Time to Go Outdoors with BSA Scouts for Girls!
Dear Troop Members,
The cold weather is beginning to fade away, robins are visiting and buds are appearing on the trees. And with that we will be spending a lot more time outdoors, starting with our camping trip on March 8-10. It is time for you to become prepared for our upcoming camping and hiking trips.
Between now and mid-July we are going to go on three camping trips, two day-hikes and spend an entire week (the Troop together) at summer camp. That is a lot of activity to pack into about four months. So, what do you need to do to be ready for this?
Attend Troop Meetings
Scoutmasters Bastian and Ross will be teaching the Scoutcraft skills you will want to know to make your outdoor experiences as enjoyable as possible. Always bring your Scout Handbook with you so we can sign-off on your advancement progress as you learn.
Sign-Up for Activities
Be sure to have your parent or guardian sign you up for the upcoming activities that Scoutmasters Collier and Neil are planning. An e-mail from the troop will go out about 1.5 weeks in advance of every event providing all details. Your parent or guardian needs to sign and submit a permission slip for you for every activity (including the day hikes). The 2-night weekend campouts cost $50 and summer camp is $400. These fees include everything. There is never a charge for our day hikes.
Begin Gathering Equipment
Begin now to plan what you need to bring. The Troop website includes suggestions of things you should consider packing. You do not need to buy new things if you start now to find things like a sleeping bag, ground pad and a backpack to put your things in. The Troop will provide tents, so you do not need to get one of those. Click here for suggestions about what you should get: https://scoutsbsadcgirls.org/about/camping-and-hiking-in-the-outdoors/.
You Need Boots
One thing you might consider purchasing brand-new is a pair of hiking boots. If you go to expensive camping stores you can spend a huge amount of money. No kidding, some hiking boots can cost $500! I suggest you do not get those, because you will grow out of them and that will waste money. Instead, see if you can get a good pair of well-fitting hiking boots at a place like LL Bean at the Galleria Mall. I went there and looked at boots for girls and found some fantastic ones that cost about $80. If that not in your price range, you can also visit Target or Wal-Mart and see what is available there. The main thing you want to get is a hiking boot that fits snugly and covers your ankles so you have support when we are hiking on rough ground. You also want boots that have thick soles – that way you will not feel every rock you step on like you would if you just wear tennis shoes. The Scoutmasters are going to talk about hiking boots during our next two meetings. You do not need to get your hiking boots before the March 8-10 camping trip, but you will definitely want them before our March 23 day-hike.
Break Them In
When you get your boots, wear them around as much as you can to “break them in”. If you wait to wear them until the day of our hike, they will be stiff and uncomfortable and you will probably get blisters. A good idea is to wear them to school. They are cool looking and you can tell your friends about the adventures you are going to have.
Wear Your Uniform
Your Uniform is designed to be worn when we go camping and hiking. Make sure to have it on when you arrive at the camp – especially the green pants that won’t rip when you snag a thorn and will block the wind from chilling you. Of course you will want to “layer” other clothing under and over your uniform to keep warm.
Our New Patrols
Everyone is now assigned to a Patrol and the Patrol Leaders have been elected. You will get your Patrol patch to sew on you uniform this Saturday and your patrol will soon work on a patrol cheer and flag. Scoutmasters B. Burkhardt (Red Phoenix Patrol), Snare (Blue Phoenix Patrol) and I (Athena Patrol) look forward to advising your Patrol leadership as you plan and conduct your activities.
A Winning Attitude
Attitude is more important that the past, than education, than money, than circumstances. It is more important than intelligence, appearance, skill or ability. Attitude will determine the success of a business, family or Scouts BSA Troop. The amazing thing is, attitude is the one thing that you have the ability to control every day. You cannot change the past. You cannot make others behave in a particular way. You do, however have control over the single most important factor influencing your happiness and success and that factor is your attitude. Keep that in mind as you become better friends with your Scouts BSA Friends and while you are at school. *
Sincerely,
Scoutmaster Burkhardt