Troop & Pack 4749

02/12/2019

Greetings Scouters and friends,

Boy Scout troop 4749 and Cub Scout pack 4749 and Girl Scout Cadets 20747, Juniors 20172 and Brownies 20171 of St. Matthew AME Church in Orange hosted and participated in the annual Family Kwanzaa Celebration. The boy and girl scouts participated at the request of Sis. Drewsilla Thorne, President of the New Jersey Association of Black Social Workers and organizer and hostess of the celebration.

Kwanzaa is a celebration observed in the United States and various venues throughout the world. Kwanzaa was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966-67. The celebration and its seven core principles called Nguzo Saba honors African heritage and is observed from December 26 to January 1.

The celebration opened with a welcome from our host Sis. Drewsilla Thorne followed by an opening prayer. The prayer was followed by the reading of scripture. After the reading of scripture the celebrants (family and friends) joined together in a rousing rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Former Girl Scout Sis. Richona Simmons then treated us to a most edifying lesson on the history of Kwanzaa and why we celebrate it. Sis. Thorne treated us to a presentation and explanation of the various objects and symbols of Kwanzaa. Thank you Bro. Brown for your musical skill and explanation of the importance and history of the African drum and its use both as a musical instrument and means of communication. The Girl Scouts then led us in the reading and celebration of the seven principles of Kwanzaa or Nguzo Saba by lighting each of the seven candles (one candle for each principle) followed by the explanation of each principle, beginning with the black candle in the middle, Umoja (unity), followed by Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Sis. Thorne then led us in the collective reading of the Libation Statement. The Libation Statement is a special reading read in the remembrance of our ancestors. It allows us to reflect on our African past and American future. The boy scouts treated us to readings of biographical antidotes of our ancestors and heroes. The celebration culminated with the feast of welcome (Karibu). We dined in fellowship.

Thank you boy and girl scouts of St. Matthew AME Church for your willingness to be used for our enlightenment. Special thanks to Sis, Drewsilla Thorne for your facilitation, educational and leadership skills. Very special thanks to God for making us in His image.

Scoutmaster’s Minute: It is important to know who you are and where you come from. It makes it that much easier to become who you want to be and to go where you want to go, while avoiding the pitfalls along the way.

Durwin Coppock Scoutmaster

02/04/2019

Greetings Scouters and friends,

Troop 4749 participated in this year’s Lenape Trails District Klondike Derby and I have a scouting testimony. But first a little background.

“The Klondike Gold Rush was an attempt by an estimated 100,000 people to travel to the Klondike region a portion of Alaska and the Yukon in northwestern Canada between 1897 and 1899 in the hope of discovering Gold . Gold was discovered in large quantities in the Klondike in 1896 and when news of the finds reached the lower 48 states, it triggered a "stampede" of would be prospectors to the gold creeks. The journey to Klondike was arduous and involved travelling long distances and crossing difficult mountain passes, frequently while carrying heavy loads. Some miners discovered very rich deposits of gold and became immensely wealthy, but the majority arrived after the best of the gold fields had been claimed and only around 4,000 ultimately struck gold. The Klondike Derby tries to capture some of the excitement and adventure of the original gold rush testing the skills of the scouts as they seek gold.”

“The Klondike Derby is a one day event. Each Scout patrol or Venture crew must have a Klondike sled that they will pull around the course with needed equipment onboard. Patrols will visit up to “10 towns” and participate in challenges testing their Scout skills, teamwork and patrol spirit.”

Every year troop 4749 prepares for the trial by practicing and honing our scouting skills and this year was no different. The first order of business was to inspect our Klondike sled. Upon inspection it was determined that the sled was in need of repair. The sled needed a set of skis to act as runners on the ground. A call was put out to the community and the faithful responded immediately. Bro. Ron Stokes husband of our own Sis. Bertha Stokes (if you don’t know the Stokes family of East Orange you better ask somebody) donated a pair of skis and the fix was on. The scouts met and quickly repaired the sled. It was suggested by Bro. McGinnis that the scouts also practice some of their scouting skills at this time more specifically the tomahawk throwing challenge. Bro. McGinnis set up the challenge and demonstrated technique and the boys practiced throwing a tomahawk with varied success. After practice a pizza party was the culmination of the day. During the Klondike the scouts struck gold taking first place in the, of all things, tomahawk throwing challenge.

Special thanks to Bro. Ron Stokes and Bro. Robert McGinnis you have no idea how much your gifts, time and talent is appreciated. Thanks to Bros. Maurice McCoy, David Armstrong , Turhan Welch and Reggie Smith for your appearance and logistical support at the Klondike. Thanks to our scouts who try and succeed and if they don’t succeed they try try again until they do. Lastly a very special thanks to God for it is He who places these special people in our path.

Scoutmaster’s Minute: Never overlook the power and the resources of the community “ask and you shall receive”. Also we’ve never placed in the Tomahawk throwing challenge I guess practice does make perfect thanks Bro. McGinnis.

Durwin Coppock Scoutmaster

01/11/2019

Greetings Scouters and Friends of Scouting,

After a two year hiatus troop 4749 reinstated what is our annual senior luncheon. The event was a success by all accounts. The senior luncheon was the brain child of former Life Scout Cristopher Thorne. The luncheon was designed as a community service project whose purpose was to bring together two of our most precious assets, our youth and senior citizens. The philosophy being that a thriving community benefits from the experience and wisdom of its elders. The knowledge that is past down ensures the continued success of its youth. The luncheon also serves to honor the seniors for their time and service to the community. Past luncheons included guest speakers from the community who spoke and provided information on issues important to senior citizens. The luncheons also included music, games, holiday gifts and good food served by the scouts.
This years luncheon began with the scout processional, opening prayer, reading of scripture and recitation of the pledge of allegiance, scout oath and law. The seniors were then treated to a buffet style meal facilitated by Sis. Brenda Clarke. The scouts then lead the seniors in a spirited trivia game in which the seniors pitted their vast knowledge and experience against a younger generational group that was in attendance. There was no surprise that the seniors prevailed (proving once again there is something to be said for age). After profound remarks from Bro. Robert McGinnis the scouts closed the luncheon. The Rev. Dr. Shirley Roberts, one of our staunches supporters delivered the Benediction. Special thanks to Sis. Brenda Clarke for your service behind the scene. Special thanks to Sis. Delores Mae for your organizational planning. Special thanks to Bro. Michael Brown who gave each scout a copy of the book, "Advice and Warnings From Your Grandpa". A very very special thanks to God for His grace and allowing us to do what we do. Scoutmasters minute: Proverbs 19:20 says,"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future". Without our seniors we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past, so lets continue to lift them up and hold them with great regard.

04/26/2018

10/28/2017

Greetings Scouters,
This summer St. Matthew AME church Cub Scout pack 4749 and a few scouts from St. Matthew AME Troop 4749 paid a visit to the NJ Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. What a great trip and comes highly recommended on a scouting to do list.
On a Saturday the boys boarded the church van for the journey to Camden. Upon our arrival and subsequent check in, we were given instructions on the day’s itinerary. The boys were treated to a film short about the ocean and its inhabitants. The film was shown in a grand I-Max theater with surround sound and in 3-D. At one exhibit the boys were allowed to touch Rays that were swimming in a pool. The boys were even allowed to swim with sharks. Well not really, they walked through a glass tunnel which virtually put the sharks at their fingertips. The boys were able to observe sea creatures from all over the world. The exhibits were both colorful and many. The aquarium even came with its own rain forest. The boys had lunch in the food court where they were able to purchase food or eat food that mom prepared. Because it was Scout Saturday the boys were issued special patches to commemorate their visit. At the end of the day the boys were allowed to visit the gift shop which was an adventure in itself.
In the end it was totally big fun for the boys and the adult leaders. Many thanks to the aquarium and its staff, your program and facility are superb and definitely deserving of six flags, although I would like to see a Killer Whale on my next visit. Special thanks to Cub Master Bro. Armstrong, your skilled leadership was much appreciated, most especially your agility which rose to the level of a NHL hockey goalie and NFL linebacker. Amazing, you were agile, mobile and hostile.
Scoutmaster’s Minute: This planet has many wonders that a lot of people fail to experience in a lifetime. Scouting provides the opportunity to bridge some of the gap while also building well rounded individuals. While bridging the gap Troop and Pack 4749 continue to work with the church, schools and community to provide a scouting program worthy of a lifetime of great experiences. We welcome new ideas, adult leaders and youth participants. “You have to be in it to win it”

10/18/2017

Greetings Scouters,
“Rumor has it that Jason will be returning to Camp Crystal Lake on Friday the 13th. Boy Scouts are advised to stick together and not wonder alone in the dark. Bring your own gear and keep your eyes open to survive the weekend. Remember that the best chance for survival is to “Be Prepared”.
Thus was the theme of our weekend camporee at Camp No Be Bo Sco. As a point of interest and great fun Camp No Be Bo Sco was the scene of the filming of the original Friday the 13th movie in which the camp was renamed Camp Crystal Lake. The boys of troop 4749 triumphantly returned to Camp No Be Bo Sco (AKA Camp Crystal Lake) after a two year absence, primed and ready for whatever Jason may bring. Upon our arrival on Friday night the boys quickly established a campsite while Asst. Scoutmaster McCoy and I attended a leader’s meeting. The boys, in total darkness, pitched their tent and the leader’s tent with an assist from scouts from another troop. Friday night came and went most peacefully for the scouts. However, for the leaders the night was fraught with pain and restless sleep (no details to be provided).
Upon the rising of the sun on Saturday morning the boys were up at the intense urging of Asst. Scoutmaster McCoy and me and set about preparing a breakfast of bacon, eggs and orange juice. After a most satisfying breakfast (trials and mishaps not withstanding) the boys attended the opening ceremony of the camporee which included raising the flag. After the opening ceremony the boys participated in a boat load of activities which included First Aid: Jason has had a history of not being very nice. We will test your first aid skills to help others who Jason may not have been nice to; Archery: Can you hit the Bullseye? Test your skills at Camp Crystal Lake’s archery range; Top Shop: Test your shot at Camp Crystal Lake’s rifle range; Tomahawk Throwing: Show off your skills in tomahawk throwing; The Great Pumpkin Race: A relay team of 3 scouts will race across the field while carrying a large pumpkin; Obstacle Course: In order to be able to escape Jason you must work your way through an obstacle course; Move the Hockey Mask: Wow!!- Your patrol has found Jason’s mask and you must dispose of it safely. Can you safely pick up the mask and place it in the biohazard container for evidence?; Remember What You See: Scouts will have 20 seconds to memorize what’s on the table before it is covered. They will then have to recite the items from memory. Lunch was provided by district staff. At 12:30pm the boys dined on hotdogs, baked beans (Oh Boy!) chips and an apple after which it was back to completing the rest of the events. At the end of the day the boys remarked how much fun they had performing all the activities. At the close of the day the boys prepared dinner which consisted of hotdogs, hamburgers, and Kool Aid. After dinner the boys watched the movie Friday the 13th (edited version, is that possible?) and it was off to bed.
Sunday morning consisted of packing, cleaning our campsite and departure. All in all it was a great trip full of learning opportunities and fun for the boys. Mind you we attended camp with three young scouts with minimal to no camping or scouting experience. Thanks to the Lenape Trails District staff for putting together an outstanding program. Very special thanks to Asst. Scoutmaster McCoy without your dedication, attendance, and disregard of self we don’t go. Further I’d like to say we both probably should not have been there however mission accomplished in spite of …….. Though your efforts may be unseen by earthly eyes, rest assure your name has been written in the lambs book.
Scoutmaster’s Minute: Scouting affords youth many opportunities. It teaches citizenry, self-reliance, self-control, preparedness and pride in ones-self. It provides an outlet for extra energy and a platform for fun to even the most discriminating youth. Taking note of the aforementioned we cannot continue to effectively produce tomorrow’s citizen leaders without youth participants and trained adult leaders. I appeal to the church and community to take advantage of that which has been provided. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel only to improve it.

05/23/2017

06/30/2016

Greetings Scouters,
St. Matthew Troop & Pack 4749 has just concluded their annual fish fry and it was a great success. The day was warm and sunny not a cloud in the sky and the Saints took advantage of the day by coming out and supporting the scouts. The outpouring of support was so much so that we ran out of sandwiches. I mean we sold out, had none left, all gone. Sis. Morton showed up just in time tires screeching, “I’m here to show my support and get some fish and go!” If you showed late I can’t say you ate!
We had all the usual suspects and some new persons of interest show in support of the boys. Pastor Guyton stopped by to lend his support. Thanks Pastor the leaders and the boys really appreciate the encouragement. Because of the love and support shown by the Saints of St. Matthew the boys will start the new scouting season in September in the black. I see great things coming out of troop and pack 4749.
Thanks to Bro. Clark and Sis. Mae for your leadership without your planning and participation this fish fry does not get done. A very special thanks to Bro. Myricks, Sis. S. Myricks, Bro. Rooks and Bro. Roland. You guys provided the heavy lifting, cooking, equipment, expertise and time. Because of you the program will continue to flourish.
Scoutmaster’s Minute: Two important factors: Communal support and Youth participation; Communal support, mission accomplished; Youth participation, a work in progress
Durwin Coppock/Scoutmaster

06/30/2016

Greetings Scouters,
The boys of troop 4749 have returned from their annual fishing trip. I say annual even though we did not go last year, we plan to go every year. Two leaders and two scouts packed fishing poles, tackle, lunch and Walmart worms for the early morning trek to Lake Musconetcong off of route 80 in Stanhope, NJ. All in all the outing was both fun and relaxing. The catch of the day consisted of catfish and small mouth bass.
Thanks to parent Ehmir Chanza for providing the transportation and free fishing lessons. As I always say, “if it’s free it’s for me”.
Scoutmaster’s Minute: We had big fun on a relaxing day. The battle was joined between fish and man and in the end man ultimately won. Next year I pray more scouts will become members of the troop and pack and participate in our fishing contest between boy and bass. I heard it said somewhere, “Ya have to be in it to win it”.
Durwin Coppock

05/08/2016

Friday meeting .. service project .. all hands on deck!

05/08/2016

Reclruiting and having Fun with Pack & Troop 4749 @ Orange School District Health Fair!