As you may have seen, we’ve recently updated our event management and signup system. Next up: the newsletter.
For the past six years, we’ve used our current setup, which relies heavily on me—your newsletter editor and webmaster—to compile each issue, track down submissions, and (occasionally!) remind our SPL to send theirs in. I’ve been working on a new approach that should make the process much simpler from week to week.
With the new system, we’ll also launch a website where anyone can submit content for the newsletter. As with any transition, there may be a few bumps along the way—particularly with timing and our subscriber list (that’s you!).
This week’s issue is still being sent using the current system, but I’m planning to switch to the new format for the next issue (target date: 5/10/26).
We will continue to maintain an archive of newsletters, but it will effectively reset:
The existing archive will remain available as a static collection of past newsletters.
A new archive will begin with the updated format moving forward.
If you don’t receive your usual weekly email next week, please check the archive late Sunday or Monday morning. If it’s there but didn’t reach your inbox, let me know at so I can make sure you’re included going forward.
Thanks for your patience during this transition—and enjoy!
Troop 640 has long had an online events system, but we’ve rebuilt it from the ground up – and it’s significantly better. If signing up for events in the past felt clunky or unclear, this is hopefully the fix. Families can now register for campouts, service projects, fundraisers, and other activities directly from our website, anytime, with a straightforward account that covers your whole family.
How to Get Started
Step 1 – Create your free family account. Visit bsatroop640.com/activities/ (or the Events tab on the website) and click “Register.” You only need one account per family – it covers all your Scouts.
Step 2 – Add your Scout(s). Once logged in, add each of your Scouts to your account. This takes about a minute and only needs to be done once.
Step 3 – Browse and sign up. From the events page, click on any activity to see full details – dates, location, cost, and what to bring – then click “Sign Up” to reserve your spot.
That’s it! Your reservations are saved, and you can view or cancel them anytime from your account.
A family help guide is also available on the events page if you have any questions along the way.
We hope this makes it easier for families to stay connected and never miss an activity. If you run into any issues, reach out to your Scout’s leader and we’ll get you sorted out.
Mr. Bielkiewicz ASM of Improving His Originally Weak Ideas
P.S. As with any new system, there may be some bugs. Please feel free to email me at with any issues you come across!
So, you’ve been elected the new SPL of Troop 640? Congrats! One of your new duties is to keep the Troop and its families informed about upcoming plans for our weekly Troop Meetings.
What does this mean? Every Sunday by approximately 6:00pm (or our agreed upon time), you will send an update for the newsletter to the newsletter editor. This is done via a group text between you, the editor, and the Scoutmaster. The prior SPL, the current newsletter editor, or the Scoutmaster will reach out to share the communication method/phone numbers.
What should the blurb include? At minimum, make sure to cover:
Meeting date, time, and location
Activity or theme for the meeting
What to wear (Class A’s, Class B’s, etc.)
Any gear or materials Scouts should bring
For more inspiration, head to https://www.bsatroop640.com/newsletter/ where you can read through any of our prior newsletters — and sign up if you haven’t already!
As a reminder, we have added Eagle Court of Honor photos from Caleb’s celebration to our photos section at https://www.bsatroop640.com/photos/. We will be adding an album for Jaivon’s as well soon.
Cameron S’s Eagle Project consists of making improvements to a large shed used to store equipment and supplies for the Sharing with Sheridan Food Bank. We will be building handrails along the ramp and priming and painting the shed.
Day 2 will consist of painting the trim, siding, and handrails. We plan to start at 10:00 a.m. and work until we are done painting. We are planning to do 2 coats.
What to bring: Wear clothes that can get paint on them and bring water and sunscreen. If you have any of the following tools or supplies, they would be useful: stepladder, drop cloths, paint trays and cups, paint roller frame, paint roller extension pole, paint guides, safety goggles.
