Ladies and Gentlemen, The 2025 Chicks Merit Badge College is fast approaching, the date is Feb 22, 2025 at the University of Mississippi, and the cost is 25$. It is a great oppertunity to work on and complete a few Merit Badges. This year we have been asked to sign up as a troop instead of individual sign ups. Attached you will find the leaders guide for the event. On page 3 you will find the schedule for the MBs, there two sessions, one morning, and one after noon, and some will actually run the entire event. Here is what we need from you, first pick two merit badges for the morning session we need their first choice and second choice in case the first choice is already full. Then we need the scout to pick two merit badges in the evening again, first choice and second choice for the same reasons. For those whish to participate in one of the MBs that runs all day please put the scouts choice for that and let us know that is their first choice over everything, and also give us the other choices just in case. Aviation and programming fill up very quickly as they are very popular meritbadges. As the Scoutmaster I recomend scouts who have not completed all of their eagle required merit badges or those who are just strating out to pick one Eagle Required MB and one fun one. Eagle required MBs are designated on page 3.
Ways to pay, venmo, CC, check, or cash. If you need the venmo, text me at 662-816-9557 and let me know who you are so I can give it to you. If you have any questions feel free to email, text or call. Benjamin Stepp Scoutmaster

No meetings on mondays after campouts. No meeting tonight

Hello All, For the campout this weekend we will be doing a one nighter. We will be meeting at the church at 5:30pm and will be coming back Saturday night. Because we have an indoor range we will shoot until we just can’t shoot any more. The goal is to get everyone qualified for the MB and have it completed. Please feed (or send food with) your scout before they arrive at the church Friday night.
We are coming up on the Court of Honor on December 16. For any MBs that have already been started Scouts need to turn stuff in by Monday December 9th. They can email it to me, or turn it in this Friday at the church before we leave. The MBs need to be ones the scouts have already stated, if they have not been started with a MB counselor they will not be completed by this Court of Honor.
Thanks, Benjamin Stepp Scoutmaster

Don’t forget. Meeting tomorrow, class A uniform books and money for campout this coming weekend. Campout is in boonville and we will be working on the Rifle Merit Badge.
See y’all tomorrow, Benjamin Stepp Scoutmaster

Hello everyone, We are moving the meeting from Monday December 2nd to Sunday December 1st from 4-530PM at the Church. It will be class A. Uniform. At that time there will be the final call for the campout on December 8th the cost is 15$. Patrol leaders should be contacting their patrols this week to find out who is going on the campout. We will be doing the rifle Merit Badge. Just a few things I would like to talk to your scouts about that we have spoken to them several times about. Scouts need to go to their patrol leader or a scout who is 1st class and above to be tested on advancement stuff not the adult leaders. What do I mean by tested, well they will need to physically demonstrate the skill to their patrol leader or designated scout 1st class and above after they have learned the skill, not at the same time. What I mean by this is we work on a lot of skills in meetings, where we are learning the skill, that is not the test. The test is separate. The test does not have to be just a test, if they are tying the taut line hitch and need to have it checked off and they tie the hitch while putting up their tent then that is good to be checked off on. Please ask your scouts what they are working on, have them show you how to perform the skill, let them cook, have them do dishes, have them start a fire in the fireplace or fire pit. While showing you does not count as testing it does let them practice the skill so when it comes time to use the skill in the woods they will have plenty of practice. Okay, last thing. I will be out of pocket all week, I will not be answering texts or emails related to scouting until Sunday December 1st. I have asked all the assistants to do the same so they can take time out with their families this week.
Thanks Benjamin Stepp Scoutmaster

No meeting next week. The next meeting is December 2nd from 6:45-8pm in Full class A
Benjamin Stepp Scoutmaster

Don’t forget Meeting tonight the AOLs are visiting. We will be cooking hamburgers and hotdogs with chips for dinner. Scouts please be there by 6:30pm in full class a with MB sash. See you there
Benjamin Stepp Scoutmaster

Join us for our 2025 Chicksa District Merit Badge College, Hosted by the University of Mississippi!
Register by January 1st for our special $25 early bird fee for youth! The regular fee is $30 until February 1st and $35 per Scout until registration closes on February 14th. No on-site registration is available.
Parents are welcome; the cost is $15 per adult if you want to get lunch.
Register Today! <www.natcheztracecouncil.org/chicksadistrictmbc>
Saturday, February 22
8:00 am Check-in begins at Bishop Hall (501 Fraternity Row, University, MS)
8:30 am Opening Gathering and Welcome
8:45am-noon Morning Badge Class
Noon-1:00 pm Lunch (Rebel Market Dining Hall, included in MBC registration fee)
1:15-4:30 pm Afternoon Badge Class
Email Gary Wilson, Jason Bouldin, or Joe Connole if you have any questions!

———- Forwarded message ——— From: Benjamin Stepp <benjamin.d.stepp@gmail.com> Date: Sun, Nov 17, 2024 at 3:23 PM Subject: Fwd: Please send to parents To: Troop 45 Scoutmaster <t45scoutmaster@gmail.com>

———- Forwarded message ——— From: J C <jcopelin383@gmail.com> Date: Sun, Nov 17, 2024 at 3:22 PM Subject: Please send to parents To: Benjamin Stepp <benjamin.d.stepp@gmail.com>
If your scout was in the First aid meeting for Tenderfoot rank last meeting, please be at the church at 6:00 P.M. tomorrow to complete requirements for this section.
Thank you

Please see the email below from our Senior Patrol Leader regarding next meeting.
———- Forwarded message ——— From: Benjamin Stepp <benjamin.d.stepp@gmail.com> Date: Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 10:52 PM Subject: Fwd: Reminder About Next Week To: Troop 45 Scoutmaster <t45scoutmaster@gmail.com>

———- Forwarded message ——— From: Hugh Wilson <hughwilson814@gmail.com> Date: Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 9:20 PM Subject: Reminder About Next Week To: Benjamin Stepp <benjamin.d.stepp@gmail.com>, <garywilson1500@gmail.com>
Dear Scouts,
I hope you’re all having a great week so far!
As discussed at the last meeting, Pack Four will be visiting us this upcoming Monday, the 18th. This is a great opportunity for us to make a positive impression, so please be sure to arrive *dressed in full Class A uniforms*. That means:
– Green pants – Tan Scout shirt – Merit badge sash – Scout belt – Neckerchief
We want to look our best for the visiting Cub Scouts, as they may soon be joining Troop 45. Please plan to arrive by *6:30 PM* so we can be ready to welcome them.
New scouts are the lifeblood of our troop, and it’s important that we set a strong example of what they can expect from scouting.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Sincerely, Hugh Wilson Troop 45