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.

Troop 502 will be attending Camp Daniel Boone the summer of 2012. Please pay close attention to the following dates on when deposits are due by. The Troop has reserved 36 base camp slots and 6 adult slots for camp this coming summer. These spots will go fast so I encourage you to get your deposits in on time in January to reserve your son(s) spot for Summer Camp. Remember Summer Camp is the number one place to earn those Merit Badges. If any older scout is interested in a High Adventure Program at Summer Camp, please contact Mr Lane to check availability and opportunities that are still available.

Dates for Camp:    Sunday, June 24th – Saturday, June 30th

Total Cost per Scout:   $290

Total Cost per Adult:   $290

1st Deposit:      Due by January 16th, 2012 ($96.67)

2nd Deposit:   Due by March 15th, 2012 ($96.67)

3rd Deposit:    Due by May 14th, 2012 ($96.67)

*All Fees are refundable up till May 14th!!

All Health Forms will need to be turned in no later than June 4th, 2012. Remember health forms are required to have a doctor’s signature and date the examination took place. All health forms are only good for one year, please check your health forms now to make sure you can arrange physicals in enough time before June gets here if needed.

Merit Badge forms will be handed out in March 2012, not before..

A few troop updates:

1. Due to a scheduling conflict with the church,  Court of Honor, originally scheduled for this coming Monday, the 5th, has been re-scheduled to January 9th in the sanctuary.  Please plan on attending whether your scout is receiving recognition or not.  It is important that we support  the entire troop and their accomplishments .

2.  Monday night, December 5th is a regular troop meeting.  Our final meeting of 2011 is December 12th.

3.  Full payment of dues is due by December 31st.  For  those who worked Matthews Alive, we have not received our final number from that yet.  Please see Melody Lee Monday night if you have questions regarding your balance.  Dues are $225 per scout year.

4.  If you have not donated already to Operation Homefront to help sponsor our military family, final donations will be accepted this coming Monday as well.  Please see Karen Miller to donate.  Cash or check made payable to Operation Homefront is appreciated.  Please show your support for our military family in need!  No amount is too small. 

5.  For those scout families who purchased scrip last week, they will be available for pick-up at the end of Monday nights meeting.  Orders can still be placed, see Cindy Schnall if you need an order form.

A reminder that our first scrip order will be submitted next Tuesday. I will be available Monday night towards the end of the troop’s meeting to accept any orders that are complete. Remember to please include payment, cash or check made payable to BSA Troop 502. I cannot accept orders without payment. If you need an order form or have a question please e-mail me at cyn93063@aol.com. Thanks…Cindy Schnall