CANCELED Reminder: Scout Canoe Trip - Whitman's Pond

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
When:  Saturday 10/3/09 9am-11:30am
Where:  Meet at Clubhouse
Bring:   Lifevests are mandatory.  Water, snack and hat are recommended.

The scouts will be taking a short trip around Whitman's Pond.  All scouts are encouraged to attend.

Great Pumpkin Give-A-Wey - DATE CHANGED

DUE TO WEATHER, THE TOWN HAS CHANGED THE DATE ON THIS EVENT TO 10/17/09

The Troop will be participating in the Great Pumpkin Give-A-Wey. This is a fun community event and families are invited to check it out.

Click the PDF icon to view the full-sized handout with more information

also see http://www.weymouth.ma.us/news/news.asp?id=10733 for more info

Troop 2 Weekly Meeting recap - 9/28

Troop 2 is back to meeting on a regular basis at the clubhouse. We had our first weekly meeting last night, and it was a full agenda of activities.


Weekly meeting recap - 9/28

Troop 2 Bottle & Can Drive - Jackson takes the lead

Our Bottles and Can Drive is the only method we have for raising funds for our scouting program.  We need the support of every Scout and your friends as well.

We have drop off boxes spread throughout Weymouth and we also take bottles and cans at the Clubhouse.  We except glass and aluminum - anything with a 5 cent redemption value.

Scout - the following chart shows where you stand on helping to support the troop.  Congratulations to Jackson who holds the #1 spot (for now).

Drum Corps - Veterans Day Parade pieces

For the Troop 2 Drum Corps, these are the pieces we'll be playing in the parade in 6 weeks.

Please continue to practice at home.

The next formal practice will be Sunday October 18th. We also practice informally before every Monday night meeting held at the clubhouse.

Are You a Troop 2 Drummer?

Here are three of our newest drummers - Tim, Bryan and Tim.  They are at the Sunday night practice, as all drummers should be.  Do you want to drum in the upcoming Veteran's Day parade?  If so, then please join these boys on Sundays 6:30-7:30 and Mondays 7:00-7:30. 

Remember - every Scout can be a drummer.  You can learn how to drum!

Trip Report - 9/26/09 Campout

The Troop spent the weekend at our Valley Pines camp grounds in Norwell.  The weather was fantastic when we arrived Saturday but we woke up to some light rain on Sunday.  The weekend was filled with some great activities:

• Our newest scouts all worked on knife and ax safety.  The instructors, Nick and Tom, did a great job and the younger scouts all earned their Totin' Chip
•  The older scouts worked with younger scouts on fire starting skills.  The boys all got their fires started without the use of matches - flint only!
• Mr. Sibbald brought his ham radio setup and the boys were all introduced to the equipment and it's operation, using voice and Morse Code.  Contact was made with other operators in the U.S. and Europe
• With some adult help the boys all got a chance to see how pulleys and ropes can give the boys a mechanical advantage for moving heavy objects.
• Some of the scouts helped Doug build a 65 foot rope bridge.  After the scouts finished building the bridge, they enjoyed taking turns crossing it (until we dismantled it at sunset).
  

Troop 2 Drum Corps

The Troop 2 Drum Corps has begun practicing in anticipation of the Veterans Day Parade November 11th.

We’ll be working on several pieces, and all scouts are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Sundays we practice for an hour, and cover both the mechanics of drumming on both the snare and bass, and learning pieces. On Mondays we focus on practicing the specific pieces for this parade.

Drum Corps Dates

Sunday 9/27 - 6:30-7:30
Monday 9/28 - 7:00-7:30
Monday 10/5 - 7:00-7:30
Monday 10/12 - 7:00-7:30
Sunday 10/18 - 6:30-7:30
Monday 10/19 - 7:00-7:30
Sunday 10/25 - 6:30-7:30
Monday 10/26 - 7:00-7:30
Sunday 11/1 - 6:30-7:30
Monday 11/2 - 7:00-7:30
Monday 11/9 - 7:00-7:30
Wednesday 11/11 - Veterans Day Parade

Please contact Brian Chase if you have any questions.

Handout for Bike Trip

Mr. Kelley's handout is also available online.

Click the image to view the full-sized PDF in a new window.

The Trip is Oct 10-12
Cost - $30

Reminder - September Campout

Event:  Campout

When:  Saturday 9/26/09 10am - Sunday 9/27/09 9am

Where:  Valley Pines (505 Grove St., Norwell, MA)

Who:  All Scouts

Bring:  Camping gear & food

We are kicking off another season of campouts.  

Please review the Troop guidelines and policies for Valley Pines at our troop2weymouth site. You'll find a complete list of what to bring (and what not to bring), as well as directions, contact numbers and more.

Back River Canoe Trip - Report

We launched from Abigail Adams part and set out in cold windy conditions.  The boys did well as we made our way down the Back River.  We had eight canoes, three kayaks and a motor boat - a great group of guys.

Den Chiefs go off to Training

To the credit of these boys, they were willing to pass on our canoe trip and go to Den Chief training. These Den Chiefs will assist the Cub Scout dens in Pack 2.

Mt. Cardigan Hike

Late Post.   In May the boys did an overnight hike at Mt. Cardigan.  We didn't take the route we planned but scouts are prepared and they adapt well.

Introducing the Pack 2 Blog

For anyone interested our Cub Scout Pack's activities, be sure you check out their new blog. The site is Pack2Weymouth.blogspot.com and they can be contacted via email at Pack2Weymouth@live.com.

Troop 2 on Facebook

Do you have a Facebook account?

Troop 2 has a Facebook group, dedicated to providing a communication point and portal for updates and connections between past and present scouts, both active and inactive, as well as members of the troop and families as we move toward our 100th anniversary. This space is being used to generate excitement and gather suggestions for our 100th anniversary celebration.

To find the group, go to your Facebook account and enter TROOP 2 WEYMOUTH in the search bar. The group is open to the public, and you're welcome to participate in this forum!

If you have any questions, please contact Brian Chase.

Reminder - Drum Practice starts 9/20

Reminder - Drum Practice starts on Sunday, September 20th. Practice will run from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Hope to see all active drummers, and any scouts interested in joining the drum corps, at practice.

Ham & Bean Dinner

We had a great turnout for our annual Ham & Bean dinner. The food was excellent and thanks go out to those that helped with this effort.

Mr. Clancy talked briefly and turned over his position as Scoutmaster to Mr. Kelley.   Mr. Clancy will remain in the Troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster.   Mr. Kelley spoke regarding his vision for the future of the troop.

Shane Phillips has completed his term as Senior Patrol Leader. At the dinner, we welcomed Eric Hicks as the Troop’s new Senior Patrol Leader.

Many badges were distributed which the scouts earned over the summer and at camp. Eagle Palms were presented to Shane Phillips and Tom Murphy.

Photo by Lisa Davis

Mr. Clancy Steps Down as Scoutmaster

Mr. Clancy has passed the mantle of Scoutmaster to Mr. Kelley and has also offered the following note to the Troop

September 14, 2009 I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Weymouth Heights Club and the Troop 2 Committee Chair for allowing me to serve this organization. When Ron Parry died, Jimmy Hamilton stepped up and became Scoutmaster for a few years and then Jim chose to step down and turn over the responsibility to the committee. At the same time, Harold Porter chose to resign from the organization. Both men gave a tremendous amount of work and effort in support of Troop 2 and I would like to thank them. Following the passing of Ron Parry in June of 2006, our organization experienced a period of adjustment during which we endured some growing pains. Shortly after Ron’s passing, we attempted to introduce a corporate structure for running the Troop but change is difficult for many people. We persevered and slowly and naturally gravitated to the new system with the understanding that although no one could ever manage the Troop as Ron Parry did, we as active committee members could successfully develop and implement a new model. For the new parents of Troop 2, the organization operates similarly to a corporation in that the WHC selects the Troop Chair. The Troop 2 Committee Chair makes policy and sets the direction in which the troop heads. The Chair selects the people to perform specific tasks and the Chair is ultimately responsible for the program being a success. Reaching our current goals and setting future ones is an ongoing process. Part of this process is introducing young parents into the organization because they can offer enthusiasm and fresh ideas. We need these parents to be active in their son’s life in the Scouting program. Once people have served the Troop for a period of time, they can then step down and make it possible for others to serve. I feel very confident that Jim Kelley brings the correct attitude to this program. Jim will continue using logic and reason to make decisions for the Troop. I have used three specific guidelines to support the decision-making process. When an idea is being considered, the first question that needs to be asked is ``Does this support the Scout?’’ The second question is ``Does this support the Troop?’’ The third is ``Does this support the organization?” If all three answers are yes, then it is right to move forward. I am deeply honored to have served as Scoutmaster of Troop 2 and have my name in the same company as the other Troop 2 Scoutmasters such as Franklin Pratt and Ron Parry. Ron Parry was a father figure to many of us and later in life, he became more like a brother and he was always a friend. In the recent line of Scoutmasters, I feel privileged to serve between Jimmy Hamilton and Jimmy Kelley. I have great respect for both and I consider them younger brothers and close friends. Best wishes to Troop 2. I know the Troop will carry on with honor and dignity. I feel blessed to have been a part of it. With sincere appreciation, Charlie Clancy

Cub Scouts

Do you know someone who might be interested in joining Cub Scouts?
Please let them know about Pack 2. It's not too late to sign up - they can join at the first Pack meeting. Boys can join Cub Scouts when they start first grade.
The Pack holds it's first meeting on September 16, 5:45pm at the First Church Weymouth.
Help support our entire scouting program - recruit boys into our Cub Scout Pack.

Troop Calendar available

The calendar for 2009-2010 has been completed. All our events, up until camp next year, are all provided. Please take a look.

• Troop 2 Calendar

Reminder - Canoe Trip on 9/19

Event: Canoe Trip

When: Saturday 9/19/09. 7:30am – 12:30pm

Where: Meet at the Weymouth Height’s Club

Who: All Scouts

Bring: No Uniforms. Life Vest, Water, Snack, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen

This trip will take us through Esker Park and out onto the Back River. We will be back at the clubhouse by 12:30. All participants must sign up for this event at the 9/14 meeting.

Reminder - Ham & Bean dinner on 9/14

Event: Monday Meeting (Annual Ham & Bean Dinner)

When: Monday 9/14/09. 7pm – 9pm

Where: Weymouth Height’s Club

Who: All Scouts and a Parent

Bring: Uniforms required.

The menu this year has been switched to Hamburgers and Hotdogs, but the event is the same. Join us as we kick off another year of scouting. All scouts are encouraged to bring one parent to this event.

Please note that the flyer that went home was in error - the start time is 7pm

If you would like to bring a dessert to share, it would be appreciated.

Reminder - Softball on 9/7

Event: Monday Meeting (softball)

When: Monday 9/07/09. 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Where: Newell Park (off Idlewell Blvd)

Google maps

Who: All Scouts

Bring: Bug spray. Softball Equipment. No Uniforms

Note – As it is getting dark earlier, we will be ending by 7:30.

Scoutmaster Thanks for Officer Davey Honor Guard

August 31, 2009 I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Troop 2 organization in recognition of your service to your community and to the family of Officer Michael Davey of the Weymouth Police Department. Officer Davey served his country in Iraq as a member of the National Guard and was a cheerful, hard-working and dedicated member of the police department. He loved his family and friends and he served his hometown with unflagging dedication. A loss of this magnitude is difficult, if not impossible, to understand. The passing of Officer Davey makes us realize that our time here is short and it’s important to express to friends and family their meaning in our own lives. As much comfort as the family received from those near and dear to them, the outpouring of compassion from the community cannot be overstated. It meant a great deal to the Davey family to know that they are surrounded by caring people and to see the Troop 2 Boy Scouts lined up along the side of the road in a driving rain sent a powerful, compassionate message. You all should know by your actions and your service, you have demonstrated your leadership and ability to empathize with those who are bearing an unimaginable loss. You have reached out with a giving spirit and consoled grieving hearts. I am proud of Troop 2 and I thank everyone who extended themselves on such a tragic day. With deep appreciation, Troop 2 Scoutmaster Charles Clancy