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Troop 60 Newsletter: February 2024
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FEBRUARY 2024

Namaste, Scouts & Families!


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



SCOUTMASTER’S CORNER

I’m excited to be the new Scoutmaster for Troop 60G! It’s a role I embrace wholeheartedly, to support you as scouts to explore, learn and flourish here in India.

My BSA scouting journey began alongside my daughter Camryn as a Lone Scout. Since then, we have established Troop 60G, with remarkable growth and learning along the way for all of us.  We are all lifelong learners, and I am thankful for what former 60G Scoutmaster Alexander and current 60B Scoutmaster Tyler have taught me. Working closely with them and our other adult leaders has enriched my own scouting experience.

This January has been a flurry of activity with troop, patrol leader and committee meetings. We also welcomed 13 new Scouts, including 11 eager Webelos who crossed over to our troop family. The recent Klondike Derby was a memorable weekend with our Mumbai and Varanasi friends. It was a huge success and a testament to our adventurous spirit. (Scroll down for more details about both events.)

And the fun continues into February with more Troop Meetings, campouts, and Order of the Arrow elections.

Together let’s continue learning, having fun in the outdoors, forging friendships and fostering the next generation of leaders in Troop 60!

 

Alanna Gregory

Scoutmaster, Troop 60G

[Editor’s Note: To learn more about Scoutmaster Alanna, check out her “Adult Leader Spotlight” in our March 2023 newsletter.]

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Save the Dates

Order of the Arrow

Troop 60’s annual Order of the Arrow (OA) election will take place at our Feb. 6 Troop Meeting. The OA, known as Scouting's honor society, was created in 1915 as a way to honor Scouts who truly embody the Scout Oath and Law. An eligible candidate must be a) approved by their Scoutmaster, b) 1st Class rank or higher, and c) have completed at least 15 nights of camping in the last 2 years (5 of which must have been at a BSA summer camp). Any Scouts who meet the eligibility criteria can be elected, if at least 50% of their fellow Scouts write their names on the ballot; voting is anonymous and by secret ballot. Once elected, the candidates go through an Ordeal, which is a series of tests to show their willingness to continue along the journey of cheerful service. Inductees receive a white sash and a pocket patch on their uniform to signify their membership.

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Summer Camp Opportunities

A week of camping at a BSA Summer Camp is a chance to spend time outdoors with fellow Scouts, make new friends, employ the Patrol Method, earn several merit badges, and try new things. There are several camps offered in Asia, and many more across the United States. Any Scout and/or adult volunteer interested in attending Camp Tifie in Utah (June 22-29) or Camp Mongolia (July 28-August 3), please let your Scoutmaster know.

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SCOUT LEADER SPOTLIGHT

Rohan Stapleton,
Penguin Patrol Leader 

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ADULT LEADER SPOTLIGHT

Sonia Abrams,
Committee Secretary

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MONTH IN REVIEW & PHOTO GALLERY

Jan. 20: Webelos Cross Over
By Josie Eastman, Troop Guide (60G)

The Crossing Over Ceremony was held during last month’s Cub Scout Pack 3060 meeting. I was there with other Scout Leaders from Troop 60 to welcome the Webelo 2 den.

Coming together for this celebration was good for both Troop 60 and the Cub Scouts. Eleven Webelos received their Arrow of Light award and then crossed over a wooden bridge to be welcomed by us and receive their Troop 60 neckerchiefs.

 

We have welcomed Carson DeWaal, Herbie O’Connell, Charlie Parsons, Nathan Morris, Sho Takechi and Shoun Kato to Troop 60B.  They are now the members of a new patrol called the Penguins, led by Rohan Stapleton.

For 60G, Helen Robbins and Lisa Watanabe have joined the Nightingales Patrol, while Arzoi Vasisht, Sana Miyahara and Yeonseo Kim have joined the Blue Jays Patrol. We decided to have them join our existing patrols so they can learn from our older, more experienced Scouts.

In my role as Troop Guide for 60G, I will help these new Scouts learn new skills and have fun with our Troop.

Jan. 26-28: Klondike Derby
Blackhawk Patrol Perspective
By Aakash Bello, Blackhawk Patrol (60B)

Hold on to your hats, because we've got the lowdown on the most epic weekend ever — the Klondike Derby! From January 26 to 28, we embarked on a wild adventure at Camp Wild, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of legendary.

First things first — a Flag Ceremony to kick off the weekend vibes, followed by a tent-pitching extravaganza. (Did you spot the Blackhawks "dome" that totally stole the show?) We fueled up with a feast for lunch, followed by some quality patrol time and a climbing session that put our strength and skills to the test. Throughout the weekend, we scaled those mountains like pros; some even reached the tippy-top!

The chill in the air didn't stop us from having a blast with a marshmallow-roasting, s’more making fiesta on our first night, even if our "sleep" was more of a chilly huddle.

But fear not, because Saturday morning dawned with a burst of energy! We kicked off the day with our Scout Oath, Law, and Outdoor Code during another Flag Ceremony, setting the stage for a day of Klondike Derby madness. Picture Scouts taking on challenges at different stations, showcasing their First Aid, Shelter Building, Fire Making, Pioneering, Ziplining, Archery, Teamwork, and Orienteering skills — all learned throughout the year.

The derby was split into two rounds, giving us the chance to recharge and come back even stronger. Between derby shenanigans, we had extra patrol time to tackle rank requirements and work on some seriously epic skits and songs. Dinner prep turned into a culinary showdown — chopping, grilling, heating, spreading, slicing, dicing, rolling, and of course, most importantly EATING!

As the day wound down, we gathered 'round the campfire, relishing in the hilarity of skits and the tunes of our fellow patrols. And you bet we savored the last of those derby-won s'mores!

The Klondike Derby wasn't just a campout; it was a rollercoaster of fun, challenges, and camaraderie that left us with memories to last a lifetime. Here's to the next Klondike Derby — may it be even more outrageous and unforgettable!

Troop Historian Perspective
By Samuel Beillard, Troop Historian (60B)

Our first annual Klondike Derby was held at Camp Wild on Republic Day Weekend in India. The Klondike Derby is a winter campout where Scouts practice their amazing skills in a series of stations while pulling a sled, or since we had no snow, a stretcher made and carried by each patrol. Participating troops were Delhi’s 60B and 60G, Mumbai’s 74B and 74G and 74G, plus two Lone Scouts from Varanasi (who participated with the 60B patrols).

Campfire skits and songs were the best yet, including a TV channel-changing skit jointly performed by the Blue Jays and the Eagles, and a rousing performance of “The Rattlin Bog” led by the Calories. (But we all need more singing practice!)

The adults gave the Scouts a great break from cooking by serving us pancakes, eggs, and fruit for breakfast on Sunday. Thank you!!

And now I must talk about the bus ride back. I cannot say what the other bus was singing, BUT my bus was singing “The Rattlin Bog!”

We can’t wait for the next great campout! To the adults: if you have any children in scouting, grab them and have them read this line:

“Thank you!!!!!”

And now the best part, the winners!

Third place: Nightingales

Second place: Calories (who also won the stretcher race)

First place: THE GRUMPY OLD EAGLES!?!?!  (And there should have been a best flag award for the Grumpy Old Eagles.) [Editor’s note: They also have a great patrol cheer!]

By the Numbers:

Mumbai Scouts Perspective

[Editor’s Note: We were thrilled to host the Mumbai Scout and adult leaders at India’s first Klondike Derby, and proud that they subsequently bestowed “Order of the Rickshaw” honors to five Troop 60 Scouts and adult leaders: Abe McKenney, Sam Beillard, Victoria Leuschner, Simran Sidhu and Tyler DeWaal.]

BONUS: Video by Dr. Michael Balonek, Varanasi Lone Scout leader (aka Kai and Sam’s dad, archery station leader, Sunday’s interfaith service leader and more)

VOLUNTEER CORNER

Parents: Troop 60 Needs You!

The BSA Troop Committee sets troop policies and handles administrative functions, allowing the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters to focus on working directly with the Scouts. This year’s Troop 60 Committee is:

Please contact Runa Gokhale if you’re interested in a specific vacancy or stepping up in any other capacity!

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: