JAMBO COUNT DOWN

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Thanks for the Great Turn out

The Swim checks went well today.  Helping us identify all of those great swimmers out there.. this opened a few more opportunities at Jamboree!
A couple notes:

The Next Troop meeting will be the Third Thursday of January (1-21-10)
ALL medical forms MUST be turned in at that meeting.
Patch order Forms are also due at the January meeting.
We will be selecting Youth leadership and conducting Youth Protection Training.

Here is what we are up to right now.
We have our Tax ID number and our account is being set up.
We are collecting our list of needs so we can have a better understanding of what our financial needs are.
The rest of the meetings will be meaningful and will require attendance of all of the Scouts in the Troop.

Let me say a few words about information flow, decision making, and Troop assignments.
First.  If you are not receiving information I need to know.  We try to put out information as it comes to us.  We try to keep it all relevant and timely.
Second.  Decisions at the Troop level are currently being made by myself, Dave, Rob, and Adam.  We have all been trained and understand what we need to do to get this Troop to Jamboree.  I would ask for patients and understanding when it comes to the decisions we make.
Finally.  Troop assignments.  We have no control as to how Scouts are assigned to Troops.. that is at least one level above me.  I have done and will continue to work with and lobby for individual Scouts to be placed where positions are available.  I understand that this is frustrating.  I am as frustrated at times with the process too... but understand that the big picture is opportunities for every registered Scout to attend Jamboree and have a wonderful experience.
I have been asked many questions as to how and why things have happened and to be 100% honest with  all of you, I do not have all the answers.
I have been asked when the latest date a Scout can drop is.  And again.. to be 100% honest with you.. I am not going to answer that.  First and foremost.. the frustration of a parent should not take away from the experience of the Scout.  In this regard I again beg for patients and allow for the system to work.  In the end I am sure it will work out favorably for all.
I am a firm believer that as a parent and Scoutmaster it is my job to make dreams come true.  This is a monumental task and at the end of the day sometimes we fall a little short.. but never because we did not try.  As a Dad.. I will never give up on anything that my kids value.
Our Council committee chair has stated that we are going to Jamboree with 13 Troops.  That allows for 468 Scouts from the Cascade Pacific Council the opportunity to attend the very best Boy Scouting has.. the National Jamboree celebrating the Boy Scouts of America's 100 years.  I assure you that no matter which troop a Scout ends up in the experience will be fantastic.
Do I want them all in my Troop?  YES I do..  I believe that Troop 720 will have the best time of all... But all 13 Troops need to be filled and if that means changes needed to be made, I am sure they were made with the very best of intentions.
Let's ride this out and see what happens, especially in the early months of the year.  My feeling is that as we enter 2010 the road to Jambo will become more clear and less confusing.

It is my pleasure to serve as the Scoutmaster for Jamboree Troop 720 and my commitment is to make all of our Jamboree Dreams come true!
Thanks for your trust and confidence... I will do my best.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Swim Checks!!!

This Saturday (5 December 2009) is Troop 720's Swim Check for Jamboree.  This is a real important event as it will set up planning (Buddy tags and activities) that we will be able to participate in.
Be at the Centennial High School Pool at 2:00 PM.  You can find Centennial High School at:

3505 SE 182nd Gresham, OR 97030

181st becomes 182nd without any turns.. just keep heading straight till you get to the School.

We will have a short meeting following the Swim checks.. but be prepared, we may hold our meeting while Troop 719 is conducting theirs.. so please be on time if possible.

I look forward to seeing you all again!!  This is yet another step on the fantastic journey that is Jamboree!!

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Monday, November 9, 2009

PATCH ORDERS

Patch order forms are due at the JANUARY Troop meeting.  The orders will go in right after we turn the forms in to the Council Jamboree staff for a rather quick turn around.
We will receive the patches on the 12th of April and distribute them at the April Troop meeting on the 15th.
Some things you MUST consider.  Once the order is placed there will be no more.  So order what you want now.  Consider the patches for your uniform, for your own collection, and for trading when placing your order.  Like the Jamboree.. this is a once in a life time deal.  Once we place the orders, the council will not be ordering anymore.
So please do not hesitate on this.  Have the discussion early.  We will need to turn the forms in as a unit.  So get your completed form to our Patch coordinator, she will then get them to me to turn in.
We only get to turn in 41 forms (36 Scouts, 4 leaders, and 1 extra for "Troop Needs").
Payment will be to the Troop, and the Troop will send 1 check for the total to the Council.
Stand by for details on this.  We still need to have the discussion on were our money is going.

Thanks!
Have a Great Scouting Day!

It's Monday.. Do know who your Scoutmaster is?

Over the next few weeks we will introducing the Adult Leadership of the Troop 720... So I get to go first.
Once we get Youth leaders we will get to know them a little bit also.


Jerry Schleining Jr.
Scoutmaster
Born in Munich Germany
Became a Cub Scout in Arlington, Virginia and Earned the Arrow of Light.
Crossed over to Boy Scouts with Troop 100, Charlemange District, Transatlantic Council in Brunssum, Holland.  I moved to Louisiana in the 9th Grade and joined Troop 243 in the Calcasieu Area Council.  I earned my Life Scout rank and then fell into every Scoutmasters nightmare of Girls, Gas, and Goofin' off.
After High School, I joined the US Army and spent 21 years serving our Country.  I retired from the Army in 2005.
I have Backpacked on 3 different continents and spent countless nights under the stars.
I have been with Scouting for 20 years and love the program immensely.
I am married to my wife of 17 years and we have three awesome children, all with their own talents and treasures.  My two sons are both Life Scouts and are in Troop 720 for the adventure of a life time.
I am the Scoutmaster of Troop 664 in Gresham and have been for 5 years.  It is with out a doubt the most rewarding job I have ever had in my life.
I look forward to spending this adventure with all of the members of 720 and their families.  This will truly be an event that will in some way change our lives.
Thank all of you for your support, both Scouts and Parents alike.  This is going to be a fantastic journey, glad we get to do it together.

Next week we will meet Mr. Dave Kauth, 1st Assistant Scoutmaster.
Have a Great Scouting Day!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

All contingent Meeting - a few pictures





News from the National Bulletin

Here are a couple note worthy items from the National Jamboree Bulletin:

Recycling:
One goal of the 2010 jamboree is to be the “greenest” jamboree to date.
Our refuse contractor has developed a waste removal and recycling program for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Each subcamp will have distinct containers for waste material and recycling of specific materials. Each container will be clearly marked, identifying the materials that should go inside.
The proceeds from these transactions will be utilized to offset the expense of hauling and disposing of non-recyclable materials.
Non-recyclable trash will be bagged and collected in a marked subcamp container that will be emptied regularly by our refuse company and disposed of at a landfill.
Dishwater and wet kitchen waste should be collected in pails and taken to the nearest grinding station for appropriate disposal by subcamp maintenance/environmental personnel. Scouts are required to do the same. Food waste recycling is being explored; guidelines and containers for this type of recycling would be made clear.

World Friendship Fund:
A Good Turn opportunity for jamboree participants will be provided at breakfast on Thursday, July 29, 2010. At this time, a collection will be taken for the World Friendship Fund. The purpose is to make Scouts and Scouters aware of how the fund helps Scouts around the world and to give them a chance to contribute to world Scouting endeavors.

Scout Visitors to the Jamboree: (This would apply to visiting family also)
 Jamboree activities are made possible by the event fees paid by participating Scouts and leaders. To ensure all paying Scouts get ample opportunity to participate in all of the jamboree activities, visiting Scouts will not be allowed to participate in events and activities at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Participation in the activities at the action centers (action alley, air rifle, archery, bikathon, buckskin games, confidence course, motocross, pioneering, rappelling, and trapshooting) by members of visiting units will not be allowed. Other areas reserved for paid jamboree participants are the outback centers (conservation, fishing, and aquatics), mountain boarding, and the Order of the Arrow’s THE MYSTERIUM COMPASS. Visitors will not be able to work on merit badge requirements at the Merit Badge Midway. Visitors are allowed to watch the action, tour the various activity sites, and purchase food and awesome souvenirs at the trading posts.

Just thought I'd share some of the news that coming out about Jamboree.
Contact us with your thoughts, concerns, ideas, and of course praises!!!
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Mr. Jerry Schleining
Scoutmaster

Medical Forms

At the All contingent meeting there was some question about medical forms.
If you have not received your medical forms;
1.  Have you registered at the National site ?
2.  Have you checked your junk mail box, it could be hiding in there.
3.  If you have done the above and still nothing.  Email to jamboree.medical@scouting.org
Have your registration number (that you got from National) in the email, this speeds up the process.
Once you receive the email print it.  You will not be able to save the data that you fill out.  Hand written forms are fine.  The form will come with all of the information filled out that they get from the Registration.
If you continue to have issues with your medical form.. let me know ASAP.  Once I get on it, we can work for resolution.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Mr. Jerry Schleining
Scoutmaster

All Contingent Meeting Wrap Up

Thank you to everyone for being at the All contingent meeting.  I hope you found the information plentiful and helpful.
I appreciate your patients while at the meeting, I know that it was a long day for all of us, but in the end it was nice to meet those we had not met before and get a feel for the huge undertaking that is the National Jamboree.
From where I sat, I thought I would discuss some of the most asked questions.
First on Uniform.  Old or New.. wear what you have, but wear it all properly.
Hats and Jackets.  Don't worry about that right now.  I will let the Troop know as soon as I know.
Patches.  Give the patches some thought when ordering.
Some thoughts on patches.  Patches and Patch trading is a fun part of the Jamboree experience, but there is so much to do at Jambo, I would hate for a Scout to come home with nothing but patch trading memories.
Patches for collecting and trading are fun and not that expensive.  Talk with your scout and do what you think is reasonable.
Information.  If you are not getting emails and other contacts, please let me know.  It is important to all of us that you receive timely information and information that is relevant and important to you.
Email me directly at gerald.schleining@verizon.net if you have questions at anytime.
Again, This is an opportunity of a life time.  Our goal is to have an absolutely fantastic time at Jamboree, and that process starts NOW!
I want to thank all of you for attending the meeting, and a special thanks to those of you that have volunteered to help us out with the many activities and committee functions.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Mr. Jerry Schleining
Scoutmaster

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Reminder - CPC All Contingent Meeting

This Saturday, November 7th, from 9am to 4:30pm is the first official 2010 National Jamboree meeting. The entire Cascade Pacific Council contingent (Scouts, Parents and Leaders) will be meeting to kick off our adventure. This is a mandatory meeting, so please make sure you are on time and plan to spend the day. Bring your lunch since there will not be time to leave the site to pick something up.

The meeting will be held at the New Beginnings Christian Center at 3300 NE 172nd Place - NE 172 and Sandy [I-84 to exit 13 (181st), North on 181st to Sandy, West on Sandy to 172nd]. When you arrive, look for Troop 720 (there should be signs and the Troop leaders will be there) to sign-in and receive your information packet.

Looking forward to seeing everybody this Saturday.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Dinner Plans for 2010 National Jamboree

Just got this from the Cracker Barrel Blog  (Scouting Magazine's Blog):

Dinners at the jamboree have always been tasty, but they're about to get a whole lot better. Bring on the theme nights!

At the 2010 National Scout Jamboree next year, organizers have planned eight different theme nights for participating troops. The themes are:

July 26: Western
July 27: Tex-Mex
July 28: Mardi Gras
July 29: Iron Chef (patrols will create a dinner from secret ingredients)
July 30: All-American
July 31: Arena show (patrols will carry no-cook meals to the arena)
Aug. 1: Asian
Aug. 2: Dinner Impossible (adults cook for the Scouts)
Aug. 3: Chicago
It's clear that boys and adult volunteers won't go hungry at this year's jamboree.

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Leader Contacts

We just added leader contact information to the left of this post.  Click on the link (blue letters) to email the leader of your choice.
Feel free to contact us about anything.  We want to hear from you and know that your Jamboree experience is going well.

Have a Great Scouting Day!
Mr. Schleining
Scoutmaster

Monday, October 12, 2009

OCTOBER LEADER MEETING NOTES

Hey Troop 720,
I thought we should share some information from the Contingent Leader Meeting.
Here is the latest and greatest news on UNIFORMS:
First, wear what you have. If you have old uniforms wear them completely (with the New Boy Scout Green tabs). If you have the New Centennial Uniform, wear it completely.
DO NOT MIX and MATCH. Old pants can not be worn with New shirts etc.
The Jamboree committee is requiring that every Scout have 2 Complete sets of uniforms. I would suggest 3 complete sets. But 2 is the minimum.
THINGS NOT TO WORRY ABOUT AT THIS TIME.. in other words.. don't spend money on the following items:
Hats, it is still yet to be determined which hat we are going to wear.
Jackets, we will be wearing the "Official BSA Wind breaker style" jacket. It is currently red, but it is supposed to be changing to Green. We are waiting to see which one we will be wearing... so just wait on this.

It was suggested, and I think it is a fantastic idea, that if you or family members were or are planning on buying uniform items as Christmas gifts etc... to get Scout Shop gift cards instead. That way, when we do get the final word.. you can purchase the right stuff.

MEDICAL FORMS and NATIONAL REGISTRATION.
You all are doing a great job of getting this done. There are still a handful of youth that are not registered with National. Please get this completed in the next week or so. Your medical form is generated from this registration.
ONCE you get the Medical form, please get the physical completed. The physicals all need to be turned in No later than FEBRUARY 1st to the Scoutmaster. I have got to get them into Council in February and they need to be checked.

ALL CONTINGENT MEETING
Don't forget, we have the mandatory All contingent meeting on November 7th. We ask that every one check in at 9:00 AM. Look for our Troop and check in there. One of the Troop leaders from 720 will be there to check you in. So just look for us. We will all be sitting together and will be together all day.
Be sure to be in your FULL Scout uniform on the 7th. Bring your lunch too.

PATCHES
We got to see all the patches tonight at the meeting. They look fantastic!!! You all will be getting an order form at the All Contingent meeting!

FUNDRAISING ALL NIGHT GAME PARTY
November 20th there will be an all night "lock in" fundraiser. I will give more information about this at the All contingent meeting.

I am soooooo pumped up to go to Jamboree!!! I am glad to have all of you in our Troop and promise you the best time you have ever had in Scouting!!!


Have a Great Scouting Day!
Mr. Schleining
Scoutmaster

Sunday, October 4, 2009

First Troop gathering


Thanks to everyone that showed up for the first Troop 720 gathering! It was great to meet all of you.
Like I said.. we are in for one cool adventure. I look forward to getting to know all of you and becoming life long friends.
This adventure will be one that we will all have to share for the rest of our lives.

A couple reminders from today's super long talk..
Please complete the online National registration. You can do that here .
Once that is done, and they email you the medical form. See your Doctor and turn in the Med form to me.
November 7th is the All contingent meeting. It is mandatory. Look for me and the Assistants. We will be together all day for that. Don't forget to bring your lunch.

Again.. It was great to meet all of you, I look forward to meeting the rest of the Troop.

Have a Great Scouting Day!
Mr. Schleining
Scoutmaster

Sunday, September 27, 2009

First Troop Gathering

TROOP 720 will be holding its first Troop gathering on OCTOBER 4th, 2009 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Gresham.  The Gathering will start at 1:00 PM and last about an hour and half to two hours.
The Address to the hall is:
233 NW 1st St.  Gresham, OR 97030.
At this meeting we will be getting to know one another and presenting a lot of information about where we are on the journey of a life time.
We will have plenty of time to answer any questions that you may have.
We would love to see all of the Scouts that are assigned to Troop 720 at the gathering along with their parents.
We look forward to meeting all of you and taking this next step closer to Virginia and the National Jamboree.
Get Pumped up.. we are in for the time of our lives!

Have a Great Scouting Day!
Mr. Schleining
Scoutmaster

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Troop 720

The Troop has a full Roster!!!  YEEEHAAWW!
And so it really begins.  
We will be having an informal gathering coming up real soon.  We have lots of answers to the questions that I know you all have.
Stay tuned and come back to this site for updates and information.
WELCOME TO TROOP 720... We are going to have a Ball at JAMBO!!!

Have a Great Scouting Day!

Jerry Schleining Jr.
Scoutmaster

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Special Fundraising Opportunity

Popcorn Fundraising Opportunity for Jamboree Scouts!
Any Scout signed up to attend the 2010 National Jamboree can receive an additional 15% commission on their fall popcorn sale.
To qualify, Jamboree Scouts must do the following:
1. Notify the council of your intent to sell popcorn. Please send an e-mail to jarvis@cpcbsa.org or give Dave Jarvis a call at 503-225-5721
2. Participate in the fall 2009 Popcorn Sale.
3. At the conclusion of the sale you must send to Dave Jarvis the following.
A. A record of your sales for the 2009 Popcorn Sale

B. Complete the “Jamboree Popcorn Sale Commission Bonus” information sheet. (this form will be sent to you after you declare your intent to participate)


The 15% bonus commission will apply to the sales in the Show-N-Sell, Take Order and Online Popcorn, sales programs.
If your troop is not selling popcorn this year, individual Jamboree Scouts can still participate. Please contact me so we can get you set up.
It is the hope of the council that this will give Scouts attending Jamboree a better chance at raising the funds required to attend this once-in-a-lifetime Scouting experience.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to give me a call or drop me an e-mail.

Dave Jarvis
Development Director
Popcorn Advisor
Cascade Pacific Council, B.S.A.
503-225-5721
djarvis@cpcbsa.org

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

National Applications

Please, if you have not already done so visit the National Website and fill out the National Jamboree application.  You all should have received a letter with instructions to do so and how to do it.  This needs to be done as soon as possible.   There are many Jamboree functions that count on this application being completed.
The new Jamboree medical forms will be sent to the individual Scouts.  These forms will be generated from the application.  
Once your application is completed you must turn it in to one of the Scout leaders from the Jamboree Troop.
We need to turn it in the council for you.
Thanks for your cooperation in this matter.

Have a great Scouting Day!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Council Jamboree Newsletter

Our troop will be coming out with a newsletter real soon... but the Council contingent has a newsletter.  Here is a link to the First edition.


Have a Great Scouting Day!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Looking at 90

Here is a quick look at the next 90 days:
August-  Leaders meeting
              - Troop "Get to know you BBQ" Location, Date, and Time to be announced.
September- Leaders meeting
October- Leaders meeting
               - Check the site for information about All contingent meeting in November.
Have a Great Scouting Day!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Logo

So whats with the Light house and the First Aid merit Badge?
Well... this year the Jamboree committee looked at the themes of Jamboree and came up with Advancement and Landmarks.  These will appear on our JSP (Jamboree Shoulder Patch).  Our Troop will wear the Cape Meres Lighthouse, on the patch will appear the First Aid Merit Badge.
Troop 720 is in one of three groups.  The Groups that make up the contingent.  The border of our patch will be Red signifying the group we are in.  The red border Troops represent "Service".
The picture attached to this post is a draft of what our JSP will look like.
We will talk more about patches and how we will be getting them soon.
Again, this is going to be great!!!
Have a Great Scouting Day!

Time is running - 2010 Jamboree

Monday, July 13, 2009

Welcome to the Jambo Troop 720 website

On behalf of the entire Leadership team for Jamboree Troop 720, Cascade Pacific Council Contingent, I would like to welcome you to the Troop and to the site.
The intent of this site will be to communicate with all the members of the Troop giving them up to date information and news.  
This, coupled with our news letter and regular meetings will ensure effective communications for this once in a life time experience.
I can not tell you how excited I am to have been chossen to lead this Troop to the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America's National Jamboree.
I look forward to meeting you all and having the adventure of a life time!
Book mark this site and check it often, we will be updating as we get information, posting event information and news.. and oh yeah.. show everyone the fun we are having on the way to Jamboree!
Have a Great Scouting Day!