Happy New Year!

I wish everyone the best in health and happiness for 2010.

Our next troop meeting is on Tuesday night, January 5^th.  It is very important to bring the attached permission slip to the troop meeting for the campout scheduled next weekend.  Secondly, the permission slip needs to be turned in at the start of the meeting for us to finalize all the trip logistics (drivers, passenger counts, equipment, etc).

The winter campout is at Storer Scout Reservation in Barnstead, NH.  It is about an hour from the church.  We have a cabin reserved that has gas heat, electricity, stove and bunks.  We plan to practice some outdoor skills (ice rescues, shelter building, winter first aid, compass and fire building) along with time for snow tubing/sledding, ice fishing and other activities. 

The Klondike Derby is a Saturday event on the troop calendar—however the district is encouraging patrols to campout on Friday night to earn a special patch (and bragging rights for toughing the weather).  If your patrol is interested in doing this, let me know.

Our snow shoe hike is in jeopardy of cancellation –only two scouts have signed up and a decision will be made next Tuesday night.

The date of the YMCA Lock-in has moved from Saturday night to Friday night.

If you have not completed the new Annual Health Form—please do so for next Tuesday night.

BSA Advancement requirements have changed for 2010.  More information is on the troop website.  Each Scout needs to be familiar with the changes and take responsibility for his personal advancement.  Patrol Leaders are expected to follow-up with their members to ascertain their needs and work with them to develop a plan to advance in the coming year.

January Theme - Winter Camping

January 8 – 10

Polar Bear Campout, Storer Scout Reservation, Barnstead NH

February Theme - Patrol Power

February 6

Klondike Derby (Required Participation)

February 9

Troop Meeting with Order of the Arrow Election

February 14

Scout Sunday

February 16

Court of Honor with FOS and Camp Promotion.

February 20-21

Snow Shoe Hike to Zealand Hut

March Theme - Hiking & Orienteering

March 13 – 14

Troop Ski Trip (Sunapee - two days, one night)

March 26 (Fri)

Merrimack YMCA Lock-in.

Regards,

Greg Anthony