Scoutmaster Minute: It is always impressive what can be accomplished when we work collectively toward a shared mission. The meeting this past week demonstrated teamwork and the potential for a very useful camp gadget that could be used during the campout this weekend. On this upcoming outing I think there may be moments that challenge us in different ways depending on the goals set. The key is to set the goal and move ahead….you cannot finish if you never start.
I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I have been. 
– Winnie the Pooh
Rank Advancement
  • Evan Ross – Second Class (3/12)
  • Ryan Jastrzembski – First Class (3/12)
  • Joseph Barnett – Star (3/12)
  • Colby Lane – Life (3/12)
1. This Week Mar 19 – Orienteering (Landsharks) 
Uniform: Class A
A. Activity: This meeting has been prepared to provide introduction to Orienteering MB since these skills are extremely helpful on outings such as the one we are taking this next weekend. A Scout can always learn, and if you already know these skill then your well position to help others in your patrol with this fundamental task.

B. Shakedown: Each Patrol will review plans for the up coming Elizabeth Furnace campout March 22-24 which will follow a backcountry format. Patrols/Scouts should begin consulting the attached for Backpacking Meal Ideas (e.g., a loaf of bread does not travel well, but tortillas do great). Breakfast and Dinner will be in camp, lunch Saturday will be on the trail. For those working on various Rank requirements & MBs, this outing will including multiple cooking possibilities, hiking opportunities and options to exercise orienteering and pioneering skills amongst others. 

Again this is excellent opportunity to be a grubmaster, Scouts can work in pairs or as patrols. A key planning step for backpacking outing is to break meals down into their simplest elements. While prepping for Philmont we often used a 1 gallon ziplock to hold 1 meal for every 2 people, see examples below. Remember that you need protein on these outings.

Breakfast Example – Oatmeal breakfast is a great fast start, just requires some warm/hot water. Make sure you also include some morning fortification for the trail (granola bar, gummy fruit snack, yougut rain sack)

  • Store bought packets are nice and make great handwarmers while eating, but can be expensive.
  • Alternative – Add the following to a sandwich ziplock bag: 1/2 cup oatmeal, rasins, brown sugar and 1 tbsp powered milk (change ingredients to suite taste)

Lunch Example (2 people/no cook) – Sleeve/single box of saltine crackers, foil pack of flavored tuna or salmon, oreos, jolly rancher, peanut butter crackers, 1 gal ziplock (use this for trash)

2. Elizabeth Furnace Campout  Mar 22-24 – Meet 6pm @ CUMC on 3/22 
Uniform: Class A/B
PERMISSION SLIP REQUIRED  – NO EXCEPTIONS…HARD COPY SUBMITTED BY SCOUT TO SPL ON FRIDAY DURING ASSEMBLE
All those attending should bring a minimum of 2 Nalgene’s filled with water (will likely need to “make” water on site)….sports bottles leak…must hold water if squeezed or turned upside down.
This is Bear Country, so we will be using Bear bags with support from Philmont crew…ALL smellables go up, especially food items.
Couple of items to for Scouts to take into consideration as it pertains to a variety of rank and merit badge requirements while planning for this campout. There are many other requirements that could also be satisfied with a little planning, so Scouts should be aware that this outing provides a unique opportunity. That also assuming proper equipment.
  1. 1st Class – We will attempt to support the orienteering req in 4a and 4b as needed.
  2. Hiking MB – #4. Three 10-mile hikes (this location could be one of three, if 5mi is already complete)
  3. Cooking MB – #6d. While on a trail hike or backpacking trip, prepare and serve two meals and a snack from the menu planned for this requirement. At least one of those meals must be cooked over a fire, or an approved trail stove (with proper supervision).
  4. Camping MB – #9b. On any of these camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following, only with proper preparation and under qualified supervision:
1. Hike up a mountain where, at some point, you are at least 1,000 feet higher in elevation from where you started.
2. Backpack, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for at least 4 miles.
3. Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.
4. Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.
5. Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience.
6. Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.
5. Climbing MB – The Venturing Crew is climbing in the vicinity, so those that would like to climb will need the following (cannot easily do both the hike and climbing, but possible):
  1. 10 Essentials
  3.  $10 Gear use fee
3. Meeting Outlook by Patrol
3/26 – Eagles (Scout Games)
4/9 – Phoenix (Scout Scavenger Hunt)
4/23 – Titans (Operation Rescue)
4. Eagle Projects & Service Hours
  • Benjamin Powers has completed phase 1 of his flag pole eagle project. He is seeking additional support for phase 2 on Sunday, March 24 from 1-4pm (see attached flyer)
  • CUMC Spring Cleanup, April 6…details forthcoming.
  • Grace Ministries @ CUMC is a monthly program through our charter organization held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, with prep the Friday night before hand, help is needed at both the Friday set up and on Saturday morning to bring goods to cars
5. Troop Leadership Training, Team Building, and Program Planning: March 31 @ CUMC Activity Field
Uniform – Class A
Important: All scouts in leadership positions are expected to attend troop leadership training on Sunday, 31 March from 8:30AM to approximately 4:00PM.
We will do team building exercises (games!) and conduct refreshers on troop organization, position responsibilities, basic leadership skills, and begin planning troop activities for the next 6 months.
We will also need adult assistance for breakfast, snacks, and lunch. More to follow.

6.  Key Dates
Mar 24: Powers Eagle Project
Mar 22-24: Elizabeth Furnace Campout
Mar 31: Junior Leadership Training @ Activity Field
Apr 2: Court of Honor
Apr 6: Spring Cleanup @CUMC (Service Hrs)
Apr 26-28: New Scout Campout
May 5: Summer Camp Swim Test
May 24-26: Annual Canoe Trip
Jun 23-29: Summer Camp @ Goshen’s Camp Olmstead