As we face the global COVID-19 pandemic, Troop 60 is doing their part to comply with social distancing and to help flatten the curve. For three weeks we have met remotely and are having virtual meetings through Zoom.

Scouts have been awesome and have quickly adjusted to this new meeting format. This week scouts researched and presented information on diseases that impact public health. Bo presented on West Nile virus, Grace on Zika Virus, Allen on Influenza, Koda on botulism, Austin on syphilis, and Jacob Smith on meningitis.

In addition, scouts have been working on meeting the requirements for scout and tenderfoot rank advancement. Koda Deblieux, Troop 60 Instructor, taught the requirements for Totin Chip, taught the Patrol Method and led the newest patrol in choosing a name, yell, emblem and flag.

Congratulations to Austin Dees for achieving the prestigious honor of Eagle Scout rank. Austin was recognized for his many accomplishments in Scouting and he recognized his mother and the mentors who have helped him on his trail to Eagle. He shared his favorite scouting memories, as well as some of the challenges he faced, but he strongly encouraged his fellow Scouts to persist on their own paths toward Eagle rank.

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. Austin joins the ranks of over 2.5 million youth who have earned Eagle Scout rank. The ceremony was followed by a reception with friends and family.

March 5th was a fun and busy scout meeting.

They completed several parts of the requirements for the Citizenship in the community Merit Badge. To finish, Jennifer has arranged an upcoming visit by a local school board member. Date to be determined.

In the meantime Scouts can work on the following homework assignments:

1- Develop a 3-5 minute public presentation (such as a video, slide show, speech, digital presentation, or photo exhibit) about important and unique aspects of your community. Include information about the history, cultures, and ethnic groups of your community; its best features and popular places where people gather; and the challenges it faces. Stage your presentation in front of your patrol group at the March 12th meeting.

2- With the approval of your parent, watch a movie that shows how the actions of one individual or group of individuals can have a positive effect on a community. Jena posted a list movies in GroupMe.

3-Record on your worksheet and discuss with your counselor what you learned from the movie about what it means to be a valuable and concerned member of the community.

4- Choose a charitable organization that interests you outside of scouting that bring people in your community together to work for the good of your community . (Troop 60 chose the Cane River Food Pantry but you can do a different organization on your own if you want)
Using a variety of resources (including newspapers, fliers and literature, the Internet, volunteers, and employees of the organization), find out more about this organization. Bring at least one fact to the next meeting. Volunteer at least 8 hours of your time and record /discuss what you learned. To get 2 hours credit volunteer time for Cane River Food Pantry, bring 10 canned good items to the March 12th meeting. In addition, we are planning group volunteer opportunities at the food pantry for three Saturdays – from 8:00-11:00am. March 14th, April 11th and May 9th. We need at least two adults leaders to volunteer for each Saturday.

In addition, scouts started learning how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a taut-line hitch. We will continue to work on these in the next 2-3 weeks.

For those scouts who are working toward Scout Rank-these are the items we will continue to work on and hope to complete within the next three weeks:

1a. Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. In your own words, explain their meaning.
1b. Explain what Scout spirit is. Describe some ways you have shown Scout spirit by practicing the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan.
1c. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Explain when they should be used.
1d. Describe the First Class Scout badge and tell what each part stands for. Explain the significance of the First Class Scout badge.
1e. Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code. In your own words, explain what the Outdoor Code means to you.
1f. Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance. In your own words, explain its meaning.

2. After attending at least one Scout troop meeting, do the following:
   2a. Describe how the Scouts in the troop provide its leadership.
   2b. Describe the four steps of Scout advancement.
   2c. Describe what the Scouts BSA ranks are and how they are earned.
   2d. Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned.
   3a. Explain the patrol method. Describe the types of patrols that are used in your troop.
   3b. Become familiar with your patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell. Explain how these items create patrol spirit.
   4a. Show how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a taut-line hitch. Explain how each knot is used.
   4b. Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope.
3. Tell what you need to know about pocketknife safety.
4. With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade.
5. Since joining the troop and while working on the Scout rank, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

Last but not least: March 12th at 7pm -immediately following the meeting-is Austin’s Eagle ceremony. Please plan to attend.

Troop 60 was honored to participate in the flag ceremony for the the American Legion State Oratorical finals Saturday February the 29th. The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.