Troop 353 Putnam Valley

Reminder:This evening is our weekly meeting at the VFW at 7PM. Please speak to your parents about the Klondike Derby which is on January 23rd and let the Scoutmaster if you are able to attend. A head count needs to be given prior to January 19th.



Winter is Here and Thunder Ridge Ski Area is again offering their Scout Week discounts.

Here, you can find their flyer for “Scout Week” January 30th - February 7th which offers discounts on rental/lift/lesson. At Thunder Ridge, they also offer a “Safety Seminar” to assist scouts looking to earn merit badges and belt loops/sports pins for younger scouts (tigers/cubs/webelos).

This is a great way to improve your skills on board or skis and tone up for our upcoming President’s Weekend Getaway at West Mountain in the Lake George Area.

Remember: Your Scout ID is required to receive the discounted rates and it applies to you AND your family.

LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!!

The next events scheduled for our Troop are:
Klondike Derby at FDR Park in Yorktown Heights - January 23,2010 - Please see below - please tell your Scoutmaster quickly if you are able to come.

Merit Badge Day - January 30th - in Yorktown Heights. Please reserve your place and do the prerequisites for the badges. Make sure you are registered ASAP with Mr. Mark Drexel at drexelj@coned.com

Our Klondike Derby is scheduled for Saturday, January 23, 2010 at F.D.R. State Park.
Details can be obtained from the Westchester-Putnam Council for BSA. (www.wpcbsa.org) - Look for the event under Manitoga District.

Registration is at 8:00AM – 9:00AM - We ask the boys to gather at 7:45AM to review the contents of our sled.

Please check with your parents if you are able to attend. This is a wonderful day with various events. The Troop needs to register NO LATER than January 19th. Anybody looking to attend this event MUST tell the Scoutmaster by Friday, Jan. 15th.

Our Klondike check in is located at the Stone Building near Parking Lot #1.

At the stone building there are a First Aid Station, Bathrooms, a Fireplace and Hot Chocolate all day long.

NO CUPS AVAILABLE – You Must Bring a MUG.

The Klondike Stations open at 9:00.

Please watch the weather forecast for that day and dress appropriately. During the winter it is important to dress in layers, use wool, wear boots (NO SNEAKERS PERMITTED), and wear a hat and gloves.

There will be eight stations to visit and demonstrate your scout knowledge. Each team will be graded and a total score will be tallied at the end of the day to award the top three troops.

The stations are: Safe Use of Cutting Tools, Fire Building, Ice Rescue, Tandem Snowshoes, Emergency Transportation, Emergency Shelter Building, Map & Compass and First Aid.

The troop will also be graded for “Check-In” and “Lunch”.

Lunch is at 12 – 12:30PM - A lunch of your choosing. We are required to boil water and make something HOT for lunch – whether it is a cup of soup or Ramen Noodles or meal in a bag. You need something HOT to accompany your sandwich.

The day ends with Sled Races at 2:15PM (Always a Proud Moment) parents are encouraged to come and take photos - and Awards are presented at Closing: 3:00PM

We always have FUN and hope will join us. As always you can email or call our Scoutmaster with questions.