Attending: Michelle, David, Andres, Brian, Peter, Anita, Britt, Colin, Ed, Karene-Sean, Richard, Jamie, Robin, Mike

Brief Reports

Activities/Schedule

• April – NEED trip Trip leader Richard reports that the trip went smoothly, but unfortunately, several scouts dropped out at the last minute. Instead of the 10 who signed up, only 5 youth attended. NEED accommodation is fairly expensive, so was fairly expensive trip on a per person basis. Conservation project was a wildlife census on the beaches. Richard reports that the youth might have preferred a more traditional project (physical work). Ranger arrived at 9 am and left at 3 pm; t/c monitored one more beach and was done by 5 pm. Britt reports the conservation hours were sufficient for Philmont needs.
• April – Orienteering at Hale Reservation Trip leader Colin reports event was well-run and well-received. No official records kept, but one of the T/C 56 teams was a top finisher. There is some interest in completing the requirements to finish up the orienteering merit badge.
• May – Biking Trip leaders are Peter and Helen. Group will leave Friday, May 4, 4 pm from Alewife T station (near Bertucci’s). Current head count is 8 youth. From Alewife, will ride 10 miles to a campground in Bedford. Saturday, the group will ride to New Hampshire boarder then to a camp in Acton for a total of 50 miles. Sunday ride home from Acton will be 15 miles. Adults attending: Peter, Helen, Chuck, Richard. Group will need help from non-cycling adults to get gear to the campgrounds.
• June – Canoeing Trip leader is Mike. Will leave Fri., June 8 and travel to Audubon property in Ipswich to camp for night. Have reserved 7 canoes to rent from Aububon. Canoes will be available at noon on Sat., so t/c will have a nature tour Sat. morning. In afternoon, will paddle to island and camp for night. Canoes due back to Audubon by noon Sunday. All attendees must pass swimming test and must have demonstrated proficiency with canoe. On Tues., May 22, t/c will meet at Charles River Canoe (probably Newton site, but Mike will check) for canoe safety and rescue lesson. Adults will need to pay for canoe lesson; cost will depend on how many attend the session but will be about $35. Adults attending the trip will also need to pay for canoe rentals.
• Philmont preparations Britt reports still have only 4 youth signed up. Ed Rice’s grandson may be interested in going. Coming up on two months from departure. Will need to buy plane tickets very soon. If families want to redeem air miles for a Scout to get to and from Denver, please check with Britt about timing.
• Summer camp Karene-Sean reports 7 youth are signed up. (One or two will also be attending Eagle week that week, but won’t be camping with the t/c). All have paid at least the initial deposit. At least two will need camperships. All youth have registered for merit badges. Scouts are in the process of selecting afternoon (group) activities. T/C 56 will be in Hopi site. No Webelos crossovers are planning to attend.

Next Year’s planning Richard distributed a timeline for the planning for next year’s trip calendar. (Attached.) He has eliminated the survey since they were seldom returned. He plans to generate a form on which scouts and/or adults can contribute suggestions. In the past, a trip was not added to the calendar unless an adult agreed in advance to lead that trip, but adults seldom agreed in advance to commit to particular trips. Some suggestion that it be clear adults are asked if they “would be willing” to lead a trip but that they will not be asked to lead all trips they agree to. Michelle points out that to be a trip leader, adults must be “trained” (Scoutmaster essentials and Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills) and notes that this is a good opportunity to encourage adults to complete the training. Additionally, there was some concern that only the PLC gets to vote on the calendar but there needs to be “buy in” from the whole group. Therefore, the May 29 meeting will be advertised as not only the PLC meeting but also the chance to weigh in on trip scheduling for next year. David and Robin will speak with SPL about including all scouts in the process. Also raised: is it better to have a summer trip planned so that the yearly trips are part of the preparation for the final goal (summer trip)? Possible to promote National Jamboree as a summer trip. Currently 3 youth are signed up to work at the Jamboree. At least one more is interested in attending and one more is interested in working. Scouts can only attend with the council contingents, not as units. Some mention of planning a trip to Maine High Adventure camp, but concern was that was too much in addition to National Jamboree. Richard will find out more information about National Jamboree to include with trip planning process.

Spring Fundraiser Colin has distributed order forms and reminded Scouts that they will need about $250 in their accounts for the fall. Orders due May 8.

Advancement

• Ricky’s Eagle Mike reports the ceremony will be Friday, June 15, 6-8 pm, at Grace Methodist Church. Mike will develop ceremony; Kemper will design the program; Robin will make the slide show; will need help with decorations. Will ask the SPL to have scouts provide a skit. Hope is that Ricky’s mom will provide some of the food. Attendees will be asked to bring potluck contributions.
• Slater’s Eagle Project Mike reports that Slater’s Eagle project will be in Williamstown on June 2 and June 16. Scouts from T/C 56 welcome to attend. Mike can help drive Scouts to Williamstown on the night of June 15 (after Ricky’s CoH). Project is bridge repair on Mt. Greylock. Scouts should wear work clothes and bring gloves. Camping will be available for Scouts who want to spend the night.
• Final COH no report

Treasurers nothing to report

Website no report

Scoutmaster/Advisor Robin notes that t/c is still without an adult quartermaster, and troop room needs a bit of attention. Will ask the youth quartermaster and SPL to schedule a night for scouts to do some clean-up. David notes that Mr. French made some equipment donations to the t/c and wonders if the t/c should send a thank you note and/or a donation to the Bay Circuit Trail Alliance. Michelle agrees that a donation is appropriate and asks if the t/c can afford to send $100. Brian agrees that the t/c can afford $100. Scribe will be asked to write a thank you letter.

Charter Organization update Michelle reports that St. James vestry will vote on June 19. Vestry has requested that Michelle and/or Derrick be at their meeting to answer any questions. Michelle will be at that meeting. Ed Rice reports that Grace Vision voted to move to the Watertown facility. It is unknown what will happen to the 56 Magazine St. church building or whether the t/c will be able to continue to store gear.

Scheduling

May and June PLC and t/c committee meetings Next PLC and committee meeting will be May 29. June PLC will be June 19 (including voting for 2012-13 trip schedule). The t/c committee meeting will be Tuesday, June 26.

Michael Payne: we did a presentation at St. James church in Porter Sq two Sundays ago. Impressive turnout from youth, and the church was impressed with what we had to say. Nice match in terms of liberal ethos (they are excited about sponsoring a co-ed and non-discriminatory troop).

Michelle reports that the Vestry met the next night but did not vote on the issue. She suspects that we will need to politely press them on the issue, as they have a lot of other matters on the plate.

Chuck raises the question of when they will have space for us, assuming a “yes” vote. The church is still in the midst of renovations. It’s possible that we may be asked to move out of Grace as early as summer. Michelle says that the minister, Holly, has been assuming that we would move up there when their construction is complete, but the senior warden thinks it might be possible for us to move in earlier and meet in the sanctuary. And there would probably be storage space in the basement.

Other ideas for a temporary meeting and storage space should be sent to the charter committee, which consists of Michael Payne and Brian O’Rourke.

Moving Scouting Forward at the Local Council Level

Michelle reports that the current council leadership is less eager to embrace inclusion of girls as members of scout troops than prior council leadership. Suburban troops that have approached the council with requests to add girls as Learning-for-Life + Venturers have been told to wait, that Cambridge has been grandfathered in, but others should wait for reforms that seem to be a long way in the distance.

We have several upcoming opportunities to advocate for co-ed scouting:

1. The Council is doing their annual Friends of Scouting fund drive. In fact, a representative will be attending next week. While we cannot restrict our donations for a specific purpose (FOS is configured as an unrestricted fund), we can make our voices heard, adding a note to our contribution check that urges the council to support and expand its outreach and inclusion of young women in the mainstream scout program.

2. The Council’s Order of the Arrow Lodge is considering the question of admitting girls (adult women are already members) at the upcoming Ordeal, May 18-19. This effort is being spearheaded by the current Lodge Chief, a scout with a strong sense of mission. We should encourage our youth who are lodge members to reach out to others they know in the lodge and try to get as many pro votes into that meeting as possible.

3. The Council’s Annual Meeting is coming up on April 24. While our troop is known for its generosity to the council at the annual Friends of Scouting fund drive, it historically hasn’t been well represented at the annual meeting. This helps contribute to the perception that Cambridge is an oddball exception to the general rules of scouting. Michelle recommends that we make a strong showing at this year’s event. This will necessitate moving our upcoming April committee meeting a week forward to May 1, and for us each to register for the $30 event on the council website.

5. Several adults present agree that the best method of advocacy may be to get corporate donors who are interested in change involved as major donors to the Council. Peter and Michael agree to look into possible donors.

The upshot:
Tuesday April 24: Council’s Annual Meeting, register online, $30.

Rescheduling the Troop Committee Meeting a week forward to May 1.

Sat May 18-19, OA ordeal: our youth should contact youth from other troops regarding the campaign for admitting girls into the OA.

Peter and Michael will look into corporate sponsors for integrating scouts.

Nathan on NEED trip in April. Some concern about drumming up enough youth for the event. An opportunity to get 7 community service hours. Might do some food dehydration. A few years ago there was a beach campfire (requires a permit)

Colin on April orienteering event: organized by an outside group, New England orienteering, for up to 400 youth. Colin will be serving as trip leader and merit badge councillor. Youth seem very energized.

Peter on bike trip: considering Hartwell Town forest as campground. Peter is seeking permission there and at Camp Acton. Looking at a route up the Minuteman to Hartwell, then the 50 mile loop on the Bruce Freeman trail up to Lowell; alternatively the Nashua river trail north from Acton to the New Hampshire border and back. Peter should contact Jean Cunningham to bring in Webelos for the trip.

Michael on Canoe trip in June: planning to have youth and adults do swim test some time during the next few meetings (the swim test is an annual requirement for any on-the-water activity). Michael will contact Chuck regarding the Ipswich river, to get a sense of the lay of the, well, wetland. And Michael will contact council for canoes (16 available). Depending on trailer weight, Peter may be able to haul canoes. Colin also a possibility.

Karene gave David a run-down on Summer Camp: merit badges in morning. Afternoon is group activities. Youth need to get back to her by this weekend to sign up for badges.

Britt on Philmont: we just lost another youth, so down to 4. Cost about $1450, July 4-July 18, and a 12-day trek. 13 and going into ninth grade. Should start doing the paperwork for the council trip permit—it’s more involved than usual due to the travel out of state.

Mem day weekend is the final Philmont Shakedown, open only to youth going on the trip.

Planning trips for next year:

Youth brainstorming process hasn’t been a wild success in past years. Kate suggests we have the youth read through past issues of Boy’s LIfe and Scouting for ten minutes to prime the pump before the brainstorming session. Michelle suggests a contest for “best new idea.” Might break into small groups with an adult facilitator each—ideally young adults (Hannah, Nathan, Andreas, Kemper). Anita recommends that youth each find a website of another troop. In general, the goal here is to find not just new types of trips, but new ways to theme existing trips. Nathan, for example, remembers an “Iron Chef” campout that was a big success at his troop years back.

Colin on Flowers: still waiting price list.

Mike reports Ricky’s eagle scheduled for June 16, early evening.

Also, Slater’s eagle project (improving trails on Mount Greylock) will move forward on a weekend in May or June.

Directions for the Troop & Crew:

The church is located at 1991 Mass Ave Cambridge, just north of Porter square. It is a big stone structure. If you go to Google maps and look at the photo you can’t miss it. Parking can be an issue. There is a small parking lot but it gets totally jammed for the service. Residential parking limitations are off for Sunday in the surrounding streets but typically you cannot get a park there either.

There is a commercial lot up the street that church members are allowed to use on Sunday — You go north on Mass Ave 2 short blocks and turn right onto a dead end street then a quick left into the lot behind a row of stores.

Register on the Council Website by 2/12 at the latest. Get in now, before classes fill up!

Attending: Michelle Holmes, Peter Desnoyers, Karuppiah Kannan , Helen O’Rourke, Ed Rice, Karene-Sean Hines, Mary Ellen Galante, Michael Payne, Colin Zick, Robin Bonner, Richard Klibaner, Chuck Henebry, David English, Derrick Jackson, Kate Elliot Smith, Jared Seaquist

Feb Ski trip to Stratton Mountain: ski trip (helen) – looks like good group of kids, excited. bad – need more 1 more driver (currently Brian O’R, Colin Z  and Karene driving). Helen O’R will contact the parents of youth attending looking for a driver/parent leader. Richard needs the driver info asap, so he can get the tour permit in.

Total of 14 kids going on the trip, though several kids haven’t paid dues yet. (Dues letters sent jan 17th, and michelle confirms that dues must be paid before ski trip.)

Michael P on the Wilderness First Aid trip in March (Trip O’R the youth leader): the sessions start 8AM on Saturday, 9 on Sunday. Decision to depart Sat 7:00 AM.

Richard K on the Need trip in April: youth will do a survey of the coastline, in prep for a future disaster (oil spill, etc.).

Colin Z on the Orienteering Event on April 14: happening on the Hale reservation (where we did the Turkey roast). Lasts 9-3 on Saturday (not an overnight)

Peter D on the bike trip in May: Planning to bike out the Minuteman trail, camp. Possibly looking to bring Webelos along.

Michelle H on the June canoe trip: Need to firm up trip details. Also need to plan for doing swim tests, perhaps using Hannah as lifeguard.

Philmont: Britt reports via Michelle that he’s still working on finding kids for the trip, though it looks like the council’s also trying to drum up participants for its motley crew.

Karene will be leading our summer camp group: planning on July 8-14. Peter D and Brian O’R will both do a half-week. Some older scouts will probably do Eagle Week (Chris D, Trip, …). Deposits on the troop’s camp application are due 8/15, so Helen will get it it immediately.

Chuck on website: trying to encourage use of the website. Resolved to send out emails that direct people to info that’s up on the website.

Kate on Advancement: Ricky has board of review coming up very soon (great job Ricky!), and Michael will help in coordinating the Eagle ceremony; Eddie is nearly done with his final workbook, and will likely receive the award next fall.

Merit Badge University: Registration is now live. Register on the Council Website by 2/12.

Scholarship Request on behalf of youth hoping to serve as National Jamboree staff. He can pay $100 of the registration fee, but needs roughly $50 to pay for remainder. Michelle hopes to cover the rest of the cost (another $150) using a grant from the Council Trust. This amount moved and approved by the committee.

The same youth is interested in attending Philmont, but the cost is much higher: $1400. Some brainstorming on how to raise this amount from local charities. Michelle will coordinate the effort to raise this amount. Derrick J suggests opportunity to get matching funds during the Spring fundraiser. Karene will talk to Paula Malady about doing outreach with local business associations.

Michael P on Charter Organization: We need to meet with David E’s church. Peter suggests that his church in Harvard Sq might house us temporarily (a year or so) but may not have basement storage space.

Spring Fundraiser: the youth did brainstorming and came up with several options: lemonade, flowers, bake sale, recipe book, pet services, 4th July flags, car wash. Flowers the most promising of these ideas. Colin Z thinks that selling plants is likely to yield $$ on the order of what we raise from wreath sales (i.e. not including what we make on trees). David remembers a similar sale for his Church: they assembled bouquets (100 in an hour) and made good money (cost $7, sold for $15).

Order of the Arrow: nominating Robin Bonner as adult. (Go Robin!)

Colin Zick: Pack 74 is being revived in Beacon Hill. This is the old pack # that the Zicks and O’Rourkes came from when then joined T/C 56. Colin plans suggest to them to send their webelos over to us at least in the short term (until such time as they have a critical mass to start a scout troop over there).

Patrol 1:

• Andreas
• Chris
• Jacob
• Lucas
• Tripp
• Emma
• Tharun
• Nina
• Keven
• Abenezer

YiS,
Brian Zick

Chaplain’s Aide: Emma
Den Chief: Alix and Abenezer
Quartermaster: Jacob
Troop Guide: Hugo and Lucas
Scribe: Tripp
Scribe-in-training: Nina
ASPL: Ricky