Trailhead    

THE ACTIVITIES OF SCOUTING

By the term "Scouting" is meant the work and attributes of backwoodsmen, explorers, hunters, seamen, airmen, pioneers and frontiersmen. In giving the elements of these to boys we supply a system of games and practices which meets their desires and instincts, and is at the same time educative. From the boys' point of view Scouting puts them into games, mischief, or loafing; it gives them a smart dress and equipment; it appeals to their imagination and romance; and it engages them in an active, open-air life. From the parents' point of view it gives physical health and development; it teaches energy, resourcefulness, and handicrafts; it puts into the lad discipline, pluck, chivalry, and patriotism; in a word, it develops "character," which is more essential than anything else to a lad for making his way in life. Generally speaking, when short of ideas don't impose on your Scouts' activities which you think they ought to like; but find out from them by listening or by questioning which activities appeal most to them, and then see how far you can get these going that is, if they are likely to be beneficial to the boys. Where a Troop resounds with jolly laughter, and enjoys success in competitions, and the fresh excitements of new adventures, there won't be any loss of members through boredom.

AIDS TO SCOUTMASTERSHIP A Guidebook For Scoutmasters On The Theory of Scout Training LORD BADEN-POWELL OF GILWELL

Themes:

January - Winter Survival            February- Athletics                      March - Cinematography

1/7/02 Meeting/BOR                             1/14/01 *PLC/Meeting                 1/21/01 Meeting/BOR                   1/28/01 Meeting

2/4/02   First Aid Meet                 2/11/02 Meeting                                 2/18/02*PLC/BOR/Meeting              2/25/02 Meeting             

*Bring $3.00 for pizza and pop for PLC BOR - Boards of Review

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Jan 8 Roundtable/OA Lodge Mtg   Jan 12 First Aid Merit Badge Course Jan 13 Committee Meeting             Jan 19 Klondike Derby, Camp Warner Grand Junction, MI            Jan 25-27 Polar Bear - Rota Kiwan (Tamaracks Cabin)                             Feb 2 Pal and Me Fishing               Feb 3 Scout Sunday - CHUM             Feb 4 First Aid Meet                       Feb 5 Round Table/OA Lodge Mtg Feb 6 Scouts in Government            Feb 9/10 Strikes for Scouting            Feb 10 Committee Meeting                Feb 11 Troop Elections                   Feb 16/17 YMCA Lock-In

WINTER COURT OF HONOR A Celebration of Moms. This years Court of Honor scheduled for March 9th, 2002 will be in honor of our Mom's. All moms will receive special awards.

FIRST AID MERIT BADGE What: First Aid Merit Badge Course When: Saturday, January 12th Time: 10 am- 4 pm Where: CHUM Who: All Storm Vikings and Any Scout that needs to Earn the First Aid Merit Badge (Eagle Required) For more info contact Mr. Ekola

STRIKES FOR SCOUTING Hosted by the OA at Airway Lanes Feb 10 at 1 am until 8 am. Cost $10.00 per person Those Scouts that collect $50.00 in pledges Bowl for Free. For more info see Colin Triplett.

YMCA LOCK-IN Maple Street YMCA Lock-In February 16-17 Overnight Exact times to be determined. Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming Pool (limited time), Racquet Ball, Movies, Tennis (extra fee) and much more.

PHILMONT 2003 A $50.00 deposit is due by January 14th, to reserve a spot on the Crew for Philmont 2003 Dates are August 4-19th. See Mr. Ekola for more details.

SUMMER CAMP COORDINATOR Needed - New Summer Camp Coordinator - Jim Chodl has done a great job for 2 years in a row. It is now time for someone else to pitch-in. Jim is offering his experience and advice. See Mr. Hayden if you are Interested.

SCOUTS IN GOVERNMENT Wed, Feb 6th, from 12:30 to 3:30 20-25 Scouts will be selected throughout the District to meet local and state politicians and participate in a Mock City Commission Meeting. To apply submit a one-page Essay to El Rico Hurley at the Scout Service Center by January 18th. The theme is "One Voice - One Difference" the essay should address - "what I can do to make a difference in my community" For more info see Mr. Ekola

TROOP ELECTIONS All essays for SPL are due to Mr. Ekola by January 28th. All other Troop positions should have essays written by February 11th. Elections are Feb 11th.

PERMISSION SLIPS To reduce costs and avoid picketing by the Sierra Club - permission slips will be emailed prior to events. A small number of hard copy permission slips will be available at Troop Meetings.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Please contact: Scoutmaster- Tim Ekola home 616-329-2430 e-mail t_ekola@hotmail.com

"The Scoutmaster guides the boy in the spirit of an older brother.He must realise the needs, outlooks and desires of the different ages of boy life" Lord Baden-Powell