December is always a busy time of year, but the troop was able to get some things done before the holidays kicked into full-gear.  We concluded one of our biggest fundraisers – the Troop 200 holiday wreath sale – and delivered wreaths, roping and grave blankets.  A huge thank you to everyone who participated and who purchased greens from us.  And, a special thank you to Mr. Martoccia for organizing and leading this event for us, it is much appreciated!

In Late 2017, we also welcomed two new scouts into the troop.  James comes to the troop from Oklahoma and Ryan joined from Florida.  We’re excited to get to know each of them and learn more about them and they types of things they’ve done in their old troops.

The first weekend of December, a few of our ASM’s attended outdoor training…just in time for the snow!  We appreciate all of our volunteers who go through training during their free time and offer up their skills and time to help us.  Thanks to Mr. Maslanka, Mr. Bozzi and Mr. Korson who took this training in December!

Mid-month the Council of Ricks patrol hosted a night out at Branchburg Sports Arena.  They invited other Troop 200 patrols, friends and Webelos.  There was a great turnout, with about 20 kids joining in the fun.  A reminder to other patrols that you can host patrol events, too!  Right before the holiday break our troop made the annual trek up to Veteran’s Haven North to sing carols and spread cheer among the veterans.  Afterwards, we headed back to Lebanon Borough for a pizza party and some more caroling throughout the village.

Between weather and holidays, there weren’t many meetings in January but a group of us did get the chance to earn our Digital Technology badge.  Mr. Lutz was able to arrange a trip to Cisco Systems in Woodbridge where we spent the day with Cisco volunteers.  These volunteers showed us a lot and we got to play with Rasberry Pi.  Don’t know what that is?  Ask one of us!