Troop 63

‘Class B’ shirt design contest

Joel Wallace — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:13:05 +0000

The Troop 63 Committee has decide that we should have a new Class B Uniform Design. We are out of the old shirts and this seems like a good time to get a new design. If you would like to submit a proposed design get your pencils and markers out and get to work. The design specifications are listed below. If your design is selected you win a free shirt or sweatshirt with your design.

The design must include the following: Troop 63, BSA or Boy Scouts of America, and Williamston, Michigan (MI). It can be front only or front and back. If it is a front and back design we recommend a small breast pocket design on the front and larger design for the back. It can be multi color, but keep in mind the more colors the more cost. Your design should specify colors for the design and color for the shirt.

The rules: Each design will be evaluated by the Class B committee and any design that meets the criteria above will be evaluated by the entire committee. The committee will chose up to 5 designs. These designs will be submitted to the Troop for voting. The design that recieves the most votes will be selected and become the new Troop 63 Class B Uniform. The committee reserves the right to make certain modifications to designs to facilitate printing or control cost.

Designs should be submitted by May 14, at the latest. Voting will occur on May 21.

The Scoutmaster reserves the right to modify the rules, in case any are missing from this post.

Northwoods update

Joel Wallace — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:45:58 +0000

The new camper registration and dates for 2012 is posted on the Northwoods page of the site. Click ‘Youth Registration Form’ to download a PDF of the form. The merit badge schedule for the camp is not yet finalized but will be updated as soon as possible.

Cost for 2012 is unchanged at $260 for a single Scout. Discounts for families with multiple Scouts attending have changed. Please see Mr. Holmes for details. Dates for the camp are July 8 through July 14. See the PDF for more details.

Court of Honor Tonight

Joel Wallace — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:36:39 +0000

There is a Court of Honor tonight, March 5, 20012. Scouts will receive rank awards, merit badges, and other earned recognition completed since the last Court of Honor. Parents, family, and friends are welcome to attend. Please congratulate all Scouts for their efforts and accomplishments.

Families of Scouts are asked to bring cookies to share for a brief reception after the event.

Welcome, new Boy Scouts!

Joel Wallace — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:37:43 +0000

The troop welcomed a new group of Scouts, many of whom just crossed over from Cub Scout Pack 263. The boys introduced themselves, worked on making some patrol decisions, and joined in an activity an older Scout ran as part of a merit badge requirement.
Troop 63 offers opportunities to camp, perform service to your community, and spend time learning and having fun with friends. To the new Scouts, bring your ideas and interests to the group and help make it better for everyone. To the existing Scouts, look for chances to answer questions, make suggestions, and help the new boys feel welcome ready to participate.
Thanks for joining and helping to continue the long and successful tradition of Scouting in Williamston.

Winter Camping details

Joel Wallace — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:18:59 +0000

The group will leave at 8AM on Saturday morning, 2/18, from parking lot of the downtown Methodist Church. Included in their gear, Scouts should each bring a filled wide-mouth water bottle (or two), eating utensils, cup, and plate. They should also bring their own in-between meal snacks, such as gorp, granola bars, etc. A good light with fresh batteries will also be especially useful, since dark falls early.
See the winter camping pages for more information about how to select clothes for staying warm and dry.

Winter camping plans

Joel Wallace — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:38:13 +0000

The Troop is planning a winter camping trip during February. The date isn’t set so those interested in attending and have date constraints should contact Mr. Campbell with their preferences.
The weekend of 2/11 is not available, due to the merit badge workshops. That leaves the weekends of 2/4, 2/18, and 2/25. One suggestion is to take advantage of the Presidents Day holiday and go that weekend and possibly stay until Monday. Call or email Mr. Campbell with your preferences.

The Ultimate Guide to Winter Camping

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:32:01 +0000

Contained within this document is the full range of information required to properly prepare for a weekend winter camping trip.

The 10+ Essentials

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:31:26 +0000

Extra clothing layer(s)
Map of area (in waterproof case) – Mr. Campbell will provide each of you a map in a ziplock bag.
Drinking water – I recommend a wide mouth bottle – make sure the top seals well. You will store it upside down to keep the top from freezing over.
Compass
Food – per group
Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/bulbs)
First-aid kit – the group will have one; if you have a small personal one, bring it.
Sunglasses (with retaining strap) – if you have them or goggles, bring them. If not, we will be in the woods much of the time, so it is not critical.
Pocket knife
Sunscreen
Matches (in waterproof container) and/or firestarter

Conserving Body Heat- The Prime Objective

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:31:02 +0000

There are three ways body heat can be lost. Understanding how they work can help one prevent the loss of heat as much as possible.

Conduction- The absorption of heat by objects the body comes into direct contact with. Examples: When one sits or lays on the ground, the ground absorbs body heat; when one handles metal cooking utensils heat is transferred from one’s fingers into them. This is why it is necessary to use a decent sleeping pad when winter camping- it prevents the direct transfer of body heat from ones body into the ground. Wearing gloves or mittens prevents problems with metal objects. A camp stool is recommended to prevent contact with the ground when sitting.
Convection- The loss of body heat due to wind blowing across unprotected body parts. This can be prevented by keeping bare skin covered with hats, scarves, and gloves. It is important to keep exposure to a minimum, ESPECIALLY in a windy situation. Out of the three methods of heat loss, convection can reduce body heat the fastest. Wet clothing will accelerate this process, making staying dry even more important.
Radiation- The emission of body heat, more exaggerated in skin areas exposed to the elements. A good pair of gloves, a hat, and a scarf can aid in keeping bare skin to a minimum.

Clothing

Troop63 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:30:32 +0000

Regular underwear
Warm pants (fleece or wool)
Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
Fleece or wool vest – optional
Quick-drying pants – can be same as above, but make sure you have two pair of pants.
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Long-sleeved shirts – at least one