NCAC Centennial Camporee -- May 29-31 Summer Camp at ...Caving. Both are lots of fun. For Sunday morning at 9 AM, Mr. Wiersma has arranged for interested scouts to do either the Forestry

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

1

THE SIGNALER

MMMAAARRRCCCHHH 222000111000 TTTHHHIIIRRRTTTYYY YYYEEEAAARRRSSS OOOFFF TTTHHHEEE SSSIIIGGGNNNAAALLLEEERRR VVVOOOLLLUUUMMMEEE 333000,,, NNNOOO... 333

Website: http://www.troop264olney.net E-mail: [email protected]

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines (Refer to calendars for specific times.)

March 1 3

rd Annual Webelos Visit (Webelos I)

8 Troop meeting 11 District Roundtable 15 Patrol meeting 18 Troop Adult meeting 19 Sharp Street Food Bank 22 TLC/BOR & CPR Course 23 Signaler meeting 26-28 Merit Badge Madness 27 Nursing Home Visit (Sharks) 29 Spring Break begins (MCPS) 29 Troop meeting

April 1-6 Spring Break (MCPS) 5 Patrol meeting 8 District Roundtable 12 Troop meeting 15 Troop Adult meeting 16 Sharp Street Food Bank 19 TLC / BOR 23-25 Webelos Weekend 24 Nursing Home visit (Vikings) 27 Signaler meeting 26 Troop meeting 30 Laurel Caverns (to May 2)

Friends of Scouting Campaign

The Friends of Scouting Campaign, currently underway, is vital to the Scouting programs in the National Capital Area

Council (NCAC) and to Troop 264. The annual FOS fundraiser provides support for the professional Scout staff,

Scout shop, Scout camps, Scouting programs and organized events, and adult training programs.

A letter dated January 21 was mailed by me to each Scout family. Enclosed with the letter were a pledge card and a

self-addressed envelope to facilitate the return of the contribution. If you did not receive the letter, or have misplaced

it, please let me know so I can provide you with another copy. If you have already sent me your contribution, thank

you very much! If you haven‘t yet completed the pledge card and written your check, please consider doing it now,

and return it to me as soon as possible.

The Scouts of Troop 264 and the NCAC thank you for all your support. Questions? Call me at (301)-570-4712.

~ Norman Strickman, FOS Campaign Coordinator

NCAC Centennial Camporee -- May 29-31 Summer Camp at Heritage Scout Reservation -- July 18-24

http://www.geocities.com/crossroadstroop264


2

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Special Troop

Meeting -- 3rd

Annual

Webelos Visit Night

Open: Mammoths

Service: Hawks

2 3 4 5

6

7

8 Troop meeting

Open: Vikings

Service: Sharks

MB: Hawks

Skill: Foxes

9 10 11

District Roundtable

(Gaithersburg)

(Vikings)

12

13

14

15

Patrol meeting

16

17

18 Troop Adult Meeting

at Brookeville

Academy 7:30 PM

19 Sharp Street Food

Bank, 4:15 PM

20

21

22

TLC / BOR

CPR Course

23

Signaler meeting

7 PM

24

25

26

Merit Badge Madness

Weekend

27 Merit Badge Madness

Weekend

Nursing Home Visit

(Sharks)

28

Merit Badge Madness

Weekend

29 (Spring break)

Troop meeting

Open: Hawks

Service: Foxes

MB: Mammoths

Skill: Vikings

30

(Spring break –

no school)

Passover begins

31

(Spring break –

no school)

MMMaaarrrccchhh 222000111000


3

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

(Spring break –

no school)

2

(Spring break –

no school)

3

4

Easter

5 (Spring break –

no school)

Patrol meeting

6

(no school)

7 8

District Roundtable

(Gaithersburg)

(Sharks)

9

10

11

12 Troop meeting

Open: Sharks

Service: Mammoths

MB: Vikings

Skill: Hawks

13

14

15

Troop Adult Meeting

at Brookeville

Academy 7:30 PM

16

Sharp Street Food

Bank, 4:15 PM

17

18

19

TLC/BOR

20

21

22

23

Webelos Weekend

24 Webelos Weekend

Nursing Home visit

(Vikings)

25

Webelos Weekend

26 Troop meeting

Open: Vikings

Service: Hawks

MB: Foxes

Skill: Sharks

27

Signaler meeting

7 PM

28

29

30

Laurel Caverns

(Mammoths)

(to May 2)

AAAppprrriiilll 222000111000


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Adopt A Soldier Program

A heartfelt ―THANK YOU‖ to all of our scout families who continue to donate snacks, treats, toiletries and magazines

for our adopted soldiers, and to those who have donated funds to cover costs to ship care packages overseas. Our

adopted soldiers are truly grateful for our efforts and we will continue to show our support until everyone comes home.

St. Patrick‘s Day is just around the corner. We love our families, our friends, our country, and all of our military

personnel. Show your affection by donating a few goodies to include in this month‘s care packages. Let our adopted

soldiers know that they are always in our thoughts and in our hearts, and that we appreciate everything they do to keep

us free and safe. Please turn in any St. Patrick‘s Day donations in as early as possible so they can be shipped early.

The weather is warming and we can no longer send chocolates or other items that may melt. Please keep that in mind

when making purchases over the next several months.

We currently have 13 adopted soldiers on our list and I've learned that the majority of them are enlisted servicemen

who do not receive mail. Just imagine the look on their faces when they open a card or care package addressed

personally to them!

For more information about our Adopt A Soldier Program, please contact Mrs. Josey Simpson (Shark Patrol) at

301.512.5439, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Sending lots of OXOXOX to all of our scout

families…

God Bless America … Land of the Free … Because of the Brave SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Third Annual Webelos Visit – Second Night on March 1 The troop held its first night of the Third Annual Webelos Visit on Monday, February 22. A summary of the event,

with photos, is below. The second night will be March 1, 7:30 to about 9 PM, at St. John‗s, in place of the regular

patrol meeting. Any Webelos I scout, or any Webelos II scout that could not come on February 22, is welcome. Boys

age 11 to 17 who are not presently in Cub Scouts, but who may be considering Boy Scouts, are also welcome to attend,

along with their parents.

Each patrol will be demonstrating skills learned and used in Boy Scouts. Patrol skill assignments were made at the

January TLC/BOR meeting. Scouts and scouters in contact with local Cub Scout packs, please make them aware of this

opportunity and get this on their calendars. Questions can be directed to [email protected] . This was a popular

event both of the past two years and we expect it to be equally so this time.

This is YOUR opportunity to show Cub Scouts and parents what Scouting has done for you, and we hope it will kindle

enthusiasm in the Webelos scouts to tread the same path beyond Cub Scouts, whether with Troop 264 or elsewhere.

Information about Troop 264 is always available on the troop‗s website, www.troop264olney.net, and in the recent

Signaler newsletters therein, and via e-mail at [email protected].

Sharp Street Food Bank – March 19

As usual, we brought lots of food items out of the basement and carried them into the church, where we sorted them into

groups. It took a little while to free the carts out of the white storage building because it was blocked in by snow. But

we had plenty of help to move the foodstuffs and set up. We were finished in about an hour. A surprise visitor too, Dr.

mailto:[email protected]




5

Bill Karitis showed up to help, all the way from sunny South Carolina. He‘s looking good, if you want to know.

Thanks to the following scouts and scouters (1 hour of service each):

Miguel Alonso Jacob Levy Austin Hall Holland McCabe Kevin Carr

Jacen Sherman Jacob Wiersma Jim Bickel Tripp Karitis Dr. Bill Karitis

Mrs. Aimee McCabe Mr. Dale Bickel Mr. Gary Sherman Mrs. Ann Carr

The next Sharp Street Food Bank will be March 19, 4:15 PM, at the Sharp Street Church, on Route 108 East of Olney,

across from Sherwood Elementary.

Merit Badge Madness – March 26 - 28

27 scouts from Troop 264 have signed up to participate in Merit Badge Madness, which is held annually by the

Four Rivers District of the Baltimore council. It is sited on the grounds of the Annapolis Christian School branch in

Odenton, MD (formerly Sulin‗s Farm). Scouts have the opportunity to work on one or two merit badges over the

course of the weekend.

Because we were quick to register, all scouts received their first Saturday and Sunday choices of merit badges, and

have been notified of what those merit badges are. Scouts should work hard to complete the prerequisite work for

their merit badges. Troop merit badge counselors may be able to assist with some of the prerequisites.

We will be camping at the site, Friday to Sunday noon. Cost per person for food will be determined in the next few

weeks. Questions may be directed to Mr. Dale Bickel, [email protected].

CPR Course – March 22

Mrs. Cindy King has tentatively arranged for Ursus Lifesavers & Aquatics, a group that teaches CPR and provides

CPR certification, to come out to St. John‘s and teach CPR on the Monday evening of March 22. Not only does this

training count toward the First Aid requirements in the First Class rank, as well as First Aid, Climbing, and

numerous other merit badges, but it‘s a darn good thing to know. You may save someone‘s life with these simple

techniques.

Cost for the course is expected to be $35 per person (but we‘ll confirm that), to be paid on March 22nd. More details

will be sent out via e-mail in the next couple of weeks. This is one opportunity not to miss.

Webelos Weekend – April 23 - 25

Webelos Weekend will be held Friday evening April 23 to Sunday morning April 25. Local Webelos Cub Scouts

will have the opportunity to camp with the troop, and there will be activities for the visiting Cub Scouts. Cub Scouts

that are not yet Webelos can come for the day on Saturday and participate in the activities.

Details are still sparse, we will provide additional information as it becomes available. For now, please make sure

this is on your calendars. We will need a strong scout showing, and scout help and leadership.



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Laurel Caverns – April 30 – May 2

Scouts — If you have not done this outing before, you will find this trip well worth the cost and effort!

By popular demand, and for the fourth year in a row, Troop 264 is headed back to Laurel Caverns at Uniontown, PA,

three hours distant from Olney. Mr. Wiersma has made initial reservations for 12 scouts to do the Climbing Merit

Badge (climbing and rappelling inside the cave!) at 9 AM on Saturday. That number can be increased to a maximum

of 26 if we have interest and if the Caverns has not filled the space with other Boy Scouts. Even if you already have

the merit badge, you can do the climbing and rappelling again (you just have to pay the money, of course).

Saturday afternoon at 2 pm, scouts and adults will explore the DARK part of the caverns with a guide, using

flashlights. Scouts 12 and older can do the Lower Caving, scouts under age 12 on May 1 MUST do the Upper

Caving. Both are lots of fun. For Sunday morning at 9 AM, Mr. Wiersma has arranged for interested scouts to do

either the Forestry merit badge or the Geology merit badge (scout‗s choice). The merit badge should be complete by

about 1 PM and return to Olney is expected at about 4 PM.

Scouts doing the Saturday morning Climbing merit badge must travel up to Laurel Caverns Friday evening, so that

we can be ready to go at 9 AM Saturday. We will stay at the Cavern‗s campsite, just a few hundred yards‗ walk from

the caves. Real Plumbing including showers is available in the campground.

Because of the nature of the activities, costs are higher than the usual campout. But hey, it‗s not every camping trip scouts

can get up to two merit badges in a weekend! And climb and rappel inside a cave!

This was a fun trip last year and should equally be so this year. Contact Mr. Dirk Wiersma, [email protected], at the

earliest opportunity if you are interested.

_____________

A quick summary of the activities and costs follow. Two costs are shown for the individual activities:

the first is for the scout while the second is for the adult observer (an adult not participating in the merit badge, but who is

watching the merit badge activities).

Waiver Release Forms must be completed by each Climbing Merit Badge participant, and by each Cave Exploration

participant as follows:

• Each scout participating in the Climbing MB must complete the waiver form at

http://www.laurelcaverns.com/ClimbingandRappelling.htm, along with a parent or guardian.

• Each scout AND each adult participating in the Saturday afternoon Cave Exploring must

complete the form at http://www.laurelcaverns.com/awarenessandreleaseform.htm (Lower Caving) or

http://www.laurelcaverns.com/uppercavingreleaseform.htm (Upper Caving). Completed waiver forms must be given to

Mr. Wiersma by the beginning of April.

____________

_____ $44 / $9 -- Climbing Merit Badge. Scouts have the opportunity to complete the Climbing merit badge in

one day. Scouts act as climbers and belayers on a climbing wall, and rappel three times off of a 40 foot high

ledge inside the cave, all under the guidance of Boy Scout certified climbing instructors Scouts must complete

the First Aid and the climbers‗ knots requirements for the merit badge BEFORE arriving (we will work on

them), and may be asked to demonstrate such knowledge before climbing. This activity will take place on 9:00

AM Saturday morning, until about 12:30 PM.


http://www.laurelcaverns.com/ClimbingandRappelling.htm

http://www.laurelcaverns.com/awarenessandreleaseform.htm

http://www.laurelcaverns.com/uppercavingreleaseform.htm


7

Scouts who already have the Climbing merit badge may participate (and they too will be expected to

know the same knots and first aid requirements), but priority will be given to those scouts working on the merit

badge. But as there are 26 spaces potentially available for scouts, we expect to be able to accommodate all

interested scouts.

_____ $20 / $20 -- Cave Exploration. After lunch on Saturday, scouts and scouters will descend with a guide

into the UNLIGHTED portion of the cave, armed with flashlights only, to see what lies below. At the

bottommost point of the tour, Lower Cave participants will be more than 400 feet below the elevation of the

entrance. Most passageways in the cave are 40 feet high and similar in width, but there is a short section near the

beginning of the unlighted section that is narrow with some crawling required. No observers here, scouts and

scouters tread the same path and hard hats for all. Expect to see bats and climb over rocks big and little, and have

fun too. No one was left behind in the cave last year, but we‗ll try harder this time.

Scouts age 12 and over by April 25 are eligible for Lower Caving, scouts not yet 12 MUST do the less strenuous

Upper Caving. But don‗t be fooled into thinking this is a kiddy walk. There are boulders and narrow places to be

traversed. We will require at least 2 adults in both the Upper and Lower Caving activities. No difference in cost for

scouts and scouters since this activity is for fun, not a merit badge.

____$17 / $9 – Geology Merit Badge. (Sunday morning at 9:00 AM.) If we have at least 6 paid scouts (and

I‗m sure we will), those scouts have the opportunity to complete the Geology merit badge by 1:00 PM. This

gives you the opportunity to walk through a few areas of the cave that you did not see Saturday. At least 2 adult

observers are required. OR

____$10 /no charge for observers – ForestryMerit Badge. (Sunday morning at 9:00 AM.) If we have at least

6 paid scouts, those scouts have the opportunity to complete the Forestry merit badge by 1:00 PM. At least 2

adult observers are required.

____$12 / $12 – Camping is $6 per night for two nights, right at the Laurel Caverns site. There are flush toilets

and coin-operated showers available. Participants for the Climbing merit badge must arrive Friday night, since

the Climbing merit badge program commences promptly at 9:00 AM on Saturday.

____$21 / $21 – Meals and patch. $21 per person for meals on Saturday (breakfast and supper) and Sunday

breakfast. We will do troop cooking. Participants should bring a bag lunch for Saturday since there is not enough

time to return to the campsite between the Climbing and Cave Exploration activities. Part of this cost also

includes a Laurel Caverns patch for all participants.

To sign up, contact Mr. Dirk Wiersma (Mammoth patrol), [email protected] . A few Geology, Forestry, and

Climbing merit badge books are available from the troop library, or may be purchased at the Scout store, or

ordered online through http://www.scoutstuff.org. It‗s important to read the merit badge books (particularly for

the Climbing MB) so that you understand what‗s expected. Scouts that are prepared will spend more time

climbing and rappelling instead of reviewing the book material with the counselor.

____________________



8

FIRST AID SUMMARY FOR THE CLIMBING MERIT BADGE: KNOW THESE!

Heat Reactions result when the body can no longer keep cool.

Heat Exhaustion: Person feels dizzy, faint, nauseous, headache, pale or sweating heavily, treat for Heat Exhaustion.

Lie down; raise feet, cool person with wet cloth and fan. Sip water slowly.

Heat Stroke: Occurs when body's heat control system shuts down. Skin may be wet or dry but will flushed and hot.

Pulse will be very fast and person may be unconscious. Cool rapidly through immersion or with cold packs. Treat for

shock and seek medical attention ASAP. When victim is able to drink give them all the water they want.

Hypothermia: Occurs when a person is so cold they can no longer keep warm. In extreme cases death can result.

Hypothermia can sneak up on climber/camper, especially on a cold windy day. A person with hypothermia will be

shaking, possibly teeth chattering. As the condition worsens the person will get more confused. If you see these

symptoms on a person they need to be warmed up. Move person to tent or shelter and remove wet clothing and place

in a blanket or sleeping bag. Give them warm drinks only if the person is alert enough to drink. In extreme cases the

person must be actively warmed. Place them in a sleeping bag and climb in with them.

Frostbite: Cold weather, especially if it is windy, brings with it the threat of frostbite. Frostbite occurs when a portion

of the body becomes frozen. The area of frostbite will stiffen and become grayish white in color. This area needs to be

warmed back up if there is no danger of refreezing. Put cold feet on someone else's bare belly or put hands in your

armpits to warm them up.

Rope Burns: Rope burns or friction burns can occur anytime climbers allow the rope to pass too quickly through

their hands, or when a fast moving rope comes in contact the body. A rope burn is characterized by raw red skin and

sometimes blistering. If a burn does occur treat the area with mild soap and water to prevent infection. The best

protection against rope burns is to wear gloves.

Stings and insect bites: Carefully scrape away the stinger with the edge of a knife blade or credit card. An ice pack

might reduce pain and swelling. Hydrocortisone cream applied to insect bites will help with itching. In cases where

there is a severe reaction, get medical help.

Tick Bites: Pull tick out with tweezers by grasping close to skin and gently pulling until it comes loose. If the tick has

been embedded for more than a day or was difficult to remove, see your doctor.

Snakebite: Snakebite is rare and seldom fatal. Get medical help ASAP. Remove rings and any other jewelry that

might be a problem with swelling. Have victim lie down and keep them calm, this will slow down the spread of the

venom. Apply a broad constricting band 2-4 inches above the bite to slow spread of the venom. Make sure that the

band is not tight enough to cut off the blood circulation completely. Periodically check for pulses on both sides of the

band.

Abrasions and Blisters: For abrasions clean disinfect and cover the wound. For blisters, stop immediately and apply

moleskin to protect the blister. If the blister breaks, treat it like an abrasion or minor cut.

Sprains: A sprain is caused by a twisting, wrenching or lifting movement that tears or stretches tissues surrounding a

joint. Elevate the area for and apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes. If your first aid kit has an ice bandage apply

that to the affected area.

Fractures: Broken bones can be either closed (simple) or open (compound). If you suspect a fracture don't move the

injured area to test for pain. Look for these signs:

1. Tenderness to touch over the site of the break.

2. Swelling or bruising at the fracture site.


9

3. An unusual or abnormal shape, position, or movement of bone or joint.

4. A grating sound or feeling

5. Inability to move the injured limb.

6. The victim may have heard or felt a bone snap.

7. A compound fracture will have all the above plus an open wound.

Splint the injured limb and get medical help ASAP.

~ By Mr. Ron Hoggard for the Climbing MB, 2007

KNOTS FOR THE CLIMBING MERIT BADGE: KNOW THESE!

For all these knots (especially the Double Fisherman‗s Knot, which is not well illustrated below),

see http://www.animatedknots.com !

http://www.animatedknots.com/


10

Firearm Safety and Shotgun Shooting Weekend – May 15 - 17

The Shark Patrol is arranging a firearm safety and shotgun shooting weekend May 15-16, 2010 at Camp Big

Mac near Markham, VA (Front Royal area). This is open to all T264 scouts and scouters regardless of scout

rank or age.

The weekend is intended to be a fun campout with a mix of instruction about firearm basics, safety, shooting

clay targets, and our usual troop cookout and campfire. Use of shotguns, shells and targets will be included in

the cost. We‘ll be under the guidance of the NCAC Shooting Sports team for all aspects of the shotgun safety

instruction and shooting. Any scout who is interested in the shotgun shooting merit badge can get a head start

during this introductory weekend. Those who already have shotgun experience will enjoy it as well and can

refresh their safe firearm handling skills.

Camp Big Mac is run by the Claude McDonald Foundation and features several shooting sports areas, a

covered pavilion, wooded trails and ample grassed camping areas. Scoutmaster Bogan has offered to

supervise the cooking (by the Sharks Patrol) of an appropriate evening ―shotgun‖ meal. More information will

be forthcoming.

Climbers‟ Knots


11

NCAC Centennial Camporee – May 29 – 31

The National Capitol Area Council will hold its Centennial Camporee at Goshen Scout Reservation on May 29-31,

2010. Registration to attend is done by through the troop, and interested scouts and scouters had to have been

registered by February 15. After that, substitutions in the troop roster may be made up to March 15. The cost is $25

per person for registration, and at the presenttime, all who signed up have paid (thank you!). Of course, there will be

additional costs for food and transportation later, but for now you are only risking the $25.

We are told too that Webelos II Cub Scouts crossing over into T264 may be signed up by T264 through April 15 (but

no later than that). Contact Mr. Dale Bickel at [email protected] if you and your Cub Scout are in this

category, even if the official bridging isn‘t until May.

This is said to be the first council-wide camporee since the nation‗s Bicentennial in 1976. Thousands of scouts, Cub

Scouts, and Ventures are expected to attend. Activities include competitions as well as opportunities for scouts to

complete requirements up through First Class. See

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=33166&orgkey=2010

for early information on the activities.

Troop 264 presently has 56 scouts and scouters signed up to go (with payment already submitted to council), which

makes this the LARGEST troop outing in years. Early plans call on us to leave Olney very early Saturday morning,

arriving at Goshen in the late morning. Return to Olney later Monday afternoon (Memorial Day).

Questions may be directed to Mr. Dale Bickel to sign up, [email protected] , 301-774-0416. Please double

check the following list and let me know of any corrections!

36 Scouts presently signed up:

Kevin Carr Jim Bickel William Santos Michael Russell Gavin Mangolas

Justin Stine Matt McDonald Jacob Wiersma Anthony Fryer John Fryer

Tim Morris RJ Grant Ryan King Anthony Justus Chris Cymerman

Patrick Stoll Tripp Karitis Peter Barth Brenden Fout Joshua Fowler

Sam Jones Jacob Levy Jake Anderson Kristian Gunderson Jonathan Godfrey

Max Simpson Bradley Neufeld Jeremy Neufeld Enrique Alonso Miguel Alonso

Daniel Grant Eric Fryer Jacen Sherman Gerad Sherman David Light

Peter Kirk

20 Scouters presently signed up. Note: Adults may be asked by the Council to assist with program activities on Sunday.

Dale Bickel Jim Carr Doug Long Martin Predoehl Mark Russell

Tim Garrity Bret Stine Cindy King Rick Justus John Cymerman

Rich Stoll Al Barth Kirk Jones Chris Simpson Joseph Matyas

Gary Matyas Richard Morris Donald Light Tom McDonald Jim Kirk

.

Do You Need to Review Your Knots?

If you need to review your knots prior to your next BOR or the next campout, check out

http://www.animatedknots.com. It is very good for visually demonstrating how to tie knots. Click on the Scouting

Emblem for knot demonstrations.


http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=33166&orgkey=2010


http://www.animatedknots.com/


12

Seabase 2010 Update – Cast Off in Just 4 Months!

Airline reservations have been made for the groups; there are a few families still finalizing individual reservations.

Passports (NOT passport cards) are required for air travel in and out of the Bahamas.

The second $330 (second half of the ship’s payment) is due this month. Please set the money aside. We have to have it

to Seabase by April 1.

You are encouraged to keep up with payments or savings to cover the estimated $1,500 per person total cost of this

trip. To date, each committed participant should have paid at least the $100 initial deposit and the first ½ (ship) payment

of $330 (payable to “BSA Troop 264” with all checks given to Mrs. Debbie Karitis). We recommend that you continue

to make monthly payments of $120 per person each month, to spread the financial impact over a longer period of time.

Please include the SEABASE Installment Payment form from the next-to-last page of this Signaler with each payment,

to make tracking easier. We hope to have cost estimates for airfare within the next 30 to 60 days. The second ½ (ship)

payment of $330 is due in March (this month).

FYI - Sea Base Cancellation Policies:

1. The $100 per person reservation deposit is transferable within a crew during the SAME CALENDAR YEAR (the

names may change as long as the count remains the same). These funds may not be applied to any other crew.

2. Crews canceling between the time of application and first 1/2 payment (October 1, 2009 for us) will lose the non-

refundable deposit per cancelled crew.

3. Crews canceling after first 1/2 payment has been (October 1, 2009 for us) made will lose 100% of fees paid.

4. Crews canceling after second 1/2 payment (April 1, 2010 for us) has been made will lose 100% of fees paid.

5. If your cancelled crew is rebooked you will be refunded all your fees paid to date except the $100 per person non-

refundable deposit. Refunds will be mailed within 30 days.

6. Within a crew, cancellation of individual participants will result in forfeiture of their deposit fee and all fees paid to

date for that individual (unless we can find a replacement in sufficient time).

IMPORTANT!! CLEARING CUSTOMS!! IMPORTANT!! Every participant MUST have a valid current United

States Passport. Without proper identification you will not be allowed to enter the Bahamas and you will be sent home.

Visit http://www.travel.state.gov/ for more information on obtaining a passport. If you already have one, check to make

sure it will not expire before our return! If you need a passport, or need to renew a passport, this should be your top

priority right now. It may take 6 months to obtain one.

For those who like to “be prepared” by shopping early,

here’s WHAT TO BRING to Sea Base “Bahamas Sailing Adventures” (from the Participant Guide)

Questions? Speak to veteran Sea Basers Joe Matyas, or Mr. Gary Matyas.

• 1 Set of Field or Activity uniforms

• Several T-shirts (we will have Troop 264 crew shirts made)

• Lightweight rain gear

• Sunglasses with strap (polarized are best)

• Non-oily sunscreen (SPF 30+)

• 1-2 pairs of shorts

http://www.travel.state.gov/


13

• Pants, long-sleeve shirt & light jacket (December & Spring only)

• Toiletry kit

• Wide brimmed hat

• 2 – 3 pair of socks

• Deck shoes

• Large-mouth water bottle with carabiner (if you like coffee, a mug in addition is good)

• One sheet and warm blanket or sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad – Backpacking style

• Swimsuit (modest style)

• 2 towels and a small pillow

• Bug spray

• Prescription medications

• Valid U.S. Passport – Apply for this NOW if you do not have one, or if it expires before August 2010

• Completed Medical Insurance information form

• Flashlight

• 24‖ duffel bag, to contain all gear except sleeping pad

DO NOT BRING

• MP3, iPod, video game player

• Fireworks NOTE: Make sure you can successfully pass the BSA Swim Test.

• Skateboards NOTE: Make sure your name is on the crew roster your leader sends us.

OPTIONAL ITEMS NOTE: Don‘t forget to bring a photocopy of front and back of insurance card.

• Camera (waterproof if possible) NOTE: Save $15 cash for your departure tax. (your airline ticket may include this)

• Personal snorkel gear

• Extra money ($100—$125)

• Bonine® (for seasickness)

• Skin-So-Soft lotion (non-DEET insect repellant alternative)

PACKING YOUR GEAR

All your gear (except sleeping pad) must fit in a 24‖ duffel bag, about the size of a pillowcase. No suitcases or frame

backpacks can be used. You will be living on a sailing vessel during the entire adventure. Space is limited so you must

only bring what you need. **REMEMBER:** There is no storage available for your crew. All belongings will have to

go with you on the vessel, which are tight quarters. Keep this in mind and travel light!

Important Sea Base Links:

Participant Guide (ALL participants should read this):

http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/participant_guide.pdf

Sea Base Health and Medical Record. All participants must complete within 12 months of departure:

http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/medical.pdf

Sea Base Health and Medical Record. All participants must complete within 12 months of departure:

http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/medical.pdf. Participants should expect to go through a medical

re-check before the boat departs. Those who do not pass will not be allowed on board. Any expenses incurred as a result

of nonparticipation are the responsibility of the participant.

http://www.bsaseabase.org/filestore/seabase/pdf/participant_guide.pdf




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Current SEABASE CREW ROSTERS

Crew 1: Bahamas Tall Ship Adventure (crew size 18-20; July 3-9, 2010)

Gary Sherman (Coordinator, registered & trained adult leader)

Mr. Dale Bickel (registered & trained adult leader)

Jacen Sherman

Gerad Sherman Crew 2 - Bahamas Adventure

James Bickel (Crew size 6-8; July 7-13, 2010)

Peter Kirk Mr. Gary Matyas (registered and trained adult leader)

Mr. Jim Kirk Mr. Tim McCabe (registered and trained adult leader)

Michael Russell Holland McCabe

Mr. Mark Russell Joe Matyas

Kevin Carr Enrique Alonso

Mr. Jim Carr Scott Maxham

Ryan King Tripp Karitis

Mr. Mark King Daniel Agre

Mrs. Cindy King

Jonathan Godfrey Crew 1 Alternates (in order):

Mr. Sheldon Godfrey Mr. Pat Orzel

Brandon Orzel

Conor Ellis Crew 2 Alternates: (in order)

Ryan Mercado Mr.Jonthan Agre

Mr. Bill Mercado Mr. Bill Mercado

This table is based on the revised Dietary

Guidelines for Americans from the U.S.

Department of Agriculture and the

Department of Health and Human

Resources.

FYI: Other key dates by which

tasks/forms are due at BSA Sea Base

(Adult leaders will be working to meet

each deadline PRIOR to these dates):

90 days prior to arrival - Final ½ payments

made to Sea Base (April 1) (Troop will

request this from participants about

mid-March, 2010)

90 days prior to arrival - National BSA

Tour Permits filed by adult leaders (April

1)

30 days prior to arrival - Crew rosters

submitted to Sea Base by adult leaders

(June 1)

30 days prior to arrival - All participants‘

BSA Swim Tests passed in

Maryland (June 1). However, expect to

be swim-tested again on arrival!

HEIGHT RECOMMENDED

WEIGHT (LBS.)

MAXIMUM

ACCEPTANCE (LBS.)

5‘ 0‖ 97-138 166

5‘ 1‖ 101-143 172

5‘ 2‖ 104-148 178

5‘ 3‖ 107-152 183

5‘ 4‖ 111-157 189

5‘ 5‖ 114-162 195

5‘ 6‖ 118-167 201

5‘ 7‖ 121-172 207

5‘ 8‖ 125-178 214

5‘ 9‖ 129-185 220

5‘ 10‖ 132-188 226

5‘ 11‖ 136-194 233

6‘ 0‖ 140-199 239

6‘ 1‖ 144-205 246

6‘ 2‖ 148-210 252

6‘ 3‖ 152-216 260

6‘ 4‖ 156-222 267

6‘ 5‖ 160-228 274

6‘ 6‖ 164-234 281

6‘ 7‖ & taller 170-240 295


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Advancement Camp – Camp Twin Echo – July 11 - 17 EIGHT MERIT BADGES IN A WEEK!

The Greater Pittsburgh Council has announced the merit badges for this year‗s lineup at Advancement Camp. Camp

Twin Echo is a scout camp near Ligonier, PA, about 3½ hours from Olney. This year, the first week of Advancement

Camp corresponds to the week BEFORE summer camp at Heritage Scout Reservation (Advancement Camp is July

11-17, summer camp is July 18-24). This is an ideal way to pick up several merit badges in a week.

Cost is $290for the week. Scouts must register individually, as we do not do this camp as a troop. However, T264

scouts have attended each of the last three years and some will do so this year. Scouts must arrange their own

transportation. Car pooling is possible, we can work that out closer to the date. The distance between Camp Twin

Echo and Heritage Scout Reservation is about 50 miles, so you can go from one camp to the other with an overnight

somewhere in between.

Medical Week (week 1, July 11-17, week before summer camp) – Dentistry, Disability Awareness, First Aid*,

Genealogy, Medicine, Personal Fitness*, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine * Eagle required

Law Week (Week 2, July 18-24, conflicts with summer camp) – Cinematography, Crime Prevention, Citizenship in

the Community*, Environmental Science*, Fingerprinting, Fire Safety, Law, and Public Speaking

For a link to the on-line registration portal, please see: http://www.gpc-bsa.org/Camping/AdvancementCamp.asp

Do a Good Turn – Clearing Snow from a Fire Hydrant

Chris and Tim Morris

SPL Holland McCabe after clearing a 3 ft. deep path to the

fire hydrant nearest his house.

http://www.gpc-bsa.org/Camping/AdvancementCamp.asp


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Seven Springs Ski Trip Report – February 5 – 8

School closed at noon on Friday February 4 in advance of a monster snowstorm that dumped 30 inches of snow on Olney

Friday night and all day Saturday, and little less at Seven Springs Ski Resort in Pennsylvania. Snow was already starting

to fall here as the various drivers prepared to leave shortly after the early dismissal. Most troop members stayed until

Monday February 8: was that because the roads were not yet well cleared and schools were closed, or because they were

having too much fun?

The weekend of February 5-7, 2010 had a hardcore group of scouts and scouters from Troop 264 enjoying the awesome

snow conditions at Seven Springs Ski Resort in Champion, Pennsylvania… and it was a champion weekend. The 5 cars

left Olney at various times, keeping an eye on the impending snowstorm. The final arrival was the ‗Barth Bus‘, arriving

close to 6 p.m. Many of us were close to the final destination, but with blowing snow, skidding, sliding, abandoned

vehicles and more, the final miles were the most treacherous. Reportedly all scouts were involved with pushing cars

sometime in their adventurous journey. It was with a sigh of relief that all arrived, dumped gear into our

chalet/bunkhouse and met for a quick meeting. Assistant SPL Anthony Justus led the discussion on winter safety,

frostbite, hypothermia, buddy system and having fun. Adults in attendance chimed in. Mrs. Justus passed out lift, rental,

lesson and meal tickets. The first lesson was how to attach lift tickets to jackets… and the group was off! Those that were

renting equipment headed down to the shop. Those that were ready to go grabbed a buddy and did some night skiing/and

boarding in pelting snow and gusty winds. Friday night ski/board was for the strong!

Saturday morning the chalet emptied out by 7:15 to enjoy the huge breakfast buffet. Awesome pastry table (all items

made on-site), omelet chef, bacon, sausage, hot cocoa with whipped cream dripping off the sides; everything imaginable

for breakfast. Our scouts got their money‘s worth and energy for the slopes! The driving winds and blowing snow were

continuing; by the time breakfast was done and all were dressed and geared up, lifts were on the move as were we.

Lessons at 11:00 were with wonderful instructors. Great lessons. Even those that didn‘t have experience on the slopes

were confident on the mountain by lesson‘s end.

Seven Springs is a huge ski resort, with all levels of slopes and possibilities. Terrain parks had really nice rails and good

jumps. Those at the terrain parks met up with others over there to ―hang and throw some sick tricks.‖

Saturday afternoon, the snow stopped, blue skies, bright sun and glistening snow beckoned the group to stay on the slopes

‗til 10 p.m. closing. One adult said it was some of the best ski conditions he‘s ever enjoyed.

Sunday morning, a rainbow was spotted coming up out of the snow -- another sign of a great weekend. With so much

communication with family in Olney/-Brookeville and reports of scant plows, power, or SCHOOL, most of the group

stayed an extra day. Therefore Sunday was spent ski/boarding ‗til the Super Bowl kickoff.

Scouts and Scouters were seen throughout the weekend on the slopes, in the pool relaxing, enjoying food (those that went

to the dinner buffet reported outstanding selection; those that bought food around the resort seemed satisfied as well). The

word ‗awesome‘ was heard throughout the weekend.

The scheduled bug-out time for Monday morning was 10 a.m. However, with the way these scouts packed up and cleaned

out, we were able to pull out a little earlier, giving us plenty of daylight to travel home, should the road conditions be

poor. Driving home on Monday, interstates were dry and clear. Once we got to108 and 97 roads weren‘t top condition.

We were glad to stay at Seven Springs the extra day to give the drivers one more day to relax from Friday‘s stressful drive

and being able to enjoy all day Sunday on the slopes. All reports coming agree the treacherous drive on Friday was worth

it -- awesome ski trip! Many thanks to our drivers, skiers and boarders for working together and being part of the ―Troop

264 Ski Team‖.

~ Mrs. Helen Justus, Trip Coordinator, from comments made by scouts and scouters


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February 5-7 2010

The following Scouts have been inducted into the T264 Ski Team:

Anthony Justus/SPL Brenden Fout

Aaron Agre Josh Fowler

Daniel Agre Kristian Gundersen

Miguel Alonso Bo Na

Peter Barth Brandon Orzel

Jim Bickel Brent Pizzamiglio

Kevin Carr Jacob Wiersma

The following Scouters have been inducted into the T264 Ski Team:

Teresa Agre Rick Justus

Al Barth Pat Orzel

Jim Carr Dirk Wiersma

Elizabeth Justus

________________

Helen Justus, Trip Coordinator

“Awesome + Awesome = Awesomer!!”


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Boy Scouts Centennial – February 8

At the February 8 troop meeting, Mr.Predoehl announced

that the Boy Scouts was 100 years old on that day. So at

the suggestion of Mr. Sherman, several of us went to

Cheeburger Cheeburger (amid the piles of snow in the

parking lot) after the meeting for a milkshake to

celebrate. Because of the snow, we had the place to

ourselves. In attendance were:

Mr. Bickel, Mr. Justus, Gerad Sherman, Jacen Sherman,

Jim Bickel, Mr. Sherman, and Anthony Justus. Also with

us were Mrs.Justus and Elizabeth Justus.

Happy 100th Birthday,

Boy Scouts of America!

Valley Forge Pilgrimage – February 13

With 30 inches of snow that had fallen on Olney the previous Friday/Saturday, and with 15 inches more snow forecast for

Tuesday/ Wednesday, Mr. Bogan announced at the thinly attended February 8 troop meeting that camping at Valley Forge

would be cancelled due to the heavy snow (only the fourth time in the past 16 years that he has cancelled a camping

outing due to weather conditions).

Nevertheless, Mr. Bogan was open to a possible Valley Forge visit for the Pilgrimage on Saturday, without camping, and

made the registration arrangements on Tuesday with the Cradle of Liberty Council representatives even as the second

storm was winding up. At that point it remained doubtful whether roads would be sufficiently clear to permit us to travel

so far.

But Thursday was sunny and about 38 degrees, and local roads (some of them, at least) were plowed enough to permit

reasonable travel. Looking at traffic cameras on the Internet in the later afternoon showed the interstates in the

Philadelphia area to be clear and mostly dry, with traffic flowing at a good rate. And so we decided to make the trip for

the day.

Saturday morning at 4:30 AM, we were ready to leave St. John‘s. We had allowed extra time in case of any travel

difficulties, but encountered none on the trip up. The sky remained gray most of the day, with a muffled hazy sun peeping

through at times, not strong enough for any warming. Temperatures started out at 24 degrees at 8 AM and reached a

balmy 31 by the end of the day.

Our first stop was the outdoor amphitheater, where the opening ceremonies were held. Paths had been cut in the snow

down the hill and in a semicircle around the stage, not so deep as to reach the grass but better than walking through the

deeper snow. (Philadelphia received about as much snow out of the two storms as Olney did.) After the opening

ceremonies, we were assigned to the Orange group, to follow the Orange flag. But because the busses were late to take

the Orange group to our first stop, we missed most of the Artillery demonstration, which was confined to the one lane

road because of deep snow on either side. We fared better at the second stop, where we were centered on the rifle drill

demonstration, with scouts wielding wooden weapons. There were stops for rifle and musket firings, views into the

replica cabins of the type used by the solders, a history summary by a park ranger, and lastly, an Oneida Indian from

New York State describing the assistance the Oneida nation provided to Washington‘s army.


19

Busses returned us to the visitors‘ center where we sat in a corner and had our bag lunch, while a few went to watch the

history film in the adjacent building. We then drove over to Washington‘s Chapel (Washington‘s headquarters and the

refurbished train station being closed due to the recent snow). Here we could not enter because of a wedding in progress,

but there was a small ―World of Scouting‖ exhibit in a room to the rear, consisting of some cases of old patches and

awards and reprints of old scouting magazine covers. After that we returned to Olney with a stop for supper at Maryland

House on I-95.

~ Mr. Dale Bickel

Rifle Drills Officers‟ Cabin

Participants:

Kristian Gundersen William Santos

Holland McCabe Max Simpson

Anthony Justus Jim Bickel

Mr. Chris Simpson

Mr. Rick Justus

Mr. Dale Bickel

Mr. Magne Gundersen

Mr, Martin Predoehl


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Indians and T264 Scouts Third from the left is an Oneida Indian called Olite

Snow Shovel Brigade – February 15 The shoveling that was done by Troop 264 was in

response to the Volunteer Office of the county

calling Mr. Bogan, who called Mr. Justus to put

together a work crew to help clear some

sidewalks and driveways. On Monday, we

started by clearing a sidewalk in front of a house

belonging to an elderly woman who couldn‘t

shovel the sidewalk, and her husband had fallen

down and was in the hospital from the first storm.

She said she hired contractors, who shoveled

someone else‘s sidewalk. We shoveled her

sidewalk, and went to the house of an elderly man

who could not shovel his driveway. He told us

how he was without electricity for almost a week,

how a fire hydrant was taken out by a snowplow

in front of his house, and how glad he was that he

could finally drive out of his driveway. We

shoveled his driveway, which had a lot of snow and ice, that had to be chipped up with a few garden tools and

hammers. He thanked us for our labor, and we headed off to the next house, where the woman had had contractors

clear her driveway, but a plow blocked her in. We cleared that snow and widened her front walkway, and then decided

to head out to McDonald‘s for lunch. On the way, we passed an elderly man who was trying to move some snow that

had been pushed into his driveway by a snowplow. We stopped to help, and had the end clear in four minutes. He

thanked us, and told us that it would have taken him an hour to clear that. We headed to lunch at McDonald‘s, and then

arranged to head to our last site. The last site was a man looking for a cable junction box under several feet of plowed


21

snow, somewhere along a 50 foot stretch of road. That task was too big for a handful of shovelers, and, and so we

ended up going home. ~ Jim Bickel

Dr. Bob Hoover, retired broadcaster and

broadcast consulting engineer, snowed in for 9 days

“A word of thanks to the young men of Troop 264

and their leaders, who helped me dig a big pile of ice out of my driveway today. Were it not for them, I'd still be out there digging. They truly epitomize the Scout Promise: „To help other people at all times.‟ Best regards,

James D. Lawlor” (lower right)


22

The shoveling task force started with a call from the Volunteer Center in the County Executive‘s office to

Mr. Bogan on early Sunday morning the 14th, asking for the troop‘s assistance. But as Mr. Bogan was in

Delaware at the time, he was not in a position to take on this matter. Mr. Bogan called back to Olney and

got hold of Mr. Justus, who agreed to see what we could do to help. Mr. Justus contacted the county‘s 311

cell center to arrange for the information to be directed to him, while I sent out an e-mail to the troop

members to alert them that scout assistance might be needed. At that time – still mid-morning Sunday –

none of us had any idea how many calls we might be talking about, or where they might be located. Nor did

the call center, I gathered. Mr. Justus wisely put time constraints on the scouts‘ commitment to help, since

scouts were off school Monday for Presidents‘ Day but back to school after that.

It was middle to late afternoon before Mr. Justus had a list of several addresses, in different parts of the

county. Mr. Justus asked for assistance from the Order of the Arrow, and I believe someone from the

western part of the county offered to help out with an address there. Another person past Poolesville was

asking for help clearing out his 400 foot long driveway; Mr. Justus let that person know that he would refer

that request back to the county, that it was too big a job for the Scouts with shovels. In the end, we had six

or so addresses to deal with. We decided to wait until Monday morning to collect the scouts and shovel;

nevertheless, he and Anthony did shovel out one person that evening who needed to get out early Monday

for a doctor‘s appointment.

Monday‘s shoveling went as Jim described above, so I need not repeat it here. But special credit needs to be

given to Mr. Justus for the rational and organized way he approached this unexpected task. I was impressed

with his efficiency. Credit too to the scouts and scouters who came out on such short notice to help the

elderly and others in need. And let‘s not forget that Mrs. King and Ryan King addressed two or three calls

by themselves while we were working downcounty. Scout and scouters, you illustrate the best in Boy

Scouting.

~ Mr. Dale Bickel

I just received a call [on Feb.15] from Tom Street [from the County] and he said he could not be more proud of Troop 264 for the efforts, and how great it was of Mr. Justus to take this project on such quick notice. And I also want to thank Mr. Justus for his work and those who gave a hand. ~ Dennis Bogan, Scoutmaster Participants (hours):

Holland McCabe (3) Justin Stine (5) Bo Na (5) Jim Bickel (5)

Ryan King (5) Jacob Wiersma (5) Anthony Justus (7) Mr. Rick Justus (10)

Mr. Bret Stine (5) Mr. Dale Bickel (5) Mrs. Cindy King (5)

Nursing Home Visits

The January 30 Nursing Home visit was attended by the Hawk patrol, with the following scouts and scouters attending:

Anthony Justus Peter Barth Patrick Stoll Rick Justus Al Barth Martin Predoehl

The February 27 nursing home visit was attended by the Mammoth Patrol, but as that date was too late to make it into

this Signaler, we will list those participants next month. The March 27th

Nursing Home visit at Friends Nursing Home

is assigned to the Shark patrol. Thank you to all who continue to support this worthwhile activity./


23

Circuit Court Judge Rattal Visits T264 – February 15

Thanks to arrangements made by Dr. Paul Fowler, we were fortunate to have the Honorable Nicholas Rattal, Circuit

Court Judge of Maryland, visit Troop 264. He held a roundtable discussion for scouts that needed to complete First

Class Requirement #5, about scouts‘ constitutional rights and obligations as a U.S. citizen. Then Judge Rattal spoke to

the whole group of scouts for about half an hour about what it was like to be a judge, and what kinds of training would be

required. It was interesting and entertaining, and if you have to meet a judge face to face, this is definitely the way you

want to do it and not in a courtroom. Thank you, Judge Rattal!

Sandy Spring Museum Snow Removal – February 20

Sandy Spring Museum in Sandy Spring, MD put out a

request for help to open up the museum‘s parking lot in

advance of two large events they were holding over the

following few days. And so several Troop264 members

came armed with show shovels and scrapers. There were

other volunteers from outside the troop, too. As the

temperature was in the low 40s, the snow was heavy and

mushy. A ‖bobcat‖ front end loader from a local

landscaping service shifted big piles of snow while others

dug out parking lot spaces and sidewalks and cleaned up

after the areas had been shoveled by the bobcat. Two hours

later, we were finished. The museum was very grateful for

the assistance.

Participants (2 service hours):

Bo Na Jacob Levy Jacob Wiersma

Holland McCabe Jim Bickel Gavin Mangolas

Mr, Dennis Bogan Mr. Tim McCabe

Mr. Dale Bickel


24

Duty to God Award Earned December 6, 2009

This article just missed the January Signaler, and was left out of the February Signaler.

We publish it now while there’s still some snow left on the ground!

The Duty to God Awards were given to these scouts at the January Court of Honor.

On Sunday, December 6th, 7 scouts from Troop 264

participated as actors in the Bethlehem Marketplace at

the Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd in Olney, MD.

The boys played various roles recreating the town of

Bethlehem at the time of Christ's birth. The boys spent

many hours putting together with lashings the various

wooden sets. Victor Santos played the Roman Guard,

Willie Santos was Joseph, Brenden Fout was

shoemaker apprentice, Joshua Fowler was the temple

boy, Ryan King was town guide, Ryan Kreps was slave

and Jacob Wiersma played a beggar boy. These scouts

participated as part of their religious medallion class."

~Dr. Paul Fowler


25

Church Bulletin Bloopers

On the lighter side of the pew, here’s some actual church bulletin announcements

forwarded to the Signaler through Mr. Bob Irvin and his father, Mr. Bill Irvin. Can

you figure out what they intended to say?

Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

-------------------------- The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes snacks and meals. -------------------------- The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.' -------------------------- Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.. -------------------------- Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you. -------------------------- Don't let worry kill you off -- let the Church help. --------------------------

Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. -------------------------- For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. -------------------------- Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir; they need all the help they can get. -------------------------- Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. -------------------------- A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. -------------------------- At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice. -------------------------- Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. -------------------------- Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. -------------------------- Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you will want remembered. -------------------------- The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. -------------------------- Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow... -------------------------- The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.. -------------------------- This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin. --------------------------

“Hey! I‟m no blooper! I‟m with the previous article!”


26

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done. -------------------------- The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday. -------------------------- Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door. -------------------------- The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy. -------------------------- Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance. -------------------------- The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.’

February 22 Webelos Visit Night

The first Webelos visit night of this year brought in

Webelos scouts from Packs 1074, 434, and 89. There

were several stations set up by T264 scouts: Model

Campsite/Tent (Mammoths), Fire Safety (Vikings) ,

Knives (Foxes), Knots (Sharks), and Cooking (Hawks).

Good scout turnout, and there were more than 20 Cub

Scouts in attendance (and parents), and all seemed to have

a good time. The pictures tell the tale:

Webelos and parents that may be interested at taking

another look at Troop264 are welcome and encouraged to

come to any troop meeting and watch. Contact

[email protected] for information!



27

New Boy Scout Rank Advancement Changes Effective January 1, 2010

The Centennial edition of the Boy Scout Handbook is available and with it come several Boy Scout rank requirement

changes that will be in effect as of January 1, 2010. Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Life, and Eagle, as well

as Eagle Palms, are affected. The current requirements remain in effect until December 31, 2009.

2010 Rank Requirement Changes Tenderfoot.

A scout must teach another person how to tie a square knot using the EDGE method (explain, demonstrate, guide,

and enable). He must also be able to discuss four specific examples of how he lived the points of the Scout Law in his

daily life.


28

Second Class.

A scout must discuss the principles of Leave No Trace and explain the factors to consider when choosing a patrol site

and where to pitch a tent.

He must explain what respect is due the flag of the United States.

He must again discuss four examples of how he lived four different points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

He must earn an amount of money agreed upon by the scout and his parents and save at least 50% of it.

First Class.

An additional requirement to the 10 separate troop/patrol activities states that he must demonstrate the principle of

Leave No Trace on these outings.

He must discuss four examples of how he lived the remaining four points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

Life.

A scout must use the EDGE model to teach a younger scout a specified skill.

Star, Life, and Eagle.

Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer are two new leadership positions.

The following statement is from page 443 of the 12th Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook and applies to all Boy Scout

ranks (including Eagle Palms):

The rank requirements in this book are official as of January 1, 2010. If a Scout has started work toward a rank before

that date using requirements that were current before January 1, 2010, he may complete that rank only using

the old requirements. Any progress toward a rank that is begun after January 1, 2010, must use the requirements as they

are presented in the Handbook or in the Boy Scout Requirements book.

CLARIFICATIONS:

Although this paragraph is listed on the Eagle Palm page, it applies to each of the ranks from Tenderfoot to Eagle,

including the Eagle Palm. The scout has the option after January 1, 2010 to continue to use the current requirements for

the next rank (grandfathered) or to use the new requirements.

If a scout is working on Tenderfoot as of December 31, 2009, and does not have a Board of Review until January 2,

2010, the scout may use the old requirements. Although the scout may work on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second

Class, and First Class all at the same time, when the BOR for the next rank is completed in 2010, the new requirements

apply for the next rank.


29

Examples:

1. If a scout has finished all the requirements for Second Class and First Class, and has his BOR for Second Class on

January 4, 2010 and is scheduled for his BOR for First Class on January 5, 2010, the new requirements apply for First

Class.

2. If the scout is working toward earning the rank of Star, Life, or Eagle, he may choose to use the two new positions of

responsibility (Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer) which are authorized only after January 1, 2010.

Although the two new positions of responsibility (Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer) are not included in the

list on the Eagle requirements page (Handbook and QRG) or on the current Eagle scout rank application, they do apply

and can be used for the rank of Eagle Scout after January 1, 2010.

Note: When the 2010 Boy Scout Requirements book is published, these positions should be listed. This book takes

precedence over all other sources containing the advancement requirements.

~ From an e-mail by Rick Kessel, Chairman, Advancement Committee, NCAC

[email protected]

Video Training for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class

Scouting.org has videos available to help scouts with the rank requirements of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First

Class. These short videos include the new requirements listed immediately above.

http://www.scouting.org/applications/rankvideo.aspx

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 contact 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.

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 email, to the Signaler staff by the monthly deadline. E-mail lists to [email protected]. This

month’s deadline: March 23.


http://www.scouting.org/applications/rankvideo.aspx


30

District Roundtable

Our Boy Scout Roundtables feature informative discussions on topics from youth leadership training, using OA more

effectively in your troop, and summer camp experiences. Each month there are wonderful presentations, from wood

carving to Dutch oven cooking, to help your unit leaders provide new ideas and opportunities for your troop. Come

see what great new locations your troop might want to visit!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NOW ONLY ONE ROUNDABLE SESSION AT ONE LOCATION. The Roundtable time is held on the second Thursday of each month, at 7:30 PM.

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church, located on Highway 355 near the Shady Grove exit of Interstate 270, 610 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Patrols are assigned to cover this event on a rotating basis, as listed on the calendar in the Signaler, and must send one

adult to take notes and report back at the following Troop Adult meeting.

Resources for Planning Troop Outings

On the troop website, under ―Outings‖ at http://www.troop264olney.net/outings.html, you will find links to information

about places the troop has visited, as well as:

Guide and Checklist for Planning Troop Outings, which provides a step-by-step guide for Scouts and adults to plan a

successful trip;

Troop Outing Expense Accounting spreadsheet, to help Scouts and adults ensure that costs of troop outings are fully

covered;

Historical Hikes and Camping Summary Form, that Scouts and adults can download and complete or update with new

information about particular hikes and campouts that can then be sent to the troop webmaster [presently Mr. Bickel]

for uploading to the troop website; and

Links to completed summary forms containing information about various historical hikes and campouts the troop has

done, including information about Scout patches or medals that can be earned and information about accessibility for

physically-challenged Scouts or adults.

For further information about any of these tools, contact Mr. Bob Irvin at [email protected].

To Get Leadership Credit for Den Chief Service

If you are serving as a Den Chief for leadership credit, prior to your BOR must notify Mr. Matyas. You should obtain a

note from your Pack Den Leader and/or cubmaster. This letter should include: (1) the dates you served as a Den Chief

(at least six months); (2), The Pack and Den you served with; and (3) include the signature(s) of the Den Leader,

Cubmaster, and /or Pack Committee Chairperson and the date they signed off. Submit this letter to Mr. Matyas prior to

your BOR. (301)-570-0610, [email protected].

Den Chief Fast Start training (required) may be taken in about 30 minutes online at http://olc.scouting.org. Print copies of

the completion certificate, as you will need to give one to the den leader.

To earn the Den Chief Service Award, you must serve the pack faithfully as a den chief for one full year.

http://www.troop264olney.net/outings.html



http://olc.scouting.org/


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T264 Scout Leadership

Senior Patrol Leader: Holland McCabe Assistant SPLs: Anthony Justus

Tripp Karitis

Troop Offices:

Chaplain‘s Aide: Patrick Stoll Librarian: Brandon Orzel

Scribe: OPEN Troop Quartermaster: Victor Santos

Historian: Ryan King Instructor: Victor Santos

Troop Guides: Daniel Agre & Ryan Mercado OA Representative: Anthony Justus

Buglers: Kevin Carr & Peter Barth Signaler Editor: Jim Bickel

Patrol Offices:

Shark Patrol: Fox Patrol:

Patrol leader: Jonathan Godfrey Patrol Leader: Brandon Orzel

Asst. patrol leader: Jacen Sherman Asst. Patrol Leader: Chris Cymerman

Patrol quartermaster: Holland McCabe Patrol quartermaster: Ryan Mercado / Scott M

Signaler reporter: Victor Santos

Hawk Patrol: Viking Patrol:

Patrol leader: Justin Stine Patrol Leader: Michael Russell

Asst. patrol leader: Peter Barth Asst. Patrol Leader: Joshua Fowler

Patrol quartermaster: Ryan King Patrol quartermaster: Jim Bickel

Signaler reporter: William Santos

Mammoth Patrol:

Patrol leader: Jacob Wiersma

Asst. patrol leader: Matthew McDonald

Patrol quartermaster: Zach Wilson and Matthew McDonald

Northern Tier High Adventure Base -- 2011?

Troop 264 is currently pondering whether to send crews to the Northern Tier High Adventure Base in 2011. Northern

Tier actually exists as three bases, the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Ely (EE-LEE), Minnesota, the Don Roget

Canoe Base in Atikokan, Ontario, and the Northern Expeditions Canoe Base in Bissett, Manitoba.

The main website, that interested scouts and scouters are encouraged to peruse, is http://www.ntier.org. Also look at

http://www.ntier.org/Resources/Brochures/BSAExpedition%20Planning%20Guide2009.pdf, which has general and

specific information, including possible trips, that were available this past year.

Some miscellaneous notes:

Scouts must be 13 by the year in which they attend Northern Tier. So all scouts presently in the troop should be

eligible by 2011.

6 to 10 day trips available at Sommers and Roget Canoe Bases, 7 to 10 days at Bissett. Maximum crew size is 9

at Sommers, 12 at Roget (9 for some trips) and 12 at Bissett. These numbers include an interpreter/guide who

http://www.ntier.org/

http://www.ntier.org/Resources/Brochures/BSAExpedition%20Planning%20Guide2009.pdf


32

will be assigned to each crew. Minimum 2 adults per crew, maximum 3 at Sommers, ―majority of scouts‖

(probably 4 adults) at Roget and Bissett.

All canoe trips will have portages, up to 1.1 miles in length. ―Portage‖ means your crew must carry canoes and

gear overland from one waterway to another.

Swimming and canoeing merit badges recommended (look for these at summer camp this year). All participants

will be swim tested.

Reservations for 2011 should open up on April 1, 2010. But looking at the current Northern Tier reservation

calendar for 2010, there are still a number of spots open for 2010 trips, even in December 2009. So a mad rush

to register need not be made to register for 2011 trips. But if we have a crew ready April 1, we may want to

register for the trip right away to get the 2011 dates we want. (Seabase still has the spotlight for 2010.)

Crews will not do the same trips, so they may not need to arrive at the same time. This may necessitate different

travel plans for each crew.

Bissett and some Roget trips will require an extra $200 per person because the crew is flown into the remote

camp by float plane.

Like Philmont and Seabase, initially plan on a per person cost of about $1500. It might come in less than that,

but no guarantees.

We expect to have a meeting sometime in March to see who might have interest. So between now and then, please look

over the available material, and decide what your preferences might be.

What Is A Trained Leader?

A one page PDF file listing the courses that leaders need to take to be considered completely trained under the new

mandatory training requirements:

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx?orgkey=2185&id=73722

See this and more training information at the Montgomery District Training page:

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=23765

~ From the February 24 Montgomery District Newsflash

Impeesa – National Youth Leadership Training – June 18 - 21 and 25 - 27

―NYLT stands for National Youth Leadership Training. It is a nation-wide BSA course conducted at Council

level to provide advanced leadership training and skills to future leaders. In NCAC, the course has adopted a

Baden-Powell nickname, ―Impeesa‖ (the wolf that never sleeps), to further identify our program. .. The

objective of our NYLT program is to equip our young people with leadership skills to help them succeed in

their Troops and in LIFE. Impeesa brings together boys from all over the Council to learn and practice the

leadership techniques in a risk free, scout friendly environment. The Scouts learn and practice leadership skills

and styles together. Information about this June‘s program is available at

http://www.sfzoo.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=18907&orgkey=1934

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx?orgkey=2185&id=73722

http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=23765

http://www.sfzoo.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=18907&orgkey=1934


33

INFORMATION PAGE

Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

Some years ago we set up a new procedure for scouts to follow for requesting Board of Reviews. Being a large troop, we needed to give

the adults sitting on the BORs some lead-time. Recently the procedure has been sliding and the adults are getting short notice because of

last minute BORs being scheduled. Therefore we are restating our policy. FORGOT THE PROCEDURE? NO PROBLEM – It is almost

always on one of the last pages of each Signaler edition. Also, you can look at any past edition of the Signaler for this information.

Signaler Submittal Deadlines: Information Due to Reporters: March 23. Signaler distribution Date: April 1

Articles Due to Signaler Staff March 23 – No articles accepted after March 23.

Editor: Jim Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Webmaster Mr. Dale Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Reporters: William Santos

Victor Santos

301-260-8605

301-260-8605

[email protected]

[email protected]

Signaler Adults: Mrs. Laura Evans 301-260-1042 [email protected]

Mr. Dale Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Adult Advisors:

Scoutmaster: Mr. Dennis Bogan 301-774-2768 [email protected]

Treasurer: Mrs. Debbie Karitis 301-774-9653 [email protected]

Troop Committee: Mr. Mark Russell 301-774-1077 [email protected]

Order of the Arrow (OA) Mr. Rick Justus 301-774-7833 [email protected]

Advancement Chairman: Mr. Gary Matyas 301-570-0610 [email protected]

SPL: Holland McCabe

Adult activity coordinators – please submit information about upcoming activities to Signaler Staff (electronically or hardcopy)

by the deadline. Please contact a Signaler reporter if you would like to have a Scout generate the announcement for you. If any

information about or participants of activities have been left out of the Signaler; corrections will be made in the next issue.

Please send any corrections to The Signaler at [email protected].

The Signaler is posted on the troop’s website, www.troop264olney.net. Notice is sent by E-MAIL when the new

Signaler edition is posted. To get on the e-mail list, or to be removed or make corrections, please send an e-mail to

[email protected] (Mr. Dale Bickel).

The Signaler Staff

BOR Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Walt Greenspon @ (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.

Dress Code for BOR: Class ―A‖ shirt, neckerchief, slide and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted).

A scout hat is preferred.









http://www.troop264olney.net/



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ADVANCEMENT INFORMATION PAGE

BOARD of REVIEW (BOR)

Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Greenspon @ (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 for a month. If your scout is scheduled for a 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). 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 The Patrol Dad, not a senior scout, is responsible for signing off on Scout Spirit prior to your Scoutmaster

Conference.

SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES

Any scout needing a Scoutmaster Conference for advancement up through 1

st class, needs to contact one of

the following for a conference: Mr. Kennedy 301-774-5014 Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394 Mr. Laing 301-570-4235 Mr. Long 301-924-4365 Mr. Pitts 301-774-3208 Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974 Mr. Culbertson 301-774-7049 Mr. Zuccaro 301-774-0824 Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life, and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan - (301)-774-2768, [email protected]. Preparation for the scout’s BOR must include being prepared to answer skill, citizenship, first aid, and merit badge questions.

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. You would be the fourth person on the Board. While you wouldn’t have a vote, you would have input into the decision-making process and add invaluable knowledge and insight by asking questions that perhaps scouters wouldn’t think to ask. This is a great way to give back to and maintain the quality of your troop.

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SEABASE Installment Payment -- Please include this slip with any Seabase installment payment to T264 /

Mrs. Karitis. Checks must be made out to ―BSA Troop 264‖.

Please PRINT clearly.

Name(s): ______________________________________________________________________________________

Amount: ________________________ - Checks Scout Credit -_______________________________________

(If using scout credits, please include the scout credit form.)

Date: _________________ Comment: _____________________________________________________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------

Permission Slip for Merit Badge Madness March 26-28, 2010

I give permission for my son _______________________________ to participate in the Troop 264 trip

to Merit Badge Madness at the Annapolis Christian School, Odenton, MD. In an emergency, please

notify ___________________________ (indicate name 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

Documents

NCAC Centennial Camporee -- May 29-31 Summer Camp at ...Caving. Both are lots of fun. For Sunday morning at 9 AM, Mr. Wiersma has arranged for interested scouts to do either the Forestry