Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Ed Hook. Others present were: Joanne Bagley, Becky George, Jim George, Pops Griffin, Larry Groseclose, Mark Groseclose, Nadine Hook, Jon Hoover, Rick Micolucci and Ray Ramberger.

SCOUTMASTER - Pops reported:

Basic Skills Fundamental review before meetings seems to be working out well.

Improvements in the areas of both adult supervision at meetings and communication within the troop.

Meeting agenda for December:

7^th — Oxford Police Officer will be @ the cabin for Safety Badge work for the younger scouts; older scouts to decide on "Philmont Shirt" design (for meeting on 14^th).

14^th —Knot Relay for all scouts; Jon Hoover will be @ the cabin for Printing/Graphic Arts Badge work.

21^st — Christmas Party for the Troop to be held @ the George’s. A signup sheet will be available on the 7^th.

January 2^nd, 2007 — PLC meeting to be held @ the George’s (7pm).

To date, four out of the six eligible scouts have received and passed their Board of Review for class of Tenderfoot, thus two scouts are still awaiting Board of Review by Advancement Chairperson. One scout is currently eligible to receive his Board of Review for 2^nd Class (as per Joanne Bagley), although Pops reports there are scouts eligible for both 2^nd and 1^st Class Board of Review at this time. Joanne and Pops will review and update records. The validity of the Board of Review for one Scout to rank of Life Scout was discussed (see ADVANCEMENT for more detail).

OUTDOORS — Ray reported:

Backpacking Trip on November 10-12 went well.

Revised agenda is as follows:

December 9 — Cabella’s and rock climbing at Cliffhangers (daytrip - no trip/tour permit needed).

January 19-21 — Klondike Derby (daytrip — January 20th). Scouts are currently working on two sleds for competition. $25.00 deposit to enter, remaining due at a later date. Pops will take a count of scouts interested in staying overnight.

February 9-11 — Ski trip with Girl Scouts to either Camelback or Jack Frost. Discussion regarding campsites in the Pocono region (vs. staying in a motel). Three sites were mentioned, but two had conflicting dates. Halcoskee (Cabins) are available for this weekend, sleeps up to 20 and costs $225.00/weekend. Ray to call to reserve.

Philmont 2007 — Payments made as a Troop by Treasurer (Rick Micolucci) are working out well.

ADVANCEMENT - Joanne reported:

New Troop Master Program was purchased for $44.95/year. Awards were received from council on Friday Nov. 3rd and handed out. Meeting Attendance Matrix was prepared and distributed, although attendance records for this year have not been received by Joanne, thus incomplete. 

Concern regarding the individuals who sat for the Board of Review for rank of Life Scout for one Scout the previous week was brought to the table by many. The fact that only registered Adult Leaders are eligible to sit for Boards was reiterated and discussed at length. Also, it was mentioned that recently in regards to the younger scouts, there seems to be a delay in scheduling Board of Reviews upon the fulfillment of requirements for achieving next rank.

Meeting attendance, Scout Spirit/behavior and activity participation which constitutes "Active Status" of a scout in regards to advancement and general participation in troop were discussed. All are important and need to be balanced, but care should be taken as to avoid "singling out" particular scouts.  It was decided that guidelines in writing for the boys to follow are necessary so we do not have any questions later.

It was also decided that Board of Reviews could only be completed with prior approval from the Committee and/or the Scoutmaster.

EQUIPMENT - Larry reported:

Troop Trailer - Jack’s Body Shop straightened out the tongue and Churchman’s Machine reinforced the tongue jack. One Scout completed the re-lettering; removing "old" names and adding "new" names.

Tents — Eureka replaced damaged poles. Nadine Hook made sewing repairs, as necessary. The new tents seem to be working out well.

Miscellaneous — Pop’s to pick up replacement knob for stove. Nothing on the "wish list" for spring.

TREASURER - Rick reported:

Financial reports were distributed and discussed. Petty cash was mentioned, as were deficits with some individual Scout accounts. Summer camp 2006 payment from one Scout needs to be collected and was discussed, as was a possible Philmont Scholarship Letter for same.

Philmont 2007 payments for December are due on 12/20, so he would need to receive them by 12/14.

One Adult is phasing out of the troop, thus checkbook (signature card) should be updated to remove his name. Another adult also should be contacted regarding his level of interest in the troop.

PUBLIC RELATIONS - Jon reported:

Troop Activity Schedule and Committee Meeting minutes are now posted on the website. Continues to post numerous new photos from past scouting events on the website.

SECRETARY - Becky reported:

Thank you note was sent to Jack’s Body Shop, as requested by Larry Groseclose.

OLD BUSINESS - Spring banquet to be held on March 3, 2007 at 6pm at the Russellville Grange. To be discussed as date gets closer.

Next meeting will be held on January 9^th, 2007 at 7:00.

Becky George, Committee Secretary