Got snow?

Everyone has a favorite outdoor winter activity.  Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing usually round out the top five winter sports.  There are many options for having fun in the snow as well as many opportunities for advancement through related Merit Badges.  Go and have some fun outside this winter.  Watching the snow fall is great but it's not nearly as much fun as enjoying it outside.

Scouting: Over 100 years of reality television...without the television!

Chances are that you can't surf through your TV programming guide without seeing at least one survival-related reality show.  Shows such as Survivorman, Man vs. Wild, Dual Survival, Mountain Men, The Colony, Into the Wild and a large selection of others are all over the listings.  But did you realize that Scouts have been doing it longer, even predating the invention of television?  Just think about it, the skills that people have been exploring and popularizing lately, from urban to wilderness survival, are practiced by Scouts regularly through their training, outings and adventures.  Take a good look at the skills through First Class and the wide selection of Merit Badges, many of which deal specifically with survival skills.  When you have a chance to take a break during the busy holiday rush be sure to check out some behind the scenes information about The National Geographic Channel's new series Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? and try not to say "been there, done that!"

Christmas cookies.

Almost everyone has a favorite holiday food.  Some people enjoy a turkey, ham or roast while others appreciate pie or cakes or maybe a special holiday treat handed down through generations.  Cookies also make easy smiles with a warm drink after a family dinner.  Enjoy this version of an on an old Christmas classic, Gingersnaps.  Eat well, have fun with family and friends and most of all enjoy your holiday season and the preparations that make it all possible.  Happy holidays!

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!

Knowledge: The original multitool.

There are many things to consider when you are taking stock of your camping equipment or making a holiday wish list: Titanium tent stakes, high tech stoves, ultralight air mattresses or sleeping pads, backpacks with more features than a luxury car, new boots, compact water filters and much more.  There are many ways to improve your comfort on the trail or simplify regular camping tasks with additions of new equipment but don't forget the most important thing, knowledge!  Keep your skills sharp and be prepared.  Knowledge does not add any weight to your load and is the original multitool.

Getting it tied without having fits.

Setting up camp is difficult if you don't have a good array of hitches at your disposal.  To help you develop your rope skills check out these two excellent hitches.  The elder Siberian hitch is very useful for setting a ridge line and can be easily set at awkward angles or while wearing gloves.  The modern Farrimond friction hitch is another easily tied "slipped-hitch" that is reminiscent of a Prusik knot or Lark's Head/Cow Hitch.  Study the diagrams and videos then practice these two hitches until you can tie them with your eyes closed so that you can have the best chance of securing your shelter and camp with the least amount of frustration.

Tent designs: Staked or freestanding?

Shelters are important when camping for obvious reasons.  Unfortunately, when trying to find a good value on a tent many people overlook a basic tent design feature; whether it requires staking or is "free standing."  A staked tent requires staking (and usually guy lines) as the primary support for the tent whereas a freestanding tent does not.  Some tent models, such as the MSR Fling tent (picture at left), allow for both pitching options and will have different packed weights depending on the configuration.  Overall, your choice of tent design should depend upon your terrain and weather more than anything else.  If you remember to try to anticipate where and when you will be camping you will also give yourself the best chance of not waking up in a collapsed, flooded or destroyed shelter!

How to avoid becoming a popsicle!

Camping is enjoyable.  Freezing, on the other hand, is not!  When you are sleeping your body can lose heat in a variety of ways.  Read through these basic gear guides on sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and bivys to learn more about the interchangeable parts of a basic sleep system so that you can be prepared for inclement weather and give yourself the best chance of comfort while sleeping on the trail.  After all, a good night's rest makes for a good day's hike!

Wherever you go, there you are.

Many people are reluctant to venture into the woods for a very simple reason: They are worried about getting lost.  As a Scout you have an advantage if you bring your map and compass (they are part of the ten essentials for a reason) and know how to use them.  Together they will help you become familiar with your locations and routes and will help you feel confident when you explore or try to find a specific features on an outing.  Check out this wiki on compasses as well as these helpful USGS links on map education, using map and compass together and map symbols.  Use them with your Handbook to develop your understanding then go get the Orienteering Merit Badge or set up a navigation or orienteering course with other Scouts to help you practice your skills.

Looking good while doing good.

Ceremonies are an important part of Scouting as is your uniform.  Review the included videos for some helpful tips for adding and removing patches and keeping your uniform looking current and clean.  These forms for adult and Scout uniforms should also help you prepare for our upcoming inspection as well as Nathan's Eagle Court of Honor.

A brave new digital world.

Here are couple of the newer badges that signify the growing influence of technology, computing and safety in Scouting.

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Worn attached to your right pocket flap, the Cyber Chip emblem is renewed annually and certifies that you have passed Scouting's cyber safety training program which addresses blogs, cellphones and more.  The training program can also be customized to fit your specific Troop's digital safety training requirements.

The Troop Webmaster is an official position of responsibility (similar to Historian, Scribe, etc.) and is involved with maintaining and and updating the Troop's website.  The Scout Handbook describes the position in more detail.

How do you eat an elephant?

Bite by bite of course, you simply have to break it down into manageable pieces.  There will be times in Scouting when projects, outings or other activities seem difficult.  At those moments remember that there are many resources available to you:  Troop leaders, other Scouts, Committee Members, adults, Council staff, your Scout Handbook as well as various other text and online resources are all there to help you make the project manageable and guide you on your path to success.

Sharing the adventure.

The best advertisement for Troop 1 and Scouting is you!  If you are enjoying your activities, advancement and other opportunities simply tell your friends; there is a good chance that they are interested in having fun while doing the same things.  From marksmanship to mountain biking and from camping to rock climbing there are adventures waiting for every Scout.  Let your friends know that Scouts get to plan their own activities which allows everyone to have a chance to share their interests with each other!

Advancing every day.

What have you done today to further your advancement in Scouting?  Are you reviewing part of the Scout Handbook?  Are you practicing a new skill?  Maybe you have taught something to another Scout.  Perhaps you are planning a community service project.  Have you decided on your next Merit Badge and have you contacted the Counselor?  Do you need to schedule a Scoutmaster review?  Whatever you happen to be doing while Summer slowly gives way to Autumn be sure to stay focused on the path and the goal while you find new ways to work on advancing every day.

Lifejacket and sunblock required.

Looking for fun in the sun during the "dog days of summer?"  Look no further than the newest merit badge, Kayaking!  Use the workbook to track your progress while you paddle your way to progress.  You can also find other great ways to beat the heat with the Canoeing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Lifesaving, Scuba Diving, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming, Watersports, Whitewater, and Xylophone (just kidding) merit badges.  There are many ways to stay fit, have fun, and be safe around the water.  Now go do your swim test, if you haven't already, and enjoy the weather...just don't forget your sunblock and life jacket!

Appetite for construction!

Here is a scenario: You are in the woods camped next to a clearing with a view of the sky, you're not allowed to build an open fire due to the risk of wildfires and you just ran out of (cue ominous music) fuel for your camp stove!  Now what?  Anyone who has seen a reflective tanning shade or an auto sun shade might have an idea.  With a solar cooker you can use reflected sunlight to cook food with zero emissions, simple and inexpensive parts and easy construction methods.  Watch the videos to get the general idea behind solar reflector ovens then bring your designs and appetites!

Being prepared...simply.

What is it about a multitool or good pocket knife that makes us all feel a bit more...confident?  Perhaps it simply comes down to being prepared and knowing that we have tools to help with daily emergencies, no matter their size.  We would all do well to remember that there are many ways to "Be prepared" in our daily lives.  From skills training to planning for emergencies to having a multitool or knife ready to handle daily tasks, the options are many for helping others and showing them that (much like a knife) its always best to stay sharp and ready!

Fundraisers!

Where can you have fun, get some sunshine and support a great local cause?  A Scout fundraiser, that's where!  When there is good weather and the generous support of local businesses the event becomes something more memorable and becomes a fundraiser!  We should all remember to demonstrate that, "A Scout is: ...Courteous" by showing our appreciation for the local businesses that support Scouting and its aims.

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Thank you to the owners and staff of the Chevron Station at 41st and Rucker Ave as well as the Espresso-ly Yours coffee stand at 41st and Hoyt Ave for their kind assistance with our most recent fundraiser!  We could not have done it without their generous support.

Who do you know that is not a Scout?

Is he a cousin or brother?  Perhaps he's someone that you know from your school or neighborhood.  However you know them, it's easy to talk with someone about something that you know...and you know Scouting!  So start a conversation and talk to them about fun outings, Scout Camp or other Troop activities (you can even hand them a brochure).  You may be giving them information that they didn't previously have and you just might make a friend in the process!

Snacks and football! Yes, it's that time of year again.

It's football season again!  Yes, we can "Be Prepared" for that too.  Having snacks on hand for any football game is essential.  What is the easiest snack to prepare on short notice?  That's right, popcorn!  While we are preparing for the upcoming popcorn sales season be sure to find out what flavors your friends, neighbors and families enjoy most so that we can fill their orders as soon as we have our supply.

Excitement is contagious, spread it around!

This video was made by a Scout for his local Council.  Nice isn't it?  Just imagine what we can achieve if we focus and work together!

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Many efforts make an Eagle.

Congratulations to Nathan for continuing to progress through his Eagle Scout requirements, the summit is now in sight!  Let's all do our best to lend a hand as he moves closer daily to becoming Troop 1's next Eagle Scout.  Take time to find out how you can demonstrate that, "A Scout is: ...Helpful" the next time you see him.  Everyone gets to contribute but only one of us wears the badge!

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Lao Tzu

We now have a "Joining" tab which details the process of getting involved in Scouting with our Troop.  If you are a Webelos' leader and would like Troop 1 to participate in an Arrow of Light ceremony; assist with the completion Arrow of Light requirements; or just visit to introduce Boy Scouting to your Pack please contact us through the links on our Contact page.  Please also contact us if you are already a Boy Scout and wish to transfer to Troop 1 or if you are entirely new to Scouting and would like to join.

Getting with the program - the video program.

The videos in the right sidebar are loaded in roughly the following order: Fire, water, shelter, navigation, rope work, packing, food, tips and do-it-yourself (DIY).  All videos are the property of the owners but their use is the responsibility of the viewer (you); so be careful, have fun and learn something new!  If you have questions ask the Scoutmaster or any adult.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what is a moving picture worth?

We now have videos!  All videos are YouTube feeds from existing content.  Most are meant to be instructional but none are meant to replace common sense, practical application or specific training.  The product review videos are intended to introduce some newer equipment concepts as well as user-based reviews.  "We'll see you at the movies!"

The future is here...no there...no over there! Will somebody please keep an eye on the future?

It's here!  Another resource for Troop 1 to use to keep in touch with Scouts, families, leaders and volunteers.  It is hoped that this blog (in conjunction with the website, social media and calendar) can be used to effectively manage the Troop's activities and provide a forum to communicate with the local community, existing and potential Scouts as well as their families.  Please be patient, we are all learning as we go!