Last week we had a fantastic time learning first aid, then having some rousing games with water-balloons and frisbees.  On Saturday, the Troop held its annual planning event.  Scouts planned events throughout 2020.  Annual planning has multiple benefits.  First, annual planning helps improve overall satisfaction with the Troop 281 program, since it serves as an opportunity for Scouts and families to submit ideas and give guidance for next year’s activities.  Next, annual planning helps the Troop to be organized and do the advanced work that is needed for the outings that Scouts want to take.  Finally, annual planning helps Scouts understand the power of setting goals, and lets them understand first hand how to plan to achieve long range goals.  Overall, the planning session was very successful.  If you want to know more about the plan, we will bring the plan to an upcoming Troop committee meeting.

8/20/19 Court of Honor.  On 8/20/19 we will hold a Court of Honor to celebrate the great achievements of our Scouts throughout the Summer.  The Court of Honor will be at our Summer Location, Christ the King Lutheran Church, at 5811 Walnut Avenue, Orangevale.  The Court of Honor starts at 7:00pm.  Families should come to cheer for their Scout, as we congratulate them for their achievements.

Family Camp will be 9/27 through 9/29.  Scouts and families are encouraged to sign-up early on the Troop 281 website so we have a good idea of how many are planning to attend.  Webelos families should email Scoutmaster Block at CarlTroop281@gmail.com to RSVP.

Family Camp is September 27 - 29.

Webelos are Encouraged to Attend!

Scouts will arrive Friday, 9/27.  Webelos should arrive Saturday 9/28

Location: SMUD Campground in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area

Troop 281 Members should RSVP on the Troop 281 website.  Webelos families should  Email Scoutmaster Block at CarlTroop281@gmail.com to RSVP.  Parents and siblings are welcome (it is after all, family camp)

Cost is only $20 per scout + parent, or $30 per family

Why should you attend?  Because it will be Fun!  The SMUD Campground is a well maintained campground, with electricity, restrooms, showers, and access to the lake.  There are outstanding mountain biking and hiking opportunities around the campground.  Webelos will have the opportunity to work on an activity badge.  

August 8, 6:00 p.m. at 10577 Coloma Rd Rancho Cordova (Cordova Church of Christ).  This is an important 1 hour meeting for Life Scouts AND their parent to learn what the current District requirements are for planning and carrying out your Eagle Project.  If you are a Life Scout or Parent of one please  contact Kimberly Husted (Life Coach for T281) at kh7trustee@gmail.com or call/text 916-730-7886.  I‘m available to meet with Scouts and parents who are looking for tips for organizing to achieve Eagle rank.

The Merit Badge Counselor is a key player in the Boy Scout advancement program. Whatever your area of expertise or interest—whether it is a special craft or hobby (basketry, leatherwork, coin collecting), a profession (veterinary medicine, aviation, engineering), or perhaps a life skill (cooking, personal management, communications)—as a Merit Badge Counselor, you can play a vital role in stirring a young man's curiosity about that particular topic. By serving as a Merit Badge Counselor, you offer your time, knowledge, and other resources so that Scouts can explore a topic of interest.

On February 1, 2019, Scouts BSA was launched.  Scouts BSA is a year-round program for youth in fifth grade through high school that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves.  In Scouts BSA, young men and women go places, test themselves, and have one-of-a-kind adventures that can’t be found anywhere else.  For the first time in its 100+ year history, the iconic program of the Boy Scouts of America is open to young women as well as young men, all of whom will have the chance to earn Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.  Click here to learn more.  

• A Scout officially earns his rank when he successfully completes his Board of Review (“BOR”).
• BOR’s are arranged by the Advancement Chair, typically the night of the 1^st monthly Troop meeting
• Scouts, PLEASE request your BOR 5 days or more before it's scheduled!
• Troop BOR’s are comprised of 3-6 Troop Committee members. Members of the Scout’s family, the SM and ASM’s may not serve on a Scout’s BOR.

“Scout” is the only rank for which there is NO Board of Review. Eagle palms also do not require a BOR.