Celebrating over 50 Years of Active Scouting

   Troop 406

Royersford PA 19468 USA

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Archives

Here you will find older posts that have been removed from the main page.  Look here for historical information, old picture links, and articles.

Old Calendar

Road to First Class - April 13-15

As always this was a great trip  full of hiking and learning.  Thanks to everyone who participated.

Swimming

Swimming at the Ursinus pool.   Thanks to Mr. Boyle and Mr. Clark for running great sessions for the swimming merit badge and rank advancement.  Great job to the scouts who participated.  These sessions are now over, but there will be opportunity to work on some of the "land based" skills.  See your counselors!

Troop Elections - March 15

Congratulations to all new troop leaders and especially our new SPL and ASPL.  We are looking forward to a great year of scouting.  Thanks also to all the troop leaders who came out for the leadership training on March 24.

Applebees Fundraiser

Thanks to all who participated in this event.  The money we made will cover the cost of new/repaired equipment for the coming year!

Valley Forge Encampment and Pilgrimage - Feb 17-19

The rosters are set for this historic event.  Troops from across the region and across the country are making the trek.  Check the weather to make sure you are prepared.  Temps at night will be in the 20's, while daytime will be in the 40's.

Donuts! - Feb 19-20

Donut orders are due NOW!  But walk-in purchases will be allowed Sunday evening and all day Monday.  If you signed up to help please get there on time.

Troop 406 back in action!

Hope everyone had a great  holiday! We have a lot planned for the coming months.  See the list at right for the next few events.  Much help is needed both from scouts and parents.  See SM Fatula for details on how you can get involved!

Christmas Tree Sale

Thanks to all scouts and parents who helped with the tree sale this year.  Final numbers will be released soon!

Pine Grove Camping - Nov 25-27

Great time had by all despite the post trip virus  that swept through the participants.  Seems like everyone has now recovered. 

Scouting for Food - Nov 12 & 19

Thank you to the residents of our area for donating over 19,000 items to the feed drive.  Most of these were counted, sorted, and boxed by our troop.  Well done.  An article appeared in the Spring-Ford Reporter.  The article mistakenly said that Troop 406 collected all 19,000 items.  The reality is that there are half a dozen other troops and packs who go out and collect and drop off at the food bank.  We accept the kudos on their behalf.

Donuts! - Nov 18

If you have not done so please turn in your order forms to Mrs. Hersch NOW!  Remember, part of the sale goes directly into your account!

Appalachain Trail hike - Nov 5-6

Great weekend all around!  Scouts completed requirements toward both Hiking and Camping merit badges.

Troop 406 Fall Court of Honor and Banquet - Oct 29

Court of Honor was a great success!  Congratulations to all Scouts and Scouters on your many accomplishments!

Grace Lutheran Community Day Oct 15

We will be making donuts on Friday night and setting up our site on Saturday.  We need 4 scouts and 1 adult from 9:30am until 4pm.  We can do it in shifts if people can't stay the whole day.  Help support the church and community that is our home.  Contact Mr. Domin to volunteer.

Merit Badge opportunity - Oct 22

Mr. Vollert is organizing the Bird Study merit badge at the Audubon Center in Mill Grove. Cost is $6 per scout.  Contact him ASAP if you wish to attend!

Lafeyette District Fall Camporee!!! Sep 23-25

Thanks to everyone who helped out during the Camporee!  Despite a rather soggy start a  great time was had by all.  Some pics are posted, more to come!.

Lafeyette District Fall Camporee!!! Sep 23-25

Over 100 scouts and scouters will descend on the Spring City Armory this weekend to learn Orienteering and take part in a series of great challenges.  We need all Scouts and parents to help.  If you haven't yet volunteered, please see Mr. Fatula now.  If you have volunteered please come to the Thursday setup to learn more about your responsibilities.

Lafeyette District Fall Camporee Sep 23-25

We need all Scouts and Scouters to help make this a successful event.  Planning meetings are underway (see upcoming dates at right) but we need more scouts and parents involved!  Please help in any way you can.  Click here for more details.

Camporee Setup Thursday 9/22

Even if you will not be attending the camporee, we still need your help in setting up the site.  Come on out and support your troop.  If you have not already paid for the weekend please do so on Thursday.  This will get us ready for.......

Labor Day camping Sep 2-4 - Sign up by August 8th!

The Fatulas are putting together a fantastic camping weekend over Labor Day weekend.  Information can be found here. 

Welcome Scoutmaster Fatula!

Mr. Fatula has succeeded Mr. Reppert as Scoutmaster of Troop 406.  Congratulations Mike!  Thank you to Mr. Reppert for your hard work leading the troop for the past two years.  We wish you well. 

Summer Camp July 24-30

Summer Camp was a great success!  Thanks to all who worked to make this a fun and (gasp!) educational week for all.  19 scouts earned over 50 merit badges, 3 scouts and 2 scouters earned their scuba certification, and the scouts represented Troop 406 admirably.  Many scouts will be earning rank advancement as a result of their efforts this week.  Pictures will be posted soon.  Several scouts earned the photography merit badge so there are many hundreds of photos to sift through.

Spring City Walking Tour - July 14

Thank you to the scouts who helped out with this event.  We received great praise from both the organizers and the participants.  The scouts did a great job of guiding the over 150 people through the streets of Spring City, with some scouts doing the loop a second time. 

Troop Family Picnic - July 17

Thanks to everyone who came out to the picnic!

Spring Court of Honor - 5/26 7pm

Congratulations to Assistant Scoutmaster Mike Fatula for completing his Wood Badge training.  This is Scoutings most advanced training for adults.  Click here for a more detailed explanation on Wood Badge.  Way to go Mike!

Also congratulations to the many scouts who earned rank advancements and merit badges this Spring.  As we head into the summer, you should take advantage of the time to tackle more time consuming badges like Personal Fitness and Personal Management.  An updated Merit Badge Counselor list has been posted here.

Last, a special congratulations to Andrew Houseal who held his Eagle Court of Honor on 5/28.

Congratulaions to our newest OA members!

Billy Kilcoyne and Brian Domin (along with Mr. Kilcoyne) did their Order of the Arrow Ordeal at Resica Falls last weekend.  Aside from a bit of poison ivy, both  represented themselves and Troop 406 well.  Well done Scouts!  Anyone interested in learning more about the OA should click on the link at left.

Camping/Canoeing - May 20-22

The troop traveled to Batsto State Park in the Wharton State Forest area of Southern New Jersey for a weekend of camping and canoeing.  This link shows an approximate location of the park.  Judging by the stories told around the campfire that night the scouts and adults had a great - if challenging - time.  Everyone learned a lot about canoeing, teamwork, and grace under pressure.  Special thanks to Mr. Boyle for his invaluable help and expertise throughout the day!  Pictures will be posted soon.

Donuts at St. Joe's fair - 5/9-5/14

The sale was a big success.  Thank you to all the scouts and adults who helped out.  A special thanks to Mrs. Hirsch for running the entire operation.  Well done!

Rechartering is complete!

If you were dropped from the Troop (adults) because you did not complete the Child Protection Training you must submit a new application to Mr. Domin along with your training certificate.  See Mr. Fatula or Mr. Clark for training details.

Summer Camp discount deadline has passed!

But there is still time to get in on the fun at full price.  Check with Mr. Szabo about pricing and deadlines.  Camp Spencer is the destination for this summer - July 24-30.  See details on the Summer Camp page. 

First Class Camping - April 8-10  French Creek State Park

All scouts should attend this important trip.  Newer scouts will complete most of the requirements for Tenderfoot and Second Class, and be well on their way to First Class.  Higher ranked scouts will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge by teaching the newer scouts.  See Mr. Szabo to sign up.  New scouts - check out the Camping Gear List and New Parents link at left.

First Class Camping Weekend - April 8-10

Congratulations to our newest Scouts on completing their first Troop 406 camping weekend.  Also a big thank you to the older scouts who took advantage of the opportunity to teach some of the skills they have learned.  Two scouts also constructed and spent the night in a lean-to as part of WIlderness Survival - great job!

 Troop Elections are complete!

Patrols have been restructured and new leaders have been elected.  Please give the new leaders all of your support as they help guide the Troop through the coming scout year!

Golden Age Manor

Thanks to all the scouts who participated in the Golden Age Manor service event.  The residents greatly appreciated the day.  A reminder that this was a mandatory service event.  If you did not attend please see Mr. Reppert to plan an alternative project.

Six scouts from Pack 531 are crossing over to Troop 406!

Please welcome them into our Troop and help them in any way you can. 

An additional  four scouts are crossing to Troop 10 and one to Troop 4.  Congratulations to all new Scouts!

March 19 - Golden Age Manor - 12:30pm - ALL scouts expected to attend

March 17 - 7pm Swimming at Ursinus - bring $3  (this takes the place of our regular Troop meeting).

March 11 - Pack 531 Crossover - 7pm Royersford Baptist Church

March 10 - OA Elections

Valley Forge Encampment

Unfortunately we did not get enough interest to attend this year.  However, next year is the 100th anniversary of the VF Encampment and we want a strong showing from Troop 406!

Winter Campout - March 5-6

The Fatulas will be hosting a one-night winter campout.  Scouts of all ranks should plan to attend to practice some of the training we've received over the past few months.  Let Mr. Fatula know you are coming.

First Aid Meet-  March 12, 2011
This will be hosted by Troop 105.  It will take place at PV Middle School West.
For more information please contact Tim Little at trlittle@aol.com

District Pinewood Derby-  Saturday March 26, 2011
Location: Green Tree Church, 1078 Egypt Road, Oaks, PA
Time: 8:00am – 10:30am Check-In/Impound with Race to Start PROMPTLY at 10:45
Contact: Curt Reichwein
Email: acreich@comcast.net
Phone 610-650-0660

The Gettysburg Trip Recap

The weather did not rain the entire weekend. The weather was very nice, the temperatures were in the mid 60's and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The camp site was on an actual Confederate Camp Site, McMillan Woods, right in Gettysburg National Park.  The camp  was very nice and well maintained; the bathroom facilities were only two weeks old and were just cleaned the day we arrived. On Saturday, we visited the "Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center", the visitor center for those that were never there before or for those who there more than two years ago is now triple the size, compared to the old center. The new center is very modern with interactive computer centers, different movies playing throughout the center, and amazing displays of artifacts. It would be very hard to leave without any new knowledge on our Civil War.

After the visitor center tour, the older scouts (Philmont Crew) took the Billie Yank 10 mile hike, to build stamina and to work on building our crew team. While the younger scouts took the 4 mile Johnny Reb hike, to learn more about the Civil War. The entire troop, went to an all you can eat buffet at General Pickett's, which had everyone ready to pop. The scouts struggled with the fire at night, because they were using wood that was way too wet.  The scouts kept working at it and were persistent and succeeded. All-in-all it was a very successful weekend and everyone was able to take back home a piece of history, being able to tell family members the joy they had at Gettysburg.

 Troop 406's future activities

Cold Weather Training Seminar (Thursday, November 4^th and Thursday, November 11^th)

Attention all new scouts and parents, there will be a cold weather training seminar conducted during the next two troop meetings.  What is it?  It is a seminar that will cover what would be needed to be used on a cold weather outing or camp-out.  It will be conducted by myself (Mike Ft.) and Assistant Scout Master Mr. Fatula.  I plan on explaining a lot of detailed information on what gear is need and the gear that should be avoided.  I would highly suggest that each Scout attending have a parent attend as well.  The parents will have an understanding of what would need to be purchased and not making the mistake purchasing the wrong gear.  We will also have guests attending as well, a local group of young girl scouts.  They also in the near future going to experience cold weather camping and activities.  It’s going to be fun, I put together a Power Point Presentation, and I will have gear on display.

Scouting For Food – Bag Distribution (Saturday, November 13^th)

On Saturday, Nov. 13^th, 9:00am we will be meeting at the parking lot of Grace Lutheran Church.  From there we will be distributing the bags and hanging them on mail boxes for the annual food drive (Scouting for Food). It takes about 60-90 min to complete this task.

Scouting For Food – Food Collection (Saturday, November 20^th)

Important instructions: On Saturday, Nov. 20^th, 8:30am / 9am only the scouts who distributed the bags are to go back to the locations where they left the bags last Saturday.  After collecting all the bags (no bag left behind), they will then take the full bags to the food collection center.  The scouts who did not distribute bags last Saturday are to report to the food collection center at 8:30 am / 9am.  The food collection center is “Project Outreach” located in same building as the Royersford Public Library.  It located on the corner of South 4^th and Walnut Streets.  At the food collection center we will sort and box all the cans collected not just from our troop but from other local Boy Scout and Cub Scout groups.  This task should end 1pm to 3pm it depends on the volume of food collected.  

Andrew H. Eagle Project

• What is the project?  The project is replacing 8 posts along the canal that correspond to a Nature guide / walk.

• When is this Eagle project? Saturday Nov. 13^th (Rain Date: Sunday Nov. 14^th)

• What time?  Saturday 11:00 AM to? (Rain Date - Sunday 12:00 Noon to?)
  (Right after the Scouting for Food bag drop-off, bring a change of work clothes)

• Where is it?  LOCK 60 in Mont Claire - Enter from Pa Rte 29 at the Schuylkill River Bridge (near Produce Junction)

If you have any of the following please bring them:

• Gloves

• Shovels

• Posthole digger

• Wheelbarrows

• Augers

• Weed Wackers

• Brush Trimmer

• Items / tools to clear brush

Refreshments and lunch will be provided for your service!

If you have any questions please contact Andrew H.

RALLY NIGHT! (Wednesday, November 17^th)

Troop 406’s 2011 Philmont Crew needs Troop 406’s help! It is a fund raiser sponsored by Chik-fil-A to help raise funds for the Philmont Crew. It’s easy, fun and most of all you do not have to sell to anyone!  All you have to do is spread the word about RALLY NIGHT and try to get as many people to join us that evening.  Attached is a flyer that Chick-fil-A made for us to distribute. The details of this event:

Date and Time: Wednesday, November 17^th – 5:30pm to 8pm

Location: Royersford Chick-fil-A

Please Help!! Thank you!

Pine Grove Pioneering Weekend (Friday, November 26^th to Sunday, November 28^th)

We will go to Pine Grove (Cabin Camping).  We will be departing from Grace Lutheran Church at 10:30 am Black Friday, please arrive by 10:15am!  The gate keeper of Pine Grove will let us in at high noon.  The high highlights of this weekend will be Riflery Merit Badge, Archery Merit Badge, Pioneering Merit Badge and Orienteering and constructing the traditional pioneering tower.  All of this in a beautiful setting on the north side of the Blue Mountain. Pine Grove is a retired Boy Scout Camp in Schuylkill County and offers camping in the "Old Loggie" log cabin and several smaller cabins suitable for Girl Scouts and Webelos Scouts (for that matter Venture Crews?) to tag along for this keynote Troop 406 Weekend. Do NOT miss this! Please let our Scoutmaster and Mr. Szabo know by the end of November 18^th troop meeting.

Troop 406’s Holiday Donut Selling and Making Event

Donut selling will start Monday, November 1^st (The forms will be sent out that day).  The donut-making will take place on Friday, December 10th from 6-10pm.  If you cannot help for the full 4 hours, just let Mrs. Hersch know when you can help.  Please note: scouts keep $2.00 from every dozen donuts they sell, it will be placed into their own account and can be used for any camping trip especially summer camp.

Christmas Greens and Wreaths Sale-

On going, our troop has been selling Christmas Greens and Wreaths.  There are two sizes the large = $20.00 ($8.00 goes to the scout) and $12.00 ($5.50 goes to the scout)

Christmas tree Sale.  This is a great opportunity for our troop, we need volunteers both scouts and parents.  Assistant Scout Master Mr. Fatula has the details, and will be sending out a sign-up sheet.

November's Important Dates

• Thursday, November 4^th - Troop Meeting

• Tuesday, November 9^th - Parent's Committee Meeting

• Wednesday, November 10^th – Lafayette District Roundtable Meeting

• Thursday, November 11^th - Troop Meeting

• Saturday, November 13^th – Scouting for Food – Food bag Distribution

• Saturday, November 13^th – Andrew H. Eagle Project

• Thursday, November 18^th – Troop Meeting

• Saturday, November 20^th – Scouting for Food – Food bag collection and Sorting

• Thursday, November 25^th – Happy Thanksgiving – No Troop Meeting

• Friday, November 26^th – Depart for Pine Grove Weekend

• Sunday, November 28^th – Return from Pine Grove Weekend

•  

Eagle News

Mike Ft. Eagle Court of Honor is Sunday Dec. 19^th Located at Zion Lutheran Church, Spring City, PA.

Mr. Kilcoyne has finally succeeded in getting the engraver to engrave all of the Eagle Scout Plaques with CORRECT dates and names including spelling! Viola!

Old News...