This Saturday is teh West Wind district's annual Klondike Derby.  This year's theme is "Ice and Fire" and will be held at the Stony Brook Conservation Land (aka East Boston Camps) in Westford.

If you are interested but have not yet signed up please see Kyle at tonights meeting

If you have signed up please plan on arriving at the Stoney Brook School parking lot at 8:00am.

All Scouts need to come prepared with the following (Other patrol specific equipment will also be needed):

1. Mug & mess kit for each scout.
2. Filled Water bottle for each Scout
3. Totin Chip & Firem’n Chit for each Scout

Clothing

It is very important that you come prepared to be outside in cold weather, this is January after all!  If you are not prepared you risk losing points for your Patrol.  

• Winter/hiking boots – should be waterproof and warm
• Layers of wicking clothing
• Socks not cotton! Spare pair.
• No Cotton Jeans – very important
• Hat,
• Gloves, 2 pairs recommended
• Outer wear  

As of January 1st 2016 BSA has released new rank requirements for all the Boy Scout ranks.  Many of the changes are for clarification and do not materially change the requirements but there are also some changes of substance.  The troop will be distributing printed copies of the new requirements at an upcoming meeting but at the moment this is what you need to know:

1. If you are not yet 1st class - you can use the old requirements that are listed in your handbook to complete all the ranks up to 1st class during 2016.  Once you reach 1st class you will need to start using the new requirements.
2. If you are working on Star, Life, or Eagle you can use the old requirements that are listed in your handbook to complete the rank you are working on as long as you complete the rank in 2016.  Once that is complete you will need to start using the new requirements.
3. Regardless of what you are working on, as of January 1st 2017 you will need to switch to the new requirements.

If you have any questions please talk to the Scoutmaster.

Happy New Year!  Hopefully everyone has had a great holiday season capped off by a jump into a brand new year!  For the Troop here are some of the things to keep an eye on:

• First Troop meeting of the year is this coming Thursday January 7th
  
  
• First camping trip is our Winter Campout next weekend January 9th and 10th (more information below)
  
  
• Requirement changes - As of January 1st BSA has release revised requirements for the Boy Scout ranks.  Please see the separate note about how these changes will impact you
  
  
• Patrol changes - The Patrol Leader Council has worked with the Troop and has decided to reorganize Patrols for the upcoming scout year. To help make this process as successful as possible, scouts should make sure that they attend the Troop Meeting on January 7th. Coming to this meeting will help the PLC to create the most effective Patrols while keeping friends together.
• Elections - annual leadership elections are coming up in January.  nominations for SPL will be held on January 14th.  The elections will be two weeks later on the 28th.  This is one week later than planned to account for WA mid-terms on the 21st.
  
  
• Winter Court of Honor - will be held on February 11th.  This has also been moved out one week due to the shift in the elections.
  
  
• Ski Trip - Our February trip will be a ski trip to Pats Peak on February 5th and 6th.  Sign-up will be distributed shortly.
  
  
• Summer Camp - Not too early to start thinking about summer camp.  Our camp dates are now confirmed to be July 31st through August 6th.  We will once again be in the MEdicine Bow camp site.  All scouts will need updated medical forms so now might be a good time to schedule annual checkups!

Best wishes to everyone for a great new year!  It looks like the Troop has a lot of great things in store!

The Troop has signed up to help rake lawns in town for residents that need assistance. We are planning on everyone's help so we can swarm the one remaining yard and get the work done quickly!  

We also need adults with leaf blowers to help the work along.

When:  Saturday 10:00am to Noon,
Where: 59 Acton Road
What to bring:  Rakes, gloves, water bottle.  

Please sign up and let us know you are coming and what location you will be helping out at.  Signup by clicking on the button below or by going to this link.

The November backpacking trip to the Three Ponds shelter in the White Mountains was a big success.  12 scouts and 4 adults completed the trek.  Click on the image to the left for more pictures.