Space camping.

If a person mentions "space technology" and camping most people think of a wide variety of things from Tang drinks to freeze-dried ice cream and foods but do you know that there is another space technology that can significantly impact your comfort while camping?  A reflective space blanket can provide additional comfort to your sleep system if you wrap up in one before getting into your regular sleeping bag.  By using a space blanket, with the reflective side oriented toward your body, you can reduce your body's radiant heat loss by an estimated 80-95%!  These blankets are also relatively inexpensive, compact, lightweight and are capable of performing multiple functions in camp.  Space blankets are not one of the ten essentials but when used with some cordage and ingenuity they certainly make good candidates for number eleven.

Reaching higher ground.

Today is the day!  Indoor climbing is a good way to keep limber and practice your faith in your knots and rope work while staying fit and pushing yourself to greater heights.  While you are getting excited to test your skills take some time to watch the videos on belaying and climbing basics.  Remember to wear flexible and protective athletic clothing and shoes (not your uniform) and get your waiver signed on site or online.  Now go have some fun while you help each other reach higher ground!

Turkey time.

Happy Thanksgiving!  While you are enjoying your holiday with friends and family take time to appreciate the meal and good company while you think about all of the things for which you are thankful.  With all of the cooking and preparation that usually goes into the holiday season also think about how you can gain some new cooking skills by helping out in the kitchen then go test yourself with the Cooking merit badge.

Citizenship and Scouting.

A quick look at the Merit Badges required for Eagle Scout will indicate that citizenship is a key component to Scouting.  With citizenship-related Merit Badges accounting for 25% of the total Eagle-required Merit Badges it should be clear that understanding your community, nation and world are vital to understanding Scouting better as well as how you can contribute to your neighborhood and the world around you.  Give yourself the advantage of reviewing the Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the World Merit Badge requirements so that you can make good progress toward Eagle Scout and help yourself understand a little bit more about the world in which we all live.

I can see my house from here...almost!

Watch the video above to see how a basic tripod can become much more than an object from which to hang pots over a fire.  Then check out your Handbook to brush up on square, Japanese square. diagonal and shear lashings as well as the square knot, clove hitch, and timber hitch.  Now study up and go get your Pioneering merit badge!  Remember that if you need it and don't have it you can always build it. 

The lesser-known doctrine of Scouting.

There are many components of the Scouting doctrine: The Motto, Slogan, Oath and Law all come easily to mind.  These help us to remember how to best conduct ourselves as Scouts and are a reflection of the values of Scouting to the community in which we live.  It is interesting to note, however, that none of these deal specifically with how to behave while hiking, camping or while on an outing.  This is especially odd considering that a good amount of time in Scouting is spent doing outdoor activities.  Thankfully though, we have the Outdoor Code to remind us all how we can help maintain and preserve the special environments and natural spaces in which we practice our Scouting skills.  Take this opportunity to familiarize (or reacquaint) yourself with the Outdoor Code and think about how you can make the outdoors better through good stewardship of the natural resources and consideration for the person that follows you on the trail.

The future before you.

Take time to remember and savor this moment!  Remember the Scouts and friends who camped with you and helped with your service project.  Certainly do not forget your family that has supported you throughout your Scouting adventures, as numerous as they have been over the years.  The community in which the Troop exists has also made your progress in Scouting possible by supporting the Troop directly through its charter and through donations of time, space and materials for various projects, activities and fundraisers.  Also reflect fondly on all of your memories that were made possible by volunteers in your Troop, from the Troop Committee to the Scoutmaster.  Finally, remember the Eagle Scouts, for you are now part of a brotherhood that shares the same values, training and hopeful focus for the future.  In the Centennial Year of the Eagle Scout award remember the path that has been laid before you.  Now aren't you glad that you are prepared?  Keep your eyes keenly fixed on the road ahead, but do not forget this moment.

Congratulations Nathan from everybody in Troop 1!