Minutes

Troop 10 Committee Meeting

November 05, 2005

Blue Hills Country Club

 


 

Members Present

 

Doug Ball, Chip Buckner, Chris D’Adamo, William Easley, Roger (Bling) Eaton, Terry Ellis, Ted Fuehr, Chuck Gibson, Bill Haner, Denise Holt, Rusty Howell, Rick Korvick, Clarence Krantz, Chuck Luchen, John McCabe, Jeff Muchow, Alan Myers, Kevin O’Farrell, Mark Perkins, Ken Roberson, Dan Schorgl, Joe Vogliardo, Scott Weaver, Rob Wheeler, Donna Wilson, Jim Wasko

 


 

Terry Ellis called the meeting to order at 6:00pm

  

Terry Ellis                  Meeting Chair

Called the meeting to order

 

William Easley           Scoutmaster Update

On Oct. 10th Stu Sharp – backpacking – mostly for Philmont, but all enjoyed.  PLC on 17th, went over campout and things the boys really want to do.  The boys are anxious to do things where they don’t just sit around at meetings.  Suggestions, but logistics are difficult.  Gym isn’t available for any upcoming meetings.  24th did Team Building, overall went well.  It was helpful to have adult participation with adults with each team.  We need more in that vein.  Campout – Silver Dollar City – One of best campouts, boys had a great time, behavior was fantastic.  Kyle Landau did outstanding job as SPL.  Recruited other boys since no ASPLs were there.  They did great.   Campout where boys were in bed and asleep by 10pm.  Marvel Cave was highlight for many boys.   Mostly younger boys, not that many older ones.  John Ahart seconded that everyone had a good time.  Bill Haner – boys idea from summer camp, so this was their idea and it worked out extremely well.  John McCabe organized campsite and couldn’t have been better site.  Convenient to entrance of park.  Adults did great job of monitoring boys in the park.  Interesting how many people would come up to boys and talk to them about scouting, congratulate them for being in scouting and give them positive reinforcement.

Advancement:

Scout thru Life           Brent Reynolds

Not Present, no update

Eagle Candidates       Clarence Krantz

December roundtable may have a couple.  Andrew Vogliardo and Kevin Ornduff. 

Eagle Court Status     Joe Vogliardo

13 boys will make Eagle.  Last time had 32 people on stage, this time have 74 chairs on the stage!  Everything is being turned in, looks like everything is done.  Will be at BV North 122 and Lamar.  Will have lots of leaders whose sons are making it.  Need volunteers to set up at 10:30 in the morning.  20th November.  Be there between 10:30 and 11.   PowerPoint is about 16 minutes long, so great job by Chuck L.  Hope to be done by 8: or 8:30!  Laughter.   Stu Sharp is guest speaker.   Chuck has already met with theater director, and it looks good.  The largest group was 14 up to now. 

 

Treasurer Report       Kevin O’Farrell

Statements out with e-mail, will continue to do that.   Kevin received favorable feedback on this process.   We received 8 payments with Paypal.  Expects that continue to increase.  Balance a little over $10k.  Kevin just billed last two campouts, so should see balance going up shortly.  Kevin will be sending out treasurer reports via e-mail.

 

Fundraising                 (Greenery & Credit Card Proposal Readout) – Alan Myers

2005 is another successful greenery sales year.  Greenery will be delivered first week after Thanksgiving - $8440.  About the same as last year.  Profits on sales will be $2261 plus collected over $1000 in buyouts.  Some buyouts still outstanding.  Total should get around $5000 profit.   Will do final report later.  With permission of board, sell leftover greenery at cost since we have to order in full cases.  Alan will send e-mail to parents at cost.  Delivered 1st week after Thanksgiving at Stu Sharps’ barn.  Need volunteers to help distribute greenery.  Don’t have dates just yet.  Several volunteers, John Ahart, Mike Coffee, David Contag, Bill Haner.

 

Credit Card idea for troop – ex. Discover Card and get rebate

Probably won’t pan out because they don’t offer business cards, must be in an individuals name and we don’t want one person liable.  Sam’s card costs money, so not much value in pursuing this idea.   One additional suggestion – emergency flashlights.  Committee agrees not to pursue this at this time. 

 

Outdoor Activities

Silver Dollar City Campout Readout – William Easley

Haunted House          Terry Ellis

Jeff is out of town, took care of haunted house.  27 people went, 12 from other areas.  Boys had a great time and suggested we continue the event in the future.

Feast Campout           John McCabe/Bill Haner

We are ready for feast campout at Camp Earnst.  Will meet at middle school Sat. am.  Korvicks are working on food preparation.  (all done per Denise!).  Only have 30 boys signed up.  Didn’t meet last week, should see more tomorrow night sign up.  Hope to have quite a few more.  John talked to Patrick Vitarro???, conservation project for the boys to do.  Moving clay piping, not a real heavy project.  Also have some Webelos coming, need to have something for them to do.   We can also do some sprucing up around the buildings and brush clearing and burn to make a good campfire.  Coordinating patrol is Roadrunner.  Rick – question on whether anyone has additional pheasant meat.  Only need pheasant meat at this point, everything else is covered.  Want them before campout if possible. 

 

December Campout   John McCabe/Bill Haner

Little more problematic – challenges with Knob Knoster, Whiteman and SAC at Omaha – An alternative has been selected.  Troop 10 will go to the state park – Watkins Woolen Mills in Lexington or Lawson – That Saturday doing Christmas deal with 18th century garb, Christmas activities, games, etc. and it’s also not that far from Lexington.  Morning in Lexington at battlefield, or Jesse James, which is closer.  John has campground reserved. 

Bartle 2006                 William Easley

Everyone should know we have session 2, June 19-28th.  Seneca in Lone Star.  David Allen doesn’t want us to do day zero.  That would be father’s day.  Not completely sure if this will hold.  70 boys so far.  Ahead of last year.  43 adults.  Shaping up to be big group.

Philmont 2006             Bryce Wells/Terry Ellis

Had shakedown – about 30 people hiking.  Carried weight on the trail, talked about what they should carry.  Talked about minimizing what to take.  Did 5 or 7 miles.  Things went well.  Chip Buckner did a good job of talking about what to carry.  Will be working with Bryce and Greg Williams on Dec. campout.  Have one every month except January.  More than what Philmont suggests so our boys should be in good shape.  Bryce has troop medical records.   Submitted application for 96.  Right now have 87 firm with 32 adults (9 from other troops) 31 scouts, 26 from other troops.  Right now still have 6 Scout slots open.  No adult slots open.  Terry is keeping track of those who want to go, but aren’t on list right now.  Philmont and HH applications for 2007 have arrived.  We have a couple of choices. Can apply for Philmont or HH.  Cannot make duplicate requests.  If apply to Philmont and don’t get one, we may be able to get a HH experience.   We are guaranteed one Philmont crew in 2007 because we sent a crew to Northern Tier in 2005.  Steve Ornduff recommended and the committee agreed to pursue Philmont first with our backup being HH.  Terry Ellis relayed the message back to Bryce to go for Philmont.  Bryce will submit for six crews, given we have one crew guaranteed. 

 

Equipment                  Chuck Gibson

Equipment Purchase Opportunity – Rusty Howell/Chuck Gibson – Truck back Friday from mechanic for transmission.  Did overhaul.  Torque converter was bad, replaced.  Glad we didn’t take to Branson.  Went over entire truck and mechanic put in points, plugs, wires, parking brake, turn signals. Overhauled carburetor.  Flushed radiator.   $2000 total.  Added horn button also on dash, lower left hand side.  Should be in pretty good shape for a while.   Top speed for truck is 65 mph for the truck now.  (Better than it was)  Could not remove governor, but carburetor rebuild will help speed.  Gary Dennis helped out with this effort as well as Chuck.   Good thing they found torque conv., could have lost whole transmission.  Purchasing equipment from Rusty to get committee agreement to purchase what we have been using the past several years.  Per Chris D’Adamo, about $3500 worth of equipment.  6 stoves, 8 lanterns, griddles, utensils, boxes, etc.  Will make decision on next committee meeting.  Chuck Gibson will be looking at equipment and come back with recommendation and table for next meeting. 

 

Honor Programs

Mic-O-Say                  Greg Spies/Blake Williams

We have some boys going to Philmont and impact to Mic-O-Say and credit for camp.   Is there a problem leaving early as long as it is after day 8 or 9?   William is flexible, we just want to make sure we don’t lose boys because of Philmont.  Greg Spies:  Official BSA says they have to be there through breakfast day 10.  Cannot get paint elevation without going to closing ceremony.  Right now only have 4 or 5 who are signed up for Bartle and Philmont.  If the committee allows this, it is not a precedent setter, just because of the overlap.   Debate about leaving Tuesday night after camp closing ceremony.  Other recommendation is after Brave ceremony the day before that.  Roger E.: Motion to say this is the suggestion – allow Philmont attendees, only, to leave after closing ceremony on the 27th for the 2006 session, and that this will be considered a full session for Mic-O-Say.  Chris D’Adamo seconds.    The committee passed the motion.  Greg – important that everyone attend the Mic-O-Say meeting in June, particularly regarding earlier discussions (confidential).  Do not have to be in Mic-O-Say to vote on boys.  Do for adult votes. 

 

On this upcoming overnight Greg plans on taking Mic-O-Say boys away from campfire.  We do have Webelos coming that we’ll need help with.  Probably 25 total, boys and parents.  Will be arriving 10am.  Would like to participate in conservation project.  Need help instructed on fire, knots, first-aid.  Instructors needed for this part.  Want to participate in commando activities also. They will be bringing sack lunch, but will expect to eat feast and breakfast. 

O/A                             Rob Wheeler

For all hunters, we still need feathers.  Need them before scout camp.  Need in Dec./Jan. for both OA and Mic-O-Say costumes.  Rob is looking for volunteers to be on ceremony teams.  Already has one Blue and Gold for crossover.  Boys who participated had a tremendous experience.  Boys who want to participate have to try out.  We are one of the few troops in the country who do this, and even the district wants us to demonstrate.  Tracy Thomas has already booked this team at Ironwoods. 

 

Training Update         Blake Williams

Blake is pheasant hunting, should call him for feathers and feast input.  Upcoming training is new leader essentials this Saturday while we are at Feast Campout. Rolling Hills Presby. 95th an Nall. 

 

Merit Badge Forum   Keith Shuttleworth – Jan 21st and Feb. 18th. 

Need roster by Jan. 5th, so need to start making announcements.   Some new badges.  On HOAC website.  Looking for merit badge counselors.  If you aren’t licensed, you need to go to roundtable to get licensed.  Awards for district nominations is Dec. 1st.  On Website also.  Send nominations to Terry Ellis or Jeff Muchow so we can coordinate.  Terry or Jeff need to know.  District dinner is Jan. 28th, at 91st and Nall.  Church of Christ.  Discussion about troop size and how we lose boys.  Inference was that we lose boys because they are in the wrong troop.  William disagrees with that idea.  Was talking about assessing boys, personality types and making sure they are with the right troops.  Encouraging every troop to encourage boys to visit other troops, not just one visit.  Also talked about tracking and stalking skills.  Terry reinforced if anyone wants to nominate anyone, let him or Jeff know. 

 

New Business/Open Discussion

Bartle Departure Time for Philmont Scouts – see above discussion. 

 

Ultimate Troop Size Discussion – All

Most important issue is that the committee agree and understand why we make the decision that we make and move forward together.  Troop size – this troop has always been a troop that has ran 120-150 boys.  Typically get 30-70 new boys in a year.  This year we didn’t keep but around 50 total new boys.  Jim Wasko and Mike Coffee on why we have a larger troop.  Today’s troop is 165 registered boys.  Many are older boys who won’t be on troop records as of January.   Consistently around 100.  This year at Bartle was 114.  Last year was 115, two years ago, 105.  From 1995 we have had at least 100 scouts go to Bartle.  Had 42 first years this year, last year had 38.  Normally 80% of first year boys.  1995-1996 had about 150-160 in troop.  Average meeting attendance is 80-90 scouts.   Less perhaps than 10 years ago.  Losing older boy participation, but that’s consistent.  Troop and its size is a function of its programs, and the adults that participate.  We need to be proud of what the program accomplishes.  Key is to see the boys reach Eagle.  Jim has seen over 200 since 1992.   Troop has 238 total in history.  National Eagle average is 2-3%.  We as a troop were at 11%.   Second in district.  In HOAC, the numbers are higher than national averages.  Jim heard back in 1996 that we were too big.  2-3 years later they were concerned about losing too many and needing potential leaders.  Keep in mind, kids make choice.  Chuck Gibson – at training session a while back – point on scoutmaster conferences and board of reviews – their perception – once it is signed off on, we don’t have to test it.  This committee disagrees and has stated that we expect testing to occur.  Higher standards than expectations.  Hear that Troop 10 is Eagle mill, but we always hold our boys to higher standard and make sure they have earned it.  Our standards are also higher in honor programs in Chuck’s opinion.  As long as we keep standards high, we should be ok with larger numbers.   Greg Spies – BSA would like to have more troops since they are judged by both troop numbers and scout numbers, so fewer troops isn’t necessarily a good thing for the BSA metrics.  Problems are finding strong adult leadership positions and spread work out among different people.  Many assistants make the lead jobs easier.  Overall discussion is about making sure we understand that the district would like us to be a bit smaller.  The district has left us alone because we have maintained our high standards.  If we were struggling, the district would be breaking us up.   Mike Coffee – keep in mind we are supporting Boy Scouts, not just Troop 10.  We can make that a clear statement with our Webelos visitors.   The Webelos numbers are also way down this year, so some concern about fewer boys to go around.  Numbers aren’t a big deal as long as we have appropriate adult help.  Bob Lehleitner – we need to continue to promote with Webelos.  If we make a mistake, we could have a bottom fall out in one year.  We need to think about why we as families chose Troop 10.   William’s question – why do we lose older boys.  Rusty – the reason the troop is successful is because we have so many participating adults.  Looking at long term perspective – we aren’t trying to be Wal-Mart of scouts.   Point of discussion is that this committee thinks we are doing the right thing in continuing our recruiting and that we work toward not losing boys.  Assistant Scoutmaster roles is important.  No one is saying we need to change anything.  Reinforced direction we’ve been going.   Webelos night coming up.  Bob Key is doing slide show!   If Bob needs copy of old presentation, see Terry Ellis. 

Old Goat Patrol Grub Discussion – All

Talk about when we go big or small as far as how much cooking the old goats need.  Certain campouts we go bigger than others.  Camporee, last 2 campouts before summer.  (Tapout and canoe.)   To make impression on parents and boys.   Should we work on the size of the grub process as well.  Any discussion?   Big attraction is to recruit the adults as much as the boys.  New parents know about the history of Troop 10s meal efforts and the meals are one attraction.   Grub role is still a lot of work any way you look at it.  If we are really trying to get adults engaged, we need a consistent group of people to help with Grub.  Also some concern about magnitude of leftovers and lessons learned.  Denise and Rick want to know if we are ok with what we’ve seen the past year.  Rusty – there will always be food leftover, but you have to be sure you have enough.  The biggest problem is accurate counts.  Camporee is probably the biggest challenge due to all the Webelos   Terry – from his perspective the Old Goat cooking was a big recruitment tool since it is an easy way for adults to get involved.  It is easy thing for most adults to step into without much preparation or training.  Chuck – most people don’t know how much work goes into the grub roles.  We need to appreciate the impact to people’s time and resource requirements.  At Camporee there were 12 people just working the kitchen.   Rusty – we need to make sure that we recognize and appreciate the efforts going on.  Mike Coffee- excess food – Keep menu a little simpler and we won’t have so much left over.  Caution is to be sure we are spending the troop’s money.  Need to hold back on buying additional stuff that were bought later and never used.  The Grub Committee can put together menu and this committee should be supportive of that approach.  Others should not be out buying additional items based on the decisions of the grub committee.  This may be the biggest job in the troop.  The grub committee is owner of the menu.  Consensus is that we do still really like the meals we are getting from the current grubmasters!  Loudly agreed to.  Rick – as leaders and adults, we all ought to be ready to step in and help out.  Terry – the positions can build their assistant team as large as they want it, as long as the committee chair agrees so we don’t overlap in recruiting.  For a final comment from William, if we do have leftovers from Old Goat, we need to not offer it to the boys.   The idea is that the boys are responsible for their own results. 

Bartle Account $ Usage – All

Herb sent note to Terry.  $6000 in account.  Even with aggressive approach it is hard to collect dollars on deposits due in October.   Takes about $4000 to have a buffer.  Terry’s approach is to leave it as is, but we know we have a couple of thousand out there to pull if we need to. 

 

Roundtable                 Roger Eaton

Blackwater Hattie lived back in the swamp.   William Easley – put on future agenda – talk about possibility that Troop 10 can have a permanent home somewhere to store stuff, have more room to do activities from a facility perspective. Access to BBall, Volleyball, etc.  Terry’s comment – this might be something Ken might talk to Rotary as a request from the troop to consider.   We have to carry everything in and out every week.  This is a long term consideration, but something to keep in mind.   Spies – the size we need for this kind of facility – with a closet that was lockable, etc. basketball or volley ball nets,   Still low on Friends of Scouting – have a long ways to go.  Denise Holt – Wild Women of KC fund raiser.   Chuck Gibson – email – asked for idea on donation back to troop.  Any ideas?  Wanted something more visible than pots and pans.  One suggestion from the Eagles was to put together a scholarship fund.  Let one person be in charge of the fund so it would be anonymous.  $250 as seed money.   Terry suggested working back through Treasurer and Scoutmaster and Committee chair to manage the disbursement.  Jim Wasko – comment on permanent location – has been discussed in the past.  This is the fifth school we’ve been in since he’s been in the troop.  He’d like us to think about how we could get to a permanent location.  But we need to be careful not to link up with a church because of the impact to the culture of the troop, which is non-denominational.  Jim thinks this is a good idea.  Ironwood would be a great location.  Joe V. – need to RSVP by today!   Chuck Luchen– Max Brown at Blue Valley North – be sure to thank him.  He’s been very helpful.   Terry Ellis – congratulations to Roger Eaton on BSA training award.  Next committee meeting in Dec. is on 11th.   Dec. 3rd weekend for campout.  Dec. 12th standard court of honor.  Won’t be 30 year celebration since no one stepped up.  Next time, Jeff Muchow will be committee chair.   Standing Ovation for Terry Ellis in his committee chairing role!!!!!!!!    

 

December Committee Meeting Change – December 11, 2005

 

Terry Ellis adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted

 

Robert J. Key


 

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Next Committee Meeting December 11th 2005