Scouts start new year with flurry of activity
EASTFORD/ASHFORD — Scouts enjoyed a Ski trip to Ski Sundown on Feb. 2. Those that were novices started out with a ski lesson. Troop 92 Scouts had a great time skiing. Several Scouts had a goal of skiing every trail on the mountain. Several scouts tried skiing or snowboarding for the first time and learned a new sport, and others saw improvement in their skills. Those that were competent at turning were able to earn the Snow Sports Merit Badge.
Scouts participated in earning the Scouting Heritage Merit Badge. One session covered Troop 92 history highlights and badges, and another session was at the Scout Museum where they saw a presentation by John DiVenere from Troop 15 in Tolland explaining the origin of scouting. Scouts then participated in traditional Scout competitive games.
Thursday, May 15 is a deadline for Summer Camp payment of $550. After that, it goes up to $585. Summer Camp for Troop 92 will be July 27-Aug 1.
There is a big initiative this year by the Council to fundraise for Camperships. They want every Scout to have the opportunity to have the summer camp experience and not be discouraged because of the fee to attend camp. If anyone personally or their business/company wants to donate $500/summer camp or $250/Cub day camp, the donation will help scouts all over the Council. Donations can be made to Connecticut Rivers Council at ctscouting.org. Click on “Support” and then “Camp4All.” Help send a scout to camp!
The Cub Scouts recently sold meat sticks and fire starters at the transfer station and raised $528.48. We want to thank the many people who supported us!
We were able to attend an overnight at the EcoTarium in Worcester. We learned about nocturnal animals, dissected owl pellets, and traveled through the universe by watching a video in the Planetarium.
The Cub Scouts held their annual Pinewood Derby competition on Saturday, March 8. This features homemade gravity powered racecars. This competition was as much fun as it always is! Here are the final results: Overall Pack Champion, Callen; Most Fuel Efficient, Joey; Original Car Design, Corbin; Judge’s Choice, Victor; Alumni Race Winner, Doug.
In February the Troop:
- Did a suicide prevention and awareness class for older scouts
- Practiced the EDGE method with knots (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable)
- Learned, and then taught others basic knots
- Discussed hiking safety while in the outdoors.
- Had an Order of the Arrow election. Ryker, Henry, and Cooper were voted in. The Order of the Arrow is a service organization within scouting.
In March, scouts were concentrating on training required for rank advancement. Topics included first aid, weather requirements for hiking, and compass work.
Planning has started for the Mother’s Day Flower Sale in May. This is a major fundraiser for the Troop. On April 5, Merit Badge Madness will be held at Xavier High School. No scout meeting on April 8. On April 22, Summer Camp fees are due. Cost is $560. Planning for campout at JNW. On April 25-27, camp out at JN Webster for Compass and GPS instructions, and cooking.
Scout meetings are second and last Tuesdays of the month at St Philip’s Rec Center at 6:30 p.m. New members are welcome. Scouts learn leadership, teamwork and communication, as well as outdoor skills and fellowship.
April 1 is April Fool’s Day. Look out for tricks!
Courtesy photos
Submitted by BSA Troop 92 Eastford/Ashford: Nord Yakovleff, Assistant Scoutmaster; Jesse Burnham, Scoutmaster; Dave Birdsey, Assistant Scoutmaster; Kurt van Heiningen, Cubmaster; Rob Hany, Committee Chairman; Den Leaders Amanda Holden, Haley Phillips