To all Scouts and families, please remember to return Troop camping gear including tents, tarps, and cooking equipment.  We are going on a campout this weekend and we need all tents and other equipment returned.  Bring them with you to th Troop meeting or contact the Scoutmaster (scoutmaster@libertyvilletroop71.org).

I am having my shoe sorting event for my Eagle Scout Project next Sunday 12/5 from 1:00 - 4:00 at my house 525 E Sunnyside Ave in my garage. We will be pairing, sorting and boxing shoes. Please email me at Peyton525@comcast.net if you are able to help.

Is your Scout in a merit badge log jam? Is he struggling to move forward on requirements? One tip is to encourage your Scout to examine a badge to look for:

• A quick win – Which requirement could he get done in the next 20 minutes?

• The “longest pole in the tent” – Which requirement will likely take the most time, so he could start it now and thus finish this badge sooner?

• An energy boost – Which requirement looks the most fun and could get him moving?

• Time-sensitive – Which requirement depends on a specific event and thus it is important to highlight it on the family calendar ASAP? Has he reached out to his counselor to ensure that event will work for the requirement fulfillment?

• Fun with a friend – For those who get energy from doing tasks with others, what requirement could be done with a buddy?Even if a parent is brimming with ideas on how the Scout could move forward, do your best to keep asking the question “what needs to happen next?” Ask them to find at least one requirement that fits each of these categories.When can you do this? Why not leverage the time when you are going to and from your weekly Scout meeting?

1. The Boy Scout Learns: A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others; and in this way he begins to develop leadership.
2. The Boy Scout is Tested: A Scout may be tested on rank requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member, or a member of his troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to give tests and to pass candidates. The Scout's merit badge counselor teaches and tests on the requirements for merit badges.
3. The Boy Scout is Reviewed: After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee. The Eagle Scout board of review is conducted in accordance with local council procedures.
4. The Boy Scout is Recognized: When the board of review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The certificate for his new rank may be presented later at a formal court of honor.

Details for our annual ski trip have been posted to the calendar.  Please use the sign-up feature to indicate your interest at this point.  An initial headcount is needed for cabin reservations.  Thank you.

 For my Eagle Scout project I am collecting shoes to donate to Soles4Souls.  Soles4Souls turns unwanted shoes into opportunity, by keeping them from going to waste and putting them to good use – providing relief, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty.

I have donation bins located at LHS (Main Entrance, Studio Theater Entrance, and LST room 156), 847 Running downtown Libertyville and my house 525 E Sunnyside Ave. if you have any shoes you'd like to donate.

 I will need Scout help to sort and box the shoes after the shoe drives are over.  Date and time to be determined.

Thank you,
Peyton