The October Camping Trip will be the weekend of October 18th and 19th.  We will be rock climbing in Franconia Notch at Echo Crag.

For this trip, we will be guided by the expert climbers at North Country Climbing.

There will be climbing suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.  There will possibly also be some rappelling (Think camping merit badge requirement 9b). 

Outing: Outdoor Rock Climbing at Echo Crag in Franconia Notch

When: Depart Saturday, October 18th  at 7:00 am from the Abbot school parking lot
Return Sunday, October 19th, at approximately 11:00 am

Where: Climbing and hiking at Franconia Notch, NH
Camping at Apple Hill Campground in Bethlehem, NH

Scouts are encouraged to try climbing, but if there is sufficient interest, a day hike can also be arranged 

Cost: Scouts $75 for the weekend (campsite, rock climbing, and food), Adults $40 (no climbing charge for adults)

Deadline: Signups due by Thursday, October 2nd

The advancement deadline for the Fall Court of Honor is October 2nd.  Please make sure you record all your advancement in the advancement book on or before that date.

If you need a scoutmaster conference and/or board of review, please talk to a scoutmaster before then so it can be scheduled.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Court!  Yours in Scouting,  Scoutmasters McKeen & McKeen

Have you heard the term "Court of Honor"?  Are you wondering what it is?  If so here is a quick description that will hopefully clarify things.

Courts of Honor are when Scouts, Families, and Friends come together to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Troop members.  Courts come in two flavors...

Troop Courts of Honor

Troop 437 holds "Troop Courts" are held three times a year.  One in the Fall, One in the Winter, and one in the Spring.  Troop Courts are where Troop members are recognized for their achievements such as Rank Advancement, Merit Badges, Leadership, and other accomplishments that have been completed since the last court.  Troop Courts take the place of a regular Thursday evening Troop meeting and end with "pot luck" style refreshments.  Look for notices in the e-blast newsletters about upcoming Troop Courts.

Eagle Courts of Honor

Obtaining Scouting's highest rank of Eagle Scout is a major accomplishment and as such the Troop hosts a special "Eagle Court of Honor" whenever we have a new Eagle Scout to recognize.  Eagle Courts are planned and scheduled as needed throughout the year and might honor a single scout or multiple scouts as appropriate.  Invitations are sent out electronically announcing the Eagle Courts with a requested RSVP deadline.  All families and scouts from the Troop are encouraged to attend the Eagle Courts to help celebrate the accomplishment - even if you do not know the scout it is still important to participate.  Scouts from the Troop will be asked to arrive before the ceremony to help with set up and preparations.

Regardless of the type of court, be it Troop Court or Eagle Court, all Troop families are encouraged to attend.  If you have any questions, please feel free to let a scoutmaster know.

This week is the kick-off for the Troop elections.  The SPL will present an election overview and then open up nominations for next year's SPL.  On October  9th, the SPL candidates will present their visions for the Troop, and then voting will commence.  Once the SPL is elected, the patrols will elect their patrol leaders for the coming year.

All the newly elected leaders will take office starting at the Fall Court of Honor.

Do you want Troop events to automatically appear on your favorite calendar app, including Google Calendar, Outlook, Yahoo Calendar and other iOS, Android and Windows apps? 

Simply go to Scout Troop 437 | Calendar Sync to start the process.  Choose your preferred calendar feed format, and then follow the instructions provided.  Super easy and another way to easily remember troop meetings and important troop events!

If you have any questions or problems setting up the calendar feed, email info@westfordtroop437.us or talk to any leader at a troop meeting.