Coldspot a huge success!

This past week we participated in the Coldspot event at Camp Daniel Boone. While we didn't win a single event, we competed well. I saw our scouts work together and grow as a patrol and troop. I was especially pleased to see how well the scouts did on the service project. While it was difficult for them to drive a wheelbarrow, they worked well and I didn't hear any complaints. I also heard several comments from leaders who were running the events that our boys were doing a great job for a young group.

Great job guys!

Getting Ready for ColdSpot

Tonight we worked on several events for the upcoming coldspot. Scouts took turns attempting the remote bowline around a tree in a nearby parking lot. Even our newest scout got involved in the action. Coldspot will be held at Camp Daniel Boone on March 26-28th. I look forward to an exciting event.

Happy Birthday BSA

Tonight we celebrated the birth of scouting in the USA. Along with a cake and pizza we had a visit from Lord Baden-Powell! Our assistant scoutmaster, Rob Hawk, dressed the part and did an excellent monologue describing the life of Powell and what led him to start the scouting program. We also discussed how the "good turn" of an unknown scout was instrumental in the advent of scouting in the US.

Map and compass work is a second class requirement. Tonight we worked on understanding contour maps and map symbols. Next week we will learn to use a map and compass together. The scouts are eager to learn how to use a compass and map to find their way in the outdoors. Eventually, we will be taking a 5 mile hike using the skills being learned.

Troop 326 - Calendar of Events

Board of Review - 1/11/2010
Campout @ CDB - 1/23-24/2010
Cold Spot @ CDB - 2/19-21/2010
Campout @ church - 3/19-20/2010
Campout @ Virginia Creeper Trail - 4/23-24/2010
Campout @ CDB - 5/21-22/2010

Totin' Chip

Tonight we worked on the requirements for the Totin' Chip award. Two scouts completed the training and now are allowed to carry and use woods tools. Requirements for the Totin' Chip include learning proper handling, use, and care of a pocket knife, ax, and saw. The next step for these scouts will be to work on the Paul Bunyan Woodsman award, which is an application of the skills learned in Totin' Chip. For more information about both of these awards click here.

Camping and Cooking

At last month's camping trip our scouts were all working on the cooking requirement for their tenderfoot advancement. Everyone took part and the meal was enjoyed by all. For most of the boys, this was the first time that they had participated in outdoor cooking activities. Bacon anyone!