August

 Hello Troop, 136,

August 8th Troop meeting:  Due to the special election, we will be holding our meeting outside by the fire pit.  If the weather is bad, we will meet in the basement.

August Campout information:  Our next camping trip is scheduled to be a canoeing event at the Birch Bark Canoe Livery located at 1455 River Road in Urbana, Oh. 43087 from August 25-27

The cost for this event will be $50 which includes: canoe rental with 2 scouts per canoe, camping for Friday and Saturday nights, and food for Saturday's meals and cracker barrel and Sunday breakfast.   Please sign up using the attached link so that we can reserve our canoes and camping spaces:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D49ACA62FA1FE3-august

Merit Badge Counselor information:  For any those adults who have expressed interest in becoming a merit badge counselor,  I have attached a Merit Badge Counselor Application that you can complete online and send to me, complete it and bring it to the scout meeting or I will have blank applications at the meeting.  The Merit Badge counselor application as well as an adult application with code 42 will need to be turned in.  I will have both forms at tomorrow's meeting.

September PLC meeting:  The PLC has decided to push back the September PLC meeting to the 2nd Sunday of the month in order to allow families to enjoy a long Labor Day weekend together.  This PLC meeting will start at 3pm in order to work on the Annual Plan for the Troop.

Arts in the Alley Parade:  Saturday, Sept 16th is the Arts in the Alley Parade.  The parade starts at 9:30.  The meeting time and location will be coming soon.

September Campout:  The September campout is scheduled for Sept. 22 - 24.  Jackson has put out a poll on the Band App for the troop to decide between a bicycle trip or a trip to the Hocking Hills and a hike to Airplane Rock.  Please take the time to vote.

Popcorn Sales:  I am excited to inform the troop that Brandi Blackstone has agreed to be the Popcorn Kernel for the Troop as well as the Pack this year.  More information will be coming out soon.

Pumpkin Patch:  Last year, Pack 136 started their first annual Pumpkin Patch.  This year, scouts in the troop will get the opportunity to earn money for their scout account by helping out at the Pumpkin Patch.  Please put September 29th on your calendar as this is the day that pumpkins will be delivered so we will need help unloading the trailer.  More details to come.

Physical Fitness:  The PLC has decided to continue the Physical Fitness testing for the scouts working on their Tenderfoot, 2nd Class and 1st Class ranks.  They have scheduled the last troop meeting of each month for testing at Tanglebrook Park in Grove City.

July

 July 25th Troop meeting:  Just a reminder that for tomorrow night's troop meeting, we will be meeting at Tanglebrook Park at 4343 Grove City Rd right behind Fire Station 201.

Scouts will be working testing for their Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class physical fitness requirements.  This would also count as the first test for Physical Fitness Merit Badge.

Plan to meet at the park for testing.  Please be ready to do push ups, sit ups, the sit and stretch and run  or walk for 1 mile.  Remember to wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.

August Campout information:  Our next camping trip is scheduled to be a canoeing event at the Birch Bark Canoe Livery located at 1455 River Road in Urbana, Oh. 43087 from August 25-27

The cost for this event will be $50 which includes: canoe rental with 2 scouts per canoe, camping for Friday and Saturday nights, and food for Saturday's meals and cracker barrel and Sunday breakfast.   Please sign up using the attached link so that we can reserve our canoes and camping spaces:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D49ACA62FA1FE3-august

Merit Badge Counselor information:  For any those adults who have expressed interest in becoming a merit badge counselor,  I have attached a Merit Badge Counselor Application that you can complete online and send to me, complete it and bring it to the scout meeting or I will have blank applications at the meeting.  The Merit Badge counselor application as well as an adult application with code 42 will need to be tured in.  I will have both forms at tomorrow's meeting.

High Adventure Update:
If you are interested in going to Sea Base or Philmont next year please see below.  You must let us know by the end of July.  We will start opening it to other Troops/Crews in the area after July 31.

Sea Base 2024:
Please let Cory Edwards (cory.l.edwards@gmail.com) know if you are interested in attending the Coral Reef Sailing.  The trek will be 7/14-7/19.  

Philmont 2024:
See Phil Freeman (gcscouterphil@gmail.com for more information and let him know if you are interested in going to Philmont. We will leave about Sunday, 6/9 - 6/26.  The trek will take place June 12-June 24. This allows us time to travel by train.  The total cost will be about $1550.  There will be a $150 nonrefundable deposit that is to reserve your space and then $200 payments starting in August.  

Philmont Payment schedule:
$150 Nonrefundable deposit
$200 August
$200 September
$200 October
$200 November
$200 January
$200 February
$200 March

The monthly deposits will start soon and are coordinated by the adults.  Mr. Baughman will take your deposits so that we can send one payment from the Troop.

With the high adventure camps scheduled in June and later in July, the only week that is free for summer camp next year that will not interfere with travel is the week of June 30th through July 6th.  I have reached out to the Simon Kenton Council and reserved the week 3, from June 30th through July 6th.

July

 Hello Troop 136,

Well two Summer camps are in the books.  Thank you to all of the adults who helped make this possible, from the adults who joined us at camp, to the adults helping collect forms, create permission slips, collect money and make payments, sell t-shirts, and registration.  There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes and I would like to thank each of you for helping make this a successful Summer camp Season.

As only two scouts signed up for the Scuba experience, we will have a troop meeting tonight, July 18th.  At this meeting, the patrols will have a chance to talk about what events they want to do for the upcoming year.  In the following meeting on July 25th, we will be starting the first physical fitness test that is required for the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks.  Scouts will need to track their physical activity in between testing weeks.  

The August Campout will be August 25th through August 27th.  The scouts have requested that the troop do a canoeing adventure so I have reached out to the Birch Bark Canoe Livery in Urbana, OH.  The cost for camping two nights, a canoe rental for two scouts for a 5 mile trip and food will be $50.  Sign up Genius will be coming out but I wanted to get this information out to you.  Below is the link to the canoe livery.

Home - Birch Bark Canoe Livery

Below is an update from Mr. Freeman regarding next year's high adventure:

High Adventure Update:
If you are interested in going to Sea Base or Philmont next year please see below.  You must let us know by the end of July.  We will start opening it to other Troops/Crews in the area after July 31.

Sea Base 2024:
Please let Cory Edwards (cory.l.edwards@gmail.com) know if you are interested in attending the Coral Reef Sailing.  The trek will be 7/14-7/19.  

Philmont 2024:
See Phil Freeman (gcscouterphil@gmail.com for more information and let him know if you are interested in going to Philmont. We will leave about Sunday, 6/9 - 6/26.  The trek will take place June 12-June 24. This allows us time to travel by train.  The total cost will be about $1550.  There will be a $150 nonrefundable deposit that is to reserve your space and then $200 payments starting in August.  

Philmont Payment schedule:
$150 Nonrefundable deposit
$200 August
$200 September
$200 October
$200 November
$200 January
$200 February
$200 March

The monthly deposits will start soon and are coordinated by the adults.  Mr. Baughman will take your deposits so that we can send one payment from the Troop.

With the high adventure camps scheduled in June and later in July, the only week that is free for summer camp next year that will not interfere with travel is the week of June 30th through July 6th.  I will be reaching out to Camp Falling Rock to request a site for that week.

June

 I wanted to take a moment to give everyone a reminder of some upcoming events.

1.  David S's Eagle Scout project will be this Saturday, June 17th at 9am.  If you signed up, please wear work clothes and boots.  Please bring gloves, a shovel if you have one, a water bottle and possibly a snack.  The time spent counts as service hours and we will be helping our Charitable Organization.

2  Camp Ransburg is just about a week away.  I wanted to take a moment to update everyone on a few items. 

• Each attendee must have a completed and up to date medical forms A, B and C along with a copy of the front and back of the insurance card.  These will be collected prior to departure on Sunday morning and handed back for check in.
• Each scout must have a completed permission slip that will be collected prior to departure.
• Each adult must have completed YPT and completed their application, either online or a paper form.  It may be a good idea to have a picture of your YPT certificate readily available on your phone.
• If a scout needs to take medicine, the parent needs to fill out a Drug Administrative Record.  Any medicine must be brought in the original container with the label intact.  The medicine will be checked in with the nurse when we check in at Camp Ransburg.  We will have copies of this form at the meeting this Tuesday.
• There are 14 scouts from our troop and 1 provisional scout as well as 8 adults.  We will only need 6 vehicles to drive so if you would like to drive or prefer to ride, please let me know.  Mr. Baughman will be pulling the trailer.
• We will be traveling in Field uniform (Class A)  but please wear a utility uniform shirt underneath.  Please plan to either wear swimming trunks or to have them packed in your day pack for quick changing.
• Everyone should pack a day pack with a lunch, towel, swimming trunks if you're not wearing them, sun screen, bug spray, water bottle, water shoes or flip flops, and rain gear.  You may also want to have a pen and notepad as well as your scoutbook in your day pack.
• Uniforms:  The troop travels in Field uniforms but quickly changes into utility uniforms.  We like everyone to have at least 1 of each color of shirt.  The SPL will decide which day we wear each color.  It makes everyone feel like part of the group when we're all dressed alike.  
• We will meet at the church at 7am on Sunday, June 25th and plan to depart at 730am after packing our personal gear, including totes, camp chairs, tents if using a personal tent.  I've attached the packing list again.
• Here is a link if you would like to find out more about Camp Ransburg:   Ransburg Scout Reservation (ransburgbsa.org)
• I'm sure that I've forgotten something so please let me know if you have any questions.

3.  Camp Falling Rock is only a few weeks away and the plan will be similar to Camp Ransburg.

• Each attendee must have a completed and up to date medical forms A, B and C along with a copy of the front and back of the insurance card.  These will be collected prior to departure on Sunday morning and handed back for check in.
• Each scout must have a completed permission slip that will be collected prior to departure.
• Each adult must have completed YPT and completed their application, either online or a paper form.  It may be a good idea to have a picture of your YPT certificate readily available on your phone.
• If a scout needs to take medicine, the parent needs to fill out a Drug Administrative Record.  Any medicine must be brought in the original container with the label intact.  The medicine will be checked in with the nurse when we check in at Camp Ransburg.  We will have copies of this form at the meeting this Tuesday.
• There will be 10 scouts and 4 adults.
• We will be traveling in Field uniform (Class A)  but please wear a utility uniform shirt underneath.  Please plan to either wear swimming trunks or to have them packed in your day pack for quick changing.
• Everyone should pack a day pack with a lunch, towel, swimming trunks if you're not wearing them, sun screen, bug spray, water bottle, water shoes or flip flops, and rain gear.  You may also want to have a pen and notepad as well as your scoutbook in your day pack.
• Uniforms:  The troop travels in Field uniforms but quickly changes into utility uniforms.  We like everyone to have at least 1 of each color of shirt.  The SPL will decide which day we wear each color.  It makes everyone feel like part of the group when we're all dressed alike.  
• Here is a link for further information about Camp Falling Rock:   Summer Camping Programs – Simon Kenton Council (skcscouts.org)

4.  Scuba Diving at Aquatic Adventures in Hilliard is coming up on Tuesday, July 18th.  I will have a signup genius for this shortly but I wanted to get the following information out:

• We will have two groups for this Scuba Diving event.  Each group will be able to accommodate 6 scouts.  The first group will be from 6pm to 7:30pm and the next group will follow from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
• Cost per scout will be $75.
• Once a scout has paid, they will be set a link to complete an online portion prior to arrival.  This will allow scouts more time in the water.
•  Here is a link for more information regarding Aquatic Adventures:   Aquatic Adventures Ohio

June

 Hello Troop 136,

I wanted to thank everyone for all the support at the Court of Honor.  I think it was a great success with a lot of rank advancement, merit badges, and awards presented.  I especially wanted to thank Jim Baughman for the slideshow and putting the program together,  Robin Bernhard for the cake and the plates, our MC, Leighton Edwards, Pete Forbes for his kind words and Jackson Bernhart for his heartfelt speech.  Well done everyone!

We have a lot of upcoming events coming up: 

 

1. David Sweet has the first day of his Eagle Scout project scheduled for Saturday, June 17th.  He has posted a sign up genius on the Band app for anyone who will be able to help with the project.  Remember, the hours count service hours toward the next rank.  Here is that link for anyone who wants to help David: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b44abaa23a0fe3-davids#/

2.  The troop has scheduled a day trip to Hocking Hills on June 17th as well.  The SPL, Jackson Bernhart is working on a poll on the Band App to gauge interest from troop members for this event.  Be on the lookout on Band.  

3.  Camp Ransburg is coming up quickly.  For those going to Camp Ransburg, we will be departing from the First Presbyterian Church at 7am on Sunday June 25th.  We will need to Pack personal gear into the troop trailer.  The PLC has decided to pack troop gear prior to that Sunday morning so that we can get a quicker start.  The trip will take 4 hours without stops and we will need to stop at least once for gas.  We will be able to arrive between 11am and 1pm, however, we need to be ready to begin check in at 1pm.  I plan to depart the church at 7:30 and arrive right about noon.  We will be able to take the trailer directly to the campsite to drop it off and then return to the main camp for check in.  We will travel in our Field Uniforms and everyone who plans to swim or do any aquatic activities will need to wear their swimming trunks under their uniform.  All participants will need a completed permission slip which we are currently working on, a copy of the complete medical form A,B1,B2 and C.  Adults will need to be registered with the Troop prior to departure and have up to date YPT.  

For tents, we have two options:

1.  Scouts and adults can choose to sleep in canvas tents provided by the camp.  Each tent will have two bunks, each with a mattress.  I would encourage scouts to tent together in either a canvas tent or a personal tent.  Scouts must be within 2 years of age to tent together, including siblings.  Attached is a link so that you can fill out your preferences:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oCo13nHyWNuh7uaV9uq12Q4YQSwBHgrZ9W1M5M05WMc/edit?usp=drive_link

Please take a moment to fill out the spreadsheet.

I am also including a packing list.  The PLC will be working hard over the next several meetings to prepare everyone for camp.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/109dbGM-Xl7p8xs9acdqkRzFw14NmYTovlb_XM3MIx3M/edit?usp=drive_link

There will be more information coming out but I wanted to get this out to everyone.

Upcoming events:

June 6:    Troop Meeting

June 13:  Troop Meeting

June 17:  David Sweet Eagle Project

June 20:  Troop Meeting

June 25:  Camp Ransburg - July 1

June 27:  No meeting

July 2:      PLC Meeting

July 4:      No meeting

July 9:      Camp Falling rock - July 15

July 18:   Scuba diving opportunity:  Sign up Genius coming

July 19:   National Jamboree - July 28

July 25:   Troop Meeting

Aug 1:     Troop Meeting

Aug 6:     PLC Meeting - Annual Planning meeting

Aug 8:     Troop Meeting

Aug 15:   Troop Meeting

Aug 22:   Troop Meeting

Aug 25 - 27:  Troop Campout / canoeing

Sept  3:   PLC Meeting

April

 Hi Troop 136!

Meeting tonight 5/2:

The meeting tonight will be spreading mulch for the First Baptist Church. The address is  3301 Orders Road, Grove City.  Please wear old clothes and arrive ready to start working. 

Mulch Information from Jeff:

Scouts and Scouters,

I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for their help and hard work this past weekend.  It was incredible to see the amount of hard work everyone put into the mulch project!  This weekend we delivered 4,000 bags of mulch and spread 2383 bags.  We have 275 bags left to spread for 2 church projects.  We will spread the remaining 275 at future Troop meetings.  

It was a very profitable year.  I do not have final numbers yet but tentatively our mulch profit is in the range of $10,000!  Mulch profits will be divided amongst the boys based on the number of hours they worked.  

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Jeff

High Adventure 2024:

Since there was so much money going out for summer camp, we decided to wait until the end of May to ask for deposits for Florida Sea Base or Philmont.  There will be a $200 nonrefundable deposit to help with the down payment of the trip.  There will be a monthly payment schedule set up for those going on either trip.

Upcoming events:

"The Turtle" April 29-30:

This was a muddy event for sure!  We still had a great time.  

Gantz Farm Overnight Service Project:

The Gantz Farm Flower Sale is happening this year on Saturday, May 13th and we will protect the flower on Friday, May 12th beginning at 6:30 pm.

We have been asked to once again help with providing a service by sleeping in the tents overnight to protect the flowers.  This is a great service project.  You will simply show up on Friday night around 6:30 pm with your sleeping gear.  I suggest you bring a cot and a sleeping bag and plan to sleep in a tent with the flowers.  We normally have several Scouts in each tent.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D49ACA62FA1FE3-gantz1

Upcoming dates:

May 2 - Troop Meeting

May 7 - PLC Meeting

May 9 - Troop Meeting

May 12 - Gantz Farm overnight watching the plants for the Gantz Farm sale (Ron Newcomb will have more to share soon!)

May 16 - Troop Meeting

May 19-21 New Scout Scout Campout (Ron Newcomb will have more to share soon!)

May 23 - Troop Meeting

May 30 - Troop Meeting

June 6 - Troop Meeting

June 13 - Troop Meeting

June 16-17 - Hocking Hills or Tar Hollow Campout - Site to be determined by the PLC, both have group camping spots available.  Ron will lead this discussion and selection.  He will also prepare the permission form or signup genius.

June 20 - Troop Meeting

Summer Camp: Camp Ransburg June 25-July 1

June 27 - No Meeting

July 4 - No Meeting 

Summer Camp: Camp Falling Rock July 9-15

July 11 - No Troop Meeting

July 18 - Troop Meeting - Scuba Diving Activity?? Ron will coordinate this event.

July 25 - Troop Meeting

April

 Hi Troop 136!

Meeting tonight 4/25:

The meeting tonight will be a normal night of activity.  Plan to prepare for the new Scout campout with learning some skills.  There will be an election of Patrol Leader. The New SPL, Jackson will be choosing his PLC and sharing those positions before the election for Patrol Leaders.  I encourage the Scouts to let their fellow Scouts know if they are interested in a position. We have a great positions of responsibility that you can be elected to and can help the Troop.

Mulch:

Scouts and Scouters,

I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for their help and hard work this past weekend.  It was incredible to see the amount of hard work everyone put into the mulch project!  This weekend we delivered 4,000 bags of mulch and spread 2383 bags.  We have 275 bags left to spread for 2 church projects.  We will spread the remaining 275 at future Troop meetings.  

It was a very profitable year.  I do not have final numbers yet but tentatively our mulch profit is in the range of $10,000!  Mulch profits will be divided amongst the boys based on the number of hours they worked.  

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Jeff

High Adventure 2024:

Since there was so much money going out for summer camp, we decided to wait until the end of May to ask for deposits for Florida Sea Base or Philmont.  There will be a $200 nonrefundable deposit to help with the down payment of the trip.  There will be a monthly payment schedule set up for those going on either trip.

Upcoming events:

"The Turtle" April 29-30:

This is a big event.  We met again last night and we hiked for a little bit and we practiced setting up our tents and the dining fly.  Roland had some that he will be allowing the Troop to use this weekend.  The Scouts will need to bring their backpacks fully ready to the meeting tonight. Ron and Roland will check the packs and ensure the Scouts are ready for the trip.

Grant-Sawyer House Tour, May 1 @ 5:30 pm:

We will be visiting the Grant-Sawyer House on Monday, May 1 at 5:30 pm followed by a visit to the Grove City Council Meeting at 7:00 pm.  I need to share the number of people attending the event with the person planning the event.  Please sign up by Thursday night.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D49ACA62FA1FE3-grantsawyer

Gantz Farm Overnight Service Project:

The Gantz Farm Flower Sale is happening this year on Saturday, May 13th and we will protect the flower on Friday, May 12th beginning at 6:30 pm.

We have been asked to once again help with providing a service by sleeping in the tents overnight to protect the flowers.  This is a great service project.  You will simply show up on Friday night around 6:30 pm with your sleeping gear.  I suggest you bring a cot and a sleeping bag and plan to sleep in a tent with the flowers.  We normally have several Scouts in each tent.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D49ACA62FA1FE3-gantz1

Upcoming dates:

April 25 - Troop Meeting

April 29-30 - The Turtle Backpacking trip

May 1 - Monday night visit to Grant-Sawyer house and Grove City Council Meeting @ 6:00 pm.  April is Living History so a planned visit to see a historical building and visit a city council meeting.  Adults $5/$3 Youth to visit the house, but the Grove City Council Meeting is no cost.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D49ACA62FA1FE3-grantsawyer

May 2 - Troop Meeting

May 7 - PLC Meeting

May 9 - Troop Meeting

May 12 - Gantz Farm overnight watching the plants for the Gantz Farm sale (Ron Newcomb will have more to share soon!)

May 16 - Troop Meeting

May 19-21 New Scout Scout Campout (Ron Newcomb will have more to share soon!)

May 23 - Troop Meeting

May 30 - Troop Meeting

June 6 - Troop Meeting

June 13 - Troop Meeting

June 16-17 - Hocking Hills or Tar Hollow Campout - Site to be determined by the PLC, both have group camping spots available.  Ron will lead this discussion and selection.  He will also prepare the permission form or signup genius.

June 20 - Troop Meeting

Summer Camp: Camp Ransburg June 25-July 1

June 27 - No Meeting

July 4 - No Meeting 

Summer Camp: Camp Falling Rock July 9-15

July 11 - No Troop Meeting

July 18 - Troop Meeting - Scuba Diving Activity?? Ron will coordinate this event.

July 25 - Troop Meeting