Hunting for treasure

Our Troop meeting on Thursday night is geocaching night.
Come have some fun and learn the basics of using a GPS unit.

Keith Richards giving the Scouts kudos

http://www.pr-inside.com/richards-credits-scouts-with-making-him-r539147.htm

Troop 150 Weekend Outing

Great Glen Trails is a popular cross-country ski and snowshoe
center at the base of Mount Washington at the Mount Washington Auto
Road in Pinkham Notch. The trail system is open to the paying public
daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. And includes miles of groomed and
backcountry trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. We are
very fortunate to be able to use this fabulous location at the base of
Mt. Washington for our March trip. Our campsite is about ½ mile by
groomed trail from the GG Trails Lodge. The site is near the
Cadiddlehopper Cabin at the westerly edge of the large meadow which is
at the center of the Great Glen Trails system.

Site Accommodations

• Cadiddlehopper Cabin: may be used at the
  leadership’s discretion. Clean it out during operating hours for GG
  Trails regular customer use.
• waste disposal: porta john on-site, no peeing in the snow, food waste: packed out by troop,
• mechanized
  support: snowcoach provided Friday upon arrival to make 1 trip into
  camp with firewood, troop water. Scouts will haul sleds and personal
  gear, ski equipment by snowshoe from the employee parking lot on the
  west
• shelter: all scouts must sleep outside in tents
  pitched on snow or in snow shelters. The cabin will be used only at the
  leadership’s discretion. It is heated to 45°.
• water: not
  available at site: Scouts bring 2 liters, .troop containers may be
  refilled at GG Trails buildings during operating hours, melt snow
• cooking:
  troop back-country stoves and individual freezer bag meals. GG Trails
  will allow us to prepare our freezer bag meals in the cabin at the
  leadership’s discretion
• campfires: scouts will dig out
  existing fire pit to avoid fire scars. Pack out wood ash and debris. Mr
  Dewar will supply and transport firewood from home. No firewood will be
  collected on site.
• Overnite parking: in the employee lot, west side of rte 16, 750’ beyond the lodge entrance
• equipment rentals: 4:30 upon arrival, Friday.
• Campers may keep rented equipment at the camp site overnight, return by 9 AM Sunday.
• night trails use: ok - schedule so as not to interfere with scheduled evening sled dog rides
• night tubing use : ok anytime

fee paid by scouts: $10 per scout: covers food.
All other expenses will be covered with troop funds and generously donated by Great Glen Trails.

Please let Mr. Getchell ASAP
know if you are renting ski equipment from Great Glen.

Let Mr. LaLiberte ASAP know if you need
snowshoes.

Lessons and rentals will be covered with troop funds.

f.y.i.:

• site fee: no charge
• trails fee: scouts and leadership will be issued passes at no charge
• tubing fee: no charge
• equipment rental fees: discounted 50%: age 12 and under= $6/day, over 12 $10/day
• lesson fees: discounted 25% = $15/pp
• snow coach to treeline: Sun. 7:30 AM – no charge for 1 coach: holds 11 passengers

if necessary, 2^nd coach must be reserved Saturday morning - $200

adult leadership: Mr Chalmers, Mr. Obrien, Mr. Getchell:986-3635, Mr. Steesy, Mr. Dewar

scouts : Dmitry , Sam, Ethan C , Torin, Zack, Mackenzie, Ethan H, Sean, JP, Nick L,

Proposed Schedule:

Friday 2/29/08

• 3:30 PM Meet at JFS, N. Conway with all
  equipment packed and secure in sleds. Bag lunch, water, headlamp,
  snowshoes, shovels are accessible. Ski equipment will be lashed on top
  of the load. Plan on a daypack with 10 essentials, Fri dinner
• 4:30
  Arr. at Great Glen Trails Lodge, ground level entrance to check in with
  Nate Harvey, retail manager. Register, rent equipment, trails passes,
  eat bag lunch, adjust personal loads, load snow coach, snowshoe into
  camp
• 5:32 sunset
• 6:00 set up camp
• 7:30 evening snowshoe to Great Dipper Swamp: last quarter moonlight
• 9:00 cracker barrel (Cadiddlehopper Cabin)
• 10:00 lights out

Saturday

• 6:23 sunrise
• 7:00 AM Wake up, breakfast, clean up camp and cabin
• 8:15 morning meeting
• 8:45 On snow merit badge instruction. Instuctors (Sue, Emily) meet us at campsite
• 10:00 Service project: brushing trail ( see Mr. Wemys)
• 11:30 ski tour and lunch on the trail
• 3:00 free time: buddy skiing on groomed tracks, snow shelter construction, tubing, nap time, journals, cards
• 5:00 Dinner Prep and campfire
• 7:30 PM optional evening skiing on groomed terrain, tubing
• 9 PM cracker barrel (Cadiddlehopper Cabin)
• 10:00 PM lights out

Sunday

• 6:00 Wake up, breakfast, break camp, prepare for your day
• Backcountry winter travel at and below treeline: pack snowshoes, snack, 10 essentials, emergency equipment req’d
• Pack and make sleds ready for noon return trip to Lodge
• 7:00 Morning meeting
• 7:30 Treeline trip via snowcoach departs Hideaway. Return trip on snowshoes
• 9:00 Rental return to lodge or leave with snowcoach @ 7:30.
• 11:30 Arr. at camp, pick up sleds, return to Lodge and N. Conway
• 12:30 Arr. JFS, N. Conway

adult leadership: Mr Chalmers, Mr. Obrien, Mr. Getchell:986-3635, Mr. Steesy, Mr. Dewar

Adult leadership
to do list

Tour permit- Mr. Chalmers done

Consent forms –Mr Chalmers

Trip fees and troop check – Mr. Chalmers - done

Xtra Backcountry stove fuel – Mr Chalmers

Individual meals shopping and packaging - Mr Chalmers - done

Snowshoes for scouts (7 pr) – Mr. Laliberte from Purity Springs

Full Water jugs – Mr Obrien (2) Mr. Getchell (1)

Garbage bags – Mr Obrien

Maps – USGS topo and trails system – Mr Getchell and at Lodge

Staff tent for 4 – Mr. Getchell

Cracker Barrel victuals, – Mr Getchell

Extra shell clothing, sleep bags, pads – Mr Getchell

Fire wood and kindling – Mr Dewar

Hand pruners and lopping shears for service project – everyone brings

Transportation

Depart JFS N. Conway Friday 3:30

Mr. Obrien drives Mr Steesy’s truck: Torin, Dmitry, Ethan H., Mackenzie, sleds

Mr. Getchell: Sam, Shawn, 2 sleds

Mr. Chalmers: Ethan, sleds

Mr. Dewar: Zack, Nick, JP

Mr. Steesy: late arrival

Friday drop off for rental and loading equipment on the the
snowcoach will be at the main lodge. Drivers turn in at the lodge
entrance on the east side of rte 16, across form the Auto
Rd.entrance. Scouts may travel by snowshoe with their sleds from this
point, thru a snowcovered tunnel under the highway, and onto the trail
system. They may also get onto the trail system from the overnite lot.

Overnight parking will be in the employee parking lot 750’
north of the Lodge entrance and on the west side of rte. 16. Please
leave vehicles close beside already parked cars. Management wants them
somewhat hidden from rte 16.

Equipment needs list - contact Mr. Getchell if you have xtra or need gear

Mr Steesy - ski equipment, snowshoes

JP - ski equipment, snowshoes,

Zack - ski equipment, snowshoes: size 6

Sean - ski equipment, snowshoes, sleep bag, boots size 7.5, winter clothing

Ethan H. ski equipment, snowshoes: size 8.5

Mackenzie – ski equipment, snowshoes, size 10.5, sleep bag

Sam – ski equipment only: size 11

Nick - ski equipment only

Dmitry – snowshoes only

Torin - ok

Ethan C. - ok

Scout packing list

• Packed duffel, trim and secure on your sled and covered from the weather
• A daypack on your back contains: 10 essentials and your Friday bag dinner

1. 
   
2. Pocketknife
3. First Aid kit
   
4. Extra Clothing
   
5. Waterproof outer layer: top and bottom
   
6. 2 large size(1 qt)
   nalgenes full of water
7. Headlamp or flashlight
   / xtra batts
8. Trail Food
9. Matches and Fire Starter
   
10. Eye Protection: goggles, sunglasses
    
11. Map and Compass
    

Travel, shelter and
meals

Friday - your own bag dinner

Saturday – your own trail lunch

3 individual hot meals: 2b, 1d, cozy

trail snacks

assigned backcountry stoves and fuel

1 qt. pot for water boiling per tent

assigned troop tent, fly, grouncloth

1 snow shovel per tent

snowshoes

ski equipment: back-country or light touring

skis, boots, poles

sled and hauling system

synthetic/down bag rated to 0° ½ “closed cell foam sleeping pad

Clothing

think layers: no cotton

Head

pile balaclava, neck up

face mask

knit winter hat covers ears

ski goggles

Hands

glove Liners – polypropylene, pile or wool

waterproof glove shell

2 pr. Wool/Synthetic/Pile insulated mittens

waterproof mitten shells

Feet

thin polypro liner socks – 2 pr.

down or polyester booties for tent/sleeping

wool/synthetic Pile Socks (heavy) - 4 pairs

gaiters

water proof, winter boots- felt lined pacs

Tips

• zip pulls on clothing and packs
• idiot strings on mitts
• no freeze laces on boots
• stay dry: vent body heat, don’t roll in snow

Upper body

2 long undershirts – polypro

wool/polypro/pile shirt – med. weight

wool/pile sweater or jacket – heavy weight

wind Jacket with Hood - 60/40, Goretex

insulated winter parka with hood

Lower body

underwear

2 pr long underwear - polypro - light to med.

insulating Wool/Pile Pants –heavy

waterproof Snow Pants - doubl as rain pants

Misc.

hot drink cup, spoon

stuff sacks – assorted sizes

watch, camera, playing cards

toothbrush, chapstick, sunscreen

hand pruners for service project

(we plan to trim brush for Trails)

Tips

• no fog for goggles and glasses
• adjust snowshoes, polestraps at home
• how will you carry skis on sled?
• will your parka fit over a pile layer

Cross- Over

I have just heard back from the Cub Master from Pack 150.
We will be meeting (IN FULL UNIFORM) at Kennett HS @ 5:30pm to welcome the Webelos that will be crossing over into our Troop.

Please bring a salad or dinner item to share with everyone.

There will be 10 new Scouts to welcome into our Unit. 8 of them have earned the Arrow of Light award.

I will be expecting the Boy Scouts to be setting the example for being polite and for behaving like Scouts.

I would expect the whole Troop to be in attendance. Let your Patrol Leader know if you are DEAD and cannot make it.

ASM's should all plan on being at this event as well.

See you all tomorrow night,
Mr C

FEB Troop Meetings

Troop Meeting 2-14 (meeting will be in the 'round')

First Aid (Dmitry and John)

-winter focus

Lashing/ Knot review (Zack and Ged)

-basic knows through 1st Class



***Note; AJ & Sam please be prepared to fill in for any of these guys***



Guys signed up to go on the March outing

-Bring your sled, permission slip and $10

-Winter Sports MB

Troop Meeting 2-21

---SCHOOL VACATION--- no regular meeting

Guys signed up to go on the March outing will be having a meeting

-Gear shake down

-Meal prep

-Final itinerary for outing

Troop Meeting 2-28

5:30 pm at Kennett HS for the Webelos Cross-over

FULL UNIFORM

bring something for the potluck dinner

Be ready to welcome the new guys to the Troop!

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SUMMER CAMP

You need to start thinking about summer camp.

The Troop will be attending week 5 (July 20th-26th).
The cost this year is $300.
In
effort to take advantage of the $300 rate we will be registering as a
unit. The 'drop-dead' sign-up date will be Thursdays meeting on 3/6.
You do not have to have the payment in full by this date; a check for
$50 will hold your spot. If this is a problem PLEASE let me know... we
can help... I don't want anyone missing out on camp because of money.

GREAT
fund raising opportunity coming up May 3rd. During the Spring Camporee
we will have a Hike-a-thon. 75% of all the money you earn goes directly
into your Scout account. With a little effort you should be able to
completely pay for summer camp out of this event.

Schedule your camp physicals now... these need to be on Class 3 Medical forms http://www.nhscouting.org/openrosters/DocDownload.asp?id=35101

The 6th is also the t-shirt order deadline.

See you all Thursday,

Mr C.

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2-7-08

Sign up, deadline, is tonight
for the Great Glen trip... we have a lot to cover with only a couple of
meetings to get it done. If you cannot make the meeting tonight but
still want to go on the outing remember to let your Patrol Leader know before tonights meeting.

The cost for this outing is $10.

To
qualify for this trip you will have needed to successfully slept
outside on either the Jan snowshoe trip or last weekends Klondike.
(there are 11 boys that have done this...)

Tonights PLC is at 6pm.
The Troop Meeting will be from 7- 8:15pm.
Please
make sure you are at the meeting on time and that you have a ride home
by 8:15 (there have been some late pick-ups lately).

T-shirt
orders are due.

There are a couple registration dues still out there ($22).

Bring your compasses tonight.

See you all tonight,
Mr. C

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Meetings week of 2-4-08

Fantastic Klondike weekend!

Nick Larivee
Zack Mannik
Jacob White
Ethan Hill
Sean Racoit-Psaledakis
JP Irving

These
guys join ; Sam Getchell, Torin LaLiberte, Ethan Chalmers, Dmitry
Steesy and Mackenzie Birkbeck in the ranks of winter campers.

That gives us 11 qualifiers for the camp out at the base of Mt. Washington.

Given
the nature of this outing, and the short month, I need a commitment
from you guys right away, so that we can start planning. Be prepared to
give me a 'yea' or 'nay' by Thursdays (2-7-08) meeting. If you can't
make the meeting be sure to let your Patrol Leader know what your plans
are. After Thursdays meeting there will be no additions allowed.

Reminder
there is a PLC meeting @ 6pm on Thursday. Patrol Leaders need to be
present. If you cannot make it be sure your assistant is there to cover
for you.

Everyone else should plan to be at the Troop meeting for the opening @ 7pm. The meeting will run to
8:15.

See you all Thursday,
Mr C

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Outing Committee Meeting

Thanks for everyones help on the Klondike!
Now that you have had a night in your own bed we are ready to jump right into planning for March's outing to Great Glen.
Hoping
that all of the SA's can make it to the 'outing committee' planning
meeting on Tuesday night. We can use the Pike Palmer building (old AD
Davis)... 7pm. We'll plan on tackling this right at 7 sharp and be out
of there by 8-8:30. The goal will be to have this event all mapped out
so that it can be presented at the PLC on Thursday... this will drive
the month's meeting plan.

I am truly thankful for the leadership of this Troop... I do know how good I have it!

See you all Tuesday,
Andy

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Happy Anniversary to the Boy Scouts of America! They will be 98 years
old on Friday. Boy Scouting in America began in the United States on
Feb. 8, 1910. Sir Baden-Powell started a scouting group in Great
Britain in 1907. It was brought to the United States in 1910 as the
result of “a good turn” done by a British Boy Scout for William Boyce,
an American businessman. Boyce and others then formed the Boy Scouts of
America in 1910. Boy Scouts began in Barstow in the 1920s. And today it
has been reported there are Boy Scouts in more than 100 countries
around the world.



The Boy Scout goal is to help our youth develop citizenship,
character, leadership and skills that will help them the rest of their
lives. Boy Scouts in all parts of the world learn to do their duty to
God, to their country and to other people.



The Boy Scout Motto is “Be Prepared.” Learning by doing is the
Scout’s way to preparedness and that was translated into the slogan,
“Do a good turn daily.”



This is Boy Scouting Anniversary Week. It is held each year during
the week of the official birthday, Feb. 8. The first day is Boy Scout
Sunday and the boys are encouraged to put on their uniforms and attend
the church of their choice complying with their “duty to God.”

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Meeting Reminder 1-10-08

We are outside tonight for part of the meeting... please dress appropriately. (When we are outside the 10 essentials should be on your list of things to bring to the meeting).

Remember attendance counts...
you need to be an active Scout to be considered for advancement. When
you have your Scoutmaster Conference the Scoutmaster WILL ask you about
your attendance at meetings and on outings. 'My attendance is good, Mr. Chalmers'
is not the answer I'm looking for. Show me in your book the things that
you have been working on during meetings or done while attending
outings.

Rechartering happened last Tuesday night. Please
remember to bring in your registration fee ($22)... or let me know that
you want this deducted from your Scout account.

Court of Honor is the 24th

Klondike is Feb 2nd and 3rd... sign up sheet will be out
tonight.

I look forward to seeing you all.
Mr. C

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Rechartering the Troop

Happy Holidays!
In preparation for the annual Rechartering of our
Troop I will be going through the roster. If you have or know someone
that you have not been seeing regularly at Troop meetings and outings
please have them contact me ASAP; if they want to remain as registered
Scouts.

All the best,
Mr C

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WAYS TO STAY WARM IN WINTER

The most important thing that anyone brings with them on a winter camp out, or any camp
out, can't be bought in any store or made at home. It is a positive mental attitude.
Don’t go camping without it!

Keep warm by following the guidelines that spell the word: C-O-L-D

CLEAN - Clothing should be clean. Since
insulation is only effective when heat is trapped by dead air spaces, keep your insulating
layers clean and fluffy. Dirt, grime, and perspiration can mat down those air spaces and
reduce the warmth of a garment.

OVERHEATING - Avoid it. Pace your activity to avoid
overheating which causes you to sweat. Sweat will dampen your clothing and cause
chilling later on.

LOOSE LAYERS - Use loose layers to keep warm.
Warm air is trapped between the layers, keeping you warmer than one single bulky layer. By
adding or removing layers, you can regulate your body temperature. Wear loose fitting
clothes that will not restrict the blood flow and that will ventilate or wick the
moisture away from your body.

DRY – Keep all clothing, bedding and your body dry.
Damp clothing and skin can cause your body to cool quickly, possibly leading to frostbite
or hypothermia. Keep dry by: avoiding cotton clothing, brushing snow from your cloths
before it melts, and loosening the clothing around your neck and chest.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES TO BUY

Choose your clothing wisely. Make sure it will protect you from the wet, wind and cold.
Clothing should be bulky enough to trap air and loose enough so you can move freely. The
appearance or style of your clothes is NOT important. Fancy, expensive skiwear is often
not the right choice.

Wool, Fiberfill, Holifill, Polarguard and Thinsulate are good choices
because they keep you warm longer when wet. Wool clothing is ideal in cold weather because
it is durable and water resistant and even when soaked it can keep you warm. Wool makes
excellent blankets, socks, hats, mittens, sweaters, and even pants. Army surplus stores
have good wool clothing for winter camping. If wool irritates your skin, you may be able
to wear wool blends or wear it over clothing made of other fabrics. Many synthetics are
also good in winter for use as windbreakers and insulation.

Footwear is important in winter camping. Use the layering system on your feet.
Start with a pair of silk, nylon, polypropylene or thin wool socks. Then layer on a pair
of heavier wool socks. Make sure your boots are big enough to wiggle your toes, with
two pair of socks on. If your feet get wet, change your socks as soon as possible.

One method that can be used in wet conditions is to put plastic bags on your feet,
either between the two layers of socks or directly on your feet. NEVER wear cotton socks
under plastic bags as they will get wet from your perspiration and your feet will feel
cold. Thin synthetic socks under the plastic bags with heavy wool socks over them
are the best combination.

Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves. In very cold conditions, wear glove
liners in your mittens. Additionally, a good pair of gloves lined with Thinsulate is a
must for many tasks around camp. Extra gloves and/or mittens are an absolute
necessity as gloves and mittens tend to get very wet and/or lost.

Stocking hats are great to wear outdoors and at night in your sleeping bag. Even
better is a stocking hat (ski mask) that covers your head and neck, and all of your face
except your eyes, nose and mouth. A coat with a hood is also helpful, as is a scarf around
your neck that can be used to cover your face if needed.

TIP from Grandpa: "If your feet are cold, put on a hat!"

Long Underwear is an essential part of the layering system. Do not buy cotton or
cotton blends. Cotton is a summer fiber; it keeps you cool.

HELPFUL HINTS – DURING THE DAY

1. Eat food high in calories – beef, nuts, stews, cheeses



Eat lots of snacks.

2. Prevent heat loss. Your body loses heat from:

• Wind – wear clothes that protect you from the wind


• Wet – you MUST STAY DRY


• Radiation - wear a hat. 50% of your body heat escapes from your head


• Breathing - keep your face and mouth covered if it is really, really cold


• Conduction – avoid contact with cold objects. Keep your gloves on and drink warm
  fluids

1. Keep your neck, ears and head covered. Up to 50% of your body heat escapes through your
   neck and head. Wear several layers on your neck and head, just as the rest of your body.


2. Hoods that extend beyond your face and has fake fur trim dramatically reduces the wind
   chill on the face.


3. Breath through a scarf. It will warm the air before it reaches your lungs and help keep
   you warm.


4. Outermost layer should be WINDPROOF and WATERPROOF – both coat and pants.


5. Mittens are warmer than gloves because they keep your fingers together. Wearing large
   waterproof outer mittens with wool glove liners is a great idea. Always carry extra
   mittens and gloves. Change them, if they get wet.


6. Wear 2 pairs of socks – a polypropylene sock liner and a pair of woolen or wool
   blend socks are the best combination. Make sure you can still wiggle your toes.
   Cramped feet will freeze very quickly.


7. Wear warm, insulated hiking boots. Do NOT wear sneakers or your toes will freeze off!
   In extreme weather, wear felt lined "snowmobile" boots – waterproof on
   the outside with felt or Thinsulate liners. Boots must be large enough to wiggle toes with
   2 pairs of socks. Cramped feet hurt and freeze!


8. Wear long johns (thermal underwear) – tops and bottoms. Bring an extra set to
   change into before going to sleep. It is important to change all your clothing
   before retiring.


9. Wear wool, if possible. If not wool, then wear Polar Fleece. Do NOT wear cotton. It
   retains moisture and gets wet easily. It will keep you cold….


10. Suspenders are better than a belt in the winter. The belt cuts off the warm airflow.


11. Wear the right amount of clothes. You should be comfortably cool – not hot. If you
    are hot you will get wet from sweat and become cold. Match your clothing to the exercise
    level. You need less layers when you are "working" than you do if you are
    "standing around"


12. You should never eat snow or drink lots of cold liquids. They will make your insides
    cold. Drinks lots of warm or tepid liquids.



13. Drink lots of liquids. You lose a lot of body fluids on the cold and never even know
    it. Try to keep your water bottle warm by keeping it close to your body.


14. Be active enough to keep warm without sweating. Standing still or sitting for long
    periods of time will not keep you warm.


15. Carry a whiskbroom to brush the snow off. The idea is to KEEP DRY. If your clothes
    become wet, change them immediately.


16. Attach your mittens to your coat. Losing a pair of mittens could spell disaster to your
    fingers! Always carry an extra pair.


17. Bring a campstool. Don’t sit on the cold ground.


18. Choose your campsite wisely. Avoid low-lying areas, such as, valleys, ravines, and
    canyons because cold air sinks and settles there. Also avoid the tops of a hill, vast open
    areas or other areas where the wind is strong. Wind makes cold feel even colder –
    wind-chill factor! Look for an area between these extremes, such as a small meadow, or a
    gentle sloping hillside.


19. Camp with a Southern exposure. It will get a lot more sun (solar energy) and will be
    warmer. Avoid the Northern exposures. They are colder. If you are in snow, look for the
    areas where the snow has melted – they get more sun.

HELPFUL HINTS – AT NIGHT

1. Insulate your sleeping bag from the ground with a full-length foam bed pad. A close cell
   pad should be at least ¾ inch, while an open cell pad needs to be 1½ inches thick. Place
   the bed pad on top half of a survival blanket silver side up allowing the exposed half to
   be pulled over the top of your sleeping bag as a cover.


2. Foam pads can be purchased at the Army/Navy store or Sports Authority for less than $10.


3. Put a survival blanket on the floor of your tent, silver side up. It will keep moisture
   and cold out. Survival or Emergency blankets are available at Sports Authority, EMS, etc.
   for about $10.


4. Make sure your bedding and sleeping clothes are dry. Air your bedding during the day to
   allow body moisture to escape. Sleeping bags will dry, even in freezing weather. The
   average adult loses one pint of body moisture while sleeping.


5. Never sleep with your mouth and nose inside the sleeping bag. Breathe outside of it.
   Your breath will make your sleeping bag wet.


6. Change your clothes before going to sleep. Your daytime clothes will be damp from sweat
   and are dirty. This will cause you to chill.


7. Put on clean socks and polar fleece booties for sleeping.


8. Wear a hat to sleep. 50% of your body heat escapes through your head.


9. Your sleeping bag needs to be a cold rated (at least -20 degree) bag. If not, use two
   bags, one inside the other. Alternatively, put a polar fleece blanket, sewn on 3 sides
   inside your bag for extra warmth.


10. NEVER sleep on an air mattress in the cold.


11. Keep your boots warm and dry at night. If necessary, after cleaning and drying them, put
    them inside a plastic bag and then in the bottom of your sleeping bag.


12. In the morning, put boot warmers in your boots before putting them on.


13. If you have removable boot liners, remove them before going to bed. They will dry
    quicker that way.


14. Wear a sweatshirt with a hood at night to keep your neck, head, and shoulders warm.


15. Dress and undress in your sleeping bag.


16. Keep your clean clothes inside your bag or underneath it.


17. Fluff your sleeping bag before getting inside.


18. Nibble on high calorie food before going to sleep. Pepperoni or cheese is a good choice.


19. Still shivering? Put on your rain gear – pants and jacket. It will act as a vapor
    barrier to hold in your body warmth.


20. Use the latrine BEFORE getting in that sleeping bag! No one wants to get up in the
    middle of the freezing night. But if you have to go, get up and go!

OTHER HINTS

1. It always takes longer to do things in the cold – Plan accordingly.


2. Cooking time will double. Always use a lid on your pot to trap the warmth.


3. Start hot water for cleaning, before you start cooking.


4. Wear rubber gloves to wash dishes. They keep your hands dry.


5. Try to keep your menu to "one-pot" meals. Chili, stews, pasta and beans are
   good choices.


6. Always collect twice as much firewood as you think you need. Remember it takes twice as
   long to cook, so you use more fuel.

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Pool and Pizza Party 12-20 5:30pm

I need a head count for everyone planning on attending the pizza and pool party. I have all of the Webelos (thanks Mary). We will be meeting at 5:30 pm at the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel (this is the hotel that uses the same Bear Peak entrance) come right in the front door. We'll go as a group to the pool. We'll swim for an hour and then have pizza. Pick up will be at 7:30/ 8pm. If you want to bring a buddy let me know that as well... I know that you all have friends outside of Scouting... don't keep Scouting a secret. THIS YEAR EVERYONE NEEDS TO SIGN A WAIVER OF LIABILITY... if your parent hasn't sent this with you then you don't swim. See you all Thursday night, Mr. C

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Jan Outing

Patrol Leaders please remind your Patrol members;
-come prepared to be outside for the Troop meeting
-bring your 10 essentials
-be prepared to make the commitment for the January outing ($10 and permission slip)

There will be a popcorn prize distribution and party before the close of the Troop meeting. Yahoo!

January Outing... winter campout!
This is going to be GREAT FUN and an event not to be missed. This is a VERY IMPORTANT outing if you are planning on being able to do some back-country outings with the Troop this winter... you should make every effort to go.
Friday Jan 4th
departing 6pm from the Ham Arena parking loteat bag dinner en routearrive at Hidden Valley Scout Res... crash in cabin(maybe a small campfire; cracker barrel, a few stories...)

Sat 5th
breakfast... pancakes and bacon
set-up camp for those cleared to sleep outside
hike up Mt Shannon... summit lunch
Afternoon snow shoe/ ski trek to the outback
survival shelter building... how to survive in the winter lost in the NE wilderness
campfire cooking for dinner
night-time navigation/ hikebonfire, cracker barrel, smores and campfire stories

Sun 6th
Sunrise Sunday Scouts Own Service
bag omelets for breakfastpack out
Return for a noon pick-up at the Ham

If you want to go you need to commit to this at Thursday nights meeting... I need a permission slip and $10 from everyone.

If you need help coming up w/ gear and want to go PLEASE let me know ASAP. I can help, but, I need time to make this happen.

After Thursday there will be no opportunity to get your name added to the list... e-mail me if you can't make the meeting and want to go (you will have to arrange to get your permission slip and money to me).

See you all Thursday,

Mr. C

Outings

As we are approaching our winter camping season I wanted to fire-off a 'quick' e-mail about Scouting.

As designed, to use the old cliche, Sc-outing is supposed to be more than 2/3rd outing.
We, as leaders, in the Scouting movement are tasked to provide a minimum of 10 camp out opportunities per year. These outings are to be included as part of a year round camping program (and no... cabin camping, lock downs or trips to the Civic Ctr do not count as camp outs).

Not every youth has to go on every outing, but, we'd like to see at least 75% of the boys participate. There is a great amount of effort that goes into planning and executing these outings for our boys. We want everyone to take full advantage of these opportunities.
Along those lines if your son needs camping gear (ie appropriate clothing, sleeping bag etc) please see me or one of the Scout Assistants, we'll help guide you any way we can. Funds from your sons Scout account can be used to reimburse for approved purchases. If your son doesn't have a winter rated sleeping bag and he commits to going on the camp out please let me know, the Troop can rent an appropriate bag.

On our outings we are making every effort to provide a camp out opportunity for everyone. Scouts that have achieved the rank of First Class will be allowed, and expected, to sleep out of doors. Younger Scouts that are approved by the leadership can join the 1st Class and above Scouts.

We all live in New England, we know what the changing seasons bring. Winter is an exciting time to work on camping, outdoor and survival skills. I and the other Scout Leaders look forward to sharing our experiences with your sons.

Here's to the cold weather and the snow!
Mr. C

TROOP COMMITTEE MEETING

TROOP COMMITTEE MEETING

Date: 10/11/07

John Fuller School

Present:
Ray O'Brien, Norm Gamache, Diane Gamache, Andy Chalmers, Steve Mannik,
Paul Getchell, Marion Owen, Ted LaLiberte, Scott Steesy, Cathy Steesy,
Rosemary Evans, Joanne Turner, Bill Tinkham, Bruce Consaul, and Bud
Selmi

Meeting was called to order @7:10 pm

The September minutes were approved

Reports:

SCOUTMASTER: Andy reported that the NH Jamboree was awesome. It was a
great learning experience. An outing is planned in early November

- a backbpacking trip. We need to purchase 4
backpacking stoves that are more cold weather friendly. We are a unit of honor, so there was a refund from summer camp.

TREASURER: Norm reported that the troop is in good shape. There was a balance of $7344 in the troop account.

FUNDRAISING:

CATHY - We made $4,724 through the "Show and Sell" and $921.75 in
donations. There is about $2000 in popcorn left. All take orders needed
by the 25th no excuses.Cathy made a motion to split the donations 50/50
between the boys and the troop and pro-rate it. This was seconded by
Bill and it passed unanimously. Popcorn sales were down, but donations
were up.

PAUL: the USFS activity will be a
communitty service project and we wil give the proceeds to the James
Walker Fund. (Moved by Cathy and seconded by Joanne) Paul had a list of
the things that he would need) Please sign up with Paul for a shift to
work.

BUD: $2848 will be awarded to us from Storyland from the Story land after hours event

ADVANCEMENT:
Three board of reviews will be held tonight. We will need to be ready
for the Court of Honor in two weeks. Tracy is in charge of the
refreshments.

TRAINING: Andy, Scott
and Ray have been trained for the Woodbadge. They had a great turnout
this year. This is a worldwide program and it is like the doctorate of
scouting.

RECRUITMENT / CROSSOVER: There will be nine boys coming from Conway

CHAPLAIN AIDE: Dimitry will be the scout aide and Mr. Dewar will be the adult.

NEW
BUSINESS: A proposal was made to set all of the meetings from now until
June for the 2nd Thursday of the month. All were in favor.

OLD BUSINESS:

Ray will be out of town on 11/8 so Norm will conduct the meeting.

We need a publicity person. It would be nice to have pictures at the Forestry event.

We are out of neckerchiefs and slides. We should get at least 24.

The troop website is conwayscouts.info

The meeting adjourned at 8:17pm

Next meeting: 11/8/07

Respectfully submitted,

Diane Gamache

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Skating for Scouts

Meant to announce this last night... but, it slipped my mind.

Skating tonight at the Ham Arena 6:30-8:00pm.

There will be skates available for rent if you need them.

I
will be there at 6:30 if any Scout is interested in joining us, if you
have a buddy that wants to join Scouting bring them along.

Hope to see you tonight,
Mr. C

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Merit Badge Counciling

I have been asked by a few people about how to become a Merit Badge Councilor.

Here is the link to the forms required to get the ball rolling.

http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=xx&c=ds&terms=forms

You will need to complete both;

Merit Badge Councilor form

New Adult Leader application

Fill them out and get them back to the Unit Leader (me) and I will get them processed by our Council.

Thanks in advance for your efforts to improve Scouting for our youth.

Sincerely,

Andy C

Andrew
Chalmers
Scoutmaster Troop 150

BEAVER NE-1-243-3
STAFF NE-1-259
67 KENNETT STREET
CONWAY, NH 03818

603-447-1393 (home)

603-356-6351 (work)
http://conwayscouts.blogspot.com/

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Weekend up-date

Believe it or not here we are coming up onto the first weekend in December.

The
Chamber of Commerce has asked that we participate in the annual winter
parade... they are nice folks and I hate to disappoint them. There is a
story here that I will share at a later date... there is a big reason why the Chamber is important to our Troop.

So here is the plan...

Saturday
we will meet behind Laconia Savings bank at 3:30pm. We'll participate
in the parade, sing a few carols, have hot chocolate and cookies...
most importantly John will get to see Santa and give him his wish list
for Christmas.

After
the tree lighting we will all go to Blackberry Crossing, off the Kanc.
This site is 6 miles west of the Conway end of the Kanc. The entrance
will be on the left.

We'll set up the camp sites in the dark (yes, this is why we practice this stuff). After setting up
camp we'll cook dinner. This is a fairly accessible site so if you really want to cook something special (i.e. dutch oven)
then now is the time... I'll be boiling water and having one of my
scrumptious 'freezer bag' meals (I believe turkey, mashed potatoes and
cranberries are on the menu).

Sunday morning we'll get up,
have breakfast and tackle the Boulder Loop Trail. We'll be back at the
campsite by noon and we'll be ready for pick-up.

It is anticipated that we'll have temps in the 20's... this is winter condition camping... be prepared!

THERE WILL BE A SHAKEDOWN DURING THIS THURSDAYS MEETING... BRING ALL OF YOUR GEAR!

You
and your tentmate will be cooking together so please be prepared to
have an idea of what you'll be eating before the meeting so that the
meal can be approved.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR GEAR AND
YOUR PERMISSION SLIP, this Thursday night, YOU WILL NOT BE GOING ON THIS OUTING.

Look
at your gear lists and make sure you are packed and dressed
appropriatly... winter camping/ hiking is not something to take lightly
in the White Mountains. If you are prepared you WILL HAVE FUN!

This should be an easy one to pack and plan for... you are probably still packed from the scrubbed Sawyer Pond trip.

I'll look forward to seeing you all Thursday night.

Mr. C

http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/resources/33221/34-38.pdf Permission Slip

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News- Scouts Honor the Flag

By ANTHONY DAVILA Daily Light staff writer

Posted: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 10:31 AM CST

The sight of an American flag burning can spark a heated debate on a controversial topic; however, Monday evening, it became a symbol of honor and remembrance.During this dark starless night, more than 100 worn American flags quickly burned into an immense fire as Boy Scouts from Troop 232 took turns placing the flags properly over the flames.According to the Boys Scout of America Web site, the process of having a flag retirement ceremony is as follows. When the national flag is worn beyond repair, burn it thoroughly and completely on a modest, but blazing, fire. This should be done in a simple manner with dignity and respect. Be sure the flag is reduced to ashes unrecognizable as a former flag.
Troop 232 performs the flag retirement ceremony in front of its lodge around Veterans Day.“As long as I can remember, we’ve had this event for the past five years,” advance coordinator Kirby Erickson said. “We like to honor veterans but we don’t want to interfere with other Veterans Day activities.”“It’s a way of honoring our veterans and properly retire our flags that have been given to us,” Scoutmaster Diona Patera said.
Erickson and Patera are both veterans. Erickson served in the U.S. Air Force for five years, while Patera served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 18.Troop 232 is given flags throughout the year from several organizations and business.“The library usually donates plenty of flags to us,” Patera said. “We use all the flags we are given by the public.”
The Boy Scouts are often responsible for their own completion of activities and events.“This is a boy-run organization,” Patera said. “Tonight’s event was run by the boys, Sam, in particular.”Senior patrol leader Sam Allelo, 13, knows the importance of the American flag and the responsibility of conducting this ceremony.
“Just got to plan and make sure everything goes as it’s supposed to,” Allelo said. “It’s really important to get everything right and make as few mistakes as possible.”After the conclusion of the ceremony, individuals were offered punch and cookies inside the lodge.

Tough days ahead...

The hardest thing that I have ever had to do...
I put my best friend of 14.5 years 'to sleep'.

He was a true friend, no matter how bad the day or how rotten I may have been feeling Cole was always there for me. Cole went to work with me everyday when I was pounding nails. I still credit him with landing many of my jobs. He had a face and disposition that no one could resist.

When we moved into our house Cole took over the role of 'man of the house' and kept things running smoothly while I was at work. Nothing hit the floor in the kitchen without his intercepting it first.

The lack of his presence is a great loss to our family.

Freezer Bag Cooking

We're back from our whirlwind tour of the East Coast... Williamsburg, VA... Osprey, FL... Washington, DC and then finally home.
My wife reminded me, several times, that this is the 1st non-Scout related vacation I have taken during 20 yrs of marriage.
She thinks it is pathetic... I think it shows my commitment to the Scouting program... she counters with 'you definitely need to be committed'.

Unknown to all... the trip served as a testing ground for several new freezer bag meals ;-)
Everyone was pleasantly surprised... 'quite good'.
Check out the freezer bag cooking link on the right for some great recipes... there is even a cranberry, potato, canned turkey delight! CHECK IT OUT!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO MY EXTENDED (dysfunctional) FAMILY

Hannaford and Scouting for Food

Just an interesting FYI...
Our local Hannaford will not let us collect food or sell popcorn in front its store. Yet, Shaws is a huge supporter and lets us have access to it's customer base anytime we wish... consequently we have a bunch of Hannaford sponsored Scouting for Food bags for recycling (yes, Shaws gave us all the bags we needed/ wanted).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Andy

CPR Update

Sudden
cardiac arrest is still a leading killer in the United States. In its continuing
efforts to decrease mortality rates, the American Heart Association made changes
in 2005 to the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) standard. The changes
consist of faster, harder, and more chest compressions with fewer breaks for
mouth-to-mouth breathing. The new ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths at a
rate of 100 compressions per minute. The other option is 200 compressions for
two minutes without pausing for breaths if the airway can be kept open to allow
for passive breathing—compressions will draw air into the chest if the airway
can be kept open by maintaining the same tilt of the head required for
mouth-to-mouth breathing.

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Hi to all,

I've been wanting to get this out to everyone in the Troop.
The
calendar has been run through the Committee and is a compilation of
many peoples hard work. Make sure that you remember to thank your
Assistant Scoutmasters for their effort in providing their guidance
and direction.

Sorry to have missed you last Thursday.
Please
know that I'm never too concerned, when I have to miss a meeting. I
know that I have left you in the very capable hands of your SLP and
ASPL (under the guidance of the Assistant Scoutmasters). These guys
won't let you down.
As most of you know this was not a random
disappearance on my behalf. This was the 2nd of 3 four day weekends
that I have been preparing all year for... and yes, it was Scout
related. I am part of the Staff instructing Daniel Webster Councils
Wood Badge Course, NE-I-259.
For the uninitiated Wood Badge is the
'Doctorate' of Scout training. The folks that complete the course are
some of the finest and best leaders that the Scouting movement has. I
am VERY proud of my fellow Scouter's; Ray O'Brien and Scott Steesy.
They have both sacrificed, taken the time, and are expending the effort
to bring a better program to all of our youth. Look out for the
powerfully positive things to come for our Unit from these two men.

I'll see you all Thursday night.

Mr. C

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100 Years of Scouting/ Wood Badge NE-1-259

Greetings to all!

http://ww2.scouting.org/100years/100years/sitefiles/1000/LogoContest_FactSheet.pdf

I
thought I would forward this to all of you great folks in Great
Northern... I know that there are some awfully talented patch designers
in our District. How proud would we all be if this were to put our
little District on the National map.

I'm just
back from a staff development weekend at Hidden Valley. We are
preparing for a FANTASTIC Wood Badge course. I wanted to give you all a
'heads-up'; there are a couple of slots still available. PLEASE if
anyone is at all interested, now is the time. This is going to be a
wonderful course... the Staff is so PUMPED-UP!!! This is the first time
in a l-o-n-g time that this Council has had all of the Patrols
represented... the word is out... this is a course not to be missed.

If this
years course is just not in the cards for you, please get your name in
for next year... they already have 9 slots full. As this is a Jambo
year I wouldn't be surprised to see next years course full before the
1st of the year.

-WARNING- taking this course will change your life!

If you are not ready for a, positive, life altering experience... PLEASE don't even think of signing up for this course.

A
word to the wise... for those folks that have had the good sense to
already be on the course roster... START FASTING NOW... there is a
professional chef on Staff, in the kitchen. this year... you will not
be hungry. I now have a clear understanding of why there is elastic in
the waistband of our uniform pants!

All the best!

Andy C

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LET'S GET THIS PROGRAM ROLLING!!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys it's time to jump in with both feet!

Our Program Kick-off is going to be at Echo Lake on the 30th.


5:30 pm Committee Meeting/ Swimming
6:30 pm Dinner
A Troop/ Parents Meeting will follow dinner (bring a notebook and pen).

Following the meeting we will have a Patrol dessert challenge.

Remember a Scout is PREPARED... make sure you are for this OUTING (think the ten essentials).

We will provide the materials for dessert. You need to be prepared to find it, hunt it down, cook it and eat it.


We should be out of the Park by 7:30- 8pm

This will be a family event, we'll have a pot-luck cookout, handout calendars for the year and generally have a GREAT time.

This will be a meeting that you don't want to miss.

Bring a friend to check out Scouting.

You guys are the best advertising that Scouting has... if you enjoy
Scouting share it with a friend. I'm fairly certain that most of you
have friends that are not in Scouting. If you get a buddy to sign-up I
will have a special incentive for you (more than just the good feeling
that you'll get by sharing this with a pal).



See you all on Thursday!



Mr. C

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Scouting and religion

Navajo Cub Scout: Religion emblem needed - NewsFlash - mlive.com

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World Jamboree

Camping way out: Ohio boys mingle with global scouts

Camping way out: Ohio boys mingle with global scouts

By By SHELLEY EMLING

Cox News Service

Sunday, August 12, 2007

CHELMSFORD, England — Larry De Pasquale, Jr., a 15-year-old Boy Scout from Xenia had arrived at the World Scout Jamboree only 24 hours earlier and already he'd finagled his first dinner invitation to another campsite.
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A Scout leader, Charles Goodwin, head of general surgery at Children's Medical Center in Dayton, broke out in laughter.

"Is there a girl involved?" said Goodwin, called "Doc" by the Scouts.

De Pasquale, a freshman at Xenia High School, assured him there wasn't. But the look on the teenager's face was less convincing.

De Pasquale is among 40,000 Scouts and troop leaders from more than 160 countries attending the 21st World Scout Jamboree this week at Hylands Park, east of London.

Although much of what the 33 Ohio Scouts are encountering is familiar — there are plenty of tents and beef stew and camp songs — there is also the less familiar: girls.

Almost half the 14- to 18-year-old Scouts here are female. Unlike in the United States, most countries have co-ed Scout troops.

"There's been a cultural explosion in my address book," said Michael DeFleice, a 16—year—old from Cleveland. "I've already collected more than 10 phone numbers."

"And a few of them are from girls," he added.

The jamboree coincides with the 100th anniversary last Wednesday of the launch of the Scout movement by British war hero Robert Baden-Powell in 1907.

There are 3,000 or so American Scouts attending the biggest event in the history of scouting. The 12-day jamboree — which ran through Aug. 8 - featured Scouts from countries as far-flung as Iraq and Afghanistan, Korea and Kazakhstan, Angola and Argentina.

"We have a group of Scouts from Belgium next door," said David Hoy, a 17-year-old from Dayton. "Macedonia is just over there. And so are the German Scouts. They have the black tents that are very distinct."

In order to meet their neighbors, the Ohio Scouts make popcorn every night to share with others from different countries.

"I brought a whole bag — which probably weighed 50 pounds — of popcorn and seasoning with me from Ohio," said Goodwin, who's been a Scoutmaster for 22 years.

While the American Scouts dress in traditional khaki attire, Scouts from other parts of the world wear sombreros and Stetsons, bandanas and blazers. Scottish Scouts sport kilts, while Danish Scouts wear sky-blue T-shirts that read "Return of the Vikings."

What they all have in common are their neckerchiefs and the "woggles" designed to secure them — and a strong desire to get to know Scouts from other countries.

"We're walking around a lot and looking at the different uniforms," said Murry Chelette Jr., 14, a freshman at Centerville High School. "Some of the Scouts' uniforms look just like normal people's clothes."

"They don't look like our uniforms at all," he said.

David Milam, 14, also a freshman at Centerville High School, said he's been a Scout for three years and that the best part has always been camping outdoors.

"I especially like the food because when you cook over a fire it gives the food a different taste," he said.

Unfortunately for Milam, cooking on open fires was banned at the jamboree — due to health and safety regulations — and so cooking has been done on gas stoves under careful supervision.

But there will be plenty for Milam to focus on this week besides food.

After the jamboree ends, the Ohio Scouts will go on to tour London with visits to Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, Covent Garden, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.

Britain's Prince William opened the event. Although he didn't make a speech, William, 25, who is second in line to the throne and who has never been a Scout, toured the camp site and mingled politely with the Scouts, accepting dozens of neckerchiefs as gifts.

The international jamboree happens once every four years and this year's theme is "One World, One Promise."

The jamboree features traditional adventures such as days of water sports, community service, and outdoor challenges such as rock climbing, as well as everything from evening discos to workshops on climate change.

Goodwin said he was glad the boys were making friends.

"It doesn't hurt to have international connections," he said.

If nothing else, the jamboree offered the Scouts a valuable lesson in logistics.

On 574 acres of parkland, a virtual city has been erected for the jamboree, complete with a tented church, mosque, temples, synagogue, a hospital, grocery stores, Internet kiosks, and restaurants such as the Czech Lion, which advertised Czech beer, Czech lemonades, and Czech specialties.

Lighting, plumbing, and flagpoles all have been installed.

And then there are the food provisions.

Over 12 days, organizers expect the Scouts to consume 60 tons of apples while boiling 800,000 eggs.

"Just imagine that we started with an empty piece of ground and we built it up for three weeks and then it will all be torn down again so that there's not a trace left," said Virgil Reed, a Cincinnati resident and one of the Boy Scouts of America's national contingent of volunteers.

The sheer magnitude of the jamboree — eight years in the making — is a sure sign of scouting's resurgence around the world in the last few years. Today there are 28 million Scouts with about 1 million Boy Scouts in the United States.

In recent years, Scout troops have tried to make scouting more relevant. Instead of picking up proficiency badges for tying knots or making fires, Scouts today can earn badges for more "modern" skills such as skateboarding and public relations.

The efforts have paid off. This week's jamboree is 2,000 times bigger than the original camping excursion for 20 boys organized on Brownsea Island, England, by Baden-Powell in 1907.

Baden-Powell, a celebrated silver-mustachioed British general, founded the scouting movement in an effort to boost boys' physical and mental stamina.

Thanks to his help in securing the first real British triumph in the Boer War in Africa, Baden-Powell was a hero among the British public at the turn of the century.

A colorful character, he warned that boys of a certain age were in danger of succumbing to "girlitis" and he implored Scouts to be the epitome of Edwardian-style manliness.

His book "Scouting for Boys" remains the fourth best-selling book of all time behind the Bible, the Quran and Mao Tse-tung's Little Red Book.

Baden-Powell, who helped his sister, Agnes, establish the Girl Guides — precursor to the Girl Scouts — in 1910, died in 1941 at the age of 83.

Bill Cockcroft, director of the jamboree, said Scouts are still united by the core values set out by Baden-Powell, such as honesty and respect.

"This event gives us a unique opportunity to demonstrate the ongoing unity of scouting," he said. "Most importantly, it's a place to develop international friendships that can last a lifetime."

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World Jamboree

Sounds like an interesting event.

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Baden-Powell: "Be faithful to your Scout promise, even when you are no longer young, and may God help you to do so!

Shame on those that think religion has no place in Scouting.
-Mr. C

This is worth a read;

The American Spectator

"When man seeks to be faithful to his promises, the Lord himself strengthens his steps."

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WOW...

This is an outing... and you guys thought Hedge Hog was tough!

Check it out.
-Mr C.

Ready To Scale New Heights -- Courant.com

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Back to BP's Basics

These books may be worth a read...

Man writes original Sherlock Holmes stories for Boy Scouts - NewsFlash - mlive.com

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Interesting observation

Last Thursday we all met at Echo Lake to swim and go over camp info. When I walked in from the parking lot I noted a fair amount of trash. After our meeting Mr. Steesy and I were the last ones out of the park. We followed all of our 'Scouts' out.

I was, unpleasantly, surprised to see that not one of my 'Scouts' picked up any trash on their way out.

I expect more of you guys... you are much better than that. Just because you didn't drop the trash doesn't mean that you shouldn't pick it up and leave the place better than you found it.
You are a Scout whether or not you are in uniform... As a Scout you shouldn't have to be told to due a 'good turn'... it is EXPECTED. Service to others is an important thing. Sometimes it is as inglorious as picking up someone else's trash.

There is no meeting this week...
I expect you'll use your time to make sure you are packed and ready for camp. Do not leave this for your parents to do at the last minute (you are capable of getting this done... impress your folks with your maturity). Check off the items on the camp check list to make sure you have everything that you need. Be equally vigilant in paying attention to the list of things that need to stay home. Remember if a 'banned item' makes its way to camp you will loose it... there will be no guarantee of it's safe return. I, the other adult leaders and camp staff will not be responsible for baby-sitting items that do not belong at Scout Camp. We have way too much to be thinking about just to keep everyone safe... we will not be wasting time and energy on keeping someones 'Pirate Cards', sheath knife, MP3 player, etc. safe and secure. Anything you bring that is not on the list needs to be 'Scout Appropriate'... before you send me an e-mail or call asking if an item is 'Scout Appropriate' review the Scout Oath and Laws... this should help answer your questions. If you still have a question... leave it home. There will be plenty to do. Far better to leave your card games/ collection or grandfathers knife at home than to have to loose it at camp.

Reminder; you should have acquired your MB books and have read them by now. If, for some reason, you have not done this you will need to purchase them at camp. It is your responsibility to do this.

I'm looking forward to a week of summer camp. I'll be forwarding directions to everyone... start thinking about car pooling.

See you all Sunday,
Mr. C

Future Boy Scouts???
Let's hope so!

Happy 4th from Troop 150!

Ham with all of that cheese?

Merit Badges

I've had a few questions about Merit Badges (MB) and how they work. I'm including this link... it explains them pretty well.

http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php?title=An_Introduction_to_Merit_Badges

Some MB's we start as a Troop. The Scout is then responsible for doing the homework and completing the MB on their own. Recently the Troop has completed Family Life and Physical Fitness. Scouts can work on MB's at anytime (following the guidelines on the link above).
New Scouts should be concentrating on completing the requirements for achieving the 1st Class rank. Achieving 1st Class in the first year since joining the Troop is a goal that should be set. It is very attainable if the Scout is attending Troop meetings and outings.

YIS,
Mr. C

What a clean-up crew!

Members of Troop 150 clean-up Rotary Park

Meeting at Echo Lake

Our meeting tonight will be held at Echo Lake. 7pm
-Suits
-Towels
-Camp info
-Scout Spirit.

Tragic Loss of a Scouting Friend

I wanted to share with all of you a remembrance of James Walker, the man that was the manager of the Army Barracks here in Conway. He was murdered by a young man attempting to rob his store.

My son, Ethan, and I have been in his store hundreds of times. Jim regularly distributed fliers and put up posters for us as we were building the Pack in Conway. I was always kidding him about his small Scout corner, but, he always seemed to have something that I couldn't do without. It had become quite a regular occurrence for Ethan and I to run in on the weekend while out running errands. We were always greeted as old friends.

When Ethan crossed-over to the Troop he wanted to get a Boy Scout neckerchief. Jim had none in the store. After pausing a moment he remembered the mannequin that he had displaying his own personal Scout uniform... he removed the neckerchief and gave it to Ethan. This is the neckerchief that Ethan wears to all of his Scouting functions. Just a plain red neckerchief... a thoughtless kind gesture. It shows the true nature of the man. A man that his children will not have to guide them as they grow up.

It has come to my attention that James was a member of Troop 150... I am ashamed to say that I never realized that.

Rob Troon, Scout Master for our brother Troop in Tamworth, tells me Jimmy started his journey in Scouting as a youth member of Troop 151 during the mid-late 80's and '90. For his last year as a Scout, he moved up to Troop 150. He turned 18 as a Life Scout and proudly displayed his uniform in the store the whole time he worked there. His scouting days were mentioned at his funeral, and the center picture was from Hidden Valley.

Scout Master Troon has the wonderful idea of hosting an annual campout between our two Troops in remembrance of this fine person. It would be very nice, as fund-raising time is upon us, if we could make an extra effort and raise funds to go into the Walker children's scholarship fund... now that is something worth raising money for.

As Mr. Troon and I work out the details please keep the Walker family and children in your thoughts. They will have some dark days ahead of them without their Dad. I trust that Scouting will be able kindle a small flicker of hope for them in the future.

Your in Scouting,

Andy C

Friday Night

Looking forward to seeing everyone for the swimming and cook out on Friday.

Meeting at the Conway Lake Public Beach @ 5:30 pm to do the BSA Swim Test.

Cookout at the Getchell's following the swimming.

• Bring swim suit and towel.
• Duty Roster and Menus for Mondays campout.
• If I do not have your Permission Slip and Medical form there will be no camping for you.
• Also please make sure you give Mr. Getchell the money you owe for the campout.

Enjoy your last day of school.

Mr C

Powered by ScribeFire.

I'm back...sorry for the hiatus... great article

Why the Boy Scouts Work by Heather Mac Donald, City Journal Winter 2000

Powered by ScribeFire.

Missed meeting... sorry!

Good morning, sorry to have missed everyone at last Thursdays Troop meeting... Ethan's concert went well. They will be getting together and playing next at a benefit concert at the Brass Heart Inn on June 6th, it promises to be a good time.

Sounds like the meeting was a success and that you got a lot accomplished. We will continue the cooking theme for the next meeting.

Reminders:
Make sure you are arriving on time and staying through the whole meeting.
If for some reason you can't make the meeting or are leaving before the closing it is your responsibility to contact your Patrol Leader to find out what you missed.

As we had discussed at the Patrol Leaders Council we are going to have our game time just before the opening of the meeting. The meeting will start promptly at 7pm and will close at 8:15. Game time will be at approximately 10 minutes of 7.

COURT OF HONOR will be at 7pm Thursday May 31st

See you all at Thursdays Troop Meeting,
Mr C.

May is cooking!

Good morning to all, I trust everyone is finally catching up on some sleep after our Camporee.

On our agenda for this month is cooking.
We had planned a pre-Mothers Day, Scout cook out for this weeks meeting, but, it just isn't going to be feasible to pull this off time wise.
Mr. Selmi has generously offered his professional services to talk about menu planning and food preparation with the Scouts over the next few meetings. Mrs. Owen has offered to come in and do a few hands on cooking demonstrations during the meetings.

Hopefully this will all culminate into a Scout planned cookout in the near future.

See you all Thursday,
Mr C

Camporee a 'Sucesss'

Thanks to everyone for joining us for the Camporee. I hope that everyone had as much fun attending as we did hosting the event.

Please fire me off an e-mail so that as we conduct the postmortem of the event I can use your feedback to make future events even better.

I had heard the criticism that there were no directional signs to the event. I understand that it may have been difficult to locate the site that is why I tried to provide the 'turn, by, turn' directions as well as the Google Earth link to this site to all of the Unit Leaders well in advance of the event. I apologize if you had a hard time finding us. In the future I would pursue the additional expense of obtaining a sign permit.

I also heard a little 'grousing' from a few Unit Leaders about having their Scouts participate in the Scouts Own Service. This is something that will take a lot of convincing to try to get me to change this... I think that 'Reverence' has even a larger role to play in the lives of our Scouts. The fact that the role of Chaplain's Aide was not filled by many (any) of the Units attending the Camporee is something that we should all take a look at as Scouters. It may be difficult to say that we, as Unit Leaders, are fulfilling the 'Promise of Scouting' without providing an outlet for our Scouts Duty to God.

The other thing that I might suggest for future events is that we hold our Outdoor Leader trainings at these venues. The Leadership is in attendance, most of the Training Staff for the District is there... something to think about?

I look forward to hearing from everyone.

Enjoy the warm weather. I look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday night.

Yours in Scouting,
Andy

CONGRATS

It is my understanding that the Indian Patrol has successfully had their vacation Patrol meeting. They have completed their flag and planned their menu for the Camporee... GREAT JOB!

REMINDER... we are having a Troop Meeting on Thursday... we'll be outside (YEA!)

Agenda;
Continued Scout Skills
Menu approvals
Camp duty roster

Sign-up for Camporee (DON'T FORGET THOSE HEALTH FORMS!!!) No consent, No health form = no participation.

Camp $$$ needs to come in to Mrs. Owen and Mr. Tinkham... also get those MB sheets back to these folks... 1st come 1st served.
You should all be working on getting Hike-a-thon pledges... remember 75% of the funds raised by you helps you pay your way to camp.

Quick message re; this years Wood Badge Course.

21 participants signed up at the Program Kick Off on Saturday. This leaves only a few slots left. PLEASE let me know that everyone that wants to go from GND has already signed up and sent in their application.
I can't think of any one thing that you can do for yourself that will impact not only you in your personal and professional life, but, the in youth that you serve in Scouting. You owe it to yourself to take this Wood Badge course.

When I think of this in this context it completely blows my mind:
As a single individual you have the opportunity to change the future though the lives of the youth you serve. This is what B-P refers to as 'leading a legacy' and 'leading change'. By providing a positive impact on only one boy think of the ripples you begin in this boy's life. Now think of all of the boys in your Unit... Lot's of ripples. Now consider the impact that your new Wood Badge energy can impart to all of the adults in your Unit. We're no longer talking ripples here... we've started some WAVES!

BE the source of the wave for changing the future.

Yours in Scouting
Andy C

SPRING CAMPOREE

Great Northern District Spring Camporee
May 4th-6th, 2007
Hosted by Troop 150, North Conway, NH

Location
Whittaker Woods and John H. Fuller School in North Conway Village.
Traveling South on Route 16/ 302; pass the Memorial Hospital on your left, cross a set of rail road tracks, Whittaker Woods will be on your left, White Mountain Oil and The Big Apple will be on your right. Take a left at the first set of lights you come to John H Fuller School will be on your left.

Program Highlights
· Hike-a-thon
· Service Project
· Camp Fire Program
· Scouts Own Service
· Nighttime navigation and hike
· MUCH more

Competitions
· Iron Chef
· Fire Building
· Best Troop/ Patrol
· Campsite Inspection
· Scout Decathlon
· Scout Skills
· Survival/ Search and Rescue
· Orienteering
· Knots
· Pioneering
Fees / Registration $8 per person

Contact
• Scoutmaster Andy Chalmers at 447-1393 or achalmers@verizon.net
• All troops are responsible for carrying current medical forms for all Scouts.
• No Troop will be allowed on site without a completed Unit Roster.
• Registration is open to any Troop/Crew within any District.

All units will receive an information packet at Round Table… see you there. -Andy C

Interesting... what does this say about Scouts?

Scouting has benefited the lives of countless individuals.
Scouting accounts for 64 percent of Air Force Academy graduates, 68 percent of West Point graduates, 72 percent of Rhodes Scholars, 85 percent of F.B.I. agents, 26 of the first 29 astronauts.
The pilots of both the Challenger and the Columbia space shuttles were Eagle Scouts.

THIS IS WHY WE USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM...

News 14 Carolina 24 Hour Local News HEADLINES Rescuers search for lost Boy Scout: "Rescuers search for lost Boy Scout
Updated: 3/18/2007 7:13 PM
By: News 14 Carolina Staff & Associated Press


12-year-old Michael Auberry

More than 100 rescuers are looking for a lost Boy Scout in Doughton Park in Wilkes County.
Officials say 12-year-old Michael Auberry from Greensboro has been missing since Saturday afternoon.
Auberry was camping with his Boy Scout troop this weekend when he went missing.


Auberry was last seen at the Daughton Park Trails.
Rescuers have been searching around the clock since Saturday for Michael.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol also sent a helicopter to help with the search.
Doughton Park is near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
'I think we have multiple concerns,” said Incident Commander, David Weldon. “You have cold temperatures, you've
The park is about 5,900 square acres.
got a young boy that's out in the woods that's not familiar with the area, in this mountainous area a lot of things look the same. And the concern is he may be disoriented, and walking around and that's why we're concentrating as hard we can today.'
Michael does have some survival training and officials say he’s wearing the right kind of clothes.
So far, rescue workers say they’ve found some food scraps and part of his mess kit."

Scouts in the news

cbs5.com - Bay City News Wire: "SANTA CLARA CO.: BOY SCOUTS HELP IN MT. HAMILTON POT GROW SITE CLEANUP
03/18/07 11:05 PDT
Volunteer Boy Scouts and Sheriff's Office Youth Cadets are joining law enforcement this morning in an effort to clean up marijuana grow sites that have damaged formerly pristine natural areas near Mt. Hamilton, a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office spokesman said.
According to Sgt. Ed Wise, several areas on and near the University of California, Santa Cruz property at the Lick Observatory were used for marijuana cultivation last year, causing erosion and leaving garbage and possibly chemical contaminants around nearby creeks.
The youth volunteers, along with deputies from the Sheriff's Office Marijuana Eradication Team and the state Department of Fish and Game, will be cleaning up plastic pipe and tarps used in the operations and trash at the grower campsites.
With a new grow season approaching in the spring, officials hope to deter marijuana cultivators from returning to the area and further damaging the land and waterways, Wise said."

Scouts in the news; Rough, but, happy landing

PARENTS/ COMMITTEE MEETING

We will be having a Parents and Committee Meeting in conjunction with the Troop meeting on Thursday night.
We'll be going over camp details and looking for help on the Committee... see you all there!

Summer camp sign-up

Well guys it is that time of year again.
Time to sign up for camp at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation.

I need a head count of everyone that is planning to attend. Please e-mail me, ASAP, and let me know your intentions.

We will be going the last week of July (the 29th- Aug 4th). I will be there the entire week.
This WILL BE A BLAST. We will do a camp presentation for parents and new Scouts during our Troop meeting on the 22nd.

Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend this Thursday's Troop Meeting; I have a Scout meeting (for next fall's Wood Badge course) in Manchester that I am expected to be at... have no fear there will still be a Troop meeting.. our SPL will handle things just fine (I expect best behavior and help from everyone).

Camp costs this year are $285... if we send a $50 deposit per Scout by the 15th (this is why it is imperative that I know who is planning on going right away). If you do not have money in your Scout account, the Troop can handle the deposit fee, as this is short notice for many. We just need to know now if you will be joining us.

We will need to make payment in full by 5/15 to take advantage of the best rate ($285). There are ways for Scouts to earn money for camp: Participation in one of the Troops fundraisers or raising pledges for participation in the Hike-a-thon (on 5/5). If a family has participated in these events, has an active Scout in our Troop, and still has difficulty coming up with the full amount for camp please speak with me prior to April 1... we want to see everyone at camp.

In the near future I will be forwarding camp gear lists and a list of activities to choose from... I know July seems like a long way off right now, but, we'll be sleeping in those green canvas tents before you know it.

All the best,
Mr. C

HOUSE KEEPING

A few items that need to be taken care of;

All ornaments need to be returned to Mr. Gamache by Thursday's Troop meeting. If he does not have the ornaments in-hand by the end of the meeting you will be charged for them ($15/ ornament).

We are missing 3 new Troop tents... they need to be returned on Thursday's meeting. Upon return they will be inspected and then signed back in by the Quartermaster... DO NOT JUST PUT THEM IN THE SHED.

Registration fees ($22) need to be paid. Again, if money is to come out of your Scout account (for any reason) you must write a 'check' so that Mr. Gamache knows to take the money out of your account. If you haven't paid your registration or event fees you will not be able to attend any further outings, nor will you be able to advance. Please... no one has the time or energy to expend chasing you guys for money. Remember a Scout pays his own way.

New Scouts need to get their applications back to me. You are not covered by BSA insurance if I do not have a completed application in hand. This also applies to all Scouts Crossing over from a Pack. A note to the guys Crossing over from Bartlett; the $1 transfer fee does not apply to you. As Rechartering did not take place on time for that Pack so we are required to completely re-register the boys from that Unit.

I still need health/ permission to treat forms for most of you guys... we need those on file if you are to be at any Scout function/ Troop meetings without your parents direct supervision/ participation. If an accident were to happen we need that form on hand so that we can get you proper medical attention in a timely manner. A link to the Class 1 medical form can be found on the blog.

Hope you are all outside and enjoying SPRING!

Yours in Scouting,
Andy

-URGENT HOCKEY UPDATE-

This is a follow-up email to the calls made earlier this evening. The Civic Center has called with a change of venue.

The new itinerary;
-4:30 pm Meeting @ the Conway Rec Ctr
-Drive to Portland
-Dinning AL Fresco in the scenic parking garage... (bring Bag dinner)
-Enjoy the hockey game
-General Public leaves the Civic Center
-Troop 150 stays to skate and watch a movie
-Lights-out
-Rise and shine early
-Vacate the Civic Ctr.
-Meet for breakfast at Denny's (bring $$$)
10:30- 11 am Return to the Conway Rec Center

WHAT TO BRING
-bag dinner
-money for breakfast
-skates
-toothbrush
-change of clothing
-something to wear to sleep-in
-sleeping bag pad
-sleeping bag or blankets
-great attitude

Scouts do not need to be in uniform

Any questions please call me @ 447-1393 or Mr Dewar @ 383-0885

See you all tomorrow,

Mr. C

Thursday night, 2-29, reminders

Reminder to everyone transporting Scouts (yours and others) to the hockey game.
Our Transportation Coordinator has to have a copy of your vehicle insurance and drivers license, before we can be issued a TOUR PERMIT... I need this info in-hand THURS night.

While on the paperwork train... we need a signed Consent Form to be turned in on Thursdays meeting as well. No signed Consent Form... you may not go (can find the form on our web site... look on the 'links' on the right hand side of the page).

Looking forward to seeing everyone Thursday night. PLC Meeting @ 6PM followed by our Troop Meeting @ 7.

PATROL LEADERS... call your Patrols

THANK YOU

Mr. C

Happy Birthday to the Chief Scout

The name Baden-Powell is known and respected throughout the world as that of a man who, in his 83 years, devoted himself to the service of his country and his fellow men in two separate and complete lives, one as a soldier fighting for his country, and the other as a worker for peace through the brotherhood of the Scout Movement.


Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell was born at 6 Stanhope Street (now 11 Stanhope Terrace), Paddington, London on February 22, 1857. He was the sixth son and the eighth of ten children of the Reverend Baden-Powell, a Professor at Oxford University. The names Robert Stephenson were those of his Godfather, the son of George Stephenson, the railway pioneer.
His father died when B.-P. was only three years old and the family were left none too well off. B.-P. was given his first lessons by his mother and later attended Rose Hill School, Tunbridge Wells, where he gained a scholarship for admittance to Charterhouse School. Charterhouse School was in London when B.-P. first attended but whilst he was there it moved to Godalming, Surrey, a factor which had great influence in his later life. He was always eager to learn new skills. He played the piano and fiddle. He acted - and acted the clown too at times. He practised bricklaying, and it was whilst a scholar at Charter house that he began to exploit his interest in the arts of Scouting and woodcraft.


Unofficially, in the woods around the school, B.-P. would stalk his Masters as well as catch and cook rabbits, being careful not to let the tell-tale smoke give his position away. His holidays were not wasted either. With his brothers he was always in search of adventure. One holiday they made a yachting expedition around the south coast of England. On another, they traced the Thames to its source by canoe. In all this, Baden-Powell was learning the arts and crafts which were to prove so useful to him professionally. B.-P. was certainly not a 'swot' at school, as his end of term reports revealed. One records: 'Mathematics - has to all intents given up the study', and another:
'French - could do well but has become very lazy, often sleeps in school'. Nevertheless, he gained second place for cavalry in open examination for the Army and was commissioned straight into the 13th Hussars, bypassing the officer training establishments, and subsequently became their Honorary Colonel for 30 years. His Army career was outstanding from the start. With the 13th Hussars he served in India, Afghanistan and South Africa and was mentioned in dispatches for his work in Zululand. There followed three years service in Malta as Assistant Military Secretary and then he went to Ashanti, Africa, to lead the campaign against Prempeh. Success led to his being promoted to command the 5th Dragoon Guards in 1897, at the age of 40. It was to the 5th Dragoon Guards that B.-P. gave his first training in Scouting and awarded soldiers reaching certain standards a badge based on the north point of the compass. Today's Scout Membership badge is very similar.

In 1899 came Mafeking, the most notable episode in his outstanding military career, by which he became a Major-General at the age of only 43. B.-P. became famous and the hero of every boy, although he always minimised his own part and the value of his inspiring leadership. By using boys for responsible jobs during the siege, he learned the good response youth give to a challenge. During the 217 day siege, B.-P.'s book Aids to Scouting was published and reached a far wider readership than the military one for which it was intended. Following Mafeking, B.-P. was given the task of organising the South African Constabulary and it was not until 1903 that he returned to England as Inspector General of Cavalry and found that his book, Aids to Scouting'was being used by youth leaders and teachers all over the country. He spoke at meetings and rallies and whilst at a Boys' Brigade gathering he was asked by its Founder, Sir William Smith, to work out a scheme for giving greater variety in the training of boys in good citizenship.

The Beginnings of the Movement

B.-P. set to work rewriting Aids to Scouting, this time for a younger readership. In 1907 he held an experimental camp on Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset, to try out his ideas. He brought together 22 boys, some from public schools and some from working class homes, and put them into camp under his leadership. The whole world now knows the results of that camp.
Scouting for Boys'was published in 1908 in six fortnightly parts at 4d a copy. Sales of the book were tremendous. Boys formed themselves into Scout Patrols to try out ideas. What had been intended as a training aid for existing organisations became the handbook of a new and, ultimately worldwide Movement. B.-P.'s great understanding of boys obviously touched something fundamental in the youth of this and other countries.
'Scouting for Boys' has since been translated into many different languages and dialects.
Without fuss, without ceremony and completely spontaneously, boys began to form Scout Troops all over the country. In September 1908, B.-P. had set up an office to deal with the large number of enquiries which were pouring in concerning the Movement.
There is no need to describe the way in which Scouting spread throughout the British Commonwealth and to other countries until it was established in practically all parts of the free world. Even those countries where Scouting as we know it is not allowed to exist readily, admit that they used its methods for their own youth training.

As Inspector-General of Cavalry, B.-P. considered that he had reached the pinnacle of his career. The baton of Field Marshal was within his grasp but he retired from the Army in 1910 at the age of 53, on the advice of His Majesty King Edward VII, who suggested that he would do more valuable service for his country within the Boy Scout Movement (now Scout Movement) than anyone could hope to do as a soldier!
So all his enthusiasm and energy was now directed to the development of Scouting and its sister Movement, Guiding. He travelled to all parts of the world, wherever he was most needed, to encourage their growth and give them the inspiration that he alone could give.
In 1912, he married Olave Soames who was his constant help and companion in all this work and by whom he had three children (Peter, Heather and Betty). Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, until she died in 1977, was known throughout the world as World Chief Guide.

Chief Scout of the World

The first international Scout Jamboree took place at Olympia, London in 1920. At its closing scene, B.-P. was unanimously acclaimed as Chief Scout of the World. Successive international gatherings, whether of Scouts or Rovers (now called Venture Scouts) or of Scouters, proved that this was not an honorary title, but that he was truly regarded by them all as their Chief. The shouts that heralded his arrival, and the silence that fell when he raised his hand, proved beyond any doubt that he had captured the hearts and imaginations of his followers in whatever country they owed allegiance.
At the 3rd World Jamboree, held in Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of the publication of Scouting for Boys, the Prince of Wales announced that B.-P. had been created a Peer. He took the title of Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell - Gilwell Park being the International Training Centre for Scout Leaders.
Scouting was not B.-P.'s only interest, for excelled at pig-sticking and fishing, and favoured polo and big game hunting. He was also a very good black & white and watercolour artist and took an interest in cinephotography and sculpture. In 1907, he exhibited a bust of John Smith, the colonial pioneer, at the Royal Academy.

B.-P. wrote no less than 32 books, the earning from which helped to pay for his Scouting travels. As with all his successors, he received no salary as Chief Scout. He received honorary degrees from Edinburgh, Toronto, Montreal, Oxford, Liverpool and Cambridge Universities. He also received Freedoms of the cities of London, Guildford,
Newcastle-on-Tyne, Bangor, Cardiff, Hawick, Kingston-on- Thames, Poole, Blandford, Canterbury and Pontefract, and of other cities in various parts of the world. In addition, 28 Foreign Orders and decorations and 19 Foreign Scout Awards were bestowed upon him. Every minute of B.-P.'s life was 'sixty seconds worth of distance run'. Each new adventure was the subject for a book. Every happy incident or thought, every fine landscape might be the subject for a sketch.

In 1938, suffering from ill-health, B.-P. returned to Africa, which had meant so much in his life, to live in semi-retirement in Nyeri, Kenya. Even here he found it difficult to curb his energies - he still produced many books and sketches.

On January 8, 1941, Baden-Powell died. He was 83 years of age. He is buried in a simple grave at Nyeri within sight of Mount Kenya. On his headstone are the words, 'Robert Baden-Powell, Chief Scout of the World' surmounted by the Boy Scout and Girl Guide Badges. His memory remains for all time in the hearts of millions of men and women, boys and girls.
It is up to those who are, or have been, Scouts or Guides to see that the two Movements he so firmly established continue for all time as living memorials to their Founder.

Baden-Powell's Last Message

Towards the end of his life, although still in comparatively good health, he prepared a farewell message to his Scouts for publication after his death. It read:
"Dear Scouts - if you have ever seen the play 'Peter Pan' you will remember how the pirate chief was always making his dying speech because he was afraid that possible, when the time came for him to die, he might not have time to get it off his chest. It is much the same with me, and so, although I am not at this moment dying, I shall be doing so one of these days and I want to send you a parting word of goodbye.
Remember, it is the last time you will ever hear from me, so think it over. I have had a most happy life and I want each one of you to have a happy life too.
I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness does not come from being rich, nor merely being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so you can enjoy life when you are a man.
Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one.
But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. 'Be Prepared' i this way, to live happy and to die happy - stick to your Scout Promise always - even after you have ceased to be a boy - and God help you to do it.
Your friend,

With the compliments from: The Public Relations Department at Baden-Powell House, London, England courtesy of Simon Pearce, Author of ScoutNet UK - THE Scouting Web Pages

Reminder about Thursdays (2-15-07) meeting

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Thursdays meeting will be at the Pine Tree School... same time, 7pm.
We will be joining both Conway and Madison for their Cross-over ceremony.
Be in full uniform and on your best Scouting behavior.

Thursday's meeting is the LAST time to sign-up and pay for the March 3rd hockey game. If you are not on the sign-up sheet by the end of the meeting you will NOT be going. If you haven't yet signed up and know you can't make Thursdays meeting please make sure you contact Mr. Dewar. All Scouts must have paid their $10 to Mr. Dewar by Thursday night.

There will be no meeting during school vacation week... keep your eye on the web site... with the new snow we may have some impromptu snowshoeing outings.

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow night.
Mr. C

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BSA

William Boyce. The Boy Scouts of America (which also uses the name Scouting/USA) was founded by Chicago publisher William Boyce on February 8, 1910. At that time in the US, there were several other loosely-structured outdoor-oriented youth organizations, some using the name "Boy Scout" and some using other names, and there were already a number of troops in existence using some variation of the British Scout program. Boyce's key contribution was to organize the BSA as a business. He incorporated the organization (in Washington, DC, rather than Chicago), recruited key youth professionals to design and operate the program, and he provided key funding for the infant organization.

FAMILY LIFE

For the guys working on their Family Life Merit Badge please show up at 6:30pm on Thursday prior to the Troop Meeting. Bring ALL of your paperwork and 'chore charts' for review.

Is this you?

Please check out the OA link. If you are an eligible Scout and are ready to dedicate yourself to furthering the camping traditions of Scouting and pledging yourself to a lifetime of cheerful service then please contact me now.


OA elections are going to be held durring this Thursdays Troop meeting. We need everyone to show up and show support for those nominees to the OA. We need 50% minimum youth attendance for there to be an election. Please do not let your Troop down by not showing up for the meeting.

Troop 150 Looses a special friend

Next time you see Mr. Dewar please give him your condolences.
His beloved dog 'Peachy' has passed away. Peach will be missed by all of his two-legged buddies in the Troop. Certainly, the pre-washing of dishes during camp-outs is going to be a much more onerous task without our pal around.
-Mr. C

Great Klondike, great weekend!

Over the past weekend our Troop fielded two Patrols for this years Great Northern District's annual Klondike Derby.
Both Patrols did a great job. The Huskies took 2nd place in the overall competition. The Indians received an honorable mention.
I think that the biggest thing that the guys took home (other than the bags of Klondike gold) was that everyone needs to do their part for their Patrol to succeed. They learned that perhaps it is not always about the challenge being performed 'correctly' but it is about the manner in which the challenge is approached... team work and spirit counts! Attitude is everything.

After wrapping up the days events the guys played a little snow football/ wrestling. I think Troop 150 was responsible for melting at least an inch of the new snow fall in the Berlin area.
Troop 150 was invited to spend the night with Troop 207. After changing into warm clothes we had a pizza party and raffle. The rest of the evening was spent playing games and watching movies. It was the old standard fare for breakfast; oatmeal and hot chocolate. The guys are starting to learn that being the 1st up, having your gear packed, and a clean 'camp site' is a good thing. I was doling out baked treats to the first guys to be ready to start their day. We had a great time; the Ol' Wood badgers' are already conspiring together on plans for more joint activities.

The guys did a super job and I am very proud. I'm especially pleased to see the new leadership developing in our Troop... we are getting closer to the boy run Troop all the time. Great job guys!!!

A very special thanks to Michael Dewar. This is a man that has no son in the Troop (nor has he had) and yet he is always there to pitch in and help out. There was no 'two deep' leadership available for this weekend so Michael changed his plans (at the very last minute, Saturday morning) so that he could cover for the parents that could not be available to help out their boys. This fellow truly embodies the Scouting Spirit and realizes the important values/ opportunities that this program offers your boys.
Parents the next time you see Michael PLEASE make sure you offer him your heartfelt thanks.

Directions to the GND Klondike

from: conway,nh to: 2020 Riverside Dr, Berlin, NH 03570 - Google Maps

Boy Scout Gear List: New Scouts, Three-Season @ Backpacking Light

Interesting article... I thought I might share with you folks.
Mr. C.


Boy Scout Gear List: New Scouts, Three-Season @ Backpacking Light

INFORMED CONSENT AGREEMENT

New Link (see link list on the right hand side of the page).

Tips for your next winter camping trip:

1. Use the buddy system for winter outings. Buddies can check each other for frostbite, make sure no one becomes lost, and boost the morale of the entire group.
   
2. Plan to cover no more than five miles per day on a winter trek on snowshoes. An experienced group can cover 10 to 12 miles on cross-country skis.
   
3. Always allow ample time to make camp in winter, especially if you plan to build snow shelters.
   Fatigue encourages accidents. Rest occasionally when building a snow shelter; taking part in cross-country skiing or snowshoeing; or participating in other active winter sports. Periodic rests also help avoid overheating.
   
4. Pulling a load over the snow on a sled or toboggan is generally easier than carrying it in a backpack.
   
5. Snow is a terrific insulator. Snow shelters are much warmer than tents because they retain heat and keep out the cold wind. If you have adequate time for building snow shelters, you will spend a much more comfortable night sleeping in them than in a tent.
   
6. Snow is the greatest thief in winter, swallowing up small dropped items. Tie or tape a piece of brightly colored cord to small items so they can be seen in snow. Some items, such as mittens, can be tied to larger items, such as a parka, to prevent them from being dropped and lost.
   
7. Melting snow in a pot to get water may cause the pot to burn through or may scorch the snow, giving the water a disagreeable taste. Prevent this by adding a cup or two of water in the bottom of the pot before putting in the snow to melt.
   
8. Punch a hole in the top of your ice chisel and string a stout cord through it. Before trying to chisel a hole in ice, anchor the cord to something large or too heavy to be pulled through the hole so you will not lose your chisel in freezing water when the ice is penetrated.
   
9. Always test the thickness of ice before venturing any distance from the shore. Ice should be at least 3 inches thick for a small group; 4 inches of ice is safe for a crowd. Since ice thickness can vary considerably, it is best to stay near the shoreline of large lakes.
   
10. Use alkaline batteries in flashlights. Standard batteries deteriorate quickly in cold weather. Tape the switch of your flashlight in the "off" position until you are ready to use it. This will prevent it from being turned on accidentally while in your pack or on your sled.
    
11. Encourage everyone in your group to wear brightly colored outer clothing so that each person will be more visible, especially during severe weather.
    
12. Small liquid-fuel stoves are much better for cooking in winter than fires, which are difficult to build with wet wood. Gathering wood that is frozen to the ground also can be difficult, if not impossible. A pressure/pump-type stove is essential in winter.
    Always use a funnel to refuel a stove so you won't frostbite your fingers by accidentally pouring fuel on them. Fuel evaporates at a high rate of speed and quickly removes heat from anything it touches.
    
13. Place a stove or fire on a platform of logs or rocks so it will not melt through the snow.
    
14. Never light or use a stove inside a tent or snow shelter. A tent may catch fire, and vapors in a snow shelter may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Neither of these potential mishaps is worth the risk.
    
15. A windscreen is essential for using a stove in the winter. Even a slight breeze will direct the heat away from its intended mark.
    

References: Okpik: Cold Weather Camping, Boy Scout Handbook, Scoutmaster Handbook, and Camping Sparklers

GND Klondike

I need to confirm who will be attending this weekends Klondike; Feb 3rd & 4th. (Patrol Leaders CALL YOUR PATROLS). I, currently, have 13 guys signed up. It looks as though we'll be able to field two Patrols for Saturdays games.

I need to hear from everyone attending by Wednesday night.

We will have a gear 'shake-down' at Thursdays meeting. Bring your appropriate winter gear and your (signed) permission slip. If your gear has not been inspected and I do not have your permission slip in hand at Thursday nights meeting you WILL miss out on this event.

Cost: $8.00 per person for registration (includes a patch); plus cost of food.

We will be leaving the Scout shed Saturday morning at 7:30 am and returning to the Scout Shed by 11 am on Sunday.

The Klondike will be held at NHCTC in Berlin.

We have been invited to stay overnight with T207, should be a great time. Some night games and perhaps a movie or two.
If the weather is mild there may be an opportunity to sleep under the stars.

This promises to be a great 'fellowship' weekend with other Scouts. There will be some friendly competition and LOTS of fun.

Each Scout will bring a bag lunch and snacks for Saturday. Dinner can be cooked on site or be purchased from the 'OA Cafe'.

We'll have oatmeal or something quick for breakfast prior to closing and returning home on Sunday.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Sincerely,
Mr C.

Survive or Die

Reprinted from;
AMC Outdoors, November 2006

The difference may be only a few ounces of essential gear.
You are stranded, injured and alone. Night is falling, conditions are deteriorating, and there is no way out until the next day. Or longer. Are you equipped to survive? Your chances will be vastly improved if you carry these essential items and know how to use them.

STAY DRY AND WARM Hypothermia will kill you quickly, especially if you’re wet and the wind is blowing. Always carry at least two heavy-duty garbage bags or a space blanket to protect you from the elements in an emergency situation. When selecting your bags, go thick, go large, and go bright. Look for high-capacity versions designed for hard use, such as contractor or lawn and leaf bags; a thickness of four millimeters is best. Most trash bags are green, brown, or black—difficult for rescuers to see. Try to find a more visible color; orange DOT contractor bags are ideal, though harder to find. Space blankets are usually brightly colored, but can be fragile; look for a more durable material.
To create an emergency rain or wind jacket with a trash bag, cut a slit no longer than your face about eight inches down from the closed corner. Pull it over your head, using the corner as a hood. If conditions are not too severe, cut two small holes for your arms. If conditions are bad, pull a second bag up over your legs to create an emergency bivy. If the situation is really grim, stuff dry leaves or moss in the bags with you for insulation. Use a space blanket in similar fashion by wrapping it tightly around you, but be aware that they are much harder to work with in windy conditions and are more difficult to fully seal from the elements.

KNOW HOW TO MAKE A FIRE Always carry materials to start a fire, both for warmth and as a potential rescue signal. Bring along matches in a waterproof container and opt for “stormproof” versions, which readily ignite and stay lit in windy or wet conditions; some will even burn underwater. Peter Kummerfeldt, a leading survival expert, recently reviewed nearly 20 matches for survival scenarios; his top pick is REI Storm Proof matches (0.65 ounces per box, $4).
Also consider carrying a “metal match,” which creates a shower of long-lived sparks when struck briskly with a metal scraper. When thrown on easily lit kindling, the sparks are sufficient to ignite a flame. Butane lighters should not be relied on as your only means for fire. They will not work if wet, are difficultto dry out, and can be challenging to operate with cold, wooden hands. If you do carry one as a backup, opt for clear models that allow you to see the fuel reservoir and have an adjustable flame for maximum torching.
To get a fire going, you’ll also need kindling. Shredded paper birch bark or other dry forest material will work, but if everything is soaking wet you’ll need a backup: Vaseline-coated cotton balls. Knead Vaseline into a few large cotton balls, leaving the inside dry, and carry them in a tiny waterproof container. (Make sure they are 100 percent cotton; synthetic versions do not burn well.) To light, tear the ball open and easily ignite the dry interior with a flame or sparks. A single ball will burn furiously for six minutes or more.

HELP RESCUERS FIND YOU Always tell somebody where you’re going and when you expect to be back, otherwise the amount of time it will take for rescuers to find you increases dramatically. Carry a whistle to help alert others of your situation; a loud whistle can be heard more than a mile away in good conditions. Blow it in series of three, a standard indication of need. Your brightly colored garbage bags or space blanket will make you more visible, but you should also always bring a signal mirror to alert passing (or searching) aircraft. Weighing as little as half an ounce, pocket signal mirrors can reflect a beam of sunlight several phone for rescue.

- Matt Heid is senior editor at AMC Outdoors.

TROOP MEETING 1-11-07

7pm

OPENING (5 mins)
-Sign-in
-Debrief from the camp out

PATROL MEETINGS (30 mins)
DON'T FORGET YOUR PATROL BOOKS
work on Patrol Flags... need them completed for the Klondike, bring design ideas
*** I only have one (1) Patrol's list of members and positions

ACTIVITIES (30 mins)
Scouter/Tenderfoot
-Fitness
-Whip and fuse
2nd and 1st Class
-estimating measurement (height and width)
-stoves
Star, Life
-Merit Badges

GAME (20 mins)

CLOSING (5 mins)
Announcements

POST MEETING (5 mins)
ALL Troop & Partol Leaders

8:30 pm out the door...

REMINDERS
Registration fee $22
Please pay Mr. Gamache prior to the Court of Honor.
If you have money in your Scout account and want it deducted from the account please write Mr. Gamache a (legible) note requesting the payment be removed from your account.

Court of Honor
(this is the awards night in Scouting)
Jan. 25th @ JHF 7pm
Invite your family and friends!
Friends of Scouting presentation (Troop goal is to raise $1500)
Camp Presentation... wow hard to believe it is time to start thinking about that!
Final chance to sign-up for participating in the Klondike will be tonight.

Next outing... Klondike Feb 3-4th

The Weekend at Littleton Scout Camp

Camping at the Littleton Cabin this weekend.

If you are planning on attending you must hand me a completed Permission Form at Thursday night's meeting.

We will be leaving the Scout Shed @ 9am on Saturday morning.

While we are expecting unseasonably warm temps please BE PREPARED for winter conditions.

We will be working on completing allot of 2nd and 1st Class requirements... this outing really shouldn't be missed.

We will be returning to the Scout Shed around 10am on Sunday morning.

When preparing for this trip please refer to pgs 204, 207, 225-6 of your Handbook (don't forget to bring your handbook).

We will be planning the menu during the Patrol meetings on Thursday night.

There will be a $5 food fee for those wishing to participate.

Winter Camping Tips

Backpacker.com - Winter Camping

Pizza & Pool Party

Our annual event to share with the Webelos. Check the calendar for details.

Scouts Take 1st Place in the annual Holiday Parade

In spite of the sudden on-set of cold weather the guys were able to show their Scouting Spirit.
I was VERY PROUD. Great job guys!

Scouting for Food

Super job on the Scouting for Food

1100 food items collected and distributed on one weekend... NICE WORK!

(we are now probably closer to the original 1200 piece figure as I am still getting donated food dropped off to me)

Many thanks to the MacLeod family for all of their help!

Scouting Pictures

http://http://homepage.mac.com/davidmmacleod/BOYSCOUTS/Menu18.html

Dave MacLeod has done a FANTASTIC job of capturing the Troop in action over the last few years. He has also spent a good deal of time putting this all together for us to enjoy.

THANKS DAVE!!!!!

Court Of Honor Pictures

http://web.mac.com/davidmmacleod/iWeb/Site/Court%20of%20Honor%20October%202006.html

Great job today!

You guys did a super job and I'm very proud. It meant an awful lot to the Veterans to have such a super turn out.

Tomorrow morning Ethan and I are going to be meeting w/ Dr. Waltz to pick up the remaining grave markers at cemeteries around the Valley. We are meeting at the N. Conway Catholic Cemetery at 10am. Any and all that would like to join us would be quite welcome.

Thanks again to all!
Andy C

Tuesday Nov. 16th

On our regular Troop meeting night we will be assembling early to attend the local performance. This is a special event. Please arrive at 5:45pm the show begins promptly at 6pm. Scouts must wear their uniform. The cost of the performance is $5 for each registered Scout/ Scouter (student price is normally $10).

YOU MUST HAVE SIGNED UP FOR THIS PERFORMANCE IN ADVANCE AT ONE OF THE LAST TWO TROOP MEETINGS.

If you didn't make the meeting and get onto the sign-up sheet you must e-mail me by Tuesday

conwayscout@yahoo.com

We will have a brief Troop meeting after the play to go over last minute planning for our Scouting for Food drive.

Scouting for Food

Mr. MacLeod is still looking for Scouts to fill the Saturday, Nov. 18th
Noon to 2:00pm and the 2 to 4:00 pm slots.

PLEASE contact him ASAP
csetraining@aol.com or at 356-8129


This is a very important community service project. All of the food that we collect stays with local families.

COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, Nov. 15th @ 7:30 pm

Pike/ Conway Dahl office (old AD Davis location) 3277 Wht. Mtn Highway

This meeting is open to all parents and Committee members, please make every effort to attend... this is your Troop.

Agenda;

• Calendar
• Fund Raising
• Chair Positions
• Troop Handbook

This should be a very productive meeting... I'm looking forward to lots of great ideas and hoping to come out of this meeting with and even stronger Unit and a Committee that is ready to further the aims and goals of Scouting in the Valley.

We'll see you all Wednesday night.

YIS,

-AC

VETERANS DAY

Does anyone know the significance of the phrase “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month"?

It's the time, day, and month when, in 1918, the peace treaty was signed bringing an end to the conflict we know today as World War I.
People notice and remember unusual coincidences like this.

In the years following 1918 many nations chose to honor those who fought and died in the War with special ceremonies held on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
In England , an Unknown Soldier was buried in Westminster Abbey. Westminster Abbey is the sacred and hollowed place where the people of Great Britain honor their heroes.
In France an Unknown Soldier was buried in Paris beneath the Arch de Triumph, a sacred place to the French.
In the United States , on November 11, 19 21, we created the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery .

Over time, other nameless heroes have been added to our Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Today, there is an unidentified soldier from WWI, WWII, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This sacred place has come to symbolize all those who have fought and died in the service of our country.

Our Congress made this day a national holiday, originally known as Armistice Day - to honor the end of the "war to end all wars".

Unfortunately, there were other wars. Armistice Day has been renamed Veteran's Day.

For a brief time, Veteran's Day was moved from November 11th.
Congress turned it into one of those Monday - 3 day weekend holidays. People, however, remembered the coincidental date. Fate or the hand of God perhaps, had marked forever the 11th of November - Congress had to change it back.
Veteran's Day should be a time when we remember, and honor, all that have served in these nations armed forces.

Veterans Day

This year Veteran's Day, as I'm sure you are all aware, falls on a Saturday.

The schedule of events are as follows;
11 am church service at the North Conway Congregational Church (across from Your Paws Only).
We will leave the church following the service and march to the JHF School.
From the school we will parade to Schouler Park (in front of the train station).
At the park there will be a flag ceremony w/ two Scouts from Troop 150 aiding the Legionnaire's in folding the flag. The flag will be presented to a local widow to commemorate her husbands service to our country.
Following the service, around 2pm, the Scouts will be invited to attend a luncheon with the members of the Legion. This, from my understanding, will be a ticketed event. You should see me immediately following the ceremony at the park if you plan on attending the luncheon.

The boys and leaders will be expected to be in 'Class A' uniform.

Please remind the boys about the reverence that is due to the men and women that have sacrificed for our country. They are expected to be on their best behavior.

FULL MOON HIKE

What a night for a hike... Absolutely beautiful! The moon was as bright as I have seen it. Cloudless and calm, what a treat!
Twenty-one joined us for our jaunt around the moon lit pond. I kick my-self for not bringing a camera... In reality this is not something I will forget for quite a while. It was gorgeous.

Total wild life count:
SPL- 1
Indian Patrol- 6 members
King Chickens- 3 members

Mountaineers- 1 member
Huskies- 1 member

Adult leaders- 3
Family members- 6

Troop 150 takes 2nd place at the District's Fall Camporee!

Great work guys. I saw a lot of encouraging things during this Camporee. You guys are really beginning to work well together. The 'Trick out my Scout' was a great NEW skit.

A special thanks to the Dads that ran stations for the boys... it wouldn't have happened without you!
Thanks to Mr. Steesy... you, your truck and your dedication to the Troop is greatly appreciated.

Again a GIANT THANK YOU to all of the guys that gave up their weekend to come share it with us at the Camporee.

Hope to see you all at Thursdays meeting.

-AC

The Scout Outdoor Essentials

The Scout Outdoor Essentials

This is the minimum list that I would expect all Scouts to carry, to this I would add;

• pen and paper
• a LNT toilet kit

S100 50/50 Premium Heavyweight T-shirts from ClassB.com

S100 50/50 Premium Heavyweight T-shirts from ClassB.com

Prior to Committee Meeting last night we were talking about t-shirts.
Class B will do our shirts. No artwork or shipping fees, print (one color) front and back... free shipping for $9.99 per shirt (40 shirts)... check it out at the link above.
-Andy

GREAT JOB!

Kudos to the guys that gave up thier Sat. to take part in the classroom portion of the Adult Leader Training. Great job; Steve, Scott and Ted!
It's not too late for everyone else... you can still join these guys durring the Outdoor portion of the training in October. Check out the calendar for details.

Meetings 9/7/06

Happy Thursday... looking forward to seeing everyone tonight!

Patrol Leaders Council for Patrol Leaders Assistant PL's @ 6pm
Month's Agenda

Troop Meeting @ 7pm

POPCORN... We need EVERYONE on board for this. Last night the Popcorn Committee has ordered almost 3 times the amount of popcorn from last years Show n' Sell. They know you can sell this.
Mrs. Steesy is leading the charge with this and will be at tonight's meeting. Bring your calendars and be prepared to commit to selling lot's of POPCORN!

Prep for Open House

New Leader Training... this Saturday in Littleton. There is a link on the BLOG with info. I'll bring a copy of the flyer from the web site to the meeting. So far I have commitments from Mr. Laliberte, Mr. Steesy and Mr. Mannik.

See you all tonight,
Andy

Link to the District Training Calendar

For the leaders attending this Saturdays training here is the link to the District training calendar. Click the 'HERE' for the flyer. Dennis Murphy is the contact person for this event.

Thanks for your commitment to providing and excellent program for the boys.

-Andy

Fall Camporee 2006

When; Sept 29th- Oct 1st

Where; Palmer Brook Scout Reservation, Broomstick Hill Rd., Littleton, NH

You will need to turn in your permission slip to your Patrol Leader by Thursday, the 21st, if you are planning on attending.
Registration cost is $8 per person. If this is to come out of your Scout account remember to write a 'check' and turn it in with your permission slip (you are responcible to make sure you have funds available).
Please use your Scout Handbook as a reference source for the personal items that you will need to bring. If you have any questions as to what is appropriate please see your Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol. We will be hiking our gear into our camp site.

We will be departing from our Troop shed Friday evening at 5:00 pm. We will be carpooling to this event.

We will be returning to the shed by 12 pm on Sunday, Oct 1st. Scouts will need to be picked-up @ noon.

There is no cell service on this site... in an EMERGENCY you may contact 447-1393; every effort will be made to get word to the camp site.

What a day!

 

Prepping the 'blaze'

 

More from the Pond

 

Sawyer Pond

 

Sawyer Pond Trip

 

What a GREAT weekend for a backpacking trip!

A much reduced version of the Troop went on a backpacking trip to Sawyer Pond this past weekend.
Saturday morning, after a little pack fitting, we left parking lot on the Kanc behind us. Promptly we shed our hiking boots and put on our water shoes to wade across the Swift River. We reviewed proper water crossing techniques and then jumped in. The water was COLD. Upon reaching the other side we dried off, re-laced our boots and donned our packs. We were off following the Sawyer Pond trail. The trail is fairly well marked and we met several other hikers either coming from or headed to the pond. We stopped for a very nice lunch on the trail... it's amazing how good a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich can taste when enjoyed on the right location with the right company.
We had a fairly flat hike for the first half of the trip. Once we hit the the halfway mark we started a slight elevation gain, the trail became rockier with more exposed roots. We started thinking about how much fun it was going to be when we hit camp. In true Scout fashion the guys broke out into marching songs while on the trail. After SEVERAL verses I had to be the wet blanket and beg them to stop... there would be a brief pause (out of respect, I'm sure) and then they'd set off singing again.
Upon reaching the pond we made another water crossing and found the tent platforms. We gave some brief thought about staying in the shelter, but, the boys decided... "we lugged the tent... we're going to sleep in it"... there was no arguing with that logic.
It was fun to watch the guys set up camp... they attacked it like real pros. They set up their tent and stowed their gear. Then they went about the task of gathering firewood... this is no easy job as this area sees a ton of traffic. Using teamwork they built one of the best log cabin fire-sets I think I have seen. They set this beauty a blaze using flint and steel. Their next task was cooking dinner. We prepared spaghetti and carrots on the backpacking stove. We enjoyed some ginger snaps and chai tea for dessert. The fire was timed perfectly we enjoyed it thru dinner and then it burned out. After dinner was cleaned up we set-up the requisite bear bag and then went off to filter some water out of the pond.
As the sun set the guys broke out the LED Frisbee and had a blast tossing it about the camp site, as the throws got wilder we decided to call it a night. We got cleaned up and ready for bed, after a long day we turned in around 8:30... I must have been out as soon as I hit my pad. The next morning the boys reported to me the shenanigans, from the college aged group, going on at the site adjacent to us... I don't know how I missed it. Tough being an old dog!
Sunday morning I was up early to enjoy the pre-sunrise dawn. I took my cup of tea down to the edge of the pond and watched the mist rise off the pond... Truly beautiful. The boys rolled out and we cooked rather lumpy, slightly charcoaled, apple pancakes on the stove... looked rough, but, tasted great. We washed them down w/ hot Tang... it get's no better.
We broke camp and cleaned the whole campsite (it's amazing the garbage that people leave behind). The guys did a super job with following the Leave No Trace principles.
We made an impromptu bush-wack around the back side of the pond before taking the Sawyer River trail back to the parking lot and civilization.
All in all a GREAT weekend. The guys joining me are real troopers... this was their first backpack outing... I would not hesitate to take them anywhere.

Here's to more trips into the backcountry.
-Andy

Philly Scout update

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/columnists/15132591.htm

To clarify

BP is my shorthand for Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scout movement.
I apologize 'BP' is rather irreverent slang for such a great man.

Please forgive me.
-Andy

A response to a note I received from 'anonymous'

Today I received an e-mail from 'anonymous'. It included a link to a gay/ liberal website with various articles about the BSA policy towards homosexuality. I am not including a link to this site as I know that many people, of all ages, read my blog. If you would like me to give you the link so that you can read the article for yourself please e-mail me... I will gladly give you the link.
Most recently there was an article that 'anonymous' sited questioning BP's sexual orientation. Basically, the author regurgitated the standard BP biography that we all have read. Then the author went on to question BP's sexual leaning.
The person that e-mailed me did so on an account that will not accept a reply... Does this tell us something about the honor of this person?... Perhaps.

I wanted to share my response.

Dear Anonymous,
An interesting take.
I have read various claims by other biographers before... All pure conjecture and supposition on behalf of the writer. I have never heard or read any evidence that BP was gay. I am of the belief that serving in the military or having close male friendships does not make or qualify a person as being gay. Of interesting note; those that theorize that BP was a homosexual or bisexual seem to have that tendency themselves, or have a 'political' agenda in regards to the BSA.
In a world filled with immorality and vice it is disheartening to me that people spend so much time and energy trying to tear down the foundations of things that actually have value and are making a positive impact.
I have often thought this is just a symptom of our valueless age. A time of instant gratification and immorality. Then I am reminded of our history... Jesus was crucified for his 'crimes'... again radical Muslims are waging an un-holy war against Christendom. Sadly, it seems those that hate people, or movements, that are positive are not bounded by the constraints of time.
For the rest of us we struggle on. Turning the other cheek, trying to make the world a better and more positive place.
I pray that people will spend more of their energies actually trying to make a difference and impact the future... For the better.

Here's to 'leading change' and 'leading to make a difference.'
-Andy C

On the you've got to be kidding front...

Boy Scout Council May Be Evicted In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA - The city said it will evict a Boy Scout council from its publicly owned headquarters or make the group pay a fair rent price unless it changes its policy on gays. The Boy Scouts' Cradle of Liberty Council, the country's third-largest, has been battling with the city for more than three years over the policy, which like the national Scouts organization forbids gays from being leaders.
City Solicitor Romulo L. Diaz Jr. wrote a letter to William T. Dwyer III, president of the Cradle of Liberty Council, stating that the council's "discriminatory policies" violate city policy and law, and that city officials have not been assured the group will not discriminate.
Unless the city gets a "fair-market rent agreement," the council will be evicted, the letter says.
The group has made its headquarters on a half-acre owned by the city in the upscale Philadelphia Art Museum area since 1928, when the city council voted to allow the Scouts to use the property rent-free "in perpetuity." The Scouts pay for building upkeep.
Council spokesman Jeff Jubelirer questioned the timing of the city's move.
"With an epidemic of gun violence taking the lives of Philadelphia's children every day, it is ironic the administration chose this time to destroy programming that services 40,000 children in the city," Jubelirer said.
Stacey Sobel, executive director of Philadelphia's Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, said she's pleased the city is taking action.
"If they are going to discriminate, the taxpayers shouldn't be subsidizing it," Sobel said.
The Boy Scouts of America's policy on gay leaders was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2000.
In 2003, the council in Philadelphia said it would adopt a nondiscrimination policy on gays. However, weeks later the group dismissed an 18-year-old Scout who publicly acknowledged he was gay.
Dwyer did not immediately return a message Saturday from The Associated Press, and a phone rang unanswered at the organization's national headquarters in Texas. [AP]

DWC e-letter

http://www.dwcbsa.org/resources/eletter/index.htm

Emergency Preparedness

September is national Emergency Preparedness month... Let's start planning to 'be prepared'.
Good Troop MB topic. Are you prepared? Check out www.ready.gov.

Help meeting 1st Class recruiting requirements

Boy Scouts can invite friends using Web site e-mail. The e-card, a new feature available to Scouts and leaders on the www.thescoutzone.org Web site, helps a Scout complete the new First Class requirement to invite a friend to a troop meeting or activity.

To use the e-card, a Scout goes to www.thescoutzone.org, clicks on "Tell a Friend," enters his name and his friend's name and e-mail address in the designated boxes. He selects the action images he thinks his friend would be interested in doing, then chooses music and a message.
After previewing the e-card, he sends it to his friend.

Blue cards, Scout accounts, advancement

Thanks to everyone that showed up to the 'blue card' meeting. I know the Troop MB library is looking a little sparse. Paul Getchell and I had discussed the Troop purchasing new books for the kids attending camp... but, I am having 2nd thoughts. I think that the boys should be responsible for purchasing their own MB books (they can come our of their Scout accounts... someone just has too keep track of it and write one Troop check at camp {Paul Getchell or Mike Dewar}). I know the guys in the Indian Patrol have been purchasing their own books 'out of pocket'. I think this furthers the 'a Scout pays his own way'.

Along the 'take it out of my Scout account' line. We need to devise an easier way for this to happen... (as I am still short on funds from the Lock Down and the Camporee). As the boys are signing-up and paying for their events and they want to have the payment come out of their account; 1.) they must make sure they have the funds in the account 2.) they need to 'write a check' on a piece of paper asking for the funds to be withdrawn from their account, give this slip of paper to the event leader. This needs to be handled well before the event to allow the leader enough time to get a check from the Treasurer. While on the Scout account issue, does it not make sense to use this only for bigger ticket items... i.e. uniforms, camp, registration, camping gear... etc. It seems to me that it makes a lot of extra work for the leadership to be chasing $5 for outing meal expenses and $3.50 MB books. Thoughts?

Advancement... I know this has been a chaffing point for a few in the Troop. I am making every effort to provide opportunities for advancement... the boys just need to make an effort to show-up. Saturday three leaders took time out of their busy work and family schedules to take the Troop on a hike. We went over showing up prepared for a hike, Leave No Trace, map and compass skills, and identifying plants and trees. These are all First and Second Class requirements, as is, participating in Patrol/ Troop activities (being an 'active member' of the Troop is a requirement for all other ranks). We had 4 Scouts show up. If you are not getting the information about these events in enough time please look at the Troop calendar... the whole year is available on line. Patrol Leaders it is your responsibility to make sure everyone in your Patrol is getting this information... if your Patrol members are not showing up for meetings or outings find out why.
I want no one to be left behind... but, it will require a little effort on the part of the Scout/ parents. I have set the calendar so that we have, at least, one outing a month. If the scheduled outing dates are not working for you let's talk.

Yours in Scouting,
Andy

Andrew Chalmers
Scout Master Troop 150
FOS District Chairman, Great Northern District

Saturday the INDIANS rule the boulder (loop trail)!

Troop 150 met at the Covered Bridge parking lot at 8am. We had a very sparse turn out, I think the thought of hiking in the heat scared away many Scouters. Prior to setting out with four members of the Indian Patrol and three adult leaders we went over map and compass skills and reviewed what we should be bringing to 'be prepared' in the woods.
It was a very pleasant hike with great views from several vantage points. The boys gorged themselves on fresh blueberries at the summit (I'm thinking the 'black bears' may be a more appropriate patrol name). We identified our 10 native plants and trees, did a little 'bouldering' and saw the preparations the Forest Service was making in getting ready to close and repair the trail.
We passed a few people as we were headed down the trail, we all noted that they were unprepared for the conditions... no gear and NO WATER... not good.
I am always impressed by this group. They are great hikers, with super attitudes... a real pleasure to be around.
-Andy

Blue Card Meeting

Last Thursday night the Troop met at the gazebo in Conway Village. We talked about camp preparations and handed out 'blue cards'. Everyone going to camp seems pretty excited. After our informal meeting the boys did a quick trash sweep of the park and adjacent path along the pond. They collected two large trash bags of garbage... great work guys!

Essentials for Your Hiking Daypack

AMC Outdoors, July/August 2004
By Michael Lanza

What you bring on a day hike depends on where you’re going, how long you’ll be out, and the weather. No matter what the duration of your trip, always bring the following to get you home before dark, or keep you safe during an unexpected night out:
A compass and map of the area, to find your way there and back; a flashlight or headlamp, because it’s easy to get lost if you’re caught out after dark without one; a whistle, one of the most powerful distress signals available; warm clothing and rain/wind gear, to ward off inclement weather and hypothermia; waterproof matches or firestarter, for an emergency warming blaze; a first-aid kit, to handle an unexpected injury; a pocket knife, for its myriad survival uses; and extra food and water, because being lost or injured is bad enough without the pangs of hunger, thirst, and exhaustion.
Beyond these essentials, consider bringing at least one large plastic trash bag, which can keep your gear dry as well as double as an emergency bivy sack. The more durable and brightly colored, the better — the bright orange ones used for highway clean-up are ideal.
— Michael Lanza is author of The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Travel, from AMC Books.

I would add to this list your 'leave no trace' kits: trowel, toilet paper, plastic 'zipper-lock' baggies, and hand sanitizer.
-Andy

Troop completes 50 Miler

Release of Liability

http://www.sacobound.com/more/ReleaseOfLiability.pdf

To be printed and filled out by everyone in a Saco Bound boat

Thanks,
Andy

Canoe Roster

Canoe # followed by paddlers in BOW then STERN positions

1
John Larsen & Tristan MacLeod

2
Dmitry Steesy & Ian Marnich

3
DJ Hall & Dudley Hall

4
Ethan Chalmers & Andrew Chalmers

5
Ethan Hill & Jim Hill

6
Torin LaLiberte & Ted LaLiberte

7
Zack Mannik & Pat Walsh

8
Ryder Selmi & Bud Selmi

9
Brian Wanek & Ray O'Brien

10
Ben Novak & Ged Owen

11
Ryan Burroughs & Tom Caughey

12
Justin Gamache & Sam Getchell

13
Makenzie Birkbeck & Jordan Pettingill



Floating support:
Marion Owen & Paul Getchell

Gear transportation support:
Micheal Dewar

Canoe Trip Itinerary

Tuesday night 5:30-6:30
Troop shed John Fuller parking lot
-equipt. sign out
-load 'chase' truck w/ gear

Wednesday morning 8am
Saco Bound in Ctr Conway
-canoe overview
-depart
-eat bag lunch (Scout provides own)

Wednesday night 6pm
Saco Landing past Canal Bridge in Fryeburg
-potluck dinner w/ families
-campfire program

Thursday morning on river by 9am
-break camp
-breakfast; eggs and bacon

-lunch PB&J on river

Thursday night camping... Brownfield?
-dinner spaghetti w/ meatballs, garlic bread

Friday morning on river by 9am
-break camp
-breakfast; pancakes

Pull out of river in Hiram... just after noon?

Saturday morning 9am-10
Troop shed
-turn in gear
-trip review

*** Scout must make all scheduled events to qualify for the 50 Miler Award ***

Patrol Log

By now each Patrol should have thier own Patrol book. This book can be a spiral bound or 3 ring binder (I like the binder).

(remember to date and title each entry )

Record the following
Members of Patrol... rank... position in Patrol... MB earned


On Outings -
Date
Outing Location
List of Patrol Members in attendance (in uniform?)
What we did today
Most memorable moments
Notes on:
Preparations; what worked, what didn't.
Gear; repairs needed, things we would bring next time.

At Patrol Meetings;
Date
List of patrol members in attendance (in uniform?)
What we accomplished
What we need to do next

Could have a scrapbook section in the binder... pictures, newspaper articles
Make these books part of your Patrol... decorate it with your Patrol emblem
These books should reside with your Patrol Scribe and should attend every meeting with you.

Link to Saco River map... from Saco Bound

http://www.sacobound.com/images/maps/SacoMap.pdf

Tips for Good River Excursions and Camping from Saco Bound

First, be safe and know before you go.
Check weather forecasts and river conditions.
Always be prepared!
Respect nature and those around you.
Take out more trash than you packed in and practice “Leave No Trace” principles:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Now, as you head to the outdoors be responsible and use some common sense. You need to consider, weather, environment, capacity of your river craft and duration of your trip.

Keep your essentials and valuables in a dry bag along with a change of clothes. Keep your keys in a safe place or leave them near you car or at base camp.
First Aid Kit
Shelter: tent, tarp, sleeping bag
Personal items: proper clothing, proper footwear, medications, sunscreen, bug repellent, biodegradable toilet paper, cat trowel and biodegradable soap
Food & Utensils Water – 1 gallon per person per day
Camping Stove or Firewood
Matches / Lighter and a Flash Light
River Map
Cell Phone
Maine state law requires a state fire permit. These can be obtained at swans falls dam while on the river or Jockey Cap store in Fryeburg, ME on rte 302.

Every one in a watercraft must have a USCG approved personal floation device. Please wear it at all times!

Merit Badges and Summer Camp

In our Troop we have been spending a bunch of time talking about and preparing for summer camp.
Sometimes in our zealousness as leaders to get our boys ready for camp we forget that a healthy Scout program is year round. Scout camp is one week out of the whole year. To focus so much energy on promoting camp as THE place to earn advancements and Merit Badges I think we loose sight of the bigger picture. Indeed it is far easier to let camp staff worry about providing MB Councilors. But, I think a lot is lost in doing so. Merit Badge work is designed to broaden the boys horizons and expose them to new people, things and environments. I'm not sure BSA camp is the optimum place for this to happen. By having the boys do the majority of their MB's at camp we are missing a huge opportunity to involve a larger community in Scouting. We, as Scouters, have the opportunity and responsibility to broaden the outreach of Scouting... Procuring Merit Badge councilors amongst non-Scouters is a great way to do this. I'm not suggesting that having Scouts attend a summer camp program isn't important... It is! I think the focus should be on fellowship, group activities and fun. Let's leave the MB pamphlets at home with the Troops and the local community.

Troop Meeting 6/8/09

(Good time for meeting of the adult leadership… 6 or 6:30 prior to the Troop meeting?)



Pre-meeting
Service Patrol (Indians) set up table and chairs for trip sign up
Knot challenge
Patrols attendance


Opening (10 minutes) 7pm sharp
Sr Patrol Opens
Announcements


Skill instruction (20 mins)
'round robin'; rotate by Patrol thru (5 mins each cycle)
All taught by Sr Patrol w/ help of adult leadership (if needed)
· Packing… what to bring, what not to bring
· Menus (planning)… appropriate, healthy, preparation
· Cooking (back packing stove use)… safety, lighting
· Low impact camping… Leave No Trace Principals, waste disposal


Patrol Meetings (20 mins)
Menu planning
Buddy system


Inter-Patrol Activity (20 mins)
Sr Patrol game


Closing (5 mins)
Sr Patrol
SM Minute

Troop 150 Canoe Trip

Preparation
1. Must have commitment from all attending by Troop meeting on Thursday 6/8… no maybes
2. All leadership attending must have BSA Safe Swim and Safety Afloat (available on line)… this is recommended for Patrol Leaders as well.
3. All attendees must have passed BSA Swimmers test, this is an annual test. Once you have signed up we will schedule a testing time and location… according to the BSA this is not optional. For those that can not pass the test there is an option to place them in the canoe of a registered life guard. Please let me know ASAP if you think this may be a problem.
4. Tour Permit filed
5. Reserve canoes

To qualify for the 50 Miler Award we need the obvious… 50 miles. It must be done in 5 consecutive days and must involve a 10 hour service project. A Scout may accompany the Troop for any or all of the trip… but MUST complete all of following in order to qualify for this award.

Day 1 Tuesday June 20, 2006
Meet in the evening to go over final details of the trip
Day 2 Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Meet 9am at Saco Bound in Ctr. Conway
Leave w/ un-freighted canoes
Portage at Swans Falls
Bag lunch
Arrive Saco Landing (Canal Bridge)
Set-up camp
Pot luck dinner w/ families
Day 3 Thursday
Break camp; load support vehicle
Depart Saco Landing
Bag lunch
Canoe perimeter of Lovewell's pond (to gain mileage)
Camp Lovewell's Pond
Day 4 Friday
Break camp… run leg toward Hiram
Camp in Brownfield or Hiram depending on conditions
If we make Hiram Friday we have the option of pulling out that afternoon
Day 5 Saturday
Break camp and head for home
If we made Hiram on Friday we can all meet to stow gear and do a post trip shakedown on Saturday

If we do a river clean-up on our way down stream we should have no trouble meeting our 10 hour service project goals.


THIS IS A FLUID ITINERARY… I WELCOME AND WANT YOUR INPUT

Operation Adventure

WOW!

What a lot of fun we had over the weekend!
True it rained... hard... and most of the time sideways... but, we still had fun. None of the guys had ever been to Hidden Valley before, but, everyone of them can't wait to go back.
I was very impressed with our Scouts, there was no whining or complaining about the weather... infact I'm not 100% certain that they even noticed that it was what most 'sane' people would not venture out in.
We used the archery and rifle ranges in the morning and then had a hiking tour of the campsites...we were supposed to be doing a service project... but, the camp work crews had already completed the cot set-ups for us so we got to spend the whole afternoon on the COPE course. The course was made even more chalgening by the weather. The guys learned a lot and had a great experience.
Dinner was in the dining hall followed by a 'campfire' program and skits. Our guys did a super job with the 'Igor' skit... got lots of laughs and had fun.
The wind howled and the rain pummeled our tents all thru the night but, everyone made it warm and dry.
We broke camp and had a nice breakfast in the dining hall, did a little clean-up followed by a thought provoking service in the chapel. After the service we all headed home.

I hope everyone has a chance to dry out before our next adventure... canoeing the Saco.
See you all Thursday night at the NCCC, 7PM.

-Andy C

1st Scout Master's Minute, presented at COH 5/26/06

Why am I involved in Scouting? It’s because of all of you.

You Scouts are the greatest, the best, hope for America... for the world.


You believe in honor,

…in a world where honor has lost much of its meaning.


You believe in doing your duty to God and your Country,

…in a country where school prayer has been outlawed… and many Americans don't bother to vote.


You believe in the the Scout Law,

…with 12 very demanding and specific points… you commit to ALL of them


You believe in helping other people at all times,

... You do this in a world where, liability is so feared, that when someone cries out for help… many people literally run the other way.


You believe in keeping yourself physically strong,

… You do this in a world where obesity is common place


You believe in staying mentally awake,

…in a country where drug use and drinking is not uncommon amongst your peers


And, you believe in keeping yourselves morally straight,

…you do this in a country where some of our own leaders don't even know the meaning of the term.


You ARE, the greatest, the best, hope for America … for the world ...you are the Future!

… YOU are the reason I’m involved in Scouting…

National Honor Patrol

The very best patrols exhibit enthusiasm, teamwork, and camaraderie - that special spark known as patrol spirit the National Honor Patrol Award is given to patrols whose members make an extra effort to have the best patrol possible.

Your patrol can earn the award by doing the following over a period of three months patrol may earn multiple award patches by meeting the requirements in additional 3 month time periods.

Have a patrol name, flag, and yell. Put the patrol design on equipment, use the patrol yell.

Keep patrol records up-to-date.

Hold two patrol meetings each month.

Take part in at least one hike, outdoor activity, or other Scouting event.

Complete two Good Turns or service projects approved by the patrol leaders' council.

Help two patrol members advance in rank.

Have at least 75 percent of members in full uniform at troop activities.

Have a representative attend at least three patrol leaders' council meetings.

Have eight members in the patrol or experience an increase in patrol membership.

Guys... lets get to work! I want to see all of Troop 150's Patrols qualify for this honor.
Andy

LOTS OF INFORMATION

A HUGE thanks to everyone who participated in our FOS fundraising event last night... we ended up raising $715 of the $1,000 Troop goal... leaves me with a little work left to do, but, blessedly we're a lot closer to that goal. I can't thank you all enough. To everyone that didn't get the chance to pledge... give me a shout... it's not too late.

& CAMPOREE

I'm looking for a head-count (ASAP) for the number of Scouts/ Scouters that are planning on attending the Camp-o-ree/ Hike-a-thon next weekend. I am attaching a permission slip for the event. Please; fill out the form, print it, sign it and bring it to the meeting on Thursday, May, 4th. We need a filled out and signed form for EVERY boy. No form... no participation.
Patrol Leaders this means you need to make sure everyone gets this done. Please get reminder calls into your membership.

I know most of the Patrols worked hard on their menus for next weekend. Don't forget to bring in your money. I believe everyone is contributing $5. You need to get it to your Patrols Grub Master at next Thursdays meeting... that way your Grub Master can shop Friday before the campout.

(This is a VERY rough schedule that I put together... based on the information provided by the Troop organizing the event... )

Friday night... eat prior to arrival (or bring a sandwhich)
arrival at approx 5pm
set-up camp site
Cracker Barrel... Troop provided
Sat morning... eat w/ your Patrol
Troop challenge areas (Troop 150 is doing tomahawk throwing)
Sat Lunch...eat w/ your Patrol
Hike-a-Thon
Sat Dinner...eat w/ your Patrol
Camp site inspections
Campfire (should be prepared with skits/ songs)
Cracker Barrel...Troop provided
Scouts Own Service
Sun morning...eat w/ your Patrol
clean-up
break camp
return to civilization

***there will be awards for Scout Spirit***

QUICK REMINDER... BOYS LOOK AT YOUR BOOKS... THIS COULD BE A SUPER OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON RANK ADVANCEMENTS


I have compiled a VERY basic list of personal equipment for the event.*

Packed in backpack/ bag or duffle
-personal dining equipment (cup, bowl, eating utensil)
-personal hygiene gear (soap, towel, toothbrush)
-pad and sleeping bag (bag can be rented from IME, EMS)
-appropriate clothing (uniform)
-extra change of clothing
-Seasonally appropriate outer-wear (rain gear... let's hope not) hat, gloves mittens... remember LAYERS
-footwear; light-hikers or similar (good socks w/ spares)
-something warm and dry to sleep in (w/ hat)

In a fanny pack or sm daypack for the hike
-water bottle
-compass
-sm note book (pencil)
-Scout book
-flash light (head-lamp)... batteries
-personal first-aid kit

As this is essentially 'car camping' we are not worried about weights on this outing... we should be able to drive right up to our camp site.

*Use your resources:The Scout book is a wealth of information on these goodies...

BRING YOUR PLEDGE FORM(S) ALONG WITH THE MONEY (-OR- A CHECK FOR THE TOTAL PLEDGED)... You must have collected at least $30 to qualify for the Hike-a-thon patch.

If anyone needs addition pledge forms, or has any questions, I should be home most of the weekend 447-1393

All the best,

Andy

REMINDER

PLC meeting Thursday, 4/27 @ 6pm in John Fuller School
All Patrol leaders to attend; need to have a ‘challenge’ for the Camp-o-ree
Hike-a-thon /Camp-o-ree May 5th – 7th

Something to think about

THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS TO CLIMB THE LADDER INSTEAD OF SITTING AND WAITING FOR THE ELEVATOR

Request for Campership Assistance

Individual members of the Daniel Webster Council seeking financial assistance to attend resident or day camp programs this summer including those at Camp Carpenter, Hidden Valley Scout Camp and Camp Bell may submit application requests by April 15th.
Applications are available, and should be mailed to the McIninch Scout Service Center by April 15th for consideration.
Upon approval, a "Campership Coupon" will be sent to the appropriate unit leader so that it may be provided as a credit for individual camp fee payments by the unit. While waiting for approval, each applicant should still register for camp and make payment in accordance to fee guidelines in order to receive discounted fees. Once approval is received and applied to camp account, the unit/individual will receive a refund in the amount of the campership.
Let know if you are going to need assistance... it's NOT too late.
Thanks,
Andy

Attention Life Scouts

The Daniel Webster Council Advancement Committee will again be hosting its popular Life-to-Eagle Seminar at this year's Program Kick-off, on April 22, at Camp Carpenter, 9AM - 1 PM. This seminar is targeted specifically at Life Scouts who are facing the sometimes-daunting challenge of taking the next step on the trail to Eagle. Interested Life Scouts should register for Program Kick-off via the DWC website and entering "Life-to-Eagle Seminar" in the comment field (or call the Council Program Department at 625-6431 or 800-221-0009). Cost is $5. Lunch will be provided. Seating is limited and so registration is a must. (This seminar was full last time around.) The session will attempt to demystify the process of moving from Life to Eagle, and will include such topics as "Getting Organized," "Acceptable Eagle Projects," and a mock Eagle Board of Review. Life Scouts must be in full, Class A uniforms. Note that this is a youth-only session so Unit Leaders should encourage their Life Scouts to attend.

Scouts Descend on Rotary Park

Following a Camp-In at the North Conway Community Center on Friday night. Scouts from the local Boy Scout Troop marched to Rotary Park.
Fueled by a pancake breakfast and a good night sleep the 25 Scouts and Scouters performed a Service Project at the park. The Scouts raked and picked up trash. They filled two pick-up trucks with bagged leaf and lawn debris. The boys also picked up roadside garbage while traveling to and from the Community Center.
To become involved in the Troop please give Andy Chalmers a call 447-1393. We are currently preparing for our Spring Camp-o-ree and would love to have you join us.

Pack 150 committee Meeting

Monday 4/3 @ 6:30pm at the Conway Library

PLC for Troop 150

Thursday 3/30 @ 6pm prior to the Troop Meeting. All PL and PLA to meet w/ the Troop Leadership in the John Fuller library

Next course for DWC Wood Badge

NE - I - 250
Location
Griswold Hidden Valley Scout Reservation
Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire
Course Dates
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
September 15-17 and
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
September 29, 30 & October 1st
Arrive Friday 8 A.M. ~ Depart Sunday 5:00 P.M.
Cost
$ 180 – Includes food, camping and Administrative costs.
Course Director
Curtis Duclos
Tel #: 603-497-3236
Email: Duclos7979@comcast.net
For more information call:
Daniel Webster Council
1-800-221-0009

Tell them Andy Chalmers sent you NE-1-243, Beaver Patrol

Do your boys not deserve the best leadership available?

What is Wood Badge

What is Wood Badge?
Wood Badge is a training course for Scouters which finally results in their receiving a certificate, a small neckerchief, a leather slide, and two small wooden beads on a leather thong. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, directed the first course in 1919 and gave each of the participants one of the beads which he had captured from the African chieftain Dinizulu. Thus did the course name develop, for its symbol was literally a badge of wood.
Wood Badge is, further, Scouting's premier training course. Baden-Powell designed it so that Scouters could learn, in as practical a way possible, the skills and methods of Scouting. It is first and foremost, learning by doing. The members of the course are formed into patrols and these into a troop.
The uniqueness of Scouting is the patrol method. The use of the natural gang of six or eight boys who elect their own leader and plan and carry out many of their own activities is a democracy in microcosm. Here young men learn the give and take of working with people as they must surely do all their lives. Here, too, they are given leadership and learning opportunities which prepare them for their future roles as citizens. It is for this reason that it is so crucial that all adults understand thoroughly the patrol method.
Thus it was that Baden-Powell developed a practical course built around the operation of a troop and it's patrols.
Wood Badge is more than just mechanical course work. Wood Badge is the embodiment of Scouting spirit. Like many intense training experiences, it has always relied on a busy schedule forcing the participants to work together, to organize and to develop an enthusiasm and team spirit to accomplish the tasks and challenges placed before them. Carried out in context of Scouting ideals and service to young people, the course brings out a deep dedication and spirit of brotherhood and fellowship in most participants. Certainly were it not for the common goal of the movement and its program for young people, it would be hard to get grown men and women to endure the 16-hour days required by a program that runs from early morning to late at night.
The course is designed to be a highlight --"a mountaintop experience" -- for the course participants. Careful planning and strict attention to detail provides a physical/logistic support and program second to none. Add to this a thoroughly prepared and enthusiastic staff and it is little wonder that most Scouters return from Wood Badge inspired and prepared to do an even better job of providing Scouting to boys. In addition to a fine course, all the traditions and heritage of Scouting are stressed and used to inspire those attending. Wood Badge in one form or another is used throughout the Scouting world. Tens of thousands of Scouters proudly wear the Gilwell neckerchief, woggle, and beads of Wood Badge-trained leaders. Because it was begun by Baden-Powell in England in 1919, it is clearly backed by the finest thought and tradition of the founder and thus carries with it great prestige. Wood Badge is then, a great force for world brotherhood, for though it uses the local traditions in each country, it emphasizes the international aspects of the movement and the heritage of Baden-Powell and Gilwell Park.


Portions excerpted from the History of Wood Badge BSA Publication # 3164, which may be purchased from your Scout Shop or from the National Supply Division.

Mark your calendars

Troop 150 CAMP IN
When; Friday, April 14 @ 6pm to Saturday, April 15… done before noon
Where; NCCC
See Andy Chalmers for more details

Pack Meeting

Don’t forget there is a Pack meeting Thursday night @ Pine Tree School, 6:30 pm
There will be an FOS presentation, PLEASE give generously. It costs the Council over $200 per Scout to provide the program and services that our son’s enjoy. If we are not paying these costs someone else is.

Thanks for all you do for Scouting
-Andy

Happy Birthday, to the Chief Scout!!!

Sir Robert Baden-Powell was born in London on February 22, 1857

SCOUTS 

Webelos pizza PARTY...

 

Webelos to Scouts

BLUE & GOLD
Thursday night, 6pm @ Pine Tree Elementary
Don't forget your potluck dish... there should be a good turn-out. Troop 150 will be joining us for dinner and will be participating in the Cross-over... it should be a good night of Scouting fellowship

Round Table

Reminder...Tonight is Round Table at Whitefield (yes, I know it is Valentines Day)... We are meeting in the Conway Aubuchon parking lot at 6pm. This is the Position Specific portion of the New Leader training... This is a good one to go to. Remember that you MUST attend, at least, 4 Round Tables or a University of Scouting in order to qualify for your 'knots'.

The Giving Blog: Happy Birthday Boy Scouts

The Giving Blog: Happy Birthday Boy Scouts

January Pack Meeting/ Arrow of Light award

 

District Calendar

February 2006
February 4-5, 2006 -- Klondike Derby -- NH Community Technical College -- Berlin, NH
February 7, 2006 -- District Committee/Commissioner Staff Meeting
February 14, 2006 -- Roundtable/OA Chapter Meeting
March 2006
March 7, 2006 -- District Committee/Commissioner Staff Meeting -- District Annual Meeting
March 14, 2006 -- Roundtable/OA Chapter Meeting
March 15, 2006 -- Deadline for early Camp payments
April 2006
April 1, 2006 -- Pinewood Derby -- Littleton Chevrolet -- Littleton, NH
April 1, 2006 -- Adult Leader Recognition Dinner
April 4, 2006 -- District Committee/Commissioner Staff Meeting
April 11, 2006 -- Roundtable/OA Chapter Meeting
May 2006
May 2, 2006 -- District Committee/Commissioner Staff Meeting
May 5-7, 2006 -- Spring Camporee/Hike-A-Thon
May 9, 2006 -- Roundtable/OA Chapter Meeting
June 2006
June 6, 2006 -- District Committee/Commissioner Staff Meeting
June 13, 2006 -- Roundtable/OA Chapter Meeting

**NOTE: All Roundtables & Order of the Arrow Meetings are held at the White Mountain Regional High School, Whitefield, NH at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.**

New Cub Scout shirts are on there way THANKS Larry

 

Arrow of Light w/ a VERY PROUD Den Leader

 

Grrrr...

 

Go Wolves Go

 

1-26-06 Pack Meeting

Location; cafeteria, Pine Tree School
Time; 6:30pm

Agenda

• Webelos Arrow of Light awards
• Webelos badges
• Skits/ songs by all of the Dens
• Pot Luck dinner sign-up for next months Blue & Gold
• schedule of up-coming events

See you all there,

Andy

1/20/06

The Webelos Pinewood Derby workshop went off w/o a hitch last night. Many thanks to Jim for entertaining the troops while I dealt with a broken band saw blade.

I'm off to a Trainers Development Conference... all day Sat. I'll be down at Camp Carpenter. If anyone needs anything from Council or the Scout Store let me know (I presume I'll be able to get away if I need to).

Mark your calendars for March 18th... Rochester will be doing another Position Specific Training; we all seemed to get a lot out of this training.
Don't forget Feb.'s Roundtable will have PST as well. Having trained leadership is VERY important in providing a quality program for our boys.

Yours in Scouting,
Andy

Webelos Pinewood Derby workshop

REMINDER; This week's Den meeting will be held at the L.A.D. carpentry shop; Thursday, 1/19, @ 6:30pm... Don't miss it!

Re-chartering

A quick note to congratulate our fearless leader, Mary ... NICE WORK... the night went w/o a hitch. GREAT JOB! as a reward you get to remain Cub Master for another year!

I don't think we could have seen a more exciting game.

We were off to a rough start... tickets showing up late, a major automobile accident tying up traffic, followed by a detour around a structure fire... but, we finally made it!

I am very proud of the boys that wore their uniforms to the game. It is important to show everyone that the brotherhood of Scouting is alive and well. The Scouting movement couldn't have been represented by a better group of boys!

While the Pirates ended up loosing (only after a period of overtime, followed by a 'shoot-out') I think a great time was had by all.

I don't think I'll be forgiven anytime soon for not catching that errant puck. It was one of those moments... I was reaching out for the puck and I could see the headlines of the 'Conway Daily Sun'... CUB SCOUT LEADER CRUSHES 3 ROWS OF HOCKEY FANS... usually you don't get a 2nd chance to re-think these things... I'm glad I sat back down!

I'm making sure I stick jumper cables into the trunk of the car for our next outing... we want to 'be prepared'... right Bud?

See you all at the next Den/ Pack meeting,
-Andy

Webelos... remember

Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law

A Scout is;
TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Scout Motto
Be Prepared
Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily

Jan- Feb '06 Events Calendar

January

1/3 Committee Meeting 6:30pm Conway Library

1/5 Webelos Meeting 6:30pm North Conway Congo Church

1/7 Position Specific training… Rochester

1/10 Roundtable 7:45pm Whitefield This is for re-chartering, it will be VERY short (about 10-15 mins)

1/12 Webelos Meeting 6:30pm North Conway Congo Church

1/13 Portland Pirates game 7pm Portland Civic Ctr

1/19 Webelos Meeting 6:30pm North Conway Congo Church

1/26 Pack meeting 6:30pm Pine Tree; sign-up for Pot Luck dinner for Blue and Gold; ALL DENS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO DO A SKIT

February

2/2 Webelos Meeting 6:30pm North Conway Congo Church