Tonight the elected officers of the Troop participated in a Troop Leader Training session. The session was basic and aimed at covering how the Troop is structured and why, the Patrol Method and how it works, The Patrol Leaders Council and some concepts about planning. 

The scouts will not be meeting next week on the 30th but will have another meeting on June 6th. This meeting will be the troops first PLC meeting. The goal will be to plan for the summer and decide on summer meetings or not. We will also select a date for a yearly planning meeting. 

The Lightning Patrol headed out today on it's first patrol activity. They hiked the perimeter of Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island, NY. This was a good chance for the scouts to test themselves out side and to test several different skills that scouts must master. They were well prepared in terms of materials having used their scout hand books to help guide them in terms of equipment. The scouts used a map and compass to help aid them in navigation. They also had a good chance to see how a patrol operates and what shared leadership looks like. They had fantastic weather for the day with temps in the low 80's and sunny skies. They identified many different types of birds along the way ranging from song birds to birds of prey. Members of the patrol also started to develop the proper habits while in the out doors and for hiking. All in all it was a successful hike and one of many to follow. 

A very productive night for the Lightning Patrol and Troop 931. The night started off with bringing several items to our new storage room in the basement. We will share half of the room with the church. I see a need from some removable shelving. After that, the scouts had to demonstrate that they could tie a square knot but more importantly they had to also demonstrate that they could teach this skill to another scout. After that, the members of the patrol worked on some requirements from Tenderfoot concerning the hike on Sunday. We discussed the importance of the buddy system, bullying, and hiking safety on roadways. They then developed a Hiking Plan. 
Later, the patrol started work on their patrol flag. It looks promising! They also had their hiking equipment inspection done. Patrol Leader Justin then appointed members of the patrol other positions for the troop and the patrol. Michael R. was appointed as troop Scribe and will also serve as Bugler. AJ. M. was appointed as Assistant Patrol Leader, Gregory M. was appointed as troop Quartermaster and Joshua J. was appointed as troop Librarian. Congratulations to each of them!

The members of Troop 931 selected their first patrol Leader tonight. Congratulations to Justin S. for being selected as the First Patrol Leader of the Lighting Patrol. This marks the very first patrol in the troop and will hold a place as a permanent patrol in the Troop. The scouts spent considerable time discussing the formation of their new patrol and set about selecting a patrol name and logo. They then discussed a patrol yell/cheer and the making of a patrol flag. 
Justin S. was also given his Scout Rank Badge and installed as the Patrol leader. 

bk

Tonight's meeting focused a great deal on learning about patrols and the various leadership positions in the patrol and the troop. Several of the positions were explained with questions asked and answered. Also discussed how patrols work and why they are important to the troop and to the scout. The scouts in attendance were given the chance to decide on holding an election for the position of patrol leader. They however opted to wait till next week so that the missing members of the troop have the opportunity to be in attendance. Very sporting of them! The scouts in attendance were presented their Scout Badge and the Founders Bar.  An email was sent out to all informing them of the next weeks election for patrol leader and appointments of other troop positions. 

bk.