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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