MEA Camp out UPDATE

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update on the camp out. We won't be going to Pipestone to camp, but instead we will go to either Cedar Point or Burt Lake Park in Iowa.

So far, only Carter, Connor M, David and I have committed to going.

LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN COME, BUT AREN'T ON THIS LIST.

We will probably shop for food on Wednesday or Thursday night.
 PLEASE, let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.





Hope to see you there,
-Isaac

Hey Everyone,

Sorry for the confusion about last weeks meeting. It was not communicated very well.

ANNOUNCEMENT-  Today marks the first SPL Update to be put up on the Troop 56 blogspot.

All future Updates will be posted on the blogspot, in addition to being sent out via E-mail.

Schedule

October
    8th- Scout Meeting
    19th-21st- MEA Break
    22nd- Scout Meeting - Possible date for boards of review.

November

    12th- Troop Meeting

    18th- Court of Honor- Potluck begins at 5:30, we will be done by 7:00. There will be a follow up email regarding who brings what to the potluck.

    26th- Troop Meeting

    

Next Meeting

Our next Scout Meeting will be on Monday the 8th of October from 7:00-8:30 at Grace Lutheran. 

Agenda

    - Finalize the details for the Popcorn sales reward pizza party/Recruitment Night.

    - Discuss options for winter activities.    - Start tracking Popcorn sales for each boy on a progress board.
    - Hand out Scouting binders to any who haven't received them yet.
    - Share what we have each found out about the menu and lodging for our MEA camp out.

    - Turn in completed leadership applications (for those with a troop position).

    - Work on each Patrol's yell, flag, and song.

    

Reminders 

-Popcorn sales have already begun. The sooner you get out to sell, the fewer the people that will have already bought from another scout.

-Don't forget to research your Patrol's area: Desert Eagles are planning the menu, Cobras are figuring out the lodging.

-Scoutmaster conferences will be scheduled for a Saturday, or Sunday afternoon/evening. If you are going on the MEA campout, there will be plenty of time there to get your scoutmaster conference done. If neither of those times work for you, you can contact Mike to set something else up.

-Boards of review are tentatively scheduled for the October 22nd Scout Meeting.

-Make sure you check your email for the Scout account summary if you haven't already.

-Check your calendars.
    -Are you available for next meeting (October 8th).
    -Are you available for MEA Weekend (October 19th-21st).
-Those who took the environmental science merit badge, and didn't finish the journal should talk to Mike to get the two new journaling locations OK'd, and get the journals DONE. Also don't forget to do the summary.

-If you have any ideas of what YOU would like to do in the next three months, please email me.

-Keep in mind that the Board of Review will be in a little less than TWO months, so if you don't know which requirements you have left, check you're book, and then get the requirements done. We're aiming for 90% troop wide rank advancement, and if we make our goal, we're going to have a reward party!

Remember, the only way I can know about your questions, comments and concerns is for you to contact me. My e-mail is sir_isaac_newton14@hotmail.com, and my phone number is 235-8394.

Thanks!
-Isaac

Camp Cuyuna Camper's Equipment List

CAMPER’S EQUIPMENT LIST

(Make copies of this page for each boy.)

q  Medical Form & permission forms

q  Medication

q  Complete Scout Uniform

q  Sweater or Sweatshirt

q  Swim Trunks

q  Notebook & Pencil

q  Merit Badge Pamphlets

q  Pack or Duffel Bag

q  Flashlight

q  Ground Cloth

q  Pocket Knife (no sheathed straight knives)

q  Extra Shirts

q  Underwear

q  Wet Shoes*

q  Hiking Shoes with Heels

q  Tennis Shoes

q  Toilet Kit (soap, comb, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste)

q  Scout Handbook

q  Insect Repellent

q  Sunscreen

q  OA Sash

q  Mess Kit (if troop requires)

q  Extra Pants

q  Socks

q  Pajamas or Sweats

q  Jacket

q  Towel

q  Sleeping bag/sheets/ blankets

q  Postcards & Stamps

q  Rain Gear

q  Watch

q  Spending Money

Optional

q  Bible or Prayer Book

q  Sewing Kit

q  Gloves

q  Totin’ Chip

q  Small Pillow

q  Personal First Aid Kit

q  Fishing Gear

q  Nose or Ear Plugs

q  Firem’n Chit

q  Compass

q  Camera

q  Canteen

q  Sleeping Pad

q  Scout Field Book

We suggest that each item be labeled to help in returning lost and found.

 *All boating activities require participants wear shoes that may get wet.

Cell phones, radios, video games, and other electronics should be left at home.

 

Camp Cuyna 2012

Boy Scout Troop 56

Canoe Trip - Minnesota & Blue Earth River 2012

Troop 56 Schedule update and info

June 18th  - 7:00pm- Court of Honor Ceremony - Grace Lutheran Church

June 25th   - 7:00pm  - Troop Meeting- Final Plans for Camp Cuyuna

June 30th  -  9:00am  - Troop Meeting - -  Pack Troop Trailer with Personal Gear.

                   (Medical forms, fire arms permission slips,  Camp Fee Due)

July 1st - 7th  -  Summer Camp @ Camp Cuyuna 

                  (Meet at Grace Lutheran Church at 6:45am)  depart @ 7:00am

See the following links:

REQUIRED:     Medical Forms - Part A,B,C   http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx

   

This form can be filled out, then printed with you info to have completed at you doctors office.

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/parts_ab.pdf

Camp Cuyuna Resources:

Camp Cuyna: http://twinvalleybsa.org/cuyuna/index.html

Camp Cuyuna Program Guide: http://twinvalleybsa.org/cuyuna/docs/2012/2012_program_guide.pdf

     This link will help you find all the merit badges the will be offered at camp.

Camp Cuyuna Leaders Gudie: http://twinvalleybsa.org/cuyuna/docs/2012/2012_leaders_guide.pdf

Boy Scouts of America http://www.scouting.org/    

Forms: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/forms.aspxhttp://www.scouting.org/

Twin Valley Council http://twinvalleybsa.org/

Merit Badges - How to start the process

The first order of business regarding merit badges, the scout needs to get approval from the Scout Master to work on a badge.  The reason for this is two-fold. First we need to find or locate a qualified merit badge counselor. Secondly, a Blue Card needs to be signed by the Scout Master before work on the badge begins.

Sometimes finding a qualified merit badge counselor that is willing to work with the boys is biggest hurdle.

We try to get the parents involved to work with all the boys on merit badges for this reason.

In some cases, if we can’t find a counselor for a badge, I have to go through the process with the Twin Valley Council to, and add myself as the counselor if no one else is willing to help.

To become a merit badge counselor, the person must be approved by the Troop committee, complete the proper paperwork with Twin Valley Council, and have a background check done, including youth protection.

If the boys are working with merit badge counselor at some the clinics out of town, the boy will have to contact the counselor ahead of time for the prerequisites that need to be completed before going to the clinic.

The boys need to have a blue card to present to the counselor that is signed by the Scout Master before working on the badge.  The counselor will sign off each requirement as they are completed.  When the badge is completed, the counselor will sign and date that the badge has been earned, and then that card must be returned to the scout master with all the completed worksheets.

It is the boy scouts responsibility to approach the Scout Master, when he wants to work on a badge.

Thanks
Mike Madsen
Scout Master

Fire Safety Merit Badge

http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Fire_Safety

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Fire Safety requirements

Do the following: a. Demonstrate the technique of stop, drop, roll, and cool. Explain how burn injuries can be prevented. b. List the most frequent causes of burn injuries. Explain the chemistry and physics of fire. Name the parts of the fire tetrahedron. Explain why vapors are important to the burning process. Name the products of combustion. Give an example of how fire grows and what happens. Name the most frequent causes of fire in the home and give examples of ways they can be prevented. Include a discussion about fires caused by smoking in the home, cooking, candles, fireplaces, and electrical appliances. Do the following: a. Explain the role of human behavior in the arson problem in this country b. List the actions that cause seasonal fires and explain how these fires can be prevented. List common circumstances that cause holiday-related fires and explain how these fires can be prevented. Conduct a home safety survey with the help of an adult. Then do the following: a. Draw a home fire-escape plan, create a home fire-drill schedule, and conduct a home fire drill. b. Test a smoke alarm and demonstrate regular maintenance of a smoke alarm. c. Explain what to do when you smell gas and when you smell smoke. d. Explain how you would report a fire alarm. e. Explain what fire safety equipment can be found in public buildings. f. Explain who should use fire extinguishers and when these devices can be used. g. Explain how to extinguish a grease pan fire. h. Explain what fire safety precautions you should take when you are in a public building. Do the following: a. Demonstrate lighting a match safely. b. Demonstrate the safe way to start a charcoal fire. c. Demonstrate the safe way to melt wax. Explain the difference between combustible and noncombustible liquids and between combustible and noncombustible fabrics. Do the following: a. Demonstrate the safe way to fuel a lawnmower. b. Demonstrate the safety factors, such as proper ventilation, for auxiliary heating devices and the proper way to fuel those devices. Do the following: a. Explain the cost of outdoor and wildland fires and how to prevent them. b. Demonstrate setting up and putting out a cooking fire. c. Demonstrate using a camp stove and lantern. d. Explain how to set up a campsite safe from fire. Visit a fire station. Identify the types of fire trucks. Find out about the fire prevention activities in your community. Choose a fire safety-related career that interests you and describe the level of education required and responsibilities of a person in that position. Tell why this position interests you.

We are planning a tour of the Fairmont Fire Station on the 16th of Jan.
Please do your homework before this date.

Troop & Committee Meeting - Monday 9th @ 7:00pm GLC

Hi All

We will be have a troop and committee meeting next Monday night, the 9th of Jan, at  7:00pm

at Grace Lutheran Church.

Agenda:

Hand out pancake breakfast ticket.

discuss calander of events ( ice fishing, winter camping, and merit badges)

plan pancake breakfast.

Also will be skiing at Mt Kato on Sunday the 8th (9:00am - 5:00pm)

Cost $16 lift ticket, 16th ski rental, snowboard $15

YOU are on our own for food, pack a lunch or bring more money ($10-15 should work)

we are meeting at my house at 7:45 am (1360 S. State St.)

Let me know if you planning to drive and if you have room for boys in your vehical.

Families are welcome.

Please call me if you have any question

507-235-8051

or

507-327-7805

Thanks

Mike Madsen

2013 National Jamboree

There is a new page with info for anyone interested in the 2013 National Jamboree

Adventurers Wanted!

Get ready! The 2013 National Scout Jamboree is coming and it ain't your father's jamboree. We're talking seriously high adventure, people! Whitewater rafting, zip-lining, rappelling, mountain biking, hiking, and more - with 50,000 of your closest friends at the brand new Summit Bechtel Reserve in the wilds of West Virginia.
Check out the key dates below and start planning now to be a part of history at the very first jamboree at The Summit.

The Jamboree - July 15-July 24, 2013

Get even more information at the
BSA National Jamboree web page!

http://www.bsajamboree.org/ 

Climbing Merit Badge Weekend

There is a new page with the photos from the climbing merit badge weekend.

Check for the page on the right.

Troop Website

Hello all. I thought I would take 5 minutes this morning and post an update on the troop website. I am currently working on a website for both the troop and pack 56 of Fairmont. As of right now, I would say that I am about 80% done with the Troop website. I am including a screenshot of what it will look like. The website is not published yet. You will only be able to view pictures that I post here until it is complete. I am in the stage where it is pretty much a working model, but i have to add details and come up with the most suitable image gallery. I am currently weighing the pros and cons of 20 different image gallery scripts that could be used for this web design. I have to find just the right one for our use. When the website is complete and published; I will let you all know. Thank you

Steve Blaufuss

Scout Calender

Troop Meeting - Sept. 12th - 7:00pm Grace Lutheran Church
Troop Meeting - Sept 26th -  7:00pm Grace Lutheran Church
Fall Camp Out - Oct 7th, 8th, 9th - Ceder Point Boy Scout Camp
Troop Meeting - Oct 24th - 7:00pm Grace Lutheran Church
Troop Meeting - Nov 7th - Board of Review Meeting- 7:00pm Grace Lutheran Church
Committee Meeting - Nov 14th - 7:00pm Grace Lutheran Church

Troop Meeting - Dec 5th - 7:00pm Grace Lutheran Church -  Courth of Honor


Visit this link to the Twin Valley Council - Newsletter:
http://twinvalleybsa.org/newsletter/docs/2011-09-10_web.pdf

Other important Dates:
Sept 17th - Fairmont Mall - Scout Recruitment - 1:00pm- 4:00pm
Sept 24th - Popcorn sales (10-day blitz) beginsOct 23rd -  Popcorn Sale Ends
Oct 28th -  Popcorn & Prize orders Due
2012 Cuyuna Camp Dates - Week #2 July 1-July 7Popcorn sales (10-day blitz) begins - you should get a flyer in the mail.

Camp Cuyuna Pictures

I posted some of my pictures from our trip to summer camp. 

They are on the link on the right.  I will post more when I have time.

Leatherwork Merit Badge

http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Leatherwork

One great project idea
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/Kits/Knife-Pouches-Sheaths/4180-00.aspx

1. Identify and demonstrate to your counselor the safe use of leatherworking tools. Show correct procedures for handling leathercraft dyes, cements, and finished. Know first aid for cuts, internal poisoning, and skin irritation.
2. Explain to your counselor
   

   a. Where leather comes from

   b. What kinds of hides are used to make leather

   c. What are five types of leather

   d. What are the best uses for each type of leather



3. Make one or more articles of leather that use at least five of the following steps:
   

   a. Pattern layout and transfer

   b. Cutting leather

   c. Punching holes

   d. Carving or stamping surface designs.

   e. Applying dye or stain and finish to the project.

   f. Assembly by lacing or stitching

   g. Setting snaps and rivets

   h. Dressing edges



4. Recondition or show that you can take proper care of your shoes, a baseball glove, a saddle, furniture or other articles of leather.


5. Do ONE of the following:
   

   a. Learn about the commercial tanning process. Report about it to your merit badge counselor.

   b. Tan the skin of a small animal. Describe the safety precautions you will take and the tanning method that you used.

   c. Braid or plait an article out of leather or vinyl lace.

   d. Visit a leather-related business. This could be a leathercraft supply company, a tannery, a leather goods or shoe factory, or a saddle shop. Report on your visit to your counselor.

Troop Meeting - June 28th -Tuesday- 7:00pm Grace Lutheran Church.

June 28th -Tuesday- 7:00pm -Troop Meeting -   Grace Lutheran Church.  Troop Trailer camping gear prepare for Cuyuna.  Everyone should be at this meeting. 

• Uniform Inspection (Class A - shirt, pants, belt, and socks, and patch placement)
• Hand out troop postition patches (Patrol leader, Asst. Patrol leader, Quatermaster) 
• Discuss personal packing list for Camp Cuyuna - what to bring, what not to bring.
• Discuss summer camp (Partol meeting)  patrol name, flag, and yell and song.
• Questions and Answers.
• Close meeting.

July 2nd -Saturday- 9:00am - Everyone Pack Scout Trailer with Scout Personal Gear
July 3rd -Sunday- 6:30am - Meet at Grace Lutheran Church - Leaving for Camp Cuyuna.

More Camp Ripley Photos

I posted the rest of the Camp Ripley photos on a separate page.  The link is on the right side of the page.  Make sure you watch the video of Connor M's new dance move.

Here is a picture of the two new patrols with the SPL in the middle.

Campers Equipment List

CAMPER’S EQUIPMENT LIST

(Make copies of this page for each boy.)

q  Medical Form & permission forms

q  Medication

q  Complete Scout Uniform (Scout Shirt, pants, belt, Socks)

q  Sweater or Sweatshirt

q  Swim Trunks

q  Notebook & Pencil

q  Merit Badge Pamphlets

q  Pack or Duffel Bag

q  Flashlight

q  Ground Cloth (10ft x 10ft sheet of heavy plastic)

q  Pocket Knife (no sheathed straight knives)

q  Extra Shirts

q  Underwear

q  Wet Shoes*

q  Hiking Shoes with Heels

q  Tennis Shoes

q  Toilet Kit (soap, comb, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste)

q  Scout Handbook

q  Insect Repellent

q  Sunscreen

q  OA Sash

q  Mess Kit (if troop requires)

q  Extra Pants

q  Socks

q  Pajamas or Sweats

q  Jacket

q  Towel

q  Sleeping bag/sheets/ blankets

q  Sleeping cot or foam pads

q  Rain Gear

q  Watch

q  Spending Money  $25 - 50

Optional

q  Bible or Prayer Book

q  Sewing Kit

q  Gloves

q  Totin’ Chip

q  Small Pillow

q  Personal First Aid Kit

q  Fishing Gear (fishing pole, small tackel box, bait)

q  Nose or Ear Plugs

q  Firem’n Chit

q  Compass

q  Camera

q  Canteen

q  Sleeping Pad

q  Scout Book

q  Folding Chair

q  Batteries (D, C , AA, AAA)

q  Postcards & Stamps

We suggest that each item be labeled to help in returning lost and found.

 *All boating activities require participants wear shoes that may get wet.

Cell phones, radios, Ipad, mp3 player, video games, and other electronics should be left at home.

Spending Money: In addition to the money for the trading post, which carries everything from camping equipment to snacks, sweatshirts & hats, scouts should also plan on expenses for the following merit badges: Art, Leatherwork, Woodcarving, Basketry, Art, Archery ($3-12), Rifle Shooting ($15), Shotgun Shooting ($25), Golf ($20-30), Scouts may also wish to purchase other items for merit badges they are completing.

Visits: Visitors are always welcome at any of our camps. Please check in at the Administration Building. No vehicles are allowed beyond the main parking lot. Visitors should not be in any campsite without specific invitation from that troop and are to depart from camp by 10:00 pm. Family members may only spend evenings in the Family Camp.

The Sunday and Friday night campfires may be of particular interest to you. It is requested that you plan to arrive on one of these afternoons. During the afternoon you can tour our camp program area and your child’s troop site.

Visitors are welcome to join their scouts for dinner for a fee of $6.00 per meal. We will need to know in advance how many guests we will have so food may be prepared for the correct number.

Mail: Scouts will be encouraged to send postcards and letters home and parents are encouraged to write their child at camp.  Please use the following address when sending letters to campers.

Scout’s Name, Troop #

Cuyuna Scout Camp

PO Box 250

Crosslake, MN 56442

Phone: A frequent question from parents is how to reach their child. Please write; don’t call unless it is an emergency (phone calls encourage homesickness). Remember, there is no telephone next to your scout’s tent, and the phone in camp is for emergencies only. (218) 692-3612.