The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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Website: http://www.troop264olney.net E-mail: [email protected] Upcoming Dates and Deadlines (Refer to calendars for specific times.)

July August

3-9 Seabase Tall Ship 2 Patrol meeting 5 Patrol meeting 4 National Jamboree ends 7-13 Seabase Adventure 6-8 Family Camping 11-17 Advancement Camp (1st Week) 9 Troop meeting 12 Troop Meeting re Summer Camp 12 Roundtable (Foxes) 15 Troop Adult Meeting 13–21 Montgomery County 16 Sharp Street Food Bank 16 Patrol meeting 18-24 Summer Camp at Heritage 19 Troop Adult Meeting 19 NO meeting 20 Sharp Street Food Bank 23 – Aug 4 Centennial Scouting on the Mall 23 TLC/BOR 25 Centennial Parade in Washington, D.C. 24 Signaler meeting 26 TLC/BOR 30 School starts 29 National Jamboree Day Trip 30 Troop meeting

Seabase 2010 is HERE!

Tall Ship Crew 1 departs July 3 for Marsh Harbor, Bahamas, while Adventure Ship Crew 2 departs July 7! We expect some salty stories when they return. May good weather and no scurvyness go with you! And three cheers for ―White Beard‖ Sherman who spent a lot of the last year making this all work!

Advancement Camp at Camp Twin Echo – July 11-17

Five T264 scouts are headed to Advancement Camp this year: Gavin M., Jeremy N., Bradley N., Miguel A., and Jimmy B. These scouts will have the opportunity to work on 6 merit badges during the week.

Scouts must bring the Annual Medical form (copy of the same one used for the Centennial Camporee and summer camp), the supplemental medical form (NOT the same one used for summer camp): http://www.gpc-bsa.org/Camping/stuff/medical_screening_0form.pdf , and a signed Code of Conduct form: http://www.gpc-bsa.org/Camping/stuff/Code_of_Conduct.pdf .

Prerequisite work requirements for the Medical Week merit badges are posted at: http://www.gpc-bsa.org/Camping/stuff/Week_1_Prereqs.pdf . Bring all completed work to Advancement Camp to show the counselors that you completed it.

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

JJuullyy 22001100

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3

Seabase (Tall Ship) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fourth of July Seabase (Tall Ship) Seabase (Tall Ship) Seabase (Tall Ship) Seabase (Tall Ship) Seabase (Tall Ship) Seabase (Adventure) Seabase (Adventure) Seabase (Adventure) Seabase (Adventure) Seabase (Tall Ship) Patrol meeting NO Roundtable

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Troop meeting – Seabase (Adventure) Re: Summer Camp Seabase (Adventure) Troop Adult Meeting Sharp Street Food at Brookeville Bank, 4:15 PM Seabase (Adventure) Academy 7:30 PM

Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Advancement Camp (Week 1) (Week 1) (Week 1) (Week 1) (Week 1) (Week 1) (Week 1)

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Summer Camp at Summer Camp at To Summer Camp at Heritage Scout Summer Camp at Summer Camp at Summer Camp at Heritage Scout Return from Summer Heritage Scout Reservation Heritage Scout Heritage Scout Heritage Scout Reservation Camp Reservation Reservation Reservation Reservation NO meeting Centennial Scouting Centennial Scouting on the Mall on the Mall 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 National Jamboree Signaler meeting @ 7 National Jamboree Centennial Parade (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) National Jamboree (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) National Jamboree National Jamboree Washington, D.C. National Jamboree (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) Centennial Scouting (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) Day Trip to National Centennial Scouting on the Mall Centennial Scouting Jamboree Centennial Scouting Centennial Scouting on the Mall Centennial Scouting on the Mall on the Mall on the Mall TLC/BOR on the Mall Centennial Scouting on the Mall

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

AAuugguusstt 22001100

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 End of National Jamboree National Jamboree National Jamboree National Jamboree Family Camping at Family Camping at (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) (Fort A.P. Hill, VA) Solomons Island Solomons Island (Hawks) (Hawks) Patrol meeting 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Family Camping at Troop meeting Solomons Island Service: Vikings Roundtable Montgomery County Montgomery County (Hawks) Open: New Scouts (Foxes) Fair Fair MB: New Patrol Skill: Sharks 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Troop Adult Meeting Patrol meeting at Brookeville Sharp Street Food Academy 7:30 PM Bank, 4:15 PM

Montgomery County Montgomery County Montgomery County Montgomery County Montgomery County Montgomery County Montgomery County Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

TLC/BOR Signaler meeting 7 PM

29 30 31 School starts

Troop meeting Service: Foxes Open: Sharks MB: Vikings Skill: Hawks

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Heritage Scout Reservation – July 18 - 24 – Summer Camp

Summer camp for 2010 will be at Heritage Scout Reservation near Uniontown, PA (not far from Laurel Caverns and Ohiopyle), approximately 165 miles (3 hours) from Olney. T264 will be in Camp Liberty, which is a patrol cooking camp. The fee for Camp Liberty is $300 for scouts, $130.00 for adults. A charter bus will be available for a fee of approximately $75.00. No other transportation will be provided by the troop.

A signup form is attached at the end of this Signaler, please complete it and return it, with a check made out to BSA Troop 264, to Mr. Doug Long or Mrs. Debbie Karitis. If you have not already turned in the summer camp registration forms, you MUST do so right away. New scouts coming into Troop 264 are encouraged to attend summer camp.

Mr. Long has also provided a list of the merit badges that are available, and the merit badge schedule is posted with the registration forms at the end of this Signaler. The sooner you turn in your registration forms and merit badge selections to him, the better chance you have of getting the merit badges you want this summer. You must already be registered for summer camp before Mr. Long can enter merit badge selections in the electronic reservation system.

First year scouts are enrolled in the Braddock’s Brigade program, giving scouts the opportunity to get many Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements signed off during the week. Scouts in this program continue to eat and camp with the troop, and supervision is maintained at all times.

The July 12 troop meeting will be devoted to summer camp information and issues and questions. Any scouts with food allergies MUST let Mr. Bogan know via a written note no later than July 12. A list of summer camp equipment is listed on the nest page.

Medical forms for summer camp are as follows: Annual Health and Medical Report: http://scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34605_Letter.pdf Supplemental Medical Form : http://www.heritagereservation.org/resources/summer/Supplimental%20Medical.pdf

The Heritage 2010 Summer Camp Guidebook is now available on line at: http://www.heritagereservation.org/resources/summer/2010Guidebookweb.pdf

Scouts signed up for the 2011 Northern Tier trip to Minnesota should complete the Swimming merit badge at summer camp, and if they already have it, complete the Canoeing merit badge, since these skills WILL be needed. More on Northern Tier below!

FOOD ALLERGIES—Please give Scoutmaster Bogan a CLEARLY WRITTEN note about scouts that have food allergies no later than the summer campmeeting on July 12. Include the scout’s name and patrol, and a summary of the food allergy and a list of what types of food the scout can and cannot have.

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

June 20 SPL Election Results

Scouts selected Tripp K. as the new SPL. His administration starts with the patrol meeting on July 5. Congratulations, Tripp! New patrol leaders and assistant patrol will be selected. Troop offices are also available, see the SPL if interested in one.

Sharp Street Food Bank – July 16

June 18 – No reports of scouts attending has yet reached the Signaler.

The next Sharp Street Food Bank will be July 16, 4:15 PM, at the Sharp Street Church, on Route 108 East of Olney, across from Sherwood Elementary. Assistance is always welcome.

Nursing Home Visit – June 26

Only two scouts attended the nursing home visit, Gavin M. and Jim B. Mr. Martin P., Mr. Tim G., and Mr. Dale B. were also there. We set up a bowling lane for the seniors and several came forward to try knocking down the pins.

Nursing home visits are suspended for July and August and will resume in September.

BSA Grand Centennial Parade – July 25

Troop 264 is registered to participate in the BSA Centennial Parade on July 25! The parade will run along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. This is the first BSA-only parade in Washington, D.C. since 1937. Don’t expect another before the sesquicentennial in 2060 (and maybe not even then). We have 12 scouts and 6 scouters signed up, as listed below. Registration is closed at this point.

Troops from all over the country will participate in the parade. This is intended to kick off the National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, which starts the next day in Virginia. Scouting on the Mall is near the parade route, will also be in full swing at that time (July 23 to August 8), and we expect to explore that area once the parade is over.

Ready for the Parade: Jim B. Joshua F. Brenden F. R.J. G. William S. Daniel G. Come watch on Justin S. Gavin M. July 25! Holland M. Patrick St. Jacob W. Brian H.

Mr. Dennis Bogan Mr. Dale Bickel Mr. Tony Laing Mr. Roger G. Mr. Tim G. Mr. Martin Predoehl

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

National Jamboree 2010 at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia – July 26 to August 4

Troop 264 is making plans for a day trip down to the National Jamboree at the end of July. Presently Thursday July 29 appears to be the most likely date, since there will be fewer crowds on a weekday and visitors’ hours are longer (9 AM to 5 PM) on that day too. This may well be the last National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Cost is $10 per visitor, plus bring some extra money for food and souvenirs. Those of you that like trading patches, here’s an opportunity to get some really neat ones. More details on carpooling, etc. as the date nears. Put this on your calendars!

Visitors’ hours are not the same every day at the Jamboree. Visitors’ hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM on Tuesday July 27, Thursday July 29, Saturday July 31 (to 11 PM), Monday August 2, and Tuesday August 3. Visitors’ hours are from 11 AM to 5 PM on all other days (except August 4). Our travel to the National Jamboree on a particular day does not preclude alternate plans to visit if the date or timing doesn’t work out for a scout or parent.

More National Jamboree info is available at http://www.bsajamboree.org/ .

Family Camping at Solomons Island – August 6-8

The Hawk Patrol is hosting this year’s annual Family Campout at the Navy Recreation Center on Solomons Island. We have reserved two group tent camping sites to insure we have space for all families. A $6.50 fee per camper per night will be collected, and this fee gives you access to all facilities at the recreation center: bayside beach, swimming pools, miniature golf, Adventure Kids Zone, basketball & tennis courts and nature trails. You can bring your bike or skateboard (must wear your bicycle helmet), and there is a driving range (golf not cars) available for a nominal fee. You can fish or crab if you have the appropriate license. Restrooms are close by.

Some possible off-site activities within a 30 minute’s drive include: Calvert Marine Museum across the street, Cove Point Lighthouse, Annmarie Botanical Garden, Calvert Cliffs State Park to find sharks’ teeth. Across the bridge over the Patuxent River into St Mary’s County is the birthplace of Maryland colonial history at St. Mary’s City, a naval aviation museum near the front gate of Patuxent Naval Air Station, and the first Catholic Church in Maryland. Nearby there is a grocery store, a farm fresh vegetable stand, and a restaurant with the best crab cakes in Maryland (according to Scoutmaster Bogan) just across the street.

PATROL COOKING for this trip: each patrol is responsible for its own meals and those of patrol family members. Work with your patrol leader if you would like to use this trip as an opportunity to complete Second or First Class cooking requirements. Patrol leaders are responsible for determining which family members from their patrol scouts plan to attend and for making sure that sufficient food, transport, and gear will be available.

The campsite is about 90 miles from Olney, down New Hampshire Ave, I-495 east to I-95 south, exit onto MD Route 4 east to Prince Frederick and then continue south on MD 4. Start looking for the recreation center on your right just after going through Lusby, MD. The Navy Recreation Center Solomons entrance will be on your right. Turn into the lodging office check-in parking lot. (If you cross the big bridge into St. Mary’s County…you missed it.) This is a military installation, so drivers will need to present their driver’s license and proof of insurance upon arrival to obtain a vehicle pass onto the recreation center. Don’t forget either of these items or you and all in your car WILL be denied access.

Hawk Patrol/Assistant Scoutmaster Mr. Rick Justus must have a complete list of all scouts and family members attending and a list of drivers by Monday August 2. Again, patrol leaders are responsible for collecting this information and relaying it to Mr. Justus at [email protected] at the end of July. You may stay on the base until sunset on Sunday. Mr. Rick Justus, retired United States Air Force, is sponsoring the troop’s family camping here and therefore is responsible for all guests and their actions. Scouts and their families are expected to follow all Navy regulations along with continuing Troop 264’s good reputation of following the Scout Oath and Scout Law. 8

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Gettysburg Camp and Hike – September 10 - 12

Mr. Irvin and the Fox Patrol are assembling a camping trip and a hike around the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg, PA. The date is set, the campsite reserved (Site 5 for 35 people at McMillan Woods Youth Group Campground, on the battlefield along Confederate Avenue), and the planning will continue. More in the August and September Signalers. Fill in that blank spot on your calendar!

Appalachian Trail Hike – September 24 - 26

Well, not all of it. The present plan is to start near the intersection of the Trail with U.S. Route 40, camp near there overnight, then backpack southward along the trail. Camp overnight, with scouts or scouters that want just a daytime backpacking trip (without camping) joining us at Gathland State Park and continuing southward until we come to the Potomac River. Plans will be put together by the Viking patrol under the guidance of Mr. Mark Russell, [email protected] . Details to follow by the beginning of September!

Adopt A Soldier Program Celebrating Five Years of Supporting Our Troops: 2005-2010

A special “Thank You” to all of the scout families who have contributed to our Adopt A Soldier Program over the past few weeks. In addition to the snacks and toiletries received, over $475 was raised from the sale of window decals, water bottles, the U.S. State Quarters silent auction, and donations collected for notarized Sea Base documents.

The weather is changing and with temperatures well in the 100s, we can no longer send chocolate or items which will melt in transit. Please consider purchasing granola bars, sunscreen, eye drops and lip balm to include in our care packages.

For more information about our Adopt A Soldier Program, please contact Mrs. Simpson (Shark Patrol) at 301.512.5439, send an e-mail to [email protected], or visit our website: www.troop264olney.net. Please continue to keep these brave young men and women in your thoughts and in your hearts, and pray for their safe return home. They need and appreciate our support.

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

Historical Merit Badges for 2010 Only

BSA has brought back, for 2010 only, four of the original merit badges from 1910 – 1911 for scouts to earn. These merit badges are Signaling, Pathfinding, Tracking (originally Stalking, but that word has taken on a negative connotation in recent years), and Carpentry. Merit badge requirements are posted on www.meritbadge.org and elsewhere. There is no merit badge pamphlet for these four badges. These merit badges must be fully completed by December 31, 2010 to be awarded.

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Maryland Flag Retirement Ceremony

The proper way to retire a torn or worn out U.S. flag is well known. But what of the Maryland state flag? As no preferred means of retiring the state flag could be found (as of 2010), Holland McCabe and Mr. Tim McCabe created the following presentation as a means of respectfully honoring the Maryland state flag. This script was presented for the first time at the Montgomery District’s Webelos Weekend campfire on the night of April 24, 2010.

“Please remain standing for the retirement of the Maryland State Colors.”

MC: “Color guard, please approach the fire.”

Speaker #1 I am the flag of Maryland, the 7th State, the Old Line State. I am the symbol of a state steeped in history, one who has been a vital part of America since its founding.

Speaker #2 Maryland gained the name “Old Line State” during the Revolutionary War, when General Washington bestowed the title on the state to honor the courage and dependability of the Maryland Line Infantry in battle.

Speaker #3 In Maryland, Francis Scott Key penned our National Anthem after he saw Old Glory flying through the attack on Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor in 1814.

Speaker #4 My colors come from the heraldry of the Calvert family, the colonial founders of Maryland. My current form comes from the flags used by Marylanders on both sides of the Civil War. The Black and Gold design was originally the only portion associated with Maryland, and it stayed with the Union. The White and Red “Bottany Cross” was favored by Marylanders fighting for the Confederacy.

Speaker #5 Both my designs originally came from Lord Calvert’s heraldry, yet I was split between the North and South during the Civil War. After the War, I was put back together again as the Union was reunited as well. In 1904, the Maryland General Assembly declared me the official state flag.

“Color guard, retire the colors.” (flag respectfully placed on the fire)

“Camp Attention!”

“Scout Salute” (playing of TAPS)

“Two”

This concludes our ceremony, God bless America.

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Centennial Camporee – May 29 - 31 While this was covered in the June 2010 Signaler, there’s more to be said and shown!

More on the ―lost scout‖ episode reported in June:

“I read the "security" excerpt from the newsletter. The 264 shirts helped me ID the boys as scouts from my old troop. But the shirt the reported "lost boy " was wearing was classic. I found him because his brother told me his shirt read, "Really, I don't know where my brother is". I found him using my 4 wheeler tracking him back to Bowman. He was walking with another bunch of 264 boys who were orienteering I think.”

“Sorry I missed Mr. [Doug] L and Mr. [Martin] P. I found Jack Clifford with the OA Corps. I was moving around pretty quick on the 4 wheeler and there were many scouts there.”

M.P.O. C.F. Tidmore | [ Officer Tidmore is a T264 Eagle Scout from 1987, and Crime Prevention Specialist | was working with the security group at the Camporee. ] Leesburg Police Department | Community Services Section | [ Later information pieced together from several scouts indicates [email protected] | that the scouts broke into two groups on the field and the 703-771-4564 missing scout went with the second group without telling anyone from the first group. ]

Activities on the field Arena show

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Silent Auction at the Court of Honor on June 13...

As we reported in June, Dr. Nicholson (who had served as counselor for the Coin Collecting merit badge) had donated a set of 50 state, D.C., and territories quarters to the troop. Dr. Paul F. arranged a silent auction during the troop Court of Honor / Picnic. At the close of the auction period, there was frenetic bidding going on. The winner was Justin S. with an amazing bid of $175.00. At the request of the auction winner and his dad, the money was transferred to the Adopt A Soldier Program. Don’t spend those quarters, Justin!

Cub Scout Day Camp – June 21 – 25

Cub Scout day camp is for Cub Scouts to learn important skills, be with friends and have fun. Kevin C., Joshua F., Brenden F., Joel P., and I all worked there to help make it happen. The camp was from 6/21-6/25. Kevin, Josh and I worked on staff . Brendan worked as a Den Chief and Joel was helping out. All of us worked at the camp for most of the days. The rotations were Scout Skills, Archery, BB guns, Fishing, Nature, Field Sports and Arts and Crafts. Kevin and Josh worked at Fishing and I worked at Fishing, Scout Skills and Field Sports. Working as staff was really fun and I had a great time. My favorite day was Friday (water day) which was also the favorite day of many others. On Friday everything is water themed and there are water fights, slip and slides and much more. ~ William S.

Northern Tier High Adventure Base – June 28 – July 6, 2011 ! Less than a year away! Start packing!

Troop 264 is preparing to send 5 crews to the Northern Tier High Adventure Base in 2011. This camp is run by the National BSA and is one of only three such bases in the country (the others being Philmont and Seabase). We will arrive at the Charles L. Sommers base at Ely (“E-lee”), MN on June 28 and leave it July 6. (We may have to travel to Minnesota on June 27, but that will be worked out next spring.) This will give us 7 days on the water. Our registration (made during the opening minutes of the 2011 reservation season) and initial payment have been accepted. In addition we have reserved 15 lightweight canoes (3 per crew) which weigh about 44 pounds each, as opposed to 70 pounds for the standard canoes. You WILL appreciate the weight difference on each and every portage, and find it well worth the added cost. Presently we have collected $100 per participant to cover the initial costs of registration and canoes. The 12

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter next installment to Northern Tier is due October 1, so we will collect $300 from each participant in September. The balance due to Northern Tier must be paid by March 1, 2011. Additional airfare, bus, border crossing permits (for crews 1 and 2), and related issues will be worked out early in 2011.

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 in 2010.

Presently two crews are filled with 8 scouts and scouters per crew. We still have two crews with 2 spaces each, either 2 scouts in a crew or one scout and one adult in a crew, and a single scout space in one crew. Cost appears to be about $1600 per person, but as there are a lot of variables it is not possible to narrow the cost much further at this point.

Scouts should have the Swimming merit badge before we go, and we recommend that scouts complete the Canoeing merit badge at summer camp this year. You WILL use the skills learned from each of these merit badges. There will be a swim test when we arrive at Northern Tier.

Northern Tier staff has confirmed that crews can start on the same trek on the same day, but in opposite directions. Presently there are two crews that want to do the Agnes Lake Loop, two that want to do the Scenic Lakes Loop, and the fifth crew will do the Man Chain.

Medical Forms: Northern Tier medical forms will need to be filled out for each scout and adult participant by May of next year. In the meantime, pay attention to the following chart and start making any needed adjustments now:

RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM ------HEIGHT WEIGHT (LBS.) ACCEPTANCE (LBS.) This table is based on the revised Dietary 5’ 0” 97-138 166 Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. 5’ 1” 101-143 172 Department of Agriculture and the Department 5’ 2” 104-148 178 of Health and Human Resources. Please take 5’ 3” 107-152 183 note of it since it applies to Northern Tier participants. 5’ 4” 111-157 189 5’ 5” 114-162 195 ------5’ 6” 118-167 201 Swim Test: Each participant will be 5’ 7” 121-172 207 required to take a swim test in April 2011 5’ 8” 125-178 214 here in Maryland and then again upon 5’ 9” 129-185 220 arrival at Northern Tier. This is the 5’ 10” 132-188 226 standard BSA swimmer test: swim 100 5’ 11” 136-194 233 yards, float on your back. You are encouraged to practice this summer at local 6’ 0” 140-199 239 pools or summer camp. 6’ 1” 144-205 246 6’ 2” 148-210 252 Notice to participants: Like Northern 6’ 3” 152-216 260 Tier, the troop or other participants 6’ 4” 156-222 267 cannot pay for your share of the expenses, those are your (or the parents’) 6’ 5” 160-228 274 responsibility. However, if an issue 6’ 6” 164-234 281 comes up that prevents a scout or scouter 295 from going, we will endeavor to find a 6’ 7” & taller 170-240 replacement (but no guarantees that we can do so).

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

All the scouts and scouters listed below have paid the $100 needed for the initial crew reservations, so we are current as of this date. The next installment of $300 per person is due in September 2010.

Crew who, as of July 1: Crews are designated with a number for our convenience only.

Crew 1 Crew 2 Crew 3 Crew 4 Crew 5

Anthony J. Michael R. Kevin S. Joshua F. Kevin C. Jim B. Ryan K. Patrick S. Jacen S. Matthew M. William S. Enrique A. Peter B. Gerad S. Jacob W. Scout Space Miguel A. Justin S. Mr. Paul F. Mr. Jim C. Joe M. Jeremy N. Mr. Rich S. Mr. Gary S. Mr. Tom M. Mr. Rick J. Mrs. Cindy K. Mr. Al B. Mr. Dennis B. Mr. Dirk W. Mr. Gary M. Mr. Mark K. Mr. Bret S. (2 scouts or (2 scout spaces or Mr. Dale B. Mr. Mark R. Brent P. 1 adult + 1 scout) 1 adult + 1 scout)

Tentative crew selections:

Agnes Lake Agnes Lake Loop Scenic Lakes Loop Scenic Lakes Loop Man Chain Loop (opposite direction) (opposite direction)

Scout participants must be age 13 by September 1, 2011. Presently we have spaces for 5 scouts, or 3 scouts and 2 adults. Contact Mr. Bickel, [email protected], if you are interested in signing up.

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: July 25.

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

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Archaeology Merit Badge Dig – June 18

The Archaeology merit badge can be a challenging one to complete, not least because one of the requirements is to assist with an archaeological dig. Summer camps that offer this merit badge often have ―mock digs‖ in which a patch of ground is salted with ―artifacts‖ for the scouts to find. Not very interesting, to say the least. However, the archaeological dig at the Barton site is at a place along the Potomac River, south of Cumberland, MD, known to have been occupied by American Indians over thousands of years, and artifacts of human occupation, including hand worked chert and pottery fragments, are common. Participating scouts found many such fragments, hundreds to thousands of years old. The Barton site is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. So even though T264 had only one scout – Jim B. – participate this year, we include this in the Signaler in the hope it may prove useful to other troop scouts. Troop members may have an opportunity to participate in a future dig at the Barton site next year.

The first day of the Archaeology Merit Badge started out with traveling up to Cumberland, Maryland, [in April] in order to fulfill one of the requirements. The building we were in [the BSA Potomac Council HQ] was next to a large state prison and a county high-security prison. First, we had to learn a skill of the ancient peoples. Using real animal bones and local stones, we were told how to make a bone awl using bone knapping. After the instructor demonstrated, we were given each a bone and two rocks, and told to make an awl. Over the course of a few hours, we each made one bone awl, which we tested on a thin piece of leather. After demonstrating, we left for the evening.

In June, we returned to Cumberland to do the archaeological dig. We went to a 30 acre piece of land owned by The Archaeological Conservancy, and we went around to several of the dig sites. The site was a floodplain from a nearby river that had been occupied many times in history, and there were several overlapping villages from different time eras. Our merit badge teacher explained that the field was leased out to a soybean farmer to raise money, and only soybeans were allowed because they do not need to go any more than six inches into the soil to grow. One of the first sites he showed us was the Deep Unit, a small dig that [would go] all the way to the rock below that was present on the surface before the floodplain existed. In the later months of the year, when they are nearing the rock horizon, they told us they often find artifacts more than 14,000 years old. After seeing several of the sites, we went to one of them, where we opened two new units by digging up the first soil horizon and screening all of the soil. We found fragments of artifacts that included pottery, flakes from flint-napping, fire-cracked rock (rock is normally only found at least 16 feet into the soil at this location, so this rock had to have been carried from the river), and bone fragments. Due to the thousands of fragments found already, most were thrown back in, and only a few were kept. At lunch, we got to see several things, including a skeleton of a bear the archaeologists had buried four years ago in order to get a complete bear skeleton. We saw some bone awls, and some other artifacts dug up recently. After lunch, we continued on the units, and eventually we reached the subsoil layer. After cleaning up the remaining topsoil, one of the archaeologists showed us how to look for postholes that had filled in many years ago. We found three postholes from one of the villages’ palisades, which the archaeologists recorded. After doing more clearing and sifting, the day was over. One of the units which had been completed was filled in, in full view of the roadway, where drivers thought we must have been burying a body in a soybean field. After filling in the unit, we were allowed to leave. ~ Jim B.

For more information on the Barton site, see: http://sites.google.com/site/wmdasm/home/barton-village-site-18ag3 http://www.mountaindiscoveries.com/images/fw2007/diggers.pdf More general info: http://www.jefpat.org/diagnostic/Prehistoric_Ceramic_Web_Page/Prehistoric_Prehistory.htm

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Barton Archaeology Dates and Finds (from a handout given to the scouts)

1987 – 2010 AD The Archaeological Dig at Barton

1800 – 1970 AD Barton site history – construction of railroad, modern site farming, etc.

1700 – 1800 AD “Shawnee Old Fields” – Shawnee trade artifacts

1600AD Contact 1600s – Introduction of trade goods, pressures on Indian settlements. SUSQUEHANNOCK site at Barton; house site, middens, pottery, trade beads ------1400 AD Late Woodlands Period – Indians are farming and hunting, living in villages. making pottery and stone points – KEYSER village : house site, palisade, middens, hearths, pottery, points

1200 AD Late Woodlands period – PAGE type pottery and points; settlement fragments

900 AD Beginning of Late Woodlands Period (Elsewhere – Mound builder sites, trade routes to/from Ohio River)

2000 BC Early Woodlands – Beginning of agriculture, settled village life, pottery

7000 BC Eastern Archaic – nomadic hunter gathers points, flakes, hearths, and dates from deep excavations ------

10000 BC PaleoIndian Big Game Hunting Tradition

14000 BC? Pre-PaleoIndian? Dates from deep unit charcoal, no artifacts

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

New Boy Scout Rank Advancement Changes Effective January 1, 2010

The Centennial edition of the Boy Scout Handbook is available and with it come several Boy Scout rank requirement changes that went into effect as of January 1, 2010. Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Life, and Eagle, as well as Eagle Palms, are affected. The previous requirements remained 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 Scout Law 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.

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.

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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.

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

District Roundtable – No Roundtable in July

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. But in July, no Roundtable will be held.

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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

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.

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.

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

T264 Scout Leadership

Tripp K. was selected as the new SPL at the last troop meeting. His term starts July 5. Congratulations, Tripp! Patrol leadership is also changing — names in red are new leaders as reported to the Signaler as of June 30.

Senior Patrol Leader: Tripp K. Assistant SPLs: To be named To be named Troop Offices:

Chaplain’s Aide: Patrick S. Librarian: Brandon O. Scribe: Jeremy N. Troop Quartermaster: Victor S. Historian: Ryan K. Instructor: Victor S. Troop Guides: Daniel A. & Ryan M. OA Representative: Anthony J. Buglers: Kevin C. & Peter B. Signaler Editor: Jim B.

Patrol Offices:

Shark Patrol: Fox Patrol: Patrol leader: Jonathan G. Patrol Leader: Chris Cy. Asst. patrol leader: Jacen S. Asst. Patrol Leader: Gavin M. Patrol quartermaster: Holland M. Patrol quartermaster: Ryan M. / Scott M.

Hawk Patrol: Viking Patrol: Patrol leader: Justin S. Patrol Leader: William S. Asst. patrol leader: Peter B. Asst. Patrol Leader: Joshua F. Patrol quartermaster: Ryan K. Patrol quartermaster: Jim B. Signaler reporter: William S.

New (unnamed) Patrol: New Scout Patrol(s): Patrol leader: *Holland M.” Patrol Leader: not selected yet Asst. patrol leader: *Tripp K. “ Asst. patrol leader: not selected yet Patrol quartermaster: *Holland M.” Patrol quartermaster: not selected yet

* At a guess

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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: July 25. Signaler posting date: August 1

The Signaler Staff

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

Reporters: William S. 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] Order of the Arrow (OA) Mr. Rick Justus 301-774-7833 [email protected] Advancement Chairman: Mr. Gary Matyas 301-570-0610 [email protected]

SPL: Tripp K..

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).

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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 BOR must SCOUT SPIRIT for ADVANCEMENT include being prepared to answer skill, citizenship, first aid, and We all recognize that Scout Spirit is hard to evaluate. We 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 advancement, you A minimum of 1 nursing home visit should be responsible enough to bring your own knot rope Participation in at least 1 fundraiser and compass for your BOR. We are requiring all scouts who At least 4 overnight outings per year are advancing to Star or Life to bring a knot rope and Good deeds done outside of scouts compass to their BOR.

The Patrol Dad, not a senior scout, is responsible for signing LIFE and EAGLE SCOUTS 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.

NORTHERN TIER Installment Payment -- Please include this slip with any Northern Tier 2011 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: ______

------

Permission Slip for Summer Camp At Heritage Scout Reservation July 18 - 24, 2010

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

camp at Heritage Scout Camp near Uniontown, 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

FOOD ALLERGIES—Please give Scoutmaster Bogan a CLEARLY WRITTEN note about scouts that have food allergies no later than the summer camp meeting on July 12. Include the scout’s name and patrol, and a summary of the food allergy and a list of what types of food the scout can and cannot have.

TROOP 264 SUMMER CAMP 2010 CAMP LIBERTY HERITAGE SCOUT RESERVATION 18 – 24 JULY 2010

Reservation confirmation has been for Camp Liberty, Heritage Scout Reservation. This is a patrol cooking camp. In my experience the boys and adults eat better when the boys do the cooking than in camp dining hall.

The fee for Camp Liberty is: Boys - $300.00 Note: This year the fee includes merit badge costs. Adults - $130.00

A charter bus will be available for a fee of approximately $75.00 in addition to the above fees. We encourage campers to travel by bus. No other transportation will be provided by the troop. The camp is approximately 165 miles from Olney.

INFO: Doug Long 301 924 4365 4405 Skymist Terr. Olney, MD 20832

REGISTRATION FORM

NAME: ______BIRTH DATE: ______ADDRESS: ______BUS: Y/N ______E-MAIL: ______T-SHIRT SIZE (Adult Sizes): TELEPHONE: ______Boy: ______PARENT(S): ______Adult: ______

PARENTS SIGNATURE: ______

Parent(s) Attending: ______

CAMP LIBERTY HERITAGE SCOUT RESERVATION

MERIT BADGE SELECTION

Name: ______

Telephone: ______

Patrol: ______

Merit Badges:

9:00 ______

10:00 ______

10:30 ______

2:00 ______

Note for First Year Scouts: First year scouts will be signed up for Braddock’s Brigade starting at 10:00 AM. This is a special program, which concentrates on skills and knowledge required to complete many Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class requirements. It is recommended that first year scouts who pass the swimmers test, sign up for swimming merit badge at 2 PM. If a scout does not pass the swimmers test it is recommended he sign up for Instructional Swim at 2 PM.

For additional information regarding merit badges refer to the Heritage Reservation 2010 Guidebook pages 43-59 available at: http://www.heritagereservation.org/resources/summer/2010Guidebookweb.pdf

E-mail completed form to: [email protected]

If you have any questions call Doug Long 301-924-4365 (Note: I will be out of the country on business 8-23 June.)