Tuesday, December 15, 2020

December Email #3

 Advancement:

Here is a website that you need to be aware of regarding any changes that may need to be made as a result of Covid-19.  If you scroll down, you will see some of the changes regarding the advancement for ScoutsBSA in the list and specifically regarding the ranks advancement and merit badges.  Here is the website:  https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/covid-19-faq/#advancement  This was last updated on 8/30/2020, but wanted to be sure you had the website so that you and your son could look it over during the time with family these next few weeks.  
I have not seen any other updates related to any other changes regarding advancement or merit badges.   Please let me know if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Fleece:
I will send a separate email tonight to make sure that we have the correct fleece and name tag orders.  We will be placing an order later this week, so it is not too late if you have not responded yet and want to place an order or change your order. 

New Eagle Scout:
Caleb Caldwell completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on Thursday, December 10.  He was very excited and his family was very excited for him as well.  Caleb and his family will be able to celebrate with an Eagle Scout Court of Honor in the spring when Covid-19 infections are lower.  Congratulations goes to Caleb on his hard work and his determination to continue with his advancement during the pandemic.  

Pie in the Face - Scoutmaster Phil:
In case you may not be aware,  every Scout was able to earn a chance to pie Mr. Freeman.  Every Scout who earned a rank this year and for every $300 level of popcorn sold, the Scout would have earned one pie and the chance to throw the pie at Mr. Freeman.  Since we are not meeting in person, the Troop Committee decided it was best to wait until we can do it in person. We wanted to be sure that the Scouts who were very enthusiastic about this opportunity were able to do so in person as opposed to a virtual setting.  Great job to all of the Scouts taking the challenge this year and for doing your best during this pandemic.  I am looking forward to when we can make this opportunity available to the Scouts as an in-person Troop Meeting at some point in the spring.  Maybe the SPL might come up with some good ideas for next year's challenge.  I have not heard anything yet.  Share with your PLC what you would like to see and maybe they can discuss this at their January PLC Meeting.

Recharter:
It looks like we will recharter 29 Scouts and 18 Adults for our Troop.  We are very blessed and continue to move forward to help prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.  I realize that virtual Scout meetings are not what we want to do and sometimes are not the best way to meet.  However, by focusing on what we can do now to make sure future opportunities are provided and afforded is what we are doing now.  Many are learning life long skills related to leadership even in the virtual setting.  We will never take for granted opportunities for Scouting activities in the future for our troop as we continue to provide an excellent Scouting opportunity for everyone involved in the Troop, Scouts and Scouters alike.  I will follow up with the adults for some paperwork that needs to be signed as we complete the paperwork this week.

Future Events:
12/22 No Meeting
12/29 No Meeting
1/5 Virtual Meeting
1/12 Virtual Meeting
1/19 No Meeting
1/26 Virtual Meeting
No Campout planned in January
2/9 Virtual Meeting
2/16 Virtual Meeting
2/23 Virtual Meeting
No Campout planned in February  
3/2 Virtual Meeting
3/5-7 Maple Syrup Festival Campout weekend
3/9 Virtual Meeting
3/16 Virtual Meeting
3/20 Velocity Archery - Day activity
3/23 Virtual Meeting
3/30 Virtual Meeting

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Meeting, Backpacking, Fleece Sweatshirts, name tags, and future events

Hi Troop 136!
Tuesday 11/17 - Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at the firepit
Be sure to join before 7:00 pm to avoid waiting for us to finish the flag ceremony to allow you to join the group. I will open the Google Meet at about 6:50.  Be sure to join the meeting wearing a Class A uniform. After we complete the meeting, the Alpha Dogs Patrol will meet briefly to vote for their Patrol Leader. Only those in the Patrol will be able to vote. Noah Wright and Shane Fuller are running for Patrol Leader and will have an opportunity to speak if they want before the Patrol votes to determine their next Patrol Leader on Tuesday night.  If they decide to speak, they will have up to two minutes to speak about why they want to be the next Patrol Leader.   

Backpacking trip in November:
Only one more week to get help in preparing for the backpacking trip in November.  Roland Guay will be at the church on Tuesday night at 6:30 to check your gear.  Plan to bring what you are thinking about wearing and hiking with this weekend. Roland wants to see what gear you might need in preparation for the trip.  He can give you feedback about what you should or should not have for the trip.    Lots of good information shared and great questions!  The weather for this weekend is amazing!!!!

Zaleski Backpacking trip 11/20-22:
We will meet at the church on November 20th at 5:30 and leave at 6:00 PM.  We will travel to the campground and families can drop off their Scouts.  I have included a link for both the approximate drop off location and pickup location on Sunday at about 11:00 AM.  I will be using the 270 to 33 to 56 to 278 route to and from the location.

Fleece Sweatshirts and name tags:
I will be sending out a separate email with a sign up for your fleece sweatshirts and name tags.  The fleece sweatshirts will be partially paid for by the troop and the name tags will be paid for by the troop.  Two name tags will be provided to each Scout. One will be for their shirt and the other will be for their fleece jacket.  The decision was made by the committee to have the name tag on the fleece sweatshirts just like the uniform.

Future Events:
11/17  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
11/20-11/22 Hiking campout Location to be determined by PLC on 10/6 The PLC has chosen to go back to Zaleski
11/24 No Meeting
12/1 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
12/8 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
12/10-12/13 No Campout at Christmas in the Cave Campout (Need to determine another activity since Covid-19 does not allow us to sleep in the cabin)
12/15 Meeting - PIE in the Face to Mr. Freeman for Scout Advancement and Popcorn Sales! Location TBD (Every Scout that had a rank advancement in 2020 and/or those Scouts who sold at least $300 in popcorn sales or increments of $300 will get one pie to throw for each achievement in rank or for each increment in $300 in pie sales!)
12/22 No Meeting
12/29 No Meeting

--
Phillip Freeman

Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH  

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Tonight's meeting, backpacking in Nov, and more

 Hi Troop 136!


Tuesday 11/10 - Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at the firepit

Bure to join before 7 pm to avoid waiting for us to finish the flag ceremony to allow you to join the group. I will open the Google Meet at about 6:50.  Be sure to join the meeting wearing a Class A uniform. After we complete the skills instruction, we will have nominations for SPL.  Patrol Leader elections tonight. 


Backpacking trip in November:
Only two more weeks to get help in preparing for the backpacking trip in November.  Roland Guay will be at the church each Tuesday night at 6:30 to check your gear and to give feedback to you about what you should or should not have for the trip.  We have had great attendance at the event.  Lots of good information shared and great questions!
We will meet at the church on November 20th at 5:30 and leave at 6:00 PM.  We will travel to the campground and families can drop off their Scouts.  I have included a link for both the approximate drop off location and pickup location on Sunday at about 11:00 AM.

Meeting location during the winter months:
No news yet.  I will hopefully be able to share news regarding a location for us to meet this month.  Some things to think about is the number of people that we might bring together for the meeting.  We might still need to meet virtually as a Troop and have patrol meetings similar to what we are doing right now once a week.

Cub Scout Pack 136:
Cub Scout Pack 136 has reached out to us for help.  They need a Wolf Den Leader.  If you are looking for something to do and want to help these Scouts be successful, please let me know and I will let the Cubmaster and a den leader in the Pack know you are interested in helping.   

Sunday 11/10 Advancement Blitz:
It was a great day to get some advancement completed.  However, we did have some Scouts show up without their Scout Books and were not ready to begin advancement.  Scouts, please be prepared and ready to demonstrate your advancement.  We will schedule another one soon, but be prepared when you come and read your book ahead of time.  The 30 minutes of time does not give you a lot of time, so be prepared instead of spending the time reading and trying to learn new material.  Thanks to those Scouts who came prepared!

Future Events:
11/10  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM (Patrol Leader Elections)
11/17  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
11/20-11/22 Hiking campout Location to be determined by PLC on 10/6 The PLC has chosen to go back to Zaleski
11/24 No Meeting
12/1 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
12/8 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
12/10-12/13 No Campout at Christmas in the Cave Campout (Need to determine another activity since Covid-19 does not allow us to sleep in the cabin)
12/15 Meeting - PIE in the Face to Mr. Freeman for Scout Advancement and Popcorn Sales! Location TBD (Every Scout that had a rank advancement in 2020 and/or those Scouts who sold at least $300 in popcorn sales or increments of $300 will get one pie to throw for each achievement in rank or for each increment in $300 in pie sales!)
12/22 No Meeting
12/29 No Meeting

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Popcorn, Tonight's meeting, backpacking, and more

Hi Troop 136!


Popcorn Sales Ending Soon! 
Many thanks to Shanna and Julie for organizing the popcorn sales events during the past several weekends.  While I do not have a total for the event to share, I was told the total sales would be split between all of the participants based on the number of hours they worked.  If I have this for you, I can share the totals in the next email.  If your Scout has not started selling popcorn yet, it is not too late, but you better start soon!  Be sure to ask friends and family or think about purchasing some popcorn as gifts.  Here is what was added to the Band app about popcorn in case you missed it:

*Thanks to all the scouts who helped out with our 3 booth sales - we sold just under $1000 worth of popcorn at these events!*

We are down to the last few days of the "Show and Sell" popcorn sale.  I am trying to make arrangements to get the last of what I need this week - so if you have orders and have not yet told me what you need, please send that to me ASAP.

I have listed what I have currently in stock below.  Any of this that isn't claimed in the next couple of days will be returned to council Friday or Saturday.  Anything you need that I do not have, I'll try to get Friday or Saturday and you can pick it up next week.

All Show and Sell money is due to me by 10/31/2020.  I'll be contacting each parent of a participating scout with any amounts still due soon.

Any additional items you need after the final exchange this week, you can still order.  The final, final date to order any items is 10/31/2020 and those items will come in on 11/20/2020.  These items can then be picked up & delivered and money is due back to me by 11/30/2020.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Items I have currently:
7 Yellow Popping Corn
5 Classic Caramel
12 Cheddar Cheese
4 Jalapeno Cheese
3 Chocolate Pretzels **Note, these cannot be returned - so if you can help me sell these last 3, that would be great!!**

Thanks,
Shanna and Julie

Bicycling Event on 10/16:
The bicycling event was great!  Very nice weather for a ride and some of the Scouts had never been to the 1/8 mile covered barn that was used to train horses.  We completed a Start, Stop, Continue activity and posted it on the Band app.  NIce weather for a ride. 

Tuesday 10/27 night meeting:
Be sure to join before 7 pm next week to avoid waiting for us to finish the flag ceremony to allow you to join the group. I will open the Google Meet at about 6:50.  Be sure to join the meeting wearing a Class A uniform. After we complete the skills instruction, we will have nominations for SPL. We will also accept nomination on 11/3 followed by a vote on 11/3 for SPL.  Following the SPL election, we will have nominations for Patrol Leaders on 11/3 and on 11/10 with a vote on 11/10 for Patrol Leaders.  The time between 11/3 and 11/10 will allow the new SPL time to select their PLC.

Backpacking trip in November:
Do you need gear or want for someone to look at your gear in preparation for the November backpacking trip?  Roland Guay will be at the church each Tuesday night at 6:30 to check your gear and to give feedback to you about what you should or should not have for the trip.  We have had great attendance at the event and for those that do not stay for the Patrol Meeting for your patrol, you can just join the Google Meet using your phone if you wanted on the way back home as well.  Several Scouts have done that this past two weeks.  Tomorrow night we will be talking about stoves.

Meeting on 11/3:
We will only have a virtual Troop meeting.  We will not have an in person Patrol Meeting this night.  We are not sure how much room there will be in the parking lot with all of the voters that night.  We will only have a virtual meeting and will elect our new SPL.  

Meeting location during the winter months:
No news yet.  I will hopefully be able to share news regarding a location for us to meet this month.  Some things to think about is the number of people that we might bring together for the meeting.  We might still need to meet virtually as a Troop and have patrol meetings similar to what we are doing right now once a week.

Bryan On Scouting article: 
Can being an Eagle Scout help you get into college? Here’s what 17 schools told us
Here is a really good article that some of our parents may need.  I know that we have had conversations with our son about continuing or not a few years ago.  This might be something that you and your Scout to read together  10/14/2020 Article

Cub Scout Pack 136:
Cub Scout Pack 136 has reached out to us for help.  They need a Wolf Den Leader.  If you are looking for something to do and want to help these Scouts be successful, please let me know.  There is a meeting tonight they are having at 6:30 pm.  If you want to join, please let me know and I will let Ron Newcomb who is leading the meeting that you want to join.  

Future Events:
10/27 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM (SPL nominations) and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
11/3  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and no Patrol Meeting (Voting day) (SPL Elections and Patrol Leader nominations)
Note:  Since we will not be meeting in person on 11/3 due to voting, I have moved all of the in person Patrol Meetings forward one week.  We will finish with the Dragons on 12/8.
11/10  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM (Patrol Leader Elections)
11/17  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
11/20-11/22 Hiking campout Location to be determined by PLC on 10/6 The PLC has chosen to go back to Zaleski
11/24 No Meeting
12/1 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
12/8 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
12/10-12/13 No Campout at Christmas in the Cave Campout (Need to determine another activity since Covid-19 does not allow us to sleep in the cabin)
12/15 Meeting - PIE in the Face to Mr. Freeman for Scout Advancement and Popcorn Sales! Location TBD (Every Scout that had a rank advancement in 2020 and/or those Scouts who sold at least $300 in popcorn sales or increments of $300 will get one pie to throw for each achievement in rank or for each increment in $300 in pie sales!)
12/22 No Meeting
12/29 No Meeting

--

Phillip Freeman
Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH 

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Campout, Popcorn, 9/29 trooop meeting, Three Eagles Shootout, Creek Sweep, and Future Events

 Hi Troop 136!

Bicycling campout:
In case you did not see the posts from this weekend's campout, we had a great time, great weather and an amazing camping experience!  It doesn't get much better than this past weekend!  Everyone was safe and had a great time!

Popcorn:
Troop 136 is pleased to offer scouts the opportunity to earn popcorn sales by participating in our Socially Distanced Popcorn Boths.  Scouts can sign up to work a shift at the booths.  They should be prepared to set up or clean up, hold signs and speak with customers.  Scouts should be in Class A uniform, should wear a mask and be prepared to socially distance.  We will provide hand sanitizer for both scouts and popcorn customers.  Proceeds from the booth sales will be split equally between participants.  Please Contact Shanna Wright  or Julie Callahan with any questions or concerns. (see email for phone numbers)

 
9/29 Troop Meeting:
The meeting tonight will again begin as a virtual meeting at 7:00 pm for everyone followed by a den meeting for the Knights of Mandalore.

Three Eagles Shootout on 10/3:
Here is the list so far for the Three Eagles Shootout.  Originally it was scheduled to be held on September 10th, but they had to move it to the 3rd.  I do not have control over this event so even though these two events are back to back weekends, this will only be an activity for Saturday only.  Parents are asked to drive your Scout to the event and pick them up once it is done.  Pack your own lunch.  It is $10 to participate.  I need both the permission slip and the liability form completed for your Scout to participate.  It looks like I had originally included the permission slip from last year.  Please review the permission slip for this year. There are a few changes to the form.  The price is $10 as compared to the $15 from last year and there is a drop off time at the location and a pick up time as well.

Here is the liability form:
Here are the participants this weekend: (see email)

Creek Sweep10/17:
Keep the October 17th weekend open in the morning between 8 and 11 am.  You will have the opportunity to earn three conservation hours.  We will again be helping the City of Grove City clean out the creeks.  We will need some adult leaders to help walk with the Scouts.  Please let me know if you are interested in participating in this event.  You will see some information come out next week in the weekly email, but I wanted to be sure this was on your calendar.  This is offered once a year and if you participate, you can earn the hours needed for the rank advancement for the higher ranks that require conservation hours in addition to the service hours.  No cost for this event!  I will ask for some guidance from the Troop Committee for this event from the committee before sharing the permission slip for this event.
(see email for the sign up link)

Future Events:
10/2-4 Three Eagles Shooting Event and Campout at Mount Oval  
10/6 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
10/13 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
10/16 Cycling event TBD by the PLC based on the feedback at the Little Miami Cycling event  
10/17 Creek Sweep 8 - 11 am
10/20 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
10/27 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
11/3  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
11/10  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
11/17  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
11/20-11/22 Hiking campout Location to be determined by PLC (Zaleski, Camp Oyo or another location)
11/24 No Meeting
12/1 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
12/8 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
12/10-12/13 Christmas in the Cave Campout (Need to determine optional activity since Covid-19)
12/15 Meeting - PIE in the Face to Mr. Freeman for Scout Advancement and Popcorn Sales! Location TBD (Every Scout that had a rank advancement in 2020 and/or sold $300 in popcorn gets one pie to throw a pie for each achievement!)
12/22 No Meeting
12/29 No Meeting

--
Phillip Freeman
Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Emails 2 & 3

 Hi Troop 136!

I am sorry the email did not go out earlier this week with the link for the meeting this past week.  I thought it was sent, but it was still in draft mode on the computer and I could not send it using my phone.  Google does not allow you to send a group email using a cell phone.  I apologize that we needed to use the Band app to get the meeting code to you, but it seemed to work out ok.  I have included the link for our meeting on Tuesday below so that you have it now in case you cannot make it to the Court of Honor on Tuesday night.

Band App :
We just passed our one year mark of using the Band app as adults.  In October and November last year we started sharing with the troop about the app.  Now that we are in a place that we need to create some additional groups so that they can organize better without interruption to the others in the Troop.  There might be some Patrol conversations that do not include the rest of the troop and that is exciting!  The invites below will be good until Monday at 7 pm.  I would recommend Scouts remain part of the Troop 136 Main group and add their Patrol as well.  They can easily switch back and forth and still receive notifications for both groups.  The PLC will change every six months, but this would provide them a way to effectively communicate as a group.  I will ask that the Scouts text me or email me and their parents if they have specific questions to avoid too much traffic and notifications in the Main group.  I will go back and review the names to be sure everyone is in the right group on Monday night.  Be sure that your son and you are able to join the Main group and the Patrol they are assigned.  I want for them to be able to communicate by sending messages and this allows them the ability to communicate with their fellow patrol members. Scouts will use the Band app to ask and answer questions in their Patrols.  They will also use this as a tool to help plan outings, Patrol Meetings, post pictures as well as keeping track of agenda items from meetings.  It may also include their Start, Stop Continue logs after every activity.  If you want your Scout to use this app, please include at least their first name and the initial of their last name or their full name.  I will delete anyone that I do not know from the groups, so be sure that you add yourself using names.  If I delete you on accident, please send me an email and I will send you a new code.  I will apologize in advance in case there are issues, but so far this Band App has been great for increasing the communication in our Troop.

Band App groups and invite codes are in the email.


Cycling this weekend
In preparation for the Cycling event this weekend, Mr. Guay will be at the church on Tuesday night at 6 pm with a bike stand to be sure that you are ready to take the bicycle on the trip next weekend.  Bring your bike to get it checked out and "Be Prepared" to have fun cycling next weekend on the bike path. This is a great time to get one of the items signed off for your Camping Merit Badge #9b, Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.  Your participation in a cycling event for four hours or 15 miles this weekend would count as a completed requirement for the merit badge.

Court of Honor 9/22:
We will have a socially distanced Court of Honor on Tuesday at the fire pit area.  Please plan to bring a lawn chair and we will allow the families to sit as groups.  It looks like an amazing fall night.  It might be a great night to take some pictures of your Scout against the green shrubs after they receive their awards.  We will ask that everyone wears a mask including family members.  We will use the flag pole as a backdrop near the firepit area and will broadcast using a Google Meet on Tuesday night to families that are not comfortable with attending.  They will be able to see and hear the Court of Honor, but since it is a live stream, they will not be able to interact with us during this event.  Families can sit to the north of the firepit area in the grass and continue into the parking lot area in front of where the trailers are parked. I will start the live feed at 6:55 pm.

We are still looking for a Scout who might be able to help as the MC for the Court of Honor.  This is normally a Scout working on their Communications Merit Badge.  Is there a Scout that might want to volunteer to help?  If so, please let me know. This is a great opportunity to learn about public speaking and complete the requirement for the merit badge.  You only have to do this once, so this is a great time to do it since this is outside.  You would simply follow the script and introduce the next guest. 

Since the SPL determines which patrol or individuals will help with the flags for the meetings and the Court of Honor, he will be reading out to a Patrol or individuals to help with the Court of Honor.  Since we had some Scouts learned about how to properly raise up a fag, fold a flag and how to respect a flag and you are willing to help Shane with our Court of Honor, please let him know.  Especially if you earned your Honor Guard cords at summer camp.  I am sure Shane would appreciate it if you contacted him. 

Wear your full Class A uniform beginning this Tuesday and for all meetings until Memorial Day weekend. 

7:00 pm Join with Google Meet Live Stream.  You will not be able to interact with the ceremony, but can view the live event and hear us announce the names of the Scouts. This is available for you and your families if they choose to watch. I will make it live at 6:55 pm.  I will try to also record the Court of Honor and post the link to our website so that you can view later if you wanted as well.
The the live stream is in the email.

Miami Valley Canoe Livery Campout 9/25-9/27:
On Friday, September 25th, we will leave the church at 6 pm.  We will be camping at the Miami Valley Canoe Livery.  The cost for your Scout will be $12.  It costs $6 per night for every person to camp.  We will not provide meals, only hot water if needed for their meals. We will not have access to electricity in our campsites.  They do have some nice facilities:  "Our riverside tent camping is near the Little Miami Bike Trail and has family style camping, picnic benches, grills, restroom and hot showers. Camping is primitive. No electricity at the camp sites."  Bring your bicycle to the church on Friday night to put in our second trailer.  We will do our best to keep the bikes from scratching against each other using packing pads.  If you have some packing pads to wrap around your bike or a blanket to protect your bike, put your name on the packing pad or blanket so that we can use them to wrap your son's bicycle in the trailer. If you wish to travel to and from the event with your son's bicycle on your vehicle you may do so.  If you pack your son's bicycle on your vehicle,  you would not have to stop back at the church to get your bicycle and could travel straight home.  

Following the guidelines from council, it is recommended that you drive your son to and from this event.  However, you may arrange with another family going on the trip to carpool if needed.  The adult leaders will not be responsible for travel to and from this event.  We will require facemasks unless we are bicycling on Saturday.  We will be using hand sanitizer as well several times a day.
Campout details are in the email

Three Eagles Shootout on October 3:
This will be a day activity instead of a campout since we had just spent a weekend camping at the Miami Valley Canoe Livery.  Last year, we had some Scouts attend the day and had a great time.  They will be able to shoot a shotgun, rifle and spend some time fishing in the pond.  Plan to bring lunch for this event.  I have not had any other details yet with a start time.  Last year we had to be at the rifle range at 8:30 and we were done around 4:30 pm.  You will not be required to meet at the church for this event.  You will be able to drop off your Scout at the location and come back and pick them up.  Once I have more details regarding a start time for the event, I will share a permission form with you.  I was waiting to hear back about the time for the Three Eagles Shootout to begin on October 3 and I heard back this morning.  You can drop off your son anytime between 8:00 and 8:30 at the Pickaway County Gun Club.  I put 8:30 on the permission slip, but I will be at the front gate about 8:00 that morning.  If you come after 8:30, you will need to sign in at the shed and find us.  You may drop off your Scout at the shelter house before you leave.   The safety briefing is at 9:00 in the shelter house.  All of the Scouts will be present at this safety briefing so they can shoot at the event. This is an outdoor event and will continue rain or shine because the shooting points are covered and the shelter house is covered.  Pickup for this event will be about 4:30.  I think this was about the time we ended last year, but it depends on the number of participants.  They give everyone a lot of time to shoot and have a great time during the day.

Camping on October 9-11:
The PLC is discussing some ideas about a campout option for the 10/9-10/11 weekend.  We will share more at the Court of Honor.  I will be sharing some of the ideas from the survey the Scouts that we as a Troop completed in July in preparation for the yearly planning meeting through December 2021.  So that you may know how we plan our events, I removed the names of the scouts, but here is the link that I will be sharing with them to help them choose what they want to do:
Information is in the email

Selling T-shirts this weekend
We will be selling the Troop T-Shirts on Tuesday night.  They are $7 per shirt and I will have all of the various colors and sizes at that time.  You may purchase the shirts before or after the Court of Honor, but not during the Court of Honor.  I will close the table about five minutes before we begin to start the live stream for our Court of Honor.

October 9-11 weekend trip
The PLC has been tasked to come up with an idea for the October 9-11 weekend trip.  Here are the documents that were created this past summer during the surveys Scouts took to help plan the yearly calendar.  If you have a Scout who is on the PLC, I would ask that they reach out to Shane and provide suggestions to what you might want to do.  If you are not in the PLC, I would contact your Patrol Leader and advocate for an event that you think is fun so that the Patrol Leader can share with the PLC your idea.


Future Events
9/22 Troop Court of Honor at 7 pm socially distanced at the firepit area of church (Scoutmaster Conference night)
9/25-9/27 Campout to be determined at the 9/15 Troop Meeting
9/29  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM (Board of Review night)
10/3 Three Eagles Shooting Event and Campout at Mount Oval 
10/6  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM  (Scoutmaster Conference night)
10/9-11 Camping trip as organized by the PLC, this information will be shared at the Court of Honor
10/13 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM  (Board of Review night)
10/17 Creek Sweep 9 am to noon
10/20  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM  (Scoutmaster Conference night)
10/27  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM   (Board of Review night)
11/3  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM  (Scoutmaster Conference night)
11/10  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Knights of Mandalore Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM  (Board of Review night)
11/17 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Alpha Dogs Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM  (Scoutmaster Conference night)
11/20-11/22 Hiking Campout
11/24  No Meeting  Future meetings will be determined and shared at a later date.  I know the weather might be colder at this point, but we may not have access to the church building until January at the earliest.  The Troop Committee has been talking about some ideas.  Once a plan of action for our meetings is determined, I will share where and when we might be able to meet in person.  I am trying to avoid the virtual meetings as much as possible, but know that we may need to do this in the short term during the winter months.  With this in mind, I could easily see a meeting occasionally be more activity based.   I could see us doing some really cool activities to help the Scouts know what to do in cold weather.  It might be as simple as setting up tents in the snow and taking them down or getting our bobsled out and doing some activities if it snows. Using the tent idea,  a tent is much warmer with snow packed around the edges of the tent.  I speak from experience waking up to almost six inches of fresh snow one morning and loving it when I was a Scout.  So much fun!  I think we just may need to be flexible and continue with the mantra that Scouting Continues! "How do you eat an elephant, one bite at a time!"
image.png

--
Phillip Freeman
Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH 

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Cardboard Race!

 Hi Troop 136!

 Cardboard Boat Race:

Be at the YMCA Discovery Park pond at 6:30. The boat race will start at 6:45.  You will need to cross the pond and back again to win!  This is for bragging rights!!


Patrol names, patch design, cheer and yell: 

I think we have a few patrols that have new names.  Be sure that I know your new name or if you decided to keep your name, please let me know that as well.  

Cheer on your patrol as they paddle across the pond.  Once you are done, bring your boat back to the troop trailer so that it can be disposed of back at the church in the dumpster. 

Troop T-shirts:

I will be there at 6 pm with the trailer and troop t-shirts if you want to purchase t-shirts tonight.  I will be at the troop trailer before and after the boat race so that you can pick up your shirts.  They are $7 each.  There are five different colors to choose from and you will be able to see the sizes before you purchase them.  

Popcorn:

Shanna Wright and Julie Hurt will have some samplers for the popcorn setup by the Troop trailer.  Pick up your supplies for selling popcorn and let them know how much you have sold so far! 

See you tonight!

 

--

Phillip Freeman

Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH 

Monday, August 31, 2020

Patrol meetings, Cardboard boat race, Future activities

 

Hi Troop 136!

 

Patrol Meetings:

I wanted to be sure that you knew about the plan for this week. We will not have a troop meeting on Tuesday, September 1st. We have several patrols who will be meeting during this week.   Please look at the Band app.  The Patrol Leaders have tried to find a time that was good for their patrol members.  I will also encourage the Patrol Leaders to contact each of the patrol members to be sure they are aware of their meeting dates to work on the cardboard boats in case the Scouts in their patrols do not have access to the Band app.

1.  Be sure that when you meet in your patrols that you are wearing a mask and have hand sanitizer available when you arrive and when you leave when you are working as a team to make your boat.

2.  When you meet, be sure to review and become familiar with your patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell. These items are what you will need to display your patrol spirit at the Cardboard boat race.  Please share this with me by email.  I would like to be able to share with the troop your selection of patrol names and patches in an email next week.  

3.  Share with me your patrol patch design, your name, emblem, flag and yell by Friday, September 4th.  I want to be able to order your patch for the September Court of Honor.  I would need the designs if you want to have a patch created as well by Friday, September 4th in order to place the order for you to receive by the September Court of Honor. 

4.   While you are meeting, plan your next Patrol activity to start working toward the National Honor Patrol Award and share what you plan to do with me so I can add it to the future events in my weekly emails.  Here is the National Honor Patrol requirements:  https://www.scouting.org/awards/awards-central/national-honor-patrol/ 

 

Cardboard boat race:

You may want to review the rules for the cardboard boat race.  Be sure to follow the guidelines.  The boat can only be made out of three items: cardboard, duct tape and pvc pipes.  We will plan to meet at the YMCA pond at 6:30 pm for the boat race.  We will have the inspections and the boat race will begin at 6:45 pm.  The patrol member that will be in the boat to cross the lake and back again will be the same person and will not be required to wear a mask when they are in the water.  They will remove their mask when they enter the boat and will put it back on as they leave the boat.  We will also have a popcorn tasting and handout of supplies at each of the patrol locations.  A map will be shared with you this week with the location of the patrols.  I am hoping to be able to use the names of the patrols when I share the map details.  I should be able to share this next weekend once the patrols submit their patrol names with me this week. 

 Troop 136 Cardboard Boat Race Rules and Informa...

 

Future Activities:

8/29 PLC Meeting 4:30 pm at the church firepit area, bring your devices and look for an email from the SPL with the shared documents

8/29 Troop Committee Meeting at 6 pm (Parents and leaders are encouraged to participate)

9/1 Patrol Meetings to put together your cardboard boat (Patrol Leaders will set up a location for the patrol to meet this week.  Please let me know so that we can have adult leaders at the location supervising the construction of the cardboard boat.)
9/6 Personal Management Merit Badge 3 pm at the church firepit area, Thanks for Jeff Colborn being the merit badge counselor

9/8 Meet at the YMCA pond for the boat race at 6:30, Inspections of the boats and race beginning at 6:45 PM

9/8 Popcorn kick off tasting and pick up of sales material for the popcorn sales
9/15 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
9/22 Troop Court of Honor
9/25-9/27 Campout at the Great Seal State Park, Central Ohio Orienteers will have an orienteering course setup and other activities will be planned by the PLC on 8/30.
9/29  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Blackhawks Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM

10/6  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Blue Blazes Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM

10/9-11 Three Eagles Shooting Event and Campout at Mount Oval

10/13  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM

 

 Troop 136 - Yearly Plan 2019-2020

 

 

 

--

Phillip Freeman

Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH 

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Virtual meeting tonight, cardboard race, and future activities

 Virtual Troop Meeting link for August 25th is in the email I sent to you

Only Virtual Troop Meeting Tonight:
We will only have a virtual meeting tonight between 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm.  There is an Open House for some of the Scouts so we will not have a Patrol Meeting for the Dragons. There is an Open House next week for the high school students at Grove City on September 1.  We will not have a Troop meeting or virtual meeting next week to allow time for the patrols to make their boat for the cardboard boat race.  The patrols can use the time to get together using masks and hand sanitizer in an outdoor environment to make the boat.  This option allows for the patrols to meet to build their cardboard boat race.  It is also considered a patrol activity and could be used as a requirement #3 for the Baden Powell Patrol Award that we spent some time talking about with the PLC this past month.  See the links for the award information.  This is the responsibility of the Patrol Leaders to share with their patrols and to start to work together to complete.  Most of these items are things they are already doing, but it allows them to work on the requirements.  I suggested the Scouts track their time and the start time could be when they wanted.  It could be any three month time period since they were elected as Patrol Leaders.  Here is the information:  https://www.scouting.org/awards/awards-central/national-honor-patrol/
Be sure to review the guidelines for the boat race to be sure your cardboard boat passes inspection for the race event:

Cardboard boat race:
I will be at the church between 6:30 and 7:45 for the Patrol Leaders to come by to get the cardboard.  If you are not able to come tonight, contact me to set up a time to meet at the trailer to get your cardboard.  One of the Patrol Leaders will be coming over right after the virtual meeting.

Future Activities:
8/25 Only a virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM 
9/1 Patrol Meetings to put together your cardboard boat (Patrol Leaders will set up a location for the patrol to meet.  Please let me know so that we can have adult leaders at the location supervising the construction of the cardboard boat.)
9/8 Meet at the YMCA pond for the boat race at 6:30 PM
9/8 Popcorn kick off tasting and pick up of sales material for the popcorn sales
9/15 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
9/22 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Blackhawks Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
9/25-9/27 Campout at the Great Seal State Park, Central Ohio Orienteers will have an orienteering course setup and other activities will be planned by the PLC on 8/30.
9/29 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Blue Blazes Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM
10/6  Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM

--
Phillip Freeman
Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH 

Monday, August 17, 2020

Campout, temps, meeting plan, advancement, cardboard race, and future activities

 HI Troop 136!

Campout:

The campout was amazing this past weekend!  Shane did a great job as the SPL this weekend.  Shane had two Patrol Leaders for the weekend, Jaedon and David. This was our first campout since March and everyone had a great time.  Some of the Scouts got a little wet!  We had a downpour of rain when we showed up on Friday night, but a few minutes later it slowed to a few raindrops so that we could get our tents set up.  Ranger Roy at Chief Logan allowed us to use the handicraft shelter instead of setting up our popups.  Since we decided to use the shelter, there were three picnic tables that we could use to separate the Scouts for social distancing and some smaller round tables for the adults.  Our service project lasted between 9 am and 4:30 pm on Saturday with an hour for lunch by the beaver pond in the Nature Shelter.  The trail was over five miles in length. 

I took some photos by the pond of the Scouts and adults and shared those in the Band app.  John King - I did not think about taking the photos until after you left, sorry..  Every Scout will receive 6.5 hours of service hours.  On Saturday, most of the rain was gone by about noon and the sun came out.  It was amazing weather in the afternoon.  

Mr. Baughman brought his grandson who is a Webelos Scout with Pack 136 and they camped on Saturday night.  I will try to get some more of the Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to camp with us in September to help with their advancement requirements. 

The Scouts were able to wake up at 7:30 AM and had the trailer loaded and ready to go by 9:20 AM.  They were able to pack their gear, eat breakfast and even had some time to complete a start, stop and continue activity about the campout.  Most of the adults arrived at 10 AM and the trip back home was a good one with nice sunny weather.  Be sure to check for ticks if you have not done so yet.  There was a report of one scout getting a tick.  We asked for the Scouts to check on Saturday night for ticks before they went to bed and again on Sunday when they arrived at home when they got a shower.

Temperatures:  

For the Scouts and adults who attended the campout, please be sure to check your temperatures each day and enter into the spreadsheet through Saturday. This is the responsibility of the adults and Scouts to complete using the link.   Here is a link to the form:

Virtual Meeting and Patrol Meeting:

On Tuesday night 8/18, we will again have our virtual Scout meeting starting at 7 PM followed by our patrol meeting with the Blue Blazes at 7:30 PM.  The patrol will be selecting their patch design tonight at the meeting.  The Blue Blazes patrol will meet at the church fire pit area at 6:50 PM.  Bring a device to use for the meeting.  A phone would work.  We will be at the firepit area for the virtual meeting and the patrol meeting after the troop meeting.

I am working on the merit badges for summer camp this week and preparing the list of completed merit badges for our Court of Honor in September.  I am hopeful that we will be able to have an outdoor Court of Honor, but we will play it by ear as we get closer to that date.  We plan to meet for the Court of Honor on September 22nd.

 Troop 136_Meeting_Plan 8/18/2020

Advancement:  

We have had a lot of Scouts earn rank requirements and I have been very flexible and readily available for Scoutmaster Conferences when requested.  However, going forward we will have the Scoutmaster Conferences during the first and third weeks of the month followed by the Board of Review during the second and fourth weeks of the month. The times for these meetings would be determined by the Scoutmaster and the Advancement Chair.

Cardboard Boat Race Rules:

On September 8th, the Scouts will race a cardboard boat they created across the pond and back again.  Only one Scout can be in the boat during the race.  We will follow the social distancing guidelines set forth by the governor.  I will have signs posted and a map for you to use to find your patrol.  You will be wearing a mask, except for the person in the boat.  They will not need to be wearing on during the race.  A fellow Scout will collect the mask and give the mask back to the Scout when they are finished with the boat race.

Here are the guidelines for the cardboard boat races:

 Troop 136 Cardboard Boat Race Rules and Informa...

Future Activities:

8/18 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PMand Blue Blazes Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM

8/25 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM

9/1 Patrol Meetings to put together your cardboard boat (Patrol Leaders will set up a location for the patrol to meet.  Please let me know so that we can have adult leaders at the location supervising the construction of the cardboard boat.)

9/8 Meet at the YMCA pond for the boat race at 6:30 PM

9/15 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Blackhawks Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM

9/22 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Blue Blazes Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM

9/25-9/27 Campout at the Great Seal State Park, Central Ohio Orienteers will have an orienteering course setup and other activities will be planned by the PLC on 8/30.

9/29 Virtual Troop Meeting at 7 PM and Dragons Patrol Meeting at 7:30 PM

Phil

--

Phillip Freeman

Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH 

Sunday, August 9, 2020

New Scouts Physical Fitness, Tuesday Troop Meeting, & Campout

 Hi Troop 136!


New Scouts Physical Fitness:
New Scouts Meeting at Tanglebrook to complete their physical fitness at 6:00 PM.  On Tuesday, it will be one month since your original physical fitness check.  You will be doing the following items: pushups, situps, stretch and mile run.  Please bring your log of activity and we will compare the original scores to the current scores.

As of right now, there is a forecast for Thunderstorms on Tuesday night.  I will make a call about 5 pm on Tuesday and send a note using the Band app if we are able to meet at the park for the physical fitness test.  If not, we will meet the following week.  Hopefully the weather cooperates with us and we have good weather on Tuesday evening.

Tuesday Troop meeting:
Meeting on Tuesday will be a virtual meeting for the entire troop beginning at 7:00 PM. Only the Blackhawk Patrol will be meeting in person at 7 PM at the firepit area by the shed.  We will have our virtual meeting with the troop followed by the patrol meeting at 7:30.  If you are in the Blackhawk Patrol, be sure to bring your own chair and mask and be prepared to watch the meeting on your phone if you want.  I will also have a computer to use for the troop meeting.  As of right now, there is a forecast for Thunderstorms on Tuesday night.  I will make a call at 5 pm to cancel the in person patrol meeting and only have a virtual meeting.  The troop will be meeting virtual no matter what happens with the weather. 
Focus for patrol meetings will be your patrol name, patch, yell, cheer and creating a design of your boat for the cardboard boat race on September 8th.

Campout:If you change your mind and want to come, please add your name to the document and start taking your temperature today.  None of the PLC Members who thought the campout was a good idea have signed up for the camping trip so far.  Hmmmm....

Before camp:
1.  Temperatures will be collected on a GoogleDoc starting a week in advance of the trip just like did for summer camp.  We will also keep a log for a week after camp.  Entering the temperature each day will be the responsibility of the parent.
The log to record your temperatures is in my email.

2.  Loading the trailer on Friday:
Be at the church at 5:30 on Friday.  We will load your items in the trailer.  You will want to not carry your items to camp and they will more than likely be moving the trailer back with the tractor.  So make sure everything is in the trailer.  

3. Transportation:
You will drive with your family or you can ride with another parent if you arrange this with another parent in the troop.  I will let you work out those details.  The troop will not be responsible for transporting the Scouts to and from this event during the Covid-19 pandemic.   This is similar to summer camp.  We are asking that the parents drive their Scout to Chief Logan and then pick them back up on Sunday morning at 10:30 or they can arrange with another parent to transport their Scout if needed.  This will be worked out by the parents and not the adult leaders going on the campout.  

4. Camp setup and tents:
We will set up camp and sleep in individual tents.  You may bring your own, or you can use a troop tent.  Depending on the weather, we might have a campfire.   You may bring their own tent or let the Scoutmaster know that you need a tent.  Scouts will be sleeping by themselves in a tent.

5.  Meals:
For the meals, I have attached a GoogleDoc that could be used to help you think about what you could use for your meals.  This should be a fun planning activity with your Scout.  They can choose something similar to the list of items that we have provided.  They will be bringing the item in a sealed gallon size freezer bag.  Follow the directions in the GoogleDoc for items you would normally eat at home. Using a freezer bag to place the hot water into will not leak as a result of the hot water when adding it to the meals.  If you need some meat cold, you could use a freezer container that you bring and leave in the trailer.  Both of these could be placed in a rubbermaid container so that you could access them during the weekend.  Be sure to have a freezer bag for each meal and it makes for easy cleanup of leftover food and trash.  We will have hot water for your meals if needed and for cleaning of your utensils.  Meals will be prepared by the Scouts for themselves.   We will not have normal cooking in the patrols.  This will be similar to the backpack campout where each Scout brings their own meals.  If your Scout wants to bring a backpacking stove, please let us know ahead of time so that we can look at the stove before your Scout uses the stove.  
The link to some suggested food items is in my email.

6. Service project:
On Saturday, after breakfast we will walk the perimeter of camp and work on a service project.  We will pack our lunches and eat on the trail.  

7.  Wear a mask:  
We will ask that the Scouts wear a mask during the weekend.  When we are out on the trail on Saturday for our conservation hours, they will not need to wear the mask if they are outside and more than six feet apart from each other.

8.  Backpack:
Bring a small backpack that they can use to carry their water and lunch on Saturday along with their work gloves and ten essentials.  Lunch will need to be a carry item.  We will be out on the trail most of the day earning service hours.

9. Permission Form and Medication Form:
Updated Permission Form instead of another waiver form.  This include the waiver for the leaders of the trip as it relates to Covid-19.  If you want to take a picture of this form and send it to me once you sign it, please feel free to do so.  Since there is no cost for the trip, you will not need to make a payment.

Medication Form:

Scouting continues....I am looking forward to the trip this weekend!  Stay safe!

--
Phillip Freeman
Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH 

Friday, August 7, 2020

Carter's Eagle Scout Project moved to today, no work on project tomorrow

 Hi!

 Carter made a decision last night to move the painting part of his project to today.  The person that was there last night helping with the ramp offered a professional sprayer and the expertise to spray the outside of the building.  He decided to move the Saturday work to today.  The person that will be spraying on the paint will not be available on Saturday. He is helping with another Eagle scout project with his troop on Saturday. Using the sprayer to put the paint on and back roll the paint using rollers would be much faster than rolling on the paint. 

 Carter realizes this is short notice, but he also wants to take advantage of the opportunity to use the sprayer and the person that can spray on the paint.

We will not be working on the project on Saturday.  Today will be the last day that the majority of the work will be completed.  If you are available between 5 and 7 pm tonight, please use the sign up sheet in the email I sent so that Carter will know who is coming.

 

Phil

 

--

Phillip Freeman

Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH 

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Eagle project, PLC, and committee meetings

Hi Troop 136!

Eagle Scout Project:
If you are able to help with Carter's Eagle Scout Project this weekend, in my email is the link to sign up to help.  We will share it with our friends and family as well so you may see some names that you might not know.  You may sign up for more than one space if you need service hours.  Please see the guidelines for the service project.

PLC Meeting on Sunday at 4:30 pm on Sunday:
The PLC Meeting will take place at 4:30 on Sunday.  We will plan the next two months for both in person meetings and virtual meetings.  The Committee will discuss in person meetings following the guidelines set forth by the state.  This meeting will be virtually.  I will share the link with you using the PLC Contact list on Sunday afternoon.

Committee Meeting at 6 pm on Sunday:
The Troop 136 Committee will be meeting virtually on Sunday night at 6 pm.  Christa will be sharing a link with those on the committee.  We had a few new parents at our last meeting.  If you would like to attend and find out what we do to plan as adults for the troop activities, please join us!  Let me know if you are interested and I can send you the link.

--
Phillip Freeman
Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Mine craft continues tonight and virtual camping

Hi Troop 136!

Minecraft server meetup tonight and tomorrow night:

Tonight and tomorrow night between 7 and 10 pm, Scouts from Troop 136 and Troop 275 will be able to meet and game virtually using Minecraft and Discord.  

In my email is the Minecraft server information:

A parent from Troop 275 will host the server. Zach started a Discord server and both Zach and Carter were able to get it to work this afternoon and it is ready to go for you to enjoy! In my email is a link to the Discord server so that you can chat with everyone while you game. 
 
This is for you to enjoy.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  The parents from Troop 275 and Troop 136 are very excited to see the Scouts become actively engaged with each other.  The parent that is from Troop 275 is someone that we know from our time with our Cub Scout Pack.  We even had a LAN party at his house when they were in Cub Scouts.  Everyone brought their computers, XBox or Playstations along with their TVs to his house and we had a lot of fun!  I hope getting together this weekend with your friends from the Troop is the same fun experience we had a few years ago.  Enjoy!

Please obey the Scout Law and Oath or you will be removed from this server. This is for the Scouts of Troop 275 and 136. This is not for all of your friends to join. This was specifically developed for you in mind. Please be nice and enjoy the time with fellow Scouts!

Virtual Camping nights:
If you want to earn two nights of camping this weekend, you will need to follow the same rules as before. You will post a pic on Friday night with your tent and again Saturday morning. To get credit for a second night of camping, do the same on Saturday night and another on Sunday morning. Post these pics to the Band app. If you need an invitation to the Band app, please let me know. If you only want to earn one night of camping, you may do that as well.

Tuesday night, 7/28 Scout Meeting:
On Tuesday night, we will again have a shorter Troop meeting between 7:00 and 7:30 followed by a virtual patrol meeting with the Blue Blazes.  Our guest speaker is a teacher with South-Western City Schools.  She is also our Committee Chair.  We are very excited to hear about STEM projects using Math from Christa Ewing on Tuesday night. 
Here is the meeting plan:

During the Blue Blazes patrol meeting between 7:30 and 8:00, you will have the option to review the patches for your patrol and choose to keep the name Blue Blazes or select another patrol name. The discussion of the patrol patch will be the responsibility of the Patrol Leader.  You will also discuss your plans for the cardboard boat race that we have scheduled for Tuesday, September 8.
Here are two links to review before your meeting on Tuesday:

Have a great weekend!
--
Phillip Freeman
Scoutmaster, Troop 136 in Grove City, OH