APRIL/MAY 2025

Namaste, Scouts & Families!

Following up on our October/November, December/January, and February/March newsletters, please read on for the highlights so far, plus important updates and volunteer opportunities for the months ahead.

SCOUTMASTER’S CORNER

Welcome to another edition of the Troop 60 Newsletter — a chance for us to share information and celebrate the adventures and achievements of our scouts! This issue we shine a spotlight on two more of our leaders; we hear from Sophie about the challenges and camaraderie of the Mumbai Mountain Mission and from Kaiden about the success of his Eagle project digitally documenting graves in Delhi.

None of this would be possible without our adult leaders and parent helpers — who give countless hours to support and guide our Scouts — nor without the enthusiasm and commitment we see from all our scouts.

However, we would like to acknowledge that this is a particularly difficult time for many of you, with a higher than usual level of uncertainty and impending change (on top of the planned transitions that happen each year for Troop 60 families).

In her Mumbai write up, Sophie talks about how the Scouts were individually tested but also strengthened by their experience in Mumbai, and that they were able to overcome their challenges by supporting each other and maintaining a positive mental attitude. We often talk about Scouting being an individual journey, but it sure helps to have other Scouts alongside as you rise to the challenges and grow and learn.

So, as we see out the rest of the school and Scout year, with more troop meetings, day activities including the Merit Badge Extravaganza, and various summer camps too, please remember we, your scouting family, are here for you, encouraging you along the way.

Yours in Scouting,

Troop 60G Scoutmaster Alanna & 60B Scoutmaster Anthony

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Save the Dates

These are activities involving the full troop, unless otherwise stated. Please check WhatsApp or with your SPL or Scoutmaster for any additional dates that may be more specific to your leadership role or patrol.

April 8: Troop Meeting, 6:15-7:45 p.m. @ AES MPR1 & MPR2
April 12: Merit Badge Extravaganza, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (runs later for those participating in swimming session) @ AES
April 22: Troop Meeting, 6:15-7:45 p.m. @ AES MPR1 & MPR2
April 26: R.J. Gupte’s Eagle Court of Honor, 3:30-5 p.m. @ AES HOP (RSVP required)
May 6: Troop Meeting, 6:15-7:45 p.m. @ AES MPR1 & MPR2
May 13: Troop Meeting, 6:15-7:45 p.m. @ AES MPR1 & MPR2
May 18: Court of Honor & Potluck, 4-6 p.m. @ TBA
June 23-28: Camp Tifie @ Utah, USA
July 20-26: Camp Thailand @ Chiang Mai, Thailand
August 24: Court of Honor & Potluck, 4-6 p.m. @ AES HOP

Summer 2025: Camps

A week at a Scouting America Summer Camp is a chance to spend time outdoors with fellow Scouts, make new friends, employ the Patrol Method, earn merit badges, and try new things. Depending on adult leader availability, Troop 60 is sending Scouts to Camp Tifie in Utah again this summer (June 23-28) and the Far East Council’s Camp Thailand (July 20-26). If you are a Scout or adult interested in attending either or both of these camps, please let the Scoutmasters know — and click here for more information. Scouts are encouraged to inquire with their Scoutmasters about options to individually attend other camps, too — including in Croatia, Japan, and Switzerland.

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SCOUT LEADER SPOTLIGHT

Ananth Gokale, Phoenix Patrol Leader

Birthday: May 29, 2012
What brought you to Scouting? Advertising around school (AES).
What’s your current rank? First Class
When did you join Troop 60? I crossed over from Cubs in February 2023.
What was the first merit badge you earned? Game Design
What was your favorite merit badge to earn? Fishing
What was the most challenging merit badge to earn? Environmental Science
Which merit badges do you still want to earn? Archery and Riflery
What’s your goal for Troop 60 this year? Making sure we can work to get advancements while having fun as a patrol.
What’s your favorite thing about Scouting? Camping
Favorite camping meal: Sourdough French toast with bacon for breakfast.
Where else have you been involved in Scouting? Cub Scout Pack 577 in Atlanta, Georgia.
What do you like to do when you’re not busy Scouting? Baking, reading.

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ADULT LEADER SPOTLIGHT

Greg Smith,
Assistant Patrol Leader

Birthday: March 3
What brought you to Scouting? I was a Cub Scout, Webelo, and Boy Scout in my youth, and Scouting had a lasting impact on me. When Dhara, Rohan, Kieran, and Aila joined Troop 60, I was excited for them to experience the same sense of adventure, learning, and friendships that I did.
When did you join Troop 60? Fall 2023
What’s your role within Troop 60? I initially started as an Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) for 60B with the Snowy Owls. Now, I serve as an ASM for 60G, working with the BlueJays.
What’s your favorite merit badge or rank requirement to help Scouts earn?⁠ The First Aid merit badge is my favorite because it is an essential life skill that every Scout should know. Being prepared for emergencies—whether on the trail, at home, or in everyday situations—can make a real difference.
The most challenging merit badge or rank requirement to assist Scouts in earning? Earning ranks and badges are great accomplishments —but even more is the growth, exploring, friendship, leadership, and character that's formed. That said, I believe the Star rank is a great milestone for Scouts to aim for as they develop their skills and experiences. Once they reach Star, they can reassess their goals and set their sights on Eagle.
Your goal for Troop 60 this year? My goal is to continue learning how to be an effective Scout leader, to help create meaningful experiences and leadership opportunities for Scouts, and to share new adventures with 60G.
Favorite thing about Scouting? I love the outdoor experiences—hiking, camping, and exploring the incredible landscapes of India and the surrounding regions.
Favorite camping meal? After a long hike and setting up camp, every meal somehow tastes better. But if I had to pick, foil dinners are my favorite—super delicious after a day outside.
Where else have you been involved with Scouting? I was involved in Scouting during my young days in Maryland, where my love for the outdoors and adventure grew.
What do you like to do when you’re not busy Scouting? I work for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in New Delhi, which keeps me busy. Outside of work, life is always an adventure with our five kids and our dog, Henry. I’m also thankful to be involved in a great church community here in Delhi.
Anything else you’d like Troop 60 to know? I’m grateful to be a part of Troop 60 and appreciate the experiences we get to share. Scouting is about learning, growth, and adventure, and I’m excited to continue the journey with 60G!

VOLUNTEER CORNER

Parents: Troop 60 Needs You!

The BSA Troop 60 Committee runs Boards of Review for Scout rank advancement, sets troop policies, and handles administrative functions, allowing the Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters to focus on working directly with the Scouts. We invite more parents to join us to help keep Troop 60 running smoothly, especially as we anticipate some turnover this summer and want to ensure a smooth transition. Please contact Runa Gokhale if you’re interested in one of these vacancies — or stepping up in any other capacity (including as a merit badge counselor).

Treasurer: Keep track of Troop 60 fees, payments, and reimbursements.
Membership Coordinator & Registrar: Ensures a smooth transition of new Scouts into Troops 60B and 60G, orientation for new parents, and annual rechartering process with our umbrella organization.
Outdoor Activities Coordinator (can be more than one person): Works with local operators of campsites, climbing centers, and other venues for hosting Troop 60 activities.
Webmaster: Resurrect and update our Troop 60 website.

Seeking Merit Badge Counselors

Troop 60 helps Scouts earn merit badges throughout the year, including at the upcoming Merit Badge Extravaganza on Saturday, April 12. Helping Scouts along their journey to achieving their goals is a rewarding experience, so please take five minutes to click here to explore the various merit badges that Scouting offers our children, and think about which one(s) you can help with. Next to each badge (listed in the left column) is a link to details of what teaching that badge entails.

Questions? Please contact Jason at +91 7303599477 or jason.morris04@gmail.com.

MONTH IN REVIEW & PHOTO GALLERY

Feb. 28-March 2: Mumbai Mountain Mission
by Sophia Abrams, Troop 60G ASPL

On Feb. 28, eight scouts and three adult leaders from Troop 60 joined Mumbai’s Troop 74 for an epic Mumbai Mountain Mission camping and trekking trip. Troop 60 prepared for an exciting weekend in Mumbai, whether to build rafts and sleep in a pristine camp next to Andhra Lake, or participate in the backpacking trek along the trails of the Western Ghat mountain range.

After arrival in Mumbai, Troop 60 visited the American School of Bombay, where we were welcomed with snack bags, a cafeteria lunch, and a tour around the school campus. We also visited the Ambani Art Gallery.

After a few hours, the campers and backpackers were ready to begin the adventure. The backpackers parted ways with the campers and drove four hours to the Kothaligad trailhead. Upon arrival at their overnight camping location, the backpackers rehydrated a delicious dinner made by a Troop 74 Scout. Afterwards, we spontaneously decided to hike up to a nearby peak in the dark, carrying only flashlights to guide the way. At the top of the peak lay perched a medieval fort that used to be a hideout during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of the greatest rulers of the state of Maharashtra. The fort was a perfect location to star-gaze and observe the rare planetary parade, the alignment of all seven planets in our solar system.

The next morning, the backpackers refilled their water bladders, packed up camp, ate breakfast, thanked the villagers for allowing them to stay the night, and began the journey to the YMCA camp. The trek started at sunrise and took eight and a half hours to complete.

Whether it was climbing rough terrain with a hiking backpack, feeling sore, hungry, or overheated, each Scout was individually challenged and strengthened along the trail. Together, all the Scouts were able to overcome their challenges by providing each other moral support and maintaining a positive mental attitude (PMA).

As the backpackers approached the YMCA camp, the adult leaders on the trek decided to surprise us with a special stop. All the backpackers were able to refresh themselves with cold drinks bought from a local shop in a village on the way. In fact, we bought all the cold drinks in the shop!

While the backpackers were hiking along the Western Ghats, the campers at the YMCA camp were diligently preparing rafts that would carry the trekkers across the Andhra Lake. The campers were able to kayak, raft, and swim in the lake as they waited for the trekkers to arrive. When the backpackers reached the lakeside, we signaled the campers with rainbow smoke crackers, and finally reunited! Some of the campers kayaked gear and bags across the lake, while others rafted the exhausted backpackers to the other side. [Editor’s Note: Check out this aerial-view video recap of the adventure, courtesy of Troop 74.]

On our last night, Scouts were able to connect with each other, collaborate for skits during the campfire, and share their impression of the trip before the journey back home.

The next day, both troops bid farewell to each other, loaded their gear, and departed in their assigned vehicles. Troop 60 drove to the airport in time for our March 2 flight back to Delhi.

The Mumbai Mountain Mission this year was a wonderful experience for all the participants. It presented challenges, excitement, adventure, and endless opportunity to show off the scout spirit that lies within each of us. A big shout-out to all the adult leaders, especially Troop 74 Scoutmaster Mike Hankey, for organizing this memorable mission!

Spring 2025: Order of the Arrow Update

For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has served as Scouting’s honor society, recognizing Scouts and adult leaders who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law daily. As an integral part of Scouting America, the OA delivers peer-led advanced leadership experiences that help to build lifelong bonds through service and enrich each member’s Scouting journey. OA members are defined by the fellowship they share, service to others, commitment to personal growth, and self-driven initiative to make a difference in their community.

Congratulations to our newest OA members from Troop 60, left to right below: Alana Hughes, Teagan Hughes, Colin Barker, and Sophia Abrams. (Not pictured: John Forester and Alanna Mussawwir-Bias.)

February 2025: Eagle Project
by Kaiden Barker, 60B Blackhawk Patrol

Hey everyone! I wanted to take a moment to share the details of my Eagle Scout project, which was focused on preserving a bit of local history here in New Delhi. For my project, I worked with about 10 volunteers from Troop 60 to document the graves in a local cemetery. We used the Billion Graves app to take photos of over 2,700 gravestones and upload them into an online database where people can search for their ancestors. This app is part of a global initiative to help people trace their family history by creating a digital archive of grave markers.

Over several hours one Saturday in February, we carefully photographed each gravestone, making sure to capture the names, dates, and any inscriptions. The app marked the location on GPS, and we uploaded the photos to their database once we finished. While the task was a bit time-consuming, it was rewarding to know that the work we were doing would help people connect with their past. These photos are now available online for anyone who wants to access them, whether they’re researching family history or simply interested in local history.

This was a meaningful project because it combined technology with service to the community. I’m grateful for the help of everyone who volunteered, and I hope this project will be useful to those in our community and beyond for years to come. It was a huge step in completing my journey to Eagle Rank, which I’m hoping to complete here soon! If you are thinking about going for Eagle, I’d 100% recommend it! It’s super rewarding, and I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve had along the way.

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Don’t be a stranger! Reach out via WhatsApp to anyone mentioned in this newsletter, email scoutmasterboys@bsatroop60.in (Troop 60B) or scoutmastergirls@bsatroop60.in (Troop 60G), or click on these links for helpful information: