february 4, 2024

1. Troop Meeting - 2/5/24 at 7:00 pm.  Monday's meeting will focus on starting the geocaching merit badge (elective merit badge).  

Call for adults to help the Quartermasters at 6 pm 2/5/24!  To help the 2/12 shakedown go smoothly, we're calling for volunteers (adult and scout) to meet at 6 pm prior to the meeting on 2/5/24.  We're going to pull out both trailers and shift gear back to the adult trailer and take stock of tents, etc. before the Feb. campout.  If you are still in possession of a troop tent please bring it back tomorrow night!  

2. Patrol Leaders Council ("PLC") Meeting - Tues. 2/6/24 at 7:00 pm.   The meeting will be in room 232 (upstairs) in the Education Building (#5) at FUMC.  The code to get in the door is 1157#.  This is the first PLC meeting of the spring term following ILST in January.  If you hold a Troop leadership position (ASPL, Quartermaster, Troop Guide, Outdoor Ethics, etc.) or are a patrol leader please plan on attending.  PLC meetings are the first Tuesday of the month.

3. Super Bowl BBQ Fundraiser - Feb. 10-11.  

A. I'm asking all adults to share the attached flyer on your social media and at your workplaces if allowed.  We've only sold 25 party trays. As a Troop, each scout only pays a $25/year activity fee (the rest of your annual dues goes to BSA National).  Our BBQ fundraisers help keep the cost to each of you down.  We need your help to sell 75 more BBQ trays this week. 

B. Link to online store:  Home | Scout Troop 157 (square.site)

C. Last Day to Order is Friday Feb. 9th.

D. Sign-up Genius for adult volunteers:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F44AFAA2CA2F85-47424060-2024 

4. Last chance to volunteer for 2024 Scout Sunday!  Volunteers are eligible for service hours and will earn the Scout Sunday 2024 patch.  Please wear full Class A uniform.  Thank you to those who volunteered and attended the first Scout Sunday opportunity today at Palm Valley Lutheran Church.  Sunday Feb. 11th at First United Methodist Church (where we meet).  FUMC-RR has requested greeters and ushers for all 3 services on 2/11/24. Sign up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FA8AC2DAAFBC52-47311448-scout

5. Shake-down Meeting - 2/12/24 at 7:00 pm.  Each patrol will create a duty roster, select a grubmaster, plan their menus, and check their patrol gear.  Bring $15 cash to pay the grubmaster if you're attending this campout.

6. February Campout - Feb. 16-18, River Ranch Park.  Family Visitation at camp!  The Troop is camping at Williamson County's newest park off of Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill.  We're inviting all families (parents/siblings/grandparents, etc) to come visit anytime between 1 pm through evening dinner and campfire program.  Patrols will still carry out their normal cooking / k.p. duties.  

All visitors are welcome to eat evening dinner with the T157 adult patrol.  The Troop will provide the protein for visitors (hamburgers and hot dogs w/ buns, including vegetarian options) and all visitors are asked to bring a side / drinks / desserts.  Due to policy changes with Scouts BSA, visitors cannot camp overnight with the Troop unless you're registered with BSA and have completed Youth Protection Training.  

To get an accurate headcount for food purchasing, we need all visitors to use the google form.  Sign up here.

7.  Summer Camp 2024.  Worth Ranch - June 16-22, 2024.  Deadline to sign up AND DEADLINE TO PAY IS Feb. 19th.  Scouts are $345 and adults are $220. There is also an alternative program high adventure 50+ mile canoe trip available during the week for scouts 13+ and adults.  We owe payment to the camp by 2/28, or the cost goes up after that (late fees).  Merit badge selection will occur later this spring.  (Fun facts - Mr. Andrew Collins served on camp staff at Worth Ranch as a youth, and Worth Ranch was my first summer camp as a scout in the year 1988.)  The easiest way to pay is via Zelle.  Send money to: treasurer@troop157rr.org.  Put your scout's name in the description and say it's for summer camp 2024.  

8. Feb. swim test!  DATE CHANGE - Sat. Feb. 24th - 3 pm - 5 pm at Clay Madsen Rec. Center indoor pool.  We have a canoeing campout the weekend of March 1-3.  Remember, swim tests are good for 12 months.  If you did not pass your last swim test attempt or are new to the Troop and want to participate in the March canoeing campout, then you'll need to attend this swim test session.  Scouts that do not achieve "swimmer" status will be required to ride in a canoe with an adult.  Adults attending the canoeing campout - you must also pass the swim test if you want to participate in the canoeing campout.  If you're going to Sea Base this summer, please plan on attending whether your last swim test is valid or not.  This will be our first Sea Base crew meeting as well.

9. Climbing Tower and COPE Instructor Training - Classroom portion: 2/21: 7:00 pm - 9:15 pm, Tower Instruction: Fri. 2/23 - Sun. 2/25.  Our Troop likes to go climbing and rappelling - in fact we're going to do exactly that at Enchanted Rock in May 2024.  BUT, we need to grow our cadre of trained climbing instructors.  There is a training class coming up.  The Troop has a budget for adult training if you are interested.  The cost is $120.  Here is a link to the training sign-up Capitol Area Council - Tower Climbing Instructor Training/Prerequisite COPE for Training Class (scoutingevent.com)  You must take this course before you can sign up for the natural climbing instructor course (like what we're doing at E. Rock).

10. March Campout - Mar. 1-3, Colorado River Canoe Trip.  PARTICIPANTS MUST USE SIGN UP FORM - CANOE RENTALS / PARKING PERMITS REQUIRED.  This is a fun trip everyone.  We camp at Lost Pines on Friday night.  Early Saturday morning we check out the canoes and head up river about 15 miles northwest of Bastrop.  We canoe about half way on Saturday and camp at an island in the river affectionately known as "Boy Scout Island."  Then we break camp Sunday morning and canoe the remaining distance to the City Park in Bastrop.  Adults - you must have passed your swim test to attend.  Scouts - you must have passed your swim test within the last 12 months to ride in a canoe with another scout.  If you have not passed your swim test within the last 12 months, you must ride in a canoe with an adult.  This is a challenging campout - especially for first-year scouts.  The last time I did it, my canoe capsized w/ 2 scouts in it, and I wasn't the only boat to capsize.  If you have concerns please contact me.

Troop meeting on 2/19 will cover basics of canoeing (hint hint - see requirements for First Class on parts of a paddle, etc.) and how to pack for this "non-car-camping" experience.  Cooking will be done on an individual basis - think dehydrated backpacking meals and/or make your own easy to pack/make meals w/o refrigeration/coolers, etc.  We'll cover that at the meeting on 2/19 and part of shake down meeting on 2/26 as well. 

Sign up here.

11. Merit Badge University at University of Texas.  March 23, 2024.  Registration is open now through March 6, 2024.  Go to this site for all information concerning courses, price, etc.

January 28, 2024

Hello T157!  I hope everyone thawed out from the campout.  Not quite a polar bear patch weekend as the official Sunday morning temperature in camp was 37 degrees.  Congratulations to our 4 scouts who earned a new rank this weekend!  Here's what's on the docket:

1. Physical Fitness Merit Badge Kick off - 1/29/24 at 7:00 pm.  Monday's meeting will focus on starting the physical fitness merit badge (Eagle Scout required).  We'll need some adult volunteers to help the merit badge counselor, Mr. Muston, record results.  Our normal rule for the Monday meeting after a campout is that if you went camping you get to wear a Class B t-shirt to the meeting.  Since we'll be exercising at this meeting, I'm inviting all participants to wear a Class B t-shirt or other workout attire.  Parents - feel free to join in and participate in the exercise program with your scouts.  Don't make fun of the old guys (i.e. me) as I plan on being tested too and sharing my progress with the scouts each week to encourage them to keep up with their fitness log.

We also need some parent volunteers to pull out both the scout trailer and the adult trailer to do some gear shifting tomorrow night.

2. February Committee Meeting - Thursday 2/1/24 - 7:00 pm -8:30 pm.  The meeting will be in room 232 (upstairs) in the Education Building (#5) at FUMC.  The code to get in the door is 1157#.  Agenda to follow later this week.  Open to all adults.  There will be one Eagle Scout candidate presenting his project proposal this week for sure.

3. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - Scout Sunday(s)!  Volunteers are eligible for service hours and will earn the Scout Sunday 2024 patch.  Please wear full Class A uniform.

Sunday Feb. 4th at Palm Valley Lutheran Church (our chartered organization).  PVLC has requested Scouts to assist with their 9:30 am Rejoice! Contemporary service.  They need scouts willing to greet people at the main Christian Life Center doors and open the doors for people as they arrive, and to serve as inside greeters alongside our members and be ushers for the offering.  They have also requested for one or two older scouts to present the readings from the Old Testament and the New Testament.  To volunteer at PVLC, please email me.

Sunday Feb. 11th at First United Methodist Church (where we meet).  FUMC-RR has requested greeters and ushers for all 3 services on 2/11/24. Sign up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FA8AC2DAAFBC52-47311448-scout

4. Super Bowl BBQ Fundraiser - Feb. 10-11.  

A. Corrected BBQ fundraiser flyer is attached.  I'm asking all adults to share this flyer on your social media and at your workplaces if allowed.

  B.  We're selling Super Bowl BBQ Party Packs.  2-2.5 lbs. of brisket, 2-2.5 lbs. of shredded pork butt mixed w/ sauce, and 1.5-2 lbs. of bbq sausage with a loaf of white bread.  All of this can be yours for the low low price of $100.  (Comparable product at Rudy's is approximately $115).  Pick up will be on Super Bowl Sunday at American Legion Post 447 from 1 pm - 2:30 pm.

C.  We're only selling 100 party packs!  First-come, first-served.

D.  This is an ADULT fundraiser to raise funds for Troop operations/equipment.  I'll have a signup genius in the next few days.  I've mapped out the logistics and this will actually require less effort than our traditional BBQ fundraiser.

5. February Campout - Feb. 16-18, River Ranch Park.  Family Visitation at camp!  The Troop is camping at Williamson County's newest park off of Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill.  We're inviting all families (parents/siblings/grandparents, etc) to come visit anytime between 1 pm through dinner and campfire program.  Patrols will still carry out their normal cooking duties.  All visitors are welcome to eat with the T157 adult patrol.  The Troop will provide the protein for visitors (most likely hamburgers or some such) and all visitors are asked to bring a side / drinks / desserts.  Sign up sheet to come closer to the event.  Due to policy changes with Scouts BSA, visitors cannot camp overnight with the Troop unless you're registered with BSA and have completed Youth Protection Training.

6.  Summer Camp 2024.  Worth Ranch - June 16-22, 2024.  Deadline to sign up AND DEADLINE TO PAY IS Feb. 19th.  Scouts are $345 and adults are $220. There is also an alternative program high adventure 50+ mile canoe trip available during the week for scouts 13+ and adults.  We owe payment to the camp by 2/28, or the cost goes up after that (late fees).  Merit badge selection will occur later this spring.  (Fun facts - Mr. Andrew Collins served on camp staff at Worth Ranch as a youth, and Worth Ranch was my first summer camp as a scout in the year 1988.)

7. Feb. swim test!  Sunday Feb. 25th - 3 pm - 5 pm at Clay Madsen Rec. Center indoor pool.  We have a canoeing campout the weekend of March 1-3.  Remember, swim tests are good for 12 months.  If you did not pass your last swim test attempt or are new to the Troop and want to participate in the March canoeing campout, then you'll need to attend this swim test session.  Scouts that do not achieve "swimmer" status will be required to ride in a canoe with an adult.  Adults attending the canoeing campout - you must also pass the swim test if you want to participate in the canoeing campout.  If you're going to Sea Base this summer, please plan on attending whether your last swim test is valid or not.  This will be our first Sea Base crew meeting as well.

January 21, 2024

Lots to report this week, and there's more details for our new scouts/families, so here we go:

1. Shake down meeting - 1/22/24.  Monday's meeting will focus on shake down preparations for our Pioneering Merit Badge campout this weekend at Lost Pines Scout Reservation.  The sign up sheet is now live here.  The official roster will be created at our Troop meeting tomorrow night.  Each patrol will create a duty roster and do menu planning.  Our Troop Guides will work with the new scouts.  Please bring $15 cash for each person attending the campout (scouts and adults).  If you're new to Troop 157, please bring your BSA Medical Parts A&B, and new adults please also bring your YPT training certificate. 

2. Troop Store will be open during the meeting on 1/22/24.  Prices are:

• Troop T-shirts, $11/ea

• Hats, $10/ea

• Lost Boys (adult patrol) patch, $3/ea

• Exact change is appreciated

New scouts who just crossed over should stop by to receive their free Troop T-shirt (1 per scout).

3. January Campout - 1/26/24 - 1/28/24.  Meet at the church at 6:00 pm ready to go in Class A uniforms (scouts and adults).  As usual, eat dinner prior to your arrival as we will not be stopping for dinner or serving food Friday night.  Drivers please come with a full tank of gas.  Thank you to Mr. Bailey for volunteering to pull the trailer!  We will return to the church at 1:00 pm Sunday 1/28/24 for final roll call and equipment distribution.  Scouts aren't dismissed until the Troop gear is stored and troop tents are distributed for cleaning.  Scouts that have not earned First Class rank are required to sleep in a Troop tent.  Right now, it looks to be great camping weather.  Scouts camp rain or shine.  There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices!

4. Changes to Rank Requirements (and certain merit badges).  As of January 1, 2024, the following changes to Scouts BSA requirements become effective. Rank Requirements: There were minor changes to Scout (6), and Star (6). The Cyberchip has been phased out. Scouts should use the Personal Safety Awareness training at https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/scouts-bsa/ for both Scout and Star ranks. Eagle Palms: Scouts BSA will no longer have to wait three months between Eagle Palms. They will have to earn five additional merit badges, and live by the Scout Oath and Law.  There were also some major and minor changes to merit badges.  If you've already started working on a merit badge you may continue under the current version (or the version you started earning it under).  I've attached a PDF with all the details.

5. Jan. 29, 2024 Troop Meeting.  Personal Fitness Merit Badge.  The meeting will primarily focus on starting the Personal Fitness Merit Badge (required merit badge for Eagle rank).  Feel free to wear athletic or work out wear to the Troop meeting as there will be initial testing/recording of results.  Adults are welcome to join in too.  I plan on doing this with the Troop and challenging the Scouts to keep up with their fitness log over the spring semester.

6. Scout Sunday - times 2!  Volunteers are eligible for service hours and will earn the Scout Sunday 2024 patch.  Please wear full Class A uniform.

Sunday Feb. 4th at Palm Valley Lutheran Church (our chartered organization).  PVLC has requested Scouts to assist with their 9:30 am Rejoice! Contemporary service.  They need scouts willing to greet people at the main Christian Life Center doors and open the doors for people as they arrive, and to serve as inside greeters alongside our members and be ushers for the offering.  They have also requested for one or two older scouts to present the readings from the Old Testament and the New Testament.  To volunteer at PVLC, please email me.

Sunday Feb. 11th at First United Methodist Church (where we meet).  FUMC-RR has requested greeters and ushers for all 3 services on 2/11/24. Sign up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FA8AC2DAAFBC52-47311448-scout

7. Super Bowl BBQ Fundraiser - Feb. 10-11.  I'll have a separate marketing email tomorrow, but here are the essentials:

  A.  We're selling Super Bowl BBQ Party Packs.  2-2.5 lbs. of brisket, 2-2.5 lbs. of shredded pork butt mixed w/ sauce, and 1.5-2 lbs. of bbq sausage with a loaf of white bread.  All of this can be yours for the low low price of $100.  (Comparable product at Rudy's is approximately $115).  Pick up will be on Super Bowl Sunday at American Legion Post 447 from 1 pm - 2:30 pm.

B.  We're only selling 100 party packs!  First-come, first-served.

C.  This is an ADULT fundraiser to raise funds for Troop operations/equipment.  I'll have a signup genius in the next few days.  I've mapped out the logistics and this will actually require less effort than our traditional BBQ fundraiser.

D. The Troop is doing fine financially, but the committee is exploring completely moving our fundraiser from the fall (TX/OU weekend) to Super Bowl weekend because the fall is chock full of student fundraisers and we're all incredibly busy in the fall with band/sports, scouts, etc.  Plus it's better to be around hot smokers in winter!  This limited Super Bowl fundraiser is to help bridge our finances from Oct. 2024 (our usual fundraiser month) to Super Bowl 2025.

8. February Campout - Feb. 16-18, River Ranch Park.  Family Visitation at camp!  The Troop is camping at Williamson County's newest park off of Hwy. 29 in Liberty Hill.  We're inviting all families (parents/siblings/grandparents, etc) to come visit anytime between 1 pm through dinner and campfire program.  Patrols will still carry out their normal cooking duties.  All visitors are welcome to eat with the T157 adult patrol.  The Troop will provide the protein for visitors (most likely hamburgers or some such) and all visitors are asked to bring a side / drinks / desserts.  Sign up sheet to come closer to the event.  Due to policy changes with Scouts BSA, visitors cannot camp overnight with the Troop unless you're registered with BSA and have completed Youth Protection Training.

9. Feb. swim test!  Sunday Feb. 25th - 3 pm - 5 pm at Clay Madsen Rec. Center indoor pool.  We have a canoeing campout the weekend of March 1-3.  Remember, swim tests are good for 12 months.  If you did not pass your last swim test attempt or are new to the Troop and want to participate in the March canoeing campout, then you'll need to attend this swim test session.  Scouts that do not achieve "swimmer" status will be required to ride in a canoe with an adult.  Adults attending the canoeing campout - you must also pass the swim test if you want to participate in the canoeing campout.  If you're going to Sea Base this summer, please plan on attending whether your last swim test is valid or not.  This will be our first Sea Base crew meeting as well.

10. Camporee Date Change in April.  No sooner than we had completed our spring planning at ILST, the District changed the camporee date.  Our April campout will be the District Camporee, April 26-28, 2024 at Smilin' V Scout Ranch.  This backs up to our May campout at Enchanted Rock the following wekeend - hint hint 2 weekends in a row of camping.  Yesssssssssssss!

Make it a great week everyone!

Clint

January 7, 2024

1. USS Lexington Trip - Jan. 6-7.  We had a fun time down in Corpus Christi on The Blue Ghost, the USS Lexington, and everyone made it back safely.  If you camped this weekend on the ship, feel free to wear your Class B at tomorrow's Troop meeting.

2. TROOP MEETING; JAN 8, 7 PM.  Our first regular Troop meeting for 2024 will be tomorrow evening.  We'll be working on Pioneering merit badge in preparation for our January campout.

3. TROOP COMMITTEE MEETING; JAN 11, 7 PM All adults are welcome to come see some of the parent actions behind the curtain that help make the troop go. We have some open adult positions we are looking to fill. We'll see you in Building 5, Room 232 upstairs. The key pad code for the door is 1157# (KEEP IT SECRET!).

4. JANUARY ILST SIGN UP (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops).

ILST; JAN 12, 6 PM, BACK JAN 13, 1 PM | If you have a troop leadership position or are a patrol leader, plan to be at ILST, the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. It's the bi-annual leadership training and planning event where we'll eat well, have fun, learn some things about being a leader, and make tactical plans for this leadership term (through the end of the school year) and strategic plans for campouts a year out. Sign up now  for scouts expected to attend and adults looking to help out!

Jan. ILST will be held at Palm Valley Lutheran Church in their youth facility known as the "back porch".  This is NOT the church where we regularly meet, but it is the church that is our official chartering organization.  PVLC is located on Hwy. 79 east of A.W. Grimes Blvd. just past the Chick Fil A.  The "back porch" is a brick building behind PVLC with 2 large garage doors where they have youth lock-ins, etc.  All scouts attending ILST need to be dropped off and picked up directly from ILST at Palm Valley Lutheran Church.  The cost to attend is $5 per attendee.

EVERYONE! CONTRIBUTE IDEAS TO ILST | Part of the strategic planning at the January ILST is deciding where to camp and what to do during Spring of 2025. Everyone (adults too) is welcome to contribute ideas on this form before ILST on January 12th.

5. Volunteers needed at 2 Jan. crossovers!

Pack 165 is having 2 new scouts crossover at their Pack meeting on Mon. Jan. 8th. Thank you to those who volunteered to go to Pack 165 and accept these new scouts into our Troop!

Pack 304 is having a crossover ceremony at the Palm Valley Lutheran Church "back porch" on Sat. Jan. 13th at 2:00 pm.  We'll need 2 adults and a few scouts to be there to receive these new scouts.  Please email me if you can volunteer for the Pack 304 crossover.

Looking ahead at the rest of January:

Jan. 15 - NO Troop Meeting in honor of MLK, Jr. day

Jan. 22 - Shakedown meeting for January campout

Jan. 26-28 - January campout at Lost Pines - Pioneering Merit Badge

Jan. 29 - Troop Meeting - start of Physical Fitness merit badge

Make it a great week everyone!

Clint

Clint Alexander

Scoutmaster, Troop 157

DecemBER 31, 2023

It's the last day of what was a busy year for the troop, wrapping up with Winter Camp last week. Tomorrow starts a new busy year -- our first adventure is a crew heading down to the coast for a night on the Blue Ghost next weekend! 

No troop meeting this week -- we'll start back on January 8th. Here is a reminder of what's coming up:

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Jan 6-7 | USS Lexington Trip*

• Jan 8 | First troop meeting of 2024 with new leadership team. Program: Intro to Pioneering MB

• Jan 12-13 | ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops) All patrol leaders and scouts with troop leadership positions should plan to attend.

• Jan 15 | MLK Holiday, no troop meeting

• Jan 22 | Shakedown meeting

• Jan 26-28 | Pioneering campout @ Lost Pines

* Signup already closed for this event.

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Our new senior patrol leader is Tristan Collins! For more info on all of the leadership positions for the spring term, see the Troop Website: https://www.troop157rr.org/news#h.m9266ig8qb71

T157 2023 RECAP | This year has been another success for our troop with a mix of traditional activities and scout favorites, as well as some new adventures. Nine T157 scouts earned Scouting's highest rank of Eagle Scout, as well as 44 other rank advancements. Our scouts earned 230 merit badges and 47 awards ranging from Eagle Palms to the 50 Miler Award.

Leadership-wise, our spring leadership team was led by Senior Patrol Leader Micah Godfrey, and in the fall term SPL Jack Douglas led the troop and PLC. At the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) training/planning sessions in January and August, the Patrol Leaders Council planned troop meetings and camping plans for the coming year. 

Camping is always a highlight of our program: 

• January | Austin History Campout - Toured historic sites around Austin and camped at Camp Mabry.

• February | Backpacked 15 miles through Lost Maples State Natural Area

• March | Climbed and rappelled at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

• April | Rocked the District Camporee at Tahuaya Scout Camp

• May | Kayaked the San Marcos River and camped at the San Marcos River Retreat

• June | Sent a crew to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and attended summer camp at Wehinahpay Mountain Camp in New Mexico

• July & August | Took a breather from Camping

• September | Search & Rescue Campout @ Green Dickson Scout Camp

• October | Slogged through a muddy Webelos Woods @ Tahuaya

• November | Wilderness Survival in the forest of the Bamboo Farm

• December | First Aid & E-Prep Campout at Tahuaya and Winter Camp at Lost Pines

2024 Looking Ahead | We have a plan for a great year. Tristan Collins is taking over the leadership team as our Senior Patrol Leader and has a group ready to continue our boy-led troop tradition. Coming up this spring we have campouts planned like Pioneering at Lost Pines, canoeing the Colorado River, climbing at Enchanted Rock, and more. 

We'll also have some change in the adult volunteers with the troop. Clint Alexander is taking over as Scoutmaster with the new year and Russ Haecker is passing on the Committee Chair patch to Randy Hughes. Both will do a great job! 

The role of adults within our troop is critical for supporting our scouts to have the T157 program that our scouts plan and lead. Quick plug -- if you haven't been involved with the troop as an adult, make 2024 the year to get started. There are lots of ways to help out and you'll be supporting your son's development and will likely have a great time with some other quality parents. I'd recommend it!

Thanks!

DecemBER 17, 2023

No troop meeting this week. Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays so far and came home with something awesome from last week's white elephant gift exchange. Here is a reminder of what's coming up:

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Dec 18 & 25, Jan 1 | No troop meeting

• Dec 27-30 | Winter Camp*

• Jan 6-7 | USS Lexington Trip*

• Jan 8 | First troop meeting of 2024 with new leadership team. Program: Intro to Pioneering MB

• Jan 12-13 | ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops) All patrol leaders and scouts with troop leadership positions should plan to attend.

• Jan 15 | MLK Holiday, no troop meeting

• Jan 22 | Shakedown meeting

• Jan 26-28 | Pioneering campout @ Lost Pines

* Signups are already closed for these events.

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Our new senior patrol leader is Tristan Collins! For more info on all of the leadership positions for the spring term, see the Troop Website: https://www.troop157rr.org/news#h.m9266ig8qb71

Thanks!

Billy

DecemBER 10, 2023

We're already to the last troop meeting week of the year. Congratulations to our Senior Patrol Leader Jack and his leadership team on an eventful fall and a big thanks to the adult volunteers for supporting the troop. Here are the details on what's coming up:

TROOP MEETING: HOLIDAY PARTY; DEC 11, 7 PM | It's the annual White Elephant Gift Exchange, Holiday Party, and Sugar Fest! Bring a wrapped gift ($10 or less) to exchange, a desert to share, and some holiday spirit. See you there in your Class A uniforms.

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Our new senior patrol leader is Tristan Collins! For more info on all of the leadership positions for the spring term, see the Troop Website: https://www.troop157rr.org/news#h.m9266ig8qb71

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  We're signing up with the camp this week, so fill out the sign-up form today! The troop is going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas June 16-22, 2024. Worth Ranch is known as The Big Adventure, and is one of the oldest scout camps in the country. Lots of history and traditions at this former Comanche campground nestled between a wide bend in the Brazos de Dios River and the rocky peak of Kyle Mountain. Scouts are $345 and adults are $220. There is also an alternative program high adventure 50+ mile canoe trip available during the week for scouts 13+ and adults. 

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Dec 11 | Last Troop Meeting for 2023 - Holiday Party

• Dec 18 & 25, Jan 1 | No troop meeting

• Dec 27-30 | Winter Camp*

• Jan 6-7 | USS Lexington Trip*

• Jan 8 | First troop meeting of 2024 with new leadership team. Program: Intro to Pioneering MB

• Jan 12-13 | ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops) All patrol leaders and scouts with troop leadership positions should plan to attend.

• Jan 15 | MLK Holiday, no troop meeting

• Jan 22 | Shakedown meeting

• Jan 26-28 | Pioneering campout @ Lost Pines

* Signups are already closed for these events.

Thanks!

Billy

DecemBER 3, 2023

What a weekend for camping! Great weather up at Tahuaya and lots of First Aid learned by our scouts. If you camped, you can Class B at tomorrow's troop meeting! Plus we wrapped up the weekend celebrating T157 Eagle #217 -- Aaron Robinson and his family. But we're not done for the year yet! Here are the details:

TROOP MEETING: TROOP ELECTIONS; DEC 4 | Be there to vote for future troop leadership! We'll follow the traditional format:

• SPL candidates will get 2 min to address the troop as they see fit (Candidates should notify Mr. Moran in advance of their intent to run so we can plan for time.)

• Patrols will elect their Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Quartermaster

• Troop leadership signups will be posted with preference given to scouts needing leadership time for rank requirements (Star - Eagle). Committee interviews will happen as needed for these positions.

• Descriptions & requirements for all positions

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  The troop is going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas June 16-22, 2024. Worth Ranch is known as The Big Adventure, and is one of the oldest scout camps in the country. Lots of history and traditions at this former Comanche campground nestled between a wide bend in the Brazos de Dios River and the rocky peak of Kyle Mountain. Scouts are $345 and adults are $220. There is also an alternative program high adventure 50+ mile canoe trip available during the week for scouts 13+ and adults. We'll want to sign up the troop in the next couple of weeks, so please fill out the sign-up form ASAP. 

PLC MEETING, DEC 5; 7 PM | It's the last PLC for the current leadership team. If you have a leadership position (patrol leader or troop role), we expect to see you there! We'll be meeting in Building 5, Room 232 upstairs. The key pad code for the door is 1157# (please don't share the door code!) Do not use the keypad at the office, come in on the north side of the building facing the parking lot.

TROOP COMMITTEE MEETING; DEC 7, 7 PM | All adults are welcome to come see some of the parent actions behind the curtain that help make the troop go. We have some open adult positions we are looking to fill. We'll see you in Building 5, Room 232 upstairs. The key pad code for the door is 1157# (KEEP IT SECRET!).

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Dec 4 | Troop Meeting - Troop Elections

• Dec 5 | PLC Meeting

• Dec 7 | Troop Committee Meeting

• Dec 11 | Last Troop Meeting for 2023 -  Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange, Holiday Party, and Sugar Fest! Bring a wrapped gift ($10 or less) to exchange, a desert to share, and some holiday spirit. 

Thanks!

Billy

NOVEMBER 26, 2023

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with lots of overeating, family, football watching, and safe travels. It's time to wrap up the calendar year with a few weeks of busy troop activities including a campout, troop leadership elections on Dec 4th, and the holiday white elephant gift exchange. Here are the details:

TROOP MEETING; NOV 27, 7 PM / E-PREP & FIRST AID CAMPOUT SHAKEDOWN | Bring your $15 for food and some ideas for what your patrol might want to cook at the campout. We'll also have a preview of the two merit badges (both Eagle-Required!) that we'll be working on at the campout. 

E-PREP & FIRST AID CAMPOUT; DEC 1-3 @ TAHUAYA SCOUT CAMP | We'll be at Tahuaya Scout Camp in Belton working on some requirements for the Emergency Preparedness & First Aid merit badges and running through some scenarios that will help our scouts Be Prepared for emergency scenarios they might face some day. Online form link: https://forms.gle/1GfmgXM55WiWmmEC9

ADULTS! We'll need adult support on this campout, so if you are a registered adult, consider camping with T157. Our adult camping numbers have been down this fall (we only had TWO adults Saturday night at the Bamboo Farm, which is the absolute minimum before having to cancel the campout), plus we're in the great weather period for camping in central Texas! Don't miss out!

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  The troop is going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas June 16-22, 2024. Worth Ranch is known as The Big Adventure, and is one of the oldest scout camps in the country. Lots of history and traditions at this former Comanche campground nestled between a wide bend in the Brazos de Dios River and the rocky peak of Kyle Mountain. Scouts are $345 and adults are $220. There is also an alternative program high adventure 50+ mile canoe trip available during the week for scouts 13+ and adults. We'll want to sign up the troop in the next couple of weeks, so please fill out the sign-up form ASAP. 

AARON ROBINSON EAGLE COURT OF HONOR; DEC 3, 3 PM | Grab some lunch after the campout, then get back to the church to honor T157 Eagle #217!

TROOP ELECTIONS; DEC 4 | Be there to vote for future troop leadership! We'll follow the traditional format:

• SPL candidates will get 2 min to address the troop as they see fit (Candidates should notify Mr. Moran in advance of their intent to run so we can plan for time.)

• Patrols will elect their Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Quartermaster

• Troop leadership signups will be posted with preference given to scouts needing leadership time for rank requirements (Star - Eagle). Committee interviews will happen as needed for these positions.

• Descriptions & requirements for all positions

RECHARTER WRAP-UP | The troop Zelle payment option is back up and running after briefly being down. Look for your personalized recharter email from Russ Haecker, fill out the online form, and get any final payments for scouts and registered adults ASAP for another year of scouting fun.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Nov 27 | Shakedown Troop Meeting

• Dec 1-3 | First Aid & Emergency Preparedness MB Campout @ Tahuaya

• Dec 3 | Aaron Robinson Eagle Court of Honor, 3 pm

• Dec 4 | Troop Meeting - Troop Elections

• Dec 5 | PLC Meeting

• Dec 7 | Troop Committee Meeting

• Dec 11 | Last Troop Meeting for 2023 -  Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange, Holiday Party, and Sugar Fest! Bring a wrapped gift ($10 or less) to exchange, a desert to share, and some holiday spirit. 

Thanks!

Billy

NOVEMBER 19, 2023

Howdy. We made it to Thanksgiving Week! So no troop meeting tomorrow, but we hit the ground running on Nov 27 with a shakedown for our last campout of the year, followed by troop elections and the holiday party. Here's all the details:

RECHARTER WRAP-UP | The troop Zelle payment option is back up and running after briefly being down. Look for your personalized recharter email from Russ Haecker, fill out the online form, and get any final payments for scouts and registered adults ASAP for another year of scouting fun.

NO TROOP MEETING; NOV 20 | Thanksgiving break! Be safe and thankful. 

TROOP MEETING; NOV 27, 7 PM / E-PREP & FIRST AID CAMPOUT SHAKEDOWN | Bring your $15 for food and some ideas for what your patrol might want to cook at the campout. We'll also have a preview of the two merit badges (both Eagle-Required!) that we'll be working on at the campout. 

E-PREP & FIRST AID CAMPOUT; DEC 1-3 @ TAHUAYA SCOUT CAMP | We'll be at Tahuaya Scout Camp in Belton working on some requirements for the Emergency Preparedness & First Aid merit badges and running through some scenarios that will help our scouts Be Prepared for emergency scenarios they might face some day.

We'll need adult support on this campout, so if you are a registered adult, consider camping with T157. Our adult camping numbers have been down this fall (we only had TWO adults Saturday night at the Bamboo Farm, which is the absolute minimum before having to cancel the campout), plus we're in the great weather period for camping in central Texas! Don't miss out!

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  The troop is going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas June 16-22, 2024. Worth Ranch is known as The Big Adventure, and is one of the oldest scout camps in the country. Lots of history and traditions at this former Comanche campground nestled between a wide bend in the Brazos de Dios River and the rocky peak of Kyle Mountain. Scouts are $345 and adults are $220. There is also an alternative program high adventure 50+ mile canoe trip available during the week for scouts 13+ and adults. We'll want to signup the troop in the next couple of weeks, so please fill out the sign-up form ASAP. 

AARON ROBINSON EAGLE COURT OF HONOR; DEC 3, 3 PM | Grab some lunch after the campout, then get back to the church to honor T157 Eagle #217!

TROOP ELECTIONS; DEC 4 | Be there to vote for future troop leadership! We'll follow the traditional format:

• SPL candidates will get 2 min to address the troop as they see fit (Candidates should notify Mr. Moran in advance of their intent to run so we can plan for time.)

• Patrols will elect their Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Quartermaster

• Troop leadership signups will be posted with preference given to scouts needing leadership time for rank requirements (Star - Eagle). Committee interviews will happen as needed for these positions.

• Descriptions & requirements for all positions

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Nov 20 | NO Troop Meeting - Thanksgiving Holiday Week

• Nov 27 | Shakedown Troop Meeting

• Dec 1-3 | First Aid & Emergency Preparedness MB Campout @ Tahuaya

• Dec 3 | Aaron Robinson Eagle Court of Honor, 3 pm

• Dec 4 | Troop Meeting - Troop Elections

• Dec 11 | Troop Meeting - Holiday Party & White Elephant Gift Exchange

Thanks!

Billy

NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Howdy. We're back from another soggy campout, this time in the deep, dark forest of the Bamboo Farm. The scouts worked on the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge and built shelters on Saturday, mostly using tarps what the locals refer to as the 'boo. Here's what's going on with the troop:

TROOP MEETING; NOV 13, 7 PM | If you camped, feel free to wear a class B t-shirt. Otherwise, your class A uniform should smell just fine... The High Adventure presentation mentioned last week will be pushed to January.

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  The troop is going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas June 16-22, 2024. Worth Ranch is known as The Big Adventure, and is one of the oldest scout camps in the country. Lots of history and traditions at this former Comanche campground nestled between a wide bend in the Brazos de Dios River and the rocky peak of Kyle Mountain. Scouts are $345 and adults are $220. There is also an alternative program high adventure 50+ mile canoe trip available during the week for scouts 13+ and adults. We'll want to signup the troop in the next couple of weeks, so please fill out the sign-up form ASAP. 

DID YOU OR YOUR SCOUT ATTEND THE SEARCH & RESCUE CAMPOUT? WONDERING WHAT'S LEFT TO DO TO EARN THE MERIT BADGE? | Then wonder no longer! See this post on the troop website for what requirements are remaining to earn the merit badge.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Nov 13 | Troop Meeting

• Nov 20 | NO Troop Meeting - Thanksgiving Holiday Week

• Nov 27 | Shakedown Troop Meeting

• Dec 1-3 | First Aid & Emergency Preparedness MB Campout @ Tahuaya

• Dec 4 | Troop Meeting - Troop Elections

• Dec 11 | Troop Meeting - Holiday Party & White Elephant Gift Exchange

Thanks!

Billy

NOVEMBER 5, 2023

Howdy. This week's email has a number of immediate things that you/your scout might need to do. Please check everything in red below for potential actions with short deadlines! Also, you should have received a recharter email from Russ this week to register for another year of Scouting please read it and take care of business! It's a busy six weeks or so until we take a holiday break. Here are all the details:

USS LEXINGTON TRIP, JAN 6-7, 2024 | It's months away, but if you'd like to go on the Lexington trip in January, you need to sign-up and pay at tomorrow's troop meeting. We signed up for a number of spots months ago and the deadline (11/6/23 which is 60 days out from the trip) kind of snuck up on us. It's $75/scout and $75/adult. This is for the overnight experience on the historic Blue Ghost aircraft carrier moored down in Corpus Christi. They don't do refunds on cancellations, so if you end up not being able to attend, you'll want to try to find someone to take your spot.

SPOTS OPEN - enquire at the troop meeting tomorrow:

• WINTER CAMP, DEC 27-30, 2023 -  We have one scout spot open.

• SEA BASE - CREW 2, JUL 15-20, 2024 - There is one scout slot open for the Florida Keys Sailing Adventure.

SHAKEDOWN TROOP MEETING, NOV 6; 7 PM | It's time to go camping again. This time doing Wilderness Survival Merit Badge at the Bamboo Farm (see details below). If you are camping, please fill out the form and bring your $15 for food tomorrow. We'll also talk a bit about what's required for the merit badge. If you brought home a troop tent from Webelos Woods, or a troop stove, PLEASE do not forget to bring it back to the meeting tomorrow, clean and dry.

PLC MEETING, NOV 7; 7 PM | If you have a leadership position (patrol leader or troop role), we expect to see you there! We'll be meeting in Building 5, Room 232 upstairs. The key pad code for the door is 1157# (please don't share the door code!) Do not use the keypad at the office, come in on the north side of the building facing the parking lot.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL @ THE BAMBOO FARM, NOV 10-12 | The bamboo is calling! Here's how this campout works - we'll head up near ol' Buckholts, Texas on Friday and spend the night in tents. Then on Saturday scouts will work on the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge and build shelters to sleep in Saturday night. Adults are welcome to build their own shelters too (but you can't get the merit badge). There is always lots of fun with bamboo, great stars, and primitive camping. Sign-up now, and bring your $15 for food to the troop meeting.

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  The troop is going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas June 16-22, 2024. Worth Ranch is known as The Big Adventure, and is one of the oldest scout camps in the country. Lots of history and traditions at this former Comanche campground nestled between a wide bend in the Brazos de Dios River and the rocky peak of Kyle Mountain. Scouts are $345 and adults are $220. There is also an alternative program high adventure 50+ mile canoe trip available during the week for scouts 13+ and adults. We'll want to signup the troop in the next couple of weeks, so please fill out the sign-up form ASAP. 

DID YOU OR YOUR SCOUT ATTEND THE SEARCH & RESCUE CAMPOUT? WONDERING WHAT'S LEFT TO DO TO EARN THE MERIT BADGE? | Then wonder no longer! See this post on the troop website for what requirements are remaining to earn the merit badge.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Nov 6 | Shakedown Troop Meeting

• Nov 7 | PLC Meeting

• Nov 10-12 | Wilderness Survival Campout @ Bamboo Farms

• Nov 13 | Troop Meeting - high adventure trip preview (parents welcome!)

• Nov 20 | NO Troop Meeting - Thanksgiving Holiday Week

• Nov 27 | Shakedown Troop Meeting

• Dec 1-3 | First Aid & Emergency Preparedness MB Campout @ Tahuaya

• Dec 4 | Troop Meeting - Troop Elections

• Dec 11 | Troop Meeting - Holiday Party & White Elephant Gift Exchange

Thanks!

Billy

OCTOBER 29, 2023

Howdy! We're back from Webelos Mud Woods 2023. The troop showed really well to the eight rounds of visiting Webelos and parents implementing the PLC's plan for campsite Gaga and Fried Oreos, then pivoting in the afternoon when the Gaga pit became a mud pit to Nerf targets. As the full moon poked through the intermittent Saturday rain the truth was revealed. Turns out the gaga pit was built on an old graveyard and spooky things occur.. The troop's decoration for the Tent or Treat competition resulted in winning the title for "Spookiest." Thanks to the scouts for keeping up a good attitude, despite gross weather, and all of the adults for helping out as always, including a major new discovery. Three words: Fried Lemon Oreos. The world will never be the same. Any, on that thought here's what's going on with the troop:

TROOP MEETING, OCT 30; 7 PM | It's time for the Four Corners of Citizenship! Scouts will have the opportunity to start two Citizenship merit badge classes at this meeting. We'll have counselors from all four Citizenship merit badges (and maybe some candy we didn't hand out at Webelos Woods...):

• Citizenship in the Community - Jeremiah Kuntz

• Citizenship in the Nation - Robin Brown

• Citizenship in the World - Saie-Yau Hui

• Citizenship in Society (preference given to First Class Scouts and above) - Andrew Collins, Craig Casper

TROOP COMMITTEE MEETING; OCT 5, 7 PM | All adults are welcome to come see some of the parent actions behind the curtain that help make the troop go. We'll see you in Building 5, Room 232 upstairs. The key pad code for the door is 1157# (KEEP IT SECRET!).

RECENT NEW EAGLE SCOUTS! | Sorry, this didn't make the email, but a couple of weeks ago the troop added two new Eagle Scouts. Congratulations to Jason Giordano (T157 Eagle #216) and Aaron Robinson (#217) and their families! 

SOGGY/DIRTY TROOP GEAR FROM WEBELOS WOODS | Boy Scouts camp in the rain sometimes. If your scout brought home a troop tent of stove, please make sure they they not only get dried out, but also washed off if they are muddy. Just spraying off in the yard is probably the best bet, then hang out to dry outside, or maybe in a garage until they totally dry. If they aren't dry by our 10/30 meeting, no problem. But we definitely need them returned by the 11/6 meeting because it's the shakedown for our Bamboo Farm Wilderness Survival Campout.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL @ BAMBOO FARM; NOV 10-12 | Friday night is traditional camping in tents, Saturday scouts will build shelters and survive Saturday night in the Scout Favorite bamboo forest near Buckholts, Texas! SIGN-UP SHEET LINK 

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  The camp vote was strongly for going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas. Look for more info coming soon. 

DID YOU OR YOUR SCOUT ATTEND THE SEARCH & RESCUE CAMPOUT? WONDERING WHAT'S LEFT TO DO TO EARN THE MERIT BADGE? | Then wonder no longer! See this post on the troop website for what requirements are remaining to earn the merit badge.

WINTER CAMP! | It's time to pay up. Cost: $240/Scout; $120/adult. The troop is attending Week 1: December 27-30, 2023. 

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE TRAINING! MEGA TRAINING; NOV 17-18, 2023 | MEGA Training offers adults the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader -- training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more. Sign up here: https://www.bsacac.org/training/adult/mega-training/

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Oct 30 | Troop Meeting - Four Corners of Citizenship Merit Badge

• Nov 2 | Committee Meeting

• Nov 7 | PLC Meeting

• Nov 10-12 | Wilderness Survival Campout @ Bamboo Farm

Thanks!

Billy

OCTOBER 20, 2023

Howdy! It's shakedown week! That's right, it's time for Webelos Woods again, our annual recruiting weekend. Here's everything going on with the troop:

TROOP MEETING, OCT 23; 7 PM | Patrols will be planning menus, building duty rosters, checking out gear and loading the trailer. We also have some tasks to take care of to be ready for showing off our troop to the Webelos.

WEBELOS WOODS, OCT 27-29 | If you didn't sign up and pay last week, we can probably still add you to the roster, but you might not get a patch since the deadline was last week. This campout will cost $25/scouts and $15/adults. Always room for some more adults, if you've been holding off for the weather to cool off!

NEEDED FOR WEBELOS WOODS: Thanks to Isrrael Nunez for hooking us up with all of the quality pallets we'll need for the gaga pit. We will still need a bunch of large pieces of cardboard to cover the inside of the pallets. Anyone have a source for that? The pallets are 58"x31" and we have 16 of them! We'll also need some battery powered drills this weekend for assembly of the pit. Just make sure you charge them and put your name on them. 

We also need Halloween Decorations for the evening Tent of Treat at Webelos Woods. If you have extra, please bring them to the troop meeting tomorrow!

FROM THE POPCORN KERNEL | In-person popcorn sales have been extended until 10/28/23. We still have inventory if you want to get some more sales in. Or perhaps, buy some amazing popcorn AND support your scouts!  If you still have inventory that you aren't going to buy or sell please return it to Kelly Reed ASAP to get re-distributed. They have been working very hard and representing Troop 157 very well in Round Rock. Our troop has sold $15,998, that's $4,800 for their individual scout accounts!  They have also earned some super cool council bonuses and $950 in Amazon gift cards to buy whatever they need. (okay, okay whatever they want.)

Your popcorn Kernel will be out of town 10/25-10/28 so if you need something please let her know by 10/24/23. Thanks! 

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  The camp vote was strongly for going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas. Look for more info coming soon. 

TROOP MEETING - FOUR CORNERS NIGHT; MON, OCT 30 | Scouts will have the opportunity to do two Citizenship merit badge classes at this meeting. We'll have counselors from all four Citizenship merit badges:

• Citizenship in the Community - Jeremiah Kuntz

• Citizenship in the Nation - Robin Brown

• Citizenship in the World - Saie-Yau Hui

• Citizenship in Society (preference given to First Class Scouts and above) - Andrew Collins, Craig Casper

DID YOU OR YOUR SCOUT ATTEND THE SEARCH & RESCUE CAMPOUT? WONDERING WHAT'S LEFT TO DO TO EARN THE MERIT BADGE? | Then wonder no longer! See this post on the troop website for what requirements are remaining to earn the merit badge.

WINTER CAMP! | It's time to pay up. Cost: $240/Scout; $120/adult. The troop is attending Week 1: December 27-30, 2023. 

SEA BASE 2024 | Your next payment is due on 10/21. It will be totally worth it!

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE TRAINING! MEGA TRAINING; NOV 17-18, 2023 | MEGA Training offers adults the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader -- training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more. Sign up here: https://www.bsacac.org/training/adult/mega-training/

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Oct 23 | Troop Meeting - shakedown 

• Oct 27-29 | Webelos Woods

• Oct 30 | Troop Meeting - Four Corners of Citizenship Merit Badge

• Nov 2 | Committee Meeting

• Nov 7 | PLC Meeting

Thanks!

Billy

OCTOBER 16, 2023

Howdy! I hope you are outside this weekend! Hopefully there is more of this excellent camping weather in our future - don't forget registration for Webelos Woods is tomorrow! (A week earlier than our usual week-of.) Here's what's going on with the troop:

TROOP MEETING, OCT 16; 7 PM | We'll have speakers from TEXSAR coming to talk with us about search & rescue (merit badge Req 6A!). Plus we'll have visiting Webelos, so let's put on a good troop meeting!

WEBELOS WOODS, OCT 27-29 | It's time to sign-up for Webelos Woods! We have to give our headcount late on Monday, Oct 16th, so that will be our meeting where we collect money. The troop is covering $5 of the registration cost (there is a $15 district fee per scout, adults are free), so with the regular $15 for food, this campout will cost $25/scouts and $15/adults. Please fill out the form and bring your money to the meeting on Oct 16th. 

NEEDED FOR WEBELOS WOODS: We need to track down pallets for the gaga pit. We're looking for 16 pallets that are the standard 4'x4' size, and in good shape. Please start bringing them to the troop meeting and we'll stack them on the troop trailer's "front porch." Thanks! We also need Halloween Decorations for the evening Tent of Treat at Webelos Woods. If you have extra, please bring them to the troop meeting! 

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  The camp vote was strongly for going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas. Look for more info coming soon. 

DID YOU OR YOUR SCOUT ATTEND THE SEARCH & RESCUE CAMPOUT? WONDERING WHAT'S LEFT TO DO TO EARN THE MERIT BADGE? | Then wonder no longer! See this post on the troop website for what requirements are remaining to earn the merit badge.

WINTER CAMP! | It's time to pay up. Cost: $240/Scout; $120/adult. The troop is attending Week 1: December 27-30, 2023. 

SEA BASE 2024 | Your next payment is due on 10/21. It will be totally worth it!

POPCORN FUNDRAISER STILL ON | If you are interested in selling popcorn to fill your scout account with some green, call 512-284-5233 reach Kelly Reed, T157 Popcorn Kernel.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE TRAINING! MEGA TRAINING; NOV 17-18, 2023 | MEGA Training offers adults the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader -- training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more. Sign up here: https://www.bsacac.org/training/adult/mega-training/

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Oct 16, 23, 30 | Troop Meetings

• Oct 27-29 | Webelos Woods

Thanks!

Billy

OCTOBER 9, 2023

Howdy! Does your house still smell like brisket? Big thanks to our Troop Pitmasters Clint Alexander & Alan Brown for running another (the 37th!) annual fundraiser this weekend. Thanks also to all of the shift volunteers: early, middle, late, early, and middle again -- it's a slog every year, but I heard we hit our target fundraising goal too! 

Here's the details of what's going on with the troop:

TROOP MEETING, OCT 9; 7 PM | RRISD students are off tomorrow, but our troop meeting is still on!

WEBELOS WOODS, OCT 27-29 | It's time to sign-up for Webelos Woods! We have to give our headcount late on Monday, Oct 16th, so that will be our meeting where we collect money. The troop is covering $5 of the registration cost (there is a $15 district fee per scout, adults are free), so with the regular $15 for food, this campout will cost $25/scouts and $15/adults. Please fill out the form and bring your money to the meeting on Oct 16th. 

SUMMER CAMP 2024! |  The camp vote was strongly for going to Worth Ranch Scout Camp near Palo Pinto, Texas. Look for more info come soon. 

DID YOU OR YOUR SCOUT ATTEND THE SEARCH & RESCUE CAMPOUT? WONDERING WHAT'S LEFT TO DO TO EARN THE MERIT BADGE? | Then wonder no longer! See this post on the troop website for what requirements are remaining to earn the merit badge.

WINTER CAMP! | It's time to pay up. Cost: $240/Scout; $120/adult. The troop is attending Week 1: December 27-30, 2023. 

SEA BASE 2024 | Your next payment is due on 10/21. It will be totally worth it!

POPCORN FUNDRAISER STILL ON | If you are interested in selling popcorn to fill your scout account with some green, 512-284-5233 is the best way to reach her.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE TRAINING! MEGA TRAINING; NOV 17-18, 2023 | MEGA Training offers adults the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader -- training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more. Sign up here: https://www.bsacac.org/training/adult/mega-training/

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Oct 9, 16, 23, 30 | Troop Meetings

• Oct 3 | PLC Meeting

• Oct 5 | Committee Meeting

• Oct 6-7 | Brisket Fundraiser

• Oct 27-29 | Next Campout - Webelos Woods

Thanks!

Billy

OCTOBER 1, 2023

Howdy! The first week of the month is often really busy, and this week is no exception. Meetings for the troop, PLC, and troop committee, plus we we light up the pits on Friday night for our annual fundraiser. Here's the details of what's going on with the troop:

BRISKET FUNDRAISER SALES CLOSED | The final sales number from Alan came out this morning at $16,295. There are still lots of sign-ups times/jobs available! Adults, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F44AFAA2CA2F85-2023 to signup to help today. Still lots of options for helping - we need you!

VOTE FOR SUMMER CAMP 2024! | Go to the form to vote for which camp the troop attends this summer by the troop meeting on Monday, Oct 2. We'll need to make reservations ASAP. The slides about each camp from the Court of Honor are linked on the voting form.

DID YOU OR YOUR SCOUT ATTEND THE SEARCH & RESCUE CAMPOUT? WONDERING WHAT'S LEFT TO DO TO EARN THE MERIT BADGE? | Then wonder no longer! See this post on the troop website for what requirements are remaining to earn the merit badge.

PLC MEETING; OCT 3, 7 PM | If you have a leadership position (patrol leader or troop role), we expect to see you there! We'll be meeting in Building 5, Room 232 upstairs. The key pad code for the door is 1157# (please don't share the door code!) Do not use the keypad at the office, come in on the north side of the building facing the parking lot.

TROOP COMMITTEE MEETING; OCT 5, 7 PM | All adults are welcome to come see some of the parent actions behind the curtain that help make the troop go. We'll see you in Building 5, Room 232 upstairs. The key pad code for the door is 1157# (KEEP IT SECRET!).

WINTER CAMP! | It's time to pay up. Cost: $240/Scout; $120/adult. The troop is attending Week 1: December 27-30, 2023. 

POPCORN FUNDRAISER STILL ON | If you are interested in selling popcorn to fill your scout account with some green, 512-284-5233 is the best way to reach her.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE TRAINING! MEGA TRAINING; NOV 17-18, 2023 | MEGA Training offers adults the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader -- training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more. Sign up here: https://www.bsacac.org/training/adult/mega-training/

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 40 | Troop Meetings

• Oct 3 | PLC Meeting

• Oct 5 | Committee Meeting

• Oct 6-7 | Brisket Fundraiser

• Oct 27-29 | Next Campout - Webelos Woods

Thanks!

Billy

September 24, 2023

Howdy! Lots going on as fall is in full swing - Court of Honor tomorrow, brisket fundraiser sales wrapping up (hint hint: GO SELL NOW!) and more. Hope to see scouts and their families at the Court of Honor tomorrow night. Here's what's going on with the troop:

COURT OF HONOR; SEP 25, 6:30 PM | Note the earlier start time for the CoH. It's a pot luck dinner, which means we need folks to signup for various food options. Still lots of empty slots, so please sign up today so we have plenty to eat! We hope to see all of our scouts and their families as we celebrate their accomplishments. 

37th ANNUAL BRISKET+ FUNDRAISER SALES WINDOW NEARLY COMPLETE! | That's right - have you sold any meat today? Remember, sales fund our troop operations including gear, state park fees, and generally help keep our costs among the lowest of troops in our area. 

Our goal is $300 in orders per scout. Orders are due by Monday, September 25th with delivery on October 7th. Money will be collected weekly at the troop meetings and online sales are available at https://scout-troop-157.square.site/. 

ADULTS! Brisket volunteer sign-ups times/jobs have been posted. See Alan Brown's email and go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F44AFAA2CA2F85-2023 to signup to help today. Still lots of options for helping - we need you!

SUMMER CAMP 2024 LOCATION IDEAS NEEDED | We need to figure out where we're going for summer camp this coming summer. Please submit ideas of where you'd like the troop to go and we'll pick the top four and present them at the Court of Honor so families can participate in choosing where we go. 

POPCORN FUNDRAISER UNDERWAY| Thanks to new Troop Popcorn Kernel Kelly Reed for volunteering to lead the charge. If you are interested in selling popcorn to fill your scout account with some green, 512-284-5233 is the best way to reach her.

OA FALL ASSEMBLY; SEP 29-OCT 1 | From John Casper, our Troop OA Rep: For those scouts who were elected to OA in April, but have not completed their Ordeal, the Fall Assembly is your next opportunity to join scouting's honor society! Here is the link to sign up. Things start Friday night and are completed by noon on Sunday. https://scoutingevent.com/564-FALLASSY For more info, check your email from last week for an email form Troop OA Rep John Casper with more details.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE TRAINING! MEGA TRAINING; NOV 17-18, 2023 | MEGA Training offers adults the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader -- training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more. Sign up here: https://www.bsacac.org/training/adult/mega-training/

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Sep 25 | Fall Court of Honor - families invited!

• Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 40 | Troop Meetings

• Oct 3 | PLC Meeting

• Oct 5 | Committee Meeting

• Oct 6-7 | Brisket Fundraiser

• Oct 27-29 | Next Campout - Webelos Woods

Thanks!

Billy

September 17, 2023

Everyone will be happy to know that the T157 Perfect Record of finding and saving victims on a Search & Rescue campout is still intact. Lost campers, a crashed pilot, and skydivers were all located and given first aid at this weekend's warm and humid campout. Big thanks to the adults who were  not only victims, but did a load of boards of review. Here is what's going on with the troop:

PARTIAL NIGHT TROOP MEETING; SEP 18, 7 PM | It's the last chance to finish up advancement like merit badges partials and get rank requirements signed off before tomorrow evening's deadline for Court of Honor awards. We'll need our troop merit badge counselors available plus we might have need for some board of reviews. And as our first Partial Night, feel free to bring some snacks to share with the troop!

37th ANNUAL BRISKET+ FUNDRAISER IS UNDERWAY! | That's right - have you sold any meat today? Remember, sales fund our troop operations including gear, state park fees, and generally help keep our costs among the lowest of troops in our area. 

Our goal is $300 in orders per scout. Orders are due by Monday, September 25th with delivery on October 7th. Money will be collected weekly at the troop meetings and online sales are available at https://scout-troop-157.square.site/. Want a poster to put up in your office/church/neighborhood? Customize it for your scout!

ADULTS! Brisket volunteer sign-ups have been posted. See Alan Brown's email and go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F44AFAA2CA2F85-2023 to signup to help today.

COURT OF HONOR; SEP 25, 6:30 PM | There will be lots of awards presented plus it's a pot luck dinner! Signup for what's needed food-wise and volunteer-wise. 

SUMMER CAMP 2024 LOCATION IDEAS NEEDED | We need to figure out where we're going for summer camp this coming summer. Please submit ideas of where you'd like the troop to go and we'll pick the top four and present them at the Court of Honor so families can participate in choosing where we go. 

PHOTOS SINCE THE LAST COURT OF HONOR! | If you have photos from summer camp and other troop activities since last March please share them here: Photos

POPCORN FUNDRAISER UNDERWAY| Thanks to new Troop Popcorn Kernel Kelly Reed for volunteering to lead the charge. If you are interested in selling popcorn to fill your scout account with some green, 512-284-5233 is the best way to reach her.

OA FALL ASSEMBLY; SEP 29-OCT 1 | From John Casper, our Troop OA Rep: For those scouts who were elected to OA in April, but have not completed their Ordeal, the Fall Assembly is your next opportunity to join scouting's honor society! Here is the link to sign up. Things start Friday night and are completed by noon on Sunday. https://scoutingevent.com/564-FALLASSY For more info, check your email from last week for an email form Troop OA Rep John Casper with more details.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE TRAINING! MEGA TRAINING; NOV 17-18, 2023 | MEGA Training offers adults the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader -- training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more. Sign up here: https://www.bsacac.org/training/adult/mega-training/

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Sep 18 | Troop Meeting (Court of Honor awards deadline)

• Sep 25 | Fall Court of Honor - families invited!

• Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 40 | Troop Meetings

• Oct 3 | PLC Meeting

• Oct 5 | Committee Meeting

• Oct 6-7 | Brisket Fundraiser

• Oct 27-29 | Next Campout - Webelos Woods

Thanks!

Billy

September 10, 2023

Howdy! It's shakedown week for the first campout of the fall! This coming weekend we'll be searching and rescuing at Green Dickson Scout Ranch. Here is what's going on with the troop:

SHAKEDOWN TROOP MEETING; SEP 11, 7 PM | Bring $20 cash for the campout (see why $20 below) and come ready to plan menus and get your patrol gear ready.

SEARCH & RESCUE CAMPOUT; SEP 15-17 | We'll be working on the Search & Rescue Merit badge in some search scenarios ranging across Green Dickson Scout Reservation down near Shiner, TX. Sign-up today: https://forms.gle/hAz4uqedZATyGQuC6. The cost is $20 which is the normal $15 for food, plus another $5 on this campout to help stock patrol chuck boxes with non-food consumables like aluminum foil and paper towels.  

37th ANNUAL BRISKET+ FUNDRAISER IS UNDERWAY! | That's right - have you sold any meat today? Remember, sales fund our troop operations including gear, state park fees, and generally help keep our costs among the lowest of troops in our area. 

Our goal is $300 in orders per scout. Orders are due by Monday, September 25th with delivery on October 7th. Money will be collected weekly at the troop meetings and online sales are available at https://scout-troop-157.square.site/. Want a poster to put up in your office/church/neighborhood? Customize it for your scout!

ADULTS! Brisket volunteer sign-ups have been posted. See Alan Brown's email and go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F44AFAA2CA2F85-2023 to signup to help today.

POPCORN FUNDRAISER UNDERWAY| Thanks to new Troop Popcorn Kernel Kelly Reed for volunteering to lead the charge. If you are interested in selling popcorn to fill your scout account with some green, 512-284-5233 is the best way to reach her.

SUMMER CAMP 2024 LOCATION IDEAS NEEDED | We need to figure out where we're going for summer camp this coming summer. Please submit ideas of where you'd like the troop to go and we'll pick the top four and present them at the Court of Honor so families can participate in choosing where we go. 

COURT OF HONOR; SEP 25, 6:30 PM | There will be lots of awards presented plus it's a pot luck dinner! Look for signup information on what's needed food-wise and volunteer-wise. Plus we still have a spot open for one more emcee. 

OA FALL ASSEMBLY; SEP 29-OCT 1 | From John Casper, our Troop OA Rep: For those scouts who were elected to OA in April, but have not completed their Ordeal, the Fall Assembly is your next opportunity to join scouting's honor society! Here is the link to sign up. Things start Friday night and are completed by noon on Sunday. https://scoutingevent.com/564-FALLASSY For more info, check your email from last week for an email form Troop OA Rep John Casper with more details.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE TRAINING! MEGA TRAINING; NOV 17-18, 2023 | MEGA Training offers adults the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader -- training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more. Sign up here: https://www.bsacac.org/training/adult/mega-training/

PHOTOS SINCE THE LAST COURT OF HONOR! | If you have photos from summer camp and other troop activities since last March please share them here: Photos

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Sep 11 | Shakedown troop meeting

• Sep 15-17 | Search & Rescue Campout - Camp Green Dickson

• Sep 18 | Troop Meeting (Court of Honor awards deadline)

• Sep 25 | Fall Court of Honor - families invited!

Thanks!

Billy

September 4, 2023

Howdy! Hope everyone is having a good long weekend. Aaron Robinson took advantage of the chilly temperatures (not) for his Eagle Project at Blackland Prairie Elementary. Thanks to all who helped out! Remember, NO TROOP MEETING tomorrow night. Here is what's going on with the troop:

PLC MEETING; SEP 5, 7 PM | If you have a leadership position (patrol leader or troop role), we expect to see you there! We'll be meeting in Building 5, Room 232 upstairs. The key pad code for the door is 1157# (please don't share the door code!) Do not use the keypad at the office, come in on the north side of the building facing the parking lot.

37th ANNUAL BRISKET+ FUNDRAISER IS UNDERWAY! | That's right - sales started officially at the troop meeting last Monday. How much brisket/pork butt/pork loin/whole chickens have you sold so far? Remember, meat sales fund our troop operations including gear, state park fees, and generally help keep our costs among the lowest of troops in our area. Orders are due by Monday, September 25th with delivery on October 7th. Money will be collected weekly at the troop meetings and online sales are available at https://scout-troop-157.square.site/. Want a poster to put up in your office/church/neighborhood? Customize it for your scout!

POPCORN FUNDRAISER RETURNS | Thanks to new Troop Popcorn Kernel Kelly Reed for volunteering to lead the charge. If you are interested in selling popcorn to fill your scout account with some green, 512-284-5233 is the best way to reach her.

SEARCH & RESCUE CAMPOUT; SEP 15-17 | We'll be working on the Search & Rescue Merit badge in some search scenarios ranging across Green Dickson Scout Reservation down near Shiner, TX. Sign-up today: https://forms.gle/hAz4uqedZATyGQuC6

OA FALL ASSEMBLY; SEP 29-OCT 1 | From John Casper, our Troop OA Rep: For those scouts who were elected to OA in April, but have not completed their Ordeal, the Fall Assembly is your next opportunity to join scouting's honor society! Here is the link to sign up. Things start Friday night and are completed by noon on Sunday. https://scoutingevent.com/564-FALLASSY For more info, check your email from last week for an email form Troop OA Rep John Casper with more details.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE TRAINING! MEGA TRAINING; NOV 17-18, 2023 | MEGA Training offers you the chance to meet other Scouting volunteers like yourself while also taking important training courses you need to become a better leader -- training courses like Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), or Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO). There are also optional courses, including Chaplain Training, Swimming and Water Rescue, Paddle Craft Safety, and more. Sign up here: https://www.bsacac.org/training/adult/mega-training/

PHOTOS SINCE THE LAST COURT OF HONOR! | If you have photos from summer camp and other troop activities since last March please share them here: Photos 

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Sep 4 | Labor Day - NO troop meeting

• Sep 11 | Shakedown troop meeting

• Sep 15-17 | Search & Rescue Campout - Camp Green Dickson

• Sep 18 | Troop Meeting (Court of Honor awards deadline)

• Sep 25 | Fall Court of Honor - families invited!

Thanks!

Billy

AUGUST 27, 2023

Howdy! We're back! Troop meetings happening, school in session, and our band and football kids need to stay hydrated! Here is what's going on with the troop:

TROOP MEETING; AUG 28, 7 PM | Our last August meeting and the program includes a start at the Coin Collecting Merit Badge. Grab that Class A uniform and we'll see you at FUMC.

WINTER CAMP SIGNUP DATE APPROACHING! | It was pointed out at the committee meeting that the RRISD returns from winter break on 1/4/24, which is right in the middle of Session 2. With the number of scouts that attend a Round Rock school, the troop likely needs to attend Session 1 (Dec 27-30). This also means it will probably be extra important that we register for all the spots we'll need for winter camp when registration opens on September 1st. Please fill out the form if you or your scout is interested in attending winter camp. The costs are Youth - $240, Adult Participant - $120.

AARON ROBINSON EAGLE PROJECT | From Aaron: We will be building benches underneath a pergola for an outdoor learning area. We will also remove the dead grass and add a perimeter so we can fill the space with rock and mulch. 

When: Saturday, Sep 2 @ 8:00 am - noon; Sunday, Sep 3 @ 9:00 am - noon

Where: Blackland Prairie Elementary | 2005 Via Sonoma Trail, Round Rock, TX 78665

What to bring : Day 1 - Shovel, rake, pick-axe, hoe, bucket, gloves | Day 2 - Drill, mallet

* Pizza and donuts will be provided

RSVP: https://forms.gle/uQRdDZGKMLx7UUuG9

37th ANNUAL BRISKET+ FUNDRAISER IS UNDERWAY! | That's right - sales started officially at the troop meeting last Monday. How much brisket/pork butt/pork loin/whole chickens have you sold so far? Remember, meat sales fund our troop operations including gear, state park fees, and generally help keep our costs among the lowest of troops in our area. Orders are due by Monday, September 25th with delivery on October 7th. Money will be collected weekly at the troop meetings and online sales are available at https://scout-troop-157.square.site/. Want a poster to put up in your office/church/neighborhood? Customize it for your scout!

POPCORN FUNDRAISER RETURNS | From Aimee Casper's email to the troop: Kelly Reed has volunteered to be the troop Popcorn Kernel this year! For every $100 of popcorn you sell, your Scout Account receives $30.  It adds up quickly!  A typical booth will sell apx $200-300 in a two hour slot.   If you estimate Winter Camp at $300, Summer Camp at $400 and High Adventure $1500+…you can quickly estimate how many booths you should work to meet your goal.  Last year three of you earned over $1000! This Fall, Booth sales will start around September 9 and end October 22.  Take a look at your calendars now so you can be ready!  Kelly is working now to get our booth selections made.  Want to sell in your neighborhood?  Check out the TAKE ORDER FORM.   If you have family out of town, don’t forget you can send them a link to your Trails End account now!  This year there are NO PRICE INCREASES!  Log into your TE account now to check out the exciting new flavors too!

OA FALL ASSEMBLY; SEP 29-OCT1 | From John Casper, our Troop OA Rep: For those scouts who were elected to OA in April, but have not completed their Ordeal, the Fall Assembly is your next opportunity to join scouting's honor society! Here is the link to sign up. Things start Friday night and are completed by noon on Sunday. https://scoutingevent.com/564-FALLASSY

For Arrowmen in Troop 157 who have completed Ordeal, but not yet sealed their Brotherhood in the OA: Have you ever thought about sealing your Brotherhood, but lost the information or don't know who else is signed up? Like all things in OA, it is always better when doing it with friends! That's why I would like to ask each of you to consider sealing your Brotherhood membership at the Fall Assembly which will be on September 30th. Brotherhood membership has its advantages! Annual OA dues are $15, a savings of $5 from the Ordeal rate; Grow in your knowledge of OA and complete your induction

To seal your Brotherhood, you do not have to go through the Ordeal again! On the sign up below, there is an option for Brotherhood Only ($21) and complete your registration. Although help at the Fall and Spring Assemblies is always welcome, those coming to seal their Brotherhood only come out Saturday evening. https://scoutingevent.com/564-FALLASSY

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

SUMMER CAMP WRAP-UP | If you have photos from summer camp, please share them here: Summer Camp Photos

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Aug 28 | Troop Meeting

• Sep 4 | Labor Day - NO troop meeting

• Sep 11 | Shakedown troop meeting

• Sep 15-17 | Search & Rescue Campout - Camp Green Dickson

• Sep 18 | Troop Meeting (Court of Honor awards deadline)

• Sep 25 | Fall Court of Honor - families invited!

Thanks!

Billy

AUGUST 20, 2023

Howdy! We had a great ILST this weekend. Lots of discussion about leadership principles, plans for this fall and camping in fall 2024. Thanks to SPL Jack and the PLC members for their active participation and the adults for all the help. We'll see everyone tomorrow at our first troop meeting. Here is what's going on with the troop:

TROOP MEETING; AUG 21, 7 PM | We're back! It's the first troop meeting of the new school year. Grab that Class A uniform and head up to FUMC for some Search & Rescue Merit Badge (our September campout program), and the kickoff of our 2023 brisket fundraiser sales!

WINTER CAMP SIGNUP DATE APPROACHING! | It was pointed out at the committee meeting that the RRISD returns from winter break on 1/4/24, which is right in the middle of Session 2. With the number of scouts that attend a Round Rock school, the troop likely needs to attend Session 1 (Dec 27-30). This also means it will probably be extra important that we register for all the spots we'll need for winter camp when registration opens on September 1st. Please fill out the form if you or your scout is interested in attending winter camp. The costs are Youth - $240, Adult Participant - $120.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

SUMMER CAMP WRAP-UP | If you have photos from summer camp, please share them here: Summer Camp Photos

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Aug 21 | Troop Meeting

• Aug 28 | Troop Meeting

• Sep 4 | Labor Day - NO troop meeting

• Sep 11 | Shakedown troop meeting

• Sep 15-17 | Search & Rescue Campout - Camp Green Dickson

• Sep 18 | Troop Meeting

• Sep 25 | Fall Court of Honor - families invited!

Thanks!

Billy

AUGUST 13, 2023

Howdy! School starts this week. Hard to believe summer is wrapping up, but that means the troop is starting up again. Our first troop meeting is a week from tomorrow! Here is what else is going on with the troop:

FALL ILST - INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

ILST; AUG 18, 6 PM, BACK AUG 19, 1 PM | If you have a troop leadership position or are a patrol leader, plan to be at ILST, the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. It's the bi-annual leadership training and planning event where we'll eat well, have fun, learn some things about being a leader, and make tactical plans for this leadership term (through the end of the year) and strategic plans for campouts a year out. Signup now  for scouts in leadership positions are expected to attend and adults looking to help out!

EVERYONE! CONTRIBUTE IDEAS TO ILST | Part of the strategic planning at the August ILST is deciding where to camp and what to do during Fall of 2024. Everyone (adults too) is welcome to contribute ideas on this form before ILST on Aug 18th.

TWO PATROLS NEED TO COMPLETE THEIR FALL ELECTIONS | If you are in the Nuclear Ninjas or one of the incoming high school senior scouts in our as-yet-to-be-named combined patrol, you need to vote online for your patrol leadership. The most important part is getting a patrol leader to represent at ILST. Use this online form to vote ASAP.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY | The next Brushy Creek Regional trail volunteer day is approaching! The next event will be held Saturday, August 19th, from 8:30am-10:30am, and the project will be digging a drainage feature in order to prevent trail erosion. Exact details of the event will be emailed to those who sign up. ***There is a limit of 8 volunteers at this event. All volunteers are required to RSVP to the event in order to participate. *** Link to sign up: https://www.volrock.org/event/detail/?event_id=95300

WINTER CAMP UPDATE | It was pointed out at the committee meeting that the RRISD returns from winter break on 1/4/24, which is right in the middle of Session 2. With the number of scouts that attend a Round Rock school, the troop likely needs to attend Session 1 (Dec 27-30). This also means it will probably be extra important that we register for all the spots we'll need for winter camp when registration opens on September 1st. Please fill out the form if you or your scout is interested in attending winter camp. The costs are Youth - $240, Adult Participant - $120.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

SUMMER CAMP WRAP-UP | If you have photos from summer camp, please share them here: Summer Camp Photos

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Aug 18-19 | ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops)

• Aug 21 | Back to normally scheduled Troop Meetings

Thanks

Billy

AUGUST 6, 2023

Summer calendars are winding down. It's just a fact. If you/your scout is in a leadership position, please sign up today for ILST, it's less than two weeks away. Here's what's going on with the troop:

FALL ILST - INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR TROOPS

ILST; AUG 18, 6 PM, BACK AUG 19, 1 PM | If you have a troop leadership position or are a patrol leader, plan to be at ILST, the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. It's the bi-annual leadership training and planning event where we'll eat well, have fun, learn some things about being a leader, and make tactical plans for this leadership term (through the end of the year) and strategic plans for campouts a year out. Signup now  for scouts expected to attend and adults looking to help out!

CONTRIBUTE IDEAS TO ILST | Part of the strategic planning at the August ILST is deciding where to camp and what to do during Fall of 2024. Everyone (adults too) is welcome to contribute ideas on this form before ILST on Aug 18th.

TWO PATROLS NEED TO COMPLETE THEIR FALL ELECTIONS | If you are in the Nuclear Ninjas or one of the incoming high school senior scouts in our as-yet-to-be-named combined patrol, you need to vote online for your patrol leadership. The most important part is getting a patrol leader to represent at ILST. Use this online form to vote ASAP.

WINTER CAMP UPDATE | It was pointed out at the committee meeting that the RRISD returns from winter break on 1/4/24, which is right in the middle of Session 2. With the number of scouts that attend a Round Rock school, the troop likely needs to attend Session 1 (Dec 27-30). This also means it will probably be extra important that we register for all the spots we'll need for winter camp when registration opens on September 1st. Please fill out the form if you or your scout is interested in attending winter camp. The costs are Youth - $240, Adult Participant - $120.

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

SUMMER CAMP WRAP-UP | If you have photos from summer camp, please share them here: Summer Camp Photos

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Aug 18-19 | ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops)

• Aug 21 | Back to normally scheduled Troop Meetings

Thanks!

Billy

July 30, 2023

Well, it's still stupid hot. Maybe it's getting worse -- time to think about winter! Winter Camp, that is. Plus, ILST is coming up for the members of the patrol leader's council... The committee meets Wednesday and the troop will be back to business soon. Here's what's up:

WINTER CAMP SESSION PREFERENCE | Please fill out the form if you or your scout is interested in attending winter camp. Registration opens on September 1st, and we'll register as a troop. The costs are Youth - $240, Adult Participant - $120. This year the sessions are:

• Session 1: December 27-30, 2023

• Session 2: January 3-6, 2024

TROOP COMMITTEE MEETING; AUG 3, 7 PM | All adults are welcome to come see some of the parent actions behind the curtain that help make the troop go. We'll see you in Building 5, Room 232 upstairs. The key pad code for the door is 1157# (KEEP IT SECRET!).

FALL ILST; AUG 18, 6 PM, BACK AUG 19, 1 PM | If you have a troop leadership position or are a patrol leader, plan to be at ILST, the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. It's the bi-annual leadership training and planning event where we'll eat well, have fun, learn some things about being a leader, and make tactical plans for this leadership term (through the end of the year) and strategic plans for campouts a year out. Signup is now available for scouts and adults looking to help out!

CONTRIBUTE TO THE ILST DISCUSSION | Normally we have troop meetings leading up to ILST where patrol leaders can solicit ideas for camping locations and activities for our planning session. This year, we're coming off a long period without troop meetings, so please contribute your ideas (scouts and adults can offer up ideas) using this form for 1) places to camp, and 2) things to do on campouts. At ILST during our strategic planning, the PLC will come up with the plan for campouts in Fall 2024. 

DISTRICT MERIT BADGE UNIVERSITY; AUG 12, 8:30 AM - 5 PM | Looking to pick up a few merit badges in a day? Spots are still available for the Chisholm Trail Merit Badge. Signup today!

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

SUMMER CAMP WRAP-UP | If you have photos from summer camp, please share them here: Summer Camp Photos

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Full results for fall leadership positions are available on the troop website. Leadership team, make sure you have August 18-19 on your calendar for ILST - the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. 

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Aug 3 | Troop Committee Meeting

• Aug 18-19 | ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops)

• Aug 21 | Back to normally scheduled Troop Meetings

Thanks!

Billy

July 23, 2023

Howdy! We had a hot weather Eagle Project this week. Jason Giordano's project was building a pony ramp at the Ride On Center where they have therapeutic riding sessions. It was an impressive piece of construction - horses are heavy! (here are a few photos) Here's what is going on with the troop:

WILLIAMSON COUNTY TRAILS VOLUNTEER EVENT; JULY 29, 8:30-10:30 AM | Need volunteer hours? The next volunteer event will be reinstalling a bench and vegetation management. They'll meet at the Lake Creek Trail and exact details of the event will be emailed to those who sign up. There is a limit of 7 volunteers at this event. All volunteers are required to RSVP to the event in order to participate. Link to sign up.  (This isn't a troop event, just a volunteer opportunity in the community.)

EMAIL TODAY TO SCOUTMASTER@TROOP157RR.ORG | "Just wanted to let your troop know I noticed the great painting job on the curbs, etc. this morning.  You young men are awesome. Thanks for all the hard work." - Member FUMC

FALL ILST; AUG 18, 6 PM, BACK AUG 19, 1 PM | If you have a troop leadership position or are a patrol leader, plan to be at ILST, the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. It's the bi-annual leadership training and planning event where we'll eat well, have fun, learn some things about being a leader, and make tactical plans for this leadership term (through the end of the year) and strategic plans for campouts a year out. Signup is now available for scouts and adults looking to help out!

DISTRICT MERIT BADGE UNIVERSITY; AUG 12, 8:30 AM - 5 PM | Looking to pick up a few merit badges in a day? Spots are still available for the Chisholm Trail Merit Badge. Signup today!

SHOOTING SPORTS TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR ADULTS

The council currently has openings for shooting sports trainings. It's WAY easier for the troop to do shooting programs at Lost Pines when we have certified instructors/range masters within the troop. If you have any interest, please check these out ASAP because they typically fill up in advance. (Thanks to Craig for the heads-up!)

RIFLE

July 21-22 – NRA Rifle Instructor Training - Fickett

July 28-29 – NRA Rifle Instructor Training (con’t) - Fickett & Lost Pines

SHOTGUN

August 5 NRA Shotgun Instructor Training – Fickett

August 18 – 19 NRA Shotgun Instructor Training (con’t) Fickett and Lost Pines

ARCHERY

August 26- Archery Level 1 – Lost Pines

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

SUMMER CAMP WRAP-UP | If you have photos from summer camp, please share them here:

Summer Camp Photos

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Full results for fall leadership positions are available on the troop website. Leadership team, make sure you have August 18-19 on your calendar for ILST - the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. 

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Aug 3 | Troop Committee Meeting

• Aug 18-19 | ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops)

• Aug 21 | Back to normally scheduled Troop Meetings

Thanks!

Billy

July 16, 2023

Howdy. I hope everyone is getting some time outside despite the heat. Just stay sunscreened and hydrated! Congrats to Jack Douglas and family for Jack officially receiving his Eagle at the Eagle Court of Honor yesterday. Next stop for Jack? The Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve for the National Jamboree! No troop meeting this week, but there is an Eagle project. Here's what's going on this week:

EAGLE PROJECT: JASON GIORDANO; FRI, JUL 21, 9 AM | FROM JASON: Our plans concerning the pony ramp project have changed slightly. The Ride On Center can't have us on site for the project on a Saturday so for that reason, the project has been moved forward to Friday, July 21st. Arrive 9-10 AM, Will go until around 2-3 PM. Location: Ride On Center for Kids (2050 Rockride Ln, Georgetown). We will be disassembling and disposing of an older pony ramp and then assembling a new ramp to take its place. We will be working outside in the sun. Lunch and extra water will be provided. Earn up to around 4 hours of service. Bring Gloves, Water Bottle, Hat, Sunscreen, Long Socks, Close Toed Shoes, Power drill with charged batteries. PLEASE SIGN UP IN ADVANCE: https://forms.gle/K4iScSf7gwETKeDe6

FIRE LANE PAINTING RECAP | Well, it was hot as promised. Thanks to the nearly two dozen folks that turned out to help paint the fire curbs red at the church. Nearly 10 gallons of red paint in, and there will still be more to do at some point in the future. Turns out there is a nation-wide shortage of fire lane paint. Who knew. So, if you missed your chance to get some red paint on you, we'll likely have another sessions at some point.

FALL ILST; AUG 18, 6 PM, BACK AUG 19, 1 PM | If you have a troop leadership position or are a patrol leader, plan to be at ILST, the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. It's the bi-annual leadership training and planning event where we'll eat well, have fun, learn some things about being a leader, and make tactical plans for the this leadership term (through the end of the year) and strategic plans for campouts a year out. Signup is now available for scouts and adults looking to help out!

DISTRICT MERIT BADGE UNIVERSITY; AUG 12, 8:30 AM - 5 PM | Looking to pick up a few merit badges in a day? Spots are still available for the Chisholm Trail Merit Badge. Signup today!

SHOOTING SPORTS TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR ADULTS

The council currently has openings for shooting sports trainings. It's WAY easier for the troop to do shooting programs at Lost Pines when we have certified instructors/range masters within the troop. If you have any interest, please check these out ASAP because they typically fill up in advance. (Thanks to Craig for the heads-up!)

RIFLE

July 21-22 – NRA Rifle Instructor Training - Fickett

July 28-29 – NRA Rifle Instructor Training (con’t) - Fickett & Lost Pines

SHOTGUN

August 5 NRA Shotgun Instructor Training – Fickett

August 18 – 19 NRA Shotgun Instructor Training (con’t) Fickett and Lost Pines

ARCHERY

August 26- Archery Level 1 – Lost Pines

FALL WOODBADGE COURSE | Are you an adult looking to learn more about how Scouting works? It's two weekends in October and a ton of fun! Register here.

NYLT - WINTER COURSE | If you/your scout is interested in learning more about leadership, NYLT is something to attend! See here for more info and talk with Mr. Moran.

SUMMER CAMP WRAP-UP | If you have photos from summer camp, please share them here:

Summer Camp Photos

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Full results for fall leadership positions are available on the troop website. Leadership team, make sure you have August 18-19 on your calendar for ILST - the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. 

SUMMER READING SUGGESTION! | Why do we learn first aid? Search & Rescue Merit Badge? Read how this troop put their skills to use to help another hiker on a campout.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• Aug 3 | Troop Committee Meeting

• Aug 18-19 | ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops)

• Aug 21 | Back to normally scheduled Troop Meetings

Thanks!

Billy

July 3, 2023

Welcome back to all of our scouts and adults from New Mexico and summer camp at Wehinahpay! We saved some heat and humidity for you. I hope everyone has a fun and safe July 4th tomorrow. Here's what's going on with the troop:

SUMMER CAMP WRAP-UP | If you have photos from summer camp, please share them here:

Summer Camp Photos

FIRE LANE PAINTING; JULY 10, 6:45 PM | FUMC wants the troop to repaint some fire lanes at the church. Mike Muston has already pressure washed the old paint off. It was rainy when we first tried in June, so we're trying again. Please sign up (sign up again if you were already on the list for June so we have an updated roster). This counts for service hours! The plan is Monday night, July 10th to meet at 6:30-6:45 with painting starting at 7 pm. Sign up here today!

JACK DOUGLAS EAGLE COURT OF HONOR; JULY 15, 1 PM | Join Troop 157 and the Douglas Family as they celebrate their third T157 Eagle Scout at the Fickett Center.  

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Congratulations to Jack Douglas, our Fall term 2023 Senior Patrol Leader. Full results for fall leadership positions are available on the troop website. Leadership team, make sure you have August 18-19 on your calendar for ILST - the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. 

SUMMER READING SUGGESTION! | Why do we learn first aid? Search & Rescue Merit Badge? Read how this troop put their skills to use to help another hiker on a campout.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• July 10 | Fire Lane Painting, FUMC

• July 15 | Jack Douglas Eagle CoH

• Aug 3 | Troop Committee Meeting

• Aug 18-19 | ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops)

• Aug 21 | Back to normally scheduled Troop Meetings

Thanks!

Billy

June 18, 2023

Howdy! Happy Father's Day to my fellow dads out there. We're back at it this week with the summer camp shakedown meeting tomorrow. Here's what's going on with the troop:

TROOP MEETING - SUMMER CAMP SHAKEDOWN; JUNE 19, 7 PM | This will be a brief meeting geared at scouts/adults going to summer camp. Vacation Bible School will be going on at the church, so we'll be outside. The key goals are to collect remaining medical forms, get some merit badge questions answered, and some key things to remember and Q&A with scouts and parents. Check out the packing list starting on page 38 of the Leader Guide. Remember Wehinahpay is at 8500 feet! Definitely a different climate than Round Rock. 

TRAILER LOAD; JUNE 23, 7 PM | Meet at the church to unload / load the troop trailer for summer camp. 

SUMMER CAMP DEPARTURE; JUNE 24, 7 AM | Wear your Class A for travel (don't pack it on Friday!) and have a brown bag lunch. Saturday night in Carlsbad, caverns in the morning, then it's up to Wehinahpay for a week of camp in the mountains!

PHILMONT CREW RETURNS TODAY | Just an update, our Philmont crew reported that they made it! Finishing up their trek yesterday morning. Keep an eye out on the website for a recap of their trip...

EAGLE COURT OF HONOR: MATTHEW MAKAR, MATT SULLIVAN, NATE SULLIVAN; JUN 24, 3 PM | Upstairs at FUMC Bldg 5. Hope to see everyone there! Here is the invitation.

FIRE LANE PAINTING; JULY 10, 6:45 PM | FUMC wants the troop to repaint some fire lanes at the church. Mike Muston has already pressure washed the old paint off. It was rainy when we first tried in June, so we're trying again. Please sign up (sign up again if you were already on the list for June so we have an updated roster). This counts for service hours! The plan is Monday night, July 10th to meet at 6:30-6:45 with painting starting at 7 pm. Sign up here today!

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Congratulations to Jack Douglas, our Fall term 2023 Senior Patrol Leader. Full results for fall leadership positions are available on the troop website. Leadership team, make sure you have August 18-19 on your calendar for ILST - the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. 

SUMMER READING SUGGESTION! | Why do we learn first aid? Search & Rescue Merit Badge? Read how this troop put their skills to use to help another hiker on a campout.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• June 19 | Shakedown for summer camp troop meeting

• Jun 23 | Trailer Load

• June 24 - July 1 | Summer Camp - Wehinahpay Mountain Camp, NM

• July 10 | Fire Lane Painting, FUMC

Thanks!

Billy

June 11, 2023

Howdy! Definitely feels like summer outside. Remember to drink lots, and lots, and lots of water! Here's what's going on with the troop:

PHILMONT CREW IS IN NM! | Just an update, our Philmont crew headed west yesterday morning. They'll be on the trail tomorrow! 

FIRE LANE PAINTING DELAYED; JULY 10, 6:45 PM | FUMC wants the troop to repaint some fire lanes at the church. Mike Muston has already pressure washed the old paint off. It was rainy when we first tried in June, so we're trying again. Please sign up (sign up again if you were already on the list for June so we have an updated roster). This counts for service hours! The plan is Monday night, July 10th to meet at 6:30-6:45 with painting starting at 7 pm. Sign up here today!

SUMMER CAMP SPOT OPEN | See the email from Summer Camp Scoutmaster Clint Alexander from May 16 for details. There is a scout spot open, but we'll need to fill it soon!

Getting ready for camp? Check out the packing list starting on page 38 of the Leader Guide. Remember Wehinahpay is at 8500 feet! Definitely a different climate than Round Rock. More talk at that shakedown troop meeting on June 19th!

EAGLE COURT OF HONOR: MATTHEW MAKAR, MATT SULLIVAN, NATE SULLIVAN; JUN 24, 3 PM | Upstairs at FUMC Bldg 5. Hope to see everyone there! Here is the invitation.

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Congratulations to Jack Douglas, our Fall term 2023 Senior Patrol Leader. Full results for fall leadership positions are available on the troop website.

SUMMER READING SUGGESTION! | Why do we learn first aid? Search & Rescue Merit Badge? Read how this troop put their skills to use to help another hiker on a campout.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• June 10-18 | Philmont

• June 19 | Shakedown for summer camp troop meeting

• June 24 - July 1 | Summer Camp - Wehinahpay Mountain Camp, NM

• July 10 | Fire Lane Painting, FUMC

Thanks!

Billy

June 4, 2023

Howdy! Hope everyone's summer is off to a good start. We got back today from a family wedding + a non-stop week being tourists in Washington DC... definitely tons of people already out there vacationing. Here's what's going on with the troop:

FIRE LANE PAINTING TOMORROW; JUNE 5, 6:45 PM | FUMC wants the troop to repaint some fire lanes at the church. Mike Muston has already pressure washed the old paint off. We still need more sign-ups, especially scouts. This counts for service hours! The plan is Monday night, June 5th to meet at 6:30-6:45 with painting starting at 7 pm. Sign up here today!

SUMMER CAMP SPOT OPEN | See the email from Summer Camp Scoutmaster Clint Alexander from May 16 for details. There is a scout spot open, but we'll need to fill it soon!

EAGLE COURT OF HONOR: MATTHEW MAKAR, MATT SULLIVAN, NATE SULLIVAN; JUN 24, 3 PM | Upstairs at FUMC Bldg 5. Hope to see everyone there! Here is the invitation.

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Congratulations to Jack Douglas, our Fall term 2023 Senior Patrol Leader. Full results for fall leadership positions are available on the troop website.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• June 5 | Fire Lane Painting, FUMC

• June 10-18 | Philmont

• June 19 | Shakedown for summer camp troop meeting

• June 24 - July 1 | Summer Camp - Wehinahpay Mountain Camp, NM

Thanks!

Billy

maY 21, 2023

Howdy! As we wrap up the school year, congratulations to our troop's high school seniors and good luck with what's next! Looking at our list of Eagle Scouts alone, that's at least 15 Class of '23 Seniors. Impressive! Here's what's going on with the troop:

TROOP ELECTION RESULTS | Congratulations to Jack Douglas, our Fall term 2023 Senior Patrol Leader. Full results for fall leadership positions are available on the troop website.

TROOP MEETING; MAY 22, 7 PM | Tomorrow is our last regular troop meeting week of the school year, then we'll move into the summer schedule. Our next troop meeting is June 19th when we'll have a summer camp shakedown.

EAGLE SCOUT UPDATES | Congrats to Zach Grant and Lucas Pham and their families, who each had Eagle Courts of Honor this weekend. But wait, there's one more before school lets out:

DOMINIC MASHAK EAGLE COURT OF HONOR; MAY 24, 7 PM | In the Education Building #5, upstairs in the great room at FUMC.

CHISHOLM TRAIL OA CHAPTER POTLUCK; MAY 24, 7 PM | From the chapter chief: Please Join us this Wednesday for Fellowship, games, and our end of the school year potluck. Please RSVP to crew565advisor@gmail.com if you plan to attend as well as what dish you plan to bring and share with the Chapter. See everyone at 650pm at Great Oaks Elementary. We will be in the gym. It has an entrance on the far right side of the building.

FIRE LANE PAINTING; JUNE 5, 6:45 PM | FUMC wants the troop to repaint some fire lanes at the church. Mike Muston has already pressure washed the old paint off. The request is for some older scouts to do the work rolling the red paint onto the curbs. This counts for service hours! The plan is Monday night, June 5th to meet at 6:45 with painting starting at 7 pm. Sign up here!

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• May 22 | Troop Meeting (last of the school year)

• May 24 | Dominic Mashak Eagle Court of Honor

• May 29 | NO Troop Meeting, Memorial Day

• June 5 | Fire Lane Painting, FUMC

• June 19 | Shakedown for summer camp troop meeting

• June 24 - July 1 | Summer Camp - Wehinahpay Mountain Camp, NM

Thanks!

Billy

--

Billy Moran

Scoutmaster, Troop 157

Round Rock, Texas

512-296-4090

maY 14, 2023

Howdy! First, Happy Mother's Day to all of our troop moms. I hope your scouts are taking good care of you today, maybe demonstrating some of their cooking and KP skills? Here's what's going on with the troop: 

TROOP LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS; TOMORROW, MAY 15, 7PM | The key to a boy-led troop are boy leaders! We'll have our elections for Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leadership roles as well as sign-ups and interviews for troop leadership roles at the troop meeting. Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders are chosen by the elected SPL. The term is July-December and we'll have ILST, a leadership training and planning retreat, in August. Click here for a full list and description of positions. 

If you are considering running for Senior Patrol Leader, please let Mr. Moran know prior to the troop meeting. SPL candidates will be given 2 minutes each to address the troop prior to elections.

EAGLE SCOUT UPDATES | Congrats to Anish Yande and his family, his Eagle Court of Honor yesterday was great. If you missed it, you are in luck! We have three more already scheduled over the next couple of weeks, all in the Education Building #5, upstairs in the great room at FUMC:

• ZACK GRANT; MAY 20, 10 AM

• LUCAS PHAM; MAY 21, 3 PM

• DOMINIC MASHAK; MAY 24, 7 PM

And there are likely more coming in the near future. This past Tuesday, we added four new Eagles to the T157 history. Congratulations to our new Eagles and their families:

• #212 Matthew James Makar

• #213 Nathaniel James Sullivan

• #214 Matthew James Sullivan

• #215 Jack Handy Douglas

KAYAKING PHOTOS? | If you have photos you'd like to share from the campout, there is a shared drive on the troop Google site to upload photos.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• May 15 | Troop Meeting - TROOP ELECTIONS

• May 20 | Zach Grant Eagle Court of Honor

• May 21 | Lucas Pham Eagle Court of Honor

• May 22 | Troop Meeting (last of the school year)

• May 24 | Dominic Mashak Eagle Court of Honor

• May 29 | NO Troop Meeting, Memorial Day

• June 19 | Shakedown for summer camp troop meeting

• June 24 - July 1 | Summer Camp - Wehinahpay Mountain Camp, NM

Thanks!

Billy

maY 7, 2023

Howdy! Another great campout is in the books, closing out our spring camping season. Our flotilla of 32 kayaks + 2 canoes paddled the clear, cool waters of the San Marcos River from just below its headwaters in Aquamarina Springs, through the Texas State Campus, down the waterfalls of Rio Vista Park... six miles in all with two dam portages and two stops for kayaking merit badge classes. The latter included paddling lessons and practice and wet exit and boat recovery practice. Plus, there were a number of unplanned wet exits in various rapids along the way! As we wrap up the school year this month, here's what's going on with the troop:

TROOP MEETING; MAY 8, 7 PM | Remember, if you camped this weekend (kayaking trip or the OA ordeal) a Class B t-shirt will work just fine -- take time to wash that smelly Class A uniform. 

EAGLE BOARDS OF REVIEW; MAY 9, 7:15 PM | We'll have FOUR Eagle Scout candidates trying to finish their trails to Eagle. If you have talked with Jim Clarno about participating on a board, or are planning to have your board, check his emails from this weekend for details.

SPEAKING OF EAGLES... | There are four Eagle Courts of Honor on the troop calendar over the next few weeks starting with:

ANISH YANDE EAGLE COURT OF HONOR; SAT, MAY 13, 3 PM | Anish started his scouting journey in New Jersey and has completed his trail to Eagle in Texas. Please come recognize his achievements in the Great Room upstairs in the Education Building at FUMC. RSVP to yandeanish@gmail.com or text 732-710-7846.

TROOP LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS; MAY 15 | The key to a boy-led troop are boy leaders! We'll have our elections for Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leadership roles as well as sign-ups and interviews for troop leadership roles at the troop meeting. Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders are chosen by the elected SPL. The term is July-December and we'll have ILST, a leadership training and planning retreat, in August. Click here for a full list and description of positions. 

KAYAKING PHOTOS? | If you have photos you'd like to share from the campout, there is a shared drive on the troop Google site to upload photos.

Looking at the calendar (link to it!): 

• May 8 | Troop Meeting - Exploration Merit Badge

• May 13 | Anish Yande Eagle Court of Honor

• May 15 | Troop Meeting - TROOP ELECTIONS, Exploration Merit Badge, PT 2

• May 20 | Zach Grant Eagle Court of Honor

• May 21 | Lucas Pham Eagle Court of Honor

• May 22 | Troop Meeting (last of the school year)

• May 24 | Dominic Mashak Eagle Court of Honor

• May 29 | NO Troop Meeting, Memorial Day

• June 19 | Shakedown for summer camp troop meeting

• June 24 - July 1 | Summer Camp - Wehinahpay Mountain Camp, NM

Thanks!

Billy