This week the Troop will be putting the finishing touches on the potting benches being made for Westford Academy.  This will involve sanding and staining the tables.  This activity will be held at Mr. McKeen's house which is located at 29 Steeple Chase Circle.

Since this meeting will involve staining please wear clothing that you don't mind (or your parents don't mind) if you get some stain on it.  No need to wear Class-As this week.

Most of this meeting will be held outdoors and in an unheated garage - please dress appropriately for the weather. 

This weekend Troop 437 is joining forces with Pack 102 to help out two Westford Veterans by raking their yards.  Please join us for a couple hours of service to help those who have served our country.  The two locations are:

• Saturday - Nov 11 2017 - 1:00pm
  9 Orchard St.

• Sunday - Nov 12 2017 - 1:00pm (Pats play at 5:30
  6 Cypress Rd

Please bring rakes, gloves, blowers, and tarps if you have them.

Last week each patrol build a potting bench for the Westford Academy Environmental Science program.   There are 4 more to build so once again this week's troop meeting will be a construction meeting!   The eight benches will be used in conjunction with Kyle's Greenhouse and Owens Storage shed projects to enable the school's new program.   All materials and tools will be provided.

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.