Wednesday Jan 18 Meeting

We'll be working on finishing the Scholarship merit badge, that means scouts need to have their 250-300 word report finished for requirement 5 link


We'll also be doing a pack check, if you're planning on going on the snow camp, plan on having your gear packed before Wednesday night, leaders will be checking to make sure that all the items on the gear list (link) are packed. The pack check isn't because the leaders don't think scouts are capable of packing their bags in time for the camp out, the pack check is because snow camping can be dangerous if you're gear isn't appropriate for extreme conditions. Leaders will be looking for a warm sleeping bag and several changes of warm clothing. If scouts don't have appropriate gear we'll find out Wednesday night so you have a few days to beg, borrow and steal better gear.

Merit Badge University - Feb. 4, 2011

Here is a message from our District Executive, Joe Quintana. We will post more as information becomes available, but please mark your calendars:

Hello everyone!

I wanted to write to everyone for two reasons. First of all Merit Badge University: IT’S BACK ON!!!

Here are the details so that you can all start planning:

What: Merit Badge University

Where: Archbishop Howard School, 5309 Northeast Alameda Street Portland, OR 97213-2547

When: Saturday, February 4th, 2011, Approximately 8:00 A.M.- 3:00 P.M.

Please mark it on your calendars, we are going to get the signup information online as soon as is humanly possible. Thanks everyone.

Sign-up information here: http://www.doubleknot.com/Registration/CalendarDetail.asp?ActivityKey=1111908&OrgKey=1471

Yours in Scouting,

Joe Quintana

Campout: Snow Caves - Timberline Lodge

This year we'll be camping at Timberline lodge on the south side of the parking lot on January 20-21.

It is important that the boys prepare for this trip and bring enough clothing to stay warm and dry. Boys who went on a snow camp last year will remember how cold they all were when their only pair of socks got wet or how uncomfortable they were when their only pair of gloves was wet and frozen. We will talk about the gear needed in the next several meetings and the boys will know what they are expected to bring and why. Warm sleeping bags are important. The minimum gear needed is listed on the checklist below, bags will be checked on Wednesday the 18th, boys who are missing gear or clothing will need to present the missing gear to a leader before leaving on Friday evening. This is a potentially dangerous activity, if the leaders feel that any boy is not prepared he will not be allowed to participate.

Checklist

1. Waterproof clothing 1 of each

   1. Waterproof boots

   2. Waterproof jacket

   3. Waterproof pants

2. Clothing to layer, at least 2 of each

   1. Wool or fleece pants

   2. Gloves or mittens (3 pair recommended)

   3. Long underwear top and bottom

   4. Fleece sweaters, vests or wool shirts to layer NOT COTTON

   5. Swimsuit

   6. Synthetic or wool socks NOT COTTON (bring at least 3 pair, or if layering enough to change socks 3x)

   7. Beanie or stocking cap

   8. Extra pair of boots or shoes, 3 pair if boots are not waterproof

3. Toiletries

   1. Sunblock

   2. Chapstick

   3. Toothbrush & toothpaste

   4. First aid kit

   5. Soap or hand sanitizer

   6. Toilet paper

   7. Towel

4. Sleeping gear

   1. Sleeping bag rated to at least 15 deg F (if you don’t have a warm bag bring two and put one inside the other)

   2. Foam pad or self inflating air mattress (don’t bring the inflatable air mattresses that don’t have insulation inside.

   3. A piece of cardboard or pieces of cardboard large enough to sleep on.

   4. Pillow if desired

   5. Hand warmers

5. Snow gear

   1. Shovel for digging cave

   2. Recycle bin or similar for making an igloo if desired instead of a cave

   3. Hot chocolate

   4. Sled, inner tube or saucer

   5. Whistle

   6. Warm clothes

   7. Extra warm clothes

   8. St. Bernard with a mug on its collar

   9. Hand warmers

   10. Candle

6. Camp gear

   1. Flashlight

   2. Plate, bowl and utensils

   3. Cup

   4. Matches

   5. Knife

   6. Watch

   7. Plastic bag

7. Food

   1. Lunch for Friday

   2. Snacks

8. Camera & batteries

Don’t bring

1. Cellphones

2. mp3 players

3. snowmobiles

4. ipods

5. gameboys, psp or other hand held games

6. lasers

7. a bad attitude
   

Merit Badge Requirements

Below are links to the requirements for the merit badges we are currently working on.

Citizenship in the Nation
Family Life
Space Exploration
Scholarship

Space Exploration Finale - Wed. Nov. 30th

On Wednesday night the 30th we will be meeting to finish up the Space Exploration merit badge. This means we will be able to launch our rockets (assuming they are ready!). Please come prepared with your "Space Card" with some information about an important contributor to the history of space exploration. 10, 9, 8, . . .

Lacamas Lake Campout

On Friday November 18th we will be heading to Currie Camp on Lacamas Lake just outside of Camas, WA.

618 NE 232nd Ave.
Camas, WA 98607

We will be staying in the adirondack cabins so we will be protected from the rain and possible snow. On Saturday morning there will be a 5-mile orienteering course, so don't forget your compasses!