The March trip for Troop 437 will be a day hiking trip to Mt. Monadnock. We will be camping at BSA CampWanocksett in Dublin NH. If weather and trail conditions allow we will hike to the sumit otherwise a route around the base of Mt Monadnock will be choosen.  

Due to the time of year, the weather will be unpredictable. Please be prepared for cold weather. The summit can experience winter like conditions even in summer. Scouts will be required to bring Boots, long pants, layered clothing, jacket, rain gear, hat, gloves, and a small day pack for the hike. 

If you are attending this weekend's trip to Pats Peak you can probably complete the Snow Sports merit badge.  Several merit badge counselors will be on-hand to help complete requirements.  Friday evening there will be an opportunity to complete the non-skiing/boarding items and Saturday the skiing/boarding requirements can be completed.

If you are interested please be prepared by reviewing the requirements (available here).  There is also a very useful Quizlet available on-line to review the material (available here).

Troop 437 had a great time at the West Wind district Ice and Fire Klondike derby.  The Troop fielded two sleds manned by a total of 11 scouts.  The all-day event held at Stoney Brook Conservation Land in Westford presented the scouts with many challenges setup to demonstrate their scout skills, team spirit, and scout spirit.  Troop 437 placed 3rd out of a field of over 30 teams.

Mr. Carpenter will be starting up first aid MB sessions in the near future.  If you are interested in participating please see him at tonight's meeting.

This Saturday is teh West Wind district's annual Klondike Derby.  This year's theme is "Ice and Fire" and will be held at the Stony Brook Conservation Land (aka East Boston Camps) in Westford.

If you are interested but have not yet signed up please see Kyle at tonights meeting

If you have signed up please plan on arriving at the Stoney Brook School parking lot at 8:00am.

All Scouts need to come prepared with the following (Other patrol specific equipment will also be needed):

1. Mug & mess kit for each scout.
2. Filled Water bottle for each Scout
3. Totin Chip & Firem’n Chit for each Scout

Clothing

It is very important that you come prepared to be outside in cold weather, this is January after all!  If you are not prepared you risk losing points for your Patrol.  

• Winter/hiking boots – should be waterproof and warm
• Layers of wicking clothing
• Socks not cotton! Spare pair.
• No Cotton Jeans – very important
• Hat,
• Gloves, 2 pairs recommended
• Outer wear  

As of January 1st 2016 BSA has released new rank requirements for all the Boy Scout ranks.  Many of the changes are for clarification and do not materially change the requirements but there are also some changes of substance.  The troop will be distributing printed copies of the new requirements at an upcoming meeting but at the moment this is what you need to know:

1. If you are not yet 1st class - you can use the old requirements that are listed in your handbook to complete all the ranks up to 1st class during 2016.  Once you reach 1st class you will need to start using the new requirements.
2. If you are working on Star, Life, or Eagle you can use the old requirements that are listed in your handbook to complete the rank you are working on as long as you complete the rank in 2016.  Once that is complete you will need to start using the new requirements.
3. Regardless of what you are working on, as of January 1st 2017 you will need to switch to the new requirements.

If you have any questions please talk to the Scoutmaster.