Are you an Arrow of Light scout looking for a Scout Troop to cross over to? or maybe you are new to Scouting and want a great Troop to join?
Either way, Troop 437 welcomesall youth to come and experience the adventure of scouting! Visit one of our meetings to experience what Scouting is all about and what makes Troop 437 a great Scout Troop.
We meet every Thursday evening when school is in session. Meetings start at 7:00 pm at the American Legion Post 437 at 114 Dunstable Road. Feel free to contact us at info@westfordtroop437.us and let us know you are coming or to contact us with any questions. For more information about the troop, you can start at our About Us webpage.
Parents: If you haven't already, please complete the survey on troop activities during the pandemic. There are only 6 questions and it should be very quick. Your feedback is very important to us.
Just a reminder of Troop Meetings have gone Virtual.
The zoom connection information is below. The preferred way to join is to use a computer or mobile device with the Zoom app. This will allow you to see as well as hear the activity. Alternately there is info at the bottom of this mail about using a phone to dial into the meeting for an audio-only experience.
If you have any questions please contact a Scoutmaster
To connect with your computer (laptop, Chromebook, etc) - connecting with your computer will allow you to see who is in the meeting with you and any visuals that are being presented. Sharing your video camera, if you have one, is optional and can be disabled if you choose.
Click on the link above to open Zoom on your laptop/Chromebook
If the Zoom application is not installed you will be prompted to install it
First, you will be prompted for your name - this name is what will be displayed in the meeting
Next you will be prompted how you want to connect to audio.
To use your Computer's Speakers and Microphone
Select "Join with Computer Audio" if you want to use your computer's speakers and microphone or if you use a headset connected to your computer
Click the "Test Speaker and Microphone" if you want to make sure they are working
To use your phone for audio
Select "Phone Call" tab
Dial one of the phone numbers and follow the prompts to connect to the meeting
Click done when connected
To connect only with your phone - limited to only audio participation in the call
Dial the phone number below
Enter the meeting code when prompted followed by #.
Please look for separate specific Zoom meeting email or contact the Scoutmaster for connection information
Spring is here which means it is time to start thinking about Summer Camp! Troop 437's Summer Camp week is July 26th to the Aug 1st. We want to hear from everyone so we know if you are going or not. Please see the attached sign-up sheet for details.
Due April 16th - Signup form and $50 deposit (new scouts and cross overs do not need to pay deposit but we want to have you sign-up)
Due June 2nd - balance of campfee due. $410 ($360 if you submitted a deposit)
Hello Everyone,
As I announced at the last meeting, we are now taking registrations for Scouts attending summer camp at WTC.
Council recently changed the dates and deadlines posted on their website so the window for registration and payments is much shorter than originally posted.
For returning Scouts, the initial $50 deposit per Scout and registration form is due to the Troop by Thursday, April 23th. The remaining $360 is due by Thursday, June 2nd.
We will be holding a new parent information night during the Troop Virtual parent meeting 4/22 which everyone is welcome to attend with questions, concerns, or just to welcome the new folks.
Please see the attached registration form for more detailed information which includes links to the updated BSA medical form and the new WTC website.
For your convenience, I have also attached a copy of the 2020 Camp Health Form.
There is a lot of concern over the outbreaks of Corona Virus (Covid 19) around the globe.
The following is the latest from the SOA council:
“We are monitoring the situation and talking with officials daily. As of right now there are NO plans to cancel Troop week Summer Camp.
This is for a variety of reasons. One – It’s a few months away, and the worst may have come and gone by then. Two – Troop week is a LARGELY outdoor event. Outdoor camps are currently under no warnings or restrictions in MA or NH.
Three – We are willing and able to implement additional sterilization cleaning requirements for the dining hall and all indoor spaces if necessary.
That all said, *IF* Camp was to get cancelled, you would be refunded 100% of the money. Please do not fear registering and paying as usual. We are moving forward with the expectation that Troop weeks will run as planned. “
For the latest news and updates from the SOA council, please visit the SOA news and updates website found here:
It is hard to keep up with the rapidly evolving situation we are facing with the virus. As you know, Massachusetts schools are now closed for the next three weeks along with a long list of other cancelations, postponements, and restrictions. Troop 437 will be following all the recommendations we have received and to that end:
We will not be holding Troop meetings until school resumes.
The Eagle Court of Honor on March 21st for Harry Laushine is being postponed to a later date.
The April camping trip is canceled.
Merit Badge Monday is canceled (but see more about merit badges below).
Other Troop activities will be evaluated as things progress.
It is hard to put all Troop activities on hold, but it is the right thing to do. However, there are a number of things that can be done that will offer opportunities for continued scout work. Some ideas are:
While we can not hold Merit Badge Mondays, we can move some of the activities on-line. If you want to start or continue a merit badge, please let us know and we will try to facilitate that work. While you have several unplanned weeks off from school it is a very good time to get some merit badge work completed. We can set up video/audio conferencing for merit badge sessions.
If you are in need of a scoutmaster conference, please let us know and we can try out holding those electronically.
If in a week or so, it is advisable for small groups to meet, we could consider arranging meetings around Town in small groups to allow scouts to work on rank advancement and possible service projects.
Scouts and Parents who have not yet signed up for our Troop Discord server - an online collaboration tool - now is a good time to do so to stay connected to the Troop. Contact a Scoutmaster to get a link to join.
Families will soon be receiving email invites to connect in Scoutbook. This is a good time for parents to complete those connections, update your profiles and set up accounts for your scouts if desired. Scoutbook is the BSA's online application that allows you to view and track advancement along with a host of other useful features.
Most importantly, we hope that everyone stays healthy and safe. If there are any situations that you think the Troop might be able to render assistance, please let us know.
The March trip for Troop 437 is an overnight Lock-In at MetroRock climbing gym in Everett (http://www.metrorock.com/boston).
But this isn’t just “Rock Climbing”! What to expect....
All the climbing you can handle top rope and auto-belay
Bouldering with top out options on some routes
Optional High Ropes course
Dodge ball, Movies, Midnight feast, and Games
Outing: Indoor rock climbing at MetroRock Climbing Center in Everett, MA. Arrive: Friday, March 6, 8:45 PM (note, individuals registered for the belaying training session must
arrive by 7:30 PM)
Depart: Saturday March 7th, 8:00 AM from MetroRock Gym Cost: $55 per person for climbing
$65 per person for climbing and high-ropes course $5 for attendees opting to keep their feet on the ground Prices include Friday midnight feast.
To sign-up do both of these steps: 1. By Thursday, February 27th , return signed Permission Slip and Payment 2. By Thursday, March 5th , complete on-line waiver or print waiver, complete and turn in with permission slip.
Waivers are needed for everyone attending. They can be completed via the on-line waiver or it can be printed out, signed, and handed in with your Troop Permission slip. Adults and scouts age 14 and older can belay for the group. We need sufficient belayers to support the group. If you have been trained to belay previously then you are allowed to belay with a brief refresher/test. If you have not belayed before, but would like to learn, then you will need to attend a belaying training session at 7:30 PM the day of the event. Please indicate if you are willing to belay and need the training session on the permission slip and also indicate if you have been certified to belay in the past.
Bring water bottles, sleeping bag, pad and any games you might want to share.
Spring is here which means it is time to start thinking about Summer Camp! Troop 437's Summer Camp week is July 26th to the Aug 1st. We want to hear from everyone so we know if you are going or not. Please see the attached sign-up sheet for details.
