Troop 497 Announcements

Youth Protection Training

All adult leaders are required to take the online Youth Protection Training each calendar year. If you have not completed the training in 2017 please do so now. We want all adults to have completed the training by 1 November prior to the troop registration process. It only takes about 20 minutes at my Scouting.

Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training

The Baltimore Area Council is offering Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training on18 November and 9 December. This 4 hour training course should be completed by all Assistant Scoutmaster who have direct contact with youth. You can find out more information at the Council's web site.

Religious Awards

Any Scouts interested in earning religious awards this year should email Mrs. McKinney. Her husband, Charles, email is listed on our roster.

Camping at Assateague Island State Park: 22-24 September

WE WILL LEAVE THE PARKING LOT AT 6:00 PM FRIDAY. The gear trailer will be packed on Thursday so we only have to load personal gear on Friday. Please don't be late.

Our first camping trip of the new Scout year will be on the 22-24 of September to Assateague Island State Park.
This is a fun trip to go on. We will be camping on the sand just inside of the dunes and only a short walk to the water.
We'll set up a swim area on the beach so bring your beach toys like balls, wake boards, etc. with you.
On past trips we've had sand castle building contests and football games on the beach.
We traditionally go the Ocean City Boardwalk on Saturday for a few hours.
We plan on having a crab feast on Saturday depending on the price and availability of crabs (check back).
You will need spending money for Ocean City and for lunch on the way home on Sunday.
We hope to leave the Church around 6 PM since it is a long drive to Assateague Island
We will return to the shed at 2 PM Sunday.
The cost of the trip is $30. More details when we get closer.

We need drivers to sign up now for the trip to ensure we have enough rides for everyone. Here are the directions - we will be in sites 2 & 3.

This is a great trip for dads to join us on a camping trip and have a wonderful weekend with your sons and the troop.

Annual Parents Meeting: Thursday, 28 September 7:30 PM

The Annual Parents Meeting to kick off our new scouting season will take place on Thursday, 28 September at 7:30 pm in Joe's Cafe, bottom level of the St. Joseph's Parish Center. At least one parent of every scout is expected to participate. During this meeting the troop leadership will present the 2017-2018 program and objectives, discuss summer camp, parents' commitment, high adventure programs, leadership and more. It is also an opportunity for you to volunteer to support our scout programs and fund raising, learn how to stay informed, and have your questions answered. Don't miss it!

First Thursday to First Class: 5 October, 6 - 7:30 PM

Welcome to the first 2017-2018 version of First Thursday to First Class. The meeting is Thursday, 5 October 2017. We will meet in the lower hall of the Parish Center across the road from where we have Troop Meetings. The program starts promptly at 6:00 PM. Pizza will be supplied from 7-7:30

Program Goals

The successful transition of Scouts and parents from Cub Scouts (or non-Scouting) to Boy Scouts,
To increase or maintain the interest of the Scouts while facilitating advancement in rank,
To build excitement for the programs; both internal and external, and
To engage and inform parents to allow a deeper commitment to the Troop through volunteerism in Troop activities.

We will be conduction a parent's 101 session concurrently. This is an opportunity for parents to learn

more about how our troop works,
how new parents can become involved - it sometimes doesn't look it but - OUR TROOP NEEDS MORE NEW PARENTS INVOLVED, and
answer any questions.

Life-to-Eagle Orientation: Wednesday, 11 October 2017

The fall Life-to-Eagle Orientation will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at 7 PM at Havenwood Presbyterian Church, 100 East Ridgely Road, Timonium, MD 21093. This is open to all Life Scouts and their parents. It is also part 1 of the two-part Eagle Mentor training. No pre-registration, just show up. It is highly recommended that all prospective Eagle candidates attend as they will receive valuable handouts and practical information for the process of becoming and Eagle Scout.

Sea Gull Century Bike Ride – Friday, October 13th to Sunday October 15th

Want to be a part of the longest one day bike ride in Troop 497 history? Mr. Schaller is organizing a group to ride the Sea Gull Century. We will be camping at Pocomoke River State Park and riding 100 miles Saturday from Salisbury University to Assateague Island and back with 7,500 other riders. If interested contact Mr. Schaller at bikndave@comcast.net.

Fall Court of Honor: 26 October 7:30 Multipurpose

Our Fall Court of Honor will take place in the Multipurpose Room in lieu of our regular troop meeting. Parents and siblings are encourage to come. Scouts will receive awards earned since our last Court of Honor including all awards and merit badges earned at summer camp. Scouts and adult leaders should be in full Scout uniform. Refreshments will be served following the COH.