As a troop in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, we have many options for outdoor adventure within an hour or so of home, and the Crooked Lakes Trail to Penner Lake is a good first-time backpack for new scouts. It's an easy 3 miles from the Carr-Feeley trailhead to Penner, with a quick 250 feet …
Backpack Cooking
A recent outing with the scouts highlighted the steep learning curve in outdoor cooking, and emphasized the need to show scouts creative options early in their career, rather than later. I recall my own regret at relying for so many years on the wonders of Mountain House and Lipton soups, until someone finally revealed that stir fry …
Backpack lighter, and have more fun!
Backpacking is a fantastic sport, and a wonderful lifestyle that many youth are introduced to through Scouting. I've learned over the years that the quality of their first experience will determine whether a scout (or their parent) comes back for a second trip. While many youth and adults have the physical strength and endurance to carry a …
Cycling Merit Badge, 2015
"Since 1911, hundreds of thousands of Scouts have made the most of their two-wheel adventures by earning the Cycling merit badge. Whether you just got your first bicycle or have been cycling for years, you will learn more about your bike and what it can do by working on the requirements for this badge." The …
Pack 31 Bridging
Cub Scout Pack bridging ceremonies mark the end of a boys Cub years, and the start of his experience in Boy Scouts. Most families look forward to bridging with anticipation, understanding this symbolic rite of passage means childhood is being left behind. Their Scouts will soon be challenged to grow as leaders, while developing character, …
Boy Scout Sunday
The twelfth point of the Scout Law is "a Scout is Reverent", and in the Declaration of Religious Principle, Scouting "maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God." Scouts celebrate their duty to God the Sunday on or just prior to February 8th. On this day the movement celebrates …
Klondike Campout
The Scouts of Troop 115 enjoyed a weekend of cold weather camping at Camp Marin Sierra that was sadly short on snow cover. This trip is normally the Scout's opportunity to pitch a tent on snow and spend the day building igloos, but the warm weather was better for shirt-sleeve hiking and playing cards in …
Winter Camp, January 2015
Troop 115 joined in on Winter Camp with the Scouts of Troop 121 at Taylor Ranch in Auburn. After arriving around 8:00 am, the boys of Infinity Patrol set up camp, and explored the grounds before gathering for an opening flag ceremony. They relaxed in camp until lunch time, and made some tasty sandwiches! After …
Advancement Process
The current Guide to Advancement describes the process as "a means to an end, and not an end in itself". It's one of several methods meant to expand a Scout's knowledge, skills and abilities through "experiential learning" that requires active participation. Want to learn how to climb? Spend some time on a rope! Hope to be …
Organization Meeting, December 8th
The organizing committee for Troop 115 held a recruiting meeting on December 8th to introduce the troop, present the goals for Scouting at St. Joseph Marello, and outline the opportunities for leadership and annual program events. The unit received a fantastic show of support, and several adults volunteered for positions on the Unit Committee. More …