If you are working on the Chess Merit Badge please come to the church May 4th from 4PM to 6PM.

Be prepared to demonstrate your skills.  Bring your worksheets and blue cards.

Hello Troop 414 Family and Friends,

I am having my Eagle Scout fundraiser at Harvest Market in Bedford on Saturday, April 28th from 1:00 to 5:00pm. My fundraiser is a bake sale. I could use a couple of Scouts to assist AND I would gladly accept some bake goods for this event.

Please let me know if you can help, or if you can donate baked goods.

Thank you very much, Max G.

For our May outing, the scouts have chosen a 'backpacking' campout. 

It will be May 18, 19, and 20. 

The venue will be decided upon this week and will likely be either Mt. Cardigan or the back country Griswold Scout Reservation. 

This is something the troop has not done in several years.  Essentially, the scouts will be hiking to two different campsites over the weekend which will necessitate caring all that is needed on their backs.  In other words, there will be no driving in gear such as tents, stoves, etc. to the campsite.  Of course, equipment needs are much different on this type outing.  The primary items are:

1.  A frame backpack (either internal or external frame).  The troop has several older style external frame packs that can be borrowed.  Modern, internal frame packs can be rented if you do not want to purchase. 
2.  A lightweight sleeping back and roll up/fold up mat
3.  Good hiking shoes/boots and socks
4.  Lightweight, non-refrigerated food

As far as tents go, small, lightweight tents are expense.  Our troop tents will hold 3 scouts and essentially have 3 parts -- tent, fly, and poles.  The scouts can choose tent mates and each carry one part in their pack.

As far as weight, the general rule is 20%. i.e., the scout should have no more than 20% of his body weight on his back.  So a 100 pound scout should have no more than 20 pounds on his back.  (I guess that puts the dutch ovens in my backpack!)

Wanted to get the basics out there so you could make the decision whether or not your scout chooses to attend.  We do need to get our numbers together so if attending, please sign up on the website by tomorrow's meeting. 

FYI, we will be segregating those attending at the May 3 meeting in order to prep.

 I am having an Eagle Scout fundraiser at Sam's Club on Sunday, May 6th from 10 to 4. Scouts can sign up for a 2 hour time period. I'd like scouts to sign up for it at the meetings on Thursdays.

Thanks, Ryan B.