Simsbury Troop 175

Hiking Trails in Simsbury

Here is a online link to maps of hiking trails in Simsbury that is provided by the Simsbury Land Trust.

So next time someone tells to to "take a hike", you'll have plenty of choices.

The Polar Bears of Mt. Monadnock

32 Scouts and 10 adults set off on the white dot trail on a Saturday in December to summit the most frequently climbed mountain in the world. The temperature as we set off on the climb was 25 degrees, so we had plenty of layers on. Wearing layers, and being able to add and subtract them as necessary, is one of the most important things for comfortable winter hiking and camping. When we had gone a mile we were warm enough that we stopped and took off at least our most outer layers, but by the time we reached the summit everyone had put everything back on since, the wind was about 30 mph and the wind chill factor made it feel like 9 degrees.

 

Being prepared for the weather was very important on this trip. To get up and down the icy trails more easily many scouts used some type of extra traction on their boots. Micro spikes worked the best, although some used yak trak pro (they tended to come off once in a while). The biggest challenge for some was keeping their feet warm. I’ve found that the best way to keep feet warm during winter hiking is to have properly fitting boots (not too tight) and to have two layers of socks on. The first layer of socks should be made of thin wicking-type material to keep moisture away from your feet (not cotton). The thicker second layer should be made of wool or merino wool (which is softer and less itchy) for warmth. It is very important to bring several pairs of extra socks, and to change your socks if they get wet.

 

Overall, everyone did great on the climb, and the weather was perfect for a winter day.

Mt.

Monadnock

was a great winter hike and we will have to do it again in the future.
For photos from the trip, check out the Troop Photo Library.

Ann's Banana Oatmeal Muffins

3/4 stick of butter - soft

1 cup sugar

3-4 mashed bananas

1 egg

3/4 tea cinnamon

1/4 tea nutmeg

1 tea salt

1/2 tea baking soda

1/4 tea baking powder

1 and 1/2 cups flour

1 and 3/4 cups oatmeal

1 cup of Stuff - dried cranberries, walnuts, raisins - use one or mix, really anything you like, just one cup total

 

Bake at 375 for 20 - 25 minutes for muffins, less for mini muffins - until golden brown.

 

Also, the recipe is easy to double.
 
Ann Carabillo's muffins are a favorite on many boy scout troop trips.

Eagle Scout Used Training and Knowledge To Act Quickly

Here is a video from Scouting News that highlights the difference one Scout with the proper training can have.

 

First Aid Merit Badge

Scouts with the rank of First Class can participate in the next First Aid merit badge class offered by Mr Adamovich, Mr. Bushey and Ms. Carabillo.

Here are the requirements for the badge:

First Aid Requirements

Satisfy your counselor that you have current knowledge of all first aid requirements for Tenderfoot Rank, Second Class Rank, and First Class Rank. Do the following: a. Explain how you would obtain emergency medical assistance from your home, on a wilderness camping trip, and during an activity on open water. b. Explain the term triage. c. Explain the standard precautions as applied to bloodborne pathogens. d. Prepare a first aid kit for your home. Display and discuss its contents with your counselor. Do the following: a. Explain what action you should take for someone who shows signals of shock, for someone who shows signals of a heart attack, and for someone who shows signals of stroke. b. Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person. Then demonstrate proper technique in performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor. c. Explain the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). d. Show the steps that need to be taken for someone suffering from a severe cut on the leg and on the wrist. Tell the dangers in the use of a tourniquet and the conditions under which its use is justified. e. Explain when a bee sting could be life threatening and what action should be taken for prevention and for first aid. f. Explain the symptoms of heatstroke and what action needs to be taken for first aid and for prevention. Do the following: a. Describe the signals of a broken bone. Show first aid procedures for handling fractures (broken bones), including open (compound) fractures of the forearm, wrist, upper leg, and lower leg using improvised materials. b. Describe the symptoms and possible complications and demonstrate proper procedures for treating suspected injuries to the head, neck, and back. Explain what measures should be taken to reduce the possibility of further complicating these injuries. Describe the symptoms, proper first aid procedures, and possible prevention measures for the following conditions: a. Hypothermia b. Convulsions / seizures c. Frostbite d. Dehydration e. Bruises, strains, sprains f. Burns g. Abdominal pain h. Broken, chipped, or loosened tooth i. Knocked out tooth j. Muscle cramps Do TWO of the following: a. If a sick or injured person must be moved, tell how you would determine the best method. Demonstrate this method. b. With helpers under your supervision, improvise a stretcher and move a presumably unconscious person. c. With your counselor's approval, arrange a visit with your patrol or troop to an emergency medical facility or through an American Red Cross chapter for a demonstration of how an AED is used. Teach another Scout a first-aid skill selected by your counselor.

History of the BSA on YouTube

Here is an excellent video history of the Boy Scouts in America that has been broken down into four parts on YouTube.

Troop 175 Servers as Honor Unit for Simsbury Oath of Office Ceremony

Scouts from Troop 175 were asked by recently re-elected Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman to serve at the official for Simsbury's Oath of Office Ceremony.

Eric, Nicholas C. Keegan, Rob C. and Jack V. represented our troop in the ceremony. Here the scouts are pictured with First Selectman Mary A. Glassman.

University of Scouting for Adult Leaders

SAVE THE DATE! MARCH 13, 2010 The Connecticut University of Scouting will be at Crosby High School in Waterbury, Connecticut again for 2010. This annual training extravaganza gives all adult leaders a chance to expand their horizons by attending classes and workshops with seasoned instructors. 2010 marks the 12th year of the Connecticut University of Scouting, and our catalog of courses has been improved and updated again to keep current with the terrific BSA scouting program.

The University has something for everyone. Tiger Den Leaders, Cub Den Leaders, Webelos Den Leaders, Cubmasters and all their Assistants, Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Venturing Leaders, Committee Members of all unit types, District and Council members, Commissioners, interested parents…any and all scouting volunteers will find courses that will help them to become more effective in their role(s), accomplishing more in less time. Attending the CUoS is an investment in YOUR effectiveness and in the quality of program that you can provide or guide for the youth in your unit or district.

No prerequisite training is necessary, but Fast Start Training (now available on-line) may be helpful The University provides a full spectrum of classes and workshops that cover all scouting programs in a university style atmosphere. You pick the ones you want from a catalog of nearly 100 available courses.

10 reasons to attend the 2010 CUoS
1. To broaden your commitment to scouting.
2. To deepen their understanding of the impact Scouting has on youth.
3. To better understand the various roles of a successful unit.
4. To better appreciate the value of all Scouting programs.
5. To strengthen your Pack, Troop, Committee, Crew, Post, or Den meeting.
6. To improve your leadership skills.
7. To learn “how to” sell Scouting better…to parents, community, and youth.
8. To share successful ideas and pick up new ideas from others.
9. To deliver quality Scouting programs.
10. To have fun and learn.

So save Saturday, March 13, 2010, for attending the new and improved Connecticut University of Scouting. More information will be included in the next issue of the Scouter. Remember – every scouting youth deserves trained leaders!

Troop 175 in Alaska

As we begin the planning for our summer trip to Alaska, here is an article from Travel & Leisure Magazine about a family RVing in Alaska.

Another article from the same magazine is Trekking Alaska's Wilderness.

If this does not get you excited for an exciting adventure, I don't know what will!

Troop Mobilization Plan

As part of the Emergency Preparedness merit badge, the troop has create a troop mobilization plan. In the event of a national or local emergency, Troop 175 may be called to help the civil authorities maintain order or support relief efforts.

In case of mobilization, the Scoutmaster or designated Assistant Scoutmaster will contact by telephone and or email the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and ASMs.

The SPL will contact the Patrol Leaders and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders by telephone and/or email.

Patrol Leaders will contact their patrol members by telephone and/or email.

In addition, the troop will be notified by an email via the Google group and a post on the troop website.

The central meeting location will be St. Mary's parking lot unless otherwise noted.