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January 2002
    

Den Meeting Report: Our first January meeting saw the scouts continue their work towards the CRAFTSMAN badge. Mr. G. again showed his expertise with wood and as a teacher helping the boys build a wonderful CD ROM storage box, adding to the birdhouse completed last month. Note that some scouts that had gone to summer camp have completed all requirements for the badge. Others need to complete one or two additional items. If you have not already done so, speak to Sonny or me about completing the requirements. Go to our Crafts/Games pages to see the plans we used to construct our wood projects! Our second meeting was used to do some preparation for the WEBELOS Klondike Derby that will be held on February 23 at FDR Park. We started constructing our flag using indian communication figures, practice pulling and guiding the derby sled, and did practice some knots. The boys had a great time pulling the sled through the snow, which started on cue about half way through our meeting!

February Den Meeting: Our meetings this month will be on the 9th and the 16th. We plan to finish our Den Flag, do some additional preparation for the Klondike and work on the COMMUNICATOR badge (Webelos book, page 179). Please ask your son to read the chapter on Communicator in preparation for our February meetings. The Den Calendar is the place to look for upcoming meeting dates and times.

Pinewood Derby: Now is the time to start construction of your car. The Derby is less than two months away (March 15). Kits are $3.50 each and may be picked up at the Blue & Gold or, if you can't wait, send $3.50 to me and I'll get a kit to you. The weigh-in & registration date and place has not yet been announced.

Klondike Derby: The Klondike Derby has been set for February 23 at FDR Park 9am to 2pm. The cost is $6 per person (scout or adult) who participates. (There must be two adults per sled, one of whom must be a registered leader). Since pre-registration is necessary (there will be no walk-ons) we need your registration fee no later than Feb. 5th, earlier if possible. Different from past years, Boy Scout Troop 174 in Yorktown Heights will organize and run the Klondike. Crew 2279 in Tarrytown will run the Ice Rescue Station and provide first aid support. Parents are encouraged to attend the Klondike. Bring your camera!

We will discuss these items at an upcoming den meeting.

Parents' Meeting: Our purpose for scheduling a parents' meeting at this time was to review the advancement requirements for Webelos, and what yet had to be done. Perhaps there is no need for a meeting in view of the progress already made by all the Den 3 Scouts. Basically, all scouts have completed requirements 1 through 5 (page 415 of the Webelos book). Requirement 6, plan and lead a flag ceremony will be done at the den meetings through assignment. Requirement 7 (Requirement for being a Boy Scout) will also be done at the den. We will use gathering exercises to go through these requirements during the next couple of months. Please have your son review these requirements (pages 419-425) so that he may quickly and easily meet the requirement. As we discussed at our parents' meeting in September, requirement 8 must be done by the parent with the scout. If the scout is completing work on his religious emblem, I strongly suggest that the work be completed, approved, and submitted to the appropriate religious council no later than mid-March. If you are seeking to complete requirement 8 through one of the alternative activities, please do so as soon as possible. Call or e-mail us with any questions.

The Angel Project: I was remiss on the last report in leaving out a good turn performed by the scouts. Using craft foam and other material, they made angel ornaments that we sent to an organization that was to present them in a Christmas season ceremony at the Wold Trade Center site. You may find directions on the Crafts/Games pages and more information about the organization at the Angel Project web site.