2021 #3

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Information On Memorial Day, 2021, Troop 284 participated

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Westmoreland Fayette Council, Boy Scouts of
America - http://www.wfbsa.org/
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Bushy Run District, Boy Scouts of America
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in a ceremony at Walden’s View honoring those
who died for our country. After a short speech
commemorating those who gave their lives, the
scouts of Troop 284 placed several flags, each
representing casualties in different conflicts. The
scouts then stood reverently by the flags they
planted while a scoutmaster explained the
significance of the flags. Following the short speech,
Troop 284’s color guard stepped forward and folded
the main flag at Walden’s View in a military
fashion. Troop 284 is glad to have been able to
participate in such a ceremony that honors those
who gave their lives to protect our great nation.
 Scoutmaster’s Minute PAGE 2

TROOP POSITIONS
SPL* - Zach C.
ASPL* – Alex N.
Patrol Leaders*
War Machines – David H.
Eagle – Adam
..
Special Forces – Quentin
Assistant Patrol Leaders
War Machines – TBD
Eagle – TBD
Special Forces – TBD
Scribe* - Michael M.
Quartermaster*– Zach M.
Troop Guide – Brendan
Chaplain Aid – Patrick
Historian – Jake
Webmaster*– Seth
Leave no Trace – Quentin
OA Representative – Ethan
*Denotes PLC member

Back The Blue

On June 30, Troop 284 participated in

the Norwin Back the Blue event. The troop
was able to see many vendors and
attractions, including a live K9
demonstration. Troop 284 ran a food stand,
where we served hot dogs, nachos and
cheese, drinks, and homemade funnel
cakes. The troop was happy to help at the
event and serve their community.

It’s Popcorn Time!

Please use this
fundraising
opportunity to help
fund your 2022 Trip to
Maine!
 Summer Camp at Camp Freedom PAGE 3

This year, Troop 284 decided to venture to Camp Heritage for summer camp. Most members of the
troop partook in the day trek course, where they were able to go on adventures off site at camp. The
other members focused on attaining rank and merit badges. After setting up on Sunday, members of the
troop who partook in day trek set off for their first adventure: a seven-and-a-half-mile hike. While the first
half of the hike was dry, the second half was through a storm. Dawning their rain gear and insisting that
their hike guide was a robot, Troop 284 completed the hike. When they returned to camp, Brendan, and
Alex, as well as some other scouts, noticed that their tents and cots had turned to bathtubs. In response,
they put up some tarps and slept in a makeshift shelter. On Tuesday, the troop was meant to go
whitewater rafting, but due to the cold temperatures, they opted not to. Scouts spent the day perfecting
their shelter and their scout skills. At dinner, the Senior Patrol Leader, Zach, ate a great dinner and drank
an entire pitcher of orange drink. After dinner, Zach noted how the orange drink made a resurgence. On
Tuesday evening, the scouts went to the lake to fish. Zach, wielding a broken fishing pole, caught a
bluegill which was then caught by a snapping turtle. Using teamwork and coordination, the turtle was
safely returned to the lake free of hooks and fishing line. On Wednesday, scouts went to Seven Springs
where they shot sporting clays all morning. The scouts even got to drive golf carts to the different stations
of the course. This, of course, did result in some minor collisions in the learning process. On Wednesday
afternoon, the troop partook in a small escape trail. Although simple, the trail was relatively entertaining.
After dinner on Wednesday, Troop 284 took part in the tap out OA ceremony, where Quentin and Michael
were introduced to the Order of the Arrow. On Thursday, the troop went to the ATV adventure course.
They were instructed on how to do both basic and intermediate actions on ATVs. At the end of the day,
scouts were able to go through a long ride through nearly all of Heritage. They put their skills into practice
while going at top speeds on straightaways and drifting around corners. On Friday, scouts went to Laurel
Caverns for caving. After a small safety briefing, scouts were instructed to stroll over the rope which
acted as a boundary for normal tours. Scouts had to follow their guide and use their lights to see, as there
was no natural light in the cave. Troop 284 was always anxious to go through the more challenging route
that the guide provided, climbing through tight spots and creeks on their way. The Troop saw many
locations in the caves, such as “the post office” and “the sleeping Indian.” The scouts of Troop 284 saw
caving as a great end to their adventurous week. At dinner on Friday, the scouts noticed an abundance of
leftover salads at the food counter. They took it upon themselves to eat around thirty salads, impressing
the staff of Heritage. On Saturday, after deconstructing camp and doing their final sweeps of the area,
Troop 284 departed from Heritage. Overall, Troop 284 found adventure and enjoyment in Camp Heritage,
and saw it as a welcome differentiation from their usual trip to Conestoga.
 Water Search and Rescue PAGE 4

On June 31, Troop 284 was glad to be

able to participate in a water search
and rescue course. Scouts learned all
about how to have safe practices
during water rescue scenarios,
including how to properly maneuver
themselves in moving water and how
to attempt a rescue using several
methods. The troop was very thankful
to be able to have taken the course,
as it will help them in their future
endeavors and be useful in many
aspects of scouting.

Punxsutawney Outing

Troop 284 went to McGuires for a

great weekend of ropes, racing, and
history for the August outing. Saturday
the Troop had visitors from Mr. D’s
original Troop 210 that camped there
in the 1970’s! Some great stories and
memories were exchanged. We also
had a short memorial to those
influential scouts who are no longer
with us. Then it was off to the races at
Marion Center Raceway where we
were the color guard for the evening.
Seth, Zach C., and Alex did a great job.
Mr. Corlazzoli and Mr. Suranski were
on hand for the fun and food!!!
 PAGE 5
Eagle Court of Honor

On August 1, 2021, Troop 284 celebrated three of its newest Eagle Scouts. Along with the troop, the friends
and families of Collin G., David H., and Zack M. gathered to celebrate the process through which each of the
scouts made it to the rank of Eagle. After a brief introduction and some speeches, each scout explained how
they completed their Eagle Project and who helped them the most. Finally, a banquet was held for everyone in
attendance to honor the commitment of the three new Eagle Scouts of Troop 284.
 Troop 284 Meeting Calendar 2021
Date Time Location Event
Aug 24th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Aug 28th, Sunday 2-5pm Calvary Chapel of Kaden’s Eagle COH
Westmoreland County
Aug 27-29th Weekend Camp Conestoga NYLT weekend #1 (select participants)
Aug 28th, Saturday 9a-5p Various Locations Popcorn booth weekend #1
Aug 30th, Monday 7:00 - 8:30 PM First Presbyterian Church Committee Meeting
Aug 31st, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Sept 3-5th Weekend Camp Conestoga NYLT weekend #2 (select participants)
Sept 4th, Saturday 9a-5p Various Locations Popcorn booth weekend #2
Sept 7th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Sept 11th, Saturday 8a-12p Irwin Farmers marker Popcorn booth weekend #3
Sept 12th, Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm Elizabeth Township Court of Honor
Community Center
Sept 13th, Monday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church PLC Meeting
Sept 14th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Sept 18th, Saturday 8a-12p Irwin Craft & Vendor Show Popcorn booth weekend #4
Sept 17-19th Weekend Outing
Sept 21st, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Sept 26th, Sunday 10a-1p Route 30 Lion’s Club BBQ
Sept 27th, Monday 7:00 - 8:30 PM First Presbyterian Church Committee Meeting
Sept 28th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Oct 5th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Oct 8-10th Camp Conestoga OA Ordeal weekend
Oct 12th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Oct 15-17th Weekend Outing (Camporee at PMSC)
Oct 18th, Monday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church PLC Meeting
Oct 19th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Oct 25th, Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30 PM First Presbyterian Church Committee Meeting - elections
Oct 26th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Nov 2nd, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Nov 6th, Saturday TBD North Huntingdon/Irwin Pie/Luminaria Flyer distribution
Nov 9th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Nov 15th, Monday, 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church PLC Meeting
Nov 16th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Nov 19-21 Weekend Outing (Seph Mac)
Nov 23rd, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Nov 24th, Wed TBD First Presbyterian Church Thanksgiving Pie delivery
Nov 29th, Monday 7:00 - 8:30 PM First Presbyterian Church Committee Meeting
Nov 30th, Tuesday NO TROOP MEETING
Dec 2nd, Thursday 5:30-9:00 PM Busy Beaver Norwin Christmas stand setup (MANDATORY)
Dec 3-5 Various Busy Beaver Norwin Christmas Tree Sales
Dec 7th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Dec 10-12 Various Busy Beaver Norwin Christmas Tree Sales
Dec 13th, Monday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church PLC Meeting
Dec 14th, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM First Presbyterian Church Troop Meeting
Dec 18-19 TBD Mr. Minnick’s garage Luminaria build/delivery
Dec 21st, Tuesday 6:30 – 8:00 PM TBD Troop Christmas Party
Dec 22-Jan 3rd Troop Holiday Break