Dec 7 – Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) at 6:30 pm. Committee Meeting at 7:3o pm.
- December Backpacking forms and payment due.
- If you are looking at the dusting of snow today and questioning the thought of backpacking in the cold month of December, read Brendan Ryan’s note below and I’m sure you will change your mind!
December 9-11– Troop Outing – Back Packing Sign Up Now
- This month the troop will be backpacking at Mt Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey, NH.Departure will be from the Franklin VFW Hall at 5:30pm Friday December 9th. Scouts should arrive at 5:00pm to the VFW hall to help prepare the Troop and their Patrols for departure. Camp Friday night will be at Mt Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey, NH.After setting up camp, an appropriate hiking route will be chosen based on conditions. This could include a summit attempt (if it can be done without traction) or loop a series of lower trails back to campsite. This can be with lighter pack and should be about 5 to 7 miles. Scout leadership will determine final route based on conditions observed on-site. Return to camp, cook, retire for evening. Sunday will be a short hike back to cars or there is an option to have cars at second camp. Scouts will carry all food and gear between the 2 sites.
Participants need to plan for winter hiking and camping conditions (below freezing temps, snow). Cotton clothing is not appropriate. In addition to the normal troop camping pack list (Troop 29 camping checklist), proper footwear and backpacking equipment is required.
- All forms and payment ($20) are due by December 7th
December Backpacking – Are You Crazy? (Brendan Ryan’s Thoughts)
Is the thought of backpacking in the cold in December got you thinking you would rather not and wait for something better/warmer? I’ve been there and I thought that too, but my mom signed me up anyways for a March trip after several feet of snow fell the month before! In hind sight, that was one of my most memorable trips. I have bragging rights that I did it. The experience was great because all of us were doing it together giving each other support. It was a great learning experience that I didn’t need all of the junk I typically pack to give me a much lighter load – changing the way I pack for all trips now. I learned that sandwich bags really do keep my feet dry and warm when lined between my dry socks and wet boots. What a joy it was to have an extra pair of dry socks to put on after the long hike!
Mt. Monadnock was my first winter camping trip and the hike kept me warm all day – even needing to take off layers as we progressed up the mountain. It was a thrill to make it to the top and to take in the views. There is something to our National Anthem when it refers to purple mountain majesties – you can see them from Mt. Monadnock!
If you are one of the scouts that thought hiking in December is not for you, I ask you to reconsider to experience the satisfaction of meeting the challenge, the companionship of fellow scouts and the personal experience you will have in learning and taking in the beauty around you.
Dec 14 – Troop Meeting – 7pm-8:30pm. Charter School
Dec 21 – Troop Meeting – 7pm-8:30pm. Charter School
Dec 28 – NO Troop Meeting (School vacation)
Maine High Adventure Summer 2017
Are you interested in going on a High Adventure Experience? Opportunities abound throughout northern Maine for extended backcountry travel! Canoeing is by far the most popular mode of travel for Maine High Adventure crews. Paddling is available on lakes, ponds, easy to intermediate streams and rivers, and challenging whitewater. A crew can plan a laid-back relaxing trip, a strenuous demanding trip, or anything in between.
Read more information about the Maine High Adventure. This trip requires that scouts commit by Dec/Jan. ½ Payment is due on February 1. Final ½ is due May 1. Minimum age: must be 13 before Sept 1, 2017. MHA does not have “weeks” like Squanto. Trips are fully up to scouts for starting date (any day of the week) and length of trip. MHA only runs crews from mid-June to mid-August. Trips are typically 8-11 days, with 6 days being the minimum. And you must add 2 days (1+1) of travel time from/to Franklin.
If you are interested in the Maine Adventure, please speak with Mr. McGuire and indicate your preferred week.
Merit Badge Blue Card Reminder:
Please contact Mr. McGuire as your first step when you want to start a Merit Badge. He will guide you to a MB Councilor(s) and advise you if the desired badge has any prerequisites.
Here is a quick guide on How To Use A Blue Card To Earn A Merit Badge.
As a reminder all activity sign-ups are now online, signed release forms and payment will still need to be handed in at the troop meetings or given to Mr. Klawson when required. To Access all Troop 29 Current Sign Ups list and Information: All Troop Sign Ups
Please provide updates to Amy Pepin, amypepin@comcast.net, before 9am on Monday to be included in that week’s Troop News.
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