Troop 93 Committee Meeting Minutes
November 7, 2002

Meeting: Troop Committee (monthly)
Date: 7 November 2002
Present: Beverly Bean, Steve Bean, Arlene Guest, Alan Jones, Amy Jones, Kenny Jones, Kathy Lapsys, Mike McDaniel, George Nicolayev, Mark Nicolayev, John Plastini, and Craig Smith.

  1. The meeting was brought to order at 7:35.

  2. Consideration of the Minutes: The minutes were accepted.

  3. Eagle Project Presentation to the Committee - Kenny Jones
    Kenny introduced himself to the Committee and described his proposed Eagle project, which is to create a native plant garden at the Church. He handed out copies of his proposal to the Committee and answered questions. The Committee unanimously endorsed the project.

  4. Training:Arlene reported that she and Caren Helzer attended the BSALT (Boy Scout Adult Leader Training) on the two weekends in October, and that it was very worthwhile. The job of Training coordinator was discussed, and Mark Nicolayev volunteered to help with training in addition to Bruce Adams. The Troop needs more trained adults.

  5. Advancement:
    • Amy reported that she has been verifying advancements, and there are a lot of missing pieces at the Scout office. Kathy and Amy attended a Roundtable on advancement. The Council recommends that they check with the Council office to see if their individual records are accurate. The Troop has 17 Life Scouts, and Amy said as soon as they reach Life, they should get an Eagle project packet. Once she completes the justification of merit badges and rank advancements for each scout, she seals the packet with her name signed. Scouts cannot open the packet after that, or it is invalidated.
    • Amy has completed the updating of the Troop's Merit Badge Counselor list. She will send it out to everyone in the Troop, and have it posted on the website.

  6. Outdoor Activities Report:
    • The next event is the Turkey Shoot on Saturday, November 23. Mike will email everyone about the event.
    • Backpacking Outing: Mike reported on the backpacking trip to Ventana Camp. Everyone left on Saturday morning and hiked to Ventana Camp. The weather was nice, and there was a place to jump in the river. There were 6 adults and 9 scouts.
    • The scouts asked for another backpack trip this year. It was agreed to go to Arroyo Seco, and it was scheduled for the weekend of May 17.
    • The helmet policy for rock climbing was discussed. Scouting has a helmet policy and a policy that scouts must be 14 or older to go on high-adventure activities. The Committee agreed to enforce the helmet policy, and to make sure scouts and parents are aware of the age restrictions.

  7. Treasurer's Report:
    • Rosie was not present, but Kathy reported that she is working on rechartering, and the roster. Arlene offered to help Rosie with the roster and to have it sent out with the next newsletter.

  8. Quartermaster's Report
    • Kathy bought backpacking tents and stoves as approved in October by the Committee, and Craig has that equipment now. Craig has a list, and people can sign out the equipment for future outings. Kathy is donating hiking boots and uniforms. Craig said he would send an email to everyone in the Troop encouraging people to donate uniforms and equipment.
    • Craig reported that Rosie had suggested putting touch lights and a battery-powered lantern in the shed, and that he had done so.

  9. Scoutmaster's Report:
    • Kathy reported that she has 4 tickets left for the Stanford football game. The group will meet at 12:30 November 9th at Toro School, and the game starts at 4:00 p.m. All scouts will be on the field, and some will be chosen by lottery to participate in the flag ceremony at halftime.
    • The egg drop contest is scheduled for Sunday at the Church. Kathy has all the patrols' entries.
    • At the troop meeting on the 18th, John will be the Scoutmaster. Webelos from both Pack 93 and Pack 2000 will be attending. A buddy scout will be assigned to each webelo.
    • New merit badge sessions will start on December 16, and will be: Citizenship in the Community, Photography, and Snow Sports.
    • Kathy said she meets with Kenny before each meeting and he is very organized. She is also impressed with the Badgers' and Piranhas' patrol leaders. The Eels need a new patrol leader as Josh Alameda is quitting. She is thinking of trying to start a Venture patrol with the older boys. Anthony Pessagno will have his Court of Honor during Christmas break.
    • Kathy reported that Tim Silva has donated the use of 3,000 acres by Arroyo Seco for backpacking. She suggested the older scouts could work on trails there.
    • The issue of new hats was discussed. Kathy said the boys have been asked to remove their hats at camp, and that camouflage was not approved by the National Council. The boys have also been asked to design a new patch for their neckerchief. Bev said the boys should decide the issue, so Kathy will ask the District Council whether they can keep the hats, and if they can, the boys will vote at the next Troop meeting.

  10. New Business:
      Mark raised the issue of the boys' skill levels and said they needed more opportunities to practice their knots and lashings at the troop meetings. The older boys should be teaching the younger scouts.

  11. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. The next Committee meeting will be Thursday December 5th at the Bean's house at 7:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,
      Arlene Guest
      29 November 2002