February Newsletter Troop 89

February is a month full of warmth and coziness, even though the winter chill is still around. It's a time to celebrate love and friendship with Valentine’s Day, while also enjoying quiet moments indoors with a hot drink. Spring is just beginning to show signs, and the promise of brighter days is on the horizon.

1. Stokes Camping Trip
2. Klondike
3. Pine Wood Derby
4. Skill of the Day
5. Riddles
6. Memes
7. Crossword

By Arnav C

Our Boy Scout trip to Stokes Camping Forest was a great adventure. We stayed in a cozy cabin that was perfect for our group. Inside, there was a warm fire that made the cabin feel especially comfortable. After a day spent exploring, it was nice to relax by the fire, chatting and enjoying the warmth.

The best part of the trip was the hike. We walked through the woods and came across a frozen lake. The ice was smooth and clear, reflecting the sky above. Everything was so peaceful, and we took some time to just enjoy the view. It was a quiet moment to appreciate nature.

After the hike, we headed back to the cabin and gathered around the fire. The cold air outside made the warmth from the fire inside feel even better. We spent the evening talking and telling stories, with the fire crackling away. It was a perfect end to a day of adventure, and it gave us a chance to relax and bond as a troop. Overall, the trip was a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxing moments, and it reminded us of how special it is to be together in nature.

By Omkaar B

This year’s BSA Klondike Derby was an experience needed to learn for next year, especially for the Wolf Patrol. With icy conditions and freezing temperatures, it was a true test of our skills and teamwork, as our sled kept facing ongoing structural and performance issues. While we had some great successes, there were definitely areas where we could improve for next year.

One of our highlights was Knots Town, where we performed exceptionally well. As a patrol, we were able to perform every knot they asked. Our preparation and practice paid off, and we performed well. Another major win was Lunch Town, where Vivaan’s cooking was amazing. The warm meal gave us the energy we needed, but we realized we could have worked better as a team to make the process smoother, like cleaning up the area.

Navigation Town, however, didn’t go as well. We struggled with map reading and compass skills, which showed us that we needed to focus more on navigation training before the next Klondike. Another key lesson was fire-building. We should have practiced as a full patrol beforehand to ensure we could start a fire quickly and efficiently under tough conditions.

By Ritvik P

The event was a blast as it was great seeing all of the cub scouts participating and cheering others on. Picking up the cars and giving them to the people who were putting the cars away was kind of tedious as nobody was moving and at one point the administrators had to put a separate line for the elder scouts. Although there were some downsides, the snacks, drinks, and the overall event was a fun time.