1.  Even though CMS is not in session, there will be a regular troop meeting Monday, January 23rd at 7 p.m.

2.  Parent attendance at our last court-of-honor was less than stellar.  Please remember that court-of-honor is a family event. Great time and effort by our leadership goes into preparing for such nights. Parents and families are encouraged and expected to attend. It is very sad, not only to the scout but to the leadership as well, when a scout receives a rank advancement and does not have a parent to stand up with him. While we realize that some families may have other obligations Monday evenings, with 43 scouts in our troop we should be able to fill the sanctuary.   Our troop family should be supporting all our scouts, whether or not your child is receiving recognition that evening or not.  Our next court-of-honor is scheduled for March 26th.  Please mark your calendars and make every effort to attend.  Thanks!

This is a reminder that all scouts’ dues obligations were due in full on 12/31/2011.  If you have not paid your balance in full, please see Melody Lee.  Note that failure to pay dues in full will hinder your scouts’ ability to participate in scout events and travel with the troop.  If there is a personal issue as to why the balance was not paid, please speak confidentially with Joe Lane or Melody Lee.

Also, the first summer camp deposit is due by tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 16th.  First paymet is $97.00.  Although there is no troop meeting tomorrow, Mrs. Lee will be at the church from 7-8:30 and can collect your payment then.  Please look for her in one of the upstairs classrooms where the boys usually have their patrol meetings.

A reminder that all scout dues were due in full by 12-31-11.  All Matthews Alive and scrip fundraising credits have been applied, please see Melody Lee should you have a question about your balance. Please note that failure to pay dues in full may hinder your scouts’ ability to participate in future scout events.

The leadership of our troop is tentatively planing a trip on Saturday, February 4th to Warner Robins AFB in Georgia to earn the requirements for the aviation merit badge.  This trip is a bit different for us as we will not be staying over, but will be leaving early Saturday morning (as in 3 or 4 a.m.) and not be returning until close to midnight. 

Before the leadership puts more time and effort in planning the logistics of this trip, we would like to hear from all scouts as to their desire to take such a one-day trip.  We realize this will be a long day, so if there is little interest in this outing, then we will pass this one by.  Please e-mail Joe Lane at jlane2005@earthlink.net by Monday, January 9th please and let him know your scouts’ desire on this one.

Thanks!

Just a reminder that Troop 502′s 2nd annual merit badge college will be on Saturday, January 7th.  This is a great way to earn a merit badge (many Eagle required are being offered) in a day! Please link to site http://troop502.com/merit-badge-college/ for information and a link to register.  Since this is considered a fundraiser for our troop, there is a nominal fee of $20 per scout.  Fee includes lunch which will be a burger, chips, cookie and drink.  We-Pay is available for online payment, or, print out and bring the registration information, along with your payment to this Monday night’s meeting.  On-site sign in on Saturday will be from 8:15-8:55, classes will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and end about 4 p.m.

Please note that some badges require some work to be done at home prior to the class, please check on the site if your selected class requires a pre-requisite.  Class A uniforms to be worn, and remember to bring a notebook and pen.

Since our merit badge college is open to all area troops, please make sure you register promptly so that you are assured the class you want.  On the same note, please feel free to forward this information to family and friends from other troops, and encourage them to sign up.  If you need further info, please contact Michelle Jones @ 704-607-7930 or e-mail at troop502meritbadgecollege@gmail.com

NEW:  For those attending the Aviation Merit Badge, please click here for the pre-requisite.