Troop meetings will be on Tuesdays for the coming year:
Upcoming Meeting Dates are as follows:
8/23 – PLC Meeting to Finalize September
8/30 – First Troop Meeting of the Year
8/6 – Troop Meeting
8/13 – Troop Meeting
8/20 – Troop Meeting
8/27 – Troop Meeting & Fall Court of Honor
10/4 – PLC & Committee
10/11 – Troop
10/18 – Troop
10/25 – Troop
11/1 – PLC & Committee
11/8 – Troop
11/15 – Troop
11/22 – No Meeting
11/29 – Troop
We are anticipating that the meetings will be held at the YMCA. More info to follow.
We are also planning a parent meeting on Tuesday 8/9 7-8PM. As always, all parents are invited to attend. We would like to get together in person vs on zoom. Please be on the lookout for additional information.
Upcoming Activities
9/9 -11 Surfing at Narragansett Beach, RI
Camping at Aquapaug (Maple Grove Campsite)
Sept 10th we will have a group surfing lesson at 10AM with Peter Pan Surfing Academy
They will supply the surfboard and wetsuits for us. We need to provide height and weight for each student (Scouts and Adults) so that they can properly outfit us.
Scouts who really don’t want to try surfing should still come for the beach and waves. The water should still be warm and we have several boogie boards that can be used while the others are surfing.
The PLC is also working on some advancement ideas for the afternoon back at camp.
Please RSVP ASAP or by 8/27 at the latest. Sign up genius is as follows:
6/1 PLC Meeting 6:30 PM (note that there will not be a Committee meeting this month)
6/8 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School7:00pm
6/8 Parent Meeting St Mary’s School 7:00pm This is a MANDATORY meeting for troop parents. We will meet in the School Classroom 3. We will be discussing the state of the troop (membership & finances), open leadership roles, Chartered Org status, and potential options for the future of the troop.
6/15 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School7:00pm
Upcoming Activities
6/5 – Riverbend Trail Franklin 9:30-11:30 – Please help support Fraser’s Eagle Scout Project (Note this is on SUNDAY)
As part of Fraser Baird’s Eagle Scout project the troop is sponsoring the Riverbend Trail off Lincoln Street in Franklin. Fraser has done a lot of cleaning up and marked new trails but more needs to be done. He is looking for volunteers to help him on SUNDAY June 5. We will be clearing brush, moving debris and clearing trash. Scouts will earn volunteer hours.
June 17-19: Deep Sea Fishing Cape Cod and Camping at the Midway Recreation Area in Bourne
We will be camping on the Cape Cod Canal at the Midway Recreation Area. On Saturday morning we booked a private fishing charter boat to take us out for some ocean fishing. When we get back there are a ton of games we can play (sand volleyball court, horse shoes, corn hole, etc.). We are planning to do a fish fry with some of the fish that we catch on our morning trip. In the afternoon there is an option to bring bikes and ride along the Cape Cod canal to Town Neck Beach in Sandwich (4.5 flat miles each way). The facilities at this Rec area are really great. This will be a trip the Scouts and Adults will remember for many years to come!
There is still space for additional Scouts (regular pricing $510) but if you are considering going to camp please let Tim O’Toole know as soon as possible.
6/1 PLC Meeting 6:30 PM (note that there will not be a Committee meeting this month)
6/8 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School7:00pm
6/8 Parent Meeting St Mary’s School 7:00pm This is a MANDATORY meeting for troop parents. We will meet in the School Classroom 3. We will be discussing the state of the troop (membership & finances), open leadership roles, Chartered Org status, and potential options for the future of the troop.
6/15 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School7:00pm
Upcoming Activities
6/5 – Riverbend Trail Franklin 9:30-11:30 – Please help support Fraser’s Eagle Scout Project (Note this is on SUNDAY)
As part of Fraser Baird’s Eagle Scout project the troop is sponsoring the Riverbend Trail off Lincoln Street in Franklin. Fraser has done a lot of cleaning up and marked new trails but more needs to be done. He is looking for volunteers to help him on SUNDAY June 5. We will be clearing brush, moving debris and clearing trash. Scouts will earn volunteer hours.
June 17-19: Deep Sea Fishing Cape Cod and Camping at the Midway Recreation Area in Bourne
We will be camping on the Cape Cod Canal at the Midway Recreation Area. On Saturday morning we booked a private fishing charter boat to take us out for some ocean fishing. When we get back there are a ton of games we can play (sand volleyball court, horse shoes, corn hole, etc.). We are planning to do a fish fry with some of the fish that we catch on our morning trip. In the afternoon there is an option to bring bikes and ride along the Cape Cod canal to Town Neck Beach in Sandwich (4.5 flat miles each way). The facilities at this Rec area are really great. This will be a trip the Scouts and Adults will remember for many years to come!
There is still space for additional Scouts (regular pricing $510) but if you are considering going to camp please let Tim O’Toole know as soon as possible.
5/26 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School7:00pm – This meeting will be used to discuss the upcoming June fishing trip and start the fishing merit badge. In addition, there will be opportunities for rank advancement and a discussion of Memorial Day weekend activities as outlined below.
Upcoming Activities
6/4 – Riverbend Trail Franklin Time TBD
This was postponed from the original date and time. As part of Fraser Baird’s Eagle Scout project the troop is sponsoring the Riverbend Trail off Lincoln Street in Franklin. Fraser has done a lot of cleaning up and marked new trails but more needs to be done. He is looking for volunteers to help him on SATURDAY June 4 (Time TBD). We will be clearing brush, moving debris and clearing trash. Please be on the look out for a new sign up genius. Thank you, Fraser Baird. Scouts will earn volunteer hours.
Memorial Day Weekend
May 28th Grave Reflagging
May 30th Memorial Day Parade
Please sign up on Scoutbook on the event pages
June 17-19: Deep Sea Fishing Cape Cod and Camping at the Midway Recreation Area in Bourne
We will be camping on the Cape Cod Canal at the Midway Recreation Area. On Saturday morning we booked a private fishing charter boat to take us out for some ocean fishing. When we get back there are a ton of games we can play (sand volleyball court, horse shoes, corn hole, etc.). We are planning to do a fish fry with some of the fish that we catch on our morning trip. In the afternoon there is an option to bring bikes and ride along the Cape Cod canal to Town Neck Beach in Sandwich (4.5 flat miles each way). The facilities at this Rec area are really great. This will be a trip the Scouts and Adults will remember for many years to come!
There is still space for additional Scouts (regular pricing $510) but if you are considering going to camp please let Tim O’Toole know as soon as possible.
5/18 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School7:00pm – During this meeting, we will review the recent canoeing trip and work on First Aid for rank advancement. This will be followed by poison ball.
5/26 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School7:00pm – This meeting will be used to discuss the upcoming June fishing trip and start the fishing merit badge. In addition, there will be opportunities for rank advancement and a discussion of Memorial Day weekend activities as outlined below.
Upcoming Activities
5/21 -Earth Day 2022 DelCarte Cleanup Event 9:00 to 12:00
Join the Town of Franklin Conservation Commission for a Clean up Event at Delcarte Conservation Area. Please see below for information. Scouts will earn volunteer hours.
As part of Fraser Baird’s Eagle Scout project the troop is sponsoring the Riverbend Trail off Lincoln Street in Franklin. Fraser has done a lot of cleaning up and marked new trails but more needs to be done. He is looking for volunteers to help him on Sunday May 22nd from 2pm till 4pm or earlier if we get finished. We will be clearing brush, moving debris and clearing trash. If you/ friends/family can help please sign up on the sign up genius. Thank you, Fraser Baird. Scouts will earn volunteer hours.
June 17-19: Deep Sea Fishing Cape Cod and Camping at the Midway Recreation Area in Bourne
We will be camping on the Cape Cod Canal at the Midway Recreation Area. On Saturday morning we booked a private fishing charter boat to take us out for some ocean fishing. When we get back there are a ton of games we can play (sand volleyball court, horse shoes, corn hole, etc.). We are planning to do a fish fry with some of the fish that we catch on our morning trip. In the afternoon there is an option to bring bikes and ride along the Cape Cod canal to Town Neck Beach in Sandwich (4.5 flat miles each way). The facilities at this Rec area are really great. This will be a trip the Scouts and Adults will remember for many years to come!
There is still space for additional Scouts (regular pricing $510) but if you are considering going to camp please let Tim O’Toole know as soon as possible.
It was already getting hot with full sun as we prepared our canoes for launch into the murky Charles River.
We navigated a little ways down the river, but pulled over at a nearby dock as we noticed some of the teams needed help with their canoe paddling strokes.
After a quick adjustment we were back on our way, paddling along the winding river. There are no houses at the beginning of the journey, but there was a lot of wildlife.
We saw countless Beaver Dams, Great Blue Heron taking flight, and giant Carp jumping out of the water. The river was about 3 feet lower than it was a few weeks ago when Mr. Apicella and Mr. Latshaw took a trial run of the river. I don’t think there was enough water in some spaces to contain these massive Carp!
We made it to our campsite around 11:30PM and after pulling the canoes out of the water we set up our campsites.
We had lunch after everything was set up and then worked on getting enough firewood to last us through cooking dinner and into the evening.
The afternoon was a bit more relaxed with Scouts going out canoeing and fishing or just hanging out by the camp. Lucca caught his first fish and Alex brought back a Crappie (Calico Bass) which was filleted and cooked over the wood fire. This helped Alex to finish up his Fishing Merit Badge that was started at camp last summer.
For dinner we got a nice fire going and then cooked cheeseburgers and hot dogs on a grill right over the fire. We also had baked beans and both pasta and potato salad, as well as strawberry shortcake for dessert. We hung out by the campfire for a bit as it grew dark until we noticed it was starting to rain and then saw the forecast calling for RAIN starting about 10pm. We decided to call it a night and headed off to bed.
Sunday morning the birds were up early and were amazingly loud. The chance of rain in the forecast had changed to just cloudy skies. We got our coffee brewed and then cooked up a nice “Mountain Man” breakfast in a skillet over the campfire (sausage, peppers, onions, potatoes, eggs, and cheese). The Scouts had just planned bagels and cream cheese, but they were happy to be able to toast their bagels on the campfire. We broke down camp and hit the water again for about another 4-5 miles along the Charles River to the South Natick Dam. The water was so low that it exposed quite a few large rocks sticking up and out of the water. We had to take extra care to avoid those. The views of the multi-million dollar houses in Sherborn were also quite amazing! We reached the end of our journey around 10:30 and loaded the canoes back onto the trailer and gear into various vehicles.
Many thanks to Mr. Apicella and Mr. Latshaw for their extra time and effort to make this a great trip. Unfortunately due to a medical issue Mr. Latshaw was not able to go with us, but we are grateful for the extra time he took to work with us at our troop meeting last week and teach us some of the basics of canoeing.
5/11 Troop MeetingBeaver Pond 7:00pm – (Note: location change) Preparation for the Canoe Trip on May 14-15th. We will be going over Safety Afloat and Canoe Paddling Techniques in preparation for the trip next weekend. Those going on the trip will also be meal planning. We will also have our election for Order of the Arrow. We need 50% of the Troop Present in order to vote, so please plan on attending the meeting.
Upcoming Trips
May 14-15 We would be taking all of our gear in the boats. This would be a true “roughing it” Scouting Experience! Cost $15 per scout This is a one night trip, however we will probably get back later on Sunday so that we can get in a couple of hours on the river on Sunday AM. Exact logistics will be sent out shortly for this trip. Hiking, Camping, Canoeing…these are some of the best trips that Scouts can participate in. We have been working hard to plan this Canoe Trip for the past few months and really hope for a good turnout. We have canoes reserved locally and our own River Guide. Bob Latshaw is one of our former Scout Leaders. He has come back on occasion to help us out with things like Orienteering. He has recently become a licensed guide to lead high adventure canoe trips (multi day on big rivers). Bob and Jon have previewed the river course and the campsite. I am told the river is slow moving and wide enough to steer clear of any debris/trees that may have fallen. The plan is to put into the Charles River in Medfield (near the Animal Rescue) where Dover Road and West Streets meet. We will paddle up to Rocky Narrows in Sherborn to camp on the shore of the Charles. The next day we will continue to South Natick. Please talk to your Scout and sign up ASAP so that we can finalize plans
June 17-19: Deep Sea Fishing Cape Cod and Camping at the Midway Recreation Area in Bourne
July 17-23: Summer Camp at Camp Squanto Plymouth
There is still space for additional Scouts (regular pricing $510) but if you are considering going to camp please let Tim O’Toole know as soon as possible.
Please make sure you are working with your Scout on updating Scout Book with any requirements that they have completed and had signed off in their handbooks. There are some Scouts who I do not see updates for and this makes it very difficult to track their progress and see where we may need to help insert programming in order to keep Scouts on track with rank advancement. In the notes section, please note who signed off on the requirement (should be an older Scout or SM, ASM). The Scouts should be proactively looking at their advancement requirements to see what they need and either working on those skills at home and then asking to be signed off or if they are attending camping trips and need certain things like cooking or building a fire, they need to advocate for themselves. A great way to do this is to use index cards and write down 2-3 things that they want to accomplish at each meeting or camping trip. Over time they will get their ranks completed.
5/11 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School 7:00pm – Preparation for the Canoe Trip on May 14-15th
Upcoming Trips
May 14-15 – Canoeing on the Charles River and camping overnight at Rocky Narrows in Sherborn. This is another Trustees property, which has a boat landing and a campsite that we can reserve. We would probably launch in Millis and spend the day canoeing up to the site. We would be taking all of our gear in the boats. This would be a true “roughing it” Scouting Experience! Cost $15 per scout This is a one night trip, however we will probably get back later on Sunday so that we can get in a couple of hours on the river on Sunday AM. Exact logistics will be sent out shortly for this trip.
June 17-19: Deep Sea Fishing Cape Cod and Camping at the Midway Recreation Area in Bourne
July 17-23: Summer Camp at Camp Squanto Plymouth
There is still space for additional Scouts (regular pricing $510) but if you are considering going to camp please let Tim O’Toole know as soon as possible.
Please make sure you are working with your Scout on updating Scout Book with any requirements that they have completed and had signed off in their handbooks. There are some Scouts who I do not see updates for and this makes it very difficult to track their progress and see where we may need to help insert programming in order to keep Scouts on track with rank advancement. In the notes section, please note who signed off on the requirement (should be an older Scout or SM, ASM). The Scouts should be proactively looking at their advancement requirements to see what they need and either working on those skills at home and then asking to be signed off or if they are attending camping trips and need certain things like cooking or building a fire, they need to advocate for themselves. A great way to do this is to use index cards and write down 2-3 things that they want to accomplish at each meeting or camping trip. Over time they will get their ranks completed.
4/27 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School (Outside) 7:00pm – We will be holding an Open House for prospective Scouts to check out the troop. The Ice Cream Truck will arrive at 7:45pm. Please try to be at this meeting so that we have a good presence for anyone who may be interested in joining our Troop.. Please be extra early for this meeting if possible so that we can get set up a bit and look organized. The PLC Should be there by 6:30PM. The rest of the Troop by 6:45PM. Guests will probably start showing up anywhere from 10-15 minutes early.
Committee Meeting (7:30 – 8:30) All adults are encouraged to attend the Committee Meetings. Zoom invite to follow.
Note: Due to scheduling conflicts, the meeting may need to be moved to a different date.
5/11 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School 7:00pm – Preparation for the Canoe Trip on May 14-15th
Upcoming Trips
April 30 – May 1 Camping at Wanocksett Boy Scout Camp in Dublin, NH and hiking Mount Monadnock in Nearby Jaffrey NH. The weather looks great for this weekend. If you have not already signed up, please do so ASAP today/tomorrow. Right now we only have about 7 youth on the trip.
All Scouts who are able to attend are encouraged to attend, especially our NEW scouts.
We will have advancement focused on teaching the new Scouts about being on a troop trip, the Patrol Method, how to set up and use the cooking gear, and how to use knives and wood tools so that they can earn their Tottin’ Chip.
May 14-15 – Canoeing on the Charles River and camping overnight at Rocky Narrows in Sherborn. This is another Trustees property, which has a boat landing and a campsite that we can reserve. We would probably launch in Millis and spend the day canoeing up to the site. We would be taking all of our gear in the boats. This would be a true “roughing it” Scouting Experience! Cost $15 per scout This is a one night trip, however we will probably get back later on Sunday so that we can get in a couple of hours on the river on Sunday AM. Exact logistics will be sent out shortly for this trip.
Memorial Day Weekend
May 28th Grave Reflagging
May 30th Memorial Day Parade
Please sign up on Scoutbook on the event pages
June 17-19: Deep Sea Fishing Cape Cod and Camping at the Midway Recreation Area in Bourne
July 17-23: Summer Camp at Camp Squanto Plymouth
There is still space for additional Scouts (regular pricing $510) but if you are considering going to camp please let Tim O’Toole know as soon as possible.
Please make sure you are working with your Scout on updating Scout Book with any requirements that they have completed and had signed off in their handbooks. There are some Scouts who I do not see updates for and this makes it very difficult to track their progress and see where we may need to help insert programming in order to keep Scouts on track with rank advancement. In the notes section, please note who signed off on the requirement (should be an older Scout or SM, ASM). The Scouts should be proactively looking at their advancement requirements to see what they need and either working on those skills at home and then asking to be signed off or if they are attending camping trips and need certain things like cooking or building a fire, they need to advocate for themselves. A great way to do this is to use index cards and write down 2-3 things that they want to accomplish at each meeting or camping trip. Over time they will get their ranks completed.
4/13- Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School (Inside) 7:00pm – We will be planning meals and duty rosters for the April 30th Campout, as well as discussing essential items to bring/keep in your daypacks. We will also be discussing what events we will be running at the Open House on 4/27 and what everyone’s roles will be at that meeting.
4/20 – No Meeting School Vacation Week
4/27 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School (Outside) 7:00pm – We will be holding an Open House for prospective Scouts to check out the troop. Activities for the evening to be announced. The Ice Cream Truck will arrive at 7:45pm.
Committee Meeting (7:30 – 8:30) All adults are encouraged to attend the Committee Meetings. Zoom invite to follow.
5/11 Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School 7:00pm – Preparation for the Canoe Trip on May 14-15th
Upcoming Trips
April 30 – May 1 Camping at Wanocksett Boy Scout Camp in Dublin, NH and hiking Mount Monadnock in Nearby Jaffrey NH
This is a rescheduled trip from earlier in the month of April
All Scouts who are able to attend are encouraged to attend, especially our NEW scouts.
We will have advancement focused on teaching the new Scouts about being on a troop trip, the Patrol Method, how to set up and use the cooking gear, and how to use knives and wood tools so that they can earn their Tottin’ Chip.
May 14-15 – Canoeing on the Charles River and camping overnight at Rocky Narrows in Sherborn. This is another Trustees property, which has a boat landing and a campsite that we can reserve. We would probably launch in Millis and spend the day canoeing up to the site. We would be taking all of our gear in the boats. This would be a true “roughing it” Scouting Experience! Cost $15 per scout
Memorial Day Weekend
May 28th Grave Reflagging
May 30th Memorial Day Parade
Please sign up on Scoutbook on the event pages
June 17-19: Deep Sea Fishing ape Cod and Camping at the Midway Recreation Area in Bourne
July 17-23: Summer Camp at Camp Squanto Plymouth
There is still space for additional Scouts (regular pricing $510) but if you are considering going to camp please let Tim O’Toole know as soon as possible.
3/23- Troop MeetingSt. Mary’s School 7:00pm – This meeting will be used for meal planning for the April Trip and Hike Preparation. Games will follow. See sign up for April trip below.
3/30 PLC and CommitteeMeeting (Note: This may change- be on the lookout for an update)
Committee Meeting (7:30 – 8:30) All adults are encouraged to attend the Committee Meetings. Zoom invite to follow.
Note: The April PLC and Committee meeting has been moved to March 31 and there WILL be a scout meeting on April 6.
Upcoming Trips
April 8-10 New Scout/Tenderfoot weekend
We are planning to do a day hike at Mount Monadnock and camp at Camp Wanocksett, Dublin, NH. While this is a challenging mountain, it is also one of (if not #1) the most hiked mountains in the country. We hiked this 4 years ago and everyone was able to make it up to at least the bare treeline area. Definitely consider going on this trip as we will also be doing quite a bit of advancement on Saturday afternoon for the new Scouts and any Scouts who still need to get up to 1st Class rank The fee will be $20 per scout. Please sign up as soon as possible for planning purposes.
May 14-15 – Canoeing on the Charles River and camping overnight at Rocky Narrows in Sherborn. This is another Trustees property, which has a boat landing and a campsite that we can reserve. We would probably launch in Millis and spend the day canoeing up to the site. We would be taking all of our gear in the boats. This would be a true “roughing it” Scouting Experience! Cost $15 per scout
June 17-19: Deep Sea Fishing (details TBD)
July 17-23: Summer Camp at Camp Squanto Plymouth
Reminder that March 31st is the deadline for the Troop to get early bird discount pricing on Summer Camp (Save $50). After March 31st we can still add to the roster, but at the higher price of $520 vs $470. We are asking for $100 Deposit now to hold your spot and the balance in April or May.
Summer Camp should be operating at Pre-Covid levels. There will be some covid mitigation in place, but no masks required, people can come and go as needed, 2 scouts per tent, snack bar/trading post will be fully open, etc..It should be a really fun time and we are hoping to be in the Agawam Campsite which is right down by the pond! The list of Merit Badges just came out yesterday. Mr. O’Toole will be sending out additional correspondence on Merit Badge selection and timing in a separate email.
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