Troop 132

Greetings Scouts,

It was fantastic to be back at Camp TL Storer, our past summer camp location for the Polar Bear Challenge and Klondike. SPL Lucien, and ASPL Charlie and I had the opportunity to visit the dining hall after the fire program and before  the leadership cracker barrel event and took some pictures of the McGee Cup, the camp-wide game trophy, which we won a few years ago, and to see the many troop signs that our troop has made, some hanging and some waiting to be hung from the rafters. We also noted the names of all the scouts who spent weeks over many years at TL Storer.

TL Storer is not open but glad they hosted and we were up for this event. Thanks to Mr. Mark Rzepczynski, Mrs. McLeod, Mr. McWilliams and Mr. Gallucio for all the help organizing, preparing, and transporting our troop, sleds and poles for the A-Frame.

A special shout out to Mr. McWilliams and Mrs. McLeod for running the A-Frame station all day in the cold. This was one of the colder events we have had, with temperatures dipping below 0 and highs only in the 20’s during the day.

Good work to meet Friday night before setting off to review all the personal gear. This made a difference to “be prepared.”

Troop 132 placed overall 2nd this year under Lucien, Charlie and Cameron’s leadership (with Nathaniel and Grady leading our two patrols), which is terrific. Lucien provided a short write-up below that hits the main points. Just for context, we have not attended a district event like this since 2019. In 2020 we did our own event and last year there was no district event. Why that matters is that this is a good test and challenge of our Troop. This tests our gear, attitude, leadership, and scout skills. In a short period of time, in challenging outdoor winter conditions, we had to coordinate, communicate, and plan a strategy on each event and time manage the entire team throughout the day. In addition to the event themselves, we have to set up camp for inspection, ready the sleds (for inspection) and have our gear ready. 

The Klondike gives us good feedback as a troop on how well we are doing overall as a unit.  I’m extremely proud of your accomplishments and spirit. You worked well in small teams and as a troop. You lived the scout law and took care of each other with very cold temperatures. Of course we also learned we can do better with fire building and knots!!! Congratulations and well done on working together, having fun, and meeting the challenge of the Klondike. Of course, a visit to 5-Guys was a good way to get fuel, warm up and share stories.

Seabase Video; Want to see what Seabase was like for the 2016 crew? Grady has posted an mp4 video, put together by Michael Flannery, to the Troop Dropbox (the link is in this week's Bulletin). Check it out. Shows what life is like sailing and some great footage.

Some things we are working on are a camp entrance and banner and we will be looking for some help with the design and art work, a camp gadget, and some better way to post the menu’s, weather and duty rooster. We also have some sled work to do for repairs.
At your Tuesday meeting the patrols presented some skits, which was fun to see while eating Klondike Bars!

Monday night is a PLC Meeting; stay tuned for location and type of meeting we will have but note February vacation week there will be no meeting.

Do your good turn daily! Look for opportunities to help others!

YiS,
Mr. Duggan, Scoutmaster

Greetings Scouts,
​
Many of you are preparing for the Polar Bear Challenge at TL Storer this weekend, also known as the Klondike Derby. This is an exciting and challenging scouting event where we interact and compete against other patrols mostly in our district.

The weekend weather is changing. Today’s rain will mix with snow and Saturday will be a high of 20 and low of -6.

What you need to do:

1. Be prepared; there is limited heated space available to accommodate first aid situations.
2. 2)Read the message from Lucien below and plan accordingly with gear list. The important thing at night is to stay dry and there are many methods to keep warm including doubling up sleeping bags, liners, pads, hand warmers, and hot water bottles.
3. One option for those parents willing to drive up and back, would be to come for the day and join the fun of the events. You would still need to be prepared for cold weather. Please contact me before Friday evening.
4. Car assignments and any adjustments to schedule will be posted on Friday night after our personal gear inspection. Bring your equipment as you would prepare for the event.

Here’s a message from Lucien:

Just a reminder to be ready for Friday. We'll meet outside the Scout House 5-6PM, and review personal gear. Our troop offers a good packing list at http://www.troop132.com/equipment-lists.html. You will also want 2 liters (medium-sized bottles) of water and a collection of energy-rich snacks, alongside your patrol-assigned gear, of course. Of utmost priority is having enough cold-weather gear - it will get below 0 at night. If you are not ready Friday, you won't be able to go. Check the Troop Gear Rental System here if you are missing anything.
​
This is a fun and challenging event and I know many of you are looking forward to putting your fire building, lashings, log pulls, and first aid skills into practice and competition.

Do your good turn.

YiS,
Mr. Duggan, Scoutmaster