I would like to start off by thanking everybody for helping me out with my first few months as SPL. I feel that the troop has done a great job adjusting to all of the changes that have taken place. Honor Patrol and the Patrol Method have been brought back. Just to let you know I am now in the middle of track season and am very busy so it is harder for me accomplish all of my duties, this means that I will need all of your help again. Part of the Patrol Method is having the patrols planning part of the meetings. I am asking for the patrol leaders to plan ahead. If they could look at the schedule ahead of time and work with the ASPL of indoor programs this would make the things more efficient. I thank you ahead of time for your support.

The last day to turn in your sales receipts for the flower sale in Monday, April 17^th.

Flower pickup will be at Selby park on Saturday, May 13^th.

Remember, each scout receives 100% of the profit from this fund raising event.

Over the month of March the troop helped out the homeless by organizing and participating in a food drive. Each patrol took a different section of Worthington and collected food. On euchre night the troop spent half of the meeting passing out flyers to their section. This was the first time that the troop passed out flyers before they collected the food, and it made a big difference. Many people who were not home but still wanted to donate left out food with the flyers attached to them. This helped increase the results to record highs. There was a contest between the patrols to see who could collect the most food per person. The Beavers did a great job for their first year coming in third place, but they collected the most food. The Soaring Eagles came in second with five people, and the Cobras came in first place. Everybody did a great job and their help is greatly appreciated.

A course on Youth Protection for all adults will offered at the troop committee meeting on April 24^th, 2000 at 7:00 PM.

Welcome to the Beaver patrol. The Beaver patrol currently houses the following new scouts: Ian Bahnsen, Patrick Brennan, John Carey, Ryan Getz, Jesse Lycan, Todd Midgley, Seth O’Brien, Nick Wahoff, Zach Whitesel, Mark Wohlever, Harrison Watkins, Josh Thomas and Kelly Symmonds.

In the recent patrol elections, Nick Wahoff was elected patrol leader. Mark Wohlever was appointed as assistant patrol leader.

Food Drive

REMEMBER

TROOP COMMITTEE Meetings are at the same time as the scout meeting.

Troop committee meetings are scheduled for:

April 24^th, 2000

May 22^nd, 2000

All are welcome

Congratulations to the Beavers for winning the Honor Patrol in their first month in the troop. They won by a large margin and did a great job. In winning they showed great patrol unity and togetherness. There is a new power in the Honor Patrol battle. The Cobras and Soaring Eagles could have won if they had done better in attendance. Look for writing articles for the troop newsletter to be worth points for Honor Patrol.

The Cobras won the award for the month of February.

Loading a pack is one of the most important duties you will have. It will make a big difference on how comfortably the pack carries. Comfort is the foundation of fun.

Here are a few helpful hints to keep you comfortable when out on the trail.

• For trail walking and gentle terrain, pack the heaviest items high and close to your back.
• The sleeping bag should always go in the bottom of the pack, whether you are packing the weight high or low.
• Pack clothing and other light gear around heavy items (like a stove) in order to keep them from shifting.
• Items you need during the day should be packed in the top of the main compartment, the top flap, or side pockets.
• Foam pads, and odd sized equipment (i.e. Long tent poles) can be carried on the outside of the pack.

What to pack for a hiking / backpacking trip. This list is meant to serve as a guide for hiking and backpacking only. Some items are necessities and others are luxuries.

• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Water Bottle
• First Aid Kit
• Food
• Hiking Boots

Cookset:

1. Stove / Fuel
2. Cookware (Spoon)
3. Knife
4. Cooking utensils
5. Waterproof matches

Clothing:

1. Waterproof rain gear
2. Jacket (Synthetic pile or fleece)
3. Pants (not cotton)
4. Top (Long sleeve)
5. Bottoms
6. Socks
7. Insulation layers
8. Non-cotton socks
9. T-shirts
10. Walking shorts

Miscellaneous Items

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bandanna
• Topo-maps/compass
• Flashlight
• Toilet paper
• Rope
• Camera/film
• Lip balm
• Biodegradable soap / shampoo
• Zip-lock bags
• Toothbrush / toothpaste
• Insect repellent

First Aid Kit Items

• Band-Aids
• Moleskin
• Tweezers
• Cotton
• Gauze
• Safety Pins
• Thread / needle
• Mirror
• Whistle
• 35 cents for a phone call
• ibuprofen

Backpack Campout

Spring Camporee

Sports or caving 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@bsatroop268.org

Mail To: 1491 Briarmeadow Dr.

Columbus, OH 43235

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