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

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

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

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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