Attendees: Ed Nichols, Dave Knust, George Kerr, Sharon Hood, Craig Christensen, Rita Bonds, Richard Carter, Dan Lassiter, Larry Herrin Scouts: Matt Teplow Chair: Mark Steger Minutes: Mark Steger 1. Treasurer - Sharon Hood o December report - 5 month YTD income is $19853. Expenses are $15117. Variance from budget is a surplus of $1325. o Fundraiser: T-shirts - Sales are still $300 short of breaking even, with no new sales reported since last month. The Committee decided to challenge the patrols and individual Scouts to help raise money for the troop by setting a target of 3 T-shirt sales per Scout. A token prize will be awarded to the patrol who most exceeds this goal. Ed Nichols will print up order forms to be passed out at the next Troop meeting. o Policy on refunds - The Committee reviewed its policy on refunds when a Scout cannot attend a campout for which he has already paid fees and grub money. The troop tries to refund unused campout fees, but if the troop has already paid something (campsite deposit, food, etc.), based on a Scout's intent to attend, and the troop cannot recover these fees, then that money is non-refundable. Refunds cannot be made until after all income and expenses for a campout are known, sometimes several weeks after the campout. To avoid delay, adults are required to turn in all expense statements for a campout by the first full troop meeting after a campout. o Policy on merit badge supplies - The Committee reviewed its policy on fees for supplies for earning merit badges. In general, each Scout is responsible for paying for supplies needed to earn a merit badge (e.g., kits for woodcarving or leatherwork, etc.). This also applies to non-merit badge activities like NRA certification. The troop will pay for tokens of achievement (badges, patches, etc.). 2. PLC - Matt Teplow o There was no PLC meeting since the last Committee meeting. o Brenden Kerr is planning how to improve getting off on time on Friday night campouts. o Displaying patrol flags, wearing the complete uniform, and proper execution of flag ceremonies, all are getting lax. o Patrol attendance records have errors, in part because we don't have patrol meetings each week. To ensure that patrols get together at least once each week, patrols are encouraged to sit together during the full troop meetings. This will also allow us to have more patrol competitions, by eliminating the time needed to assemble into patrols. o The Committee suggests that adult attendance at PLC meetings be limited to the Senior Scoutmaster and the Patrol Counselor of the patrols planning upcoming campouts. This is to give more opportunity to the boys to run their own meetings, in line with the principle of a "boy-run troop." 3. Roundtable - Ed Nichols o Adult leader training opportunities: North Trail District has several classes scheduled. All are conveniently located at Town North Presbyterian Church on Plano Rd between Collins and Campbell. All adults are REQUIRED to have Youth Protection certification. Depending on the level of your involvement, the other training may also be required. It's all conveniently located and scheduled, so adults are encouraged to attend all of this great training. - Feb 7, 7:00 PM: New Leader Essentials (for all adults) - Feb 14, 7:00 PM: Troop Committee Specific Training (for all adults) - Feb 14, 21, 28, 7:00 PM: Scoutmaster & Asst. Scoutmaster Training (recommended for all adults who go on campouts) - Mar 7, 7:00 PM: Youth Protection certification (REQUIRED for ALL adults) o Scouting for Food - Drive begins February 2. Ed Nichols will coordinate Troop 81's participation. 4. Campouts - Richard Carter o Winter Camp wrapup - Camp was a big success. 12 boys attended. 3 adults stayed the week (a big thanks to Ed Nichols, George Kerr, Dave Knust), plus several others visited sometime during the week. o USS Lexington - Dan Lassiter - Date: Jan 26-28 - There's still room on the bus, so if haven't signed up yet and want to go, speak up. o Family Camp - Mark Steger - Date: Feb 23-24 - Location: Ft Parker State Park - The PLC needs to submit plans for patrol demonstrations and a schedule for the campout to the Committee. - Ben Salisbury agreed to plan the menu and buy food. Craig Christensen agreed to be in charge of the kitchen crew. - Richard Carter has the park reservation and will buy a state park pass for the troop. - Scout families will need to make reservations with the troop, as the cabins at Ft Parker have a limited number of bunk beds. - Mark Steger will send a letter to parents Feb 1 with details. o Northern Tier 2002 - Rita Bonds - Troop has reservations for eight for this summer. o Sea Base 2002 - Mark Steger - Troop has reservations for one boat for this summer. o Philmont 2003 - Mark Steger - Troop has reservations for two treks (both Jun 21, 2003). - 15 Scouts and 7 adults have paid a $50 deposit. 5. Meetings - Bill Merriman o Nothing to report 6. Leadership - Tom Schob o Change in positions - Scout leadership positions changed in January. Parents are asked to review with your son his leadership position for the upcoming semester, understand position requirements, and support your son in fulfilling them. Scouts still needing positions should see Mr. Schob. o Junior Leader training - Tom Schob plans to offer Junior Leader training, date unknown. This half-day training is recommended for all first year Scouts and older Scouts who missed it during their first year. 7. Advancement - Bonnie Branch o Eagles - Pat Kelly - Jeff Collins, Travis Carter, Jay Herrin, Ben Nichols are planning projects. - Jirah Cox completed his project. - Scott Steger, Scott Kelly, CJ Carter are completing paperwork. o Merit Badge Counselor registration - BSA requires a merit badge counselor registration to be on file for all adults teaching merit badges. If you are involved in merit badges, see Bonnie for the forms. 8. Committee - Mark Steger o Recharter - Troop 81 rechartered 67 Scouts and 39 adults. (Last year we had 69 Scouts and 32 adults). - Troop 81 was recognized as a Quality Unit. Congratulations to all. o A Leadership Subcommittee is soliciting volunteers for Scoutmaster positions for 2002-2003. If you have an interest, please contact Mark Steger. Goal is to seek Committee approval of the nominees at the February Committee meeting. --- The next Troop Committee meeting will be February 20 at RBF. Troop web site: http://www.bsa.net/tx/t81