Fwd: TROOP 1441 VIRUS BULLETIN # 9

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From: jwnek1007 via BCC-All <bcc-all@troop1441.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 21, 2020 at 7:11 PM
Subject: TROOP 1441 VIRUS BULLETIN # 9
To: <all@troop1441.com>

To All,

Last night's E-Troop meeting was very successful and went smoother as we got the hang of it.  Thomas P., our new Knots Instructor, did an excellent job with his presentation.  The Patrol Corners in the breakout rooms started slowly but once the Scouts got a feel for it, it went well.  We will continue to make refinements and adjustments and plan to include more presentations and games.  The next E-Troop meeting will take place Monday 4/27 at 7 PM.  We will continue the meetings until BSA gives us the all clear to meet again in person.

We are continuing to evolve our processes to replicate as much of Scouting in the electronic mode as we can.  All of our regular methods of teaching, Campouts, Camporee, Troop meetings, Service Projects and special sessions have been postponed or cancelled and hopefully will be restored when it is safe to do so and not sooner.

When the Virus struck we had the option of curtailing all activities until BSA issued an all clear.

Not wanting to let Scouting slip, we embarked on a plan to implement as much of the process that could be handled over the internet.  We learned and incorporated the ZOOM meeting package and conducted both trials and implemented E-Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards of Review, Rank Advancement Troop and PLC meetings.  Because of the individual nature of these activities a lot of additional time was and will be required. 

We instituted a Survey to determine whether it would be possible to select requirements that a number of Scouts would need and create teaching sessions for them. Only a small portion of the Troop responded, and as rank advancement is a individual Scout activity,  it was determined that other than general presentations, advancement still had to be conducted on a one by one basis.

The process for individual advancement is the same as it was pre Virus,

    A Scout decides to complete a requirement or requirements.

    He contacts one of the ASM's, usually one that is assigned to his Patrol, and makes         arrangements to meet and demonstrate the requirement(s).

    The leader normally would sign the Scout Handbook, but in these cases he will post the completion(s) in the Scout's record on the Scoutbook Application for the Troop.

    Rank Advancement -It is the responsibility of the Scout to contact the leaders as part of their learning Responsibility and Initiative.  The leaders will provide assistance as their time and schedules allow.

We have 2 leaders assigned to to each Patrol, normally the leader is assigned to the same Patrol as his son.  We do not encourage Leaders to sign off their own scouts.  This presents some difficulties if only one leader is available, so we are making a small change to the leaders assignments,

Each leader will have a primary patrol assignment and a secondary (different) patrol assignment.

                                    1                            2

    Mr Keegan           Griffins                Gladiators

    Mr Costa              Ghosts                Griffins

    Mr Hontz              Gladiators            Ghosts

    Mr Jacobs            Gladiators            Ghosts 

This assignment does not preclude any Scout from going to any Leader for assistance.

The Scoutmaster is also available for Rank advancement signoffs.

We as Volunteers are moving forward as time and schedules permit to implement a useful program for all.  Sorry we could not meet everyone's personal plans and schedules.

 

BRIDGING.

Pack 205 will be holding a Bridging ceremony this Sunday at 2 PM.  We will need the SPL, ASPL and at least two leaders to participate.  I will be attending.

PATROL INTRA AND INTER COMMUNICATIONS

The scouts have asked for the use of an online tool to communicate with one another in real time.

The application called "DISCORD" has been suggested.  A number of scouts use it privately already.  Available information recommends it for ages 13+ and above.   The troop requires parental permission for a Scout to use the App in Scouting.  I would like your comments on its use. for the scouts.  Currently we are suggesting that the scouts use texting as their communication tool.

SCHEDULE CHANGES.

The current calendar of events has been cancelled except for Summer Camps.

The new schedule is,

E-Troop meetings,  4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18,    6/1, 6/8 (Mondays)

Troop Elections and E-Winter Court of Honor, 5/18

PLC meetings        4/28, 5/12 (Tuesdays)

Troop Planning Meeting, Scouts,  Monday June 1st at Troop Mtg

Troop Planning Meeting, Adults,    Wednesday June 3rd, 7 PM,

Individual SMC's, Boards of Review will be individually scheduled.

All meetings will be held on ZOOM.

Summer Camp (Olmsted) is still in limbo. I expect a decision in the next three weeks.

April 30th is now the discount cutoff date.

The Lenhoksin Trail event still needs at least two scouts to participate, it too is up in the air.

Where we will go from here is a big question, we are trying to make the program and process work with the cooperation of all parties as we go forward.

John J Wnek

Scoutmaster

Troop 1441 B BSA

 301-728-2858     

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Boy Scouts of America Troop 1441, www.Troop1441.com
White Oak and Colesville, Maryland
John Wnek, Scoutmaster
Sponsored by St John the Baptist Catholic Community, www.sjbsilverspring.org
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