2007 SCOUT REGISTRATION – TROOP 828

Registration for 2007 is in progress but the cancellation of last Monday’s [January 22, 2007] troop meeting has put us behind schedule. Therefore I am asking that all scouts please read and respond to this email by Sunday January 28^th.

All scouts (and adults) must indicate their intent to register for 2007 by responding to this email.

I must have a response (negative or positive) by Sunday January 28^th.  If I receive no response I will assume you are dropping. (you may call 281-265-5837 or email alexfrei@houston.rr.com). I will be registering the scouts and adults online before the next troop meeting.

 No forms are needed for scouts or adults currently registered. New scouts will have to fill out a form – please call Elizabeth Alexander to arrange a drop off.

What is needed is a check for $65 from each registered scout ($55 for each additional sibling scout). These will be collected at the February 5 Troop meeting. Checks made out to BSA Troop 828 only.

Questions? Call Elizabeth Alexander 281-265-5837

Safe Surf Wins National Award


Bay Area Council, Boy Scouts of America will be honored by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America for the internet safety program they created called Safe Surf.  They are being given the award by the National Council's Risk Management Committee for their efforts to make Scouting safer for its members. The award is being presented during a luncheon on Thursday May 20, 2004 at the National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America in Chicago.

"To say I was surprised is an understatement" said Council Webmaster Kurt Lane who developed the program with Scout Executive Pat Craven. "We just wanted to create something that would help parents and leaders teach young people about the dangers that lurk on the internet." Lane added. "Kids are growing up with computers and can easily take them for granted."

The recognition includes a $2,000 prize that the council Risk Management Committee Chairman Don Heard says will be invested right back into Scouting. "The goal of our committee is to make sure Scouting continues to be fun and safe at all levels" said Heard. "We are constantly making sure that our camp is safe and Safe Surf makes sure our Scouts are safe at home as well." The council's Health Safety Risk Management Committee is made up of a broad group including three safety professionals, an EMT-Paramedic, active staff advisor, and active Scouting volunteers.

Heard also pointed out that one of the new safety features just installed at camp was a siren warning system that could be used to notify campers anywhere on the 450 acre camp of a dangerous situation. American Acryl, a manufacturing facility, in Pasadena donated $1200 towards the purchase of the equipment needed for the alarm system which also can double as a PA system for special announcements, taps etc.  Texas New Mexico Power in West Columbia donated the pole and the labor to set the pole.

"You don't have to be a Scout to benefit from our Safe Surf program." Said Scout Executive Pat Craven. "We want everyone to use it. Church groups, schools, Scouts can all benefit from doing the projects and taking the quiz." You can reach the award winning site at www.bacBSA.org/safesurf. There is no charge for the program and participants can print out a certificate at the end of the quiz. Patches are available for purchase.

Bay Area Council, BSA is a United Way Agency that servers over 10,000 youth and adults in Galveston and Brazoria Counties of Texas.
 

BOARDS OF REVIEW

By: Mr. Rankin

The troop needs more volunteers to sit on Boards of Review.  This is an important and critical part of the advancement process.  Presently there is literally only a handful of volunteers that are taking care of this process. Without these Boards of Review, the scouts cannot advance and get the recognition they have worked hard to obtain. 

If you are not currently a registered leader, please consider becoming one (fill out and turn in an Adult Application Form (PDF)), so that Boards of Reviews can be held.  You cannot sit on your own scout's Board, but you can do your part to help the rest of the troop.

As stated in the Troop Policy (which can be found at the Troop website www.bsatroop828.org), Boards of Review will be held during the third Monday troop meeting of the month.  The Scout needs to call and let the Board of Review Chair (Mr. Cousino) know by the Thursday before the third Monday troop meeting of the month if he needs a Board of Review.

Merit Badge counselors needed! Parents, if you're willing to share your passion or skill by volunteering to teach one or more Merit Badges, please turn in a Merit Badge Counselor Information form (PDF).  (You'll also need to turn in a new Adult Application Form (PDF), specifying your role as Merit Badge Counselor for the troop.)  Your help and participation are sorely needed.  If you're not familiar with the merit badge program, visit this website to see all the requirements for all of the merit badges.  Or visit the Scout Shop and browse the rack of merit badge booklets.  You'll probably find that you're qualified to be a merit badge counselor for several!  Also, see this page for a variety of information about merit badge opportunities available to scouts in the Houston area.