Boy Scout Troop 370

Troop 370 Parent Meeting Minutes

November 10, 2008

Parents Attending:  Jamie Dillon, Lori Helmer, Margie Sullivan, Joleen Zastera, John Phillipi, Ken Williams, Greg Becker, Dan Koster, John Northrup, David Straight, Patrick Jerich, Philip Jenkins, Jefferson Spilman, Caroline Hermes, Tom Harris, Carl Patow, Jay Biedny, Pat Griswold, Kathy Farr, Dean Malotky, Jenine McGee, Paul Skoog, Radhir Reddy, Jeff Weaver, Lauren Weaver, Mary Puchalski, Wayne Duerfeldt

1.      Scoutmaster Report.  Camporee was a huge success and attended by many Webelos.  Jefferson Spilman from Three Rivers Parks joined us as a guest and we thanked him for his help in making the Camporee a success.  Three Eagle projects were completed in October.  The Scouts completing their projects were Mike Hirl, Brian Lenker and Alex Patow.  Alex Patow and Ben Gloege both passed their Eagle Scout Board of Review.  Congratulations.  Harrison Becker achieved 1^st Class and Austin Jerich achieved 2^nd Class. The Halloween walk was again a success.  The November campout was cold and they stayed indoors most of the weekend, but still completed a service project and a nature walk.  Dave Weaver is the newly elected Senior Patrol Leader.  The climbing recruiting event is this weekend.  See the recruiting report for details.  Northern Tier currently had a full crew with people on the waiting list.  All those registered should pay $125 ASAP.  Work has begun on the 2009 calendar which should be published by the end of the week.  They are still working out some issues.  The scouts will be working on menu planning and gear maintenance in the next few weeks including the action packers.  Additionally, Jamie will be working on the Citizenship badges. 

2.      Treasurer’s Report.  Total assets $34,426.63.  Scout account total $9,662.41. Overall balance $24,764.22.  This does include the fundraising funds.  Some scouts have a negative balance and therefore owe the troop, please see Joleen for an explanation and to arrange reimbursement.

3.      Fundraiser.  Dan Koster reported that the fundraiser was successful with $22,199 in sales which resulted in profit to the troop of $10,112 not including church sales.    The top sellers were Jesse Williams, Zach Knecht, Jonathon Vlasic, Advait Reddy and Michael Phillipi.  Dan could use some assistance with Wreaths from 1 – 4 p.m. at Pax Christi on Thursday, Nov. 20^th and with Popcorn pickup anytime between noon and 5 on Friday, Nov. 21^st.  Don’t forget Wreath pickup on Thursday, Nov. 20^th from 4 – 6 p.m. at Pax Christi and Popcorn pickup at the Weaver’s home on Sat., Nov. 22^nd from noon to 3 p.m.  Also, church sales will take place the weekend of Nov. 22 and 23^rd at all masses at Pax Christi.

4.      High Adventure.  Dean Malotky reported that the Troop will be doing a BWCA trip over President’s weekend.  Please sign up with Aaron.  Boys must be 14 years or older.  As Don reported the crews for Northern Tier are full.  We have one space available for the Appalachian Trail trip in June 2009.   We have submitted an application for Philmont for 2010 and we are tentatively planning a climbing event at Devil’s Lake, WI for MEA 2009.  This will be a 13 plus trip.  

5.      Advancement.  Caroline reported that blue cards are due on December 8 for the next Court of Honor.  We have invited the Webelos to attend, so if you happened to have any blue cards lying around now would be the time to get them turned in.  Caroline circulated the Merit Badge counselor list asking that corrections be made to the list.  Additionally, for those wishing to become new Merit Badge counselors, please submit the appropriate form to Caroline.  Jamie will be scheduling time for those working on the Physical Fitness badge to finish before the Court of Honor.  She will send out a notice.  Finally, it was suggested that the Scouts bring examples of the things that they may have done to gain a Merit Badge for display at the Court of Honor.

6.      Records.  Kathy reported that we need to have the recharter forms completed by the next parent meeting on December 8.  The form will be posted on the website.  There was discussion about changing the recharter fee.  Additionally, there was discussion about providing the option to opt out of receiving Boys Life. Carl Patow is reviewing if this will impact our Quality Troop designation.  A motion was made to leave the fee at $40.00. This motion was seconded and passed. 

7.      Recruiting.  Lauren reported that the climbing event is this Sunday at the Lifetime Fitness in Chanhassen.  The event will take place from 4 – 6 and the boys are asked to wear their class A uniforms with the class B uniform underneath.  Please have the boys arrive a few minutes early so that we are prepared to welcome the Webelos.  Note that waivers will need to be signed for each of the Scouts.  The forms will be posted to the website.  A potential Scout visited our Troop last week.  Deb reported that the Camporee was a success with more boys attending due to the great weather and proximity of the location.  The Three Rivers Park did an excellent job with the activities for the day and John Grotenhuis and Drew Hermes were commended for their contribution.  Pack 357 included a note about the event in their newsletter.  Jamie also reminded the parents that scouts are encouraged to recruit a friend and in that regard, she had a flier which provided the opportunity for Scouts to attend a Timberwolves game if they recruited a friend.  Additionally, they receive a recruiter patch. 

8.      Service Projects.  Jay reported that the church was very happy to have us manage the Halloween Walk and in fact, have asked us to return next year.  150 kids participated in the walk this year.  We will be participating in the Toys for Tots service project this year and will be collecting the toys at the Court of Honor.  Please remember to bring toys and pay particular attention to the needs of teenage boys. Upcoming service projects:  Scout Sunday is February 8^th. 

9.      Eagle Update.  Erik Hamilton will turn 18 on Dec. 23^rd.  The push is on for him to complete his project and outstanding merit badges.  He will be completing his project on Dec. 6^th at his home.  A flyer will be sent soon.  The project entails building A Frame Swings for Spirit of Pines camp near Hackensack.  Erik would like the assistance of 8 -10 Scouts.   

10.  Roundtable.  Jamie reported on Friends of Scouting.  The campaign will begin soon.  Order of Arrow Fall Fellowship is Nov. 14.  Jonathan Vlasic is our Troop representative.

11.  Other Business.  Harrison Becker is the new Librarian and as previously reported the boys must return all Merit Badge Books or be charged a fee.  You will be receiving a note regarding the books outstanding, please return books ASAP.  Jamie reported that the troop will be attending the Dec. 21^st Scout day at Powder Ridge.  Additionally, there are other ski/snowboard events at Afton Alps and Buck Hill.  More information to follow.

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