A PUBLICATION FOR BOY SCOUT TROOP 3, BRISTOL, TN-VA

Seth Peltier's Eagle Project

When:  August 5th, from 9am to 5 pm

Where:  Valley Institute Elementary.  4350 Gate City Highway, Washington County, VA.  The school is located approximately five miles past the Bristol Mall, on the left.

The project will include:  landscaping, painting, and working on an existing basketball court.  If you have a shovel or glove, bring them.  Come ready to work!  Lunch will be provided.  There will be plenty of water.

• Woodbadge:  Asst Scout Leaders Ralph Booher, Barry Carrier and Karen Haaser completed the practical portion of the Woodbadge Training.  Now they've got to "Work their Tickets" to earn their beads.  Many thanks especially to leaders from Troop 3 who made this great experience such a success:  Anna Booher, Jack Kilbreath, and Anne Cowan (who was their wonderful troop guide, even if she was a beaver!)

• Misha Mokwa Hike Information: 

  Time:  Leave Scout Hall Friday, April 28, 2006 at 5:30pm  THAT MEANS YOU NEED TO BE THERE AT LEAST 20 MINUTES EARLIER TO CHECK YOUR PACK AND LOAD VEHICLES!!

  Wear:  Class A Uniform for Van ride to and from Cumberland National Park

  Bring:  Friday - EAT DINNER BEFORE YOU COME,   Saturday:  Lunch, Dinner and Trail snacks - plan to cook with your tent partner, Sunday - hot water breakfast, trail snacks, lunch if you wish.

  Pack:  Your backpack, tent, and all necessary clothing, food, and water for a weekend hike, INCLUDING RAINGEAR.  If you have questions about what to pack, call (numbers below) or e-mail the Cowans at:  anneandbenhike@charter.net 

  Cost:  $15.00 - this covers roundtrip transportation, park fees, camping permits, Saturday hot water breakfast, and Sunday late lunch back at the base camp.  If you do not have a Misha Mokwa patch and would like to buy one, please bring $8.00 extra in cash.

  Trip leaders:  Backcountry Leaders - Ben and Anne Cowan, home - 423-968-2374,  cell 423-646-4900;  Base Camp Operations  Phil Bailey - cell 423-366-7668

  Return:   Sunday, April 30th, 2006 ~ 4:00pm.  We will call parents from the road on the way back. 

• Hiking in Abingdon Gap to Damascus:  March 18-19.  Meet at the Scout Hall Saturday at 1:00pm.  First we will have a pack check before heading out.  We will do a 4 1/2 mile hike on Saturday, camp out, then a 9 1/2 mile hike on Sunday.  We should be back late Sunday afternoon.  Be prepared for cold nights.  Dress accordingly.  You will need to eat lunch BEFORE we leave on Saturday.  Get together with your tent buddy to work out details for meals.  You are responsible for bringing your own food.  That means:  Dinner Saturday night, Hot water breakfast Sunday morning, and Lunch on Sunday.  You will also need to bring 1 qt of water, and 6 snacks (2 for Saturday afternoon, and 4 for Sunday).  Cost (for gas) is $5.00. 

• March 18-19.  Service Weekend at CDC.  Come help get the campsites ready for this summer!  Those scouts that are in OA will get OA service hour credits.    Meet at the Scout Hall at 8 am.  No need to bring a tent.  You will be staying in the canvas tents on cots AFTER you set them up : ) !  Meals included.  Cost is $5.00

• Snow Tubing!! Snow Tubing Outing (Saturday, Feb 25) to Wolf Den Tubing in Mars Hills.   Family members are invited.  Meet at Scout Hall at 8 am.  Cost is $10/hr.  We will be there 2 hrs.  Scouts will also need to bring money for lunch (McD’s)Dress warmly - it is supposed to snow.  Recommend change of clothes in case you get wet!

• The Order of the Arrow (O.A.) is looking for Scouters (adult and youth) interested in being a part of a Indian dance team and/or ceremonial team.  You do not need to be a member of O.A. to participate.  If you are interested, please contact ASM Phil Bailey. 

• Klondike Derby Results: Troop 3 won Third Place in the Klondike Derby.  This is the first time our troop has earned a trophy in this event in many years!  Congratulations to Neil and John Allerton, Drew Bailey, Conor Haaser, John Hanlon and Andy Schneider who made up the Klondike Derby Mountain Lion Patrol! 

• Follow up on Scout Sunday:  Troop 3 made a good turnout for the 8:30 and 11:00 am services.  The Religious Emblem Award was presented to ASM Phil Bailey.  Congratulations!

• Scout Sunday:  "A Scout is Reverent"   February 12:  Meet in the rear of the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian at 10:30 am.  The Service begins at 11:00am.  This is our opportunity to be visible and show our appreciation for all First Presbyterian Church does for Scouting and Troop 3 in particular.  A special award will be presented at the 11:00 service.  We have never attended the 8:30 am contemporary service, so anyone interested in also attending the early service is highly encouraged to do so!  Wear your uniform!

• Klondike Derby:  Saturday, February 11, 2006.  Meet at the Continuous Campfire NO LATER THAN 8:30am on Saturday morning.  Dress for the weather.  You must wear your uniform. 

• Continuous Campfire:  Tuesday, Feb 7, 2006.   Troop 3 will meet AT THE CONTINUOUS CAMPFIRE (in the parking lot across from the Train Station) at 7:30p.   We will have pizza and drinks.  Dress warmly.  Uniform is not necessary this evening. 

HELP WANTED (!)

for Jordan Hollyfield's Eagle Project

          dates to remember:

• Klondike Derby:  February 11th
• Scout Sunday:  February 12th.  Come in uniform to First Presbyterian (10:30am) and show your appreciation for all they do for Troop 3!  A special award will be presented

• Merit Badge University on January 21 had a record attendance... Over 500 Scouts!!  We took 11 scouts and 2 leaders from Troop 3. 
• Neil and John Allerton constructed a fabulous sledge for the Klondike Derby. 
• John Turnbull volunteered to oversee 'rehabilitation' of one of our old sleds. 

• If you weren't at the Troop meeting on January 24, then you really missed the POOP!  That is -- literally and figuratively.  Dr. Cowan gave us a great presentation on "Tracks and Scat"  (the latter a polite word for feces).  It was amazing to see the variety of animal signs Mrs. and Dr. Cowan came upon during their great adventure this past summer to Glacier National Park and the AT.  Personally, I would prefer to keep my hands away from the scat but appreciated the size reference his fingers provided.....

• District Banquet:  Troop 3 received several honors at the banquet this year.   Twenty Six troops make up the Ocanosta District.  Only two were recognized for participating in "Good Turn America."  Many troops camped out 10 days last year.  Fewer made 20 camping nights.  Again, only 2, one of which was Troop 3 made 30 camping days in 2005!  Lastly, the most prestigious award "GOLDEN PADDLE" was presented to Ralphie Booher for his quiet dedication and commitment to scouting.  He has certainly been a valuable ASM in Troop 3.  And... from what we learned at the Banquet, the Klondike Derby organizers would be 'up a creek without a paddle!' if it weren't for all the hours he serves helping with set up.  Way to go Ralphie!!  We are proud of you!!!!

• Appalachian Caverns Trip:  We will be departing the Scout hall at 9am sharp Saturday morning.  We should return before 4:00pm.  Bring a lunch, change of clothing and $17.50.  Don't wear nice clothes!

• For those of you who don't have enough to occupy your attention on January 21st, DON'T FORGET the District Banquet at 6:00pm, at the Old Post Office on Piedmont Ave in Bristol, VA.  Tickets will be $14.00.  Look for more information in near future.

• What?:  Merit Badge University 2006
• When?:  January 21st 8:30am-6:00pm                       RAIN, SNOW or SHINE!!!!!
• Where?:  ETSU, D.P. Culp Center
• Who?:  Programming provided by Venturing Outdoors of ETSU
• What Else?:  See Informational Brochure Links:  Brochure pg 1, Brochure pg 2, Classes, Registration form
• Finally, HOW MUCH?:  Early Bird - $17.00/youth and $10.00/adult. After 1/6/06, youth fee increases to $22.00

• Order of the Arrow Winter Banquet, December 3rd, State Street United Methodist Church in Bristol, 6:30 pm.  Tickets are $9.00.  See Hawley Heglar for tickets.  At least 75 tickets need to be sold for the event to break even.  The lasagna dinner will be accompanied by entertainment (guitar and Magician!).  Come and Support the Order of the Arrow!

• Green bar elections: (Held on November 29)  Congratulations to the Newly Elected!

Senior Patrol Leader:  David Talley,   Asst. Senior Patrol Leader:  Neil Allerton,  Quartermaster:  John Allerton,  Asst. Quartermaster:  Steven Tagert,  Scribe:  Clinton Musick, Asst. Scribe:  Ben Leonard,  Chaplain Aide:  John Hanlon, Historian:  Silas Carrier, Librarian: Conor Haaser.

• News updates from 11/29 Troop Meeting and 11/21 Troop Committee Meeting: 
• Scoutmaster Jim Rutherford's work schedule has changed to second shift making participation in troop meetings/activities difficult for the time being. He has asked Phil Bailey to function as "Acting" Scoutmaster until Jim's schedule changes or his tenure is over.  We will miss Jim's regular presence and appreciate Phil's willingness to 'step up to the plate'!
• Karen Haaser, ASM, will assume Secretary duties for the Troop Committee.  Hawley Heglar has served in this capacity for many years and deserves a chance to take a breather..... That should last about 2-3 days.  Then he will probably be volunteered for something else.  Thanks so much Hawley for all you do!
• In order to facilitate youth led meetings, the SPL will be presented with the meeting agenda and any other specific concerns of the adult leadership PRIOR to the meeting.  This will hopefully eliminate the need for interjections by the adults.  Once the meeting proceeds to the planned activity, all adult leaders not actively engaged in the activity will move to the room across the hall to continue with their business. 
• Order of the Arrow (OA) is currently in reorganization. Our Troop 3 chapter is technically 'unofficial'.  There is a new OA training program underway for leaders and scouts.  Troop 3 has the only four individuals currently trained:  Phil Bailey, Hawley Heglar, Lee Dingman, and Drew Bailey.  the next training class will be in Jan '06.  More details about this will be posted in the near future.
• All adult leaders need to complete youth protection training.  This can be accomplished easily and ON-LINE (!) in about 25 minutes.  Go to our links on this site to the council web site and click on training.  Please let Karen Haaser know when you have completed this training.  Yes, she needs a date.   (I MEAN date of completion!!)
• All recognition applications  (knots, pins, etc) are due soon.  Some are due Dec. 1st and others by the first of the new year.  Pioneer awards must be submitted before the next round table meeting.  Anna Booher said she can direct you to the appropriate paperwork. 

• Scouting for Food was another year of success!  Over the past few months, our community has given generously over and over to so many important causes... Hurricane Katrina and Rita Victims, Earthquake disasters, medical research, ministries at home and abroad, food banks, our servicemen and women and their families, only name a few.  Our neighbors and friends gave again of their hearts and pocket books.  This past weekend, the Sequoyah Council Boy Scouts collected 636 cases of food totaling 33,000 pounds which were delivered to nearly empty local food banks! Thank you to all of you who put out, filled, and collected food bags, and sorted all of these food items.  This Thanksgiving will be much more joyful for so many families in need. 

• I can hardly believe that the holidays are upon us!  Two days until Thanksgiving!  What are you thankful for?  e-mail me at khaaser@charter.net and I will compile all of your responses in the Tattler.

• Physical Fitness Merit Badge.  Dr. Knickerbocker started teaching for the Physical Fitness Badge last Tuesday (11/15/05).  He strongly recommend that all scouts working on the badge to pick up the Merit Badge book for Physical Fitness.  It can be purchased inexpensively at Mountain Sports on Commonwealth.  On 29th, be prepared to review your physical training program that you have developed with Dr. Knickerbocker.

• Welcome Back Dr. and Mrs. Cowan!  Over the past 3 months, they logged 6700 driving miles, 400+ hiking miles (112 in Glacier National Park, 80 on the Centennial Trail in South Dakota, and 218 on the Appalachian Trail from Rt. 60, Buena Vista, VA to Harper's Ferry, WV), a 130 mile bicycle trip on the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota, a very sad family funeral/reunion, and a week at the beach fishing.  Welcome back to the REAL WORLD!  Informed scouts would like to know if the mileage above was actual or determined by Ben's unique method of linear calculation.  They say to expect them back at Scouts around November 15th.

• Merit Badge College at King College!  Great opportunity to knock out those white ring requirements!  Merit Badge Classes:  Art and Drawing, Computers, First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Emergency Preparedness, Personal Management.  Costs:  $10.00 for scouts if paid early and $12 at the door.  Scoutmaster fee is $6.00.  If you haven't pre-registered contact dsward@king.edu  or sife@king.edu .  Make your check out to King College (or cash) and send to Sife, Box 294, 1350 King College Rd., Bristol, TN 37620.  Meet at the NEW GYM of King College at 8:30 am on Saturday morning.  The program should end around 3pm.  Lunch will be provided!
• Nancy Berry, BS Training Coordinator sent information pertaining to Scout Leader Training.  There will be 'New Leader's Essentials' and 'Leader Specific Training' offered at Merit Badge College.

• Jimmy Cheers has scheduled work for his Eagle project for OCT 29th at Rivers Way.  His project involves building a Group Initiative Course (low ropes), adding on to an existing Group Initiative Course, and replacing tops of picnic tables with extended tops to accommodate participants in wheelchairs.  Times and details about what to bring will be coming. 

• Steeles Creek Picnic, Labor Day Weekend, was a lot of fun.  The weather and food couldn't have been better!  Soon to follow will be pictures - look for them on the Activities page. 

• Aug 30th:  Court of Honor, 7:30pm, Meet at Scout Hall. 

• Aug 6-7 Canoe and Camping trip  on the North Fork of the Holston river was awesome!  Ctrl+Click on the hyperlink for Anne and Ben Cowan's report on the trip.  Mike Spear gets the award for the most tip-overs in one trip.  I lost count after 3 or 4.  John and Neil won most graceful (slow-motion) dump over.  Ben Cowan reached new heights in his optimistic outlook on life and mileage.  Never believe him when he says the take-out is in.. "just one or so more miles (try 5 to 7 miles)..."  or " should be around a couple more bends"   It's hard to believe he teaches map reading and orienteering skills!  Pictures are on the activities page.

• New Scout Camp Out at Laurel Falls on July 30-31:  Hiking along a beautiful trail in a warm summer rain is actually fun!  Jack Kilbreath, and Anna Booher need to add Barry Carrier to the Camp Chef Guild. 

• Order of the Arrow News:  Updated Calendar is now available.  Order of the Arrow Summer Ordeal at Camp Davy Crockett, Aug 12-14.

• Jamboree News!: Mrs. Booher called this morning with the following news:  Yesterday the temperatures reached 120 degrees.  The President's address has been scratched for tonight.  They don't know if it will be rescheduled.  Our troop has the farthest site from the arena, approximately 3 miles.  Jordan Hollyfield got an 'attaboy' for jumping in and serving as Senior Patrol Leader, as Nick Booher and his Asst. Patrol Leader (Chris Givens) had been chosen to meet the President.  Jordan made sure the Scouts stayed hydrated and in shape.  There was a violent storm last night and one Scout was struck in the head by a flying limb.  No injury occurred, but he was checked out as a precautionary measure.  A great time seems to be had by all despite the heat.  As I receive more information, I will pass it on!

• Congratulations!! Mike Adams is now Troop 3's newest Eagle Scout.

• Karen Haaser is taking over maintenance of the www.bristoltroop3.com web site.  Many thanks to Hawley Heglar who has so capably done this job for many many years.  (If I told you exactly how many, then you would know how ancient he really is!) I'd like to keep this site very up to date.  Please feel free to correct me when I get things wrong (I mean, mistyped...) and let me know of any important activities, announcements, etc. that need to be in either the Tattler, Calendar or both.  I would also appreciate a brief summary of activities as they are completed.  I will add those to the web site too.  Pictures are welcome.  I assume Phil is going to teach me how to upload them!  I will be asking everyone for ideas that they would like to see on the web site.     KH

• Mr. Alan Odum is treating everyone to a cookout on July 26th!  Come hungry!

Pearce Galliher's Eagle Project:

Will be held Saturday, May 21st, at the Tennessee Ernie Ford House (1223 Anderson Street). Time is from 10:00-2:00. Lunch will be provided. Workers are requested to bring: shovels, work gloves, wheel barrow, and garden rakes. Pearce has helped others on their projects, so now it's time to time as he approaches Eagle.

Summer Camp:

Tuesday April 26th is the last day to pay for summer camp at the regular price. After May 1st., there will be a $10.00 late fee to go to camp. This does not apply to new Scouts that are now joining after bridging over from a Cub Pack. Paying early allows the Camp Staff ample time to plan accordingly for the volume of campers in attendance during our week 

National Youth Leadership Training
MARCH 11-12-13, 2005

Six of our scouts attended the new training course National Youth Leadership Training last weekend.  The scouts studied the patrol method and group dynamics.  It is hoped that we can apply the lessons they have learned to our troop.

Reported March 14th by Phil Bailey

Race ticket order form:

Family flier 2005

December 22nd:  Youth Leadership

A new section has been added to the site...Youth Leadership.  This section includes a list of Youth leaders, Patrol Pages and a link to Troop Leader responsibilities.   We are looking for more ideas as to what might be added to this area.

We need someone who went on the Hike on December 11th to write a description about what was done and any information that Leaders might find useful, the next time we do the same event.  If any pictures are available, we would like to post them.

The History page has several "new" photographs added and the Contact page was updated to include all adult leaders and positions.  Email addresses, for leaders who might want one, are available.  The email address will forward to a current email address that you already own (a lot like call forwarding), thus hiding your real email address from the rest of the web.  Currently only three leaders have an email address available on the website.

December 17th:  New Resources

Check-out the Resources page.  Klondike sled designs were added so that scouts can get some ideas about sled design.

Inclement Weather Policy:

As has been our past policy, should the Bristol TN City Schools cancel classes or dismiss early due to inclement weather, Scouts will NOT meet that night. Since we have Scouts attending many different schools, we decided to go with the BTCS schedule since it affects most of our Scouts.