Due to low scout turn out and too few adults signing up we have had to cancel this months Mountain Hike and Campout.

Scouting works at its best when the troop is able to hold events with broad participation.  Events where the patrols get to work together and the older scouts get to learn leadership while mentoring the younger scouts is one of the key values of the scouting programs.  Said another way - Scouting doesn't work if scouts don't participate.

So, in order to try and help future troop events be successful I ask you to review the Troop calendar and do the following:

1. If you see a conflict between a planned troop event and some other general school or community event please raise it to the Scoutmaster.  We want to do what we can to make sure the Troop activities are set for success while also allowing scouts to participate in their other chosen activities.
2. Please put the troop events on your calendar so that when you are planning you can be aware of when the troop events will be and hopefully maximize everyone's ability to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Troop calendar please feel free to bring them up with the Scoutmaster.

Sunday October 1st is our annual Arrow of Light Invitational.  This is an event for Webelos scouts to come and visit the troop.

Arrow of Light Scouts and Parents - Please join us from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at the American Legion Post 437.  The troop will be running a number of scout activities to give you a flavor of what Scouting is like and what makes Troop 437 a great troop!

Troop 437 scouts - Troop scouts should plan on attending in order to help run events and host our visitors.  Scouts will need to show up early to help setup activities.  Exact details will be sent out seperately.

Troop 437 parents - Troop parents are encouraged to also attend to be available to talk with Webelos parents about scouting and our troop.

The October trip for Troop 437 will be over the Columbus Day holiday weekend. This trip is a mountain day hiking trip! On Saturday the boys will setup camp at Wellington State Park at the Rocky Hill site with an opportunity for an afternoon hike. On Sunday the boys will tackle one (or more) of the infamous New Hampshire 4000 Footers! There are many different hikes within the valley for all ability levels.

We will be camping and cooking outdoors; the weather this time of year can range from cool to cold. As scouts we must be prepared to not only enjoy but to thrive in the elements. The minimal equipment needed: tent with a rain fly, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, mess kit, extra pairs of socks, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, sunscreen, layered clothing, flashlight with good batteries, water bottles (full), Boy Scout Handbook, and a pack to put all your items in. Additional optional survival items such as a small tarp and rope are suggested but not required.

There may be an opportunity for a short hike on Saturday afternoon for those that are interested. On Sunday morning we will be taking a longer hike in the White Mountain National Forest.  The boys (and adults) attending should be prepared to be out on the trail all day on a strenuous yet rewarding hike. A separate shorter hike is also feasible as long as there are enough adults to support it.

The 2017 2018 Troop Calendar is now available.  You can download a PDF using this link below or consult the calendar on this web site.  Want to sync the calendar to your smartphone, tablet, or computer?  You can do that also - simply click this link or click on the calendar graphic to the left.

The September White Water Rafting trip is rapidly approaching.  We have a few open spaces due to some last minute scheduling conflicts for several Scouts and adults.  If anyone would like to join, please contact Matthew McQuinn as soon as possible to make arrangements to join the trip.

In addition to the standard Troop Permission Slip, we need signed Crab Apple Liability Waivers for everyone attending.  If you are attending and have not submitted a signed waiver yet, please complete one now.

For anyone who doesn't have a current BSA swim test from attending Wah-Tut-Ca, there will be a make-up swim test on Sunday, Sept 10th.  We will meet at 3 pm at the IBM parking lot (550 King St, Littleton - about a mile past Kimball Farm on the right) then carpool to Long Lake Beach in Littleton (there’s limited parking at the beach).

Rafting Trip Details:  We will be going on a white water rafting trip on the Kennebec River in Maine. We will be camping at Crab Apple Whitewater’s group campsite.  We will meet on Saturday afternoon at Crab Apple Whitewater, set up camp & take a short hike to see Moxie Falls (approx. 1 mile). Sunday morning we will have a breakfast buffet at Crab Apple before embarking on our white water rafting adventure!  The trip will entail rafting through Class III-IV rapids.  A guide from our outfitter, Crab Apple Whitewater, will lead each boat.  A grilled lunch will be provided after the rafting. Approximate time on the river will be 3-4 hours. The trip finishes at the outfitter’s facility where they have a pool and hot tub available.

Click Here -> Watch the video of our last trip on the Kenebec River!

Return Permission Slip & Waiver:  Matthew McQuinn, 7 Vineyard Rd, Westford, MA  01886 (or email a scanned copy)

For more information about the trip or the outfitter go to:  http://www.crabapplewhitewater.com/

Important Note:  All Scouts must pass the BSA swim test to attend.  Scouts who passed the test at camp are all set.

Hello Troop!  I hope you have all had a great summer.  It is hard to beleive it is drawing to a close already.  With the start of school also come the start of a brand new Scouting year.  Our first troop meeting of the year will be Thursday August 31st  at the American Legion from 7:00pm to 8:30pm as usual.   Make sure to review the calendar of activities planned for this year and mark your calendar for all the events!