At Road to First Class next week, we'll continue to review the First Class lashing requirements. We'll take a look into shear and diagonal lashings to tie together sticks and poles. Remember that the square lashing is used to join two sticks or poles at 90 degree angles.

Tonight the boys decided that they would like to attend Northern Tier National Scout Camp as our High Adventure campout during the summer of 2011.  This means a week of wilderness canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

For more information on Northern Tier, one of only three national Boy Scout camps, see
http://www.ntier.org/Ntier_WildernessCanoeTrips.html

The boys chose the Atikokan adventure in Canada.  Click on the link to Don Rogert Canoe Base for more info.

We are tentatively planning on August 6-13, 2011

The troop will put in its application to Northern Tier on April 1 and wait to see if our application is accepted.

If you are interested in attending but were not at the meeting tonight, please email troop494@gmail.com to sign up.

ALSO -- If there are any parents who are interested in joining Tim Willard as part of a group that makes this an extended 10-day trip, please email troop494@gmail.com
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At the Court of Honor we kicked off our 2010 Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign.  Our Council generates over 20% of its funding from the annual FOS campaign.  Please support Troop 494's drive to raise $4,800 as this year's goal.  So far we are at 49% of our goal!  Please help us reach our goal.

The snow adventure day trip is now planned for March 7.   See the details
There will be no minimum numbers for this event, but you do need to sign up by February 28.  We need adult leaders to attend this event as well.  You do not need to ski or snowboard, but we will need drivers and chaperons.

As many of you know, I have recently been elected the new SPL of Troop 494, and it was my first order of business to select ASPLs. After interviews with all those candidates who applied, and with much thought on the matter, as well as talks with Nick and Jim, I've come to a decision. I decided to stick with the 2 ASPLs idea, but not specify which would be in charge of camping or activities. I'm pleased to announce that Jordan B and Brian B have agreed to accept the responsibilities of  ASPL. I also want to thank Greg B and Alex C for applying.

Thanks! 
Jay

Our annual flower sale is underway.  This is your best  opportunity to make money to pay for all the great fun we have. 

At the Court of Honor we kicked off our 2010 Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign.  Our Council generates over 20% of its funding from the annual FOS campaign.  Please support Troop 494's drive to raise $4,800 as this year's goal.  So far we are at 40% of our goal! 

We are exploring ways to make our web site more valuable to troop members.  Tell us what you think.