As I prepared myself to write this report to the Scouts, Scouters and the parents, my mind goes several directions and so fast I can’t even take notes. So bear with me as I ramble on about how great your young men are and how privileged I am to be their Scoutmaster.

We have just gotten home from the Meriwether campout. What an outing. we practiced our cooking competition skills, made some sand castles, completed some TTFC skills and ate very well. The topic of discussion for the weekend was “BE PREPARED”. Please ask your son if he was properly prepared? And what he can do to be ready for the next outing. I made my way home, making a stop to deliver one family their most precious cargo (a boy). C.J. and I had one-hour to clean out our packs, wash our mess kits, make sure our sleeping bags were hung up, fill pack with items needed or used up, get ourselves cleaned up all before company came over for dinner. I am not sure about your son but one-hour is not enough time for all of that. But the older he gets he understands if you get it done when you first get home your equipment will stay together and you will not have to mess with it until the next outing.

WOW! Are you guys lucky to have a group of adults that care about you as much as they care about there own son. I can tell you this, we have the BEST group of leaders I have ever seen. To join the team just ask Margaret or myself, how can I help out? It is as easy as that.

Outings coming up that you will want to attend and bring your parents. Laser Tag on December 17-18. Meet at the Chapman home. For more information check out the newsletter or your calendar. January 8-9 is the Trail to First Class outing this outing is for those youth that need to complete skills to have the First Class rank by Red and Green. BURRRR bring warm clothes and a good sleeping bag. January 23 snow shoeing on Mt. Hood. January 29-30 winter lodge at Nanitch we have room for 35 or 40 attendees. We will eat, inner tube and play games. February we go to Silver Creek Falls to stay in a large barn or cabin type building. Walking the falls will be the activity. If it is cold, wet and just plain nasty bring your cards and travel games to pass the time.

What does the future bring us? Camporee planning will start soon with activities centered on team building. Planning summer camp will start in February. Rank advancement for the older young men has come into focus lately, so expect a visit from the advancement team if you have had the same rank for a year!

Web site? What web site? We have a web site? How do you find it? Yes we have a web site, we have had a web site for 5 months, It’s a first class site with scout skills that even a Dad with 10 thumbs can learn to tie the hardest knots. Check it out, if you do not know the address ask me or one of the adults at a meeting or go to www.bsatroop542.org