The Buffalo Chip
Below is the most recent Buffalo Chip:
Boy Scout Troop 131, Alexandria, Va. May. 27, 2008 Vol. 5/08
SCOUTMASTER’S MINUTE
Our campout at Prince William Forest was great. We had tons of skills for the 1st year Scouts. Jamie R. and the SPL helped considerably in the instruction, which was carried out ably by the Yarberrys.
The Patrol system is well established now, and the Scouts are doing fine. The Asst. Senior Patrol Leader is Tom W.
Scouts going to summer camp will meet with ASM Kenyon L. soon. He will go over what the Scouts need to bring and describe the camp policies. Stand by for his e-mail!
Arrangements for the Philmont Scout High Adventure Camp are on-going. Data on airfares, times will be forwarded as we complete them.
PATROL BRIEFS
SENIOR PATROL LEADER ~ We used our new Patrol Method at the Camporee and Troop 131 won 1st Place for an outstanding campsite. We also took 2nd place (should ‘a been 1st) for our One Pot Meal. We have been doing basic skills, like how to find your way without a compass and first aid. We backpacked into our campsite at Prince William Forest last weekend. We practiced No Impact camping and did a lot of first aid. Will R.
BLACK DRAGON PATROL ~ We have been working on our rank advancements, and have had a few things signed off. Some of the newer Scouts are getting close to Tenderfoot. We had a great time camping; the spray pancakes were really neat. We are getting ready for summer camp and deciding on the merit badges we want to do. Skyler L.
FLAMING ARROW PATROL ~ When we just joined Troop 131, they had a tent race to see who could put up a tent the fastest. It was the first time we had tried it and we won. Then we had a physical fitness test to see how well we could do in things like push ups and sit ups and a mile run. In the Camporee, me and Paul took turns cooking for our patrol. We did the Leave No Trace stuff, meaning that we had to put every piece of trash in a bag to take away with us. We won first place for the neatest camp site. Lately, we learned how to make a bear bag to keep food away from bears, by hauling it 15 feet up into a tree. Jonathan N.
MOOSE PATROL ~ The Moose inventoried our supply of tents and tent parts. Some were missing, because they went home with campers, but, we think all the pieces have been returned. The Patrol Method is keeping us organized. Everyone knows in advance what they have to do for next week or the next campout. The younger Scouts have been learning how to use a Bear Bag to keep provisions high out of the reach of bears. Chris T.
COMMITTEE NOTES
Is Your Camp Medical Form Ready?
Scouts and adults going to any summer camp must complete and return the medical forms issued for camp. Just take the form when you get a physical from your regular doctor, or, for youth, from the Alexandria Adolescent Clinic on King St. Philmont Scout Camp has its own form, available from Scoutmaster Rodgers.
Scouts who have had a physical within 3 years do not need a new one. Adults going to camp need a physical every year.
Troop Project Aids Church
Troop 131 Scouts and adults turned out to clean up the Scout amphitheater and picnic area as our annual Service Project for our sponsor, First Baptist Church. The crew did a fine job, and the amphitheater is now clean and neat for outdoor meetings this spring and summer. The work is almost complete, and we will be back to add the finishing touches soon.
Advancements
Larry L., Advancements Coordinator, reports that Thomas L. made Tenderfoot rank.
Training
For those of you who don’t have it, Arlington Red Cross is offering Wilderness First Aid on June 21, 22, and June 28.
