Meeting started at 8: p.m.

Treasurer’s Report: (See balance sheets.)

Craig presented the monthly report.

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.

BMX Food Tent (June 17 – 20, 2004): We earned $477. The BMX track was paid approximately 50%; $500. 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, the track owner, for purchasing the extra corn.

Summer Camp (June 27-July 3, 2004): 24 Scouts went, and 3 scouts didn’t, for various reasons. There were several 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 among boys, possibly because of the examples set by the older Scouts. Also, the older Scouts looked-out for the younger ones when others picked them on. One note – there were no hatchets 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. Drivers were Ed, Eric, and Terry N. other advisors included Craig, Patrick, Hans, and Brian M. Ten scouts enjoyed the nine days too. Ed will issue refunds to 9-scouts, totaling $724. Eric will write an analysis of the trip details for filing in our cabinet.

Florida Sea Base (Aug. 7-14, 2005): This committee decided that reservations must be made to fill all 6-8 positions by Troop 181 by 1/1/05, or the slots will be offered to non-troop participants. One scout (Kevin) and two adults (Eric & Terry) intend to go. [Costs include: $675 Sea Base, $600 certification, $?? equipment, $?? transportation.]

Troop Development Committee:

Aug. 14: Tall ship sailing off Navy Pier. Went well.

Aug 6-8: Festa Italiana Clean-Up: Terry will call Paul Maffiolli to get payment; same as last year.

Eric and MaryAnn need to complete the write-up’s for misbehavior at the Monday clean-up.

Sept 10-12 Bike Hike: Decision to ban 20" bikes (possible special considerations excepted) in the future, because they are difficult on trail rides. Larger bikes may be borrowed. Thanks to the Benoy’s (Carol’s family, from Kendall) for "ferrying" all vehicles for the troop. Thanks to Eric for his patience with the kids during the trip. We still need to collect $7.00 per scout for the trip.

Oct. 8 Climbing at Devils Lake: possibly stay at Nordic Pines for Saturday night only. Sandy said they will be just bouldering – climbing instruction was too expensive. A 5-mile hike will be included for the Scouts who needed it. Phil Reece will take charge of doing the trails. The Scout trailer is "gassed up" and ready to go. We are short one adult tent, some youth tents, and lots of black tarps. The troop needs a Quartermaster. Zane West put in a letter of intent. Mr. Voll is assigned as the advisor for Quartermaster.

April 4: Eagle Cave has been reserved – deposit check was received.

The Scouts would like to go on a horseback trek next year for a high adventure experience. A back-up plan is Boundary Waters. Eric is looking into it. This should not be too close in time to Sea Base. [Realization: Sea Base will preclude some people from helping at Festa Italiana.]

A recommendation to do a Council camp next year was made. Ryan will consult with members of the PLC as to which camp to reserve, Canyon or Lowden.

Fire Station #3: The Cherry Valley United Methodist Church is a possibility. The Trustees will get back to the troop next week. There is probably not much storage – just a couple of cabinets.

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

New Scarves: MaryAnn and Eric will get the scarves started. Pattern has been given to Marion. Have about 10 old ones left.

Discipline agreement: The Troop Guide will work on getting them signed by the new Scouts.

Wood Badge: Ed and Sandy went to the first weekend. They felt it was a good experience and emphasized how well our troop operates. Note: 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.

Troop Debit card – Craig went to the bank and got new resolutions. The new one will have Craig’s name on it below the Troop’s name. The fee is being waived. It will have an $1800 per month limit and a $500 per day limit.

Craig would like to order a new endorsement stamp. The motion was made and passed to buy one.

Volleyball: (Hold for another meeting) Eric suggested mud volleyball by epilepsy for 2005; it conflicts with Festa. There is an entrance fee.

MaryAnn and Eric will be meeting with the other adults from the Venture crew. It needs to be reorganized.

EAA has a Young Eagles program, which is to get kids into airplanes. The program is free to the kids. Ken will bring information to next couple of meetings to discuss. We need to locate a pilot who would be willing to work with it, or contact Poplar Grove airport. The boys can also earn the aviation merit badge.

Popcorn sales start October 16^th. Jamie Beck will coordinate this.

Pack 33: Efforts to reorganize Pack 33 are being done. They will be meeting in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully, this pack will be a feeder pack for this troop. They currently have 5 boys in fifth grade.

District Dinner: Gretchen needs volunteers committed to help with next year’s District Dinner: Sandy Schwarts, Eric Schmidt, MaryAnn Bushaw, and Phil Reece volunteered.

Nov. 13^th: MaryAnn is in charge of Pow Wow this year and needs volunteers to help teach or help in other ways. The troop is doing the tree lot set-up and wreath delivery that day, too.

Webelos Open House is coming up. Planning for it will take place next week. The theme is that of a game show. It will be at Fire Station #3 on September 28^th.

Adjourned 9:12PM