The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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FFEEBBRRUUAARRYY 22001100 TTHHIIRRTTYY YYEEAARRSS OOFF TTHHEE SSIIGGNNAALLEERR VVOOLLUUMMEE 3300,, NNOO.. 22 Website: http://www.troop264olney.net E-mail: [email protected]

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines (Refer to calendars for specific times.)

February March

1 Patrol Meeting 1 3rd Annual Webelos Visit (Webelos I) 5-7 Ski Trip to Seven Springs 8 Troop meeting 8 Troop meeting 11 District Roundtable 11 District Roundtable 15 Patrol meeting 12-14 Pilgrimage 18 Troop Adult meeting 15 TLC/BOR / Patrol meeting 19 Sharp Street Food Bank 18 Troop Adult meeting 22 TLC/BOR 19 Sharp Street Food Bank 23 Signaler Meeting 22 3rd Annual Webelos Visit (Webelos II) 26-28 Merit Badge Madness (camping) 23 Signaler meeting 27 Nursung Home Visit (Hawks) 27 Nursing Home Visit (Mammoths) 29 Spring Break starts (schools) 29 Troop meeting

NCAC Centennial May 29-31, 2010 Summer Camp July 18-24, 2010

At the January 25 Court of Honor

―This United States flag was flown on Phoenix Base, International Zone, Baghdad, Iraq by U.S. Forces on the 11th Day of September 2009.

―It is donated to Troop 264 by COL David S. Jones, U.S. Army. COL Jones received the rank of Eagle while in Troop 264 in 1982. He is currently deployed to Baghdad, Iraq and his wife and two daughters live in Stuttgart, Germany.

Al Mammoth Patrol, Troop 264. Sam‘s father was a Boy Scout in Troop 264. He is currently deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S. Defense Department. ―

We are honored to receive such a keepsake, both as a continuing reminder of our troops overseas, as well as that former members of Troop 264 continue to make their influence felt in the world of today. Thank you, Mr. Jones.

Mr. Samuel K. Jones presents flag to Troop 264 1

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 Patrol meeting Ski Trip (Hawks) Ski Trip (Hawks) Seven Springs, PA Seven Springs, PA

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Troop meeting Ski Trip (Hawks) Open: Foxes District Roundtable Valley Forge Valley Forge Seven Springs, PA Service: Hawks (Gaithersburg) (Mr. Bogan) (Mr. Bogan) MB: Sharks (Hawks) Skill: Mammoths 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Presidents‘ Day Valley Forge (no school) Troop Adult Meeting Sharp Street Food (Mr. Bogan) at Brookeville Bank, 4:15 PM TLC/BOR Academy 7:30 PM

Patrol meeting (prepare exhibits for the 22nd) 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Special Troop Signaler meeting (1/2 day school) Meeting -- 3rd Annual 7 PM Nursing Home Visit Webelos Visit Night (Mammoths) Open: Mammoths Service: Foxes 28

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 Special Troop Meeting -- 3rd Annual Webelos Visit Night Open: Mammoths Service: Hawks 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Troop meeting Open: Vikings District Roundtable Service: Sharks (Gaithersburg) MB: Hawks (Vikings) Skill: Foxes

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Troop Adult Meeting Sharp Street Food Patrol meeting at Brookeville Bank, 4:15 PM Academy 7:30 PM

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Merit Badge Madness TLC / BOR Signaler meeting Weekend 7 PM Merit Badge Madness Weekend Nursing Home Visit (Hawks) 28 29 30 31 (Spring break) Troop meeting (Spring break – (Spring break – Merit Badge Madness Open: Hawks no school) no school) Weekend Service: Foxes MB: Mammoths Passover begins Skill: Vikings

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Mr. Irvin picked up this postcard at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison on a business trip last year. It is a 1918 War Bonds poster featuring the Boy Scouts. Note the "Be Prepared" inscribed on the sword blade.

Adopt A Soldier Program

A heartfelt ―THANK YOU‖ to all of our scout families who continue to donate snacks, treats, toiletries and magazines for our adopted soldiers, and to those who have donated funds to cover costs to ship care packages overseas. Our adopted soldiers are truly grateful for our efforts and we will continue to show our support until everyone comes home.

Valentine‘s Day is just around the corner. We love our families, our friends, our country, and all of our military personnel. Show your affection by donating a few goodies to include in this month‘s care packages. Let our adopted soldiers know that they are always in our thoughts and in our hearts, and that we appreciate everything they do to keep us free and safe.

The weather will be changing soon and February is the last month when we can include chocolate in our care packages. Send in your bags of Valentine‘s Day candy today!

We currently have 13 adopted soldiers on our list and I've learned that the majority of them are enlisted servicemen who do not receive mail. Just imagine the look on their faces when they open a card or care package addressed personally to them!

For more information about our Adopt A Soldier Program, please contact Mrs. Josey Simpson (Shark Patrol) at 301.512.5439, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Sending lots of OXOXOX to all of our scout families…

God Bless America … Land of the Free … Because of the Brave SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

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Friends of Campaign

The Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign, currently underway, is vital to the Scouting programs in the National Capital Area Council (NCAC) and to Troop 264. The annual FOS fundraiser provides support for the professional Scout staff, Scout shop, Scout camps, Scouting programs and organized events, and adult training programs.

A letter dated January 21 was mailed by me to each Scout family. Enclosed with the letter were a pledge card and a self-addressed envelope to facilitate the return of the contribution. If you did not receive the letter, or have misplaced it, please let me know and I can provide you with another copy. If you have already sent me your contribution, thank you very much! If you haven‘t yet completed the pledge card and written your check, please consider doing it now, and return it to me as soon as possible.

The Scouts of Troop 264 and the NCAC thank you for all your support.

~ Norman Strickman, FOS Campaign Coordinator Questions? Call me at (301)-570-4712.

Ski Trip to Seven Springs – February 5 – 7

TROOP 264 SKI TRIP!! Troop members are headed to Seven Springs ski resort in the southwestern mountains! There are 285 acres of slopes and , 5 terrain parks, huge beginner area with magic carpets up through black diamond slopes, mogul runs and more. There's something for everyone! Lessons available at additional cost (if you've never skied or snowboarded before, this is a requirement). The lessons guarantee you can start, stop, turn, get on and off lifts and enjoy the mountain.

COST: $170.00 This includes: 2 nights in chalet ('chalet' has bunches of bunkbeds in 3 sleeping areas, 2 bathrooms, kitchenette) Mountain pass good from 4 p.m. Friday -7 p.m. Sunday Breakfast buffet (huge!) Saturday and Sunday Lots of snow and fun! Indoor pool For those that don't ski, there is a 'gift card' given to be used at shops or restaurants on site). All participants pay the same price.

Additional Costs: $26.04 dinner per person Saturday; $24 ski rental; $36 board rental extra $$$ for lunch, dinner, snacks on your own. There are pizzarias, snack shops, restaurants, cafes, food shops, arcade, bowling, indoor minigolf, all available at extra cost.

See www.7springs.com for more info on the resort. Families and friends invited as well, first 20 people to sign up (and give me $$$) are on the list! We'll work on carpools soon. Get excited!

Latest word is that the available spaces for this trip are filled up. Questions? Please contact Mrs. Helen Justus, [email protected], 301-774-7833 (home) 301-787-4834 (cell).

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Valley Forge Encampment and Pilgrimage – February 12 - 14

This year the Cradle of Liberty Council will hold the 98th Valley Forge Encampment on February 12 – 14 (Presidents‘ Day weekend), and Troop 264 plans to attend. This is the longest running annual Boy Scout event in the country. The theme this year centers around Captain Robert Kirkwood.

―Captain Robert Kirkwood was commissioned as a lieutenant of the 1st Delaware Regiment in 1775. In 1776 as a Captain he was under the command of General Thomas Mifflin of Pennsylvania. By 1777 he was under the command of General Washington. He survived the Revolutionary War and continued his military service until he was killed in a battle with the Native American Miami Tribe near Fort Wayne, Indiana.

―The Pilgrimage will explore his role in the revolutionary war under . Also featured at the Pilgrimage will be Musket Drilling, Artillery and Musket demonstrations and Native American roles in the war explained by present day members of the Oneida Nation. There will also be other enactors through out the park demonstrating many skills of living during the revolutionary period.‖

We will travel to Valley Forge on Friday evening and camp overnight. The Pilgrimage hike starts early Saturday morning and lasts throughout much of the day, with stops at various exhibits and presentations. We will break camp early on Sunday and be back in Olney in the later morning. Warm clothing and sleeping gear, including hats and gloves, is essential. Please review the cold weather camping links on the troop website at http://www.troop264olney.net/links.html and see Cold Weather Considerations in the December 2009 Signaler.

Mr. Bogan has been collecting names of interested scouts and scouters, and presently w have about 25 people signed up. If you want to go but have not yet signed up, contact Mr. Bogan immediately. Plan on arriving at the campsite Friday evening and staying until Sunday morning.

 National Archives resources on the Revolution: http://www.archives.gov/research/american-revolution/

Sharp Street Food Bank – February 19

At the January 15 food bank, Mrs. McCabe was wondering how all the sorting work would get done when scouts showed up to help. It took 2 hours to move the food and sort it for Saturday‘s distribution. Thanks to the following scouts and scouters who made this possible:

John Fryer Eric Fryer Anthony Fryer Miguel Alonso R.J. Grant Mrs. Aimee McCabe

The next food bank opportunity will be at the Sharp Street Church, on the 19th of February at 4:15 PM. Sharp Street Church is located on MD Route 108 east of Olney, across from Olney Elementary. Help is always appreciated.

Third Annual Webelos Visit – February 22 and March 1

The troop will hold its Third Annual Webelos visit nights on Monday February 22 and Monday March 1, 7:30 to about 9 PM, at St. John‗s, in place of the regular troop and patrol meetings, respectively. Webelos II Cub Scouts from local packs, and parents, will attend on February 22. And in response to a request from Mrs. Grant, who is also a Webelos I den leader, we will host Webelos I scouts from those same packs in a second exhibition on March 1. Boys who are not presently in Cub Scouts, but who may be considering Boy Scouts, are also welcome to attend, along with their parents. 6

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Each patrol will be demonstrating skills learned and used in Boy Scouts. Patrol skill assignments were made at the January TLC/BOR meeting. Scouts and scouters in contact with local packs, please make them aware of this opportunity and get this on their calendars. Questions can be directed to [email protected] . This was a popular event both of the past two years and we expect it to be equally so this time.

This is YOUR opportunity to show Cub Scouts and parents what Scouting has done for you, and we hope it will kindle enthusiasm in the Webelos scouts to tread the same path beyond Cub Scouts, whether with Troop 264 or elsewhere. Information about Troop 264 is always available on the troop‗s website, www.troop264olney.net, and in the recent Signaler newsletters therein, and via e-mail at [email protected].

Merit Badge Madness – March 26 - 28

23 scouts from Troop 264 have signed up to participate in Merit Badge Madness, which is held annually by the Four Rivers District of the Baltimore council. It is sited on the grounds of the Annapolis Christian School branch in Odenton, MD (formerly Sulin‘s Farm). Scouts have the opportunity to work on one or two merit badges over the course of the weekend.

Presently we have submitted the registration forms for the scouts and scouters who signed up and are awaiting confirmation from the registrar as to which scouts will complete which badges. Scouts will then need to complete the prerequisite work for their merit badges.

We will be camping at the site, Friday to Sunday noon. Cost for food has yet to be determined. Questions may be directed to Mr. Dale Bickel, [email protected].

Laurel Caverns – April 30 – May 2

Scouts — If you have not done this outing before, you will find this trip well worth the cost and effort!

By popular demand, and for the fourth year in a row, Troop 264 is headed back to Laurel Caverns at Uniontown, PA, three hours distant from Olney. Mr. Wiersma has made reservations for 12 scouts to do the Climbing Merit Badge (climbing and rappelling inside the cave!) at 9 AM on Saturday. That number can be increased to a maximum of 26 if we have interest and if the Caverns has not filled the space with other Boy Scouts. Even if you already have the merit badge, you can do the climbing and rappelling again (you just have to pay the money, of course).

Saturday afternoon at 2 pm, scouts and adults will explore the DARK part of the caverns with a guide, using flashlights. Scouts 12 and older can do the Lower Caving, scouts under age 12 on May 1 MUST do the Upper Caving. For Sunday morning at 9 AM, Mr. Wiersma has arranged for interested scouts to do either the Forestry merit badge or the Geology merit badge (scout‘s choice). The merit badge should be complete by about 1 PM and return to Olney is expected at about 4 PM.

Scouts doing the Saturday morning Climbing merit badge must travel up to Laurel Caverns Friday evening, so that we can be ready to go at 9 AM Saturday. We will stay at the Cavern‘s campsite, just a

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter few hundred yards‘ walk from the caves. Real Plumbing including showers is available in the campground.

Because of the nature of the activities, costs are higher than the usual campout. But hey, it‘s not every camping trip scouts can get up to two merit badges in a weekend! And climb and rappel inside a cave!

This was a fun trip last year and should equally be so this year. Contact Mr. Dirk Wiersma, [email protected], at the earliest opportunity if you are interested. ______

A quick summary of the activities and costs follow. Two costs are shown for the individual activities: the first is for the scout while the second is for the adult ―observer‖ (an adult not participating in the merit badge, but who is watching the merit badge activities).

Waiver Release Forms must be completed by each Climbing Merit Badge participant, and by each Cave Exploration participant as follows:

• Each scout participating in the Climbing MB must complete the waiver form at http://www.laurelcaverns.com/ClimbingandRappelling.htm , along with a parent or guardian.

• Each scout AND each adult participating in the Saturday afternoon Cave Exploring must complete the form at http://www.laurelcaverns.com/awarenessandreleaseform.htm (Lower Caving) or . http://www.laurelcaverns.com/uppercavingreleaseform.htm (Upper Caving). Completed waiver forms must be given to Mr. Wiersma by the beginning of April. ______

_____ $44 / $9 -- Climbing Merit Badge. Scouts have the opportunity to complete the Climbing merit badge in one day. Scouts act as climbers and belayers on a climbing wall, and rappel three times off of a 40 foot high ledge inside the cave, all under the guidance of Boy Scout certified climbing instructors Scouts must complete the First Aid and the climbers‘ knots requirements for the merit badge BEFORE arriving (we will work on them), and may be asked to demonstrate such knowledge before climbing. This activity will take place on 9:00 AM Saturday morning, until about 12:30 PM.

Scouts who already have the Climbing merit badge may participate (and they too will be expected to know the same knots and first aid requirements), but priority will be given to those scouts working on the merit badge. But as there are 26 spaces potentially available for scouts, we expect to be able to accommodate all interested scouts.

_____ $20 / $20 -- Cave Exploration. After lunch on Saturday, scouts and scouters will descend with a guide into the UNLIGHTED portion of the cave, armed with flashlights only, to see what lies below. At the bottommost point of the tour, Lower Cave participants will be more than 400 feet below the elevation of the entrance. Most passageways in the cave are 40 feet high and similar in width, but there is a short section near the beginning of the unlighted section that is narrow with some crawling required. No observers here, scouts and scouters tread the same path and hard hats for all. Expect to see bats and climb over rocks big and little, and have fun too. No one was left behind in the cave last year, but we‘ll try harder this time.

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Scouts age 12 and over by April 25 are eligible for Lower Caving, scouts not yet 12 may do the less strenuous Upper Caving. But don‘t be fooled into thinking this is a kiddy walk. There are boulders and narrow places to be traversed. We will require at least 2 adults in both the Upper and Lower Caving activities. No difference in cost for scouts and scouters since this activity is for fun, not a merit badge.

____$17 / $9 – Geology Merit Badge. (Sunday morning at 9:00 AM.) If we have at least 6 paid scouts (and I‘m sure we will), those scouts have the opportunity to complete the Geology merit badge by 1:00 PM. This give you the opportunity to walk through a few areas of the cave that you did not see Saturday. At least 2 adult observers are required. OR

____$10 /no charge for observers – ForestryMerit Badge. (Sunday morning at 9:00 AM.) If we have at least 6 paid scouts, those scouts have the opportunity to complete the Forestry merit badge by 1:00 PM. At least 2 adult observers are required.

____$12 / $12 – Camping is $6 per night for two nights, right at the Laurel Caverns site. There are flush toilets and coin-operated showers available. Participants for the Climbing merit badge must arrive Friday night, since the Climbing merit badge program commences promptly at 9:00 AM on Saturday.

____$21 / $21 – Meals and patch. $21 per person for meals on Saturday (breakfast and supper) and Sunday breakfast. We will do troop cooking. Participants should bring a bag lunch for Saturday since there is not enough time to return to the campsite between the Climbing and Cave Exploration activities. Part of this cost also includes a Laurel Caverns patch for all participants.

To sign up, contact Mr. Dirk Wiersma (Mammoth patrol), [email protected]. A few Geology, Forestry, and Climbing merit badge books are available from the troop library, or may be purchased at the Scout store, or ordered online through http://www.scoutstuff.org. It‘s important to read the merit badge books (particularly for the Climbing MB) so that you understand what‘s expected. Scouts that are prepared will spend more time climbing and rappelling instead of reviewing the book material with the counselor. ______

FIRST AID SUMMARY FOR THE CLIMBING MERIT BADGE: KNOW THESE!

Heat Reactions result when the body can no longer keep cool.

Heat Exhaustion: Person feels dizzy, faint, nauseous, headache, pale or sweating heavily, treat for Heat Exhaustion. Lie down; raise feet, cool person with wet cloth and fan. Sip water slowly.

Heat Stroke: Occurs when body's heat control system shuts down. Skin may be wet or dry but will flushed and hot. Pulse will be very fast and person may be unconscious. Cool rapidly through immersion or with cold packs. Treat for shock and seek medical attention ASAP. When victim is able to drink give them all the water they want.

Hypothermia: Occurs when a person is so cold they can no longer keep warm. In extreme cases death can result. Hypothermia can sneak up on climber/camper, especially on a cold windy day. A person with hypothermia will be shaking, possibly teeth chattering. As the condition worsens the person will get more

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter confused. If you see these symptoms on a person they need to be warmed up. Move person to tent or shelter and remove wet clothing and place in a blanket or sleeping bag. Give them warm drinks only if the person is alert enough to drink. In extreme cases the person must be actively warmed. Place them in a sleeping bag and climb in with them.

Frostbite: Cold weather, especially if it is windy, brings with it the threat of frostbite. Frostbite occurs when a portion of the body becomes frozen. The area of frostbite will stiffen and become grayish white in color. This area needs to be warmed back up if there is no danger of refreezing. Put cold feet on someone else's bare belly or put hands in your armpits to warm them up.

Rope Burns: Rope burns or friction burns can occur anytime climbers allow the rope to pass too quickly through their hands, or when a fast moving rope comes in contact the body. A rope burn is characterized by raw red skin and sometimes blistering. If a burn does occur treat the area with mild soap and water to prevent infection. The best protection against rope burns is to wear gloves.

Stings and insect bites: Carefully scrape away the stinger with the edge of a knife blade or credit card. An ice pack might reduce pain and swelling. Hydrocortisone cream applied to insect bites will help with itching. In cases where there is a severe reaction, get medical help.

Tick Bites: Pull tick out with tweezers by grasping close to skin and gently pulling until it comes loose. If the tick has been embedded for more than a day or was difficult to remove, see your doctor.

Snakebite: Snakebite is rare and seldom fatal. Get medical help ASAP. Remove rings and any other jewelry that might be a problem with swelling. Have victim lie down and keep them calm, this will slow down the spread of the venom. Apply a broad constricting band 2-4 inches above the bite to slow spread of the venom. Make sure that the band is not tight enough to cut off the blood circulation completely. Periodically check for pulses on both sides of the band.

Abrasions and Blisters: For abrasions clean disinfect and cover the wound. For blisters, stop immediately and apply moleskin to protect the blister. If the blister breaks, treat it like an abrasion or minor cut.

Sprains: A sprain is caused by a twisting, wrenching or lifting movement that tears or stretches tissues surrounding a joint. Elevate the area for and apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes. If your first aid kit has an ice bandage apply that to the affected area.

Fractures: Broken bones can be either closed (simple) or open (compound). If you suspect a fracture don't move the injured area to test for pain. Look for these signs:

1. Tenderness to touch over the site of the break. 2. Swelling or bruising at the fracture site. 3. An unusual or abnormal shape, position, or movement of bone or joint. 4. A grating sound or feeling 5. Inability to move the injured limb. 6. The victim may have heard or felt a bone snap. 7. A compound fracture will have all the above plus an open wound.

Splint the injured limb and get medical help ASAP.

~ By Mr. Ron Hoggard for the Climbing MB, 2007

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KNOTS FOR THE CLIMBING MERIT BADGE

For all these knots (especially the Double Fisherman‘s Knot, which is not well illustrated below), see http://www.animatedknots.com !

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Climbers’ Knots

Webelos Weekend – April 23-24-25

Webelos Weekend is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of April 23-25. This is when Webelos Cub Scouts camp with T264 scouts and engage in fun activities over the weekend. No details yet, but put this on your calendar!

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

NCAC Centennial Camporee at Goshen Memorial Day Weekend – May 29 - 31

The National Capitol Area Council will hold its Centennial Camporee at on May 29-31, 2010. Registration to attend is done by through the troop, and interested scouts and scouters must be registered by January 15. After that, substitutions in the troop roster may be made up to February 15. The cost is $25 per person, and this will be collected from the registered persons starting January 4 (make checks out to BSA Troop 264) . Of course, there will be additional costs for food and transportation later, but for now you are only risking the $25.

This is said to be the first council-wide camporee that the council has held since the nation‘s Bicentennial in 1976. Thousands of scouts, Cub Scouts, and Ventures are expected to attend. Activities include competitions as well as opportunities for scouts to complete requirements up through First Class. See http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=33166&orgkey=2010 for early information on the activities.

NCAC Council has again extended the registration date to February 15. So if you missed out previously, here‘s your second chance. Troop 264 presently has 52 scouts and scouters signed up to go (with paymenr submitted to council), which makes this the largest troop outing in years.

Early plans call on us to leave Olney early Saturday morning, arriving at Goshen in the late morning. Return to Olney later Monday afternoon (Memorial Day). More details as the date approaches.

Contact Mr. Dale Bickel to sign up, [email protected], 301-774-0416. Last date to sign up is February 15. Cost for the registration is $25. There will be costs later for food and transport but we will work those out in the next few months. Please double check the following list and let me know of any corrections!

35 Scouts presently signed up: Kevin Carr Jim Bickel William Santos Michael Russell Gavin Mangolas Justin Stine Matt McDonald Jacob Wiersma Anthony Fryer John Fryer Tim Morris RJ Grant Ryan King Anthony Justus Chris Cymerman Patrick Stoll Tripp Karitis Peter Barth Brenden Fout Joshua Fowler Jonathan Godfrey Sam Jones Jacob Levy Jake Anderson Kristian Gunderson Max Simpson Bradley Neufeld Jeremy Neufeld Enrique Alonso Miguel Alonso Daniel Grant Eric Fryer Jacen Sherman Gerad Sherman David Light

18 Scouters presently signed up. Note: Adults may be asked by the Council to assist with program activities on Sunday. Dale Bickel Jim Carr Doug Long Martin Predoehl Mark Russell Tim Garrity Bret Stine Cindy King Rick Justus John Cymerman Rich Stoll Al Barth Kirk Jones Chris Simpson Joseph Matyas Gary Matyas Richard Morris Donald Light

Do You Need to Review Your Knots?

If you need to review your knots prior to your next BOR or the next campout, check out http://www.animatedknots.com. It is very good for visually demonstrating how to tie knots. Click on the Scouting Emblem for knot demonstrations.

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8 Merit Badges In a WEEK! Advancement Camp at Camp Twin Echo – July 11-17

The Greater Pittsburgh Council has just announced the merit badges for this year‘s lineup at Advancement Camp. Camp Twin Echo is a scout camp near Ligonier, PA, about 3½ hours from Olney. This year, the first week of Advancement Camp corresponds to the week BEFORE summer camp at Heritage Scout Reservation (Advancement Camp is July 11-17, summer camp is July 18-24). This is an ideal way to pick up several merit badges in a week.

Scouts must register individually, as we do not do this camp as a troop. However, T264 scouts have attended each of the last three years and some will do so this year. Scouts must arrange their own transportation. Car pooling is possible, we can work that out closer to the date. The distance between Camp Twin Echo and Heritage Scout Reservation is about 50 miles, so you can go from one camp to the other with an overnight somewhere in between..

For a list of the merit badges to be offered (great lineup!) and a link to the on-line registration portal, please see: http://www.gpc-bsa.org/Camping/AdvancementCamp.asp

USNA NESA – January 15 - 17

The NESA jamboree started with the troop meeting at St. Johns‘s. Here we packed ourselves and gear into two vehicles, and drove for about an hour to the campsite [YMCA Camp Letts]. When we arrived, after dark, there were already other troops set up, and so we set up towards the far end of the field. Since there were no activities that night, another troop invited us to play Manhunt, which we played for about four hours before we split up into other activities. Eventually, we went to bed.

Next morning, we awoke at 6am to a quick breakfast, and then headed off to the opening ceremony. Here, the flag was raised, and we went off to our merit badges. My first badge was Fire Safety, where we sat and talked for 30 minutes and then built fires in groups of four. The staff didn‘t really care that much, and had my group build it under a pine tree with hundreds of dead twigs hanging several feet above the firespot. But the fire was out before the tree ignited, fortunately. After that, we went to another location where we put on simulation Kevlar vests and helmets and picked up rubber M-16‘s and performed drills such as how to advance on an enemy sniper. When we were going back, we watched the Humvees and the military trucks

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roll past on their way to set up for the lunchtime Marines exhibition. After we put the rubber guns and fake Kevlar armor away, we picked up our stuff and headed back to camp to get lunch. After eating, we went to check out the Marines‘ display. They had several Humvees, one towing a generator and the other with a grenade launcher mounted on top, as well as 8-year old robots no longer in use, military construction equipment, small artillery, and the recruiter desk. After lunch ended, there was the second merit badge to attend. The orienteering badge I already had, so I didn‘t do much at all. We followed one orienteering curse, and then we were finished. We headed back to camp to have dinner. We built a fire with flaming turds (―Firelogs‖) and then real wood. After a long time, after dinner was finished and night fallen, came the ―Big Show.‖ This was a presentation by a VIP as well as a bunch of skits done by individual troops. We then went to bed. The next morning, we woke up, packed camp, waited to sign out, and left before 8am. ~Jim Bickel

The campsite was changed late in the planning for this event to use YMCA Camp :Letts in place of the earlier site. That was a plus since it allowed us to have above-ground fires. The temperature soared to almost 50° that Saturday, far better than the 20s ightand low 30s we had been seeing the previous three weeks. Friday night, the temperature dropped enough for the awarding of 3 polar bear points. Not so Saturday night, where the temperature stayed above 32° We packed up early just as a day-long rain was beginning. ~ Mr. Dale Bickel

Merit Badged:

Tripp Karitis Wilderness Survival Orienteering Holland McCabe Wilderness Survival Orienteering Enrique Alonso Fire Safety Orienteering Jim Bickel Fire Safety Michael Russell First Aid Orienteering Victor Santos Wilderness Survival Orienteering William Santos Wilderness Survival Pioneering

Adults: Mr. Dale Bickel Mr. Mark Russell

Winter Campout – January 23 - 24

We met Saturday morning at 7:30 at St. John‘s. At that time it was still only 26˚ but there was a clear sky and the sun, still low, promised a warmer day. We proceeded out to Soldiers Delight NEA (Natural Environment Area) off Deer Park Road near Owings Mills, MD.

The visitors‘ center there is normally closed between November and March. However, the kindly let our scout group in to look at the exhibits in the room. We learned that Indians used to conduct burns to help keep the area grassland (for hunting purposes) and that later, cattle grazing on the grounds kept down tree

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter species such as Virginia Pine which can grow in the ―barrens‖. But with grazing no longer in effect, species such as the Virginia Pine are expanding into the barrens, crowding out rare and native species that require the grassland barren to survive. To counter this, volunteers today cut down the pine trees, and conduct controlled burns, leaving the native scrub oak that grows in the poor soil.

Soldiers Delight is the largest remaining serpentine barren in the Eastern United States. At one time the barrens covered 100,000 acres in Maryland, today the total is around 1,700 acres. ―Serpentine‖ refers to a particular type of greenish rock – exposed at a number of places along the trails – that contains magnesium and other metals and few plant nutrients. As it erodes, the resulting soil can support few plants (particularly deep rooted plants), and so the landscape is mainly grassland and scrub oak and pines. Of the plants in the area, a number are rare and endangered.

Soldiers Delight was the scene of minor Civil War skirmishes between Union troops and Maryland volunteers of the Confederate Army. But the name Soldiers Delight long predates the Civil War, and was first recorded in 1694.

We hiked along the Serpentine and across the restored grasslands, then onto the Choate Trail. By this time it was late morning, and the temperature had warmed up to about 40˚, and the frozen trail was thawing and becoming muddy in places. We passed the choate mine, which was completely filled with water. Chromium was mined in this area, along with metals and substances. In fact, in the early 1800s, Maryland was the world‘s largest producer of the metal chrome, with most of it being exported to Europe. Chromium mining continued sporadically in the late 1800s to the first quarter of the 1900s.

A little further on, we ran into a group working on clearing an area for restoration. The volunteer coordinator explained about the process and what they hoped to achieve, and also noted that scrub oak in the area, that might be only look to be 6 to 8 inches in diameter and 25 feet tall, could well be a couple of hundred years old. Very slow growth is caused by the adverse soil in which these trees grew.

Having completed our hike, we had our bag lunch on the sunny picnic tables behind the visitors‘ center, after which we continued on to Camp Cone at Gunpowder Falls State Park. Camp Cone, we later learned from a longtime local resident, was at one time a Boy Scout camp that was later sold to the state park system. The campground, with about 10 sites, was completely deserted except for ourselves. Scouts set up the white shelter and then we set up tents and cooking gear, after which scouts collected and split a quantity of wood for that evening‘s ―Jimmy fire‖. Jim cooked a fish he had brought to meet a requirement for the Fly Fishing merit badge and other scouts completed requirements toward the Tenderfoot rank or merit badges. Mr. Morris arrived to camp during the later afternoon.

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Virginia Pine – an invasive species! Grasslands (restored area)

Supervisor for the volunteer work crew (above)  Old mine entrance (rails not original)

As the sun went down, Anthony and Jim organized the cooking of the ―breakfast-dinner‖. The intention here was to afford the scouts an opportunity to cook a breakfast, since most times (as was the case Sunday morning) we usually have simple food like cereal to permit us to pack up quicker. This time we had bacon, sausages, eggs, pancakes, and French toast. Nine burners were in operation at one time, and all scouts participated in the cooking without complaint, with Anthony and Jim providing guidance and help. Supper was ready in about 40 minutes and consumed in less time than that. There was just enough for everyone, not much left for seconds. Scouts then did a great job of cleaning up afterward.

Following that was of course the campfire. Jim did his best to try and burn all the wood within a few hours but was restrained by the rest. Nevertheless, the fire burned hot and bright once it was well started. By 8 PM there was a

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter glaze of ice in the fire-water bucket and a quarter moon overhead. Toward 10 PM scouts put out the fire and all went to bed.

Sunday morning we were up at 6:30 for hot chocolate and the aforementioned simple breakfast, after which we broke down camp. A little after 8 AM, we were all packed up and ready to go. At about the point where we reached the Baltimore Beltway it began to sprinkle in advance of the heavier rain expected that afternoon. Too late! we were dry. ~ Mr. Dale Bickel Participants:

Gavin Mangolas Matt McDonald Tim Morris Zach Wilson Kevin Carr Jim Bickel Anthony Justus Bradley Neufeld Jeremy Neufeld Mr. Dennis Bogan Mr. Anthony Justus Mr. Bob Irvin Mr. Dale Bickel *Mr. Richard Morris # Mrs. Ann Carr #Mr. Jim Carr #(hiked only) *(camped only)

More info: Soldiers Delight NEA Trail Guide: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/soldiersguide.html Maryland Geological Survey: Soldiers Delight Serpentine Barrens: http://www.mgs.md.gov/esic/features/soldiers.html

For reservations at Camp Cone, call the Gunpowder Falls State Park ranger station. To locate Camp Cone, use Google map directions to find Camp Cone Road in Harford County or Glen Arm, MD.

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Seabase 2010 Update – Cast Off in 5 Months!

Airline reservations have been made for all those who said they wanted them. The next payment, the second half of the Seabase reservation, will be collected in early March.

1) Ryan King is the scout Crew Leader for the Tall Ship. Unlike Philmont where there were several key positions to be filled ahead of time (e.g., Crew Leader, Chef, Quartermaster, etc.), the captains of our ships will assign rotating duties (such as sail rigging, food prep, clean-up, watch duty) once we get there. Crew Leaders will begin to play an increasingly active and responsible role in the planning and execution from here on out.

2) You are encouraged to keep up with payments or savings to cover the estimated $1,500 per person total cost of this trip. To date, each committed participant should have paid at least the $100 initial deposit and the first ½ (ship) payment of $330 (payable to “BSA Troop 264” with all checks given to Mrs. Debbie Karitis). We recommend that you continue to make monthly payments of $120 per person each month, to spread the financial impact over a longer period of time. Please include the SEABASE Installment Payment form from the next-to-last page of this Signaler with each payment, to make tracking easier. We hope to have cost estimates for airfare within the next 30 to 60 days. The second ½ (ship) payment of $330 will be due next March.

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FYI - Sea Base Cancellation Policies:

1. The $100 per person reservation deposit is transferable within a crew during the SAME CALENDAR YEAR (the names may change as long as the count remains the same). These funds may not be applied to any other crew.

2. Crews canceling between the time of application and first 1/2 payment (October 1, 2009 for us) will lose the non-refundable deposit per cancelled crew.

3. Crews canceling after first 1/2 payment has been (October 1, 2009 for us) made will lose 100% of fees paid.

4. Crews canceling after second 1/2 payment (April 1, 2010 for us) has been made will lose 100% of fees paid.

5. If your cancelled crew is rebooked you will be refunded all your fees paid to date except the $100 per person non- refundable deposit. Refunds will be mailed within 30 days.

6. Within a crew, cancellation of individual participants will result in forfeiture of their deposit fee and all fees paid to date for that individual (unless we can find a replacement in sufficient time).

IMPORTANT!! CLEARING CUSTOMS!! IMPORTANT!! Every participant MUST have a valid current United States Passport. Without proper identification you will not be allowed to enter the Bahamas and you will be sent home. Visit http://www.travel.state.gov/ for more information on obtaining a passport. If you already have one, check to make sure it will not expire before our return! If you need a passport, or need to renew a passport, this should be your top priority right now. It may take 6 months to obtain one.

For those who like to “be prepared” by shopping early, here’s WHAT TO BRING to Sea Base “Bahamas Sailing Adventures” (from the Participant Guide) Questions? Speak to veteran Sea Basers Patrick Vaughn, Joe Matyas, or Mr. Gary Matyas.

• 1 Set of Field or Activity uniforms • Several T-shirts (we will have Troop 264 crew shirts made) • Lightweight rain gear • Sunglasses with strap (polarized are best) • Non-oily sunscreen (SPF 30+) • 1-2 pairs of shorts • Pants, long-sleeve shirt & light jacket (December & Spring only) • Toiletry kit • Wide brimmed hat • 2 – 3 pair of socks • Deck shoes • Large-mouth water bottle with carabiner (if you like coffee, a mug in addition is good) • One sheet and warm blanket or sleeping bag • Sleeping pad – Backpacking style • Swimsuit (modest style) • 2 towels and a small pillow • Bug spray • Prescription medications • Valid U.S. Passport – Apply for this NOW if you do not have one, or if it expires before August 2010 • Completed Medical Insurance information form • Flashlight • 24‖ duffel bag, to contain all gear except sleeping pad DO NOT BRING • MP3, iPod, video game player • Fireworks NOTE: Make sure you can successfully pass the BSA Swim Test. • Skateboards NOTE: Make sure your name is on the crew roster your leader sends us. NOTE: Don‘t forget to bring a photocopy of front and back of insurance card. 20

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OPTIONAL ITEMS • Camera (waterproof if possible) NOTE: Save $15 cash for your departure tax. (your airline ticket may include this) • Personal snorkel gear • Extra money ($100—$125) • Bonine® (for seasickness) • Skin-So-Soft lotion (non-DEET insect repellant alternative)

PACKING YOUR GEAR All your gear (except sleeping pad) must fit in a 24‖ duffel bag, about the size of a pillowcase. No suitcases or frame backpacks can be used. You will be living on a sailing vessel during the entire adventure. Space is limited so you must only bring what you need. **REMEMBER:** There is no storage available for your crew. All belongings will have to go with you on the vessel, which are tight quarters. Keep this in mind and travel light!

RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM HEIGHT WEIGHT (LBS.) ACCEPTANCE (LBS.) This table is based on the revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. 5’ 0” 97-138 166 Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Resources. 5’ 1” 101-143 172 5’ 2” 104-148 178 FYI: Other key dates by which 5’ 3” 107-152 183 tasks/forms are due at BSA Sea Base 5’ 4” 111-157 189 (Adult leaders will be working to meet each deadline PRIOR to these dates): 5’ 5” 114-162 195 5’ 6” 118-167 201 90 days prior to arrival - Final ½ 5’ 7” 121-172 207 payments made to Sea Base (April 1) (Troop will request this from 5’ 8” 125-178 214 participants about mid-March, 2010) 5’ 9” 129-185 220 5’ 10” 132-188 226 90 days prior to arrival - National BSA 5’ 11” 136-194 233 Tour Permits filed by adult leaders (April 1) 6’ 0” 140-199 239

6’ 1” 144-205 246 30 days prior to arrival - Crew rosters 6’ 2” 148-210 252 submitted to Sea Base by adult leaders 6’ 3” 152-216 260 (June 1)

6’ 4” 156-222 267 30 days prior to arrival - All 6’ 5” 160-228 274 participants‘ BSA Swim Tests passed in 6’ 6” 164-234 281 6’ 7” & taller 170-240 295 Maryland (June 1). However, expect to be swim-tested again on arrival!

Important Sea Base Links:

Participant Guide (ALL participants should read this): http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/participant_guide.pdf

Sea Base Health and Medical Record. All participants must complete within 12 months of departure: http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/medical.pdf

Sea Base Health and Medical Record. All participants must complete within 12 months of departure: http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/medical.pdf. Participants should expect to go through a medical re-

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check before the boat departs. Those who do not pass will not be allowed on board. Any expenses incurred as a result of nonparticipation are the responsibility of the participant.

Current SEABASE CREW ROSTERS

Crew 1: Bahamas Tall Ship Adventure (crew size 18-20; July 3-9, 2010) Gary Sherman (Coordinator, registered & trained adult leader) Mr. Dale Bickel (registered & trained adult leader) Jacen Sherman Gerad Sherman Crew 2 - Bahamas Adventure James Bickel (Crew size 6-8; July 7-13, 2010) Peter Kirk Mr. Gary Matyas (registered and trained adult leader) Mr. Jim Kirk Mr. Tim McCabe (registered and trained adult leader) Michael Russell Holland McCabe Mr. Mark Russell Joe Matyas Kevin Carr Enrique Alonso Mr. Jim Carr Scott Maxham Ryan King Tripp Karitis Mr. Mark King Mrs. Cindy King Jonathan Godfrey Crew 1 Alternates (in order): Mr. Sheldon Godfrey Mr. Pat Orzel Brandon Orzel Conor Ellis Crew 2 Alternates: (in order) Ryan Mercado Mr. Jonathan Agre Mr. Bill Mercado Mr. Bill Mercado Daniel Agre

Gary B Sherman, MS, DVM, PhD (a.k.a. ―White Beard‖) National Program Leader For Veterinary Science Off: 202-401-4952 Mobile: 202-445-5561 [email protected] USDA. National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA; formerly CSREES), 800 9th St SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

New Boy Scout Rank Advancement Changes Effective January 1, 2010

The Centennial edition of the is available and with it come several Boy Scout rank requirement changes that will be in effect as of January 1, 2010. Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Life, and Eagle, as well as Eagle Palms, are affected. The current requirements remain in effect until December 31, 2009.

2010 Rank Requirement Changes Tenderfoot.

A scout must teach another person how to tie a square knot using the EDGE method (explain, demonstrate, guide, and enable). He must also be able to discuss four specific examples of how he lived the points of the in his daily life.

Second Class.

A scout must discuss the principles of Leave No Trace and explain the factors to consider when choosing a patrol site and where to pitch a tent.

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He must explain what respect is due the flag of the United States.

He must again discuss four examples of how he lived four different points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

He must earn an amount of money agreed upon by the scout and his parents and save at least 50% of it.

First Class.

An additional requirement to the 10 separate troop/patrol activities states that he must demonstrate the principle of Leave No Trace on these outings.

He must discuss four examples of how he lived the remaining four points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

Life.

A scout must use the EDGE model to teach a younger scout a specified skill.

Star, Life, and Eagle.

Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer are two new leadership positions.

The following statement is from page 443 of the 12th Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook and applies to all Boy Scout ranks (including Eagle Palms):

The rank requirements in this book are official as of January 1, 2010. If a Scout has started work toward a rank before that date using requirements that were current before January 1, 2010, he may complete that rank only using

the old requirements. Any progress toward a rank that is begun after January 1, 2010, must use the requirements as they are presented in the Handbook or in the Boy Scout Requirements book.

CLARIFICATIONS:

Although this paragraph is listed on the Eagle Palm page, it applies to each of the ranks from Tenderfoot to Eagle, including the Eagle Palm. The scout has the option after January 1, 2010 to continue to use the current requirements for the next rank (grandfathered) or to use the new requirements.

If a scout is working on Tenderfoot as of December 31, 2009, and does not have a Board of Review until January 2, 2010, the scout may use the old requirements. Although the scout may work on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class all at the same time, when the BOR for the next rank is completed in 2010, the new requirements apply for the next rank.

Examples:

1. If a scout has finished all the requirements for Second Class and First Class, and has his BOR for Second Class on January 4, 2010 and is scheduled for his BOR for First Class on January 5, 2010, the new requirements apply for First Class. 2. If the scout is working toward earning the rank of Star, Life, or Eagle, he may choose to use the two new positions of responsibility (Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer) which are authorized only after January 1, 2010.

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Although the two new positions of responsibility (Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer) are not included in the list on the Eagle requirements page (Handbook and QRG) or on the current Eagle scout rank application, they do apply and can be used for the rank of Eagle Scout after January 1, 2010.

Note: When the 2010 Boy Scout Requirements book is published, these positions should be listed. This book takes precedence over all other sources containing the advancement requirements.

~ From an e-mail by Rick Kessel, Chairman, Advancement Committee, NCAC [email protected]

Video Training for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class

Scouting.org has videos available to help scouts with the rank requirements of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. These short videos include the new requirements listed immediately above.

http://www.scouting.org/applications/rankvideo.aspx

Troop Activity Policy

Please be reminded that it is troop policy (and common courtesy) for a scout or scouter to pay the costs associated with an event he or she has signed up for but did not attend, without being asked. No-shows increase the costs to the troop and the participants, require the troop to reserve unneeded space and transport excess equipment, and results in wasted food and materials. We realize that situations inevitably will occur that prevent a scout from attending events, and ask that the scout or scouter contact the person organizing the event right away. If the conflict is raised early enough, adjustments can often be made where food has not yet been purchased or reservations have not been finalized.

Getting Credit for Troop Activities

It‘s important that everyone who participates in Troop 264 campouts, trips, and community service activities gets credit for their hard work. The Signaler provides the permanent record of everyone who attends these events. Patrol leaders need to take responsibility for collecting the names of participants in their patrols and send those lists, preferably by email, to the Signaler staff by the monthly deadline. E-mail lists to [email protected]. This month’s deadline: January 21.

District Roundtable

Our Boy Scout Roundtables feature informative discussions on topics from youth leadership training, using OA more effectively in your troop, and summer camp experiences. Each month there are wonderful presentations, from wood carving to Dutch oven cooking, to help your unit leaders provide new ideas and opportunities for your troop. Come see what great new locations your troop might want to visit!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NOW ONLY ONE ROUNDABLE SESSION AT ONE LOCATION. The Roundtable time is held on the second Thursday of each month, at 7:30 PM.

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, located on Highway 355 near the Shady Grove exit of Interstate 270, 610 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

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Patrols are assigned to cover this event on a rotating basis, as listed on the calendar in the Signaler, and must send one adult to take notes and report back at the following Troop Adult meeting.

To find out more about the Roundtable, or to sign up to make a presentation, contact Bill Lanson at (301) 774-8040 or [email protected].

Resources for Planning Troop Outings

On the troop website, under ―Outings‖ at http://www.troop264olney.net/outings.html, you will find links to information about places the troop has visited, as well as:

 Guide and Checklist for Planning Troop Outings, which provides a step-by-step guide for Scouts and adults to plan a successful trip;

 Troop Outing Expense Accounting spreadsheet, to help Scouts and adults ensure that costs of troop outings are fully covered;

 Historical Hikes and Camping Summary Form, that Scouts and adults can download and complete or update with new information about particular hikes and campouts that can then be sent to the troop webmaster [presently Mr. Bickel] for uploading to the troop website; and

 Links to completed summary forms containing information about various historical hikes and campouts the troop has done, including information about Scout patches or medals that can be earned and information about accessibility for physically-challenged Scouts or adults.

For further information about any of these tools, contact Mr. Bob Irvin at [email protected].

To Get Leadership Credit for Den Chief Service

If you are serving as a Den Chief for leadership credit, prior to your BOR must notify Mr. Matyas. You should obtain a note from your Pack Den Leader and/or cubmaster. This letter should include: (1) the dates you served as a Den Chief (at least six months); (2), The Pack and Den you served with; and (3) include the signature(s) of the Den Leader, Cubmaster, and /or Pack Committee Chairperson and the date they signed off. Submit this letter to Mr. Matyas prior to your BOR. (301)-570-0610, [email protected].

Den Chief Fast Start training (required) may be taken in about 30 minutes online at http://olc.scouting.org. Print copies of the completion certificate, as you will need to give one to the den leader.

To earn the Den Chief Service Award, you must serve the pack faithfully as a den chief for one full year.

―I chose the path of least resistance and have been going downhill since.‖ ~ Frank and Ernest comic strip, January 11, 2010

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T264 Scout Leadership

Senior Patrol Leader: Holland McCabe Assistant SPLs: Anthony Justus Tripp Karitis Troop Offices:

Chaplain‘s Aide: Anthony Justus Librarian: Jonathan Godfrey Scribe: Ryan McFarlane Troop Quartermaster: Victor Santos Historian: Ryan King Instructor: Victor Santos Troop Guides: Justin Stine & Ryan Mercado OA Representative: Anthony Justus Buglers: Kevin Carr & Peter Barth Signaler Editor: Jim Bickel

Patrol Offices:

Shark Patrol: Fox Patrol: Patrol leader: Peter Wilbur Patrol Leader: Scott Maxham Asst. patrol leader: Jonathan Godfrey Asst. Patrol Leader: Brandon Orzel Patrol quartermaster: Holland McCabe Patrol quartermaster: Ryan Mercado / Scott Signaler reporter: Victor Santos

Hawk Patrol: Viking Patrol: Patrol leader: Jeremy Neufeld Patrol Leader: Michael Russell Asst. patrol leader: Justin Stine Asst. Patrol Leader: Michael Russell Patrol quartermaster: Ryan King Patrol quartermaster: Jim Bickel Signaler reporter: William Santos

Mammoth Patrol: Patrol leader: Jacob Wiersma Asst. patrol leader: Matthew McDonald Patrol quartermaster: Zach Wilson and Matthew McDonald

Scouting University – January 30, 2010

Scouting University is held annually in late January at Elizabethtown College at Elizabethtown, PA, 2 hours distant from Olney. Scouts may pick up two merit badges during the daylong event. Registration commences in November. For more information, see http://www2.etown.edu/sife/ScoutingUniversity/index.asp. This year some 580 Boy and Girl Scouts attended this event.

The Elizabethtown‘s ―Scouting University‖ started out by us leaving Olney a little after 5 AM. After a couple of hours driving, we arrived at the College, where we signed in and waited about an hour before the opening ceremony began. After the opening ceremony, I headed off to my American Business* merit badge. I was prepared with my prerequisites, as well as most of the other people in my class. We talked about the structure of banks, corporations, and labor unions. We talked about the businesses we ran for three months, and the stocks we kept track of. Eventually, we finished, turned in our blue cards, and waited half an hour. After the wait, it was time to head off to the second class. I headed over to Fly Fishing where I learned how make flies, tie fishing 26

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter knots, and cast a fly fishing rod [inside the auditorium, since it was 18° outside]. A guest speaker showed up and talked to our class of about 12 scouts. He talked about his love for fly fishing, and how in Alaska he loves to fish for 40 pound fish. After he left, I found out he was, in fact, a U.S. Supreme Court justice. After the presentation, the merit badge ended, and I left the Scouting University with two more merit badges.

~ Jim Bickel

* American Business is the rarest merit badge of them all, according to Wikipoedia: 539 awarded nationwide in 2007.

The Mysterious Voynich Manuscript

From the Astronomy Picture of the Day website at http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ for January 31, 2010. ―Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.‖ Well worth spending some hours browsing around.

Credit: Yale University ; Digital Copyright: B. E. Schaefer (LSU) ; Large Image: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1001/voynich_schaefer_big.gif

“Explanation: The ancient text has no known title, no known author, and is written in no known language: what does it say and why does it have many astronomy illustrations? The mysterious book was once bought by an emperor, forgotten on a library shelf, sold for thousands of dollars, and later donated to Yale. Possibly written in the 15th century, the over 200-page volume is known most recently as the Voynich Manuscript, after its (re-)discoverer in 1912. Pictured above is an illustration from the book that appears to be somehow related to the Sun. The book labels some patches of the sky with unfamiliar constellations. The inability of modern historians of astronomy to understand the origins of these constellations is perhaps dwarfed by the inability of modern code-breakers to understand the book's text. Can the eclectic brain trust of APOD readers make any progress? If you think you can provide any insight, instead of sending us email please participate in a fresh online discussion. The book itself remains in Yale's rare book collection under catalog number ‗MS 408.‘‖

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Northern Tier High Adventure Base -- 2011?

Troop 264 is currently pondering whether to send crews to the Northern Tier High Adventure Base in 2011. Northern Tier actually exists as three bases, the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Ely (EE-LEE), Minnesota, the Don Roget Canoe Base in Atikokan, Ontario, and the Northern Expeditions Canoe Base in Bissett, Manitoba.

The main website, that interested scouts and scouters are encouraged to peruse, is http://www.ntier.org. Also look at http://www.ntier.org/Resources/Brochures/BSAExpedition%20Planning%20Guide2009.pdf, which has general and specific information, including possible trips, that were available this past year.

Some miscellaneous notes:

 Scouts must be 13 by the year in which they attend Northern Tier. So all scouts presently in the troop should be eligible by 2011.

 6 to 10 day trips available at Sommers and Roget Canoe Bases, 7 to 10 days at Bissett. Maximum crew size is 9 at Sommers, 12 at Roget (9 for some trips) and 12 at Bissett. These numbers include an interpreter/guide who will be assigned to each crew. Minimum 2 adults per crew, maximum 3 at Sommers, ―majority of scouts‖ (probably 4 adults) at Roget and Bissett.

 All canoe trips will have portages, up to 1.1 miles in length. ―Portage‖ means your crew must carry canoes and gear overland from one waterway to another.

 Swimming and canoeing merit badges recommended (look for these at summer camp this year). All participants will be swim tested.

 Reservations for 2011 should open up on April 1, 2010. But looking at the current Northern Tier reservation calendar for 2010, there are still a number of spots open for 2010 trips, even in December 2009. So a mad rush to register need not be made to register for 2011 trips. But if we have a crew ready April 1, we may want to register for the trip right away to get the 2011 dates we want. (Seabase still has the spotlight for 2010.)

 Crews will not do the same trips, so they may not need to arrive at the same time. This may necessitate different travel plans for each crew.

 Bissett and some Roget trips will require an extra $200 per person because the crew is flown into the remote camp by float plane.

 Like Philmont and Seabase, initially plan on a per person cost of about $1500. It might come in less than that, but no guarantees.

We expect to have a meeting sometime in February to see who might have interest. So between now and then, lease look over the available material, and decide what your preferences might be.

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INFORMATION PAGE Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

Some years ago we set up a new procedure for scouts to follow for requesting Board of Reviews. Being a large troop, we needed to give the adults sitting on the BORs some lead-time. Recently the procedure has been sliding and the adults are getting short notice because of last minute BORs being scheduled. Therefore we are restating our policy. FORGOT THE PROCEDURE? NO PROBLEM – It is almost always on one of the last pages of each Signaler edition. Also, you can look at any past edition of the Signaler for this information.

BOR Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Walt Greenspon @ (301-774-5394) no later than two Sundays (8 days) before the scheduled Board of Review. Failure to give proper notification will delay your BOR until the next month. Get your Scoutmaster Conference prior to calling Mr. Greenspon. If your scout is scheduled for the BOR, he must bring an adult with him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another scout. This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for advancement.

Dress Code for BOR: Class ―A‖ shirt, neckerchief, slide and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted). A scout hat is preferred.

Signaler Submittal Deadlines: Information Due to Reporters: February 23. Signaler distribution Date: March 1

Articles Due to Signaler Staff February 23 – No articles accepted after February 23.

The Signaler Staff

Editor: Jim Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected] Webmaster Mr. Dale Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Reporters: William Santos 301-260-8605 [email protected] Victor Santos 301-260-8605 [email protected]

Signaler Adults: Mrs. Laura Evans 301-260-1042 [email protected] Mr. Dale Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected] Adult Advisors: Scoutmaster: Mr. Dennis Bogan 301-774-2768 [email protected] Treasurer: Mrs. Debbie Karitis 301-774-9653 [email protected] Troop Committee: Mr. Mark Russell 301-774-1077 [email protected] (OA) Mr. Rick Justus 301-774-7833 [email protected] Advancement Chairman: Mr. Gary Matyas 301-570-0610 [email protected]

SPL: Jim Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Adult activity coordinators – please submit information about upcoming activities to Signaler Staff (electronically or hardcopy) by the deadline. Please contact a Signaler reporter if you would like to have a Scout generate the announcement for you. If any information about or participants of activities have been left out of the Signaler; corrections will be made in the next issue. Please send any corrections to The Signaler at [email protected].

The Signaler is posted on the troop’s website, www.troop264olney.net. Notice is sent by E-MAIL when the new Signaler edition is posted. To get on the e-mail list, or to be removed or make corrections, please send an e-mail to [email protected] (Mr. Dale Bickel).

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ADVANCEMENT INFORMATION PAGE

BOARD of REVIEW (BOR) SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES

Any scout needing a Scoutmaster Conference for Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. st Greenspon @ (301-774-5394) no later than two Sundays (8 advancement up through 1 class, needs to contact one of days) before the scheduled Board of Review. Failure to give the following for a conference: proper notification will delay your BOR for a month. Mr. Kennedy 301-774-5014 If your scout is scheduled for a BOR, he must bring an adult Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394 with him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another Mr. Laing 301-570-4235 scout. This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for Mr. Long 301-924-4365 advancement. Mr. Pitts 301-774-3208 Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974 Scout dress code for BOR will include Class “A” shirt, Mr. Culbertson 301-774-7049 neckerchief, slide, and scout pants (khaki or black pants can Mr. Zuccaro 301-774-0824 be substituted). A scout hat is preferred. Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life, and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan - (301)-774-2768, [email protected]. Preparation for the scout’s for ADVANCEMENT BOR must include being prepared to answer skill, We all recognize that Scout Spirit is hard to evaluate. We citizenship, first aid, and merit badge questions. know Scout Spirit includes being helpful and cheerful, but it is more than that…it’s giving back. In an effort to assist Patrol dads in recognizing Scout Spirit, the following guidelines are BOR for STAR and LIFE SCOUT offered. Our troop believes that prior to each advancement, ADVANCEMENTS participation in the following activities exemplify the essences of Scout Spirit: While ropes and compasses are provided for younger

ranks, by the time you are ready for Star and Life  A minimum of 1 nursing home visit advancement, you should be responsible enough to  Participation in at least 1 fundraiser bring your own knot rope and compass for your BOR.  At least 4 overnight outings per year We are requiring all scouts who are advancing to Star  Good deeds done outside of scouts or Life to bring a knot rope and compass to their BOR.

The Patrol Dad, not a senior scout, is responsible for LIFE and EAGLE SCOUTS signing off on Scout Spirit prior to your Scoutmaster Conference. as ADVISORY BOR MEMBERS

If you are a Life or Eagle Scout and would like to sit on a Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, or Star BOR, as a “Technical Expert”, call Mr. Greenspon on (301) -774-5394.

You would be the fourth person on the Board. While you wouldn’t have a vote, you would have input into the decision-making process and add invaluable knowledge and insight by asking questions that perhaps scouters wouldn’t think to ask. This is a great way to give back to and maintain the quality of your troop.

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SEABASE Installment Payment -- Please include this slip with any Seabase installment payment to T264 / Mrs. Karitis. Checks must be made out to ―BSA Troop 264‖.

Please PRINT clearly.

Name(s): ______

Amount: ______- Checks Scout Credit -______(If using scout credits, please include the scout credit form.)

Date: ______Comment: ______

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Permission Slip for Merit Badge Madness March 26-28, 2010

I give permission for my son ______to participate in the Troop 264

trip to Merit Badge Madness, Odenton, MD. In an emergency, please notify

______(indicate name and relationship to your son) at

______(phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified

medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My

son is allergic to the following medications or foods: ______.

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Valley Forge February 12-14, 2010

I give permission for my son ______to participate in the Troop 264

trip to the Valley Forge, PA. In an emergency, please notify ______

(indicate name and relationship to your son) at ______(phone). If this

person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical personnel to administer any necessary aid

or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My son is allergic to the following medications or

foods: ______.

______Parent or Guardian Signature Date

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Permission Slip for Ski Trip February 5-7, 2010

I give permission for my son ______to participate in the Troop 264

trip to Seven Springs Ski Resort in western Pennsylvania. In an emergency, please notify

______(indicate name and relationship to your son) at

______(phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified

medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My

son is allergic to the following medications or foods: ______.

______Parent or Guardian Signature Date

______Parent or Guardian Signature Date

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