Scoutmaster Dispatch: Birds of prey, conservation projects, advancement opportunities, and more!

 Hello Troop 1!

Your Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) met Monday night to plan our activities for the remainder of the summer.  We have some fun outdoor and conservation activities, as well as meeting time to focus on advancement started at camp, and the Eagle-required Family Life merit badge.

July and August Merit Badge Opportunities | North Star Museum, North St. Paul, $20 fee

Several Eagle-required half-day merit badge classes are happening at the North Star Museum in North St. Paul, including all the Citizenship badges, Personal Management, Scouting Heritage, Communication, Sustainability, and Law.  You can sign up for these individually, please review the prerequisites carefully.

More details and signup

Troop meeting: Raptors with Troop 196 | July 27, 5:30pm at MUMC

Troop 196, from Diamond Lake Lutheran Church, invited us to join them for the evening.  They are having a speaker from the U of M Raptor Center show some birds of prey, maybe even an eagle!  We will meet at 5:30 at MUMC, and carpool to their church, which is about a 10-minute drive.  This sign-up form helps us estimate seats and riders, please fill it out if you plan to attend.

Note the time change: we're meeting an hour early at 5:30.  If you plan to drive directly to DLL Church, please be there and ready by 6pm.  We may wrap up early once we return to MUMC, given the early start time.

Sign up | See who's going

Troop meeting: Family Life and advancement | August 3, 6:30-8pm at MUMC

This is your time to work with Merit Badge counselors and other scouts to finish up rank advancement or Merit Badge requirements.  If you need a Scoutmaster conference or Board of Review with our committee to achieve the next rank before the court of honor at the end of the month, please let us know so we can schedule it for the next few weeks.

Apostle Islands sailing trip | August 5-10

A few scouts and adults will head up to the Apostle Islands to camp and sail a 60' ship around the islands!

Starry Trek | Saturday, August 8, 8:30-1pm, Central Park Pavilion in Eagan (map)

We will join other volunteers at locations across Minnesota for a day of searching for starry stonewort, mystery snails, and other aquatic invasive species!  We'll meet in Eagan for training and then split into small groups.  Each group will drive to up to 5 different lake access points to look for invasive species and will report back with results by 1pm.

Both scouts and drivers should sign up!

More information (please don't register on this page; we'll register the troop)

Sign up | See who's going

Advancement in the Park | Sunday, August 9

This is a great opportunity to spend time outside while working on outdoor rank or merit badge requirements.

Troop meeting: Family Life and advancement | August 10, 6:30-8pm at MUMC

This is your time to work with Merit Badge counselors and other scouts to finish up rank advancement or Merit Badge requirements, Scoutmaster conferences or Board of Reviews.

Troop meeting: Elections | August 17, 6:30-8pm at MUMC

Would you like to serve in any of our positions of responsibility this fall?  Think about how you would like to serve and why you would be a good fit for that role. You'll have an opportunity to give a short speech and then we'll vote.  This term will last from September through December.

Troop 1 and Crew 1 Court of Honor | August 17, 6:30-8pm at MUMC

Let's celebrate all our hard work and accomplishments this summer!  Scouts should arrive at 6:30 to help set up, the ceremony itself will begin around 7.  We'll award scouts their new ranks and merit badges earned this summer, as well as some advancement from our Venturing Crew 1 members.

American Indian Culture Campout | September 18-20

We have an opportunity to earn the American Indian Culture Merit Badge, taught at the Mille Lacs Lake Indian Museum and Trading Post.  We will stay nearby at the Birch Bend campground, about a 20-minute drive away.  

Sign up | See who's going

Looking forward to these fun activities together!

Scoutmasters Joshua Nixon and Jill Towle

Scoutmaster Dispatch: Swim day, merit badge opportunities, and Tomahawk camp prep

Hello Troop 1,

Your Patrol Leader's Council met this evening to plan out the next few weeks of activities.

Troop meeting: Swim day! | June 22, 6:30-8, at Lake Nokomis little beach

We had so much fun at the beach, let's have another swim day!  This one is just for fun (we aren't planning on holding more pre-camp swim tests).  We could also work on some swim-related rank requirements such as water rescues.

2026 Public Safety Merit Badge Event | June 27, 2026, 8am-4pm

Scouts have an opportunity to start on merit badges with the Cottage Grove Department of Public Safety (Police, Fire/EMS and Emergency Management).  Scouts can learn from police officers, firefighter/paramedics, and other public safety professionals.  Merit badge selection includes:

• Crime Prevention and Fingerprinting
• Fire Safety
• First Aid
• Emergency Preparedness
• Search and Rescue
• Rifle Shooting
• Cybersecurity
• Radio
• Health Care Professions
• Traffic Safety

Please sign up here by Saturday, June 20

Sign up | See who's going

Troop meeting: Camp advice and patrol box prep | June 29, 6:30-8, at MUMC

Our Tomahawk Scout Camp veterans have some tips and advice they'd like to share with scouts newer to camp.  We will also check our patrol boxes to ensure they are ready for camp.

Troop meeting: Camp planning | July 6, 6:30-8, at MUMC

We'll finish prepping the patrol boxes, replacing any missing items identified the previous week.   We can also split into patrols to start our duty rosters for camp.

Finally, we will cover wildlife safety, including bears and ticks.  Tomahawk requires us to complete this training annually with all campers (youth and adults) so please make a point of attending this one if you plan to be at camp.

We'll have plenty of time for questions as well!

Thank you,

Scoutmasters Nixon and Towle

Public safety merit badge opportunity on Saturday June 27

Hello Troop 1,

We have an opportunity to work on several different public safety-related merit badges with the professionals in the City of Cottage Grove.  This is a one-day event on Saturday, June 27, from 8am-4pm, with lunch provided.  The cost of the event is $50 per scout.

More details and merit badge class descriptions

Scouts can attend with their parent, OR we can attend as a troop if we have 2 (or more) adult leaders registered with Troop 1 who are willing to provide the necessary supervision.  If you are willing to attend in either capacity, please indicate this on our signup form.  Adults attending as leaders or chaperones must register, but there is no charge to attend.

I realize this is somewhat short notice.  If you register on our Google form by this Saturday, June 20, I can get the registration to the organizers by the deadline on the following day.

Description of the event:

2026 Public Safety Merit Badge Event
June 27, 2026, 8am-4pm

Located at the HERO Training Facility (Map)

The Cottage Grove Department of Public Safety (Police, Fire/EMS and Emergency Management) in partnership with Northern Star Scouting is excited to host a Public Safety Merit Badge Day. Scouts are welcomed to discover the world of public safety and learn from Police Officers, Firefighter/Paramedics and other Public Safety professionals.

Scouts will have the opportunity to choose from over eight Public Safety related merit badges including:

• Crime Prevention and Fingerprinting
• Fire Safety
• First Aid
• Emergency Preparedness
• Search and Rescue
• Rifle Shooting
• Cybersecurity
• Radio
• Health Care Professions
• Traffic Safety

At the end of the merit badge sessions, Scouts will have the opportunity to observe a simulated emergency. Cottage Grove Public Safety is excited to host Scouts to help them achieve their goal to Be Prepared and inspire Scouts to learn more about rewarding careers in Public Safety.

Please sign up here if you are interested in attending this event:

Sign up | See who's going

Thank you,

Scoutmasters Nixon and Towle

Scoutmaster Dispatch: Swimming, Car Wash, AOL Crossover

Hello Troop 1!

With summer officially here, our next couple of troop meetings will be at the beach!  This week we also have a car wash supporting the sailing crew, and the Crossover ceremony where we welcome the Pickle Jars into the troop.

Do you have any thoughts or suggestions you'd like to share with us?

We're looking for feedback on the past year and suggestions for the next, as we plan Troop 1 activities for the '26-'27 scouting year.

Both scouts and adults are welcome to share, and they can do so anonymously if that feels more comfortable.

We'll wrap this up and move forward with planning soon, so please submit your comments this week if possible.

Troop 1 review

Swimming + swim tests | Monday, June 1 and June 8, 6:30-8, Lake Nokomis little beach (Map)

Join us tomorrow and the following Monday at Lake Nokomis Little Beach to kick off the summer by having fun at the beach!  Come ready to swim with suits and towels.  There are also opportunities for advancement if you bring your handbook.

• We scheduled this activity over both Mondays in case of inclement weather, although tomorrow looks to be sunny and nice.
• This is also an opportunity to learn about and practice Safe Swim Defense, scouting's swim safety practices.
• Troop 1 scout Sam Falk, who is a certified lifeguard, offered to help us administer scout swim tests before summer camp. This allows scouts to complete the requirement early or, at least, practice in the lake.  Tests (and swim lessons) are also available at camp.

AOL Crossover | Saturday, June 6, 3-5, Longfellow Recreation Center (Map)

Help us welcome the Wavy Chocolate Pickle Jar of America the 2nd patrol, as they cross over from Pack 1 into the troop.  They will cross over during Pack 1's end-of-year Blue and Gold banquet.  All scouts are welcome to join and participate in the ceremony, we'll need at least 4 volunteers.

Sign up | See who's helping

Car wash fundraiser for the Apostle Islands sailing trip | Sunday, June 7, 10-2, Oxendale's Market (Map)

Help support the crew for the Apostle Islands sailing trip in August!  We're holding a carwash in the parking lot of Oxendale's market to help fund our trip.  All scouts are welcome to help with the carwash, "pay it forward," and help each other out.

Please also spread the word to friends and family who would like a clean car!
Sign up | See who's coming

Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) and North Shore trip planning | Monday, June 15, 6:30-8 @MUMC

Senior patrol leaders, assistant senior patrol leaders, patrol leaders, scribe, and anyone else who's interested will plan out the next month's activities.

Scouts and adults who have signed up for the North Shore trip should also attend, we can use ths time to plan out our meals and activities.

Intro to Backpacking on Lake Superior's North Shore | June 20-23

Explore our North Shore state parks and learn about backpacking without committing 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 some local food. This is going to be a lot of fun!  See the signup form for a detailed day-by-day itinerary.

Signup for this trip closes in the next day or two so we can assess attendance and start planning logistics.

If you haven't signed up but are considering it, or if you have questions, please reach out to Jill today or tomorrow.

Sign up here | See who's going

Thank you,

Scoutmasters Nixon and Towle

Reminder: Upcoming Troop 1 meetings and activities

A quick reminder about the next few meetings and activities on our calendar, including service opportunities, celebrations, and summer camp!

Troop meeting: Work on Advancement | Monday, May 18, 6:30-8 @MUMC

We are meeting tomorrow, even though its the Monday after a campout weekend.

This is another opportunity to prepare a few rank or merit badge requirements you'd like to finish up, and work on them or get them signed off at the meeting.

Memorial Day service at Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery | Monday, May 25
We've been asked to help out with the Memorial Day service at Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery.  This time, we will be more involved than in previous years.  We will lead the flag ceremony and read some passages.

Contact Corey Needleman (NeedlemanBSA@gmail.com) if you would like to help.

There will be no troop meeting on Memorial Day evening, May 25.

AOL Crossover | June 6, 3-5 @Longfellow Community Center 

Help us welcome the Wavy Chocolate Pickle Jar of America the 2nd patrol, as they cross over from Pack 1 into the troop.  They will cross over during Pack 1's end-of-year Blue and Gold banquet.

Sailing Crew Carwash | June 7, 10-2 @Oxendale's Market

Help support the crew for the Apostle Islands sailing trip in August!  We're holding a carwash in the parking lot of Oxendale's market.  All scouts are welcome to help with the carwash, to support their friends and "pay it forward" for when they are raising money for their own trip.

Please spread the word to friends and family who would like a clean car!
Sign up | See who's coming

Intro to Backpacking on Lake Superior's North Shore | June 20-23
Cost: $113/youth, $130/adult

This is bigger than a regular weekend trip: 4 days and 3 nights exploring state parks between Duluth and Canada.  We'll tour Glensheen mansion in Duluth and visit Split Rock lighthouse, hike trails, see the tallest waterfall in MN, and dine in a historic north shore lodge.  No experience is necessary; we'll set up camp at Horace Johnson scout camp and Cascade River state park and take day trips to see the sights.  We'll learn how to filter water, use a camp stove, pack your bag, and other skills that will help scouts feel more comfortable as they progress to more high adventure treks in their later scouting years.
Signup for this trip closes on May 31, please sign up soon if you're interested.
Sign up here | See who's going

Tomahawk Scout Camp | July 12-18
Cost: $415/youth (+$25 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.
Sign up here | See who's going

Happy scouting!

Jill Towle

Scoutmaster Dispatch: Camping, Memorial Day service, Swim tests, Car wash, and more!

  Hello Troop 1!

Last Monday our newly inducted PLC met to plan activities through June, while the rest of the troop cleaned out our patrol boxes so get them ready for summer camping!  

Patrol box cleanup and camp planning | Monday, May 11, 6:30-8 @MUMC

This Monday, we'll meet to finish reassembling the patrol boxes and plan our campout for the coming weekend.  If you're going to camp, please attend to help with meal and camp planning.  If you can't make the campout, once the patrol boxes look good, you are welcome to work on rank advancement with other scouts and leaders.

Back to the woods camp with Pack 1 | May 15-17

We're camping at Phillippo scout camp, near Cannon Falls.  This is an unstructured campout where we can enjoy being outside, and work on rank advancement or merit badge requirements.  We stay in a beautiful, tree-filled upper area of the camp, near Friendship Point overlook, in Snelling cabin.  Pack 1 is staying nearby, and we have the opportunity to camp with our incoming AOL scouts, the "Wavy Chocolate Pickle Jar of America the 2nd" patrol.

Register here | Campout roster

Advancement | Monday, May 18, 6:30-8 @MUMC

This is another opportunity to prepare a few rank or merit badge requirements you'd like to finish up, and work on them or get them signed off at the meeting.

Memorial Day service at Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery | Monday, May 25
We've been asked to help out with the Memorial Day service at Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery.  This time, we will be more involved than in previous years.  We will lead the flag ceremony and read some passages.  Corey Needleman will ask for volunteers who would like to participate and help them prepare their parts.

(No troop meeting on Memorial Day evening, May 25)

Swimming for fun and pre-camp swim tests | June 1 and June 8 @Lake Nokomis little beach

We often start the summer with a just-for-fun swim meeting, let's do it again!  This is also an opportunity to learn about and practice Safe Swim Defense, scouting's swim safety practices.  Troop 1 scout Sam Falk, who is a certified lifeguard, offered to help us administer scout swim tests before summer camp. This allows scouts to complete the requirement early or, at least, practice in the lake.  We planned this for 2 meetings in case of bad weather.

AOL Crossover | June 6, location and time TBD.

Help us welcome the Wavy Chocolate Pickle Jar of America the 2nd patrol, as they cross over from Pack 1 into the troop.  They will cross over during Pack 1's end-of-year Blue and Gold banquet.

Sailing Crew Carwash | June 7, 10-2 @Oxendale's Market

Help support the crew for the Apostle Islands sailing trip in August!  We're holding a carwash in the parking lot of Oxendale's market.  All scouts are welcome to help with the carwash, and please spread the word to friends and family who would like a clean car!
Sign up | See who's coming

Patrol Leader's Council (PLC) | Monday, June 15, 6:30-8 @MUMC

Senior patrol leaders, assistant senior patrol leaders, patrol leaders, scribe, and anyone else who's interested will plan out the next month's activities.

Intro to Backpacking on Lake Superior's North Shore | June 20-23

Explore our North Shore state parks and learn about backpacking without committing 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 some local food. This is going to be a lot of fun!  See the signup form for a detailed day-by-day itinerary.

Sign up here | See who's going

Looking forward to a spring and summer full of fun activities with you all!

Scoutmasters Nixon and Towle

Scoutmaster Dispatch: Trash pickup tonight and Tomahawk merit badge registration

 Hello Troop 1,

Tonight's meeting is a bit of a pick-your-own-adventure.  We meet at MUMC at 6:30.

We will celebrate Earth Day by keeping 50th street clean!  We'll spend some time enjoying this sunny weather and picking up trash.

I hear that some scouts working on the 50-miler award may need another hour of conservation service work, this is a great opportunity to get that done.

If you are able, please plan on bringing gloves and a trash bag.

Other scouts are finishing advancement; some have boards of review and Scoutmaster conferences planned.  You can stay at the church and work on those as well.

Scoutmasters, we'll need volunteers to help cover both activities.  Thank you for your help tonight!

Finally a quick note on summer camp registration:

Starting tomorrow, we can register scouts for their merit badge and activity selections for Tomahawk.

This registration opens earlier for older scouts, giving them preference in activity selection:

• Scouts 16 and over on April 21 (tomorrow!)
• Scouts 14 and over on April 28 (next week!)
• All scouts on May 5

If you plan to attend Tomahawk, and are looking at classes that can fill up quickly, please complete our camp signup form below. We will register you for activities as soon as possible when it opens for your age group.

Register here | Campout roster