Troop 281 Cincinnati, OH

Caving Campout      This month, the troop went to Indiana to go caving. After a quick assembly at the lockup (we were not taking the trailer or patrol boxes), we hopped into our cars to head to the Tunnel Mill Scout Reservation. It was about a 2 ½ hour drive, but we did make a stop along the way. There was a BP station with a convenience store and Subway, as well as a McDonald’s next door. To carloads of hungry Scouts this was quite appealing. It was also appealing to the adults, who needed to get some gas. So for a little while the members of the troop wandered around, buying snacks for the road, beef jerky to munch on, and food from the restaurants. Then, once every Scout had filed out of the buildings, arms filled with junk food galore, we continued on our journey to camp. Soon we found ourselves in Indiana, the sky dark, and the snacks dwindling. But not to fear, because we soon made it to Tunnel Mill.      When everyone hopped ou...

Fizz! Bubble! Boom! (Chemistry Night)      This week, John M. put on a skill session about chemistry. After opening flags, presented by the Eagles, we formed the usual semicircle around the demonstration table. John began the skill session, accompanied by a book, the periodic table, some baking soda, and a bottle of vinegar. He talked a bit about what chemistry was, and mentioned the Chemistry Merit Badge. He then proceeded to talk about the elements. As he did, John gave us the book, about the elements, to pass around. It had a page or two about every element. We also passed around the periodic table. Then came the experiments. He poured some baking soda and vinegar into a bowl so we could watch the bubbling that resulted. The remaining baking soda was put in the bottle of vinegar. Since he put the cap on before the CO 2 could escape, it became firm from pressure buildup. We passed that concoction around as well. Once we all fell in again it was time for th...

Snowmobiling Night      This week Mr. Todd and Jackson presented a skill session on snowmobiling. They gave a presentation on snowmobiles, snowmobile gear, and riding. Mr. Todd showed several maps of the vast snowmobile trails in the northern states. The two discussed trail maintenance, snowmobile clubs, and snowmobiling rules and laws. Then we went to the hallway and Jackson showed us their snowmobile. Yes, they brought in a snowmobile. We talked about the parts of it and how it worked. Many of the Scouts found this skill session quite interesting, and it made most of us want to hit the trails.

Winter Court of Honor      This weekend, the troop held its Winter Court of Honor. We started out with the food (obviously). There were lots of yummy dishes brought by members of the troop. Once everyone had eaten their fill, the Eagles put on the flag ceremony. The American Flag and the troop’s flag were brought forward, and then we recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Law, and Scout Oath. After this there was a presentation about Friends of Scouting. Then Mr. Smotherman and Justin H. presented merit badges to Scouts who had earned them since the last Court of Honor. Next it was time for the Scouts of the troop to put on the Trail to Eagle presentation, along with Mr. Todd. The Scouts who had advanced in rank since the last Court of Honor were presented their rank cards by Mr. Todd along the way. Amazingly, we had at least one Scout receiving a rank card from every rank!      Seamus came up to swear in the troop’s newest officers....

Leadership Skills, Caving Promo, and Dodgeball      This week, we had a bit of leadership training after the Eagles put on the flag ceremony. The Scorpions and Panthers went to the café tables, while the older patrols stayed in the big room. Seamus taught us some acronyms and leadership skills from NYLT. After this was over, everyone joined back together and played – yep, you guessed it- dodgeball. Slam! Crash! Then everybody put on their uniform shirts again for circling up.