Scouts worked on advancements then practiced semaphore and knot tying to prepare for the Klondike Derby.
Advancement
Colin Peek was promoted to Tenderfoot
Klondike Derby
The Klondike Derby is February 11th through 12th at Coloma Rod and Gun Club. Please RSVP using the attached 2022 Klondike form if you are attending before January 31st. See the Carcajou... attachment for details. Each Scout is $15 and should bring a can of soup.
Here is a refresher of Mr. Walsh's cold camping advice from earlier this year if you need it. They recommend a 0 degree bag for the upcoming Derby.
Bring a sleeping pad to get you up off the ground. But if it is one that has air inside also bring a blanket to put on top so it doesn't suck away your body heat. He recommended using a low temperature sleeping bag so check the rating. You want the sleeping bag rating to be 20° lower than what you expect to experience for safety. He recommends using a mummy bag but if you don't have one you can use a regular sleeping bag and maybe put an extra regular sleeping bag inside of it or add extra blankets. Wear a hat to sleep so you don't get cold. Hooded sweatshirts are nice. Bring Long John's and a long sleeve shirt to sleep in that are different from the clothing that you wear during the day. Dirty and wet clothing are not very insulating. Also bring a different thin pair of gloves to sleep in. He recommended bringing hand warmers but not using them directly on your skin. Make sure you wear a shirt between your body and the hand warmer near your chest and clean dry socks on your feet near the one at the bottom of your sleeping bag. Once you wake up drop the hand warmers into your boots. Keep your boots inside the tent and try and keep them from freezing. Bring an extra pair of boots or shoes in case one pair does get wet and freezes. Don't let yourself get so hot that you sweat and then get yourself wet. Jeans are not a good idea. Synthetic layers are your best friend. Wool can still insulate when wet. Wear lots of layers! Bring your winter coat and gloves and make sure to pack extra socks, like 5 or 6 pairs for 2 nights. None made of cotton.
Scout Sunday
Scout Sunday will be at the church during the 10:30am service on Feb. 20th. All Scouts are invited to attend and we will have a reception in the Fellowship Hall afterwards. Please wear your class A’s and a mask.
Mackinac 2022 Sign-ups
Plan now to attend the 2022 Mackinac Island Service camp. This will be our 60th season of service to the state of Michigan, and we are looking forward to a great week.
The first sign up will be Feb 15, 2022 at 7pm at the First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., Saint Joseph, MI 49085. Second sign up will be Feb. 24, 2022 same time, same place. The church asks that everyone wear a mask.
Our week of service will be July 16 - July 23, 2022. The fee this year will be $225. First payment of $75 will be due at sign up, and $75 due at first practice, balance due at last practice.
All Scouts must be at least 2nd class and approved by their Scoutmaster. A parent must be with each Scout, so they can sign the application agreement. We will also need a small photo of each Scout, and an up to date health form. A copy of the form is preferred. The adult fee this year will be $120.
If you have any questions, contact Jerry Ingram at 269-930-0366.
Merit Badge Counselors
The troop is in need of merit badge counselors.
The need is most urgent for the Eagle required badges….
(a) First Aid, (b) Citizenship in the Community, (c) Citizenship in the Nation, (d) Citizenship in the World, (e) Communication, (f) Cooking, (g) Personal Fitness, (h) Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, (i) Environmental Science OR Sustainability, (j) Personal Management, (k) Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, (l) Camping, and (m) Family Life.
If you are interested in becoming a merit badge counselor look at the options on the list at this link. Talk to Mr. Sparkman or Mr. Langlois to get the forms to sign up.
https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/