October 09

Volume XXXIII
Outside Scouting — In the Marital Arts
Alan M participates in Tae-Kwon-do
Alan started his martial arts career with tae-kwon-do
when he was seven years old. He spent six years at taekwon-do and in that time earned a second degree black
belt and participated in many tournaments. While in
those tournaments Alan won so many competitions that
he lost count of them. Two years ago he had to stop taekwon-do because the place he studied moved. From
there Alan spent about a year in shotokan karate. While
in shotokan he learned how to use a tomfoo which is
basically a night stick. After a year in this martial art,
another tae-kwon-do school opened and Alan earned his
second degree black belt.
Alan is in this sport for many reasons but the most important reason for
is to learn self-discipline. Martial arts do not focus on brute strength.
Martial arts are about self-control and learning self defense. Tae-kwondo originated in ancient Korea as a military close quarters training and it
is still used in today’s world.
A typical tae-kwon-do class is one hour long and consists of five main
parts. The first part is stretching and warm ups. This part is used to
stretch and warm up your muscles so when you are farther in the class
you don’t hurt yourself. The second part of class is normally pad drills. A
pad drill is where the instructor teaches you a new kick or punch and
then you do that technique several times so you learn the technique. The
third part of class is your form. A form is a series of techniques that are
done in a certain way at a certain speed. The form is where you put the
moves you have learned into practice. Each belt level has its own unique
Merit Badge Opportunities
Merit badge opportunities are available each month as part of the
Spanish Trail District Roundtable. One merit badge is offered each
month and the class is held at Christ United Methodist Church on the
second floor of building “A”. For specific information you may call Dan
Lessley, District Training Chair, at 490-2735. This monthly merit
badge opportunity is an excellent way to earn merit badges and learn
about careers and hobbies.
October, 2009
Inside this issue:
Scout Master
Update
2
Thank You Palmer
Toyta
3
Popcorn Update
3
Job Well Done
3
Scout Master
Update (cont.)
4
In Martial Arts
(cont.)
4
Roundtable
5
Two New
Lifeguards
5
Outside Scouting
5
Winter Camp
5
Read Newsletter
6
Website & Photo
Gallery
6
Service Opportunity
6
Service to Others
7
Important Dates
Nov 13-15 Backpacking/Hiking Campout
Nov 13-15 Philmont
Practice Trek
Dec 4-5 Backpacking/
Camping Campout
Dec 18-21 Philmont
Practice Trek
Dec 27-30 Winter
Camp
Scout Master Update
Your troop has had loads of fun over
the last several weeks. Beginning on
October 1st the new scout leadership
began their 6 month term of leading
the troop.
lables into a bag and hanging it high in
a tree to prevent bears and other varmints from getting into it), “A” Frame
walking, knot tying, tarp raising, and
tug-of-war.
Their first assignment was to plan the
October campout in which we had 11
Webelos and their parents’ camp with
us.
The purpose of the joint campout is to
expose the Cub Scouts to Boy Scouting. This gives them an idea of what
they have to look forward to when they
join a troop. This campout also gives
our scouts the opportunity to plan a
campout and provide leadership.
The joint campout took place at
Chickasabogue Park in Saraland. We
had 55 scouts, adult leaders, Webelos,
and their parents with us.
A campfire ceremony was also
planned for the evening. It began with
a flag retirement ceremony in which
several worn and tattered flags were
retired over a ceremonial fire. This
was a very impressive ceremony and
once again was led by boy leaders.
The boy leaders in troop 292 planned
a day of activities. These activities included setting up their tents and campsite, placing them in a 292 patrol, and
familiarizing them with the day’s activities.
Skits and just sitting around the campfire was enjoyed by all.
Following this orientation, the troop
divided into 4 groups and the Webelos were placed 3 to a group. They
started with first aid and a stretcher
relay race, compass reading, bear bag
hanging (placing food and other smel-
On Sunday morning the troop had a
church service which focused on honesty, kindness, being courteous, being
obedient, being of clean mind and
body (well-the body cleanliness was in
question!), and being reverent. Jonathan R developed and led this church
service.
The meals that the scouts prepared
were unbelievable. The Panther Patrol grilled New York Strip steaks and
baked potatoes, the Bison Patrol
cooked homemade chicken and
dumplings, the Owl Patrol cooked
homemade chili, the Cobra Patrol
grilled chicken breast with corn and
veggies for sides, and the Roadrunner
Patrol cooked homemade beef stew.
Is this awesome or what!
On October 24, the troop participated in the Cancer Walk in downtown Mobile. The troop has also
committed $250 to this cause. Each
scout was encouraged to raise $1 from
5 neighbors so the troop can reach this
goal.
On October 31 and November 1,
Alan, Robbie, Stephen, and Tony participated in Wilderness First Aid.
This is a 16 hour course that is very
intense. This level of first aid is required for our crew of 12 that will go
to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico during June of 2010.
Four scouts have begun or about to
begin their Eagle Project. The Eagle
Project is the culmination of many
years of hard work to become an Eagle
Scout. Josh N has completed his Eagle Project at the church. His project
consisted of building 12 garden spots
to be used to plant vegetables and
other plants. Kalen had his project
work day on October 17. He
Continued on page 4
Page 2
Troop 292 News You Can Use
Thanks Palmers Airport Toyota
Palmers Airport Toyota has made a donation to the troop to
help with the DVD project. We appreciate their generosity and
how community minded Palmers is. We stress with our
scouts that a core value in scouting is “service to others” and
giving back to one’s community is very important. Thanks
Palmers Airport Toyota for your help!
Popcorn Update
Three scouts did a great job selling popcorn. Not only did this
help the Mobile Area Council but added money to the scout’s individual account.
James Garraway was our top sales person with $554. Joshua
Deaton was second with $316.00 sold and Troy Fleming was third
with $200. Congratulations to these top three sellers and to
all those who sold any amount of popcorn. The money that they
earned can be used to pay for scouting activities or any items
used for scouting purposes. To use the money each scout needs
to see the Treasurer, Lisa Peacock, who will reimburse the scout
when he provides a receipt for what he purchased.
Job Well Done
Brian B assumed his responsibility with eager commitment. He
raised $70 for the “Making Strides for Breast Cancer.” Brian
raised this money by asking his neighbors to make a $1 donation. Brian, this demonstrates Scout Spirit and Leadership.
Job Well Done!
Volume XXXIII October, 2009
Page 3
Scout Master Update (cont.)
removed a fence and cleaned up around an AC unit, removing shrubbery, installed a fence around the unit, and built
forms to pour concrete for a 150 foot side walk beside the soccer field. This project took place at Corpus Christi School.
Chris R and Alec P should start their Eagle Project in November, and several other scouts are expected to begin theirs in a
few months. As you can see, Troop 292 has a lot of fine young men that have become leaders and are on their way to becoming an Eagle Scout. See the Photo Gallery for pictures of their project work days.
November will be a fun month of camping. The troop will travel to Milton, Florida and camp at Camp Paquette. They
will focus their activities on acquiring outdoor skills, taking a 5 mile hike while using a compass and map, and helping
younger scouts with basic scout skills such as identifying plants and animals, learning to hike safely, basic first aid, and much
more.
The 12 scouts and adult that will be going to Philmont Scout Ranch in 2010 will leave the troop and back pack about 17
miles over the two days. These scouts will learn how to use light weight stoves for cooking their meals, learning how to purify water for drinking and cooking, and learning how to work together as a team. After all, these 12 scouts and adults will
be together for 12 straight days hiking in the mountains of New Mexico.
Your troop continues to be very active and is learning the core values of scouting. Some of these values include honor,
responsibility, leadership, and service to others.
None of these quality programs could take place with the commitment and help of the Assistant Scoutmasters and many
adult leaders. Thanks for your tremendous help and leadership.
Outside Scouting — Martial Arts (cont.)
form and the black belts normally have to learn multiple forms. The fourth part of class is free
sparing. In free sparing you are fighting one other class member. There are several types of pads
that you have to wear when free sparing. These pads are for your safety and for the safety of the
person you are sparring. The last part of class is another time to stretch. This is important to work
out soreness just in case you had a really bad night!
Jack E and Kung Fu
Jack has been taking Kung Fu for over two and a half years and really enjoys the way everyone treats him at his martial arts school, which makes
him feel kind of like a member of a family. Jack is currently a Brown Belt
in Kung Fu and takes his classes at John Graham’s Elite Martial Arts. He
is looking forward to his Black Belt testing which will take place in January. His instructors are really friendly and are mostly Master John Graham and his son Master JJ Graham. Master John Graham is a 9th degree
Black Belt and is working on his 10th degree Black Belt. Master JJ Graham
is a 4th degree Black Belt. His instructors not only teach Kung Fu but also
concentrate on being respectful to others, self confidence and discipline,
and how to be leader in life. Jack got interested in Kung Fu because he
used to have trouble with bullies but doesn’t have that kind of trouble anymore. He also says he feels more self confident and is really looking forward to getting his Black Belt. He attends classes at least two to three
times a week and is also a volunteer instructor for lower belts. His favorite Kung Fu move is the
“dragon-tail sweep” in which you get low to the ground and sweep your leg around.
Page 4
Troop 292 News You Can Use
Roundtable
Two New Lifeguards
Roundtable is the name given to the monthly meeting
of all scout leaders in each district. Troop 292 is in
the Spanish Trail District. We have 14 troop[s pus
many Cub Scout Packs. The purpose of Roundtable
is for the Mobile Area Council to have the opportunity to convey important information to Scoutmasters,
adult leaders, Den Leaders, Cub Masters, and other
scout volunteers. This meeting is held on the second
Thursday of each month. It is an important time and
all adult leaders or those that just want to be involved
in scouts, are welcome to attend. The meeting takes
place at Christ United Methodist Church on Grelot
Road at 7:00.
At the Court of Honor in September, we
failed to recognize Tyler S and Max P who
completed their BSA lifeguard course at Summer Camp. This was a very intense course
that required about 5 hours per day in the
pool learning rescue techniques, first aid, and
a lot of “classroom” activities. A comprehensive and difficult written test also had to be
passed.
While the Roundtable is being conducted, the merit
badge of the month is being offered. Bring your scout
to the merit badge class and join in the Roundtable.
We are very proud of Tyler and Max and are
sorry that we failed to recognize them at the
Court of Honor.
Outside of Scouting
Has your scout excelled at some activity outside of Scouting? Does he play soccer? Is he
involved in the church choir/hand bells? Is he in the band? What about Community
Theater? Does he perform well in school? Has he won an award or been recognized for
something?
We are very proud of the young men in troop 292 both in and out of scouting. If your
scout has been recognized for some achievement, email Lesa a picture and a brief write up
for the newsletter. Lesa’s email is [email protected].
Winter Camp Maubila Scout Reservation
Winter Camp will be held at Maubila Scout Reservation
in Jackson, Alabama on December 27-30. Winter camp
is the best time to earn those “hard to get” merit badges
such as Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in
the Nation, and Citizenship in the World. Scouts who
advance in rank and become leaders are usually found
at Winter Camp. This has been observed as these
scouts seem to be very committed in acquiring merit
badges and fellowshipping with their brothers in Scouting. Take advantage of Winter Camp and have fun! You
can register by contacting the Scout Office at 476-4600.
Volume XXXIII October, 2009
Page 5
Scouts – Have You Read the Newsletter?
Do you read the newsletter? If so, find this logo
in the newsletter and be the third person to email Mr. Manny at [email protected] and you will receive a prize not to exceed $1,000! Read from top to bottom and if you see this logo more than one time make
sure you let Mr. Manny know in your email. You must also be in full uniform with scout
book at the troop meeting in which the prize is awarded. We may have more than one winner depending on how close together the emails are to Mr. Manny. Good luck!
Website and Photo Gallery
The troop website is jam packed with information that will help you plan for scouting activities and to
see what your scout has been doing. Go to the “Photo Gallery” and you can see pictures of each campout and the activities that took place. The photo gallery also has pictures of other events such as a
visit to the State Legislature, Court of Honor, Webelos Bridging Ceremony, and the Cancer Walk.
Take advantage of the Website and enjoy it!
If you would like to submit articles for the website or tell us about something your scout has done outside of scouting, please email this information to Manny at [email protected] or Steve Marcantonio at [email protected].
An Opportunity for Service
Scouts and Parents – Here is another opportunity to help those in need. This date does
conflict with our campout so if are unable to camp that weekend, take advantage of this
service project.
Camp Rap-a-Hope is a pediatric oncology summer camp sponsored by the Medical Society
of Mobile County. They are hosting their Fall Family Fun Day on October 10th at Camp
Grace. The event is from 2-6 pm. Any Scout that would like to help facilitate the event
are asked to contact Shay Bruton at the Camp Rap-a-Hope office (phone #476-9880) as
soon as possible.
Anyone willing to volunteer is asked to arrive around 1:00 pm. They can leave about 3:30
or stay to volunteer at another area. Camp Rap-a-Hope will provide a hot dog meal for the
volunteers wishing to stay and help.
Camp Rap-a-Hope contact information is:
Shay Bruton
Office: 251-476-9880
email: [email protected]
Page 6
Troop 292 News You Can Use
Service to Others
“Service to Others” is stressed to the scouts at almost
every meeting and most activities. It is so important
that to become a Star Scout, one must complete a
minimum of 6 hours of service. It is so important
that in order for a scout to become a Life Scout he
must provide a minimum of 6 hours of service to others to reach that rank. It is so important that the
Boy Scout of America require a service project to become an Eagle Scout. This service project usually
ranges anywhere from 75 hours to over 200. It is so
important in Scouting that the Scout Oath states, “To help other people at all times.”
Again, it is so important that the Scout Law states that a scout will be “Helpful” and
“Reverent.” We know that no matter which religion we belong to it is important to help
others as God asked us to.
This is the reason that the troop talks so much about service projects such as providing
food for homeless individuals, collecting money and participating in the Cancer Walk. It is
believed that a scout who understands the importance of helping others will be a better
husband, parent, and citizen. In October, James G, James N, and Stephen J helped prepare food for homeless individuals. These young men and all other scouts who participate
in service projects are demonstrating leadership and leading with their hearts. Great Job
guys!
Troop 292
News You Can Use
SCOUT MASTER NOTE - Lesa Witherington is the “official” editor of
the newsletter. If you have any suggestions or contributions please contact
Lesa at [email protected].
Providence Presbyterian Church
2320 Schillinger Rd S
Mobile, AL 36695
Scout Master: Manny Russo
E-mail:
[email protected]
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Troop 292 is a very active troop that camps each month regardless of the weather! We will camp in excess of 30 nights and
days per year. The Boy Scout program is an "Outdoor Program,"
meaning that scout skills and leadership skills are developed
through this outdoor program, not only at Tuesday night meetings. We also provide hundreds of hours a year in service projects as we teach scouts this key value of "Service to Others." Join us as we provide a quality program that turns young
boys into young men who live the Scout Law and Oath in all that
they do.
Our Mission-The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by
instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.