Round table meetings – where Scout leaders get the info they need

              For Sleeping Giant District Scout leaders, the place to learn about upcoming events, talk to district personnel and get project ideas to bring back to their units is the monthly round table meetings held the first Thursday of the month.     

            Approximately 20 district volunteers attend the meeting where they are given a run-down of upcoming district and council events, participate in a breakout session and get a chance to talk with fellow Scout leaders.

            Registered adult leaders, parents and those who would like to become registered volunteers are invited to attend round table meetings, said Sleeping Giant District Executive Matthew Bisbee. “If they aren’t registered, we can register them at the meeting,” he added.

            At the December meeting held on Thursday, Dec. 9 at Merritt Elementary in Mountain Iron, attendees divided into two separate groups – Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts – for the breakout session after upcoming events were discussed. December’s topic was wilderness survival and suggestions for troop and pack activities were given, as well as ideas on using program information contained in Scouting magazine. In the Boy Scout breakout, door prizes related to winter survival were awarded. After the session, unit leaders were able to go over their Centennial Quality Unit paperwork with Bisbee or the district commissioners before turning it in.

            The meetings are not all business, there’s fun involved as well. At a meeting in October, a fire-starting contest was held – outside, of course – and each participant earned a prize. At the December meeting, refreshments for a social time were provided by Bisbee, district commissioner Chad Buggart and district chair Jace Tramontin. Those at the meeting had a chance to mingle and discuss Scouting, and other things, with their fellow Scouting leaders.

            Bisbee stressed that attendance at the round table meetings count towards adult leader training awards, so it is important for all district leaders to attend.

            “Besides,” he added, “the more who attend, the more fun it is.”

            The next Sleeping Giant Round Table meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3 at Merritt Elementary in Mountain Iron. Meeting generally last until 8:30 p.m.