Cardboard Classic!

Number 13. Naturally.

The Cardboard Classic was a smash hit this year! That is to say, we had a 30% increase in participants for the third year running and, of course, most of the sled catchers got caught by surprise at least once.

All the new teams caused significant delays, and the races went on until nearly 4:00. Fortunately, the temperatures were well above last year's, the light snow was simply beautiful, and Marquette Mountain served hot lunches!

The Troop only fielded one one sled against a field of ten, and the sled exploded half way down the course, but the boys were laughing far too much to be called disappointed. And isn't that what it's all about?

We should probably start thinking about sled designs for next year. Or maybe we can do it tomorrow...

The Minion's magnificent malfunction

Oh, and don't forget to check out all the fun times in the race's photo album, too!

Lock-in!

A Boy and his Cookie

It's winter, the kids need to run around, parents need a little quiet time, and Scout leaders, we'll, sometimes they're just not entirely sane - all of which spells "LOCK IN!"

The Troop along with local Webelos and assorted friends converged on Aspen Ridge and attacked chips, pop, pizza, popcorn, and eventually donuts with gusto.

In the end, though, the food, the play, and the late hour wiped out a few. One young fellow (right) fell asleep standing up. But many of the boys made it the whole night - and pitched in with cleanup ta boot.

And I don't think the leaders won a single game of dodgeball no matter how many times we changed the rules.

Bobbing with Cubbies

Climbing the Walls

Cub Scout Pack 321 invited the Troop to climb some walls and go swimming with them at NMU's PEIF, and the Troop gratefully accepted. Parents brought snacks, a few cameras, and a lot of encouragement.

They boys had a great time climbing and snacking for an hour before racing off to the pool.

Things got interesting in the pool. Promotions to Second Class and to First Class require some basic water safety and rescue skills. Robert provided the instruction, the PEIF provided a life saving ring, and the boys took turns tossing the ring and getting rescued. Several of the Cubs got involved just for fun, too.

Without a waterproof camera, though, you'll just have to use your imaginations. However, you'll find an album of rockwall climbing by following the link.

Drug Abuse Prevention

Body Armor - Just Like in the Video Games!

Promotion to Second Class requires participation in an anti-drug, tobacco, and alcohol program. Fortunately, we have a State Police post right down the road!

The Troopers were wonderfully informative and fielded everyone's questions. Even the adults learned a few things.

By far, though, the trip's highlight consisted of a trip to the garage where the boys got to see a lot of really nice gear - and give a couple of robots a spin.

You can seem more photos from this event in our album by following the link.

Thank you Michigan State Police!

November Hike

Who here thinks he can out-run a bear?

The fall snow started a little early this year, on October 31st, and it hasn't let up much. After a week or so, the big wet flakes finally started to stick. What a great time to take the Scouts on a walk through the woods!

A good fall hike makes for a great opportunity to practice old skills, learn new skills, and work on a few promotion requirements... like taking a five mile hike, cooking lunch over a stove or campfire, and reading a compass (eh, Carl?).

Along the way, we identified some animal signs, practiced "leave no trace" hiking, and soaked in our home town's raw beauty. Heavy snow showers kept everything fresh and white for us and made our hot lunches all the more welcome.

We finished up our hike on schedule and with full stomachs - if not at our intended destination. What a great way to spend part of a Saturday! Hopefully we can fit in another hike before we have to strap on snowshoes for the winter.

Oh, and don't forget to check out the hike's album!

Pot Luck & Honor Court

 

The Scout Handshake

Scouts work throughout the year on promotion requirements, merit badges, and service projects. Why? Because its fun, interesting, and helpful. Maybe they get a little push from their parents, but it's a push along a path of lifetime learning and community building. Once started on this path, many boys stay on it much to their benefit and ours.

As a result, we find it important to pause a moment to reflect on and reward recent achievements. For example, our Scouts participated in at least seven different service projects since our last honor court, and that doesn't count the assistance they've extended to Pack 321. Scoutmaster Carl handed out dozens of merit badges, and most of the boys also earned promotions, too. 

And, of course, the pot-luck dinner added a warm, neighborly atmosphere to the event. Thanks to everyone who brought a dish, and thanks to our Scouts for all their hard work!

Don't forget to check out the evening's photo album. 

Halloween Party Helpers

Pow! Right in the kisser

Troop 321 has a standing tradition of assisting Pack 321 with its Halloween party and potluck for the past few years - thanks in large part to Grace, Amy, and Amanda. The Scouts stepped up to help, too. This time they raced back from the Scout University event in Marquette to help out with games.

Cubmaster David and Assistant Scoutmaster Darryl both challenged the Pack and the Troop earlier this year to sell more than $700 worth of popcorn. Several boys took up the challenge and fed their superheros a few pies as a reward. What a nice treat! 

The Cubs looked like they had a great time playing games and eating (even more) treats in their costumes. Nice work Scouts! For more pictures, check out the album here: http://bit.ly/1tzgX4h