Scoutmaster Minute: No plan ever survives first contact with the enemy (Helmuth von Moltke). Our plans for a Klondike station were tested over this weekend did not survive “the enemy” (aka Jacob, Ben, Spencer & Robert). However, with a little Scouting resourcefulness, they were able to make some modifications and found success building a self-supporting bridge. This will be part of the Ice Abyss Crossing station at the Klondike….best of luck to all that seek passage.

Rank Advancement

  • Eagle – Hiroki Cook  (1/7/19)
  • Star – Ryan Barret (1/8/19)

1.This Week Jan 15 – Klondike Shakedown (SPL/ASPL)

Uniform: Class A

  1. The SPL/ASPLs and Patrol Leadership will be working to finalize plans for Klondike to ensure that each patrol is fully prepared for the challenges that will be part of the Derby competition. This will include final tally of scouts attending, tent assignments and review/approval of grubmaster meal plans.  All Patrols should review the attached Guide for essential details about sled preparation and rules to ensure eligibility for max points. Here is listing of stations is as follows:
  • Kim’s Gold – Various items under a blanket. Items are revealed for a short time. Patrol gets points based on how many items they remember.
  • Fire Building – Build a fire to burn a string that is 18 inches above the ground.
  • Bear Bag Challenge – Patrols choose and pack the correct smellables and are then timed to hang the bear bag
  • The Race – A brain and teamwork challenge using “Einstein Logic” (http://www.begent.org/einstein.htm).
  • Slingshot Biathlon –  Patrols gain points by traversing a short course and shooting targets with slingshots.
  • First Aid Challenge – victim, triage, explain treatment, transport patient
  • Frozen River Rescue – use of knots and throwing a rope to rescue a victim
  • Compass Challenge – test your compass skills to avoid being lost on the Iditarod Trail
  • Ice Abyss Crossing – Scouts must use teamwork and wit to successfully cross over the abyss in allotted time using only the supplied materials. Optional points may be earned with response to 3 Scouting Trivia questions but wrong answer risks a loss in points and being “launched”.
  • Amphitheater Service – One hour equals 10 points for the Patrol. The challenge is working this into your schedule to assure the points.

All Units are expected to provide at least one skit for the campfire on Saturday (more than one is encouraged!). The OA is organizing the campfire and will collect skit information – be prepared!

  1. At this meeting the SPL will be checking in with each Patrol on attendance and plans for grub masters/duty roster, tentmates. Each patrol must also make plan to transport their sled to Camp Snyder next Friday.
  2. !!!!Need Adult vehicle with hitch to transport Troop trailer to/from Camp Snyder.

2.OUTING Jan 18-20 – Klondike Derby @Camp Snyder

Uniform: Class A

  1. Scouts assemble @CUMC by 6pm for roll call, equipment check.
  2. SPL collects permission slips. Printed and signed permission slip is required on arrival…no exceptions.
  3. Transport Troop Trailer and Klondike sleds (Adult support with be essential to make this work)

3.ACTION ITEM: Philmont High Adventure 2020 Crew Opportunity

We have a 2020, 12-Day Expedition Slot!  The 12-Day expedition will begin on 7/4/2020 and end on 7/16/2020.

Now, we need a crew adviser and crew. The crew size is reserved for 8-10 Scout and 2-4 Adults (Total Crew size of 12).

  • Scout’s must be 14 years of age on date of arrival OR have completed the eighth grade and be at least 13 prior to participation.
  • The 2020 expedition fee is $1,025 per participant (plus airfare).
  • Be sure to check out the Philmont video for a little taste of what will be experienced https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxx5L872yVc...simply AWESOME!
  • Many adults and scouts have attended and can answer questions including myself, Dave Treat, Adam Wiesz, Shawn Marrow, and CJ Staton.

Assuming their is sufficient interest, the crew must submit a $100/participant deposit to hold this slot by 30 January, 2019!
If you are interested in being a crew adviser, and/or your scout is interested in attending, please email me and Paul Taylor right away.

4.Next Week Jan 22 – Lashing Out and Up (Pandas)

Uniform: Class A

Panda Patrol is developing a plan to exercise scouting skills and provide opportunity to tackle 1st class requirements (3a-d) and introduce elements of the Pioneering merit badge, which could be pretty useful during the March outing.

5.Key Dates

Jan 18-20: Klondike Derby @ Camp Snyder

Feb 10, 17, 24: Merit Badge University

Feb 19: PLC Meeting

Mar 5: Troop Leadership Elections/Positions of Responsibility

Mar 22-24: Elizabeth Furnace Campout

Mar 31: Junior Leadership Training

Apr 2: Court of Honor

Apr 26-28: New Scout Campout

Jun 23-29: Summer Camp @ Goshen’s Camp Olmstead