Scouts worked on advancements and we had an info meeting about Philmont and Mackinaw trips.
Mackinac Trip info
Our time at Mackinac is July 15-22, 2023. It is $200 per Scout. Attend an In-person info session, Q&A, Signup: Feb 16 or Feb 21, 2023 7pm at the Church. We could use one or two more adults for this trip.
No meeting January 16th. MLK Day
Jan. 23, 2023 Philmont non refundable deposit due.
Philmont
We are going to Philmont 6/18/2024-6/25/2024 with travel before and after these dates. The cost per Scout is $1235 not including travel and hotel costs. The first deposit deadline is $150 by Jan. 23, 2023. 2 adults and at least 6 Scouts are needed by this date. There is a max group size of 12. Scouts must be 14 OR completed 8th grade and at least 13 prior to participation.
In the past, we have driven to Chicago and taken a train to New Mexico, then a shuttle to Philmont arriving a day early, just in case (in the past this cost an additional $463 but may be higher now). Spend 1-2 days at base camp then go on our treks. We will do a service project on the trip and lots of fun activities at staffed and unstaffed camps along 6-12 miles/day hikes with 35-50lb 75L backpacks in a variety of terrain and elevations. You will see beautiful, breathtaking landscapes, probably some animals (it is a working ranch with cows, bears and little bears (hangry chipmunks that will eat through your pack if you don’t use the bear bags correctly), and cool plant life! Some trees smell awesome, please don’t lick them. This is a trip of a lifetime!
Don’t buy too much gear now as your Scout will grow. Hiking shoes/boots should be bought a few months in advance to break in, but so you don’t outgrow them by Philmont time. Backpacks should be tried on, but again, growth should be considered.
Practice hikes will begin in Fall 2023. We will do several before our trip.
We will do fundraising to help with expenses: parking, tents, car washes, etc.
Give your deposits to Orrin Lorenz.
Philmont picture slides
Feb 10-11, 2023
Klondike Derby! Bring trophies from last year to put on your sled to defend your victory!
Feb 12th Scout Sunday
Scouts wear Class A’s and help with the service. They will usher, hold doors, welcome guests and help in any other ways requested. Donuts!
Merit Badge Counselors
Come to the meeting and we will fill out the form with you! Help keep the Troop going!
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.