At the Klondike derby, I had an opportunity to observe nearly twenty patrols from our district as they performed the requirements of starting fire by using flint and steel. In general, all the patrols were composed of good kids intent on doing their best.

However there was one patrol that was an inspiration. This patrol was composed of eight scouts representing almost the entire spectrum of ages. My first thought was that one of the older scouts was the leader. Wrong, the patrol leader was, as I later found, about fourteen. All the patrol

members looked to him as the leader and gave him their full support. They discussed the flint and steel fire making problem as presented on the information sheet. As they discussed who should make the attempt, the patrol leader argued for one of the youngest scouts to try. His argument prevailed because the scout had never done flint and steel before. The scout made his

attempt and was successful although not with a top score. During his attempt, every patrol member supported the scout with words of encouragement and advice. No negative statements or gestures were observed. The scout was, perhaps, a little surprised at his success and the cheers of his fellow patrol members. Truly, this was a memorable experience.

After some reflection on the actions of this patrol, I pose the question; could a system where standing patrols are reinforced annually to counter attrition work for our troop?

What do you think?

This campout is always well attended and the threat of blustery weather remained just a threat as a wonderful weekend helped raise the spirits of even the most faithful of Buckeye fans on this "OSU / Michigan Football" weekend.

Tenderfoot: Scott Morgan

Ryan Wynne

Second Class: Todd Mumford

Ben L'Ecuyer: Oceanography

Communications

Chip L'Ecuyer: Oceanography

Scott Morgan: Personal

Management

Todd Mumford: Personal

Management

Matt Wohlever: Oceanography

David Hearne: Totin’ Chip

Ryan Wynne: Totin’ Chip

The winter bushwack was held the on January 15^th and 16^th. The site was Clinton Gorge, just outside Yellow Springs, Ohio.

The troop arrived on Saturday morning and spent an enjoyable 6 hours hiking the rim of the gorge and then down in the valley. Everyone hiked with full packs.

On Saturday evening, we set up camp at Camp Hugh Taylor Birch, the local Boy Scout camp.

On Sunday morning, the campers hiked for another 3 hours before they returned to the cars and headed home.

Although many had tired feet, we all enjoyed a feeling of accomplishment and enjoyment for the great (but chilly) weather over the weekend.

Scouts attending this campout included: Chip and Ben L’Ecuyer, Nathan Chenenko, Matt Wohlever, Todd Mumford, Tim Lin, Erik Fletcher.

Adults on this campout included: Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Mumford, Mr. L’Ecuyer, Mr. Chenenko, Mr. Wohlever.

REMEMBER

TROOP COMMITTEE MEETING

February 28, 2000 All are welcome

Congratulations to the scouts who participated in the Troop 862 fall fruit sale.

This year a total of 14 scouts sold $4,256 worth of fruit, raising over $627 for the troop. In addition, the scouts added $1220 to their troop scout accounts.

This years overall sales leader was Chris Wahoff with $1,129 in sales. The top seller for the new scouts was Chip L’Ecuyer with $456.

Weekly incentive award winner were: Week 1, Chip L’Ecuyer, Chris Wahoff, Week 2, Todd Mumford and Matt Wohlever, Week 3 Timothy Lin and Nathan Chenenko.

The Flower Sale in March is the next scout fund raising opportunity.

SPL — Matt Wohlever

ASPL Indoor — Nathan Chenenko

ASPL Outdoor — Ben L’Ecuyer

ASPL Venture Crew — Chad Davis

Scribe — David Hearn

Treasurer — Nathan Chenenko

Librarian — Ryan Wynne

Quartermaster — Todd Mumford

Chaplins Aid — Evan Barker

Cobras — Nathan Chenenko

Vikings — Daniel Friedman

Soaring Eagles — Todd Mumford

Dragons / Scorpions / Cougars — Brandon Ballinger

This is going to be the format for the Honor Patrol. We have finally brought this back because we want to stress patrol unity, and because it was fun. The winning patrol will get $2 put into their scout account and get to have the honor patrol plaque on their table for the following month.

The judging will be done by the SPL on a weekly basis; the patrol with the most points at the end of the month will win the prize. Before we can start I need each patrol to have an updated patrol roster with the patrol positions on it. Right now Honor Patrol is set to start the first week of February.

Be prepared, and

Patrol meetings 25 points. There is a maximum of 2 meetings a month, and 75% of all patrol members must be present. Some business must be done, and the meetings must last at least half an hour. A description of the meeting must be given at the opening for any points to be awarded.

Attendance at troop meetings: % of 15 points.

Uniform: % of 10 points. The % is taken out of the patrol members who are at the meeting, not out of all the patrol members.

Behavior: Up to 10 points, can be negative.

Dues: Up to 25 points. If less then 50% of patrol members pay their dues; the patrol gets 0 points. If 50%-99% pay their dues the patrol gets 10 points. If everybody pays their dues the patrol gets all 20 points. If 2/3 or more of patrols members are more then 2 months behind the patrol is ineligible until all dues are paid up.

Advancement: 5 points a rank.

Merit badges: 3 points a badge.

Attendance on campouts: % of 25 points.

Calling patrol: 5 points if patrol leader calls and contacts patrol.

Baden Powell Award: The patrol that earns this award will automatically win that month, but if that patrol does not lead in points there can be two winners for that month.

Klondike Derby @ camp Falling Rock.

Caving Campout @ Renfro Valley, KY

Backpack Campout

Spring Camporee

Sports Campout

Summer Camp @ Seven Ranges Scout Camp

High Adventure Crew to Seabase, FL

Water Sports Campout

We are still looking for writers to assist with the newsletter development. If you want to help, just send it in! Or email it to us at scoutmaster@bsatroop862.org

Mail To: 1491 Briarmeadow Dr.

Columbus, OH 43235

We won’t attribute it to anyone if you want to keep your identity secret.