Scout Water Adventures!

Dear Scouts,
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Weeks are flying by and it’s the end of school year. Happy to say we had a great White Water Kayaking Trip last weekend led by our APL and Acting Crew Chief Matt. Matt stepped into the breach to organize the troop, and review the equipment and food prior to leaving. Our SPL, Cameron was not feeling well and Matt was called to do his duty for the troop. Due to the water release we did not get onto the water until almost 4pm and off the river at 7:30pm. That means back to camp and dinner prep and no campfire program unfortunately but enough time for the senior scouts to plan Sunday. Thanks to Mr. Greene as honcho who coordinated all the logistics for this first-time event for the troop. We have rafted as a troop before but this is the first time that we were in our own kayaks. Mohawk State Park camping was great, a short hike the next day and pizza and ice cream. All in all a super fun trip.

This week we also had another first; thanks to Mr. Herrero for organizing a Surfing day-trip the day after school was done, providing another new opportunity for scouts. The waves were unexpectedly strong, but the scouts were prepared, did a great job and had some fun in the process!

Scouts elected new leaders for the July, August and September term, which requires commitment to participating in all the events during that time frame; we have these terms to enable scouts to weave in other activities they are typically involved with during the year. Thank you to Cameron, Matt and Jonah as our senior leadership team. Cameron specifically did an outstanding job as Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). It takes a team and he managed to hear everyone’s point of view and then make progress in all our planning. Well done.

New leaders, Jonah (SPL), Tommy ASPL, and Freddy ASPL fill the role for the July, August and September which again requires full commitment. They will be working on goals and can share those next week.

Summer camp is on the horizon next. Here is my quick advice as Scoutmaster for new scouts:

1. Use a plastic scout camp locker – this keeps the animals out and clothes dry (Walmart sells a good one – the Sterilite Footlocker - Plastic)
2. Make sure scouts have Class A with 132 numbers with them
3. Bring your Scout Book (with your name on it!)
4. Bring mosquito netting (Maynard Outdoor Store sells it) and some string to tie it into the tents
5. Do not bring knives (Scouts need to earn Totn’chip first)
6. There is a “no electronics” policy for scouts. I will collect cell phones and put them into a plastic locker. I would encourage them to bring them fully charged with your (parents) number in the phone. They will be given back on Saturday morning to arrange pick-up.
7. Be on time for drop off and pickup
8. Swim shirts are a new requirement this hear so please bring one
9. Frontier program is a must for new or 2nd year scouts who did not have this opportunity last year.
10. Follow the scout law; all boys will have troop/camp chores including cleaning latrines, cleaning camp, waiting on tables. We have camp inspection and I have high expectations for a well-run camp.

The scouts will provide an overview next week about more do’s and don’ts. Summer camp is busy, challenging, fun and a great opportunity for scouts.

Remember: If you like something, put your name on it. If you love it, leave it at home.

Do your good turn, daily!

YiS,
Mr. Duggan, Scoutmaster