There are other postions of responsability that Scouts can hold in the Troop.  We currently have three and can implement more as our Troop develops.  The SPL selects these postions for Scouts in the patrol based on who he feels would be the best fit for the job.

Quartermaster:  The Quartermaster is responsible for the gear and equipment of the Troop.  He should assume a feeling of ownership of the Troop's equipment and gear.  He must maintain the cleanliness and maintenance of the equipment.  He should communicate with the SPL any equipment that is out of repair or missing and needs replaced.

Scribe:  The Scribe responsible for the record keeping of the Troop.  He works very closely with the SPL to make sure that items are communicated to the Troop.  He attends PLC meetings as a non-voting member and keeps the minutes of the meetings.

Historian:  The Historian is responsible with assuring that a record of the details and events of the Troop are kept for future generations.  He takes pictures, creates scrapbooks of news clippings and writes about the Troop.  By his efforts young Scouts years from now can look back with pride on the deep history of their Troop.

If you are intersted in any of these postions you should let your SPL know at the next Troop meeting.  You should also let your ASPL know if you are interested in assuming the position when he advances to SPL.

I would like to welcome the following Scouts into the PLC:

Bryce Cooper: Senior Patrol Leader

Cole Metcalf: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Corban Porch: Patrol Leader of the "Spartan Patrol"

Craig Hechmer: Assistant Patrol Leader of the "Spartan Patrol"

Casey Andrews: Patrol Leader of the "Gangsta Frog Patrol"

Kyle Ciaccia: Assistant Patrol Leader of the "Gangsta Frog Patrol" 

Each member of the PLC is in their position because the boys in his Troop selected him to be there.  The following is the description of how boys become members of the PLC and a little bit of the idea behind why we function this way.

Because they have the highest rank in the Troop and have shown their dedication to become leaders the initial SPL and two PL have been appointed to their postions by the SM.

Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) :The ASPL is voted into his postion by his peers.  He will work under the SPL for one year.  After the completion of his one year and pending a Board of Review and a Scoutmaster Conference and found to be ready for the postion he becomes the SPL for the next year.  If he is found to not be ready for the position he will remain the ASPL and the Troop will nominate and vote on a new SPL. 

In this function it is the job of the SPL to help develop the ASPL during his year to ensure that he is ready for his position advancement.  Also, since the boys of the Troop voted for him they have made a commitment to him that they would like him to be their next SPL.  So it also the job of each Scout to help the ASPL be ready to be a leader by allowing themselves to be led by him.  In the event that the the ASPL is not ready for his advancement to SPL each boy from SPL to Scout rank should ask themselves what they could have done better that would have helped him be more prepared.  The Scoutmaster also should ask himself how he could have better helped the SPL develop his ASPL. 

When one of us fails each of fails.  It is each of our responsiblities to be accountable for the overall performance of our Troop.  It this habit of accepting accountability that will help each of you be strong men in a tough world.  Never be first to point blame (even if it obviously exists) but be first to ask yourself if you could have changed anything by your behavior.  Have the courage to express in words how you personally could have helped the situation and you will be proud of your Troop and yourself.

Assistant Patrol Leader (APL): The APL's position mimicks that of the ASPL.  However, his postion is for 6 months.  Pending an Assistant Scoutmaster Conference and approval he becomes the PL of his patrol.  The same philosophy is the same for the APL as for the ASPL. 

Brand new patrols will nominate and vote for their PL and APL and cycle begins anew.

The PLC stands for the Patrol Leaders Council.

The PLC is lead by the Senior Patrol Leader(APL).  He is joined by his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader(ASPL), and the individual Patrol Leaders(PL).  This group of boys meets after each meeting to discuss how the meeting went and ideas to make the next meeting better.  They discuss which Scouts were helpful and motivated and which Scouts needed more leading.  The PLC also meets to hold a yearly planning meeting.  At this meeting the PLC selects dates and locations for all the events of the year as well as discussed the budget needed to accomplish all the events planned.  It is a major part of a boy led troop.  It is also a time when your opinions and concerns as a Scout can be heard and acted on.  So if you would like to see something changed in our Troop you should ask your PL to bring up your concern or idea at the next PLC meeting. 

Mr. N8

A Scout can make himself known to a brother Scout wherever he may be by a method which only Scouts can know. He has brothers in every city in the land and in every country in the world. Wherever he goes he can give his signs and be assured of a friendly welcome. He can talk with a brother Scout without making a sound or he can make known his message by imitating the click of a telegraph key.

A Scout is kind to everything that lives. He knows that horses, dogs, and cats have their rights and he respects them. A Scout prides himself upon doing "good turns, " and no day in his life is complete unless he has been of aid to some person.

A Scout does not run away or call for help when an accident occurs. If a person is cut he knows how to stop the flow of blood and gently and carefully bind up the wound. If a person is burned his knowledge tells him how to alleviate the suffering. If anyone is dragged from the water unconscious, a Scout at once sets to work to restore respiration and circulation. He knows that not a minute can be lost.

A Scout knows that people expect more of him than they do of other boys and he governs his conduct so that no word of reproach can truthfully be brought against the great brotherhood to which he has pledged his loyalty. He seeks always to make the word "Scout" worthy of the respect of people whose opinions have value. He wears his uniform worthily.

WHAT IS A BOY SCOUT?

A Scout can kindle a fire in the forest on the wettest day and he seldom uses more than one match. When no matches can be had he can still have a fire, for he knows the secret of the rubbing sticks used by the Indians, and he knows how to start a blaze with only his knife blade and a piece of flint. He knows also the danger of forest fires, and he kindles a blaze that will not spread. The fire once started, what a meal there in the open! Just watch him and compare his appetite with that of a boy who lounges at a lunch counter in a crowded city. He knows the unwritten rules of the campfire and he contributes his share to the pleasures of the council. He also knows when to sit silent before the ruddy embers and give his mind free play.

A Scout practices self-control, for he knows that men who master problems in the world must first master themselves. He keeps a close guard on his temper and never makes a silly spectacle of himself by losing his head. He keeps a close guard on his tongue, for he knows that loud speech is often a cloak to ignorance, that swearing is a sign of weakness, and that untruth shatters the confidence of others. He keeps a close guard on his appetite and eats moderately of food which will make him strong; he never uses alcoholic liquors because he does not wish to poison his body; he desires a clear, active brain, so he avoids tobacco.

A Scout never flinches in the face of danger, for he knows that at such a time every faculty must be alert to preserve his safety and that of others. He knows what to do in case of fire, or panic, or shipwreck; he trains his mind to direct and his body to act. In all emergencies he sets an example of resourcefulness, coolness, and courage, and considers the safety of others before that of himself. He is especially considerate of the helpless and weak.

What is a Boy Scout?

A note about fundraising:  I have never been one to get very involved in fundraising. From the PTA cookie sales as a youth to the popcorn sales as a leader. But as a Scoutmaster I have seen the light. Fundraising is so important to the life of our Troop. It allows us to finance trips and activities that otherwise would be to much of a burden on the parents to fund. It allows us to purchase much needed equipment and supplies for future events. It allows us to assist families that may not be able to afford a particular event. Furthermore, the lessons that Scouts learn (sales,public interaction,service and hard work) while fundraising can benefit them for a lifetime. Let's try our best to find fundraising opportunities that are different and enjoyable and let's motivate each other to get as much as we can out of every fundraiser. NP

I'm glad everyone had a good time at the Delaware Rock Gym.  Remember the rock wall is very much like life.  Standing at the bottom and looking at the top can seem like an overwhelming task.  The trick is take it one hand hold at a time and eventually you'll make it to the top.  Even if you don't make it all the way to the top, pick a point on the wall and try to make it to that point.  Then, the next time pick a handle a little further past the first one and so on.  Eventually after reaching all your previous goals and challenging yourself to go a little further each time you'll suddenly find yourself at the top. 
In life you may be faced with a task that seems so everwhelming.  If you set small achievable goals for yourself eventually the overwhelming task now seems like an easy feat.  You see, it makes us feel good when we achieve a goal and it gives us the self confidence and courage to set more goals for ourselves.  One key to success in anything is to set goals that you can achieve and try to make yourselve a little better today than you were yesterday.
The road to Eagle Scout may seem like a long hard road.  That's because it is.  It takes hard work and dedication to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.   You might feel like you could never commit yourself to all that's required to become an Eagle.  Instead focus your attention on your next rank.  Is it Tenderfoot?  Then focus on fullfilling those requirements.  There's a lot to accomplish but not to much to be overwhelming.  After Tenderfoot focus on Second Class and then to First then to Star and Life.  Then, before you know it your ready to achieve Eagle.  All the skills that you've learned have prepared you for the next step and now it doesn't seem so hard. 
So when your standing at the bottom of the rockwall of life and the top seems so far away.  Don't sweat it.  Take a deep breath, reach up and put one hand in front of the other.  And it you fall off every now and then it's ok.  Just shake off the dirt, reach for the first handle again and try to get just a little bit further than before.
NP