Quartermaster Update #2

Just got off the phone with Bill Solly. He called from his room at HUP.  He's doing VERY well and is doing laps around the surgical floor and is amazing the nurses there with his stamina and energy. He said he will likely not be able to join us on Monday as they're probably going to discharge him that day. He sends his best wishes to all the staff and participants.

I asked him to please keep his cell phone handy on Monday as the Troop would probably like to serenade him a little bit.

What do you think Troop? Can we do it?

Weekend One in the Can!

Day One

On the morning of September 25, 2009 34 Scouters and 15 Staffers came together at Ockanickon Scout Reservation. Registrations were confirmed and course photos were taken. Then each Scouter was assigned to a Cub Scout Den under the guidance of a Staff Den Chief. When all members of the Den had arrived, the Den Chief took them on a tour of their home for the next 3 days. The last stop on the tour was Gilwell Field. Troop 1 of NE-V-134 gathered for the very first time and witnessed their very first Gilwell Field Assembly. The flags were raised by the Den Chiefs and some instructions were given by Cubmaster Charlie O'Connell. The troop was instructed to gather in Gilwell Hall for a 10am presentation by the Course Director. Following the presentation the Dens were taken outside to their patrol corners for a short presentation by their Den Chiefs.

At 11:45 everyone gathered in Gilwell Hall for a Blue & Gold banquet. Ceremonies, songs, skits, and a delicious lunch were the order of the day. Then came the focal event: The Crossover Ceremony where all the Webelos crossed the bridge into Boy Scouting and were assembled into Patrols. Each newly minted Boy Scout found out what critter they would be forever. Then everyone learned about the symbols and traditions of Wood Badge and a brief history. The first Troop Meeting followed the Blue & Gold. Led by Senior Patrol leader Mark Goldstein the troop learned to tie woggles for the neckerchiefs they would receive later. Each Scout was inducted into membership in Troop 1 Gilwell and received their MacLaren Plaid neckerchief.  Patrol Leaders were elected and inducted.  The Patrol Leaders Council meeting followed the Troop Meeting. Everyone learned how the PLC meeting would be run daily. A presentation on the Values, Vision and Mission of the BSA was given by SA Program Charlie O'Connell. The first Patrol meeting followed and then dinner.

An entertaining and inspirational campfire program was put on by the staff. The Troop was treated to a special guest at the inspirational end of the campfire. A Cracker Barrel followed and everyone headed off to collapse after an exhausting but awesome day.

Day Two

The patrols gathered for breakfast and worked on their assessments. The troop gathered on Gilwell Field for the morning assembly. The Troop Meeting followed with some games, skill instruction and a patrol meeting.  The troop saw a  presentation on Inclusiveness by Scribe Joe Luber and then Team Development by SA Program Charlie O'Connell. Then came lunch followed by a Patrol Leaders council meeting. Troop and Patrol photos were taken outdoors while rain threatened. The Troop Guides gave a talk on Communications and then the troop gathered for a presentation on Project Planning by Pat Wax SA Troop Guides. Following the presentation the patrols gathered to build some soda bottle rockets. They were launched on Gilwell Field as the staff encouraged them dressed in various crazy costumes. A Patrol Meeting and Dinner followed. Then came the evening program. The Wood Badge Game Show hosted by SPL Mark Goldstein got the Patrols wound up and excited. Then the Patrols learned how to play the Game of Life hosted by SA Troop Guides Patricia Wax. The troop was treated to an ice cream social and then off to bed after another exhausting day.

Day Three

Breakfast and assessments were followed by an Interfaith Worship Service presented by Scribe Joe Luber. Then the troop gathered for the Troop Meeting. Leading EDGE/Teaching EDGE was presented by Charlie O'Connell and then the troop ate lunch. The Patrol Leaders Council was followed by presentations on Self Assements by Quartermaster Bill Solly and Conservation Project Planning by SA Facilites Gary Price.

The camp was then struck, equipment and materials were stored and loaded into cars. The troop was then shown the movie October Sky presented by SA Facilities Gary Price. Patrol meetings followed and then the closing Gilwell Field Assembly.

Our next time together will be on October 10-12 at Lake Towhee County Park.

I want to thank each member of Troop 1 for an outstanding weekend. I am personally thrilled with the progress each of you has made since you joined the troop. You are each well on your way to developing your tickets. Please work hard on these as well as your patrol projects. When we gather once again on Gilwell Field you will be able to fully enjoy your Outdoor Experience.

To the Staff: You are AWESOME and I thank you for your dedication and committment to deliver a mountain-top experience to each member of the troop!.  See you all in 2 weeks!

Sincerely,

Chris Finnegan

Scoutmaster NE-V-134

Quartermaster Update

Please join the staff and me in wishing our own Quartermaster Bill Solly a speedy recovery. Bill underwent open heart surgery this morning at HUP in Philadelphia. His son called to tell me all was well. The doctor told Bill's family the heart valve replacement was a text book case. Following recovery Bill was moved to the ICU and by 3 had had the breathing tube removed and he was awake, alert and complaining of hunger and thirst. Bill's son said that they'd be moving him from ICU to a surgical bed tomorrow morning.

Bill had told me before we parted on Sunday that if he was feeling up to it, he'd try to join us at our closing luncheon on Monday. I said to him that that seemed ambitious to me but would welcome that if he felt well enough.  I think this troop needs to be prepared for that eventuality. If we're fortunate enough to have Bill with us on Monday, I think a rousing, melodic inspirational round of the Quartermaster's Store might be in order. So practice, practice, practice.!!

As I learn more I will let everyone know.

The Bobwhite patrol invites all Wood Badge staff and participants to check out our bios in the Patrol Corner. We had a great weekend #1 and are working hard to make weekend #2 an even bigger success. We look forward to seeing everyone next Saturday!