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Troop 63 Celebrates Second Class Achievements!

Troop 63 is proud to announce that Beckett Shaw and Samuel Miller have successfully completed the requirements for Second Class Rank! This is a significant milestone in their Scouting journey, demonstrating their growing skills and commitment to the Scout Oath and Law.

Beckett and Samuel have worked diligently to master the various requirements, showcasing their dedication and perseverance. They have proven their ability to learn and apply essential Scouting skills, paving the way for further advancement.

What Does it Mean to be Second Class?

The Second Class Rank builds upon the foundational skills learned at the Tenderfoot level, pushing Scouts to become more self-reliant and competent in the outdoors. It represents a solid step toward becoming a well-rounded and capable Scout.

Some of the key requirements Beckett and Samuel completed include:

  • Outdoor Skills:
    • Demonstrating proficiency in first aid, including treating common injuries like cuts, scrapes, and burns.
    • Successfully using a map and compass to navigate a course.
    • Understanding and practicing Leave No Trace principles.
    • Demonstrating proper use of a knife, saw, and ax.
    • Cooking a meal in the outdoors.
  • Physical Fitness:
    • Participating in physical fitness activities and understanding the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
  • Citizenship and Service:
    • Demonstrating an understanding of the American flag and its proper display.
    • Participating in a service project.
  • Scouting Spirit:
    • Demonstrating Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.

A Word of Congratulations!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Beckett and Samuel for their hard work and dedication. Their achievement reflects their commitment to the values of Scouting and their willingness to learn and grow. We are excited to see them continue their journey and contribute to the success of Troop 63.

Looking Ahead:

Beckett and Samuel are now well-positioned to pursue their First Class Rank. This next step will challenge them further, requiring them to refine their skills and take on greater leadership responsibilities.

We encourage all Scouts to learn from Beckett and Samuel’s example and strive to achieve their own goals. Remember, every rank advancement is a testament to personal growth and the development of valuable life skills.

Let’s give Beckett and Samuel a round of applause at our next meeting!

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Scouts from Troop 63 Hit the Slopes and Explore the Summit

A group of enthusiastic scouts from Troop 63 recently participated in the annual Scouts on Skis program at Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent, West Virginia. This event, organized by the Old North State Council, allows scouts to experience winter sports and enjoy the company of fellow scouts.

The scouts, including Luke Johnson, Ethan Scout, Owen West, Beckett Shaw, and Sam Miller, along with their leaders, started their adventure with lunch at Fat Paddy’s in Huntington, West Virginia. They then traveled to the Summit Bechtel Scout Reservation for an exciting Saturday night.

Summit Bechtel Scout Reservation, located in the mountains of West Virginia, offers a wide range of outdoor activities and programs for scouts. The scouts stayed in Base Camp Pigott, which features dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds and private restrooms. They also had access to a gathering room with a television, tables, and chairs for relaxation and bonding. Summit Bechtel Reserve is a world-class scouting facility that spans over 14,000 acres and is home to the National Scout Jamboree. It offers a wide range of outdoor adventures beyond skiing, including rock climbing, skateboarding, BMX, zip lining, and whitewater rafting. The reserve also features state-of-the-art sustainability features and promotes conservation efforts.

The next day, the scouts went to Winterplace Ski Resort, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. The resort offers a variety of slopes, from beginner-friendly bunny hills to challenging black diamonds. Winterplace is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse terrain, featuring 27 slopes, nine lifts, and a terrain park. It also offers snow tubing, night skiing, and a variety of dining options. Winterplace is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The scouts took advantage of the comprehensive ski package, which included lift tickets, ski rentals, helmet rentals, and group lessons.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the scouts worked on their Winter Sports merit badge. Led by instructor Ed Henry, they learned about various winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, and practiced their skills on the slopes.

To earn the Winter Sports merit badge, Scouts must demonstrate knowledge and skills in various winter sports. Some of the requirements include:  

  • Understanding the risks and safety precautions associated with winter sports. This includes knowing how to dress appropriately for cold weather, how to identify and avoid hazards on the slopes, and how to respond in case of an emergency.  
  • Demonstrating proficiency in a chosen winter sport. This could be skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Scouts must show that they can safely and effectively perform basic techniques and maneuvers in their chosen sport.  
  • Learning about the history and development of winter sports. Scouts should be familiar with the origins of different winter sports, how they have evolved over time, and their cultural significance.  
  • Understanding the environmental impact of winter sports. Scouts should be aware of the potential impact of winter sports on the environment and how to minimize their footprint. This includes practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting wildlife.  

By fulfilling these requirements, Scouts gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for winter sports while developing valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied in various aspects of their lives.

The scout leaders also joined the fun, showcasing their skiing skills and encouraging the scouts. The event was a success, with the scouts returning home with new skills, lasting memories, and a deeper appreciation for winter.

Beckett Shaw
Sam Miller
Ethan Scott & Owen West
Luke Johnson
Mikki Johnson
Owen West
Mikki Johnson
Myra and Jeff Miller
Jason McDonald & Ethan Scott
Megan Shaw

More Photos to come!

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Troop 63 Christmas Party!

Join us for a jolly good time at our Troop 63 Christmas Party!

When: Saturday, December 8th, 2024 Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Where: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 311 High Street, Paris (basement entrance)

Get ready for some festive fun with:

  • Games: We’ll have plenty of holiday-themed games to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!
  • Gifts: Bring a wrapped gift for our gift exchange! (Optional)
  • Good Eats: Enjoy delicious Christmas treats and snacks.

It’s going to be a great time to celebrate the holidays with your fellow Scouts!

Don’t miss out!

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Troop 63 Celebrates Scoutsgiving at Camp Friedlander

Troop 63 braved the chilly November weather and spent the weekend of November 15-17 at Camp Friedlander celebrating Scoutsgiving. Nestled in the hills of Clermont County, Ohio, Camp Friedlander is a sprawling Scout camp with a rich history dating back to 1919. Attending the Scoutsgiving weekend were Owen West, Luke Johnson, Beckett Shaw, Ethan Scott, Sam Miller, and new scouts Ryan Wood and Noah Fitch.

Scoutsgiving is a special tradition where Scouts gather together to give thanks for the blessings in their lives and celebrate the spirit of Scouting. It’s a time for fellowship, fun, and delicious food, all while embracing the values of kindness and community that are at the heart of Scouting.

On Saturday, the troop took a trip to the Cincinnati Museum Center to watch the epic dinosaur film T-Rex at the Omnimax. This immersive film experience takes viewers back in time to the Cretaceous period, where they come face-to-face with the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex and other prehistoric creatures. With stunning visuals and cutting-edge CGI, T-Rex brings these ancient giants to life on the giant screen.

Back at camp, the Scouts had a blast with a scavenger hunt around the grounds, exploring the campsites, the climbing tower, and the shores of the lake. As the sun began to set, everyone gathered for a delicious Scoutsgiving dinner of fried turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.

It was a fun-filled weekend for all, and the troop is already looking forward to next year’s Scoutsgiving celebration!

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Troop 63 Celebrates New Star and Life Scouts

Congratulations to Max Hawkins on achieving the rank of Star Scout, and to Ethan Scott on achieving the rank of Life Scout! These young men have demonstrated dedication and perseverance in their Scouting journeys, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.

Star Scout

The Star Scout rank is the fifth rank in the Scouts BSA program. To achieve this rank, a Scout must:

  • Be active in their troop and patrol for at least three months as a First Class Scout.
  • Demonstrate Scout spirit by living by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Earn a total of six merit badges, including any four from a list of ten Eagle-required merit badges.
  • Serve in a position of responsibility within their troop.
  • Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
  • Complete a board of review.

Max has shown exemplary leadership and commitment to Scouting, and we are excited to see what he accomplishes next.

Life Scout

The Life Scout rank is the sixth rank in the Scouts BSA program and the second highest rank achievable before Eagle Scout. To achieve this rank, a Scout must:

  • Be active in their troop and patrol for at least six months as a Star Scout.
  • Demonstrate Scout spirit by living by the Scout Oath and Law.
  • Earn a total of 11 merit badges, including any three more from a list of ten Eagle-required merit badges.
  • Serve in a position of responsibility within their troop.
  • Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
  • Complete a board of review.

Ethan has consistently shown himself to be a responsible and dedicated Scout, and we are confident that he will continue to excel in his Scouting career.

Congratulations, Max and Ethan!

We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you continue to grow and develop as Scouts. Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all.

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Troop 63 Holds First Court of Honor!

Troop 63 recently held its first Court of Honor, a special ceremony where Scouts are recognized for their achievements in Scouting. It’s a time to celebrate hard work, dedication, and progress! During the Court of Honor, Scouts receive rank advancements, merit badges, and other special awards.

Rank Advancements

  • Ethan Scott: Achieved the Star Scout rank, a significant step towards Eagle Scout. This rank requires leadership, service, and outdoor skills.
  • Owen West: Earned the Scout rank, marking the beginning of his journey in Scouting and showing his commitment to the Scout Oath and Law.

Merit Badges Awarded

  • Beckett Shaw: First Aid
  • Ethan Scott: Citizenship in Society, Communication, Cycling, Forestry, Search and Rescue
  • Luke Johnson: Cycling, Farm Mechanics, Fire Safety, Personal Fitness
  • Maxwell Hawkins: Cooking, Cycling, Sustainability, Swimming
  • Owen West: Cycling, Farm Mechanics, Fire Safety, Search and Rescue

Special Awards

  • Sam Miller: Received the Den Chief Award Cord, recognizing his leadership and service in guiding younger Cub Scouts.
  • Owen West: Earned the Totin’ Chip Emblem, demonstrating his safe and responsible use of bladed tools.

A Generous Gift from the Kiwanis Club of Paris

Troop 63 was honored to receive a generous gift of $500 from the Kiwanis Club of Paris, presented by Pat Lairson Phipps. This incredible support will be instrumental in helping Troop 63 grow and thrive, providing valuable resources for future adventures and activities. The troop expresses its sincere gratitude to the Kiwanis Club for their commitment to Scouting and their investment in the young people of our community.

Food, Fellowship, and Fun!

Following the ceremony, Scouts, parents, and attendees enjoyed delicious food and fantastic fellowship. Everyone had a great time sharing stories and discussing all the adventures that led to this special Court of Honor. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Scouts’ achievements and strengthen the bonds within the Troop 63 family.

Congratulations to all the Scouts of Troop 63 on their accomplishments! This Court of Honor was a fantastic way to celebrate their dedication and progress. We look forward to seeing what they achieve in the future!

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Troop 63 Conquers Search and Rescue Camporee (and Chilly Indiana Nights)!

Troop 63 faced a true test of their Scout spirit at the Crossroads of America Council Monon District Fall Camporee in Bloomington, Indiana! From Friday, October 18th to Sunday, October 20th, Luke Johnson, Owen West, Ethan Scott, and Sam Miller tackled Search and Rescue training while enduring some chilly Indiana nights. The days were beautiful, with temperatures in the 70s, but as soon as the sun went down, the mercury plummeted to a frosty 37°F! 🥶

But did that stop our Scouts? Absolutely not! They bundled up in their warmest layers and showed those chilly temps who was boss. 💪 And in the end, they emerged victorious, earning their Search and Rescue merit badge!

Here’s how they conquered the challenge:

Requirement 1: Be Prepared for Anything!

This means understanding the hazards you might face during search and rescue, and boy, did they experience that firsthand! From chilly weather to difficult terrain and the potential for wild animal encounters, our Scouts learned how to prevent problems, stay safe, and handle emergencies like snakebites, dehydration, and shock.

Requirement 2: Don’t Get Lost Yourself!

This requirement focused on wilderness survival skills. The Scouts learned how to use a map and compass, signal for help, find and purify water, and build a survival shelter (which probably came in handy during those cold nights!). They also practiced essential skills like fire building and first aid.

Requirement 3: Gear Up!

Our Scouts had to learn about the essential equipment used in search and rescue, from basic first aid kits and signaling devices to specialized gear like GPS units, radios, and even search dog equipment. They learned how to pack and maintain their gear for any situation, including cold weather!

Requirement 4: Know Your Knots!

Knot-tying is crucial for search and rescue! The Scouts demonstrated their ability to tie knots like the square knot, bowline, clove hitch, and timber hitch, which are used for everything from securing ropes to building shelters.

Requirement 5: Incident Command System

Our Scouts got an introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS), which is used to manage emergencies effectively. They learned about the different roles and responsibilities within ICS and how it helps organize search and rescue efforts.

Requirement 6: Search and Rescue Teams

The Scouts explored the different types of search and rescue teams, like ground searchers, canine units, mounted searchers, and even dive teams. They learned about the unique skills and equipment each team uses.

Requirement 7: Wilderness, Urban, and Water Rescue

Search and rescue can happen anywhere! Our Scouts learned about the differences between searching for someone lost in the wilderness, a city, or a body of water. Each environment presents unique challenges and requires specific techniques.

Requirement 8: Plan a Search!

This involved putting their knowledge to the test! The Scouts worked through a hypothetical search and rescue scenario, creating an Incident Action Plan and discussing how factors like the missing person’s age and behavior would affect their search strategy.

Requirement 9: Hasty Search

Our Scouts planned and carried out a practice search, putting their clue awareness, evidence preservation, and tracking skills to the test. They learned how to conduct a “hasty search,” which is a rapid initial search for a missing person.

Requirement 10: Career Opportunities

Finally, the Scouts explored different career paths in search and rescue, learning about the education, training, and experience needed to become a professional or volunteer in this field.

We learned from the best, with demonstrations from:

  • Rescue helicopters 🚁
  • Search canines 🐕
  • Search drones 🛰️
  • The National Guard

And even with the cold nights, our Scouts had a blast at the National Jamboree-style camp bash Saturday night! 🎶🎉

To top it all off, Troop 63 ended their adventure Sunday morning with a hearty, hot breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Nothing like some pancakes and bacon after a weekend of camping and conquering challenges! 🥞🥓

We were also super impressed with the Ransburg Scout Reservation! Their facilities were top-notch – everything was updated and clean, and the Scout grounds were amazing. It was the perfect setting for a weekend of adventure!

A big shout-out to Troop 109, Troop 1090, and Crew 1109 of Fishers, Indiana for putting on such a memorable event!

Check out the photos from our adventure!

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Troop 63 Tackles 22 Miles on the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail!

This past weekend, Troop 63 embarked on a grueling 22-mile cycling adventure to earn their cycling merit badge! Scouts Luke Johnson, Owen West, Sam Miller, Ethan Scott, and Max Hawkins took on the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail, a 9-mile path that follows the historic route of a 19th-century railway. To reach their goal, they extended their ride beyond the main trail to explore additional paths and rack up those miles!

This trail isn’t just a flat, easy ride though. It features some challenging hills and a gravel surface that requires focus and skill to navigate. Our scouts were up for the challenge, with most of them conquering the full 22 miles!

Unfortunately, Sam Miller had a bit of a wipeout during the first leg that slowed him down. We’re happy to report that he’s okay, just a little scraped up. It’s a good reminder that safety always comes first, and even experienced cyclists can encounter unexpected obstacles. But, showing true Scout spirit, Sam was back on the trail later that day to finish the remaining miles with his fellow scouts! Way to go, Sam!

The Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail is a beautiful ride, offering scenic views and glimpses into the area’s rich history. Along the way, the scouts encountered historic sites, interpretive waysides, and even some scenic overlooks. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Mammoth Cave National Park while getting some exercise and working towards a merit badge!

“Ok, so it was smooth in some parts, it’s up and down combinations of both, not too much up and not too much down.” – Max Hawkins, perfectly describing the varied terrain of the trail.

Congratulations to all the scouts who participated in this challenging and rewarding adventure! We’re proud of your perseverance and dedication.

In addition to working on their cycling merit badge, Sam and Max also took some time to work on their cooking merit badge. They stopped along the trail and prepared a delicious pot of soup over a small campfire.

This was a great way for them to practice their cooking skills and learn more about how to prepare meals on the go. They were able to use the natural resources of the trail to gather ingredients, and they enjoyed a hot and satisfying meal after their long ride.

This experience was a valuable one for Sam and Max, and it helped them to earn their cooking merit badge. For Luke, this challenging ride marked the completion of his final requirement for the prestigious Eagle Scout rank! Congratulations, Luke!

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Kentucky Scout Among 91 to Earn Nuclear Science Merit Badge at Florida Workshop

Samuel Miller, a member of Troop 63 in Paris, Kentucky, recently traveled to Florida to participate in a unique opportunity to earn the Nuclear Science merit badge. The workshop, hosted by the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) Radiochemistry Laboratory, provided scouts with hands-on experience in the field of nuclear science. This marked the fifth time AFTAC has hosted this event to help scouts explore the field of nuclear science.

The day-long event, held on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at AFTAC, Bldg 10989, Patrick SFB, was open to scouts. Miller was the only scout from outside of Florida to attend.

During the workshop, Miller and 90 other scouts learned about radiation, nuclear fission, and safety from top AFTAC scientists and engineers. They also had the opportunity to build their own cloud chamber to “see” radioactive particles and use instruments to measure radiation.

To earn the merit badge, Miller also had to complete other requirements, such as:

  • Explain the difference between radiation exposure and contamination.
  • Describe the hazards of radiation to humans, the environment, and wildlife.
  • Calculate his approximate annual radiation dose and compare it to that of someone who works in a nuclear power plant.
  • Explain the meaning of terms such as atom, nucleus, proton, neutron, electron, quark, isotope, alpha particle, beta particle, gamma ray, X-ray, ionization, radioactivity, radioisotope, and stability.
  • Construct 3-D models for the atoms of three isotopes of an element, showing neutrons, protons, and electrons.
  • Build an electroscope and show how it works.
  • Perform an experiment demonstrating half-life.
  • Discuss decay chains.
  • Using a radiation survey meter and a radioactive source, show how the counts per minute change as the source gets closer to or farther from the radiation detector.
  • Explain how time, distance, and shielding can reduce an individual’s radiation dose.
  • Make a drawing showing how nuclear fission happens.
  • Explain how a chain reaction could be started and stopped in a nuclear reactor.
  • Give an example of how energy from an atom can be used in nuclear medicine, environmental applications, industrial applications, space exploration, and radiation therapy.

Miller said that he was excited to learn about nuclear science and that the workshop was a great experience. He also said that he was proud to be the only scout from outside of Florida to attend.

The Nuclear Science merit badge is one of the more difficult merit badges to earn, but Miller’s hard work and dedication paid off. He is now one of the few scouts in the country to have earned this prestigious award.

Miller’s accomplishment is a testament to his hard work and dedication. It is also a reminder that there are many opportunities available to scouts who are willing to put in the effort.

Troop 63 would like to remind all scouts to look for outstanding opportunities for merit badges and events. An excellent resource is the Scouts BSA Merit Badge Opportunities group on Facebook.

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More Treasures, More Savings: Yard Sale Round 2!

Wow! What a day!

Despite the rain from Hurricane Helena, our Yard Sale Fundraiser today was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who braved the weather and came out to support Troop 63. We raised over $400 that will directly benefit our Scouts!

These funds will help cover the cost of Scouting activities, like:

  • Summer Camp: A week of fun and adventure costs about $450 per Scout.
  • Gear: Backpacks, tents, hiking boots, and other essential equipment can be expensive.
  • Leadership Training: We believe in investing in our Scouts’ future by providing them with opportunities to develop their leadership skills.

But wait, there’s more!

Due to the rain, we’ve decided to hold another Yard Sale next Saturday, October 5th, from 8 AM to 1 PM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. We’ll have even more items for sale, so be sure to stop by!

Thank you again for your incredible support!

#Troop63 #YardSale #Fundraiser #SupportLocalScouts #RainOrShine

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