ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have an item you would like to appear here, please send it to the Webmaster Glen Gray Update - posted 02/23     The truck we rented to bring our gear up to the cabin may not be available due to the snow/ice that is expected this week. This means we may have to carry the gear up to the cabin ourselves. All patrols should make sure that they are only bringing the necessary equipment they need from their patrol boxes. It will make carrying gear up to the cabin easier. If you have a plastic sled or toboggan that you can bring you can use that to pull the gear up to the cabin. We will be hiking during the weekend and have outside activities so make you have the proper gear with you to spend time outdoors including the proper footwear for snow/ice. . There will be a shakedown for all scouts below first class at the troop meeting tomorrow night. Glen Gray Camping Trip - posted 02/10 Our next troop outing will be at the end of February to Glen Gray in Mahwah, New Jersey. The PLC have already worked on the trip plan and have some fun activities planned for the weekend!  Glen Gray Campout Mahwah, New Jersey February 26 – February 28, 2010   Camping Fee: $15 Food Fee: Cost for food to be determined by Patrol.  Transportation to and from the Glen Gray Camping facility is the sole responsibility of the Scout / Scouts family. Dinner on Friday should be eaten at home prior to arriving Glen Gray. Permission slip available in email from Scoutmaster. The permission slip and fee are due no later than February 19th. So please make sure you hand it in on time if you plan on going. Happy President's Day - posted 02/10 Presidents Day was originally designated in honor of George Washington's birthday and is still legally called "Washington's Birthday." The first president of the United States was born on February 22, 1732.  Presidents Day is a good chance to learn more about American History, civic responsibility and even U.S. Geography. For more info: Click the  links on Scouting, Patriotism and the American Presidents: How Scouting Strengthens America Boy Scouts - The First Decade President's Day Info and Links Polar Bear Update! - posted 01/25 We will be meeting out at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp Friday night at 7:30pm.  We will meet in the parking lot. Once everyone is there we will proceed to our campsite.  Please be on time getting to Camp. Scouts should have dinner at home before arriving at camp. The race on Sunday will take place at 10:00. Parents are invited to come out and watch the boys race.  If you do not come out for the race please be at the camp no later than 12:00 on Sunday. The weather is looking like it will be COLD at night,. Nighttime temps are expected to be around 18 degrees.  Please make sure your son has the proper clothing with him for the weekend. That means nice warm layers he can add on or take off if need be. Also the proper sleeping bag to sleep in. A sleeping bag used in summer is not meant for winter camping. Dressing in layers is the key to keeping warm in the winter. Good winter wear includes: polypropylene undergarments or long johns, Fleece shirts or jackets to wear under and a winter coat. Plus hats and gloves.  NO SNEAKERS! Sneakers will not keep your feet warm in the winter. All scouts should wear boots to protect their feet. Even though we will be doing a shakedown on Wednesday for those under First Class please make sure you review what your son has packed for this campout.   For more tips - Click  Safe Winter Camping Historic Merit Badges Program - posted 01/25 In honor of the BSA’s 100th Anniversary, today’s generation of Scouts will get the unique opportunity to experience some of the activities their predecessors enjoyed. That’s possible thanks to the BSA’s new Historical Merit Badge Program, a set of four discontinued merit badges that today’s Scouts can earn. Boys can earn any or all of these merit badges: Signaling First offered in 1910 and discontinued in 1992. Sample requirements: build a simple buzzer or blinker capable of sending Morse code messages, and send a message of at least 35 words; send and receive messages using semaphore flags at a rate of at least 30 letters per minute. Tracking First offered in 1911 (as Stalker merit badge) and discontinued in 1952. Sample requirements: recognize the tracks of 10 different animals; give evidence to show you have tracked at least two different kinds of birds or animals, documenting their speed and direction. Pathfinding First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952. Sample requirements: be able to guide people to important places within a three-mile radius of your home; submit a scale map of your community. Carpentry First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952. Sample requirements: demonstrate the use of tools, such as a miter and bevel; build a simple piece of furniture for use at home. Sounds like a blast, right? But there’s one catch: Boys must start and finish all requirements within the year 2010. So if your guys built furniture for their patrol kitchen at last year’s summer camp, they can’t use that product for the Carpentry merit badge. And don’t delay—after Dec. 31, 2010, these merit badges will go back on the “retired” list. Click the link below to see the requirements for earning these historic merit badges. As soon as a list of counselors are available we will let the boys know. In the meantime any interested Scout can begin working on them if you like. Click here: Historic Merit Badge Requirements To see all merit badge requiremetns click here: All Merit Badge Requirements Centennial events notice!. - posted 01/18 There is still another once in a lifetime chance to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Scouting. If you are interested in applying to attend the parade please read the attached flyer and application. Link: Centennial Celebration Parade Information BSA to sponsor Indy Car - posted 01/18 Check out this link. The BSA will have it's own Indy car this year. Perhaps you can post some on the troop's website about it. Link: BSA Indy Motorsports Troop Election Results are In - posted 01/18 The Troop has decided and a Senior Patrol Leader has been selected Congratulations to Joey.  Keep up the Good Work! New Troop Calendar is now available - posted 01/18 Click below to download your copy of the new Troop Calendar. We suggest you print a copy and keep it in your Scouting Handbook at all times. Patrol elections are this week! Be There and excercise your vote! Link: Troop Calendar January 2010 New pictures added to the photo gallery. - posted 01/12 The Knights Patrol has shared some pictures from their last patrol meeting. They are now viewable in the Troop Photo Gallery. If you don't have the access password for the picture gallery, contact your scoutmaster, patrol leaders or the webmaster. To visit the Troop photo gallery - click here New Rank Requirements are now in effect  - posted 01/11 The additional new rank requirements for 2010 are now in effect. Any Scout working on rank advancement must make sure they complete the new 2010 additional requirements as well as those that were added in 2008. Unless you have a brand new Scout handbook these requirements are not listed in them. You are still required to complete them. Parents - Please print out a copy of the attached file and give it to your son to put in his Scout handbook.  Click the link: New BSA requirements Jewish Committee on Scouting - Schedule Update -  - posted 01/11 Please see the linked PDF file for an update on upcoming acitivities for all Scouts sponsored by the Jewish Committee on Scouting. This update includes information regarding: Jewish Scout Sabbaths Cub religious award workshop Awards Breakfast, Conclave Tzofim advance notice Northeast region annual JCOS meeting. Link: JCOS Acitivity Calendar update More Polar Bear Information  - posted 01/08 As mentioned previously, the District Polar Bear Event will be taking place the end of the month. The boys decided that they would like to stay in a cabin for the weekend. Cabin assignments are based on a lottery system so we may or may not get one. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Click here for the Polar Bear Permission Slip The signed permission slip is due back to me no later  than January 20th. In order to register the Troop we need a headcount of who is going. I've heard from some off but not all of you if your son is planning on attending Polar Bear. Please contact Mr. Martino via email if your son is (or is not) planning on attending this great event. Time is running out to register so we need to know ASAP. Troop Elections - posted 01/06 On Weds., January 13th we will begin the Troop Election process. On the 13th the troop will elect the Senior Patrol Leader. Any scout who is First Class or Above and has held a prior position as SPL, ASPL, PL or APL is eligible to run for Senior Patrol Leader.  If you qualify and would like to run for the position of SPL please prepare a little speech to give to the Troop on the 13th. As you know the SPL appoints who he would like to have as his Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. You must be First Class or above in rank. If you are interested in applying for this position you should also prepare a little speech to give to the newly elected Senior Patrol leader. On Weds., January 20th the boys will be electing their Patrol Leaders. After the election,the Patrol leaders will appoint who he would like as his Assistant Patrol Leader. After the Patrol leaders and Assistants are chosen the Senior Patrol Leader will appoint the other positions available in the Troop. So anyone interested in one of those position should be prepared to explain their qualifications and/or motivation to the Senior Patrol Leader. These next 2 meetings are very important meetings as you determine the troop leadership. Troop 174 is a boy lead troop and your vote is important. The selection of the Senior Patrol leader and Patrol leader will help guide the direction the troop will take in the upcoming year. You should make every effort possible not to miss the meeting on the 13th and 20th. If anyone cannot make the meeting and you are interested in running for a position please send an e-mail to Mr.Martino with the position you would like to apply for and send me a copy of your speech. Click the following links for additional information:: Troop Positions Guide Troop Positions Guide - Short Version District Polar Bear Event is coming! - posted 01/06 The Matinecock district will be holding it's annual Polar Bear event the weekend of January 29-31st. The Troop needs to register for this great event very soon. We need to get a headcount of what Scouts and leaders will be attending the event so campsites can be assigned. The cost for registration is $10 and is non-refundable.  Please notify Mr. Martino by no later than Friday January 8th if you plan on going to Polar Bear. This will be a great event where the boys can use and show off the skills they have learned and have alot of fun doing it. We hope to see everyone attend the event and let's show the Matiecock district what a great Troop we have.   Volunteers needed / Community Service opportunity: - posted 12/28 We have received a request asking for volunteers to help pack care packages for U.S. soldiers overseas. Jacob’s Light Foundation puts care packages together for our soldiers overseas in memory of Pvt. Jacob Fletcher.  Items can be dropped off at the Brentwood American Legion Hall, volunteer information desk in the Pavilion lobby from Monday, January 4 thru Friday, January 15. Items requested include ChapStick, magazines (e.g. Men’s Health, Golf, National Geographic, etc.) and letters of appreciation from our staff.  The donated items are packed for shipment overseas on the last Tuesday of every month.  The Jacob's Light Foundation would love to have volunteers for their January 26packing, which begins at 6:45pm at the Brentwood American Legion Hall, 198 1st Street, in Brentwood.   For more information on the Jacob's Light Foundation - click the link What a better way to start the New Year and Do A Good Turn for those soldiers who are away from home overseas. I hope to see everyone there, even if you can only give a hour of time. If you will be attending this worthwhile event, please remember to wear your Class A uniform. If you plan to attend this community service event, please contact Mr. Martino via email. The Catholic Committee on Scouting has two upcoming events: - posted 12/16 Advent Celebration: Saturday, November 28th, 9:00-11:30 a.m. at St Joseph's Church, Ronkonkoma. Cost: $10 per family of two. $2 for each additional family member. This will include an Advent calendar craft activity for each family. Snack and drink will also be provided.  Please see the flyer for registration details.  You are requested to register by November 22nd so that we can be sure we have enough supplies for everyone. Click the link for details. Flyer International Peace Light Distribution Service: Sunday, December 13th, Service begins promptly at 3:30p.m. at Christ the King Church, Commack.  Bring your lantern to receive the Peace Light.  A limited amount of lanterns will be available for purchase.   The International Peace Light is a symbol of international peace and unity. Each year, a child from Upper Austria fetches the light - a live flame- from the Grotto of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.  The light is then transported to Vienna, Austria under the auspices of the International Scouting Movement. In recent years it has also been brought to the United States.  The aim of the Peace Light is to encourage everyone, especially Scouts, to actively create peace in their own environment and communities.  Click the link for details. Flyer Scout Sabbath and Scout Sunday Calendar has been updated - posted 12/15 Click the link - Scout Sabbath and Scout Sunday Calendar Troop Calendar has been updated - posted 12/15  Click the link - Troop Events Calendar 2009-2010 Day Event this Saturday Dec 19th at West Hills. - posted 12/15 Even though the West Hills campout for the weekend of December 18th has been cancelled we will still be holding a day event on Saturday December 19th at West Hills from 12pm-4pm. The boys will be brushing up/practicing the skills needed for the upcoming Klondike in January and taking a hike if time allows.   Lunch will not be provided so make sure your soon eats lunch before arriving at the park. Boys should be in uniform and bring a daypack with water and a healthy snacks and their scout handbook.   Remember it's winter and dress in layers to stay warm during the day. We will meet in the parking lot of the West Hills park entrance that is off Round Swamp Road.   A revised permission slip for the event is available here: Permission Slip Please return the permission form at Weds. Troop meeting.. If you are not going to be at the meeting on Wednesday and want to go please bring the filled out form with you on Saturday.  Trip to  Island Rock on December 9th - posted 11/07 On December 9th instead of a regular troop meeting the troop will be going back to Island Rock. For those new to the Troop Island Rock is a indoor rock climbing facility located in Plainview. And it's alot of fun! This outing is open to all registered scouts within the Boy Scout's family and adults. The cost per child is $21. Adults climb for free! The permission slip and waiver can be found by clicking here - Permission Slip & Waiver Every person planning on climbing that night needs to fill out and sign the waiver. Deadline for handing in the paperwork and fees is November 13th. We need to give Island Rock a headcount well before the event so we must stick to the deadline. Make sure to check out their website at: http://www.islandrock.net/ Troop Outing to Manhattan - posted 11/07 On Nov 21st Troop 174 is taking over Manhattan. The troop will be visiting the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, South Street Seaport and more! Price of the trip includes Round trip train fare, entrance to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island as well as cost of the subway.  Parents are welcome to join us for a fun day in the city. A permission slip for the trip can be found by clicking here: Link. Deadline for handing in the permission slip and fees is November 13th.   If you cannot get the Permission slips and fees to me at a troop meeting they can be dropped off at the Scoutmaster's home or  can be mailed to his home address. Den Chief Training - November 14th! - posted 11/07 If any scouts are interested in becoming a Den Chief the next scheduled training class is November 14th.  A Den Chief is a Boy Scout who assists a Cub Scout or Webelos Scout den. A role model for the boys in the den & the pack, he promotes Scouting and facilitates the transition of Cub Scouts into the Boy Scout program. The Den Chief understands the Cub Scouting program and the differences between it & the Boy Scout program. A Boy Scout who completes this training session will be more effective in his Den Chief position by having a clear understanding of his role & responsibilities as well as that of the Den Leader. This is a position of responsibility and it can fulfill requirements for Boy Scout advancement with the Scoutmaster’s approval. Click the link for the registration flyer if you are interested in attending the training session. The training is worthwhile whether or not your son decides to be a Den Chief. It provides all participants with a great understanding of the Scouting program. Mark Your Calendars - Scout Skating Day in December! - posted 10/09 Are you interested in participating in a Scout Skating Day on Tuesday December 29th from 10am-noon.  Suffolk County BSA Council has been contacted by The Rinx in Hauppauge about having a Scout Skating Day event on Tuesday, December 29 from 10am - Noon.  The event would be open to all Scouts, siblings, friends, Girl Scouts, and family. Tickets would be $10 per person if  purchased in advance by December 23 at the service center in Medford and will include entry and skate rental. Otherwise at the door the day of the event they would be $12.00. If you are interested in ice skating over the holiday break, please conact: If you and your family/friends are interested in going please contact:: Lauren For more information on The Rinx at Hauppauge - click here Community Service Opportunity - posted 10/38  Our charter organization, the YMCA of Huntington has requsted scout help with an upcoming event. Food Drive at the Huntington YMCA  Date: November 21  Time: 8:30am - 11:30am Contact Diane Cowitt 421-4242 ext 113 Please remember to notify the Scoutmaster if you intend to go and volunteer this event so we can update your service records.  Scouts particpating should wear full Class A uniforms A Scout is Reverent. - posted 09/30 The Troop offers congratulations to: Ryan B, Chris G, Gareth G and Matt R for earning the  The Ad Altare Dei emblem at the 52nd Annual Boy Scout Convocation that was held at the St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. For pictures, visit the photo gallery. First Fall Campout - Blydenburgh County Park - posted 09/30 When: Weekend of October 23rd. Where: Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown We have a fun filled weekend planned for the Scouts with hiking, skill competitions and maybe some geocaching. It will be the perfect opportunity for the younger scouts to practice their skills and maybe even get some of the outdoor requirements such as animal and plant identification completed. The fall is the perfect time of the year to campout. Permission slips are now PAST DUE! It is important that we get the permission slips back from all those going on the campout no later than Wed September 30th so we can get a headcount and make the reservation. The Troop will be camping by patrol and each patrol will come up with their own menu and the cost of food will be determined by each patrol. Please remember that a Scout is THRIFTY and food for the weekend should not run more than $10-$15 per person. Popcorn Fundraiser is now underway! - posted 09/30 Popcorn fundraiser forms and money envelopes were distributed to the boys a few weeks ago. The Scouts have great plans for the coming year and we will need to do some fundraising to achieve our goals. Boys can also earn towards their own BSA accounts for camp, etc. Not only good for the Troop, but a great SNACK too! If you need extras please email me and I will get additional forms to you. Popcorn orders and money are due back to Dawn Gaurnera on Wednesday, October 28. 2010 Rank Requirements Update from BSA! - posted 09/06 The centennial edition of the Boy Scout Handbook will soon be available, and with the new handbook come several rank requirement changes that will be in effect as of January 1, 2010. All scouts should be aware of these changes. To see the changes, click the link: New Rank Requirements - BSA 2010 Troop Meeting Schedule Changed! - posted 09/06 With school starting, there is no troop meeting during the week following Labor Day! Troop meetings will go back to being held on Wednesdays beginning September 16th. The meetings will once again take place at Boyd Elementary School starting at 7:00pm. Please remember that we will be back to full Class A uniforms for the meetings. Beach Jam Permission Slips are due! - posted 09/06 The permission slips and fees for Beach Jam are due at the meeting on the 16th. If you cannot make the meeting please feel free to drop off the form and fees with the Scoutmaster. You should call or email him at: Scoutmaster Click the links for more information: Beach Jam 2009 brochure Beach Jam Permission Slip New Scout Award - posted 09/06 There is a new award the Scouts can earn in conjunction with the 100 years of scouting celebration. You can review the requirements for the award. Link Or download them directly from here: Award PDF Upcoming opportunities from the Catholic Committee on Scouting. - posted 09/06 BOY SCOUT CONVOCATION - September 20, 2009 The 52nd Annual Boy Scout Convocation will be held at Saint Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on Sunday, September 20, 2009. The Convocation will begin at 2:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. Bishop Peter Libasci will preside. The Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII Emblems will be presented to those scouts who have completed the requirements during the past year. All scouts planning to complete these emblems are urged to attend. 2009 CATHOLIC BOY SCOUT RETREAT - September 26-27, 2009 The Annual Catholic Boy Scout Retreat (Theme: You Will Be My Witness) will be conducted by the Catholic Committee on September 26-27, 2009 at Cathedral Pines, Middle Island. Fee: $25.00 includes: bagel breakfast, lunch, dinner and cracker barrel on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning, special retreat patch and all camping fees. Late registration is $30.00 Saturday’s full day Program will be followed by Mass and evening festivities. All patches and medical forms will be distributed after Sunday's Closing Ceremonies and check-out (sorry, NO exceptions.)The retreat promises to offer great fun and fellowship. It will also assist those working on the Ad Altare Dei Religious Emblem. For more information and to register please see the attached file that includes all necessary forms. You may also contact the Diocesan Scouting Office at 516-678-5800, ext 245 or scouting@drvc.org INTERNATIONAL PEACELIGHT Distribution of the International Peacelight is tentatively scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on December 13th at Christ the King Church, Commack. More details to follow. BOY SCOUT RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS Scouts planning to receive the Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII Religious Emblems at the 2010 Boy Scout Convocation should begin their work as soon as possible for completion by May 1, 2010. Candidates for the Ad Altare Dei Emblem MUST HAVE COMPLETED the SIXTH grade and be active in their troop for six months before beginning this program. Candidates for the Pope Pius XII Emblem MUST HAVE BEGUN NINTH grade to begin work on the program. Female members of a Venturing Crew may earn the Pope Pius XII Emblem. RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS COUNSELOR Interested in becoming a religious emblems counselor? Contact Mary Bishop at applepicky@aol.com. The VIRTUS Program, "Protecting God's Children", is provided by the Diocese of Rockville Center. To register for one of the scheduled sessions, go to http://www.drvc.org and click on “Virtus Training Calendar”, Click on " Start Registration". Check our website for news about upcoming events: Catholic Committee on Scouting / Suffolk 2010 Jamboree Registration is Filling Up! - posted 03/20 The 2010 Scout Jamboree is scheduled for: July 26th thru August 4th, 2010 Nestled in the rolling green hills of Virginia, close to our nation’s capital, Fort A.P. Hill lies near many historical Civil War landmarks. This 76,000-acre facility has hosted the national Scout jamboree since 1981. The Boy Scouts of America uses approximately 3,000 acres of land to support a city of more than 43,000 Scouts and leaders. For more information on this exciting event - Click here: Link Scout Jamboree brochure - Click the Link IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR ALL INTERESTED SCOUTS! Registrations for the 2010 Jamboree are continuing to come in on a regular basis and about 75% of the youth spots available have been filled. There are less than 40 spaces remaining. If any Scouts in your units are interested in attending they should not wait to register as the remaining openings are expected to go quickly and the provisional Troops for the Jamboree will most likely be formed in April. After the Troops are formed it may be more difficult to place boys from the same Troop or community with others from the same. For more information on local registration please go to the Council web site : District Council Website then Go to the link for the Jamboree on the Special Events page. Registrations must be submitted by an adult vial the My Scouting portal with a $10 registration fee followed by submission of a $100 deposit and the registration form signed by the boys Scoutmaster. If you have any questions please feel free to Mike Kramer. Long Island Bikeways and Trailways Map are now available - posted 03/15 Free copies of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Long Island Bikeways and Trailways Map are now available to the public. This comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian map, produced by NYSDOT Region 10, Long Island, provides information about the hundreds of miles of biking and walking facilities throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as safety guidelines, shared-path/route/trailway descriptions, bicycling and pedestrian resources, related transit and Long Island Rail Road stations with enclosed bike lockers.Copies of this map may be obtained by either calling Long Island Transportation Management at 877-4COMMUTE or e-mailing Ann at LITM directly. New BSA Medical form and FAQ - posted 02/24 The following are links to the new BSA Medical Form and some FAQs about it. Please share this information. Click the links below or download the FAQ directly. Medical Form formatted for 8.5 x 11 inch paper - Link Medical Form formatted for 11x17 inch paper - Link BSA Medical FAQ.pdf HIKING Opportunities for SCOUTS - posted 02/15 Attached is a flyer from the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference Take a look for some great opportunities for hiking right here on Long Island Click the LINK New Patrol Page Added - Visit the Timberwolves: posted 01/25 The Timberwolves patrol page has been added to the Troop web. Visit them here - Timberwolves Patrol Page Boy Scout Jamboree 2010: posted 01/24It may seem a bit early to start planning for the National BSA Jamboree, but we want to be prepared! Mark Your Calendars! July 26th thru August 4th, 2010 Nestled in the rolling green hills of Virginia, close to our nation’s capital, Fort A.P. Hill lies ear many historical Civil War landmarks. This 76,000-acre facility has hosted the national Scout jamboree since 1981. The Boy Scouts of America uses approximately 3,000 acres of land to support a city of more than 43,000 Scouts and leaders. For more information on this exciting event - Click here: Link Scout Jamboree brochure - Click the Link Elwood Road Clean-Up Schedule for 2008-09: posted 11/04 Mr. Dora has asked that we post the following dates set for the Troop 174 service patrol Elwood Road clean-up schedule for the 2008-09 school year. Please note that there is no road cleanup durig December and January. Patrol Leaders and Scouts please note the following dates: Sunday, November 16th Saturday, February 7th Saturday, April 18th Sunday May 3rd Sunday, June 7th

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