This Week:  At this week’s meeting Scouts will continue planning for the Year End Camp Out and Court of Honor.  There will be meal planning as well as rank advancement skills planning.  Scouts needing rank advancement skills that are best earned at campouts (i.e., fire building) should come prepared with a list of skills they would like to cover at this campout.  Also, Scouts should come prepared to spend some time reviewing completed rank advancement requirements and getting their handbooks signed.  If you need a Scoutmaster conference, let Mr. Fedina know.  If you need a Board of Review, let Ms. Pallone know.  Please let them know prior to the meeting so they can be sure to get everyone scheduled and done.

Year End Camp Out Information:  Friday, June 16th, 6pm, to Sunday, June 18, 9am.  Cost is $20 per Scout; please make sure you are signed up and paid by this week’s meeting.  This is a combined cabin/tent camping event.  Scouts needing Tent Camping nights for rank advancement should bring tents (weather permitting).

Court of Honor: Saturday, June 17.  Potluck: Time TBA (will be in the afternoon).  Followed by the Court of Honor and then “Let’s Make a Deal!”  Please see Linda VanDunk to sign up for the pot luck or check out our Sign Up Genius:  https://tinyurl.com/COH-Potluck

Summer:  Summer schedule is still pending, we’ll get it out as soon as we have it.

We are trying to schedule a swim test at the Middletown YMCA for Scouts going to Summer Camp.  When that is scheduled I will let you know.  Having the swim test done before arriving at camp expedites check-in.  Even if a Scout is a non-swimmer, that needs to be signed off on by a BSA/Red Cross certified lifeguard.  Also – don’t forget to work on Summer Camp Prerequisites!  Click here for a summary of prerequisites:  prereqs

So what should Scouts do while on Summer Break?  Keep working on Rank Advancement Requirements and Merit Badge Requirements.  An easy thing to work on over the summer is knots!  Remember, Scouts can work on rank advancement requirements in any order (the actual ranks must be EARNED in order, however).  So Scouts can work on knots from all ranks during the summer.   Below are the required knots for each rank and links to one of my favorite knot tying websites.

Tenderfoot: 

Show a practical use of the TWO HALF-HITCHES KNOT  http://www.animatedknots.com/roundturn/index.php  and the TAUT LINE HITCH KNOT http://www.animatedknots.com/midshipmans/index.php.

Second Class Scout:

Demonstrate how to tie the sheet bend knot http://www.animatedknots.com/sheetbend/index.php. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot.

Demonstrate how to tie the bowline knot http://www.animatedknots.com/bowline/index.php. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot.

First Class Scout:

Discuss when you should and should not use lashings.

Demonstrate tying the timber hitch http://www.animatedknots.com/timber/index.php and clove hitchhttp://www.animatedknots.com/cloveend/index.php.

Demonstrate tying the square ( http://www.animatedknots.com/lashsquare/index.php ), shear ( http://www.animatedknots.com/lashshear/index.php ) and diagonal (http://www.animatedknots.com/lashdiagonal/index.php) lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together.

Use lashings to make a useful camp gadget or structure.

 

Congratulations to Ray Madden who completed his Eagle Project this weekend!!!  Ray’s project consisted of building firewood bins and constructing a walkway to the kitchen building at D&H Canal Campground.   Just one Merit Badge to finish up!  Way to go, Ray!!!

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Yes there is a meeting this week! Sorry for the late post.

This week the Scouts will be planning the menu for the upcoming camping trip/Court of Honor. Scouts who have advancement requirements that need to be done at a campout should review their handbooks and come prepared to discuss how to complete those requirements.

Because Board of Review has been pushed back to 6/8, if you need a Scoutmaster Conference, this week is an additional chance to do on. If you have merit badge blue cards to turn in, please turn them in to Ms. Pallone ASAP.

After this week there are only two meetings left to the regular Scout Year. The summer meeting schedule is still being worked out. For new Scouts, summer meetings are typically meetings where Merit Badge Counselors are available; the meetings are not structured or planned. Please speak with Mr. Fedina if you need more information.

If your Scout is going to Summer Camp please be sure to review and complete any pre-requisites required for his selected merit badges/program.  Click on the link below for a summary of Merit Badge Prerequisites.

Summer Camp Prereqs

Due to the expected rain tomorrow the American Legion has already cancelled the parade but they will be meeting at the Legion Hall at 10:30 am to have the ceremony there. Everything would be the same and we are still serving the hot dogs at the end it’s just at the American Legion Hall which is on Wawayanda Avenue in Middletown.

Yes, there WILL be a meeting this week. Scouts will be reviewing what is expected of them at the Memorial Day Parade, both in terms of uniform and in terms of conduct. As always, Scouts should bring the handbooks, a pen/pencil, and paper to write on. If you have completed any rank advancement requirements be sure to have them signed off on. Scouts who participated in Eagle Scout Work Days this past weekend should be sure to log their hours into their Community Service Log in the back of their handbook.

If you are attending the Court of Honor Campout and Potluck, please bring the $20 fee and permission slip. You can also sign up for something to bring to the Potluck either with Linda VanDunk or through our SignUp Genius Link: https://tinyurl.com/COH-Potluck 

We have one full five-member team for the YMCA’s Mystery Room event. Mmany thanks to Alan Turken for sponsoring this event! If you are still interested in attending please speak with Lisa Walsh.

See everyone Thursday!

Congrats to Eagle Scout Joey Grazioso who was honored by the City of Middletown for his Eagle project, building and installing ramps and barrels for the dog park.  Many thanks to Scoutmaster Jim Fedina for all he does for all of our Scouts.

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Due to the fact that Ray and Josh have arranged for their Eagle projects to begin on Saturday May 20th, we will be putting flags on veteran’s graves at Wallkill Cemetery next Thursday, May 18th, in place of the meeting. We will
meet at the cemetery at 6:30pm and you will be given a short explanation of what you need to do. Those that have already done this will be given bundles of flags and sent on their way to begin placing them.

The cemetery is located at 160 Midway Road in Middletown (near ORMC). Please wear your Class A uniform to honor these veterans.

On Monday, May 29th, is the Memorial Day Parade that we will be marching in and serving hot dogs and water to the public after the event.  We will meet at Thrall Park at 8:45am.  Class A uniform (sash if you have one) and preferably long pants (jeans or green scout pants…or close to if you do not have a pair) are the uniform of the day. There will be a service at Thrall Park and immediately after that the parade will begin. We will march and end at the Wallkill Veterans Park (near Maddy’s Diner on North Street) where a carbon copy of the service will be conducted there.   Afterwards we will be serving the hot dogs and water/soda.

Please make every effort to attend both of these events to show our support for the community.

There is still time to sign up for the Y Mystery Room Event (many thanks to Alan Turken for sponsoring this event!):  https://tinyurl.com/Y-Mystery-Room

You can also sign up for the Court of Honor Pot Luck (sign up for the camping trip is separate and can be done at any meeting at the Church):  https://tinyurl.com/COH-Potluck   (Please note that times on the Sign Up Genius are placeholders; actual time will be announced when it is determined.)

Scouts should bring their handbook, pen/pencil, and paper to this week’s meeting. If Scouts have completed any rank advancement requirements they should be sure to get an older Scout to sign off on it.

Scouts who went to Knoebel’s should return any camping equipment they took home. Tents should be aired out, dry, swept out, and carefully packed with all the poles inside.  Nights camped should be logged into the Camping Log in the back of the handbook.

Anyone who has pictures from Knoebel’s that they are willing to share on our website please email the to LisaTroop169@gmail.com.

 

Thanks to the adults and Scouts who participated in the Middletown YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day. We had a lot of fun meeting local youths and spreading the word about our Troop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Please be sure to congratulate our District Award Winners: Scoutmaster of the Year Jim Fedina; Committee Chair of the Year Alan Turken; Hidden Hero Jim Niper; and Pioneer Award Winner Charlie Ruiz. These leaders give tirelessly – not only their time, but their hearts as well. Mr. Turken is also an incredible generous benefactor for our Troop.   Many thanks for all you do for our Troop!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

Mystery Room Escape:  The Middletown YMCA is having a Mystery Room Escape Event on June 3.  Teams of five will work together to escape from four mystery rooms.  Geared towards 6th through 12th Graders.  Cost is $5/per person.  The event is 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; we will receive a timeslot for our teams when we register at the Y for this event.  See the flyer below for more info (click on image to make it larger).  If you are interested in going please sign up at this link: https://tinyurl.com/Y-Mystery-Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recruitment Event: We will also be participating in the Mount Hope Community Day.   See the flyer below for more information (click on image to make it larger).  We will have another recruitment table and activities.  Scouts working towards First Class can use this opportunity to complete First Class requirement #10.  You can sign up for a time slot here (this link will be posted again closer to the event).  https://tinyurl.com/Mount-Hope-Day

 

 

 

 

 

June Court of Honor Pot Luck:  Our end of year Camping Trip will be June 16-18 with our Court of Honor and Pot Luck on Saturday (Time TBA).   You can sign up here for the Pot Luck (link will be posted again closer to the event).  https://tinyurl.com/COH-Potluck  ** Please note, times on Sign Up Genius are a placeholder.  Time TBA. **

WEEKLY MEETING:  This week we will be working on rank advancement skills as well as planning for the upcoming Knoebel’s camping trip.  Bring your handbook, pen/pencil, and something to write on.  The Scouts will also be helping to set up the Church for their annual May Breakfast.  Scouts should be sure to log time spent setting up in the community service log in the back of their handbook.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Knoebel’s Camping Trip:  If you are signed up but have not paid, please be sure to do so this week.   Please remember to bring $10 cash for gas money for your driver at the beginning of the trip as well as cash for lunch on Saturday inside the park.

Mystery Room Escape:  The Middletown YMCA is having a Mystery Room Escape Event on June 3.  Teams of five will work together to escape from four mystery rooms.  Geared towards 6th through 12th Graders.  Cost is $5/per person.  The event is 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; we will receive a timeslot for our teams when we register at the Y for this event.  See the flyer below for more info (click on image to make it larger).  If you are interested in going please sign up at this link: https://tinyurl.com/Y-Mystery-Room

 

Recruitment Event: We will also be participating in the Mount Hope Community Day.   See the flyer below for more information (click on image to make it larger).  We will have another recruitment table and activities.  Scouts working towards First Class can use this opportunity to complete First Class requirement #10.  You can sign up for a time slot here (this link will be posted again closer to the event).  https://tinyurl.com/Mount-Hope-Day

 

June Court of Honor Pot Luck:  Our end of year Camping Trip will be June 16-18 with our Court of Honor and Pot Luck on Saturday (Time TBA).   You can sign up here for the Pot Luck (link will be posted again closer to the event).  https://tinyurl.com/COH-Potluck  ** Please note, times on Sign Up Genius are a placeholder.  Time TBA. **

This week: more cooking! Bring your handbook, pen/pencil, and paper.

Don’t forget to sign up for our table at the Y Healthy Kids Day event on Saturday. You can use this Sign Up Genius link: http://tinyurl.com/Y-Healthy-Kids

Also please make sure to sign up and pay for our May Knoebel’s camping trip and June Court of Honor camping trip. If you are going to Summer Camp, that needs to be paid and merit badge/program areas selected (make sure Mr. Fedina has your selections!).

Have a great week and see everyone on Thursday!

Shotgun Merit Badge Workshop 4/29 and 5/6; 9a-4p; both days required.

Archery Merit Badge Workshop 6/3 and 6/10; 9a-4p; both days required.

Both held at Walden Sportsmen’s Club.

More info below:

Shotgun MB April 2017 Archery MB June 2017

Weekly Meeting:  This week’s meeting will be the first of our Cooking-themed meetings.  Scouts will be working with their patrols on cooking rank advancement skills and requirements.  Scouts should review their handbook – both the advancement charts in the back as well as the section on cooking in the main part of their handbook.  As always, bring your handbook, a pen/pencil, and paper.

Recruitment Opportunity: On Saturday, April 29, 2017, Troop 169 will be participating in the Middletown YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day event.  We are looking for Scouts to volunteer at this event which is a great recruitment opportunity for us.  A growing Troop is a strong Troop.   CLASS A UNIFORMS ARE REQUIRED, NO EXCEPTIONS.   This is also great opportunity to fulfill First Class requirement #10.    Sign up here:  http://tinyurl.com/Y-Healthy-Kids

 

Upcoming Events:  (Click on “Calendar” to subscribe to our Google calendar with all of these events.)

• We have a camping trip to Knoebels May 5th-7th, please see our “links” section for the information sheet on the event.  If you are going to be attending, please sign up with payment ASAP.
• Summer camp sign up is still ongoing.  Once you have paid, please speak with Mr. Fedina to get registered for Merit Badge Classes/program areas.  Please see our “links” section for both the Parents’ Guide and Troop Guide to Summer Camp.
• Also in May will be our annual Memorial Day service project of placing flags at Wallkill Cemetery (May 20) and the pick-up of those flags (June 3).    Times will be announced and posted when determined. Class A Uniforms required.
• June 16-18 will be our annual year-end campout/Court of Honor potluck.  Camping will be Friday to Sunday, with the Court of Honor Potluck on Saturday.   Time will be announced and a sign-up genius for the potluck will go out closer to the event.  Class A Uniforms are required for the Court of Honor; parents should bring their parent ribbon.  If you do not have a parent ribbon, please see Ms. Pallone.

 

There is no regular meeting this week due to Spring Break. There are two events on Saturday, 4/15.

Community Service: Easter Egg Hunt:  Community service hours are now required at all of the lower ranks. Set up will be at Circleville Park (on Route 302) starting at 8:30 a.m. Scouts will be sectioning off areas for different age groups and scattering the eggs. The hunt begins at 10:00 a.m. and clean-up will begin immediately after the hunt is finished. Anticipated pick-up time for Scouts is 10:30 a.m.  Class A Uniforms are required.

Hike: Highland Lakes State Park Hike:  Mr. Fedina will be leading a hike in Highland Lakes State Park (parking area is on Tamms Road in Scotchtown).  We would leave from the Easter Egg Hunt and go directly to the hike. A backpack (class A can neatly be folded into it), lunch, plenty of water and snack are required. Comfortable shoes that are waterproof (maybe puddles or mud from these rainstorms) are also necessary. We will be walking past foundations from old houses that were built a long time ago, possibly late 1800’s, and there is even a car from the 1940’s-1950’s just sitting there in the woods. It is a relatively easy hike for even parents who wish to go out and explore. It would be about 5 miles roughly.

If you are interested in participating in either of these events please sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/Eggs-and-Hike

And one more reminder to speak with Mr. Fedina about merit badge/program selections for Summer Camp once your Scout is paid for.

We’re back at St. Paul’s this week. The first half of the meeting the Scouts will focus on rank advancement (as always, Scouts should bring their handbook, pen/pencil, and paper). The second half of the meeting will be our Court of Honor where Scouts who have earned new ranks will be recognized.

Scouts should be in their full Class A uniforms and parents who already have their parent ribbons should bring them. New Scout parents will receive a parent ribbon at the Court of Honor. Mr. Turken is generously providing pizza and we are asking families to please contribute drinks, snacks, desserts, and paper good (plates, cups, and napkins). If you are able to contribute anything, please use this Sign Up Genius link: https://tinyurl.com/169-April-2017

There will also be a sign up for the Town of Wallkill Easter Egg Hunt Set Up at Circleville Park. We will be setting up on Saturday 4/15 at Circleville Park (on Route 302). We will meet at the park at 830 a.m. to begin sectioning off areas for the different age groups and scattering the eggs out.

The hunt begins at 10 and immediately after we will cleanup the areas and then dismiss. Mr. Fedina anticipates parents can pick Scouts back up at 10:30 a.m.

This counts as community service and would be 2 hours of it. (New Scouts be sure to log it into the back of your Scout Handbook and check it off if it fulfills a rank advancement requirement.)

Attached is the flyer for the Easter Egg Hunt.

This week’s meeting will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 391 Mt Hope Rd, Middletown, NY 10940. It will NOT be at the Senior Center as previously posted. Scouts should wear their Class A uniforms and bring their handbook, pen/pencil, and paper. The topic is hobbies so all Scouts and adults who have a hobby/collection they would like to share should bring it.

Scouts who went camping this past weekend should log it into their handbook.

Scouts who helped with the Eagle Project at D&H this weekend should log it into their handbook under Community Service hours.

If your Scout is attending Summer Camp, check out the leaders’ guide and parent guide under “links” on this website.

If your Scout is camping at Knoebel’s make sure to sign up and make payment arrangements.

This week’s meeting will continue with March’s theme of Communication. There will also be Patrol Time and campout planning. Scouts should bring their handbook, a pen/pencil, and paper.

There will not be a Board of Review this week – please remember to request a Board of Review immediately after your Scoutmaster Conference. See Ms. Pallone if you have any questions about BOR’s.

This weekend’s camping trip to D&H is still on – if you are planning on going please bring payment ($20) and a permission slip.

New Scouts with any questions should see their Patrol Leader, Ray. New Scout Parents with any questions please see Lisa W.

Next week’s meeting (3/30) will be at the Mount Hope Senior Center on Baker Street in Otisville due to a space conflict.

This week’s meeting will continue to focus on March’s theme of communication. Scouts should bring their handbook, paper, and pen/pencil.

Also this week Mr. Fedina will be holding Scoutmaster conferences for rank advancement. If you need a Scoutmaster conference, please let him know.

Saturday (3/18) Mr. Fedina is scheduled to lead a hike at Highland Lakes State Park. Listen to announcements at Thursday’s meeting to see if this still on or if there is too much snow on the ground. In the event it is on, meet in the KFC parking lot (Walmart shopping center) at 9:00 a.m. Dress for the weather; bring water and snacks. Ask your patrol leader or SPL if you have any questions.

Please let Mr. Fedina know if you will be camping the weekend of 3/24-26.

Go to our “links” page and click on the link for Troop files for Knoebel’s camping trip information as well as both the leader and parent guide for Camp Read (summer camp).

Congratulations to Troop 169’s newest Eagle Scout Logan Sullivan! Thanks to Logan there are some nice, warm, newly insulated cabins at D&H Campground.

This week’s meeting will focus on March’s theme of communication. Please bring your handbook, paper for notes, and a pen/pencil.

Committee Members: this week is also a committee meeting.

On March 18th Mr. Fedina will be leading a hike at Highland State Park in Middletown. As details are finalized they will be provided during announcements (at the end of each meeting) and posted here. Scouts should ask their Patrol Leaders any questions they have.

Troop 169 will be camping at Knoebels on May 5th-7th. Cost for Scouts and Leaders is $61 (plus an additional $10 for your driver if you are not driving) and includes: Park pass, 2 nights camping, 2 breakfasts, One dinner at campsite. Lunch on May 6th can be purchased in park: There is a picnic being offered for $6.75 (11-1) in the park, or other goodies can be purchased for minimal cost. Money is due by April 20. A flyer will be handed out at an upcoming meeting as well as posted to the website’s files section (and includes non-scout costs and information).

While the first Thursday of each month is usually dedicated to Rank Advancement Requirements, this week we will be welcoming new Boy Scouts from Cub Scout Pack 169 (Otisville) and Cub Scout Pack 59 (Slate Hill).  I know everyone will make our new Scouts and their parents feel welcome and right at home.

We are also working on transitioning to using Scoutbook for Advancement Tracking as it will soon connect directly to BSA’s Internet Advancement System.  It also gives each Scout a nice one page overview of his rank advancement progress.  As well, Patrol Leaders will be able to review a Patrol Report which will aid them in planning meetings.  Please go to Scoutbook.com to set up your free Scout account.  Each Scout account can also have a free, linked adult account.  When entering Troop information, please use “1169” as our Troop number.  If you have any difficulties, please see Lisa W.

For those who are interested, the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is holding a free “Introduction to Orienteering” program on Sunday, March 12.  You can go to PEEC.org for more information.  PEEC runs engaging, quality programs with knowledgeable, personable staff.  And you can’t beat FREE!

Looking forward to seeing everyone!