Troop 194held a Court of Honor on Friday, 9/11/2020. The weather cooperated for one of Troop 194’s “most outstanding” Court of Honors, which was held outdoors at the Mine Brook Park pavilion. Congratulations to our newest scouts that have joined the troop! Their patrol is named the “Night Stalkers”! Congrats as well to all of the scouts that have advanced in rank & completed merit badges. Below is a link to photos from the event. Click Here to view the Photos.
Troop 194 took a Bike Ride along the D&R Canal Tow Path on Saturday, 9/19/2020. While the weather had a bit of a chill in the morning, it was a sunny, clear & perfect day for a bike ride! We rode from Lambertville over to New Hope, PA, then rode South along the towpath on the PA side of the Delaware River to Washington Crossing, PA. While there, we got to see an Eagle Scout bench/table as well as Kyle Coulson’s Eagle Scout Project (who is a TP194 alumnus !!). Kyle had created a permanent sign explaining George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and the March to Trenton. From there, we enjoyed lunch while viewing the river from the PA side. We then crossed the bridge back to NJ and rode North back to Lambertville. It was a great time!
Troop 194 attended the 2021 Hunterdon Arrowhead District Camporee from October 1st to October 3rd. Our Scouts worked on the Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge (see picture below), skills, and worked on rank requirements. The Troop experienced amazing early Fall camping weather and with everyone working together they had a great time!
On March 27th, Troop 194 took a trip to Sourland Mountain Preserve for a trail hike. It was a beautiful early Spring day and only made the hike that much better.
Scoutmaster Stephen Lederach prepares the Troop for the HikeScout Hudson Morris overlooks the trailThe Troop assembles and prepares to move out on the trailhead.
The Troop hiked the trails, explored caves and saw really cool geological features that aren’t found that often in Central New Jersey.
TROOP 194 UPCOMING ACTIVITIES Fri. 12/11: Troop Meeting (7:00-8:30 Tuckamirgen Park Pavilion) Fri. 12/18: Troop Meeting Xmas Party, (7:00-8:30 St Mags) Sat. 1/2/2021: Spring Meeting Planning (10:00 am -12:00 pm St. Mags) Dependent on State COVID restrictions Stay Tuned!Fri. 1/8: Troop Meeting (7:00-8:30 TBD) Fri. 1/15: Troop Meeting (7:00-8:30 St Mags) Fri. 1/22: Troop Meeting (7:00-8:30 TBD) Fri. 1/29: Troop Meeting (7:00-8:30 St Mags) Sat. 1/30: Tentative Klondike Campout (day event only) *Note the photo above is an early morning image looking up at the Round Valley Youth Center in Lebanon, NJ. Scoutbook year calendar
TROOP MEETING Theme this month is climbing! Due to State COVID restrictions, the Troop meeting will be held outdoors of max 25. If we exceed the group outdoor limit we will have to break into two separate groups. Dress in layers and for cold temperatures. Everyone’s temperature will be taken before the meeting and all participants must have masks and wear them as often as possible especially when safe distancing cannot be maintained. When at St. Mags. will be limiting outdoor group to 25 with indoor of 10 to meet State restrictions. Masks must be worn at all times indoors and hand sanitizer will be made available for frequent cleaning of hands and shared items. IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FIRST YEAR SCOUTS First year scouts and parents should attend our last Troop meeting on 12/18 where Dr. Fox will be reviewing the Cyberchip safety rank advancement requirement. This requirement needs to be performed with parent(s) and the scout and has always a challenging requirement to complete. Please try to attend and encourage your scout to advance in rank. If you cannot attend please review the Cyberchip Scout rank requirement with your scout at home. Monthly Meeting Plans
CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING A Scout is Helpful, Friendly, Courteous and Kind. Every year the Troop works with our Charter, St. Magdalens, providing for a family in need during Christmas. Each scout is asked to bring in a monetary (check or cash) donation that will be used to purchase gifts and/or gift cards for a designated family in the church. Please bring your donations to this Friday’s 12/11 meeting and place in the donation box. Checks can be made out to BSA Troop 194. Thank you!
CLIMBING CAMPOUT We are sorry to say the climbing campout previously scheduled for 12/12 has been CANCELED due to concerns over COVID and lack of adults interested in being trained.
Thank youto everyone who participated in our wreath sale!
We still have 4 wreaths available: 2 Classic $26/ each2 Victorian $32/ each Good news, the wreath sale continues online! Customers from far away can also order not just wreaths, but other things as well. They would put in the code TR194NJ001 on www.giftitforward.com and we will get $8 back on anything they order. Those items would be directly to them. Prices are higher this way though!
MEDICAL FORMS COLLECTION Since our annual medical form collection did not happen for summer camp (thank you COVID), we are collecting them at this time. I will be collecting Parts A and B only. (so you don’t need a doctor’s visit). If you have not already done so, please bring your forms to the next troop meeting. It is imperative that all scouts & adults submit their medical paperwork in order to attend future campouts. No scout or adult will be permitted to attend without the proper medical forms. Medical Forms Required (Scouts & Adults) – the following are needed to attend:(3) copies of the front and back of Medical Insurance card. Your Pharmacy name and phone number. (3) copies of Parts A, B1, and B2 of the Medical Form.(3) copies of your up to date Immunization Record (from your medical doctor preferably) Here is the link to download the required medical forms. Medical form download Any questions, please contact Cathy Runk at (908) 208-3916 or crunkathome@yahoo.com. If you are not going to be at the meeting, please contact me to coordinate another time. Thanks!Cathy Runk
TROOP FACEBOOK IS LIVE The Troop has started a Facebook page for general information about the Troop and promotion. Check it out at Troop 194 Flemington NJ . Please join, comment and invite friends, interested youth who might be interested in Scouting. Ed Morris is also looking for someone willing to help manage the page with him. If interested, please email him at Ed Morris.
PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
Interested in helping out the scouts? Anyone interested in helping as a leader such as Committee Member or ASM, or just attending campouts with the Troop as an adult must have Protecting God’s Children training. Please contact our Charter Representative, Kelly Gillespie as a first step.
PHOTO ALBUMS:2019 – 2020 – Year in Review: Click Here.Nov. 2020 – 5-Mile Hike Campout: Click Here.Nov. 2020 – Walnut Brook Preserve Trees: Click Here.Oct. 2020 – COPE Outing at Ockanickon: Click Here.Sept. 2020 – Bike Ride on D&R Canal Tow Path: Click Here.Sept. 2020 – TP194 Court of Honor: Click Here.Sept. 2020 – TP194 2019-20 Year in Review: Click Here.Feb. 2020 – Cast Iron Chef: Click Here.Jan. 2020 – Klondike Derby: Click Here.Oct. 2019 – C.O.P.E. Outing with Cubs: Click Here.Sept. 2019 – AJ Meerwald Sailing Trip: Click Here.July 2019 – Summer Camp at Resica Falls: Click Here.
2020-2021 CAMPOUT & ACTIVITY CALENDAR 12/12 (Sat): Indoor Climbing Campout (CANCELED) 12/18 (Fri): TP194 Holiday Party at Troop Meeting 1/29-31 (Fri-Sun): Klondike Derby 2/26-28 (Fri-Sun): Cast Iron Chef (Cabin) 3/26-28 (Fri-Sun): Basic Training (Cabin + Lean-To) 4/23-25 (Fri-Sun): Backpacking Outing 5/21-23 (Fri-Sun): Kayaking Trip 5/31 (Mon): Memorial Day Parade 6/4 (Fri): TP194 Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) Elections 6/11-13 (Fri-Sun): Bike Trip to the Antietam National Battlefield 6/19 (Sat): TP194 Softball Game & Picnic 7/11-17 (Sun-Sat): 2021 Summer Camp (Week #3) at Resica Falls 7/2-16: Philmont High Adventure Outing 7/22-30: Sea Base Trip (Coral Reef Sailing Adventure)
REMINDER: LEADERSHIP ROLESScouts First Class and above who want to advance need to hold approved leadership positions in the Troop. You can download the Scout Leadership Positions Application https://www.bsatroop194.org/forms/, or talk with the Scoutmaster at a meeting.
ADVANCEMENT POLICYAll Scouts seeking a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review for the Star, Life and Eagle rank shall be prepared to do the following reasonable expectations before seeking a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review: 1. Demonstrate Scout Spirit as well as the rank requirements. 2. Demonstrate responsibility by attending a minimum combination of 50% of the Troop meetings and PLC meetings. Attendance in full uniform is preferred. Participation requirements as per Section 4.2.3.1 of the BSA Guide to Advancement. 3. Participate in three (3) overnight campouts or Troop activities as defined by the Troop. One event MUST be a Camporee. The second MUST be Basic Training. The third campout or activity may be of the Scout’s choice. This must be completed during the Scouting Year running September through July. Summer Camp does not count. A Scout seeking advancement early in the year must have shown that they attended the three campout minimum in the prior year; otherwise, their advancement will be delayed until they show a trend to do so in the new year. Contact Mr. Lederach if you have any questions. These policies are in the Troop manual and are posted on the troop web site (www.bsatroop194.org). Uniform requirements are as per Section 8.0.0.4 of the BSA Guide to Advancement.
Scouting continues for Troop 194 – On July 18th, the Patrol Leader Council along with Scouts from all ranks met to work on the meetings and events for Fall 2020.
Older Scouts worked with our younger Scouts to create meeting plans, events, and trips for the upcoming 2020 Fall Scout season. Including the new and younger Scouts on the planning is key to creating Scout Spirit and cohesion.
Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Committee Members stood by to assist and advise as needed. The Scouts created a complete plan for the months ahead on their own, and Troop 194 Scouts should be looking forward to climbing, volleyball, camping, and many other activities!
With COVID-19 still a concern, the Troop planned for Fall, with the knowledge that plans might have to change and to be flexible. Be Prepared.
Also this week, new Scout Hudson Morris completed a 4 hour service project for our Charter Organization, Saint Magdalene’s Roman Catholic Church, the project included weeding and general landscaping clean up duties.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, the Troop has actively experimented with and improved weekly Zoom Troop meetings with games, advancement, Scout skills, and Merit Badge (Environmental Science and Indian Lore) sessions to keep the boys active and socializing.
Also during the shutdown, the Troop has taken on service projects like cleaning the grounds at Saint Magdalen’s (Troop 194’s Charter Organization) and individual Scouts have taken on their own service projects.
Troop 194 Leaders and Scouts attended the Pack 61 Crossing Over ceremony in the parking lot of the Flemington Moose Lodge on May 16th. The Troop welcomed 4 new AOL Scouts during a new kind of crossing over ceremony: a Drive Through Crossing Over. The AOL Scouts and their families stayed in their cars and drove forward to their Cub Scout Pack and then to their Troop they declared the intention to join.
Scoutmaster Steve Lederach welcomed the new Scouts and presented them with Troop Neckerchief, Slide, Washington Crossing Council Patch, and Unit Number Patch.
Do you have a Cub Scout who would like to learn more about joining Troop 194? Please contact Scoutmaster Steve Lederach here.
MERIT BADGES TO PASS THE TIME Although Scouts need to have bluecards for a merit badge they can always start the written work. The only thing you cannot perform would be those requirements that specifically state they need “Counselors review or approval” before starting.
Anyone who needs a Merit Badge book/pamphlet, please contact Mrs. Christman at 908-806-7789 or at achristman908@gmail.com to see if we have the book in the Troop library bin.
Emergency Preparedness: CLICK HERE! Public Health: CLICK HERE! Others: American Heritage: CLICK HERE! Chemistry: CLICK HERE! Cooking (except for the camping requirements): CLICK HERE! Study sections and letter writing for Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the World- you may even be able to attend a virtual meeting! Communication: CLICK HERE! Digital Technology: CLICK HERE! Dog Care: CLICK HERE! (minus the visit) Energy: CLICK HERE! Family Life: CLICK HERE! You can get a lot done and start on your 90-day chore list! Game Design: CLICK HERE! Create and prototype your game, and playtest it via Skype, Twitch, Zoom, or Google Hangouts! Genealogy: CLICK HERE! Home Repairs: CLICK HERE!- great if one of your parents or neighbors is an MBC, and bonus, you can help your parents around the house! Inventing: CLICK HERE! You can visit a virtual museum, or if you’re part of the robotics team at school, you’re covered! Model Design and Building:CLICK HERE! Moviemaking: CLICK HERE!Shoot a movie at home with your siblings and pets! Painting: CLICK HERE! Help your parents finish projects around the house! Personal Management: CLICK HERE! Play with a Stock Market simulator, research, and work on your time management skills and get started on this Eagle Required badge- you may also find chances to earn money around the house helping your parents! PetsCLICK HERE! Since you’re home, you might as well teach that old dog new tricks! Plant Science: CLICK HERE! It’s about time to start seedlings for your spring gardens, so why not work on a merit badge while helping with seedlings? Reading:CLICK HERE! No need to be online or gaming all day every day while you’re home; why not read the 6 books required to complete this merit badge? Scouting Heritage:CLICK HERE!This requires a bit of research and writing, why not learn more about the program you’re a part of?Scholarship: CLICK HERE! Already a great student? Complete the workbook and be recognized for your hard work! Space Exploration: CLICK HERE!
We hope you can join
us for the fun-filled annual Hunterdon-Arrowhead District Klondike Derby
challenging winter camping event! It will once again be held at the
Teetertown Ravine Nature Preserve / Mountain Farm located in Port Murray, NJ. The
troop will meet promptly at 6:30am on Saturday for departure. Once camp is
quickly setup, Scout Patrols will compete in an outdoor skills
competition. Each Patrol will pull a sled from station to station, which
will carry all of their gear needed. Be sure to brush up on your scout
skills before the outing! Stations will include the following scout skill
activities: Sled Inspection, Compass/Orienteering, First Aid, Team
Building, Fire Building, Ice Rescue, Lumber Jack (2-man saw log cut), Knots +
Pioneering, Knife Throwing and a Stretcher Carry Race. In the afternoon
will be the “Great Klondike Sled Race”! Each scout & adult attending
is asked to bring two (2) cans of soup for the Klondike Stew (no cream soups).
Eat a nourishing
breakfast before arriving on Saturday morning. Bring a bagged lunch to eat
on Saturday. The trailer will be packed on Friday night.
Registration Deadline
is Friday, 1/18. Contact Mr. Ghanim with any questions.
Click Here for the registration form. NOTE: For the safety and
comfort of our Scouts, proper winter clothing and footwear is required for this
event.
If you are a 1st Class scout or above, you are invited to participate in Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge class during the program portion of Troop 194 meetings this spring. The MB class will meet on the following dates:
January: 11 & 25 February: 1 & 15 March: 1 (additional dates if needed March 8,15, 22)
Please come prepared to actively participate, to behave respectfully, and to learn how you can contribute to and participate in your community.
CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING
