It’s time for a Pioneering Palooza!! Pioneering is the art of using ropes and wooden spars joined by lashings and knots to create a structure.

Scouts will be put to test in fun patrol vs. patrol pioneering challenges. Depending on conditions, challenges may include shelter building, bridge building and a trebuchet (catapult). Patrols will plan and assemble their own shelters using items found throughout camp.

As always, we will follow “leave no trace” outdoor code principles and disassemble all shelters prior to leaving. More discussions on how to prepare for cold-weather camping will be held during the upcoming troop meetings. We plan to cook outdoors.  

Outing: Pioneering + Campout (Cabin, Lean-to or Tent) at Camp Resolute, Bolton, MA

Arrive Campsite: Saturday, December 9, 2023, Arrive at Camp Resolute at 9:30 AM (just under 30min drive time)
Camp Resolute, 75 Hudson Rd, Bolton, MA 01740

Depart Campsite: Sunday, December 10, 2023, pick up from camp 9:30 AM

Cost: $20 includes site fee, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Saturday cracker barrel and Sunday breakfast

       

The January Troop Outing is a backpacking hut hike to Lonesome Lake. This will follow this linked trail. It is a fun and popular trip. It is a bit rigorous, but all scouts can and should do this hike. There is an early deadline of December 7th for this trip, as we have placed a deposit and need to know our numbers thirty days out. We will detail this trip more as to gear and such in the coming weeks (warm sleeping bag, microspikes, warm socks, etc.)

Outing: AMC Lonesome Lake Hut Hike, Franconia Notch Trailhead is Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia Notch State Park

Depart Westford: Saturday, January 6, 2024, Abbot School 7:00 AM, arrive at the trailhead at ~9:30 am

Depart Franconia: Sunday, January 7, leave the trailhead at 11:00 AM 

Cost: $65.00 (includes hut stay, dinner, cracker barrel, and breakfast)

Participants need to pack a lunch for Saturday. Travel time approximately 2 hours.

Sign-ups due December 7th

 

Backpacking Trip to Bigelow Hollow State Park, Nipmuck Forest

Trailhead is Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia Notch State Park

This is a cool weather backpacking trip! The campsite and shelter is a 2 mile hike over moderate terrain with only minor elevation changes. This is a chance to camp serenely by the side of a lake. For those new to backpacking please visit the troop website for Backpacking Basics under ‘Being Prepared’. Scouts should pack lightly, but that should include a change of clothes (2 extra pair socks), warm clothes for a cool evening, a tent (best shared between 2 backpackers) and a lightweight sleeping bag (comfort rating no higher than 30F, 20F is preferred). There is a lean-to shelter at the site.

Depart Westford: Saturday, November 11, 2023, Abbot School 9:00 am

Arrive at the trailhead at ~10:30 AM (just over 1 hour drive time)
Arrive at East Shelter Campsite at ~12:30 PM

Depart: Sunday, November 12, 2023, leave the camp at 9:30 AM
Cost: $10 for meals. Scouts will be expected to provide own meals, lunch, dinner, breakfast.

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.