Troop 242

The Rank advancements, Merit Badges, and awards earned were:  Scout rank, Tenderfoot rank, Second Class, First Class, Star rank, Life Scout rank, Eagle Scout, Art, Kayaking, Photography, Leather Work, Mammal Study, Swimming, Fingerprinting, Cooking, Lifesaving, Public Speaking, Shotgun Shooting, Family Life, Personal Management, Chess, Pottery, Environmental Science, Wilderness Survival, Rifle Shooting, Archery, Chemistry, Fishing, Cycling, Fish & Wilidlife Management, Snow Sports, Pioneering, Woodcarving, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Forestry, Soil and Water Conservation, Horsemanship, Crime Prevention, Electronics, Canoeing, Communications, Basketry, Indian Lore, Nature, and Cyber Chip, Tot’in Chip, Firem’n Chit,

To see and download photos of this Court of Honor, use the Scouts in Action Photo Vault link on the Resources page.  You will need the username and password too.

Click here to visit the Resources page.

For more information including location, course outline, and how to order the Ham Radio License Manual download this PDF.

A Troop 242 tradition is wearing Activity uniforms to Troop meetings during the hot months of summer.  As we begin a new school year, we switch back to our Field uniforms.  It seems like a good time to review why Scouts wear uniforms, when to wear uniforms, and how to properly display insignia on the uniform.

The uniform makes the [Scout] troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. [Scouting] is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each [Scout’s] commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the [Scout] identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for [Scout] activities and provides a way for [Scouts] to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished (Source).

“Field Uniform”.

Wear full Field uniform for all ceremonial and indoor activities, such as troop meetings (in the fall, winter, and spring), Courts of Honor, Scoutmaster Conferences, Board of Reviews, and most other indoor functions. The uniform (excluding the neckerchief) should also be worn during any travel to campouts, events, special outdoor occasions, such as Scout shows, flag ceremonies, or Summer Camp (Source).

Double check that your uniform insignia are in the correct place using the uniform checklist found here.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Camp Sinoquipe did not disappoint! The camp staff and scouts showed lots of Scout Spirit. Speaking of Scout Spirit, on Spirit Day we won the Gaga Ball tournament! We also participated in 3 skits, Lemonade from Orlando, Infant tree, and I’ve got business to do!

Here is a list of the Merit Badges earned; Chess, Emergency Preparedness, Fire Safety, Public Speaking, First Aid, Chemistry, Canoeing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Swimming, Environmental Science, Fishing, Insect Study, Soil & Water Conservation, Forestry, Leatherwork, Pottery, Art, Basketry, Horsemanship, Cooking, Geocaching, Pioneering, Wilderness Survival, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, Electronics, and Photography. We also had Lakusin (First Year Camper).

Updated 9/17/19 with photos (Photo credit Mrs. Carpenter)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A Scout is Prepared: How Will You Prepare for Devil’s Marbleyard?

A few things to gather now to help you prepare:

1. BRING WATER! Being dehydrated is not a good feeling. A water bladder or several bottles will fit in a Camelbak/day pack.
2. Think burning calories while hiking. Patrols should consider nutritional snacks to avoid the dreaded bonk.*  I found this calculation of calories burned per hour hiking:
3. Use bug spray, sun screen, and bring a wide brimmed hat. The marbleyard is out in the open. We don’t want sunburned scouts!
4. Pack a 2nd pair of hiking socks. Wet socks equal blisters.  You will want to change into them after lunch.
5. Hiking shoes/boots: Do yours fit?  Break in new hiking boots BEFORE the hike.
6. Get your feet and body ready for the long hike by hiking with a weighted backpack on the Noland Trail  (~5 miles) at Mariners’ Museum Park.
7. Pack a First Aid Kit in your day pack. Moleskin is a must!

*Bonk= no more calories to burn

Here are a few websites to help you further prepare for the Devil’s Marbleyard adventure!

1. How to Train for Rock Climbing and Bouldering Click Here

2. Ten Tips for Safe Hiking: How to Prepare for a Day Hike Click Here

3. Are you prepared for hiking in hot weather? Click Here

Update: Our adult leaders made it through summer camp and had fun!

We have come so far with our preparations for summer camp… deciding which camp to attend, completing swim tests, making payments, signing up for merit badges, handing in health forms, and now the scouts are packing and the adult leaders are filling up the gas tanks in their cars to drive us to Camp Sinoquipe.

On behalf of Troop 242, we are grateful to all the adult leaders who have put time into the preparations for summer camp. We want to say thank you for all that you have done on the trail to summer camp!  Scouters click here for some things that YOU can do during camp for fun in the sun!

• Here is an idea!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Gathered at the Knights of Columbus hall, as one of the guest speakers reminded us, the Fourth of July is more than a time for barbecues, beach picnics, and fireworks.  It is a time to be reverent and remember the people who gave their lives to give us freedom. We should also remember the Founding Fathers who, if caught, would have been hung for treason for choosing to sign the Declaration of Independence.  Troop 242-B, Troop 242-G, Pack 242, the Knights of Columbus, guest speakers, Newport News City Council members, Delegate David Yancey, members of the Sheriff’s department, and the other scouts present honored our history by raising the American flag. It was a heartwarming and memorable ceremony. (Photo credit: Mrs. Carpenter)

Want to learn more about the 4th of July?  Visit these two websites.

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th

http://mentalfloss.com/article/502369/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-fourth-july

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Troop 242-B and Troop 242-G had a flag ceremony on the BEACH! Sounds like an ideal summer outdoor program. Everyone had lots of fun and, as an added bonus, it stayed relatively dry! That is some good looking scout-cooked-food.

Thanks for the great photos, Mrs. Carpenter.

• Spread out the tent to start drying right away!
• If the weather is not favorable to do this outside, throw it over the junk in your garage!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Eighteen Scouts advanced in rank!

Scout: Troyus/TJ, Francisco, Jacob, Jayden, Brody, Neil, and Hunter

Tenderfoot: Abel and Gavin

Second Class: Gavin and Travis M.

First Class: Brandon, John, , Braden, Evan, and William G.

Star: Maison

Eagle: Adam

The following Merit Badges and awards were earned:

Scouting Heritage, Wilderness Survival, Cooking, Ad Altare Dei Religions Knot, Totin Chip, Firemin Chit, Recruiter Strip, Robotics, Cyber Chip, Pets, Snow Sports, Personal Management, Search & Rescue, Communications, and Public Health.

Our special guest, Mr. Zachary Oman, Field Director/COO Monitor Merrimac District, made a Friends of Scouting presentation too.

Note from Webmaster: I apologize for the lack of photos. My camera ran out of battery.