TROOP 243
	                                               Boy Scouts of America            October 6th, 2008
Chartered by St. Barnabas Catholic Church
3044 Hikes Lane           Louisville, Ky  40220

Dear Parents and Friends of Troop 243, 

Troop Outings & Activities – October meetings will start with the 3rd and final week spent on space exploration.  We will then move on to back packing and climbing.  This is also a patrol outing month so each patrol will be responsible for developing an outdoor activity in which they can participate.   Lastly, the Venture Crew plans to take one of those crawl around caving trips this month.   Of course, Scouting for Food arrives in November.

Troop and Patrol Meetings on Wednesdays - All are welcome.  Scouts in Class A uniforms are expected.
October 1st, 7:00 PM – Troop Meeting Space Exploration Week 3
October 8th, 7:00 PM – Patrol Meeting
October 15th, 7:00 PM – Troop Meeting Backpacking Week 1
October 22nd, 7:00 PM – Troop Meeting Backpacking Week 2
October 29th, 7:00 PM – Troop Meeting Climbing Week 1 

Boy Scout 100th Anniversary Jamboree 2010 – During the summer of 2010 Boy Scouts of America will celebrate the 100th year of scouting in the United States.  It is our great honor that our own Jerry Zimmerer has been chosen to be a Scoutmaster in the Lincoln Heritage Council’s 5 troop contingent.  It is not too early to start thinking about attending because the trip will likely cost $1200 - $1500 and the council will start taking money to hold scout’s places at the beginning of 2009.  If a scout is interested in discussing what it is like to attend a Jamboree he can talk to Frank Hulsman, Mac Barr, Tom Kennedy and Will Kennedy.  
From the one conversation I had with Tom Kennedy it is an amazing opportunity to experience scouting and realize that you are truly a part of something that is huge and fun.  There are numerous opportunities to try your hand at activities such as Shooting and Scuba.  They pride themselves in offering a “Merit Badge Midway” on which they offer the ability to work on virtually every scout merit badge.  Each Troop will eat Breakfast and Dinner together while sharing Lunch with other troops with a variety of choices.  LHC will take approximately 200 boys to participate with an expected tune out of 40,000 Boy Scouts.  Lastly, the President of the United States traditionally attends and speaks to the group at one of their arena gatherings (over 100,000 people attend).

Merit Badge Counselors – Jerry Zimmerer is recruiting merit badge counselors so if he approaches you and you have knowledge to share with our boys, please volunteer your time.  Locations and times of the classes are at the merit badge counselor’s discretion.

Meeting Planning – The theme for October troop meetings will be Backpacking and climbing.  In November we will finish up climbing in anticipation of our trip to Red River Gorge.  If you have any expertise in these areas please contact Joe Lynch and help us make the meetings interesting!

Troop Leadership meetings – The PLC will be held at 4:00 on Sunday October 26th.  On Monday October 27th we will hold the Assistant Scoutmaster (7:00), the Committee meeting is cancelled this month.

We need some help keeping track of our equipment! - We still need an adult to be our adviser to the Scouts who are the troop's quartermasters, the scouts responsible for the troop's camping equipment.  This is an excellent opportunity to help out the troop in a role that does not require you to be at every single weekly meeting nor does it require you to camp.  Please call Frank Hulsman, at 499-2360 if you have interest / questions about this position.

Joe Wells’ Status – Several of us were fortunate enough to spend some time with Joe Wells during the last Troop meeting of September.  I can pass on to you that he is coming along but still much slowly than he would prefer.  He is driving some and trying to do what he can.  He still has a ways to go with Physical Therapy but is certainly fighting the good fight and was able to enjoy the evening with us.  He could still be months from being able to go back to work, depending on how therapy goes so please keep Joe in your prayer for his continued recovery.

Kroger Gift Cards – We encourage all parents, members, relatives and friends to use Troop 243’s Kroger gift cards.  Whenever you see Frank Hulsman at any function it is likely that he has a few Kroger gift cards with him.  Please stop Frank at any time and ask him for one of these cards and he will give you one on the spot.  Tom Kennedy also has a couple in his briefcase.   

Training – This is just a reminder of a few training opportunities coming up.  Cherokee and Seneca Districts are combining to sponsor a weekend of Adult Outdoor Leadership training on October 24th through 26th.  Archdiocese of Louisville has a few more child protection classes on these dates and places.
10/13/08
 6:30 p.m.
 Immaculate Conception 502 N. Fifth Street LaGrange, KY 40031 Bethany Hall
11/24/08
 6:30 p.m.
 St. Aloysius 122 Mt. Mercy Drive
Peewee Valley, KY 40056 Cafeteria

Yours in Scouting,
 Bruce Bohn
Troop Secretary