Troop 919 News

T-919 Summer Camp 2008

2008-06-29T11:01:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for summer camp?

The clock is counting down and the excitement is building!

We will meet at the Scout Hut on Sunday morning (July 13) to load our personal gear and Troop equipment into the trailer at 9:00. We will be making our usual stop for lunch at the Golden Corral in Mt. Airy for lunch and plan to arrive at Camp Raven Knob at about 12:30 p.m. to be there in plenty of time for camp check-in at 1:00.

When you arrive on Sunday morning, please do not pull up in front of the Scout Hut. Drop your personal gear and park in the WCCC parking lot.

And don't forget that we travel in Class A Uniform and that you will need your lunch money available when we stop in Mt. Airy. That means don't pack your lunch money in your foot locker!

We will return to the Scout Hut on Saturday, July 19 around 11:00 a.m., depending on the time we are able to depart Camp Raven Knob.

There are just a few families with outstanding summer camp balances. This final payment is now due. Please plan to make your final payments before July 13. The Troop has advanced all payments to Camp Raven Knob.

Camp Raven Knob also requires a primary telephone number contact and an alternate telephone number for emergency contact. An e-mail has been sent to all Scouts attending camp to update the information we have on file. Please update your information by return e-mail by July 4.

Thank you to the Scouts who submitted an updated medical form. Camp Raven Knob is piloting a program this year that allows us to submit our medical forms in advance of our arrival in camp. The check-in process for those Scouts who submitted the updated medical form will be expedited by allowing these Scouts the privilege of bypassing the medical re-checks at camp. Any Scout who did not submit an updated medical form or Scouts who the camp medical department plan to interview further must complete a medical re-check when we arrive to camp.

A summer camp checklist that may help you in planning your packing is attached. This list, along with your Scout Handbook, should help you prepare for a fun week at Camp. A map with directions from Winston-Salem to Camp Raven Knob (so your parents/relatives/friends don’t get lost heading to camp on Wednesday night) and a map of Raven Knob (so they’ll know where our campsite is and where to park) is also attached for your convenience.

We camp at the Apache campsite. To find us, continue past the administration building and follow the road down the hill. At the log cabin, turn left and continue on Valley Road. The Trading Post will be on your right and Lake Sabota and the aquatics area will be on your left; the OA Arena is next on your right. Continue on this road past the nature lodge and our campsite will be on the left. We’re about a half mile from the Trading Post, give or take a few hundred steps!

Summer camp is one of the many highlights of our Troop year and like all Scouting activities, if we are prepared, we’ll be safe, learn something new and have a great time.

Summer Camp at Camp Raven Knob

Our Troop attends summer camp at Camp Raven Knob during the 5th week of summer camp (July 13-19). Here are a few camp items to consider:

Personal camp equipment. If you need to remind yourself what personal equipment is needed for camp, please refer to camp handout you received earlier this year. If you can’t find this packet, head on over to the Troop 919 website where you can download a copy of our 2006 Summer Camp Guide.There is a summer camp checklist attached to this e-mail. The same checklist is on our Troop website as well.

When packing your camp gear, be sure to include sunscreen, water bottle (or camelback), insect repellent, pillow, camp (lawn) chair, hiking staff, hat, daypack (bookbag or fanny pack so you can always have your water bottle and rain gear with you), extra shoes (some Scouts bring their hiking boots and a pair of athletic shoes), a flashlight with new batteries (don’t forget to include extra batteries and a spare bulb) and your favorite board game or reading material. Wool socks and liners for each day will help protect your feet. As a reminder, no open toed shoes (sandals, flip flops) are allowed in camp, except in the shower.

A Scout should always have his 10 essentials. Check your Scout book if you need a reminder.

You’re welcome to bring your pocket knife and totem chip to camp, but leave any sheathed knives at home. They are not allowed in camp. Same goes for electronics, skateboards, rollerblades, etc/. No Gameboys, Ipods, MP3 players, cell phones, CD players, DVD players, etc. are allowed in camp. DO NOT bring items of value with you to camp.

It’s usually pretty hot when we are at camp, so you won’t need that cold weather sleeping bag. Many Scouts bring sheets and a blanked for their bunk. A summer weight sleeping bag works as well.

Another good idea is a mesh laundry bag. It’s about the best way to store your sweaty and wet dirty clothes. You can send you laundry home with your parents on Wednesday night, too. A mesh bag will help cut down on that sweaty gym smell in your tent!

Our campsite is along a creek and it’s the only chance some Scouts have to go near a creek, or to even play in a creek. A Scout must bring closed toed water shoes if he even thinks he’ll venture into the creek. No closed toed water shoes – no creek. These water shoes can be water shoes, athletic shoes, Crocs or other closed toed shoes that can get wet and soaked; they can not be the shoes a Scout plans to wear during camp or his backup shoes.

Personal snacks. Scouts may bring a small personal cooler with snacks, however, please leave those sugar filled snacks at home. Remember, NO food in tents! Remember to label you cooler or container.

Scout Uniform. Scouts will be wearing their Class A uniform to dinner meals and to campfires. A Class A uniform is the Scout shirt, pants/shorts and socks. Scouts will wear Class B (Scout t-shirt) during the day and at other times. We suggest bring two Class A uniform shirts if you have them and a hanger to hang your uniform shirt on during the day. A second Class A shirt is not a requirement, but will be nice to have if your Class A shirt is sweaty and stinky by the end of the week. We also wear our Class A uniform to dinner.

Troop 919 Scouts will be receiving a Troop t-shirt and a Camp Raven Knob t-shirt while at camp. The Trading Post usually has Class B shirts for sale at a reasonable price if you want/need additional shirts. Most Scouts try to have about seven Scout related t-shirts with them at camp.

Merit Badge Classes. All Scouts will be taking Merit Badge classes at camp and should purchase the merit badge pamphlet for their session at the Wachovia Scouting Service Center on Silas Creek Parkway prior to camp. The Trading Post may have a limited supply of merit badge pamphlets.

Scouts taking Trail to Eagle classes must download and print their Trail to Eagle workbook from the Camp Raven Knob website and bring it with them to camp. These workbooks are necessary for the class and typically not available at camp. Here is the link on the camp website to download your Trail to Eagle workbook.

Scouts will also need to bring the needed supplies for their merit badge classes, such as paper and pencil, masking tape, etc. Check the requirements for your class.

Scouts taking other merit badge classes are also responsible to taking any necessary equipment (tent, backpack, fishing pole, etc.) with them to camp. Scouts taking camping merit badge may use a Troop tent; it is their responsibility to ask to use and load this equipment into the trailer the morning of departure and return it to its storage location when we return.

You should also review the summer camp guide and complete any merit badge requirements prior to camp that should be completed prior to camp.

How much money should I take with me to camp? This is a personal decision; remember you are responsible for keeping up with and managing your own money. Most Scouts bring between $5 and $10 per day with them to camp. This should be plenty to pay for any handicraft purchases, snacks and other purchases you want to make at the Trading Post. If you need to pay any merit badge session fees, don’t forget the money for that as well. You can always hit your family banker up for some additional funds on Wednesday night if you haven’t budgeted very well.

Contact with Scouts at Camp. If you need to reach your Scout in an emergency situation while we are at camp, the best bet is to call the Camp Raven Knob administrative office at (336) 352-4307.

Scouts love mail from home while at camp. Scouts may receive snail mail and e-mail at camp. Address your letters to:

Scout Name

Troop 919 (Apache)

Camp Raven Knob

266 Raven Knob Road

Mt. Airy, NC 27030.

E-mail can be sent to Scouts through a form on the camp’s website. Be sure you include our Troop Number (Troop 919) in the message subject line. E-mail messages will be printed and delivered to the Troop. A word to the wise: others will be able to view anything you put in an e-mail, so don’t get too personal!

There is a pay phone at the admin building and some Scouts will want to call home at some point during the week. Don’t expect your Scout to call home every day. He’s going to be busy and the phone is a good distance from our campsite! Many Scouts call home prior to Wednesday to request additional clothes, socks, etc. or to make sure their favorite food item will be arriving on Wednesday. Many Scouts bring a phone card or call home collect. Cell phones are not permitted in camp, except for adult leadership. Many Scouts have a personal cell phone…leave those at home.

Lock for your locker. All Scouts must have a foot locker and a lock. The lock can be a key lock or a combination lock. All Scouts are required to place an extra key or the combination in a Ziploc bag and give it to the Scoutmaster before leaving for camp. If you still need a locker, check at Space Savers on Stratford Road. or Wal-Mart. Make sure your name is on the outside of your locker. The foot locker must be of the size to fit under your bunk.

Put your name on everything! Put your name on all clothing and equipment. It’s amazing how everything starts to look alike after a couple of days.

Prescription medications. If a Scout will be taking prescription medicine while at camp, he is required to bring his medication in the original container inside a Ziploc bag with his name on it and detailed dosage instructions printed on an index card and included in the bag. All prescription medications will be kept locked in container for safe keeping and will be dispensed before and after meals. Medications requiring refrigeration will be stored in the health lodge and will be dispensed by the medical staff before and after meals.

Camp Departure. We will meet at the Scout hut at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 13 in Class A uniform and plan to depart for camp at 10:30 a.m. We will make our traditional stop at the Golden Corral in Mt. Airy for lunch so we can be at CRK for the 12:30 p.m. check in. Each Scout should bring about $10 for lunch (above his budget for camp).

Returning from camp. We should be leaving camp by 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, which will put us back at the Scout Hut around 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. We’ll have just a bit of Troop equipment to unload and stow away before heading home.

Wednesday Night Family Picnic and Campfire (July 16). We’ve talked about this one in Troop meetings, in e-mails and in our introductory meeting the Raven Scout parents.

Our Wednesday night family pot luck picnic and campfire is important for many reasons. We welcome the delicious home-cooked food you bring us. We’re happy to see our families and friends and we like to show off our camp and the Scouts like to show moms, dads, brothers, sisters and friends what they’ve been doing at camp.

The Wednesday night campfire is a special time during of week of camp and all friends and families are invited to attend the campfire with the Troop. The campfire is led by members of the Order of the Arrow, which is Scouting’s camping Honor Society. Some of our Troop 919 Scouts were selected by their fellow Scouts to be tapped into the OA; the names of these Scouts will be revealed by the Order of the Arrow at the Wednesday night campfire.

We’re at camp during the 5th week when the OA honors members with the prestigious Vigil Honor. This OA ceremony is very meaningful to Scouts and Scouters alike and many Scouts and Scouters return to Camp Raven Knob each year for this special night. We hope you will include the Vigil honor ceremony in your plans for Wednesday night.

The Wednesday night campfire will be held in the OA Arena

The most important reason to attend on Wednesday evening, however, is that Scouts looks forward to your visit. You can only imagine the disappointment a Scout feels if he is the only Scout who doesn’t have somebody to share the evening with. If your Scout is not going to have any visitors on Wednesday night, please discuss this with me privately prior to camp. You can e-mail me or call my cell phone (829-0158).

We will once again be camping in the Apache campsite which is past the OA Arena and the Nature area. The best suggestion is to arrive early, drive to our campsite and drop off your food and stuff and then park your vehicle near the administration building or trading post.

With some 150-200 people enjoying dinner in our campsite it takes a while for everyone to be served and the area cleaned up prior to the campfire. We’ll plan to eat at 5:30 p.m. If you can leave Winston-Salem early, please do so. It takes about an hour to drive to camp from Winston-Salem.

What should you bring? Your Scout’s favorite food and drink. This will be the one night he’s sure to get his favorite food this week, so make it memorable. Plan to bring enough food to feed your family times two. With this rule-of-thumb we always have enough food and everyone gets to try something different! Don’t plan to leave any remaining food in camp; we don’t have any place to store food and don’t want to attract any animals.

Please feel free to bring a lawn chair and wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Don’t forget your rain gear. There is a rumor that Camp Raven Knob sometimes gets afternoon rain showers.

Homesick Scouts (this note is especially intended for the families of our Raven Scouts). – This may be first time some of our Scouts have been away from home for an extended period of time or the first time he’s slept outdoors for a week and some (very few) Scouts get homesick while at camp. The staff at Camp Raven Knob is super at consoling homesick Scouts and usually after talking with a staff member, a once homesick Scout has forgotten all about home and back into action.

If a Scout is going to get homesick, it’s when he sees his family on Wednesday night. It has been our experiences that if a Scout leaves with his family on Wednesday night or has his parents pick him up before the week is finished; his Scouting career is short lived. There have been a few cases when a parent has had to walk away from a tearful Scout, which was probably tougher on the parent than the Scout.

If your Scout seems a bit homesick when you see him on Wednesday night and you insist that he stay in camp, he’ll be a stronger young man and will be standing taller when he arrives home. He will have lived that true mountaintop experience.

I don’t expect homesickness to be a problem for any of our Scouts, but ask that families be prepared for the possibility and have made a plan that your Scout stays in camp. Please call me if you believe we should discuss this potential.

We look forward to a great week at summer camp!

T-919 Notes for Jun 18, 2008

2008-06-23T12:05:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for summer?

Tonight was our last weekly Troop meeting before we depart for summer camp on Sunday, July 13.

Watch you inbox. We will be sending out a detailed summer camp e-mail in the next few weeks with more summer camp information.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 16 and plan to join us at Camp Raven Knob for our family pot luck picnic and campfire in the OA Arena.

No PLC or Committee Meeting - There will NOT be a Patrol Leaders Conference or Troop Committee meeting on Thursday. Enjoy your summer.

Safe Travels - Our Philmont contingent (623-I-1) leaves on Thursday. Travel safe and enjoy your time at Scouting's paradise! We look forward to hearing all about your trip when you return.

T-919 Notes for Jun 16, 2008

2008-06-23T12:04:00.001-04:00

The American Flag at our Scout Hut is flying at half-mast to honor and remember our fellow Scouts who lost their lives as well as those who were injured when the tornado struck the Little Sioux Scout Reservation in Iowa last week.

Please contiue to keep these Scouting families in your prayers.

* * * * *

Philmont Bound - Our Philmont crew departs on June 19 for their Philmont Trek. Have a great time at Philmont and travel safely!

CPR Class - Remember to contact Mike Warner if you plan to take the CPR class prior to summer camp.

If there is enough interest, a class will be taught on July 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Vienna Fire Dept. training room. The fe for the class is $25 and is open to Scouts, friends and families

Eagle Scout Project Reminder

2008-06-12T23:30:00.001-04:00

Eagle Scout Project

Austin H.'s Eagle Scout project workday is Saturday.

For this project, Austin will be supervising the building a prayer garden at Trinity Friends Church in Lewsville.

Work will begin Saturday morning at 9 a.m.

Scouts are asked to bring pitch forks, garden rakes, shovels and wheel barrows. Austin also reminds Scouts to wear work clothes and bring gloves.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided!

Give Austin a call for more details.

T-919 Notes 6-8-08

2008-06-08T22:05:00.001-04:00

Tuesday Troop Meetings - Our weekly Troop meetings resume at the Scout Hut on Tuesday. We were away from the Scout Hut for a couple of weeks for our May Court of Honor and summer camp swim checks.

Our Troop meetings will continue through the month of June as we prepare for summer camp at Camp Raven Knob and then we'll take the month of July off before resuming our weekly Troop meetings in August.

If you have not attended summer camp with our Troop in the past, please make a special effort to attend the next few Troop meetings which will help you be better prepared for summer camp.

OA Brotherhood Help Session - Paul L., our Troop's Order of the Arrow Rep, will be leading another Brotherhood help session at Tuesday's Troop meeting for OA members who plan to confirm their Order of the Arrow membership with Brotherhood status at camp this summer.

Scout Fun Day - May thanks to Bill Swart, Tim Lasley and David Baummer for their help with the transportation to Emerald Pointe.

The Scouts particiapting in this year's fun day enjoyed the water attractions at Emerald Pointe on one the hottest days of the year!

Eagle Scout Project - Austin C. sent the following note thanking Troop 919 Scouts for helping with his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project.

I will not be able make it to the meeting this Tuesday so I would like you to give my thanks to all of the guys that came out to my project. It was greatly appreciated and the ladies at the Children's home absolutely loved the chairs. By the time I took the second load over they were already sitting in them.

Thanks a lot and see you soon,

Austin Conr.....

Triad Regional Tornado Exercise - Darrell Jeter, Forsyth Country's Emergency Managent Coordinator is offering groups the opportunity to participate in a MAJOR EXERCISE that will be held in the Triad Counties. The exercise will occur on Friday, August 1, 2008 beginning at 12:00 p.m. Medical response and volunteer agencies, to include: local hospitals, Emergency Medical Services, State Medical Assistance Teams, and more will be involved.

This exercise is one of several ongoing efforts to strengthen the medical response capability in Forsyth County during emergencies or disasters.

The scenario for this exercise will involve numerous casualties, and requires 120 volunteers to serve as victims. These victims will simulate various injuries, be transported to Forsyth or Baptist Hospital, and be treated for their injuries. Highly sophisticated medical equipment will be utilized to both transport and treat the victims.

As a volunteer victim, you will have the rare opportunity of witnessing our medical service community in action, along with carrying-out role play. A meal will be provided, and volunteers will have the opportunity to win free gift certificates.

If you would like to participate in this exercise, or would like to receive more information regarding it, please refer to the attached document and notify me of your level of interest according to the attached instructions.

Darrell H. Jeter, EM Coordinator
Plans & Operations
W-S/FC Office of Emergency Management
Smith Reynolds Airport Room 104
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
(336) 661-6440 (new)
www.em.cityofws.org
DARRELLJ@cityofwsfire.org

CPR Class - Several Scouts are taking a Merit Badge session at summer camp that requires CPR (first aid, lifesaving, etc.). CPR is not taught at camp as part of the Merit Badge session and Mike Warner has made arrangements with a CPR instructor to teach a class for our Troop prior to camp. The instructor requires a minimum of 10 students to conduct the class and the class will be open to Scouts, leaders, committee members and families/friends of Troop 919.

Our Troop has approximately seven Scouts taking a Merit Badge at summer camp that requires CPR to complete the Merit Badge. This class is not restricted to Scouts. Parents and family members who would like to be certified in CPR are welcome to participate in the class with our Troop.

The CPR class will be taught on July 8 at 7:00 p.m.and Tim Lasley has offered the classroom at Vienna Fire Department for the session. If you are interested in taking the CPR class, please e-mail Mike Warner . The cost of the class will be $25.

T-919 Notes 6-2-08

2008-06-02T22:00:00.001-04:00

Swim Checks - A reminder that summer camp swim checks will be held on Tuesday, June 3 at 7:30 at the Fulton Family YMCA on Hanes Mill Road. The fee for the swim checks is $3 unless you are a member of the Fulton YMCA or a metro YMCA member. Click here for a Google Map to the Fulton Family YMCA.

If you have an outstanding summer camp balance, This will also be a good time to make your payment as well as turn in your updated health form!

Troop Fun Day - The annual Troop fun day is on the calendar for this Saturday. You will notice that we have not said much about this year's fun day and that's because your Patrol Leader's Council wanted to consider doing something different from the typical day at Emerald Pointe or Carowinds.

Unfortunately, plans didn't come together like the PLC had hoped, so we're headed back to Emerald Pointe for a day of fun in the sun and water on Saturday.

Thing is, now we need a really quick headcount as we have to make reservations at Emerald Pointe so we can get the group discount. Hope we aren't already too late!

There will be a sign-up sheet for Emerald Pointe at Tuesday night's swim checks. If you are not able to attend the swim check's and want to go to Emerald Pointe, you must send me an e-mail by the end of the day on Wednesday, say 7 p.m.

The Troop Committee has approved to pay $25 for each's Scout's admission. We will know on Tuesday what our group rate is and will be collecting any additional fees at that time.

Scouts will need to bring enough money to eat at the Park's concession stands. Remember, this is a theme park and food/snacks/drinks are expensive. Emerald Pointe does not allow outside food or beverage. You can bring uponed bottle water, but no coolers.

If your family would like to attend with us, we will need a commitment by Wendesday and must collect their admission fee before we leave the Scout Hut on Saturday.

We will be meeting at the Scout Hut at 9 a.m. on Saturday and will be leaving Emerald Point at 4 p.m., which should put us back at the Scout Hut by 5:30 p.m.

Please e-mail me with your plans for this trip!!!!

Eagle Project - Austin H. has planned a workday for his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project on Saturday, June 14 at 9 a.m. Austin's project will be at Trinity Friends Church in Lewsville.

For his project, Austin will supervising the construction of a prayer garden and asks Scouts to bring pitch forks, garden rakes, shovels and wheel barrows. He also reminds Scouts to wear work clothes and bring gloves.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided!

Give Austin a call for more details.

T-919 Notes 5-26-08

2008-05-26T22:07:00.001-04:00

Court of Honor - Reminder: Our May Troop 919 Court of Honor is Tuesday (5/27) at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Brookstown United Methodist Church.

Be sure to invite your family and friends to your Court of Honor to help celebrate the accomplishments of all of our Troop 919 Scouts.

Scout families are asked to bring some drinks and goodies for the social time following the Court of Honor.

Eagle Scout Project Workday - Austin C. has scheduled a workday for his Eagle Scout project for Saturday, May 31 at the Scout Hut, beginning at 9:00 a.m. See Austin at Tuesday's Court of Honor for additional details.

Relay for Life - Our Troop will be walking with our Troop Committee Chairman, Jim Pierson, in the Relay For Life at the Children's Home on Saturday evening, May 31. This is a Scout family opportunity and we hope many Troop 919 families will be able to particiapte in this community service project.

Summer Camp - Summer Camp payments are now due! Please check with Mr. Hough at the Court of Honor on Tuesday for your final balance.

Medical Forms - The drummer is getting weary on this subject. Please ask your parents to take care of this important administrative task.

Brent Patterson Recevies OA Honor

2008-05-19T22:38:00.001-04:00

Brent Patterson, a Troop 919 Eagle Scout,has been nominated and elected as a recipient for the highest award that is given to a member of the Order of the Arrow, the VIGIL HONOR.

The youth members of Wahissa Lodge bestowed this honor upon Brent for his past service to the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouting, Camp Raven Knob and his willingness to serve our country. Brent is a Private First Class in the United States Army and will be reporting to his next duty station, Hawaii, soon.

Brent was "tapped" in a surprise ceremony at his home in Winston-Salem on Sunday afternoon by the Vigil Chief of Wahissa Lodge

The Vigil Honor is usually presented at Raven Knob during the summer camp season, but since Brent is leaving for active duty in about a week, Wahissa Lodge wanted to honor Brent before he reported for duty.

Congratulations, Brent.

T-919 Notes 5-16-08

2008-05-18T15:21:00.001-04:00

WhiteWater Canoe Trip - The practice session for our Whitewater Canoe Trip is at 1 p.m. at Salem Lake. We will meet at the boat ramp. Remember to wear/bring shoes that you can get wet.

The following Scouts and Adults have signed-up for this trip:

Scouts: Bryce W., Chris W., Ben G.(?), Alexander Z., Jonathan W., Josh J., Raymond F., Avery C., Lyle G., Evan L., Austin DeH.

Adults: Jay Harmel, Mac McCormick, Mike Warner, Stan Gordon, Matt Zimmermann, Bryan Wham, Richard DeHeck, David Jacobius (?), John Nemick.

We will be departing from the Scout hut on Friday afternoon, May 23 and returning SUnday afternoon, May 25.

Menu planning for the canoe trip will be completed at Tuesday's Troop meeting.

Merit Badge College - If you have been working on a Merit Badge you took at our Troop's Merit Badge College and are ready to have requirements signed off, be sure to bring your information to Tuesday's Troop meeting for review.

Merit Badges - Several incomplete Merit Badge Blue Cards have been turned in. These will be returned to Scouts to be completed before being accepted. Check on Tuesday to see if your's is one that still needs attention.

Eagle Scout Project Workday - Austin C. has scheduled a workday for his Eagle Scout project for Saturday, May 31. See Austin at Tuesday's meeting for the details.

Relay for Life - Our Troop will be walking with our Troop Committee Chairman, Jim Pierson, in the Relay For Life at the Children's Home on Saturday evening, May 31. Please mark your calendar so you and your family can particiapte in this community service project.

Summer Camp - Summer Camp payments are now due! Please check with Mr. Hough on Tuesday for your final balance.

Merit Badges - Thanks to all of the Scouts who have submitted their Summer Camp Merit Badge selections, We are now missing only a couple Scouts' selections. Please get this taken care of soon so you will have the best chance of getting your first choice at summer camp.

OA Brotherhood - Paul L., our Troop OA Rep. is planning a Brotherhood Questioning help session at our Troop for Troop 919 Ordeal Members who plan to complete their OA membership as a Brotherhood member at camp this summer. See Paul at Tuesday's meeting and don't forget to bring along your Brotherhood questioning help sheet (Hint: It was in the new member packet you received at your Ordeal.)

T-919 Notes 5-10-08

2008-05-10T14:34:00.001-04:00

Sunday is Mother's Day

Don't forget to give your mother a huge hug and tell her how special she is to you!

Summer Camp Merit Badges - Thank you to all of the Scout who have submitted their merit badge selections for summer camp.

The following Scouts have NOT submitted thier summer camp merit badge choices. Please submit your choice by the Troop Meeting on May 20.

Justin A., Evan B., William B., Noah B., Jacob C., Avery C., James E., Lyle G., Josh J., Paul L.,

Troop Merit Badge College - Thanks to Jim Pierson for serving as our Troop Merit Badge College Dean on Saturday and to our adult instructors Mike Warner (Electricity), Dave Baummer and Jimmy Holder (Personal Management), Jay Wilhelmi (Geology and Soil & Water COnservation) and Richard DeHeck (Cooking). The cooking merit badge provided an awesome lunch!

Troop 919 Scouts worked on 39 different Merit Badges on Saturday and we welcomed Scouts from Troop 918 and 977. Way to go guys!

Don't forget to complete your important homework requirements and turn in your blue card so you can receive your Merit Badge at our next Court of Honor.

OA Spring Fellowship - The Order of the Arrow Spring Fellowship is next weekend at Camp Raven Knob. If you are a member of the OA, please try to find some time in your busy schedule next weekend to come to Raven Knob and help get our camp ready for the summer. If you can't make it on Friday evening, come on up Saturday morning.

Elauwit Chapter (Our Lodge Chapter) is planning a fun chapter fellowship for Saturday afternoon/evening.

Boy Scout Switchback Pants - The Scout Shop is offering a special Buy One Get One Free deal on Boy Scout Switchback uniform pants until May 15. The regular price is $39.95 and you can mix sizes!

Court of Honor - Our next Troop Court of Honor is Tuesday, May 27 in the Fellowship Hall at Brookstown United Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. Be sure to invite your family and friends to help celebrate your Scouting accomplishments.

Scouts and families are also asked to bring along some drinks and snacks for the fellowship time following the Court of Honor.

Board of Review - If you need a Board of Review for rank advancement prior to this month's Court of Honor, the Troop Committe will be available on Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at the Scout Hut to conduct your Board of Review. You also need to schedule a Scoutmaster Conference prior to your Board of Review.

Patrol Leader's Council - The Troop PLC will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at the Scout Hut.

Summer Camp Swim Checks - We will conduct our summer camp swim checks at 7:30 p.m. at the Fulton Family YMCA on Hanes Mill Road on Tuesday, June 3. If you are not a Y member, the fee is $3. We will meet at the Fulton YMCA. This will take the place of our regualr Tuesday night meeting.

Don't forget to bring a towel, and some dry clothes...and a bathing suit. You do not need to wear your Scout Class A uniform!

WhiteWater Canoe Trip - The following Scouts and Adults have signed-up for the whitewater canoe trip on the weekend of May 23-25. Tuesday's Troop meeting is your final opportunity to sign-up for the canoe trip.

Scouts: Bryce W., Andrew S., Chris W., Noah B., Ben G.(?), Alexander Z., Jonathan W., Josh J., Raymond F., Avery C., Paul L., Lyle G., Evan L., Jeffrey S., Austin DeH.

Adults: Jay Harmel, Mac McCormick, Mike Warner, Bill Swart, Stan Gordon, Matt Zimmermann, Bryan Wham, Richard DeHeck, David Jacobius (?), Jim Pierson, Jay Pierson, John Nemick.

If you are signed up for the whitewater canoe trip, it’s important that you attend all of the training sessions prior to this trip.

There will be a canoe training trip on Salem Lake on Sunday afternoon, May 18. If you are going on this trip, you must attend this training session.

Merit Badge College and Whitewater Canoe Trip Update

2008-05-05T21:34:00.001-04:00

A quick update on the Merit Badge College and whitewater canoe trip.

Merit Badge College - The following Scouts have signed up for Merit Badge sessions at Saturday's Troop 919 Merit Badge College on Saturday. Your final opportunity to sign-up will be at Tuesday's Troop meeting.

Electricity (9-11): Jonathan W., Ben G., William B.
Personal Management (9-11): Jeffrey Z., Zach H.
Cooking (9-2): Jeffrey S., Andrew S.
Geology (11-2): Jonathan W., Jeffrey Z., William B.
Medicine (11-2):
Soil & Water Conservation (2-4): Jonathan W., William B.

WhiteWater Canoe Trip - The following Scouts and Adults have signed-up for the whitewater canoe trip on the weekend of May 23-25. You may also sign-up for the canoe trip at Tuesday's Troop meeting.

Scouts: Bryce W., Andrew S., William B., Chris W., Noah B., Ben G.(?), Alexander Z., Jonathan W., Josh J., Raymond F., Avery C., Paul L., Lyle G., Evan L., Jeffrey S., Austin DeH.

Adults: Jay Harmel, Mac McCormick, Mike Warner, Bill Swart (?), Stan Gordon, Matt Zimmermann, Bryan Wham, Richard DeHeck, Dave Baummer, David Jacobius (?), Jim Pierson, Jay Pierson, John Nemick.

T-919 Notes 5-4-08

2008-05-05T21:33:00.001-04:00

Merit Badge College - Our annual Troop Merit Badge College is Saturday at the Scout Hut.

The day will begin at 8:45 a.m. with a flag ceremony and sessions will begin at 9 a.m. All sessions should be completed by 4 p.m. The cooking merit badge class will be providing lunch!

The Merit Badge sessions and class times are:

Cooking: 9:00 - 2:00
Electricity: 9:00 - 11:00
Soil and Water Conservation: 2:00 - 4:00
Personal Management: 9:00 - 11:00
Geology: 11:00 - 2:00

Medicine: 11:00 - 2:00

Lunch is from 12:00 - 1:00

There will be a Merit Badge session sign-up sheet at Tuesday's Troop meeting.

You should plan to bring the Merit Badge pamphlet or download the requirements from meritbadge.com

Whitewater Canoe Trip – If you are signed up for the whitewater canoe trip, it’s important that you attend all of the training sessions prior to this trip.

We will be taking a field trip on Tuesday to practice observing flowing water, so please be on time for the Troop meeting.

Parents: We may also need a few drivers on Tuesday.

There will be a canoe training trip on Salem Lake on Sunday afternoon, May 18. If you are going on this trip, you must attend this training session.

JLT Training – Thanks to all of youth leaders and adults who participated in this weekend’s JLT Training session. This weekend’s JLT session was a backwoods experience and the leaders who attended came together great as a leadership team.

Youth leaders attending: Austin D., Jeffrey S., Andrew S., Chris W., Evan L. and Brandon S.

Adult leaders: Mac McCormick, Tim Lasley, Richard DeHeck, Steve Tucker, Jim Pierson and Michael Hough.

Summer Camp Merit Badges – Please make your merit badge session selections for camp very soon. We need to provide this info to Camp Raven Knob by the end of this month.

Parental Consent – Have you submitted your parental consent form?

Medical Forms – Parents, please make sure you see Mr. Zimmermann to update your Scout’s medical form by the end of May. We have to provide medical forms to Camp Raven Knob in advance this year.

T-919 Notes 4-20-08

2008-04-20T22:14:00.001-04:00

Congratultions - Congratulations Kevin A. Kevin placed second in the OA Indian dance competition at this weekend's OA Conclave at Camp Bowers! Keep up the great work, Kevin and continue making Troop 919 proud!

Summer Camp - We will begin our summer camp discussions, including the process of signing up for summer camp merit badge sessions at Tuesday's meeting. Please come to Tuesday's meeting with an idea of the merit badge sessions you would like to take at camp.

If you have not signed up to go to summer camp with the Tropp, it's not too late. Sign up at Tuesday's Troop meeting by paying your $50 summer camp deposit.

Eagle Project - The second workday for Ben B.'s Eagle Project workday is this Saturday at Bethabra Park. Work begins at 9 a.m. and lunch will provided.

Contact Ben to let him know you are planning to help.

District Merit Badge College - Several Scouts have signed up for Saturday's Merit Badge College at the Piedmont District Advancement Camporee.

We have registered as a Troop and will sign-in as a Troop so you do not have to individually sign-in on Saturday morning.

Scouts should be at the Methodsit Childern's home by 8 a.m. Activities begin with a flag-raising ceremony at 8:15 a.m.

Dress for the day is Scout Class A uniform.

Parental Consent Forms - We have only received a parental consent form from a few Scouts. Please make a special effort to bring your completed and signed parental consent form to Tuesday's meeting.

To make things easy for you, a copy of the parental consent form can be downloaded from the Troop's website

Medical Forms - Almost the same story as the parental consent form.

We must have an updated medical form from each Scout every year. In some cases this just means having your parent's review the form we have on file and signing/dating.

Mr. Zimmerman is handling this project for us this year. Please ask your parents to take a few minutes when they bring you to Tuesday's meeting to take care of this administrative task.

If your medical form is out-of-date and you need to visit your doctor, a copy of the BSA medical form can be downloaded here. The Adult medical form is here.

Whitewater Canoe Trip - Sign up for the May Whitewater Canoe trip (May 23) will be at Tuesday's Troop Meeting. We will also be reviewing BSA's Safety Afloat program at Tuesday's meeting and if you are planning to go on the canoe trip, attendance at Tuesday's meeting is highly suggested.

T-919 Notes 4-13-08

2008-04-14T18:09:00.000-04:00

Orienteering Camping Trip - Congratulations to the Scouts who attended our orienteering trip to Camp Raven Knob this weekend. You guys did a great job in mastering your compass and map skills and even had a chance to learn some additional Scout Skills. Congrats to our firebuilding champs, too!

The best thing was we missed all of the bad weather the forecasters had been predicting and only had to deal with a slight drizzle on Saturday morning before it gave way to e beautiful warm day.

Thanks to the adults helping on this trip: Richard DeHeck, Mac McCormick, Bill Swart, Mike Warner, Jay Harmel, David Jacobius, Tim Lasley and Bryan Wham.

Patrol Leader's Conference - Reminder that the Troop Patrol Leader's Conference meets this Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Scout Hut. All Patrols must be represented at the PLC and each Patrol's Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader should make every effort to attend this important planning meeting. The PLC is usually concluded by 7 p.m. or earlier.

Board of Review - The Troop Committee will be availabe at the Scout Hut at 6 p.m. on Thursday to conduct a Board of Review for any Scout ready to advance to the next rank.

Committee Meeting - The Troop Committee will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Scout Hut. Our newest Scout families are invited to attend the Troop Committee Meeting to learn more about the operations of the Troop.

Eagle Scout Project - The first scheduled workday for Ben B.'s Eagle Scout project at Bethadbra Park is scheduled for Saturday. Be sure to see Ben at Tuesday's meeting to sign up to help.

Troop Roster - Here is a link to the updated Troop Roster. The roster can be found in the "About Us" section on the website and requires a user name and password. If you hav forgotten the user name and password to the protected areas of the Troop website, drop me an e-mail or see me at Tuesday's meeting.

Summer Camp - It's not too early to be thinking about the merit badges you want to take at summer camp this year. In fact you can download the Troop's summer camp packet from the Troop website (forms section) and submit your selections to the Scoutmaster for approval.

We will be having a meeting dedicated to summer camp in a few weeks.

Merit Badge College - The Piedmont District Advancement Camporee Merit Badge college (Saturday, April 26 ) will be offering the follwoing merit badges: Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Entrepreneurship, Computers, Motorboating (held at Raven Point; transportaiotn provided); Camping, Fire Safety, First Aid

Merit Badges for new Raven Scouts are Traffic Safety and Fingerprinting. A sessions for each will be offered in the morning and afternoon.

The Advancement Camporee is being held at the Methodist Children's Home on Reynolda Road and we will be registering as a Troop. The fee is $15 and includes your Merit Badge Session, lunch and the event patch. A concession stand will also be onsite.

Scouts must provide their own Merit Badge phamplet for their session.

Each Scout must complete the Individual Scout Registrion form for the Merit Badge College and each Scout MUST have submit a signed parental consent form at registration. A copy of both documents was included with last week's e-amil and is due at Tuesday's Scout meeting. We will be collecting all registration/parental consent forms and be registering at the Camporee as a Troop.

Scouts should arrive at Children's Home at 8 a.m. on April 26; sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and should be concluded by 4 p.m. A flag raising ceremony will be held at 8:15 a.m.

Uniform of the day is Boy Scout Class A.

Whitewater Canoeing - Our May Troop camping trip is a whitewater canoe trip on the New River. Upcoming Scout meetings will include learning whitewater canoeing skills and it is very important that you attend these meetings if you plan to attend the camping trip.

In addition, there will be a practice session at Salem Lake in May, which will be mandatory for Scouts planning to participate in the trip.

T-919 Notes 3-9-08

2008-04-09T22:03:00.001-04:00

Davis Cup Flag Bearers - The Scouts opportunity to particpate in the Davis Cup event this weekend has been cancelled. The organizers did not receive enough volunteers from the Scouts and had to turn to another organization.

Orienteering Camping Trip - The sign-up for the orienteering camping trip for this weekend is light for some reason. There must be some conflicts that we are not aware of!

We will be meeting at the Scout Hut at 5 p.m. on Friday to load our equipment and depart for Raven Knob. We will return around lunchtime on Sunday and the Scouts will call on the way with a pick-up time. Scouts should eat dinner before arriving at the Scout Hut on Friday.

There will be only one patrol on this outing and the following Scouts have signed up to go on this trip: Ben G.; Jacob C., Bryce W., Jame E., Chris W., Josh J., Austin D., Jeffrey S.

The following adults will be attending this trip: Richard DeHeck, Mac McCormick, Bill Swart, Mike Warner, Jay Harmel, David Jacobius, Tim Lasley, Steve Tucker

Raven Patrol Leadership - The Raven Patrol elected its Patrol leadership at Tuesday's meeting. Congratulations to the Scouts :

Patrol Leader: Evan L.
Ass't Patrol Leader: Griffen C.
Scribe: Michael A.
Quartermaster: Jacob C.

Troop Roster - The Troop Roster has been updated and will be uploaded to the news section of the Troop 919 website.

Can't remember the username and password? Ask at next week's Scout meeting.

Great Outdoor Provision Scout Sale - The Great Outdoor Provision Company (Thruway Shopping Center) is having its annual Scout Sale on Saturday, April 12. GOPC will be donating 10% of it sales on Saturday to the local Boy Scout and Girl Scout Councils.

Some of the deals our Scouts may be interested in purchasing (especially our new Raven Scouts):

Marmot Trestle 15º sleeping bag $79
Silva Starter compass $8
Thermarest RidgeRest sleeping pad $19
GSI Mess Kit $26

The GOPC staff and the represenatives MSR & Thermarest will also be offering technical clinics for Scouts.

If you head over to GOPC be sure to ask about their Mule Team club and other Scout programs.

Check the GOPC website for more info .

T-919 Notes 4-6-08

2008-04-06T17:34:00.000-04:00

Vacation is Over

For most of our Scouts, the vacation is over. That means it's back to school. It also means our weekly Troop meetings will resume on Tuesday.

Orienteering Camping Trip - Our orienteering camping trip is this weekend at Camp Raven Knob. Since we missed last week's meeting our session on Tuesday is going to be jam packed! Sign-up and menu planning for this trip will be on Tuesday.

We will meet the Scout Hut at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11 for the Orienteering camping trip. Scouts should have eaten dinner when they arrive at the Scout Hut on Friday. We should return just after lunch on Sunday.

We are looking forward to having our new Raven Scouts join us for their first Boy Scout camping trip!

Raven Patrol Elections - The Raven Patrol will be conducting their patrol elections at Tuesday night's meeting.

Parent's Orientation - We will hold our Troop 919 Parent's Orientation for new Scout families on Tuesday at the Scout Hut. Please help pass the word to our new families.

Davis Cup Flag Bearers - If your plans do not include the Troop's orienteeting camping trip, here is an opportunity to be part of an exciting, premier professional sporting event here in Winston-Salem: The USA v. France Davis Cup Tennis Match April 11-13.

The Boy Scouts have been asked to present the colors of the 50 nations that compete in the Davis Cup as part of the opening ceremonies on Saturday morning April 12th. Team USA (Andy Roddick, James Blake and the Bryan brothers) will take on the Team France (Tsonga and Gasquet) in the Davis Cup Quarter Finals at a sold out Joel Coliseum. For the first time in the history of the Davis Cup, a city (our city of Winston-Salem) is hosting matches two years in a row. The Boy Scouts represented themselves and Winston-Salem very well last year, and we hope to put together an even better presentation this year!

This project calls for 50 Scouts to participate and there is also the need for 5 adult leaders. Scouts will need to dress in full Class A uniform. The adults, not scouts, will have a "walk through" on Thursday evening April 10th. While a scout is always Helpful and never expects to benefit from a good turn, participating scouts and adults will be treated to terrific eats and drinks after the ceremony.

Our very own Doc Washburn is coordinating this event and needs your help. Contact Doc at 336-945-2203, or email him at wssaw1959@yahoo.com to tell him that you can help.

Ben's Eagle Scout Project - Ben B's Eagle Scout Project workdays are April 19 and 26. Give Ben a call to let him know which days you will be able to help.

Merit Badge College - The Piedmont District Expo has a new name. It's now the Piedmont District Advancement Camporee and includes a Merit Badge college on Saturday, April 26. Our Troop will also be holding its own Merit Badge College on Saturday, May 3 at the Scout Hut.

Merit Badges will be offered for new Raven Scouts as well as veteran Scouts at the District Camporee. The Merit Badges being offerend include:

All day sessions

Citizenship in the Community
Citizenship in the Nation
Citizenship in the World
Entrepreneurship
Computers
Motorboating (held at Raven Point; transportaiotn provided)
Camping
Fire Safety
First Aid

Morning and Afternoon Sessions

Traffic Safety
Fingerprinting

Raven Scouts will be able to sign up for Fire Safety, Traffic Safety and Fingerprinting sessions.

The Advancement Camporee is being held at the Methodist Children's Home on Reynolda Road and we will be registering as a Troop. The fee is $15 and includes your Merit Badge Session, lunch and the event patch. A concession stand will also be onsite.

Scouts must provide their own Merit Badge phamplet for their session.

Each Scout must complete the Individual Scout Registrion form for the Merit Badge College and each Scout MUST have submit a signed parental consent form at registration. A copy of both documents is attached to this e-mail for your convenience.

We will be collecting all registration/parental consent forms and be registering at the Camporee as a Troop. We will not be camping at the Camporee.

Scouts should arrive at Children's Home at 8 a.m. on April 26; sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and should be concluded by 4 p.m. A flag raising ceremony will be held at 8:15 a.m.

Uniform of the day is Boy Scout Class A.

Jim L. Eagle Project Update

2008-04-04T19:59:00.001-04:00

Jim L. will NOT be scheduling an
Eagle Project workday on Saturday as previously announced.

Jim's work crew, including the Scouts and Scouters from Troop 919 and the Vienna Firemen and families, did such a great job last Saturday that the work day originally scheduled for this Saturday at the Vienna Fire Dept. will not be needed.

Thanks to all who came out last week to help and to those who had planned to help this week.

Congratulations to Jim on this important step in your trail to Eagle!

T-919 Notes 3-30-08

2008-03-30T20:17:00.001-04:00

No Troop meeting on Tuesday, April 1

This is not an April Fool's Joke! Enjoy your holiday.
We will continue our regualr Troop meetings on April 8 with menu planning for our Orienteering camping trip at Camp Raven Knob.

Eagle Project Workdays

Jim L.'s second project workday at the Vienna Fire Dept. is scheduled for April 5
Ben B.'s project at Bethabra Park is scheduled for April 19 and 26

Scouts Needed for Davis Cup - If your plans do not include the Orienteeting camping trip, here is an opportunity to be part of an exciting, premier professional sporting event here in Winston-Salem: The USA v. France Davis Cup Tennis Match April 11-13.

The Boy Scouts have been asked to present the colors of the 50 nations that compete in the Davis Cup as part of the opening ceremonies on Saturday morning April 12th. Team USA (Andy Roddick, James Blake and the Bryan brothers) will take on the Team France (Tsonga and Gasquet) in the Davis Cup Quarter Finals at a sold out Joel Coliseum. For the first time in the history of the Davis Cup, a city (our city of Winston-Salem) is hosting matches two years in a row. The Boy Scouts represented themselves and Winston-Salem very well last year, and we hope to put together an even better presentation this year!

This project calls for 50 Scouts to participate and there is also the need for 5 adult leaders. Scouts will need to dress in full Class A uniform. The adults, not scouts, will have a "walk through" on Thursday evening April 10th. While a scout is always Helpful and never expects to benefit from a good turn, participating scouts and adults will be treated to terrific eats and drinks after the ceremony.

Our very own Doc Washburn is coordinating this event. If you would like to help out with this event, contact Doc at
336-945-2203, or email him at wssaw1959@yahoo.com Tuesday, April 8.

Parent's Orientation - We will hold our Troop 919 Parent's Orientation for new Scout families on Tuesday, April 8 at the Scout Hut. Please help pass the word to our new families.

Orienteering Camping Trip - We will meet the Scout Hut at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11 for the Orienteering camping trip. We should return just after lunch on Sunday.

Scouts should have eaten dinner when they arrive at the Scout Hut on Friday.

Eagle Project Workday Saturday

2008-03-27T17:36:00.001-04:00

*_Eagle Project Workday_* A reminder that Jim L.'s Eagle Scout Project workday is this Saturday at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Dept. *When:* Saturday, March 29 *Time: *Work begins at 9:00 a.m. *Where:* Vienna Volunteer Fire Dept. (near the Scout Hut) *What:* Bring work gloves, shovels, yard tools, etc. *Need More Info?* Call Jim at his house Lunch will be served. Domino's Pizza. Yum Yum.