December, 2002 Newsletter

Table of Contents

Baden-Powell’s Last Message

Baden Powell was a British army officer and founder of the Boy Scouts. He was noted for his use of observation balloons in warfare in Africa (1884-85). In the South African War, he became a national hero in the siege of Mafikeng. Having learned that his military textbook, Aids to Scouting (1899), was being used for training boys in woodcraft, he wrote Scouting for Boys (1908) and that same year established the Boy Scout movement. Towards the end of his life, although still in comparatively good health, he prepared a farewell message to his Scouts for publication after his death. It read:

"Dear Scouts - if you have ever seen the play 'Peter Pan' you will remember how the pirate chief was always making his dying speech because he was afraid that possibly, when the time came for him to die, he might not have time to get it off his chest. It is much the same with me, and so, although I am not at this moment dying, I shall be doing so one of these days and I want to send you a parting word of goodbye. Remember, it is the last time you will ever hear from me, so think it over. I have had a most happy life and I want each one of you to have a happy life too. I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness does not come from being rich, nor merely being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so you can enjoy life when you are a man. Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one. But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. 'Be Prepared' this way, to live happy and to die happy - stick to your Scout Promise always - even after you have ceased to be a boy - and God help you to do it."

Your friend, Baden Powell
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SEA BASE TRIP OPPORTUNITY

I'm going to try and start another trip to Sea Base, in Florida, which is a sea exploring program for Scouts for the spring break of 2004. I will post a sign up sheet for those who would like to help me with some preliminary things such as fundraising. I also need adults to assist in calling them for reservations on Monday, February 3, 2003 11:00 am to 3:00 PM.

Thank you!

Dan R.
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To all Scouting Adults

I have the Troop 10 phone list in electronic form for everyone. I e-mailed it to the scout leaders listed on the list but may have missed someone. If you would like an electronic copy please email me at . I would like to get updates to this list ASAP, so if you have not reviewed it yet please do so to check the accuracy of your information. There will be paper copies at each Troop meeting on the table. We should probably update Bi-Monthly?

Assistant Scout Masters: I have also distributed the Merit Badge Counselor list. Mr. Koek has already updated his information, thanks Mr. K. If you have not already done so please review the merit badge list and sign up for about 6 badges you would like to help with. Forms to submit to the council are available at http://www.otetiana.org/forms/mb_counselor.pdf. Please also send me these updates! Patrol Advisors: I have emailed a copy of the Patrol Listings for update. If you are a patrol advisor and did not receive this information please ask, or email me.

Thanks, Mr. Whritenor
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MASSAWEPIE 2003

"Deposits for Massawepie are due! The sign up sheet is filling up fast. With over 25 Webelos II expected to join us this year, you better act now! A $50.00 deposit is due on 12/2. If you'd like to come but miss the deadline, contact Liam or Mr. Monnat as soon as possible!!"
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Attention Parents!!

Looking for Christmas ideas? How about some camping gear?!

What? Troop 10 Christmas Campmor order
Why? 10% Group discount, no tax and no shipping charges!!
When? Submit orders to Mr. Koek by December 2nd
How?

1. Shop online at http://www.campmor.com or from the catalog (call 1-800-525-4784 to get a free catalog)
2. Complete the order (handed out 11/19; or see catalog)
3. Send or give your completed order form and check made out to "Troop 10" to Mr. Koek by 12/2/02 More Questions? Contact Mr. Koek.

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Hey Ski Bums

Now that the snow's flying it's time to start thinking about hitting the slopes. Bristol offers group rates for 20 or more skiers and boarders. Parents, brothers and sisters welcome. They prefer Sunday afternoons / evenings, as Saturdays can be pretty crowded. A sign-up sheet will be posted at the Scout house. Pick a free Sunday afternoon / evening (4-10 p.m.) and let's get a date on the calendar. For those needing equipment, hit the dome ski sale this weekend in Henrietta. Good deals on new and used gear.
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Camp Russell - Save the Date!

Our annual trip to Camp Russell, Old Forge and McCauley Mountain has been confirmed for Fri-Sun March 14-16. That is a little later than normal but is actually the same weekend we went last year, and I know those that participated had a good time. Besides skiing at McCauley, we might encourage some snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and of course the unforgettable visit to the "Mother of all Hardware Stores". Stay tuned for more details: estimated departures at 5 or 6 PM Friday and return after 1 PM on Sunday.
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Scoutmaster Scribbles

The Theme for the month of December is "Tracking". You'll be hearing about what to look for in tracking animals in the wild, distinguishing one track from another and where to find certain animals tracks in the wet dirt or snow. I wonder how you distinguish a Scout's tracks from those of another boy? Or where you find a Scout's tracks? Well, maybe the Scout's tracks show a clear, solid impression in the ground, because he walks tall, proud and sure of himself, especially when he's outdoors.

And maybe the best places to find tracks of a Scout are in on the trail (for a Scout never goes off the trail, does he?); near the school yard, the church or synagogue, because a scout is both reverent and knows the value of a good education; maybe at a neighbor's house where he has being helping with raking or snow shoveling, because a scout is helpful, too. So be on the lookout for tracks of Boy Scouts, and be sure you leave tracks that tell the story you want the rest of us to remember about YOU!
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