Scoutmaster Minute – 26 April 2024

Greetings Scouts, Parents, and Leaders,

Our Court of Honor last Monday was truly impressive. We managed to accomplish a remarkable amount in such a short time frame. I want to extend my gratitude to our youth leadership for their outstanding efforts in keeping us organized and focused. A special mention goes out to Landin Speer for his exceptional leadership skills during the meeting. I am sincerely grateful to Floyd, Gary, and Rainbow for their dedication in coordinating the awards and recognition. It was heartening to see the early birds who pitched in with the setup – your commitment did not go unnoticed. I also want to applaud Giuliane and her team for their meticulous planning of the desserts. The parents outdid themselves with the delectable treats they prepared for everyone. A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you!

Pinewood Derby Championships:  Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM.  Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the Pit Crew for the Three Rivers and American Rivers District Pinewood Derby Championships to be held at the historic R Street District in downtown Sacramento.  Packs from both districts will compete to be the top racer.  We need scouts to help with the races and games we will be hosting at 12th and R Streets.  This is a pre-approved Service Project for the troop and advancement.   Workers will get a t-shirt, lunch and service hours.  A great way to spend a Saturday.

Patrol Leaders’ Council Meeting: Monday, April 29th, 2024, 6:15 PM.  All patrol leaders, ASMs and leadership should attend this important meeting.  Remember if you are a patrol leader or leadership it is a mandatory responsibility of your job.

Summer Camp Orientation: Monday, April 29, 2024, 7:00 PM. Following the Troop Meeting, all scouts and parents of Scouts attending camp are to meet for a special Summer Camp Orientation. It is essential for everyone to gather together (at approximately 7:30 PM) to gain insight into the upcoming Camp High Sierra and Camp Royaneh adventures. This orientation will provide detailed information on what to expect, what to bring, and how to make the most out of this camping experience. Camperships are available for those in need, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder anyone from participating. If you have not yet signed up and are interested in joining us, please make sure to attend this meeting. We are grateful for the kind offers from families willing to support fellow Scouts in need, and all assistance requests will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Troop Parent Meeting: Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 7:00 PM, Atonement Lutheran Church.  Parents are encouraged to attend our monthly meetings to assist your scout and the troop.

Fort Ross Camp Out – Have you ever slept in a Fort?: We are excited to announce our upcoming trip to Fort Ross State Park on May 3rd-5th. This is a rare chance to experience a night in a historical Russian outpost located along the beautiful Pacific Coast. The opportunity to sleep within the walls of this iconic site is something that very few people have had the chance to do. We are specifically reaching out to parents who are interested in joining us and assisting with the overnight stay and transportation arrangements. Rest assured, we will be sleeping indoors for added comfort and convenience. The meals provided will be delicious, and the campfire activities will surely be a highlight of the trip. A nominal fee of $20.00 will cover the cost of food during the campout. Additionally, we will be organizing a service project as a way to give back for our accommodations. For more details and to sign up, please reach out to Bruce.

Swim Checks: Our troop will be offering scouts the chance to undergo Swim Checks before embarking on their summer adventures. The upcoming event is scheduled for May 13th, Our troop meeting will be held at the Swimstitute in Rancho Cordova. The session will commence at 6:30 pm, focusing on aquatics rank requirements, with the swim test slated to begin around 7:00. Conducting swim checks before camp not only streamlines our initial day procedures but also provides a more comfortable swimming environment compared to the chilly lakes at camp.

Mt. St. Helana Hike: May 18. Malan will be taking the lead on this Rim of the Bay Hike. The hike will begin at the base of the mountain and ascend through lush greenery, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Participants can expect to see a variety of wildlife along the way, including birds, squirrels, and maybe even a deer or two. This hike is perfect for nature lovers and those looking to explore the great outdoors. Signups are available at the troop meeting.

Fair Oaks Cemetery Project: May 25. Elizabeth will once again take on this special 380 project. Please consider participating in the project as we present the colors.  Please see Elizabeth Ruygt @ goldrivmom@comcast.net  if you have any questions about this event.

Scotts Flat Campout: May 31-June 2.  This campout will offer a variety of water activities to enjoy. Participants will have the opportunity to paddle in canoes and kayaks, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. Malan Cook will be supervising the activities, providing guidance and support to ensure a memorable experience for everyone involved. Signups are available at the troop meeting.

Summer Adventures: It’s not too late to sign up for our summer adventures (Camp High Sierra, Desolation Wilderness Trip, Camp Royanee).  Merit Badge and program signups are being worked on for camps, so make sure you are ready for camp.  Please see me if you would like to attend camp.  If it is a financial burden for your family we have camperships for 50% of the fees.  Sometimes we will provide full camperships if the circumstances warrant.  All requests for financial assistance are handled privately by the Scoutmaster (Neil and I).  Please do not hesitate to ask for help.

 

Please feel free to reach me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns and again. Hope to see you at the pinewood derby and the  Summercamp Troop Meeting.

 

Yours in Scouting,

 

Michael Speer

Scoutmaster T-380B