Announcements


Last Update: 17 October 2019. Click your browser's refresh button to ensure you are looking at the most recent update to this page.
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National BSA Criminal Background Checks - Responses Required by All Adult Leaders

The BSA will now also perform periodic rechecks of criminal backgrounds to support the continued safety of youth in our programs. Registered adult leaders should have received an email with this information but in case you have not received this information and plan on registering this year you need to complete this request. Once you have printed and signed the form please give it to Adam Spence.

All Merit Badge Counselors Must Register/Re-register with National BSA

All adults who are, or want to be, Merit Badge Counselors must register/re-register with National BSA and be entered into the BSA database of Merit Badge Counselors. This is important because failing to register could invalidate a Scout's Merit Badge and prevent a Scout from having the badge accepted on an Eagle application. This is a new requirement as of June 2019. Please see the Resources page under the Information menu for complete instructions.

Target Sprint Biathalon, 19 October, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Mr. Reidler ask to share information about this Biathalon with our Troop. The Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore is hosting us for our June camping trip. Arlington Rifle and Pistol Club and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), will be hosting a Target Sprint Biathlon Exhibition on October 19, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore 200 yard range. The Target Sprint Biathlon is where you run a 1/4 mile, shoot at a biathlon target with an air rifle, run 1/4 mile, shoot the biathlon target and run 1/4 mile. It is a lot of fun for participants and spectators. The event is free to everyone who wishes to try it out. Arlington will furnish everything needed to participate. The Target Sprint is very popular in Europe and will be an Olympic Sport in 2024. Visit the Biathalon web site for additional information and to sign up.

Patrol Gear Preparation: Sunday, 20 October 2:30 PM

We will hold a Patrol Gear Preparation (PGP) at the shed on Sunday, 20 October starting at 2:30 pm. It will take about an hour to go through all of the patrol gear in preparation for our first patrol cooking camping trip the following weekend. Each patrol should send two scouts and we also need help from some adults. Contact Mr. Brando if you need additional information.

Camping at Calvert Cliffs State Park, 25-27 October

Drivers are needed for this trip. Please sign up below.

Our next camping trip is to Calvert Cliffs State Park. We will meet at the shed Friday evening around 6:30 and return on Sunday between 1:30 and 2 PM. Parents should be at the shed to meet their sons when they return. We will be in sites 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Sign up to drive, 102 miles. Here is a topographic map of the park showing trails.

Bring extra clothes. One of the activities for the weekend is shelter building and a water balloon battle. Visit the Calvert Cliffs web pages for additional information about Calvert Cliffs State Park.

Drivers are needed for this trip. Please Sign up to drive online, or speak with Dean.  These are directions for the 102 mile drive and of the campsite area.

NO Troop Meeting on 31 October, HalloweenPDF Document

Enjoy your Halloween. We have a Troop meeting on 31 October.

Adult Youth Protection Training: Complete it online by 1 November

All adults must complete the BSA Youth Protection Training annually to be registered with the troop. If you have not completed this online training then log into https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/ and complete it. It takes about 1.5 hours so grab a coffee and get it done!

Bull Roast, Friday, 8 November - Purchase Your Tickets and Volunteer

The Troop 497 Bull Roast will be held Friday, November 8 from 7 PM until 11 PM. There will great food, games, fun activities, baskets to bid on, and a silent auction. This is the Troop's largest fund raiser and all proceeds go to the Troop through the Parents Club of Troop 497. We need everyone's help. We will need volunteers to sign up to help during the event. Please sign up online or at a Troop meeting. We also want every family to sell 10 tickets. If you do, we will have a very successful event. Tickets will be available at Troop Meetings following the Parents' Meeting.

You can also help with the Bull Roast by the doing the following:
  1. The women have a wine basket that will be available in the Harvest of Prizes. Please bring in a bottle of wine to a Troop meeting to go in that basket.
  2. The men have a beer basket that will also be available in the Harvest of Prizes. Please bring in a 6 pack of your favorite beer to a Troop meeting to go in that basket.
  3. Each patrol needs to come up with a basket for the Harvest of Prizes. Please see Mrs. Donaldson to choose your basket theme and work on it at your next Patrol meeting.
  4. We need donations for the Silent Auction. This is pivotal for the success of the Bull Roast. If you have access to items that can be donated, please bring them in. We will have a box in the lobby during Troop meetings. If you work for a company that can donate an item or service, please put in a request. If you frequent an establishment, please request a donation. Some ideas are:
  5. Share this flyer with your friends and colleagues.
WE NEED EVERYONE'S HELP ON THIS! If you have questions about items that you have, please contact Rich Koors at rich@mdqualityhomes.com