minutemen

Jon C wanted to let everyone know the initial plans for scouting 101 for the remainder of 2008.  We will be having an outing in October, November and December.  Here is the plan:

October 14, 2008 – Part two of the Cold Weather Gear Talk at the Troop meeting.  I will be talking about sleeping systems, shelter, footwear and backpacks, as time allows.

October 24-26, 2008 – Campout to Indian Grinding Rock Historic Park.  This is near Jackson. Steven C is in Charge and will be taking sign ups at the next two meetings (Oct 14, 21).  Menus will be planned at the October 21 meeting.  Activities on this trip will include basic map and compass (bring your compass), knots and lashing (bring rope), cooking (continue to expand our specialty cooking), and fire building.  We will also need to be ready for rain and cold.  I have NO intention of canceling this trip due to bad weather.

November 14 – 16, 2008 – Tentative campout weekend.  Possibly to the coast near Point Reyes.  The theme of this trip will probably be hiking, nature observation and enjoying the coast.  Stay tuned, more to come as plans firm up.

December 6, 20008 – One day outing.  Possibly a skills day.  Possibly a hike to Folsom Lake or Feather Falls.  More to follow. 

The HAT team has a patch that can be earned for hiking around Folsom Lake.  It is the Folsom 6 by 10 (miles).  There are 6 hikes each 10 miles.  We may be working on these throughout the winter (December, January, possibly February), and take a few months off from full campouts.  The hikes will still allow for skills practice (map and compass, nature observation, backpacking preparedness, physical fitness) and gives the scouts a great start toward Hiking merit badge, which is a possible Eagle Required badge.

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up on what is coming.  Let me know if you have any questions.  See you all next Tuesday.

In Scouting,

Jonathan P, ASM, Troop 107
Scouting 101 Coordinator