--Troop 83 News -- Google Group

1. 11-12 February Raccoon Mtn Spelunking (Caving) Trip
   We are preparing for the Raccoon Mountain Caverns Spelunking / Overnight Cave Trip. This Wild Cave trip is scheduled for 11-12 February. We will be leaving Huntsville shortly after lunch on Saturday, entering the cave Saturday night for a 4-hour tour, sleeping in the cave and then returning Sunday morning. Raccoon mountain is located near Chattanooga TN and the website is ([link]).
2. Reminder: Geocaching MB
   For those of you working on the Geocaching MB (or those who've indicated interest in the class), we will be meeting again tomorrow night (24 Jan) at 6:15pm. We will be reviewing requirement # 5 on the merit badge, so tomorrow's topic will be map reading skills and UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) mapping. There is a list of items to do / bring below. If you can't accomplish everything, that's ok - if you have a compass then bring it and a willingness to learn.
3. Possible Tall Ship Sea Base Slots Available this Summer
   A scoutmaster I know with Troop 444 in Littleton CO may have some open slots for their Sea Exploring (Keys Tall Ship) trip they have set up for July 26 thru August 2.
   The scout BSA trip info: [link]
   Cost for the trip is $14750 for the boat. Transportation to/from Islamorada (Lower Matecumbe Key) is additional. Crew size is 20 max, 18 min. Split 20 ways = $738, split 18 ways = $819. They currently have 17 committed, so may have 3 open slots.
4. Seabase 2013 Sign Ups Needed Now
   It is now time for us to apply for 2013 Seabase adventures. So far we are close to having enough interest for Coral Reef Sailing and the Scuba Adventure. This is the final request for scouts and adults to let us know you would like to go as we are now in the window to put in requests. We will be notified if we have adventures by March 1 and $100 deposit per person will be due.
5. No Camp Westmoreland Camping Trip 20-22 January
   Just wanted to make sure all are aware that we were not able to get enough participants for a camping trip this weekend.
   I certainly encourage all to participate in the Raccoon Mountain overnight trip 11-12 February. Request final signups for the Raccoon Mountain trip at next week's troop meeting.
   Scott
6. Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? Series to Debut on National Geographic Channel This Fall
   Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? Series to Debut on National Geographic Channel This Fall
   New Series From Original Productions Pits Adults Against Boy Scouts for a Variety of Challenges
   Irving, TEXAS (Jan. 17, 2012) - Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? It's the question being asked by a new unscripted series from Original Productions (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers) set to air this fall on the National Geographic Channel.
7. Personal fitness merit badge
   I saw one your scout leaders out running yesterday and it made me think about the scouts
   working on the personal fitness merit badge. Several of you still needed to finish your
   12-week fitness log. I will try to start attending the meeting again. I'm usually
   pretty tired in the evenings and have been lazy the past couple months. But I hope to
8. Pertinent Scout Information From the District
   FYI. These were put out by the district today. Good data on scholarships and the 2013 National Jamboree in West Virginia.
   

   2012 NESA SCHOLARHIP INFORMATION - Information on the 2012 National Eagle Scout Association scholarship program has been posted on the "Forms Library" section of the council website. Click here to learn more.<[link]>