August10, 2004

Present: Phil Reece, Terry Nichols, Paul McCaffrey, Sandy Schwartz, Ron & Andrew Benoy, Eric Schmidt, Craig Louthain, Bob Voll, Dannette Holifield, Ed & Lois Blondin, MaryAnn Bushaw, and Ken Hoxie

Meeting started at 8:15 p.m.

Treasurer’s Report: (See balance sheets.)

We spent more than we took in: Whitewater Rafting is paid for, two going to Woodbadge (Sandy & Ed). Whitewater came in under budget; expenses are listed in folder.

Past Events

Summer 2003 - Philmont: [Philmont is saying that we owe them for one other camper. Bill is waiting for the other troop to determine what they paid.] No new information. Other troop is not helping with information to prove payment. We need to pay it if it is not resolved by next month. Bill suggested keeping trips in troop only. Owes about $294.

Future Events

BMX Food Tent (June 17 – 20, 2004): We earned $477. The BMX track was paid their $500 share. Adjusting the food purchased, using the fire station’s corn roaster and better sales, in general; the sub-committee felt optimistic about earnings of $2000 for 2005. Festa Italiana sold corn for $1.50 per ear. We need to send a “Thank you” letter to Jake for purchasing the extra corn.

Summer Camp (June 27-July 3, 2004): Only 24 Scouts went, and 3 scouts backed-out for various reasons. There were quite a few older Scouts there, which really helped the younger Scouts and built good relationships. The troop should consider continuing camping at sites that interest older Scouts. Overall, the camp seemed to be a good experience. There was a lot of advancement among the Scouts. There were no significant behavior concerns this year, possibly because of the examples of the older Scouts. Also, the older Scouts looked out for the younger ones when they were picked on by others. One note – there were no hatchets, etc. in the troop trailer. (They are out for repair and need to be returned.) Thanks to all 7 adults who went and made it a great week!

White Water Rafting (July 17-25, 2004): It was successful. Other advisors included Craig, Patrick, Hans, and Brian M. Ten scouts enjoyed the nine days too. Drivers were Ed, Eric, and Terry N.

Florida Sea Base (Aug. 7-14, 2005): The rough cost is $1200 per person, which includes local training to get scuba certified. 4 scouts and 2 adults are signed up. Alex and Kevin have paid their $100 deposits. The trek size will be 6-8 total. Transportation is extra.

Troop Development Sub-Committee:

July 6: Hunger connection): Eric will give MaryAnn Rounds a CD from the Hunger connection for pictures. We packed up lots of food. Sandy read a Thank-you letter from Amber.

July 31 Blackhawk Regatta: No one from our unit attended.

Aug. 14 Tall ship sailing: 4 Webelos dens are coming; about 15 cub scouts plus parents. 19 Boy Scouts plus 8 adults. Ed will pull the trailer. Ken will help drive but not stay. Adults need to bring additional tents. Lois will take care of Logger Patrol food. Adults elected to buy lunch on Saturday at the Pier.

Aug 6-8 Festa Italiana Clean-Up: Big thank you to Steve Horan for arranging. Suggested putting sand buckets at beer tents. Had some issues Monday with golf carts; need to prevent issues next year. Scouts were in tents and fighting. Need write-ups. Eric will coordinate write-ups.

Sept 10-12 Bike Hike: We have two places to camp. Ron and Paul will drive chase-cars. Trail is 32 miles long. Ferry service is $19 per car.

Oct. 8 Climbing at Devils Lake: Northlander and the YMCA have been contacted for climbing instructors – too expensive! Need to have options for climbing/bouldering.

April 4 Eagle Cave: It has been reserved. Will cost $36 per person, troop picks up half, scouts and advisors must pay the other half. All meals provided by Eagle Cave.

The Scouts would like to go on a horseback trek next year for a high adventure experience. A back-up plan was Boundary Waters. Eric is looking into it.

Miscellaneous Business

One of our tent poles was given to the Council camp to replace one that was broken there. The troop will need to replace the pole (a corner one).

Station 3: The fire department would like the troop to move to Station 3 by the end of this year. This is because the station equipment needs to be secured from the public, which cannot be done at this station. Eric will check into the city hall. Other options include the Methodist church or the Library. MaryAnn checked out the Library. Each room can only be used until 8:00. Eric has talked with Christ the Rock Lutheran Church at Newburg and Mill roads; they are interested. Need to talk with existing Belvidere people to see if they will keep coming, Phil will handle. May want to look into new charter. Village Hall is out, would need to change meeting night and size is too small. Bill will check into building a garage at Station #3 if we change charters. Ed will call Cherry Valley United Methodist Church, Pastor Kim. Paul will contact Electricians Union on Old Mill Road, behind Home Town Buffet.

New Hats: We have a lot of new hats, which are downstairs. Terry suggested having hats displayed every week.

New Scarves: Pattern has been given to Marion. Have about 10 old ones left.

Discipline agreement It was delegated to Troop Guide and was announced tonight.

Wood Badge: Ed and Sandy will be going in August with the troop paying the way.

Steve Horan and Paul McCaffrey are going to do Woodbadge next year!!

May 2005: Bill LeFevre stated the Midwest Regional Extrication Competition needs a group to serve food to participants. It would be 7am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday in May of 2005. It means manning the kitchen at Station 3 and buying and serving the food for a couple hundred people. It would support the fire station, which is our sponsor. Last year they had brats and hamburgers. The committee agreed to explore this further – as a service project.

We need more patches for the uniforms – patrol and troop number patches.

New Business

Troop Debit card – Craig and Sandy think we should have a troop debit card to pay for troop expenses on outings. Craig will get one card – to see how well it works.

Eric suggested mud volleyball by epilepsy for 2005; it is the same time as Festa. There is an entrance fee.

Eric - Venture crew is struggling -- need to get new adults and scouts involved.

EAA has young eagle program. Ken will bring information to next couple of meetings to discuss.

Adjourned 9:36PM