The March Troop Committee Meeting was held at the home of Ali and Matti Naji on March 10, 2003.  Those attending were:  Brant Reed, Scoutmaster; Debbie Izumi, Treasurer; Brad Nelson, Assistant Scoutmaster; Karen Saunders, Board of Review Chair; Fred Stifter, Assistant Scoutmaster; Peter Thompson, Committee Chair; Jo Van Amburg, Secretary; Steve Webber, Assistant Scoutmaster; Kim Kunitake, Ali and Matti Naji,

Mr. Thompson, Troop Committee Chair, convened the meeting at approximately 7:15 p.m. 

Senior Patrol Leader’s Report - Mr. Thompson presented Jeff Thompson’s monthly report.  Jeff said the recent Venture ski trip to June Mountain was a big success and added that there were no injuries on the outing.  Efforts at rank advancement have slowed a bit, which is typical for this time of year, but still is proceeding.  Jeff added that the troop leadership team has been doing an excellent job of planning and running the meetings and he hopes this trend will continue in the coming year.

Committee Chair Report - Mr. Thompson agreed with Jeff’s assessment of the effectiveness of Scouts planning and executing their own meetings. Older Scouts are teaching younger Scouts how to do things and consequently are more engaged themselves in the life of the troop.

Board of Review Chair Report - Mrs. Saunders reported that she has not been contacted so far this month for a Board of Review.  Mr. Reed said there have been no requests for Scoutmaster conferences, either.  Scouts who are seeking advancement to the Star or Life ranks and have had a successful Scoutmaster conference should contact Mrs. Saunders to schedule their Board of Review.  The next Board of Review is set for Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m.

Scoutmaster’s Report -  Mr. Reed announced that both Joseph Stifter and Erik Yesayan passed their Eagle boards of review before the Verdugo Hills Council on February 22, 2003. Congratulations Joseph and Erik!  He also agreed with the Senior Patrol Leader and the Committee Chairman that Scout efforts to plan and execute better troop meetings are showing results.  Planning now is being done several weeks in advance of meetings, with a lot of thoughtfulness and follow-through.  Mr. Reed added that the recent ski weekend at June Mountain was terrific.

Pre-Camporee (Eagle Rock Trek X) is set for Friday through Sunday, March 28-30, at the Firestone Scout Reservation in Brea.  Troop 125 will run one knot tying and one lashing station at the event.  Participating troop members should plan to be at Glenoaks Park no later than 6 p.m. on Friday, March 28.  Scouts should eat dinner before coming to the park or bring a sack dinner to eat while loading up.  Scouts must wear their uniform to and from camp and will return to Glenoaks Park by 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 30.

Mr. Reed will be reviewing the troop medical forms to see which Scouts need a physical examination before summer camp.  The next $100 installment for Camp Whitsett is due at the troop meeting on Wednesday, March 26.  So far, 27 boys currently in the troop have signed up to go.  Four adult leaders will attend as well. 

Treasurer’s Report -  Mrs. Izumi reported on the cash status of the troop accounts.. 

Social Activities Report - Mr. Thompson thanked Mrs. Sicat and Mrs. Thompson for the wonderful refreshments at the last Court of Honor.  The annual Mother and Son Banquet is coming up in May.  Dads and Scouts will be needed to help set up, serve and clean up.  Anyone with any ideas on the type of food that might be served should contact Mrs. Kunitake.

Membership Chair Report -  Mrs. Saunders reported for Mr. Saunders that the troop’s membership roll is up to date.  All paperwork is in order.  There currently are 39 Scouts in the troop.

Training Coordinator’s Report - For information on adult leader training sessions that will be offered in the next few months, check the Verdugo Hills Council training website or contact the Council office at (818) 243-6282.

Advancement Chair Report -  Mr. Reed reported for Mr. Sanchez that there has been one rank advancement and one merit badge earned since the last Court of Honor.  Congratulations to one Scout who advanced to First Class following a successful Board of Review.

Equipment Coordinator Report - Mr. Thompson reported for Mr. McKenna that work still is needed to repair troop tents.  A work day will be scheduled shortly.

Venture Scout Report -  Mr. Webber agreed that the recent June Mountain ski trip was a big success.  Twelve Scouts and three adults took part.  He said all boys who took part worked very hard at getting along and helping each other out.  He said they may explore the possibility of a Mammoth outing next year.

New Business -  Camporee is set for Friday through Sunday, April 25-27, at Veterans Park in Sylmar.  The troop has been asked to run one event.  Signed permission slips and money will be due at the April 16th troop meeting.  Details TBA.

Mr. Thompson adjourned the meeting at approximately 8 a.m.

The next troop committee meeting will be held on Monday, April 14, beginning at 7 p.m., at the home of Ed and Catherine Yesayan.

Please review the Troop Calendar for upcoming important dates and events!