September 2011 Committee Meeting Minutes

September 6, 2011

The meeting started at 7:05 pm, at St. Camillus Church with the following adult members in attendance:  Marilyn Moon, Doug Moon, Colleen Chamberlain, Gary Wolford, Betsy Wolford, Steve Craig, Lynne Ryan, Wayne Ryan, Scott Bussard and Donna Matuch.  Mr. Whitford was the guest speaker for the meeting. No scouts were at in attendance.

Financial:   Phillip was not available so the Treasurer’s report was tabled for this meeting.

Mr. Whitford gave an informative talk regarding the opportunities for the troop to continue as well as to acquire adult leadership positions. Most importantly, he suggested more input from the families and to engage all parents completely in the process.  This is a partnership with the scouts and their families.

Gary offered the after-action for the Ice Cream Social.  Profits were low ($150) but most likely due to the torrential downpour in the middle of the event.  The pies were originally purchased and baked by several scout families.  In the end, we were able to sell the remaining pies.  Next year, we may want to reach out to the Cub Scout troop to see if they are interested in the opportunity for this fund-raiser. This would also help with scout out-reach to the cub scouts.

Colleen addressed the Jeepfest after-action.  We brought in about $3,500 with an estimated profit of $2,000-$2,300.  The profit this year is approximately $1,000 less than last year.  The difference was contributed to the Bantam Jeepfest held the previous week in Butler.  Due to this event, some vendors were not in attendance as well as about 100 Jeep participants.   Another reason may have been due to the miscommunication with the closing time for the food stand.

Ideas for the money include:  another large troop trip for next summer, new sweatshirts for the troop (without embroidery), a 8x20 tent or walkie talkies for hikes and bike rides.  This will be discussed in detail at a future meeting.

Wayne addressed the group regarding the after-action for the “Farm” trip.  The boys were able to obtain two patches (Farm Machinery and Soil & Water Conservation).  He complimented the boys on their tenacity to stay focused and keep their “eye on the prize”.  He also commended them on their camaraderie.

The SPL was not in attendance and therefore, no agendas were provided for upcoming boy’s meetings. 

Gary offered a list of concerns for the troop.  Each was addressed:

• Offer term limits for the positions held by the boys, so as not to limit the position to one or two individuals
• Term limits for the positions held by adults to one or two years
• Reduce the patrols to two (Lightening and Dragon).  Older boys in the Eagle patrol are offered the opportunity to be a mentor to younger scouts or Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.
• Assign adult mentors for the boys positions (to be determined on September 12)
• Once a year program planning meeting (October 4), which includes parents, patrol leaders and senior patrol leader
• Merit badge counselor moderator will be Doug Moon.  His responsibility will be to ensure all requirements are complete, maintain blue cards and order badges.
• Adults will complete the Adult Youth Protection Training either online or by viewing the DVD.
• Scouts with a position will be trained and will know what the job entails as well as the expectations. This will help the boys be a “boy led troop”.
• The troop will purchase paper, printer and ink cartridges for the troop so the financial burden is not a personal expense to someone printing scouting material.
• A volunteer is needed to coordinate food for troop trips.  Gary is accepting more responsibility in the Scoutmaster position and this opportunity remains open.

The next merit badge date will be in October (TBD).  This will continue the once a month procedure.

Via Gary, Nick Wolford asked to utilize the funds in his scout account for the purpose of funding his Eagle Project.  The consensus was unanimous.  The funds must be secured from fundraising and soliciting the project.  Personal funds should not be used.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Stand Down for Veterans (September 10):  Assist veterans at the event held at Cascade Park.  Event runs from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Soldiers and Sailors (September 11):  Originally the scouts were offered to participate in the 9/11 event, but now offered to observe.  The troop will not be attending.   Families are suggested to go on their own if they are interested.

Regular Meeting (September 12):  Regular meeting return to St. Camillus church.  Mock popcorn sales will be practiced.  Election of troop positions.

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 $3 for the train ride.  The group will leave the church at 9:00 am and return approximately 4:00 pm. 

Regular Meeting (September 19):  Regular meeting with training for troop.

National Public Lands Day – Jennings Environmental Center (September 24):  Any scouts interested in a community service project will enjoy this outdoor event, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Limited space is available, contact Donna for additional information.

North Country Trail 10-mile Hike (October 2):  Starts at 8:00 am, bring lunch.

Yearly Program Planning Meeting (October 4):  Committee meeting to include parents, senior patrol leaders and patrol leaders with ideas for the upcoming year.  Everyone’s input is needed for the troop to be successful.

5K Crisis Shelter Race (October 8):  Interested runners, lace up your shoes.  Local New Castle event, anyone interested, please contact Colleen.

Woodsy Owl (October 14-16):  Attendees should bring their bikes; this event will include a bike ride. Trailer will be available for the gear.

Phantom of the Opera – Scottish Rite Cathedral (October 28):  Original movie with organ music.  This is a local New Castle event which will be free or low cost.  More information will follow.

Halloween-Matuch HHHouse (October 31):  This regular Monday meeting will be held at the Matuch house with bobbing for apples and a hot dog roast.    Event starts at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:00 pm.

Court of Honor (November 14):  More information to follow.

Court of Honor (February 13, 2012):  More information to follow.

Tan and Green Banquet (May 18, 2012):  More information to follow.

The meeting schedule for the Committee is the 1^st Tuesday of the month.  The next meeting is scheduled for October 4 at 7:00 pm.  

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully,

Donna A. Matuch

Committee Secretary

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