The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter NCAC Centennial -- May 29-31 Summer Camp at Heritage Reservation -- July 18-24

PRIL 2010 THIRTY YEARS OF THE SIGNALER VOLUME 30 , NO. 4 AAPRIL 2010 THIRTY YEARS OF THE SIGNALER VOLUME 30, NO. 4

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

April May

1-6 Spring Break (MCPS) 1-2 Laurel Caverns 5 Patrol meeting 3 Patrol meeting 8 District Roundtable 10 Troop meeting 12 Troop meeting 13 District Roundtable 15 Troop Adult meeting 14 Sharp Street Food Bank 16 Sharp Street Food Bank 15-16 Shotgun and Rifle Camp 19 TLC / BOR 17 TLC / BOR 20 Signaler meeting 20 Troop Adult meeting 23-25 Webelos Weekend 24 Troop meeting 24 Nursing Home visit (Vikings) 25 Signaler meeting 26 Troop meeting 29-31 Centennial Camporee 30 Laurel Caverns (to May 2) 30 Legion Flags

Friends of Campaign

The Friends of Scouting 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 so 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. There is still time to contribute.

The Scouts of Troop 264 and the NCAC thank you for all your support. Questions? Call me at (301)-570-4712. ~ Norman Strickman, FOS Campaign

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AApprriill 22001100

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3

(Spring break – (Spring break – no school) no school)

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (Spring break – Easter no school) District Roundtable (no school) (Gaithersburg) Patrol meeting (Sharks) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Troop meeting Open: Sharks Troop Adult Meeting Sharp Street Food Service: Mammoths at Brookeville Bank, 4:15 PM MB: Vikings Academy 7:30 PM Skill: Hawks

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Webelos Weekend TLC/BOR Webelos Weekend Nursing Home visit (Vikings) 25 26 27 28 29 30 Troop meeting Webelos Weekend Open: Vikings Signaler meeting Laurel Caverns Service: Hawks 7 PM (Mammoths) MB: Foxes (to May 2) Skill: Sharks

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MMaayy 22001100

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Laurel Caverns (Mammoths)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Laurel Caverns (Mammoths) Patrol meeting

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Troop meeting Open: Foxes District Roundtable Sharp Street Shotgun / Camp Service: Hawks (Gaithersburg) Food Bank (Sharks) MB: Sharks (Mammoths) 4:15 PM Skill: Vikings 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Shotgun / Camp (Sharks) TLC/BOR Troop Adult Meeting at Brookeville Academy 7:30 PM

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Troop meeting Open: Sharks Signaler meeting Centennial Camporee Service: Mammoths 7 PM MB: Vikings Skill: Hawks 30 31 Legion Flags (local) Centennial Camporee No meeting at Centennial Camporee St. John’s

Memorial Day (no school) 3

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Sharp Street Food Bank

March 19 -- Mainly we brought food out of the basement and sorted it. There were two vehicles with some food to be unloaded too. There was enough food to cover most of the tables. Thanks to the following scouts and scouters (1 hour of service each):

Sam Jones William Santos R.J. Grant Holland McCabe Jim Bickel Mrs. Jones Mrs. McCabe Mr. Santos Mr. Bickel

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

Webelos Weekend – April 23 - 25 (Friday 5:00 pm to Sunday 9:00 am)

Webelos Weekend will be held Friday evening April 23 to Sunday morning April 25. Local Webelos Cub Scouts will have the opportunity to camp with the troop, and there will be activities for the visiting Cub Scouts.

Location: Cedar Ridge Community Church (Intersection of Peach Orchard Road & MD Rt. 198) 2410 Spencerville Road Spencerville, Maryland 20868

Camping: You must provide all of your own and personal gear (scouts -- get gear from the patrols). (Webelos scouts & parents – the troop will have extra tents for you or you can bring your own.)

Food: Eat before you come on Friday or bring a ―bag supper‖.

Water: We will **NOT** provide water. You need to bring at least two gallons of water per person in your group.

Firewood: Bring 2-4 pieces of firewood, if you have some at home.

Uniform: Wear your uniform, but do not bring special items that you could lose.

Cost: Registration: $11 (Make check payable to: ―NCAC-BSA” on MEMO line ―Montgomery District Webelos Weekend‖

Food: $10 (Make check payable to: ―Pam Greenspon” (Weekend)

Please get money to Pam Greenspon ASAP !

We need Boy Scouts from T264 to volunteer to work with the Webelos. We have a LOT of Webelos II and Webelos I scouts signed up to join us. You can earn many community service hours in one weekend. We need help with Friday for Troop set-up, Saturday skills and campfire, and Sunday break down. The weekend will start around 5:00-6:00 pm Friday and we will home by 9:00 am Sunday (up early!). If you would like to help, would you call or email Pam Greenspon at (301) 774-5394 or [email protected]. Email is best. Please indicate what days/hours you could volunteer.

We appreciate your help! Thanks, Pam Greenspon 4

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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 initial 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 Caverns’ campsite, just a 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.

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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.

Scouts age 12 and over by April 25 are eligible for Lower Caving, scouts not yet 12 MUST 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.

______

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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 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.

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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: KNOW THESE!

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

Firearm Safety and Shotgun Shooting Weekend – May 15 - 17

The Shark Patrol is hosting a firearm safety and shotgun shooting weekend May 15-16, 2010 at Camp Big Mac near Markham, VA (Front Royal area). This is open to all T264 scouts and scouters regardless of scout rank or age.

The weekend is intended to be a fun campout with a mix of instruction about firearm basics, safety, shooting clay targets, and our usual troop cookout and campfire. Use of shotguns, shells and targets will be included in the cost. We’ll be under the guidance of the NCAC Shooting Sports team for all aspects of the shotgun safety instruction and shooting. Any scout who is interested in the shotgun shooting merit badge can get a head start during this introductory weekend. Those who already have shotgun experience will enjoy it as well and can refresh their safe firearm handling skills.

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Camp Big Mac is run by the Claude McDonald Foundation and features several shooting sports areas, a covered pavilion, wooded trails and ample grassed camping areas. Scoutmaster Bogan has offered to supervise the cooking (by the Sharks Patrol) of an appropriate evening ―shotgun‖ meal. More information will be forthcoming.

Here’s a tentative summary as to how things will work:

We’ll meet at St. John’s Church parking lot at 9am on Saturday 5/15. We will be camping at Camp Big Mac in Markham, VA - about 1 1/2 hr drive from Olney, near Front Royal. Maps and directions will be provided for all drivers. Web site is http://www.campbigmac.com/. They have a large campfire area with bench seating, home-made COPE course, hiking trails, outdoor covered pavilion, indoor restrooms and kitchen. We will tent camp in one of their designated areas and cook outdoors for the Saturday dinner.

Scoutmaster Bogan has graciously agreed to supervise the Saturday dinner preparations - all cooking will be done by the Shark Patrol. Menu is still being developed - but probably a ―Shotgun‖ beef stew with French bread or rolls, lemonade and a dessert.

A special permission slip and shotgun shooting waiver will be required for all scouts who will participate. You can find it at the end of this Signaler).

The expected cost will be a very reasonable $23 per/person - includes Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, shotgun shells and clay targets.

Shotguns will be provided by Mr. McCabe and the NCAC folks.

Schedule for Saturday will be as follows (subject to change): 9 am Drive to Camp Big Mac 11am-12pm Setup campsite 12pm Opening Ceremony (flag raising w/color guard) Afternoon: Sack Lunch (provided by each scout/adult) Firearm Safety and Shotgun Basics (talk and demonstration in camp pavilion) Gun cleaning Shotgun shooting with clay targets Free time to hike trails, do the COPE course, etc. 6:30pm-7:30pm Dinner 8pm - ? Campfire

Schedule for Sunday will be as follows (subject to change): 8am Breakfast 9am Pack tents/camp gear, clean camp areas, pavilion, etc. 9:30am Closing ceremony 9:45am depart for home

What to bring: For camping: tent, sleeping bag, mess kit, water bottle, extra set of clothes, rain gear, etc. - and don’t forget your camp chair!

What to bring for the shotgun shooting and firearm safety sessions: A positive attitude focused on SAFETY at all times Earplugs or over-ear guards and a pair of plastic safety glasses (we’ll have extras)

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The shotgun shooting and firearm safety/basics sessions will be under the direction of Mr Tony Muller and his NCAC Shooting Sports Team. These folks are all NRA-certified shotgun instructors and NRA range safety officers. They are used to working with scouts to ensure they understand the basics of firearm safety, the fundamentals of shotgun shooing - and more importantly, how to have fun doing it safely. The teaching session will run about 1 1/2 hours. Then we’ll have plenty of time for everyone to shoot and have fun.

More in the coming weeks! ~ Mr. Tim McCabe and Holland McCabe

NCAC Centennial Camporee – May 29 – 31

The National Capitol Area Council will hold its Centennial Camporee at on May 29-31, 2010. 7,000 scouts, Cub Scouts, and adults are expected to attend. The registration cost of $25 has been paid by all the participants listed below. There will be additional costs for food and transportation later.

We are told too that Webelos Cub Scouts crossing over into T264 may sign up through April 15 (but no later than that). Contact Mr. Dale Bickel if you and your present are in this category, even if the official bridging isn’t until May.

This is said to be the first council-wide camporee 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.

Troop 264 presently has 56 scouts and scouters signed up to go (with payment already submitted to council), which makes this the LARGEST troop outing in years. Early plans call on us to leave Olney very early Saturday morning, arriving at Goshen in the late morning. Return to Olney later Monday afternoon (Memorial Day).

Questions may be directed to Mr. Dale Bickel to sign up, [email protected] , 301-774-0416. Please double check the following list and let me know of any corrections!

36 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 Sam Jones Jacob Levy Jake Anderson Kristian Gunderson Jonathan Godfrey Max Simpson Bradley Neufeld Jeremy Neufeld Enrique Alonso Miguel Alonso Daniel Grant Eric Fryer Jacen Sherman Gerad Sherman David Light Peter Kirk

20 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 Tom McDonald Jim Kirk

SPECIAL NOTICE – A link to the Boy Scout Participant Guide to the Centennial Camporee has been e-mailed to all participants. Of special interest to Scouts and Scouters: 11

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Medical forms required: An Annual Medical Form is required for EACH participant, whether scout or adult. The form can be downloaded at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34605_Letter.pdf . This form is the same one used for Summer Camp, so it makes sense to visit a doctor and get this form filled out now, then hang onto it for then. Seabase participants can get the special Seabase medical form filled out by their doctor at the same time.

Alternatively, for those that attended summer camp last year, Mr. Bogan still has the medical forms from last year. These can only be used if the form was completed by your doctor after June 1 of last year. See Mr. Bogan if you would like your copy of last year’s medical form.

Please give a copy of the medical form to Mr. Bickel so he can check it off for each participant.

Scout Activities: There is Patrol Challenge, GPS Challenge, Baden Powell’s Iron Man Classic, and a New Scout Adventure Trail. There will also be a Historical Merit Badge program, with Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaler, and Tracking (originally Stalking in 1910) offered. This is to take place later in the day, after the competitions and other activities have taken place.

In order to make this outing work efficiently for our troop, we will need lots of scout and scouter help. If you would like to help out with Transportation, Food, or Gear, please let Mr. Bickel know.

Seabase 2010 Update – Cast Off in Just Months!

Airline reservations have been made for the groups; there are a few families that may be finalizing individual reservations. The second half of the Seabase payment was sent in this past month. Passports (not passport cards) are required for air travel in and out of the Bahamas.

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 all of the required (ship) payment (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.

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).

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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 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. OPTIONAL ITEMS NOTE: Don’t forget to bring a photocopy of front and back of insurance card. • 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!

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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-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 Daniel Agre 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.Jonthan Agre Mr. Bill Mercado Mr. Bill Mercado

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

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

This table is based on the revised Dietary RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. HEIGHT WEIGHT (LBS.) ACCEPTANCE (LBS.) Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Resources. 5’ 0‖ 97-138 166

5’ 1‖ 101-143 172 FYI: Other key dates by which tasks/forms 5’ 2‖ 104-148 178 are due at BSA Sea Base (Adult leaders will be working to meet each deadline PRIOR to 5’ 3‖ 107-152 183 these dates): 5’ 4‖ 111-157 189 5’ 5‖ 114-162 195 90 days prior to arrival - Final ½ payments made to Sea Base (April 1) (Troop will request 5’ 6‖ 118-167 201 this from participants about 5’ 7‖ 121-172 207 mid-March, 2010) 5’ 8‖ 125-178 214 90 days prior to arrival - National BSA Tour 5’ 9‖ 129-185 220 Permits filed by adult leaders (April 1) 5’ 10‖ 132-188 226 5’ 11‖ 136-194 233 30 days prior to arrival - Crew rosters submitted 6’ 0‖ 140-199 239 to Sea Base by adult leaders (June 1) 6’ 1‖ 144-205 246 6’ 2‖ 148-210 252 30 days prior to arrival - All participants’ BSA 6’ 3‖ 152-216 260 Swim Tests passed in Maryland (June 1). However, expect to 6’ 4‖ 156-222 267 be swim-tested again on arrival! 6’ 5‖ 160-228 274 6’ 6‖ 164-234 281 . 295 6’ 7‖ & taller 170-240

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 from Olney. T264 will be in Camp Freedom, which is a patrol cooking camp. The fee for Camp Freedom 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. Mr. Long would like to get a count of who plans to go early this month, so we can tell the Reservation about how many scouts to expect from T264.

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 Annual Health and Medical Report is the same one required for the Centennial Camporee, and will also be required for Advancement Camp at Camp Twin Echo.

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Advancement Camp – Camp Twin Echo – July 11 - 17 SIX MERIT BADGES IN A WEEK!

The Greater Pittsburgh Council has 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. Information about the camp is posted at http://www.gpc-bsa.org/Camping/AdvancementCamp.asp

Cost is $290 for the 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 are already registered for 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.

Medical Week (week 1, July 11-17, week before summer camp) – Dentistry, Disability Awareness, First Aid*, Genealogy, Medicine, Personal Fitness*, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine * -- Eagle required

Law Week (Week 2, July 18-24, conflicts with summer camp) – Cinematography, Crime Prevention, Citizenship in the Community*, Environmental Science*, Fingerprinting, Fire Safety, Law, and Public Speaking

For a link to the on-line registration portal, please see: http://www.doubleknot.com/Registration/CalendarDetail.asp?ActivityKey=718185&OrgKey=486

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

A special ―Thank You‖ to the following scout families who sponsored candy-filled Troop 264 water bottles to send to our wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center:

Bogan, Garrity, Karitis, Kirk, McCabe, Russell and Santos

We’re down to final quantities on our Troop 264 water bottles. Think 5-5-5… FIVE are available to purchase for your personal use – FIVE are available to sponsor – and the cost is only FIVE dollars per bottle.

We received a generous donation from Girl Scout Troop 6505 of Olney Elementary consisting of assorted cookies to ship overseas. Our adopted soldiers will enjoy an added treat in this month’s care packages since there aren’t any Little Brownie Bakeries in Iraq.

Please continue to donate whatever you can to support our troops both home and abroad. Keep these brave young men and women who sacrifice so much for our freedom and for our country in your thoughts, in your hearts, and in your prayers.

For more information about our Adopt A Soldier Program, please contact Mrs. Josey Simpson (Shark Patrol) at 301.512.5439, send an e-mail to [email protected], or visit our website: www.troop264olney.net

God Bless America … Land of the Free … Because of the Brave SUPPORT OUR TROOPS 16

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Nursing Home Visit – February 27

The Mammoth Patrol had a BIG turnout for the Nursing Home visit on February 27. As you can see, the scouts played a balloon game with the residents. (Can’t hardly see the residents for all the scouts!) Thanks to all who came!

Scouts: Adults: Kristian Gunderson Melissa McDonald Jacob Wiersma Helene Neufeld Eric Fryer Julia Fryer John Fryer Kathy Morris Anthony Fryer Lucretia DiSanto Tim Morris Jones Matt McDonald Aimee McCabe Bradley Neufeld Magne Gunderson Sam Jones Dirk Wiersma Holland McCabe Martin Predoehl

Nursing Home Visit – March 24

The following scouts and scouters visited Friends’ Nursing Home at 11 AM, Saturday, 27 March 2010:

Scouts: Holland McCabe and Anthony Justus; Scouters: Aimee McCabe, Rick Justus, and Martin Predoehl.

We had a good time visiting and bowling with the residents. Some outstanding players among them were Surefire Strikers Mike and Steve and ―Dive Bomber‖ Bill. ~ Mr. Martin Predoehl

The April Nursing Home Visit is assigned to the Viking patrol, on April 24, at Friends Nursing Home, at 11 AM. This is the same weekend as Webelos Weekend, but scouts and adults may leave the camp and return afterward to attend this rewarding activity.

Third Annual Webelos Visit – Second Night on March 1

The troop held its first night of the Third Annual Webelos Visit on Monday, February 22. A summary of that event, with photos, was published in the March 2010 Signaler. The second night was March 1, and about 10 Webelos scouts came to visit, plus parents. The Webelos scouts rotated through four stations: Cooking (Hawks), Fire Safety (Vikings), Model Campsite (Mammoths), and Knots (Sharks). The presentations were well received by the Cub Scouts and parents alike, and we look forward to seeing the Webelos I scouts at Webelos Weekend and again at this presentation next February.

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Limb Clearing Service Project along MD Route 108 – March 5

On its own initiative, and on short notice, Boy Scout Troop 264 undertook a limb-clearing project along a section of MD Route 108 between Burtfield Road and Olney Mill Road in Olney on Saturday, March 6, 2010. There is a line of pine trees adjacent to the highway, that had been battered by the recent snowstorms, leaving many large branches hanging or spilling over the curb into the right westbound lane of MD Route 108, creating a hazardous situation for traffic in that lane. Troop 264 scouts and adults removed as many branches as could safely be retrieved, and piled them up for removal by the County the following Tuesday.

Scouts and scouters participating (service hours) were (left to right in the picture): Mr. Donald Light (2), Gavin Mangolas (2), Jonathan Godfrey (2), Jim Bickel (2), Anthony Justus (1), Holland McCabe (2), David Light (2), Mr. Rick Justus (1), Mr. Tim Garrity (2), Mr. Tim McCabe (2), Scoutmaster Dennis Bogan (2), and (taking the picture) Mr. Dale Bickel (2).

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Merit Badge Madness – March 26 - 28

We arrived at Merit Badge Madness a little before 7 PM Friday evening, checked in, and set up our campsite in the designated spot. Once established, scouts built a fire in the above-ground fire pit brought by Mr. Russell, to ward off the growing chill. Not all scouts brought sufficient clothing to keep themselves comfortably warm.

Although the MBM staff had the right number of scouts for our troop, somehow that information hadn’t been transferred to the class schedules for about half of our scouts. It looked like a page had been dropped out of the list when the class schedule was made from the registration lists. But Mr. Norris, the District Registrar for MBM, readily fixed the matter, and arranged it with the counselors so that our scouts could attend even though some classes were officially full. So all T264 scouts that attended were able to work on the merit badges they had signed up for.

Saturday morning we were up early, and it was cold. There was ice on the tents and on top of the water bottles. Brenden Fout, Matt MacDonald and Kevin Stoll cooked separate breakfasts for the first meal of their First Class cooking requirement, that were well received by all. At 7:30 AM we attended the opening ceremony at the flagpole, and then scouts separated for their Saturday classes. In the later morning they returned for lunch, and Matt, Kevin, and Brenden set up the different lunches they had planned and prepared for the second meal of their First Class cooking requirements. At 1 PM scouts returned to the second part of their merit badge classes. It was clear and sunny, with temperatures in the mid 40s.

Some merit badge classes finished earlier, so scouts gradually drifted back to the campsite throughout the afternoon. They made kindling out of small logs and sticks, or played cards until it was time for supper. Kevin made flank steak with baked beans and a vegetable tray, Matt made chili with rolls, and Brenden cooked cheesesteak sandwiches. Everybody had a little of each and there was very little left over for the ants. With that meal, these three scouts completed their First Class cooking requirements.

After the evening (fake) campfire in the gym, scouts returned to T264’s campsite to start the troop campfire. There was little doubt about who the pyromaniacs were in this crowd. Fortunately the rest of the wood lasted only about an hour and scouts were forced to watch the fire dwindle down to coals.

Sunday morning, we were up early again and broke down the campsite after a quick breakfast. Scouts then went to their Sunday morning merit badge, which was much easier and shorter. Most scouts were back to the campsite before 10 AM. So they called for their rides and left by 11 AM. Jim and I picked up the merit badge cards and patches at the closing ceremony. And so MBM 2010 ended successfully.

Troop 264 picked up 42 of the 525 blue cards (completed and partials) passed out to troops that weekend.

5 polar bear points awarded to participants for ~Mr. Dale Bickel below freezing temperatures Friday night. Saturday night temperatures did not drop below freezing although they were close to 32˚.

Participants: * First Class Cooking requirements met on March 27 2 nights of camping for all

*Kevin Stoll Jeremy Neufeld John Fryer R.J. Grant Mr. Wiersma *Brenden Fout Kevin Carr Eric Fryer Joshua Fowler Mr. Russell *Matt McDonald Zachary Wilson Miguel Alonso Enrique Alonso Mr. Bickel Jim Bickel Justin Stine Bradley Neufeld Jonathan Godfrey Mr. Stoll Michael Russell Anthony Fryer Jacob Wiersma Gavin Mangolas Jake Anderson Jacob Levy Ryan King

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

“The Signaler”

Morse Code ―The Signaler‖ was chosen as the name for the Alphabet troop’s newsletter in September, 1982. It’s an .- A --. G -- M ... S -.-- Y appropriate name: Boy Scouts used to be required to -... B .... H -. N - T --.. Z know different methods of signaling (passing -.-. C .. I --- O ..- U information) as part of their rank requirements, -.. D .--- J .--. P ...- V specifically Morse Code and Semaphore. . E -.- K --.- Q .-- W Semaphore is a method of sending letters by means ..-. F .-.. L .-. R -..- X of two signal flags held in various positions, and we recently covered that in brief in the November, 2009 Numbers Signaler. Morse Code was invented in 1832 by .---- 1 -.... 6 Samuel B. Morse, and was used throughout the ..--- 2 --... 7 second half of the 1800s and first half of the 1900s ...-- 3 ---.. 8 ....- 4 ----. 9 by telegraph operators, and wireless (soon to be ..... 5 ----- 0 called ―radio‖) operators. Amateur (ham) operators are the primary users of Morse Code today. It is an Punctuation marks efficient form of transmitting letter-by-letter signals, requires small bandwidth, and is better at punching Point (.) .-.-.- (AAA) Comma (,) --..-- (MIM) through interference and noise than some other forms Question-mark (?) ..--.. (IMI) of communication. Colon (:) ---... (OS) Hyphen (-) -....- (BA) The Boy Scouts licensed various products over the At-sign (@) .--.-. (AC) years to help scouts learn Morse Code. On the cover Error ...... (8 E’s) page of this Signaler is an image of a box containing

one of these devices from the early 1930s. This

practice Morse coder consists of a telegraph key mounted on a metal box containing room for 2 ―D‖ cell batteries, a buzzer, a flasher light (for Morse Code transmission via light flashes), and a clicker, to simulate the common forms of Morse Code transmission. It still works flawlessly after 70 years, by the way.

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Historical Merit Badges for 2010 Only

It has been reported that the BSA plans to bring 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. An official announcement that these merit badges are available for scouts to earn, and the specific requirements for each merit badge, has not yet been released. But it’s expected that the requirements will be close to the 1910 requirements. We ask if there are any adults in the troop that would like to be a counselor for these merit badges. It appears that these merit badges must be fully completed by December 31, 2010 to be awarded.

CPR Course – March 22

Mrs. Cindy King arranged for Ursus Lifesavers & Aquatics, a group that teaches CPR and provides CPR certification, to come out to St. John’s and teach CPR on the evening of March 22. We had a great turnout, scouts and adults paid close attention to the instructor to master or refresh these skills.

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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

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 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 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): 23

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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.

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 24

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter 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: April 23.

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

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].

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

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.

T264 Scout Leadership

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

Chaplain’s Aide: Patrick Stoll Librarian: Brandon Orzel Scribe: Jeremy Neufeld Troop Quartermaster: Victor Santos Historian: Ryan King Instructor: Victor Santos Troop Guides: Daniel Agre & Ryan Mercado OA Representative: Anthony Justus Buglers: Kevin Carr & Peter Barth Signaler Editor: Jim Bickel

Patrol Offices:

Shark Patrol: Fox Patrol: Patrol leader: Jonathan Godfrey Patrol Leader: Brandon Orzel Asst. patrol leader: Jacen Sherman Asst. Patrol Leader: Chris Cymerman Patrol quartermaster: Holland McCabe Patrol quartermaster: Ryan Mercado / Scott M Signaler reporter: Victor Santos

Hawk Patrol: Viking Patrol: Patrol leader: Justin Stine Patrol Leader: Michael Russell Asst. patrol leader: Peter Barth Asst. Patrol Leader: Joshua Fowler 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

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The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Northern Tier High Adventure Base – 2011 !

Troop 264 is planning 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. We will be leaving from and returning to the Ely base.

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.

Presently we have 5 crews lined up to go, with 8 scouts and scouters maximum per crew (6 minimum). There are still a few scout and adult spaces available, to fill out the crews. Cost appears to be about $1600 per person, but as there are lot of variables it is not possible to narrow the cost further at this point.

We will attempt to register our 5 crews on April 1st. Once registered, and crew numbers assigned, we will be able to make more closely tailored plans. We plan to go during the last days of June and early days of July, 2011. After registration, we will collect $100 from each participant to cover the initial registration costs, with the next payment expected in October 2010.

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.

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.

Presently signed up:

Anthony Justus Michael Russell Kevin Stoll Joshua Fowler Kevin Carr Jim Bickel Ryan King Patrick Stoll Jacen Sherman Matthew McDonald William Santos Enrique Alonso Peter Barth Gerad Sherman Jacob Wiersma Bo Na Miguel Alonso Justin Stine Me. Paul Fowler Mr. Jim Carr Joe Matyas Jeremy Neufeld Mr. Rich Stoll Mr. Gary Sherman Mr. Tom McDonald Mr. Rick Justus Mrs. Cindy King Mr. Al Barth Mr. Dennis Bogan Mr. Dirk Wiersma Mr. Gary Matyas Mr. Mark King Mr. Bret Stine (2 scouts or (2 scout spaces or Mr. Dale Bickel Mr. Mark Russell Brent Pizzamiglio 1 adult + 1 scout) 1 adult + 1 scout)

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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: April 23. Signaler distribution Date: May 1

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: Holland McCabe

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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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 advancement up through 1 class, needs to contact one of (8 days) before the scheduled Board of Review. Failure to the following for a conference: give 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 Mr. Zuccaro 301-774-0824 can 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 for ADVANCEMENT must include being prepared to answer skill, citizenship, first We all recognize that Scout Spirit is hard to evaluate. We 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 BOR for STAR and LIFE SCOUT guidelines are offered. Our troop believes that prior to each ADVANCEMENTS advancement, 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 bring Participation in at least 1 fundraiser your own knot rope and compass for your BOR. We are At least 4 overnight outings per year requiring all scouts who are advancing to Star or Life to Good deeds done outside of scouts 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: ______

------

Permission Slip for Webelos Weekend April 23-25, 2010

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

to Webelos Weekend at Cedar Ridge Community Church in Spencerville, 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: ______.

______Parent or Guardian Signature Date

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Permission Slip for Laurel Caverns April 30 – May 2, 2010

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

to Laurel Caverns in Uniontown, 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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TROOP 264 SUMMER CAMP 2010 CAMP FREEDOM HERITAGE SCOUT RESERVATION

18 – 24 JULY 2010

Reservation confirmation has been for Camp Freedom, 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 Freedom is: Boys - $300.00 Adults - $130.00

Note: This year the fee includes merit badge costs.

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: ______

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