For our second year, Boy Scout Troop 437 is hosting a Pinewood Derby building workshop, where the Boy Scouts can assist the Cub Scouts of all ranks in the construction and tuning of their cars.

Last year, we helped over 20 Cub Scouts build a car of their design. We paired each Cub Scout up with a Boy Scout who worked directly with them, walking them through the process. It was particularly nice to see the young and older scouts working well together. Both seem to benefit from this experience.

Troop 437 has a regular troop meeting on Thursday nights at the American Legion hall on Dunstable road at 7pm. We will be using one of these evenings for the workshop. We will have all the tools and supplies necessary and can help with cutting and sanding the blocks of wood, polishing axles and wheels, adding weights, pressing axles straight and adding weight to bring the cars to the maximum allowable amount. We will not get into painting or advanced techniques. Cub Scouts will leave the event with a contender, but they may want to paint or decorate the car on their own. .

Each Pack does the PWD a little differently. Some use den meetings for car building and some leave it up to the scouts to do individually. In any case, Cub Scouts could attend individually, or as a den activity.

Each Scout will need to bring an adult helper, a kit, and some ideas. They should watch some videos and do a little research. They should make some sketches or prints of what they like.

The date is Thursday December 13th from 7:00 to 8:30. This event will be limited to 25 cub scouts, but we will have a waiting list and could hold a second event if there is enough interest.

This is an “almost winter” backpacking trip! The hut is a short 1.6 mile hike over moderate terrain (with potential for snow/ice). This is a chance to experience the beauty of the White Mountains without the crowds.The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) huts provide a unique experience -- we will likely be hiking in winter weather with the opportunity to carry a lighter load due to the hut’s amenities. No tents are needed, but a warm sleeping bag is suggested since the bunkrooms do not get too warm from the woodstove. We will be able to use the hut’s kitchen for meal preparation, so limited cooking equipment is required.

 Important Note: All participants must be prepared for cold weather!!! You must have sturdy, warm hiking footwear, and are strongly encouraged to have micro spikes. Many layers are a necessity as well as extra socks, hats/mittens, and standard backpacking equipment.

 A daypack is suggested if you want to explore the surrounding area. Opportunities in the hut include board/card games, campfire programs, other pre-planned activities.

Return Permission Slip by: Thursday, November 15th, 2018*

Do you know an Arrow of Light scout who is looking for a Troop to join?  Have them come to the Troop 437 Arrow of Light open house on November 8th during our regular Troop meeting slot.

The Open House will showcase some of the great things that the Troop does throughout the year.  Service projects, Adventure, Scout skills, Cooking, and of course Games.

All scouts and adults are asked to attend to help host the event.

Our November trip is a backpacking trip to Kinsman Pond in the White Mountains. 

The November trip for Troop 437 is Backpacking to Kinsman Pond tent sites.  The hike is approximately 3 miles with 2000 ft of elevation gain. From the tent site, Mt Kinsman, North Peak is only a short distance further.  We can reach this on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning if we feel up to it.

This is an introductory backpacking hike for new and old. This is a backpacking trip with all gear carried in backpacks.  We will be staying in our tents at established platforms.  

The troop meeting Prior to this trip will focus on preparing for this trip.  There will be a backpack inspection at the November 1st troop meeting. All scouts attending the trip need to bring their packed backpack to the meeting for inspection.  Show what kind of sleeping bag and pad you have, and how you will pack it.  Also, show what clothes you will use to stay warm and dry.

It is recommended scouts pair up for sleeping in tents.  This will allow the scouts to divide the weight of a tent.  One scout can carry poles and tent pegs and the other will carry the tent.  Remember: your entire pack should not exceed 20% of your body weight. Also, an extra 1-2 lbs should be assumed in helping carry troop gear and the food for your patrol.

Drinking water will be from the pond.  We will be treating with iodine, filters or steripens.  Water can be boiled before going to bed and the bottle can be kept inside the sleeping bag to keep you warm. Bring quality bottles such as Nalgene,  Disposable bottles can not take the heat of boiling water.

The troop has a limited number of backpacks available to borrow, please contact Mr. Anderson ASAP if interested.  Scouts who do not have suitable equipment can also rent it at area stores (EMS, REI) or look for opportunity to borrow equipment from other troop members.  

The 2018-2019 troop dues and BSA registration are now due - please bring a check to this week's troop meeting or send payment via Venmo

Troop dues remain at       $50

BSA registration              $33 
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Total due by 9/27           $83 

Please turn in the payment by September 27th.

While Westford Academy does not have classes on Thursday the remainder of Westford Schools are still in session thus there will be a Troop meeting this week.