Boy Scout Troop 370

Parents attending:  Don Richard, Jamie Dillon, Paul Skoog,Dean Malotky,  Lauren Weaver, Tom Harris, Donna Griswold, Margie Sullivan, Joleen and Mike Zastera, Larry Galluci, Brian Sullivan, Nolan Sullivan, Aaron Nicklay, David Straight, Philip Jenkins, Jim Williams, Laxmi Reddy, John Northrup, Jeninne McGee, Dan Koster, Jay Biedny, Greg Becker, Ann Campion, Caroline Hermes, Kris Cutler, Brenda Jerich, Jim and Deb Vlasic, Kathy Farr, Carl and Sue Patow, Tim Lenker.

1. Scoutmaster Report.  Don Richard reported that following the return from summer camp her received an email complaining that Troop 370 scouts were not helpful as they had not held open the door at the McDonald’s for those entering after them in the rain.  Don has apologized to those making the complaint and has spoken with the scouts.  He wanted to bring this to the parents’ attention as well.  It is a good reminder of how visible the scouts are when in uniform.  In August we had a British scout come and visit as a part of completing the World Citizen Award.  Also in August and continuing in September Don and Mike Zastera met with Church leadership about the storage needs for the Troop at Pax Christi.  As a result, the first storage shed is complete.  It needs some painting, before the weather turns cold.  Margie Sullivan will oversee the painting, please contact her to volunteer.  When the painting is completed, the items in the trailer need to be neatly transferred to the storage shed.  Greg Becker, the new Quartermaster, will oversee this project, contact him to volunteer.  We need an empty trailer to use for the fundraiser, which begins in October, so the work needs to be done soon.  The August Campout at Jay Cooke included 8 scouts and 7 adults.  Many completed 25 miles of bike riding; some completed a 50 mile ride.  A good time was had by all; the weather was beautiful.  The September campout (Sept 19-21) is at Taylor’s Falls and will focus on knots and climbing, the scouts will be working on their knots in the meetings leading up to the campout.  Don also gave brief review of upcoming Eagle scout projects, see below and of the Northern Tier High Adventure Trip, detailed below.
2. Treasurer’s Report.  Total assets:  $13,524.49.  Scout accounts: $5,264.64.  Summer camp bills are mostly paid and it looks as if we are just $30.00 short of expenses.  The storage shed was built for approximately $1,000.00.  Mr. Vlasic is working to collect outstanding fees from the Isle Royale trip from 3 scouts.  These fees should be paid soon. 
3. Camping Update. 
   1. Taylor’s Falls – September 19-21.  See Scoutmaster Report.
   2. OA Conclave – for newly elected members and returning members, Sept 19-21, Sterns.
   3. Camporee – Oct 10-12, Murphy’s Landing.  Three Rivers Park Staff will be staffing all of the activities.  This is a recruiting event for Cub Scouts, please invite those you know and let Lauren Weaver and Deb Vlasic know who is coming.  Campout permission slips are due to Margie on September 30, permission slips will be available on the website soon.  A vote was taken to have the regular $15.00 food fee cover the Camporee fee and food.  Any scout who submits a permission slip and food fee, but does not attend the Camporee will not receive a refund of the food fee.  Adult leadership training will be available at the Camporee for those interested.  Information about the Camporee is on the District website.
4. High Adventure Update.  (Note: Age of 14 or older)
   1. MEA Oct 16 -19.  This date has been on the calendar, but no final planning has occurred.  If you are interested in this event, contact Dean Malotky asap.
   2. Winter BWCA.  February 2009.  Aaron Nicklay will be “reviving” this exciting trip to the BWCA for winter camping and cross country skiing.  If you are interested contact Aaron, Dean or Larry Galluci.
   3. Northern Tier.  June 2009.  Don Richard is leading this trip.  There are 12 confirmed for the trip and there are 4 open slots.  Please let Don know as soon as possible if you are interested.
   4. Appalachian Trail.  Carl Patow is leading this trip in June 2009.  There are spots available, please contact Carl with interest.
   5. Philmont 2010.  John Philippi is interested in leading a Philmont Crew in 2010.  We need to know those who are interested now, so we can apply for a slot through the lottery system.  Send your interest to John.

1. Fundraiser.  Dan Koster gave an overview of the wreath and popcorn sales, better known as our annual fundraiser.  Packets will be given to the scouts at the Court of Honor on September 22.  Sales will begin on October 4.  All details will be in the packets and available on the website.  Dan will need volunteers to help with popcorn pick up and sorting and with wreath delivery and sorting. Please let him know if you can help.  Every scout in Troop 370 is expected to sell enough to net the Troop $75.00.  If a scout does not do so, he needs to make a contribution to the Troop in that amount.  Dan will ask the SPL to assign patrols to the wreath sales at the Church.  Younger scouts will be assigned to work with older scouts.  Ann Campion will be remaking the signs for the Church entrances. 
2. Advancement.  Caroline Hermes announced that next Monday. September 15 is the last night for scouts to turn in blue cars.  Caroline has prepared a document that details the advancement process for scouts and parents.  If you would like a copy, please let Caroline know.  Also, all scouts seeking a Board of Review for rank advancement will need to come to that event with an updated records sheet.  If you don’t know what this is, ask Caroline or Kathy Farr.  Eagle Scout candidates should give a list of all service hours completed on a project to Jay Biedny and Kathy Farr so scouts receive proper credit. 
3. Court of Honor.  The next Court of Honor is September 22 at 7 pm at Pax.  We will have a fall theme.  Please bring a sweet treat or apple cider to share.  Questions to Ann Campion.  Note:  Any scout who feels they have qualified for a High Adventure scarf should apply for this award by contacting Dean Malotky no later than September 15.
4. Recruiting.  Lauren Weaver reported that the Ministry fair at Pax the previous weekend went well.  It raises our visibility within the Church community.  One item that is a big draw to our table at the fair is the video taken at the summer camp a few years ago.  It would be great to have updated slideshows, especially of the Climbing event or a Court of Honor.  If you are interested in creating such a CD, please let Lauren know.  There are 3 upcoming recruiting events:  the Camporee (Oct 10-12), Rope Climbing at Lifetime ((Nov 16 from 4-6 pm) and the December Court of Honor.  Please plan to attend and invite Cub scouts that you know.
5. Service Projects.  Last weekend, Troop 370 scouts cooked and served 150 hot dogs at Pax Christi, much to the delight of the kitchen leadership.  The next event is the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial 5K run on Saturday, September 13.  Those who are helping with this event should arrive at Purgatory Creek at 7:30 am.  T-shirts will be provided.  Scouts can leave after the clean up from the race.  All scouts working this event should wear a Class A uniform.  Scouts working on the personal fitness badge should consider running the race!  At the next meeting, willing scouts will work with Jay to create a religious service for the Camporee.  If you are interested, please contact Jay. This year, the Halloween Walk will be on October 25.
6. Eagle scout project reports
   1. Alex Patow;  Alex is working with Mixed Blood Theatre to invite the local community member to a production of “Minnecanos” on October 4, 2008 at 2 pm at the Parkway Theatre in Minneapolis. The production will focus on the impact of Hispanic culture on Minnesota.  Scouts will be ushering and cleaning up after the performance.  Scouts should wear a Class A uniform and report at 1 pm.  Family and friends are all welcome to attend the play.  There is no charge for the performance.
   2. Brian Lenker.  Brian’s project is a landscaping project for the Preserve Association on Saturday, Oct 12 beginning at 1 pm.  The scouts will be leveling an area around 5 benches, laying mulch and placing plantings.  Many of the plantings will come from local neighbors and scout families as they “split” plants this fall.  If you have plants to share, please contact Brian.  A permission slip with details will be available on the Troop website.

Respectfully submitted,

Kris Cutler