Volume 1 | Issue 7 | Sarah Lindegren
From the Scoutmaster
A scout is…..kind.
Buckle up folks! This is the time of year when things get a little busy. There’s a lot going on in the Scout’s universe and it’s easy for our focus to slip a little and our stress can come out in ways we’re not very proud of.
This November, while we’re sitting around our dinner table with our nearest and dearest, let’s remember to show our families and friends some kindness. It’s a time to be thankful and to extend ourselves a little beyond our own little worlds to show others some care.
Here’s your challenge: Choose one person each day and do something kind for them. Even one small act of kindness can change someone’s mood and can be just the kind of thing that can turn someone’s whole day around. You may never know your impact, but I promise you, it will never be unwelcome.
Unsure where to start? November 11 is Veterans Day. Display your flag proudly and make sure to tell a veteran in your community how much you appreciate
their service.
Plan Ahead and Prepare…Backpacking Basics
It’s no secret. Backpacking is, by far, this Scoutmaster’s favorite activity throughout the year. Since November’s campout is a backpacker, I thought I’d provide some tips and tricks I use to keep myself happy and comfortable on the trail.
The number one most important thing a scout should do well before every activity is assess their gear. Do your boots fit well? If not, it might be time for a new pair. If you do decide to purchase a new pair, make sure the backpacker isn’t the first day you use them! Get out and walk around in them a few times to make sure they’re going to work for you. There’s nothing worse than a blister and several more miles to hike.
Second, do your research. What is the weather going to be where we’re going? The weather at our camping location is likely significantly cooler than at home. You may want to throw in a knit cap and a set of gloves just in case! They’re light weight and are key to keeping you warm.
Does your sleeping bag make the grade? Double check the rating on your sleeping bag. Remember that the “comfort rating” is different from the “lower limit” rating. Make sure you have a sleeping bag that meets your needs. If necessary, outdoor companies also make a lightweight sleeping bag liner that can increase that comfort rating and keep you warmer. If you are a cold sleeper, you might consider adding one to your pack.
Last, don’t overdo it. Is all that gear you’re carrying worth it? Is there a way to pack efficiently without added weight? Plan ahead and your trip will be a success!
Safety Moment
Why proper KP is important.
Here’s the bottom line: No one enjoys being sick in camp or on the trail. Yet, if you ask our older scouts, every single one of them has a story about how food has negatively impacted their scouting experience.
While we’re camping, keeping our food-related equipment clean is simple. Here are some tips.
- When putting together your duty roster, identify one person responsible for getting water and prepping your wash bins.
- Set up your KP station while food is being cooked and prepped.
- Clean as you go! This makes clean up quicker and easier before it gets dark.
- Wipe out your dishes before you wash them. Wash cleaner things first before you get to the pots and pans.
- Everyone helps! KP should be a patrol effort.
If each patrol follows these tips, clean up is a snap, gets done before the sun goes down, and keeps everyone happy and healthy!
Need Gear???
December is gear trade month!
At December’s Court of Honor, Troop 111 will be hosting a gear trade opportunity. We all have growing kids and likely have lots of items at your house that are no longer used and need a good home. Please bring whatever you’d like to trade – boots, clothing, mess kits, sleeping bags, etc. – to the Court of Honor and, after the ceremony, you’ll have an opportunity to take a browse through the “shop” to see if there’s anything you’d like to take home.
Troop 111 Who’s Who?
This month’s spotlight: The Scout Parent
You’re probably looking at the organizational chart above and wondering where the parent is located. Well, we don’t put them on there, but they are arguably one of the more important roles in a healthy troop.
What is a parent’s role in the Troop? First and foremost, experience has taught us that a parent who is active in Scouting has a profound impact on their Scout. Scouts with parents who show genuine interest in their participation and advancement tend to go farther and are more likely to reach the rank of Eagle.
Parents who are registered are even better! We serve as Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Committee Members, Merit Badge Counselors and more. We are the people the scouts have the most interaction with. We’re mentors and guides along their scouting path.
If you’re wondering how you can get more involved, start small – be a driver to an event, refreshments coordinator for a Court of Honor, or the “at home” point of contact for an outing.
Looking for something more involved? Volunteer to coordinate a fundraising event like Christmas trees or a service project to support our chartered organization.
Many of these roles don’t require registration or training but all are immensely powerful in their contributions. We’d love to have you join us!
November Events
- 3 November: Patrol Leaders Council
- 7-9 November: Troop Backpacker – Mt. Pleasant/Cole Mountain
- 10 November: Troop Committee Meeting
- 11 November: Veterans Day
- 15 November: Merit Badge University
Coming Soon…
- 12-14 December: Wilderness Survival Campout
- 16 December: Winter Court of Honor & Gear Swap
- 17-18 January: Trip to Baltimore
A Final Word…
November is a month of gratitude and thanks. No other holiday in the United States is more Scout-like than Thanksgiving. Where America attempts to show kindness, courtesy, and cheerfulness for one (or maybe two) months of the year, Scouts promise to do this every day.
As your Scoutmaster, I’m proud to be part of Troop 111. We show up for each other. We cheer each other on. We encourage each other when w e struggle. Every member has a servant’s heart. Let’s make sure to spread that a round this month and show people who we are. We are Troop 111.
Happy Thanksgiving.