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!

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!