February 2018

The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others. – Lord Baden Powell

Stand-Up Guys:  Court of Honor, Blue & Gold and Volunteering

February started with many scouts trying to tie up loose ends and get requirements signed off in advance of our Winter Court of Honor.  Friends and family joined us as we celebrated the hard work and determination.  The event was hosted by Nick and James who did a fabulous job.  By the end of the night, seven scouts moved up in rank, 22 merit badges were handed out,  and 1 Cyberchip was earned.  Tyler Boyd and Bobby Fodera were recognized for earning their Eagle Palms.  In addition, Tyler recently earned his Eagle Scout rank and Bobby was awarded his 71st merit badge by his father, ASM Bob Fodera.  Both of these young men are great role models for the younger scouts in our troop and we’re very proud of them!

During one of our weekly meetings, we spent a lot of time perfecting knots and cannot wait to put them to use at some of our upcoming camping events like:  Frost Valley, Back to Basics, by Boot or by Boat and Philmont!

One special thing that happened this month is when we opened the February 2018 issue of Boy’s Life (the one with the paddle boarder on the cover)…a few attentive members noticed that a photo of us from West Point’s Camporee made it into the magazine.  Check it out when you get a chance, we’re the group that is paddling a boat!

There were several chances to volunteer this month including two big, annual events:  ICC’s annual pancake breakfast and the Hunterdon Arrowhead District’s annual food drive.  We are happy to volunteer at the breakfast.  It’s a great way to give back to our sponsors…and the pancakes were an added perk!

This year, our troop collected food outside of WalMart in Clinton.  Throughout the day, we partnered with Cub Scout pack 901 and Boy Scout troop 121.  A few scouts talked with customers on they way in, explaining what they were doing and giving them a list of needed items.  By the end of the day we collected over 400 bags of food and more than $300 which was used to purchase food gift cards for the Open Cupboard food pantry in Clinton.  In total, the Hunterdon Arrowhead district collected over 22,000 pounds of food for local families.

February 25th was an extremely busy Sunday with two Blue and Gold banquets at the same time.  A group of scouts from 200 attended Pack 901’s Blue and Gold at Immaculate Conception Church and welcomed 4 new members of the troop as they crossed over the bridge into Boy Scouting. Meanwhile, up 78 at the Mountainview Chalet, another banquet was taking place and we welcomed one scout who crossed over.  These 5 new scouts and another who moved into the area from Warren County all joined us for our their first official troop 200 meeting the following evening.

Welcome to Ian, Zachary, Bo and John, Zach and Rusty – we are so excited that you are part of our troop.  #adventureiswaiting