Our new Website is ACTIVE!

After a few adjustments and a decent nights sleep, our new website is up and running! Remember, not all of the features are working properly. I will have to devote some more time into the features to get the full effect of what this website is capable of. You are going to notice some changes in the near future to this website. Such as the first page you come to. This website will be a shared website. The opening page will be an area that you can make a selection whether you want to go to the Pack 56 Homepage or the Troop 56 homepage. That is the reasoning for the current domain name that we own www.Fairmontscouts.com.

By having this domain name, we can have 2 websites under one roof and split the very small cost between the Troop and Pack. I hope you enjoy the features and service this website has to offer. If anyone has any suggestions, you can contact me at Steve379@frontiernet.net or Call me at 507-381-3811
Thanks
Steve Blaufuss

SPL Update

Hey Everyone, Read the whole thing, its all in here for a reason. ****ANOUNCEMENT**** - We are changing the meeting schedule. Previous Schedule 1st Monday- Nothing 2nd Monday- Troop Meeting 3rd Monday- Nothing 4th Monday- Troop Meeting 5th Monday- Nothing NEW SCHEDULE 1st Monday- Patrol Leaders Meeting (see explanation below) 2nd Monday- Troop Meeting 3rd Monday- Troop Meeting 4th Monday- Troop Meeting 5th Monday- Troop Meeting Schedule January 17th- Shopping for the Campout 18th-20th- January Campout at Cedar Point (more info below) 21st- Troop Meeting - Build trebuchet, fix up sled for klondike 27th- Troop Meeting - CHESS NIGHT!!! 7:30 at GLC. (more info below) February 3rd- Pancake Breakfast 4th- PLC Meeting - 7:30 at GLC 8th-10th- Klondike - At Cedar Point Boy Scout Camp 11th- Troop Meeting 18th- Troop Meeting 25th- Troop Meeting Patrol Leaders Meetings The Patrol Leaders Council is a group of Scouts responsible for planning activities for the troop. It consists of every Scout who was elected/appointed to hold a position in the last election. On the first Monday of every Month we are going to have a PLC Meeting for general planning. Any member of the PLC is allowed to schedule a PLC Meeting to address a specific issue. Everyone with a position is expected to be present at the "general" PLC meetings. Everyone with a position is free to come to a "special" PLC meeting, but only those who are specifically invited will be expected to come. January Campout We will be camping out at Cedar Point on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of January (this weekend). On Thursday the 17th at 7:00PM we will meet in the Hyvee produce section to buy groceries for the campout. All Scouts are welcome to come. Anyone who comes will earn attendance extra credit, and get to have a say in what we eat. Please pack everything on the attached packing list, as well as: Mess Kits Board games Scout book Scout binder An old broom, Duct Tape and Soccer Ball (for Broomball) Sleds A football/frisbee anything else you want to bring Last Meeting For those who missed the last meeting, Here is what we accomplished. - We set our next meeting for the 21st of January. - We finalized the details for the campout this weekend. - We discussed some changes that will be happening in the Troop (see attached PLC Meeting Summary) - We discussed the details of the pancake breakfast- Scouts will be working from 8:00-2:00. If you weren't at the meeting, or need more tickets to sell, contact Corey. - We discussed the details of the Chess night on the 27th- Read the requirements ahead of time, and have all of them but the chess games done before you come. If you have a chess board please bring it. Next Meeting Our next scout meeting will be on Monday the 21st of January from 7:30-9:00 at Grace Lutheran. Agenda: - Take a look at our Klondike Sled, make any necessary repairs, or build a new one. - Build a Trebuchet for Klondike. - Assign 2-3 scouts to plan the menu for our campout. - Determine date for getting groceries for the campout. - Plan 3-4 structured activities for the weekend. - Develop equipment/packing list. - Check that the trailer is ready to be used. - Hand out scouting binders to those who still need them. - Begin planning winter activities - Arrange any final details for the chess night on the 27th. What to bring: - Scout book - Scout binder - Ideas for the trebuchet. - Class A or B uniform (B would be better as we will be building things) - Completed Leadership Applications (for those with a troop position) - I still need David's. Connor M needs a parent signature. Reminders -Check your calendars. -Are you available for Next Meeting (January 21st) -Are you available for the Winter Campout (January 18th-20th) -Are you available for Klondike (February 8th-10th) -We are beginning a new Attendance system. If you don't tell me whether or not you can be at the next meeting, you won't get 1 of the 4 points. -If you have any ideas of what YOU would like to do in the next three months, PLEASE email me. 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

Pancake Breakfast - Feb 3rd Grace Lutheran Church

Grace Lutheran Church

Fairmont

BOY SCOUT TROOP 56

42^TH ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST

**Electric Griddles this year will make a smoke-free environment!**

 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Serving from 9:00AM to 1:00PM

Grace Fellowship Hall

 

Pancakes, Sausage or Ham, Juice, Milk or Coffee

Pancakes are ALL YOU CAN EAT!

 

Only $6.00 per individual

Children under age 5 eat free with Parent ticket

 

Or $16.00 per family

 

Help support Grace Lutheran’s Pack & Troop 56!

 

Thank you for your support!

SPL Update - 1/11/2013

Hey Everyone, Here is a look at the next few months. Schedule January 14th- Troop Meeting - See agenda below 18th-20th- Possible campout opportunity See below. 28th- Troop Meeting - CHESS NIGHT!!! 7:30 at GLC. February 4th- PLC Meeting - 7:30 at GLC 9th- Klondike - At Cedar Point Boy Scout Camp Last Meeting For those who missed the last meeting, Here is what we accomplished. - We held Troop elections. - We still would like to have a Troop Scribe. Anyone who is interested in this position should talk to Mike, since it is a Scoutmaster appointed position. - Isaac(SPL), Carter K(ASPL) Cobras: Eagles: Connor M(PL) Conner T(PL) Cody L(APL) Adam C(APL) Ethan K Darian K Tyler M Ryan H Carlos S David L(QM) Wil H Scott M - We discussed the responsibilities of elected scouts. - We set our next meeting for the 14th of January - We discussed the possibility of a winter campout on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of January. Next Meeting Our next scout meeting will be on Monday the 14th of January from 7:30-9:00 at Grace Lutheran. Agenda: - Finalize details for the January campout. - Assign 2-3 scouts to plan the menu for our campout. - Determine date for getting groceries for the campout. - Plan 3-4 structured activities for the weekend. - Develop equipment/packing list. - Check that the trailer is ready to be used. - Hand out scouting binders to those who weren't at the last meeting (ongoing). - Work on each patrol's yell, flag, and song (possibly rename?). - Begin planning winter activities - Present summary of PLC Meeting to Troop. - Discuss the details of the chess night on the 28th. - Talk about the pancake breakfast (date, time, where to get tickets, etc.) What to bring: - Scout book - Scout binder - Ideas for the weekend campout. - Class A or B uniform. - Completed Leadership Applications (for those with a troop position) - I still need Adam's, David's, and Mine. Connor M needs a parent signature. Reminders -Check your calendars. -Are you available for Next Meeting (January 14th) -Are you available for the Winter Campout (January 18th-20th) -Are you available for Klondike (February 9th) -What activities would you like to do during the January Campout? -If you have any ideas of what YOU would like to do in the next three months, PLEASE email me. 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

SPL Update

Hey Everyone,

Here is a recap of Monday night's meeting and a look at the weeks ahead.

Schedule

January

    14th- Troop Meeting - See agenda below

    18th-20th- Possible campout opportunity See below.

February 

    9th- Klondike - At Cedar Point Boy Scout Camp

    

Last MeetingFor those who missed the last meeting, Here is what we accomplished.    

    - We held Troop elections.

            

             - Isaac(SPL), Carter K(ASPL)

           

             Cobras:                                Eagles:

             Connor M(PL)                     Conner T(PL)

             Cody L(APL)                       Adam C(APL)

             Ethan K                                Darian K

             Tyler M                                 Ryan H

             Carlos S                               David L(QM)

             Wil H                                     Scott M

    *If there is any scout who does not have a position, but is eligible for one, they can ask for one at any point in the year. To do so, they must talk to either Mike or Corey, and explain to them why they want the position, and how the position would benefit the troop. At that point, Mike or Corey will talk to the other scoutmasters and troop leadership, and decide whether or not to give the position to the scout. We might have a special election if this were to happen.

    - We discussed the responsibilities of elected scouts.

    - We set our next meeting for the 14th of January

    - We discussed the possibility of a winter campout on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of January.

Next Meeting

Our next scout meeting will be on Monday the 14th of January from 7:30-8:45 at Grace Lutheran. 

Agenda:

    - Finalize details for the January campout.

    - Brainstorm ideas for winter activities.
    - Hand out scouting binders to those who weren't at the last meeting (ongoing).

    - Work on each patrol's yell, flag, and song (possibly rename?).

    - Begin planning winter activities

What to bring:

    - Scout book

    - Scout binder

    - Ideas for winter activities

    - Class A or B uniform.

    - Completed Leadership Applications (for those with a troop position)

Reminders 

-Check your calendars.

    -Are you available for Next Meeting (January 14th)
    -Are you available for the Winter Campout (January 18th-20th)
    -Are you available for Klondike (February 9th)

-What merit Badges would you like to work on during the January Campout?

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

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

Next Meeting

Hello Everyone,

We will be having our next meeting on Monday the 10th of December at 7:30. Those with leadership positions should plan to come around 7:15.

All you need to bring is your scout book, sports schedules and a writing utensil (I will have extras in case you forget).

Agenda - We will be having scout elections.

- Flags

- Short introduction, and guide to troop elections

- Fill out candidacy forms (I will bring them)

- Vote

- Short discussion on results, and expectations

- Plan next meeting/discuss schedules - Please bring sports schedules

- Closing remarks and scoutmaster minute

- Closing Flags

We should be done around 8:45

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

-Isaac

Recruitment Incentive!

Hello everyone,

I wanted everyone to know that Twin Valley Council is sponsoring a recruitment reward. Anyone (Youth or Adult) that signs a youth to scouts and returns the application with the registration fee into the Scouting Headquarters in Mankato by December 31st will receive this very limited edition ghost patch that you are allowed to wear on your uniform in place of the current Twin Valley Council insignia. If you have any questions, please call or email me. Thank you.

Steve Blaufuss
507-381-3811
Steve379@frontiernet.net

SPL Update

Hey Everyone,

Just a quick update on the nest few weeks.

Schedule

November

    12th- Troop Meeting - Last date for Board of Review - Come prepared!

    18th- Court of Honor - More information below

    26th- Troop Meeting - at GLC - See agenda below

    

Last MeetingFor those who missed the last meeting, Here is what we accomplished.    

    - Several scouts completed their Board of Review. About half of us still need to get that done.
    - Several scouts talked to scoutmasters, and figured out what requirements they have left.

Court of Honor

The Troop 56 Court of Honor will be held on Sunday the 18th of November at Grace Lutheran.

Details:

    -The troop will provide the beverages

    -We will use the churches dishes, and wash them that night.

    -Eagles will bring deserts

    -Cobras will bring side dishes/vegetables/fruit.

Schedule:

    5:30-6:15 - Potluck

    6:15-7:00 - Program (Scott will be our MC)

Next Meeting

Our next scout meeting will be on Monday the 26th of November from 7:00-8:30 at Grace Lutheran. 

Agenda:

    - Finalize the details for the pizza party/recruitment night.
    - Write down final popcorn sales and discuss.
    - Hand out scouting binders to those who weren't at the last meeting (ongoing).

    - Turn in completed leadership applications (for those with a troop position). - So far I have only received 3 of the 7, one of them was mine.

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

    - Schedule troop elections

    - Begin planning winter activities

What to bring:

    - Scout book

    - Scout binder

    - Ideas for winter activities

    - Class A or B uniform.

Reminders 

-Check your calendars.

    -Are you available for Board of Review night (November 12th)
    -Are you available for the Court of Honor (November 18th)
    -Are you available for the next meeting (November 26th)


-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 next week, PLEASE come prepared. We're aiming for 90% troop wide rank advancement.

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.

Please feel free to comment on any and all of my Blogger Posts.

Thanks!
-Isaac

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

<><>

<><>

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.