The Artic Cold Front

Dear Scouts,
 
Current Friday afternoon Mount Washington Observatory weather. Temperature -36, wind 100 gusting to 112 and windchill is -92. Pretty impressive weather. Barnstead NH, TL Storer is 0. Remember last year it got to -7. Very impressive artic cold front.

As you know, the Klondike Derby is postponed until March. Given this change, the PLC will meet one week early - on Monday 2/6/23 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm (with Pizza), to review our schedule for February and March.

We were prepared. We had met and planned this trip. The Troop Committee was aligned with our plans and we had a backout plan as well. I was looking forward to it and this is one of my favorite trips for many reasons.

First, winter camping is challenging. Next, working as a team on timed scout skill events tests our ability. Fire starting, ice fishing, lashings, wood cutting, tent set up (sometimes) and administering an ice rescue and first aid we complete against other patrols. It’s a good yardstick to measure our program. I’m always proud of our scouts on how they work together and practice ahead of time, communicate with each other the plan, the carry it out. It’s something to witness and tests leaders in a real concrete get it done situation. It’s always challenging and always rewarding - sometimes not right away but reflecting back on what we can learn from it.

I know we are still interested in Iceland in June and we will be doing more planning ahead. It’s a busy year and it goes by fast.

I know the scouts enjoyed the climbing and Klondike preparation. Now we will have more time to tune our skills which should include orienteering and basic map and compass.

Keep warm and do your good turn daily.  
 
Yours in Scouting,
Mr. Duggan