December 1998

Upcoming Events
21Meeting
28No Meeting
4 JanMeeting
7 JanPLC
8-10 JanSki Trip
10 JanCommittee Meeting
11 JanMeeting - Boards of Review
18 JanNo Meeting
21 JanPack 5 Swim Night
24 JanMandatory Philmont Parents' Meeting
25 JanMeeting
1 FebMeeting - Family Entertainment Night
6 FebKlondike Derby

Club Donations Received

The Northampton Lions Club has sent its annual $250 donation to Troop 5 for the Scouts' service as waiters at their semi-annual fund raising dinners (see article below).

In addition, the Troop also received an annual $100 donation from the Southampton Square Club which also meets on Monday nights. Legend has it that years ago, the new Scouts of Troop 5 put on a flag opening ceremony for their meeting. Ever since, they have remembered us with an annual donation. What goes around, comes around.

Scouts doing their good turn pays off in many ways.

Spaghetti Dinner Helpers

by Josh

On Saturday, November 21, when most of the scouts were on the camping trip to French Creek, a few of the Boy Scouts that stayed home volunteered a couple of hours of their busy schedules for a good cause. That night, at the church, the Lions Club of Northampton held their annual Spaghetti Dinner to raise money for the club. Each year the Boy Scouts of Troop 5 are asked to act as waiters and serve the hungry benefactors.

I arrived first, with Don. We were assigned a table to wait and began to stock the oversized coolers with soda of every variety. Soon after, Joe, Mike, Barry, and Chris , all arrived. Jon and Matt also assisted. Special thanks to Mr. W for helping organize the group and clear tables. Hopefully, next year the camping trip will not fall on this event and everyone will be able to participate. Oh, by the way, you get free soda if you stay until the end.

Assuming Snow, Ski Trip Is a Go!

By the time you read this, all ski trip permission slips should have been returned.

This year's guest policy is the same as last year, NONE! This trip is so popular that there really isn't room for anyone other than our scouts and the parents helping to attend.

Jack Frost hopes to open in mid-December. The Troop will go on the trip, regardless of weather conditions. The money for skiing won't be paid to Jack Frost until that day. So if there is not enough snow, we'll simply have a camping trip at Camp Achahila in the huge dinning hall there which features a large hearth and fireplace.

Reminders: Bring lots of extra socks for warmth in case you need to change into drier ones. Wear two pairs of socks, keeping a light pair against the foot for comfort, with a heavier sock on top. Pack for the cold by planning to dress in layers which can always be taken off as needed. Keep your head covered to conserve heat loss. Don't forget eye protection and sunscreen.

A Perfect Pancake Program

by Eric

The Pancake Breakfast was again a smashing success, both in terms of fund-raising (over 400 tickets sold) and in the degree of participation by both scouts and parents. Many positive comments were received from the more than 300 guests that attended the event, attesting to the courtesy and professionalism extended by the scouts. With the exception of a slight delay in the availability of decaffeinated coffee, everything went well and the food was delicious.

While the scouts kept the customers happy, two shifts of parents kept the food coming, the dishes cleaned and the syrup warm. The efforts of all the parents that volunteered made the Pancake Coordinator's job an easy one. Special thanks to:

All the scouts that participated take a bow!

Our sponsors: Richboro Shop n Bag, WaWa Food Markets, Super Fresh, Bucks County Coffee, Sam's Club, Maglio Sausage and Perkins Family Restaurant

The parents who helped: Don & Pat, Aaron & Barb, Ron, Lou, Diane & Brian, Bonnie, Jim, Larry, Marc, Mike, Tom & Marie, Fran & Joe, Tish, Mary & Dan, Reid, Buzz, Dave, Bob, and Jackie. Committee members Jack and Doug were also there lending their experience.

If you missed your opportunity to participate this year, keep in mind that next year's event could be even bigger!

A Scout's Holiday Wish List

Philmont Parents Meeting

At least one parent must attend the Cradle of Liberty Council's meeting scheduled for: Sunday, January 24 at 2:00 PM. Location to be announced! (Not a football Sunday!)

February Camping Trip In the market for a new house? Maybe you're thinking about something smaller now, less upkeep a rancher perhaps. Why not consider a snow dome! No need for central air! If you're interested you might want to join the hearty scouts who will be traveling to Camp Brulé, near Eagles Mere in North Central Pennsylvania this February for a "Wilderness Survival" camping trip. The purpose of this adventure is to gain experience in building a snow shelter.

An expert from the Churchville Nature Center will be speaking on this topic before the February 19 trip. In addition to talking about the construction of such structures, he will also address the issue of what types of shoes and socks are necessary for cold weather camping. By the way, we're always looking for drivers and adults to join this trip.

9 Mile Valley Forge Hike Logged

information courtesy of Nick and Dan

In preparation for the 100+ mile-hiking trip this summer to Philmont, NM, nine scouts carried 30-pound packs on the Historic Valley Forge Trail on Dec. 12. Five additional Scouts from Troop 82 also joined the day trip in preparation for Philmont.

The visit began with a twenty-minute presentation on the historical significance of Valley Forge. Although everyone had to sit on hard, cold wooden benches in a barn to watch the video, the good news was that you didn't have to wear your pack.

Next, three groups were formed and they all set off at varying paces to enjoy the scenery and trails. The famous log cabins were seen as were dozens of deer. The only problem to arose was when Todd forced his group to stop hiking so he could have lunch. And he wasn't even carrying a pack. Despite stopping to eat lunch, an idea that hadn't occurred to the Scouts in this group, they still managed to finish the trail 40 minutes before the others. That left just enough time for a historical nap on the couches at the Visitor Center.

Several fathers joined the trip. Each scout who participated in the hike will receive the Valley Forge Freedom medal.

Troop's Holiday Community Service Helps Family in Need

The Troop 5 annual holiday community service project will again focus on providing presents and a food basket to a needy family. This year's anonymous family is a single mom with four children ranging in age from 5-13 years old. The family has been recommended by Marc who does social work in Bucks County. Some of us may find it shocking to think there are impoverished families right here in Lower Bucks. There are.

This year each patrol has been assigned one of the family members for which to get gifts. The Leadership is responsible for providing food for a nice Christmas dinner.

All the scouts joined in wrapping the presents during the Troop's holiday party. The items collected will be delivered by some of the older scouts just before Christmas. Thank you for helping your scout share in the giving spirit of the season.