Do you have an Arrow of Light Cub Scout? Does your teen (age 11-17) love outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and rafting? Troop 437 invites you to our AOL Invitational and Open House on Thursday, November 6, to learn more about our troop and Scouting!  (Note that the date has been moved from October 30 due to the rain forecast.)

Reminder:

Last year, Scouting America (BSA) revised its registration and re-registration process.  Scouting America will notify families directly when membership renewal is due and will collect the Scouting America membership fees directly.  As we are approaching the end of the year, many scouts and adults will be receiving re-registration e-mails.

What you can expect:

A couple of months before your registration expires, you will receive e-mails asking you to complete the re-registration process online. Re-registration must be completed before your membership expires so the Troop can continue including you in its activities and process advancement.  If a scout's or adult's registration expires, they will be automatically removed from the Troop roster by Scouting America, and we will not have any access to the records until the membership is renewed.

The Troop 437 Committee does not want any scout or adult to miss out on anything Scouting has to offer due to an inability to pay.  If any fee is a hardship for your family, there is assistance available. Please reach out to one of the Scoutmasters, Committee Chair, or Troop Treasurer to discuss available options. Any requests will be kept completely confidential.

We’re thrilled to announce two unforgettable high adventure outings for 2026! These trips will take our Scouts to two of Scouting’s most iconic destinations—Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and Sea Base in Florida. Both adventures include air travel and offer life-changing experiences in the outdoors.

Please review the details here.  Note that Troop 437 summer camp is July 26-August 1 so there's a week plus of down time. So start planning now!

Trip #1: Philmont Scout Ranch – Backpacking Expedition Dates: Departure window: June 28–30, 2026 | Return: July 14–16, 2026 (includes 2 additional travel days) Location: Cimarron, New Mexico Activities: Backpacking through rugged wilderness, team-building, conservation projects, and high-altitude adventure. Click for more details

Trip #2: Florida Sea Base – Aquatic Adventure Dates: Departure window: December 26–28, 2026 | Return: January 1–3, 2027 Location: Islamorada, Florida Keys Activities: Spend a week aboard a 40+ foot sailing vessel exploring the Florida Keys. You'll snorkel vibrant coral reefs—including parts of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary—and learn hands-on skills like navigation, astronomy, fish identification, and reef ecology. This Coral Reef Sailing Adventure combines sailing, snorkeling, and fishing into one unforgettable experience. Click for more details

Next Steps

• Reach out with any questions or to express early interest
• Submit the Registration Form and Deposit by October 31, 2025 

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Court!  Yours in Scouting,  Scoutmasters McKeen & McKeen

The October Camping Trip will be the weekend of October 18th and 19th.  We will be rock climbing in Franconia Notch at Echo Crag.

For this trip, we will be guided by the expert climbers at North Country Climbing.

There will be climbing suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.  There will possibly also be some rappelling (Think camping merit badge requirement 9b). 

Outing: Outdoor Rock Climbing at Echo Crag in Franconia Notch

When: Depart Saturday, October 18th  at 7:00 am from the Abbot school parking lot
Return Sunday, October 19th, at approximately 11:00 am

Where: Climbing and hiking at Franconia Notch, NH
Camping at Apple Hill Campground in Bethlehem, NH

Scouts are encouraged to try climbing, but if there is sufficient interest, a day hike can also be arranged 

Cost: Scouts $75 for the weekend (campsite, rock climbing, and food), Adults $40 (no climbing charge for adults)

Deadline: Signups due by Thursday, October 2nd

The advancement deadline for the Fall Court of Honor is October 2nd.  Please make sure you record all your advancement in the advancement book on or before that date.

If you need a scoutmaster conference and/or board of review, please talk to a scoutmaster before then so it can be scheduled.