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Updated Troop Directories |
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Posted by: mkoenecke on 09/02/2010 01:50 PM
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| I have posted updated Troop directories to the Documents & Photos page. One of them is listed by patrol, which should be more helpful for patrol leaders doing calling trees. As usual, to keep the information from being indexed by search engines, they are encrypted with the name of our Troop mascot. |
August Update and Elections |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 08/22/2010 11:21 PM
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Troop 728 returned today from a successful canoeing and swimming campout at Camp James Ray on Lake Texoma. Though it was pretty toasty out there at times, Scouts completed some requirements for the Camping, Canoeing, and even Painting merit badges and had great fun canoeing and swimming.
Our upcoming meeting is an IMPORTANT one, as we will be electing a new Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders for the upcoming six-month period, appointing ASPLs and other Troop Positions of Responsibility, and installing the new officers, plus our new Scoutmaster, Pete Ineich. I have uploaded the meeting plan to the Troop documents and photos page.
Please be there!
Especial thanks for this weekend's campout go to Mrs. Davis, who not only drove but conducted sessions in Camping and Painting merit badges; Mr. Eddy, who handled Canoeing and brought Canoe #1, Mr. Fabris, who drove, Mr. Holden, who brought Canoe #2; Mr. Ineich, who brought Canoe #3 and drove; Mr. Moore, who brought Canoe #4, and Ms. Uy, who brought the green trailer for paint preparation work.
I have uploaded photos of this weekend's campout for viewing and/or downloading to the Documents and Photos page. |
Flag Day Crews |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 06/09/2010 02:39 PM
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Thanks for helping with our Troop fundraiser. Please familiarize yourself with the attached procedures for our flag service.
Flags and stands are at Julius's house who will serve as quartermaster for Flag Day. Please let me or Julius know if you have
any questions.
Thanks — Jeff C.
The Flag Service Protocol document may be downloaded from the Documents page: http://koenecke.us/Scouts |
Flag Service UPDATE |
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Posted by: jcormier on 02/13/2010 10:33 AM
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The Flag Service Committee is pleased to announce that we have purchased 110 US flags and poles and we have commenced production. Duty roster sign-up will begin at the next Committee meeting on Sunday 2/21 at 5pm. There will be four 50-flag routes per holiday, 2 AMs and 2 PMs. The 2010 Service dates are:
1) May 31st - Memorial Day – Monday
2) June 14th - Flag Day – Monday
3) July 4th - Independence Day – Sunday
4) Sept 6th – Labor Day – Monday
5) Nov 11th - Veterans Day – Thursday
Door-to-door sales begin on Saturday, March 13 (Spring Break). Please contact me if you can help with this – details to follow. We will need scouts and scouters.
We will be asking those scout families that live in our service area – north of Beltline, south of Arapaho, east of Waterview & west of Floyd – to help us promote our service by displaying our flag and possibly a yard sign before the door-to-door solicitation for customers begins. Thanks – Jeff Cormier.
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ONLY 4 More Popcorn Items to Free Animal! |
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Posted by: jcormier on 11/18/2009 06:05 PM
(Read: 209)
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What's left for Animal's Order: 1/13/2010
1 - Large Gourmet Caramel Corn ($18)
1 - Caramel Corn Light ($18)
2 - Original Caramel Corn Bucket ($10)
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Read More
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Winter Camp Recap |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 01/01/2010 01:33 PM
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Troop 728 returned from attending Winter Camp at Camp Cherokee on December 31. Scouts participated in Climbing, Communications, Home Repair, Pioneering, Plumbing, and Rifle merit badges, and did some Soil and Water Conservation merit badge work in camp. Older Scouts attended the Mountain Man II program, and first year Scouts went to the Indian Village / Mountain Man Rendezvous. The first two nights were pretty cold, but the third day brought rain and slightly warmer temperatures, so we missed out on the Polar Bear Award. The camp culminated in a feast of roast turkey, ham, and several vegetable dishes. Our traditional cooking prowess really came through this year: Nick I. won the award for Best Entree cooking award; Jacqueline U. won the award for Best Side Dish, and Sherman B. got the award for Best Dessert.
Special thanks go to Pete I., who handled equipment preparation; Sherman B., who brought the trailer and handled preparations for the final feast; Jacqueline U., who managed food; Terry W., who lent her support all week; and Cary V., who transported the green trailer. Photos are available on the photos site. |
Cross Timbers Hike photos uploaded to Facebook |
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Posted by: dcarrier on 12/15/2009 06:03 PM
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Troop/Crew 728 hikers going to Philmont this summer have their own page on Facebook. Look for "Philmont 2010" under organizations (you'll see Philmont camp patch logo).
Photos from this past weekends Cross Timber Hike have been posted for all to view.
To see the group, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?group.php&gid=193400054653&mid=1913373G2bb3dbe8G38909d1G18
Thanks,
Philmont Team Advisors |
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Troop Historian Report on Campout |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 11/23/2009 02:38 PM
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Troop 728 returned from our climbing camp on Sunday: we had 20 boys attend, with all three patrols functioning with all the patrol leaders there. It was a fun weekend. Here is the report from the Troop Historian (Luke D.):
The troop drove two and a half hours to Slippery Falls Ranch in Tishimongo, Oklahoma.
When we got there, it was dark so we took out our headlamps and started setting up lanterns so we could see. After everybody helped set up camp and the tents, we ate cracker barrel and went to bed. In the morning everybody got up and started to make breakfast. It took a long time to fix breakfast and clean up but finally we did it. We took a look around the campsite and went to the climbing barn to climb. We did that until twelve thirty and then went back to camp and made lunch. We hiked around the ranch for a while until we went to the climbing tower and people rapelled, which is going down the tower. Then everybody went to camp and made dinner. After we all did KP, some people went to bed, but others stayed and we did a flag retirement ceremony, which is burning old American flags. In the morning we ate breakfast, did a police line, and left. This was a fun and exciting campout. |
New Fundraising Proposal |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 10/31/2009 12:53 PM
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From our Fundraising Chairman:
IF you are a Troop 728 Scouter and do not have a son in the troop, you will not be expected to help with this fundraiser. However, your vote and input are very much appreciated.
How it works: 5-6 holidays/year our troop will set-up and display a US flag in the front yard of a customer (AM). The flags are then picked-up before dark that same day (PM). The troop sells yearly subscriptions for this service at around $35-$40. The 3'x5' flags are bought by and belong to troop 728 - should cost around $20 each including 8' wooden pole and metal stand (+ volunteered assembly labor). I suggest we start small - 100 customers the first year (with a goal of 300 by the 3rd year). These 100 can be divided into 2 routes of 50 each, then subdivided again into AM and PM routes. So if we do 5 holidays/yr, that amounts to 20 50-flag-routes in the first year. It should take around 1.5 hrs to set 50 flags, (maybe less if customers are all close together - HOA) and a little quicker to pick them up. What is required is a commitment from the entire troop. Each Scout must work 2 routes per year and each family must provide an adult driver for 2 routes/yr. Each route will require just one scout and one driver, but in the beginning I think we should pair-up an older scout (3rd yr +) with a younger scout (1st & 2nd yrs). We'll also need workers in the AM (and possibly the night before)to help distribute flag bundles to drivers, then again in the PM to collect and properly store the flags. Veterans Day will usually be ALL adult labor in the AM as most scouts will have school.
Our long-term goal of 300 customers is very much achievable and a troop of our size and commitment level is certainly capable of handling this workload. Once we are up and running with this program, (have the equipment paid for) with 300 customers, we have the potential to generate $12,000/yr.
The 5 holidays for Flag service are: Memorial Day (May), Flag Day (June 14), Independence Day (July 4), Labor day (Sept), Veteran's Day (Nov 11). We could add a 6th day at the beginning of the year - (Jan 1) - New Years Day OR (Feb) - Presidents Day.
We need to decide whether we will commit to this fundraising program at the NEXT Committee meeting, and cannot do it without a substantial commitment from the Troop in general. Please vote in the poll at left so the Committee will know your preference! If you vote "No," please let us know what we should do instead (while Viewing Results, add your comment). Thanks.
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Campout Report from Troop Historian |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 10/27/2009 06:02 PM
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| We camped in Hickory Hills Hideaway. On Friday night after setting up, we roasted marshmallows around the campfire and adopted a mascot for the campout, a dog named Ava. During the night she tried to get into several scouts tents! On Saturday after breakfast we took a tour of the property. We saw an old hunting stand, animal tracks, and where wild hogs tore up the ground. The troop also did a orienteering course which involved trekking across the property. Five scout teams and two adult teams competed to find fourteen flags around the property and get as many points as possible. Then we went to the property owner’s trailer and talked on the H.A.M. radio to people on the U.S.S Midway in San Diego, California. One scout talked to somebody in Frog Knot, Texas, which is east of Melissa, Texas. Afterwards, patrols cooked dinner and then everybody sat around the campfire and told ghost stories and jokes until every last person got tired and went to bed. Then on Sunday morning we packed up, ate breakfast, and left. The weather was perfect and we had a great time doing activities and hanging out this campout. |
October Campout Update |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 10/19/2009 07:52 PM
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Troop 728 traveled to Larue, Texas last weekend for what was supposed to be a Capture the Flag campout. What it in fact turned into was the first edition of the “Moore-O” orienteering competition, as teams of Scouts set forth from camp to try to find fourteen different markers George Moore had scattered over the property on his mountain bike. We thought we were camping on some fellow’s farm, which actually turned out to be nearly 400 acres of wilderness. So, armed solely with a contour map and a compass, the Scouts spent three hours locating bits of pink ribbon and then hightailed it back to camp.
The next activity was participation in the JOTA: Jamboree On The Air. Our host, Jim Wooten, showed the Scouts the basic operation of ham radio, and allowed them to talk. Most got to have conversations with operators on the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier in San Diego, California. Then the signal faded, and Bryan N. and Dave K. got to talk to some guy in Frog Knot, Texas. Who offered ten acres for our Troop’s use: so perhaps next year we can spend some time camping in Frog Knot. Wherever that is.
Saturday evening was capped with a tasty meal and a warm campfire. Pictures have been uploaded to the Photos section. |
R.I.P. to a Scouter |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 09/24/2009 06:48 PM
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Bruce Cutting, a ranger at Camp Constantin for many years, passed away suddenly just the other day. He was only 49. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.
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Ideas for Camping Locations October/November |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 09/15/2009 03:43 PM
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Our Camping Coordinator tried to get us reservations for Meisenbach in October for the escape/evasion/capture the flag campout, but apparently it's all being used for Wood Badge. Not only that, but Cherokee's occupied as well.
So, we need to come up with a different idea of where we can go for October (and November). Sid Richardson would work for the escape/evasion stuff (due to its size), but that is where we plan to go climbing in November. Lora Davis suggested Slippery Falls, another Longhorn Council camp, might work for climbing in November, and we could try Sid Richardson in October. Alternate idea: inquire about Meisenbach for November, and switch the October/November campouts. Thoughts? |
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POPTOBER 2009 |
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Posted by: jcormier on 09/14/2009 04:54 PM
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Popcorn sales are off and running!
Some reminders:
-Make checks payable to "Troop 728".
-Order form & Money are due in full on Sun 10/25 (checks only please)
-Popcorn will be available for delivery on Sat 11/7.
-Sales goal per scout is $360 - EARN 14% of all sales over $360 (deposited into your troop account)
Here's a link for a Military popcorn donation "Thankyou receipt". NEW this year in addition to the $25 level is the $40 military donation level. Print these out for your customers choosing either military option:
http://www.trails-end.com/trailsend/images/MilitaryReceipt.pdf
Here's a link to customer "thankyou's" for all other sales:
http://www.circle10.org/atf/cf/%7B7249DA90-674B-46EB-A90D-C48DAC0B925F%7D/Popcorn%20Thank%20you%20card.pdf
And here's a link to all sorts of Circle 10 Council popcorn info including sales incentives too numerous to mention:
http://www.circle10.org/site/c.owL1KgN4LxH/b.4146761/ |
August Meetings and Calendar |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 08/02/2009 01:29 PM
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| The August calendar has been updated. I cannot find a way in this software to delete one instance of a repeating event, so Troop meetings are shown on every Sunday through June, even though we do not normally meet on campout weekends. |
Upcoming Court of Honor |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 05/21/2009 10:43 PM
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| In other news, apparently there still will be finals going on after May 31, and it might not be the best time after all to have our Court of Honor. On the other hand, if we move it out a week to June 7, some people may be out of town. New poll at left: which would you prefer? |
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Memorial Day Weekend Meeting? |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 05/19/2009 04:28 PM
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Since we have a Court of Honor coming up on May 31st, I thought it would be a good idea to have a limited meeting the week before: no patrol meetings, activities, or formalities, just what we can do to finish up advancement requirements (merit badges, SM conferences, Boards of Review). Depends on what people want, though, so I'm putting up a poll to gauge interest. Please vote at left. Thanks.
BY THE WAY: The idea is that this meeting will be OPTIONAL. Only those Scouts who need something related to advancement, plus Scouters who can help with merit badges or Boards of Review, need to attend.
Okay, the results are in: we will have an informal, OPTIONAL meeting on Sunday. I will be there no later than 5:30, since I have to leave by 7:00 (there's a 7:30 St. Paul baseball game). |
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Troop Trailer Break-In |
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Posted by: scarpenter on 04/29/2009 01:51 AM
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About a year ago, the last time thieves visited the Boy Scout Troop 728 Trailer, at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, in Richardson, they nearly emptied it, stealing thousands of dollars of outdoor gear and property used in the Scouting Program.
This year, the thieves had to work a lot harder at it. The lessons the Scouts learned from their losses last year lead to many security upgrades by the Boy Scout Troop, for their trailer. Unable to bypass the upgraded security, the thieves resorted to brute force and unconventional thinking to gain entry into the trailer. It may have been that noisy brute force that attracted unwanted attention, and sent them away with less of our gear.
Anyone wanting to help offset the cost to the Troop for repairs, and gear replacement, please contact the Scoutmaster, Mike Koenecke at sm@troop728.net.
The troop trailer had to be moved to a secure location until repairs can be made. |
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Proposed Bylaws |
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Posted by: Scoutmaster on 04/03/2009 09:06 PM
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| The proposed set of Bylaws for the Troop can be downloaded from this link: Proposed Bylaws. Please let me know your suggested additions and deletions, and ideas in general in the Comments to this post. I would like for these to be in place by the upcoming year. Thanks, all. |
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Correct link to news article about Cycling Mountain Biking Campout |
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Posted by: scarpenter on 03/03/2009 10:58 AM
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Here is the NeighborsGo article about the Cycling campout:
NeighborsGo Cycling Campout Article
It should make the Friday, March 6th subscriber editions of the Dallas Moring News, otherwise it should be in the NeighborsGo section @ Starbucks on Saturday.
Another article you might be interested in viewing:
Other MTB News |
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| Contact |
| Questions or comments? Send them to scoutmaster ("at" sign goes here) troop728.net |
| Troop 728 Flag Service |
Details about our flag service may be found here:
Flag Service |
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