Boy Scout Troop 1001

Hello Scouts and Scouters,

Monday was our last troop meeting of the Scouting year. The boys went over what to pack and what NOT to pack for summer camp.

We have a large number of scouts attending summer camp and a huge campsite that will easily accommodate everyone. As with all campouts, there will be separate scout and adult camping areas.

We pride ourselves on having a boy led troop. Each scout must do his part to make a boy led troop successful.

If a scout wanders into the adult area with a question, he is asking for adult leadership. Unless there is an emergency, scouts should always work with their patrol leader or other senior scouts for questions or guidance. This is part of what keeps Troop 1001 boy led.

Summer Camp – 06/06-12 – Hale Scout Reservation

Summer camp is just around the corner. Stay tuned to this web site for details on gear packing, weather, departure information, and more. You can also visit www.halescoutreservation.org for information about the camp facilities.

Remember – you must have the full medical form (Parts A, B, and C) signed by a doctor to attend.

Philmont Crews – Flag service this Saturday

If you are on one of the Philmont crews please meet at TBC at 9:00 am on Saturday, 05/29, to help set up flags. This is a Class A event and will help subsidize the cost of the Philmont treks this summer.

Lake Texoma campout.

The boys had a great time at Texoma. The highlight was boating and tubing on the lake. Special thanks to Mr. Hajek and Mr. Keelan for bringing their boats and giving the boys a white knuckled ride around the lake on their tubes. Congratulations on the SWOL patrol for earning honor patrol for the 2009-2010 season. The honor patrol was invited to a special year-end dinner with the adults including beef tenderloin spiedini, asparagus, and a fantastic Lemon Passion cake for dessert. Thank you Mr. Watts for providing this great dinner and thanks to all the adults who pitched in to cook. It takes a lot of adults to support a boy-led troop. We all appreciate the dedication and cheerful service of our adult leaders who help make Troop 1001 possible.

Hail to the new PLC!

During our Lake Texoma campout elections were held and many Patrol Leader Council positions were filled.

Senior Team

• SPL Alex O.
• ASPL Andrew M.
• ASPL Jack R.
• Troop Guide Jared C.
• Troop Guide Alex V.

Patrol Leaders

• Jackson M.
• Skyler M.
• Richard R.
• Michael R.
• Jamie S.
• Will S.
• Walker W.

More appointments will be made by September and another Patrol Leader election might also be held. If you need a position make sure to talk to Alex O.

Please join me in congratulating our new leaders! Their strong leadership and your support will keep this troop boy led.

Have a fantastic summer and I’ll see you all in August!

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Hello Scouts and Scouters,

Monday was our Spring Court of Honor. Special thanks go to our Masters of Ceremony, Andrew M. and James M. They did a fine job of planning the event and keeping it running smoothly. The evening included an opening by Pastor Jeff Miller, awards, skits, an incredibly funny song by Clint K. and Will S., slide show by our historian Trevor R., and closing comments by Grady Frank. There was a special presentation to our Committee Chairman, Doug Miller for his tireless dedication and passion for this wonderful program. Thank you Doug!

The evening ended with a fantastic reception catered by our troop chef, Terry Watts.

Thanks to all who helped make this event a success and congratulations to all of our boys for their accomplishments this year!

BSA Swim Test

For all of you summer campers, if you missed the swim tests we held last week you can still make it up at summer camp. You might have to wait in line with all the other troops taking the test so be sure to wear your sun screen.

Sign up for summer camp

If you haven’t already done so, don’t wait any longer to sign up for summer camp. This is a fantastic week of camping, advancement, fellowship, and fun! Many scouts will earn four or more merit badges during the week and those working on their trail to First Class will complete lots of requirements toward Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Contact Mrs. Van Hamme ASAP if you haven’t registered yet.

All brand new Scouts who are still processing paperwork – you must have your BSA Youth Applications turned in before you can register for summer camp. Don’t wait on this.

All participants must also have the BSA medical form (parts A, B, and C) filled out, including a doctor's signature in the last 12 months, in order to attend.

Elections Saturday, 05/22, during the campout

We will hold our elections during the next campout. If you haven’t yet signed up for next year’s position you must do so now. New Patrol Leaders must be First Class or above to run for office and must also complete Oak Leaf and NYLT training before or during your time in office. We will need up to eight Patrol Leaders so I encourage all scouts who are willing to put in the extra effort to run for these important positions.

Next Campout – Lake Texoma, fishing, boating, elections, special year-end campfire

May 21-23 is our Lake Texoma campout. There will be swimming, boating, fishing, and elections for new Patrol Leaders. See this site for details. This is our last campout before summer break. The weather is looking good, so let’s all be prepared to make it a great weekend.

Next meeting – 05/24 – Summer Camp packing

We usually don’t hold a meeting after a campout, but this is our last chance to meet before summer camp and summer break. In this meeting we will go over what and how to pack for summer camp. We will also have a refresher on how to properly pack and be prepared for rain and cold. There will also be a parent meeting at the same time to go over summer camp material.  See you there!

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Hello Scouts and Scouters,

BSA Swim Test; So Far So Good, Last Opportunity Saturday, May 15

We had a great turnout for the swim test. Over 50 scouts and 8 adults took the test at the Plano Aquatic Center. If you missed the test and would like to try again we will have another test this Saturday, 05/15, at 1:00 at the same location. This will be your last chance to take the test before the campout and summer camp.

Saturday’s swim test will be held at the Plano Aquatic Center at 2301 Westside Drive, Plano TX, 75075 from 1 to 2 pm.

Sign up for summer camp

If you haven’t already done so, don’t wait any longer to sign up for summer camp. This is a fantastic week of camping, advancement, fellowship, and fun! Many scouts will earn four or more merit badges during the week and those working on their trail to First Class will complete lots of requirements toward Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Contact Mrs. Van Hamme ASAP if you haven’t registered yet.

Court of Honor – 05/17

We will hold our Spring CoH on Monday, May, 17 at 7:00. This is our year-end tribute to all of the Scouts’ hard work and accomplishments. Details of the evening program will be posted soon.

Elections Saturday, 05/22, during the campout.

We will hold our elections during the next campout. If you haven’t yet signed up for next year’s position you must do so now. New Patrol Leaders must be First Class or above to run for office and must also complete Oak Leaf and NYLT training before or during your time in office. We will need up to eight Patrol Leaders so I encourage all scouts who are willing to put in the extra effort to run for these important positions.

Next Campout – Lake Texoma, fishing, boating, elections, special year-end campfire

May 21-23 is our Lake Texoma campout. Details will be posted soon. You must pass the BSA swim test in order to participate in some of the water activities.

Next meeting – 05/17 – Court of Honor!

Our Spring Court of Honor will be held at 7:00 in the Sanctuary. There will be a reception following the CoH. See you there!

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Hello Scouts and Scouters,

BSA Swim Test This Monday, 05/10 – for Scouts AND ADULTS

In order to participate in some of the activities during our May campout each scout AND ADULT will have to pass the BSA swim test. This is also required for any water-related activities at summer camp. We will hold this meeting at the Plano Aquatic Center at 2301 Westside Drive, Plano TX, 75075 during our normal troop meeting times. This is located near Plano Senior High, Independence Pkwy and W. Park Blvd. We will not be providing transportation so everyone will need to meet at the pool.

Scout Show this Saturday, 05/08, Ballpark in Arlington

All Scouts and Scouters are encouraged to attend the BSA Scout Show this weekend. This is a huge event with hundreds of displays, food, and activities brought to you by our local Scout troops. For more information visit our Council web site.

“Left and Found”

We are accumulating a large quantity of coolers, shoes, clothes, jackets, and other camping gear that has been left behind after campouts this year. We will set up a table with these items at the next meeting. Please claim your gear before it becomes “troop gear”.

Advancement

All advancement must be recorded by Mr. McClure by the end of our Troop meeting on Monday, 05/10, in order to be awarded at the next Court of Honor. If you still have to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review, this Monday is your last chance. Bring your full Class A to the swim test Monday if you need one of these conferences (that includes your handbook).

Court of Honor – 05/17

We will hold our Spring CoH on Monday, May, 17. This is our year-end tribute to all of the Scouts’ hard work and accomplishments. Details of the evening program will be posted soon.

Elections Saturday, 05/22, during the campout.

We will hold our elections during the next campout. If you haven’t yet signed up for next year’s position you must do so now. New Patrol Leaders must be First Class or above to run for office and must also complete Oak Leaf and NYLT training before or during your time in office. We will need up to eight Patrol Leaders so I encourage all scouts who are willing to put in the extra effort to run for these important positions.

Next Campout – Lake Texoma, fishing, boating, elections, special year-end campfire

May 21-23 is our Lake Texoma campout. If you have not turned in your permission slip or $10 for food, please do so at the May 10 swim test meeting. You must pass the BSA swim test in order to participate in some of the water activities.

Next meeting – 05/10 – Plano Aquatic Center

We will be conducting the BSA Swim test for Scouts and Adults from 7:00 to 8:30 at the Plano Aquatic Center, 2301 Westside Drive, Plano TX, 75075.

We will not be providing transportation so everyone will need to meet at the pool.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Hello Scouts and Scouters,

Troop Mobilization was a success

During our last meeting the PLC conducted a Troop Mobilization. This is a scenario where the Scouts are first responders to a disaster scene with multiple victims with varying levels of injuries. The boys assessed the injuries, performed first aid, and prioritized the victims by severity of injury for treatment and their “ambulance ride” to the nearest hospital. I was very happy to see the Scouts take this exercise seriously and correctly assess and treat the injuries. Those who are working on the Emergency Preparedness merit badge can count this toward the requirements. Congratulations to Alex O. for planning this successful troop exercise.

“Left and Found”

We are accumulating a large quantity of coolers, shoes, clothes, jackets, and other camping gear that has been left behind after campouts this year. We will set up a table with these items at the next meeting. Please claim your gear before it becomes “troop gear”.

Advancement

There are two more meetings before Court of Honor! You still have to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. 05/10 is your last chance to complete your Board of Review before CoH. If you want a BoR on 05/03 it will only be possible between 6 and 7 pm by special appointment with Mr. Miller. Plan ahead! It is possible to have your SM conference at Cottonwood if you contact me ahead of time and can wear your full Class A (that includes your handbook).

Scouts – Bring your books to the troop meetings! Consider it part of your uniform.

Patrol Leaders – Make sure you know what each of your scouts needs to advance and make sure they have the opportunity to complete their requirements. Remember – “First Class in the first year” is our goal.

Elections Postponed – Now Saturday, 05/22, during the campout.

We will hold our elections during the next campout. If you haven’t yet signed up for next year’s position you must do so now. New Patrol Leaders must be First Class or above to run for office and must also complete Oak Leaf and NYLT training before or during your time in office. We will need up to eight Patrol Leaders so I encourage all scouts who are willing to put in the extra effort to run for these important positions.

BSA Swim Test – Monday, 05/10 – for Scouts AND ADULTS

In order to participate in some of the activities during our May campout each scout AND ADULT will have to pass the BSA swim test. This is also required for any water-related activities at summer camp. We will hold this meeting at the Plano Aquatic Center at 2301 Westside Drive, Plano TX, 75075 during our normal troop meeting time. This is located near Plano Senior High, Independence Pkwy and W. Park Blvd. We will not be providing transportation so everyone will need to meet at the pool.

Next Campout – Lake Texoma, fishing, boating, elections, special year-end campfire

May 21-23 is our Lake Texoma campout. Details will be posted soon. You must pass the BSA swim test in order to participate in the boating activities.

Next meeting – 05/03 – MONEY MONDAY™!

Because our last two meetings before the campout are swimming and Court of Honor, this Monday is Money Monday™. Please bring your money for food and your permission slip for the campout. The boys will be planning menus, working on advancement, and playing a game brought to you by the Narwhal Patrol. See you there!

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Hello Scouts and Scouters,

Be Prepared…

Our April campout at Mr. Raney’s ranch was a wet one. We were fortunate that Saturday was fairly rain free and we still were able to have all of our planned activities.

Congratulations to James M. for winning the skeet shooting contest, America’s Patrol for having best dessert, and to the Swol Patrol for being named Honor Patrol for the weekend. The Boys did a great job with the dessert cook-off and Mr. Raney was very happy to act as judge. Special honors go to first-time shooter Ben R. who almost never missed a shot and even managed to beat Mr. Raney in a shoot off!

Although we discussed the weather and how to pack for a rainy weekend we found that many scouts weren’t prepared. Those who followed advice of keeping rain jackets with them, wearing waterproof boots, packing dry clothes in waterproof bags in their backpacks stayed dry. Those who didn’t follow this advice found themselves wet and cold. Extra coats, socks, and sleeping bags were loaned out to unprepared scouts. This is the first real rain we have had during a campout in several years and it’s easy to believe this preparation is unnecessary. We will have another meeting before summer camp to demonstrate proper gear and packing for different weather conditions.

Parents – We need your help to ensure your boys leave home ready for a weekend outdoors. Too many boys showed up in sneakers, with no rain gear, and some without coats. The older scouts know better and should be expected to pack their own gear properly. The younger scouts need your assistance to ensure they are ready for the elements.

This experience should help reinforce the importance of the Boy Scout motto – “Be Prepared”.

Advancement

There are three more meetings before Court of Honor! Don’t wait to work on your advancement requirements. You still have to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. There isn’t enough time to have these conferences for everyone in the last meeting before CoH. If you want a BoR on 05/03 it will only be possible between 6:00 and 7:00 by special appointment with Mr. Miller. Plan ahead!

Scouts – Bring your books to the troop meetings!

Patrol Leaders – Make sure you know what each of your scouts needs to advance and make sure they have the opportunity to complete their requirements. Remember – “First Class in the first year” is our goal.

Elections – 05/03

May 3 will be our annual elections night. It’s that time of year again when Scouts will be running for Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. These are very serious positions that will be a great learning experience for those Scouts who make the commitment. Are you ready to step up and continue to make Troop 1001 the best it can be? You must be First Class or above to run for office and must also complete Oak Leaf and NYLT training before or during your time in office. We will need eight Patrol Leaders so I encourage all scouts who are willing to put in the extra effort to run for these important positions.

BSA Swim Test – Monday, 05/10 – for Scouts AND ADULTS

In order to participate in some of the activities during our May campout each scout AND ADULT will have to pass the BSA swim test. This is also required for any water-related activities at summer camp. We will hold this meeting at a local pool during our normal troop meeting. Details will be posted soon.

Next Campout – Lake Texoma, fishing, boating, Island adventure

May 21-23 is our Lake Texoma campout. Details will be posted soon. You must pass the BSA swim test in order to participate in the boating activities.

Next meeting – 04/26 – Troop Mobilization

Our next meeting will include a troop mobilization. This is a disaster scenario where the troop must respond to a large-scale medical emergency with varying levels of injuries to address. The nature of the disaster will be announced at the start of the event. This is a requirement for those working on the Emergency Preparedness merit badge. This activity should be taken very seriously by all who participate.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Advancement

Court of Honor is next month! Don't wait to work on your advancement requirements. You still have to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. There isn't enough time to have these conferences for everyone in the last meeting before CoH. There will be lots of opportunities for advancement, especially at Mr. Raney's ranch. Make sure you bring your handbook to the troop meetings and work with your Patrol leader to get requirements signed off. Patrol Leaders - Make sure you know what each of your scouts needs to advance and make sure they have the opportunity to complete their requirements. Remember - "First Class in the first year" is our goal.

Elections

It's that time of year again when Scouts will be running for Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. These are very serious positions that will be a great learning experience for those Scouts who make the commitment. These are the positions that lead the troop. Are you ready to step up and continue to make Troop 1001 the best it can be? You must be First Class or above to run for office. We will need eight Patrol Leaders so I encourage all scouts who are willing to put in the extra effort to run for these important positions.

Next Campout - Mr. Raney's Ranch!

April 16-18 is our annual event at Mr. Raney's Ranch. This is a fun-filled weekend of fishing, archery, BB guns, water rocketry, shotgun shooting, dessert cook-off, a special campfire, and more. Everyone is encouraged to attend. This is a great time for Webelos to visit as well. If you didn't turn in your money or permission form you MUST do this Friday before we leave the parking lot.

Bring your FULL Class A. We will have formal flag ceremonies at Mr. Raney's ranch so make sure you bring your full Class A uniform.

No Troop meeting Monday, 04/19. Next regular Troop meeting is Monday, 04/26.

When we return we will be planning elections, May campout details, CoH, and a mobilization. Enjoy the week off!

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Hello Scouts and Scouters,

This week’s meeting included a very important class on gun safety. Thanks go to Mr. Raney and Mr. Breaux for taking time to visit us and help make sure we are ready to safely shoot shoguns at the next campout. I hope you all know what the most dangerous gun in the world is.

Advancement

There are only Six weeks left before Court of Honor. We want to see each of you complete your current rank before then. Don’t wait until the last minute as each of you will have to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review.

There will be lots of opportunities for advancement, especially at Mr. Raney’s ranch. Make sure you bring your handbook to the troop meetings and work with your Patrol leader to get requirements signed off.

Patrol Leaders – Make sure you know what each of your scouts needs to advance and make sure they have the opportunity to complete their requirements.

Trash Bash

Thanks to all the boys who attended Trash Bash. Fifteen boys and several adults spent the morning cleaning up Prairie Creek Park and then headed over to CiCis for pizza. Pitching in and being an active part of our community is the foundation of good citizenship. We ALL should try to be active citizens whether or not we need service hours. It’s up to you to make your troop and your community all they can be.

Next Campout – Mr. Raney’s Ranch!

April 16-18 is our annual event at Mr. Raney’s Ranch. This is a fun-filled weekend of fishing, archery, BB guns, water rocketry, shotgun shooting, dessert cook-off, a special campfire, and more. Everyone is encouraged to attend. This is a great time for Webelos to visit as well.

Next regular Troop meeting is Monday, 04/12 – Money Monday

Mr. Watts will demonstrate some ideas for creative camp cooking during our next meeting. This meeting is Money Monday. Please bring your signed permission form and money for food. It is important that each patrol create an accurate campout attendance list for this campout. The cost is $10 per Scout. We originally discussed charging $17 per Scout to further defray the cost of dinner and activities but have decided to stick with the usual cost of $10.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette