Category: blog
August 23, 2020
Hello Troop Members and Families,
I am writing to provide an update on Troop Operations. As everyone has seen, the numbers have been rising but are beginning to flatten. Even though the numbers are beginning to flatten, they are still quite high.
After talking with the Scoutmaster and other leaders, the Troop is going to remain on hold having in-person meetings. We will take the next two Mondays off and then is Labor Day, which we normally take off. This approach will give another three weeks to see what happens. It also allows schools to get fully started and determine what the impact will be on the numbers.
The next update date will be Monday, September 14. Until then, continue working on advancements as many are doing. Reach out if you need anything, the leaders are ready to help.
We will be offering a unique activity this fall during the meeting break. The Troop has a couple leaders who have their ham radio license and they have agreed to run a distant learning study course for anyone wishing to get their license. This activity will be available to any troop member or family member interested. I will be studying along with you. So, watch for the announcements on the classes.
Keep wearing your mask, washing your hands, and gather only in your own local social pods. These actions do make a difference. Together we will get through this challenge and be better on the backside.
If you need anything please ask. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other.
Jeff Sipes
Troop Committee Chairman
Committee / Parent Meeting
There will be another parent meeting on September 24th after the start of the Scout meeting. We will continue to discuss fundraising ideas and hope to have additional ideas brought up for consideration.
September Advancement Theme
The September theme is cycling with a focus on bike packing.
Our Scoutmaster of the month is Mr Sipes!
Cycling – MeritBadgeDotOrg
September Camping
The September outing will be on the 29th and 30th. The trip will be a bike packing trip. Location and details will be announced. Scouts wishing to participate should have their bikes in working condition and ready to ride. Our equipment will be transported on a trailer.
New Photos Posted
Sorry! There are no new pictures this month.
If you have new or old pictures from troop activities such as the summer camping trip or family campout feel free to post them on Facebook. You can also send pictures to Morgan Paul
Tennessee Paracycling Open
Please see the flyer here for the TPO which should provide more information for Scouts and Families. The event takes place Saturday September 22nd and Sunday the 23rd. The event organizers currently need volunteers for the morning shifts from 7:00am to roughly 12:00pm each day. We are looking for additional adult volunteers. We still need 1 adult on Saturday and two adults on Sunday to assist the kids.
Grace Lutheran Annual Pet Fest
Troop 224 plays a large part in supporting the Grace Lutheran Church Pet Fest that will be held on Saturday October 6, 2018 from 1 to 5 PM. Scouts will be need to be there early in the day to help set up and to assist during the day. Make sure to sign up for some time at the September 24th meeting.
Details can be found here
Update to Kroger Community Rewards Program!
The Kroger Community Rewards Program has provided some welcome funds to the troop over the last year thanks to the families that have participated.
THERE IS A NEW NUMBER FOR OUR TROOP. Please review the instruction
here to assign the new number here, or to add it if you have not participated before now.
Additional information about the program
here.
Committee / Parent Meeting
There will be a 30 minute meeting tonight at 7 PM for committee members and parents.
April Advancement Theme
In preparation for summer camp we will begin working on backpacking/camping this month.
Backpacking – MeritBadgeDotOrg
Hiking – MeritBadgeDotOrg
April Camping
The April outing will be backpacking trip. This months trip is scheduled for April 14-15 (Honey Creek Loop Trail in Big South Fork). For the people who plan to do summer camp we need to start working on our 50 miles of training hikes.
New Photos Posted
There have been new pictures posted to the troop Facebook page that are now also available on the Troop website. Be sure to check them out!
Additional Information for Newer Scouts
Kroger Rewards
For those who shop at Kroger, you probably know the Kroger makes contributions to local non profit organizations throughout their service areas via the Kroger Community Rewards (KCR). Boy Scout Troop 224 has now completed registering with the KCR Program.
Scouting families, friends and relatives can select the Troop as the local organization that will benefit from their shopping at Kroger. The KCR award amount is based on the number of families who link their Kroger Plus card to the BSA Troop 224 account and the amount of shopping while using the Kroger Plus card. Past experience with another non profit organization with a modest number of families linking their cards was quite positive. Funds received from Kroger will go toward Troop operations and scouting activities for our boys.
The instructions here describe how to link your Kroger Plus card number to the Troop.
Questions? Contact Cam Hubbard, Troop Treasurer.
Troop 224 Active Calendar for your Smartphone or Computer
Importing troop calendar next to your other calendars
The following URL can be used to add a link to the calendar to Google, Microsoft Live, Outlook, iPhone, iPad calendars and more. This is useful for those that maintain a calendar on the web, a PC or smart phone.
https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/6r8egk8pu2bjl3jn30m7r9odkg%40group.calendar.google.com/private-97d871354316200005acaf629dda5b19/basic.ics
Any changes or additions to the troop calendar will sync your calendar with those updates.
Good evening, Pellissippi District. I wanted to pass along some information for your units. The Tuckaleechee District in Blount County is hosting a merit badge college and they have invited scouts from neighboring districts to participate if they wish. I’ve forwarded all the information they sent me. These merit badge colleges are always great opportunities for your youth to earn some additional merit badges.
Yours in Scouting
Benjamin Hardy
Pellissippi District Commissioner
TUCKALEECHEE DISTRICT
GSMC- B.S.A.
MERIT BADGE COLLEGE
DATE: MAY 5TH, 2018
TIME: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOCATION: ALCOA HIGH SCHOOL
COST: $20.00 PRE-REGISTRATION FEE; $30.00 WALK-UP REGISTRATION FEE
REGISTRATION:
https://www.easttnscouts.org/event/tuckaleechee-merit-badge-college/
CONTACT: BRIAN GOSSETT: 865-414-3458; bgossett@alcoaschools.net
SCHEDULE
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM – WALK-UP REGISTRATION
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM – WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM – RELEASE TO CLASSES
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – MORNING SESSION
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – LUNCH
12:30 PM – 4:00 PM – AFTERNOON SESSION
4:00 PM – DISMISSAL/ADVANCEMENT DISTRIBUTION
Committee / Parent Meeting
There will be the monthly 30 minute meeting Monday Feb 5th 7 PM for committee members and parents.
February Advancement Theme
The February advancement theme is Citizenship and Cycling.
Cycling – MeritBadgeDotOrg
February Camping
The January trip will be a backpacking trip to Big Hump on Feb 17-18.
Court of Honor
The next semi-annual Court of Honor will be February 12th with the pot-luck dinner starting at 7 PM. Please bring a main dish and a side to feed you family plus four more. We will have a family style dinner followed by awards and announcements.
New Photos Posted
Sorry! There are no new pictures this month. Get those cameras out.
If you have new or old pictures from troop activities feel free to post them on Facebook. You can also send pictures to Morgan Paul
Scouting for Food
All Scouts, Leaders, and Parents needed!
Scouting for Food bag distribution is Saturday, Jan 27th from 9 AM- noon?. Meet Mr. Sorah at the Church. We need every available Scout, Leader, and parent to help with this activity.
Troop 224 collects food donations from. Participants should Be Prepared by wearing warm clothing as needed. Maps and bags will be provided.
Scouting for Food bag collection and food sorting is Saturday, Feb 3rd starting at 10 AM. Meet Mr. Sorah at the Church. We need every available Scout, Leader, and parent to help with this activity. Participants should Be Prepared by wearing warm clothing. Maps will be provided.
This annual collection supports the food pantry at Grace Lutheran for many months and is critical to our community. Scouts will earn service hours for rank advancement. Somewhere among your layers of clothing, wear a Class A shirt.
Remember – Many hands make light work! Thanks in advance for your support.
Ski Trip Payment
This years ski trip will be a one day trip on Feb 10 to Cataloochie Ski Resort in Maggie Valley, NC. If you have not paid, please bring your payment to the meeting next Monday, Jan 29th. Cash or check, made out to Troop 224.
Lift ticket/ski or snowboard rental/lesson- $82
Helmet-$7. All scouts must wear a helmet
Bibs-$9
Jacket-$9
Bib/jacket set-$16
Committee / Parent Meeting
There will be the monthly 30 minute meeting Monday at 7 PM for committee members and parents.
January Advancement Theme
The January advancement theme is Orienteering.
Orienteering – MeritBadgeDotOrg
January Camping
The January trip will be a backpacking trip to Big South Fork for Orienteering on Jan 20-21.
New Photos Posted
Sorry! There are no new pictures this month. Get those cameras out.
If you have new or old pictures from troop activities feel free to post them on Facebook. You can also send pictures to Morgan Paul
Scouting for Food
All Scouts, Leaders, and Parents needed!
Scouting for Food bag distribution is Saturday, Jan 27th from 9 AM- noon?. Meet Mr. Sorah at the Church. We need every available Scout, Leader, and parent to help with this activity.
Troop 224 collects food donations from. Participants should Be Prepared by wearing warm clothing as needed. Maps and bags will be provided.
Scouting for Food bag collection and food sorting is Saturday, Feb 3rd starting at 9 AM. Meet Mr. Sorah at the Church. We need every available Scout, Leader, and parent to help with this activity. Participants should Be Prepared by wearing warm clothing. Maps will be provided.
This annual collection supports the food pantry at Grace Lutheran for many months and is critical to our community. Scouts will earn service hours for rank advancement. Somewhere among your layers of clothing, wear a Class A shirt.
Remember – Many hands make light work! Thanks in advance for your support.
Ski Trip Sign Up
This years ski trip will be a one day trip on Feb 10 to Cataloochie Ski Resort in Maggie Valley, NC. We need 15 people to reserve the group rate. No experience necessary. Snow conditions are great this year. An information and application form will be available soon.
Committee / Parent Meeting
There will be a parent meeting Monday night, December 4th, to discuss upcoming plans.
December Advancement Theme
The December advancement theme is winter camping
Winter Camping – MeritBadgeDotOrg
September Camping
The December outing is a backpacking trip to Grayson Highlands State Park .
The 224 adults are tracking the weather for this upcoming weekend to Mount Rogers. The trip will remain as scheduled unless the roads are unsafe. At that point we will reevaluate our destination. Please ensure you boys pack accordingly for the trip as there could be below freezing temperatures. This will be a great weekend to be out and we will ensure everyone has the gear they need. If you are going you MUST bring your pack tonight (Dec 4th).
Christmas Holiday Break
No, we will not be holding our weekly meeting on Christmas night or New Years day! Enjoy celebrating the holiday with your family.
New Photos Posted
There are no new picture posted this month on the website photo album.
If you have new or old pictures from troop activities feel free to post them on Facebook. You can also send pictures to Morgan Paul
Committee / Parent Meeting
We did not have a parent meeting last month but we will be a 30 minute meeting tonight at 7 PM for committee members and parents.
November Advancement Theme
August advancement theme is Climbing.
Climbing – MeritBadgeDotOrg
November Camping
The November outing will be a trip to Frozen Head State Park Nov 18th – 19th. Details are still being finalized.
New Photos Posted
There have been new pictures posted to the troop Facebook page by some of our leaders that are now also available on the Troop website. Be sure to check them out!
Boy Scouts Troop 224 is now registered with the Kroger Community Rewards Program
For those who shop at Kroger, you probably know the Kroger makes contributions to local non profit organizations throughout their service areas via the Kroger Community Rewards (KCR). Boy Scout Troop 224 has now completed registering with the KCR Program.
Scouting families, friends and relatives can select the Troop as the local organization that will benefit from their shopping at Kroger. The KCR award amount is based on the number of families who link their Kroger Plus card to the BSA Troop 224 account and the amount of shopping while using the Kroger Plus card. Past experience with another non profit organization with a modest number of families linking their cards was quite positive. Funds received from Kroger will go toward Troop operations and scouting activities for our boys.
The instructions here describe how to link your Kroger Plus card number to the Troop.
Questions? Contact Cam Hubbard, Troop Treasurer.
Troop 224 Recharter Event Starts November 6th, 2017
The annual chartering of the Troop and renewal of registration of every scout and
adult leader will begin at the November 6th regular Troop 224 meeting and Troop
Committee meeting at Grace Lutheran Church. As part of the annual chartering
each family and adult leader will be asked to fill out a contact information sheet.
Good News!! The registration fee has been reduced to $75 per youth scout for the
2018 scout year. More Good News!! Many scouts participated in community
service at the Oak Ridge Rowing Association (ORRA) regattas throughout the rowing
season. Each scout who participated earned a Service Hours Credit that will be used
to further reduce his yearly registration fee. The Service Hours Credit for each scout
was based on the number of hours provided by that scout. The specific credit for
each scout will be on the reregistration form handed out November 6th.
Please return the form by December 4th, 2017.
Note – Re-registration forms will be handed out at the November 6th meeting of the
Troop Committee and to Scouts at the end of the regular Troop meeting. In addition,
the forms will be available at each Troop meeting in November, and the forms will
be posted on our web site under Resources along with a summary of the Service
Hours Credit for each scouts who participated in the service to the ORRA.
Contact Cam Hubbard,
Treasurer, at Camden.hubbard@comcast.net if you have any questions.
This Workshop has been cancelled for the October 28th date. Look for it to be offered again in the Summer and perhaps in the Fall of next year.
Download Liability Form Here
Committee / Parent Meeting
There will be a 30 minute meeting tonight at 7 PM for committee members and parents.
October Advancement Theme
August advancement theme is Cooking as it relates to backpacking.
Cooking – MeritBadgeDotOrg
October Camping
The October outing will be backpacking trip. Details are still being finalized.
New Photos Posted
There have been new pictures posted to the troop Facebook page by some of our leaders that are now also available on the Troop website. Be sure to check them out!
Grace Lutheran Annual Pet Fest
Troop 224 plays a large part in supporting the Grace Lutheran Church Pet Fest that will be held on Saturday October 7, 2017 from 1 to 5 PM. Scouts will be need to be there early in the day to help set up and to assist during the day. Make sure to sign up for some time at the meeting tonight.
Details can be found here
