scouts who did not sell at least $100 of tickets $450
Scouts who did not participate in any aspect of fundraiser $590

The exact price will be based on the final head-count and final cost of trip supply/food purchases, but should be relatively close to the forecast above. The “per person” price could come down further if the headcount is higher than expected.
On this same date, we will also be giving a presentation and information session for Camp Resolute to all interested parents and scouts. This presentation will include just released pricing and medical form information. Camp resolute fees are NOT due at this time.

Note that our troop participation at Camp Resolute is open to all scouts in the troop, including first year scouts. But due to the level of outdoor and wilderness training required for the Maine canoe trip, only 2nd year scouts, parents and leaders are invited. However, a high adventure cancellation or open slot may occasionally be offered (at the discretion of the Scoutmaster) to a first year scout if the parent/scout expresses interest and the scout has advanced camping skills/experience. See Phil Bedard if you would like more details.

Court of Honor – Congratulations to Tim and TJ: Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scouts Tim Brundrett and TJ Fasulo. Both were honored at the last Court of Honor. Thanks to all the families and volunteers who worked to make the evening a great success.

Lanciano Cabin NH Winter Weekend

A big thanks again goes to the Lanciano family for hosting us at their cabin for another exciting winter event this past weekend. The snow prayers worked, as there was nearly 3 feet of snow at the cabin!

Venture Campout Report

Thanks to Jim Malnati and Bob Garber for restoring the tradition of an annual Venture Campout. The older ventures recently coordinated a successful winter cabin campout at Nobscot Scout Reservation. They’ve come back with a full report of the facilities. This BSA property offers nice cabins with wood stoves, and an extensive and varied trail system. We’ll try to continue the tradition of an annual venture-only cabin campout.

Troop Day Hike

will be Saturday, March 20th at the Mount Wachusett State Reservation in Princeton MA. We will meet at the parish center for a 9:00 AM departure. We will return for pick up at the parish center by 4:00 PM that evening. Scouts need to bring: a bag lunch, poncho or rain coat if it looks like rain that day, boots, a hat and gloves/mittens. A spare pair of socks is a must to bring. If the weather is cold, bring a warm coat as well. Scouts should bring at least one quart/liter of water (no soda, juice, punch, etc.). Do not bring water in disposable water bottles – get a canteen or hiking water bottle at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. for about $10. Scouts need to bring a day pack (school pack will work fine) to carry their personal and troop gear for the day.

Mount Wachusett is a great place to hike and explore. We will divide the scouts into age/ability groups and cover distances that are comfortable for each group. Mount Wachusett is the highest Massachusetts peak east of the Connecticut River; with a 2006 foot elevation. It’s higher elevations includes one of the most southern New England remnants of the great northern boreal forest, and a patch of very rare old growth oak forest. Mt. Wachusett is also a premier location in New England for watching hawk and eagle migrations.

At the end of the hike we will have some of Troop 4’s famous fried dough!

If you son will be attending the hike, please complete the attached permission slip and return no later than the March 11th troop meeting. If you son would like to attend but won’t be at this troop meeting, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or pbedard1@gmail.com We will need a few parents to drive to/from and/or stay for the event. If you can help out please indicate on the permission slip.

SCOUTS – Camping Merit Badge Trek Plan Opportunity

For scouts looking to fulfill the camping merit badge “trek plan” requirement, here is a great opportunity. The troop will give credit to any scout who drafts a compliant trek plan for the March day hike. Use the web, where you can find trail maps, road maps and town/park details. Your plan must include a trail map with a suggested 5mile hiking route (you can find a good map at the state’s website for this park), a road map (e.g., google map) with your suggested driving route from Milford to the park, local emergency numbers (police/fire), address of nearby hospital, troop leadership contact information (can be found on this newsletter), and your suggested schedule/itinerary for the day. In the very unlikely event that we have trouble on the trail, a good trek plan, left behind at home and on our car windshields, would help guide friends/family and rescue workers to our aid. Every troop trek should leave a good trek plan behind. In addition to merit badge credit for all entries, a great prize for the best Trek Plan will be awarded.
Please call the Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or email at pbedard1@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Winter Sports Weekend

The annual NH Winter Sports Weekend is almost upon us. The Lanciano’s have once again graciously invited the troop to their mountainside cabin in Alexandria NH. Venture scouts (high school) are eligible to depart with the advance part on Friday. Ventures will meet and depart at the St. Mary’s Parish Center on Friday February 26th at 6pm. All other scouts will meet and depart at the Parish Center on Saturday February 27th at 800am. Scouts will return from the event for pickup at the Parish Center at 3pm on Sunday. All scouts should eat a meal before they arrive, as there will be no meal stop on the ride up north.

The weekend will be filled with winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross country skiing, shelter building, and other activities. The annual winter relay will be the Jamaican Bob Sled Relay; a high speed team challenge down the mountain. The winning sled team gets a snowmobile tow back to camp, losers have to walk! Scouts will design the course, and assign leaders to man the obscure corners for safety, and to catch short-cutters.

Ventures should eat dinner prior to arrival, and plan for an outdoor patrol breakfast on Saturday. All scouts should bring a bag lunch on Saturday, and will cook patrol style meals for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. We’ll stop for a fast food lunch on the ride home. Meal planning will be done by scouts at the Feb 4th troop meeting. Meals will be cooked by patrols outdoors over their wood fire.

NEW THIS YEAR! – Your Saturday night patrol meal will be part of the 1st annual Troop 4 Outdoor Cooking contest. A fabulous patrol prize will be awarded to the winning patrol, and a bonus prize if you can top the adult dinner (good luck on that!). Details will be discussed in a special contest meeting scheduled for the Jan 28th troop meeting.

Scouts will be sleeping in the heated luxury of the Lanciano cabin ground level (aka basement). While no tents are required, scouts should bring their full complement of winter camping gear (see website checklist), including sleeping pad and sleeping bag. If you have a plastic sled, bring it along.

A permission slip for this event is due at the beginning of the Feb 4th Troop Meeting, in order to allow meal planning. Remember, as with all camping trips, if you sign up to go, and something comes up at the last minute, you must make arrangements to provide your assigned food items to your patrol leader. If you can’t go to the Feb 4th meeting, and want to go on the trip, you must call/email Phil Bedard before Feb 4th so that your patrol leader includes you in the plan.

Pancake Breakfast Update

It’s almost here. Thanks to all the scouts who are working hard to sell tickets and advertisements. All scouts should have picked up their initial 20 tickets to sell for the breakfast. It’s not too late to get more tickets, and cash in on the outstanding prizes to be given out to the top salesmen. See Mr.Bedard or Mr.Gallagher if you need more tickets. Cash/checks (payable to Troop 4) from ticket sales must be turned in at either the Jan 28th or Feb 4th troop meetings.

The pancake breakfast is one of more important troop events of the year. All scouts are expected to sell their initial $100 allotment of tickets and to participate at the event. The SPL has put together a plan with roles for all scouts. Plans will be discussed at the next troop meeting. If you can’t attend because of a serious schedule conflict, you MUST contact the SPL. The venture kitchen staff should report for KP no later than 630 AM sharp. Cooks should wear a Troop 4 T-Shirt. The wait staff (all other scouts) should arrive between 700 – 730AM for set-up and waiter training, and must be in regular Class A uniform. Looking forward to seeing you there!

January Winter Camping Trip and Christmas Tree Pick-up Report

The coldest troop campout on record! Sub-zero. Great time and performance by all. See the troop website for photos and the recent entry containing the full report.

Despite a snowy morning, we had a great turnout at the annual Christmas Tree pickup. The troop had a dozen scout volunteers (12 fold increase from last year!) and we raised $450. Thanks to all who helped out, including the adult drivers.

Pioneering Merit Badge

The Pioneering Merit badge continues at troop meetings. Most scouts have completed the basic knot & lashing requirements, and will be moving on soon to the ‘construction’ related requirements. The goal is to have participating scouts complete this badge by season’s end.

Merit Badge Night

The troop will be holding a merit badge night at the January 28th troop meeting. Scouts will receive a refresher on the merit badge process, and an introduction by merit badge councilors on a variety of eagle, and non-eagle required badges. Featured badges include, but may not be limited to, woodworking, home repair, cooking, citizenship (all 3), personal fitness, cycling, dog care, surveying and personal management. Scouts will have the opportunity to sign up for two badges on this night; one eagle required, and one regular.

Camp Resolute and Maine 50 Miler Canoe Trip

Plans are moving forward on the troop’s participation in two summer events; Camp Resolute, and the Maine 50 Miler Canoe Trip. Dates and details are posted on the troop website. An important date to remember: March 4th. That is the date that the $100 Maine canoe trip deposit is due. Our reservation will be based on the deposits that we turn over to the outfitter at this time, so please submit on time. On this same date, we will also be giving a presentation and information session for Camp Resolute. More details will be coming prior to the event.

Court of Honor

Please note that the next two Court of Honors have been moved one day earlier, and will now be held on Wed 2/24/09 and Wed 6/9/09. This change was made to accommodate a request from the Parish Center. This Court of Honor will feature TWO Eagle Scouts; TJ Fasulo, and Tim Brundrett. Tim is our most recent Eagle Scout, having just passed his Board of Review on January 19th. Congratulations!

Families should arrive at the ceremony at 630pm. Please be on-time, as it’s a busy night, and we will be starting immediately. Scouts will be contacting families to bring a two-liter bottle of soft drink and a small desert. Dinner will be served.

Venture Career Night

The troop is re-starting our Venture career night series. First up is Mr. Bob Garber, with a presentation about careers in technical writing. Mr. Garber is a technical writer for Cybex International, a provider of premium fitness equipment. Information on Cybex can be found at http://www.cybexintl.com/products/default.aspx.

Milford Youth Center Pajama Drive

The Milford Youth Center is partnering with the Boston Bruins and other organizations in the third annual PJ Drive for Massachusetts Children in Need. Members of our troop may also participate in this worthy cause by bringing a new set of PJs to the Jan 28th or Feb 4th troop meetings. The troop will bring all donations to the Youth Center collection box. Thanks.

Upcoming Event Dates & Reminders:

• Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11 Troop Meetings
• Feb 7th – Pancake Breakfast
• Feb 18th – no meeting / school vacation
• Feb 24th (Wed, not the typical Thursday) – Eagle Court of Honor
• Feb 26th – Feb 28th – New Hampshire Winters Sports Weekend
• Mar 4th – Troop meeting, Resolute presentation, Canoe trip $100 deposits due

Questions

Please call the Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or email at pbedard1@gmail.com if you have any questions.