The past: October was a great month. We held two events and had perfect weather for both of them. The only thing missing was more Scouts. On our 12mile hike a special thanks to Mr. Batson for joining the fun. We covered nature requirements for 1^st and 2^nd class, first aid for hiking,, 2^nd class hiking , hiking merit badge 10 mile hike. The scouts who attended the hike can identify two of the four poisonous snakes in America, copperheads and cottonmouth water moccasins. The 20K marathon was an inspiring event to be a part of. The fastest time was 1hr and 5 min. for a 13 mile race. WOW. The runners greatly appreciated our passing out water and food at the end of the race and we earned $500.00 for the troop budget. Oh! Also at the dinner for the volunteers I won a door prize.

The present: November is already off and running at full speed. Cub Scout Powwow was Saturday the 3^rd. This was a chance to get the training needed to be a Den Chief for Cub scouts dens. This position dos count toward advancement as a leadership requirement. There will be another opportunity in February of ‘08’. We have a camping trip set for the 9^th, 10th and 11^th at Galveston Island St. Park. We will focus on cooking requirements for tenderfoot, 2^nd and 1^st class. There will be a backpacking stove demonstration and maybe some fishing. We need some parents to camp with us and tow the trailer for the weekend. This month also is our service Sunday at Norte Dame church on the 18^th. We will be serving pancakes and sausages. This is a chance to put money in your scout account. Finally this month we should finish off our popcorn sale delivery and pie sale and delivery.

The future: December has just one event on the schedule, Winter Camp at Lost Pines Scout Reservation. We will leave on Wednesday the 26^th and return on Sunday the 30^th. Mr. Carr is leading the trip and I will be joining on Friday. Sing up now and get your money paid soon.

Scoutmaster minute: One of the most challenging aspects of my job as Scoutmaster is balancing the troop in OLD and NEW. We need new events and activities to challenge the experienced scouts and we need old events to serve as teaching methods for new scouts. At the events we also need both old and new scouts keep the balance between leaders and followers, teaching and learning, work and fun. Some of our leadership corps has been MIA this fall. Others have signed up for events and then been NO SHOW, NO CALL. This is your Troop; it is only as good as you make it. Let’s keep it in balance.