Do you know an Arrow of Light scout who is looking for a Troop to join?  Have them come to the Troop 437 Arrow of Light open house on November 8th during our regular Troop meeting slot.

The Open House will showcase some of the great things that the Troop does throughout the year.  Service projects, Adventure, Scout skills, Cooking, and of course Games.

All scouts and adults are asked to attend to help host the event.

Our November trip is a backpacking trip to Kinsman Pond in the White Mountains. 

The November trip for Troop 437 is Backpacking to Kinsman Pond tent sites.  The hike is approximately 3 miles with 2000 ft of elevation gain. From the tent site, Mt Kinsman, North Peak is only a short distance further.  We can reach this on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning if we feel up to it.

This is an introductory backpacking hike for new and old. This is a backpacking trip with all gear carried in backpacks.  We will be staying in our tents at established platforms.  

The troop meeting Prior to this trip will focus on preparing for this trip.  There will be a backpack inspection at the November 1st troop meeting. All scouts attending the trip need to bring their packed backpack to the meeting for inspection.  Show what kind of sleeping bag and pad you have, and how you will pack it.  Also, show what clothes you will use to stay warm and dry.

It is recommended scouts pair up for sleeping in tents.  This will allow the scouts to divide the weight of a tent.  One scout can carry poles and tent pegs and the other will carry the tent.  Remember: your entire pack should not exceed 20% of your body weight. Also, an extra 1-2 lbs should be assumed in helping carry troop gear and the food for your patrol.

Drinking water will be from the pond.  We will be treating with iodine, filters or steripens.  Water can be boiled before going to bed and the bottle can be kept inside the sleeping bag to keep you warm. Bring quality bottles such as Nalgene,  Disposable bottles can not take the heat of boiling water.

The troop has a limited number of backpacks available to borrow, please contact Mr. Anderson ASAP if interested.  Scouts who do not have suitable equipment can also rent it at area stores (EMS, REI) or look for opportunity to borrow equipment from other troop members.  

The 2018-2019 troop dues and BSA registration are now due - please bring a check to this week's troop meeting or send payment via Venmo

Troop dues remain at       $50

BSA registration              $33 
-----------------------------------------
Total due by 9/27           $83 

Please turn in the payment by September 27th.

While Westford Academy does not have classes on Thursday the remainder of Westford Schools are still in session thus there will be a Troop meeting this week.

The October trip for Troop 437 is a mountain hike at Mt Liberty located in Lincoln NH. We will be camping at the Lafayette place group camp site #70.  We will meet on Friday evening at our campsite and set up camp. We will start our day hike at approximately 8:30 am. We will eat lunch on the trail and then continue to the top of Mt Liberty. Dinner will be prepared back at the campsite. Sunday morning, we will eat breakfast and depart the site at approximately 9:00am

Scouts should bring their handbooks to Troop meetings.  This will allow scouts to complete and record advancement and also reference mterial in the handbooks in support of activities during the meeting.