Parents' Meeting September 8, 2002
minutes are on-line at:
www.albionmich.com/scouts

The main focus of this meeting was the viewing of a scout movie on the organization of a typical scout meeting. The movie described the seven basic parts of a scout meeting. We will begin to restructure our meetings to follow the basic plan, which includes 1- a planned activity before the meeting to give the scouts something to do while they wait for the meeting to begin, 2- an opening ceremony which honors God and country, 3- Skills instruction for advancement and outings, 4- Patrol meetings to delegate responsibility 5- Inter patrol Activity, such as a game 6- Closing- something to impart wisdom, and 7- planning, evaluation and cleanup. The movie also featured steps for planning an outdoor activity. Steps included 1- establishing a purpose, selecting a site, program of activities, 2-deep leadership, physical arrangements including permits, transportation, and the use of patrols to teach cooperation.
The troop committee is like a steering committee, with parents and others in the community providing different services, such as the treasurer, secretary, fund raising chairmen, equipment coordinator, advancement chairman, etc.

Other news-
We welcome the 10 new scouts who signed up at the Open House. Scouts will be flag raising at High School football games. Jon, Brad, Mickey and Alex participated.

Contact information: Mike Bearman, scoutmaster, 629-5051, John Geyer, committee chairman 629-3109 day, 629-5821 eve.

For new scouts: Boy Scout dues are payable upon registration for the remainder of 2002. This amount will be $10. Make checks payable to Troop 172. Dues for 2003 are due by January 15. $28 for the entire year os 2003. This includes a subscription to Boy’s Life magazine.

After the February 6th, 2003, any scout without paid dues will not be officially registered. This is necessary for any scouting activities such as field trips due to insurance coverage.

Schedule for 2002-2003
Tuesday evenings, regular meetings 7:00, St. Pauls’ Lutheran Church.
Weekend of October 11-13 -- Fall Camp-o-ree. Scouts must bring full dress uniform. Will be held at Camp Muscotah in Hillsdale.

Friday November 1, 4 p.m. -- Camping weekend on Bearman’s property. Backpack into location, including tents. Last camp out of the year. Get ahold of Mike Bearman ahead of time to line up tents. At a meeting is OK.

Monday November 11, Veteran’s Day. Scouts will be asked to participate in flag raising ceremony. Albion Volunteer Service Organization.

Tuesday November 26-- meet at the Anderla’s (across and east from Jolly green Junction) to make wreaths for mothers. (return frames)

Jan 16, 2003, MLK weekend. Annapolis “Merit Badge day.” Was mentioned in Boy’s Life. Need to earn the money for the trip. 12 hours each way. So far 9 boys and 2 adults plan to participate. Must be 13 and first class rank.