Troop 1 Parents Meeting

Monday, November 17, 2008

1) Meeting called to order by Jon Beyer

2) Attending: Jon Beyer; Michelle Boswell; Steve Davis; Dana Jenson; Arvella & Greg Kent; Chris Klaren; Tim Klein; Francis McElroy; Steve Murphy

3) Approval of previous meeting minutes - approved

4) Reports:

· Scoutmaster – no report

· Secretary – no report

· Treasurer – $8,224.30 (General Fund $2,795.41, Scoutmaster Fund $1423.13, Shed Account $480.93, Scout Accounts $3,534.83), balance includes October pop cans and UNI Dome concessions.

· The group discussed and approved moving the balance of the Shed Account into the General Fund.

· The group discussed and approved moving the scout account balance for a Scout that has moved to another city and joined another troop.

· With the healthy general fund balance, there was discussion regarding increasing the Scouts’ share of the proceeds from the pop can drives. Michelle will review the records to determine the funds needed for normal operation for more discussion next month. In the meantime, the split will remain at 50/50.

· Outdoor/activities coordinator

· Scouting for Food, bag distribution Oct 18, food pickup Oct 25 – the troop did not participate due to a lack of communication between the council and the troop. Chris Klaren and Steve Murphy will coordinate this activity next year for the troop.

· Tour of Haunted Houses, Oct 24 – This event was canceled due to a lack of Scout participation.

· St. Ed’s Trunk or Treat, Oct 25 – Scout leaders helping at Trunk or Treat expressed concerns about the size of the event, St. Ed’s not being prepared for the size, safety concerns with traffic in the lot and on the street, and the apparent lack of event leadership in attendance from the Church. The troop is concerned that it appears we are in charge of the event, which is not the case. We are happy to help with portions but cannot assume the safe conduct of everyone in attendance. Jon Beyer and Steve Murphy will meet with event leaders at the Church to express our concerns and set boundaries for the troop’s participation.

· Electronics / Work Weekend campout, WSR, Nov 15-16. Good turnout of Scouts and adults.

· Red Flannel campout, Ingawanis, Dec 13-14. Planning is underway, location changed to Ingawanis as we were just camped at WSR in November.

· Advancement coordinator

· Advancement activities – 1 rank advancement to Life and 13 merit badges were earned in the last month.

· Merit Badge College, Nov 1, report – a very good day, lots of volunteers. Troop 1 conducted the flag ceremonies.

· Merit Badge University, NU High, Feb 14 – Tim Klein is working with the Scouts for registration. A number of merit badges are being offered, another great opportunity for Scouts to earn Eagle required and elective merit badges.

· Chaplain

· Religious awards – no report

· Training coordinator – no report

· Equipment coordinator – no report

· Fundraising coordinator

· Pop can collection fundraiser – Oct 18 was the most recent fundraiser, the next is scheduled for Nov 29, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. This is typically the largest collection of the year.

· UNI Dome concessions, update – going well, good support from the troop. 7 more events lined up. 6 more people are needed to work Nov 25 (Tues) at the McLeod Center. Contact Francis to sign up.

· Fall popcorn sales update – no report

· Wreath sales update – wreath sales have increased from last year, even with fewer Scouts selling and the cost of wreaths increased. Scouts should pick up their wreaths either before or after the next Scout meting on Sun, Nov 23.

· Pancake breakfast troop fundraiser, Jan 18 – no update, proceeds will go towards transportation expenses for high adventure activities.

· Membership coordinator – Pack 25 crossover is typically on Scout Sunday (same day as Super Bowl). Jon Beyer will contact the pack to start making arrangements.

· Round Table Update – no report

5) Old Business

· Parent sign-up calendar, update – adult coverage for activities extends through February.

· Activity slips, update – have not used them yet.

· Boundary Waters, summer 2009 – Steve will hold a meeting within the next few weeks to order permits. 2 or 3 crews are expected.

· High adventure activities, update on Sea Base 2009 – A Sea Base parents meeting will be scheduled in December before a refularly scheduled Scout meting. Tim will start making flight arrangements as low-cost fares become available.

· National Jamboree, July 2010, update – no report

6) New Business

· District Winter Swim Program – ATTENTION ALL SCOUTS AND ADULTS ATTENDING SEA BASE OR BOUNDARY WATERS IN 2009: All scouts and adults attending these events MUST pass the BSA swim test or they will not be allowed to participate, no exceptions. The winter swim program is a great way to become comfortable in the water, grow some flippers, and gain swimming proficiency. Contact Mike Potter to register.

· New parent leadership for the troop & additional assistant Scoutmasters – The troop is nearing rechartering next spring, and new adult leaders will be needed to step into Troop Committee roles. Expectations will be reviewed with parents of Webelos crossing over in February.

· Day of week for troop meetings, update – after reviewing the possible alternatives for troop meetings, and the pros and cons with each of them, it has been decided to leave meetings at Sunday evenings for the time being.

7) Announcements

· Next parents meeting Monday, December 15, 2008 at AJ’s Eatery & Spirits (by Target), meeting starts at 7:00 PM.

8) Adjournment - Upon having completed the evening’s business, the meeting was adjourned.

Tabled Items:

· “Iron Man” patch (Chris/Francis)

Respectfully Submitted,

Chris Klaren

November 18, 2008