Scoutmaster Minute
Scoutmaster Update - September 2, 2009 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scoutmaster Payette   
Wednesday, 02 September 2009

Be Prepared!

  • Flag set-up service 9 am, Saturday, Sept 5
  • Troop Meeting 7 pm Labor Day

Hello all Scouts and Scouters,

Troop 1001 at the Eisemann Center

Monday, August 31 the Troop was invited to the Eisemann Center to perform the opening flag ceremony for this important event. The ceremony was performed flawlessly in front of a capacity crowd, four Congressmen, and many VIPs. Those not involved in the ceremony got the chance to witness a portion of our government in action. The boys also had the honor of meeting Congressmen Sam Johnson, Pete Sessions, and Jeb Hansarling.

healthcare_town_hall_2

healthcare_town_hall_1

Congratulations to TJ F., Ethan H., Ben J., Alex O., Ridchard R., Ian S., and Walker W. for a fine job.

The Swim test event was also a success. Many more scouts are now ready to for the canoeing campout coming up soon. Thanks to all the Scouters who helped make these two events possible.

Flag Service day is this Saturday, September 5 at 9 am

Another Flag Service holiday is coming up soon. This is an opportunity for the Troop to set up flags in at subscribing Canyon Creek homes in honor of Labor Day and September 11th. We need Adults, especially with pickup trucks, and Scouts to help out with this important event. It’s not just a fund-raiser. It’s an opportunity to give back to our community. Adult, please contact Russell Haas if you can help. His contact information is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 972-783-8412. Scouts, please contact Ethan H. if you will be able to help out. A special thank you to Russell and Sue Haas for taking on the role of Flag Service day coordinators.

Troop meeting Monday, September 7 at 7 pm

The time has finally arrived for our regular Troop meetings to begin. Please plan to be at TBC before 7 pm. Our opening flag ceremony will be at 7:00 sharp. We will have elections for additional Patrol Leaders and potentially announce all leadership positions. Our first Campout is two weeks away so the boys are planing to cover canoeing skills, water safety, and first aid skills in the next two meetings. As always, make sure to bring your handbook and have your Patrol Leader sign off on requirements you have completed. It’s up to each scout to make sure his requirements are signed off.

September Campout is two weeks away! Adults need to pass the BSA swim test too!

Our first campout is Friday, September 18, at Beavers Bend State Park in southeastern Oklahoma. We will be canoeing and practicing first aid in rotations of simulated injury cases. Any adults planning to attend must pass the BSA swim test if they want to go canoeing. Money Monday is September 14. Watch this site for details.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 September 2009 )
 
Scoutmaster Update - August 25, 2009 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scoutmaster Payette   
Tuesday, 25 August 2009

Be Prepared for August 31!

Town Hall at Eisemann Center

  • Scouts and adults who want to attend must RSVP to Mr. Payette before 10 am Thursday, August 27.
  • Meet at TBC before 6:15 pm
  • Wear full Class A uniform, including neckerchief, BSA socks, and belt. Look sharp!

Swim Test and Free Swim Meeting

  • All other scouts should meet Monday at the Plano Aquatics Center at 7 pm
  • Bring a swimsuit and towel.
  • Bring your scout handbook in a Ziplock bag if you are below Second Class rank
  • Pickup is at 8:30 pm

scoutmaster_patch_color Hello all Scouts and Scouters,

Group Dynamix - always fun!

The annual kickoff for our Troop was held at GDX. Forty-six Scouts stayed up the entire night navigating rope courses, climbing walls, inflatables, and lots more. For those of who haven't attended, I can attest that those rope courses are harder than they look. The Scouts make it look too easy! Thank you to all the adult leaders who stayed the night to provide support for our Troop

Monday, August 31: One night, Two events

1. Eisemann Center "Town Hall Meeting on Healthcare" - Full Class A event!

Troop 1001 has been invited to the Town Hall meeting on Healthcare at the Eisemann Center on August 31st. Our troop has the honor of performing the opening flag ceremony in front of 2000 people, including six to eight congressmen.

We plan to leave from TBC no later than 6:15 pm and will carpool where possible. We will leave the event between 8:00 and 8:30. There is limited seating for this event so we need your RSVP by 10:00 am Thursday morning! Both Scouts and parents must RSVP. Those who have responded will receive wristbands that will get them through the door. Our wristband count will be limited to the first 50 responses. Contact Mike Payette - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to RSVP. This is a full Class A event!

2. Swim test and free-swim at Plano Aquatics Center

Those scouts who will not be attending the Eisemann Center meeting will meet at Plano Aquatics Center for an evening of free-swim, 2nd Class Safe Swim requirements, and the BSA Swim Test. This test is required if you plan to get in a canoe during the September 18 campout. If you passed this test at the "swimmer" level last May before our Lexington trip, you don't have to do it again. If you haven't passed it in the last year, you must take this test. The Plano Aquatics Center is located at 2301 Westside Dr., Plano, 75075 (map). Swimming will begin at 7 pm and be over by 8:30.

September Campout - Canoeing and First Aid Rotations

Our first campout of the year will be September 18-20 at Beavers Bend State Park in southeastern Oklahoma. The feature event of the campout will be a canoe trip that promises excitement and fun for all. Make sure you have passed the BSA Swim Test before this campout if you want to go canoeing. The Scouts will also learn and demonstrate first aid skills in a rotation of simulated injury cases.

Troop Annual Plan

Our SPL, TJ F., presented the boys' plan of activities for this scouting year to the Troop Committee. The boys did a fantastic job planning the many events the troop will participate in over the next 10 months and TJ did an outstanding job presenting this plan to the committee. The plan will be posted soon. Watch this site for more information.

I look forward to seeing you all soon at our Troop meetings.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 25 August 2009 )
 
Scoutmaster Update - August 19, 2009 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scoutmaster Payette   
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
scoutmaster_patch_color Hello all Scouts and Scouters,

I hope everyone has had a fantastic summer and is looking forward to the kickoff of a new Scouting year. The PLC met over the summer and has put together an exciting plan full of fun and challenging events. I am looking forward to a fantastic year as our Scouts master Scouting skills, put their leadership training to use and continue to focus on the Promise of Scouting - Fun, Achievement, Friendship, and Adventure!

Group Dynamix!

We'll start this year off with a bang at Group Dynamix! This is one of the favorite activities for Troop 1001 scouts of all ranks. During this lock-in you will get to know your new patrols and have fun with challenge courses, competitions, and games. See Fall 2009 Kickoff August 22-23 at Group Dynamix for details.

Meet our Congressmen!

Our first regular Troop meeting after GDX will be Monday, 08/31. This will be a very special meeting at the Eisemann Center in Richardson. Troop 1001 has been asked to perform the opening flag ceremony at the congressional hearing on healthcare solutions. At least Six congressman are scheduled to be in attendance with the possibility of two more. This is a great honor for the Troop and will allow the Scouts to see part of our political process in action. Plan to arrive at the Eisemann Center by 6:15. Details will be posted soon.

First Campout - Canoeing!

Our first campout is scheduled for the weekend of September 18-20. More information for the trip will be posted soon. All Scouts who plan to go canoeing must pass the BSA swim test. If you took this test for the Lexington trip or summer camp, you're all set. If not - you will need to take this test before the campout.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 August 2009 )
 
Scoutmaster Update - July 11, 2009 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scoutmaster Payette   
Sunday, 12 July 2009

Highlights

  • Scouting spirit in action at flag activities
  • Scout leaders head to NAYLE at Philmont
  • Season kickoff scheduled for August 22-23 at Group Dynamix

scoutmaster_patch_color Hello Scouts and Scouters,

I hope everyone is having a fun and relaxing summer break.

The PLC will be meeting at the end of this month to develop our program plan for next year. I have challenged them to continue finding ways to make our campouts fun and memorable. You have given them lots of good ideas for fun activities and now it's time to make it happen. After all, Scouting is "Fun - with a Purpose!"

Our Troop meetings will resume in early August. Specific dates will be published soon.

Scouting Spirit in Action

fouth_july_2009_003The Scouts have started a new activity that benefits the Canyon Creek community and our Troop. On five patriotic holidays each year our Scouts help set up US flags on the curb in front of homes in the TBC neighborhood. The Scouts raise these large, 3' by 5', flags before each holiday and take them down after the holiday. For this service the Troop receives $2 per flag from the Canyon Creek HOA on each holiday.

Our first flag raising opportunity was last weekend during the July 4th holiday. We had lots of Scouts and Scouters on hand to help.

It was quite an inspiring sight to see our Scouts, in their Class A uniforms, raising nearly 200 flags. They received lots of compliments and encouragement from passersby while they showed our community that Scouting is thriving in Troop 1001 and continues to embody the highest standards of character and citizenship.

Thank you to all the Scouts and Scouters who helped with this event. It was a great success!

fouth_july_2009_007A group of our Scouts was also asked to perform the opening and closing flag ceremonies for the American Volksport Association National convention and again at the Highland Springs Retirement community's patriotic Fourth of July program. The Scouts did a fantastic job at each event and were publicly recognized for their service.

During the Highland Springs program all the veterans in the audience were asked to stand. It was overwhelming to see nearly three quarters of this large audience stand and receive recognition for their service to our country. The Scouts understood what an honor it was to be the color guard at such a gathering.

NAYLE

Six of our Scouts are heading out to Philmont on July 11th to participate in the week-long National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience. We appreciate the commitment these Scouts demonstrate by taking another week out of their summer break to sharpen their leadership skills. Best wishes to TJ F., James M., Alex O., Jack R., Alex V., and Walker W. on this exciting trip. The lessons they learn and the skills they bring back to the troop will be a benefit to all. I look forward to a great, boy-led year. Special thanks to Mr. Miller for providing transportation for the Scouts.

Group Dynamix - 08/22

Group Dynamix is one of the Troop's favorite Scouting activities. This year's date is August 22-23. As always, we start at 8 pm. And the fun continues until 8 am the next morning. Put this date on your calendar and watch the web and newsletters for more information.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Last Updated ( Sunday, 12 July 2009 )
 
Scoutmaster Update - June 17, 2009 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scoutmaster Payette   
Friday, 26 June 2009

Lost and Found

The following items were unclaimed after summer camp:

  • 1 red fleece bedroll with the initials MH (or HW)
  • 1 green croc shoe (yes, only 1)
  • Gray Arctic Zone thermos pack
  • Green REI towel
  • Green t-shirt with Debusk Academy logo
  • Blue t-shirt
  • Vinyl rain poncho
  • 2 misc socks
  • Assorted other items

scoutmaster_patch_color Hello all Scouts and Scouters,

The Scouts had a great week at Hale Scout Reservation in Talihina, Okla. They accomplished a lot at summer camp, have only a few bumps and bruises, and have lots of stories to bring home.

Our youth leaders did a fantastic job keeping 45 boys organized and safe for a week in the woods. Congratulations to our new senior team, TJ F., Ethan H. and Jack R., for their great success in this difficult job.

Our new Patrol Leader team also rose to this week-long challenge. Thanks go to Ben J., Andrew M., Skyler M., Richard R., Alex V., and Walker W. for keeping track of our boys and making sure they were safe, clean (mostly), and organized. They also taught our first-year Scouts how to make cobbler and quesadillas!

Each morning we woke to our bugler, Zack M., playing a lively Reveille. He was always up early and bugling on-time to make sure we didn't miss breakfast.

Our quartermasters, James M. and Stephen C., were on top of equipment needs. They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave. In spite of this demanding job they are always cheerful and never hesitate to get the job done.

I extend my sincere thanks to this great team. Their experience, maturity, leadership, and diligence kept 45 boys and 7 adults safe and engaged in their summer camp activities.

All the Scouts did an outstanding job with their classes at summer camp.

We had:

  • Seven rank advancements
  • 141 merit badges/rank classes completed
  • 47 merit badges close to completion
  • Two Paul Bunyan awards
  • Two mile swimmers
  • Two Wilderness First Aid certifications for adults
  • Lots of Totin' Chips and Firem'n Chits
  • Lots of adult leader training completed
  • The honor of being chosen to perform our skit at the closing campfire
  • Jack R.'s tent filled with large rocks to celebrate his birthday

Congratulations to all the Scouts and Scouters for such remarkable accomplishments!

This week wouldn't have been possible without the help of the adult leaders, the Freebird Patrol, who watched over the boys, attended to minor medical emergencies, taught cooking, washed 50+ uniforms, and kept the photos and emails uploaded to the web. Thanks to all who attended summer camp as well as those who couldn't attend but helped with all the planning, organizing, and paperwork required.

The youth and adult leaders will be getting together over the summer to plan the activities for the coming year. I look forward to a great year starting this Fall!

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Last Updated ( Friday, 26 June 2009 )
 
Scoutmaster Update - May 27, 2009 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scoutmaster Payette   
Thursday, 28 May 2009

In this Update

  • Lexington recap
  • New youth leaders announced
  • Troop Meeting June 1
  • Patrol Advisors needed
  • Flag Ceremony at Prairie Creek Elementary, 06/03

scoutmaster_patch_color Hello all Scouts and Scouters,

In my first update as Scoutmaster I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Mr. Coon and his dedication to the boys of Troop 1001 for the past 3+ years. His efforts went well beyond the 1.5 hours each Monday night that most of us see him in uniform. Mr. Coon’s enthusiasm and vision for the scouting program will have a lasting effect on our Troop. I look forward to his continued guidance and mentorship.

Lexington recap

The boys had a wonderful time on the Lexington over the Memorial-day weekend. Their schedule was kept busy with tours of the ship, the Texas State Aquarium, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, a morning at the beach, and lots more. Troop 1001 had the very special honor of performing the flag ceremony during a patriotic evening colors program in which flags from all branches of the US armed forces were presented.

New youth leaders announced

Our spring COH was held on the Lexington hangar deck where TJ announced our new senior leadership team, as well as the scouts who will step up to be Patrol Leaders during summer camp. The new leadership team is:

  • Senior Patrol Leader (SPL): TJ F.
  • Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL): Ethan H. and Jack R.
  • Troop Guides (TG): Alex O. and Ian S.
  • Summer camp Patrol Leaders (PL): Ben J., Andrew M., Skyler M., Richard R., Alex VH., and Walker W.

Congratulations to all our new leaders. I know you will do a great job leading the troop. Always strive to set the right example by keeping servant leadership and the Scout Oath and Law foremost in your decisions.

Next meeting info

We will have a troop meeting Monday, June 1st, at 7:00 pm for those going to summer camp. Final paperwork, medical forms, and payments must be complete and turned in at that time. The scouts will go over the summer camp gear list and select patrols. Don’t forget to bring your handbooks so completed requirements can be signed off and recorded.

Patrol Advisors needed

We need more scouters to step up to be Patrol Advisors. This is an Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) position involving the mentorship of an individual Patrol Leader and his patrol. The troop will provide training for this position. Being an ASM does not mean you are volunteering to be Scoutmaster. All “youth-side” positions are ASMs and we need at least eight ASMs for the Patrol Advisor role.

Flag Ceremony at Prairie Creek Elementary, 06/03

Troop 1001 has been invited to perform the flag ceremony during graduation at Prairie Creek Elementary. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 pm and we need five scouts to help out. Please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Payette

Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 May 2009 )
 
Scoutmaster Update - May 13, 2009 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scoutmaster Coon   
Friday, 15 May 2009

Be Prepared!

  • Troop elections Monday, May 18
  • No purchase necessary!
  • Must be present to win!

scoutmaster_patch_color Hello all Scouts and Scouters,

We had a great turnout for the Swim test last Monday night. Thank you TJ and Richard for managing the event so well.

On the agenda for Monday night's regular meeting at the TBC May 18 at 7:00pm will be our annual troop elections. All scouts who would like to be Patrol Leaders, Troop Guides or Senior Patrol leader should come prepared to speak. The PLC has decided that this year a scout must be present for the elections to run for office. The results will be announced during our trip to the Lexington during the Memorial Day weekend.

All scouts planning to attend summer camp should be registered at this time. If you have not registered and plan to go please contact Mrs. Van Hamme.

We have an Eagle candidate, Andrew B., preparing to execute his project. Please check with him on Monday night to see how you can assist.

Until I see you next Monday, do a good turn daily.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Coon

Last Updated ( Friday, 15 May 2009 )
 
Scoutmaster Update - May 6, 2009 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scoutmaster Coon   
Friday, 08 May 2009

Be Prepared!

Everything is different Monday, May 11:

  • Location: Oak Point Rec Center in Plano
  • Time: 7 - 9 pm
  • Attire: Swimsuit + class B (+ Class A if SM conference or BOR)
  • Activity: swim test
  • Adults need to be tested too!

Adult leaders, please attend to participate in boards of review.

Did you take home a Friends of Scouting brochure? If you are intending to pledge, please turn in the card to Mr. Reisinger by Monday, May 11.

scoutmaster_patch_color Hello all Scouts and Scouters,

The 2008-2009 Scout Season is rapidly drawing to a close which makes for a very busy time.

Thank you to all that lent a hand this past weekend at Cottonwood. Despite the poor weather we managed to keep our donations up. Thank you to Mr. Bryan and Mr. Carnes for their fantastic organization and planning for the event.

All Scout Show tickets or monies should be turned in to Mr. Saverline at this time. We had record sales this year. Thank you Mr. Saverline for helping the troop earn those necessary dollars.

Next Monday night we will be meeting at the Oak Point Recreation Center located at 6000 Jupiter Rd, Plano, TX 75074, (972) 941-7540 for our annual swim test. We will be forming up at 7 pm although the actual test will not begin until 7:30 pm. We will continue until 9 pm. Any scouts with school activities that need to arrive later than 8:15 pm may do so. Each scout planning to attend the Lexington trip or Summer camp should complete the test. Please wear class B shirts, a swimsuit and bring a towel for this event.

Scouts who need a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review should arrive in Class A uniforms and bring a swimsuit to wear after the conference or board. We will meet with you prior to your swim test.

I look forward to seeing you all for a fun time Monday night at the Oak Point Recreation Center.

Yours in Scouting,
Scoutmaster Coon

Last Updated ( Friday, 08 May 2009 )
 
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