» Meeting Location & Time

BUMC
Berwyn United Methodist Church
140 Waterloo Avenue
Berwyn, PA 19312
Tuesday Evenings - 7:30PM - 9:00PM
__________________________________________

» Troop 181 Cabin

Click on Forms tab for directions
__________________________________________

» Upcoming events

1/29	.PLC Meeting - BUMC
1/29	Parents Committee Meeting - BUMC
2/7	Winter Court of Honor - BUMC - 7:00 PM
2/14	Troop Meeting Class B - BUMC
2/19	Poconos Ski Trip
2/28	Troop Meeting Class B - BUMC

more upcoming events

» Car Insurance Information Needed ASAP

In order to simplify the tour permit application process for troop trips, please provide your car insurance information, car make and model, and number of seat belts to our Camping Coordinator, Ed Maier. We need a complete list of updated information to comply with Council’s tour permit requirements, and to be properly covered by the BSA insurance. Please remember to be safe and obey speed limits when driving with our scouts in your car. You are carrying the most precious cargo! If you have any questions, please contact Ed Maier directly.
__________________________________________

» Yahoo Groups Sign Up

If you haven’t already signed up for the Yahoo Groups for Troop 181, please do so by subscribing to the group. This is the primary method of communication for the Troop. To join, send an Email to paoli181-subscribe@yahoogroups.com If you have trouble signing up, contact KS Bhaskar for help at bhaskar@acm.org. Please note that any Email sent to paoli181@yahoogroups.com will be forwarded to everyone who is a subscriber to the group.
__________________________________________

» Class B Shirts

Our moisture wicking Class B shirts are available for purchase. The price varies according to the type and size. Please contact Sharmon Priaulx (610-647-3620 or sharmonp@comcast.net) if you want to place an order.
__________________________________________

» Interactive BSA Uniform Site Launched

The new, official uniforms website is now active. The interactive format takes visitors through Scouting's ranks and programs, with 360-degree views of what the official uniform should look like when complete. Other features include drag-and-drop insignia, full descriptions of each uniform piece, and a "Shop Now" link that takes you directly to the Scoutstuff.org site.
__________________________________________
*************************************************

» Recommended Adult Training

It is MANDATORY for any adult going on a trip to complete the Youth Protection Training through BSA. (www.myscouting.org) Please let Kate VanMeter know when you have completed the course. Other training courses that the troop recommends are:
- This is Scouting
- Boy Scouts - Fast Start
• Trek Safely
• Weather Hazards
• Safety Afloat
• Safe Swim Defense
• Climb-on safely
All of these courses can be completed in a short period of time online at myscouting.org
__________________________________________

Welcome!
Boy Scouts of America
Troop 181

____________________________

Special News!

Beginning January 1st, 2011, BSA National introduced a new performance recognition program to replace the Quality Unit Award.
Journey to Excellence changes the basic way all troops will measure and recognize success in the BSA by moving away from measuring process and moving to measuring performance. The measurement is accomplished using 13 categories to determine where a troop ranks in three levels of performance (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
The 13 categories include the following: Advancement, Retention, Membership Increase, Trained Leadership, Short-term Camping, Summer Camp, Patrol Method, Service Projects, Webelos-to-Scout Transition, Budget Planning, Courts of Honor/Parents Meetings, Reregister On-time, Annual Assessment.
Scoring: Bronze level requires earning 11 of the 13 categories plus 700 points, Silver level requires earning the Bronze level and 1,000 points, and Gold level requires earning the Bronze level and 1,600 points. Every troop has the opportunity to earn a maximum total or 2,500 points each year.
For 2011, Troop 181 has earned a total of 2,025 points out of the 2,500 available! This total has earned Troop 181 the GOLD level award!
Congratulations to all Scouts and Parents!
______________________________________________

January Camping Trip

The January trip is scheduled for the weekend of January 27th. The trip will be an ice hike at Rickett’s Glen State Park (http://www.rickettsglen.info/) and cabin camping in the Poconos. Rickett’s Glen is a park that contains 22 waterfalls, which are frozen up in January. This hike has always been a favorite among the boys! The hike is a minimum of 4-5 miles and covers an elevation change of 700-800 feet. Please take into consideration that a certain level of fitness is required for this trip. Adults and scouts should be prepared for a challenging day. Layered clothing will be critical for staying comfortable and safe. Crampons (metal spikes that fit over your boots) are required for safety and there is a $10 fee to use them. Due to the troop’s equipment supply, this hike will be limited to a total of 19 adults and Scouts. Thanks to Mike Harris, who has planned and run this trip for many years. Please contact him directly with specific questions. This trip will be first come, first serve.
______________________________________________

Winter Court of Honor

The Winter Court of Honor for Troop 181 will be held on Tuesday, February 7. The families of all scouts are invited to attend. This is a time to recognize the work of the scouts that has taken place since summer camp at Horseshoe, such as merit badges and rank advancements.
Volunteers are needed to come at 6:30PM to quickly help set up the room with tables for dinner. Please let me know if you can help. We will be starting dinner at 7:00, so everybody is invited to arrive at 6:45. We expect to conclude by 9:00, and will then need volunteers to put the tables away and clean up. For the potluck dinner, please bring an entree/dinner to share. We are not dividing into any type of category of food. That is what makes a potluck fun! Cake will be provided by the troop, as well as all paper products and water. Don’t forget to bring your Parent’s Ribbon if your scout has received a rank advancement since summer camp! Special thanks to Christine Linderman for organizing this event!
______________________________________________

From the SPL: Packing for Campouts

We have found that many of the scouts are overpacking for weekend campouts and bringing huge bags with them. All of their clothing and gear should fit in one small duffel bag or backpack. Big bags that hold everything (including their sleeping bag and sleep pad) are difficult to get into the cars. Your scout should be packing for himself. AT MOST, two changes of clothes should be taken on a weekend trip. One pair of boots should be sufficient, unless there is a long hike planned and they wish to bring camp shoes. Most of the boys come home wearing exactly the same clothing they wore on Friday, so deodorant is mandatory. Also, be aware that scouts are always required to bring their mess kit, and a flashlight or headlamp.
Michael R. - Senior Patrol Leader
______________________________________________

Message from the Troop Quartermaster

Younger scouts have not been taught how to take care of troop gear. We are starting a system of monthly equipment demos to show scouts how to use each piece of gear in the shed. Last month I did a demonstration on proper use and care of the dutch ovens. This month the topic will be setting up all types of cookstoves. October’s camping trip equipment return went fairly well. Only one tent was not returned on time, and all the scouts who did return equipment had properly dried and cleaned it. I hope this continues to be true through the rest of the scouting year.

Ryan N.
Troop Quartermaster
______________________________________________

February Ski Trip

A ski trip to Jack Frost Mountain in the Poconos is being planned for Sunday, February 19 and Monday February 20. This is President’s Day so schools are closed. We will be meeting early on Sunday to drive to Jack Frost (1 1/2 hours). There will be an opportunity for those scouts who would like to work on their Snowsports merit badge to do so. Both snowboarders and skiers can participate in this badge. Details on the cost and options will be out soon via YahooGroups. We will be getting a group discount and group lessons are available. All scouts MUST wear a helmet (available as a rental to ski or snowboard. This is a BSA rule! Layered clothing is a necessity. Waterproof gloves, snow pants and heavy socks are also essential. Boys may wish to bring a scarf, bandana or neck gaiter and a pair of sunglasses or ski goggles as well. Following skiing on Sunday, the troop will be staying overnight at the Arrowhead Lake Clubhouse, which is about 15 minutes from Jack Frost. Any Moms who would like to attend the trip will be staying at the Nadel’s house in Arrowhead Lake. We will ski/board again on Monday, and leave from the mountain to arrive home around dinner time. More details will be coming shortly via YahooGroups. Thanks to Jordan Nadel and Dirk Soutendijk for planning this trip.
______________________________________________

2013 Jamboree Registration OPEN!

The 2013 National Jamboree will be held Monday, July 15th to Wednesday, July 24th, 2013 at The Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, a brand new Jamboree site built by the Boy Scouts of America. Chester County Council is planning to send 6 Boy Scout Troops. Venturing Advisors are also needed! For the first time ever, the 2013 National Scout Jamboree will have co-ed Venture Crews in attendance. Chester County Council has been allotted a total of 18 slots for Venturers, requiring a minimum of 2 adult Venturing leaders. Venturing units will meet up with other Venturers at Jamboree for an amazing 9 days.
Adult leaders will be required to recruit, recruit, and follow up with more recruiting, until the contingent is full. During the months prior to the Jamboree, participants prepare by developing themselves into cohesive teams, following the leadership principles and ideals of Scouting.
Registration for the 2013 National Jamboree to be held July 15-24 at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve is now open at the Summit’s jamboree website. Deposit of $150.00 due with application. Price and payment schedule will be announced by October 1, 2011; however we estimate it will not exceed $1400.
______________________________________________