Cross-country ski trip packing list (and permission slip)

Hi Scouts,

I hope you’re all having a good week!

The February trip is coming coming up soon! Make sure to take a look at the packing list below and get ready for a pack check next week (1/22).

This pack check is mandatory meaning IF YOU DO NOT COMPLETE THE PACK CHECK YOU CANNOT GO ON THE TRIP, especially since this is a cold weather trip. If there is anything you need to borrow from the AMC, email Colin at cjzick@umich.edu or let us know at the next meeting.

We will have the ski boots from the AMC for you to try on either next week or the week after.

Please feel free to email with any questions: monkeymanzewde@gmail.com

Best,
Samuel

TC56PermissionSlip

Agenda for Tuesday, January 15

Good evening,

Tomorrow’s meeting will comprise of only advancements. This is for the purpose of the upcoming COH. After some discussion with the adults at last meeting, the final date for the COH is February 5th so we can honor the female accomplishments OFFICIALLY!

Some quick announcements:

-February trip is coming up and next week will have a pack check for the trip
-BRING BOOKS for this week’s meeting so scouts can advance
-COH is on February 5th
-If you are taking the course for Personal Fitness, come to the church at 6:30 pm
-Mr. Donaldson will not be here for this week’s meeting

7:00-7:05 | Opening
7:05-7:50 | Advancements
7:50-8:00 | Closing

I also have some important updates from last week’s meeting. Some positions are already decided. These positions are: Bianca as scribe, Nora as instructor, Sam as instructor. The rest are still being determined for some certain notice as come up. Harrison is my Assistant Senior Patrol Leader but as of recently, he has to step down because he has his priorities set on schoolwork. It was great working with him as he gave me suggestions, pushed me further, and has accomplished tasks that I asked of him.

Yours in Scouting,

Jeffrey Gomez

Agenda for Tuesday, January 8

Happy New Year!

It is 2019 and I have messed up on my dates already. Many of us want to start off fresh and wish for a better future. To answer this calling, the troop will have more positions after this upcoming meeting

7:00-7:05 | Opening
7:05-7:25 | Presentations of the 6 positions
7:25-7:35 | Ask for candidates (each scout must sign up for 2 preferred positions)
7:35-8:00 | Discussion TBD

Put in your calendars that February 5 will be a COH! We are half way into the year and it is about time that scouts get what they have earned. I will also ask for a MC and have the scout review and adjust the script in the following weeks.

February draws near as such as the trip for it. There will be announcement for it and preparations for the trip will soon come.

Lastly, there will be an advancement session on the 15th. Everyone will need their books then and get as many requirements done as you can before the COH.

Yours in Scouting,

Jeffrey Gomez

Clarification of Electronics Policy: TROOP & CREW 56

Via Michelle Holmes:

I have been asked to distribute the electronics policy of Troop & Crew 56.  This is based on many years of experience, a recent Troop Committee vote, and consultation with several leaders. 

The ONLY use for cell phones, (also laptops, iPads etc) on Scout trips is to call parents for pick up after the trip is done.  If brought, phones should stay in the cars during the trip.  We strongly urge families to consider having their Scout leave their phone home period.  Adult phones will be available to call parents for pick up after the trip. 

The following reasons are not considered legitimate needs for a phone:
·      entertainment during the car ride
·      alarm clock
·      desire to complain to parents during the trip
·      taking photos
·      music to fall asleep by
·      ordering pizza
·      and others 

Reasons for enacting this policy include
·      encouragement of pro-social interactions, and teamwork
·      appreciation of nature
·      encouragement of youth independence, problem solving, and overcoming obstacles
·      discouragement of disruptive behavior such as making of crank calls, emails, and social media posts; and looking at inappropriate websites and movies in the tents.  This is very difficult for adult leaders to police.

We encourage parents to discuss these rules with their children prior to attending this weekend’s trip, and any other trips.

Winter Trek this Friday!

Hello Everyone and Happy New Year!

As you all know, we are leaving for the Winter Trek this Friday.  I know Harrison sent a reminder a few days ago, but because we are not meeting before we head out…we are sending extra reminders.  

Please, Please, Please make sure your packs are packed with the gear listed below.  We want to keep everyone safe and warm during all the outside activities.  It looks like Saturday may be a mix of rain/snow, so please take a double or triple check to make sure you have rain gear, snow gear, and warm layers.  Mr. Katz will be picking up our borrowed gear from the YOP on Thursday.  In efforts to make a speedy departure, we will keep it stored in the car and distribute it to each individual when we reach VT.  Can’t remember what you asked to borrow?  Check out the list here.

We will meet at the parking lot behind the Carriage Building (2067 Mass Ave, Cambridge) at 3:30 pm.   Please, please, please bring a SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP with you.  You can find it on the troop website here and I’ve attached a pdf to this email.  
Everyone please bring a bag dinner on Friday for the ride up to VT.  
Remember that any medication needs to be in its original packaging with directions and please leave your electronics at home.  

It will take us about 3.5 – 4 hours to reach the camp.  Right now, Friday looks to be good weather for driving.  There will be other troops arriving on Friday night and the camp has some activities and ice breakers planned for Friday evening.  Before our departure on Sunday, we will make some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for scouts to eat on the way home.  We have had limited contact with the camp and do not have an accurate time as to when we will be leaving…sometime in the morning after breakfast.  We will provide you with pick up details as soon as we can.  I’m sure the reception is spotty up there, but we will pull over to fill you in during travel.  

Please feel free to contact either Mr. Katz or myself if you have any questions.  Looking forward to having some fun in the snow…it’s going to be a great weekend!
Happy New Year!
Shannon – 617-710-6799
Gerry – 617-515-8383

ItemQuantity
t-shirts (not cotton) 3
Long sleeve shirt (not cotton)3
Long pants (not cotton)2
Fleece jacket (synthetic) or heavy wool sweater2
Warm gloves or mittens1-2
Warm winter jacket1
Snow pants1
Underwear2
Wool socks 3
Liner socks (synthetic)3
Synthetic long underwear (base layer) top & bottom2
Rain gear (pants and jacket)1
Warm hat (wool or synthetic)2
Balaclava1
Warm, insulated hiking boots or winter boots 1
Slippers for inside cabin to avoid wet floors1
Sleeping bag (30°F) no sleeping pad needed1
Towel – small hand 1
Toiletries (thoothpaste, toothbrush, etc1
Headlamp or flashlight 1
insulated mug or cup for hot drinks (not ceramic)1
Water bottles (1L Nalgene)1
Scout handbook1
Clothes to sleep in (can be cotton)1
Lightweight daypack1
Large duffel or backpack to fit everything1
Optional Items Optional Items
Camera
reading book
pocketknife (Need Totin’ Chip)
NO ELECTRONICS WHILE CAMPING

Agenda for Tuesday, December 11

Good evening everyone,

This is the agenda for the meeting:
7:00-7:05  |  Opening
7:05-7:20  |  Bennett’s Presentation (Those who are not going to January trip)                    
                 |  Pack Check (Those who are going will do the pack check)
7:20-7:35  |  Advancement Check-ins (Pack check may still continue if necessary)
7:35-8:00  |  YPT

Please bring your books so we can check up on your progress in theyear. There may be a COH (Court of Honor) coming up soon!

Pack checks will be mandatory for the January trip. Shannon Taylor (SISUNG.TAYLOR@GMAIL.COM) and Gerry Katz (GERRY.KATZ@HOTMAIL.COM) are the adult leaders for the trip. Harrison Taylor (HSTAYLOR96@GMAIL.COM) is the scout trip leader as well. Refer to them for any questions.

Also, please book in your calendars that 12/18/18 will be the troop party. Special events will be planned for the troop party.

Feel free to talk with me if you need to.

Yours in Scouting,
Jeffrey Gomez

Adult Committee Meeting, Tuesday, November 27

From Andres, here is the proposed agenda for tomorrow’s Adult Committee Meeting.

SC 56 Committee Meeting—Nov 2018

Trips/Events:

  1. 2-4 Nov conservation trip (Andrés/Sue)
  2. 1 Dec Boda Borg (Lizbeth/Robert)
  3. Trip limits/lotteries (Andrés)
  4. 4-6 Jan Winter Skills (Shannon/Gerry)
  5. 1-3 Feb X-country skiing (Susan/Colin)
  6. Mar wilderness survival (Michelle/Andrew)
  7. Philmont (Britt)

    Logistics:

  8. Troop room/gear update (Gail/Larry)
  9. Advancement report/CoH (Scott/Erin)
  10. Service report (Michelle)
  11. Inclusion update (Marietta)
  12. Treasurers’ report (Neil/Hitesh)
  13. Fundraising update (Kate)
  14. Announcements
     

Other dates to know:

  • 18 Decnext committee meeting (brief) and holiday party

Agenda for Tuesday, November 27

Hello Troop 56:

On behalf of Jeffrey — I am reminding you of our meeting tomorrow evening.  Bring your books, wear your uniforms.

Agenda
Convening: pledge, law, oath
Patrol meetings
Shelter Building & demonstrations
Tree sale turn-in – FINAL
Tree sale shift sign ups
Trip announcements: Dec- Boda Borg & Jan- Winter trek

Looking ahead – we have meetings 4 Dec, 11 Dec & 18 Dec and then 8 Jan.

There is a trip 4-6 Jan — we do NOT have a meeting before that trip so planning will be done well in advance – stay alert.

Christmas Tree Sales – Script available!

After Edward B’s awesome “how to sell” tutorial at our weekly meeting, he has kindly provided a sales script to practice with.

Scouts can print this out and practice with family or a fellow Scout before heading out to their neighborhood. Thanks to Ed for providing the resource!

Download the script here: Christmas Sales Script v1

We also would like to link to the Salesmanship Merit Badge which Scouts might like to take advantage of:
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Salesmanship.pdf