Scoutmaster Minute: Mother nature delivered an extra week of winter break…hope you all used the time wisely. The Troop did benefit but having a Mini-Klondike race to test out the sleds which generall were in pretty good shape…functional is perhaps better charactizization. Clear need a little more practice on driving and dragging the sleds…but the 2 man Eagle patrol beat all the others so perhaps more is not always better.
In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.
– Abraham Lincoln
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ANNOUNCEMENT
  • PLEASE make sure you sign up for Klondike Derby here.We need to register and pay for all those attending, this also helps us determine how many patrols we can field for the competition.
  • ### We need volunteers that can transport the Klondike Sleds to/from Camp Synder, does not require camping.
  • ### Need someone to pull Troop trailer to/from Camp Synder,  does not require camping. 
  • NEW Philmont 2023 Opportunity: The Troop has a 12-person crew reservation for a 12-day trek on July 12-24, 2023. A Scout must be 14 years old by the time the trek begins. Scouts wanting to go on this trek must make a commitment ASAP, the first deposit of $150/person is due on January 30. Please advise ASAP. 
MEETINGS
Remember that the Patrol assigned to run a meeting also has clean up duty….meaning your Patrol should be the last to leave with approval of SPL and Scoutmaster.
1. This Week Jan 11: Bridge of Doom (Eagles) – Activity Field
Uniform Class B
 
Patrols should review knots and lashing skills (pg 371-378) which will be put to use at this meeting. Consider this a warm up for expected skill challenges at the Klondike Derby.
Meeting will be at the activity field, dress appropriately and all attending should be wearing a mask.
 
2. Next Week Jan 18: Klondike Station/Preshakedown (SPL/ASPLs)
Uniform Class B
 
The Senior Leadership team will run a preshakwdown session for the Klondike and work together on plans for the Klondike station our Troop will run. Scouts needing to complete grubmaster requirements should be prepared to step forward. Each scout attending the Klondike should bring $15 for the grubmaster.
 
3. Look Ahead Week Jan 25: Klondike Shakedown (All)
Uniform Class B
 
Patrols will finalize plans for Klondike, including patrol gear check by Quartermasters. This meeting will include discussion of cold weather camping. It is critical that Scouts & Parents be reminded that cotton is terrible since it does not wick moisture that will build up during the day’s activities. Changing cloths, socks is the best option for staying warm and comfortable. Layering is key to regulating temperature.
Winter Weather Conditions necessitate proper gear. Any Scout arriving at the Friday assembly unprepared, no coat, hat, gloves, sneakers will be asked to show them or will not be able to depart. Repeat no sneakers.
We will apply the C – O – L – D method to assure staying warm (see below). Each Scout should bring at least 3 changes of socks…we will be stopping to have them change them throughout the day.

Clean – Since insulation is only effective when heat is trapped by dead air spaces, keep your insulating layers clean and fluffy. Dirt, grime, and perspiration can mat down those air spaces and reduce the warmth of a garment.

 

Overheating – Avoid overheating by adjusting the layers of your clothing to meet the outside temperature and the exertions of your activities. Excessive sweating can dampen your garments and cause chilling later on.

 

Loose Layers  – A steady flow of warm blood is essential to keep all parts of your body heated. Wear several loosely fitting layers of clothing and footgear that will allow maximum insulation without impeding your circulation.

 

Dry  – Damp clothing and skin can cause your body to cool quickly, possibly leading to frostbite and hypothermia.  Keep dry by avoiding cotton clothes that will absorb and hold moisture. Always brush away snow that is on your clothes before you enter a heated area. Keep the clothing around your neck loosened so that body heat and moisture can escape instead of soaking several layers of clothing.

4. OUTING Jan 28-30: Klondike Derby (All)

Uniform Class A (with B under)
 
Arrive at CUMC to load the trailer by 6pm. Eat dinner prior or bring it with you.
All Scouts must turn in a hard copy of the permission slip to SPL at this gathering (this will be attached to next Troop News).
 
 
KEY DATES
JAN 28-30: Klondike Derby @Camp Snyder 
FEB 6 & 27: Merit Badge University
MAR 1: Leadership Elections
MAR 18-20: Campout @Sky Meadows
MAR 29: Spring Court of Honor
MAY 6-8: New Scout Campout @Poplar Grove (Thurmont, MD)

IT’S ALL FOR THE SCOUTS!