Monday, June 15, 2026

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

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
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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.


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:

Thank you,
Scoutmasters Nixon and Towle
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