Ken Poirier, SCOUTMASTER:
I've been affiliated with Boy Scout Troop 49 at St. Williams
Catholic Church in Tewksbury, MA since my son Mark--then
11--began his career in scouting. My son graduated from College
in June 1998, so that gives you an idea of how long I've been in
Scouting.
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OUR CHARTER: Troop 49's chartered
sponsor for the last twenty-five years has been St. Williams Catholic
Church of Tewskbury, MA. They have provided a meeting place
for the Troop to have weekly meetings. We of Troop 49 are very
thankful.
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HISTORY: I began scouting as the
Assistant Scoutmaster, the next year, I became the Scoutmaster.
Scouting has allowed me to meet many people who have become good
friends and has created memorable events. I've enjoyed working
with all the boys. It's very rewarding to see the boys mature and
gain self-confidence. Even though my son has been away from the
Troop for the last 4-5 years I remain because I get so much
pleasure from helping the boys. Over the years, the Troop
leadership has advanced 17 boys to Eagle Rank. The leaders of
Troop 49 believe that if a boy wants to become an Eagle Scout,
everything that he needs to advance will be available to him.
Today, there are about 4-5 boys who, if they work hard over the
next two years, will also advance to Eagle Rank.
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MEETINGS: The Troop meets every
Tuesday night in the Parish Center from 7:00 - 8:30 PM. The
Committee meets on the first Wednesday of the each month. All
parents and scouts are welcome to attend this meeting to discuss
their ideas for troop activities.
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NEWSLETTER: Each month, a newsletter is sent out as a reminder
to the scouts and their families announcing administrative
matters, planned badge workshops and any requirements the boys
will need for the next meeting/activity. In September, we
distribute our yearly calendar at a Parents' Social.
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ADVANCEMENT: Twice a year, we
hold a Court of Honor for the Troop. Those boys who have advanced
to the next rank receive their badges at this ceremony as well as
those boys who have earned merit badges.
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ACTIVITIES: The Troop plans many
activities throughout the calendar year. Some are repeated yearly
because the boys enjoy them so much--like the overnight on the
USS Massachusetts at Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA. Another
popular event is the trip to Maine's Saco
River in June. Boys who have been a scout for a year are
eligible to go on this trip. Another popular trip is the High
Adventure trip in August to the Allagash
River in Maine. This is a seven day adventure in the North
woods of Maine and only boys who are 13 and have earned their
First Class rank are allowed to go on this trip. We drive about
10 hours to reach our campsite where we camp overnight. In the
morning, an outfitting company takes us and our gear into the
woods and drops us off at the top of the Allagash River. We then
canoe down river to a pre-arranged meeting spot where we are
picked up and returned to our campsite and head home. The wild life that we see on this trip is
just incredible. The sightings of moose and deer always delight
everyone. We also plan many hikes over the year which the boys
really enjoy. A popular one is the hike to the top of Mt.
Monadnock.
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FUNDRAISING:The Troop has a
dedicated group of volunteers who help in the Troop's fundraising
efforts and activities. The group meets weekly to sort empty
bottles and cans that have been donated. These proceeds help to
fund some of our activities. We've also had yard sales where
everyone cleans out their attics and cellars and gives the troop
all their unwanted treasures. Because of these fundraisers and
other events run during the year, membership dues are affordable
for all.