Boy Scout Troop 370

Troop 370 Parent Meeting Minutes

March 9, 2009

Parents Attending:  Joleen Zastera, Mike Zastera, Kathy Farr, Mike Farr, Sue Patow, Paul Skoog, Jeff Weaver, Lauren Weaver, Dan Koster, Donna Griswold, Brenda Jerich, Caroline Hermes, Nick Hermes, Wayne Deufeldt, Jay Biedny, Jeninne McGee, John Northrup, John Phillipi, Lori Helmer, Larry Gallucci, Aaron Nicklay, Radhir Reddy, Carl Patow, Mary Puchalski, Monica Gloege, Jim Vlasic, Debbie Vlasic

1.      Troop Committee/Job Descriptions + Adult Talent Surveys. John asked that every adult complete the adult talent survey, so that we might have an understanding or our talent pool.  Additionally, the roster was routed for updates.  To facilitate updating the roster by the end of March, please send any updates to my attention at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2.      Summer Camp Update.  Aaron Nicklay reported that summer camp planning has begun.  Meetings will be held on the last Monday of each month thru August.  All are invited to attend.  The committee has begun to identify items that need to be addressed including the fact that Ev Malotky will not be available to lead the summer camp aquatics program and we are looking for a new leader.  Please let Aaron know if you are interested in filling this role.  Lifeguard certification is not required, but desired.  The crew met with our Voyager Bay partners.  Dates have been set for summer camp 2009 and 2010.  On April 18^th, they will do a walk thru at camp to determine required work prior to camp.  Please feel free to attend.

3.      Scoutmaster Report.  The February campout was cancelled due to lack of snow and a lack of interest (only 4 boys registered).  The March campout at Ajawah was last weekend with only 9 boys attending.  OA elections will take place next Monday, March 16.  The boys (with the exception of 1^st years) will be meeting at Eden Prairie Fire Station on March 23 and 30 to begin work on the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge.  April 18 there will be a crossover ceremony for all Webelos.  Scouting for Food is to be held on April 23.  New this year, the council will not be providing bags for collection, so we ask that people save grocery bags prior to the event for use in collecting food.  University of Scouting will take place on March 21.  This is a really good opportunity for learning about scout leadership.  May campout will be Star Fun.  Webelo Woods is scheduled for the weekend of May 2^nd and 3^rd.  They are looking for Scouts to volunteer to run a few stations.  All those participating in Northern Tier owe Joleen funds.  Please ensure that you have paid her.

4.      Treasurer’s Report.  Total assets $21,630.78.  Scout account total $7,765.10. Overall balance $13,865.68.  Joleen indicated that we most likely lost money on last weekend’s campout at Ajawah due to lack of attendance.  Margie and Joleen still need to balance the costs, but anticipate this resulting in a cost to the troop.

5.      Camping Update.  Jim Vlasic reported that the next campout is scheduled for April 17 – 19.  The activity will include a cave tour with an additional cost of $10.00 per scout.  We will be leaving Pax Christi at 5:15 p.m. on Friday evening.  The second activity will be fly fishing.  Anyone over 16 will require a license and trout stamp.  May campout is Star Fun at Valley Fair.  The campout is from May 16 to May 18 (with Sat. being spent in the Park and Sunday is optional, but will not be a troop event).  We require permission slips to be turned in to Margie by next Monday.  The only funds due at that time are the $20.00 check written to the troop.  This is a family event, so consider bringing the whole family.  In addition to this $20.00 fee, the boys will still have the $15.00 cash for food.

6.      Roundtable.  Jim announced that we are required to submit all Webelos applications by March 31.  They are due by the end of this month.  Jim provided a variety of brochures on information going on throughout scouting. 

7.      High Adventure.  Jim Vlasic and John Northrup volunteered to lead the Devil’s Lake campout on MEA weekend 2009.  This event will include Rock Climbing and possibly Backpacking.  Philmont 2010 participants should consider attending.  Dean Malotky is looking for someone to lead the Joshua Tree trip scheduled for Spring Break 2010.  Carl Patow reported that Appalachian Trail trip still has one opening.  The estimated cost is $400 to $500.  A quick parent meeting will take place following this meeting.  John Northrup reported that a trip is being considered for June 2010.  This trip will include a Rim to Rim hike.

8.      Advancement & Merit Badges & Records:  Caroline that she was circulating a merit badge counselor list to be updated.  If you know of updates, please send them to Caroline at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Additionally, Caroline provided a list of potential needs.  Please update Caroline and keep in mind that as a merit badge counselor you may be contacted by scouts of other troops.  Brian Lenker’s Eagle Board of Review is scheduled for March 23.  We had 33 merit badges earned and no rank advancements prior to the last Court of Honor.  Will Harris has since attained 1^st class.  Additionally, we had 5 special awards.  Caroline also identified the following merit badges as having significant requirement changes, merit badge counselors be aware:  Archery, Architecture, Automotive Maintenance, Cinematography, Coin Collecting, Collections, Drafting, Emergency Preparation, Engineering, Farm Mechanics, Indian Lore, Insect Study, Landscape Architecture, Lifesaving, Motor Boating, Painting, Pottery, Radio, Swimming.

9.      Recruiting.  We have completed 3 crossovers with one yet to be completed. Thank you to those who participated.  One scout parent sent a wonderful thank you sharing his appreciation for our troop’s participation in the crossover.  Orientation for both parents and the boys will be held on March 16 with FastTrack beginning on March 23. An ad is currently running in the Pax Christi Bulletin.

10.  Quartermaster Report.  Greg Becker reported that he had two action packers prepared for the new boys with two additional action packers (requiring some supplies) available for future use.  An inventory will be scheduled for a later date (hopefully when it is warmer and not so snowy).

11.  Service Projects.  Jay Biedny reported that 3 scouts from our troop had received their religious emblem, Harris Becker, Will Harris and Jeremy Biedny.  There were 12 boys who attend Pax Christi that received their emblems at the ceremony.  Scouting for Food is looking for a leader.  Additionally, Jay requested an assistant for Service Projects and Mary Pachulski volunteered. 

12.  Order of Arrow.  Elections will take place on Monday, March 16, 2009.

13.  Eagle Updates.   None.

As a reminder, send any troop communication to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it