Boy Scout Troop 743, Committee Meeting Minutes

March 6, 2012

Meeting scheduled for February 7 was cancelled.

Meeting started 7:10 pm at First Alliance Church. Members in attendance: Gary Wolford, Betsy Wolford, Colleen Chamberlain, Phillip Lucas, Nathan Teodoro and Donna Matuch. Scouts in attendance were Evan Lucas (SPL) and Logan Teodoro.

Financial: Reports not available for distribution. Balance is approximately $7,400, approximately $5,400 available. Eagle account remains unchanged. Phillip will mail out letters regarding that status of dues for the scouts. Cub scout money (from new scouts) will be transferred, when possible, to the boy scout account.

January old business: Only after-action is for the Winter Camporee which 2 scouts attended, joining with Troop 746.

Evan (SPL) discussed activities for the upcoming meetings: priority is to work on advancement for the new boys and weekly knots. Evan was commended for a great job as SPL.

Suggestions for more productive meetings:

• Adults refrain from loud discussions while meeting are in progress and perhaps move to another location
• Agendas be approved by the committee beforehand so that minimal changes (by adults) are necessary to the SPL agenda
• Current leadership scouts (SPL or ASPL) mentor those interested in leadership positions prior to elections

Logan Teodoro offered a well-informed presentation for his Eagle project. It will be performed at Moraine State Park on the North Shore. The project will be to clear and add mulch to a picnic grove, replace cooking grill, and create 10 new tables. Project will start in the Spring. Currently looking for funding for the cost of the wood for the tables. This and other projects are available from the DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) for those interested in Eagle project ideas.

Webmaster Nathan updated the group on the changes to the website and his commitment to update the needed information. Previous problems with emails were corrected and the new boys were added to the subscription list. Website address: PATroop743.blogspot.com and Email address: PATroop743@Gmail.com

New business: Weblos cross-over in February, 2 of the 5 boys are currently ready for Scout advancement.

Colleen welcomed the new scout parents:

• Hi-lighted parental involvement
• Presented merit badge counselor forms
• Offered opportunity to survey troop's strengths and weaknesses

Scout Sunday was overlooked, plan to schedule a date with the church as well as a date to help clean-up church property.

Shenango teacher is available to teach Electronics merit badge to troop. Details to be finalized.

Opportunity to sell pies for the month of May (Mother's Day, Memorial Day weekend). Forms will be available in April. Proceeds go directly to the boy's accounts. Great way to fund summer camp!

Upcoming events:

March 17, Saturday, OA Dinner Banquet, 6:00 pm.

March 31, Saturday-Tech Academy at BC3, Butler campus. Tentative drivers: Colleen and Scott.

April 2, Monday-Pre-camp meeting, 6:30 pm, Donna attending.

April 2, Monday-Summer camp deposit money due to troop, due to council on April 5.

April 3, Tuesday-Troop Committee Meeting, 7:00 pm. All parents are welcome to attend.

April 13-15, Friday to Sunday-OA Social. Weekend campout for OA members.

April 27-29, Friday to Sunday-Spring Camporee at Moraine State Park.

May 7, Monday-Summer camp final payment due to troop, due to council on May 9.

May 11-13, Friday to Sunday, Woodsy Owl Weekend at Clear Creek State Park, campout and park clean-up. Option for Weblos to join the event.

June 17-23, Sunday to Saturday-Summer Camp at Camp Bucoco.

August 5-11, Sunday to Saturday-NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) to be held at Camp Bucoco. Scholarships (for half the cost) are available to eligible scouts.

SPL and adults will look into dates for spring/summer events for hiking, cycling and backpacking.

Next meeting on Tuesday, April 3 at 7:00 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.

Respectfully,

Donna A. Matuch

Committee Secretary

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