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.

Currently, we have class B's that are not worn to many scouting events. The PLC has decided to design a new class B that we will be able to wear at scouting events, such as outdoor hikes, camping, etc. In addition, the new class B will represent us as Troop 437. The new class B is a non-cotton flexible sports shirt that displays the trefoil, Troop 437, and the troop symbol (the phoenix). The cost will be $14 each.  Please submit the attached order form with payment by April 9th.

Order Form

Camp Wah-Tut-Ca has added a new opportunity for scouts and leader this summer.  You are invited to bring your bike to camp with you to help you get around camp.  If you bring your bike to camp you will need to read and agree to the rules below in order to make mountain biking around camp fun, feasible, safe, and ecologically sound as possible. These rules must be strictly followed with the understanding that abuse of these rules by any individual in camp will require the camp management or Unit Leader to revoke their bike riding privileges until the end of their week at camp.

1. All bikes must be of the mountain bike variety - no street bikes will be allowed.
2. Bikes are subject to inspection at any time by the designated staff and Unit Leaders who may remove the bike if it fails inspection. See Appendix H. Many mountain bikes look alike. In order to secure your bike, the use of bike locks is encouraged.
3. It is at the discretion of the camp management or unit leaders whether or not a bike should be confiscated upon a subsequent violation.
4. Scouts assume all liability for the care, maintenance and condition of their bike.The camp will not be responsible for injury due to unsatisfactory maintenance of personal bikes. If the Camp determines a bike to be unsafe and un-repairable with the means at our disposal, the bike will be impounded for the duration of the Scout’s stay.
5. Scouts bringing a personal mountain bike to camp must also bring an ANSI approved helmet, and must wear the helmet at all times.
6. Personal mountain bikes may be used for transportation to and from program areas. Bikes may only be ridden on camp roads at an acceptable speed able to maintain control at all times.
7. Scouts must store their bikes in their unit’s campsite. 
8. At program areas bikes may only be parked at designated areas. Each program is responsible for designating appropriate parking areas.
9. When approaching pedestrians from behind, the biker must warn the pedestrians of their approach and announce which side they will be passing them on.
10. Bikes may not be ridden between dusk and dawn. If a bike is not back to its owner’s site before sunset it needs to be walked (not ridden) back.
11. Only single riders will be permitted on a mountain bike.
12. Regardless of whether a Scout is on foot or on a bike, he/she must travel with a buddy.
13. Mountain bikes may not be ridden across parade fields.
14. Bikes may be confiscated by camp management or Unit Leaders, for violation of bike rules
15. Bikes may only be ridden on roads, not trails or path

 Our new Troop Neckerchiefs are here.  Thanks to Max G's hard work the new neckerchiefs sport the new Troop logo.  If you missed last week's meeting and didn't get your new neckerchief please talk to Max or Mr. McKeen at this week's meeting.