HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BSA!
BSA Celebrates 102nd Anniversary on Feb 8

SCOUT SUNDAY
Troop to Particpate in Heidelberg Scout Sunday Feb 5

KLONDIKE PREP
Troop Prepares for Annual District Winter Event 2/10-12

100th P&E
Troop to Participate in 100th Annual
Pilgrimage / Encampment at Valley Forge

SKI TRIP
Elk Mtn Ski Trip Hi-Lites Jan 13-15

FIRST AID MEET
District First Aid Meet next month . . .

WEEKLY EVENT CALENDAR

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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• SCOUT SUNDAY --
  The troop will particpate in the anual SCout Sunday services at Heidelberg United Church of Christ on SUNDAY DFEBRUARY 5, 2012.   Heidelberg has served as our sponsor since 1970; it is important to make a good showing for those who provide so much to us!   We will meet at Heidelberg between 10:15 and 10:30 AM in FULL CLASS "A" UNIFORM!   Several of our SCouts have volunteered to serve as Lay Readsers and Ushers for the service; others of us will form a Greeter line.   ALL Scouts are encouraged to attend with their parents and families if possible.   Pew rows will be reserved for us at the front of the church.
  Come out and thank those who have sponsored us for 42 years ... please join us for Scout Sunday Services!

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• BSA's 102nd BIRTHDAY --
  On February 8, 1910 the Boy Scouts of America were officially chartered by the United States Congress.   Few if any organizations have had quite the impact helping young people mature into quality citizens, successful leaders and persons of high character as the BSA.   Remember the BSA birthday and help celebrate its rich and storied heritage by wearing your uniform or a Scout T-shirt to school on Wednesday February 8th.  
  < Happy Birthday, BSA -- and Thank You Baden-Powell!!

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• DISTRICT KLONDIKE DERBY --
  The annual District Klondike Derby will be held the weekend of February 10-12 at Camp Hart.   This event is held each winter, and Patrols from Troops around the district compete for top honors in knowledge and application of their Scout skills.   each Patrol will push a "sled"" around camp to different stations where specific skills are tested -- knots / lashings, first aid, fire building, orienteering, problem solving, team work, etc.   Sleds may run on wheels or, when there is snow on the ground, skis.   At the end of the day the patrols compete in a sled race to see who can push / pull / drag their sled (and Patrol members!) from the bottom of the trail near the bridge up to the main Klondike activity area.   A full day of outdoor activities, including lunch on the trail, where our Scout skills are put to the test....   Lots of opportunities for our adults and parents to participate too as help is needed to run each of the stations.
  
  We will be staying at Korman Lodge, a small cabin with ample space for overflow tents.   The troop leaders will prepare Saturday breakfast to ensure the Patrols get out the door on time; each Patrol should plan a (hot!) lunch on the trail, dinner and Sunday breakfast.   Cost of the event is $30 -- $9 for the event, $11 for lodging and troop meals, and $10 for Patrol meals.   Perm Slips will be out the week of Jan. 19 and are due back Feb. 2.

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• 100th ANNUAL VALLEY FORGE PILGRIMAGE & ENCAMPMENT --
  The Valley Forge Pilgrimage and Encampment is the longest continuously operating Scouting event in the country, and this year marks the 100th occasion for this activity.   Troops from as far away as Texas and Connecticut will be attending.   The event is held each year over President's Weekend : this year February 17-19.  
  
  The Pilgrimage portion is a Saturday-only event where Scouts, Cubs, Parents and Leaders descend on Valley Forge National Historical Park for a series of presentations and demonstrations about the Revolutionary War and the Continental Army that camped at Valley Forge the winter of 1777-78.   This year's featured Revolutionary War hero is George Washington.   Several of the stations will present information about General Washington and his impact on the war and the founding of this great country.   In addition, we understand a cavalry regiment will be on hand to demonstrate the role of horse-mounted soldiers.   Other common presentations include discussions from the Oneida Indians of New York on their role at Valley Forge, re-enactors, muskets and canons, and other interesting history about that era.
  
  For the more hearty souls among us, the Encampment features a weekend winter camping experience on the grounds of Pawlings Farm just below St. Gabriel's School on Pawlings Road near Audobon.   Buses will shuttle our campers to the Pilgrimage on Saturday morning, and back again Saturday afternoon.   Special commorative patches may be earned by completing additional hiking around Valley Forge on Saturday afternoon.
  
  As has been our tradition, Troop 141 will be inviting area Cub Packs to join us in the lower parking lot at Valley FOrge for a tailgate lunch after the Pilgrimage event.   We will prepare soup, grilled cheese sandwiches and other lunch items to warm up our participants and send them home well fed and refreshed after the morning's exertions.  
  
  Perm Slips will be out by the end of January and will be due back on February 9.   Over 3,000 Scouts and Scouters have already signed up to attend -- Make plans now to attend!

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• PA STATE CAPITAL FIELD TRIP --
  Mrs. Mackay and Hayden are planning to visit the state capital in Harrisburg on FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2012 to fulfill a merit badge requirement.   Anyone else interested is welcome to attend.   she plans to leave around 8-8:30 AM and return by 5:00 PM.   Those attending should pack a bag lunche.
  
  NOTE -- This also the VF Pilgrimage / Encampmnet weekend.   For thopse intending to camp, Mrs. Mackay plans to be back in time for those going on the trip to meet up with the troop.

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• NATIONAL JAMBOREE 2013 --
  In July 2013 the BSA will hold its National Jamboree at a new location -- the Bechtel Summit Reserve in West Virginia.   This will be an historic event, as we particpate in the first Jamborree on BSA's own property!   Our Council is now taking applications for SCouts interested in attending.   So far, thjere is only one troop being formed from Scouts in our DIstrioct -- in 2010 we filled two full troops!   If attending the Jamboree with other members of our troop and Scouts you know from school is important, then get your applications in NOW!   COuncil will determine exactly how many troops they will sponsor based on the number of applicants on file as of March 31 -- DON'T DELAY!   Visit the National BSA website (http://www.scouting .org) and cliock on the "Jamboree' link, or go directly to (https://summit.scouting.org/en/Jamboree2013/Pages/default.aspx )

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• ANNUAL SKI TRIP --
  The annual troop ski trip was held the weekend of Jan 13-15, 2012.   The trip got ogff to a rocky start as one of our vehicles develoepd a flat tire barely 5 milers from Kupsville on the NE Extension of the turnpike, causing a last minute retreat to the cabin and vehicle re-shuffle.   Undaunted, we proceeded north on our trek in the cold temperatures for a fun weekend at the ski resort.   We stayed at the health lodge of Camp Archbald, a Girl Scout camp not far from Elk Mountain, sleeping on the floor of the spacious, heated lodge --with mattresses available to soften the stay!   Troop cooking was in order -- the lodge has a single kitchenette in the basement and we enjoyed hot breakfast before hitting the slopes.   We packed a "picnic" lunch for Saturday (sandwiches, chips, drinks) and drove to Elk Mountain first thing in the morning.   Day ski lift tickets were purchased, allowing full access to the slopes from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.   Several first timers took advantage of lessons and the moderate hill, and by day's end were demonsttrating great skill and expertise.   Even Mr. Yadav and Pradyot who travelled up for the day to join us showed great resolve, staying on the slopes until the end of the day!.
  
  We returned to the lodge for dinner, followed by board games and fun at the lodge Saturday night.   A fire was lit in the downstairs fireplace, and everyone settled in much earlier on Saturday night than Friday -- a sign we were tired and had enjoyed the day!   Sunday morning breakfast and clean-up went smoothly, with a quick SCouts Own service held in the lodge -- it was in the singele-digit temperatures ouotside!   We returned to Hatfield on Sunday shortly after lunch.  
  
  Thanks to Mrs. Mackay, Mrs. Conallen, and Mr. Collins for making the trek and staying the weekend -- good fun for all!

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• GOD & FAMILY AWARD --
  Mr. Ellis and the folks from Christ United Methodist Church are offering classes for the God and Family award this winter / spring.   This religeous award is for Protestant youth in Grades 4, 5, & 6:
  
  Program:       Earn the God and Family award. Discover how building and strengthening families can be compared to making pizza.
                    Study the Bible to learn about God’s recipe for living together as children of our heavenly Father.
  For:                   boys and girls in grades 4, 5, & 6
  Meeting Place:   Christ United Methodist Church,
                          1020 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale
  Dates:               Sundays, February 12 – March 25, April 15, April 22, 2012
  Time:               4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
  Sign Up:            by email to Debra Reed or in the Narthex
  Contact:           Debra Reed, children@cumclansdale.org
                          Doug Ellis, dsellis@comcast.net
  
  See Mr. Ellis for more details . . .

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• DISTRICT FIRST AID MEET SUPPORT --
  For the 10th consecutive year, Troop 141 will sponsor the annual General Nash District First Aid Meet.   We, Troop 141, have sponsored and coordinated this event since 2003.   This year's event will be held on Saturday March 3 at the St. Stanislaus' Elementary School gymnasium / cafeteria in Lansdale.   Once again, we expect high turn-out for this event : Last year we set a new record for attendance with over 230 Scouts in 38 Patrols from 18 troops registering and participating in the event.   To put this in perspective, there are only 21 Troops in the District : we had participation from all but 3 troops!
  
  As usual, Troop 141 Parents, Leaders and Scouts will need to step up and deliver!   We hope to complete much of the set up on Friday night; on Saturday we will need help with registration, judging, kitchen support, and generally helping the meet proceed smoothly.  
  
  Let's deliver the excellent program our District has come to expect from everything associated with "Troop 141"!   Let us leave no doubt why we're so proud to wear the "1-4-1" on our sleeves!

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• TROOP JLC PLANNING MEETING --
  The Junior Leader Council met on Tuesday January 31 to plan for the February and March events and activities, including Klondike, VF P&E, and FIrst AId Meet.   Much was accomplished and discussed . . . Thanks to all who attended.
  
  REMINDER -- The JLC meetings are for ALL youth leaders AND all PATROL ADVISORS!   All SMs are invited to attend as well . . .
  
  The next JLC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 28.   Those currently holding an elected or appointed leadership position are expected to attend -- please call your ASPL / SPL if you have a conflict!

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• COUNCIL SILVER BEAVER AWARD --
  The 2012 Silver Beaver Award recipients have been announced, and prominent among them is our own MRS. BRENDA CONALLEN!   The Silver Beaver Award, Council's highest recognition for a volunteer, is presented to volunteers who demonstrate outstanding service to the youth of our community.   The announcement reads:
  
  The Cradle of Liberty Council is pleased to announce that 9 dedicated Scouters have been selected to receive the council's highest recognition for service to youth -- The Silver Beaver Award.
  
  J.R. Brockman
  Gary Brownstein
  Brenda Conallen
  Bill Giles
  Bill Hunsberger
  Michael Matusheski
  Jeff McFadden
  Ted McDonald
  Bill Palmer
  
  CONGRATULATIONS MRS. CONALLEN -- well deserved!  
  
  The awards will be officially presented at the annual Council Recognition Dinner on Thursday February 23rd.   Mark your calendars now -- we'll all want to attend to celebrate this occasion with Mrs. C!!
  
  DINNER RESERVATIONS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED -- PLEASE SEE MR. BAER IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND!

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• BIRTHDAY GREETINGS --
  Happy Birthday this month to ::  
  
  FEBRUARY::
  DAVID CURTIS (Feb 2), Mrs. Conallen and Mr. Reiner (Feb 4), ANREW HARFMAN and Mrs. Barella (Feb 6), ANTHONY DiBERARDINO (Feb 13), Mr. Griffies (Feb 21) and SHANE GRIFFIES (Feb 27).
  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALL!
  

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• SCRIP CARDS --
  Some of our families may not be aware -- Troop 141 provided Scrip or Gift cards to local stores to help raise monies for the troop (and your Scouts!).   Essentially, you pay face value for a Scrip card (looks like a credit card but without your name) and then present this to the cashier at the store when you check out.   In return, the Troop will receive a percentage of the face value back from the parent company as a charitable donation.   This same program is used by churches, schools and other programs.   The beauty is almost everyone is going to the food store -- instead of using cash or your credit card, buy a Scrip card, spend the same as you would otherwise and the troop gets a cash-back benefit!   (By the way -- All our Scouts who purchase food for trips are expected to use this program or their receipt reimbursement will be "discounted" by the amount we would otherwise have received as a donation!).   Please see Mrs. Conallen - Troop Treasurer - to get your Scrip cards.   We have Giant, Acme, Redners and Weis at every meeting.   Remember -- 2.5% of the face amount of personal purchases will be added to your child's scout account!   Giant gift cards can be used for food or gas purchases.   You're spending the money anyway -- why not let the troop benefit too!

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• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE OPPORTUNITIES -- Orienteering
  Did you know the Schuylkill Center has a permanent orienteering course?   Purchase the $3 map in our gift shop, then head out on the trails to complete the 1-mile course for a fun challenge!   The gift shop and education building are open Monday - Saturday, 8:30-5.   Trails only are open Sundays.
  
  For more information or to register for any of our programs, call 215-482-7300 ext. 110 or email scee@schuylkillcenter.org

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• MERIT BADGE OPPORTUNITIES --
  The following Merit Badge opportunities will be available at the Academy of Natural Sciences later this year and next:
  
  Dec 3-4 Mammal Study
  Feb 11-12 Environmental Science
  May 3-4 Mammal Study
  May 19-20 Reptile and Amphibian Study
  
  Check out the website for more information: http://www.ansp.org/scouting/

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• OA NEWS --
  >>> ANNUAL LODGE DUES --
  ++ To remain active, all Arrowmen are required to pay their annual lodge dues by January 31.   Reminder cards have been mailed; Payment can also be made online.   STAY CURRENT -- PAY YOUR DUES NOW!
  
  >>> OA ELECTIONS -- ++ The Troop Camp Promotions / Unit Elections night is coming up in February : 02-16-2012.   At that time we will hold an election for eligible Scouts to be nominated to take their Ordeal and enter the lodge.   Scouts must be First Class, have attended 15 days and nights of camping in the past two years, including one long-term camping experience (e./g. Summer Camp), meet with Scoutmaster aqpproval, and be elected by their troop as shining examples of the best Scouting has to offer.   WE NEED A MINIMUM QUORUM OF 50% ATTENDANCE ON THIS DATE FOR THE ELECTIONS TO BE CERTIFIED!   Please be sure to attend this meeting!
  
  >>> CHAPTER MEETINGS --
  ++ The General Nash Chapter of Unami Lodge One meets at least once a month -- the second Wednesday of each month -- generally at Trinity Lutheran Church, beginning at 7:30 PM.   A second monthly meeting is occasionally scheduled for a "fun" event, such as Ultimate Frisbee at Upper Gwynedd Park, etc.
  
  SEE EION CONALLEN, our OA Representative, for complete details!
  
  THIS IS YOUR LODGE ... GET INVOLVED!

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• Important DISTRICT/COUNCIL Dates --

February 11, 1012	Klondike Derby
March 3, 1012	First AId Meet
June 22 - 24, 2012	COL Council Camporee 2012 :: "Back to the Falls" at Resica
July 15 - 25, 2013	National Jamboree :: Summit Bechtel Reserve @ Beckley West Virginia





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