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Eagle Court of Honor This past Sunday Troop 19 honored Everett Woodward and Scott Champagne with Scouting’s Highest Youth Award – The Eagle Scout Rank. It was a very impressive ceremony with dignitaries from the State of New Hampshire and local officials attending with Troop 19 Scouting families. We had a fabulous banquet afterwards. Congratulations again to Scott and Everett and thank you to all who made the ceremony possible-both in mentoring our Scouts along the trail to Eagle and for assisting in the Court of Honor.
Have you earned this award?
Check out the National Camping Award Patch awarded based on the number of days you have camped. Click on the image on the left margin on the troop website – www.troop19.org
Next Troop Activity – June 12- 14th The Permission slip for the troop’s backpacking trip in the White Mountains has been posted at www.troop19.org. Adult coordinators for this trip are Jim Woodward and Sherman Sewell. If you are considering attending the troop’s High Adventure trip next summer—this trip is a good first step. A limited number of backpacking trips are offered each year and if your schedule permits—now is the time. We anticipate one more hike scheduled in the fall but no firm date has been set.
Scouts are reminded to bring their backpacks to the troop meeting on Tuesday night packed with their personal equipment based on a weekend backpacking trip. The Scouts should also wear their hiking boots. Patrol Leaders will be instructing their patrol on proper packing techniques and how to go light and hike in comfort.
Here is some information from Mr. Woodward (our 4000 foot club member and ASM) to get everyone prepared for backpacking: Backpacking differs from car camping in that you must carry everything you need as you move from camp to camp. There is no option to drive to the local Wal-Mart to get something you forgot. You also need to pack smart: light enough to carry, but everything you might need. This is a delicate balance you learn as you do many trips When car camping, you are grouped in 6-8 person patrols for cooking and sleep in 3 person tents (very heavy!). A patrol works together on a car camping trip. Backpacking you are grouped in a 2-4 person cook group and sleep in light weight 2 person tents. The cook group will each have a stove, water purifier, pots and a tent for each 2 people. This shared gear along with the food will be distributed among the group member. Each person carries their fair share of gear and food. . Ideally your backpack might weigh between ¼ and 1/3 of your body weight. A hiking crew will be made up of 2 to 4 cook groups.
Backpacking is the White Mountains presents many challenges. The weather in the mountains can change at a moment’s notice. You need to be prepared this time of year for weather from 20 degrees to 80. For sunshine to a cold wet rain and everything in between. The best way to be prepared for any weather is to dress in layers and do not wear cotton. The reason for no cotton is that once wet, it stays wet forever, it is heavy and provides no insulation once wet. Your dressing layers should be the following:
The terrain in the White Mountains is full of tree roots, mud and rocks. Add in a heavy backpack means a risk of sprained ankles. To take care of your feet and legs means wearing proper footwear. You need to have over the ankle hiking boots which fit properly and are water proof. I strongly recommend going to a good footwear store for proper fitting: REI, EMS, Alec’s Shoe Store, LL Bean, etc…. Also, check out the troop website at www.troop19.org Go to the Scoutmaster links section for a lot of online resources.
Equally important is the socks which go into the shoes. Some people use a two layer system of a wool sock and a liner. Some use a single sock like SmartWool or CoolMax hiking socks. The choice of socks is a personal one and should be based on comfort and prevention of blisters. You especially need to avoid cotton athletic socks—they cause major problems for hiking
Other important gear is a compass and knowledge to use it, a map, sun screen, bug dope, a head lamp with fresh batteries (easier to use and lighter than a flash light), first aid kit (can share within a group), matches and a couple 1 liter water bottles.
For a sleeping bag, you should have a light weight 20 degree bag. The smaller and lighter are better. Your sleeping bag needs to stuff compactly to either fit inside your backpack or secured with straps and in a waterproof stuff sack on the outside of your pack. A good bag taken care of properly will last your entire scouting years and beyond.
Finally you need a backpack. A back pack needs to fit you well or the weight won’t be properly carried on the body. Most backpacks have adjustments which will let it be adjusted as the scout grows. I would suggest visiting EMS, REI, LL Bean or other local outfitter to be fitted properly for a pack. They should be able to explain to you all of the adjustments for the various packs and suggest one for your son. The backpack volume should be at least 3500 cubic inch or greater. Also remember that backpacks are not water proof so you need a pack cover (you can use a large garbage bag to save money) or pack all the gear in plastic bags inside the pack.
The troop has 2 person tents, stoves, water purifiers and cook kits which can be borrowed. This equipment will be signed out on the Tuesday before the trip and must be returned in good condition and dry the Tuesday after the trip. This equipment is very expensive so take good care of it. If you have any question on how to care for something, just ask!
Hiking and Backpacking require more than just the right equipment. At times it can be challenging and difficult –at Troop 19 we call that character building. You need to be equipped with your Scout Spirit, a cheerful disposition and a positive attitude.
Regards, Greg Anthony |
