Troop 227

April 2009 Newsletter

 

Introduction

 

Welcome to the sixty-fifth edition of our Troop 227 Newsletter. To learn more about Boy Scouts, please visit us at any troop activity, speak to a troop leader, or visit one of the following websites.

 

http://www.bsatroop227.org

http://www.mtcbsa.org

http://www.scouting.org

 

 

A hearty welcome to new Scouts Curt and Nicholas!

 

These fine young men crossed over into Troop 227 Monday night April 6th in a very meaningful ceremony before parents and friends. WeÕre glad to have Nicholas join his brother in the troop and know that Curt will be a wonderful addition as well. We have enjoyed our time with these boys on past campouts.

 

 

Our first check in from Kroger cards!

 

We just deposited our first check from our Kroger gift cards of $200+. Feels like free money! I hope youÕre remembering to recharge that Kroger gift card BEFORE you make your purchases. You can use these for gas as well. As a matter of fact, help keep your budget straightÉkeep a separate card for groceries and for gas. Make sure your spouse has one for gas also. We still have cards to sell; so get out there and spread the word. Remember, you can help the troop just by the dollars you ALREADY spend. In these rough economic times, anyone can do this! Here are the specifics.

 

When you pay $5 for a gift card registered as supporting Troop 227, you get your $5 back ON the card. Then you can recharge it up to $500 and use if on groceries, medicines or gasoline and our troop gets 4% of your purchases from the card. If youÕd like more information, please contact Mellie Brackett at 793-5462 or mbrackett@mac.com. LetÕs get these cards in place quickly and with as many friends and family members as possible.

 

Weekend At Long Hunter State Park

 

On March 20th, Troop 227 departed for a weekend outing at Long Hunter State Park in Hermitage.  It was a pleasant change to be at our campsite within thirty minutes.  The travel time we saved gave us the additional daylight to setup the dining flying and troop equipment before sundown.  After everyone had set up their tents, we all enjoyed sitting around the warm campfire, telling stories and having time together. 

 

The next morning, the patrol cooks had bacon and eggs in the skillet with a pot of water boiling nearby.  After clean up, the troop put conservation and Leave No Trace into action by picking up trash at the state parkÕs picnic area along the shores of Percy Priest Lake.  Since the water level was below average, there was an abundance of trash along the shore.  Not only did the scouts fill garbage bags of bottles, cans, and paper, they were able to walk out with a set of tires and a portable kennel!  Because of the scoutsÕ hard work, the ranger waived the troopÕs camping fee for the night. 

 

After lunch, the park ranger gave a walking tour around Couchville Lake, helping scouts identify various plants and trees.  That evening, the scouts enjoyed some free time playing Frisbee, football, and working on a few scout requirements.  Dinner consisted of cooking hobo meals and baking apples on the open fire.

 

Before departing Sunday morning, the troop came together to conduct a meaningful worship service. 

 

Without a doubt, the highlight of the entire weekend was having Curt, Elliot, and Nicholas spend the weekend with the scouts.  Everyone is looking forward to the day when they crossover into Troop 227!

 

Scout Swim Test

 

The annual Troop 227 swimmers test is scheduled Monday, April 27th at the YMCA, 8207 Concord Road (615/373-9622) from 7:00PM - 8:00PM.  You can come and go during this time. The aquatics director will reserve one or two lanes for our troop to take the swim test during this time. You can leave after your son finishes.

 

Since our next troop outing is at Grimes Canoe Base (May 8th & 9th), we want all scouts to take the swim test so we can determine if they can ride in a canoe without their parent and determine if they can go down the water slide at summer camp.

 

The goal for each scout is to pass the Swimmer Test.

 

Swimmer Test

Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke.  The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

 

By completing the Swimmer Test, not only will they be able to be in a canoe without their parents, they will complete one of the 1st Class scout requirements!

 

If the scout is not able to complete the swimmers test, he'll take the Beginner Test.

 

Beginner Test

Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.

 

Scouts who are able to complete the Beginner Test will be allowed to use the water slide at summer camp.  The boys love to ride the water slide!!!!!  Also, the Beginner Test is one of the 2nd Class requirements.

 

There is no charge for the boys to swim.

 

Also, we'll be working with scouts needing to complete some of the water safety requirements for 1st & 2nd Class ranks.

 

Please make every effort to be at the "Y" on April 27th.  Because of limited pool facilities, this is the only time we have scheduled for this event.

 

 

Upcoming Troop Events

 

 

 

 

 

Troop Leader Contacts

 

Scoutmaster

 

Tommy Primm

 

 

Assistant Scoutmasters

 

Truman Bean

Phillip Brackett

Chris Jones

Chris Paul

Andy Richter

 

 

Troop Committee

 

Randy Boyd

Mellie Brackett

Scott Burner

John Hammond, Chairman

Mike Vantrease

 

 

Charter Organization Rep

 

Ray Frizzell