Prior Years: 2003

February 2003 Theme: Snow Sports.

• 1 (Sat.) In remembrance of the Columbia Space Shuttle:Astronauts With Scouting Experience. Poster.
  • Former Scouts on the Columbia crew: William McCool, Eagle. David Brown, Life. Rick Husband, Second Class. Michael Anderson, Webelos. Laurel Clark, Girl Scout.
• .Scout Sunday, Pancake Breakfast. Grace Lutheran Church.
• 2 (Sun.) .
  • The Hawk and Scorpion patrols will be on set up duty along with Green Bars and adults helping. Please be at Grace by 10:00 a.m. in full official uniforms.
  • Sign up here Scout Sunday Pancake Breakfast, adults who wish to help, by Jan. 27.
  • The Cobra and Venture patrols are on cleanup duty after the Pancake Brunch is over.
  • All other scouts please report to Grace no later than 10:30 a.m., in full official uniforms.
  • All other adults not planning on helping to set up, please be on hand by 10:45 a.m.
  • Breakfast will be after the 11:00 a.m. service.
  • All scouts are expected to attend. Scouts will be readers and ushers, and they will set up, serve, and clean up the breakfast. Adults will cook pancakes and sausage. We need some Troop Committee members to help.
  • Wear full official uniform, including merit badge sash, excluding hat.
    • Scouts who have earned a religious emblem should wear their medallion. "The universal religious square knot is worn over the left shirt pocket of the Scout uniform. The medallion is pinned over the square knot for full uniform occasions."
    • As a sign of respect, please do not wear your troop hat while inside the church buildings.
  • Park behind the church in the upper parking lot.
  • Photos of Scout Sunday Pancake Breakfast: Feb. 2003, Feb. 2002.
• 3 (Mon.) ..Troop Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wear an activity uniform.
  • No Parent Meeting.
• 3 (Mon.) Lifeguard Training begins at Durland Scout Center in Rye for scouts at least 15 years old. 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. This is Part 1. Parts 2-10 are on successive Monday evenings. $285 per scout.
• 4 (Tues.) Cobra and Hawk Patrol Meeting 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Cabin
• 4 (Tues.) Youth Protection Seminar (Related information) 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Van Cortlandtville Elementary School cafeteria, on rte. 6 across from the Cortlandt Town center.
  • All Assistant Scoutmasters are required to attend.
  • Troop committee members please attend.
  • It is important that we are all trained for the safety of our boys!
  • Training is good for three years.
  • Please RSVP to the Scoutmaster no later than the Jan. 29. You can also e-mail your response or leave voice mail.
• .Troop Ski Trip. Ski at Killington, VT. Dorm-style lodging at Turn of the River Lodge, 5672 U.S. Route 4, Killington, VT.
• 7-9 (F-Su) .
  • Sign up here Troop Ski Trip to Killington, by Dec. 2.
  • Pay the $75 per person deposit by Dec. 2. No exceptions! No deposit, No spot! First come, first served. Only 50 spots available.
    • Price includes lodging, buffet continental breakfast, and lift tickets for 2 nights and days:
      • Adults (19+) $156 per person
      • $210 with rentals
      • Young Adult (13-18) $147 per person
      • $201 with rentals
      • Juniors (6-12) $123 per person
    • $154 with rentals
      • Non Skiers $65 per person
    • We are looking into a discounted Saturday evening meal plan at a local Italian restaurant.
• 7-9 (F-Su) Council Ski Weekend, Program A: 1.5 days skiing at Gore Mt.. Leave Applebee's Restaurant (Rt. 9A) parking lot at 5:00 p.m. Friday and return by 8:00 p.m. Sunday night. Fee includes transportation, lodging, meals, ski orientation, and lift tickets, but not equipment. Youth: $145(approx.), Adult: $160(approx.). More information here: Page 1 and Page 2.
• 8 (Sat.) Troop 911 Merit Badge Day. 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Am, 203 Church Place, Yorktown Heights.
  • The program will consist of two session (morning & afternoon) with 15 merit badges being offered.
  • The cost is $15 for the day, and lunch (pizza/beverage) will be provided.
  • Scouts interested in attending can select the merit badge classes they would like to attend from the list below and forward the request by email to DrexelJ@coned.com by Monday, February 3. Directions and prerequisites will be forwarded upon receipt.
  • Merit Badge Select 1st, 2nd & 3rd Choice
    • Camping
    • Citizenship in Community
    • Citizenship in Nation
    • Communications
    • Disability Awareness
    • Electricity
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Engineering
    • Family Life
    • First Aid
    • Music
    • Personal Fitness
    • Personal Management
    • Sports
    • Wilderness Survival
• 8 (Sat.) (Scout Anniversary Day 93rd year)
• 8 (Sat.) (Scout Sabbath)
• 10 (Mon.) No Troop Meeting, Postponed. 7:30 p.m. Wear a Class B uniform.
  • Postponed - Dry run of Webelos Klondike stations.
  • Postponed - Bring station items.
  • Postponed - Adult advisors should come.
• 11 (Tues.) Venture and Scorpion Patrol Meeting 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Cabin.
• 14 (Fri.) I Tried Scuba for Scouts at least 14 years old and for leaders, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Durland Scout Center in Rye. $7 per person.
• 17 (Mon.) Canceled - Troop Meeting
  • Deadline to Sign up here Webelos Klondike, adults who will be helping.
• 18 (Tues.) Cobra and Hawk Patrol Meeting4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Cabin. (Winter recess, schools closed)
• 19 (Wed.) ..Troop Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wear an activity uniform. (Winter recess, schools closed)
  • 6:30 p.m. Greenbar pre-meeting.
  • All Scouts and adults assigned positions at this upcoming weekend's Klondike must be on hand.
  • Webelos Klondike dry run
  • Final preparations for Webelos Klondike
  • All Klondike adult advisors must come.
• 20 (Thurs.) Green Bars meet at Best Plumbing, 7:00 p.m. around the back to telephone the Webelos Klondike Packs.
• 21-23(F-Su)Council Ski Weekend, Program A: 1.5 days skiing at Gore Mt.. Leave Applebee's Restaurant (Rt. 9A) parking lot at 5:00 p.m. Friday and return by 8:00 p.m. Sunday night. Fee includes transportation, lodging, meals, ski orientation, and lift tickets, but not equipment. Youth: $145(approx.), Adult: $160(approx.). More information here: Page 1 and Page 2.
• 22 (Sat.) Boy Scout Leader Basic Training, Scout Troop Operations Course Part 1. Get the sign-up form and attend at the Westchester-Putnam Council Office, 41 Saw Mill River Rd. (9A), Hawthorne, NY, 773-1135. To be followed by parts 2 and 3 below. 8:45 a.m.? - 4:00 p.m.? This course, and Part 2, are more comprehensive training for Committee persons. Also, Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters.
• 24 (Mon.) ..Troop Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wear an activity uniform.
  • Deadline to Sign up here Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Mark L., headcount for refreshments after the ceremony.
• 25 (Tues.) Venture and Scorpion Patrol Meeting 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Cabin.
• .Dane's Service Project. 3:00 p.m. or soon after. All Scouts please help, at the church of the North American Martyrs on Oscawana Lake Road in Putnam Valley.
• 26 (Wed.) .
• 28 (Fri.) Scuba Certification begins at Durland Scout Center in Rye for scouts at least 15 years old, Part 1. Parts 2-12 of the course are weekly until June 6. A weekend of open-water dives will be scheduled in June. $200 for BSA members.
• 28-3/2(F-Su)Council Ski Weekend, Program A: 1.5 days skiing at Gore Mt.. Leave Applebee's Restaurant (Rt. 9A) parking lot at 5:00 p.m. Friday and return by 8:00 p.m. Sunday night. Fee includes transportation, lodging, meals, ski orientation, and lift tickets, but not equipment. Youth: $145(approx.), Adult: $160(approx.). More information here: Page 1 and Page 2.

May 2003 Theme: Orienteering.

• 3-4 (Sa-Su) Boy Scout Leader Basic Training, Scout Troop Operations Course Part 3 8:45 a.m. Sat. - 11:00 a.m. Sun. at Durland Scout Reservation at Clear Lake, 1 Clear Lake Rd., Putnam Valley. Overnighter. Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Committee Chairpersons, Committee Members, and other adults.
• .Bowl-O-Ree, (More Information) 1:45 p.m. at Cortlandt Lanes, 2192 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor.
• 4 (Sun.) .
  • The Bowl-O-Ree supports Scouting programs for Youths with Special Needs in the Westchester-Putnam Council.
  • Wear an official uniform and bring completed pledge form and pledged money as checks payable to "Westchester-Putnam Council." Each scout or adult who donates $30 or more will bowl two games for free and receive a Bowl-O-Ree patch.
  • Robert C. is organizing our troop participation.
  • Photos of Bowl-O-Ree, May 2003, Nov. 2001.
• 5 (Mon.) ..Parent, Troop, and Green Bar Meetings 7:30 p.m. All parents are asked to attend. Wear an official uniform. Green Bars meet at 6:45 p.m.
  • Deadline to pay Summer Camp fees
  • Deadline to turn in your completed Merit Badge Schedule Cards.
  • Bring your Leave-No-Trace materials.
• 6 (Tues.) Venture and Scorpion Patrol Meeting 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Cabin.
• 7 (Wed.) ..Gettysburg: Victory at All Costs (documentary), 8:00-10:00 a.m., repeat 2:00-4:00 p.m., Channel 47, the History Channel.
  • To prepare for our Gettysburg trip families may want to watch this documentary on The History Channel.
  • Episodes culled from the `Civil War Journal' series. Included: an analysis of Lincoln's address at the Pennsylvania battle site in November 1863; and a look at the effects of the battle on civilians.
• 7 (Wed.) ..The Wheatfield at Gettysburg (documentary), 12:00-1:00 p.m., repeat 6:00-7:00 p.m., Channel 47, the History Channel.
  • To prepare for our Gettysburg trip families may want to watch this documentary on The History Channel.
  • The Wheatfield, which---on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 2, 1863)---was the site of a bitter and bloody showdown between the Union and Confederate soldiers.
• 9 (Fri.) ..Deadline to sign up for June 6-8 Gettysburg trip.
• 10 (Sat.) Canoeing practice for scouts going on summer Canoe Trek.
  • Meet 8:00 a.m. at George Washington Elem. School, 3634 Lexington Avenue, Mohegan Lake.
  • Return by approx. 2:30 p.m. to GW.
  • Eat a light breakfast and bring a bag lunch.
  • Practice will be at Durland Scout Reservation at Clear Lake, 1 Clear Lake Rd., Putnam Valley.
  • Photos of Trek Practice 1, on May 2003.
• 11 (Sun.) Hudson Valley Orienteering (More information). Navigate through the woods. Levels: Beginners to Advanced. Instruction at 10:30 a.m. Starts at 11:00 a.m. at Baileytown in Harriman State Park (map and driving directions) just south of Bear Mountain State Park, NY. This non-Boy Scout event can meet First Class requirement #2 for completing an orienteering course. Contact Robert B. for details on map instruction and hike sign-off.
• 12 (Mon.) ..Troop Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wear an activity uniform. Practice tying knots.
• 13 (Tues.) Cobra and Hawk Patrol Meeting 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Cabin.
• 15-18(Th-Su)OA Lodge Spring Service Weekend and Brotherhood Quest at Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation, Brant Lake, NY.
• 18 (Sun.) Hudson Valley Orienteering (More information). Navigate through the woods. Levels: Beginners to more advanced Beginners. Instruction at 10:30 a.m. Starts at 11:00 a.m. at Moneyhole TOEC Assembly Area in Fahnestock State Park (map and driving directions) in Putnam Co., NY. This non-Boy Scout event can meet First Class requirement #2 for completing an orienteering course. Contact Robert B. for details on map instruction and hike sign-off.
• 19 (Mon.) ..Parent-Gettysburg Meeting and Troop Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wear an activity uniform.
  • Sign up here. Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. Have your Scoutmaster Conference as early as possible, before this troop meeting if possible. For the Scoutmaster Conference bring your completed Board of Review Application form and Scout Handbook, and wear a full official uniform, which includes the merit badge sash.
  • Parent Meeting for those going to Gettysburg.
• 20 (Tues.) Venture and Scorpion Patrol Meeting 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Cabin.
• .Memorial Day Parade
• 26 (Mon.) .
  • Meet at the Highway Dept. between Commerce Street and Front Street at 10:30 a.m. Parade and ceremony afterwards: 11:00-12:00. Attendance is expected. Rain or shine.
  • Wear a full official uniform, which includes the merit badge sash.
  • Hot dogs and sodas for those who marched will be at the VFW and the American Legion across the street after the ceremony.
  • Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Let us not forget those who made the supreme sacrifice for all of us.
  • Photos of Memorial Day parade May 2003, May 2002, May 2001.
• 26 (Mon.) ..CANCELED Troop Meeting (Schools closed)
• 27 (Tues.) Cobra and Hawk Patrol Meeting 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Cabin. Last meeting of the school year.
• 31 (Sat.) Birds of Prey Day annual event 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Green Chimneys School at their Brewster Campus at 400 Doansburg Road, just off Route 22.
  • Free for Scouts in uniform. Adults - $10, seniors and children 5-12 - $5, children under 5 free.
  • The understudy to Hedwig (of Harry Potter fame) will be there as will many other birds of prey.
  • There will be live birds of prey demonstrations, as well as other animals and celebrities under the Big Top.
  • A rehabilitated hawk will be released to his freedom.
  • BBQ and refreshments available.

• Scouting for Food. Drop off bags at collection points. Wear an official uniform. More information.
• 4-5(Sa-Su) Boy Scout Leader Basic Training #3. (More information, Registration Form) $8 fee paid by troop.
  • For Assistant Scoutmasters, and all other adults interested in the fun of Scouting The Outdoor Program, Part 3
  • Overnight campout at Durland Scout Reservation at Clear Lake, Putnam Valley. Map and Directions.
    • 8:45 a.m. Saturday sign-in
    • 11:00 a.m. Sunday departure
    • Planning for part 3 will be done during parts 1 & 2.
• 6 (Mon.) ..Parent & Troop Meetings 7:30 p.m. All parents are asked to attend. Wear an official uniform. (Yom Kippur, schools closed). 6:45 p.m. Greenbars Meeting.
  • Photon stove: Bring 2 soda cans and a 4-inch diameter tuna-fish or cat-food can (all empty, clean, and dry) to make the stove.
• .Hike at Hudson Highlands Gateway Park, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• 11 (Sat.) .
  • Open to the whole troop, organized by the Cobra Patrol.
  • Sign up here Hudson Highlands Gateway Park Hike.
  • Directions to Hudson Highlands Gateway Park.
  • Park at Sprout Brook ballpark, Sprout Brook Road Peekskill. Trail entrance is across the street.
  • Meet at Park entrance next to Sprout Brook Baseball fields at 9:00 a.m.
  • Trails
    • Map: Orienteering Features. Sized for printing. Thanks Rob.
    • Map: Trailhead, Overlooks, and Elevations.
    • Blue - 2 miles
    • Yellow - 1.2 miles
    • White - 1.6 miles
    • Peach - 1 mile
    • Total mileage 5.8 miles or less, depending which trails we take:
  • What to Bring:
    • Day Pack or full backpack
    • Water Bottle(s)
    • Bagged Lunch
    • Trail Mix
    • If you wish to work on requirements bring your Handbook
    • Rain gear (if necessary)
    • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Contact Kevin K. if you have questions.
  • Photos of Hudson Highlands Gateway Park Hike on Oct. 2003.
• 12 (Sun.) Hudson Valley Orienteering (More information)
  • Location: Blue Mtn Reservation (link includes map and directions) Peekskill NY. Parks map (see Blue Mt. near the center). More driving directions to Blue Mtn.
  • Navigate through the woods. Levels: Beginners to Advanced. Instruction at 10:30 a.m. Starts at 11:00 a.m.
  • This non-Boy Scout event can meet First Class requirement #2 for completing an orienteering course. Contact Robert B. for details on map instruction and hike sign-off.
• 13 (Mon.) ..Troop Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wear an activity uniform. (Columbus Day, schools closed)
  • Sign up here deadline for a Scoutmaster Conference and a Board of Review.
    • Have your Scoutmaster Conference before this troop meeting if possible.
    • For the Board of Review bring your completed Board of Review Application form and Scout Handbook.
    • Wear full official uniform, which includes the merit badge sash to your Conference and Review.
• 15 (Wed.) ..Deadline to sign up for Giant Ledge and/or Panther Mountain camping trip on Oct. 25-26.
• 17 (Fri.) ..Deadline to sign up for Emergency Preparedness Camporee on Oct. 31-Nov. 2.
• 18 (Sat.) RockFest 2003, a fundraising rock concert benefiting the Somers Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, Reis Park, Route 139, Somers. Event starts at 2:00 p.m. Rain or shine.
  • Earn service hours.
  • Volunteers needed 12 noon until 9:00 p.m. Help needed running tables, setup and cleanup.
  • To sign up call Bobby (914) 245-0723.
• 17-19(F-Su) Thunderbird Games (More information)
  • Location: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. Directions, Map.
  • Opportunity for scouts to gain service hours, camping nights, and cooking requirements.
  • If you want to go, speak to Margaret L.
  • Photos of Thunderbird Games on Oct. 2003.
• 20 (Mon.) ..Court of Honor 7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 3830 Gomer St., Yorktown Heights.
  • Wear a full official uniform, which includes the Merit Badge sash.
  • Hawks, Dragons, and Scorpions arrive at 7:15 to set up chairs.
  • Cobras and Bobwhites will stay after to put back chairs.
  • Families are welcome to attend.
  • Photos of Courts of Honor: Oct. 2003, June 2003, Mar. 2003, Dec. 2002, Sept. 2002, June 2002, Apr. 2002, Feb. 2002, Dec. 2001, June 2001,
• .Mini-Trek at Giant Ledge in the Catskills.
• 25-26(Sa-Su).
  • Meet 6:45-7:00 a.m. Saturday morning at Grace Lutheran Church, returning at about noon Sunday.
  • Sign up here Mini-Trek at Giant Ledge and/or Panther Mtn.
  • A signed permission slip for scouts whose parents are not going must be given to the Scoutmaster by October 20.
  • $10 per person.
  • Number of campers are limited. Driver/camper fathers welcome.
  • Be prepared. It can get cold at night at 3,720 feet!
  • What to bring:
    • Suggested equipment.
    • The Boy Scout Handbook (pages 197 - 230) also lists camping gear.
    • Your homemade lightweight alcohol Photon stove.
    • Bag lunch for Saturday ( tuna pouches, sandwich, etc.). As a "leave no trace" Troop, whatever you bring should produce minimal garbage, because you will be carrying it out with you.
    • $5-$10 pocket money for beverage and snack. We plan to stop at a store going each way.
  • The Troop has enough dehydrated meals to cover all Scouts and Leaders. We shall collect money from those who will be eating these meals.
  • Follow low impact, leave no trace techniques.
  • General information on the area.
  • Pictures, directions, and description of a hike to Giant Ledge: Click on this Panther Mtn. picture and click on "jump here" for directions and the purple foot at the top of the page for more on the hike.
  • Photos of Giant Ledge Mini-Treks, Oct. 2003, May 2001.
• 27 (Mon.) ..Troop Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wear an activity uniform.
  • Deadline to pay $100 Troop dues to Barbara C., check payable to "BSA Troop 174".
  • Deadline to turn in popcorn orders and money.
• 29 (Wed.) Welcome new Scouts Theodore M. and Sam N.
• 30 (Thur.) Tent pickup, if needed, at Troop Shed at 7pm.
• .Emergency Preparedness Camporee (More information)
• 31-2 (F-Su) .
  • Location: Camp Hero State Park, Montauk, Long Island (Trailblazer Fall Camporee).
  • Google map. Camp Hero site map.
  • Participants depart individually. Be at Camp Hero by 7:00 a.m. Saturday. Returning Sunday afternoon.
    • Bridgeport CT - Port Jefferson LI Ferry information.
    • New London CT - Orient Point LI Ferry information.
  • Sign up here Emergency Preparedness Camping Weekend by Oct. 17.
  • Give a signed permission slip for scouts whose parents are not going to the Scoutmaster by October 27.
  • We shall camp with the host troop - Troop 134 (Scoutmaster Jim Grimes).
  • Friday supper on your own.
  • $11 per scout and $20 per adult. This includes 2 breakfast's, 1 Lunch, and 1 Dinner. If you want snacks, please supply them for yourself.
  • What to bring:
    • Be prepared. Bring warm layers, a change of clothes, and rain gear.
    • Your mess kits, and hot cups. The Troop does not supply paper goods.
    • Your homemade lightweight alcohol Photon stove.
    • Two 32 ounce Nalgene bottles filled with water.
    • Full official uniform on a hanger, including hat and merit badge sash, for the retreat and the campfire.
    • Pack gear in your backpack.
    • Candy for inter-troop trick-or-treating.
  • Wear an activity uniform traveling to and from the event and during the activities on Saturday.
  • Brush up on knot-tying skills and other skills in the Boy Scout Handbook needed for the activities below.
  • 18 activities: Plane Crash, Auto Scene, Smoke Drill, Fire Extinguisher, Bucket Brigade, Fire Line, Stretcher Race, CPR, First Aid Challenge, Missing person search, Orienteering, Rappelling/Climbing, Tug of War, Campfire Program, Chili Competition, Gateway Construction Competition, Campsite Inspection, and Overall Scout Spirit.
  • Some activities satisfy requirements for Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, and Fire Safety.
  • Follow low impact, leave no trace guidelines.
  • Registration will be paid by the Troop.
  • If you have questions call the Scoutmaster 526-4149.
  • Directions to Camp Hero in Montauk, Long Island.
    1. Taconic State Parkway South
    2. Sprain Brook Parkway South
    3. At the 3rd exit after Tuckahoe Road get on Cross County Parkway East
    4. At the 2nd exit get on Hutchinson River Parkway South towards Whitestone Bridge
    5. Cross the Whitestone Bridge and STAY IN THE LEFT LANE
    6. Take the LEFT EXIT onto Grand Central Parkway
    7. At the 2nd exit get on Long Island Expressway, also known as I-495 East
    8. Take Exit 70 "Manorville" and turn right onto CO 111 South (County Road #111). This is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Yorktown and is a convenient stopping place. There is a Mobile gas station and McDonalds here. The McDonalds has cleaner restrooms than the Mobil station.
    9. Stay on CO 111 South to the end of this road, which will be after you pass 5 or 6 crossroads.
    10. At the end of CO 111 South turn left onto Route 27 "Sunrise Highway". This is the halfway point in travel time, unless you have been delayed by traffic congestion. This point is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Montauk.
    11. Continue on Route 27, pass through the Hamptons, and continue towards Montauk.
    12. In the village of Montauk go past the gazebo. Continue going straight and follow the signs to the Montauk Point Lighthouse.
    13. Follow signs for Camp Hero.
    14. Turn right onto Camp Hero Road.
    15. Follow signs to the Camporee at Camp Hero.
  • The estimated travel time is about 3 hours with no traffic delays.
  • Call Rocco E. if you have questions.
  • Photos of Emergency Preparedness Camporee on Oct. 2003.