Congratulations to Brian O’Neill, Troop 219’s Charter Organization Representative, who recently received the Skyway District’s Distinguished Service Award. O’Neill, who is also a cub master and assistant scoutmaster, was likened by the nominating committee to a “tricked out, Ford F-250 firing on all eight cylinders,” has installed a new level of professionalism and cooperation to Troop 219. Say “congratulations” and “thank you” if you get a chance.

Speaking of money… It is that time of year again. Scout dues of $75 - $25 of which goes to the national council for membership and your Boy’s Life subscription and $50 of which goes to the troop – were due Feb. 1. If you worked the Christmas tree lot, you may have enough money in your scout account to pay your dues. If not, please bring a check before the end of the month.

Welcome New Scouts! We had several new recruits join our team at Webelo Crossover where representatives from Troop 219 won the Best Camp Gadget and Best Gateway awards. Scoutmaster Tomalin is looking for senior scouts who want to serve as mentors (this counts as a leadership position toward advancement) for these new scouts.

Hats Off to Scott and Scotty Miller who set a new standard for grubmaster at the Webeloree. If you need to fulfill those requirements for rank advancement or the cooking merit badge, pull them aside and take notes. 

Patrol Leader Meeting: Remember – all patrol leaders meet March 2, 6:30 p.m. Each patrol leader should come with one idea for a fall camping trip taken from the new Troop 219 Camping Guide. We have a new policy – if you are a PL or SPL and have two unexcused absences you will lose your position. If you cannot come because of school or sickness, let your patrol mates know.

March Agenda
Topic: Backpacking
Program Patrol: Scorpion
ASM in Charge: Derek Hess
March 2: Rank Advancment
March 9: Gear clinic. (ASM Raymer) *SM Tomalin on the Suwannee River.
March 16: How to cook over a backpacking stove. (ASM Raymer/SM Tomalin)
March 22: No Meeting/Spring Break
March 30: How to pack a backpack (ASM Raymer/SM Tomalin)
 
New Resources: Check out some new guides on the Troop 219 website. The Ten Steps to Eagle guide is a must read for Life and Star Scouts. We also have a new Troop 219 Camping Guide which will be of interest to all parents and scouts. Get some ideas, guys, because the patrols will be picking the campsites for the fall this spring! 

Looking ahead…
April: Bird Study Merit Badge, Program Patrol: Shark, ASM in Charge: Kerry Dano

Camping
March 11-13: Mutual Mine, Withlacoochee State Forest.
April 8-10: Big Foot Wilderness Camp, this is an excellent opportunity for a first time backpacking trip for new scouts.
April 22-24: Hog Island Group Campground at Withlacoochee State Park. Canoe/Camp.

Eagle Work Days
Saturday, March 5: Evan Sill
Sunday, March 6: Josh Jacobs

Summer Schedule
June 10-12: NYLT, Sand Hill
June 13: Eagle BOR
June 17-19: NYLT, Sand Hill
June 19-25: Sand Hill Week #1
June 26 – July 2: Sand Hill Week #2
June 26 – July 2: Camp Woodruff, Blairsville, GA
July 3 - July 9: Sand Hill Week #3
July 11: Eagle BOR
Aug. 8: Eagle BOR

- Troop 219