Scoutmaster Minute

Citizenship In The Community

Yes, there is room in the class.  First meeting at 3:45 PM in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room on the second floor of the Town Office Building on Monday, January 12th.  That is the building to the left of Cary Memorial Hall as you look at it.  It is just past the Post Office.

Meeting Planning

Joey and Jeff led an impromptu brainstorming session at the last meeting.  I was impressed by the input.  Stay tuned for something different for the next meeting.

A Scout Is Helpful

I hyperextended my knee recently so it is a bit unstable and I can’t bend it fully.  It doesn’t stop me from walking, I can shovel snow, and I don’t limp, but it makes me just a little fearful of a fall which would certainly tear something and little slips can be painful.  That, plus the recently icy sidewalks, have reminded me of what it is like to have less than full mobility–how winter affects many of our neighbors and limits what they can do.

Today a bunch of us got together to shovel out the driveway of a person who couldn’t reasonably do the job all by themselves.  The way I felt last week when I was trying to dig out my driveway and just couldn’t move the heavy snow.  My neighbor came by and helped me with the heavy stuff so I then helped him with the lighter stuff.  We can all do something, but nobody can do everything.
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Citizenship in the Community – First Class January 12

I have heard from many people about the class.  I waited until vacation was over because I knew there would be some last-minute signups.  The last one arrived just minutes ago.

The vast majority voted for Monday.  But I will make every effort to work with the two who could not make it that day.  Let’s get the Monday class off the ground first.  Unfortunately, there are a few problems with that day as there are with all days.

Let us plan to meet the first time on the 12th of January starting at 3:45 PM in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room on the second floor of the Town Office Building.  That is the building at 1625 Mass Ave very close to the Post Office.

The next week is Martin Luther King Day so there will be no meeting.  Then we will have a meeting on January 26th, but then will miss another week because it looks like I have to be in Seattle that Monday.

But let’s get this thing off the ground.  Come to the first meeting and let’s discuss some options to perhaps shorten the class and not have to meet every other Monday.  Be prepared to discuss some alternatives such as meeting that second week on Tuesday instead of Monday.  I know–this scheduling stuff gets complicated.  And be prepared to tell me if we can meet at least a few minutes earlier than 3:45 PM.

Adults are welcome, by the way.  And needed, I might add, because we will need to form a Board of Selectmen for the last class which will be a Town Meeting to debate and vote on an article.

-Hank Manz

Deep Freeze — it is here!

It is here, Troop 160 scouts and parents – building quinzee, cooking outdoor under 20 degrees, watching how maple syrup is made, wonderful views…this year, you don’t want to miss Deep Freeze Camping Trip!

Parents, please fill out the form and come to volunteer. Scouts, challenge yourself during February vacation and brag about it for the rest of the year to your friends!

Questions? Please contact your friendly trip coordinator Lien Ho (Wilson’s mom). You can bring signed form to our troop’s meeting or, you can mail to me.

For information on winter camping gear, click here.
Downloads:

2009 Deep Freeze Sign Up Form
Directions to Rolfsons

Winter camping

(NOTE:  For more information on equipment and checklists and winter camping, check this part of the Troop website — The Webmaster.)

I have noticed a dropoff in those going on winter camping trips.  That is a concern since Scouting Is Outing.

If you are considering going on a winter trip, but are afraid that your equipment may not stand up to the elements, please talk to me at the next meeting.  The troop has available a couple of good quality down bags and a couple of fiberfill bags as well.  We have four backpacks which will work quite nicely to boot.

You can rent gear from REI at very attractive prices and you can reserve it ahead of time.  If you are not a member, join.

Although we like to brag just a bit about how tough we are and how close to nature we are on these trips, keep in mind that you can be warm and comfortable, even without spending several hundred dollars on the latest and greatest gear.  After all, the early conquests of Everest and the many polar expeditions were done long before fleece and polypro garments were invented.

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January 8: Pack check for January 17-18 campout

Due to the recent Ice Storm  –  Windblown Ski Area will not be able to open as scheduled.  We are still planning the Winter Camp Out for January 17th – 18th but have changed the location to Hidden Valley, NH.

There is lots of snow at Hidden Valley!

Initial pack check for winter camp out this week (January 8th) during Troop meeting!!

Don’t forget:

Winter boots (big enough to wear 2 pairs heavy wool socks)
Extra socks, mittens (warmer then gloves), heavy cap
Remember—-  LAYERS—– with wind proof outer shell for jacket and pants.
Warm sleeping bag and pad

No jeans, no cotton.

We will be sledding and hauling our gear in on sleds as well—bring a sled or borrow a sled!!

Please look at Troop 160 website for complete check list for winter camping.

Bring the 10 essentials—-look them up in the Boy Scout handbook if you don’t know what they are!!

After the 1st pack check, we will have a final pack check the following week (January 15)

See you soon.

–Joe Lepore and Meg Bonnell-Bradley