Troop 592 Newsletter
December 1998
Written by Tucker
   Merit Badges
During January and February, scouts will be able to work on merit badges during troop meetings, instead of advancement. Scouts will be able to choose from as many as three merit badges. The three merit badges have yet to be decided.

   Camp Ireland Campout
The recent campout at Camp Ireland was absolutely great! Scouts did lots of great service improving the facilities at the camp, which is used for a Cub Scout camp in the summer. Also, thanks to Mrs. Gilati for providing us with a great dessert! Just a note to all Scouts in leadership positions, starting at the next campout we will be having a short PLC right after we get to camp, and another one in the morning after we wake up.

   Winter Lodge
Make note that this year Winter Lodge is on Jan. 15-16, which is Friday and Saturday. Scouts will leave Friday afternoon after school is out, and return Saturday afternoon. Scouts must bring their own sack dinners, and breakfast will be cooked by a patrol yet to be decided. The number of Scout and adult spots is limited.

   Winter Survival Training
This year winter survival training is two Tuesdays in a row (Jan. 12 and 19). Participants must be present at both classes.
   Court of Honor
Remember the January 4 Court of Honor! It starts at 7:30 p.m. in the gym at the Church. The Pooky Bear patrol is in charge of setup, and should get there at 7:00 p.m. The Radioactive Mosquito patrol is in charge of cleanup.

   Service Projects
Recently a few Scouts participated in two different service projects. Four Scouts participated in Operation Shoebox, and helped pack boxes for the Honduran relief effort, and eight Scouts participated in Loaves and Fishes, and helped package food for Christmas dinners.

   Scoutmaster Corner
This Fall has been very busy as we have had many activities and many learning experiences.  Activities have included campouts at Ft. Stevens, Silver Falls, and Camp Ireland; service projects for Operation Shoebox and for Loaves and Fishes; the successful wreath sale; an Eagle Court of Honor for Mr. Bacon and a variety of advancement at troop meetings.  (And also a High Adventure campout December 19-20?come to the Court of Honor to hear some real tales of their adventure!) 
Every event is a learning experience for the scouts, but in my role as Scoutmaster, I really find that each meeting or campout provides me with another learning opportunity as one or more different situations confronts us.  I am thankful for all the help and patience that the scouts have as they ?break in? this new Scoutmaster and I am thankful 

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for all the adult help that this troop has.  (and congratulations to our new trained adults, Mr. Garner, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Corich and Mr. Wohlsein) 
The scouts have a busy Winter and Spring planned.  Of particular note is that at the Troop meetings in January and February adult merit badge counselors will be available for at least two or three merit badges and the scouts will be able to choose one and then work on it over the next few meetings.  The PLC really wants these badges to be some of the harder, required ones and will give everyone a headstart toward		 their next rank.  We hope to announce the available badges at the Court of Honor so scouts can start looking ahead.  Winter Lodge is early in January, and the next campout is at Camp Wilkerson in February.  Traditionally, it snows at Wilkerson and the scouts have the greatest time?the way this winter is going, we should expect the same this year. 
Thanks for your patience and your help!