Recognition Dinner for Scoutmaster Bob De Contreras

  

On March 23, 2008, 75 scouts, parents and adult leaders celebrated Bob De Contreras's 3 1/2 years of service as Troop 216's Scoutmaster at the St. Andrew's Catholic Church fellowship hall.   The event opened with a color guard comprised of several T216 Eagle Scouts and an invocation by Chaplain's Aide Sam G.  After a hearty barbeque/pot luck dinner, Mr. Chris Meyer reviewed Mr. D's leadership history in Scouting and then asked Mr. Jerry Jester, Crosswinds District Commissioner, to present Mr. D. with 2 new awards.  First was the Scoutmaster Key, which recognizes sustained leadership and preparedness in the Scoutmaster position, and the second was the Scoutmaster Award of Merit, which can only be recommended by the troop's Senior Patrol Leader.   As Mr. Jester commented, "this award is given by the boys" and it represents "a track record of producing Eagle Scouts."  Next, our new Scoutmaster, Mr. Chuck Gay, presented Mr. D. with a current troop photo which was framed and signed by many of the scouts and adult leaders. A brass plate under the photo included Mr. D's personal motto, "It's all about the boys."  After the awards were presented, Mr. D. made a few comments to reiterate how proud he is of the troop and its accomplishments. At this point, it was time for "Mr. D stories" as numerous Scouts and adults shared a variety of stories, memories and reflections of Mr. D and his tenure as Scoutmaster.   Once the stories came to a close, the Eagle Scout color guard retired the colors.

Once again, thank you, Mr. D., for all of your service to our Scouts and we look forward to seeing you on future (although less frequent!) campouts! Also, a great big thank you to Mrs. Chris Brawn, our hospitality chairperson, for organizing this event and once again ensuring that we ate like kings and queens!! 

Thank you Scoutmaster Bob De Contreras!

A heartfelt thank you to Scoutmaster Bob De Contreras for more than 3 years of service as our leader!  "Mr. D" stepped down as Scoutmaster on February 10th and he is leaving behind some big shoes to fill.   Luckily for the troop, Mr. Chuck Gay has accepted the challenge to succeed Mr. D as our new Scoutmaster.

During Mr. D's tenure as Troop 216 Scoutmaster

• We have experienced a new level of communication between leadership and parents.  
• We have seen many scouts reached the rank of Eagle Scout
• More of our older scouts have stayed with the program due to the addition of more high adventure and Eagle-only activities

And of course, we've all come to anticipate Mr. D's famous Scoutmaster's Minute talks at each troop meeting! 

Thank you Mr. D for your commitment to our troop, your undying support and your leadership.

 

Finally, a special thanks to Chris and Kristin Meyer for organizing this food drive and to Sohel Reza who coordinated the collection, weighing and drop-off effort on Saturday.

Kassel Smit Make a Difference Event Thank You!

Thank you to Scouts Gary M, Kevin M, Brian D, Alex B, Aaron R, Ryan C, and Mark L for participating in the opening/closing flag ceremony as well as cleanup at the June 16, 2008 Kassel Smit Make a Difference Event at the Bond Park Ampitheater.  The annual event celebrated the life of Troop 216 Eagle Scout Kassel Smit, who was killed in an automobile accident on April 12, 2004.    Kassel was a boy who was full of life and an inspiration to all the Scouts in the Troop.  He has been greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Dinner was provided by Harrison's Bar and Grill and was followed by a family friendly comedy improv show by DSI.  Donations went directly to the Kassel Smit Make a Difference Fund which provides $2000 character based scholarships to college bound students who "Make a  Difference" just like Kassel had in his short life. 

Check out the webiste for the Kassel Smit Make a Difference Event .

Spring Court of Honor

Congratulations to the forty scouts who received merit badges and rank advancements at the Court of Honor held May 13, 2008.  First Aid, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the Community and Electronics were just a few of the merit badges handed out.  Also, all scouts in the troop will receive a 30 year patch to wear on their uniform sleeve in commemoration of Troop 216's 30 year anniversary.

Troop 216 Summer Camp Awards 2008

• Jack K - Troop 216 Honor Camper - for his display of living the Scout Oath and Law and for his outstanding display of leadership during the week.
• Sam H and Dominic S - Top Raven Scouts
• Alex B - tied for the Raven Knob top shotgun shooter of the week
• Troop 216 - Honor Troop - for all of their assistance to Camp Raven Knob in the form of life guards, service projects, teaching, and following registration guidelines

Luminary 2008

Luminary 2008 was a huge success!!  Thanks to the scouts and parents who participated during all phases of the luminary fund raiser!  We delivered over 3,250 luminary kits (22,750+ luminaries) in less than six hours and brought back record breaking first day donations, far exceeding last year's record!

Pictures can be seen here!