Boy Scout Troop 69 - Apple Creek, OH

Phoenix patrol
PL- Robert Dittmann
APL-Sam Farrar
Devin Mosier
Cooper Sidle
Bryan Edwards
Ben Farrar
Ryan Chabak
Codi Powell
Darien Mosier
Steven Machamer
Colten Sidle
Noah Donaldson

Indian patrol
PL- Patrick Long
Apl- Dane Mosier
Clay Fraelich
Aaron Uhler
Tony Buss
Logan Jing
Rusty King
Rory Chabak
Morgan Maurer
Sam Lane
Reno Fraelich

Empowering boys to be leaders is the core of Scouting. Scouts learn by doing, and what they do is lead their patrols and their troop. The boys themselves develop a troop program, then take responsibility for figuring out how they will achieve the goals. One of our most important challenges is to train boy leaders to run the troop by providing direction, coaching and support. The boys will make mistakes now and then and will rely upon the adult leaders to guide them. But only through real hands-on experience as leaders can boys learn to lead.”
- Scoutmaster's Handbook; chapter 3 The Boy-Led Troop

The Properties Committee has developed a simple recognition program for any Scout or Adult, any time of year, who makes a significant contribution to improve our Buckeye Council Camps by destroying Multi-flora Rose, Grape Vine and Brush in designated areas in our camps. ~ Multi-flora Rose - Destroying Multi-flora Rose in our camps doesn't have to be painful! In most locations Multi-flora Rose can be destroyed without handling it. By starting on the outside of the rose bush with a pair of loppers, cutting short pieces and just letting them fall to the ground a Scout can cut down a rose bush without handling the thorny limbs, but Scouts should still wear gloves and eye protection. The idea is to cut the limbs small enough so that they will lie flat on the ground. The cut limbs will decompose by next spring. ~ After all the limbs that can be cut with the lopper have been removed from the rose bush an older Scout or adult can cut the stump off at ground level and pop the stump out of the ground with a shovel or mattock. If the stump is not in a potential mowing area just let it lay, otherwise move the stump out of the mowing area. ~ Grape Vine - Cut the grape vine off at ground level and six feet above the ground. An adult leader will be provided "Roundup" to spray on the grape vine stump to retard re-growth . ~ Brush - Removal of brush in designated areas will also qualify Scouts and Adults to receive the TVB Buster patch and token. An adult leader will be provided "Roundup" to spray on the brush stump to retard re-growth . ~ If we go back over the same areas each year and remove any re-growth in the same manner, Multi-flora Rose, Grape Vine and Brush will be controlled in our camps. ~ Each participant will be given a "TVB BUSTERS" token that they may keep or trade in at the Trading Post during summer camp for a medium Slushi. The first 600 people that participate in the "TVB BUSTERS" program will receive a high quality, limited edition and dated "TVB BUSTERS" patch. We think this patch will become a collectors item. ~ It's easy to participate. When you are at camp for any reason, ask the Camp Ranger (or his designee) where to destroy Multi-flora Rose, Grape Vine or brush. A participant must spend four or more hours removing the rose bushes, grape vines or brush before being eligible for the patch and token. ~ The Camp Ranger (or his designee) will have the "TVB BUSTERS" tokens and patches. The Camp Ranger (or his designee) will make the award to the participant on the spot where and when the work was done. ~ We hope Units will have fun with this program that will help solve a thorny problem we have had for many years in our Buckeye Council Camps. ~ Wilson H. (Bill) Rownd, Buckeye Council Vice-President of Properties