BSA Troop 19 - Nashua NH

Cycling Martha's Vineyard
  We had a sunny/windy weekend of cycling and canoe practise. Scouts split into 5 cycling crews to ride the island. Spent Sunday morning on on the water. Overnight spent at Camp Squanto, taking Ferry to Vineyard for a day of cycling.
  Pics will be available shortly.

Pilgrim Church Clean-Up
  Troop 19 Scouts and Leaders pulled together for our annual Spring Clean-up of Pilgrim Church grounds. We gathering debris, spruced up the grounds and took several loads of brush to the dump. Afterward, all enjoyed a 'thank you' cookout put on by Pilgrim Church.
  Community service is an important part of Scouting. This event is one example of how scouts support their local community all year long.

YMCA Lock-In - Mar 31
  Scouts and Leaders from Troop 19, joined by Troop 75 (Bow), spent a long overnight at Merrimack YMCA. Floor hockey, racquetball, swimming and of course Risk and Mr. A's card game "Magic" kept folks up all night.
  Now get some sleep!

Ski Pico Mtn - Mar 3-4
  Troop 19 Scouts and Families traveled to Pico Mtn for our annual overnight ski trip. Lessons were available and the outdoor fun was enjoyed by all. Quite nice in this snow-less winter. See more pics here. (click to zoom)
  Thanks, Mr. Sicurella for organizing this event!

Ready to Board

After the Slope

Klondike Derby Feb 2012

Congratulations Patriot Patrol (Ethan and Nate) on taking Second Place overall! And congrats to the rest of Troop19 for a top notch effort - 3 of our
4 patrols finished in the top 10! Panzer Patrol (PL - Sam) and Eagle Kenevils (PL - Devin) both placed 6th. The Wonder Waffles (PL - Gabe) placed 13th and earned a first place award at Wilderness Survival Way to go Troop19!

Scout Sunday - Feb 12th
Troop19 attended worship at Pilgrim Church in observance of Scout Sunday. This annual rite reminds us of the Scout Law charge to be Reverent. Several Scouts and Leaders of Troop19 participated in the service: call to worship, scripture readings, prayers and finally the benediction. Mr. Anthony brought a new perspective to the Scout Law, recalling the words of John Wayne as he explained the meaning of each law.
And the Pilgrim Church Choir was very impressive. They've done well under their new music director. Kudos!

Storer Winter Camp - 1/20-22
Winter camping - heated cabin. Ice fishing and all-night Risk? What could be better? Pics here.

Eagle Court of Honor

	December 15th is an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony to formally confer the rank of Eagle on Michael Cicchetti. Mike completed the most challenging requirement for the highest rank in Boy Scouts
when he wrapped up his Eagle Project to improve the grounds around his high school. Please RSVP to the Cicchetti family ASAP if you are planning to attend.

Upcoming and Recent Events:

May 15 - Troop Meeting: Final Plans for Canoe Trip this Sun May 20. Permission slip (here) due by May 15th. Camp card cash and unsold cards are due.

May 24 - Troop 19 / Pack 19: Show and Do: Skill demo by Scouts for Cubs to learn and try. Scouts and Leaders needed. See Devin or Ms. Richardson for details.

Merit Badge Madness!
Scouts were introduced to over 30 badges by counselors from Troop19. Scouts should contact MB councilors to advance. Parents if you have a hobby please contact Mr. Filteau to register as an MB counselor.

Oct 25 - Troop 19 Open House
Boys 11-17 and Webelos attended
If you missed it, but would like to learn more, contact us here.

Regional Jamboree Oct 7-9 at Waterville Valley. Here's a couple pix to check out.

Pioneering Campout pictures are in. See below.

Summer Camp - Camp Bell
*New Pics* - Check 'em out below!

Yellowstone / Grand Tetons Trip
Here's a few pictures below.

In Memoriam: Mr. Al Beals Jr. Mr. Beals was known as "Uncle Al" to the scouts of Troop 19. He was instrumental in re-starting Troop 19 in 1969 and served as the troop's Scoutmaster for three years. After his tenure as Scoutmaster, Uncle Al served the scouting community as the Chartered Organization Representative for Troop 19 and most recently as the Arrowhead District Eagle Advancement Chairman. He devoted over 50 years to the Boy Scouts of America. Uncle Al was also a member of the VFW having served in the Korean War and very active at one time with the Elm Street Middle School Music Programs.
Several Troop 19 scouts, former scouts, Eagle Scouts and Leaders attended his funeral service. Troop 19 scouts served as an honor guard for the flag ceremony.

Turkey Campout

	Each year about this time, Troop 19 holds its Turkey Campout. We prepare an entire turkey dinner, with all the fixins, in cardboard box
ovens. Wanna know how we do that? Parents are welcome to visit at this event - stay tuned for details. Webelos II Cubs are also encouraged to come by and see how Troop 19 puts on a feast. Campout is 11/18-20; Dinner is 11/19. Pics just in. Thanks Mr. R. Wiik!

Veteran's Day

	The Nashua Veteran's Day Parade was Friday 11/11. Troop 19 joined other BSA troops from around Nashua to march in a single formation to support our veterans who
have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. It was great to see so many Troop 19 scouts participate in this event.

Freeze-Out & Klondike Derby - planned for Feb 3-4
Patriot's Patrol 2009 Klondike Champions (Everett missing from photo).	Patriot's Patrol - 2007 Klondike Champions.

Patrols repair your sleds and practice your scout skills and patrol method. Its Klondike Time! Remember, in 2010 Troop 19 was second and in 2009 we were Klondike Derby Champs! Click here for pictures from the 2010 event.

The Klondike Derby pits patrol against patrol in a series of cold weather challenges to patrol leadership and scout muscle,skills, and spirit - the Patrol Method! Scouts pull an equipment-laden sled of their own making to as many challenges as they can before the event ends in mid-afternoon. At each challenge completed, a patrol earns points on it's performance. The patrol earning the highest total points takes home the Klondike Trophy for their troop. Troop 19 has won the Klondike trophy many times in the past. See photos and a write-up by Troop 19 historians in 2009 here and from the 2007 competition here .
Winning patrol leaders have READ the 2009 Klondike Derby PL Guide (click here) prior to LEADING their pre-Klondike Derby patrol meetings! Will your patrol sled pass inspection? Does your sled have a patrol flag mounted with patrol and Troop name displayed? What first-aid gear is needed? Does your patrol have all other required gear, like tinder and kindling? Does your patrol have a good, quick hot lunch so they will score well? Who is bringing what? Read more in the Klondike Derby PL Guide (click here). BE PREPARED.
Strong patrols win and a strong patrol has ALL members pulling the sled and helping at each challenge. Let's get the trophy back for Troop 19!
Here is the Klondike Derby permission slip due Tuesday Jan 31.

Troop 19 Ski Trip to Pico Mt - March 3-4
Pico Mtn Lodge	Indoor Games	More Games	Off the Trail
Pico Mtn, NH Troop 19 Ski Weekend: Saturday March 3rd & Sunday March 4th. o Ski Saturday or Saturday/Sunday. Cost approx. $100. + Saturday overnight in Rutland, VT - details to follow. o Parents of Scouts: Your help is needed, Please join us! o Watch for Permission Slips in February o Ski trip is being coordinated by Mr. Tony Sicurella

Troop 19 Winter Camp at Storer
Warm Cabin	Taking a Risk
Leaders get a Break	Tunneling
January we held our annual Winter Campout. This year we attended Storer Scout Reservation and camped in their warm cabin. Actvities included ice fishing, snow sports and of course late night Risk. The leaders got a chance to enjoy another Troop19 campout standby - cribbage. Thanks Mrs. Sewell!

Troop19 High Adventure: Yellowstone!
Along the Cascade Trail	Along Signal Ridge
Morning Reflection at Grand Tetons	Summit of Mt. Washburn
Troop 19 has returned from another of our high adventure trips. Usually every other year we gear-up for a week or two of hiking, boating, or whatever the scouts want to work toward. This year Troop 19 returned to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. There will be many more photos and stories to share at upcoming Troop meetings, so stay tuned!

NH Jamboree
Setting up Camp	Troop 19 Station
October 7th, Troop 19 attended a regional Jamboree at Waterville Valley. Over 3000 scouts attended the event which is typically held every 3-4 years. The Jamboree had numerous activity stations manned by the various participating troops' scouts and leaders. Troop 19 had two stations: match lighting with an axe and a block-and-tackle style log lift. Both were well received. Our scouts had plenty of adventures along the way. Be sure to ask one who went.

September: Pioneering Campout
Camp	Planning the tower
Crossbeam lashing	Tower completed
This September, Troop 19 held our Pioneering Campout at Camp Carpenter. After setting up tents and dining flies, a campfire and some sleep, its off to build a 3-platform tower. Scouts learn and use lashing and knot tying skills and handling of woodsmans' tools. Dinner may be on a camp stove or one of our Dutch Oven meals baked in the campfire. A job well done!

Troop 19 Summer Camp at Camp Bell
Sailing	Riding
Riflery	Campfires
This Summer Troop 19 attended Camp Bell for a week of Patrol-based camp activities. Camp Bell, in NH's Griswold Scout Reservation, is focused on the BSA 'Patrol Method' camping experience, applied to activities, meal planning, advancement, competitions, and general all-out fun. We are planning to return to Camp Bell in 2012 during Week 7, so mark your calendars. See more pictures from the 2011 trip here. Thanks Mr. Griffith!

Troop19 Eagle Court of Honor
Dillon and Dan with Mr. Gaylord	Taking the Eagle Oath with Mr. Anthony	Dillon and Dan with Mr. Anthony
Sunday June 26th Troop 19 honored Dan Droutman and Dillon Wright on their achievement of the rank of Eagle in a special Eagle Court of Honor at Temple Beth Abraham. The focus of the ceremony was on the scouting journey with remarks and anecdotes from Scouting Leaders, mentors and other members of community. Mr. Paulsen led a presentation by 7 scouts, one from each rank, describing the 7 ranks of Scouting. Then, after Dan and Dillon were awarded their ranks by Mr. Woodward and Mr. Cicchetti, Mr. Anthony charged them with the Eagle Oath. Finally Scott Champagne and Dan Hein inducted them into NESA, the National Eagle Scout Association. Congratulations Dillon and Dan on your achievement. May the lessons learned in Scouting guide you in the years ahead.

Troop 19 June 2011 Court of Honor
Tenderfoot	Second Class	First Class
The start of Summer marks the close of our 2010-2011 program year and concluded with our Court of Honor. Scouts were recognized with ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class and Star. A number of Merit Badges were awarded as well. Eight scouts were recognized for their high-level of participation Troop activitities throughout the year. They will be going on a zip-line canopy tour of the White Mtns in what is sure to be exciting time. Mr. Anthony recognized the volunteer efforts of Scott Champagne, Dillon Wright and Ethan P. who are staffing the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Program this Summer. Several patrols put on skits for some lighthearted entertainment. And in what might become a new tradition, Tenderfoot Ben G. closed the CoH by playing "Taps" on the bugle, as the Colors were retired. Congratulations to all the scouts who worked and played hard during this last year. And Thanks! to all the Adult Leaders whose time and energy makes Troop19 such an exciting unit. Enjoy those Summer Camps and the Yellowstone Trip - bring back pictures and tales of your adventures. Have a great Summer!

Memorial Day Parade - Nashua, NH

Troop 19 Scouts joined Pack 19 Cubs to march in Nashua's 2011 Memorial Day, along with several adult leaders. The parade route covers about 1.5 miles through downtown Nashua. Hundreds of city residents turned out to participate in this day af rememberance to honor those served our country in defense of our freedom. Thanks to Mrs. Richardson and Mr. Guertin for helping organize the Scout's participation and providing pictures of the event.

Significant Scout Achievements
Rank of Eagle - Eagle Court of Honor
Troop 19 is holding an Eagle Court of Honor June 26th to honor scouts who have recently earned the rank of Eagle: Dan Droutman (October 2010) and Dillon Wright (May 2011). Mike Cicchetti has also achieved the rank of Eagle (November 2010) but has deferred participating in a formal CoH until later this year. Earning the rank of Eagle is the capstone event in the Scouting journey. The Court of Honor is formal recognition of a scout's achievement and the committment to the scouting program required to successfully earn a rank of such distinction.

Order of the Arrow
Nate B. has completed his membership in the Order of the Arrow, and Devin C. has achieved OA Brotherhood Member status. Both Devin and Nate attended the OA Spring Fellowship Meeting at Camp Carpenter this past May. The OA is an elite organization of the BSA whose members are elected by their fellow Scouts. Members of the Order of the Arrow are considered to be among the best examples of scouts living up to the highest ideals of Scouting.

Mt Chocorua 5/21: Yellowstone Shakedown Hike

After conquering the summit and enjoying the view, some well-deserved ice cream on the way home. Good hiking, all!


Thanks to Mrs. Richardson, Mr. Guertin and Mr. Bisbee for organizing and assisting on this event! Be sure to click on each picture to zoom in and get the full effect - its almost as good being there...