Scout Ski Day at Marquette Mountain

Grabbing some air

Can winter weather get any better? The sun was out, the temperatures went up to a balmy 26F, and the lunches were  hot. Oh, and the snow, though not powered, was nicely groomed.

Our Troop joined Scouts and Scouters from Troops, Packs and a Crew from across the U.P. to enjoy the slopes, the lifts, and some good company. Four Scouts earned their Snow Sports merit badge, though none from our Troop this year. It's a difficult badge to get because it requires more than just basic skills.

A Tin Turtle lunch gave the boys a break and the energy to blast on throughout the afternoon. Some parents skied, some enjoyed down time in the Alpine lodge, and most enjoyed both. This was a great opportunity to meet Scouters and parents from around the area. No doubt we'll see some again at next week's Cub Winter Games or May's Spring Camporee.

Oh, and as is often the case, don't forget to check out the event's album!

Food Drive

Lending a hand to the Salvation Army

When the Salvation Army's pantry ran bare, Scouts stood ready to lend a hand. Never mind that it was below zero or that the Troop had a full plate of events, an empty food pantry constitutes a community emergency.

In answer to the call, Troop 321 posted Scouts at the Jubilee in Ishpeming and the Super One in Negaunee Sunday afternoon. Together, the boys collected five full shopping carts from a generous community and unloaded them directly at the pantry. 

This food drive really was a great experience. The boys face a lot of rejection when trying to fund raise for the Troop. However, the community responded vary generously today and had many nice things to say to our boys. A lot of credit goes to Jubilee and Super One for giving our Scouts permission and space to make their pitch - and to our communities for pitching in. 

Big hearts & full baskets at the Jubilee

We're going to do this again next Sunday, and we hope for more great results. We'll participate in the community's annual canned food drive in April, too. The boys are a real asset to the community, and they're learning great lessons about service as well. 

Klondike Derby

The boys have come a long way in their fire building skills

Wikipedia describes the Klondike Derby as a winter Scouting event that tests skills and leadership along the theme of the Klondike Gold Rush. However, here in the Pere Marquette area, the derby tested patrols from five area troops along a decidedly more Hobbity theme - specifically Peter Jackson's third movie of his Hobbit trilogy

In addition to carrying staffs and dragging a sled, the boys practiced lashings, compass reading, orienteering, knot tying, shelter building, and, of course, fire building. They also raced against the clock, winched their sled up hill, and defended against invading orc hordes.

The exercise and hot soup kept the boys warm, and a dozen volunteers kept everything else running smoothly. What a great tradition!

And if you've never seen a horde of invading orcs, you'll want to check out the event's photo album.

Court of Honor

Posting the Flag

Troop 321 celebrated new promotions and merit badges this evening after applauding Webelos from Pack 321 who crossed over from Cubs to Scouts. Of course, it all began with a potluck dinner and some wonderful fellowship.

Carl has been hard at work with the boys helping them knock out promotion requirements, and the work has really paid off.

If you've got some down-time, check out your son's Scout Handbook and see if you can help him with any of his requirements. Except in a few cases, you can work on promotion requirements for more than one rank at a time.

Also, keep an eye on AskMarvin.org. Our area's website now has a section on the home page devoted to upcoming Merit Badge opportunities. Some may require a bit of a drive, but that can be fun, too!

The full photo album is also available for viewing.

UP 200

Scouts, mushers, and dogs all having a grand time

The Wild called. It was grateful. Dozens of mushers and over a hundred dogs safely crossed the trail's casino intersection thanks to a little help from Troop 321's Scouts and volunteers. Yes, it was bitter cold. And snowing. And the wind came right off the lake, but that didn't discourage the Troop.

Carl set up a comfort station. Darryl brought pallets to burn. The boys arrived with the enthusiasm of youth. Between halting cars and helping huskies, the boys wolfed down hot dogs and hot chocolate. Never mind the snow and ice, this event looks like fun because it was fun.

The dogs wagged their tongues, the mushers thanked us, and the motorists were patient. What a great UP tradition!

Don't forget to check out the whole photo album, too!