By the time you read this 2021 will be done and we will have welcomed 2022.
Needless to say, 2021 has been a year of ups and downs. But Troop 169 persevered and had a great Scouting year.
Some of the highs:
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The Troop ventured to a new summer resident camp in Connecticut and liked it so much they voted to go back in 2022 (check out the NEW MERIT BADGES Camp Mattatuck will be offering in Summer 2022);
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The Troop participated in the Otisville-Mount Hope Presbyterian Church Thanksgiving Basket Program and donated five baskets to local families as well as additional items needed by the food pantry;
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The Troop was able to hold their December Lock-In.
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A new youth leadership team was voted in – SPL Kristian M. and ASPL Evan W.; Troop Guide Chris K., and Librarian Bryce L. (hint, hint – the Troop still needs a youth Webmaster!)
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Productive meetings were held including the art of chess and practical automotive maintenance, first aid, and wilderness survival skills;
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Scouts attended the United States Naval Academy STEM Scout Jamboree – virtually, but at least there was pizza;
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We even got a few camping trips in – spread out and everyone in their own tent – but outdoors and together safely.
As we say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 we must thank our adult leaders who give tirelessly of themselves including, but not limited to, SM Jim Fedina, ASM Chris Kendall, ASM Walter Howe, ASM Dave Gonska, ASM Mike Washalski, CC Alan Turken, Treasurer Bernadette Kendall, Advancement Coordinator Kelly Quinn, and Committee Members Marty Howe and Jim Niper.
So what does 2022 hold for Scouting? From BSA: Two new merit badges: Citizenship in Society (Eagle required starting July 1, 2022) and Health Care Professions (replacing Medicine). From Council: The return of the Merit Badge College in March 2022 (fingers crossed!). From nearby: The return of the Extreme Sports Weekend at Camp Turrel in May 2022. From the Troop: Hopefully some Eagle Scouts from Troop 169 (we have quite a few Life Scouts currently!) and safe community service (bring your ideas to our youth leadership team).
And lastly, a few words of wisdom from our beloved ScoutMaster:
To all my Scouts, Leaders, Parents, and Adults,
As another year ends we can appreciate how much better it was in 2021 than it was in 2020. We were allowed to gather more often, we got to attend a new summer camp, and we were able to finally have another lock-in, although I got the cooties less than a week later! Even with that I am glad we were able to be somewhat normal (as normal as Troop 169 can be) for the most part.
I look forward to 2022 with the hope that the pandemic will eventually become manageable and does not cause many issues for future plans. I hope you all stay safe as we lurch into 2022, especially after just hearing that Betty White has passed. Wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask even if you are vaccinated in indoor locations. Be smart in your surroundings.
I wish to thank the leaders for helping to teach the Scouts skills that hopefully will come back to them when they are adults. I wish to thank the parents and adults for trusting us in the development of your Scout’s character. Finally, I wish to thank the Scouts for, without them, Troop 169 would not be what we are today. Thank you for allowing us to mold you into fine young citizens and here’s hoping that you have made lifelong friendships.
Happy New Year
Jim Fedina
SM Troop 169