UNIFORMS AND WELCOME TO NEW SCOUTS

WELCOME TO THE NEW SCOUTS that have just turned 11 years old in the last few months. We are excited to have you be a part of the scouting program. If you have any questions, please call us.

TO THE NEW SCOUTS AND PARENTS:

We suggest that each scout have a bag that they bring to Scouts each week. This should have their SCOUT BOOK, THEIR SCOUT BINDER, THEIR FAITH IN GOD BOOKLET, and they will be given their own ROPES to bring. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR SCOUT HAS HIS NAME WRITTEN ON HIS ITEMS and on his bag or backpack. If you have questions about this, please contact me.

UNIFORMS:

We consider the boys to be in uniform if they have their tan scout shirt on and their scarf that goes with their patrol.  They need to wear their uniforms each week unless we are doing the Physical Fitness Merit Badge.  We are going to begin having periodic drawings from the Uniform Jar and those that wear their uniforms each week will be able to put their names in the Uniform Jar. If you have problems finding a uniform, please let us know.

NEW SCOUT EMAIL ACCOUNT

If you need information, you can email me at bearlakescouts@yahoo.com or you can call me.  This way I can give you detailed information in a private email and you don't have to post anything on this blog. This site will take the place of the Mentor Memo's and you can check it as often as you need to.  You can also call or email me as often as you need to. Thanks for all your support in helping your Scout succeed.

MERIT BADGES

The following merit badges are some that the boys have been working on for several months. If you have questions, you can go to www.meritbadge.com and pull off the needed requirements for the boys. We have been working on several merit badges since last September and the boys should have been working on them at home.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

This is a three month requirement merit badge. We have been doing the measuring and testing during scouts, but each of the boys should have been participating in some sort of physical fitness program, either through what they do in PE at school or sports or on their own. The should have been writing it down on a calendar for at least three months.  They will also each require a physical from the doctor before they can get this merit badge. IF THEY ARE IN SPORTS AT SCHOOL, THE PHYSICAL THAT IS GIVEN CAN BE USED FOR THIS PORTION OF THE REQUIREMENT.

FAMILY LIFE

This is also a three month requirement merit badge. The Scouts should have been writing down their five chores that they are required to do for at least three months.  I tell them to put it on the calendar. These are chores such as feeding the dog or doing dishes or making their bed, etc. They should have been writing it down on a calendar.  For instance, if it was their job to do the dishes three times during the week, then they need to write it on the calendar so we know it was done.

They also need to do a family project for this requirement. This can be something they choose to better the family. For instance, some of them haul wood, or clean the garage or paint a bedroom. It is up to the Scout to have it the project discussed with the parent and decide what is appropriate.

PERSONAL MANAGEMENT

This is also a three month requirement merit badge. The Scouts should have been keeping track of any money they received and how it was spent or saved. This is also written on a calendar or paper so that they can show me the way they took care of their money.  If they get an allowance or money for food at school lunch, then they put it on the calendar and then say how they spend it. 

ASTRONOMY MERIT BADGE

Many of the boys are very close to this requirement. They needed to draw a picture of the moon and most of them have done so. Ask them what else they need to do.

FINGERPRINTING MERIT BADGE

Most of the boys should have been able to pass this off. We will be checking with them in the next week to see what else they need to do.  We worked on this badge several weeks and most of the boys should be able to get it.

PET MERIT BADGE

Several of the boys are working on the PET MERIT BADGE.  They also need to write down when they fed their animal on a calendar. If they have passed this off, please have them contact Natalie.

ADVANCEMENT TO THE NEXT RANK

We will be interviewing the boys and making sure their books have been signed so that we can prepare for the next Court of Honor.  More info on Court of Honor next week.

11 YEAR OLD SCOUTS

The 11 year old scouts meet at 7:00 pm each Tuesday evening at the church house. We have three groups that meet with us which include Montpelier LDS 3rd Ward, Montpelier LDS 5th Ward, and the Bennington LDS Ward.  The Dragons and Cobras are the two patrols that meet each week. If you have questions about activities, you can call Craig, Natalie, Matt, or Nick. This site will carry information for Merit Badges that we are working on and things that each of the Scouts or parents may need to know.

We give special thanks to the previous Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol leaders over the Dragons and Cobras. Because they have now turned twelve and moved on to the next Scout group, we have new leaders fulfilling those positions. Each of the boys will be given opportunities to have different positions in the Patrol and we will be giving out new assignments at the next Court of Honor.

CUB SCOUTS BEAR DEN

The Bear Den sponsored by the Montpelier LDS 3rd Ward and 5th Ward meets at the church house on Tuesday evenings at 5:00 pm.  This blog is to help keep parents informed about activities for the Pack and Bear Den.  If you have questions, please contact Natalie or Amy.