We have a lot of activities over the next few months.  Our major focus is to prepare for the District Klondike Derby on February 4^th and 5^th.  Each patrol has been instructed to have patrol meetings to practice their skills, obtain equipment, and make any needed sled repairs.  Our troop meetings for the month of January are much like a team practice in which the patrol is practicing the skills in a “scrimmage” (patrol versus patrol competition).  It is important for every scout to do his best and contribute to the patrols success.  Each patrol needs to fill a full team for the Klondike and we are expecting everyone to attend and be prepared.  We don’t have “New Scouts” in the troop anymore.  All of us have been here for a year now and we need to take that approach in doing our best to have each patrol place in the top ten at the Klondike Derby.  That is our goal for Troop 19 and we can do it with everyone contributing.  Scouts by participating and knowing their skills well, Patrol Leaders by leading by example and being prepared and Parents and Leaders by offering support and encouragement. 

Patrol Leaders –take note: Klondike Packet 

Leading up to the Klondike Derby we have a troop campout scheduled at Storer Scout Reservation.  This is an “indoor campout” with a heated cabin and electricity. The camp is ideal for sledding, ice fishing and working on outdoor skills.  For our adventuresome scouts, they can build a snow shelter or igloo for Saturday night to earn tough guy honors.  Mr. Paulsen is the adult coordinator for this event.  A permission slip will be distributed shortly.

More information will be coming out regarding Scout Sunday on February 13^th.  For now, I am asking that you make note of it on your calendar.  We do ask and expect all our scouts to attend.  Pilgrim Church has been very generous to Troop 19 in allowing us to use the church hall and grounds for many years.  They don’t ask for anything in return although we have supported the Church with donations as needed.  Scout Sunday is a time for us to show to the members of the Church what Troop 19 is all about and how scouting is alive and healthy at their church.  Currently we don’t have any Scouts that are members of Pilgrim Church yet it is important for us to attend and worship as a troop.  A Scout is reverent. Attending a different church is a good opportunity to learn about your friend’s faith and beliefs.  Our scouts take part in helping with different elements of the service from being an usher, distributing programs, gospel readings, etc… So, those that want a part, can help and those just planning to attend and observe that is fine too.

Be sure to sign-up for the USS Salem Trip.  This is limited based on first come –first served.   An overnight adventure on the USS Salem, the only restored heavy cruiser in the world, will be a night of fun and excitement. Participate in Simulated Combat Stations; how to put out a fire on board a ship, track the enemy on radar, hoist the 8” shells into the magazine, give First Aid to injured crew members, decide what to bring in a life raft for Cold Weather Survival if the ship is going down and more. Enjoy an educational, and competitive, scavenger hunt, send a Morse Code message from the Radio Room and relax with a movie and a snack before turning in for the night in the bunks the original crew slept in. After breakfast the next morning enjoy a cruise around Boston Harbor and visit the US Naval Shipbuilding Museums.  Mr. Guertin is the adult coordinator for this event.  The sign-up sheet is at the troop meeting table (back of the hall).

More information can be found at:

www.uss-salem.org

The troop website has been updated with Yellowstone Trip Information. 

January 11^th

First Aid Activities

Luke Y.-Leader

January 18^th

Lashings and Knot Activities

Mike C.-Leader

Meeting notes- weekend campout at Storer Scout Reservation

January 25^th

Equipment Check – Nate B.

Patrol is scored on Klondike equipment, menu and duty roster are approved

February 1^st

Round Robin – 4 stations – 15 minutes each –ASM’s will be the Judges –Patriot Patrol will compete too!

Regards,

Greg Anthony