He Lived By A Code of Honor

Here’s a nice tribute to a man whose moral foundation was based on The Boy Scout Oath.

Sewickley Heights businessman lived by code of honor

By Jerry Vondas
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Boy Scout Oath of duty to God and country was the cornerstone of Reed Schroeder's life.

As an Army combat infantryman during World War II, Mr. Schroeder was wounded during the invasion of Normandy.

"My father lost an eye in that battle, but he never let any adversity keep him from achieving his goals," said his son, J. Howison Schroeder of Sewickley, president and CEO of Neuro Kinetics Inc. "Dad often said he did his duty for his country and was ready to take on the next challenge."

A. Reed Schroeder of Sewickley Heights, president and co-founder of Schroeder Industries in Leetsdale, died on Friday, March 25, 2011, in Sewickley Valley Hospital. He was 88.

Mr. Schroeder was a strict disciplinarian, but a kind and understanding father who encouraged his sons to become Boy Scouts and acolytes in St. Stephen Episcopal Church in Sewickley, where Mr. Schroeder served as a Boy Scout leader, his son said.

Read more: Sewickley Heights businessman lived by code of honor - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_729799.html#ixzz1I4vVuOlv

More award-winning Scouts

Saturday's Chili Cook Off

Just a reminder:  any Scout who is planning on helping out on Saturday with the St. Camillus Youth Group Chili Cook-Off should meet at 5:00 p.m. at the Church.  Mrs. Craig will coordinate - please call her or Mr. Craig to confirm time and gathering place.

 

UNIFORM FOR THIS EVENT IS CLASS A.

 

Colleen Chamberlain

Troop 743 Committee Chair

OA Elections, Monday, March 28!!!

We will be holding Troop 743 OA Elections on Monday, March 28 PROMPTLY at 6:30 p.m.!  All Scouts should attend this meeting to assure that we have the correct participation for elections.  We have 8 Scouts currently eligible to be elected into the OA, and every vote counts!!

 

Because representatives from our Troop will also be heading over to another troop for their elections on Monday night, it is important that all Scouts BE ON TIME on Monday night so that we can start elections immediately and promptly at 6:30 p.m.  All Scouts should plan on arriving a little early on Monday to make sure we can accomplish everything that needs done!

 

Colleen Chamberlain

Troop 743 Committee Chair

Alpharetta Boy Scout Helps Save Dad, Gets Medal

An Alpharetta Boy Scout is being hailed a hero after rescuing his father during a family fishing trip. Twelve-year-old Adam Puckett was nominated for the prestigious National Medal of Merit for his quick and thoughtful actions while a fishing trip with his family last summer. Puckett and his father, Reid maneuvered their SUV around a rugged remote river road after the accident. It happened last summer when Reid Puckett broke his arm on a family fishing trip to the Toccoa River, near Blue Ridge.

Read the rest here.

Summer Camp

Due to unresolved issues with 2 deep leadership, trailer hauling capability, and Scout safety, we have decided that the Scouts this year will be attending Camp Bucoco.  With a new High Adventure Program and 7 brand new merit badges available this year, we felt that Bucoco would be the best option for our Scouts in 2011.  We will revisit the option of attending Camp Beaumont again next year.

 

If your Scout is interested in attending camp this year, a $25 deposit is due at the Monday, March 28 meeting so that you can get the "early bird discount."  In addition, all Scouts and Scouters must have a new Health & Medical Record completed before camp.  The medical forms are only good for one year now, so these must be completed by your physician each year!

 

The Health & Medical Record is available through the links on our Troop website.  Schedule your doctor's appointment early!!  Many physicians fill up fast in the spring for summer sports - don't miss out on camp because you couldn't get in to the doctor!

 

I will be e-mailing the summer camp merit badge list and schedule to all Scouts & families.  Adults are available to help you pick what programs you want to do!

 

See you at Camp!!

Mrs. Chamberlain

Troop 743 Committee Chair

Welcome Kyle and Chad to Troop 743

Chad and Kyle wait to join the ranks of Boy Scouts in Troop 743

What a great evening at the Pack 806 Arrow of Light and Crossover ceremony!

Troop 743 was well-represented at the awarding of the coveted Arrow of Light, and the bridging ceremony for Pack 806 out of Ellwood City. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moon attended, along with the Zach Matuch and his parents, AJ and Mrs. Chamberlain, CJ Beamon, and the Teodoro family.

As Kyle’s dad, Mr. Smith (the Pack 806 Committee Chairman) got things organized, there was a wonderful surprise: the Den Leader of the advancing Webelos introduced himself to Mr. Moon, who immediately recognized him as a reservist he recruited years ago. Mr. Teodoro captured the surprised look in this photo. Mr. Moon can’t believe it!

Then Mr. Smith got things underway.

Kyle was thrilled to receive his Arrow of Light. And relieved that the rumor of them being shot at him was not true.

The advancing Webelos stopped at a station for each part of the Scout Law. A candle was lit, and they learned the meaning of that tenet.

CJ was “Reverent.”

After each boy crossed the bridge, he was welcomed into Boy Scouts by Mr. Moon, and presented with a Scout Handbook and the signature Boy Scout handshake as Chad demonstrates.

Logan and Zach ceremoniously removed the blue tabs from the former Cubs, and replaced them with the green shoulder tabs of Boy Scouts.

AJ looks on with pride.

The new Boy Scouts recited the Scout Law.

Welcome Chad and Kyle!

Rupert Scout Egan earns national award for heroism

A swimming trip that could have ended in tragedy last summer instead displayed one Boy Scout’s heroism. Tucker Egan, 12, was presented a rare Boy Scouts of America honor for saving 9-year-old Savannah Garza from being swept away by the Snake River on Aug. 17. On Thursday, he received the Meritorious Award for Saving a Life and the Honor Medal in a National Court of Honor. Snake River Council Executive Director Paul Tikalsky told those at the banquet in Rupert that less than 1 percent of Scouts receive such meritorious awards.

Read the whole story here.

Summer Camp

Attached are two files - merit badge listings & schedules and First Class Adventure/Eagle Quest listing & schedules for both Camp Beaumont and Camp Bucoco for Summer Camp 2011.  We were once again split on deciding on summer camp, but we are leaning towards Camp Beaumont.

 

In either case, we will be attending Summer Camp the week of June 19 - 25.  We need one more adult to commit to attending camp so we can assure 2-deep leadership for the Troop.  We will need a down payment by Monday, March 28, 2011, for all Scouts interested in attending Summer Camp who want to get the "early bird discount."  Down payment is $105, and you can use the money in the Scout's account to make this payment.

 

Please let Mr. Moon or Mrs. Chamberlain know ASAP if you are interested in attending Summer Camp this year!!!!

New Patrols!!!

Effective Tuesday, March 15, 2011, the Scouts have divided up into the following Patrols.  These will be the Patrols in place for Troop Elections on March 21:

 

Eagle Patrol:

Jacob Gallentine

Robert Gallentine

Jonathan McCracken

Matt Turner

Nick Wolford

Stephen Wolford

Also, any inactive Eagle or Cobra Patrol members will be absorbed into Eagle Patrol, and will report as part of Eagle when/if they attend meetings or activities.

 

Lightning Patrol:

CJ Beaman

Evan Lucas

Zach Matuch

Christian Na

AJ Parsch

Logan Teodoro

Nick Turner

Steven Turner

 

Dragon Patrol:

James Bussard

John Cardenas

Sam Craig

Brett Ryan

Kyle Stanley

Also, any new Scouts over the next 12 months will be absorbed into Dragon Patrol (including Kyle Smith and Chad Lewis, providing they decide to join our Troop at Friday's crossover ceremony at Camp Agawam).

 

If you have "moved" into a different patrol, please remove the patrol patch from your uniform and bring it with you on Monday, March 21 to the meeting.  We will pass out new patches as needed, and hold the Cobra and Panther patrol patches for when our Troop grows again!

 

DON'T FORGET - Monday, March 21, 2011 is TROOP ELECTION NIGHT.  If you need a position, you need to be there!!!!

 

Meeting Agenda for 3/14/2011

[FYI, Logan created this agenda and we plan to publish this each week before the meetings]

Meeting begins: 6:30 PM sharp! Or donuts!

• Dragon Gets flags

• Opening
  • Lightning Patrol
  • Take seats
• Patrol Meetings
• Election Awareness
• Bring Up merit Badges
• Game
  • Each patrol has 5 minutes to prepare and then must entertain the troop for at least two minutes (four minute maximum)
• OA Update
• Awards
• Alibi’s
• Closing
  • Prayer
  • Lightning Patrol
  • Dragon Returns flags

A great link for resources in planning meetings, events, etc.

If you are a Patrol Leader, SPL, and the like, the challenge (going forward) is not to plan and execute meetings and events, which are transitioning to being "scout-led." This page on the BSA site has some excellent information that you can download and use.


Need directions to event? How to get to our most common destinations.
Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Consider a volunteer position with the troop! Info here.

Yorba Linda boy honored for saving dads life

A 9-year-old boy has received a national heroism award from the Boy Scouts of America for saving his father's life last year. Nakul Rao, the son of physician Anu and Murthy "MK" Sathya, a vice president for Keystone Automotive, is a fourth-grader at Travis Ranch School in Yorba Linda. He is very active in Boy Scout Pack 580, the largest scout pack in Orange County. His scout training helped him think on his feet and avert tragedy for his family, his mother, Anu Sathya, said. "We had taught him about calling 9-1-1 and he learned about first aid in Boy Scouts." The incident happened during a father-son camping trip to the Joshua Tree National Park last May. On a morning hike, Murthy Sathya, who had become dehydrated, suddenly tumbled unconscious off the trail, hitting his head and causing it to bleed. While many young people may have been paralyzed with fear, Nakul, who was 8 at the time, sprang into action, first fishing his father's cell phone from a pocket.
Read the whole story here.

Community Service Opportunity!

We have an opportunity to help out the Lawrence County Big Brothers Big Sisters program by forming a Bowling Team of 4 - 6 players for the Big Top Bowl For Kids' Sake Extravaganza at Colonial Lanes on April 9.  Here are the basics:

 

* Teams consist of 4-6 players

* Each bowling time slot is 1 hour

* Each team member commits to raising $40 or more in sponsorships

* Team members who raise $125 or more are eligible to win a prize

* The bowler who raises the most sponsorship money wins a trophy

* Teams receive a free game of bowling, and each member receives a free lunch and t-shirt

 

If you are interested in joining the Team, please contact Mrs. Chamberlain at 724-654-8693 or via e-mail at cchamberlain11@verizon.net.  We need to know by March 30 if we have enough Scouts to form a Team so that we can register for the event.  We also need a good team name!!

Cub Scout Pack 806 Arrow of Light and Crossover Ceremony

Great meeting tonight, and lots of attendance!

Joining us were two Webelo II Cub Scouts, Kyle and Chad, who are a part of Pack 806 out of Ellwood City. It appears both boys are now considering becoming a permanent part of our Troop!

Their parents have invited us to their Arrow of Light and Crossover ceremony. Please consider honoring them by attending, even if it’s just for the ceremony portion.

Details:

Friday, March 18 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Per Doug Smith of 806: “You all are welcome to attend. The bonfire ceremonies will be held at the Akela campsite (near the castle). Bring camp chairs to sit in.”

Camp Beaumont this Weekend!

Directions from St. Camillus to Beaumont
Camp Beaumont Web page
Updated:
Monday 3/1 at 9:30 PM - more updates to follow
Scouts and Adults Bring:
Sleeping bag and a pillow
Board games
DVDs
Uniform: Class B
Details:
Rock Creek Ohio Lodge 10
We will be camping in comfort in a cabin, and sleeping on beds, but it is strongly recommended that your bring the sleeping bag instead of a blanket, and definitely bring a pillow. We have planned some excellent meals, lots of fun activities, and there will be at least two movies on a projector.
Friday, 3/4:
5:15 PM Meet at St. Camillus in the large parking lot
5:30 PM DEPARTING for Camp Beaumont
8:00 PM Emergency Preparedness Badge or Board Games
9:00 PM Snack and a Movie
11:00 PM Lights out
Saturday, 3/5
7:00 AM Reveille, breakfast
Morning – merit badges (Citizenship in the World, and Personal Management)
Tour of Camp Beaumont
Lunch
Afternoon – merit badges (Citizenship in the World, and Personal Management)
Sunday, 3/6
Our traditional, healthy sugar-filled donut breakfast, then AM Service.
We should be back at the church by 12:30 or 1:00 PM.

Be a St. Camillus Chili Cookoff Champion!

Dr. Movic, the advisor for the St. Camillus Youth Group has asked the scouts to participate in a Chili Cookoff. The event will be held on Saturday, March 26 from 6-8 pm.

Participants will need to prepare two pots of chili for the event.

Please email PATroop743@Gmail.com if you’d like to participate.

Minutes from March 1 Committee Meeting

The meeting started at 7:05 pm, at St. Camillus Church with the following adult members in attendance: Doug Moon, Marilyn Moon, Colleen Chamberlain, Nathan Teodoro, Phillip Lucas, Betsy Wolford, Gary Wolford and Donna Matuch. Logan Teodoro was the only scout in attendance.

New Business: Dr. Movic, the advisor for the St. Camillus Youth Group has asked the scouts to participate in a Chili Cookoff. The event will be held on Saturday, March 26 from 6-8 pm. Participants will need to prepare two pots of chili for the event.

John Whitford has graciously offered to present the Friends of Scouting presentation at our April 4 Court of Honor. This presentation helps the troop achieve quality unit status.

Spaghetti dinner has been cancelled for March 20 due to a scheduling conflict with the church. An alternate date of either April 2 or April 16 will be chosen by the end of the week. This event will be held at an off-site location (either the Elks Club #69 or Hutchinson Center in Pearson Park).

Amy Na has accepted the grand task to lead the PHILAGANZA trip! All ideas will be welcomed and a meeting will be established to set up the itinerary. A suggestion was made to include a visit to the Civil War Museum (Harisburg) on the return trip.

An opportunity to have a blood drive at the First Alliance Church has presented itself. Gary spoke with Dave Proctor and the church no longer has anyone to coordinate the event. This would be a good opportunity to continue the drive as well as continue the troop’s participation with the blood bank. More information will follow.

Scouts attending Camp Beaumont this weekend number 10 with 7 adults committed so far. Logan will follow-up with patrol leaders. Scouts are requested to bring DVD’s for the Friday and Saturday movies as well as any board games. Sleeping bags and pillows are needed as well. The opportunity to work on Emergency Prepardness, Citizenship in the World and Personal Management will be offered during the weekend. The trip will depart from the church lot at 5:30 pm on Friday and return on Sunday approximately 12:30 pm.

This weekend will allow the scouts to decide where they wish to go to summer camp this year. A final decision will be made at the meeting on March 7. We are also in need of adults to lead the troop at camp. Any parent interested, it is imperative to speak with either Mr. Moon or Colleen.

The Scoutmaster from Troop 746 (Mr. Book) is interested in joining our troop for summer camp if we decide to go to Camp Bucoco. He does not have enough adult volunteers.

NYLT applications are still available for scouts wishing to attend this camp. The forms are due March 15. Currently, the forms are available through Colleen, but will soon be available on the website.

Financial: Balance in the account is approximately 5,300.00 per Phillip. More information will be available at the next meeting. Phillip has renewed both the TROOPMASTER and DOTNET (advancement site) for the next two years for $89. He also advised the group that he has stepped down as Order of the Arrow advisor.

Senior Patrol Leader: The SPL has had problems with everyone calling to confirm attendance at events. The website is available to help everyone with this task. As suggested by Colleen, the SPL will organize a patrol leader meeting the week prior to the committee meeting. This will enable the boys to create an agenda for the upcoming weeks. An idea to utilize the Boy’s Life magazine as a guide for meetings will be pursued. Elections for the troop are March 21 and OA elections are March 28.

Troop Webmaster: Tremendous job in the creation, development and continuous updates to the website! Mr. Moon’s home phone number will be added to the site for anyone who wants to speak to someone in person. Additional information from the New Castle News regarding Eagle projects will be researched and added to the older Eagle Scout’s profiles. Anyone with ideas for improvement, please contact Nathan Teodoro.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Camp Beaumont, Rock Creek, OH (March 4-6): The troop will spend the weekend at the Boy Scout camp in a cabin which has a wood stove, and water sites (no running water). Scouts are requested to bring DVD’s for the Friday and Saturday movies as well as any board games. Sleeping bags and pillows are needed as well. The opportunity to work on Emergency Prepardness, Citizenship in the World and Personal Management will be offered during the weekend. The trip will depart from the church lot at 5:30 pm on Friday and return on Sunday approximately 12:30 pm.

NYLT Deadline (March 15): Deadline for completed forms.

Ellwood Pack (806) Blue and Gold (March 18): This event is open to anyone wishing to assist with the crossover. It will be held at Camp Agawam and start at 7:00 pm.

OA Lodge Banquet (March 19): Dinner for the OA Lodge will be held at the First Baptist Church. Troop 743 has been designated to be the hosts for the event. Set-up begins at 5:00 pm and Class A uniforms are required.

Spaghetti Dinner (March 20): TO BE RESCHEDULED: Alternate dates of either April 2 or April 16 are being considered. Additional details to follow.

Troop Elections (March 21): New officers will be selected.

Chili Cook-off (March 26): St. Camillus event for the creative chefs held from 6-8 pm. Participants will need to prepare two pots of chili for the event.

Order of the Arrow Elections (March 28): Eligible candidates will have the opportunity to be selected for the OA.

Court of Honor (April 4): A speaker and MC are needed for this event. John Whitford will present the Friends of Scouting presentation. This event will be held in the gym.

Invasive Species Clean-up (April 23): Reservations have been made for some scouts to participate in the Jennings Environmental Center clean-up. It will be held from 9-1 and is a good opportunity for a community service project.

Hike (May 7): 10-mile hike at a location to be determined.

Woodsy Owl Weekend (May 13-15): Camping and Woodsy Owl clean-up at Clear Creek. More information will follow.

Tan and Green Banquet (May 20): The potluck family dinner will have the scouts provide a talent show for entertainment. This will be held in Mc Guirk Hall.

Relay for Life (May 21-22): Scouts interested in participating in this event are asked to contact Colleen.

Blood Drive (Tentative Summer 2011): The First Alliance Church location is under consideration for a blood drive. Additional information will be forthcoming.

Summer Day Events: Anticipate some additional events to be planned for weekdays during the summer.

Bike Ride (June 4): A 10 or 15-mile ride at Stavich Trail in New Castle.

Troop Camping (Week of June 19-25): The troop has two options available for summer camp this year; either Camp Bucoco or Camp Beaumont. The final decision will be made on March 7.

Hike (July 16): A 10-mile hike at a location to be determined.

NYLT-Silver Wolf Training (June 16-19 and June 23-26): Training for any scout (First Class and above). For scouts who are interested, the committee is offering a scholarship for half the cost of the program. You must write a formal letter of request and if you are unable to go, the money must be refunded back to the troop. Applications are due March 15.

PHILAGANZA (July 5-9): The dates for travel have been set. This Tuesday through Saturday event is something not to be missed! If you have any ideas for this trip, please contact Mr. Moon. Mark your calendars.

Bike Ride (July 30): A bike ride on a trail in Ohio from Trumbull to Astabula is planned.

Camping, Ohio (August 5-7): Trip to Colleen’s parents for a weekend of fun with army vehicles and memorabilia. A hike will also be planned.

JEEPFEST (August 20): Annual troop fundraising event at Pearson Park. Overnight camping on Friday night (August 19) will be available.

Cuyahoga Bike-Aboard (September 18): The group will board a train at Peninsula, Ohio and ride to the interpretive visitors’ center. After unloading the bikes from the train, the troop will enjoy an 11-mile bike ride. Cost is $5 for the train ride with an additional cost for a dinner stop. The event will run from 9-5:00 pm.

Being a merit badge counselor is a great opportunity for parents to find joy in their son’s accomplishments. Join the fun!

The meeting schedule for the Committee is the 1^st Tuesday of the month. All parents and scouts are encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to be a part of what is going on in your troop. The next meeting is scheduled for April 5 at 7:00 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully,

Donna A. Matuch

Committee Secretary

NYLT Silver Wolf Training Scholarship–Act Now

As announced previously (on 2/11, and 2/20), the Moraine Trails Council is hosting the National Youth Leadership Training, also known as “Silver Wolf,” in June.
Troop 743 is offering an opportunity to for one of our eligible Scouts to attend with a Scholarship of up to 50% of the cost of the training (see this post for the costs).
If interested, please review the following information, and then send an email to PATroop743@Gmail.com requesting a scholarship application to be turned in to Mr. Moon or Mrs. Chamberlain by March 15.
Terms and Eligibility:
Troop 743 will provide a 50% scholarship for Scouts interested in attending National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), otherwise known as "Silver Wolf' training.
Eligibility Requirements:

1. Must be an active Scout in Troop 743, First Class rank or above, for the six
   months prior to NYLT training
   
2. Must hold a leadership position in the Troop for at least 3 months prior to NYLT training
   
3. Must submit an essay of between 500 - 1000 words outlining:
   a. Why the Scout is interested in attending NYLT
   b. What the Scout expects to take away from the training, and
   c. How the Scout will use the training to improve the Troop

Deadline for submissions:  March 15.
Scouts should submit the signed application form and essay to either the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair by the deadline to be considered for the scholarship. The Troop Committee will review all applications and will notify Scouts by March 31 if they will receive a scholarship for NYLT training.

Reimbursement to Troop 743 for not attending:
If a Scout accepts the scholarship and does not attend the training, that Scout and parents agree to pay back any unrecovered scholarship amounts to the Troop, and will also be responsible for the remaining 50% of the costs of the training, and may be responsible for other costs incurred.
___________
Photo credit christophercraig at Flickr

Two March events - we need Scouts!!

Calling all Scouts!  Calling all Scouts!!  Our Troop has two upcoming events in March that need your help!

 

March 19 - OA Banquet @ First Baptist Church on Maitland Lane.  Troop 743 is hosting this year's event, and those Scouts who aren't OA members will be needed to help serve drinks for the banquet.  All Scouts should wear Class A uniforms and meet at First Baptist Church at 5:00 p.m.  We will be able to sit down and eat after the banquet is over - Dean is cooking!!

 

March 26 - Chili Cook-Off @ St. Camillus Church to benefit their Youth Group.  The Youth Group is looking for entrants to provide two crock pots of chili and serve to customers from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  For more information, call Dr. J. Edward Movic at his dental office:  724-652-5552.  Let him know you are from Troop 743 - he's an Eagle Scout, and this would show excellent support if we could have one or two teams enter the Cook Off!!

That is a lot of Good Turns! How many have you done today?

North Carolina Boy Scouts have been honored for all of their good turns in 2010 more than 300,000 of them. The Boy Scouts presented their annual Report of the State at a news conference Monday outside the Legislative Building and attended by House Speaker Thom Tillis. The report showed the state's 135,000 Scouts provided more than 300,000 hours in service projects last year, well above the 100,000 hours the Scouts promised Gov. Beverly Perdue they would perform. The House and Senate later Monday approved resolutions honoring their service and Tuesday's 101st anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. GOP Rep. Justin Burr of Stanly County himself an Eagle Scout presided over the House when the chamber approved its resolution.


Read the rest here.