News and Info
This month's outing will be the last weekend in the month, the 27th to the 29th of January. We will be attending our district's Klondike Derby. This year' theme is Back to the Basics. As the brochure says ----> Low Tech- No tech – At a time when we use cell phones to do everything from GPS to calling home we thought it would be good to go back to the basics. A Klondike Derby consists of many troops gathered together and competing in a multiple of challenges. Various stations are put together, where scouts will go from one station to another.
This year's stations will be:
Fire Builders – Agents should know how to start a fire in many situations. Use the materials provided or in your pack to start a fire.
Hiking the Trail – Agents sometimes have to hike over great distances to meet a contact. Hike the course and learn about how to prepare for a hike.
Pitching a Tent – Agents will race to set up tents and learn about different types of tents
Code Breaking - Deciphering codes is important in fieldwork. Agents will be given materials that contain a code and decipher the code find out information for your mission.
Orienteering Course – Using a compass and directions, agents will the clues to get to the designated rendezvous place.
Knots – Know your knots? Complete the challenge to show your skill!
First Aid - An agent has come under attack during your last mission. Race to assess and bind his wounds.
Boot Camp -Time to shape up and see if you are ready to be an OO Scouting agent.
Engineering - You have to get over the “river” to meet your contact . Lash together a bridge to get across for your rendezvous
As this time of year is so upnpredictable in the weather, you will want to make sure that your follow the Scout Motto, "Be Prepared". We will cover many topics at this month's meetings. In addition, you may want to check out the following resources. Winter Camping Checklist Winter Camping Tips Note there are also many other valuable resources loced on the Resources and Forms Page.
With the Warm Nights program, our troop we had a great way to end the year, helping those in need! It was a very successful and meaningful evening. We served dinner to 38 very thankful people who attended. Our dinner consisted of Chili, Salad, Corn Bread and many different type of pies. Thank you to all who participated!
Don't forget to bring your scout books to every troop meeting!!
Latest Eagle Scouts
Who is our latest Eagle Scout?. Troop 1249 has now produced 63 Eagle Scouts.
Scout Meeting Reminder
Do not forget to bring your Scout Handbooks with you to Scout Meetings! You never know when you might be able to get something signed off.
Recent Advancements
Alex A. - Fishing MB
Chris R. - Fishing MB
Evan R. - Home Repairs MB, Photography MB, Reptile/Amphibian MB
Joey T. - First Aid MB
Matthew W. - Cycling MB
Patrick F. - Fishing MB, 2nd Class Rank
Rob C. - Personal Fitness MB, Fishing MB, Gardening MB
Rob W. - Citizenship in the Community MB
Ryan T. - Fishing MB
Thomas G. - Fishing MB
note: those merit badges in purple are Eagle Required Merit Badges!
Rank Advancements in red
Congratulations to All!!
Welcome to Troop 1249
Where & When: We meet most Tuesday nights from 7:30 – 9:00pm in the Community Room at the church. St. Matthew’s is located at 14900 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD. Our campouts/monthly outings are generally scheduled on the 3rd weekend of the month. On the Tuesday after the monthly outing, we have our PLC (Patrol Leader’s Council) Meeting. Board of reviews for rank advancement also occur at 7pm on the night of the PLC.
What We Do: Being a Scout led organization, we execute the program that is planned out by the PLC. The scouts also take assignment to coordinate each month’s campout/outing. Working with the Scout Leadership of the Troop, we put together a program to help to develop good lifetime skills and values in our Scouts. The focus of our troop is to:
· Offer scouts responsible fun and adventure
· Train scouts in citizenship, service, and leadership
· Maintain a constant outings schedule, with one overnight per month
· Instill lifetime values and develop ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law
· Provide an active advancement program
Some of our highlights for the upcoming year are:
· Snow Skiing
· Backpacking
· Canoeing
· Klondike Derby
· Summer Camp
· Whitewater Rafting
· Bicycling