The Signaler – Troop 264’s Newsletter!

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Harpers Ferry Hike and Backpacking – June 1-2

We plan to meet at St. Johns at 7 am on Saturday, June 1. From there we will caravan to the parking lot below Weverton Cliffs and shuttle people to the town of Harper's Ferry to start the hike.

Everyone should bring the 10 essentials for hiking, at least 2 liters of water, snacks and lunch. After lunch on the Cliffs, those doing just the hike can head back down the trail to the parking lot below Weverton Cliffs.

June 2019 No. 2019-06 Troop 264’s Chronicle since 1981

Website: https://troop264olney.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/T264Olney/ Contact: connect264@verizon.net

Legion Flags Honor Ceremony, Memorial Day (May 27)

Brookeville Cemetery

Luke Marple’s Eagle

Court of Honor is 3 PM,

June 30, at St. John’s!

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For those participating in the campout, we'll continue north on the Appalachian Trail. Those going on the campout should bring a backpack, backpacking tent (or plan to sleep in the shelter), sleeping bag and sleeping pad, mess kit, flashlight or headlamp, change of clothes, and any personal items you'll need for the night. On the campout the patrol will provide dinner (one pot meal, likely spaghetti), a water purification system we can use at the spring near the shelter, and a very simple breakfast (pop tarts and breakfast bars). Estimate the cost on this to be less than $7. We'll hike back to the Weverton Cliffs parking lot and head home from there. Please RSVP if you plan to attend! ~ Mr. Hersey, Eagle Patrol Dad

Troop Picnic and Summer Court of Honor – Saturday June 8, 1 PM

T264’s annual Troop Picnic and Summer Court of Honor will take place at 1 PM on Saturday June 8 at Zion Park, off of Brookeville Road (between Zion Road and MD 108). Same place as last year. Please plan to carpool as parking space is limited, particularly so this year as there may be another group using the adjacent ball fields. All troop and Venturing Crew family members are welcome. After the picnic, completed merit badges and other awards earned over the previous months will be presented. Protect this date on your calendar! Cost of the picnic is $6 per person or $16 per family, all family members welcome. A collection box will be at the food table. Checks can be made out to BSA Troop 264. Families with a last name starting A to L, please bring a dessert to share. Those with last names starting with M to Z, please bring a salad or other dish. Bring enough for your own family and to share with others. The troop will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, fixings, and drinks. Also, please bring a camp chair or two. This site has a good-sized pavilion, but there might not be enough seats and tables for everyone. Wear Class A uniforms to the Court of Honor, including the merit badge sash if you have one. After the Court of Honor, scouts may wear Class B uniforms (scout T shirts) to troop and patrol meetings for the remainder of the summer.

Merit Badge Counselor Training in 90 minutes on Wednesday, June 12

From the White Oak District: “Registered or prospective Merit Badge Counselors: Were you aware that the BSA requires Merit Badge Counselor Training along with YPT for all MBCs? Hey, every Scout deserves a trained leader, and this means you! As of May 14, we only have 34 of 138 MBCs that are fully trained! That's less than 25%! Take the training!” What: Merit Badge Counselor Training Class When: Wednesday, June 12, 2019, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Where: The People's Community Baptist Church, 31 Norwood Rd, Silver Spring, MD Sign Up: Please sign up by sending an e-mail to RSiNGL8230@AOL.COM Curriculae: We cover Essentials of Merit Badge Counseling & recent changes regarding Barriers to Abuse Point of Contact: Rudy Singleton, White Oak District Merit Badge Dean, at RSiNGL8230@AOL.COM Other Training Opportunity: Online training for Merit Badge Counselors is available at my.scouting.org [log into your account there to take it – under Menu / Dashboard / My Training / Training Center / Scouts BSA].

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4th Annual STEM University – June 15 We’re not doing this as a troop but you are welcome to make individual arrangements to attend. From the White Oak District: STEM University, June 15 *New* The NCAC STEM Committee is hosting the 4th annual STEM University on June 15 for all youth and adults! Microsoft Technology Center 12012 Sunset Hills Rd, Reston, VA Read More Here and Flier.

New Guidebooks for Nova and Supernova awards! With big thanks to Mr. John Selstrom of the Old Dominion District, the Council webpage now has updated Guides and Tracking Aids for Scouts of all ages looking to earn the BSA STEM Awards (Nova and Supernova). There are versions for Cubs, Scouts, and Venturers, everyone can participate. Guides and tracking aids can be found on the Council STEM webpage. Click Here

Soldiers Delight NEA – June 22 - 23

The Vikings had a Gettysburg trip listed on the June calendar for these dates. But Gettysburg in the summer is crowded, and most walking is in the direct sun. So that is best deferred to fall. In its place the patrol will make arrangements for a hike around Soldiers Delight NEA (Natural Environment Area) near Marriottsville, MD (Baltimore County). This small park area is 45 minutes away from Olney. Soldiers Delight NEA has 7 miles of loop trails, with some small ups and downs. There is a “choate mine” entrance on the property you can look at (but not go into), dating back to about the time when Maryland was the world largest producer of chromium (1820s). This area is different in that it is a natural grassland, which is caused by the greenish serpentite rock that can be seen along the trail. The chemicals in the rock (chromium included) prevent most plants from growing well, so most trees and plants cannot grow and the ones that do, do so with difficulty. Some oaks do grow, but stunted: your two hands can almost fit around a 300 year old oak tree. It has been a while since the troop went here. See the Winter Campout article at https://troop264olney.net/Signalers/2010-02.pdf . Also worth looking at: Soldiers Delight NEA: http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/soldiersdelight.aspx Maryland Geological Survey: Soldiers Delight Serpentine Barrens: http://www.mgsmd.gov/esic/features/soldiers.html You may do this as a day hike. For those who would like to camp overnight, we will drive 45 minutes north from Soldiers Delight NEA to Codorus State Park, just across the Mason-Dixon line. Car camping at this Pennsylvania

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park, maximum of 2 tents per site and five people per site. Each site is $23 overnight, and reservations will be made as people express interest and while sites last. Please let me know early if you have interest. Dale Bickel connect264@verizon.net

June Nursing Home Visit – Saturday, June 29 (Hawks and Titans – 11 AM - Noon)

For the past several nursing home visits, we have been requesting two patrols to attend each visit. This has been working out very well, there has been a good turnout each time. We plan to continue this arrangement next fall. For June, the Hawk and Titan Patrols are asked to conduct the next nursing home visit, on June 29. That will be the last visit for the summer, visits to the nursing home will then resume in September.

Summer Camp at Heritage Scout Reservation, July 14-20 and Summer Camp Meeting, July 8

In place of the regular troop meeting, there will be a meeting for scouts and parents on July 8 to receive the latest information about summer camp 2019. Questions are welcome. But briefly (and by no means a complete list):

If you have not turned in medical forms or permission slips to Mr. Barth, you must do so before you will be allowed to board the bus on July 14. All paperwork must be in order. That includes the troop permission slip toward the end of this Signaler. The place of departure will be Rosa Parks Middle School, 9 AM on Sunday, July 14. Please arrive at least half an hour before that time (by 8:30 AM). Wear Class A shirt on the bus, to and from camp. There is no cost for riding the bus this year, the troop will be paying that cost. A list of gear needed follows on the next page, print it and use it as a guide. Patrols will need to get their cooking gear ready for transport to the camp. Anyone that has troop gear, please bring it to the meeting on Monday, July 8. Scouts may need it, but it won’t help if it sits in your garage or basement.

All summer camp participants, scouts and adults, need to complete the BSA Medical Form, Parts A and B, and take

Part C to a doctor for completion. Schedule your appointments NOW! The medical form is available as a PDF at

https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/ahmr/ .

There is also a LHC (Laurel Highlands Council) supplemental medical form:

https://www.lhcscouting.org/sites/lhcscouting.org/files/lhc_supplemental_medical.pdf

Prerequisite work for some merit badges, in order to be able to finish them at summer camp:

https://www.lhcscouting.org/sites/lhcscouting.org/files/hr_activity_plan_2019_-_mb_schedule_0.pdf

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The Signaler – Troop 264’s Newsletter!

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Whad ot en choo?

You see this on the troop’s Class B shirts. What does this mean? Former Troop 264 Scoutmaster John Fuchs (1969 – 1975), reports that the troop adopted the song “Whad Ot En Choo” during camp at Camp Tuckahoe, apparently in the early 1970s. (For more of SM Fuch’s comments, please go to https://troop264olney.net/archive/JohnFuchSM/JohnFuchSM.html ). The troop has retained it as its own ever since. Research on the origins of this song leads nowhere fast. It is evident, however, that it has been around a long time and has been and still is sung in many different scout camps. And there are different interpretations of where the words came from and what they mean. Or how they are spelled: Wha daten chu? Whadat-n-chew? Wallop-n-Chew? And many more variations. (You get the idea.) One such theory holds that the words came from “Why don’t you chew?” (a lecture to a scout who ate meals too fast). In the end, there is no reliable finding of the original source. Generally, a leader recites a line, and the group repeats it (double volume on “What o ten choo?”). Print and cut out the text on the right, then you’ll have the lines ready for summer camp!

Whad ot en choo?

1. Whad ot en choo?

2. Bodo skideeten aten

Whad ot en choo?

3. Its skittle-li oaten doten

bodo skideeten aten

Whad ot en choo?

4. Oaten doten little boaten

its skittle-li oaten doten

bodo skideeten aten

Whad ot en choo?

5. Itten ditten little kitten

oaten doten little boaten

its skittle-li oaten doten

bodo skideeten aten

Whad ot en choo?

6. Eatel leetel little beetle

itten ditten little kitten

oaten doten little boaten

its skittle-li oaten doten

bodo skideeten aten

Whad ot en choo?

7. Urdel lurdle little turtle

eatel leetel little beetle

itten ditten little kitten

oaten doten little boaten

its skittle-li oaten doten

bodo skideeten aten

Whad ot en choo?

8. Oodle loodle little poodle

urdel lurdle little turtle

eatel leetel little beetle

itten ditten little kitten

oaten doten little boaten

its skittle-li oaten doten

bodo skideeten aten

Whad ot en choo?.

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Philmont 2019 – August 4-18, 2019

Just 2 months away! Dates arranged with Philmont are August 6 to 18, 2019. Our crew will go out West a couple of days before to get acclimated to the altitude. Trek preferences were made in January and transmitted to Philmont. Flight plans have been made. The major task now is to get in shape. Backpackers: Daniel H. Brandon S. Daulton S. Sean D. Edward P. Ian W. Daniel G. Mrs. Joan G. Dr. Joshua S. Mr. Tom H. Mr. Jim S. Mr. Wesley W.

Family Camp – August 23-25

Troop & Crew Committee Chairs Rick and Helen Justus are proud to announce reservations have been made for our Annual Troop & Crew 264 Family Camp. Friday August 23 to Sunday August 25. We all know Scouting is supposed to be FUN, and this is a relaxed activity where everybody in the entire family can come and camp out as a group. Mr. Justus, a Retired US Air Force Master Sergeant is authorized to host this activity, and has had the pleasure to do so at least 6 times since 2007. If you have questions or concerns after reading this entire message, please bring them to Mr. or Mrs. Justus at regular Scout meetings or send us an email at rickjustus@aol.com. There is no need to contact the NRC at Solomons Island, as we are the point of contact for this Troop/Crew 264 camping event. 1. Which brings us to ONE BIG NOTE: our Troop/Crew and Families will be guests on a US Military Base and we all must follow the military rules, which should not be a problem for Scouts and Scout Families. The base is fenced and a Guard is at the single gate 24 hours a day. Drivers will need to register their vehicles with Mr. Justus for access to the base, and those instructions will be sent out at a later time to those families who register. 2. Arrivals start at 3 pm on Friday August 17th and although Check Out from the camp site is 11 am on Sunday August 25th, all those registered and attending may remain on the base and enjoy their Activity Pass through 7 pm Sunday evening. Families or Patrols can cook together, Scouts can organize and complete Cooking requirements for rank advancement, and some might even just go across the street to grab a snack or meal at one of the many local establishments or grocery store. 3. We have two large group sites and the cost is $9.00 per Scout/youth or Parent over 5 years old per night. Children 4 and under pay no charge but we must register all participants. $9.00 pays for your night of camping and gives you the Activity Pass which allows each person to enjoy all of the many activities FREE: 3 pools, sand beach, miniature golf, and the Adventure Zone.

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4. The location is just one hour forty minutes and 85 miles from St. John's Episcopal Church where we have our Scout Meetings: NRC SOLOMONS ISLAND, 13855 SOLOMONS ISLAND ROAD, SOLOMONS MD 20688 USA 5. We ask that each family please send an email to rickjustus@aol.com providing names/ages of Scouts/children 5-17 years old, names of those 18 and over, and names and ages of those 4 years and younger so we have a total list of all family members participating. 6. You can bring your own bicycles, roller blades and skateboards ... as long as you have the proper helmet and protective equipment. 7. Registration forms will be sent out in a few weeks. We need to get these back and to the base in time so they can process them. 8. All drivers must bring: driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of current insurance on the vehicle. Drivers have to be registered in advance. No exceptions will be made. Let's have FUN in the SUN at this 2019 Troop 264 Family Camp!! Rick Justus, Troop 264 Committee Chair Helen Justus, Crew 264 Committee Chair

Troop 264 Facebook Group Page

Troop 264 scouts, scouters, and scout families: Join our growing group of 100+ members! Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/T264Olney/ to learn more about upcoming meetings and events. This is a closed group. Members may post photos and articles of interest to share with scout families. Mrs. Josey Simpson moderates the group and does an excellent job at transferring events and notices sent to the troop by Mr. Dale Bickel. Sign up at the link above, or e-mail Mrs. Simpson at mail@AdoptASoldierProgram.org.

Work at the Cub Scout Day Camp – June 17-21 – SSL Hours

Scouts 14 and up, or those who are serving as Den Chiefs, can work to support the White Oak and Potomac Districts’ Cub Scout Day Camp in Gaithersburg during the week of June 17-21. Here is an opportunity to get a mess of SSL hours in one stroke. (The alternative, $100 toward summer camp at Goshen, won’t be helpful since T264 is spending summer camp at Heritage Scout Reservation.) BSA medical forms, Parts A and B only, are required for each participant. Contact Ms. Michelle Manning, michelle_manning@hotmail.com , 301-926-1022, to explore this leadership opportunity.

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The Signaler – Troop 264’s Newsletter!

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Seabase U.S.V.I. – July 2020

Within minutes of the opening of the registration portal on January 15, Troop 264 had arranged for two eight-person crews in the U.S. Virgin Islands, east of Puerto Rico. This will be the first time Troop 264 has gone to Seabase in the USVI. Each outing runs for 7 days (6 nights). The dates, and tentative crew rosters, are as follows: St. Thomas ECO Adventure, starting Tuesday July 7, 2020: Eakin (2) + Herseys (2) + Edward Piontek + James Fitzgerald + Ismail Ebrahim + Dean Kilpatrick = 8 St. Croix Adventure, starting Monday July 27, 2020: Stewarts (2) + St. Denis (2) + Donahues (2) + Mark Williams + Rick Prothero (Mark’s grandfather) = 8 On waitlist: Mr. Eric Kilpatrick There have been a few recent expressions of additional interest. It remains possible to add adventures (boats). There are still plenty of adventures to pick from. If you have interest, send an e-mail to connect264@verizon.net . At least 6 to 8 persons are required for a boat. Scouts must be age 14 (or 13 and finished 8th grade) by the date of the outing, no exceptions will be allowed by Seabase. A $250 deposit for each boat was placed during signup, and there was an $800 payment due for each boat due February 15. The next payment comes due in September. Airline arrangements won’t need to be made until January 2020. The marine adventures are started!

Luke Marple’s Eagle Court of Honor – Sunday June 30, 3 PM

Please save time for Luke Marple’s Eagle Court of Honor! It will be held on June 30 at 3 PM in the afternoon, at St. John’s. Details will be announced via e-mail to the troop very soon. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to jp.marple@gmailcom by June 21st. We congratulate Luke on his noteworthy achievement, and look forward to celebrating with the Marple family.

Philmont Prep Hike on the Appalachian Trail – May 18-19

The Stewarts led a backpacking campout for a group of Scouts and adults on May 18th and 19th. This campout helped to prepare the crew for Philmont High Adventure camp this August. Spirits were high as the group made their way along the Appalachian Trail from the I-70 footbridge to camp near the Rocky Run Shelter.

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Along the way, we stopped at the Reno Monument, and the (original!) Washington Monument. Though going to the top of the Monument wasn’t possible on this trip (repair work, the view from the top of the hill was excellent, and the cooling breeze during lunch provided a much-needed break.

------------------------------------------------------------------- The first [picture on the next page] includes the full crew that went on a hike. Adults Tom Hersey, Jim Stewart, and Wesley Wisner, joined scouts Daniel H., Dalton S., and Ian W on a two-day 14 mile prep Hike. The picture is in front of the Washington monument sign. We were a little disappointed that the Washington monument was not available as it was being refurbished. The hike started at Greenbrier State Park just south of Route 70 and continued on to Rocky Run Shelter on the Appalachian Trail, stopping at Washington Monument and South Mountain. At Rocky Run the crew set up tents on three separate pads. After a good night sleep the crew broke camp at 7 a.m. and hiked back to Greenbrier Park. Total hike distance was about 14 miles..

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~ Mr. Wesley Wisner

The crew gets a pack off break in the shade of the Dahlgren Chapel. Thunderstorms threatened in the evening, but held off over us. The crew wasn’t worried as the tents were set up, dinner and cleanup were done. The crew made excellent time on the last 7-mile leg of the trip. Philmont here we come!

~ Mr. Tom Hersey

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Attending with one night of camping: Ian W. Daniel H. Mr. Stewart Mr. Hersey Mr. Wisner

Attending day long hike: Daulton S.

Greenbrier State Park Campout – May 17-19

The Hawk Patrol arranged camping at Greenbrier State Park 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro MD 21713, on Friday May 17 to Sunday May 19th. Hawks: Aidan W. (2) David M. (1) Daulton S. (1) Cole S. (2) Ismail E. (2) Luke N. (2) Hunter S. (2) New Scouts: Colin L. (2)

Adults: Jim S. (1) Steve W. (2) Jen E. (1) David M. (1 Eric L. (2) Jay U. (2) Don L. (2) David L. (2

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This was an opportunity for scouts to kick back, relax, and work on requirements.

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Legion Flags on Memorial Day, May 27, 1 PM

The name “Legion Flags” for this event dates far back (a reference to it can be seen in the May 1982 troop newsletter). It refers to a Memorial Day tradition in which Troop 264 scouts and scouters visited local cemeteries with members of American Legion Norman Price Post 68 (the troop’s sponsor), to honor local war veterans. A couple of years back, the Legion post asked Troop 264 to take over the responsibility for conducting the brief ceremony at several local cemeteries. Under the tutelage of Mr. Keith Dickey (a Marine), almost every scout who attended was given a role to play. The scouts did an excellent job, and the troop was well represented this year. The attending Legionnaires were pleased with the display of support from Troop 264.

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Mt. Carmel Cemetery, just north of Sunshine, MD

St. John’s, Olney, MD (above) Sherwood High School, Sandy Spring (below)

Matt D. and Hugo H. read the text and and prayers at the several stops. Sean D., P.J. W., Ben C-E., and Sam D. formed the Color Guard. Zachary G., Cameron W, and Brady C., held the Troop, Montgomery County, and State of Maryland flags, respectively. Owen F. read the names of departed veterans and place their names in the upturned helmet to be burned.

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At the grave of Reuben Brigham, first Scoutmaster of Troop 264 (read more here)

Woodside Cemetery, Haviland Mill Road, Brinklow, MD On page 1: Brookeville Cemetery, Brookeville, MD

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The name of recently departed local veteran, on strips of paper, are ceremonially read and the paper is burned in the upturned helmet. Additional scouts: Jamil S., Dean K. Angela D. (Troop 1444G) With Peter Barth as Bugler

Adults: Martin P (also with the Legion) John D. Keith D. Rick J. Helen J. Dale B. Paul and Mrs. W. Steve S. Al B. Syd C. Don L. Bill Q. Ian and Mrs. D. Joan G. Drew F. Deirdre C. Eric K. Virginia S. Three American Legion Post 68 representatives: Halsey Smith, Martin Predoehl, Mr. Yinger

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White Oak District Awards Dinner – May 28

On Tuesday, May 28, the White Oak District held its annual awards dinner to recognize some of the people who make troop, crews, packs, and the District work. Depending on the award, nominations were made by the troop, by the district, or both. The Signaler would like to echo the District’s recognition of these special people in Troop 264. Mr. Douglas Long, received the “Quercus Alba Award” (that’s Latin for White Oak) With his wife Valerie Barbara Levy and Gary Matyas received “Commissioner Awards (Sheet Bend)” for all their work as Troop Membership Chair and Troop Advancement Chair (neither o ne was in attendance) The “Outstanding Unit Scouter Awards (Bowline)” were presented to Keith Dickey and Walter Greenspon (below and right)

Kevin Hopson (rightmost) received a “Key Three” District Award:

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Martin Predoehl Receives Silver Beaver Award – May 28

Last but not least, at the District Awards Dinner, Martin Predoehl was presented with the National Capital Area Council’s Silver Beaver Award. For 2019, only 17 scouters council-wide have been this award. The award recognizes exceptional efforts supporting Scouting within the district and council, over an extended period.

We congratulate all the award winners this year for a job well done.

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World Jamboree 2019 Day Visits

The World Jamboree is almost here! It is being jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, and scouts from 133 countries will be attending. Four out of every 5 people will be from outside the USA. It is also the first World Jamboree to be hosted in the USA since 1967. Day visitor information has now been released, and is posted at https://www.2019wsj.org/attend/day-visitors/ along with costs and a link at which to purchase advance tickets (recommemded):

Some interest has been expressed in a day visit but no planning has yet been done for T264. Before we make any such efforts, we need to find out how many adults and scouters are interested. Please contact Mr. Bickel at connect264@verizon.net if you want to go. This is not a commitment at this time, merely a survey of interest. It is probable that we would have to camp two or three hours (one way) from the Jamboree site because of the large numbers of people expected. Drivers may be needed. Weekdays may have smaller crowds but they are less convenient for working adults.

Day Date Comment/Notes Visitor Hours

Wednesday 24-Jul First Visitor Day 0900 – 1700

Thursday 25-Jul Visitor Day 0900 – 1700

Saturday 27-Jul Visitor Day 0900 – 1700

Sunday 28-Jul Visitor Day [note shorter hours] 1200 – 1700

Monday 29-Jul Visitor Day 0900 – 1700

Tuesday 30-Jul Visitor Day 0900 – 1700

Wednesday 31-Jul Last Visitor Day 0900 – 1700

To ensure a positive experience for all participants and visitors, the number of day visitors may be limited each day.

Tickets:

Tickets are sold for a single day and are valid for that day only.

Adult Single Day (ages 14 and older) $55.00 USD

Youth Single Day (ages 6 to 13) $30.00 USD

Youth under age 6 No charge

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District Roundtable (Each month)

Once a month, the White Oak District holds an evening Roundtable session for the units within the district. These sessions provide information about upcoming events of interest to troops and crews, information on changed policies and procedures, and sometimes troop patches or other items related to district events. The troop asks that one adult from a designated patrol attend the meeting and take notes, and then summarize the meeting at the next Troop Adult Meeting a week or two later. Patrol assignments are listed on the calendar pages at the end of this Signaler. With six permanent patrols now, a patrol adult should not have to attend more than twice a year.

WHEN: Second Wednesday, commencing 7:30 PM (except July) WHERE: The Peoples Community Baptist Church, 31 Norwood Rd. Silver Spring MD. About 1/4 mile WEST of New Hampshire Ave.

Getting Credit for Troop Activities

It’s important that everyone who participates in Troop 264 campouts, trips, and community service activities gets credit for their hard work. The Signaler provides the permanent record of everyone who attends these events. Patrol leaders need to take responsibility for collecting the names of participants in their patrols and send those lists, preferably by e-mail, to the Signaler staff by the monthly deadline (25th of the month).

E-mail lists to connect264@verizon.net .

Tell It to Mr. Matyas!

Mr. Gary Matyas is the troop’s Advancement Chair, which is a fancy (and understated) way of saying that he keeps track of all the rank advancements, merit badges, and other awards that all the scouts earn. Plus completed training for the adults, that isn’t done online by registered scouters at http://myscouting.scouting.org . This is a big job, as you can imagine, particularly in the weeks and days before a Court of Honor. You can help. Just drop an e-mail to Mr. Matyas at grymat@comcast.net for any of the following. Include the scout’s name, what the e-mail is relating to, and the date(s): Rank advancements that may not go through the 3 person Board of Review (BOR). Generally, this applies to Scout rank, most other BORs are administered by Mr. Greenspon. Service project hours outside the troop, that a scout wants to use to meet a rank advancement or merit badge requirement. This might include, for example, an event outside of scouting where the hours are not being applied to some other purpose, whether inside or outside of scouts. Even if you mark the hours in your Scout Handbook, they aren’t entered into the troop database if you don’t say something. Report them early, well before your Scoutmaster conference. Include a short description of the project(s) along with the date(s) and hours. Eagle project accounting. At the end of each Eagle project, the scout assembles a table of who worked how many hours. Please provide a copy to Mr. Matyas so that he can credit project hours to each scout in the list. Events not in the Signaler. Mr. Matyas uses the Signaler record to establish scouts’ participation record, so he won’t know of anything not published there. The best solution for that is to put an article in the Signaler, and give public credit to those who participated.

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Awards. Awards like Cyberchip, Totin’ Chit, and Fire’em Chit are sometimes not reported to Mr. Matyas in a timely fashion, and often they may not be recorded in the Signaler. Let Mr. Matyas know of these awards as they are earned. Your attention to these small matters will improve the function of the troop. Thank you for your assistance!

Troop Activity Policy

Please be reminded that it is troop policy (and common courtesy) for a scout or scouter to pay the costs associated with an event he or she has signed up for but did not attend, without being asked. No -shows increase the costs to the troop and the participants, require the troop to reserve unneeded space and transport excess equipment, and results in wasted food and materials. We realize that situations inevitably will occur that prevent a scout from attending events, and ask that the scout or scouter con tact the person organizing the event right away. If the conflict is raised early enough, adjustments can often be made where food has not yet been purchased or reservations have not been finalized.

Troop Communications Policy

The troop uses e-mail communications and a closed Facebook site to pass along information to troop and family members. From time to time we receive information about external, often non-scout related, activities. This information sometimes comes from troop members, the district or council, or it can come in from outside sources. Individually, these items may be appealing to certain scouts and parents. Collectively, they present a serious obstacle to our providing timely and effective information about primary troop activities and events. Nor do we want to imply troop approval for activities that we may have limited information about, and often we have little to no information about safety and security at such events (think YPT). For reference, we set out here in writing what has been our existing practice. The first judgment as to the suitability of e-mailing or posting along such material will be made by the Troop Adult Committee person in charge of communications (currently Mr. Bickel). Where appropriate, the Scoutmaster (SM Dennis Bogan) and the Troop Committee Chair (Mr. Rick Justus), will be consulted. Members of the Troop Committee might also be asked for their input, individually or collectively. In most cases, information about external events less than two weeks away will not be e-mailed by the troop to troop members. Generally, a shorter time frame does not get much positive response from busy scouts and scouters. The occasional non-scouting events that are forwarded, shall contain language that this is not a troop activity and that scouts/scouters must arrange their own transportation. Such e-mails may be edited for clarity or to provide additional, supporting information. Of course, scouts and scouters remain free to pass along such information personally or to make an announcement at a troop meeting. This policy isn’t intended to pass judgment on the suitability and quality of such activities. Rather it stems from a need to limit our communications portals to their intended purpose, passing scout information to troop members. Troop 264 Adult Committee, August 16, 2018

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INFORMATION PAGES

Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

Board of Review (BOR) Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Walt Greenspon at (301) 774-5394

no later than two Sundays (8 days) before the scheduled Board of Review.

Failure to give proper notification will delay your BOR until the next month. Get your

Scoutmaster Conference prior to calling Mr. Greenspon. If your scout is scheduled for the

BOR, he MUST bring an adult with him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another scout.

This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for advancement.

Scout dress code for BOR will include Class “A” shirt, neckerchief, slide, and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted). Merit badge sash is recommended. A scout hat is preferred.

Scout Spirit for Advancement

We all recognize that Scout Spirit is hard to evaluate.

We know Scout Spirit includes being helpful and cheerful,

but it is more than that…it’s giving back. In an effort to

assist Patrol Dads in recognizing Scout Spirit, the following

guidelines are offered.

Our troop believes that prior to each advancement, participation in the following activities

exemplify the essences of Scout Spirit:

• A minimum of 1 nursing home visit

• Participation in at least 1 fundraiser

• At least 4 overnight outings per year

• Good deeds done outside of scouts

Scoutmaster Conferences

Any scout needing a Scoutmaster Conference for advancement up through First Class, needs to contact

one of the following for a conference:

Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394

Mr. Laing 301-980-8932

Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974

Mr. Matyas 301-570-0610

Mr. Bickel 301-774-0416

Mr. Long 301-924-4365

Mr. Kennedy 301-774-5014

Mr. Delaney 301-412-0509

Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life,

and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan: (301)-774-2768. dbsm264@verizon.net

The Patrol Dad, not a senior scout, is responsible for signing off on Scout Spirit prior to your

Scoutmaster Conference.

Preparation for the scout’s BOR must include being prepared to answer skill, citizenship, first aid, and

merit badge questions

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BOR for Star and Life Scout Advancements

While ropes and compasses are provided for younger ranks, by the time you are ready for Star and Life

advancement, you should be responsible enough to bring your own knot rope and compass for your BOR. We

are requiring all scouts who are advancing to Star or Life to bring a knot rope and compass to their BOR.

Life and Eagle Scouts as Advisory BOR Members

If you are a Life or Eagle Scout and would like to sit on a Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, or Star

BOR, as a “Technical Expert”, call Mr. Greenspon on 301-774-5394.

Troop 264 Adult Leadership We don’t list every registered adult in the troop here, but these are the people you are likely to meet or need first. Troop 264 is fortunate to have a lot of supporting adults, that help out in many ways, taking on tasks that the scouts cannot. Scoutmaster Dennis Bogan Troop Committee Chairman Rick Justus Treasurer Al Barth New Scouts Coordinator Donald Light Advancement Chairman Gary Matyas Board of Review Chairman Walt Greenspon Membership Chairwoman Virginia Sheikh The Signaler Advisor Dale Bickel Troop Order of the Arrow Rep. Rick Justus Chartered Organization Rep. Martin Predoehl Troop Committee Secretary Julia Mutter

Patrol Adult Leaders: Eagle Patrol Tom Hersey Hawk Patrol Jay Udovich Shark Patrol Joan Geller Spartan Patrol Mark Schade Titan Patrol Keith Dickey Viking Patrol Dale Bickel Z Patrol (First year scouts) Donald Light & Kevin Kennedy

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TROOP 264 SUMMER CAMP 2019

CAMP LIBERTY, HERITAGE SCOUT RESERVATION Farmington, Pennsylvania (near Uniontown, PA)

Sunday, July 14 to Saturday, July 20, 2019

Troop 264 has a reservation for Camp Liberty at the Heritage Scout Reservation in Farmington, Pennsylvania for the period of Sunday, July 14 to Saturday, July 20, 2019. This is a patrol cooking camp, which in the troop’s experience means that the boys and adults eat better when the boys do the cooking rather than eating in the camp dining hall. The fees for Camp Liberty are:

BOYS ADULTS Paid by June 1 $415 $230 Paid after June 2 $440 $240 For older scouts 13 and over interested in the high adventure Day Trek program, there is an additional $50.00 fee. In this program, scouts will participate in high adventure activities during the day and join the troop for dinner and evening activities. No merit badges are earned with this program. The fee schedule is established by the council, thus Troop 264 has no control over the timing. A charter bus will be available for a fee of approximately $80.00 in addition to the above fees. The cost of the bus to and from camp in now being paid by the troop. We encourage campers to travel by bus. The bus fee will be based on the number of riders. Please do not pay for the bus until the fee is known based on the number of riders. No other transportation will be provided by the troop. Camp Liberty is approximately 175 miles from Olney (here hours’ drive). Questions? Contact: Darcy Long djlsw@verizon.net Cell - (301) 502-6876

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2019 REGISTRATION FORM

NAME: _____________________________________ BIRTH DATE: _____________

ADDRESS: _______________________________ BUS: Y/N _____

_______________________________

_______________________________

E-MAIL: _______________________________ T-SHIRT SIZE BOY______

Available T-shirt sizes: Adult S, M, L XL, XXL, XXL

PARENT(S)/ GUARDIAN INFORMATION:

NAMES: _______________________________________

HOME PHONE: _________________________________

CELL PHONE: __________________________________

DAY PHONE: ___________________________________

EMERGENCY E-MAIL: ___________________________

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: __________________________________________________________

PARTICIPATING IN DAY TREK PROGRAM: Y/N ______________ (additional $50.00)

PARENTS SIGNATURE: _________________________________

Parent Attending: ___________________________ T-SHIRT SIZE: ______

Full or partial week for parent (if partial, please note dates): ___________________________

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Permission Slip for Troop 264’s Summer Camp Camp Liberty, Heritage Scout Reservation

July 14-20, 2019

I give permission for my son __________________________________________ to participate in Troop 264’s summer camp, July 14-20, at Camp Liberty at Heritage Scout Reservation, Farmington, PA. In an emergency, please notify ______________________________________________ (indicate name(s) and relationship to your son) at _____________________________ (phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My son is allergic to the following medications or foods: __________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ______________________ Parent or Guardian Signature Date

All medicines must be turned in before you board the bus. They must be in a clear plastic bag with the scout’s name on it, the original prescription bottle, and instructions listing all dosages and the times and manner (for

example, before eating, after eating) the medication is to be administered.

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Permission Slip for Troop 264’s Soldiers Delight NEA Campout

June 22-23, 2019

I give permission for my son __________________________________________ to participate in Troop 264’s visit to Soldiers Delight NEA in Baltimore County, MD, and the following overnight at Codorus State Park in Pennsylvania. In an emergency, please notify ______________________________________________ (indicate name(s) and relationship to your son) at _____________________________ (phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My son is allergic to the following medications or foods: _________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ______________________ Parent or Guardian Signature Date

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Permission Slip for Troop 264’s Family Camp U.S. Navy Recreation Center, Solomons, MD

August 23-25, 2019

Note: this permission slip is in addition to the base access form (NAVSEC) required for access. The NAVSEC form will be available soon, announcement will be made via e-mail.

I give permission for my son or daughter __________________________________________ to participate in Troop 264’s Family Camp at the U.S. Navy Recreation Center at Solomons, MD. In an emergency, please notify ______________________________________________ (indicate name(s) and relationship to your son or daughter) at ____________________________________________ (phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son or daughter for illness or injury. My son or daughter is allergic to the following medications or foods: ______________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ______________________ Parent or Guardian Signature Date

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June 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Harpers Ferry - AT

Hike (Eagles)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Harpers Ferry - AT

Hike (Eagles) Troop Meeting Troop Crew Picnic

and Summer Court

of Honor, 1 pm

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Patrol Meeting District Roundtable Last day of school

(MCPS)

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Fathers’ Day Troop Meeting

Cub Scout Day Camp

Cub Scout Day Camp

Cub Scout Day Camp

Troop Committee

Meeting, 7:30 PM

Cub Scout Day Camp

Summer starts

Cub Scout Day Camp

Soldiers’ Delight

NEA

(Vikings)

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Soldiers’ Delight

NEA

(Vikings)

Patrol Meeting

TLC/BOR

Nursing Home Visit

11 am

(Hawks and Titans)

30

June 3:

Flags:Hawks

MB:Titans

Skill:Vikings

Game:Eagles

June 17: Flags; Hawks

MB: Sharks

Skill:Spartans

Game: Eagles

Luke Marple’s

Eagle Court of

Honor, St. John’s,

3 PM

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July 2019

Sunday Monday Sunday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6

Troop Meeting Independence Day

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

The Summer Camp

Meeting, 7:30 PM NO Roundtable

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Summer Camp at

Heritage Reservation Summer Camp at

Heritage Reservation Summer Camp at

Heritage Reservation Summer Camp at

Heritage Reservation Summer Camp at

Heritage Reservation Summer Camp at

Heritage Reservation Return from

Summer Camp at

Heritage Reservation

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Patrol Meeting

World Jamboree Day

Visit?

Troop Committee

Meeting, 7:30 PM

World Jamboree Day

Visit?

World Jamboree Day

Visit?

28 29 30 31

World Jamboree Day

Visit – Short hours?

Troop Meeting

World Jamboree Day

Visit?

World Jamboree Day

Visit?

Last day for

World Jamboree Day

Visits?

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August 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

To Philmont

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 At Philmont! Patrol Meeting

To Philmont

Philmont Philmont Philmont Philmont Philmont

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Philmont Troop Meeting

Philmont

Philmont District Roundtable

Philmont

Troop Committee

Meeting, 7:30 PM

Philmont

Philmont Philmont

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Late return from

Philmont

Patrol Meeting

TLC & BOR

Family Camping at

Solomons Island

(Justus)

Family Camping at

Solomons Island

(Justus)

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Family Camping at

Solomons Island

(Justus)

Troop Meeting