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