Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Court of Honor | Fall Camporee | Upcoming Camps

Salutations Troop 1!

Court of Honor Monday: It's time to recognize our Scout's accomplishments. We're proud of your Scout and you should be too! Please join us as we welcome family and friends to be present while we award our Scouts the ranks and Merit Badges they have earned over the past few months. We encourage those in attendance to bring a shareable treat to enjoy after the awards ceremony is complete.

Merit Badge Work - the Troop started Communications Merit Badge this week. This and Personal Management MB will continue over the next few meetings. These are both Eagle-required badges. Please review requirements, and if you don't already have one, ask me for a blue card at the COH or next meeting.

Upcoming Campouts: Because you can't spell Scouting without "outing"!

October 13-15: Fall Camporee, Phillippo. The Camporee is an event drawing troops and crews from across our council. The Camporee offers patrol-based skill competitions and many opportunities to meet other scouts. This year, attendees can work on First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, Fire Safety, and Orienteering merit badges. Registration closes soon. We currently have 10 scouts and 5 adults registered.

Register here | See who else is attending

November 10-12: Fall "Back to the Woods" Camp, Stearns (Deckenbach Lodge). Like the Wild River campout last month, this is an unstructured camp. We'll try to plan a service project while on site, but the rest is up to you. Deckenbach does not have kitchen facilities, so we'll be cooking outside (and sleeping outside is strongly encouraged). Bring your Scout book, we'll have plenty of cances for advancement work.

Register here | See who else is attending

December 8-10: Board Game Camp, Stearns (Tonkawa). A full weekend of your favorite board and tabletop games, in the newest and fanciest Scout lodge in Minnesota? Count me in! Bring your favorite games to share, and try games you've never played before. Whether it takes 5 minutes or 5 hours to play, we've got time!

Register here | See who else is attending

Last but not least, Snow Base registration opens October 1. We'll be talking about this at an upcoming meeting to gauge interest and plan out a potential trip in January. Winter camping is awesome - just ask the crew that went last year!

Photos from Snow Base 2022 | Read about Snow Base here

Good Scouting!

Friday, September 8, 2023

All-Troop PLC Monday

Happy Friday, Troop 1! Quick update for everyone.

All-Troop Patrol Leaders Council will be held Monday Sept 11. We do not seem to have actually definitively determined who all of our current Patrol Leaders are, so we're inviting everyone to this planning meeting. Be Prepared to discuss plans for future Troop meetings. Start thinking about positions of responsibility, we'll be holding new elections in October.

Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review will be held during the Sept 11 meeting for those scouts who have asked for them. If you have requested a BOR, remember to attend in your Class A uniform and bring your Scout Handbook. For new scouts who need conference for Scout rank, remember you do not need a BOR, just the Scoutmaster Conference for this rank. I can certainly accommodate should any of the Moo-Wooing Platycats need a conference for Scout rank after this weekend's campout.

Court of Honor is September 25.

Reminder - October 13-15: Fall Camporee, Phillippo. The Camporee is an event drawing troops and crews from across our council. The details have not yet been shared, but usually a Camporee offers patrol-based skill competitions and many opportunities to meet other scouts. We are inviting Arrow of Light and Webelos scouts from Pack 1 to attend with us. This is your chance to show these younger scouts how Troop 1 operates, as a first step in helping them make the transition from Pack to Troop over the upcoming program year.

We currently have two scouts registered for the camporee - we're hoping to have better attendance. Please indicate interest quickly as spaces do fill up. Scouts who attended one of the last two camporees had significant chances to complete advancement requirements!

Register here | See who else is attending

Good Scouting!

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Court of Honor | Upcoming Camps

Greetings Troop 1! Great to see so many of you Monday.

Merit Badge Work - the Troop started Personal Management MB this week. Thanks to Ruth Wikoff-Jones for helping us get started! This is an Eagle-required badge and a good one to start on early in your Scouting progress. If you were not at the meeting but want to join in, see the badge requirements here and ask me for a blue card at the next meeting.

Speaking of next meeting: No meeting this coming Monday (Labor Day) and the following Monday Sept 11, is our Patrol Leaders Council (Patrol leaders/SPL/ASPL/Scribe expected to attend - new Scouts, take note, the Monday immediately after a campout is nearly always reserved for the PLC). This means our next full Troop meeting is September 18, with Court of Honor on Sept 25.

If you are close to completing a rank, I will be available to do Scoutmaster Conference during the PLC on Sept 11. For ranks that require a Board of Review (anything Tenderfoot and above), it is important to contact Chad and Val Mayer ASAP to determine if we can arrange a time. BOR must be completed by Sept 11 as we generally have a cutoff date two weeks prior to the Court of Honor.

Reminder regarding Upcoming Campouts.

September 8-10: Wild River State Park. This is a non-structured back-to-the-woods camp, with an expectation that scouts will be able to focus on advancement opportunities. We have 6 scouts who plan to attend, plus 3 adults. If you are interested please submit your registration ASAP so that your grubmaster has time to secure food before camp weekend. Meals were planned at Monday's meeting. Jill and Chad Towle are organizing this weekend as I am unlikely able to make this camp.

Register here | See who else is attending

October 13-15: Fall Camporee, Phillippo. The Camporee is an event drawing troops and crews from across our council. The details have not yet been shared, but usually a Camporee offers patrol-based skill competitions and many opportunities to meet other scouts. We are inviting Arrow of Light and Webelos scouts from Pack 1 to attend with us. This is your chance to show these younger scouts how Troop 1 operates, as a first step in helping them make the transition from Pack to Troop over the upcoming program year.

We do not have any scouts registered for the camporee yet: Please indicate interest quickly as spaces do fill up. Scouts who attended one of the last two camporees had significant chances to complete advancement requirements!

Register here | See who else is attending

Finally, if you have not yet submitted your annual registration please do so as soon as possible at https://www.northernstar.org/registration.

Good Scouting!

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Upcoming Camp Registrations

Hello Troop 1! Last Scoutmaster Dispatch for a while, as I will be out of town the next two weeks.

Thanks to all who attended the annual planning meeting. Your troop leadership (SPL, ASPLs, and PLs), with input from other scouts who were present, have planned monthly campouts and some activities they want to incorporate into upcoming troop meetings.

View Scribe's notes from the planning meeting

Upcoming Campouts

September 8-10: Wild River State Park. The Troop had proposed Interstate State Park, but there were no available campsites. Instead we have booked a group site at Wild River. This is a non-structured back-to-the-woods camp, with an expectation that scouts will be able to focus on advancement opportunities. I'm challenging scouts to cook at least one meal in Dutch ovens - desserts don't count! Nearly anything you can cook at home can be done in a Dutch oven, so get creative (but remember to stay within budget!)

Register here | See who else is attending

October 13-15: Fall Camporee, Phillippo. The Camporee is an event drawing troops and crews from across our council. The details have not yet been shared, but usually a Camporee offers patrol-based skill competitions and many opportunities to meet other scouts. We are inviting Arrow of Light and Webelos scouts from Pack 1 to attend with us. This is your chance to show these younger scouts how Troop 1 operates, as a first step in helping them make the transition from Pack to Troop over the upcoming program year.

Register here | See who else is attending

Last, a final reminder that annual registration is now due. Please be sure to have your registration submitted online as soon as possible at https://www.northernstar.org/registration.

Good Scouting!

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Tomahawk wrap-up | No meeting Monday | Annual registration

Hello Troop 1!

Tomahawk was a great week. If you were there, and took photos you'd like to share, please add to our photo album here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/L3xne9hncXwLyE4k7

If you can't add photos, please let me know!

I had an awesome week. It was really great to see a lot of advancement, a lot of personal growth, and to see our scouts and adults get to know each other better. I'm thankful for all who could make the trip and hope to see everyone back next year for Tomahawk 2024.

Reminder: No Troop meeting tomorrow. We meet next on August 7, for the annual Troop planning meeting.

August is upon us and annual registrations are due once again. Fees have increased - total cost is now approximately $17 per month.

Remember that scholarships are always available. No youth should feel that cost is a barrier to participation. If you have questions or concerns about cost please ask! Annual registration link is here: https://www.northernstar.org/registration - click on "Pack/Troop Registration".

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Troop elections | next meeting | Eagle Court of Honor

Hello Troop 1 - quick update for those of you who were unable to make the Court of Honor on Monday.

Troop election results were announced. Your new troop leadership is:

  • SPL: Henry R
  • ASPL: Mason E and Cullan F
  • Troop Guide: Oliver N, Theo H, Finn N
  • Scribe: Noah M
  • Outdoor Ethics Guide: Ami H
  • Librarian: Jonah M
  • Historian: Sam F
  • Instructor: Andy B and Lucien R
  • Webmaster: Ethan T

 We're still missing leadership in a few key spots. Quartermaster, OA Representative, Bugler, Chaplain Aide, and Den Chief are open. If you are interested in one of these roles, please talk to me. Note that OA Rep needs to be an OA member.

Patrol elections have not yet been held. We'll plan to have patrols elect their new PLs and APLs at an upcoming meeting.

Our meeting on Monday will be focused on preparing for Tomahawk. Scouts who will be at summer camp should plan to check and assemble the patrol boxes and other gear - scouts who are not going to summer camp can either help with preparing gear, or work on advancement. (If you're excited about checking the troop shed contents, that Quartermaster position might be for you!)

We'll also hold a pre-camp gear swap. If you have camping gear / boots / uniform parts that are in good shape but no longer fit or are in need of a new home, please consider bringing them to the meeting. Scouts grow fast, and gear or uniform parts you don't need any more might help out someone else in the troop!

And last but certainly not least, Alex Barber's Eagle Court of Honor is this Sunday, July 16, at 5 PM, Wabun Picnic Area, shelter D. If you are able to attend to congratulate Alex on completion of Scouting's highest rank, please do! Wear your Class A uniform. If you have not been to an Eagle COH before, it's a great way to thank Alex (and their parents!) for their significant contributions to Troop 1, and to get inspired to work on your own advancement.

Good Scouting!

Sunday, March 5, 2023

5 March 2023

Monday we'll be doing March Camp Prep

We'll be at Stearns Scout camp at Diamond Lake Lodge.

March Merit Badge Camp Program

FUNDRAISERS
Simpls Soup .... yum! 3/1/23 - 3/31/23 and enter code TROOP1
Troop 1 is doing a fundraiser this month with Simpls, a Twin Cities based company specializing in scratch made soups, pizzas, bakes and gift packs made from local organic ingredients. If you place an order on their website from 3/1/23 - 3/31/23 and enter code TROOP1, BSA Troop 1 can earn between 25-35% of the profits, and you'll have yummy food delivered to your door (frozen) on a date you choose. You'll receive a text that the order has arrived. They have a very large delivery radius in the Twin Cities and suburbs (see map on their website). Minimum order is $50. Delivery is free with $99 order. Their large selection of items includes vegan and vegetarian options. Be sure to enter TROOP1 at check out. Thanks for supporting Troop 1 !Please share with your Friends. See Ann Wempner's Feb 28 email for more information. 

Pancake Breakfast • Sunday, March 19 • MUMC 8:00-12:00
Please invite your friends, neighbors, nemesis, teachers, family, coaches, etc.

Pancakes: $7/individual, $25/family
All you can eat.
Gluten Free & Dairy Free upon request. 
Real maple syrup!

Funds go to support BSA Troop 1’s program budget.

Church Services at 9 & 11
Reminder: food service starts at 8am and goes until 11:30.

• Early Shift 7:30-10:30 Includes Set-Up
• Late Shift 9:30-12:30 Includes Clean-up

We hope to see the entire troop help out and participate. We'd also like to see the troop families stay for pancakes. In general, we'd like as many attendees as possible also.


Upcoming Events:
6-Mar-202318:30Troop Meeting Camp Planning / Boards of Review
10-Mar-202318:30Camping - Merit BadgesStearns - Diamond Lake Lodge
13-Mar-202318:30Troop MeetingCut off for Boards of Review / Rank Advancements
19-Mar-20238:00Pancake BreakfastMUMC 8-12
20-Mar-202318:30Troop MeetingPoR Elections / Cut of for Merit Badges
27-Mar-202318:30Court of HonorSanctuary
30-Mar-2023High AdventureSea Base - Spring Break 3/30-4/5
14-Apr-202318:30CampingCamping @ Phillippo w/ Pack 1
22-Apr-2022ServiceEarth Day Service Project
12-May-202318:30CampingSpring Camporee at Stearns
20-May-202214:00ServicePack 1 PWD
2-Jun-202318:30CampingRipley Rendevous
10-Jun-202316:00ServicePack 1 Blue and Gold - Nokomis Rec Center
TBD

High Adventure

Backpacking Pictured Rocks
Looking for Scouts to start planning
23-29 Jul 2023

Summer Camp
Registration out soon
Tomahawk • Sioux Camp: Quapaw site

Winter '23-'24High AdventureSea Base - Winter Break '23-'24
CAMPS
April - Camping with Pack 1
May - Spring Camporee - Register ASAP
June - Ripley Rendezvous - Register ASAP
July  - Summer Camp at Tomahawk - Registration coming soon!
TBD - Summer Backpacking at Pictured Rocks

BSA Troop 1 Facebook Group
For those of you on Facebook, feel please join our closed group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/mnt3001/

Subscribe to the Troop 1 Google Calendar

Scoutmaster's Minute
"A Wrapper A Day" - that's one of my mottos.

When I'm out walking, I try to pick up one wrapper a day - it's usually much more than that, unfortunately. I have no idea how the wrappers get there, but there's never a shortage of them.

I'm 47 years old and I have never actually seen someone throw a wrapper on the ground on purpose. I have no idea what sort of person does it. It just doesn't make sense to me, but there seem to be more than enough of them around.

So, I just do what I can when I can - just a wrapper a day.

Troop 1 has about 25 scouts. If we all did A Wrapper A Day, that would be close to 10,000 wrappers in a year - and that would be about 100 pounds. Crazy right.


Of course, it's up to you to help or not, and no one will know if you do. But, wouldn't it be great if one day I couldn't find a wrapper for that day?