Troop 306 Weekly Newsletter- 01/10/2021

Troop 306 Weekly Newsletter

Celebrating our 108th Anniversary serving youth in Catonsville and beyond . . .

CALENDAR

Here are some important upcoming dates:

JANUARY

14 - Troop Meeting via Zoom at 7:30 pm

21 - Outdoor Troop Meeting at CPC at 6 pm

28 - Troop Meeting via Zoom at 7:30 pm

29 - 31 (Winter Camping at Poplar Grove Youth Camp Ground in Catoctin Mountains; 1 or 2 night options)

FEBRUARY

4 - PLC and Troop Committee Meeting via Zoom

11 - Troop Meeting via Zoom at 7:30 pm

18 - Outdoor Troop Meeting at CPC at 6 pm

We hope all of you continue to be safe and well.  We recently learned that most activities and meetings inside the Catonsville Presbyterian Church building will remain suspended through March 2021.  Troop 306 will continue to hold some outdoor events and activities during the winter months, weather permitting.  

If there are any changes to the above schedule, we will let you know as soon as possible.

CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD

Happy New Year Scouts!

Despite its challenges, the COVID pandemic has reminded us of many things.  It reminded us that we are not in our own world.  We share the planet with more than 7.5 billion people.  People who see the same sky you do, but from different locations.  And though their culture may be different, as humans, we are more alike than different but unfortunately, not all World Citizens have the same rights, freedoms or opportunities.

Do you think you’re a Citizen of the World??  What does it mean to be a Citizen of the World??  Come and find out; starting sometime in January, Mr. Don and Ms. Liz will run the Citizenship of the World merit badge interactive course.

Besides being an Eagle-required merit badge, are you willing to understand and appreciate the values, traditions, and concerns of people in other countries??

If so, come and join us!!  Use the following link to register by Monday, January 11^th. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBNu9hDubUlFu1W3qojcIb4K_dGBrRfSW2DXyp8ppHAqypdg/viewform?usp=pp_url

Families/Adult Leaders, a couple of asks:

1)  If you have ideas on meeting requirements, please let us know.  All ideas are welcome!  Material is somewhat dry. 

2) If you know of any one (other family members, friend, co-worker, etc.) that’s from a different country who would be willing like to be a guest speaker, please let us know. We are looking for guest speakers to share their stories! Serge, I have you penciled in (LOL)

See you soon!

Ms. Liz

PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES!!!

In February, Troop 306 traditionally has an annual family dinner, which includes a Court of Honor, slideshow, information about upcoming Troop activities, and a Friends of Scouting presentation.  Although we will not be able to have a meal together due to the pandemic, we currently are exploring options for a virtual event.  More information to come, but in the meantime, we're looking for pictures from any of the Troop's activities since February 2020.  Pictures are needed for the slideshow as well as the Troop's website, which will be coming soon.  Please send any pictures to Cynthia (email is preferred, but text (443-865-2055) is also okay).

CATONSVILLE CAN WINTER FOOD COLLECTION

There is still a great need for food in the Catonsville area.  If you're interested in contributing, donations may be dropped off at the following locations:

State Fare Restaurant -- collection bin is located outside behind the white tent.

Chef Paolino's Cafe -- collection bin is located just inside the main entrance to the restaurant.

WESTSIDE MEN'S SHELTER CLOTHING COLLECTIONThere is a collection bin on the front porch of the church house at CPC for Westside Men’s Shelter items, including men’s hats, socks, long underwear—new items only.  Men’s coats (new and used, clean and in good condition) will also be received—sizes L and XL especially needed.  All items will be collected through January 31, 2021.

WE NEED YOU!

Troop 306 will soon be entering into its 109th year, which is pretty awesome!  This accomplishment is greatly due to the support from CPC, the community, and in particular parental involvement, and this support is necessary for the Troop to continue to thrive.  At the Troop Committee meeting this past Thursday, some open roles/duties were discussed.  We've very grateful for two families who volunteered to serve in the following roles: Membership Chair (Angela Ortado) and Outdoor/Activities Coordinator (Phil & Hope Unkel).  There are still other specific areas where assistance is needed and additional information will be shared soon.  We encourage each family to attend the Troop Committee meeting held on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm -- this is a great way to learn about upcoming plans and see how the Troop is managed.  The meetings are currently being held via Zoom.

Also, we will be holding more Troop meetings via Zoom during the winter months, and we are looking for ways to help the meetings be more fun and engaging in the virtual environment.  We had previously asked for parents who would be willing to give a 20 - 30 minute presentation on their careers during one of the meetings.  The months of January and February would be a great time for this!  If you're interested, please contact Jeff or Cynthia.

Lastly, general adult participation is always needed for camping trips.  We understand that winter camping may or may not be your ideal trip.  If you're interested in attending the trip at the end of this month, please contact Jeff.  

SCOUTING IS IN HIGH GEAR !!!!! LET'S HAVE A GREAT SCOUT YEAR !!!!