Scoutmaster Dispatch: Lake Nokomis Trash pickup | Troop 1 elections | Camp signups

Hello Troop 1,

Here's a reminder about some of our upcoming activities:

Lake Nokomis Trash Pickup | Lake Nokomis, Sunday, April 12, 10am

We will meet at the Lake Nokomis North Parking Lot (just below the community center).

• Scouts should wear Class B and dress for the weather. It may be muddy, so expect to get a little dirty!
• We recommend that attendees bring work gloves (and trash grabbers, if you have them). A 5 gallon bucket or other container is very useful to help with collecting trash, if you're prepared to carry it for the event. Troop will supply trash bags.
• Don't forget to bring a snack and water.
• We are aiming for 3 hours of service. We will plan to circle the lake, focusing on shoreline and running/biking path areas. If we complete our circle of the lake before 1 PM, we will check the park and hillside by the community center as well.
• Service hours will count for advancement (as service/conservation hours). Scouts who were on the Philmont crew last year can use these hours towards their 50 Miler award.

Sign up | See who's coming

Troop meeting | MUMC, April 13, 6:30-8
This coming Monday, we'll hold elections for youth positions of responsibility, like Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader.  Think about what positions you might want to serve in this spring and summer.  Who wants to be our bugler at summer camp?

We also have these spring and summer camp signups available on the Troop 1 website!

"Back to the Woods" weekend camp at Phillippo | May 15-17, 2026

We're going to camp with Pack 1!  By then, the weather should be nice enough for us to tent outside again.  Both groups will be in that beautiful upper area of camp, and our cabin (Snelling) is a short hike from the parking lot, and is the closest to Friendship Point.  This will be an opportunity for the incoming patrol (the Wavy Chocolate Pickle Jar of America the 2nd) to work towards their AOL badge as they gain experience camping with Troop 1.

Sign up | See who's coming

Intro to Backpacking on Lake Superior's North Shore | June 20-23, 2026
Explore our North Shore state parks and learn about backpacking without having to commit to a large trip.  All ages and experience levels are welcome.  We will hike several state park trails and experience what makes the North Shore special: waterfalls, history, and local food.
Sign up | See who's coming

Tomahawk Scout Camp | July 12-18, 2026

Spend a full week at summer camp with Troop 1!  This is a highlight of the year for many scouts.  We will spend nearly the full week outside, sleeping in tents and cooking our meals together as patrols.

• Newer scouts get to work on outdoor skills and get a head start on rank advancement, older skills are able to try out some high-adventure and trades programs.
• All scouts work on merit badges and enjoy time together in the woods and on the water.
• Adults are also welcome as registered volunteers, it's a rewarding experience to spend this time with our scouts and see their growth.

Sign up | See who's coming

Yours in scouting,

Scoutmasters Towle and Nixon

Scoutmaster Dispatch: No troop meeting tonight | State capitol visit next Saturday | Advancement work next Monday

Good morning Troop 1!

I hope you're enjoying Spring Break, those of you in the Minneapolis school system!

Our troop calendar generally follows the Minneapolis school calendar.  Because MPS is on break, we won't have a troop meeting tonight.

Our next event will be the opportunity to see the state capitol, next Saturday:

State capitol tour | Saturday, April 4

We're going to tour the state capitol building in St. Paul.  This will fulfill one of the requirements for Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.  Any scouts are welcome to join us, whether they're working on that badge or not - if you're not working on it yet, see Dr. Nixon or myself for a blue card and you can start on the badge!

Sign up | See who's going

Our next regular troop meeting will be the following Monday, April 6.  The plan is to have some free time for advancement work.  This will be a great night to work on any rank or merit badge requirements you'd like to make progress on, and to schedule a court of honor or ask for a scoutmaster conference if you're ready for one.  The next Court of Honor is coming up at the end of the month, where scouts will be recognized for their achievements this winter and spring.  This week, I'd encourage you to look at your rank or merit badge progress, and find some requirements or skills you'd like to prepare and have tested and signed off when we meet again.  Scouts over first class, scoutmasters, and merit badge counselors are encouraged to join us as well so we can all help with advancement and requirement sign-offs.

Have a wonderful week!

Jill Towle

Summer camp signup is open!

Summer camp registration is now available!

(Details are also available on our website camp signup page)

Tomahawk Scout Camp | July 12-18, 2026
Cost: $415/youth (+$25 late fee if registered after June 1), $150/adult

 

Spend a full week at summer camp with Troop 1!

This is a highlight of the year for many scouts.  We will spend nearly the full week outside, sleeping in tents and cooking our meals together as patrols.  Newer scouts get to work on outdoor skills and get a head start on rank advancement, older skills are able to try out some high-adventure and trades programs, and all scouts work on merit badges and enjoy time together in the woods and on the water.  Adults are also welcome as registered volunteers, it's a rewarding experience to spend this time with our scouts and see their growth.

Register here | Campout roster

We'll be at a different campsite this year, to accommodate our growing troop.  Check it out: 360° view of Menomonee Campsite

Signup timelines

While we will hold the registration open as late as possible, we encourage you to sign up before June.  All scouts can start entering their preferred merit badge selections in our Troop registration form now.  Popular merit badge sessions may fill up early, and Tomahawk offers preference to older scouts.

Sign up by these dates for the best chance at your merit badge class choices:

• April 21 for scouts who are 16 and older
• April 28 for scouts who are 14 and older
• May 5 for scouts of all ages
• June 1 camp fees due (scouts who sign up after this date are charged a $25 late fee)

Troop meeting: | March 23, 6:30-8, MUMC

This Monday at the Troop meeting, we'll talk about camp.  Scouts and parents are welcome.  If your scout or family hasn't been to camp before, I would suggest that you come and see what it's all about.  

Summer camp is a great opportunity for newer scouts to spend time with and bond with the other scouts in the Troop, it's a big boost towards rank and merit badge advancement, and it's fun!  Scouts who attend camp, especially in their first years, tend to stay with the program and succeed.

We're planning on sharing some pictures of our time at camp in previous years, and having a few of the scouts share their experiences at camp.  We'll also have merit badge class signup materials ready to look through and start planning.  Scoutmasters and other adult leaders planning on attending camp will be available for questions from parents - or scouts - regarding the signup process or camp in general.  After the Tomahawk presentation, we'll have open time for scouts to work on rank and merit badge advancement.

See you tomorrow!

Scoutmasters Jill Towle + Josh Nixon

Scoutmaster Dispatch: Spring activity update for March and April

Hello Troop 1!

Your Patrol Leader Council (PLC) met on Monday and came up with a great calendar of events for this spring.

Help with Pinewood Derby concessions | MUMC, Saturday, March 21, 12-2pm

We're looking for a few volunteers to help serve concessions at the Pack 1 Pinewood Derby.  Join us for a fun and exciting event!

Sign up | See who's coming

Troop hike | MUMC, Sunday, March 29, 1-4pm

We'll meet at MUMC and decide where to hike.  Please sign up so that we can track your hiking log for advancement. We're planning for 5 miles again.

Sign Up | See who's coming

State capitol tour | Saturday, April 4

We're going to tour the state capitol building in St. Paul.  This will fulfill one of the requirements for Citizenship in the Nation merit badge, but any scouts are welcome to join us, whether they're working on that badge or not.

Sign up | See who's going

Cullan Fehr's Eagle Court of Honor | MUMC, Saturday, April 11, 2:15pm

Join us in celebrating Cullan as he's earned his Eagle award!

RSVP here.  Arrive at 2:15, ceremony will start at 2:30. If you have one, please wear your full class A uniform.

Lake Nokomis Trash Pickup | Lake Nokomis, Sunday, April 12, 10am

We'll meet at the Lake Nokomis North Parking Lot (just below the community center) and earn some (conservation) service hours as we hike around Lake Nokomis and pick up trash.

Sign up | See who's coming

Court of Honor | MUMC, Monday, April 27, 6:30

Celebrate our scouts' achievements together!  Scouts should arrive at 6:30 to set up, and the ceremony will start around 7.  Please bring some refreshments to share afterwards!

"Back to the Woods" weekend camp at Phillippo | May 15-17

We're going to camp with Pack 1!  By then, the weather should be nice enough for us to tent outside again.  Both groups will be in that beautiful upper area of camp, and our cabin (Snelling) is a short hike from the parking lot, and is the closest to Friendship Point.  This will be an opportunity for the incoming patrol (the Wavy Chocolate Pickle Jar of America the 2nd) to work towards their AOL badge as they gain experience camping with Troop 1.

Sign up | See who's coming

Troop meetings | MUMC, Monday nights

• March 23 Tomahawk info session.  Troop 1 is going to Tomahawk Scout Camp this July!  Scouts will share their experiences and we'll have registration info available.  Scouts and families are welcome to learn more about camp.  This can be especially helpful for AOL families and others who haven't been to camp with us before.
• March 30 - No Troop meeting, since Minneapolis schools are on spring break.
• April 6 - Free time for advancements.  This will be a great night to work on any rank or merit badge requirements you'd like to finish up.
• April 13 - We'll hold elections for youth positions of responsibility.  Think about what positions you might want to serve in this spring and summer.
• April 20 - We'll assist Pack 1 with trash pickup in celebration of Earth Day.  Join us and earn more (conservation) service hours!
• April 27 - Court of Honor (see above)
• May 4 - Patrol Leader's Council (PLC)
• May 11 - We'll plan for camping at Phillippo the following weekend.

Looking forward to a great spring together!

Scoutmasters Jill Towle + Josh Nixon

Reminder: Camp signups and First Aid Merit Badge

We have a couple fun campouts you can sign up for on our website.

Citizenship in the Nation at Phillippo | March 13-15

This weekend, we're going to Phillippo and offering Citizenship in the Nation.  Join your fellow Troop 1 scouts talking about our government, the constitution, bill of rights, and current events.  At the end of the weekend you should have most of this Eagle-required badge completed.

Register Here | Campout Roster

Intro to Backpacking | late June

While June feels far away, we're planning an extended weekend trip up to the north shore and would like to know if you're interested, and which state parks you would most like to visit.  This is a great trip for those who may not have experience backpacking.  We will be staying at a base camp, learning backpacking skills, taking day hikes, and having fun in one of the most beautiful places in our state!  Let us know if that sounds like something you would like to do.

Interest form

Troop meeting | Monday, March 96:30-8 at MUMC

This Monday we will continue to work on First Aid Merit Badge.  Those who are planning on camping at Phillippo will need to take some time for meal planning.

Merit Badge Camp | Upcoming Meetings

Hello Troop 1!

Your Patrol Leader's Council met and planned the next few weeks of events. Many Merit Badge opportunities!

Merit Badge Camp - March 13-15 at Phillippo. Northern Star Council is offering Digital Technology Merit Badge this weekend. No additional cost to take this badge if registered as a camper for the weekend. Scouts will be provided a computer to use (or can bring their own laptop/tablet). Some pre-work required! Troop 1 counselors will also be hosting Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge. Scouts who choose this option will work on it in camp. We have reserved a (small) cabin for this camp. Digital Technology spots will fill quickly so register SOON if you want this option - we will submit initial registration for this Merit Badge on March 1.

• Register Here | Campout Roster

Upcoming meetings - First Aid Merit Badge. Starting on Feb 23, the Troop will be working on First Aid with counselors Peter Johnson and Corey Needleman. If you do not know Peter, he is our Chartered Organization Representative (the person who represents Minnehaha United Methodist Church on behalf of the Troop and Pack). He is also a registered healthcare professional, and has been a Scouting member for over 40 years.

Please come to the meeting ready to work on First Aid, or if you have already earned it, ready to help other Scouts work on their First Aid skills!

See you Monday!

Scoutmaster Dispatch: MLK Day service opportunity | Snow sports merit badge | Ski camp

Hello Troop 1!

First, we had 14 scouts join us at Snow Base last week, where we built shelters, played broomball, snowshoed, skied, and some of us slept outside!

See our photos of Snow Base.

Second, our Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) met on Monday to plan the next month of activities.

Volunteer opportunity at Feed My Starving Children | Monday January 19, 2:15-4:15

This coming Monday, on MLK Jr. Day, let's help others in need by packing meal kits at Feed My Starving Children.  Scouts who have done this before say it's fun and rewarding.

Sign up | See who's going

No regular troop meeting on January 19th, since it's a school holiday.

Troop hike | Saturday, January 24, 10am at MUMC

We'll meet at MUMC and decide where we'd like to walk.  We've been doing this on the 3rd Saturday each month, covering 3-4 miles.

Troop Meeting: Snow Sports Merit Badge Part 1 | Monday, January 26, 6:30-8pm at MUMC

In preparation for Ski Camp in February, we'll start work on the snow sports merit badge.  During this first session, we'll cover general safety and first aid, and how to dress for cold weather.  There should also be time to work on rank advancement and play a game.

Troop Meeting: Snow Sports Merit Badge Part 2 | Monday, February 2  6:30-8pm  at MUMC

We are now prepared to offer snowboarding, XC skiing, and snowshoeing in addition to downhill skiing merit badge options.  We'll split into groups and work on the requirements for each sport.  Even if you've earned the badge already, you may want to learn a new skill!  There should also be time to work on rank advancement and play a game.

Ski Camp | February 6-8 at Anderson Scout Camp and Trollhaugen
Troop 1 will welcome Arrow of Light scouts to join us at camp for our annual Ski Camp weekend. We'll stay in the Peterson/Adirondack cabins Friday night, then drive to Trollhaugen on Saturday. Scouts can ski, snowboard, or hang out in the chalet. We'll offer a chance to work on Snow Sports Merit Badge (on-the-hill requirements for snowboard or alpine options). We return to Fred C. Saturday night for dinner at camp, and drive home Sunday morning.
Register Here | Campout Roster

TBD: XC Ski and/or Snowshoe outing

For those who are interested in these options for Snow Sports merit badge, we'll arrange some time out on the trails.  Anyone who is interested is welcome!  Rentals should be available.  We have some experienced skiers within the troop who are excited to help teach and share their love of this sport.

Pancake Breakfast | February 15, time TBD

We are planning to host a pancake breakfast on the Sunday morning before Mardi Gras.  Help us celebrate and fund Troop 1 activities!

Looking forward to more fun winter activities with you all!