Troop 1113 December Newsletter

The Past:

Despite the month starting out wet, November finished with a bang. Josh Sellers’ Eagle Project was rescheduled for the 16^th. Josh wanted me to thank everyone who participated and helped to make it a great success. So, thank you all!! We also had the pleasure of Brian Decker having his Eagle Ceremony. The pancake / donut Sunday went well. Our campout to Fort Travis was just about as good as it gets, for Mother Nature truly smiled us that weekend. It was not only fun, but educational as well. The Fort at one time had 12" guns with a 17-mile range!! And the food, well that too was fantastic. I think that a return visit may be in order.

The Present:

Well, winter camp as well as JLTC, are here. What could be better? Winter camp to lost Pines this year is from the 20^th thru the 24^th. JLTC at Camp Strake is from the 26^th to the 31^st. We also have been presented an opportunity to participate in a research study for Baylor College of Medicine at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center. The study will be on physical activity. The study is scheduled to take place on the 12^th. However, consent forms are due the 3^rd (no exception). At this time it is limited to 14 scouts. Participants will be given a $20 gift certificate to Target.

January will give us an opportunity to go to Bastrop State Park. There will be the District’s Dinner and first aid meet will also take place. Rumor has it that there will be a 4 Eagle Court of Honor (a first). Stay tuned for details. We also have scheduled campouts at Lake Summerville and Enchanted Rock (of course). Spring Camporee, Scout Fair in April? and many more adventures. So, don’t touch that dial!

SM Minutes:

Christmas and Hanukkah are, for most people, the most joyful holidays of the year. The holiday parties, the exchange of gifts, and the brilliant lights of the Christmas trees make a guy glad to be alive at this season. Sometimes we forget that these holidays are really religious festivals. It's good to remember that the Star of Bethlehem and the Hanukkah candles cast the true holiday spirit, reminding us of the miracles in times past.

In the 12th point of the Scout Law we say that a Scout is reverent. That doesn't mean that he has to go around all the time with a long face or with hands folded in prayer. It means that he does his duty to God, which includes doing things for God's other creatures. We'll be doing that later this month with our troop Good Turn. Please take time to help others this month.

Yours in Scouting

Bobby Metcalf