^{TROOP 96}
Co-sponsored by Vietnam Veterans of America Big Bend Chapter 96
and American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13

241 Lake Ella Drive
Tallahassee, Florida 32303-5572

8 April ORDER OF THE ARROW ELECTIONS The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the honorary camping service fraternity for scouts who meet the requirements. The only way into this fraternity is to meet the OA's rank and camping experience qualifications, and to be elected by the other scouts of the Troop. The election is supervised by OA members from other troops. Those who are elected must endure an ordeal before being accepted into membership.

9 April the NATIONAL PRISONER OF WAR MUSEUM in Andersonville, Georgia, will be dedicated. Troop 96 has no involvement. This is just an announcement, since events at Andersonville usually get zero press coverage in Tallahassee.

15 April TROOP ELECTIONS. Any scout interested in running for office should talk to one of the adult leaders about how the election process works.

22 April PATROL ELECTIONS.

14-16 April at Doyle Connor's ranch at Lloyd (Jefferson County), there is a RENDEZVOUS with the Jefferson Rifles in a living history event focusing on the 1840 (Second Seminole War) era of Florida history. If the Troop participates, it will be a "day trip". Events include black powder rifle shooting and hatchet throwing. Reenactors will wear period clothing and have authentic period camps.

25-26 April LAKE TALQUIN CAMPING TRIP We will camp overnight at the Leon County Park at Lake Talquin and hike the Ft. Braden hiking trail.

23-24 May THREE RIVERS STATE PARK Camping/fishing/swimming are all available at this Panhandle park, and it is nearby.

28 Jun - 4 Jul SUMMER CAMP at Spanish Trails Scout Reservation near DeFuniak Springs. A $100.00 camp fee must be paid to the troop by 15 April for early reservation. After 15 April, the cost will go up to $130.00. There is also a requirement for documentation of a recent medical examination. Summer Camp is an ideal opportunity for scouts to earn merit badges and advance in rank. Spanish Trails is the camp we went to last summer, and so far as I know everyone thoroughly enjoyed our week there.

Late July WACISSA RIVER/GOOSE PASTURE CANOE TRIP (tentative). A bit complicated, but fun... The scouts and leaders will have to do a lot to arrange this return to Goose Pasture and the Slave Canal.

SCOUTMASTER'S  MINUTE I am glad that the patrols have finally made patrol flags. Now I can tell who they are. Parents: If your scout hasn't shown you his patrol flag, get him to show it to you and to explain it. Listen and learn.

Richard White
Scoutmaster