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

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!

OA Elections Tomorrow | Cold Weather Camping

Happy 2026, Troop 1 families!

Our next meeting is Monday, Jan 5, 6:30 PM, Minnehaha United Methodist Church. We have a lot going on so please try to be there before 6:30 so we can start on time!

Meeting plan for Monday Jan 5:

1. Order of the Arrow elections. OA is the national Scouting service and honor society. Members are selected by their peers - all registered Scouts are eligible to vote. We'll have some guests representing OA who will provide more information. Please plan to attend if you can, we can only hold the election if we have at least half of our registered youth present.
   
   
2. Snow Base prep / Cold Weather Camping. For the Scouts attending Snow Base, we'll have some more information on the upcoming weekend. For all Scouts, we will be discussing cold weather safety - including some of the cold weather first aid information Scouts need to know for Merit Badges such as First Aid and Snow Sports.

We'll send a separate email to Snow Base participants with pre-camp details. If you are registered for Snow Base, please watch for that email!

Other Upcoming Meetings:

January 

9-11 Snow Base @ Tomahawk

12 Patrol Leader's Council

19 (no Troop meeting - MLK Day)

24 Troop hike

26 Troop meeting - Snow Sports MB Part 1

February

2 Troop meeting - Snow Sports MB Part 2, Ski Camp planning

6-8 Ski camp @ Fred C Anderson/Trollhaugen

9 Patrol Leader's Council

See you all Monday!

Scoutmaster Dispatch: Court of Honor and Silent Auction | Upcoming events | High Adventure proposals

 Hello Troop 1!

Court of Honor and Silent Auction: December 15, 6:30-8 at MUMC

Please join us tomorrow to celebrate our accomplishments this fall at the Troop 1 Court of Honor!  We'll have treats afterwards, you're welcome to bring something to share.

We're trying something new this time, we're going to hold a silent auction after the ceremony.  We hope this will be a fun way for us all to find some interesting holiday gifts while raising funds to pay for Troop 1 campouts and scout camperships throughout the year.  Scouts and families are invited to donate an item for the auction that you think others would like, such a handcrafted item, scouting collectibles, outdoor or camping gear, etc.  If you find something you like, we can take cash, credit card, Paypal, or Venmo.

The schedule is as follows:

• 6:00-6:30: Set up, donate items, open the auction for bidding
• 6:30-7:00: Scouts arrive and set up the ceremony.  Our Courts of Honor often start around 7:00
• After the ceremony, once everyone's had a chance to make their bids, we'll wrap it up and announce the winners.

Winter Break

We won't meet on December 22 or 29.  We hope you have a safe and happy holiday.

Troop meeting: January 5, 6:30-8 at MUMC

Our next meeting is the first Monday in January.  We will hold Order of the Arrow elections, and ask that everyone to attend if they can.  We will also do any planning needed for Snow Base.

Snow Base: January 9-11

We have enough scout interest that we will be able to go to Snow Base this year!  This is a winter camping experience held at Tomahawk Scout Camp, in Wisconsin.  Warm gear is provided and camp staff will show us how it's done.  Scouts can choose between the Experience program, where scouts sleep and eat meals inside, and the Spearhead program, where scouts are outside for 24 hours, sleeping in a shelter they make.

Learn more | Sign up | See who's going

High adventure proposals

On Monday, Troop 1 members proposed high adventure trips they would like to be considered for 2026.  "High Adventure" is an experience that takes us beyond our regular weekend camping, for example, remote wilderness trips, physically or mentally challenging activities, and activities that help us learn teamwork and new skills.  Scouts were excited about regional and national hiking, backpacking, and sailing adventures.  We would like to invite scouts and adults who would like to go on one or more of these trips, to let us know by filling out this interest form.  With that feedback, we can decide which trip(s) make the most sense to pursue as a group.

Thank you,

Scoutmasters Nixon and Towle