Troop 2 Columbus Day weekend trip

Troop 2 will not be holding a Cape Cod Bike Trip this year. This change is in response to feedback received last fall from the scouts.

The Troop will return to the Cape for a bike trip next year, and will alternate subsequent years with a new event.

Our 2011 event will offer an opportunity for the scouts to spend a few days at the center of the “Cradle of the American Revolution” visiting historic sites, earning special patches for their sashes, and completing merit badge requirements simply by participating.


Details:

When: Oct 8 – 9
Where: Bedford, MA and Lexington/Concord MA, Acton MA
Our stops will include:

Lexington Green
Concord River North Bridge
Minuteman National Park and Revolutionary War museum
Bedford Flag Historic Trail
Isaac Davis Historic Trail

We will arrive on Saturday morning, set up our camp, and head out to walk the Bedford Flag Trail and explore Lexington & Concord. This walk is under 6 miles, and will take us about 2-3 hours.

Scouts who complete this leg of the trip will receive a special edition patch.

The trail ends at Concord Bridge. Much of the trail is inside the Minuteman National Historic Park, where we will review several historic sites, terminating at the Old Concord Bridge. We will have lunch at the park.
Afterward we will proceed to the campground, and have dinner.
On Sunday we will break camp after breakfast and proceed to Acton. We will then follow the Issac Davis Trail, which is also an official Boy Scout Historic Trail. This is a 7 mile trail walk, and will take about 3 hours, after which we will have lunch and return to Weymouth.

Scouts who complete this leg of the trip will receive a second special edition patch.

One goal for this trip is to complete requirements for Citizenship in the Nation and American Heritage Merit Badges.

Please check the BLOG again as we will be posting further information on this trip later this week.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Chase

Annual Ham & Bean Dinner, Monday Sept 19th at 7 PM

Event: Monday Meeting (Annual Ham & Bean Dinner)
When: Monday 9/19/11 7pm – 9pm
Where: Weymouth Heights Club
Who: All Scouts and a Parent

Note: Full uniforms required.

Join us as we kick off another year of scouting. All scouts are encouraged to bring one parent to this event.

There will be no drum practice this evening.
A Ham and Bean dinner prepared by our adult volunteers will be served, and merit badges earned at camp and over the summer will be awarded. Some badges (Public Speaking and Communications) have remaining requirements and will not be awarded until those are completed later this month.

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

Lost and Found

Found - Religious Award Knot (purple square knot) at WHC after Monday meeting

Lost at camp - Light brown cot bag

Lost at camp - Hobo knife

Found at camp - clothes, towels, notebooks, and messkit pieces

Please see Mr. Chase on Monday night before or after the Ham & Bean dinner to reclaim your items.

Troop 2 Weymouth – September Dates

September 12 – WHC meeting – last chance to pass in any merit badge materials from Camp for presentation at the Ham & Bean Dinner

September 15 – Adults needed to help sort bottles and cans, 7 PM at the WHC garage

September 18 – Troop Committee Meeting at 7 PM, Weymouth Heights Club

September 19 – Annual parent and son Ham & Bean Dinner and Award Presentation –
When: 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Weymouth Heights Club
Who: All Scouts and a Parent

Full uniforms required.

Join us as we kick off another year of scouting. All scouts are encouraged to bring one parent to this event.

A ham and bean dinner prepared by our adult leaders will be served, and merit badges earned at camp and over the summer will be awarded.

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

September 22 – Adults needed to help sort bottles and cans, 7 PM at the WHC garage

September 23 - Comedy Night

WEYMOUTH HEIGHTS CLUB
SPONSOR OF TROOP 2, PACK 2 AND GIRL SCOUT TROOP 74383 PRESENTS AN EVENING OF COMEDY, MUSIC AND DANCING

Friday, September 23, 2011 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Weymouth Elks
1197 Washington Street
Weymouth, MA

COST: $20.00 per ticket


September 24-25 Valley Pines Campout – Scouts should arrive at Valley Pines on Saturday morning by 10 AM, and should plan meals including a lunch, supper, and light cold breakfast. Work on rank advancement, Paul Bunyan, and other activities are planned. Scout should wear sturdy footwear for a potential hike.

September 26 - Gym Night at the First Church, 8 PM – 9 PM

September 29 – Adults needed to help sort bottles and cans, 7 PM at the WHC garage
Please check the BLOG regularly for updates on all events. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Chase

Troop Committee Meeting, Sunday August 14 at 7 PM

Our next Troop Committee meeting is Sunday, August 14, at 7 PM.

In lieu of a formal committee meeting, an abbreviated agenda will be discussed

Agenda

1. Camp Review/Wrap Up - review of what went well and what needs improvement

2. 100th Anniversary Plans

3. August/September Schedule review

Sept 10/11 100th Anniversary reception
Sept 17/18 Campout
Sept 18 Committee Mtg
Sept 19 Camp Awards/Ham & Bean Dinner
Sept 23 WHC Comedy Night Fundraiser
Sept 24 One Day Canoe Trip
Oct 1 - Great Pumpkin Give-A-Wey

Canoe Trip Prep - 6/13 Meeting

At last weeks meeting, Mr. Kelley focused on the equipment we need for a successful trip.  Tonight he will be speaking about planning a menu and cooking on the trip.  We also expect a special guest speaker; John Lonergan (JL) will be sharing some of his experience and knowledge with us.  JL has probably spent more time in canoes and on trails then any other active member of Troop 2.

It is not too late to sign up.

Some of the details:

Trip Date: June 22 - June 24  (we depart on the morning after the last day of school)

Trip Route: Fryeburg to Hiram Maine via Saco River.

Who can go: Scouts who have earned their Canoeing Merit Badge

Cost: $30 / Scout (due on 6/13/2011)

Scouts will be expected to pack all their own gear for the 3 days.  They will need a life vest, clothes, sleeping bag, toiletries and food.  The Troop can provide transportation and tents if necessary.  Mr Kelley has a complete detailed handout for anyone that need it.

Canoe Trip - 3 days on the Saco

Mr Kelley is bringing back one of the great Troop 2 traditions - the Overnight Canoe Trip.  Back in the days of Mr Kelley's youth, Troop 2 would go on a week long canoe trip on the Saco River which included several portages and a sidetrip up to and across Kezar Pond.  Due to work schedules, this tradition was discontinued.  Mr. Kelley is bringing back an abbreviated version of the trip, which will put us on the river for 3 weekdays (and avoid weekend crowds).

Some of the details:

Sign Up Date:  Monday June 6

Trip Date: June 22 - June 24  (we depart on the morning after the last day of school)

Trip Route: Fryeburg to Hiram Maine via Saco River.

Who can go: Scouts who have earned their Canoeing Merit Badge

Cost: $30 / Scout

Scouts will be expected to pack all their own gear for the 3 days, life vest, including clothes, sleeping bag, toiletries and food.  The Troop can provide transportation and tents if necessary.  A more complete supply list will be distributed later.

2011 Memorial Day Parade

What: Memorial Day Parade
When: Monday, May 30th, 9 AM to 11 AM

Details: All scouts are expected to march with the troop in the annual Memorial Day parade.

We will meet at the Pingree School at 9:00 AM to issue gear and prepare for the parade. The school is located just outside of Jackson Square, on Commercial Street. Please note this is a change from prior years.

Please assemble in FULL uniform with comfortable dark-colored shoes. Please do not wear your sash.

Parents, please pick up your son promptly after the parade at Abigail Adams Middle School. The parade typically ends at 11 AM when the observances begin at Town Hall on the memorial green.

We will be wearing the following troop gear, which must be returned by your son at the end of the parade. Scouts will carry a flag, a banner, or perform with the drum corps.

· White leggings or gaiters
· Drum straps, flag straps

May 28th Cemetery Flagging

All scouts gather at 8:00 at the Fireman's Memorial, in the Village Cemetery (across from KFC on Rt 53) - this is the first cemetery we flag, followed by the North Weymouth Cemetery at 9 AM where we are joined by the Cub Scouts, followed by the St Francis Cemetery, behind Papa Gino's on the corner of Middle and Washington St (Rt 53) - afterward pizza at the Wessagussett Post VFW on Broad St. All done by 2 PM.

Transportation needed (parental carpools) between cemeteries and the VFW.

No uniforms - please wear Troop 2 Class B shirts - drum corps, camp, etc.

Important Upcoming Dates

Sun. May 7, 7pm	Committee Meeting (all parents welcome)
Fri. May 13, 6:30pm	Eagle Banquet Drum Practice for ALL drummers
Sat. May 14, 5:30pm	Eagle Banquet	Eagle Banquet Posts
Sun. May 15, 1pm	Drum Corp Outing	Drum Corp Posts
Sat. May 21 - 22	NH Overnight Campout and Hike	NH Hike Posts: 1, 2, 3
Sat. May 28	Weymouth Cemetery Flagging	Cemetery Flagging Posts: 1, 2, 3
Mon. May 30	Memorial Day Parade	Parade Posts
June 22 - 24	3 Day Canoe Trip	Canoe Trip Posts

Valley Pines Campout - 4/16/2011

Event:  Campout

When:  Saturday 4/16/11 9:30am - Sunday 4/17/11 8am

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

Who:  All Scouts

Bring:  Camping gear, food and cookware

This should be an enjoyable campout - Mr Kelley and Mr Chase have some good activities planned.

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

• Please be sure to pick up your scout by 8am on Sunday.
• All boys must check out with Mr. Kelley before leaving Valley Pines

Herring Run Cleanup - Community Service Opportunity

The annual Herring Run cleanup is Saturday, April 2nd. Our troop will be participating. Scouts should meet at 8 AM at Brady's Package Store in lower Jackson Square. Please bring gloves, wear proper footwear and clothing, and bring water and any snacks you may want. Scouts should be aware that there is poison ivy along the riverbank and should clean up properly when they get home after this community service.

Scouts will return to Brady's Package Store at 12:30 for pickup.

Town of Weymouth's hand-out: 2011_Herring_Run.pdf

Save the Date: Feb 13 Scout Sunday

On February 13th, all Scouts are invited to celebrate Scout Sunday at the First Church Weymouth.  At this service some of our Scouts will be receiving their "God and Church" religious award.

Scouts should meet at the church at 9:30, wearing their complete uniforms.

Find out more about Scout Sunday: 

BSA- A Scout is Reverant
Wikipedia - Scout Sunday

Blog - God and Church award

Save the date: Feb 6 Scout Sunday

On February 6th, all Scouts are invited to celebrate Scout Sunday at Immaculate Conception Parish.  We will join other scouts there for this annual celebration.

Scouts should meet in the chapel at 9:30, wearing their complete uniforms.

Find out more about Scout Sunday: 

BSA- A Scout is Reverant
Wikipedia - Scout Sunday

Community Service Opportunity - With Cats!

Mr. Clancy mentioned this organization at the Ski Trip and passed out some hand-outs to the scouts.

Where: Ce Ce and Friends, Cat Shelter at the South Weymouth Airbase, which is located at the first Building / house on the left as you drive in about ¼ mile in

When: Jan 16, 2011 10AM- 12:00 noon. 

January 16 2011 meet at Ce Ce and Friends to help socialize Cats and Kittens. The Cat Shelter at the South Weymouth Airbase is located at the first Building / house on the left as you drive in about ¼ mile in.

If you have questions, please contact Mr Clancy (1-781-217-8142)

Annual Registration Time

It is once again time to re-register for both adults and youth members of Troop 2.  Payment for registration is due by 12/20/10 for all Troop members.    Payments received after that date run the risk of a lapse in membership.

Please make checks payable to Troop 2 Weymouth in the amount of $25 for adult members and $50 for youth members.

Checks can also be mailed directly to the clubhouse:

Troop 2
Attn:  Joe Keenan
598 North Street
Weymouth, MA 02189

All adult volunteers are now required, by BSA, to complete the online Youth Protection training.  The complete details for this are available here:  Old Colony Council Training Requirements .  This training must be renewed every two years.  Without this training, BSA will not allow adults to be registered.

Valley Pines Campout Cancelled

The campout planned for this weekend, 12/11, has been cancelled.

Instead we will be working on rank advancement requirements - lashing, fire starting, patrol cook, etc - at the clubhouse from 9:30 to 12:30.

Historical Merit Badge follow up Saturday 12/4

Reminder – Historical Merit Badge follow up Saturday 12/4

9:00 AM - 10 AM Pathfinding Merit Badge (most scouts received this after camp - if you did not, please see Mr. Chase - scouts expected to attend have been notified)

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Finish up and test skills on Tracking and Signalling

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM – Carpentry

Note: If you plan to stay for Carpentry, please bring a bag lunch


Tracking – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Homework details - this information was discussed on 11/27 - if you have any questions, please contact Mr. Chase

1. Draw 10 of the tracks (refer to previous posting) to scale, listing animal name and dimensions

2. Submit evidence (description and clear identification of animal) that he has scored at least 30 points from the following groups:

(4 of the 5 groups (a), (b),(c), (d), (e) must be represented in the score of 30 and at least 7 points must be scored from (a),(b), or (c). )

a) Live bird away from nest = 4 points each
b) Live woodchuck or smaller wild animal = 3 points each
d) Live wild animal larger than woodchuck = 4 points each
e) Live bird on nest = 3 points each
f) Tracks of live wild animal or bird = 2 points each

3. Submit satisfactory evidence that he has trailed two different kinds of wild animals or birds on ordinary ground far enough to determine the direction in which they were going, and their gait or speed. Give the names of animals or birds trailed, their direction of travel, and describe gait and speed; or submit satisfactory evidence that he has trailed six different kinds of wild animal or birds in snow, sand, dust, or mud, far enough to determine the direction they were going and their gait or speed. Give names of animals or birds, their direction of travel, and describe gait and speed.

4. Submit satisfactory evidence that he has tracked a human being and deducted from the trail whether it was man or woman, young or old, the gait or speed, and also give any other information deduced

Troop 2 Ski Trip Reminder

Event: Ski Trip to Shawnee Peak
When: January 7-9th
Where: Shawnee Peak, Maine

Payment info:

Cost: $135.00 per scout (includes food, lodging, lift tickets and rentals) – check payable to Troop 2 BSA

Due by November 1st

Details:

Please join us for the annual Troop 2 Ski Trip to Shawnee Peak, Maine. This event is loads of fun, and is well attended. We stay in a single lodge, with scouts located on two floors and adults on the ground floor. Adults are present at the mountain and in the chalet throughout the day. Many adults also ski and are on the slopes with the scouts.

Our accommodations are within walking distance of the mountain, and we also shuttle the scouts to the base on a regular schedule.

Lodging, lift tickets, and rentals are included in the event. Scouts can earn the Snow Sports merit badge, as well we learning to ski and snowboard.

We stay right on the property of Shawnee Peak, at the Shawnee Peak House, a 10-bedroom self-service guesthouse. Each room features a private bath. The common area offers a fully-equipped kitchen, double fireplace, games, coin-operated Bumper pool table, cable TV, DVD player, phone and WIFI. The Peak House also gives you close proximity to Shawnee Peak's vast ski trail network.

More info on Shawnee Peak:

• ShawneePeak.com
• Directions
  

Troop 2 Halloween Party - Oct 25th, WHC

The Troop 2 annual Halloween party will be held this evening, October 25th, at the Weymouth Heights Club.


There will be no drum practice, and no uniforms are required.


Please wear a costume and participate in the party or please wear your Class B uniform (Troop shirt and scout pants).


Refreshments will be served.


The meeting starts promptly at 7:30 PM.