Hello Scouts:

It is time to continue our program with the Air Force Association and place flags in the Hills of Prestonwood neighborhood of Plano for the Memorial Day holiday.  We will place the flags (now up to 60!) on Thursday, May 24 at 6:30pm and pick them up Monday night, May 28 at 6:30pm.

Preparing for Summer Camp

Every May the Troop holds a parent's meeting to discuss the planning for summer camp. This meeting is a great chance for parents old and new to ask questions about the logistics for summer camp and to get the things their Scout may need well in advance of the onslaught of other Scout parents who will scramble to buy the same gear. On Monday, May 21st at 7:30pm in Festival Hall we will discuss our plans and logistics for Gorham Scout Ranch in NM. If your son is going to summer camp it is important that you attend this event. We will have a short presentation and an in-depth Q&A session. We will have a sample foot locker with gear for you to see so you will know first hand what your Scout should pack. Please plan on attending.

Troop "Taps Out" New Members

Monday night Troop 380 welcomed its four newest candidates for the Order of the Arrow. In a ceremony run by Troop Arrowmen Robert M., Brian P., Bryan B. and Kevin B., with the assistance of other Arrowmen, the traditions of the OA "tap out" ceremony were carried out. The tap out ceremony is where candidates for the Order of the Arrow -- BSA's camping honor society and brotherhood -- are identified in front of their Troop as being worthy of joining this group. Candidates are elected by their peers in January each year and are then identified as candidates for the OA during the tap out ceremony. After the ceremony the candidates will have to attend an "ordeal" or weekend retreat of other candidates where they will work on service projects and learn the ways of the Order. Once in the Order you are considered an Arrowman and can wear the OA sash. Scouts qualify for election into the OA if they are First Class Scouts or higher, have 15 nights of camping in a two-year period and are elected by 50% of the Troop's membership. This is a high honor. Congratulations to Connor D., Blake M., Nolan C., and Lucas B. Pictures from the ceremony are located here (See this link for password).

TFC for New Scouts

If you are a new Scout or have not yet earned your First Class rank, you should be attending TFC classes. Please remember that your attendance at these classes will directly impact how fast you earn your First Class rank, so please register and plan on attending all classes. More information about TFC can be found here. If you were a 2010 TFC class member please reach out to Messrs. Essig and Francois to get your book updated. 2011 and 2012 TFC class members will have their books updated at TFC events or at regular Troop meetings. Don't forget, sign up today. 

Itchy After the Camp Out?

Camping is always fun. Yet sometimes Scouts will bring more home from camp than just fond memories. Every once in a while a Scout might bring home an itchy rash. Being able to identify what is causing your "itch" is important. Here is a good link that has examples of several bites and rashes that you can get while outdoors. If you cannot figure out what you have, or if you have complications from a rash, see your doctor. Some of our Scouts might have had contact with some chiggers this weekend. Do not fret! Chiggers cannot live without a host, and washing will get rid of them. They typically cannot live longer than 24 hours without a host, which is why it is a good practice to leave all camping gear in your garage when you come home from a camp out, wash your clothing immediately and to take a shower or bath when you get home. The treatment for chiggers is here. If you are itchy you will want to see if it is a contact dermatitis like poison ivy, or something more nefarious like chiggers. But don't let either spoil your camping fun.

Did you know that you can request a detailed report about yours/your scout's rank advancement activities? The following reports are available :

Individual History : details and dates of ranks and merit badges earned, partial merit badge progression, total camping nights, total service projects, total miles hiked and special awards

Individual Progress : quick one page report of next rank requirements and merit badges earned and working on

Camping : dates and names of campouts attended including total nights

Service Projects : dates and names of service projects worked including total hours

Send an email to reports@boyscouttroop380.org to request your report.