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!