December Campout - Wilderness Survival

 

Permission forms for the December Wilderness Survival campout at Worth Ranch are due at our November 28 meeting.

 

YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY 

Youth Protection Training is required for each adult on the unit charter, and all adults registered in Scouting in the Longhorn Council. 

*All adults must have record of current YPT certification through the end of 2023. So what this really means, we all need to take our YPT now. Yes, you..Yes, you that has their YPT expiring on March 2023. Yes, even if it expires November 2023.  

*You will not be able to complete your renewal if you, the registered adult, has a YPT certificate that is set to expire during 2023. 

*Training can be completed online through https://my.scouting.org.

Court of Honor tonight

      

Court of Honor is tonight at 6:30pm.  Join us as we celebrate all who have advanced in rank and/or earned merit badges and awards in the past quarter.  

Veteran's Day 2022

 Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Today we pay homage and give thanks to all of those who have served this great nation of ours from the United States Navy to the United States Army to the United States Air Force to the United States Marine Corps to the United States Coast Guard and each branch of reserves.

Scouting has a history rich in military service as well.  Robert Baden-Powell, the father of Boy Scouts, was a British officer with a long military career.  Much he learned along the way in his military career directly correlated with how he established scouting.  As it stands, many of our current military academies are home to a considerable amount of Scouts - over 1/3 of the cadets at West Point were involved in scouts and 16% are eagles; over 20% of the Air Force cadets were in scouting and 12% are Eagles; and 25% of the Naval Academy midshipmen were in Scouts and 11% are Eagle Scouts.  Though it's not the only way, it's definitely a great path to being a part of something much bigger than yourself.

So, today, we humbly give thanks to those who have signed their name on the line and said, "Whatever it takes... I'm here for America."  Those are the kind of courageous men and women we honor today. Some interesting facts from History.com about veterans: The brave men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and coworkers, and an important part of their communities. Here are some facts about the current veteran population of the United States.

There are approximately 21 million military veterans in the United States.

• 16.1 million living veterans served during at least one war.

• 5.2 million veterans served in peacetime.

• 2 million veterans are women.

• 7 million veterans served during the Vietnam War era (1964-1975).

• 5.5 million veterans served during the Gulf War (representing service from Aug. 2, 1990, to present).

• Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II (1941-1945), about 620,000 are still alive.

• 2 million veterans served during the Korean War (1950-1953).

• 6 million veterans served in peacetime.

• As of 2014, 2.9 million veterans received compensation for service-connected disabilities.

• As of 2014, 3 states have more than 1 million veterans in among their population: California (1.8 million), Florida (1.6 million), Texas (1.7 million).

• The VA health care system had 54 hospitals in 1930, since then it has expanded to include 171 medical centers; more than 350 outpatient, community, and outreach clinics; 126 nursing home care units; and 35 live-in care facilities for injured or disabled vets.

We remember your sacrifice. We honor your patriotism. To quote President Coolidge, "The Nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”

Don't forget to join us tonight if you're in town at 7pm at the Keller Field of Honor for a flag retirement ceremony conducted by Troop 32.

Annual Slideshow - WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS!

 

Our annual Troop Slideshow is coming up on December 5. Be sure to join us as we take a look back at everything we've done as a troop over the past year. It's amazing to see how much we've accomplished in 12 short months, and it's great to remember how much fun we've had!

If you have pictures from this year's events, we would love to include them. Send them to the Troop email at KellerTroop1910@gmail.com, or upload and share them to our troop Facebook page or better yet, upload them to the Troop's Google Photo Drive. Our Historian will be putting together a fantastic show for all to enjoy.

University of Scouting

 

Although you can take most training courses for just about everything needed online through the my.Scouting portal, nothing beats tribal knowledge and networking when it comes to training.  Something you will hear many of us tenured leaders say is that "every Scout deserves a well-trained leader!"  

If you are new to Scouting, new in a particular Scouting volunteer position, or perhaps you want to step up to offer assistance in a supporting role, the University of Scouting will have courses offered for just about everything under the sun from the basics in Cub Scouts to becoming an Eagle mentor.

Saturday, November 19 is the Longhorn Council's University of Scouting. If you haven't registered, there is still time to pick your courses and make a day of it. Check out the Event Guide HERE

Registration ($30) is open now through November 13.

Walk-in registration is $35

In-person courses are at Tarrant County College's Trinity River Campus in Fort Worth.

(While walk-in registrations are allowed at a higher price point please consider the logistical nightmare for your volunteers who are teaching... they're busy preparing materials, handouts and such.  The courtesy of an advance registration allows them to do their job and ensure enough materials are available for those in attendance. Pre-registration is just the kind thing to do.  A Scout is kind. Register in advance.  Thankyouverymuch.)

Check in is from 8a-9a

Classes begin at 9a and last until 12p

Lunch is from 12p-1p at the TCC cafeteria (not included in registration. You may bring your own or buy something there)

Afternoon classes are 1p-4p

Closing ceremony

UOS COURSE CATALOG

REGISTER HERE

We encourage you to take your training to the next level and attend this year's University of Scouting.

November Campout - Highland Games

 

November's campout is the annual Longhorn Council Highland Games at Camp Tahuaya (Belton, TX) November 11-13. Featuring professional Scottish Highland games weights, hammers, and much more. You will compete in fun and challenging Celtic tests of strength, endurance and skill. Highland Games is both an individual event and a team event for groups of 4-8 participants from Venture Crews, Teams and Troops at Camp Tahuaya.

There are 2 age classes for youth in all of the events. “Light Weight” are age 11-14 years, and “Heavy Weight” are 15 and older.” There is also a Venturers Class, an Adult Class, and an Adult Coed Class. Team and Individual Awards will be given in each class.

Competitions are “Toss” events that go for distance and “throw” events go for height. Events are Traditional Events with professional Highland Games Equipment, plus several NEW Events. We add a few Scouting touches for safety in some events, like helmets.

EVENTS

Turning the Caber. A caber is a 16-20 foot long pole that is tossed end-over-end. The object is to balance the Caber (pole) vertically over your head, run forward and toss it so that it flips end over end and lands vertically. We use a lighter variant of the 90 to 120 pound logs the Scots use but it’s fun just the same!

Sheaf Toss. What’s a Sheaf? A sheaf is a 16-20 pound bag of hay (10-12 pounds for the light weights). What do you do with it? Hurl it straight up into the air over an adjustable crossbar with a pitchfork. It’s High Jump with pitch forks. Highest toss wins.

Weight Throws. Pick up the weight in one hand, sling it from side to side to gain momentum and throw it the farthest … or as far as possible.

Clachneart. It’s a rounded stone and you throw it – like a shot put. You can spin if you want. Distance Counts.

Braemar Stone. What’s a Braemar Stone? Well, it’s like the Clachneart, except bigger and you can’t move when you toss it (no shot put moves). Again distance counts.

Hammer Throw. Now using professional Scottish hammers! Another throw for distance event. 

Farmer’s Walk. In the farmer’s walk, the competitor picks up two weights, each weighing up to 150 pounds and walks around a series of pylons. The winner walks the farthest. We’ll go a little light on the weight: you’ll use hay bales, bulky but not nearly as heavy. You get the idea… 

Pumpkin Slaying. Demonstrate your swordsmanship as you slay a pumpkin with a Scottish Claymore sword! . . . if you can hit it!

Battle Axe Throw. The battle axe was issued to the 78th Fraser’s Highlanders, a military regiment from the Highlands of Scotland. The axes were light enough to be used with one hand and heavy enough to dent or puncture armor. The axes used in the competition are lighter than the original weapons, but safer to throw. In competition, the axes are thrown at increasing distances towards a target. The winner is the individual who’s axe, thrown from the greatest distance, strikes and sticks blade first in the targets.

The Fell Race. The fell race gets its name from the hills of Northern England where it originated. It’s a non-traditional endurance test of running and cross-country skills over rough terrain. This cross country race typically features several natural and man-made barriers. This event is just for the Fit! 

Tossing the Wellie. Legend has it that this originated when Scottish husbands wore their muddy boots in the house. In retaliation, the wives threw the boots back at the husbands as they ran from the house to avoid the wives wrath. This game is all about distance and staying between the lines.

As you can see, it's one feat after another... all while wearing traditional Scottish kilts. 
It's going to be a great time for all!

Volunteers Needed

 

The UMW (United Methodist Women) at Keller UMC will host the annual Sharing the Joy event this weekend, November 12-13, 2022.   This is an alternative gift market, to support local and international non-profit and fair-trade organizations. It will be in the Family Life Center (FLC).  See the link above for some of the vendors coming to the sale.

Keller UMC has asked our Units for volunteers to help the vendors unload cars and bring in their goods on Saturday morning, 8:30–10 am.  And then do the reverse on Sunday afternoon, 1–2:30 pm.  Service hours will be awarded.  Please observe normal YPT practices.

 

This is not a heavy lift – if we have 5-6 Scouts on each day, it will be perfect. This is the camping weekend so if you are NOT attending the campout, please consider assisting.  

Reach out to: Tonya Anderson tonyaanderson001@gmail.com 817-437-9419

Recharter & Dues DUE TONIGHT

 

TROOP MEETING TONIGHT

And, at the meeting is a VERY IMPORTANT DEADLINE --the final opportunity to pay your RECHARTER MEMBER DUES!

All adults rechartering MUST have a current YPT (that does not expire at anytime during 2023) or they will be not be included in the recharter, so bring a copy of your YPT cert to be sure (individual emails were sent to those with expired YPT).

If you have not turned in forms/paid/made arrangements for payment, then you will be DROPPED from the Troop roster, so please pay your dues!

Please reach out to Suzanne Sampson with any questions and while you're at it, thank her for all her hard work on this Recharter process for the Troop!

Youth fees are as follows:

$75 BSA National Registration Fees

$12 Longhorn Council

$75 Troop Dues

$162 - for 2023 Youth Registration.  

(If you'd like to add Scout Life magazine, add another $15)

Adults fees are as follows:

$45 BSA National Registration Fees

$12 Longhorn Council

$57 - for 2023 Adult Registration

PLC Meeting

     

There will be a 6:00 pm PLC Meeting tonight before the Troop Meeting. 

All Patrol Leaders, Assistant Patrol Leaders, elected positions and the SPL team should plan to attend.