Troop 49 Update

Short video from camp

2008-02-03T10:01:00.000-05:00

Watch Bryan sliding down the hill: Click here.

Pictures from a fun weekend trip

2008-01-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

We had a great weekend at Winnebago. Here's some pictures:

We had a great weekend at Winnebago. Here's some pictures:

No meeting tonight, Dec. 12

2007-12-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

The YMCA has their staff holiday party tonight, so they will close early. We'll cancel our meeting because of this. Please spread the word.

Also,
Sunday afternoon is our basketball day at the Y. We'll be playing from 1:30 to 3:30, so please join us. You must be a troop member to play, we can't have guests for this special event.

First meeting

2007-08-29T22:20:00.000-04:00

We'll have our first meeting of the fall next week, September 5. That's Wednesday, starting between 7 and 7:30. Call me if you have questions: 732.983.1282

Summer Camp 2007

2007-07-16T21:33:00.000-04:00

Some pictures and video from a fun week in the woods.

Click here for more pics.
Click here to see Nate and Oliver's dance performance.

NOTE: Scout meetings will begin again in September. Have a safe and enjoyable summer. Remember to live by the Scout Law.

Photos from our trip

2007-04-27T22:33:00.000-04:00

Shots from our winter camping weekend

2007-01-28T15:45:00.000-05:00

Regular meeting tonight (12/20)

2006-12-20T12:48:00.000-05:00

See you at the YMCA, around 7:15.

Help out the Tobias family

2006-12-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

A family that was very involved with our troop several years ago needs some help loading up their moving van on Saturday morning (12/16) UPDATE: be there about 11:30 a.m. Here's the contact info if you can help them out:

Philip Tobias
363 East Lake Ave
732-381-3283

Do a good turn daily.

Philmont Pic

2006-11-01T10:34:00.000-05:00

This is the picture from Philmont that a guy from Arkansas took for us. It's a beauty.

Tonight's meeting

2006-10-11T10:37:00.000-04:00

Tonight's meeting will be held in the smaller room at the YMCA. It's normally used as the daycare/nursery area. When you go into the Y, you make a left past the main desk, instead of heading to the right. See you there.

Welcome new members!

2006-10-06T19:24:00.000-04:00

We're inviting all boys 11-18 in downtown Rahway to visit our troop and consider joining us. Please feel free to visit one of our meetings and hear about the things we do — camping, sports, games, community service. It's a fun way to meet friends and do things you'll be proud of.

We meet Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m., ay the Rahway YMCA. Bring a friend, or make friends when you arrive.

Help the YMCA Blood Drive

2006-09-21T11:18:00.000-04:00

We were asked to recruit people to donate blood for the YMCA's blood drive this coming Monday (Sept. 25). Please ask your friends (over 17), your parents, yours friends' parents. Anyone who might be willing to donate. It takes about an hour.

The bloodmobile will be at the Rahway Y from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday. Let's make it successful.

Calendar posted

2006-09-05T22:41:00.000-04:00

I posted a link to the calendar over on the right side of the blog ------>>>
I will hand out the printed version at our meeting Wednesday.

Please note that we're planning to have our Cookout/Court of Honor next Wednesday, Sept. 13. This is going to require a good amount of planning. Please invite any family or friends who would like to attend.

First meeting: Wed. Aug 23

2006-08-17T16:52:00.000-04:00

Our first meeting of the fall will be Wednesday, Aug. 23. Remember, we're meeting at the YMCA on Wednesdays this year. Please plan to be present, we're going to work on our schedule for the year -- deciding what kind of year we want to have, what kind of troop we want to be.

We'll also talk about rank advancement and recruiting. See you there.

Philmont party

2006-07-24T22:32:00.000-04:00

Please plan to join us at Andrew's apartment 6 p.m. Sunday to share photos and stories from Philmont. Please bring your family, and spread the word that all troop members are welcome. We'll have some refreshments and talk a little bit about the coming year.

Andrew's apartment:
200 Lewis Street, Apt. 208
Rahway
(Phone 732.744.0401)

WE ALL MADE IT!

2006-07-14T22:01:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who helped us survive our 50+ mile Philmont trek. Some pictures:

More Philmont Photos

2006-06-09T17:44:00.000-04:00

I posted all my photos here:

(In three parts)
http://homepage.mac.com/aphillips99/PhotoAlbum15.html
http://homepage.mac.com/aphillips99/PhotoAlbum16.html
http://homepage.mac.com/aphillips99/PhotoAlbum17.html

Backpacking next weekend

2006-05-29T15:10:00.000-04:00

We're going for an overnight backpacking trip next weekend, partly as prep for Philmont, partly as a recreational outing. You don't need to go to Philmont to come on this trip.

NOTE: WE STILL NEED A SECOND LEADER FOR THIS TRIP. It must be someone over 18, Stan or Oliver would be acceptable, so would any parent who is interested.

We'll leave Saturday morning, June 3, and return Sunday afternoon, June 4. The hike will be about 6 miles total, 3 in and 3 out. We'll camp near a small lake and we'll try to catch some fish for dinner. Should be a fun time.

Please remember to bring a permission slip, we need to know who is definitely going by our meeting this Thursday.

Thursday's meeting (May 25)

2006-05-24T00:05:00.000-04:00

We'll work on planning our weekend campout, deciding where we're going to hike and camp. Please remember to bring any troop gear that you might still have.

Also remember that we need to get ALL Philmont money to the council, and we need to have ALL the complete medical forms.

Thursday meeting

2006-05-16T22:21:00.000-04:00

Our meeting this week will focus on rank advancement, so BE PREPARED with the materials you need. Some of you need completed forms for Camping Merit Badge. Everyone should bring their hand book and wear their uniform.

Also, we'll be getting up to date on dues. Please come prepared.

Mr. and Mrs. Huntley will be joining us.

Parents meetings

2006-05-04T22:45:00.000-04:00

We will have Philmont meetings for parents on the following dates to discuss the details for our trip. We need as many parents as possible to be present:

• May 13 - Saturday at noon. We will meet at the Rec Center
• May 21 - Sunday, 5 p.m. Location TBA
• June 18 - Sunday, 5 p.m. We will have this meeting if necessary, depending on the earlier meetings.
• June 27 - Tuesday night, the night before we leave. We need parents present to make final arrangements before our morning flight.

Call Andrew with questions: 732.983.1282

Also for Thursday meeting

2006-05-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

Jonathan also wants you to wear your Class A uniform and bring your photo ID.

IMPORTANT PARENTS MEETING

2006-05-02T12:02:00.000-04:00

We're planning to have a meeting for all parents to discuss Philmont plans. We'll meet Saturday, May 13 at noon. Location to be determined. Please let your parents know they need to be present to discuss our trip.

Important Watchu Prep Meeting

2006-04-27T22:27:00.000-04:00

Important prep meeting coming up this week for the Watchu weekend, our biggest Philmont training weekend. On Thursday, please come prepared with:

1) Money and physicals due for Philmont. Please call Andrew if you cannot have both by Thursday's meeting. (732.983.1282)

2) Your pack, loaded with the gear you have for Philmont. Everyone received a list of the personal gear you still need to get. It should all be packed in your bag, ready to go.

Jonathan and Hattie Warren will be present to go over last-minute Watchu details. It's going to be a fun and important training weekend. Hopefully the weather will be better than our last two hikes, but prepare for the worst.

Thursday meeting

2006-04-25T12:20:00.000-04:00

Mr. and Mrs. Huntley will be at our meeting on Thursday, and we'll talk about rank advancement for those that have questions or need help. So bring your Scout Handbook, and wear your uniform.

Also, we'll be getting up to date on dues. If you owe dues for April, they are past due. May dues are payable as well.

Watchu Weekend

2006-04-24T17:28:00.000-04:00

We survived another brutal training weekend -- not because the hiking was too hard, but because the weather was miserable. Good job by everyone pushing through, and surviving with smiles on your faces.

We'll have a regular meeting on Thursday.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Jonathan wants EVERYONE who is going to Phimont to attend the Watch Weekend (May 5, 6, 7). This event is mandatory if you are part of our crew -- this means you, Stan and Oliver. If you can't make it, contact Jonathan and beg: jtwarren_06@verizon.net

Important meeting

2006-04-19T21:43:00.000-04:00

Our Thursday meeting is very important, please plan to attend. We will make final arrangements for our overnight trip. (We will leave Friday night at 5:30.)

1) Bring your permission slip. You cannot go on our overnight trip if I don't get a permission slip before we leave Friday night.
2) We will have troop gear to distribute, everyone will need to help carry tents, food, etc.
3) When we leave Friday, we will hike into the dark. So your gear needs to be properly packed before we leave. Pack like you're going to Philmont, as best as you can with the gear you currently have.

Also, Hattie and Jonathan will drop by to distribute some patches and gear that everyone needs. They will ask about the status of our payments and physicals.

Trying to post the movie

2006-04-10T12:46:00.000-04:00

Click on this link to download the movie.

Pix from our hike

2006-04-10T12:39:00.000-04:00

Rain or shine

2006-04-07T11:49:00.000-04:00

We hike Saturday rain or shine, so BE PREPARED. As much as possible, wear non-cotton clothing, waterproof hiking boots, a hat, and bring your rain gear. I'll bring trash bags to use as pack covers.

It's all part of the adventure. See you Saturday at 8 a.m.

Clear and copious

2006-04-03T21:29:00.000-04:00

If this picture doesn't remind you of your frequent trips to the bathroom, then you aren't drinking enough water. You need to be well hydrated for our Philmont trip, as well as the training trips we're doing the next three months.

You should drink about 8 glasses of water a day, more if that's doesn't make you "clear and copious".

Reminder: We have a day hike this coming Saturday. Please plan to come with a loaded pack, 40-50 pounds.

Meeting Thursday

2006-03-29T21:02:00.000-05:00

Jonathan and Hattie Warren will be at our meeting Thursday. We'll be going over the details of our trek, planning the specifics. So please plan to be there, in uniform. They'll want to know the status of several things, so BE PREPARED with answers:

1) Do you have photo ID (bring it to the meeting)
2) Status of your Philmont payments
3) Status of your physical (it should be scheduled by now)
4) Do we have your BSA registration card

Also, don't forget our First Aid training is on Sunday.

Ready to save a life

2006-03-20T19:10:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a long afternoon of effort, we now have a full crew of CPR trained scouts. We'll review some of the specifics in our meetings over the next few weeks, but I'm confident that we're all ready to deal with an emergency of that sort if it comes up. If there was anything you didn't understand or you don't feel certain about, please write it down, or post it here. We'll discuss it with Jeff Fellin at our next session, which is Sunday, April 2.

At our Thursday meeting, we'll focus on advancement. Please bring your scout book and wear your uniform. We want to make sure everyone who is ready to advance is moving forward and has the opportunities they need.

Also -- Philmont physicals and Philmont money are due. The money must be in before the end of March, which means this week preferrably. The physicals should be scheduled by now if you have not yet done so. See you Thursday.

Tree Huggers

2006-03-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

Along with some impromptu tree-climbing, we managed to complete a 5 mile hike with loaded packs. It was a good chance to see how everyone does on the trail. We still need some work on our compass skills and more physical conditioning. This hike was cake compared to what we'll do at Philmont -- a lot more ups and down, and thinner air.

But everyone did well and I'm confident we'll be in shape in time.

At our meeting Thursday, we'll go through the list of gear that everyone needs and figure out what items we still need to pick up.

Two things to remember:
1) We MUST get money to council very soon. If you still owe, please make arrangements to get that together.
2) Sunday at 2 p.m. we'll meet at the Rec to go to our CPR / first aid training. Everyone must be CPR trained to go to Philmont, so if you miss this you will have to make arrangements to get yourself certified on your own. You'll have to pay for it on your own also.

Meeting Thursday

2006-03-06T22:57:00.000-05:00

Don't forget ...
1) your uniform
2) money and physicals for Philmont
3) We're going for our dayhike on Saturday.

Meeting Thursday

2006-02-28T13:44:00.000-05:00

We have a meeting this Thursday -- 3 things to remember:

1) Wear your uniform to all meetings (surely it's clean by now).
2) Many of you still owe money for Philmont, and we all need to get our physicals done.
3) Jonathan and Hattie Warren will be joining us to talk about which Philmont hike we want to do. He already has our list of preferred basecamps, but we need to talk about how strenuous a hike we want to do and stuff like that. Please be present for this important conversation.

Partial Klondike results

2006-02-26T00:28:00.000-05:00

They didn't give us the results for each event, which is disappointing. But here's how we did overall compared to the other 30 sleds.

Troop -- Patrol -- Score
1. 101 Tent with Feet 81
2. 63 Panthers 76
3. 68 Roadrunner 75
4. 101 Ironmen 74
5. 101 Falcons 74
6. 47 Cobra 74
7. 101 Jets 72
8. 49 Scorpians 71
9. 145 Eagles 71
10. 75 Python 69
11. 68 Arrow 68
12. 69 Dragons 68
13. 80 Vraddies Reds 66
14. 63 Scorpian 66
15. 4 Axe Murders 65
16. 145 Cobras 64
17. 65 Panthers 64
18. 75 Scorpion 63
19. 85 Beaver 63
20. 17 Fiesta 63
21. 83 Dragon 62
22. 40 Mad Monkeys 60
23. 73 Mountain Lions 60
24. 80 Polands 60
25. 75 Sportsfans 59
26. 17 Crazy Military Bananas 57
27. 73 Lizardmen 54
28. 68 Eagle 48
29. 51 51 Unit 42
30. 83 Cobra 40
31. 17 French 12

Top builders

2006-02-24T00:40:00.000-05:00

In under 30 minutes, Frank, Nate and Vander built an impressive newspaper tower to win free dues for one month. Two other teams also managed to build creative structures, but not quite as high or successful.

Vander joined our troop just this month -- welcome to Troop 49.

Klondike results: still missing

2006-02-19T17:33:00.000-05:00

Despite several requests for information, the two men in charge of the Klondike have not responded with the event-by-event results. So we still don't know how we compared to the other troops in each event. I can only assume that they don't want to release the results. Maybe they were lost, maybe there is something wrong in the results.

Philmont training schedule

2006-02-12T21:19:00.000-05:00

These are the events planned for Philmont prep. It is important that we get our teamwork, gear, skills and bodies in shape for the trip. So for everyone going to Philmont this summer, consider these events mandatory. We will be joined on these outings by our friends from Troop 51 who are going with us this summer.

This is all part of the adventure of going to Philmont, so we'll have fun with it.

March 11 -- Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- Dayhike at Watchung Reservation. We'll work on orienteering and do some strenuous hiking. Plans for this day are being made by Jonathan and Hattie.

March 19 -- Sunday afternoon, 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. -- First Aid/CPR training held at the Somerville Rescue Squad

April 2 -- Sunday afternoon, 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. -- First Aid/CPR training held at the Somerville Rescue Squad

April 8 -- Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- Rigorous dayhike, planned by Troop 49. Location to be determined.

April 21-22 -- Friday night to Saturday afternoon -- Overnight backpacking at High Point. We hike in the dark, set up camp and hike out the next day. Hike led by Jonathan and Hattie.

May 1 -- DEADLINE for physicals.

May 5-7 -- Friday night to Sunday afternoon -- Watchu weekend, at Allamuchy, backpacking and events with other crews from our council who are going to Philmont. Attendance is mandatory. (Andrew will be away this weekend.)

May & June -- Physical fitness events to get us into shape. Frank and Stan planning. Details to come ...

June 10 - 11 -- Possible overnight campout, last prep trip. Details to come ...

June 27 -- We get together and overnight at Rec Center or some other venue. Bags packed. Final shakedown.

June 28 -- We leave for Philmont in the morning.

Last chance to choose Philmont program areas

2006-02-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

Here's what we have so far, if you want to add something to this list, e-mail Jonathan (jtwarren_06@verizon.net) as soon as possible.

PRIORITIES
• Rock climbing/rappeling
• 3d archery
• Horseback riding
• Mountain biking
• Challenge events

INTERESTED IN, but we'd like to know more about ...
• Cantina
• Mountain living
• T.Rex Track

For more details on our council's Philmont program:
http://www.thewills.net/watchu/
More on Philmont:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philmont

Best Klondike Ever!

2006-02-06T16:06:00.000-05:00

We don't have the official results, but we're confident the numbers will show we had a better Klondike performance than ever before. We didn't finish in the top three overall, but we had great scores in just about every category -- especially in fire building, which was a problem area for us last year. The weather was a downer, but I'm proud of the progress we made in the past year.

Well done to everyone who was part of the team: Bryan, Frank, Nate, Jessy, Danny and Simon.

We have a meeting on Thursday. THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER:
1) Wear your uniform to all meetings.
2) Payment is due for Philmont. We're going to talk about the prep schedule. (Schedule your medical evaluation as soon as possible.)
3) We need to know what events you'd like to do at Philmont, those lists are due to Jonathan at our Thursday meeting.

Coming up ...

2006-01-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

We have a meeting on Thursday, here's what's on the schedule for that night:

• We'll work on firebuilding skills for Klondike (out in the parking lot).
Andrew will bring a flint match so we can practice how to make a flame without a match.
• We'll work on knots and talk about the shelter we want to build for Klondike.
• Klondike is on Saturday, THIS Saturday. We get there early and we'll be back before 5 p.m.

We'll also talk about PHILMONT:
• Money is due, $250. If your parents have spoken to Andrew about the payment, those arrangements are fine. Otherwise, money is due.
• We need to get those physicals done in the near future.

Winter Camp 2006

2006-01-29T21:49:00.000-05:00

Click on the photos to see the full size version.

Thanks to everyone for coming and making it a productive, fun weekend.

Klondike Training Responsibilities

2006-01-23T23:42:00.000-05:00

This weekend on our campout we will train for the Klondike events. Each scout is responsible for training the rest of the troop for an event or two. Please be prepared to teach your subjects on Saturday. And let me know if you don't know what to do.

Here's the events:
1. Compass Town: The patrol will need to use their map, compass, and orienteering skills to determine location, give or follow map directions, and find specified locations throughout the park. TRAINER: STAN AND FRANK (Andrew will bring maps, scouts bring compasses)

2. Firebuilding Town: Patrols will need to build, ignite(light), and maintain a fire for a specific purpose. Maximum score is determined by method of heat source used to start fire. Only natural fire materials will be allowed to be used. All required supplies must be bundled separately & of sufficient quantity. Patrols must bring firestarters of their choice. (No lint, fatwood, etc.) TRAINER: ANDREW AND BRYAN (Andrew will bring materials)

3. Team Skills Town: The patrol will work as a group to perform complex tasks. ALL -- WE'LL PLAN A TEAM EVENT ON SATURDAY

4. First Aid Town: The patrol will need to apply cold weather first aid skills to victims of a Klondike themed scenario. TRAINER: NATE AND JESSY (Bring your first aid kits. We'll also have troop kit)

5. Archery Town: The patrol will have to demonstrate combined abilities to accurately target shoot. TRAINER: SIMON (Bryan and Jessy are extra shooters)

6. Backpacking Town: The patrol will be required to bring one (1) completely pre-packed backpack based on the requirements of the scout handbook and be able to answer questions related to the fieldbook. Maximum weight of the backpack is not to exceed 40 pounds. TRAINER: FRANK AND SIMON (Frank, can you bring your pack loaded? Andrew will bring the scout fieldbook)

7. Shelter Building Town: The patrol will need to construct an emergency shelter, using materials only on their sled. The scenario will consist of a cold, windy, snowy, mountainous situation. Knots and lashings will be needed to complete this problem. Strength of base anchoring will also be tested. (If patrol chooses to use an anchoring system other than what is found in the pioneering merit badge booklet, the patrol must supply printed documentation of that anchoring system) TRAINER: DANNY AND BRYAN (We'll need to practice knots and lashings. We'll bring ropes and find poles at camp).

8. Polar Bear Slingshot Town: The patrol will build a pre-designed slingshot and launch given object at targets. Knots and lashings will be needed to complete this problem. ALL

Camping Next Weekend

2006-01-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

WE'LL HAVE NO MEETING ON THURSDAY, since we leave for our weekend cabin campout on Friday night. We'll be leaving from the Chandler's house at 6:15 p.m. Plan to be there on time, ready to roll. Most scouts still need a permission slip before they can attend.

A few of use will go grocery shopping on Thursday night and also (if possible) we'll pick up gear from Mr. Huntley Thursday night.

This is a weekend for preparing for Klondike. I will post a detailed schedule for who is teaching what and what each event will require of us.

We return from our trip early Sunday afternoon.

These boots were made for Philmont (I hope)

2006-01-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

We're planning to go shopping at Campmor on Saturday morning. Campmor is a sporting goods store with some good deals (we're told). We're mainly hoping to buy boots, the most crucial piece of equipment we need to get for the Philmont trip.

If you plan to buy your boots (which is highly recommended), bring your money. If your family needs help paying for boots, have your parent give Andrew a call (732.983.1282). If you just want to come along to find out exactly what kind of boots you should get, that's a fine idea, too. But please plan to buy your boots within the next month or so.

Here's Campmor's boots page:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=40000000226&storeId=226&categoryId=34794356&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=69710

While we're there, we'll price sleeping bags and some other equipment. If we find especially good deals, we'll buy things like sleeping bags, water bottles, and some specialized clothing.

If your parent wants to limit your purchases, have them call or send a note and we'll work that out.

TWO THINGS TO WORK ON BESIDES BOOTS:
1) Non-refundable Philmont deposit due Feb. 1
2) Physical form needed as soon as possible (not later than May 1).

Thanks for coming

2006-01-16T20:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all the family and friends who came to see some of what our troop has accomplished in the past two years. It's a good chance to remember how active our troop has been and how hard everyone has worked toward advancement.

We will have a meeting on Thursday. We'll spend time talking about the Klondike Derby, and working on some of the scout skills we need to exercise.

Schedule for January and February

2006-01-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

We're planning regular Thursday meetings for:
January 5, 12, 19 and NOT the 26.
February 2, 9, 16 and 23.

We're going camping at Allamuchy (in a cabin) on January 27, 28, 29. We'll be working on scout skills for the Klondike Derby.

Klondike Derby is Saturday, Feb. 4.

We're also planning and looking for dates for the following:
1) Court of Honor
2) Group shopping trip to Campmor for Philmot boots and gear.
3) CPR certification course.

Backpacking prep

2006-01-02T17:18:00.000-05:00

We had a successful backpacking outing at the end of October. Our crew of seven consisted of: Stan, Bryan, Nate, Danny and Jessy, and the leaders were Andrew and his friend Chris Zuehlsdorf. We hiked at the Delaware Water Gap, on the Pennsylvania side of the river.

The hike was up the mountain and along the ridgeline, about 6 miles in and 6 back out the next morning. Despite a very cold night, we managed to stay pretty warm -- thanks to some mad-bangin chili cooked under the supervision of Jessy Rodriguez.

The trip was our first in preparation for our 10-day backpacking trip this summer. More prep is planned for the spring, so stay in shape.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

2006-01-02T16:55:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in our annual service project at the State Hospital. It's a short afternoon of work, but it adds a bit of joy to the lives of people who need it, especially at this time of year. Thanks to Mrs. Huntley for organizing it, and to our own Santa, for making the trip.