=======  ALL MEETINGS IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY ARE MOVED TO **WEDNESDAYS**=========

January 23rd (Wed): Troop Meeting:  Klondike Prep

January 30th (Wed): Klondike Cleanup (at the Oldwick Fire House) 

February 6th (Wed): Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge 

February 10th (Sunday): Red and White and Scout Sunday

February 13th (Wed): Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge 

Troop,

Happy new year!!!

We are now under a month away from the Klondike, and we have to start getting ready! The Klondike is January 25th, 26th. and 27th and we will be practicing skills and doing other preparation at the three troop meetings leading up to it. Like the past few years, it will be held at the Teetertown Preserve. For anyone that does not know what the Klondike is, it is a cold weather camping event where we compete against other troops at different stations, where scouts must utilize various different skills. It is my favorite trip of the year, so I really encourage everyone to attend if you can.

Right now, we need you to sign up on the website (click here) if you know you can attend OR send regrets if you know you cannot attend. We will have a firm registration deadline of Friday, January 18th. We need to pay for our scouts by this time, so there will be ABSOLUTELY NO ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS PAST THIS DATE.  Per the TLC, the Troop will pay the $20 registration fee for each scout attending!  IF you register and then cancel after the deadline, you will be responsible for the $20 sign up fee unless you can get someone to take your spot. I hope everyone is as excited for the Klondike as I am! More information will be coming in the following weeks. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2019!

Dear Troop 199 Parents,

Dear Troop Families,

Merit Badge Opportunities are listed below.

May 4th and 11th Cradle of Liberty Merit Badge Fair. Registration Opens March 1st at 12 PM and it is likely to fill up fast.

Link: https://colbsa.org/activities-2/mbc/ 

Merit Badges Offered: 

Valley Crest Farm dates: 

http://www.valleycrestfarmnj.org/boy-scouts/merit-badge-days/

Since these types of events typically fill up quickly, be sure to sign up early if interested. 

“Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, but they have the heart.”   Troop 199 is in immediate need of two volunteers for the following important roles: 

Red & White Coordinator – Responsible for organizing the food provided at the February Court of Honor, scheduled for Sunday, February 10.  It’s a low key affair with pizza and snacks after the COH, providing an opportunity for families and scouts to socialize and celebrate together. The responsibility is short lived.  After February 10, you’re done for the year!!

Summer Camp Coordinator – Handles the administration around summer camp, which primarily entails payments and paperwork, as well as interfacing with camp personnel.  Our scouts earn most of their merit badges at camp so this is an important role for helping scouts make the most of their experience in terms of advancement.  ASM Scott Reep has generously volunteered to serve as co-coordinator, supporting the camp coordinator volunteer.  Scott has coordinated previous summer camps and can provide a wealth of knowledge on key dates and the overall planning process.  The earlier we register the better our pricing, so it’s vital that we identify a coordinator soon!

Feel free to touch base with me if you have any questions or interest in either of these roles.

Season’s Greetings!  Troop 199 sends a heartfelt “thank you” to the many parent volunteers who assist our scouts and keep the Troop running smoothly. Because the Troop is 100% volunteer-led, it couldn’t function without the generous donation of time from our parents. Every role is important and contributes to the success of our scouts in their journey through scouting. Below is the list of current volunteers and, fortunately, most positions are filled with the exception of Summer Camp Coordinator and Chaplain. The need for a Summer Camp Coordinator is becoming critical as planning for camp is right around the corner. The Camp Coordinator handles planning and paperwork for camp registration and can be done by one parent or two. If you’re interested in learning more about Summer Camp Coordinator or Chaplain please get in touch and I’d be happy to discuss further.