Windham, N.H. BSA Troop 266

Scoutmaster Summaries

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3/10/10

Greetings Troop 266,

Great meeting last week! As, promised, I have attached a handout on the “Ten Essentials” that you should always have in your backpack when hiking. For those going on this weekends’ trip, Mr. Carpenter & I will be checking…..

Mar. 11 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School

· Do you have what it takes to become a Scout? All ranks must attain Scout rank – again! Bring your book!

· Last minute instructions for this weekends’ Highland Center Trip.

· Uniform Inspection

· As time allows, we will spend some time on a Team Building game.

· Signup sheets available – Personal Fitness Merit Badge, Entrepreneur Merit Badge, and First Aid Merit Badge

· Signup sheets for Camp Bell and Hidden Valley will be available. Camp deposit $50 is due this week 03/11.

· Payment for Highland Center Trip due - $46 Scouts, $81 Adults

· Opening and cleanup by the Dragon patrol.

Mar. 13-14 - Igloo Building Camp in / out / Hike @ the Highland Center – Crawford Notch, NH. Payment due Now!

Mar. 15 – Monday – PLC Meeting – 7:00 – Deranian residence

Mar. 18 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School – New Scouts arrive! Monkey Patrol has the opening.

Mar. 19 – Friday - Pack 263 Crossover – WCS

Mar. 25 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Windham Town Hall – Easter Egg Stuffing and Troop Elections. It’s time to start thinking about who you want to lead our Troop through 2010. Platypus Patrol has the opening.

Mar. 27 – Saturday – 9:30 - Town Easter Egg Hunt

Apr. 1 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School - New PLC Installed

Apr. 9-11 – Spring Shakedown – Hidden Valley

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) on Thursday. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and Scout Spirit.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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3/4/10

Greetings Troop 266,

I hope everyone had a great vacation and survived the hurricane! I have heard reports of a great Ski Trip! Your PLC has another busy week planned, but there should be time for you to get some advancements signed-off, as well.

Mar. 4 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School

· Winter camping, igloo / snow cave building tips

· For those signed-up for the Energy Merit Badge with Mr. Dreyfuss, there will be a session at this week’s meeting.

· As time allows, we will spend some time on a Team Building game.

· Signup sheets available - Crime Prevention / Fingerprinting Merit Badge (last chance), Entrepreneur Merit Badge, and First Aid Merit Badge

· Signup sheets for Camp Bell and Hidden Valley will be available. Deposit $50 can be paid this week – is due next week 03/11.

· Payment for Highland Center Trip due - $46 Scouts, $81 Adults

· Opening and cleanup by the Flaming Arrow patrol.

Mar. 6 – Crime Prevention & Fingerprinting MB – 8:00 -12 noon - Fire Station

Mar. 11 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School – Do you have what it takes to become a Scout? - Uniform Inspection - Dragons have opening.

Mar. 13-14 - Igloo Building Camp in / out / Hike @ the Highland Center – Crawford Notch, NH. Payment due 03/04!

Mar. 15 – Monday – PLC Meeting – 7:00 – Deranian residence

Mar. 18 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School – New Scouts arrive!

Mar. 19 – Friday - Pack 263 Crossover – WCS

Mar. 25 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Windham Town Hall – Easter egg Stuffing and Troop Elections

Mar. 27 – Saturday – 9:30 - Town Easter Egg Hunt

Apr. 1 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School - New PLC Installed

Apr. 9-11 – Spring Shakedown – Hidden Valley

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) on Thursday. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and Scout Spirit.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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2/17/10

Greetings Troop 266,

Congratulations to Freddy N. for being elected into the Order of the Arrow!! We have another busy few weeks planned.

This Week - Feb. 18 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School

· Visit from a government official for those needing First Class requirement #5.

· For those signed-up for the Energy Merit Badge with Mr. Dreyfuss, there will be a session at this week’s meeting.

· As time allows, we will spend some time on a Team Building game.

· Signup sheets available - March Highland Center trip (last chance), Crime Prevention / Fingerprinting Merit Badge, Energy Merit Badge (last chance), Entrepreneur Merit Badge, and First Aid Merit Badge

· Opening and cleanup by the Bengal patrol.

Feb. 19 - 21 - Ski Trip – Waterville Valley – Depart Fri, 6:00p, Return Sun, 6:00p. See Mr. Laliberte for details

Feb. 25 – Thursday – NO Troop meeting – School vacation

Mar. 4 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School – Energy MB 2^nd session, winter camping, igloo / snow cave building tips. Flaming Arrows have opening.

Mar. 6 – Crime Prevention & Fingerprinting MB – 8:00 -12 noon - Fire Station

Mar. 11 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School – Uniform Inspection - Dragons have opening.

Mar. 13-14 - Igloo Building Camp in / out / Hike @ the Highland Center – Crawford Notch, NH. Last chance to Signup

Mar. 15 – Monday – PLC Meeting – 7:00 – Deranian residence

Mar. 18 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School – New Scouts arrive!

Mar. 19 – Friday - Pack 263 Crossover – WCS

Mar. 27 – Saturday – 9:30 - Town Easter Egg Hunt

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) on Thursday. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and Scout Spirit.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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2/11/10

Greetings Troop 266,

I trust everyone enjoyed their stroll in the woods last week. I’m sure that you all learned something new and discovered things that could be done differently in a real emergency. I hope all are ready for another busy week.

Feb. 10 – Wednesday 7:00 – Roundtable – Armed Forces Reserve Center – This month is a presentation by Mark Hamel and Mark Callahan on Camp Bell and Hidden Valley. As always, all ASMs are invited.

Feb. 10 – Wednesday – Haitian Relief - last chance to drop off items at Windham Presbyterian Church.

This Week - Feb. 11 – Thursday – Troop meeting – 7:30 at Center School

· This weeks’ meeting is our Order of the Arrow elections.

· The Order of the Arrow is a "Brotherhood of Scout Honor Campers", often referred to as the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service. They are a group of Scouts who have been elected by their peers as being capable of upholding the honor through their continued actions of cheerful service to others.

· The following Scouts are eligible for election into the OA: William C., Andrew C., Brandon D., Freddy N., & Freddie P.

· As time allows, we will spend some more time on advancement and maybe a game.

· Signup sheets available - Pack 266 Crossover, March Highland Center trip, and Crime Prevention / Fingerprinting Merit Badge.

· Opening and cleanup by the Platypus patrol.

Feb. 12 – Friday – 5:30pm Pack 266 Crossover – WHS - Signup sheet available – could use 1 or 2 more Scouts to welcome the crossovers – ceremony at 7:00.

Feb. 15 – Monday – PLC Meeting – 7:00 – Deranian residence

Feb. 18 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Visit from a government official for those needing First Class requirement #5.

Feb. 19 - 21 - Ski Trip – Waterville Valley – Depart Fri, 6:00p, Return Sun, 6:00p. See Mr. Laliberte for details

Mar. 6 – Crime Prevention & Fingerprinting MB – 8:00 -12 noon - Fire Station

Mar. 13-14 - Igloo Building Campout / Hike @ the Highland Center – Crawford Notch, NH. Signup sheet available

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) on Thursday. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and Scout Spirit.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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2/3/10

Greetings Troop 266,

I hope everyone learned something last week, and you are now ready for a fun OUTDOOR activity. This is a great opportunity for younger Scouts to learn new skills and / or show what they have learned. It is also a great opportunity for older scouts to demonstrate their Scout skills and leadership skills.

Feb. 4 – Thursday – 4:00 – 6:00pm Friends of the Library Winter Book Fair setup 5 to 8 Scouts are needed to help FLOW set up their Book Fair at the library. Those signed-up will be contacted by Kevin or Mrs. Delfosse.

This Week - Feb. 4 – Thursday – Troop meeting - NOT at Center School

· This weeks’ meeting is at Windham Middle School – OUTSIDE – make sure you dress appropriately. Meet in the new upper parking lot.

· The PLC has planned the Lost Scout activity – where you must locate a lost, injured Scout assess his injury(s) and perform 1^staid. Watch for details from our SPL, Ben.

· At minimum, you will need warm clothes, a flashlight or preferably a headlamp and a compass.

· Pack 266 crossover & March Highland Center trip - Signup sheets available.

Feb. 10 – Wednesday – Haitian Relief - last chance to drop off items at Windham Presbyterian Church.

Feb. 11 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Order of the Arrow elections

Feb. 12 – Friday – 5:30pm Pack 266 Crossover – WHS - Signup sheet available

Feb. 15 – Monday – PLC Meeting

Feb. 18 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Visit from government official

Feb. 19 - 21 - Ski Trip – Waterville Valley – Depart Fri, 6:00p, Return Sun, 6:00p. See Mr. Laliberte for details

Mar. 13-14 - Igloo Building Campout / Hike @ The Highland Center – Crawford Notch, NH. Signup sheet available

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) on Thursday. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and dress appropriately for outside activities.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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1/28/10

Greetings Troop 266,

I hope everyone enjoyed last weeks’ camp presentation and games, and you are now ready to get back to the business of Scouting – advancement. This is a great opportunity for younger Scouts to learn new skills and / or show what they have learned. It is also a great opportunity for older scouts to demonstrate their Scout skills and leadership skills.

This Week - Jan. 28 – Thursday – Troop meeting

· Advancements – The PLC has planned some Scout skills based activities – Watch for details from our SPL, Ben.

· Haitian Relief - Bring medical supplies and food items (flyer attached) to the Troop meeting for delivery to Haiti. Note: this is the only Troop meeting opportunity to drop off items.

· Please return the remainder of the clean & dry Troop gear from the Klondike.

· FLOW Winter Book Fair setup – Service Hours - Signup sheet available

· Bengal Patrol has opening & cleanup.

Feb. 4 – Thursday – 4:00 – 6:00pm Friends of the Library Winter Book Fair setup 5 to 8 Scouts are needed to help FLOW set up their Book Fair at the library – Signup sheet available this week for this Service Hour opportunity.

Feb. 4 – Thursday – Troop meeting – NOT at Center School – Lost Scout activity at Middle School – OUTSIDE – make sure you dress appropriately.

Feb. 10 – Wednesday – Haitian Relief - last chance to drop off items (flyer attached) at Windham Presbyterian Church

Feb. 11 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Order of the Arrow elections

Feb. 12 – Friday – 5:30pm Pack 266 Crossover – WHS

Feb. 15 – Monday – PLC Meeting

Feb. 19 - 21 - Ski Trip – Waterville Valley – Depart Fri, 6:00p, Return Sun, 3:00p. See Mr. Laliberte for details

Mar. 6 -7 or 13-14 - Igloo Building Campout / Hike @ (need a location) Please let me know if you have any ideas for this trip.

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) on Thursday. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and please return all Troop gear that you have.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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1/21/10

Greetings Troop 266,

I hope everyone enjoyed last weeks’ games, their day off on Monday, and are rested for another busy week. Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about Summer Camp!

This Week - Jan. 21 – Thursday – Troop meeting

· Summer Camp promotion - All new Video

· Spoke & Valley Voyager high adventure programs have been revamped for this year – if you think you’ve done it all….now there’s more!

· Webelo II’s invited from both Packs – best behavior please!

· This is a great opportunity to invite a friend who may be interested in Scouts.

· Flaming Arrow Patrol has opening & cleanup.

Jan. 24 – Sunday – 8-10am Derry Applebees, Eagle Project fundraiser breakfast

Jan. 25 – Monday – PLC meeting 7:00 – Deranian Residence

Jan. 28 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Advancements – Patrol Leaders, know what your Patrol members need to grow. Bengals have opening & cleanup.

Feb. 4 – Thursday – 4:00 – 6:00pm Friends of the Library Winter Book Fair setup 5 to 6 Scouts are needed to help FLOW set up their Book Fair at the library – Signup sheet available this week for this Service Hour opportunity.

Feb. 4 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Sliding @ Derry Recreation, Alexander Carr Hill – details to follow………

Feb. 19 - 21 - Ski Trip – Waterville Valley – Depart Fri, 6:00p, Return Sun, 3:00p. See Mr. Laliberte for details

Mar. 6 -7 or 13-14 - Igloo Building Campout @ HVSR (tentative) Please let me know if you are interested in this trip.

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) on Thursday. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and be ready to show some Webelos what our Troop is like.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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1/14/10

Greetings Troop 266,

I would, once again, like to congratulate all involved for a very successful and fun Klondike Derby. I was very impressed with the degree of preparedness and Scout spirit shown by both Patrols!

Jan. 13 – Wednesday – Lowell Devils Hockey – 7:00 Tsongas Arena - Last chance to sign up – Monday night – via email

Jan. 13 – Wednesday – Roundtable

This Week - Jan. 14 – Thursday – Troop meeting.

Patrol based outdoor games – Come dressed appropriately. These will be organized games led by our Senior Patrol & designees – not a snowball fight!

As advertised, for those needing to finish their Swimming Merit Badge, there will be a breakout session with Mrs. Hutchings.

· Klondike Derby awards will be on display and Patches distributed.

· Dragon Patrol has opening & cleanup.

Jan. 21 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Summer Camp promotion – Webelo II’s invited to learn about Hidden Valley and Camp Bell. Flaming Arrows have opening & cleanup

Jan. 25 – Monday – PLC meeting 7:00 – Deranian Residence

Jan. 28 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Advancements – Patrol Leaders, know what your Patrol needs to know

Feb. 4 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Sliding @ Derry Recreation, Carr Hill

Feb. 19 - 21 - Ski Trip – Waterville Valley – Depart Fri, 6:00p, Return Sun, 3:00p. See Mr. Laliberte for details

Mar. 13-14 - Igloo Building Campout @ HVSR (tentative)

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) on Thursday. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and be prepared for outdoor games – Come dressed appropriately.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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1/7/10

Happy New Year Troop 266,

I hope everyone had a great holiday and a great first day back at school!

This Week - Jan. 7 – Thursday – Troop meeting

· Klondike Derby last minute prep and Klondike stations round robin.

· Winter Camping reminders.

· Collect $15.00 ea. and permission slips from Klondike participants.

· Signup sheets for Lowell Devils Hockey & Waterville Valley Ski Trip.

· Deadline for Lowell Devils Hockey sign-up / pay up.

· Platypus Patrol has opening & cleanup.

Jan. 8-9 – Klondike Derby – Camp Carpenter. Arrive Fri, 5:00p, Awards & Depart Sat, 4:30p. Trip cost $15.00 – have check this week.

Jan. 13 – Wednesday – 7:00, Lowell Devils Hockey – Tsongas Arena The proceeds from this game will benefit the Salem Exchange Club Charities. This is another event that could be opened up to friends and Cub Scouts. We will need a firm headcount and $13.00 for this event at the Jan. 7 Troop Meeting. Due to an anonymous donation, there are a number of tickets available at reduced, or no cost to Scouts and their families - depending on how many sign-up.

Jan. 14 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Patrol based outdoor games – Come dressed appropriately. Opening & cleanup by the Dragons

Jan. 21 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Summer Camp promotion – Webelos II’s invited to learn about Hidden Valley.

Feb. 19 - 21 - Ski Trip – Waterville Valley – Depart Fri, 6:00p, Return Sun, 3:00p.

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) on Thursday. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and be prepared to sign-up and pay-up for the Hockey game, if going.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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12/24/2009

Holiday Greetings Troop 266,

I hope everyone had a great time at our Winter Court of Honor. Congratulations to all on your advancements and accomplishments!

This Week - Dec. 24 – Thursday – No meeting – Merry Christmas!

Dec 29 – Tuesday – 7:00 – 9:00 Special Klondike Derby prep meeting - Deranian residence. I will be sending out an Email to those signed up.

Dec. 31 – Thursday – No meeting – Happy New Year!

Jan. 7 – Thursday – Troop meeting

· Klondike Derby last minute prep and Klondike stations round robin.

· Signup sheets for Lowell Devils Hockey & Waterville Valley Ski Trip.

· Platypus Patrol has opening & cleanup.

Jan. 8-9 – Klondike Derby – Camp Carpenter. Arrive Fri, 5:00p, Awards & Depart Sat, 4:30p. It looks like we have 2 smallish Patrols signed up - we could use some more Scouts. This is a FUN event - talk with those who have gone in the past. We also have only 2 adults signed up – I’m sure some of you ASMs want to try out the new gear that Santa brought you……

Jan. 14 – Thursday – Troop meeting – Opening & cleanup by the Dragons

Feb. 19 - 21 - Ski Trip – Waterville Valley – Depart Fri, 6:00p, Return Sun, 3:00p. If any parents of the attendees can go, we could really use another driver / chaperone.

I look forward to seeing you all (in uniform) at out next Troop Meeting on Thursday, Jan 7. As always, please remember to bring your Scout Book and be prepared to sign-up and pay-up for the Hockey game, if going.

I hope you and your families have a great Christmas !

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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12/17/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

On Friday, about 70 Scouts, friends, and Webelos enjoyed a wild time at Hampshire Hills. Thanks to all the adult chaperones that made this event successful and a special thanks to Mr. Campbell for organizing the trip. Hopefully everyone has caught up on their sleep by now!

Another busy week in store:

Dec. 15 - Tuesday, 5:30 - 9:00 pm - Salem Exchange Club Christmas Tree Sales. We could use another definite Scout / Adult this week. Signed up are: Matt G, Justin M., Mr. G., Mr. M.. Please let me know if you are able to help.

The sale takes place on an empty lot just south of the intersection of Routes 28 and 97, across from the Dunkin' Donuts. The Exchange Club provides funding to the Troop and this activity counts as community service hours. We have signed up for helping to sell trees on 1 more evening; Mon. 12/21. Sign up sheets for Scouts (and adults) available this week.

This Week - Dec. 17 - Thursday - 6:00-9:00 - Court of Honor

As always, this is a pot-luck dinner event for Scouts and FAMILIES. There will be: Food, Advancements, Merit Badges, and Prizes. This time we are trying something new:

If your last name begins with A-J bring a Main Dish and a Dessert
If your last name begins with K-Z bring a Main Dish and a Side Dish
Sign-up sheets for Christmas Tree Sales, Klondike Derby and Ski Trip available this week.
Opening and clean-up (with help) by the Monkeys.

Dec. 21- Monday - PLC Meeting - 7:00 - Deranian residence

Dec. 21 - Monday, 5:30 - 9:00 pm - Salem Exchange Club Christmas Tree Sales. Signed up are: Nate H., Matt L., James B., Mr. H., Mr. L.

Dec. 24 – Thursday – No meeting – Merry Christmas!

Dec 29 – Tuesday – 7:00 – 9:00 Special Klondike Derby prep meeting - Deranian residence

Dec. 31 – Thursday – No meeting – Happy New Year!

Jan. 8-9 – Klondike Derby – Camp Carpenter. It looks like we have 2 smallish Patrols signed up - we could use some more Scouts. This is a FUN event - talk with those who have gone in the past.

Feb. 19 - 21 - Ski Trip – Waterville Valley

I look forward to seeing you all at the CoH on Thursday night (in Full uniform). Please remember to bring your Pot Luck dinner with side / dessert.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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12/10/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

On Saturday, about 24 Scouts and several adults enjoyed a great bonfire, some Christmas goodies, great music, got to see Santa, and picked up a few service hours. Thanks for your hard work and representing our Troop at this community event.

On Sunday 13 Scouts passed their Boards of Review and advanced to their next rank. Congratulations on your accomplishments!

Another busy week in store:

Dec. 8 - Tuesday, 5:30 - 9:00 pm - Salem Exchange Club Christmas Tree Sales. We could use another definite Scout / Adult this week. Signed up are : Kevin D., Will C.?, Mr. C.?, Matt L.?, Mr. L.?, Mr. D..

The sale takes place on an empty lot just South of the intersection of Routes 28 and 97, across from the Dunkin' Donuts. The Exchange Club provides funding to the Troop and this activity counts as community service hours. We have signed up for helping to sell trees on 2 more evenings; Tues. 12/15, and Mon. 12/21. Sign up sheets for Scouts (and adults) available this week.

This Week - Dec. 10 - Troop Meeting

Phase B planning for the Klondike Derby. (I know the whereabouts of 1 sled - we need 1 more)
Last chance to sign-up and pay-up for Hampshire Hills. This is not a "drop-in" event. If you are not signed-up, paid-up ($30) and have submitted both signed permission slips by Thursday - you're not going. This applies to guests that you have invited, as well. (both permission slips attached).
Sign-up sheets for Christmas Tree Sales, Klondike Derby and Ski Trip available this week.
Opening and clean-up by the Phoenicians.

Dec. 11-12 - Hampshire Hills overnight event. 9:00PM Friday to 6:30AM Saturday;

Climbing wall, tennis, racquetball, gym, pool, games, pizza, breakfast, FUN! Did anyone see sleep in that list?
Mrs. Hutchings will be available to work on Rank or Merit Badge swimming requirements.
This event is opened up to the Venture Crew, Troop 263, Siblings, Pack 263 & 266 Webelos, and friends (especially those interested in joining Scouts).
Deadline for Permission Slips & Payment ($30) due 12/10.

Dec. 15 - Tuesday, 5:30 - 9:00 pm - Salem Exchange Club Christmas Tree Sales. Signed up are: Matt G, Justin M., Nick A., Mr. G.?, Mr. M.?, Mr. A.?

Dec. 17- Thursday - 6:00-9:00 - Court of Honor Opening and clean-up by the Monkeys (with help). As always, this is a pot-luck event for Scouts and FAMILIES. This time we are trying something new:

If your last name begins with A-J bring a Main Dish and a Desert
If your last name begins with K-Z bring a Main Dish and a Side Dish

Dec. 21- Monday - PLC Meeting - 7:00 - Deranian residence

Dec. 21 - Tuesday, 5:30 - 9:00 pm - Salem Exchange Club Christmas Tree Sales. Signed up are: Nate H., Matt L., James B., Mr. H.?, Mr. L?

Sometime this Winter - Ski Trip - Somewhere fun!

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night (in uniform). Please remember to bring your Hampshire Hills $$ and 2 Permission Slips.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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12/3/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

On Saturday, nine Scouts and several adults braved a windy morning to help the Salem Exchange Club set up their Christmas tree sale. Great job by all!

The sale takes place on an empty lot just South of the intersection of Routes 28 and 97, across from the Dunkin' Donuts. The Exchange Club provides funding to the Troop and this activity counts as community service hours. We have also signed up for helping to sell trees on 3 evenings from 5:30 - 9:00 pm; Tues. 12/08, Tues. 12/15, and Mon. 12/21. Sign up sheets for Scouts (and adults) available this week.

This Week - Dec. 3 - Troop Meeting

Intro to the Klondike Derby and Phase A planning. (Please reply to me if you are storing a sled)
Uniform Inspection - get ready for BoR & CoH. Prize to highest scoring Scout / Patrol at CoH.
Last chance to get advancements signed off before 12/06 Board of Review.
Sign-up sheets for Christmas Tree Lighting / Bonfire, Board of Review, Christmas Tree Sales, Hampshire Hills, and Klondike Derby available this week.
Permission Slips for Hampshire Hills available - 2 slips; one for HH and 1 for the Troop. (attached)
Opening and clean-up by the Flaming Arrows.

Dec. 5 - Saturday - 2:00 - 5:00 Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Bonfire (service hours) We need Scouts there at 2:00 to prepare the fire, and set up chairs for the band.

Dec. 6 - Sunday - 7:00 pm - Board of Review - Windham Presbyterian Church (Last BoR before 12/17 CoH)

Dec. 8 - Tuesday, 5:30 - 9:00 pm - Salem Exchange Club Christmas Tree Sales

Dec. 10 - Troop Meeting - Phase B planning for the Klondike Derby. Opening and clean-up by the Phoenicians.

Dec. 11-12 - Hampshire Hills overnight event. 9:00PM Friday to 6:30AM Saturday; climbing wall, tennis, racquetball, gym, pool, games, pizza, breakfast, FUN! Did anyone see sleep in that list? Mrs. Hutchings will be available to work on Rank or Merit Badge swimming requirements. This event is opened up to the Venture Crew, Troop 263, Siblings, Pack 263 & 266 Webelos, and friends (especially those interested in joining Scouts).

Dec. 15 - Tuesday, 5:30 - 9:00 pm - Salem Exchange Club Christmas Tree Sales

Dec. 17- Thursday - 6:00-9:00 - Court of Honor Opening and clean-up by the Monkeys (with help). As always, this is a pot-luck event for Scouts and FAMILIES. This time we are trying something new:

If your last name begins with A-J bring a Main Dish and a Desert
If your last name begins with K-Z bring a Main Dish and a Side Dish

Dec. 21- Monday - PLC Meeting - 7:00 - Deranian residence

Dec. 21 - Tuesday, 5:30 - 9:00 pm - Salem Exchange Club Christmas Tree Sales

Jan. 8-9 – Klondike Derby – Camp Carpenter

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night (in FULL uniform). As always, please remember to bring any completed Blue Cards, and your Scout Book.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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11/19/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

Great campout this weekend at Hancock Campground! While we didn't get any Degrees of Frost we certainly did get Inches of Rain (there should be an award!) I couldn't say it better than Mr. Carpenter when he said "The Scouts of Troop 266 once again presented themselves as top shelf Boy Scouts. Eight hours of rain between Friday evening and Sunday morning did nothing to deter the Troop from executing our camp out and hike with discipline, efficiency and fun!" I am very proud of the 11 Scouts and thankful to the 4 Leaders who helped make this trip a success.

I also understand that a significant number of Scouts helped out at Scouting for Food on Saturday.

We have another busy meeting this week:

This Week - Nov. 19 - Troop Meeting - at Windham Presbyterian Church

We will be filling Christmas Stockings for our soldiers. The Troop will be supplying the stockings. Please see the list (below) (full details attached) for items you must bring to fill them.
Mr Dreyfuss will be finishing off the last sections of the Personal Management MB.
If time allows we will work on First Class requirement #1; finding directions at night.
Games if time allows.
Please return ALL clean & dry Troop equipment this week.
Sign-up sheets for Hampshire Hills, Christmas Tree Lighting / Bonfire, and Christmas Tree Sales available this week.
Mrs. Chau will be at the meeting to collect Annual Dues; $50. (deadline this week)
Opening and clean-up by the Bengals.

Nov. 21 – Saturday – Mrs. Cook & Mrs. Samsel will need some help delivering the Christmas Stockings to Nashua. (another service hour opportunity)

Nov. 28 - Saturday – 8:30 AM We have signed up to help the Salem Exchange Club set up their Christmas tree sale. The sale takes place on an empty lot just South of the intersection of Routes 28 and 97, across from the Dunkin' Donuts. The Exchange Club provides funding to the Troop and this activity counts as community service hours. More details to follow.

Dec. 5 - Saturday - 2:00 - 5:00 Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Bonfire (service hours)

Dec. 6 - Sunday - Board of Review - Windham Presbyterian Church (Last BoR before 12/17 CoH)

Dec. 11-12 - Hampshire Hills overnight event. 9:00PM Friday to 6:30AM Saturday; climbing wall, tennis, racquetball, gym, pool, games, pizza, breakfast, FUN! Did anyone see sleep in that list? This event is opened up to the Venture Crew, Troop 263, Siblings, Pack 263 & 266 Webelos, and friends (especially those interested in joining Scouts).

Dec. 17- Thursday - Court of Honor

Dec. 21- Monday - PLC Meeting

Jan. 8-9 – Klondike Derby – Camp Carpenter

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night (in uniform, of course). As always, please remember to bring any completed Blue Cards, your Scout Book, and any receipts you have for items to be reimbursed.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D

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11/12/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

Great meeting last week! We completed Phase 1 prep (meal planning) for the Hancock trip and some Scouts enjoyed games. We have another busy meeting this week:

This Week - Nov. 12 - Troop Meeting

At 7:00 There will be a presentation on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco by a WMS Health Teacher. This is optional and mainly for those needing 2nd Class requirement #8. (postponed from last week)
Phase 2 prep for the Hancock camp / hike trip. (tent assignments, gear check, finalize duty roster, logistics, permission slips).
Games if time allows.
Sign-up sheets for Scouting for Food & Citizenship in the Nation MB also available this week.
Mrs. Chau will be at the meeting to collect Annual Dues; $50. (deadline 11/19)
Opening and clean-up by the Dragons.

Nov. 13-15 - White Mountain Camp / Hike - Hancock Campground - Led by Ben G. / Mr. Carpenter There will be an opportunity for a 10 mile hike, a shorter hike, fishing, or just enjoying the White Mountains. This is a real good chance to check out your cold weather gear and get some Degrees of Frost. Permission Slip Attached.

Nov. 14 - Saturday - For those not camping, there is Scouting for Food, Windham Presbyterian Church - 8:00 AM Scouts are needed to sort food, pack boxes, and load the trucks for delivery to Sheppard's Pantry. This is a Service Hour opportunity. Keep track of your hours! (please see details below)

Nov. 19 - Troop Meeting - at Windham Presbyterian Church - We will be filling Christmas Stockings for our soldiers. The Troop will be supplying the stockings. Please see the list (available at our meetings) for items you must bring to fill them.

Nov. 24 - Tuesdays - Mrs. Farmer is offering Citizenship in the Nation MB (Eagle Required) - I will have a sign-up sheet again this week. This Merit Badge is limited to 10 Scouts and there are only only 4 slots left! Deadline this week 11/12.

Dec. 5 - Saturday - Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Bonfire (service hours)

Dec. 6 - Sunday - Board of Review - Windham Presbyterian Church (Last BoR before 12/17 CoH)

Dec. 11-12 - Hampshire Hills overnight event. 9:00PM Friday to 6:30AM Saturday; climbing wall, tennis, racquetball, gym, pool, games, pizza, breakfast, FUN! Did anyone see sleep in that list?

Dec. 17- Thursday - Court of Honor

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

----------------
11/4/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

Quiet meeting last week. Some Scouts enjoyed games while others worked on their Personal Management Merit Badge. We have a busy meeting this week:

This Week - Nov. 5 - Troop Meeting

At 7:00 There will be a presentation on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco by a WMS Health Teacher. This is optional and mainly for those needing 2nd Class requirement #8.
Please return any coolers from the Sub Sale
There will be some valuable instruction on cold weather camping by Ben & Mr. Carpenter.
Meal Planning and Phase 1 prep for the Hancock camp / hike trip (last chance to sign up)
Sign-up sheets for Scouting for Food & Citizenship in the Nation MB also available this week.
Mrs. Chau will be at the meeting to collect Annual Dues; $50. (deadline 11/19)
Opening and clean-up by the Platypi.

Nov. 7 - Saturday - Scouting for Food, Windham Center School, 8:30 - Pick up Maps and Tags for delivery. This is a Service Hour opportunity. Keep track of your hours! (please see details below)

Nov. 10 - Tuesday - PLC - Troop Leadership Training - 6:30 @ Mr. D's

Nov. 12 - Troop Meeting - Final phase of planning for the White Mountain (Hancock) Camp / Hike. Opening and clean-up by the Dragons

Nov. 13-15 - White Mountain Camp / Hike - Sign-up sheet available this week. (led by Ben G. / Mr. Carpenter) There will be an opportunity for a 10 mile hike, a shorter hike, fishing, or just enjoying the White Mountains. This is a real good chance to check out your cold weather gear and get some Degrees of Frost.

Nov. 14 - Saturday - For those not camping, there is Scouting for Food, Windham Presbyterian Church - 8:00 AM Scouts are needed to sort food, pack boxes, and load the trucks for delivery to Sheppard's Pantry. This is a Service Hour opportunity. Keep track of your hours! (please see details below)

Nov. 19 - Troop Meeting - at Windham Presbyterian Church - We will be filling Christmas Stockings for our troops. The Troop will be supplying the stockings. Please see the list (available at our meetings) for items for you to bring to fill them.

Nov. 24 - Tuesdays - Mrs. Farmer is offering Citizenship in the Nation MB (Eagle Required) - I will have a sign-up sheet this week. (limit 10 Scouts)

Dec. 5 - Saturday - Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Bonfire (service hours)

Dec. 6 - Sunday - Board of Review - Windham Presbyterian Church (Last BoR before 12/17 CoH)

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

---------------
10/29/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

Great meeting last week! Thanks to the Phoenix, Monkeys and Platypi for manning the Knots and Lashing stations.

Congratulations to everyone for a successful Sub Sale this weekend. You made and delivered 600 Subs in about 3 1/2 hours!

This Week - Oct 29 - Troop Meeting

Older Scout game night (while the younger Scouts are at Bourndale) led by the Senior Patrol.
Mr. Dreyfuss will be offering a session for those taking the Personal Management MB.
Mrs. Farmer is offering Citizenship in the Nation MB - I will have a sign-up sheet this week. (limit 10)
Sign-up sheets for Scouting for Food also available this week.
Mrs. Chau may be at the meeting to collect Annual Dues; $50.
Opening and clean-up by the Senior Patrol.

Nov. 5 - Troop Meeting - At 7:00 There will be a presentation on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco by a WMS Health Teacher. This will satisfy 2nd Class requirement #8. There will be some valuable instruction on cold weather camping. We must also do meal planning for the camping trip. Last chance to sign up for the White Mountain Camp / Hike. Opening and clean-up by the Platypi.

Nov. 7 - Saturday - Scouting for Food, Windham Center School, 8:30 - Pick up Maps and Tags for delivery. This is a Service Hour opportunity. Keep track of your hours!

Nov. 10 - Tuesday - PLC - Troop Leadership Training - 6:30 @ Mr. D's

Nov. 12 - Troop Meeting - Final phase of planning for the White Mountain Camp / Hike. Opening and clean-up by the Dragons

Nov. 13-15 - White Mountain Camp / Hike - Sign-up sheet available this week. (led by Ben G. / Mr. Carpenter) There is a real good chance for some degrees of frost.

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night (in uniform, of course). As always, please remember to return any Clean & Dry Troop equipment that you have, bring any completed Blue Cards, your Scout Book, and any receipts you have for items to be reimbursed.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

----------------
10/22/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

Great meeting last week! Thanks to the Phoenix and Monkeys for manning the First Aid stations. Also, congratulations to all who advanced a rank at the Board of Review on Sunday!

This Week - Oct 22 - Troop Meeting

Arrive at 7:15 and there will be a special game led by Greg before the meeting (optional).
There will be a Knots and Lashings round robin activity led by the Phoenix & Monkeys. Newer Scouts could get some requirements signed off.
Mrs. Chau may be at the meeting to collect Annual Dues; $50.
Please return any troop equipment you have.
Phoenix have the opening and clean-up

Oct. 23 - Friday 7:00 PM - Sub Sale Prep - Windham Presbyterian Church - For those who absolutely cannot help on Saturday, AND let Mr. Borcoche know by this Thur. 10/22 at the latest, or who can't get enough fun. There is much prep work to be done to make Saturday a success. More details this week from Mr. Borcoche.

Oct. 24 - Saturday 7:00 am - Sub Sale - Meet at Windham Presbyterian Church to make subs with a Parent and a Cooler (with your name on it), then pick a route and deliver subs. Details to follow. This is mandatory in order to receive Scoutbucks and Campership.

Next Week - Oct 29 - Troop Meeting - Older Scout game night (while the younger Scouts are at Bourndale) led by the Senior Patrol. Opening and clean-up by the Senior Patrol.

Nov. 5 - Troop Meeting - There will be a presentation on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco by a WMS Health Teacher. This will satisfy 2nd Class requirement #8. There will also be some instruction on winter camping.

Nov. 13-15 - White Mountain Camp / Hike - Sign-up sheet available this week. (led by Ben G. / Mr. Carpenter) There is a real good chance for some degrees of frost.

Nov. 14 - Saturday - For those not camping, there is Scouting for Food, bag pickup and delivery to Sheppard's Pantry. This is a Service Hour opportunity.

Nov. 19 - Troop Meeting - We will be filling Christmas Stockings for our troops. The Troop will be supplying the stockings. Please see the attached list for items to bring to fill them.

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night (in uniform, of course). Please remember to return any Clean & Dry Troop equipment that you have from the Camporee, bring any completed Blue Cards, your Scout Book, and any receipts you have for items to be reimbursed.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

---------------
10/15/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

Another great meeting last week! Due to the Troop's great planning, The Fall District Medieval Games Camporee was a great success. Special recognition goes to our SPL: Ben G., our acting ASPL and trip lead: Stephen C., our Quartermaster Freddie P., and of course our Assistant Scoutmasters who "donated" their weekend to attend this event: Mr. Arsenault, Mr. Gallo, Mr. Gosselin, & Mr. Missert.

I think everyone had a great time participating in all the events, especially the Long Boat race, where our team took First Place! Congratulations to all!

This Week - Oct 15 - Troop Meeting

Arrive at 7:15 and there will be a special game led by Greg before the meeting (optional).
There will be a Uniform Inspection this week
There will be a First Aid round robin activity led by the Phoenix & Monkeys. Newer Scouts could get some requirements signed off.
Sub Sale Tickets and $$ to be returned this week. - Last chance to get out and sell subs!
Mrs. Chau will be at the meeting to start collecting Annual Dues; $50.
Phoenix have the opening and clean-up

Oct. 18 - Sunday 7:00 pm - Board of Review - Windham Presbyterian Church

Oct. 19 - Monday 7:00pm - PLC Meeting @ Mr. Deranian's house.

Oct 22 - Troop Meeting - Arrive at 7:15 and there will be a special game led by Greg before the meeting (optional). There will be knots and lashings activities. The Platipi have the opening and clean-up.

Oct. 23 - Friday 7:00 PM - Sub Sale Prep - Windham Presbyterian Church - For those who absolutely cannot help on Saturday, AND let Mr. Borcoche know by Thur. 10/22 at the latest, or who can't get enough fun. There is much prep work to be done to make Saturday a success. More details to follow from Mr. Borcoche.

Nov. 13-15 - White Mountain Camp / Hike - Sign-up sheet available this week. (led by Ben G. / Mr. Carpenter)

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night (in full uniform, of course). Please remember to return any Clean & Dry Troop equipment that you have from the Camporee, bring any completed Blue Cards, your Scout Book, and any receipts you have for items to be reimbursed.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

---------------
10/8/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

Great meeting last week! We made a lot of progress on the Medieval Games Camporee planning. We have one more busy week to complete preparations.

This Week - Oct. 8 - Complete planning for Fall Camporee. Build Long Boat, make Thor's Hammer, and make Medieval Costumes. If anyone has any empty aluminum cans, we will be needing a lot for the Thor's Hammer activity. Plan to bring to Camp Carpenter on Friday. Flaming Arrows have the opening and clean-up.

Oct. 9-11 Fall District Camporee - Camp Carpenter - Theme: Medieval Games - Competitions: Battle Axe Throwing, Jousting, Catapult, Jesters Riddles, Thor's Hammer, Archery, Sling Shot, Long Boat race, Castle Assault. (Stephen C. / Mr. D) Permission Slip is attached and will be available at this week's meeting.

Oct 11 - 1:00 - 4:00 Ghost Walk - Help the Historic Commission guide visitors to the "Ghosts" in the Cemetery. For those who signed-up, we should be home from the Camporee by then............. See Jake S. for details.

Oct 15 - Troop Meeting - Arrive at 7:15 and there will be a special game led by Greg before the meeting.

There will be a First Aid round robin activity led by the Phoenix & Monkeys. Newer Scouts could get some requirements signed off. Sub Sale Tickets and $$ to be returned this week. Phoenix have the opening and clean-up

Oct. 24 - Sub Sale - Tickets have been distributed. If you missed last week be sure to pick-up additional tickets on Thursday. There are a lot of hungry people in Windham - get out and sell subs!

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night (in uniform, of course). Please remember to return any Clean & Dry Troop equipment that you have, bring any completed Blue Cards, your Scout Book, and any receipts you have for items to be reimbursed.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

---------------
10/1/2009

Greetings Troop 266,

I hope everyone had fun at the Ice Cream Social last week! We have a very busy couple of weeks planned getting ready for the Medieval Games Camporee.

This Week - Oct. 1 - New PLC installed. Start Planning for Fall Camporee. Build Catapult. Presentation of "Trail to Eagle" for Life Scouts. The Dragons have the opening and clean-up.

Oct ?? - Ghost Walk - Help the Historic Commission guide visitors to the "Ghosts" in the Cemetery - See Jake S. for details. Need rain date.

Oct. 3 - Den Chief Training - Camp Carpenter - See our training coordinator Mrs. Samsel

Oct. 8 - Complete planning for Fall Camporee. Build Long Boat, make Thor's Hammer, Costumes. Flaming Arrows have the opening and clean-up.

Oct. 9-11 Fall District Camporee - Camp Carpenter - Theme: Medieval Games - Competitions: Battle Axe Throwing, Catapult, Jesters Riddles, Archery, Long boat race, Castle Assault. (Stephen C. / Mr. D) Sign-up's are still possible, but will cost an extra $5.

Oct. 24 - Sub Sale - Tickets have been distributed. If you missed last week be sure to pick-up your tickets on Thursday. Tickets and $$ to be returned by the Oct. 15th meeting. There are a lot of hungry people in Windham - get out and sell!

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

-------------
Greetings Troop 266,

Congratulations to our new Patrol Leaders Council ! These are the guys that you have entrusted to lead the Troop through the Fall & Winter:

SPL: Ben G

ASPL's: Freddy N and Greg S

Scribe: Bryan D

Quartermaster: Freddie P

Historian: Matt R

Librarian: Brandon D

Chaplin Aid: Chris B

Phoenix Patrol Leader: vacant

Monkey Patrol Leader: Stefan S, APL: Luciano S

Platypus Patrol Leader: Mikey S , APL: Devin D

Bengal Patrol Leader: John N, APL: Mitchell C

Flaming Arrow Patrol Leader: Casen M, APL: Peter C

Dragon Patrol Leader: Patrick H, APL: Matt G

Also included will be Troop Guides, when selected. See me if interested.

This Week - Sept. 24 - 7:00 - 9:00 Troop / Crew Fall Ice Cream Social at Center School for Scouts, Parents, and Siblings . Remember this is a great opportunity to invite a friend (with parent) as your First Class requirement #11. Sub Sale ticket distribution. Last chance to sign-up for the Fall Camporee without paying a penalty. The Bengals have the opening and clean-up (with help).

Sept 27 - Ghost Walk - Help the Historic Commission guide people to the "Ghosts" in the Cemetery - signup sheet for these service hours available again this week (limit 10 Scouts). See Jake S for details.

Oct. 1 - New PLC installed. Start Planning for Fall Camporee. Presentation of "Trail to Eagle" for Life Scouts. The Dragons have the opening and clean-up.

Oct. 3 - Den Chief Training - Camp Carpenter - See our training coordinator Mrs. Samsel

Oct. 9-11 Fall District Camporee - Camp Carpenter - Theme: Medieval Games - Competitions: Battle Axe Throwing, Catapult, Jesters Riddles, Archery, Long boat race, Castle Assault. (Stephen C / need / an adult organizer) I will have a Sign-up Sheet at this week's meeting

Oct. 24 - Sub Sale

I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday night (in uniform, of course). Please remember to return any Clean & Dry Troop equipment that you have from the Camp out, bring any completed Blue Cards, your Scout Book, and any receipts you have for items to be reimbursed.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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

Greetings Troop 266,

Another great meeting last week and a successful Camp-out this past weekend!

At this weeks' meeting (9/17) we will have our Troop Elections. This is your opportunity to elect your leadership for the upcoming season. Elected Positions are: SPL (the SPL will select 2 ASPLs) Quartermaster, Scribe, Librarian, Historian, Chaplin Aid and, of course, Patrol Leaders. The Platipi have the opening and clean-up.

Sept 19 - 10:00 AM (Saturday) Ghost Walk planning meeting at the Cemetery on the Plain - signup sheet for these service hours available again this week. See Jake S for details.

Sept. 24 - 7:00 - 9:00 Troop / Crew Fall Ice Cream Social at Center School for Scouts, Parents, and Siblings . Remember this is a great opportunity to invite a friend (with parent) as your First Class requirement #11. Sub Sale ticket distribution. The Bengals have the opening and clean-up (with help).

Oct. 1 - New PLC installed. Start Planning for Fall Camporee. Presentation of "Trail to Eagle" for Life Scouts. The Dragons have the opening and clean-up.

Oct. 3 - Den Chief Training - Camp Carpenter - See our training coordinator Mrs. Samsel

Oct. 8 - Complete Planning for Fall Camporee. The Flaming Arrows have the opening and clean-up.

Oct. 9-11 Fall District Camporee - Camp Carpenter - Theme: Medieval Games - Competitions: Battle Axe Throwing, Catapult, Jesters Riddles, Archery, Long boat race, Castle Assault. (Stephen C / need / an adult organizer) I will have a Sign-up Sheet at this week's meeting

Oct. 24 - Sub Sale

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. D.

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

6/11/2009

Hi All,

The Court of Honor is THIS WEEK. If you have not yet RSVP'd to Mrs. Chau, please do so now.

Remember, the CoH starts at 6:00. Please be on time. There is a full schedule. Also, there will be a lot of people there. Please be sure to bring enough food to feed your family plus a little more.

There will be a Camp Bell meeting next Thursday, 6/18 to review gear requirements, go over the schedule selections one last time, take another look at the menus, and address any questions that you may have, etc. This is highly recommended for first timers and open to all who plan to attend camp. I will let you know where this will be held (I am shooting for the fire station). This meeting is required for all adults who plan to attend camp.

The bike trip is just around the corner. We are planning to leave the school at 6:00 AM Saturday, 6/27. We will be packing the truck on Friday. Details to follow as to time and place. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Other than the specific activities outlined above, the Court of Honor signifies the end of regular meetings until school starts again in September (I know you all cannot wait for that!). There will be an activity planned for August, keep your eyes peeled.

See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

---------------
6/4/09

Hi All,

Hard to believe we're winding up the year! Please make sure you check Mr. Caron's e-mail message for the advancements that we have on record. This week is the last chance to correct any errors before the Court of Honor.

This week we are back at Center School! Bike trip participants (and others feel free) please bring your bikes. We will do one more check of bikes for safety and function, check some skills, and see what you guys can do on your bikes... We will also wrap up planning for the bike trip, review summer camp preparation, and finish advancements. This will be a FULL meeting, so be on time and keep focused.

Other upcoming stuff:

6/6: Strawberry Festival, Windham Library. Set up at 8:00, opening ceremony at 10:00. Please make sure you are there!

6/11: VERY IMPORTANT COURT OF HONOR! Please make sure that you RSVP to Mrs. Chau (dessert planning depends on it!).

6/12: Flag disposal ceremony, Cemetery on the Plain, 5:30. Graham and Stefan, please make sure that you COLLECT the boxes prior to the ceremony. I also have all of the flags from the cemetery clean up to add.

6/27-30: Acadia trip.

See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

---------------
5/28/2009

Hi All,

I understand there was a little confusion at last week's meeting. Sorry the Ice Cream Social was not for you... I also heard that you guys got some First Aid training. Outstanding!

IMPORTANT: This week's meeting will be at GOLDEN BROOK again! Not Mr. Deranian's. This time we have the inside of the school (important since it will be raining).

We will be working on more advancements, Phase A planning for the bike trip, finalizing Camp planning (NEED Menus!!!). There was discussion about a Lost Scout exercise, however, this will be weather dependent...

Our next meeting (6/4) will actually be held back at Center School!!! This will be the last meeting before the Court of Honor. We will complete bike trip planning (bring your bikes if they have not yet been inspected) and probably play some games...

Reminder: 6/11 is the big Court of Honor (Troop 266 turns 60)! Recognition, food, more recognition.... This is a family event! Please make sure that you RSVP to Mrs. Chau.

The big bike trip is 6/27-30! Details will follow at the planning meetings.

Next big things are summer camps and an as yet to be planned August activity. Speaking of activities, your Patrol Leaders should be asking you guys for ideas for any kinds of activities (camp out destinations, themes, winter activities, etc.) that you want to do next year. Don't limit yourself to stuff we have done, read your Boy's Life magazines, talk to your folks, come to the meeting prepared! There will be a planning meeting in late June, so make sure you get your ideas to your leaders!

Service Opportunities:

6/6: 8:00 - 10:00 AM: Strawberry Festival set up and Flag Ceremony at the Library. Rain location is Center School.

6/12: 5:30 - 7:00 PM: Flag Disposal ceremony at the Cemetery on the Plain.

Communications Merit Badge:

For those of you working on this, you are running out of time. Several requirements that many of you need are:

2: either creative way to describe yourself or develop sales plan for concept, product, or service.

3: 5 minute speech

5: Public meeting and write up

6: Teach a skill

7: one of the following:

a) write to editor of magazine or newspaper to express opinion or share information

b) create web page for troop, school, or other organization

c) use desktop publishing to produce a newsletter, brochure, or flier for troop, class, or other group.

9: Learn about and discuss opportunities in the field of communication.

Yes, that's a lot, but you guys have know about this for a long time. If you have gotten a lot of this done, then I can help you out to finish the rest in time for the Court of Honor.

Finally, there are still a few open slots for the bike trip. If you are interested, please see Mr. Joseph at the meeting this week.

See you at Golden Brook on Thursday!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

----------------
5/21/2009

Hi All,

Boy, what a good, busy weekend. Great job on the Sub Sale! I don't have the final stats, but we made a boat load of subs. There were a few scattered quality issues, but overall, SUPER! I don't know about you guys, but I REALLY enjoyed my sub! Saturday afternoon the Venture Crew made it to the cemetery on the plain to do some clean up and replace the old flags with new ones for the upcoming Memorial Day ceremony. On Sunday a group went on a bike ride up to Derry on a somewhat muddy rail trail. We stopped for pizza and rode back. Everybody had a good time.

IMPORTANT CHANGE: This week's meeting will be held at GOLDEN BROOK SCHOOL. This is important so that we can wrap up some advancements (Boards of Review will be easier to hold here). The Phoenix Patrol will be leading us through First Aid requirements. We will also be planning Phase A of the bike trip.

Reminder: the Memorial Day parade is Monday, 5/25. If you are not marching with one of the bands or another organization, please be at Center School by 8:30 Monday morning to support the Troop and the community.

Your Patrol leaders will be asking you about plans for next year. This is important because we will be holding a planning meeting for next year with the PLC in June and they need your ideas. Think about things that you liked about this year. Take a look at your Boy's Life magazines to get ideas for things you would like to do. Feel free to "think outside the box" and come up with new and interesting ideas. With enough planning time, there are few limits to what we can accomplish!

The Court of Honor is only 4 short weeks away (6/11). Finish your merit badges, get your advancements done, have Scoutmaster conferences and Boards of Review - this is your time to shine!

The Acadia bike trip is the next outing. Plans for this are well under way, thanks to Mr. Joseph. We are in good shape to get the 30+ people and bikes up north. Final planning for this trip will take place at the next couple of Troop meetings.

There is still a little more camp planning to be done. This will be discussed this week also. If you are going to Bell or Valley we need you at this meeting to wrap up camp planning.

I think that about covers it for now - final stretch guys, time to turn it on!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

----------------
5/14/2009

Hi All,

First, a huge congratulations to the Scouts who participated in the Encampment Weekend. Overall FIRST PLACE in the Olympics! First Place Spirit award in the chariot race (thanks to Mr. Missert for volunteering to be pushed on it)! On a slightly different note, some of our Monkeys ended up wet after slipping out of a tree into the lake (I guess our Monkeys aren't as good at climbing as the real thing...). Despite the slip up, the boys did a great job manning the Conservation station and everyone had a blast at the Olympics. Thanks and congratulations to all who participated! Great job and thanks to the adult leadership who volunteered to attend this activity!

This week's meeting is at Center School. There is a MANDATORY meeting for all Camp Bell campers before the Troop Meeting starts. Please arrive by 7:00 so that we can get started with camp planning.

This week the new Scouts will be completing the fitness test requirement. Please wear your sneakers and be prepared for the test. Hopefully the rain will hold off... We will also be working on other advancements and preparing for summer camp.

REMINDER: Saturday is Sub Sale! All Scouts are required - we need ALL HANDS to help prepare the 900+ subs that you guys sold! Please bring a parent and a cooler with ZIPLOC bag of ice (no purchased ice bags please, they leak and make the subs wet). 7:00 AM at the Presbyterian Church, please be on time. We will need parent volunteers to drive the predetermined delivery routes. Routes will be assigned on the morning of the sale.

After the Sub Sale, please join the Venturing Crew at the Cemetery on the Plain for 1-2 service hours helping spruce it up for Memorial Day. We will also be collecting flags for the disposal ceremony which will be held in June. Work gloves and yard tools (rakes in particular) will be helpful.

There will be a bike ride on Sunday, 5/17at 9:00 AM starting at the Windham Depot and heading north to Derry. Total trip is approximately 10 miles. Bring money for food. This is a required ride for the Bicycling merit badge and highly recommended for those participating in the June Acadia trip. There will be a sign up sheet at the meeting this week.

Mrs. Farmer is once again offering the Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge. The classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, 5/19, 5/26, and 6/2 from 6:15 PM until 7:45 at the Farmer's house. A sign up sheet will be available this week.

If you are available to join the Troop in the Memorial Day parade, please arrive at Center School by 8:45 AM on 5/25. This counts towards service hours and is a great way to support the community. Many of our Scouts pariticpate through band and other civic organizations. Please join us if you can, we need all the support we can get.

The June Court of Honor is just around the corner. Bring your books, get them signed off, have Scoutmaster conferences: these are all required for advancement along with a Board of Review. Make sure Mr. Caron gets your updated books so that he can update the official records. This is REALLY important!

Those of you who signed up for newsletter articles, please get them to Andrew Cook as soon as you can so that he can prepare the newsletter in time for the CoH.

Next week's meeting will be held at Deer Jump reservation. We will be in the woods, so be prepared with bug spray and flashlights!

I think that about covers it for this week. There is an awful lot going on!

See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

----------------
5/7/2009

Hi All,

There is a TON of REALLY IMPORTANT information in this message. Please print it, read it all, and post it on the fridge!

First, this week's meeting will be held at Mr. Deranian's house.

At this week's meeting ALL SUB TICKETS ARE DUE. I know that the 8th graders are in DC, but we still need the tickets dropped off in order to tally up the totals so that we can order supplies. This is really important.

Also at this week's meeting, FINAL CAMP PAYMENTS ARE DUE. Hidden Valley campers who paid the $50 deposit owe $250 and Camp Bell campers owe $300 after deposit. New Scouts who have not yet signed up, please come prepared to sign up and pay the full fee this week if you want to attend. In order to avoid late fees we must receive payment this week. Please make checks payable to Troop 266. As with the Sub Tickets, we need final payments for ALL SCOUTS attending camp, so please come by Mr. Deranian's house to drop off both...

This weekend is Encampment Weekend at Camp Carpenter. Please plan to meet there at 5:00 Friday evening. Pick up will be on Sunday morning at 9:30. Final preparations for this campout will take place this week. Permission slip is attached. Please print and bring a signed copy to the meeting. Also, bring your $15 fee if you have not yet paid.

Please note, a number of Scouts owe money for Troop activities. In fact, the Troop is currently owed approximately $500 in unpaid dues and activity fees. Unfortunately, we cannot afford to run this way. Going forward, if you have not paid, you will not attend the activity. Please come prepared to meet with Mrs. Chau and bring your balance up to date. For example, if you attended Encampment and have not paid, you owe $15.

Next week we will be back at Center School for our meeting. All Camp Bell Campers must arrive by 7:00 in order to start planning for for summer camp.

SUB SALE UPDATE: The Sub Sale will be held on Saturday, May 16th. In order to get credit for participation, all Scouts must attend the preparation day and bring a parent and a cooler with a ZIPLOC bag full of ice (please to not just put a purchased bag of ice in the cooler as it will make the subs wet). If, for some reason, you cannot participate on Saturday, please see Mr. Borcoche this week.

Details: Sub prep will start at 7:00 AM SHARP at the First Presbyterian Church. I expect that we will complete sub prep by approximately 9:00, with routes started by 9:30. We will need a few Scouts and adults to volunteer at the Transfer Station and the Garden Club sale. All others are expected to help with delivery. Upon arrival on Saturday morning, please check in with Mr. Pierson and see Mrs. Samsel for a route assignment. Past sales have been complete by around noon.

Troop bike ride: Sunday, 5/17 at 1:00 PM at the Windham Depot, weather permitting. Destination is Derry. Bring cash if you want to have pizza. Bike must be in safe condition and you need a mountain or trail bike.

There will be some Class B t-shirts with Troop 266 logo (size small) avalable for $5 at the meeting this week. We will also have some gray polo shirts with logo available for $10. Size selection is limited...

Next, with the upcoming Court of Honor, our Historian, Andrew C, needs volunteers to write up the spring activities. If you participated in any of these activities, please see Andrew at this week's meeting to sign up.

Speaking of the Court of Honor, make sure you get your advancements done as soon as possible. If you need a ScoutMaster Conference, please see me!

The Acadia bike trip will be here before you know it (6/27-30). The ride on Sunday, 5/17, is HIGHLY recommended for those attending the trip.

Finally, remember, Mother's Day is this Sunday. Even if you are going on Encampment, please remember your mom!

So, Sub Sale tickets are due this week. Camp payments are due this week. Unpaid balances are due as soon as possible. Encampment this weekend. Sub sale next weekend. Bike ride next weekend. Court of Honor 6/11. Bike trip 6/27-30. WOW!

See you all Thursday (AT MR. DERANIAN's)!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

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4/23/2009

Hi All,

WOW! What a GREAT campout this weekend! Super job to ALL who participated. Weather was good, food was great, lots of advancement, and a ton of fun all around ("git 'er done!"). I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. I am really proud of all of you! From the new Scouts to the older Scouts who coached you, to the adult leaders who sat around and drank coffee.... Great Time!

Lost and Found: One of our Scouts lost a pair of Scout pants at the event. If you have a pair of pants that aren't yours. please bring them to the meeting on Thursday. Hopefully they have his name in them. Note, if the name inside the pants isn't yours, bring them to the meeting.

Lost and Found #2: A multi-tool was found in one of the Patrol boxes. If you lost one, please see me on Thursday.

Now we are in the home stretch to the end of the Scout year. Still a LOT going on. Encampment Weekend is just a few weeks away, The Court of Honor is just beyond that. The next few weeks will be really busy! We also have a few weeks where the meetings cannot be held at Center School. Please take note.

IMPORTANT: This week's meeting will be held in my backyard. We will practice fire building and plan the meals for Encampment. Come prepared for an outdoor meeting (that is, dress appropriately, please use the bathroom before coming). There will also be a campfire.... ALL GEAR FROM SHAKEDOWN IS DUE BACK AT THIS MEETING!!!! We need it for Encampment.

If you are not yet signed up for Encampment (5/8-10), this is your LAST CHANCE! 15 boys are currently registered, there is room for more! Sign up this week!!!

There is NO MEETING NEXT WEEK due to school vacation.

The bike trip is the next major event after Encampment. We have a lot of prep work to do for this trip as well. We have decided to use a couple of our upcoming meetings for bike tune up and skill testing. Keep an eye out for announcements around these.

Finally, summer camp is just around the corner. A lot to do for that too. There will be a mandatory meeting for all Camp Bell participants in the very near future. Look for an announcement on this too!!

Busy, busy, busy!

See you all Thursday,

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

----------------
4/16/2009

Hi All,

Great meeting last week. The gear is pretty well straightened out, meals are planned (or they SHOULD be), we know where we're going (but we're not yet quite sure how, see below...) and we made some progress on advancement.

The big campout is this weekend. When I say big, I mean BIG: ~40 Scouts, 10 adults. A lot of patrol activities, advancement, and good times. But, as noted above, we are not really sure how we are going to transport everybody up there. We need transportation for 8-10 Scouts and gear for Friday night and Sunday early afternoon. Please let me know as soon as possible if you can be available for one or the other (or both...).

This week will be spent finalizing these plans and working on some advancement opportunities associated with the camp out. We will also start discussing the Encampment weekend (there is not a lot of planning time for this due to school break).

Note: PLC Meeting next Monday, 4/20, at my house. Members of the PLC and Assistant Scoutmasters are expected to attend. 7-9 PM.

Upcoming events:

Shakedown Weekend: THIS WEEKEND, Hidden Valley. 4/17-19: Older Scouts, Leadership; 4/18-19: New Scouts, Leadership. Driving directions and final plans available at the meeting Thursday. You NEED to be at the meeting...

PLC Meeting: 4/20, Mr. Pierson's house, 7-9 PM.

Encampment weekend: 5/8-10, Camp Carpenter. Sign up, come and help the Cubs with Chuckwagon and participate in the Boy Scout Olympic activities (by the way, patrols need to pick countries THIS WEEK).

Bike Trip Prep: To Be Determined, Probably rail trail. There may be 2 of these. Objective is to review skills and bicycles.

Bike Trip and Camp out: 6/27-30, Acadia National Park, ME. There are a FEW SLOTS LEFT! OPEN TO ALL. SIGN UP NOW!!!! and bring $50.....

We will also be working on summer camp prep in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes out for this....

I think that about covers it for this week. I'm sure I missed something....

Oh yeah: summer camp: final payments are due to Mrs. Chau or Mr. Joseph by May 7. Feel free to bring your balance to this meeting, next meeting, or the meeting on the 7th...

Oh yeah oh yeah: Buchika's bike shop is offering a special on bike tune ups to Troop 266 members. You should really take advantage of this offer: Full tune ups are $20 off, and basic tune ups are $10 off. Thanks again to Mr. Joseph for arranging this (and, of course to Buchika's)!

OK, that is really it. See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

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4/8/2009

Hi All,

I hope you all had a great time at the Easter Egg Hunt! Super job to all who helped out! We received a LOT of thank you's from participants. Thank you all for your help and enthusiasm!

This week we will focus on a few things:
1) New Scouts: Fitness Test for Tenderfoot requirement. This includes running, sit ups, push ups, long jump, and chin ups. Be prepared to work out!
2) Shakedown preparation: The trailer will be there, we need to make sure the gear is ready, including tents, patrol boxes, etc. Each patrol should designate 2 boys to work on this aspect of the camp out.
3) Communications MB participants: Bring any materials for your badge to the meeting so that I can review and approve them. This includes brochures, speeches, training materials, etc. If you have no idea what I am talking about, go to MeritBadge.org and look up the work sheet for the communications MB. It will help.

The next PLC meeting will be held on Monday, 4/20 (a WEEK from next Monday). These are held at my house, 7-9 PM. All Patrol Leaders, the Senior Patrol, Scribe, and Troop Guides are expected to attend and participate.

Spring Shakedown update: we have 39 boys signed up, probably our biggest single camp out ever! There is room for additional adults if you are interested in attending (currently we have 6). It is going to be a LOT of fun, but will require a LOT of cooperation and coordination. Gear requirements, duty rosters, and menu planning are CRITICAL. Reminder, this is only a week and a half away... Boys who joined the Troop prior to this Spring (Monkeys, Phoenix, Platypus, and Sr. Patrol) will head up on Friday night. We will most likely meet at Center School at 4 PM and car pool up to camp. The new patrols will head up on Saturday, please plan to arrive at camp around 10:00. We will discuss carpooling, directions, etc. at this week's meeting.

Encampment update: May 8-10 at Camp Carpenter. Sign up this week! Great opportunity to help the Cubs and have a fun time!

Bike trip update: We still have slots open but they are going fast. Sign up and bring your $50 this week to secure your spot. Also, Mr. Joseph has secured a DISCOUNT ON BIKE TUNE UPS from Buchika's in Salem! Full tune ups are discounted from $65 to $45 and basic tune ups are discounted from $30 to $20. I recommend that you take advantage of this offer! I'm not sure what is required from an identification standpoint, but, remember, a Scout is Trustworthy... We will be scheduling a couple of preparatory events prior to the trip, keep your eyes peeled!

Summer Camp update: For those attending Bell, there will be a planning meeting within the next few weeks. We need to make sure that our events are planned, meals are chosen, and tent and duty roster assignments are made. We also need to collect medical forms for both camps...

I think that about covers it for now! See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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4/1/2009

Hi All,

This one is CHOCK FULL of important stuff. Please print and post on the fridge!

Great meeting last week! Excellent progress on the Communication MB, great job by all of you listening to the constitution discussion, and fun with the communication game.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS WEEK's MEETING WILL BE HELD AT TOWN HALL!!! Do NOT go to Center School!

This week we will be stuffing Easter Eggs for the town Egg Hunt on Saturday. We need all the help we can get to get this major project done! We will also continue work on the Communications MB for those who are in process. Finally, we will be handing out the Sub Sale tickets and reviewing this year's rules. You NEED to be there in order to get your tickets and get a jump on your sub sales. Remember: ALL proceeds from this sale go towards Camperships for those boys who participate in the sale.

The Easter Egg Hunt is THIS SATURDAY, 4/4! Please plan to arrive at Town Hall by 9:00 so that we can place the eggs that we stuff this week. This counts as Service Hours for those who need them AND it is a lot of fun!

New Scouts: If you have not completed a Boy Scout application, you are NOT registered and cannot attend ANY events (camp outs, summer camp, etc). Please complete and turn in your applications this week. If you do not know, please see Mr. Caron. Do not leave the meeting without having your folks turn in this important form.

Upcoming Events:

4/17-19: Spring Shakedown, Hidden Valley. This is a MUST DO campout for everybody. This is always a lot of fun. Please note, ALL RECENTLY ELECTED LEADERS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND. I cannot stress this enough, if you hold a position in the Troop, I need you to be at this camp out.

5/8-10: Encampment weekend, Camp Carpenter. Come help the Cub Scouts with their Chuckwagon Derby and participate in the Boy Scout Olympic events, including a cooking competition. The District always does a fantastic job with these events!

6/27-30: Bike trip, Acadia National Forest, ME. There remain a few open slots. Please bring your $50 deposit to the meeting this week to secure yours. If you have signed up, your spot is not secure unless you have paid the deposit. First paid 30 spots go. We will hold several preparatory sessions for this trip in the April/May time frame. It's a biggie....

Summer Camp: Final payments will be due soon! Prepare for them. Campership funding comes AFTER payments are made, so you will need to make your payments in advance. Please see me if you have concerns about this.

Summer Camp #2: For those attending Camp Bell, there will be a preparatory meeting held in the coming weeks. Please keep your eyes out for the announcement. This is an important meeting to make sure that we choose the food and activities that you want to do at camp!

That about covers it this week. See you all Thursday at TOWN HALL!!!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

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3/25/2009

Hi All,

Despite the current temperatures, Spring with 266 continues to heat up. I can't wait to hear from the group who went skiing this weekend to see how it went! I hope those guys earned the Snow Sports Merit Badge! Before you know it, we will be camping out at Hidden Valley for the Spring Shakedown. If you have not signed up, you need to, NOW! This is going to be a great time, great opportunity for advancement, great opportunity for nights of camping towards the Camping Merit Badge, great opportunity to practice some Communications requirements, face it, this is an all around GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

This week we will have an important requirement for all potential First Class Scouts. You guys need to be here for this one! This will be the last opportunity for this requirement before the June Court of Honor, so come and make sure you are covered!

For the new Scouts, we will continue working on Tenderfoot requirements. Remember, next week we will do the fitness test so wear your sneakers!

For experienced Scouts, come prepared to review progress on your Communications requirements. We will finalize a plan to complete the requirements by the 2nd meeting in April.

I have a couple of potential Eagle projects and contact information to move forward if this is where you are stuck. If you need Eagle required merit badges, come to the meeting to find a counselor.

Upcoming events:

4/17-19: Spring Shakedown, Hidden Valley. Older Scouts on Friday night, new Scouts on Saturday morning. 'Nuf said.

5/8-10: Encampment Weekend, Camp Carpenter. Come support the Cub Scouts in the Chuckwagon Derby and participate in the Olympic Activities for the Boy Scouts. This should be a lot of fun.

See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

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3/18/2009

Hi All,

Congratulations to the new Troop Leadership (P Indicates member of PLC):
SPL: Stephen C (P)
ASPL: Ben G (P)
ASPL: Sean J (P)
Scribe: Jake S (P)
Librarian: Brandon D
Historian: Andrew C
Chaplain's Aide: Chris B (?)
Phoenix Patrol (ex-Viking): Tom M (P)
Monkey Patrol: Bryan D (P)
Tsu-Rats Patrol: Will C (?) (P)
Troop Guide: Tommy O (P)

We need to validate the couple of guys with question marks by their names. I will also be selecting at least 2 more Troop Guides (vitally important positions). Also, if you are a member of the PLC you are expected to attend the PLC meeting. We held it on Monday and only 3 guys showed up. This makes it pretty tough to run the program. This is YOUR Troop.

This week, as you all saw the other day, we will hold a merit badge midway. We will also work with the new Scouts on Scout and Tenderfoot requirements. If you have any updates for me regarding communications MB progress, please let me know.

The next big activity is the ski trip this weekend. Any plans to be finalized this week whould be taken care of by Thursday...

After that, we have the Spring Shakedown on April 17-19 at Hidden Valley. The plan is for the older Scouts to head up to the camp on Friday night, prepare the site, and the new Scouts (those who joined this year) to come up on Saturday. We will have a sign up sheet at this week's meeting. This is a great campout where we will have fun for all Scouts. Troop Leadership is required to attend in order to hold a Junior Leader Training Session.

In early May we will participate in the Encampment weekend. This is another fun event where we will work with the Cub Scouts for their Chuckwagon Derby and then participate in Boy Scout activities including a cooking competition. The theme for this event is the Olympics. Each Patrol needs to pick a country, have representative regalia from that country (flags for example). Food for the cooking competition also needs to be related to your country. A sign up sheet will be available this week. Get your patrol together and make a plan to attend!

See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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3/12/2009

Hi All,

Hope you all survived today's snow... we had a little here in Washington too, but not as much as you got!

Thanks to all who helped with last week's meeting by welcoming our new Scouts and working with them to advance to the Scout rank. Great job!

This week we will hold elections. It is up to YOU to get out and run for positions and to come to the meeting to vote for those boys who will run the Troop for the next 6 months. If you do choose to run, please note that for ALL positions the following expectations should be set:

1) All elected Troop position holders should wear the uniform properly at all times. This week, full uniform is expected.

2) All elected Troop position holders should take their positions seriously. For example, if you are a Patrol leader, you will be expected to know what advancements are required in your Patrol and you will be expected to help create a program that meets your Patrol's development needs.

3) All Troop positions on the Patrol Leader's Council (Senior Patrol Leader, Asst, SPL's, Patrol Leaders, Troop Guides, Scribe) are expected to attend monthly Patrol Leader's Council meetings at my house on the 3rd Monday of the month (the next one is next Monday, 3/16 at 7:00 - yes, there is a conflict with the Citizenship Merit Badge this month).

Elections held this week will be effective on APRIL 1. This will ensure the 6 month requirement is met for those who were elected in the Fall. Best of luck to all who run and please come out to show your support for the Troop.

That about covers it for now. Please keep your eyes peeled for announcements regarding upcoming events.

Have a great week!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

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3/5/2009

Welcome back from vacation! I hope you all had a great one. I did, very relaxing (except maybe for going through all the Troop gear...) Are you all ready for a busy spring? I hope so, there's a lot going on!

First, this Thursday is First Night for new Scouts. All of the cross over boys along with a couple others are joining our Troop this week. We need all hands on deck to help us get these guys to Scout rank at this meeting! We will also be checking in any gear that has not yet been returned (I will have the trailer at the meeting). Please make every effort to attend the meeting and return your clean and dry gear! Also, please plan to sign up for summer camp this week. A $50 deposit is due by next week to take advantage of the reduced camp fee.

Speaking of summer camp, we currently have boys signed up for both camps. We need additional adult leadership in order to pull this off. Please consider spending a week with your son at either Bell or Valley. The number of paid adults will depend upon the number of boys who sign up.

There is a hike planned for this Sunday, 3/8 on the Hancock trail in Lincoln. This should be a great time! A sign up sheet will be available this week.

Next week we will hold Troop Elections. Please let me know by this Thursday what position you plan to run for. Remember, higher ranks require positions for advancement. Also, the Troop needs you guys to lead it. Run, take your positions seriously, and let's have a great 6 months!

The next big event will be the Spring Shakedown in mid-April (17-19) at Hidden Valley. This event is a blast! Camping, cooking, hiking, camp fires, all elements of a great time!

Meetings up to this event will be used to prepare for it, review and teach skills, and complete the Communications merit badge.

Early May brings Encampment weekend at Camp Carpenter (5/8-10). This is where we man the stations for the Cub Scouts' Chuck Wagon Derby and participate in Boy Scout competitions as well. Last year was a ton of fun and this year will be too.

See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

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2/19/2009

Hi All,

First, congratulations to our Order of the Arrow nominees: Chris B, Kevin D, Bryan D, and Greg S. As you all know, the elections were held by representatives of the Order at our meeting last week. Next up for these guys, the Ordeal... Information will be sent to you.

This week we are going to wrap up some of the cooking requirements for the Skill Scouts and start the Communications Merit Badge for those who need it. We will also prepare for first night with our new Scouts, which will be held on 3/5, the first Thursday after vacation.

Speaking of vacation, there will be no meeting next week!

Elections are coming up really soon! We will hold Troop elections on 3/12. We will elect the following positions:

Senior Patrol Leader (Star or above, preferably NYLT trained)

Asst Sr. Patrol Leaders (Chosen by SPL)

Patrol Leaders (First Class and above except for Skill Scout Patrol)

Quartermaster

Scribe

Historian

Librarian

Chaplain's Aide

Any qualified Scouts who are not elected to positions may be selected for Troop guide positions to assist with the new Scouts who will be crossing over in two weeks.

Please let me know if you are interested in running for a position.

The next outing will be a snow sports overnight in mid-March. We are working on the details and we will let you know as soon as we do....

Spring Shakedown is scheduled for the weekend of 4/17-19 at Hidden Valley.

Encampment weekend is 5/8-10 at Camp Carpenter.

The PLC has decided to hold a bike trip at the end of June in Bar Harbor, ME. If you are interested in helping to plan this outing, please let me know.

That about covers it. See you at the meeting!

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

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2/4/2009

Hi All,

Well, it sure seemed like the guys who went swimming on Friday night had a great time. Sorry that more of you could ot make it! The pool was nice, and it was great to have Mr. Hargraves there to help with the merit badge and First Class requirements! Thanks to Mr. Joseph for setting this up.

This week Kevin D will review belaying for those who need a refresher prior to Saturday's overnight at MetroRock. We will also be working on advancement for the Skill Scouts and merit badge ideas for upcoming meetings for the advanced Scouts. If we can drum up enough interest we will also plan a winter campout. I hope you will all be there.

Next week we have our Order of the Arrow elections. In order for the election to count, we need two thirds of the Troop present. Please make every effort to attend. Every vote counts. In order to get nominated for the OA, Scouts must be First Class or above and have 15 nights of camping (you can only count summer camp nights once).

We will also plan the ski outing for early March at next week's meeting.

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. Pierson

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1/29/2009

Hi All,

REMINDER: There is NO MEETING Thursday night. This meeting has been switched to Friday where we will be swimming at the Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School on River Road in Andover. All Scouts are welcome to attend even if you have not signed up yet! There will be paid Life Guards on duty.

We will schedule a night next week to train belayers at MetroRock. If you are going to climb next week and you are 13 or older, you should be trained. Kevin D. will set up the date and time and communicate to the Troop (thanks Kevin!).
The school has informed us that, due to today's closing, we cannot have the school next week. Please stay tuned for next week's meeting details!
See you all Friday night!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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

1/22/2009

Hi All,

Congratulations to all of you guys and the advancements made over the past 6 months. You guys are all doing great and I am proud of you. Let's keep up the good work and see how much more we can do by June!
The next few weeks are going to be a little different. This week, the Troop will meet behind Golden Brook School for sledding. This is a great event and a lot of fun for all. I hope you can all make it out to enjoy it!
Next week, there will be NO MEETING on THURSDAY NIGHT. Instead, the Troop Meeting will be held on FRIDAY NIGHT, 1/30/09 at the Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School swimming pool. A certified Swimming Merit Badge counselor will be on hand to finish up any swimming requirements for that badge. We will also review general safe swim defense for all and play some games. I know that changing to Friday night may create a difficult scheduling issue for some of you, however, we do not have the school available on Thursday and this is a good opportunity for us to knock out some advancement and have some fun.
There are two events coming up on Saturday, 2/7. The first is the Cub Scout Winter Carnival. We need a few volunteers to help run Broom Ball. If you are interested, please let Mr. Caron know on Thursday.
The second is the overnight at MetroRock in Everett, MA. For $50 you will get an overnight indoor high adventure activity. We had a great time at this last year. The following boys are signed up:
There is room for more! $50 is due THIS WEEK for all attendees. Scouts 13 and older are encouraged to learn how to belay. A separate evening for this training will be scheduled and communicated prior to the event. This training is MANDATORY for new belayers and the more trained belayers we have, the more fun we can have.  Belayers who were trained at MetroRock in the past must meet a proficiency test in order to avoid re-training.
There is discussion around another winter camp out to try to get the 100 degrees of Frost award. If you are interested in achieving this milestone, let your Patrol Leader know.
In early March we will welcome the new Scouts to the Troop. March is the month for preparing them for the first Spring camp out in April. In March we will also have a skiing sports outing. Details to follow.

Have a great week, enjoy the sledding!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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1/15/2009

Hi All,

First, congratulations to the Viking, Monkey, and TsuRat Patrols for their great participation in the 2009 Nutfield District Freezeout and Klondike Derby! All survived the overnight where the temperature fell to 8 degrees! The next morning the Patrols formed up with their sleds and competed in the Klondike, winning honorable mentions in Fire Building (TsuRats), Map and Compass (Vikings), and Knots and Lashings (I believe, for the Monkeys). Great job guys! I'm really proud of you all!
This week we will be running the camp promotion with a representative from the Council. He will review the programs available this year, the costs, and the timing. We will also talk about our Troop plans for camp. This is a great opportunity to learn about camp and make plans for the summer!
The Court of Honor is finally here! Monday, 1/19 at St. Matthews Parish Hall, 6:00 PM. Pot luck dinner and awards and recognition. This is a family event, come out and support your Scout.
Next week we will not have the school available to us. The meeting will be held behind Golden Brook School - Bring your sleds!

On Friday, 1/30, we have a Troop swim night planned at the Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School on River Road in Andover. A registered swimming merit badge counselor will be present to help complete requirements for any boy who needs them! This is a great opportunity, sign up this week!
The indoor rock climbing event will be held on Saturday, 2/7 at MetroRock Boston in Everett. $50 per person, great event! Sign up this week!
Think about another winter overnight if you are interested in the 100 degrees of frost award. Boys who camped out last year at Lafayette and again at the Klondike have a shot at getting it this year (as long as it gets cold...). If you are interested, let your Patrol Leader know and we will discuss at the next PLC meeting.
That about covers it! See you Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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

1/8/2009

Hi All,

Happy New Year! I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday season. Time to ramp it up for the new year. First big event is the Klondike this weekend. Details are:
Place: Camp Carpenter
Time: 5:00 PM Friday until 4:00 PM Saturday (there is an awards ceremony that may carry on past this time, please be prepared to stick around for a bit if possible)
We will meet at Camp Carpenter on Friday at 5:00 sharp. We will not advance to our campsite until ALL participants are present, so please try to be on time. Please bring $10 to the meeting or designate Scout Bucks to be used.
This week's meeting will be dedicated to finalizing Klondike preparations. If you are going on the Klondike, you need to be at the meeting. If you are not going on the Klondike, there will be some skills practice that you can either help with or learn from (or both...). Final lunch menus, equipment gathering, and duty rosters are also required...
The next big event is the Metro-Rock overnight. You should sign up for this event as soon as possible. It is going to be great!
Please stay tuned for upcoming information regarding the Court of Honor. We will hold this very soon...

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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

12/25/2008

Hi All,

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Merry Festivus (and any other holiday that I may have missed)! I hope that you all have had your power restored and that you are prepared for the holiday season. One more day of school before break....
We are planning a meeting over break to prepare for the Klondike. This meeting is really important as we have a LOT to do in order to be ready for the competition. Details will follow regarding this meeting, but the key is that we need everybody who is signed up to come! The current list is as follows:
As you can see, I need confirmation for at least one more adult and we have 16 guys signed up who need to work together to prepare for this event. This is a minimum of 2 sleds (I know where 3 are...). If you want to sign up, please feel free to do so now.
I understand that at last week's meeting, Sunday, 12/28 was selected as the preparation date. I need responses to determine the best time to meet. Please REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE with your preference for Sunday or Monday. We will meet one of those days and we may need another day during the week as well. THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!! If we do not get enough participation in this preparation, we will cancel our participation in the event...
On another note, Mrs. Sarnie has set up the Textile Merit badge at the Textile Museum in Lowell for January 13th at 12:30 (I believe this is a school holiday). This is a lot of fun. Guys who have done this in the past have really enjoyed it! Cost is $8 per Scout (cash or Scout bucks, your choice...). There will be a sign up sheet at the next official meeting on January 8th.
Other major events include the indoor climbing overnight at MetroRock in Everett, MA on 2/7-8.
Again, please get back to me regarding the prep meeting for the Klondike. Did I mention, this is IMPORTANT!!!
By the way, for those of you with my cell phone number, please change it to 978.761.7985. Do NOT use the other one...
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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

12/18/2008

Hooray! Power is back! I hope that you all survived the storm and ensuing outage. It turns out that postponing the Court of Honor was the prudent thing to do...
We need to start preparing for the Klondike Derby. This week's meeting will be focused on it. About 20 of you guys are signed up, so you need to be there to help prepare. There are only 2 meetings before the Derby and there is a lot to do.
We also postponed our winter hike. This will be re-scheduled for January. Perhaps we can snowshoe...
So, for upcoming events:
1/9-10: Klondike Derby, Camp Carpenter. Final sign ups this week!
TBD: Court of Honor. We'll keep you posted.
2/7-8: Indoor climbing gym overnight, MetroRock, Everett, MA. $50. This is a fantastic time! Sign up this week!
March will bring a winter sports trip. Details will be finalized soon.
I'll see you all Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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

12/11/2008

Hi All,

Due to the inclement weather, Windham Schools have cancelled all after school activities so the Court of Honor will be postponed.
Due to necessary preparation for the Klondike derby in upcoming meetings, it will not occur until January. We will communicate the new date as soon as we figure it out...
Have no fear, those of you who have advanced get credit from the dates of your Boards of Review, the Court of Honor is really a recognition of your achievements. On the positive side, those who did not quite get across the line now have a chance to do so and get recognized!
If anybody is interested in the winter hike posted by Mr. Carpenter, please e-mail me.

Have a good evening!

Mr. Pierson

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

12/4/2008

Hi All,

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! We did and enjoyed a couple of days off...
First, a MAJOR calendar change. The Court of Honor has been moved up to NEXT WEEK, 12/11. You will receive invitations in the mail, but in the mean time, the details are as follows:
Date: 12/11
Time: 5:30 - dinner at 6:00 (please double check times on the invitation - the invitation is CORRECT)
Place: Center School
This will be a pot luck dinner and it is an event for the whole family. Please bring one main dish and a small appetizer or salad. The Troop will provide drinks and dessert. Also, please wear full uniform (OA sash is appropriate if you have one).
This week we will finalize a bunch of advancements and work on some winter camping skills in preparation for the overnight in the Whites event next weekend. Please note, nobody signed up for this event before Thanksgiving (except for Mr. Deranian and I...). If you are interested, you must sign up this week as all plans must be finalized! I spoke with a number of you who expressed interest in it, so sign up or it will not happen!
IMPORTANT: All articles for the newsletter are due IMMEDIATELY. please complete and send them to the Historian.
ALSO IMPORTANT: If you have not paid dues, please bring $40 cash or a check made out to Boy Scout Troop 266 or plan to use Scout Bucks. If you do not pay by this week you will not be registered with the Troop for 2009.
Upcoming events:
12/6 (this Saturday!), Town Tree Lighting and Bonfire, Windham Town Common, 2 PM - 5 PM
After this event, we will be selling Christmas trees at the Salem Exchange Club lot on Route 28 in Salem just south of Route 97 across from Husson Motors and Dunkin Donuts.
12/11, Center School: Troop 266 Court of Honor. Come and be recognized for all of your efforts!
12/13-14: Winter Camp and Hike in the Whites, Hancock Campground, Lincoln, New Hampshire. First Class and above unless you bring a parent. Sign up this week! Cost: $15.
There WILL be a meeting on 12/18, the topic will be Klondike preparation.
1/9-10: Klondike Derby, Camp Carpenter. This is a great competitive event! Cost: $10
2/7-8: Metro Rock overnight, Metro Rock Climbing Gym. Sign up will be available this week. We need a minimum of 13 participants. Cost: $50
Remember, you can use your Scout Bucks from the sub sale to fund any of these events!
I think that about covers it!
See you all this week!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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11/26/2008

Hi All,

First, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that you all can enjoy the holiday from school and Scouts this week!

Next, we need your help! We have signed up to help the Salem Exchange Club set up their Christmas Tree sale on Saturday, 11/29 at 8:30am. The sale takes place on an empty lot just south of the intersection of routes 28 and 97, across from the Dunkin' Donuts. Yes, seeing as it is so close to Dunkin' Donuts, there MAY be refreshments there....

Next Saturday, 12/6, we have the Windham town tree lighting from 2-5 PM at the Town Hall followed by Christmas Tree sales at the Salem Exchange Club lot from 5:30-9 PM. I know that this sounds like a lot, but the Exchange Club provides funding to the Troop and all of these activities count as community service hours.

The upcoming 1st class and above trip to Hancock Campground on 12/13 had NO sign ups at the last meeting. This event will be cancelled if there is insufficient interest (at least 6 Scouts and 2 adults must sign up - note, we have 2 adults...).

Again, have a great Thanksgiving! I hope to see you on Saturday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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11/20/2008

Hi All,
I heard that the camp out this past weekend was really great! I'm really glad to hear it. I wish I could have been there! I also understand that Mr. Carpenter made a mean chicken dish! Ihope the other meals wer just as memorable - tell me about them this week!
REMINDER: If you still have coolers from the Sub Sale, please bring them this week!
We only have 3 actual meetings until the Court of Honor. If you have advancements to complete, make sure that you see me or one of the Assistant Scout Masters to get them signed off. The meeting on 12/4 is the last opportunity to record advancements before the Court of Honor. We want to help you advance, let's get it done!

Our next big event is the Winter Camp Out in the Whites. We have had to change the place - it will now be the Hancock Campground off of the Kancamagus Highway. This is a great place with excellent hiking nearby. If there is snow we will snow shoe hike.
Believe it or not, the Klondike Derby is coming up quickly too!   Sign ups will be available for both events this week.
ATTENTION STAR AND LIFE SCOUTS: Come to the meeting this week to discuss advancement opportunities! It is time to get your merit badge program and eagle projects lined up!
This week's meeting will include some preparations for the Hike in the Whites, the Klondike, and some advancements, as well as some games. We have a lot to prepare for the upcoming activities and Court of Honor, so it's really important that you come to the meeting!
Our next meeting, 12/4, will be Uniform Inspection! Since we have not done this all year, this week's result will be used for recognition at the Court of Honor. The best patrol WILL win something!
It's winter camping time, so we need to make sure that we are prepared for all upcoming outdoor activities. Layers, synthetic fabrics, hydration, food, and , yes, LAYERS are really important. If you will be joining us on any upcoming adventures, you need to be be prepared. If you or your parents have questions, raise them at the upcoming meetings!
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
Christmas Tree Sale: Salem Exchange Club Christmas Tree Sale set up after Thanksgiving. I will provide more details as soon as I have them. Right now, please plan on the Saturday after the holiday.
Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Bonfire: Saturday, 12/6, Windham Town Common at 2:00. This is always a ton of fun, you want to be there!
Activities:
Hike in the Whites winter camp out: Hancock campground, 12/13-14
Klondike Derby: Camp Carpenter, 1/9-10
That about covers it! See you Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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11/12/2008

Hi All,

Are you ready for this weekend? If you aren't going on the camp out, you should be! This will be a ton of fun. It may even get cold enough to earn points towards the 100 degrees of frost award! Great cooking, 2 nights of camping, orienteering, and other skills training are on the agenda. It's going to be GREAT!

Reminder, tomorrow is the Veteran's day ceremony at BAE Systems. For those who are going, please be at the First Presbyterian Church at 9:30 in order to ride with the Liddel's in the church van. Due to security, NO KNIVES are allowed and cell phones must remain in the van.

This week's meeting will be spent on final preparations for the camp out, checking out gear, finalizing duty rosters, and working with the Target First Class group. Chris B. is in charge of the meeting.

** REMINDER: Dues are due. If you have not yet brought in your $40, please do so this Thursday!

We are getting really close to the December Court of Honor, so wrap up your Scoutmaster Conferences and any blue cards that you need so that we can recognize you at the meeting! Mr. Deranian can hold Scoutmaster conferences and sign blue cards in my absence this week.

Next week I would like to meet with all Star and Life Scouts to discuss Merit Badge requirements and Eagle project ideas. Please check your records and be prepared to discuss next week.

The next major camping activity is the overnight at Zeeland Falls on 12/13-14. This is a First Class and above trip. The only excpetion to this is if you bring a parent...

The other major upcoming activity is the Klondike Derby on 1/9-10. We will spend a fair amount of upcoming meetings preparing for the competition.

Keep up the good work guys! I am really proud of all the effort you are showing. The Court of Honor will be a great opportunity for you to be recognized in front of your families.

Have a great meeting this week!

Yours in Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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11/5/2008

Hi All,

I heard that last week's meeting was very productive for the stocking stuffing exercise and that you had some fun with ultimate frisbee. I hope that you all enjoyed it.

** REMINDER: DUES ARE DUE! Please bring $40 to this week's meeting. Make checks payable to BSA Troop 266. **

This week we will continue planning for the cooking camp out, continue advancement activities, play some games, and start discussing the December camp out - busy time....

Back to the stockings for a second. Next Tuesday, Veteran's Day, BAE Systems would very much like for our Scouts to present the Stockings for the Troops. Unfortunately, many of our leaders are unavailable to provide transportation and support for this event. It will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at BAE Systems in Nashua. I will have a sign up sheet for Scouts AND drivers for this event. At a minimum we would like to have a Scout Honor Guard (minimum of 4 Scouts). Thanks for your help.

** ANOTHER REMINDER: Please take some time to complete the Troop Survey that was sent by Mr. Dreyfuss several weeks ago. We are compiling the results and will use them to improve the Troop. In the spirit of this election season, make your voice heard...

If you want to be recognized at the next Court of Honor, NOW is the time to work on advancement. All updates must be submitted to Mr. Caron no later than the meeting on 12/4. Seems like a long time away, but 4 weeks goes pretty quickly...

This week, Mrs. Chau will bring a sign up sheet to continue assisting the Riendeau's with meals. If you would like to prepare a meal, come prepared to choose a date (or have your Scout sign up for one).

Upcoming activities:

11/14-16: Cooking Camp out, Lone Tree Scout Camp, Kingston, NH. Cost: $20. If you need cooking requirements, the First Class orienteering requirement, or a log of fun in your life (and great outdoor cooking), you need to be there!

12/13-14: Winter camp out, Zeeland camp ground, White Mountains. Cost: $15. This is First Class and above...

1/9-10: Nutfield District Klondike Derby, Camp Carpenter.  Cost: $15. If you liked the Lumberjack Camporee, you will love this. If you did not like the Lumberjack Camporee, you will still love this. Fun, cold, competition, who could ask for more?

Feb date TBD: Metro-Rock Indoor climbing overnight. Cost: $50 (est). Ask anyone who went last year - this is one of the BEST!

That about covers it for now. See you Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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10/29/2008

Hi All,

Hello from Greensboro, NC. I hope this finds you all well. This week's meeting has 2 goals, fun and stockings. For fun, it will be game night, to be run by David P. He has some ideas, I'm sure they will be fun, and I'm sure you will have a good time. As for stockings, the last 45 minutes or so of the meeting will be dedicated to stuffing the stockings for the Troops. Please REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR SUPPLIES for this activity. If, for some reason, you cannot make it to the meeting, please drop off your supplies at the Gallo's house. Mrs. Gallo intends to bring the stockings up to Manchester on Friday.

Unfortunately, due to business travel, I will not be at this week's meeting.

Next week we need to make final preparations for our November camp out. Please com prepared with recipe ideas to discuss with your patrols. If we do this right we will be able to experiment with many different types of excellent cooking!

The December camp out is a bit up in the air at the moment. The plan is for a winter overnight in the White Mountains (in tents) on December 13-14th. This is a First Class and above event. The general idea is to camp at the Zeeland campground, hike the area, and come back. There will be a sign up sheet at the meeting on Thursday.
Early January (1/9-10) is the Klondike Derby. We will spend part of November and December preparing for this event.

I think that covers it for now.

Have a great week!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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10/22/2008

Hi All,

Reminder: This Saturday is the Sub Sale! We have a bunch of subs to make and deliver as well as to sell in front of Shaw's and at the transfer station. Details are:
Date: Saturday, 10/25
Time: 7:00 AM (should be totally complete by noon including sales at Shaw's/Transfer Station)
Place: St. Matthew's Parish Hall (THIS IS A CHANGE!!!)
Important: Each Scout must bring a parent and a cooler with ice. Please put the ice in a ziploc bag to avoid leakage.... Parents will assist with sub wrapping, quality control, and, of course, delivery. In order to qualify for the spring campership you MUST participate in the building and delivery of subs at BOTH sales.
Some assistance is also required for set up Friday night. Mr. Borcoche is organizing this activity.
It's also time to start planning our next outing, the cooking campout in November. This is going to be a great opportunity to show off your cooking skills, knock off some requirements, help fellow Scouts and perhaps earn some of those degrees of frost towards that award! We will discuss some aspects of this trip at this week's meeting (please note, we will be doing the First class orienteering requirement at the camp out!).

Upcoming stuff:
Nov 15-16: Cooking campout, location TBD.
Dec 13-14: Winter campout in the White Mountains - outdoor camp out, First Class and above trip.
Dec 18: Court of Honor
Jan 9 - 10: Klondike Derby, Camp Carpenter
Please see the note from Mrs. Gallo and Mrs. Samsel regarding the Stockings for the Troops project. We intend to do this next week. If your are going to Bournedale next week, please bring items for donation THIS WEEK.
I'm sure I've forgotten stuff, but that's it for now.

See you Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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10/15/2008

Hi All,

Great meeting last week and I hope you all enjoyed your Columbus Day weekend!

Sell Subs! Tickets are due this week. Great prizes, Scout Bucks for activities, and funding for the Troop are the result of your participation in this sale. Get out there and sell those subs! Reminder, in order to qualify for the Spring Campership you must sell at least 10 subs and help with assembly and delivery.

This week we will focus on knots and lashings. Lots of opportunity for advancement, so be there to learn, practice, and teach your skills. Know your lashings (square, diagaonal), what they are used for, and how to tie them. Know your knots (square, taut-line hitch, clove hitch, timber hitch, etc.). These are important skills for you as Scouts! You need to know these! If you know them, we need you to help teach them!

Upcoming Events:
10/25: Sub sale at St. Matthews Parish Center - change from prior communications! 7:00 am - 12:00 PM.

11/15-16: Late fall cooking campout, destination TBD.

12/13-14: Night in the Whites winter campout, destination TBD.

12/18: Court of Honor: Work on your advancements!

Remember, always check the web for updates! www.Troop266.org

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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10/8/2008

Hi All,

This past weekend was a great campout for Troop 266, I'm sorry that I missed it. According to Mr. Deranian: "Patrol B (John, Andrew, Fred P., Fred N., Greg, Chris) took 1st place in the dessert competition with an Apple / Pineapple Dump Cake.  Patrol A (Jake, Michael, James, William, Bryan, Devin, James, Daniel) took 2nd place in the dessert competition with an Apple / 7up Dump Cake. Both received large Cast Iron Skillets. Patrol A got 1st prize for their Beef Stew and received a 5 qt. stovetop Dutch Oven. Then Patrol B got 1st prize for t he overall Lumberjack competition - a very nice Eastwing Axe. Both Packs also received awards.

Congratulations to all on a great Camporee!

This week's meeting will be focused on First Aid skills for all skill Scouts.  We will cover First Aid requirements for Tenderfoot, Second, and First class, so if you need these requirements, you need to be at this meeting. You may not get to do all of the requirements at this meeting, for example, if you are not yet a Tenderfoot, you may not get all of the First Class requirements, but we will try to get you through Tenderfoot and Second Class. This will require cooperation on your part. I also need experienced Scouts to help with this activity. If you have never presented a self prepared first aid kit to a leader, please take some time between tomorrow and Thursday to put one together and bring it to the meeting. Recommended first aid items for this kit can be found in the first aid section of your books. As I've said many times before, first aid skills should be practiced often to make su re that in an emergency you know what to do. Please be prepared to seriously discuss this topic and give it your full attention.

The biggest upcoming event is the sub sale - get out and sell those subs. I will ask you guys how many you have sold to try to get a feeling for how you are doing (and maybe spur some friendly competition...). If you need some help or coaching, let me know. Remember, there are prizes and you must participate (sell at least 10 subs and help make and deliver) in order to qualify for the spring camperships. Sub tickets are due NEXT THURSDAY, 10/16 and the sub sale is Saturday, 10/25.

We are planning an event in November, a cooking focused campout. This will be a great opportunity to learn, teach, and share cooking tips and tricks. It is also a great opportunity to knock off some of the cooking related requirements. The planned date is 11/15-16.

We have also planned a winter campout, a 2008 version of a night in the Whites, but we will be camping out rather than in a hut. This will offer a chance to earn points towards the 100 Degrees of Frost award as well as Year Round Camper (in fact, the November camp out may help with those too!). Details will follow.

Our winter Court of Honor will take place right before Christmas, so get your advancements done!

Please remember to check the website, www.Troop266.org frequently. Pictures from the camporee will be loaded soon.

That about covers it for now. See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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10/1/2008

Hi All,
There is a lot in this update, so please read it carefully, print if necessary (trying to save the environment you know...).

Reminder, this Thursday, 10/2, at 11:00 there will be a memorial service for Mr. Riendeau at the Presbyterian Church.    Please reply to this message if you plan to attend. We are trying to arrange for car pools from the schools. Full Scout uniform (including neckerchief) please.

If you are signed up for this weekend's Camporee, we have only received the $20 payment from 3 Scouts! Please bring your payment (check payable to Boy Scout Troop 266 or cash) THIS WEEK. If we do not receive payment it will affect your participation in the event.

If you are not attending the Camporee and would like to see the Moose from the cancelled Moose Parade, they will be on display this Saturday at Camp Carpenter. Any and all are welcome to head up to "view the Moose..."

Sub sale tickets were distributed last week. If you didn't get yours, get 'em this week! Only a couple of weeks left to sell. The Troop really needs your support from this sale as it provides funding for gear, activities, and advancement. There will be awards for those who sell more than 20 subs, and you must sell at least 10 in order to receive credit for campership funding in the spring.

Please take some time to complete the survey sent out several weeks ago. We really need your opinions in order to improve the Troop. A reminder message will be sent soon. Keep your eyes out and take a few minutes to click the link and complete the survey. It is painless, really!

This week we will be finalizing preparations for the Camporee, working on advancement, and playing some games. I will also work with the older Scouts on merit badge planning and higher level advancement. I hope that you all can make it!

Upcoming events:
10/3-5: Lumberjack Camporee, Pelham Scout Lot (Raymond Park)

10/25: Sub sale, Presbyterian Church, 7:00 AM - 12:00 noon. Parent participation required.

11/14-16: Cooking campout, destination TBD. Great opportunity to practice cooking skills, gain cooking related advancement, eat good food, and maybe earn points towards the 100 degrees of frost award... Potential destinations include Bear Brook State Park, Pawtuckaway State Park, or others. We will have a sign up this week and will keep you posted on the destination. If you have a preference, let your Patrol Leader know!

We are also planning a winter overnight in December in the White Mountains (definite opportunity for 100 degress of frost here...). We will keep you posted on this as well.

I think that covers it. Sell Subs! See you Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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9/24/2008

Hi All,

First, an update on this weekend's campout and hike: we survived! Actually, we had a great time, practiced Leave No Trace Principles (with mixed success), experienced different methods of cooking, had a nice campfire, and completed a very challenging hike. I enjoyed it and I hope those who attended did as well.

REMINDER: This week's meeting will be held at Stephen C's house. Be prepared for water balloon ballistas. It will be chilly, so be prepared (towels, jackets for post battle, etc.)!!! PLEASE PLAN TO SHOW UP AT 6:45 PM!!! This will be a longer than average meeting as it WILL go until 9:00.

This weekend is the Moose parade. Please send me an e-mail if you plan to attend any part of this event. Details are as follows: Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM - 4 PM at the Manchester Veterans Park. If you are interested in parading the Moose on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 I need to know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If you do, I also need to know if you have a furniture dolly available for use on Sunday. If we don't get enough boys, the parade portion of the event will not occur.

Lumberjack Camporee Update (10/3-5) For those of you planning to attend, please take a look at potential stew and dessert menus (Mr. Reese will be sending an additional message - keep your eyes out). At this week's meeting we will be planning all menus and setting up tent arrangements too.

Finally, the Patrol Leader's Council met tonight to plan the meetings for the next month and preparing for all of the upcoming activities. Your Senior Patrol and Patrol Leaders did a great job planning the meetings, now they need your support to make them all successful. The meetings are designed to help with advancement, be fun, and prepare for upcoming activities. They spent a lot of time creating this plan, so please help them to make it successful!

Sub sale update: Tickets will be distributed this week. Get out and sell subs! This helps you, the Troop, and your parents. This is our Troop's main annual fundraiser, so get out there and SELL!

The Troop calendar is updated on the website: www.Troop266.org. Please check it for updates!

See you all Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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9/17/2008

Scouting Update:
Hi All,

Great picnic last week. I think we picked up one new Scout (transfer from Yankee Clipper Council...). I hope you all had a good time.

This week we will hold elections. The ballot is not full, so we will be looking for people to run for a couple of key positions, including Scribe and Historian. Without full leadership it is very difficult to plan and execute our program. Remember, this is YOUR Troop. If you want input to how it is run, you should be at this meeting to vote.

We will also discuss backpack cooking options and final plans in preparation for our campout this weekend.

There is room for more. The final sign up sheet will be available this week. A few details:
This trip will leave from the parking lot at the trail head off of Route 28 (about 100 yards south of Windham Animal Hospital) at 3:00 PM Saturday afternoon. We will hike to the campground, prepare for our campfire and dinner, play some games, etc. Sunday morning after breakfast we will do a 5 mile hike with map and compass. We will practice some map and compass skills that could be useful for another upcoming event (BIG HINT). I expect to return to the parking lot at around noon on Sunday. It looks like the weather will be great and this is a fun opportunity for an easy backpacking overnight. Sign up this week! I MAY NEED ANOTHER ADULT VOLUNTEER TO MAKE THIS WORK....(another big hint...)

Next activity: The Moose Parade, 9/27-28 at Manchester Veteran's Park. Great opportunity to show up, get some service hours, support Scouting, and have some fun. The Moose will be set up in the park all day Saturday and Sunday with a parade at the end of the day Sunday IF we get enough boys and furniture dollies. So, please sign up, and, if you have a furniture dolly, please let me know on Thursday. I need to turn in final counts by MONDAY.

The OTHER upcoming event (from the Hint above): Lumberjack Camporee, 10/3-5, Pelham Scout Lot. We have registered 16 Scouts. If you have not sent in your name, it is not too late, but the fee will go up to $24. This is going to be great! There are a lot of fun activities and 2 nights of camping.

Sub sale tickets will be available SOON. As soon as we get them out, you need to get out and sell subs. This helps you afford our program, helps the Troop afford new gear, and gives great publicity to the Troop because people love our subs! Remember, there are over 13,000 residents of Windham and we only sell around 1000 subs per year. There is A LOT of opportunity!

We will start planning the November camp out soon. Think about what kinds of foods you would like to cook on this one - we will have a friendly competition....

That's all for now. See you Thursday!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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9/10/2008

Hi All,

Where is this week's meeting?
GRIFFIN PARK

When is this week's meeting?
5:30 - 7:00 or so

What is the subject of this week's meeting?
Annual RECRUITING picnic - bring a friend with a parent, and your parents too....

So, I think you get the idea. This week's meeting will be at Griffin Park, there will be food, fun, games, and a raffle for a really cool Leatherman SkeleTool. Bring a friend, bring your folks, and bring your Scouting Spirit! Let's continue this year's strong start!

Next up, the backpacking trip. We've run into a snag for the 4 miler in advance of the trip (5 mile total) - too many soccer games and other conflicts. I will look into doing this on Sunday instead, we will talk on Thursday at the meeting to finalize the plan. The trip is still on, we will practice Leave No Trace skills, we will use backpacking skills, and we will have a great time!

The Moose Parade will be marching our way soon and we have only 3 Scouts signed up. I went to a meeting tonight and received additional information. This thing is going to be BIG. The Moose are really cool, like the one painted like a Bruins player that has been signed by the whole team! There are multiple opportunities to participate. Saturday we are looking for Scouts to bring friends and family, enjoy the festival, and help out through food service and picking up trash and stuff. On Sunday we would like to actually "parade" the moose around Veteran's Park on their way to the trucks for exit. Without enough Scouts, we can't make this plan work. Please consider signing up. We can also use some help moving some of he moose around on the week of the 22nd. Parents, if you have a pickup truck and/or can tow a trailer, please consider helping out. See me for details.

The Lumberjack Camporee on 10/3-5 is the next big thing. About 10 guys have singed up for this so far. This event is also going to be a lot of fun. Cool events, good cooking, and fun competition are the key to fun district activities, and this one will have them all! Sign up this week. If you need cooking requirements, this is the place to get them. If you need camping nights, two more are here. We will also be hosting the Webelos II, so it is a great opportunity to show new guys the skills you know. Again, sign up this week!

Finally, the sub sale is coming, mark the date, 10/25. As soon as you get your tickets get out there and sell! There is a ton of opportunity in town (we typically sell less than 1,000 subs and more than 15,000 people live in Windham). Remember, you get $1 per sub you sell to go towards participation in our events! This is a great way to help your folks and earn your way. Participation (sell, make, and distribute subs) is required in this sale along with the Spring sale in order to qualify for the Camperships next year.

I think that about covers it for this week. See you at the picnic!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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9/3/2008

Hi All,

Great first meeting last week, we were able to review our calendar and get some of the gear straightened out. This week we start preparation for next week's backpacking trip and will be reviewing the concepts of Leave No Trace camping, an important skill.

Backpack trip details: This is going to be a "fall shakedown" where we will hike to the new campsite on the west side of Windham on Saturday to Sunday, 9/13-14. Backpacks are required. If you do not have a backpack, please let me know as the Troop has a spare and I may be able to scare up one or two more. We will practice Leave No Trace camping skills, try different types of backpacking food, and have a great overnight campout in the process. In addition, for anybody requiring the 5 mile hike (2nd class), we will start with a 4 mile hike using map and compass and complete the last mile with the backpack for the overnight. This is a great opportunity to knock off this requirement...

Reminder, next week is the Troop recruiting picnic. There will be a raffle and the first prize is GREAT. Come to the meeting this week to see what it is! The rules for the raffle are as follows:

1) RSVP to Mrs. Chau with the name of the Scout and number of people: 1 Ticket
2) Come to the picnic: 1 ticket
3) Wear your uniform (through the entire picnic): 1 ticket
4) Bring a friend with their parent (parent not required for Venture Crew recruits): 1 ticket per recruit (recruits and Cub Scouts not eligible to win raffle).

That means you could have at least 4 opportunities to win the raffle! It will be held at the end of the meeting and you must be there to win.

Please note, the Troop website is being updated and maintained thanks to the efforts of Matthew R. and his dad. Meeting updates, this e-mail, and the calendar are all updated regularly and viewable on the site. Be sure to check it out frequently at www.Troop266.org. If you have photos from past events, please put them on a disk and give them to Matthew.

Upcoming events:
Troop Elections: Please let David P. (Scribe) know if you are interested in running for office because he is preprinting ballots. Elections are scheduled for 9/18, however, if the picnic is postponed due to rain, then they will be held on 9/11. Positions to be elected are: SPL, Quartermaster, Scribe, Librarian, Historian, and Chaplain's Aide. Each Patrol will also select a new leader. If you have concerns about patrol assignments, please speak with Mr. Deranian or me BEFORE elections and we will see if adjustments can be made.

Backpack trip, 9/13-14, New Windham campsite. Cost is $10 for food.

9/25 Troop meeting will be held at the Chau's.

NH Moose Parade: 9/26-28: We need volunteers. There will be a sign up sheet on Thursday. The Council is looking for each Troop and Pack to supply at least 6 Scouts. There is also a need for trucks and trailers to transport the Moose. Please call me for details. Check out the website for this interesting event at http://www.nhmooseparade.org/Home_Page.html

Nutfield District Camporee, 10/3-5 at the Pelham Scout Lot. Lumberjack competition. This looks like a ton of fun. Cost is $20 for registration and food. Sign up sheet will be available this week.

This calendar information can also be found at http://www.troop266.org/Calendars/index.htm

That about covers it. Be sure to check the web for updates!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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8/26/2008

Hi All,

Here it is, the first of the actual weekly updates. We will have a lot going on this fall, so keep your eyes out for e-mail and remember to check the website for updates as well.

IMPORTANT: If you have a tent from white water rafting or ANY other Troop gear, please bring it to the meeting this week!

I hope you all had a good summer, I know I did. I saw a lot of you guys during the summer too, from the great canoe trip at the beginning, activity packed Camp Bell and Valley in the middle, the fantastic Lovell's Island trip (thanks again Mr. Letizio!), and the awesome rafting trip this past weekend, we have had a very full Scouting summer!

Fall will not be much different. The PLC met last night and developed our weekly meeting plans so that we can do everything necessary to deliver a solid program and keep you guys advancing! This week marks the kick off of the 2008/9 Scouting year for Troop 266. On Thursday we will review the calendar, check gear, and start detailed planning for our first outing, a nearby backpacking trip. We will have a major Troop service opportunity later in September, followed by the Nutfield District Fall Camporee which you will hear all about this week. As usual, the sub sale in October and camping trips in both November and December round out the program for the first part of the year.

Dates for your calendars are as follows:

   8/28: This Thursday, first meeting, 7:30 Center School
    9/13-14: Local backpacking trip to get back in the swing
   9/27: Service opportunity supporting the "Moose Parade"
      10/3-5: Nutfield Camporee, Lumberjack competition, Pelham Scout lot
   10/25: Sub Sale

November and December schedule is still a little in flux... but there are plans for two campouts.

I look forward to seeing you all Thursday night! Even though it is not uniform inspection I do expect you all to wear your uniforms....

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson

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8/19/2008

Yes, Scouting season is upon us. Next Thursday is our first Troop meeting, 7:30-9:00 at Center School.  Your PLC met several weeks ago and developed a full calendar for the upcoming year. We have activities planned for each month along with the usual opportunities for service hours and our fundraisers.  At the first meeting we will be reviewing the calendar and getting back into the Scout program.

I look forward to seeing you all there! It would be a good idea for a parent to attend for the calendar review at the beginning of the meeting so that you can see what is on tap for the
coming year. The calendar will also be posted on the Troop website.

I look forward to seeing you all there!

In Scouting,
Mr. Pierson