I would like to place our first scrip order the week after Thanksgiving.  Since we have no meeting tomorrow night, I will be available to collect order forms at our next meeting which would be Nov. 28th.  If you cannot meet that time frame with your order there will be another opportunity to place an order a week or so after that, but bear in mind that the closer we get to the holiday season the more likelihood of a possible sell-out of some of the more popular gift cards.  Full payment must be enclosed, the troop will not be advancing monies to purchase cards.  If you need an order form, please e-mail me at cyn93063@aol.com.

Thanks…Cindy Schnall

All those attending the citizenship in the world merit badge class need to know about the upcomming class schedule.  First, we will meet this monday, November 21 at 7pm where we normally have scout meetings.  There is no scout meeting scheduled because of the weekend camping trip, so the merit badge class can use the facilities.

Second, there will be class Sunday, November 27th after thanksgiving.  This should be the last class and the merit badge should be completed.

Please plan on attending both of these sessions.

It is hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner.  Our troop would like to make things easier for you, and make a difference for your scout.  We are again partnering this year with UnitedScrip, which provides gift cards at a reduced rate.  The gift cards you order and receive are the exact same thing as you would purchase in the store, however, since UnitedScrip buys them in bulk at a discount, they are able to pass aloing the savings to you.  For example, if you purchase a $50 Macys gift card, you get a $50 Macys gift card, but the discount you receive in purchasing it goes into your scouts account!  Please consider scrip not only for holiday gifts, but for everyday use as well.  UnitedScrip offers over 200 retail vendors, gas stations, and restaurants.

How do you start?  Please e-mail me at cyn93063@aol.com and I will e-mail you an order form.  To save troop funds, we will not be printing off copies for every scout, so if you are interested you must e-mail me for the form. Fill out the form and please remember to enclose cash or check  payable to BSA Troop 502 .  Please note – no scrip order will be placed unless full payment is enclosed.  The troop will not be advancing money on behalf of the scrip program. Orders will be placed in bulk and returned home with your scout via a SEALED envelope.  If your scout hands you an open envelope with missing cards, the troop will not be held responsible to replace them.  Remember, all discounts earned from the purchase of scrip goes directly into your scouts account to offset their dues obligation first, then summer camp expense.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.  Thanks…Cindy Schnall  

In the spirit of giving and celebrating the upcoming holidays, Troop 502 would like to help a military family in need. We have done this in the past with much success.  We have applied to assist a family with 3 or 4 children.  If you would like to help, please give a small donation to Karen Miller by the November 28^th meeting.  Below is information about Operation Homefront.

Operation Homefront of North Carolina’s Adopt-A-Family program started in 2009 to assist enlisted military families during the December holiday season.

Adopt-A-Family program matches enlisted military families who are in need of holiday assistance with sponsors from around the state. Military families who apply must be currently enlisted, residing in North Carolina, and be able to prove a need for holiday assistance. Each family must provide such documentation. Priority consideration for the program is given to those who are currently deployed overseas or who are wounded.

Requirements for this program:

1. Provide $50-$100 for a holiday meal per family you sponsor
2. Provide $25-$75 per child for holidays toys
3. All donations will be received by the OHNC office by DECEMBER 2, 2011.  Donations can be made online (please mention Adopt-A-Family in the Notes section) or by mail to the OHNC office inCharlotte,NC.

Please do not exceed the stated donation ranges – max $75/child and max $100 for a holiday meal. All military families and sponsors will be kept anonymous

100% of your donation (monetary or in the form of gift cards) will go to the adopted family.

The trip held this past weekend at Belk Scout Camp was a success in that it provided an introduction to backpacking to those who had not been before.  It was also clear that additional experience is needed for the younger scouts to safely attempt more strenuous backpacking trips.  So that the younger scouts can continue to build this experience, the troop will be conducting future backpacking trips geared specifically toward this goal.  Additionally, future Monday night meetings will include presentations from local outfitters to address issues related to cold weather camping, backpacking and outdoor etiquette.  Parents are encouraged to attend these sessions, and to also consult any of the adult leadership regarding gear for their scouts.  Announcements will be made in the future related to these additional trips and presentations.