May 23, 2006

Present:Phil Reece, Belinda Cowdrey, Eric Schmidt, Greg Sparks, MaryAnn Bushaw, Greg Poulisse, Vicki Lambert, Richard Lambert, Brian Murphy, Terry Nichols, Paul McCaffrey

Meeting started at 8:35 PM

Treasurer’s Report: Craig was absent for the financial report.

Past Events

Lincoln Pilgrimage (April 29 - 30, 2006): Terry will look at campsites; will try for Illinek, but Panther Creek will be back-up site. Go Saturday morning, come back Sunday late. All camps are first come, first serve basis. We are short of tents; people need to bring their own. (3/21) Terry will make an announcement for the website. The troop is reserved at BSA Camp Illinek on Lake Springfield, south of the city. We may be short on tents and need to bring a few personal tents in addition to troop tents. McCaffrey's will go Friday night. (4/25) Terry needs to know what drivers he has; wants to keep it as small as possible. 8 Scout tents are usable and 3 adults and 6 dome tents available. Repaired tents that needed them. Berg can fix the zippers on tents. 22 Scouts and 6 Adults going. Plenty of tents for this campout, which includes those who volunteered to bring their own. Steve is going and most likely is pulling the trailer. Drivers: Paul, Steve, Ken, Ed and Terry. Lois will pick up what is needed for the patrol boxes. We will divide into groups and each adult will need to have a copy of the information that was emailed to all adults. Museum costs to get in. (5/23) We were at Illinek’s Compass Campground East. It was the biggest one and had no problem handling the people who went. (We reserved a site for 40, but only 28 attended.) Added benefit was a shelter house with 4 picnic tables that allowed the scouts to cook out of the rain. Paul, Christopher and Christain McCaffrey went down on Friday and set up tents, so when the troop arrived, camp was ready to go. That made the trip easier, especially due to the rain. A BIG THANKS to the McCaffrey’s for the extra effort. The wet weather kept the crowds down. We got to go into and on top of Linclon’s Tomb. We did not need the $5.00 each for dinner and the money was given back to Craig. There was a suggestion that Scouts who went start work on a citizenship merit badge, since they toured some state facilities.

OA Election (by May 1, 2006): Youth elections for our troop will be March 21st. Adult election will need to be done at next committee meeting. We discussed the requirements. Ken, Sandy and MaryAnn are eligible. Ed, Lois, Dannette may also be eligible, also Paul. Mark said the Lodge needs adults who are willing to commit, if not, please do not elect them. MaryAnn Bushaw and Ken Hoxie agreed to be active, if elected. (3/21) A secret ballot elected Ken. Congratulations! Three scouts were elected by their peers tonight. (4/25) 8 scouts were eligible but only 3 were elected. Sandy will make sure things are ready for the callout. (5/23) Terry talked to Art about the scouts who were elected. Terry will check with Sandy to see what needs to be done for the Call Out ceremony at Ransburg.

Popcorn (April 1, 2006): (5/23) Ken Hoxie got a second job and will not be able to continue as the Kernel; we need a new Kernel! Paul McCaffrey is helping out for the interim and is waiting for people to turn-in money. Three people have paid so far. Paul will call and request money from the scouts. Steve Horan has the extra popcorn, if anyone is interested.

Laid-Back Campout (May 12 - 14, 2006): Still looking for a site. Sandy suggested White Pines and Terry suggested Anderson Woods as an alternative. Sandy will make reservations. (3/21) A reservation is made at White Pines. (4/25) Ryan asked kids to bring outdoor games. (5/23) The campout was moved to a cabin at Camp Lowden, the Winnebago building. Pretty much had the campground to themselves. It was a rainy weekend. Richard would recommend it again.

CVFPD Midwest Regional Extrication Competition (May 20 - 21, 2006): We have been invited to hold the food fundraiser again this year. We made about $1400 last year. We need to keep the refreshments open later this year to accommodate the awards ceremony. (3/21) Phil Reece will put together a sub-committee. Greg, Paul and Ken are willing to help Phil with this. (4/25) Smoothies are lined-up. Craig and Phil will talk about food. About half of the shifts are signed-up for. Phil will put the schedule up on the website. Phil will borrow Ed’s grill. (5/23) Thanks to everyone who worked! Several worked over hours. There was one NCNS. We made between $800 and 1000. (Phil suggests we need to order T-shirts in March, so scouts have them for the fundraisers.) Terry would like a final account of who worked. Need a record to give to Ed for scout accounts. We did not do as well this year. We seemed to sell more than last year. We sold about 100 chicken and pork chop sandwiches which were donated, so they were all profit. Next year, Phil is hoping to preorder food from GFS, we cleared-out their supply of some items and Wal-Mart on others. Too many people were involved in purchasing the food, so we over-bought. Need to have only one person in charge. Phil is going to analyze the information to find out why we made less. Suggestion was giving workers cards and check-off what they want which would help us keep records a little better. Judges, event workers, and scout workers were given their food for free. The troop will eat (pun intended) the cost of the food for the judges.

Future Events

Day Camp Training (June 4, 2006): (5/23) There is a Cub Scout Day Camp Training at the UAW Hall in Belvidere. If you are helping at a day camp, you should go to this.

Alpine Slide Campout (June 9-11, 2006): There is a Mississippi cruise there for 1.5 hours; it costs $22, but she is hoping for a group rate. Sandy is exploring places to camp nearby. If we did the cruise, we may do it in two groups. Question can the kids do the Alpine Slide more than once? Committee decided to make the reservation. Sandy needs to check, she thinks it might have been for August. (4/25) She signed-up for the wrong date. She will fix it. Sandy will bring some activities to the PLC to decide which ones to do. (5/23) We will take the extra brats from the Extrication competition and have a picnic in Galena. Troop will provide one $5.00 ride on the slide; scouts would pay for any additional rides. Sandy suggests not taking the cruise -- too short, too expensive. Still need an announcement for it. The Mississippi Palisade Park was suggested for the boys to take a hike, maybe work on Hiking merit badge.

NYLT (Jun 11-17, 2006): (3/21) Possibly Ryan and Glenn are going. April 25 is deadline with a $50 deposit due. (4/25) Nick said he had 4-5 scouts interested. Terry said those scouts are not confirmed and need to do so ASAP. It has to be paid this week or it goes up next week. Eric will check with some. Scouts will eat any late fees. (The Troop never pays anyone’s late fee!) (5/23) Three scouts are going Glenn Sparks, Zachary Blondin and Ryan Lambert. All are paid. Waiting for Ryan to submit his information.

Patrol Cook-Off (June 13, 2006): (5/23) Richard suggested everyone get the same things to cook and add their own flare to it. Menu planning will be June 6th. We will know what is needed after that point. We need the troop trailer to be available. We will do it at Baumann Park. Bill LeFevre will need to get the permit for the shelter house. Terry will talk to him about reserving it. We need someone to pull the trailer; Eric will be out-of-town. Paul will get another grill. Terry suggested that we have gas and charcoal grills available. We are suggesting they use the hamburgers left over from the extrication competition. Each patrol will get an equal proportion. They cannot grill hamburger patties, but they have to come up with something creative for the hamburger meat.

BMX Food Tent (Jun. 1518, 2006): (4/25) Same people from the extrication event volunteered to help. Ken will put out a sign-up sheet after extrication is filled-up. (5/23) It was suggested that we have a supervisor for each day instead of one person in charge of it all. We need better warming ovens for our pizzas. Paul will be working with Pizza Hut. Sign-up form is on the website. People are asked to sign-up for 3 shifts.

BMX Clean-up (Jun. 18, 2006): (5/23) The announcement has been posted on the website.

Summer Camp (July 2-8, 2006): Cost is $180 per Scout (early-bird price) and $17 per day for adults, which the troop will pay. The deposit will be $30 for the each scout, with a $25 fee for additional scouts in the same family; due by March 3rd; the balance is due May 5th. There is a $10 late fee if someone signs up after March 3rd. New scouts joining from Webelos dens can sign-up later. We will sign-up two less scouts, to make sure we do not lose the whole deposit for any cancellations. Sandy would like to use the January 17th troop meeting to inform parents about this camp experience. Sandy sent out emails checking to see who would like to go to Ransburg summer camp. 9 Scouts and 4 adults replied that they would like to go. 25 youth signed up, still working on others. Six adults have confirmed; two more are thinking about it. New scouts and parents have not been talked-to. (3/21) There are 30 youth signed-up now, including new scouts. No new news next payment is April 14th. (4/25) 35 youth confirmed as going. Sandy read names of adults who were going: a total of 8 for sure and 2 more possible. Medical forms are available for those who need them everyone. An offer was presented to stop and camp at Kingma’s Tree Farm for either on the way to or from camp. A Dairy Farm tour is available too. Committee would prefer to stop on the way down. It is less than half way. Phil suggested that the drivers going should make that decision. It was suggested to stop and just visit but not camp -- possibly a lunch break with a tour of the tree farm. Our leaving time will be adjusted and it will be a mid-morning break with only an hour to stop. (5/23) While trying to make the arrangements with the Kingma’s, they said it wouldn’t work they do not schedule activities on Sundays; it interferes with their religious activities. That plan canceled!

Independence Day Parade (July 4, 2006): (3/21) The troop is at summer camp, so we cannot do it this year. (4/25) Bill will let the Village know. (5/23) Bill LeFevre has already done this.

Serverson Dells (July 25, 2006): (4/25) It’s a troop meeting. It’s off Montague Road, west of Rockford. Sandy is getting someone to talk. (5/23) Sandy suggested we do our own thing because it can be expensive to have someone give us a tour. Belinda suggested we get brochures ahead of time to give to adults to become familiar with it, so they can point-out things. Terry will check into it.

Blackhawk Regatta (Saturday, July 29, 2006): (4/25) It is a council event for youth, 14 and older. MaryAnn will put information together for it. (5/23) Regatta is at Levings Lake. MaryAnn wants us to go. Beside Crew members, there are a few other youth in the troop who are that age. It could help introduce them to the crew. Coordinate it with Eric.

Fiesta Italiana (Aug. 2006): (3/21) Steve Horan will be doing it no conflicts this year.

Troop 224 Spud Hut (August 813, 2006): (5/23) They are going to need people this year. We should see sign-up sheets by next month. An adult must work with a scout; and everyone pays to get into the Boone County Fair.

Americas River Campout (August 25 27): (5/23) Sandy is doing something with it.

Miscellaneous Business

Training:

Wood Badge: (5/23) Sandy received her woodbadge beads; congratulations and thank-you for the hard work. Ed was not able to complete his; ran out of time. Craig is still working on his ticket.

Leader Specific (Oct 2006): (5/23) Greg Poulisse was not able to attend. Lois Blondin may be attending this session.

Fast Start: Do it online; or set a date. (5/23) Vicki Lambert did hers online but did not get her card. She was advised to take her printout to the council office (Beth Ann) and get her card.

Youth Protection: (3/21) Adults should re-do their Youth Protection training. There will be one at the next Roundtable on April 6th at 6:45 pm. All adults are encouraged to attend! (4/25) It is good for 2-years. All need to be updated, except Terry, MaryAnn & Craig, who updated on 4/6/06. It can be taken online and takes less than an hour. You must contact Beth Ann at council office within a week to follow-up and get your certification card. (5/23 ) Everyone who goes to summer camp should have it renewed! Get a printout if you do it and let MaryAnn know, for our troop’s records.

First Aid/CPR Certifications: (3/21) Whoever needs it should get their name(s) to Eric Schmidt, or nothing will be arranged. Anyone who is going to summer camp should have their certification.

Troopmaster (5/23) Will start-up discussion again after summer camp.

Service Project for the Church: They have two projects that could be used for Eagle projects. One is to make a sign for the church. The second is to dig out the playground so it can be made deeper and enlarged. If the playground is not picked up as an Eagle project the troop will look at doing it as a service project in the Spring. One Scout asked about it, but changed his mind. Playground in rear of church needs improvement to meet new DCFS guidelines. Bill Ziemke furnished a sheet with the proposal for the project. (4/25) If no one is doing it as an Eagle project we need to jump on it for the troop to do. No Eagle candidate was interested. Ed Blondin will talk to Bill Ziemke about getting this organized. (5/23) We need to wait until after summer camp. Between day camps, summer camp, and fundraisers we will not have enough people to do it right. Besides, the church does not have the final specs yet.

Swimming: Jefferson is not available; Belvidere High School is using it and there are problems with the custodial pool staff. Marcus Tryggestad is checking Rockford College and Rockford YMCA. Mr. Schmidt will still check with Guilford. We’re waiting for an answer from RESA. Millennium Center is $45 per hour 7:30 to 9:00 on Tuesday. Belvidere YMCA - $2.00 per person on Wednesday, is available as an open swim night. Dolphin Swim Club is Friday only. Marcus and Eric will let Phil know what the results are, so a decision can be made by the end of November and our swim nights chosen. Two choices remain: Millennium Center or Belvidere YMCA. Millennium Center (former YWCA) is Tuesday night, there’s no guest seating and a small locker room. Lois suggested rotating scouts through locker room by patrol. Eric will see if it is still available. The Belvidere YMCA is $2.00 per person on Wednesday but it’s an open swim. Paul says it tends to have problems with maintenance and closes unpredictably. Phil will check with Jim Fry regarding Flinn’s pool. A sub-committee will make a decision next week. Also, Eric is working on Rockford College for next year. Maybe we will do one swim night at Rockford College for this year as a trial. One, maybe two, swim nights there. Terry & Phil are going to go Friday to Rockford College to check it out. Possibly go back to Tuesdays. Flat fee of $20.00. BJ says it is slightly smaller than an Olympic pool. It does have two diving boards. We have to furnish our own lifeguard. They have bleachers. Belinda provided a contract from Jefferson for next year. Eric is working on Rockford College for next year also. Need to check and see if our lifeguard will be available. We will make a decision at next meeting. Had some problems with the swim team getting out of the Belvidere Y pool on time on January 11. Rockford College is still interested in us going there. We will be talking with BJ Robertson (394-3727) to set up a tour. Belinda has a contract form for Jefferson for 2007. As of tonight, we’re still working on Rockford College. They have not returned calls. Belvidere Y is still looking for updated liability insurance from Council; Eric will follow-up. Marcus has confirmed he will be there. According to “Aquatic Safety,” two capable swimmers can be used instead of a lifeguard. (3/21) Courtney Oertell, Events Coordinator, Rockford College, 815-226-4039, coertell@rockford.edu , 7:00 - 8:30 April 4 and May 2. ($12.50 per two lanes per hour -- $56.25 for full pool for 1.5 hours.) Put on to liability insurance and copy to them. We have been offered two Tuesday nights at Rockford College pool. April 4th and May 2nd. Cost will be about $56.25 for each night. After the May event, we will discuss going there in 2007. The troop will go to McDonalds by the Sweden House on State Street after swimming. Terry provided a new flier. Thanks to Phil for all of his negotiations! (4/25) RC’s water is warmer than Jefferson, not as hot in bleacher area. Everyone liked it overall. Parking was a bit of a problem. Parking Lot A across the street is available, but furthure away. Phil will make sure other door is unlocked. Comments will be taken after next swim and a decision will be made for next year quickly. Eric suggested that a thank-you card be sent to the Belvidere YMCA, preferably by a scout. Eric will bring a thank-you card for the scouts and scouters to sign at swimming. (5/23) Scheduling was a problem with the last swim, but it can be fixed. Boys liked the warmer water. Motions were yes’ to keep it at Rockford College. Keep it on Tuesday. Prefer 6:30, 1-½ time slot. Keep it on first Tuesday of the month. If not available, second Tuesday is acceptable.

Good Turn for America: (5/23) Food Drive and Pancake breakfast are in there. The church suppers need to be put into it. We had two scouts who did not show up this month and the church was not happy. This was their busiest one. No reminder calls were given this time. Terry suggested a letter to Bill Ziemke as well as suggestions to prevent it from happening again. Phil will write it.

Religious Retreats: (4/25) MaryAnn said we need to encourage members to go to the religious retreats.
(5/23) There is a conflict with our troop schedule in September. We will not be attending.

Insurance: (3/21) Our regular insurance is due to renew July 6th.

Numerals and Patrol Medallions: (3/21) Terry sent for a quote. From DeKalb: $2.25 ea. for 100; $1.55 for 250, and $1.47 for 300+. He had a quote for the extra “35 years” strip. The troop decided not to go with the extra strip. The committee decided to order 250 patches. Patrol patches: there are no stock patches that match our patrols. Welsh Industries in DeKalb would charge $5 a piece or blank patches for $1 each. Greg Sparks will look into it during his next trip to India or Shanghai. (4/25) Patches came in and Terry rejected them because they were not acceptable. (5/23) Greg Sparks dropped the blank patrol medallions off in India. He is getting pricing on 200. Terry is still working on numerals from Welsh Industries. Patch is larger and numbers are too skinny. (We have 250 bad patches.) He suggested changes by email and Welsh emailed a picture of a correction. That needs changing too. More suggestions have been submitted, but no final reply.

Merit Badges/Counselors: (3/21) The troop needs more physical fitness merit badge counselors. A couple of volunteers spoke up, including Greg Sparks. We can bring up the need for more counselors at Family Night. Another idea is to pick a badge and do it on a weekend every other month. Richard suggested a merit badge campout. (4/25) “Merit Badge work every other month.” Do we want to do that, or is anyone interested in doing a one-day MB? Summer camp provides their own merit badge cards. Woodcarving possibility for late summer. (5/23) Greg Sparks and Eric Schmidt are working on getting the troop information updated at District; also, we need to update troop website. Encourage counselors to help guide and counsel the boys. We need to tell boys what is required for them to complete the merit badge. Suggested that we need to plan one every month. Suggested that we even work on some that are Eagle required ones that cannot be done in a day, but give scouts a jump start. Merit Badge Learn and Earn is scheduled for next Spring. Mark Rauschenberg is a Merit Badge counselor for about 12 badges, we need to get him here, at least for the computer one.

T-Shirts: (4/25) Class B shirts need to be inventoried and more ordered, if needed. Eric suggested that we put out the extras at the next Family Night. Announcement needs to be made to see who needs new shirts. Registered adults can get a free T-shirt, or buy a polo for the price difference. Full price for adults who are not registered, but want one. 6 scarf’s were made by Marion, and 20 more are in-process. (5/23) Terry has the list of sizes and will check inventory. We need to do this when the new scouts join in March, so the shirts can be worn at the food fundraisers.

Troop Resource Surveys: (5/23) MaryAnn asked if Resource (talent) surveys have been done recently? Yes. She requests we put more specific items on it. Put names on it so that we know who fills them out. Recruit more adults to run events. Phil is working to recruit newest parents into the committees.

Badges of Rank: Terry received a letter that states we will be receiving our badges of rank for free this year as a result of our successful F.O.S. campaign.

Mark Wellman has stepped down from District Eagle Coordinator. Connie Snyder is the temporary contact.

Adjourned at 9:50 PM