Troop 1 Katonah, New York

Dr. William H. Smith (known simply as “Doc” to his friends) was Scoutmaster of Katonah Troop 1 for more than fifty years, serving the youth of our community and providing endless life instruction with a good dose of humor. As we continue to sort through Doc’s vast collection accumulated over a lifetime of Scouting adventures, we have discovered this special report on the very first canoe trip to Maine in 1954! It sounds like the first trip was truly an adventure, and we learn where certain traditions came from (like going to the movies in North Conway). We present Doc’s report in the only way we can… in the colorful descriptive tone of his own words! –Otto Vondrak, ASM “Friday the 13th dawned bright and clear, perhaps if would be more correct to say, really dawned. This was an important day for Boy Scout members of Troop No. 1, Katonah, since it was the first time in the history of this troop that we have really tried a camping expedition. I had been toying with the idea during the wi...

Katonah Troop 1 particpated in the Combined Manitoga-Muscoot Fall Camporee held at Durland Scout Reservation at Clear Lake on October 23-25. The weather was rainy (heavy at times), but our three patrols managed to get through all five stations (First Aid, Map Reading, Cooking, Signal Flags, and Pioneering) with flying colors! Katonah shared top honors with Ossining Troop 49 from Manitoga District, who, coincidentally, were our neighbors for the weekend. More details to follow!

Please come to the October 8 meeting with your pack fully packed in preparation for our October 10 camping trip to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. If you have questions about gear or are missing something, please talk to your Patrol Leader. RECCOMMENDED PERSONAL GEAR: Personal medications/allergy treatments (if required) Personal First Aid Kit Approved pocket knife or multi-tool Matches, approved fire starters – NO LIQUID FUELS! Compass, or GPS if you want to be fancy about it Flashlight or lantern with fresh batteries Raingear and weather appropriate clothing Canteen/Nalgene bottle of water (no bottles of soda) Mess Kit – plate, knife, fork, spoon, cup Sleeping bag, sleeping pad or air mattress Toilet Kit including soap, toothbrush and toothpaste Deep woods repellent for Deer Ticks 2 or 3 garbage bags for waterproofing and carrying trash Backpack for day activities Complete change of clothes including fresh socks and underwear Work gloves or gardening gloves Proper footgear – SNEAKERS A...