December started off with Scout Fair. It was a really cool time for those that attended. Not only did the troop turn out some excellent cobblers, but also they had a fantastic time visiting the other troop’s booths. The scouts did manage to get in a Xmas party just before leaving for Lost Pines winter camp. There were 12 scouts lead by Tim Osborne and 2 great leaders (Joe Sellers and Steve Melcher) that attended this year. The scouts earned their polar bear patch; they worked on and completed many merit badges, and all had a fantastic time. Congratulations scouts!!

January brings troop elections on the 16^th, followed by patrol elections on the 23rd. So it’s time to get ready for those who wish to step up and lead. Remember, it’s not just a title. It is your responsibility to carry out the program for your fellow scouts. You are not doing your fellow scouts any favors by wearing a leadership patch if you are not going to lead. The Order of the Arrow banquet will be the 13^th. There will be a pancake / donut Sunday fundraiser on the 21^st (an opportunity to add to your account). The outing to Camp Urland Outpost has been cancelled due to closure. We are currently looking at several options (Lost Pines, Bastrop State Park and Fairfield Lake SP).

February brings the district first aid meet to be held on February 3^rd. Our semi-annual court of honor is to be held on the 6^th. We are also planning a great outing to El Rancho Cima the 23^rd thru the 25^th. Now is the time to be thinking about summer camp. We had selected Sid Richardson. It is a great camp with a great program. Put your deposit down now! The available slots are not unlimited, so don’t wait.

SM Minutes:

Scouts, if you're like most boys, you don't think of your parents very often. Oh, they're around all the time, of course, and sometimes they make you do things you don't want to do. But how often do you think of what your parents want from you? Probably not very often. Maybe you give them gifts at Christmas and their birthdays, but most of us don't go out of our way to help our parents as much as we might. I have a suggestion. Do you know what is the best gift you can give them? I'll tell you.

Parents want most of all, and have a right to expect, that you will do your best to make them proud of you. I don't mean by becoming rich or famous, or even by getting all A's in school - although I hope you do your best at your studies.

The best gift you can give them is to become the best man you can be. There is no better way to do that than by living up to the Scout Oath and Law. That is a gift you can give them right now and all the time, and it is a gift they will cherish above all others.