Next Troop Meetings and Monthly Meetings to Attend
___* 11/03  Mon  ||  Troop Meeting (Burke United Methodist Church)
______- Signup for SM Conf + BOR   [ LINK ]
___* 11/10  Mon  ||  Troop Meeting (Burke United Methodist Church)
______- Signup for SM Conf + BOR   [ LINK ]
___* 11/17  Mon  ||  Troop Meeting (Burke United Methodist Church)
______- Signup for SM Conf + BOR   [ LINK ]
___* 11/24  Mon  ||  Monthly PLC and Committee Meeting (Burke United Methodist Church)   [ LINK ]

Service Projects and Fundraising to Volunteer
___* 11/01  Sat  ||  Leaf Raking Mini Fundraiser   [ LINK ]
___* 11/08  Sat  ||  Scouting for Food (SFF) / Food Drive Pickup (w/ Pack 1344 AOLs/Webelos)   [ LINK ]
___* 11/22  Sat  ||  Leaf Raking Fundraiser   [ MORNING LINK ]   [ AFTERNOON LINK ]

Carside Backpacking Campout (NOV 14-16)
___* 11/09  Sun  ||  Deadline to register and pay  [ LINK ]

Scouting relies on volunteers.  Some commitments are bigger and have pretty fixed schedules of meetings, which does not work for everyone.  However, one of the opportunities that is small and more flexible is to volunteer as a merit badge (MB) counselor.

Other Merit Badges.   Not Citizenship in the Society - we have a volunteer.  We need backups to these Eagle required MBs: Camping (most critical), Environmental Science, and Sustainability.  We also need Lifesaving and Cycling (less important as an alternative to Swimming).  It would be ideal of we fill these by the end of the year to prepare for February's Merit Badge Weekend.  Volunteering procedures attached.

James Ridgway
Merit Badge Coordinator
james.d.ridgway@gmail.com

Our local Veteran Support Organization (VSOs) have announced their 2025 contests that are coming up in the next 1-3 months.

* American Legion Oratorical Contest.  Deepen you understanding of the Constitution through a public speaking contest.  Local winners at American Legion Post 176 Springfield earn up to $300 - $500, which included our own Troop 1344 contestant winner in the previous contest [ LINK ].  This year's contest is expected to be held in December - details are still pending.  Contact Mr. James Ridgway with questions.  Details attached.

* Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Essay Contests.  Express yourself on this year's topic of “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” participating in an audio-essay contest (Voice of Democracy program) or essay contest (Patriot's Pen).  Local winners at VFW Post 7327 Springfield earn up to $300 - $500.  The submission deadline to Mr. Ken Fu is midnight, October 31.  Details attached.

Pohick Regional Library needs assistance to set up for its Fall 2025 Book Sale  Details attached.