It's a new year - review your goals!

If you practice goal setting, there is no need for “New Year resolutions”. But it is a good time to review your goals. Are they still valid? Still attainable? Are you are on track with your goals? Is one of your goals to achieve rank advancement within the next six months?

     — A bird with an Eagle in its sight

It is better to give than to receive

The holidays are upon us. It is not only a good time to reflect on our religious beliefs, but also to practice our scouting oath. Give the gift of your time this year to be helpful to your parents and others.

     — Santa

It's better to give than to receive

Join the fun and bring a gift to the Troop Christmas Party!

     — A gift giving bird

A fool with a plan is better than a genius without a plan

Having a plan is part of being prepared. (Planning, like all things, gets better with practice)

     — A bird that knows where he's going

Patients is virtuous

The best way to escape quicksand is to do nothing. Thrashing around and making quick movements will only get you in deeper trouble. However, if you do nothing, eventually you'll float to the surface and be able paddle yourself safely to firmer ground.

Many events in life are like quicksand - A girl or your family is upset at you, long-term goal setting, making investments. If it feels like your in qicksand, be patient, stay calm, and think it through.

     — 

Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making mistakes.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes

     — A wise bird that has made many mistakes

Be Prepared!

Remember the urban overnighter a few weeks ago? Did you forget something and have to borrow it from someone? Did you write it down so you won’t forget it again? Have you gone over the list of essentials for Bandido Campout? Are you prepared not with just the right equipment, but with the right attitude? Be Prepared is not just a slogan, it’s a way of life.

     — A bird for all seasons

Live like you are on a submarine!

There is very little room on a submarine. Seamen must learn to keep their stuff together and in the proper place, for there is generally just enough room for their duffel bag. They must be ready to leave on short notice. And they must learn to be considerate for when they are not using their bed, someone else is.

Backpacking, like living on a submarine, is more enjoyable when we learn these habits.

     — 

Plan your work, Work your plan!

Our first campout of the season is next weekend. Learning to plan our meals and activities will help us to “be prepared” and aim us to success. However, if we do not follow our plan but still meet our goal, we are not successful, just lucky. The end does not justify the means.

     — a successfull bird

Attend the monthly parent’s meeting to “get the program”

Being a teenager is like being an actor in a Shakespeare play. The audience knows the script the actors have been given. The actors practice their interpretation of the script and present it to the audience. Only by applause do the actors know if they did a good job.

     — An old stage-grease bird

Support Eagle Projects

Be sure to support and attend as many Eagle Projects as you can. This is a great way to rack up service hours and help a fellow Scout help our community.
Use these projects as an example of how you will do yours-learn from them. Parent's this means you too-help your son get ideas for his Eagle Project and Be Prepared.

     — A "Projected" Eagle

Eagle Scout?

As a Life Scout you need to think about your continued involvement in T21. Do you come to meetings and offer guidance to younger guys? How about camping trips, been on one lately?
These are all things that count HEAVILY toward Scout Spirit at your Eagle Scoutmaster Conference.
Be Prepared for your final SM meeting, stay involved.

     — An Old Eagle

It's that time of the year.

Dig out your Ten Essentials and throw away your sunscreen. Get a new tube of SPF50 and learn to use it. May's campout will be a sunny adventure-Be Prepared.

     — That Old Bird

Camporee is just a month away.

Is your Ten Essentials bag up to date? I bet that old granola bar could use replacing. How about the batteries in your mini-flashlight? Band_Aids? You know the drill.

     — Essentially Eagle

What's that smell????

Wash your sleeping bag! Do it this weekend before Joshua Tree and you and your tentmates will be happier campers. Synthetic and downfill use different soap, be careful. Air dry your bag for longer life.

     — A snoozing Bird

Troop 21 outings depend on you.

Scout's is about being safe and at home in the outdoors. When was the last time you went on a troop trip? How about dad?
January is Joshua Tree Camp, don't miss this one!

     — An Outdoor Bird

Ten Essentials:

When was the last time you gave your 10E Kit a tune up? Need new Band-Aids? How about that old hard snack bar-eat it or get a new one. Flashlight batteries dead?
Tune up and survive!

     — 

Court of Honor is October 15th are you ready?

Summer merit badges all signed off?
Blue cards approved and turned in?
Uniform up to date?

     — An Old Bird

How many

TOTW have there been? Click on the spot below this article-you may be surprised.
-------
Once again I want to remind you to THROW OUT all sunscreen! Yes, round file the stuff. Now hustle down to the store and get a new fresh tube with a high SPF rating (higher IS better). Now don't forget to use it. Going to CCV? Put your name on the tube.

     — A raccoon-eyed Bird

Tip of the Summer

Do you have a half-finished merit badge?
Call your Troop 21 counselor and get it completed over the summer. You don't have to wait for fall, get going, finish what you've started.

     — Your Old Eagle

Scout Slogan:

Do a Good Turn daily.
How about you? Daily? Weekly?
Heck, when was the last time you did one at all!!!!!!!

     — That Old Bird

Life Scouts:

Your Trail to Eagle will be more rewarding if you stay involved with troop activities.

Scout Spirit is a requirement!

     — An Old Bird

TOTW

Cruise our website and check out Camporee Etiquette in "Scouting Tips."
You and your patrol will be glad you did when Camporee comes around.

     — A well mannered Bird.

T21 New Years Resolution

To attend as many outings as I can and do my best to make my experiences the best they can be.

Your QUALITY Scouting experience is made by YOU, not the troop.
Happy New Year!

     — 

Attend all Eagle Projects!

Your time is needed to make each project a success and you can earn service hours too.
Someday you too will need helpers for your project.

     — This Bird loves a project.

Avoid an empty book rack.

Be Prepared and buy your next merit badge book now or check the Troop Library.
While you're at it, buy a handful of Blue Cards too.

     — A well read Bird.

Pop Quiz:

We've had father's and we've had son's become T21 Eagle's, how many father/son duo's have achieved the rank? Be careful, the answer is not easy.
E-mail your answer to porschepop@aol.com. Winners will be in the next TOTW.

     — A tricky Bird

Does anyone read these?

What was the last Tip?
E-mail your response to porschepop@aol.com and get in the running for a prize.
Winner will be announced when I get around to it.

     — An Old Tipster

Merit badges can be easy.

Or not!
Remember, that there is a point to merit badges.
Along the way you'll develop a few life skills that will serve you well.
Don't be discouraged if you have a tough go, anything worth doing well won't be easy.

     — An old Eagle

Mom, there's nothing to do this summer!

Got a bit too much time on you're hands?
Get a merit badge book or two, grab a buddy and knock out a couple of fun merit badges this summer. Check T21's website for helpful counselors.

Don't complain about nothing "to do".

     — A badged bird

Roast beef, not a Scout.

Throw away all sunscreen containers, Yes!
Sunscreen looses it's effectiveness in a year or less, so throw out the old and buy some new with a high SPF rating. If you're going to camp, PUT YOUR NAME ON THE CONTAINER.
Enjoy your summer.

     — Bird Not Roasted

Going to CCV?

That's Camp Cherry Valley to our old guys.
Earn Swimming merit badge at CCV and get it out of the way.
Remember to read the book, have a Blue Card signed by our new Scoutmaster Dr. Taylor then be ready for some COLD fun.
Not going? Earn it anyway-summer is Swimming mb time.

     — A backstroking Eagle

Gould Mesa trip is May 19-20

T21 will build the first ever Goulden Gate Bridge across the mighty Arroyo!
Be sure you are signed up for this exciting project.

This may be the Eighth Wonder of the World!
I wonder.....

     — 

New Advancement/Merit classes......

Are you First Class yet? If not, use your time on Monday night's for rank advancement.
Remember to get Scoutmaster Sumner to sign your Blue Card before beginning any merit badge.

     — An old Eagle

Patrol Meeting?

Yes, try a patrol meeting outside our regular Monday meeting. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish. With Camporee 2006 just around the corner a patrol meeting is a great idea.

     — An Old Bird

Got rope?

At Camporee each Scout needs to have his Ten Essentials AND a 10-12' piece of rope.
Remember, rope is not a shoestring or lanyard! Rope is rope.
Have it.

     — An Old Eagle-fit to be tied.

Are you Prepared?

PreCamporee is April 1-2 and your best chance to polish Scouting Skills before Camporee 2006. New guys sign up too. PreCamporee is all about having fun!

     — A knotted Bird

Have you gone through your Ten Essentials lately?

Throw out that old sunscreen-replace it, eat those old snack bars and replace with fresh ones. How about that missing compass? The one you took to Calico-put it back.
10 E's are only useful if you have them.

I like raspberry crunch bars.

     — A Prepared Eagle!

Starting a merit badge?

Get a Blue Card signed by Scoutmaster Sumner.
Hint: He won't sign unless you show him your merit badge book!
Be Prepared

     — 

Does anyone read this stuff?
Drop me a line and give me your tip! They will get posted.

     — porschepop@aol.com

Parent's this one's for you.

Our growing troop needs help. Please ask one of our leaders how YOU can step up and get involved. Not everyone needs to wear a green shirt, just ask-your help will be appreciated.

     — 

Congratulations!

Hundreds of merit badges and many rank advancements make this a banner year for Troop 21.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night-camping.

     — Your Old Eagle

Are you going?

Saturday, December 10 is Trip Day!
Are you signed up for Horsemanship merit badge?
How about a 14 mile bike ride in the woods?
Both happen next Saturday.

     — An old Eagle

New First Class requirement.

Beginning on January 1, 2006, there is an additional 1st Class item on your plate.
Do you know what it is?
Check out www.thescoutzone.org, this is a cool Scouting website!

     — That old Eagle

Over 200 merit badges were awarded at our last Court of Honor!

How many mb's have you sewn on your sash?

There is some great iron-on stuff at Smiser called Badge Bond that makes mb attachment a breeze. Get some and make points with mom.

Or do it yourself!

     — 

Merit Badges??

Think about merit badge camp over Christmas vacation. Yes, there is a real cool camp up at Camora Crest during the week after Christmas-check it out at Smiser.

     — Tip Bird

The word is Stew!

Yes, we're havin' a cookin' contest and the main event is your patrols stew dinner cooked in a Dutch oven. Not so sure about those big metal pots covered in ash? Stay tuned for more details right here on TOTW.

When: October 29, 2005

Where: Sycamore Grove campout

Why: Cuz you're gonna be hungry

I can smell dinner now.

     — A hungry bird.

What's cookin?

Monday night (10-03) we're cooking again. Is your patrol Prepared?

Each Guide and PL should have a menu and food assignments ready for our first cooking bash of the new Scouting year.
Think of an original dish to prepare and show us what your patrol can do.
Don't forget a match (Scouts need only 1).

Ideas:

Squirrel soup-1 critter per pot, plus other exotic ingredients.

Dessert burrito-surprise us. Don't forget the powdered sugar.

Quiche-Yes, mom real men do eat it! This is a real winner if done right-ask mom.

Oinks in a rug-get it? Try it with sausage and thin biscuit's. Hint: cook the sausage first.

I'll bring an appetite.

     — A hungry bird.

We're Back!

It's back to the old Scouting Program. Did you download the new calendar?

#1. Turn in all your Blue Cards to get merit badge credit. No signed card-no merit badge.

#2. Sign up for the troop's Deep Sea Fishing Trip on Saturday 9/17. No experience required, parent's and family welcome.

#3. Any merit badge partials that need finishing? Ask a leader to help you find a counselor-see #1.

     — That Old Bird

Bad news:

School starts in one month!

Good news:

You still have time to start/finish a merit badge or two. Get a merit badge book, read it and find a T21 counselor online at www.troop21bsa.org. If you forget our password call a leader.

Sorry for the bad news.

     — The Old Bird.

Is your bike in shape?

Check the tires, pack a spare tube, lube the chain and pack a dinner.
Why?
See Troop News!

     — Scoutmaster Bird

Summer fun and merit badges too!

Are you going to Cherry Valley, Trail to Eagle, Jamboree or family vacation? Grab a merit badge book and read it! Be Prepared to start/finish at least one merit badge this summer. Reading the book is your first assignment for every merit badge.
Have a great summer and get some merit badges!

     — Your old Eagle

Wow!

This Old Bird has blown of his perch!
Monday night's Court of Honor will feature 34 rank advancements and 53 merit badges!
Troop 21 is HOT!
Remember to get directions to Bailey Canyon for our 6/20 Court of Honor-it is NOT at PazNaz.

     — An Old Eagle

Troop Meetings Have A Purpose

Yes, our first half hour is for weekly advancement, put it to good use. Rank and merit badge work is easily accomplished if you come Prepared.
Scroll down in Troop News to the article on "How the merit badge system works" and you are set.

     — An old Eagle

Boy Scout Kayak

Want one for your very own?
Want to cruise the summer away in your own yacht?
I know where there is one for FREE!
e-mail: porschepop@aol.com

     — FREE Bird

Camporee isn't Over!

No, it's not over until you return ALL of the gear you and your patrol checked out. Be sure to bring all loaned gear to our May 16th meeting.
Lost gear will be billed to YOU and it isn't cheap!

     — The Old Bird

Patrol Flag-Got One?

All patrols competing in Camporee 2005 must have one with your patrol name and logo. Be creative and win the Camporee Patrol Flag Award.

     — A flag wavin' Eagle

It never stops!

Now we look forward to Camporee on 4/29-30. Please come to the next two meetings ready to work on Scouting skills. You will be glad you did when you get your award at Camporee campfire.

     — An old skills Eagle

T21 Court of Honor is Monday (4/11)

Are you Prepared?
Double check any rank or merit badge advancement with
Advancement Chair Mr. Otto. If you're on his list, you're set. Not on the list? No award.

     — An old Eagle

PreCamporee is this Saturday

Unsure of what's up? Don't have the right stuff?
Not to worry, show up and see what you do know.
Need help? Call your PL or SPL.
They are here to help you.

     — An old Eagle

Be Prepared

This weekend go to REI or Sports Chalet and buy a 8-10' piece 6-8mm climbing rope. Get a cool color that you'll recognize in a pile. Then whip the ends-details are in your Handbook.
Now bring your rope to EVERY T21 meeting and event.

     — A knotty Eagle

Malibu Creek Trip Update !!!!!!!!

Watch the weather and Be Prepared.

If it rains, we are still going. What's a little rain among friends?
Bring rain gear and wrap your stuff in heavy weight trash bags-with name outside.
We ride at 8:30.

     — 

Malibu Creek Trip (3-19/20)

We went here last year and had a blast. Ask anyone about the 6:00 baseball game-Sunday morning!
There will be hiking, cooking and a special "Scout's Own" church service on Palm Sunday.
You MUST sign up Monday night.

     — An outfield Eagle

New Scout Day, March 12th

If you just joined Troop 21 we want YOU at New Scout Day.
We will: Advance you to Scout rank, start Tenderfoot rank, setup a campsite and mess with knives and an ax too. Use the knife/ax correctly and get a Totin Chip Card.
Uniforms optional, Troop Tee shirts for sale $12.00 (very cool).
See you Saturday at 9-1:00.
Mom and dad invited to a New Parents Meeting too.

     — An old Eagle

Saturday Hike-Be Prepared

Remember your 10E's. New Scouts just bring a jacket, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks and a lunch. Put all your stuff in a daypack.
No disposable water containers! Camelbacks or Nalgene style canteens are best.
NO UNIFORMS. See you Saturday.

     — Hiker Eagle

Uniform inspection on Monday night (2/28)!

Tips to win:

Polish shoes, current rank patch, current Q-Unit patch is 2004, clean & pressed uniform, MB sash if you have one. Eagle Scout Jon Potter is looking for another win, so Be Prepared next Monday and see who's gonna shine.

One more tip-take a bath!

     — A Clean Eagle

Youth Protection Training

is now online.
Every BSA leader and Committee member needs to keep their YPT current.
Log onto www.sgvc.org and get trained or go to a monthly training class at Smiser-you decide.
New Scout parents are urged to get trained too.

     — 

Girl Scout Cookies? No, Boy Scout Cookies!

We're cookin' cookies Monday night. Do you have your stuff?
Think matchlight charcoal, Dutch oven, cookie dough and spatula.
We WILL do clean up too.

     — Got Milk?

Who's Reading Contest!

Congratulations to Dominick Townsend for winning our Troop 21 drawing last night (1/24). Dominick was one of our Troop News readers and followed the rules to win a genuine handtied leather Turk's Head neckerchief slide.
Read and watch Troop News for another quiet contest.

     — 

Lessons learned:

The Calico outing showed that our scouts are learning; Things like map & compass and bringing your 10 essentials to every outing. Great job guys! How could we improve? 1) Bring a fanny pack or daypack so that you can take your 10 essentials WITH YOU when we go on short hikes or do activities. 2) Always bring a watch. It is a very important part of map and compass/orienteering. Besides, they come in handy when we want everybody to meet at a certain time!

     — Mr. Incikaya

Neckerchief slides can be a personal statement. Make slides from woodcarvings, leather or anything special you have made.
Bring six feet of 4-5mm cord (3/16") to Monday night's meeting and you can learn to tie a very neat neckerchief slide. What is it?

Be Prepared to find out.

     — A knotty bird.

Happy New Year Scouts and Scouters!

     — That Old Bird

Holiday Wishes

Tell Santa to check out our Troop 21 Christmas List.
Happy Holidays

     — Old Eagle

Not new, but worth reviewing.

Scroll down on Troop News and read over the "Merit Badge Process Review." Many scouts and parents alike do not completely understand the merit badge routine. Discuss your merit badge goals today. Need help? Just ask a scout or adult leader.

     — An Old Eagle

Monday evening is advancement/merit badge time.

Rank advancement is always available-just ask.
Coin Collecting starts Monday night 11/15 with Mr. Duenas. Get your book and read it. Be Prepared for a great time with coins.
Don't take any wooden nickels.

     — That old bird.

Canoeing merit badge?

You got sandy.

You got wet.

You got sunburned.

NOW, you get smart! READ THE BOOK!

In order to complete all requirements of Canoeing merit badge you must: READ THE BOOK.

Each Scout will need to explain EACH requirement as explained in the merit badge book.

Be Prepared-READ THE BOOK.

Can't find a book-no excuse! This old bird found 6 last Friday afternoon!

     — The O.B.

Canoeing Merit Badge?

What was it that I was supposed to do before Saturday morning?

Oh yah!

READ THE BOOK!

     — A "J " stroking bird.

October 23-24 is Newport Dunes beach camp!

Have you ever slept in a sandy sleeping bag?

Have you ever felt gritty and itchy in the middle of the night?

You will! October 23rd.

Unless you:

Leave shoes outside the tent.
Keep tent fly zipped up.
Wet clothes stay outside too.

Sweet dreams...

     — A warm dry bird

October 11 is Court of Honor night.

Is your uniform complete? Is it clean and pressed?

Did you grow out of your pants this summer?

If you are getting a rank advancement, practice escorting mom down the hall.
Mom, wear a blouse with a collar to pin on your Mothers Pin.

Look sharp!

     — 

I don't have that merit badge book....

Go online and download all merit badge requirements and even a worksheet.

Where?www.meritbadge.com/mb
/

Check it out.

Now what's your TIP OF THE WEEK?

All entrants will be posted in Troop News, best entry wins BIG at Christmas Party!

     — Mr. Craig

Blue cards!

Did you earn some merit badges this summer? We hope you did!
Gather up all Blue Cards and bring them Monday night (9-13) for Advancement Chairman Mr. Otto to process. Our first Court of Honor is October 11 and we want YOU to get your merit badges. Any partial merit badges can be completed starting Monday night.

Tip of the Week Contest

Beginning in September each Scout may submit his best Tip of the Week. Winners will be posted each week in Troop News. A Best Tip Award will be presented at the Troop 21 Christmas Party. What do you have for TOTW?
Enter by sending your entry by email to Mr. Craig.

     — The Bird

OUCH!

Didn't read the last "Tip"? Better read this one if you're goin' on the American River trip!

Sunburn is no fun and in a cool mountain river you won't even notice your back, tops of feet and shoulders getting ROASTED until bedtime. Then it's #@$%^&#@*! and a spoiled trip. Get some new sunscreen with a very high SPF number, higher is better and use the stuff-lots!
Oh yah, get some bug juice too with 24%> DEET or your favorite potion. Vampire bugs love Boy Scouts.

Lather up and have a great trip.

     — The Bird

TOAST?

Are you a Mt. Whitney warrior or an American River rat? You are in for some great fun if you take and USE sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen is a 10 Essential and is useless if you have it and don't USE it. Throw away last years tube and get a fresh one. Sunscreen looses it's quality even in a year, so why risk it? Start fresh and keep your body from becoming TOAST on your next trip.

Hint: Bears like banana or tropical scented sunscreen......

     — A once burned bird.

Make Summer Work for You

Sittin around with nothin to do?
Break out that old Scout Handbook and finish a rank advancement or start a merit badge. Blue cards are always available at Smiser Scout House or at T21 meetings. Scouting is about doing stuff together and on your own. Don't wait for a class, DO IT yourself!
Everyone in T21 should get something at our Fall Court of Honor. Scouting is a terrific program, make the most of it.
Be Prepared for a great summer.

     — An old Eagle

It's vacation time!

Is your family going camping or on a road trip?
Take your Ten Essentials with you. A first aid kit, flashlight, poncho and
the rest would sure come in handy at an accident site.
Been there done that.
Have a safe summer and Be Prepared.

     — An old bird.

The Number 10!

Ten Essentials are the name of the game.
If you are on the Bridge to Nowhere hike be sure to have the 10 E's this
Saturday. If you are going to Camp Trask Advancement weekend take those 10 E's
too. You'll impress the patches off your counselors! Show Trask what T21 guys are
made of.
See you on the trail.

     — A retired old Eagle.

Scout Expo this Saturday!

Need a couple of merit badges?
Be sure you show up this Saturday at Scout Expo!
Many elective (not required) merit badges are offered at Expo that you may
not have thought about.
Mr. Sumner and Mr. Craig will have Blue cards for Scouts with Spirit! Is that you?

     — That old Eagle again.

What's New in Troop 21 Website??

I've noticed something.




There is a new way to sign up for Troop 21 events, yes it IS NEW! You can now sign up for our first online registered event - Troop 21's Bridge to Nowhere Hike on June 12, 2004. Learn more about the trip in our Troop News.




You can even save, yes, save $5.00, by signing up online by May 28, 2004. What a deal! Online sign up and save five smackers too!




Where do I sign?




Online!




Bridge To Nowhere Sign UP




This old Eagle saved 5 bucks.

     — The Penny-Pinching Old Eagle

Bandido Camp - a "secret forest"

Bandido Camp is in the heart of our Angeles Forest and is full of wild things.
Mr. C will lead a nature hike on Saturday afternoon and reveal his "secret forest."
Yes, he helped plant it over 35 years ago!
We will also hunt the wild Ips.

     — An old Wild Thing

Dessert ideas

First Monday of the month is cooking night at Troop 21. Next Monday night we will be "cooking" desserts. Mr. Craig loves desserts and might even approve Dessert merit badge if you are really creative.




Remember, "If you don't think outside the box, you'll never get outside the box." Be outside the box on Dessert Night.




See a new article on dessert ideas in the T21 WEBNEWS

     — 

Scout-O-Ree Tips:

April 23-24 is going to be a BIG campout.




Yes, you and your patrol with 2000 other Scouts will compete for awards based on your Scouting knowledge and skills. You have practiced hard and now are ready to go.




Remember, team work is the key to success at Scout-O-Ree and in life.




Have a BLAST!!!

     — An old Eagle

Precamporee 2004:

The highest award at Scout-O-Ree (a super Camporee) is Presidential Award. Be sure your patrol is ready for Scout-O-Ree this year by attending our Troop 21 practice event on March 20-21. Hone your scouting skills and bring home the goods!




Do you need Tenderfoot-plant/animal identification? This IS the place!

     — An old Eagle

Assistant Scoutmaster Rowley

What has Assistant Scoutmaster Rowley been doing?




Show up Monday night and see if his handy work involves YOU!



Hint: New patrol flags.......

     — An old Eagle

What a Blast-Snow Camp!

So you're all signed up/paid and have your cooking assignment, now you better pack.

Remember:

• Warm sleeping bag
• Warm socks
• Warm jacket
• Warm socks
• Sunscreen! Or you will fry!
• Warm socks
• Warm gloves
• Knit cap
• Dry shoes and pants for the ride home.
• A few bucks for a snack on the ride home.

     — A warm socked-knit capped Eagle

It's not my job.

Oh, yes it is!

It's every patrol member's job to see that you are ready for Pizza Night or any other event. Don't wait for your Patrol Leader to call, call him and get things going. You guys are a team and team players all need to be communicating with each other.

     — An old Eagle

Post-Gould Mesa

Gould Mesa was a blast, NOW RETURN YOUR GEAR! Please. All gear must be returned at Monday night's meeting (Jan. 26). To qualify for additional credit, download this link, print out the page, then hand it to Mr. Craig by 7:15 PM on 1/26. You only qualify IF you have returned your assigned gear. Don't tell a friend or you may miss the deal.

     — An old Eagle

Are you Prepared?

Next camp out is in two weeks (1-23/24).

Winter trips can be a blast if you have packed correctly. No heavy coats. Layer your clothing. Try synthetics. Cotton Kills! No cotton clothes. They get wet and stay wet! Check your sleeping bag, is it rated to 40 degrees? Is your bag in good shape?


Sign up on Monday night, Be Prepared!

     — A Polar Fleece Bird

Earning Cyberguy Award (PDF)

Check out your advancement record while you are in the website. Need the password? Contact the webmaster.

     — An old cooked bird.

Ten Essentials, What are they?

Bring yours in a Ten Essentials bag to Monday night's meeting (11/11) and receive the eleventh essential free. The jobs not done until the paperwork's done!

     — The old Charmin bird.

Palm Springs

It's 30 degrees cooler at the top of the Palm Springs Tram than at the bottom. Remember a hat and gloves. A pocket warmer would be nice too.

     — A frosty old bird.

Got A Totin Chip?

Bring it to Monday nights meeting for a drawing.

Need a Totin Chip?

Bring an approved pocket knife Monday night and read the "Safe pocket knife rules" in your handbook to receive your Totin Chip.

     — A sharp old bird.

Get Washing

Drag out that sleeping bag from under your bed and pull it out of the stuff sack. If it's a synthetic "fill" wash it on delicate cold. If the bag is "down" use a down wash or Woolite. Air dry the bag in the shade. Fluff your sleep sack and put it in a large laundry bag or 33 gallon trash bag with the stuff sack. Leave the old but clean snooze bag in the storage sack until the next campout.

Guess what! The next campout is this Friday/Saturday (9/20, 9/21). Get washing. Oh yah, you probably could use a bath too.

     — An old (clean) bird.

Blue Cards? We not need no stinking Blue Cards!

Oh yes you do! Ask any Eagle Scout about record keeping and the importance of his signed Blue Cards.

Now is a great time to get organized with a Merit Badge Blue Card binder. Get a binder and put baseball trading card sleeves inside along with a zippered pencil bag. Now every time you finish a merit badge run, don't walk to the binder and stuff that card in a slot. If you really want to be safe, photo copy each completed page and give the backup to a parent. The zippered pouch? Use it for old Quality Unit awards and rank patches.

Question Of The Week

Do you know where your Scout Handbook is?

     — An old Bird.

Attention Cherry Valley Campers

It is traditional in Troop 21 that the Scoutmaster and his able ASM do the paddling on "War Canoe Day," enjoy the ride!

     — An old CVV Scout.

Wear Sunscreen

Throw away last years sunscreen lotion! Buy some new stuff. Yes, sunscreen looses it's strength after 12 months and we all need the full protection of new juice. Hikes, Cherry Valley or Huntington Lake all are great destinations, but each trip can turn ugly with SUNBURN! Ouch!, remember to cover the tops of your feet, knees and shoulders when kayaking. Wasps and bears love the fruit flavored sunscreens-for what it's worth.

Have a great summer.

     — An old Eagle.

Kayaking

There are still about six or seven kayaks that have not been inspected. Please finish up on your yachts and bring them to a meeting for final approval. Be prepared for the summer trip.

If you are going on the summer trip consider buying an aluminum paddle for a back up stick. Morro Bay is no place for a broken or lost paddle.

     — An old Eagle.

Wear water shoes (no bare feet) on Saturday!

Fishing=fish hooks

Need I say more?

We go rain or shine.

     — An old Eagle.

A Scout Is Courteous

As we yacht on the cool clear waters of Santa Fe Dam remember that we will be sharing this lake with fishermen and others out for a nice day. Stay clear of fishermen and give Scouts a good name.

We will be on display as Boy Scouts and people may judge all Scouts by our actions. Think about it.

One more thing. There will be 450 more Boy Scout at Santa Fe Dam on April 27 attending the Lucky Baldwin District Camporee and you can bet they all will be checking you guys out. Show them what Troop 21 guys are all about.

It's a great day for Scouting.

     — An old Eagle.

Camping Records

Camping merit badge requires a list of all campouts you have attended. Down the road there is a spot on your Eagle Application that asks about your camping experiences too. Keep a list of when and where you went along with number of nights camped in a log along with all your merit badge blue cards. When you fill out your Eagle Application you will be glad you kept these records.

     — An old Eagle.