Bashore Scout Reservation, 7/15/2010

It was announced today that Troop 142 Scoutmaster Emeritus Tom Lehmier has been selected for membership to the Boy Scouts of America "National Hall of Leadership" representing the very best men and women who have contributed to the goals of scouting through their many actions.

Induction to the "Hall" is a one-time event - will not be repeated on an annual basis.

There were approximately 1,200 nominations within the PA Dutch Council alone!  

From that group, Tom was one of twelve selected for induction into our Council's own Hall of Leadership.

Nationally, there are 304 Councils - so Tom is among a very elite group of scouters!

Troop 142 wishes to sincerely "thank" all who participated in "OPERATION LEHMIER" by taking the time to write and submit their on-line nominations for Tom - a most deserved honor for an individual who has done so much for the scouting movement over the years in addition to the personal time and guidance provided to our own scouts and leaders alike!

A special dinner and program is being planned for the afternoon of Sunday, September 26th to honor Tom - watch this site for more information in the weeks to come!

Our utmost congratulations to Tom for this lifetime achievement!

At the March 1, 2010 monthly meeting, Troop 142's Committee voted to move forward with a formal policy regarding adult participation in troop activities so as to comply with both BSA and Diocese of Harrisburg regulations pertaining to Youth Protection.

As explained to the new parents that attended the Webelos Round Robin (Open House) in January, the purpose of the policy is to provide as much assurance as possible that your sons are under the guidance/in the company of adults who have passed a series of background checks...."peace of mind" for you and protection for us, the BSA, our chartering organization and the Diocese.

The background checks are very similar to that required by many of the youth sports organizations and schools in the area.

ALL Troop 142 Scoutmasters/Assistants as well as Committee members are required to complete all of the checks (both BSA and Diocese).

Occasionally parents are needed to act as drivers to/from events or may wish to participate in events/outings designated as father/son events by the Scoutmaster.  They too, must comply with the Diocese background checks and on-line training...it's not to restrict what you can do with your son but to lend assurance to the other parents not in attendance.   

We've attached both the introductory letter and a copy of the policy to this announcement for downloading (both are also stored on the Troop website under "Files" to the left of this screen under "Menu".)

Anyone wishing to obtain the needed forms can contact Missy Fitz (B2MTF@aol.,com) or come to the Court of Honor on 3/25 where she will have packets available to hand out. 

We do not expect or require all parents to go through the background checks - it's strictly optional, but is mandatory should you wish to participate in an outing or as a driver.  

Again, the purpose of this program is not to restrict participation of parents, but to ensure that those parents that are on outings with our sons have passed the needed background checks...one less thing for us all to worry about!   

In the meantime, feel free to forward any questions to myself at Lititz142@aol.com.

Yours In Scouting,

Bob Fitz - Troop Committe Chair  

A Message to ALL Parents of Troop 142 Scouts - AND - Scoutmasters:

As you take your sons to their physicians for physicals this year, please think ahead and save yourself some time and money!