To all members of the Troop 1001 community:

Troop 1001 wishes to thank Scoutmaster Mike Payette for his years of service leading our scouts.  Among his countless contributions, Scoutmaster Payette has conducted hundreds of scoutmaster conferences and is delighted to have completed a record number of advancement and achievements at the last campout at Erwin Park, prior to the Winter Court of Honor.

Shortly before Monday’s ceremony, Mr. Payette informed Committee Chairman Rick Goad that, due to health concerns, the troop should transition scoutmasters before Mr. Payette’s term was to end at the end of this scouting year.  Troop leadership members had already been interviewing scoutmaster candidates and were able to quickly narrow the pool before the week ended, just as Mr. Payette received positive news regarding his health treatment.  The troop’s thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Payette and his family for a healthy recovery. 

We are excited to announce the troop’s new scoutmaster is a familiar face to everyone in the troop and to many who have considered and subsequently joined Troop 1001.  After working as an assistant scoutmaster for two years and managing training, Trail to First Class and recruiting, Bob Graf has agreed to lead Troop 1001 as our scoutmaster.

Please welcome Mr. Graf with your support.  Scouts can show appreciation by coming to Mr. Graf with as many requests for scoutmaster conferences as quickly and comprehensively as you can accomplish the advancement requirements.  Adults can express their encouragement by offering to help fill the roles Mr. Graf and others have worked on, now that several key adult leadership positions are available to help lead the troop.  The troop has a strong and busy agenda for the spring and we look forward to the opportunities to build our scouts into gentlemen of character with a well-trained committee of adult leaders.

Get ready to join Troop 1001 on a chartered bus trip to Austin Feb. 3rd - 5th as the troop participates with other scouts from across the state in the annual Report to State parade to the capitol.  After the parade, scouts will tour the capitol and geocache by patrol in various parts of the city before returning to Lost Pines Boy Scout Camp for the evening.

 Sign up online now!  Money Monday is Jan. 30th.  Cost is $40 per person, which includes charter bus and all meals, except for Saturday's lunch (see itinerary below).  Print and have your parent sign the troop permission slip here.  Bring that and a check for $40 made out to 'Troop 1001' to Money Monday.

Don't forget the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge is required to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.  Attending this trip to the capitol will help satisfy one of the requirements for the merit badge if you sign up for the course being offered by Ms. Kruse. Every scout attending will receive a RTS commemorative patch.

Summer camp will be here before you know it!  Troop 1001 must make its first payment to Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch on Feb. 1st.  Scouts or adults attending must let Ms. Kruse know no later than Money Monday's meeting Jan. 30th and provide the first payment installment of $125.

Right now, 38 scouts and 7 adults are signed up.  The charter bus holds 56.  It is very important even if you are only considering attending summer camp at BTSR that you put your deposit in.  Refunds will be issued until April 30th.  The troop must submit an initial payment to BTSR which means paying your deposit ensures you a spot at camp and the summer camp committee doesn't have to guess on the number of scouts attending or overpay for our first installment due to BTSR.  Please click 'Read More' to learn more information regarding medical forms.

We will begin a Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge Class on Monday, January 30th, 2012 at 6:00 PM in Room 2 of TBC.  Classes will meet weekly on Mondays at 6:00 PM through March 5th.  All boys 7th grade and older are encouraged to attend the classes. Citizenship in the Nation is an Eagle-required Merit Badge.  In addition, those of you attending the Report to State Campout on February 3rd - 5th will complete Requirement 2b: Tour your state capitol building or the U.S. Capitol.  For more information or to sign up for the class, contact Mrs. Kruse at georgiawk@gmail.com.

After a brief hiatus, First Aid merit badge classes for the Tenderfoot-First Scout will continue with Mr. Reisinger on January 30th at 6:00 pm.  We still have CPR/AED to cover, as well as the exam.  The exam will cover the Tenderfoot-First Scout requirements.  Depending on how many are present Monday we may or may not finish everyone at this time.  If we do not finish, there will a class on February 13th to complete everything.  If a scout needs to complete the Second Class requirement of making a personal first aid, please bring this kit on Monday.