January 2007
Activities: Winter Camping, Backpacking and Camping. Review: Warm Tips,Thrill to the Chill (see "Internet Sources"), Cold Weather Camping Word Document from Peter H.
Add recipes to the Troop Cookbook Fundraiser. 17 recipes so far from M.L., K.M., M.S., L.T., and the Z.'s.
Please donate items to the new patrol Lodge to Mr. Dave Z. or Mr. Bob A.
- 1 (Mon.) Mr. Jamie Czuy's first day as our new Scoutmaster. Troop 174's Scoutmasters list.
- 1 (Mon.) No Troop Meeting - Winter Recess
- 2 (Tues.) No Patrol Meeting.
- 5 (Fri.) .. Deadline to Sign up here. to give a speech at the Public Speaking Merit Badge class on Jan. 8.
- 5-7 (F-Su) Ski: Council Ski Weekend, (More information)
- . New Patrol-Lodge Work Day 9:30 a.m.- ??? at the Lodge in Peter H.'s backyard.
- 6 (Sat.) .
- Scouts and adults are needed to help prepare our new patrol meeting place: The Lodge.
- Location: Peter H.'s backyard. His address is in the "Patrol Meetings" section of the password-protected page. Click on the address to view a map. The map has an optional directions feature from your location.
- Please bring shovels, gloves, a wheelbarrow and a bag lunch. Water will be provided.
- Photos of Patrol Lodge on Jan. 2007.
- Videos Jan. 2007 of Wind Chime (0.4 MB), Purse (0.7 MB), Oil (0.8 MB).
- 8 (Mon.) .. Parent and Troop Meetings 7:30 p.m. Wear an Official Uniform, which includes a MB Sash. Attendance is expected.
- Green Bars meet at 6:45 p.m.
- Public Speaking Merit Badge class. Contact Mr. Bob R. if you have questions.
- Deadline to pay the balance of the total fee of $175??? for Ice Climbing Weekend on Jan. 19-21. Give check payable to "BSA Troop 174" to the Troop Treasurer.
- 9 (Tues.) No Patrol Meeting.
- 10 (Wed.) .. Order of the Arrow Banquet
- All Order of the Arrow members and their family members are invited.
- Everyone who completed their Ordeal or Brotherhood Quest last year should attend.
- More information is on the Ktemaque Lodge website and in the Beaver Tracks newsletter.
- 12-15(F-M) Ski: Council Long Ski Weekend (F-M), (More information)
- 15 (Mon.) No Troop Meeting - Martin Luther King Day
- . Ice Climbing Participants Meeting.
- 15 (Mon.) .
- 7:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.
- For all ice climbing participants. Parents need not be present, but are welcome to come to this meeting.
- Deadline to:
- pay $170 fee. Give check payable to "BSA Troop 174" to Mr. Long.
- turn in Class 3 Medical Form, if the troop does not have one that was completed within the past 12 months.
- turn in a signed permission slip if your parent is not going on the trip.
- Contact Mr. Long if you have questions.
- . Klondike Preparation Meeting.
- 15 (Mon.) .
- 7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.
- For all Klondike Patrol Attendees going to the Council Klondike.
- Program: Learn the skills to be tested at the Klondike.
- Click on this Council Klondike Guide PDF for detailed information about:
- Event schedule
- Saturday program details, suggested advance preparation
- Saturday evening program and program notes
- Friday and Saturday check-in, security wristband
- Parking and security
- Required equipment
- Event map
- Contact the Troopmaster if you have questions.
- 16 (Tues.) .. First Patrol Meeting at the Lodge, 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Lodge in Peter H.'s backyard. See address in the password-protected pages. All scouts are welcome.
- Leaders: Mr. Dave Z. or Mr. Bob A. In an emergency, call their cell phones.
- Bring Boy Scout Handbook and a filled water bottle.
- Bring something to share that represents you.
- Consider bringing a camp stool to sit on.
- Dress for the weather. There may not be heat.
- Parents should make sure that there is an adult present before leaving.
- Contact Mr. Dave Z. or Mr. Bob A. if you have questions.
- 17 (Wed.) Mercy College Basketball Scout Night.
- Join Mercy College Athletics for Scout Night at the Westchester County Center White Plains, NY, Wednesday, January 17, 2007.
- Bring your troop or scout group to see exciting NCAA Division II basketball as Mercy takes on St. Thomas Aquinas College in an East Coast Conference doubleheader!
- Scouts in uniform and their families will receive FREE admission to both games of the doubleheader.
- Before each game, all scouts will join the teams on court for the performance of the national anthem.
- All scouts will be recognized at half-time of each game and will be invited to meet the teams.
- Women’s Tip-off: 5:00 p.m.
- Men’s Tip-off: 7:00 p.m.
- For more information and to reserve seats, please call Assistant Athletics Director Drew Brown at 914-674-7281 or email dbrown@mercy.edu
- 19 (Fri.) .. Deadline to Sign up here. to give a speech at the Public Speaking Merit Badge class on Jan. 22.
- . Ice Climbing Troop Weekend.
- 19-21(F-Su).
- (More information at Council) winter high-adventure program.
- Scouts must be 14 years of age or older, First Class, and have Scoutmaster approval. No climbing experience is necessary.
- Sign up here. for Ice Climbing Weekend by Nov. 27. Scouts have priority. Space is limited.
- Pay $50 nonrefundable deposit by Nov. 27??. Give check payable to "BSA Troop 174" to the Troop Treasurer.
- Pay the balance of the total fee of $170 by Jan. 15. Give check payable to "BSA Troop 174" to the Troop Treasurer.
- Location: Class 4 ice climbing sites in the Keene Valley near Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. We shall ice climb on Saturday and Sunday, but at different locations.
- Schedule:
- Meet Fri. 4:00 p.m. at Mr. Long's home.
- Friday night: arrive at the hostel before 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday morning: breakfast at the hostel. Head out to the climb site by 9 a.m.
- Saturday lunch: at the climb site with time available to drive to a convenience store.
- Saturday evening: return to the hostel around 4:30 p.m. Dinner at the hostel. Free time after dinner. Tobogganing is a possible activity. The Lake Placid Toboggan Chute is a 30-foot tall converted ski jump that launches your toboggan about 1,000 feet out onto the frozen Mirror Lake.
- Sunday morning: breakfast at the hostel. Pack all gear and head out to climb site by 9 a.m.
- Sunday lunch: at the climb site, then head for home.
- Returning Sun. approximately 5:30 p.m.
- Weather conditions may require changes in this schedule. Indoor climbing in inclement weather.
- Training will precede climbing under a guide's supervision.
- Lodging: High Peaks Hostel on 5956 Sentinel Road, Lake Placid, NY.
- Price includes equipment (ice axes, boots with crampons, helmet, and climbing ropes), some meals, and lodging for up to 8 scouts and 2 adults.
- Bring (list revised Jan. 15): Refer to your "Clothing for Winter Hiking" handouts. Overview: Slippers or moccasins for the hostel, Nalgene bottle of water upside down in a wool sock, optional brown bag Friday supper or eat where the group stops, money for Sunday lunch and supper ($25 cash recommended), rain gear, wind-proof jacket, a day pack, fleece, hand and foot warmers, hot cup labeled with your name, rubber-soled pac boots good to -40 deg. F., hat over the ears, face mask or some other face covering, ski goggles, mittens and gloves both, personal first aid kit, toothbrush, spoon, sunglasses, etc. No cotton clothing. More clothing requirements at More information at Council. Bring sweat pants and sweat shirt to sleep in and a change of clothes. Optional folding camp stool. Layers from inside out: underarmor or polypropelene, insulating layer maybe fleece, waterproof pants and top for climbing, and heavily-insulated outer layer. During climbing, use inexpensive waterproof pants because pants legs may be accidentally cut by the crampons during climbing.
- This activity requires a Class 3 Medical Form completed within the past 12 months.
- Give a signed permission slip for scouts whose parents are not going to Mr. Long by Jan. 15.
- Lake Placid has cellular telephone coverage by most major carriers. However, there is little or no coverage from Exit 26 on the Northway until Lake Placid. Most ice climbing locations do not have cellular telephone coverage.
- Scouts may do homework and study while traveling to and from Lake Placid and also at the hostel on Saturday night.
- If you have questions contact Mr. Long.
- Lake Placid Weather: Accuweather 15 day forecast, Accuweather details, Weather Underground, CBS 5-day forecast, live cams.
- Photos of Ice Climbing on Jan. 2007, Jan. 2006, Jan. 2005, and Council Photos, Jan. 2004 and Council Photos.
- 19-21(F-Su) Ski: Council Ski Weekend, (More information)
- 21-27(Su-Sa) Ski: Scout Week at Thunder Ridge Ski Area.
- Location: Only 20 miles North East of Yorktown, Thunder Ridge is the closest ski resort (map).
- Details here.
- "Discounted rates for scouts and their families with scout ID are available for the entire week.
- A Safety Seminar is available to assist scouts in working toward a badge or patch which includes learning skier responsibility code, appropriate attire, nutrition, conditioning and weather exposure.
- Lesson Reservations must be made at least one week in advance. Registration will be held at a designated table in the Main Lodge. Please plan on registering at least 30 minutes (one hour if you need rentals) before your seminar or lesson time."
- 21 (Sun.) Ice Climbers Return. 5:40 p.m..
- 22 (Mon.) .. Troop Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wear an activity uniform.
- Public Speaking Merit Badge class. Contact Mr. Bob R. if you have questions.
- Deadline to pay for the Council Klondike Winter Event on Jan. 26-28.
- Practice skills for the Council Klondike.
- Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review.
- Sign up here. Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review. Sign up before this meeting.
- If you need a Scoutmaster Conference be at the church by 6:45 p.m.
- The Board of Review will be after the troop meeting.
- Be sure that you ...
- are in full official uniforms, which includes a merit badge sash,
- have all of your rank requirement paperwork including Board of Review Applications filled out, and
- have your Boy Scout Handbook,
- ... because without these you will be granted neither a conference nor a Board of Review.
- 23 (Tues.) .. Patrol Meeting 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Lodge in Peter H.'s backyard. See address in the password-protected pages. All scouts are welcome.
- Hot chocolate and marshmallows will be provided.
- Routine details in the About Troop 174 section below.
- .Council Klondike Winter Event.
- 26-28(F-Su).
- New event this year.
- Details at Council website. Click on the Council Klondike Guide PDF for more details, copied below.
- Location: Camp Smith, 1 Camp Smith Drive, Cortlandt Manor, NY.
- Drop off Friday is after 6:00 p.m. at Camp Smith.
- Go to Registration area to find where Troop 174 is located.
- Check in with Mr. Bob A. at our site and get your security wristband.
- Bring Mr. Bob A.'s cellphone number from the password-protected pages in case you have trouble finding him
- Friday 9:00 p.m. - Sled patrol leader meeting. All sled patrol leaders must attend.
- Drop off Saturday is before 7:00 a.m. at Camp Smith.
- Saturday night: Wear your official uniform to the entertainment.
- Sign up removed. Council Klondike Winter Event, Scouts and Adults by Dec. 15.
- Older scouts who are volunteering as Staff should in addition to signing up online and noting that they are volunteering, also contact Barbara C. and also tell her if you will be staying overnight.
- Activities:
- Cold weather search and rescue competition
- Emergency preparedness requirements.
- CERT demonstrations by the NY National Guard.
- Weapons demonstrations by the Veterans Corps of Artillery.
- Adults will receive some introductory training in emergency response.
- Individuals Bring
- Sleeping bag.
- Hot cup.
- Water bottle.
- Change of clothing.
- Cold weather gear.
- Dress for the weather.
- official uniform.
- Photo-id for adults will be required to gain access. Older scouts should bring high-school ID’s.
- Each Patrol Brings
- 12 6-foot poles.
- 6 3-foot poles.
- Large ziplog bag for the 8.5 x 11 map.
- More items listed on the Council Klondike Guide PDF.
- From Council --
- Unit Registration Due Immediately
- Cost $25 per scout, $35 per adult, includes all three meals on Saturday, Sunday breakfast, overnight accommodations in the Camp Smith barracks and the event patch. (Saturday day only is $5 for youth, $10 adult).
- Deadline to pay is troop meeting on Jan. 22.
- Skills:
- Patrols, Troops and Districts will be competing in cold weather Search & Rescue and Emergency Preparedness requirements. Judging and demonstrations will be provided by the New York Guard and the Veteran Corps of Artillery.
- Scout skills around Pioneering, Orienteering, First Aid are the core skills along with other tests based on First Class scouting requirements. Team work and quick thinking are also required.
- Supplies:
- A complete equipment list will be provided for the December Roundtables and available here. Sleds are encouraged.
- Deadlines to pay Council
- Unit deposit of $100 required now.
- Final reservations due by Dec. 31, 2006.
- Final Payments/adjustments due Jan. 12, 2007.
- Registration:
- Registration will begin at 6:00 p.m. Friday evening.
- Facilities:
- All participants will be housed in the barracks at Camp Smith. The barracks have a total of 1200 beds. Camp Smith is currently under renovations. Lavatories in each building are ½ closed. Separate housing for females will be provided. We really need an accurate count of both males and females attending so we can ensure the best housing for everyone. If you haven’t registered yet please make sure to specify this. If you have registered then please contact Council with an update.
- Meals:
- ADULTS please understand that we will be feeding everyone in shifts. Mess halls will be opened by schedules and we will be feeding all adults last. Scouts will be rushed in and out for quick gobbling. By eating last, Adults can relax. Scouts will not have any choices during the meals. We do need to know in advance of any scouts with specific allergies. If we don’t know in advance we will be very limited in what we can do.
- What Type of Event Is This?
- The Klondike will be a competitive event to determine the best patrol by District and the best patrol in the Council. Scouts will be judged in tam work, following instructions, camping skills, communication skills, first aid skills obstacle challenges and basic Scout skills. Adults will be requested to resist the temptation to coach the scouts.
- Security:
- Drivers entering Camp Smith must present a valid drivers license. To prevent long traffic delays please have it out and ready to present at the main gate. Final security requirements will be confirmed at a later date. The Army National Guard currently requires a roster of all people entering the Base prior to the event.
- Who Can Participate?
- All Boy Scout Troops in the Westchester-Putnam Council are welcome to participate. Venture Crews are invited to take part as staff to help with the setup and running of the stations (please).
- What is Camp Smith?
- Camp Smith is an active military installation which is used by the NY National Guard, NY Guard, FBI and local police and fire agencies for training. We are using many areas of this facility, sleeping in the barracks and eating in the mess halls.
- Dr Norm H. has agreed to coordinate the OA volunteers for the First Aid station.
- The Manitoga district is organizing the First Aid station at the council Klondike.
- Dr Norm H. has suggested that we outfit O/A volunteers to represent actual accident victims from a mock Helicopter crash
- We are in need of O/A members come to the Klondike and help out.
- We need volunteers from the O/A to sign up ASAP prior to Dec 31/ 2006.
- All volunteers to email Dr Norm H. at nlherman@med.cornell.edu or Mr. Rick K. with their Name, Troop #, Telephone and email address.
- We also wants to know if you're coming for the day or spending the weekend.
- If you (the volunteer victim) are just coming for the day it will be $10.00 to pay for food.
- If you plan on spending the weekend, they sign up with their Troop and pay the $35.00 (which then takes care of sleeping arrangements also).
- WE NEED TO COMPILE A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS: if you are interested you need to contact us so that your name goes on the list.
- If you want to come for the entire event you will need to sign up w/ your troop to reserve a bunk spot.
- Adults may bring a mug for hot chocolate too.
- Give a signed permission slip for scouts whose parents are not going.
- Sled design page. Additional Sled design 1 and Sled design 2.
- Photos of Boy Scout Klondike on Jan. 2007, Jan. 2006, Feb. 2005 and Council Photos, Jan. 2004, Jan. 2003.
- Videos Jan. 2007 of Triage Briefing (0.9 MB), Bandage His Head (0.6 MB), Keep Your Eyes Open (0.4 MB), Use All Your Bandages (0.5 MB), Get Me Two More Of These (1.1 MB), The Patient Is Dead (0.3 MB), Your Score Is 13 Out Of 50 (0.6 MB).
- Videos Feb. 2005 of First Aid Station - Some tips in Forgot That This Is Like A Human and Raise Leg For Shock. Down Hill (0.7 MB), No One Seems To Care (1.1 MB), Snow Idea (0.5 MB), Forgot That This Is Like A Human (1.1 MB), Raise Leg For Shock (1.0 MB), Drag Sled (0.8 MB), Race Final (0.8 MB).
- 26-28(F-Su) Ski: Council Ski Weekend, (More information)
- 29 (Mon.) .. Troop Meeting 7:30 p.m. Wear an activity uniform.
- Congratulations to Jason L. and Paul M. for passing their Eagle Scout Boards of Review.
- 30 (Tues.) .. Patrol Meeting 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Lodge in Peter H.'s backyard. See address in the password-protected pages. All scouts are welcome.
- Bring a folding camp stool.
- Donate hot chocolate and marshmallows. We'll store any excess.
- Please donate a tea kettle or a pot that pours for making hot chocolate.
- Scouts who want to work on advancements must bring their Boy Scout Handbook.
- Routine details in the About Troop 174 section below.