I am writing to provide an update on Troop Operations. As everyone has seen, the numbers have been rising but are beginning to flatten. Even though the numbers are beginning to flatten, they are still quite high.
After talking with the Scoutmaster and other leaders, the Troop is going to remain on hold having in-person meetings. We will take the next two Mondays off and then is Labor Day, which we normally take off. This approach will give another three weeks to see what happens. It also allows schools to get fully started and determine what the impact will be on the numbers.
The next update date will be Monday, September 14. Until then, continue working on advancements as many are doing. Reach out if you need anything, the leaders are ready to help.
We will be offering a unique activity this fall during the meeting break. The Troop has a couple leaders who have their ham radio license and they have agreed to run a distant learning study course for anyone wishing to get their license. This activity will be available to any troop member or family member interested. I will be studying along with you. So, watch for the announcements on the classes.
Keep wearing your mask, washing your hands, and gather only in your own local social pods. These actions do make a difference. Together we will get through this challenge and be better on the backside.
If you need anything please ask. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other.
We are happy to announce ADDITIONAL merit badges (for Scouts ages 11-17) that are being offered online by volunteers and staff of the Great Smoky Mountain Council. You can take these merit badges right from home with registered and trained merit badge counselors!
We have a minimum of two adults online for each merit badge, as well as a moderator for the chat room. Each session will have a password to help prevent any Zoombombing.
Week 4 – (April 27 – May 8) classes are open for registration. Weeks 5 & 6 courses are coming soon.
Week 3 (April 20 – 24) – CLICK HERE to see what classes we have to offer and if the class is full or still has space. The week will include Art, Fishing, Personal Management, Collecting, Family Life and Soil and Water Conservation.
Week 4 (April 27- May 1) – CLICK HERE to see what classes we have to offer and if the class is full or still has space. The week will include Salesmanship, Collections, American Business, Home Repair and Wilderness Survival.
Week 5 (May 4-May 8) – Classes coming soon.
Week 4 (May 11-May 15) – Classes coming soon.
All classes are held in the Eastern Time Zone.
REGISTER HERE You will need to create an individual Tentaroo account to sign up. Your troop does not need to register but you do need to have your Scoutmaster, Advisor or Skipper’s permission to start a merit badge. Once the class is over, we will post the requirements that were completed, and you will be able to come back and print a merit badge blue card.
Virtual merit badges are now being offered by registered and trained merit badge counselors. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes 24 hours in advance of each week. If you have problems with registering, email Jennifer.Williams@scouting.org. Offerings and registration can be found at https://www.easttnscouts.org/vmb/.
Mr. Lew’s summary of escapades during the COVID pandemic in search of stress relief.. Enjoy.
Trip Reports for Mar 17-25
2020-03-17– Solo mission. Drove to the Smokies for whitewater kayaking since the water was probably up after looking at rain data. Tremont was too low. Drove to the Sinks on the Little River. Walked ¼ mile up from Sinks and kayaked the Meanies rapids through the Sinks. Took 2 laps. Walked shuttle. Received a text message that the West Prong was at a runnable level. I’ve wanted the West Prong for 15 years. Very famous as in roughly 6 miles it drops 2000’ vertical feet with no mandatory portages. I’ve never run it. Decided to run the lower half (putting on at the Chimney Picnic Area). Level on the bridge pylon was 1.4’. Perfect first time level. Absolutely incredible run!! Photo below is from a friend running one of the rapids last year at a similar flow. I did not take any photos this day. Dropped boat in the woods to head the 3.5 mile back up the road to the truck.
Congratulations to Joe Duhamel. The third Scout of Troop 224 to pass the Eagle Board of Review in 2019! Joseph’s father, Dave Duhamel, is also an Eagle Scout Joe becomes the latest to have his name added to the prestigious Troop 224 Eagle Scout plaque and list of Eagle Scouts that goes back 52 years to 1957.
The yearly BSA Troop recharter event is upon us. Fees for 2020 are $120 per scout.
The fees cover BSA registration, BSA-GSMC insurance & Boy’s Life. They also include funds for Troop operations, gear replacement, camp ground fees, etc. We must complete the BSA recharter by December 14, 2019.
***Without this yearly registration Scouts will not be able to participate in outings starting in January***
If helpful, special arrangements may be made with the Scoutmaster Brett McNealy, Committee Chair Jeff Sipes or Treasurer Cam Hubbard.
Please fill in form completely & bring to meeting or mail with a check payable to BSA TROOP 224
Yearly BSA registration and fees for all Adult Leaders are required by end of December. Troop 224 will cover cost for all the Leaders who return the filled in form indicating your intent to be an active leader in 2020. CRITICAL – You MUST have (a) an active Youth Protection Training (YPT) and (b) sign and submit the Background Authorization Check form.
Like prior years, the adult leader registration fees come from Troop operating funds. Please consider making a $50 donation to Troop 224. Your donation is very helpful in keeping the costs of registration of Scouts as low as possible and for purchases of special equipment.
Please fill in your Name & YPT completion date, complete the Background Check Authorization form and turn these in. If there are changes to contact information since Dec. 2018 please add them.
Mail or hand your completed form and any donation to Treasurer Cam.
Congratulations to Nathan Paul. The second Scout of Troop 224 to pass the Eagle Board of Review in 2019. Nathan becomes the latest to have his name added to the prestigious Troop 224 Eagle Scout plaque and list of Eagle Scouts that goes back 52 years to 1957.
Congratulations to David Joy. The first Scout of Troop 224 to pass the Eagle Board of Review in 2019. David becomes the latest to have his name added to the prestigious Troop 224 Eagle Scout plaque and list of Eagle Scouts that goes back 52 years to 1957.
There will be another parent meeting on September 24th after the start of the Scout meeting. We will continue to discuss fundraising ideas and hope to have additional ideas brought up for consideration.
September Advancement Theme
The September theme is cycling with a focus on bike packing.
The September outing will be on the 29th and 30th. The trip will be a bike packing trip. Location and details will be announced. Scouts wishing to participate should have their bikes in working condition and ready to ride. Our equipment will be transported on a trailer.
New Photos Posted
Sorry! There are no new pictures this month.
If you have new or old pictures from troop activities such as the summer camping trip or family campout feel free to post them on Facebook. You can also send pictures to Morgan Paul
Tennessee Paracycling Open
Please see the flyer here for the TPO which should provide more information for Scouts and Families. The event takes place Saturday September 22nd and Sunday the 23rd. The event organizers currently need volunteers for the morning shifts from 7:00am to roughly 12:00pm each day. We are looking for additional adult volunteers. We still need 1 adult on Saturday and two adults on Sunday to assist the kids.
Grace Lutheran Annual Pet Fest
Troop 224 plays a large part in supporting the Grace Lutheran Church Pet Fest that will be held on Saturday October 6, 2018 from 1 to 5 PM. Scouts will be need to be there early in the day to help set up and to assist during the day. Make sure to sign up for some time at the September 24th meeting.
The Kroger Community Rewards Program has provided some welcome funds to the troop over the last year thanks to the families that have participated. THERE IS A NEW NUMBER FOR OUR TROOP. Please review the instruction here to assign the new number here, or to add it if you have not participated before now.
