We have completed an active 2008 and made a great start on 2009. Thus far this year our scouts have:
As you can see, scouting does not take a break from outdoor activities for the winter. Our upcoming events for spring 2009 include:
| 3/7-8/09 | Sleepover on the USS Massachusetts. |
| 3/15/09 | Swim tests at the Morris Center YMCA. |
| 3/21-22/09 | Beginner backpacking trip and campout at Harriman State Park with day-hike-only option for those so inclined. |
| 4/3-4/09 | Camping and activities at the Fishawack Camporee. |
| 4/11/09 | Canoe day trip on a local river. |
| 4/18-19/09 | Camping and activities at Beaver Day. |
| 5/2/09 | A little physical labor at the church cleanup as a thank you for our sponsor organization. |
| 5/9/09 | White water rafting day trip on the Lehigh River. |
| 5/15-17/09 | Two nights camping on the beach in Wildwood, NJ as part of Beach Jam. |
| 5/23/09 | Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade. |
| 6/5/09 | Working at the Morris Plains recycling center. |
| 6/15/09 | End of school year family picnic. |
| 6/20-21 | Canoeing trip and camping in the NJ Pine Barrens |
| 6/28/09 | Community service and fun at the Morris Plains Family Day. |
| 7/5-11/09 | Summer camp at Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation. |
Looking through this list reminds me that these events can be great fun for adults as well a boys. Why not join your son on any or all of these trips and activities? Dads, moms, guardians are all welcome. What better way to stay connected with your teenager?
- Al English, Scoutmaster
Dear Parents of Troop 39:
I want to extend a warm welcome to our new families. Troop 39 has a long history of service to the community and of growing boys into responsible men. We are sure that you will look upon all of the boys and their parents and caregivers as an extended family, as we certainly are.
As we move forward, it is important that all parents and scouts recognize that the Troop Committee is really the Parents Committee. Although Troop 39 is a scout run Troop, we as parents are needed to add structure and to help run the day-to-day activities. Often working behind the scenes, we support the Scoutmaster and the other trained adult leaders.
There are opportunities to go camping, help with projects, plan special events and most importantly, ensure the Scouts have a great experience. For those of you who are active Parent Committee members, thanks! For those of you who want to get active, let me invite you to our next meeting. If you have questions, please feel free to call me.
- Kris Hansen, Committee Chair
Troop Meetings are held every Monday, starting promply at 7:15 PM and ending at 9:00 PM. Scouts should plan to arrive before 7:15 PM, but may not be left unattended until at least two leaders are present. Parents should arrive to pick up their scouts by 8:45 PM; please be prompt, so leaders do not have to wait for parents after the meeting. Consider carpooling to save time. Scouts – team up with a buddy, and remind each other of the meetings.
Also, Scouts should be aware that they should attend Troop Meetings in full uniform (Class A - neckerchief not required). Being prepared, you must bring your Scout Handbook, and a pencil or pen. Scout Spirit counts, and to get patrol points, you must attend prepared!
Calling all scouts: Please check your advancement summary sheet and let Mrs. English know of any missing items.
Congratulations to our scouts who have advanced since the beginning of this school year:
The Boy Scouts of America educates and exposes young men to new experiences. In turn these young men give back to the community by their volunteer efforts and become our much-needed leaders of the future.
The Troop 39 Gift Card Program is an excellent way to support our troop and assure that it remains a positive influence on our youth. This program does not involve donating any money or time.
Troop 39 sells grocery store gift cards at face value. A $25 gift card purchased from our troop costs you $25. A $100 gift card costs $100. Troop 39 buys these gift cards at a discount and keeps the difference.
If you’re like most families, you spend hundreds of dollars each month at the grocery store. If you use Troop 39 gift cards instead of cash or credit cards, our troop receives 4% to 5% of the gift card face value. That adds up quickly. Your monthly $200 purchase of grocery store gift cards from Troop 39 brings between $96 and $120 to the troop each year!
The Gift Card Program is the primary means by which our troop raises funds to pay for the Scouting experience for our sons.
Shop Rite, Acme, A&P and Pathmark currently participating in our program.
You can use gift cards to purchase any item in the store including other cards the store sells, such as Best Buy or Barnes & Noble cards. You buy the same items you normally would. You pay the same amount. In fact your check out is even faster than with cash, check or credit card and it helps you stay on budget.
Gift cards are available in denominations of $25 to $100. You are not limited or obligated to any specific amount or for any time period. The gift cards do not expire and any unused amount can be used at a later time.
Participation is not limited to scout families. Do not forget your neighbors and extended families; aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends might just love the opportunity to help "their" local scouts! Plus, gift cards make great gifts or can be used as food money for kids in college.
For more information, or to order your cards, please contact Vijay Khadse at 917-439-8479 or sarhunk@verizon.net