Troop 398 News - April 27

Camp Out This Weekend – Walls of Jericho
Due to the severe weather last weekend, we moved the campout to this weekend, April 30th  – May 2nd. Everyone needs to plan to be at the Eagle's Nest at 5:00 PM this Friday – come a little early if you need a tent. Eat supper before you come or bring a sandwich for supper as we won't be stopping for supper. We will camp at the trail head. There is no water there, so be sure to bring at least a quart of water with you. We will also carry some water jugs down with us. Plan your own meals. We will have time to boil water to make oatmeal or what ever for breakfast. We will hike in after breakfast and set up camp. We will be at camp by lunch time. Fires are permitted and we will have backpacking stoves, so you can cook what ever you want to. We hope to return to the Nest by 2 PM on Sunday at the latest.

It's not too late to sign up for the trip – just send an email.

Swim Tests This Thursday
Please email me if you plan to take the swim test this Thursday, April 29th at Sportscom at 7:00 PM.  I'd hate for Mr. Doliana to go over there and no body show up!

Next Troop Meeting will be at Sportscom
Next Monday, May 3rd we will meet at the Sportscom indoor pool from 7:00 – 8:15 PM. This will be in place of the regular troop meeting.  You can do your swim test, or be retested or just enjoy a night of swimming.  Bring $3 for admission to the pool.

Troop 398 News - April 20

Swim Tests This Thursday
Please email me if you plan to take the swim test this Thursday at Sportscom at 7:00 PM.I'd hate for Mr. Doliana to go over there and no body show up!

Camp Out This Weekend – Walls of Jericho
Everyone needs to plan to be at the Eagle's Nest at 5:00 PM this Friday – come a little early if you need a tent. Eat supper before you come or bring a sandwich for supper as we won't be stopping for supper. We will camp at the trail head. There is no water there, so be sure to bring at least a quart of water with you. We will also carry some water jugs down with us. Plan your own meals. We will have time to boil water to make oatmeal or what ever for breakfast. We will hike in after breakfast and set up camp. We will be at camp by lunch time. Fires are permitted and we will have backpacking stoves, so you can cook what ever you want to. Plan something that doesn't require much prep time for Sunday breakfast – granola bars and fruit would be a good choice.  We will need to get on the trail very early. Several of the adults must be in Nashville at 1:30 PM on Sunday for the Eagle reception and to see Mr. Ervin receive the Silver Beaver Award. We hope to return to the Nest by noon at the latest.

Directions: From Murfreesboro, take I-24 east toward Chattanooga. Take exit 127 on Highway 64 and turn toward Winchester. Stay on Highway 64 for about 15 miles and turn south on Highway 16. About one mile after crossing into Alabama, look on the right for a gravel parking area with a yellow gate and an information kiosk.  We will park there and park in the primitive camping area.

Order of the Arrow Tap Out
Order of the Arrow, Trail of Tears Wdee Chapter, Spring 2010 Call Out Ceremony. When: 7:30 PM, Friday May 7. Where: Trinity United Methodist Church Pavilion, 2303 Jones Blvd. Who: All Scouts who have been elected and Adults Nominated to the Order of the Arrow need to be present in Class A uniform. What: Call Out Ceremony starts at 7:45 and should be concluded by 8:30 PM. Family members welcome.

KEY DATES 2010
Apr 22                           (Thursday) Swim Tests – 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool
Apr 23 – 24                   Troop Camp Out – Backpacking – Walls of Jericho
Apr 25                           Eagle Scout Reception Class of 2009 Eagles 1:30 – 3:30 PM, Opryland Hotel
Apr 29                           (Thursday) Swim Tests – 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool
May 3                           BSA Swim Test - 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool in lieu of Troop meeting
May 9                           Mother's Day
May 13                         (Thursday) Swim Tests – 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool
May 14 – 16                  Troop Camp Out – Canoeing at Grimes Canoe Base Buffalo River
May 15                         Greenway Clean Up Day
May 21-23                     Adult White Water School, Session 1, Camp Boxwell
May 24                         Balance of Summer Camp fees are due
May 29                         Flag Placement at Stones River Nat'l Batttlefield
May 31                         Memorial Day No Troop meeting
June 4-6                        Adult White Water School, Session 2, Hiwassee River
June 13-18                    Summer Camp, Camp Stahlman, Boxwell Reservation
June 14                         No troop meeting – Summer Camp week
July 2-17                       Philmont High Adventure BackpackingTrek to Philmont
Aug 6-8                         Youth White Water Canoe & Kayak School Hiwassee River
Aug 20-22                     Troop White Water Camp Out Hiwassee River

Troop 398 News - April 9

This Week's Troop Meeting
Our troop meeting for this Monday, April 12 will be at 7:00 PM at the indoor pool at Sportscom. We will be having Swim Tests. Wear your bathing suit and bring $3 for admission to the pool. Dr. Galloway will also be available at Sportscom to do Summer Camp medical checks for those scouts who have parts A and C of the new BSA medical form completed and signed by their parents.

Philmont Contingent Meeting
We will have a meeting of all Philmont crews this Tuesday night at 7:00 PM at the Eagle's Nest.

Sleeping Bag Deal
A HUGE shipment of BSA Mummy bags (just like the green ones before) have arrived and are ready to sell for $14.98.  Everyone who placed special orders have been notified by phone today (wednesday 7th).  Please pass this information on to parents who may want to buy an Adult size bag.

Eagle Court of Honor
We will have a special Eagle Court of Honor on Apr 18 at 2:00 PM at St. Mark's UMC. Troop 398's 100th Eagle scout will receive his award. Our special Guest of Honor will be Troop 398's first Eagle Scout, Jim Burkhalter.  Don't miss this one!

New Eagle Scout
Congratulations to Will Ramsey who has successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review. Will is Troop 398's 102nd Eagle. Will's brother, Zac, is also a Troop 398 Eagle Scout.

April Camp Out
Backpacking trip to the Walls of Jericho April 23-25.  Some of us will need to get back early on Sunday so we can attend the Eagle Scout/ Silver Beaver reception in Nashville at 1:30 PM on Sunday. Let Mr. Warren know if you plan to attend this event. A sign up sheet will be available at the troop meeting on Monday.  The troop has backpacks available for check out.

God and Country Award
St. Mark's will host a program leading to the completion of the God and Country Award. This is open of all troop members. You do not have to be a Methodist or a member of St. Mark's to participate. If you are interested, add your name to the sign up list. Dates will be determined later.

KEY DATES 2010
Apr 12                           BSA Swim Test - 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool in lieu of Troop meeting  -- Medical Exams – Dr. Galloway – Sportscom
Apr 18                           Eagle Court of Honor – Brandyn Whitaker 2 PM – St. Mark's UM Church 
Apr 19                           Troop Planning Meeting (Leaders only): PLC & Troop Committee meeting
Apr 22                           (Thursday) Swim Tests – 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool 
Apr 23 – 24                   Troop Camp Out – Backpacking – Walls of Jericho
Apr 25                           Eagle Scout Reception Class of 2009 Eagles 1:30 – 3:30 PM, Opryland Hotel
Apr 29                           (Thursday) Swim Tests – 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool
May 3                           BSA Swim Test - 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool in lieu of Troop meeting
May 9                           Mother's Day
May 13                         (Thursday) Swim Tests – 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool 
May 14 – 16                  Troop Camp Out – Canoeing at Grimes Canoe Base Buffalo River
May 15                         Greenway Clean Up Day 
May 21-23                     Adult White Water School, Session 1, Camp Boxwell
May 24                         Balance of Summer Camp fees are due
May 29                         Flag Placement at Stones River Nat'l Batttlefield
May 31                         Memorial Day No Troop meeting
June 4-6                        Adult White Water School, Session 2, Hiwassee River
June 13-18                    Summer Camp, Camp Stahlman, Boxwell Reservation
June 14                         No troop meeting – Summer Camp week
July 2-17                       Philmont High Adventure BackpackingTrek to Philmont
Aug 6-8                         Youth White Water Canoe & Kayak School Hiwassee River
Aug 20-22                     Troop White Water Camp Out Hiwassee River

Troop 398 News - Apr 3

Leadership Positions Available
See our new Senior Patrol Leader Monday night if you want to serve in a .leadership position for the next six months.

Personal Management Merit Badge
There will be a class for those taking Mr. Gray's Personal Management MB class this Monday, April 5 beginning immediately following formation and it will go until approximately 8:30 – 8:45.

New Scouts
If you haven't already, pick up a scout handbook and start bringing it to troop meetings. Make sure to get rank requirements signed off when you pass them off. Before Monday's troop meeting, go over the joining requirements found on page 17. Complete the pamphlet exercises with your parents as mentioned on page 34 before the meeting. We will check off the other requirements and do the Scoutmaster Conference on Monday night.

Summer Camp
Camp dates are June 13 – 18. Early registration is closed. First year scouts can still sign up and pay $175. All others who did not register by April 1 will pay $195.  If you have not done so, sign up with Mr. Holtman.  Pick up a BSA health form if you need one. Check with Mr. Ervin if you have not selected your merit badges for camp.

Even in light of the fact that we have 36 troop members heading for Philmont on July 2nd, we still have a good crew going to camp. So far we have 24 scouts, three adopted scouts from other troops and 4 adults staying all week. Additional adults are welcome to sign up for a day or a week. A sign up sheet will be posted. All adults spending time at camp will need a heath form.

Scouts: James Allen, Spencer Beckman, David Carey, Jonathan Chambers, Luke Clement, Tyler Croney, Griffin Dodd, Connor Ervin, Nick Giles, Michael Gray, Drew Hines, Spencer Hiland, Ross Hopkins, Mitchell Jacobs, Trey McAdams, Cole Ott, Madden Pack, Josh Perkins, Cristian Quiterio, Jeremy Siler, Justin Siler, Reed Spivey, Sean Walker and Michael Wermert.   Adults: Mike Warren, Jim Klaus, Brett Barrett, Thom Schnell.

Summer Camp Medical Exams
Remember, everyone going to camp or any high adventure (white water canoeing or Philmont) will need a medical exam within 12 months of the activity date.  We must use the new BSA Health form which is attached or Philmont crew members must use the Philmont Health form.  The Philmont form will be accepted for Summer Camp also.

Parents must fill out the Parts A & C prior to the medical exam. You are encouraged to use your family doctor, since they have all your son's records.  Dr. Galloway will also be available to do medical exams on April 5 in the Youth Wing of the main church and April 12 at Sportscom before or after you take the swim test. You must have part A & C completed at that time. 

Swim Tests
The first night of Swim Testing will be on Monday, April 12 at the Sportscom indoor pool from 7:00 – 8:15 PM. This will be in place of the regular troop meeting.  We'd like to get as many as possible tested, so come on out!  Bring $3 for admission to the pool.

Campmor Equipment Order
Give Mr. Warren any items you want to order by April 6. 10% off prices at www.campmor.com

Camp Out Changes
The April backpacking trip to the Walls of Jericho has been moved back one week to April 23rd to the 25th.

The May canoeing trip to Grimes Canoe Base on the Buffalo River has been moved to May 14th to the 16th.

KEY DATES 2010
Apr 4                            Easter Sunday
Apr 5                            Medical Exams – Dr. Galloway – Youth Wing –St. Mark's
Apr 10 – 11                   Wilderness First Aid Class (Philmont Adults)
Apr 12                           BSA Swim Test - 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool in lieu of Troop meeting  -- Medical Exams – Dr. Galloway – Sportscom
Apr 18                           Eagle Court of Honor – Brandyn Whitaker 2 PM – St. Mark's UM Church
Apr 19                           Troop Planning Meeting (Leaders only): PLC & Troop Committee meeting
Apr 22                           (Thursday) Swim Tests – 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool
Apr 23 – 24                   Troop Camp Out – Backpacking – Walls of Jericho
Apr 25                           Eagle Scout Reception Class of 2009 Eagles 1:30 – 3:30 PM, Opryland Hotel
Apr 29                           (Thursday) Swim Tests – 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool
May 3                           BSA Swim Test - 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool in lieu of Troop meeting
May 9                           Mother's Day
May 13                         (Thursday) Swim Tests – 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM – SportsCom Indoor Pool
May 14 – 16                  Troop Camp Out – Canoeing at Grimes Canoe Base Buffalo River
May 15                         Greenway Clean Up Day
May 21-23                     Adult White Water School, Session 1, Camp Boxwell
May 24                         Balance of Summer Camp fees are due
May 29                         Flag Placement at Stones River Nat'l Batttlefield
May 31                         Memorial Day No Troop meeting
June 4-6                        Adult White Water School, Session 2, Hiwassee River
June 13-18                    Summer Camp, Camp Stahlman, Boxwell Reservation
June 14                         No troop meeting – Summer Camp week
July 2-17                       Philmont High Adventure BackpackingTrek to Philmont
Aug 6-8                         Youth White Water Canoe & Kayak School Hiwassee River
Aug 20-22                     Troop White Water Camp Out Hiwassee River