THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

As of Tuesday, December 15, our tree lot is closed.

We would like to thank EVERYONE for supporting our annual Christmas Tree Sale Fund Raiser!

Thank you to:
- The community and our customers
- Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club
- Scouts and parents
- Mr. Larry Farmer for coordinating this huge undertaking

We look forward to next year!


www.Troop626.org

Scouts Practice Pipe Plumbing!

On December 8th, the scouts of Troop 626 learned how to sweat copper pipes. Sometime down the road, they may be faced with fixing a broken plumbing pipe and they’ll be able to fix it for their Mom or Dad.

Both Logan S. and Cory B. lead up this project by preparing the materials, organizing the meeting, and preparing and delivering a training session for the troop.

All of the boys learned how to measure, cut, flux, and solder copper plumbing pipe. They learned about elbows, tees, caps, and straight connectors. They learned how to safely fire up a torch while being prepared with leather gloves and goggles.


When they use this new skill in the future, they’ll remember that they learned this skill in their Boy Scout Troop 626.

Cory and Logan - Thanks!

www.Troop626.org

Posted by: Jim Black, Scoutmaster

Troop 626 would like to invite you to visit our tree lot and support our Troop

Tree lot opens 9:00 am, NOVEMBER 27, 2009

All of our Christmas trees are Grade A, grown in the beautiful Olympic Peninsula of Western Washington. We offer only premium quality Noble, Grand, and Douglas firs to grace your home and be the focal point of your holiday decor. Tree sizes are:

• Noble Fir 5’ to 10’
• Grand Fir 5’ to 6’
• Douglas Fir 5’ to 8’

We're located at: Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club, 5464 119th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA 98006

Open hours: (Starting Nov 27 until we sell out)
Saturday - Sunday: 9 am – 8 pm
Monday - Friday: 5 pm – 8 pm

Bring your non-perishable food donations! We have on-site collection bins for HOPELINK


We hope to see you there!


www.Troop626.org

Scouts hike to High Hut

On the weekend of November 14 our troop headed South for some service and fun. We started the morning from Tyee and first went to the Auburn Food Bank to help package bulk foods into family-sized packages and organize part of their storage area. After a couple of hours of work, we were off to Ashford towards Mount Rainier to hike up to High Hut, one of the mountain cabins maintained by the Mount Tahoma Trail Association.

Scouts in attendance include: Avery K, Sam R, Gabriel R, Elliot H, Chris F, Zachary D, Owen D, Jesse S, Lee G, John T, and Charlie H. Adult leaders were Mr. Kwik, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Dietz, and Mr. Farmer.

The snow level was at about 3,000 feet, which is where we parked and started our hike. Although there was a good amount of snow on the ground, the road was groomed, making the challenging hike just a little more manageable. We traveled 3.7 miles, gaining 1760 feet to reach the hut. Although it wasn't sunny, there was no precipitation, so the snow covered trail and scenery looked absolutely beautiful!

Upon arrival at the hut, a few scouts played in the snow, sledding and having snowball fights, while a the rest enjoyed the warmth of the hut. The rest of the evening was spent having dinner and playing various games in the hut.


On Sunday morning, we departed after breakfast and cabin cleanup, for the hike down hill. The boys shared the four sleds we brought and took turns riding downhill all the way to the cars. For some, this was the best part of the whole weekend!

www.Troop626.org

Rain camping "training"

On October 17, three scouts and two adult leaders went on a training mission to Umtanum Creek to learn how to backpack camp in heavy rain... We got soaked. We survived. We learned some stuff.

Cons:
- Got really wet
- Killed a lot of time looking for the "ideal" camp site
- And, got really wet
- Our stuff got really wet too

Pros:
- Survived
- Ate junk food in Ellensburg
- Had a good time. The boys had at least as good a time.
- Found the good camping spots for future Troop outing.
- Learned some lessons...

1. If it might rain, rain gear is a requirement. Real waterproof stuff. Not the nylon that will soak through.
2. Bring plenty of big garbage bags to cover packs.
3. When the rain comes, stop whatever you are doing and put your rain gear on. Even if you have to hold up the Troop to do it.
4. Wet brush can get you more wet than rain. Use your rain gear.
5. Wet legs (without rain gear) means wet feet and wet boots. The water runs down.
6. Bring at least 2 pair of dry socks for a one-night trip.
7. Pack clothes in ziplock bags.
   
8. Pack a rain fly or dining canopy.
9. Backpacking is fun, even if it rains.

The team included: Harrison, Avery, Ryan, Mr. Kwik, Mr. Cambron, and two dogs: Josie and Lucky.

Posted by: Mr. Cambron

www.Troop626.org

Webelos Advance on Troop Meeting

On September 29, we hosted our annual Webelos Advancement Fair. During the event, Scouts in the Troop served as counselors for a range of Webelos Activity Badges, and worked with visiting Webelos on their requirements. 30 Webelos from four area Cub Scout Packs were in attendance.

Our counselor staff included:
Athlete Badge: Peter D. and Evan M.
Citizen Badge: Riley H. and Daniel Y.
Fitness Badge: Brian H. and Will D.
Sportsman Badge: Jacob T. and John T.
Outdoorsman Badge: Calvin N. and Illian H.
Readyman Badge: Harrison K. and Lazare H.
Webelos Badge: Logan S.

Thanks to our counselor staff and to Packs 433, 633, 626, and 629 for joining us!

www.Troop626.org

Scouts stride on spit!

On the weekend of September 26-27, a group of us hiked the Dungeness Spit near Sequim on the Straight of Juan de Fuca. The destination... the Dungeness Lighthouse, 5+ miles away at the end of the spit! Those scouts who walked 11 miles were Owen D., Jacob D., Harrison K., Charlie H., Zachary D., Jesse S., Chris H., and Avery K. William D. arrived later in the day, but was still able to enjoy the spit for a couple hours.

It was a long 6+ hour hike, but the boys persevered and learned the meaning of persistence! When we returned, we settled at the Dungeness State Park campground for an overnight. The evening was filled with plenty of food, fun, and fire!

Adults participating were Mr. Dickson, Mr. Hadland, Mr. Kwik, Mr. Delbrueck, and Mr. Black. Also in attendance was Avery's new puppy dog Josie.

www.Troop626.org

Scouts enjoy games and fire with Pack 633

As has become an annual tradition, three years running, on September 25th our Troop was invited to assist Cub Scout Pack 633, Eastgate, with their Annual Pack Campout.



Our Scouts led games after dinner and oversaw the campfire program; they even contributed a handful of skits!
In attendance were Evan M., Harrison K., Ricky A., Scott G., Daniel Y., and Cory B.

It was a fun time had by all!

www.Troop626.org

Scouts do the J-stroke on Lake Washington

On Sunday, September 20th, ten of our scouts participated in the annual Mercer Island Canoe Race. hosted by Troop 457 Mercer Island. This year we had beautiful weather too!

Six teams competed in the relay race that consisted of 5 legs around Mercer Island, covering a total distance of 13 miles. Scouts who participated were, Sam R., John T., Jacob T., Cory B., Harrison K., Ricky A., Gabe R., Chris F., David A., and Alex L. Mr. Thackray captained our spotter boat and Mr. Lodge was our official Coast Guard spotter.

It was a tough race, but everyone had a great time; especially at the AWESOME picnic hosted by Troop 457!

www.Troop626.org

2009 Labor Day Bike Outing

Troop 626's annual family Labor Day Day bike tour & camp out was in King County for 2009. The vast majority of the route was on King County trails, many of which were soft surfaced former rail road beds. Railroad trails make for relatively flat routes. A gear wagon driven by Mrs Adams-Guy allowed us to ride bikes unencumbered by heavy packs. This is a family friendly event and a Mom and cub scout even rode bikes one day. There was rain at times, but with proper rain gear it was still enjoyable.

Saturday was about 26 miles from Lake Sammamish State Park to Valley Camp in North Bend. Two flat tires and one broken bike didn't stop us. Thanks to Mrs. Reardon for accomplishing a bike swap. Scott's dairy freeze is a few blocks off the trail so we made a rest stop of it. We covered numerous trails including: Issaquah-Preston; Preston-Snoqualmie; Whitaker; Snoqualmie Ridge; and Snoqualmie Valley Trail (SVT). Riders Saturday: Sam R., Gabe R., Ricky A., John T., Mr. Thackray, Mr. Guy, Mr. Kwik and Mr. Funcke. At camp, Mrs. Thackray joined us and Mrs. Adams-Guy along with Bree G. and Conor A., delivered hot dinner to us.

Sunday morning we were joined by Max O. After a "Scout's Own" time of reverence in the camp mini chapel, we headed north from North Bend along the Snoqualmie River Trail. We passed Snoqualmie Falls but we were experiencing our own "water fall" of rain by then so we didn't stop. We rode the SVT trail to Remlinger Farms in Carnation where we ducked out of the rain for awhile before the final few miles into Carnation to Tolt MacDonald Park. A total of 22 miles for the day. The camp's warm indoor showers were soothing. The Orth family joined us for camping. We car pooled with the Orth and Adams-Guy vehicles into town for a convenient pizza dinner.

Monday we had additional riders of Mrs. Gish and Rex O., Sam R., and Gabe R. rode all three days, for which they each received a prize! Also riding Monday were Max O., Mr. Guy and Mr. Funcke. We backtracked on SVT trail then diverted to Fall City and then connected back with our trails from Day 1 through Preston and back to Issaquah, for a total of about 21 miles.

Check out more pictures here

Posted by: Craig Funcke, ASM

www.Troop626.org

NORTHERN TIER 2009: A Trip of a Lifetime

Ten scouts and six adults ventured into Canadian waters from 4 - 9 August as part of two separate three-canoe Northern Tier crews. The group flew into Minneapolis-St Paul airport, and then made the long 4 hour drive to the Scout Base north of Ely, Minnesota. Then, the real fun began. The scouts were processed through the many stations necessary to ensure all the gear was in order for their departure the next day, including food, tents and cooking gear. After a wholesome dinner in the dining hall and mandatory orientation film, each crew retired to their yurt-like cabin for a personal gear check. After the final check and pack up, it was time for bed, and the last night of sleeping inside for a week.

All six canoes set off for their adventure within 30 minutes of each other, and raced to the Canadian border crossing station. On the way, we figured out how to row properly, and how hard the week ahead was going to be. Once we reached the Canadian border crossing, the groups split up, one going east and one going north. We would not see each other until the final day, upon our return to the Base camp.

The adventure was fantastic. Each group has a different story about the week, but there are some common threads. Everyone stroked, and stroked, and stroked....at least 50 miles for each crew! And everyone had an opportunity to carry the food pack (way too heavy), the gear pack, and the "elephant packs" containing our tents, sleeping bags, and clothes. The fishing was fun, the camaraderie excellent, and the scenery breathtaking.

It was the experience of a lifetime, one that no one will forget anytime soon.















Posted by Michael Lodge, ASM

www.Troop626.org

Summer Camp at Meriwether

On July 5-11, 2009 our Troop headed down to Tillamook on the Oregon coast to attend summer camp at Camp Meriwether, a property of the Cascade Pacific Council. Thirty nine boys + 4 Adult leaders stayed for the full week, with a handful of parents visiting throughout the week. We were among 380 Scouts at camp that week.


What a great summer camp! The camp is located on the Pacific ocean with 2.5 miles of beachfront property. The camp even has its own lake. Our troop was assigned to the “Lookout” campsite which has 7 adirondack shelters and is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean. It’s a prime site for sure. The theme for the week was “Accomplishment”. The guys completed a total of 115 merit badges during the week. In addition to keeping busy with Merit Badge classes and other advancement programs (for those below First Class), the Scouts took part in other fun activities ranging from blackpowder rifle shoot, shotgun, archery, climbing wall, canoeing to tomahawk throwing and candle making.

Checkout photos here

A few highlights from our week there:

- The camp held a triathlon between Troops. Our team consisting of Ricky A. and Cory B. (Runners), Jacob D. and Kevin H. (Swimmers), Jeffrey P. and Calvin N. (Canoers) came in third place!

- Thursday night was the sand castle and sculpture contest, and our Troop won first place with its creation: "Scout-eating Giant!"

- We also had a few scouts complete their Wilderness Survival merit badge which required them to sleep out overnight with just the clothes on their backs in shelters they had built - those brave scouts were Scott G., Max O., Calvin N., and David Y

- Mr. Young earned the Pioneer Award by participating in a list of Pioneering activities at camp

- Mr. Cambron and Mr. Young completed the Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat Certification

- Mr. Kwik, Mr. Cambron, and Mr. Young completed the Paddlecraft Safety Certification

- Mr. Cambron and Mr. Kwik completed the Water Rescue Certification

- Mr. Black and Sam R. (one of only three Scouts at camp) trained for and completed the Mile Swim

- Our Polar Bear swimmers braved 6:00 a.m. 53 degree ocean water to earn bragging rights and the Camp Meriwether Polar Bear Patch - They were Logan S., Lazare H., Illian H., Gabe R., and Ajay M.

- Cory B. received the "Boom Chicka Boom" award for shooting two disks in the air with a double-loaded shotgun.

- Our Troop signed up to serve as color guard for the closing flag ceremony on Friday. This is the most widely attended flag ceremony since many of the family members visit for the final dinner at camp. A color guard team of 10 scouts was put together and began training on Thursday and Friday. The team included: Caller = Logan S., American Flag = Gabriel R.+Zachary D.+John T. , Washington Flag = Illian H.+Lazare H.+Alex W., Oregon Flag = Charlie H.,+Sam R.+Owen D. The Scouts did an excellent job!

It was a successful week for sure. Thanks to all the parents who helped make this trip happen. Congratulations to all!

Posted by: Mr. Black and Mr. Kwik

Boy Scout Troop 626
Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Two Scouts Receive Eagle Awards at Bellevue City Council

Bellevue Council member Conrad Lee congratulates Conor Adams and Byron Wu upon receiving their Boy Scout Eagle Medals at their Court of Honor on June 20^th, 2009. Conor, 16, is a sophomore at Newport High School. He has earned both his bronze and gold palms since June. Byron, 18, is a freshman at the University of Washington studying Engineering.

www.Troop626.org

Rising to Rattlesnake Ledge

On Saturday, June 13, 2009 we headed on a hike up to Rattlesnake Ledge by North Bend. The weather was a bit overcast when we started at the trailhead about 9:00 am, but cleared up quickly into a sunny beautiful day. The hike is less than two miles each way, but gains 1100 feet providing a nice moderate incline most of the way. The view at the top was partially obscured by moving fog, but we did get some good views of Rattlesnake lake below.

The crew included Cory B, Harrison K, Elliot H, William D, and Peter D plus four adults. It was a great day for a nice hike!

Boy Scout Troop 626
Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Camporee 2009 --- Awesome!

On May 1-3, 2009 Boy Scout Troop 626 attended the Cascade District Camporee, held at Ensign Ranch near Cle Elum, Washington. 12 Troops and 183 Scouts from Bellevue, Mercer Island, and North Renton attended this event.

We arrived on Friday evening and set up camp at the "Grotto" campsites which was nicely tree covered and provided plenty of space for everyone. Our Troop consisted of 17 Scouts and 7 guest Webelos, making up three Patrols: Blue (Fire Breathing) Dragons, Jumbo Goldfish, and Toxic Jellybean Webelos. 10 adults were also on hand throughout the weekend.

We began the Saturday morning with High Adventure activities where the Scouts worked on honing their teamwork skills in a variety of physical challenges. After lunch, the Scouts went on to the Field Events that presented the Patrols with a variety of Scout skill challenges. Following the Field Events was a Patrol relay challenge that only the Webelos Patrol participated in. The rest of the Scouts decided to spend the afternoon playing Lacrosse, football, and exploring the grounds.

In the evening, the Patrols reassembled for dinner time. Each Patrol did their own meal preparations while the Adults and Webelos had Hobo stew (Foil meals), followed by a dutch oven cobbler.

Meanwhile, the Scouts made an entry for the dessert competition consisting of cake, frosting, and Ritz crackers... Strange looking, yet oddly delicious!

The evening ended with the campfire program, followed by lights out. On Sunday morning, our Troop was packed up and headed home by 9:45 am... everyone satisfied with the fun and adventure we experienced over the weekend!

See more pics here!


Boy Scout Troop 626, Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Local Scout racking up honors

April 23, 2009

Our own Rahul Brito, Eagle Scout, gets written up in the news. Read all about it!

Local Scout racking up honors, Bellevue Reporter, April 23, 20009

Boyscout Troop 626 held an Eagle Court of Honor on March 21 for Rahul Brito, who collected over half a ton of school supplies for children in Iraq. His efforts included school drives, door-to-door collections and gathering donations from local businesses.

Local chapters of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus helped cover the cost of mailing the 24 boxes of supplies, which were distributed to three schools in the city of Kirkuk.

Brito's military contacts have credited him with helping soldiers befriend the local people, reduce insurgent attacks, and save lives. They honored his efforts by sending him a U.S. flag that was flown over the Baghdad Embassy, along with a “Warrior” Appreciation Certificate.

Brito also received a commendation personally signed by the commander of the Thirteenth Coast Guard District, as well as a Citation for Meritorious Service presented by Judge Advocate Jim Broe of the American Legion.

Additionally, the Bellevue PTSA awarded Brito the Michael Riley Scholarship for $1,000.

The Newport High senior is a National Merti Scholar finalist, and plans to attend the University of Washington this fall. He was invited to join the university's Honors Program, and was also among a handful of incoming freshman offered direct admission to the BS BIOE program offered by the UW Department of Bioengineering.

Boy Scout Troop 626, Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Troop 626 Advances to Ancient Lakes

Ancient Lakes Hike and Campout, Quincy, Washington - April 18-19, 2009

When you go hiking and camping at Ancient Lakes Washington, it does feel like you’re in an ancient world. It’s barren, rocky, and desolate. Even though we were one of five separate camping groups that weekend, we weren’t close to any of them. It didn’t seem like the boys would find any wood to make a campfire but during their explorations on Saturday, they scrounged up enough bone dry wood for a grand bonfire that night. With good prep-work, they started that fire with one match.

Some of the guys scrambled up rocky hillsides and got a grand view of the valley below. Some of the older guys, Peter D., Cory B, Harrison K., and Logan S. taught the newer scouts in the troop how to use our lightweight backpacking stoves. Our 13 scouts even formed a bucket brigade to gather water from the lake to put out the fire before we left on Sunday morning.

The Ironman award goes to Bruce Y. for hiking in and out with a freshly broken little toe which he broke the Monday before the outing. It was a successful weekend for sure. We’ll definitely be back.

Posted by Jim Black, Scoutmaster

Boy Scout Troop 626, Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club Service Project

On April 11, 2009 our Troop did a service project at the Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club, the location of our annual Tree Sales fund raiser. About 30 scouts and parents were on hand to demolish an old shed and spread bark around the property.

Afterwards, a group of us went to Herfy's for a well deserved refreshment!




Boy Scout Troop 626, Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Scouts Cruise to Camp Sealth

On March 28, 2009 our Troop headed out to Camp Sealth on Vashon Island to celebrate the New Scouts and families who joined our Troop over the past month.

During this one night outing, we stayed in the Wrangler compound that included Parson's Lodge and five heated sleeping cabins. We occupied three cabins (Hoss, Hopsing, and Cartwright) with our 24 people in attendance. Parson's Lodge was a fully equipped lodge with a commercial kitchen and hall for us to hang out comfortably. The 14 Scouts in attendance were divided into three patrols, each taking charge of a meal (cooking/prep, set-up, and clean-up). It was certainly a luxury for the adults!

The weather that day was rain with intermittent clearings, but at a reasonable temperature. So, the boys still did a lot of outdoor activities. The New Scouts worked on a range of requirements, from orienteering to fire making. But the outing was not all work and no play... the boys went on a beach walk, played capture the flag in the rain, tag in the dark, and an assortment of card and board games.

We closed the night with a camp fire and smores while David A. and William D. took turns serenading the group to guitar music... And, a final round of hot chocolate!

Scouts in attendance: Ajay M., Ashwin M., Daniel Y., Harrison K., Zachary D., Owen D., Charlie H., William D., Peter D., David A., Cory B., Jacob T., and John T.

In all, a fun and productive weekend for our New Scouts.


Boy Scout Troop 626, Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Troop Participates in Scouting for Food

Over a period of two Saturdays, our Troop participated in the Scouting For Food community service project, collecting food and other household needs for Hopelink in Bellevue. On March 14, scouts walked in the pouring rain to distribute door hangers in the Eastgate neighborhoods. Then, on March 21 scouts returned to the same neighborhoods to gather food that was donated and delivered the 38 bags to Hopelink.

www.Troop626.org

Troop 626 Honors Four Eagle Scouts

On March 21, 2009 our Troop, family and friends gathered at the South Bellevue Community Center for a Court of Honor ceremony to celebrate the achievements of our newest Eagle Scouts:

• Rahul Brito
• Winston Chen
• Erik Larson
• Eric Bergen

The keynote speech was given by Colonel Debra M. Lewis, a commander with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.


Boy Scout Troop 626, Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Engineering + Creativity = Troop Activity!

On our March 10, 2009 meeting, the Troop held a patrol shelter building challenge. Each patrol was given a set of supplies and specific criteria that their shelter needed to meet. Supplies included PVC pipes for framing, butcher paper, and duct tape. Patrols needed to first design their shelter concept, measure and cut their supplies, and build.


Once all the shelters were built, each patrol had to present their shelter to a panel of judges (parents who were actual engineers!) It was quite interesting to see how each patrol interpreted and solved for each of the task requirements.

Overall, a fun and educational experience for all!










Boy Scout Troop 626, Bellevue, Washington

www.Troop626.org

Scouts Study Self-Defense

On February 17th, five members from Coast Guard Station Seattle volunteered to teach the troop basic self defense and awareness. After providing a general introduction into the background of each trainer, the Troop was divided into three groups, each focused on a different skill set. One group focused on awareness, teaching the scouts how to recognize danger, and how to best avoid situations where they are outnumbered and outgunned. The second group taught the boys how to repel an attacker by using a simple kick and a punch. The final group showed the boys how to kick at ankles and legs (soccer style) and, as an added bonus, showed off a few pressure point moves to subdue an attacker and have time to flee. The highlight of the night was
the ever-present shouts of "get back" by the kids, as they followed the instruction to warn off potential attackers and get up their courage.

It was clear during the question and answer session at the end of the meeting that the boys were impressed in what they learned in only one hour, and have an appreciation of the dangers and excitement involved in law enforcement.

Posted by: Mike Lodge, ASM


Boy Scout Troop 626, Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Scouts Sleep in Snow at Snoqualmie!

On February 14, 2009, the Troop traveled to the Snoqualmie Pass area for a three day snow camping expedition. 25 scouts, adults, and family members spent the long weekend preparing snow shelters and having fun in the winter conditions. The scouts paired up in teams to dig their own snow caves- their home for two nights. The minimal snow pack this year challenged everyone's engineering and construction skills - Traditional snow caves became hybrid cave/igloos when the scouts hit ground and had to "build out". The adults spent most of Saturday constructing a palatial, multi-roomed igloo and a cooking area that would make the Iron Chef envious.

On Day Two, some of our newer scouts arrived and got right into making their shelters and setting up tents. We had several day visitors on Sunday, including the 4-legged kind, who got in on the construction activities and also managed to take a few runs down the hill in the cargo sleds.

The last day's highlight, according to the scouts, was the demolition of their shelters (and the adults' igloo) by jumping on the now -frozen roofs.

Overall, we had a great time made possible by good weather, good friends, and great efforts by all of the scouts, adults, and family members (Emily) involved.

Posted by: Brian Delbrueck

www.Troop626.org