94 Bakers Hill Road
Weston, MA 02193
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Troop 157 News  
November 18, 1997
 
Scouting for Food/Service Day this 
Saturday, November 22
We will meet at the Scout House at 7:30 am this Saturday morning. We will rake leaves (or do another service project at the Scout House if the snow has not melted) until about 10 am, and then move on to the South Side Fire House to help box food collected by the cub scouts.  The start time is moved up a half-hour (from the originally scheduled 8 am), in order to provide more time to complete the project at the Scout House.  Please bring a rake from home (unless we still have snow cover, in which case we will not be raking.) Most of us will be finished sometime between Noon and 1:00 pm, but a small contingent will be needed to deliver and unpack the food at A Place to Turn in Natick.  This is a very important activity for the troop.  Please be sure to come if at all possible.  It is important for at least three reasons:  (1) we help collect food for people in need; (2) we show our gratitude to the Weston Scout House, who provides our meeting place; (3) we sell Troop 157 to Weston's cub scouts (and their parents).  Be sure to wear your uniform.  If you want, you could change into your scout shirt at the conclusion of the work at the Scout House.

1st Ski Trip, December 5-7
The Patrol Leader's Council has decided to schedule our first ski trip for December 5-7.  We usually go to the troop cabin at Nobscot in December, but as we ended up going there last weekend (because the snow storm prevented us from going to Bretton Woods), it makes sense to go skiing in December!  Let's hope it stays cold up north so that the ski areas can continue to build their base.  Many areas are already open, or will be open before December 5-7.  E.g., Wildcat, our usual destination, will open this coming weekend.  

 

   We will be staying at Mr. Lee's condominium at Bretton Woods.  We will decide on a ski area closer to the weekend, when we have a better idea of ski conditions, but Wildcat still seems to be everyone's preference.  Both downhill and cross-country skiing will be available (assuming there is sufficient snow for cross-country, and we have sufficient boys and adult leaders to support both).  If we go to Wildcat for downhill skiing, we will probably go to Great Glen for cross country skiing, as it is only a couple of miles away, right in Pinkham Notch.  The basic cost (with lift tickets, lodging, and food) is $55 for downhill and cross-country skiers.  Add $25 if you are 13 or older and downhill skiing (to cover more expensive lift ticket).  Add $25 if you are 13 or under and renting downhill skis (add $40 if you are over 13 and renting downhill skis).  Add $25 if you are renting cross-country skis (any age).  Thus, for example, if you are 12, downhill skiing, and renting skis, your cost would be $80 ($55 + $25).  Each boy will also need additional funds (e.g., $25) to cover cost of a dinner stop on the way north on Friday night, lunches at the ski area on Saturday and Sunday, and a snack on the way home on Sunday.  Be sure to bring a signed Permission Form, copies of which will be available at our 
 
December 1 meeting, or plan to sign the form at drop off time on December 5.  Those renting skis will also need to sign a release form at drop off time.

The troop's ski trips are something everyone can enjoy, even those who has never skied before.  They provide a perfect opportunity for a boy to learn to ski.  Last year, we had three boys learn on our ski weekends.  Ski school lessons are included at no extra charge for first time skiers.  We will have the Bretton Woods Sports Lodge (steam room, Jacuzzi, pool, etc.) at our disposal.  We will probably go out for pizza on Saturday night.  Most of us will be sleeping on the floor, and so bring a comfortable sleeping pad, air mattress, or cot.  Departure will be at 6 pm on Friday evening from the Scout House.  We will return late afternoon on Sunday (about 5 pm).  

REI Wall Climb, December 15
Our regular meeting on Monday, December 15 will begin at the REI Store in Framingham on Route 30, starting at 6:45 pm. We will divide into groups, with some boys climbing the wall, while others tour the store.  We may be limited in the number of boys who can climb, as it will depend on the number of spotters that REI has available.  The number could be anywhere from 15-22 boys.  Accordingly, we are asking that the boys sign up by our October 24 meeting, by submitting a signed REI Permission Form by then.  If we are limited in space, we will have to limit participation to those who signed up first.  REI's Information and Permission Forms are attached, and are also available on our web site. Copies will also be available at our November 24 meeting.

Snowball of a Weekend at Nobscot, 
November 15-16
The big snowstorm on Friday caused a change of plans for our weekend outing.  Instead of going to Bretton Woods, we went out to the Troop cabin at Nobscot.  Although it was November, it felt very much like past cabin trips held in December.  There was plenty of snow for snowballs and "white washing" (an activity that your scoutmasters were introduced to "up close and personal" on the trip).  A full scale snowball war was held on Saturday afternoon between the boys (a.k.a. "the White Plague") and adults (Messrs. Lee, M. and S.).  A huge pile of logs was cut so that we would have enough wood to last the night in the wood stove (our SPL showed his prowess with the saw, extending once again his log cutting record).  Sunday morning saw a clear sky, and perfect conditions for Capture the Flag.  Well-balanced teams (Watson S., Mr. S., Jesse L., and Mike L. vs. Alex W., Ben B., Mark P., and Mr. Lee) made this one of our best games ever.  Alex W. brought the game to a conclusion with a daring capture of the flag right from under the noses of Mr. S. and Mike L..
 

 

 Advancement Activities at Upcoming Meetings

November 24:  Ed W. will be back to work on First Aid merit badge.  This is a required merit badge for Eagle, and everyone who does not have the badge should try to attend this meeting and the one on December 1.  Mr. S. will continue work on Communications merit badge at the meeting for those who already have First Aid.

December 1:  Second session on First Aid merit badge, and further session on Communications merit badge.

January 5 & 12:  Older boys will lead skill instruction on knots and lashing requirements.  This is a must attend for boys working toward First Class.  

January 26:  Last opportunity to complete advancement for February Court of Honor.  Time will be spent on individual advancement needs.  Boards of Review will be held. 

February to May:  We will work on Citizenship in the Community, Personal Management, and Family Life merit badges, and the remaining requirements for First Class.  Boys needing Family Life and Personal Management for Eagle should get started on the 90 day requirements as soon as possible, rather than waiting until February, so that these badges can be completed in time to qualify for the Eagle Board of Review in the spring.

Winter Camping Trip, January 17-18
The Patrol Leaders Council decided to hold our troop's own winter camping outing in January.  The destination has not been chosen, but Nobscot is a likely possibility.  We will work on winter camping skills at our January 5 and 12 meetings.  This will be real winter camping, i.e., in tents!  More details will be forthcoming.  

Court of Honor, February 2
Our midyear Court of Honor ceremony will be on 
February 2.  We expect that all of our 6th grade boys, and many of our older boys, will have advanced a rank or earned one or more merit badges by that date, and this is our opportunity to award these new ranks and badges.  It is also an opportunity for a boy's entire family to participate for an evening in his scouting experience.  Refreshments will be provided.

Please return Questionnaires
Please return the Summer Camp & Resource Questionaires to Mr. Lee or bring them to the next meeting.  Copies were included with the last newsletter.  Thanks.