Minutes from Parent / Troop Committee Meeting
Wednesday October 14, 2009
The following were in attendance:
Committee Members: Kathy Casadonte, Paul Casadonte, Regis Dompka, Brian Fulcher, Lorna Hodge, Terry Parker, Katie Prock, Donna Rozansky, Jean Stephano, Rachelle Stracher, Robin Thomas
Other adults in attendance: Chuck Behm, Bill Campbell, Janice Jennings, Louie Mailloux, Dave Pederson, Don Prock
Minutes approved from August 6, TCM
Treasurer report
Donna reviewed the budget spreadsheets with the committee. There was discussion about the fair and the vendor seemed to have some broken equipment. Consideration for next year would be either a different vendor or another activity for the fair should be considered.
Scoutmaster update
Chuck explained that the Camporee was fun but not a lot of nature and environment merit badge sessions were utilized. Several scouts played some games with other troops. An alternative camping trip to the Camporee will probably be sought for next year.
Elections will be held in December for the PLC, planning session will be planned for after the PLC is decided. Possible PLC outing with training to take place after elections.
There is not a lot of enthusiasm towards the patrol competition. There is a spreadsheet for tracking patrol results however it needs to be visible in the meetings.
Patrol corners needs to be planned better into the meetings. The meetings are being planned well and the patrol leaders need a more guidance with the patrol time. The ASMs will be asked to help more with patrol guidance to the leaders.
Chris Leblanc passed his Eagle BOR. Chuck reviewed that the Board of Review for Eagle question that seems hard for the scouts around service to country. Terry suggested that there be a meeting to help the scouts with this. In addition at the BORs we will add that question so they are used to being asked it.
Community Service ideas will be presented to the PLC 10/19/09 for the PLC to decide how they can continue to give back service to the community.
Committee Chair update
Terry updated the committee on how we stand against our goals for the troop. We are making good progress toward meeting all requirements for the Quality Unit Award, the National Camping Award and the milestones set out in the Troop Mission Statement.
Training update
Bill provided an update on behalf of Brenda. University of Scouting is Nov 7th and the registration cutoff is Oct 30. Brenda asks that all training receipts be turned in for any training so the budget can be updated. Two assistant scoutmasters need to take youth protection training.
District and Council update
Dave gave Terry nomination forms for award consideration. Gold award forms will be available after January 1. Suggestion was mentioned to register for National Youth Leadership Training earlier so we have a chance to get scouts trained. Camp Durant is building a Frisbee golf course. The committee approved to give council $350 to help with the cost of one hole.
Pack 314 Liaison
Brian announced that the Webelo IIs will be joining the troop meeting on Nov 9th to help understand what the meeting a week prior to camping looks like. The Boy Scouts who helped out at the Pack campout on Oct 3 did a nice job. Next year we should target more specific topics to help with Cub advancement. There may be a possible 8 Webelo IIs bridging to the troop next year.
Equipment Coordinator
Paul and others helped clean the shed. There are 21 tents however, some parts are missing. Need a sign out/in for tracking equipment. Work is needed on a process for the scouts to follow. The committee is asking everyone to check at home for any parts for tents and return them so we can get an accurate account prior to November’s campout.
Advancement Coordinator
Jean says that 24 scouts have advanced. Coaching is needed for the SPL and ASPL on how to lead an Eagle or Court of Honor celebration.
Outdoor Activities
Regis presented that there have been 10 camp outings and the Bronze award will be achieved. This represents a 33% increase in outing participation.
Summer Camp is being planned for Camp Bonner June 20-26. Cost by Dec 31st, $70 per scout for early bird registration. Remaining funds needed by March 1st to total $210. Camp info and all avail merit badges will be managed online and will be available after Jan 1st.
They would like to have a 10 x 10 pop-up tent purchased for camping
Community Service
Seven options for ideas were presented and the PLC will decide at the PLC the direction the troop will be taking.
New/Urgent Business
Transportation has been an issue and we need some adults to help with outing transportation to be able to provide a seat for all scouts who would like to attend. Please consider how everyone can help the troop. We need to consider conducting a parent meeting to review opportunities and how everyone can help the troop run smooth for all the scouts. We ask that every parent consider how they can and will assist the troop.
Ways and Means
Kaye Poole is still selling grocery cards and a percentage of the sale goes into a scouts account. Only 11 families participate in the card program.
Terry went over the Christmas tree sale. Louie will be helping Terry with set up help from Mike. We will also be selling wreaths and roping this year. We need to have some bows made for the wreaths to decorate them. In addition, the sub-group is working on the preparation checklist so we have a fantastic fundraiser this year.
The next Troop Committee meeting will take place on December 10, 7:30 p.m. in the library.
All Troop 314 families and adult leaders are encouraged to attend.