Troop 969 s Opening Campout of the year is. SHOOTING SPORTS EVENT IN BONFIELD, IL September 16, 17, & 18

September 2016 www.troop969.com Vol. 40 No. 1 Troop 969 s Opening Campout of the year is. SHOOTING SPORTS EVENT IN BONFIELD, IL September 16, 17, & 18 WHERE: DEPART: RETURN: WHAT TO BRING: COST: ILLINOIS STATE RIFLE ASSOCIATION BONFIELD, ILLINOIS 5PM FROM KOLPING SUNDAY NOON STANDARD EQUIPMENT LIST, SEE ATTACHED LIST $65 PER SCOUT $40 PER ADULT W/SHOOTING, $20 PER ADULT W/OUT SHOOTING All equipment including firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, targets, safety glasses, and hearing protection are included. SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES 22 Caliber Rifle Shooting - 12 Lanes 12 and 20 Gauge Trap Shooting, 3 Stations Archery, 6 Lanes (3D targets, Bulls eye Targets) Axe and Knife Throwing Pistol (14 years and older) High Power Rifle Shooting (14 years and older) ALL PERMISSION SLIPS AND FEES MUST BE TURNED IN BY MONDAY, September 12 th. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS MADE. SCOUT BUCKS CAN BE USED!! Also in September: Monday, September 12th: Kick-off Scout Meeting 7:30 PM Wednesday, September 7th: Parents/Committee Meeting 7 PM Save the Date. Sunday, October 9th: Fall Family Kick-off Dinner

Scoutmaster s Forum. I hope everyone had a fun and enjoyable summer. I would like to start this Scoutmaster s Forum with a big Thank You to the leaders and parents that volunteered this summer with their hard work, time, and dedication to our boys and troop. Without them our summer camp program could not succeed. Keith Rogers, Jim Bogacz, John Fiore, Russ Murrell, Jim Dalton, Don Faliszek, Peter Hays, Sandie Collins, and Dave Pearson all went to Owasippe. This summer, the Troop s contingent of boys that went Owasippe enjoyed another wonderful week of summer camp. Every time we visit camp, it gives us time to unwind, enjoy some camping, and inspire us to continue on the Scouting Trail. This Scouting year, the Troop will encounter new adventures and old friends. We will be kicking off with a different adventure with shooting sports in September; October s campout will be at Fort McCoy Army Base in Wisconsin, where we will embark on the Sparta/Elroy Bike Trail where we will pedal an old train line. November will bring something new with a hike through Starved Rock State Park. And something old, in February, we will head back to Owasippe, and enjoy winter sports including Luge. New for March we will be in Oak Forest Illinois where we will tackle an indoor climbing wall. I am looking forward to this year s Scouting program, which is filled with Fun, Adventure, Scouting Skills, and learning Leadership. Please join us as we continue down the scouting trail. Your friend and Scoutmaster Mr. Mick 2016 2017 Troop Activity Calendar The 2016 2017 Troop Activity Calendar and be viewed/downloaded on the Troop 969 website: www.troop969.com Dates and activities are subject to change; updates are shown in the monthly Gazette. JOKEMASTER'S FORUM The Scoutmaster asked, In what section of the library are books about Pinewood Derby? Scouts replied, I don t know. Scoutmaster says Non-Friction. Owasippe 2017 Mark your calendars for this annual Troop 969 summer camp excursion. We will be heading to Owasippe on July 1st thru July 8th in 2017. Stay tuned for further details. ScoutBuck Update Up-to-date ScoutBuck balances are now available through the troop website: www.troop969.com/scoutbucks.pdf. If you have any questions about your scout buck balance, send a note to troop969@outlook.com If you have anything you would like to contribute to the October issue of the Troop 969 Gazette, please submit by September 29 th to troop969@outlook.com

PARENTS I COMMITTEE MEETING The troop will hold it s first parents/committee meeting of the year Wednesday, September 7th at 7 PM in the lower level of the social center. All parents are asked to attend and see what the 2016-2017 scout year has to offer. To be one of the best troops in Chicago, it takes a lot of work; if everyone contributes a little we will again be one of the best troops in Chicago. WORLD S FINEST CHOCOLATE Our Troop s first fundraiser of the year will once again be World s Finest Chocolate. Distribution will be during the troop meeting on Monday September 12 th. Each case your sell will contain 60 candy bars, earning you $30 in Scout Bucks. UNIFORM INSPECTION / SCOUT PICTURE DAY Our Annual Kick Off Dinner (Green and Red) will be held on October 9th in the Auditorium. We will have a FULL CLASS "A UNIFORM INSPECTION on Monday, September 26th. All Scouts and Leaders should have their uniforms updated with all current patches in place, including merit badges received prior to Summer Camp at Owasippe and rank and patrol patches. TO KEEP MYSELF PHYSICALLY STRONG It is important to keep a physical routine in order to stay in shape, so that participating in our scouting adventures will be enjoyable. The second and third campout Troop 969 has scheduled has a (20 mile) bike ride and a (10 mile) hike. It's important to start breaking in those new hiking boots and to have your bike in good working order. MENTALLY AWAKE. It is the start of a new school year. It is important for you to get off on the right foot. Get in the practice of getting your schoolwork done and staying on top of it. Get a good breakfast and get plenty of sleep. Your academics are your most important responsibility! A SCOUT IS HELPFUL Our first meeting of the year will be Monday, September 12th. At this meeting I would like to have all Scouts and parents present. We will be reviewing patrols, positions of responsibility, and discussing some of our upcoming events. I hope all can attend. A SCOUT IS REVERANT He is reverent toward God. He is faithful to his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.

PICTURES NEEDED If you have any pictures that you have taken at any Troop event, please save them to a flash drive and give it to Mr. Mick. Attention All Scouts Part of your personal gear that you need to bring on every campout is a mess kit, a Nalgene bottle and a flashlight. DEN CHIEF SEMINAR Just what is a Den Chief? A den chef is a Boy Scout that works with Den Leaders and a Cub Scout den and when trained, becomes worth his weight in Gold! The seminar will run from 8:30AM to 12:30 PM. It is a great way to start out the Scouting Year. The Den Chiefs will have a whole day of skills presented to them, to help them fulfill the position within the Pack. Each of the Boys will receive All Materials, the Den Chief Hand Book, Lunch and all the fun they can handle. The position of Den Chief fulfills one of the leadership requirements within a Boy Scout requirements for Eagle. WHEN: Saturday 10-01-2016 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Estelle Sieb Community Center 7774 W Irving Park Rd Norridge, Illinois 60706 Questions contact shar55555@juno.com or dgedroc@aol.com

On July 2nd, Troop 969 departed Chicago for our annual summer camp stay at Owasippe Scout Reservation. Scouts attending were Michael Rogers, Patrick Collins, Bryan Rupprecht, Sean Ryan, Alex Rogers, Joey Faliszek, Tyler Ridley, Justin Fiore, Gabe Skozcen, Nicholas Pautsch, William Murrell, Anthony Pautsch, Aaron Pearson, Jack Rogers, Matt Bogacz, Mike Dalton, Sean Wilkens-Hays, Hawken Warner, Carter Lee, and Matt Ridley. Troop leadership attending were Keith Rogers, Jim Bogacz, John Fiore, Russ Murrell, Don Faliszek, Sandie Collins, Peter Hays, Jim Dalton, Dave Pearson.

My name is Aaron Pearson, I am a Boy Scout in Troop 969, and I was fortunate to win an award to attend Owasippe Scout camp for a week during July. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who provided me with this scholarship and opportunity. At camp, my goals were to work on my physical, mental, and spiritual development. Going to Owasippe helped me with my physical development in many ways. First, it helped me push my limits. I was about to give up on my swimming merit badge test, when my father and one of the lifeguards encouraged me and told me to give it another shot. I was reluctant, but then I went for it and I completed the swimming test. It really was a difficult workout, but I learned that sometimes we have a little more in us than we may think. I have asthma and I also was physically challenged by one of the hikes. Once again, with encouragement from other scouts and leaders, I pushed on and was able to finish. In respect to mental development, Owasippe allowed me to learn many new things. I learned how paper is made, how to carve wood, the basics of leather working, how to start a fire, how to swing an axe, and a lot about nature especially in earning my fish and wildlife merit badge. I also learned how to be more independent. I took it upon myself to invite some of the camp leaders who were teaching me that week back to our Pizza Party. Finally, going to Owasippe helped me with my spiritual development in these ways. First, I did not let other scouts with bad attitudes from other troops bring me down. I learned to ignore and walk away rather than engage in foolishness. Second, I witnessed an emotional dedication of a stone by Mr. Mick in his wife's memory. Third, the walk to the chapel, and service there strengthened my beliefs. In conclusion, I was very thankful to receive this award, and I believe that I accomplished the goals I had set. Owasippe was a wonderful experience, and I look forward to returning next year. Once again, thank you so much for this opportunity.

Digital Technology Merit Badge at the Microsoft Store All merit badge workshops are three hours in length on the dates indicated. Upon fulfilling the requirements, the Counselor will sign the BSA Blue Card and award the Scouts a Microsoft store patch. During their workshop, Scouts will have a period of free time so they can enjoy a hands-on experience with the newest technology found in the store. Scouts must bring a Blue Card signed by their Troop Leader. Please have your Scout bring a flash drive to the workshop to save his work. Each Scout should complete and bring the following prerequisites to the workshop: Complete the appropriate Cyber Chip for your age: http://www.scouting.org/training/youthprotection/cyberchip.aspx Research three different career opportunities in digital technology. Pick one and answer these questions: a. How do you prepare for this career? b. What is the education required for this career? c. What is the training required for this career? Digital Technology Merit Badge Digital technology is part of almost everything we do. This workshop is all about using, understanding and appreciating digital technology -- computers, tablets, cell phones, and even computer-controlled coffee pots. You ll learn about digital technology rights and how to be environmentally friendly with digital technology. All Youth Must Be Accompanied By An Adult. Saturday 09-03-2016 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Microsoft Store Game Design Merit Badge at the Microsoft Store All merit badge workshops are three hours in length on the dates indicated. Upon fulfilling the requirements, the Counselor will sign the BSA Blue Card and award the Scouts a Microsoft store patch. During their workshop, Scouts will have a period of free time so they can enjoy a hands-on experience with the newest technology found in the store. Scouts must bring a Blue Card signed by their Troop Leader. Please have your Scout bring a flash drive to the workshop to save his work.

Each Scout should complete and bring the following prerequisites to the workshop: Research three different career opportunities in game design. Pick one and answer these questions: a. How do you prepare for this career? b. What is the education required for this career? c. What is the training required for this career? Game Design Merit Badge For thousands of years, in every culture, people have played games. Games challenge us to overcome long odds, tell compelling stories, and allow us to work with or against one another. They give structure to play. Games motivate us to find creative solutions, practice new skills, and spend time with others. All Youth Must Be Accompanied By An Adult. Thursday 09-08-2016 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Microsoft Store Moviemaking Merit Badge at the Microsoft Center Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the workshop. Late arrivals may not be accommodated and refunds will not be provided. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will not be accepted. All merit badge workshops are three hours in length on the dates indicated. Upon fulfilling the requirements, the Counselor will sign the BSA Blue Card and award the Scouts a Microsoft store patch. During their workshop, Scouts will have a period of free time so they can enjoy a hands-on experience with the newest technology found in the store. Scouts must bring a Blue Card signed by their Troop Leader. Please have your Scout bring a flash drive to the workshop to save his work. Each Scout should complete and bring the following prerequisites to the workshop: Research three different career opportunities in movie making. Pick one and answer these questions: a. How do you prepare for this career? b. What is the education required for this career? c. What is the training required for this career? Moviemaking Merit Badge Moviemaking includes the fundamentals of producing motion pictures, including the use of effective light, accurate focus, careful composition (or arrangement), and appropriate camera movement to tell stories. In earning the badge, Scouts will also learn to develop a story and describe other pre- and post-production processes necessary for making a quality motion picture. All Youth Must Be Accompanied By An Adult. Adults are welcome to use the computers and other technology in the store, or make an appointment with the help desk, during the workshop. Saturday 09-10-2016 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Microsoft Store

Photography Merit Badge at the Microsoft Store All merit badge workshops are three hours in length on the dates indicated. Upon fulfilling the requirements, the Counselor will sign the BSA Blue Card and award the Scouts a Microsoft store patch. During their workshop, Scouts will have a period of free time so they can enjoy a hands-on experience with the newest technology found in the store. Scouts must bring a Blue Card signed by their Troop Leader. Please have your Scout bring a flash drive to the workshop to save his work. Each Scout should complete and bring the following prerequisites to the workshop: Research three different career opportunities in photography. Pick one and answer these questions: a. How do you prepare for this career? b. What is the education required for this career? c. What is the training required for this career? Photography Merit Badge Beyond capturing family memories, photography offers a chance to be creative. Many photographers use photography to express their creativity, using lighting, composition, depth, color, and content to make their photographs into more than snapshots. Good photographs tell us about a person, a news event, a product, a place, a scientific breakthrough, an endangered animal, or a time in history. ALL YOUTH MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. Sunday 09-11-2016 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Microsoft Store Programming Merit Badge at the Microsoft Store All merit badge workshops are three hours in length on the dates indicated. Upon fulfilling the requirements, the Counselor will sign the BSA Blue Card and award the Scouts a Microsoft store patch. During their workshop, Scouts will have a period of free time so they can enjoy a hands-on experience with the newest technology found in the store. Scouts must bring a Blue Card signed by their Troop Leader. Please have your Scout bring a flash drive to the workshop to save his work. Each Scout should complete and bring the following prerequisites to the workshop: Complete the appropriate Cyber Chip for your age: http://www.scouting.org/training/youthprotection/cyberchip.aspx

Research three different career opportunities in programming. Pick one and answer these questions: a. How do you prepare for this career? b. What is the education required for this career? c. What is the training required for this career? Programming Merit Badge Go behind the screen for a look at the complex codes that make digital devices useful and fun. Without programs, today s high-tech gadgets would be little more than empty shells. But given clear instructions, digital devices can do amazing things and perform operations that would have seemed like magic to people in the past. When you fulfill the requirements for this badge, you will be able to work a little of that magic yourself. And you might find yourself joining the legions of programmers who create innovative software. ALL YOUTH MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. Thursday 09-15-2016 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Microsoft Store Animation Merit Badge at the Microsoft Store All merit badge workshops are three hours in length on the dates indicated. Upon fulfilling the requirements, the Counselor will sign the BSA Blue Card and award the Scouts a Microsoft store patch. During their workshop, Scouts will have a period of free time so they can enjoy a hands-on experience with the newest technology found in the store. Scouts must bring a Blue Card signed by their Troop Leader. Please have your Scout bring a flash drive to the workshop to save his work. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the workshop. Late arrivals may not be accommodated and refunds will not be provided. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Each Scout should complete and bring the following prerequisites to the workshop: Learn about three career opportunities in animation. Pick one and find out about the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss your findings with your counselor. Explain why this profession might interest you. To earn this merit badge, Scouts will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge of animation and its rich history. They will learn the principles of animation, complete hands-on design projects, have opportunities to participate in virtual or in-person tours of animation studios and businesses to see how animation is used. Scouts will learn how animation is not only used in their video games and movies, but also for practical business purposes factory simulations, satellite tracking, medical procedures and even predicting the weather All Youth Must Be Accompanied By An Adult. Adults are welcome to use the computers and other equipment in the store or make an appointment with the help desk during the workshop.

Sunday 09-18-2016 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Microsoft Store Astronomy Merit Badge at the Microsoft Store All merit badge workshops are three hours in length on the dates indicated. Upon fulfilling the requirements, the Counselor will sign the BSA Blue Card and award the Scouts a Microsoft store patch. During their workshop, Scouts will have a period of free time so they can enjoy a hands-on experience with the newest technology found in the store. Scouts must bring a Blue Card signed by their Troop Leader. Please have your Scout bring a flash drive to the workshop to save his work. Each Scout should complete and bring the following prerequisites to the workshop: Complete merit badge requirement #8. Research three different career opportunities in astronomy. Pick one and answer these questions: a. How do you prepare for this career? b. What is the education required for this career? c. What is the training required for this career? Astronomy Merit Badge In learning about astronomy, Scouts study how activities in space affect our own planet and bear witness to the wonders of the night sky: the nebulae, or giant clouds of gas and dust where new stars are born; old stars dying and exploding; meteor showers and shooting stars; the moon, planets, and a dazzling array of stars. All Youth Must Be Accompanied By An Adult. Saturday 09-24-2016 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Microsoft Store

CAMPOUT...September 16, 17 & 18, 2016 WHAT...Shooting Sports Campout WHERE...IL State Rifle Association, Bonfield, IL DEPART...16-Sep-2016 Kolping Center 5 PM RETURN...18-Sep-2016 Approx Noon COST...$65/Scout $40 Adult w/ Shooting $20 Adult (Non-Shooter) ** Scout Bucks CAN be used!! ** -------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT TO BRING... Class "A" Shirt to be worn to and from the campout Sleeping Bag (in a stuff sack), Sleeping Pad, Troop T-Shirt, 2-4 pr.socks, 1 to 2 pr pants 2 pr. underwear, 2 Shirts (short sleeve),1 or 2 shirts (Long Sleeve), 1 pr. shoes or boots, 1 or 2 pr. gyms,poncho or raincoat, 1 Jacket (Light), Sweater or Sweatshirt with hood, Small flashlight with extra batteries, Washcloth-Towel-Soap, Comb, Mess Kit (Knife-Fork-Spoon, Plate, Cup-the troop will not be providing any eating utensils), Medicine, Scout Handbook, Toothbrush-paste Plastic Bag for Dirty or wet clothes, Belt, water bottle Spending Money Nalgene Bottle, Day Pack OPTIONAL... Camera, Snacks, Fishing Gear -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The permission slip/activity consent form can be found on the troop s website (www.troop969.com) under the Information button. The permission slip/activity consent form must be turned in with your money no later than September 12th. If it is not received by this date, you will not be allowed to attend the campout.