Meeting started at 7:37pm.

 

Minutes from the 11/29 meeting were not accepted: Fred objected to how the Secretary had worded comments regarding an issue surrounding an award earned by Michael Bowe. Those comments are rewritten here to correct the record:

 

Michael Bowe and family were present to voice objections over continued unfair treatment regarding the presentation of the World Conservation Award Michael had earned in June 2009. The award was not presented in a timely fashion (and has not been presented yet) despite repeated inquiries made by Michael to the Scoutmaster about the status of the award. This situation raised some issues regarding how special awards are tracked, but it was agreed that this particular situation should never have deteriorated to this extent.

 

Matt Bosselait, SPL of the Troop, reviewed the activity of the evening’s PLC meeting. Topics discussed with the PLC included: OA day, Safety merit badge, call tree, target 1st class review; meting program assignments for the month; Steve Beckwith to teach Astronomy merit badge (for attendees of the November campout only); first aid review (slings, stretchers); Klondike sled preparation and trip planning; demonstrations and expectations of respect among Scouts of all ranks, especially among younger Scouts; Klondike debriefing; fire safety. Ideas for community service projects and events discussed included a food drive and pancake breakfast for all (not just seniors).

 

During discussion of issues around respect, David B. noted that the adult leaders bear some responsibility for decay in decorum and must lead by example. In particular, any and all discussions should be held outside the meeting space; adults should respect quiet when the sign goes up. Suggested a policy of three strikes for Scouts who continually show disrespect or disrupt meetings. First contact should be made by the Scout’s PL, with Matt present for back-up if required. Norman asked what consequences should be, but no conclusions were reached.

 

Trips (David B.) – The Camp Hinds trip was a success, and the camp itself left a favorable impression and should be considered for future trips (perhaps in more clement weather). Bob C. reported that his son Ben commented that it would be a good site for next year’s Webelos trip. Klondike Derby scheduled for January 22-24; hosted by Fitchburg and Ashby troops; held at Treasure Valley in Paxton, MA. David stressed that all adults leading/attending trips be certified in This Is Scouting, Trek Safely, Youth Protection Training, Boy Scout Leader Fast Start, and Hazardous Weather. All of these courses are available at the Online Learning Center (http://olc.scouting.org/). Other courses that might/might not be trip-specific include: Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, and Climb On Safely. All Troop Committee members should have this training. First Aid and CPR are also required. A wilderness first aid course is being offered in March; Paul will see if his wife, a registered nurse, can offer a HeartSaver course to Committee members. Norman asked if non-Scouts and their parents could come on trips and camp-outs; there was the general belief that this was encouraged by Scouting, but Ed agreed to look into it.

 

Advancement (Fred) -Target Eagle and Target First Class handouts distributed. No changes, no Boards of Review planned. Looking into a Web-based version of Troopmaster.

 

Eagle (Ed) – No news of any consequence. Anders Anderson needs to contact Ed regarding his Eagle Project Plan and its preparation. Paul and Ed agreed to review the plan at the following Troop meeting. Michael Bowe is working on his Eagle project. Sam Buffum is waiting for his Scoutmaster Conference (planned for Tuesday’s Troop meeting); project is complete and approved by the Eagle Coordinator. Paul will participate in the Scoutmaster Conference, a fact of which Wes is aware.

 

Web (Bharat) – Not present.

 

Gear (Jeff) – King Cooker ($150), a three-burner stove, recommended for purchas, along with stainless steel pots ($50). Committee concurred and voted accordingly. Jeff will purchase.

 

Bottles and Cans  (Fred) – New schedule us out. Roughly 110 boxes and 28 bags sorted the previous weekend.

 

Secretary (David F.) – Incorporating David Bosselait’s comments on the Handbook and looking for discrepancies between Handbook and Bylaws. Agreed to distribute final (final) draft for review prior to the next Troop Committee meeting.

 

Respectfully submitted,

David Foster

Secretray