[Troop139] Wanted: Parents who camp

[J.Gordon Beattie, Jr., W2TTT]

Hi Folks!

 

We are cancelling our December trip originally scheduled for the first
weekend in December due to the persistent uncertainty of parental support of
the boys' camping program and frankly, uncertainty of participation on the
part of the Scouts themselves.  These weekends are scheduled months in
advance and the lack of attention and focus is inconsistent with any sense
of duty or courtesy for a Scout.  

 

Without the participation of some of our recent Eagle Scouts, the October
and November trips would have been cancelled.  September's outstanding trip
to Philadelphia's Independence Hall and to KYW-TV, had only four supporting
parents and this limited participation as well.  Troop meeting attendance
has been intermittent, with almost no calls or emails indicating where the
missing Scouts might be.

 

We are tentatively scheduling an ice fishing trip in December between
Christmas and New Years.  Locations are being researched.  We are shooting
for the Tuesday through Thursday of that week so as to avoid most family
conflicts during the holiday period.  In addition to ice fishing, other
activities will be planned.  Frankly, this trip is being largely supported
by parents of Cub Scouts, but Boy Scout parents are needed. 

 

All further trips are "ON HOLD" pending resolution to these issues.  This
will include the trip to United States Naval Academy Merit Badge Jamboree,
the Klondike Derby, as well as any trips and activities between February and
June and SUMMER CAMP.  We need more consistent commitment to make these
events happen.  

 

In short, parents need to constructively focus their son on ensuring Troop
participation.  Other programs have zero-tolerance policies and while that
is not expected here, we are asking for courtesy as well as for more
consistent participation.

 

I think for the good of the boys, that we need to find ways to dedicate
significant amounts of time to the development of these fine young men.
Please plan to join me next week at 7:30 PM for a parent meeting to sign up
for activities and make this Troop's program possible going forward.

  

Yours in Scouting!
Thanks & 73,

Gordon Beattie, W2TTT