Troop 1 Katonah, New York

Our Winter Court of Honor will be held this Thursday at 7:30 in the Cafeteria at Katonah Elementary School. All parents, family, and friends of Scouts are invited to attend as we award several of our Troop members with rank advancement. Our Scouts have worked hard this year, so please come out and support them! Light refreshments will be served immediately afterwards. Also, John Albert has produced a gray sweatshirt hoody with our troop name and logo embroidered and silkscreened on it. Great for outdoor troop events such as the Camporees, the Klondike, trips to West Point etc. They will be available for sale after the conclusion of the Court of Honor. Full zipper front.Sizes available are XL Youth, Men's Sm, Med, Large, XL, XXL & XXXL. The cost is $35 per hoody. Cash or please make checks payable to Troop 1 Katonah BSA .

The December 1 meeting was held at St. Mary's School. Photos by Otto M. Vondrak. Sean is the Patrol Leader of the Mad Monkeys... He does look a little crazed, doesn't he? Their patrol flag proudly displays their first place ribbon earned at the 2011 Muscoot District Fall Camporee! Our other patrol, the Swamp Chickens, placed second. Way to go!! Mr. Albert brought in a surprise guest to talk about the trading markets and how it relates to your personal finances. Mr. Winthers took a few minutes to talk about cold weather clothing and accessories that will make you comfortable when hiking and camping during the winter months.

At approximately 8:30 AM, November 19 th , Katonah Troop 1 yet again traveled to a marvelous land site. Deciding to hold a day trip rather than a campout, Katonah Troop 1 decided to pay a visit to West Point; a historical land site in the revolutionary war and as well as one of the most famous Universities in modern and past U.S. The drive took about and hour before the troop arrived at West Point. As soon as they arrived, Hank Thorn, the troop scoutmaster, checked every scout in for a bus ride and tour around West Point. Having some spare time, the troop decided to quickly observe the museum. Within the museum, West Point has some spectacular items such as antique World War II uniforms and gun models to muskets to the very own personal pistol of Adolf Hitler. The museum as well had large items such as a World War I tank as well as a model of the Atomic bomb “Fat Man”. After browsing, the bus arrived and the troop began the tour. First, the tour guide brought us to one of three chapels...

Troop 1 will be visiting the museum at West Point. Leaving from KES at 8:30 a.m. You will need to wear your full Scout uniform. Bring a bag lunch (no glass bottles). Also bring a winter coat, and optional spending money for the gift shop. Contact Asst. Scoutmaster Dennis Winthers: 232-3733

Hi Scouts and families, On 11/19 , Saturday, the troop is taking a day trip to West Point. We have to know by tomorrow (Friday) before 6pm if you want to go. We will be touring West Point and we need to reserve a bus for the tour. Please call Kyle Winthers at 232-3733 tomorrow before 6 to let him know how many will be going. I know this will be an exciting trip so please plan to attend and be sure to call Kyle before 6 and let him know whether or not you plan to go.

Katonah Troop 1 welcomed Nick Kristensen as the newest Eagle Scout to enter our ranks on Sunday, November 6, at a small ceremony at St. Mary's School. Aside from fellow Scouts, parents, and family, several local representatives were in attendance as well. Here are some photos from the event. Elias and Harry read a condensed version of our Troop history to open the ceremony. Visiting dignitaries and representatives at the Eagle Court of Honor. From left to right, Father Paul Wadell, State Assemblyman Robert Castelli, Westchester County Legislator Peter Harkman, Bedford Town Supervisor Lee Roberts, and an Assistant to State Senator Ball. Congresswoman Nan Hayworth paid a brief visit and offered congratulations to Nick and his family on his achievement. Nick thanks everyone in the audience, and explains what he did for his Eagle Project Scoutmaster Hank Tschorn says a few words of thanks and congratulations... Left to right: Eagle Scout Kyle Winthers, Scoutmaster Hank Tschorn, an...

On the 21st of October, at approximately at 4:30 PM, troop drove to Cleak Lake at Durland Scout Reservation for the Fall Camporee District Event. The camporee is an event where scout troops from all over the district come together twice a year in the fall and spring to compete against other Troops in various areas of Scouting skill. When the troop arrived at Clear Lake, they immediately set up camp and settled into their assigned campsite. Duty rosters were given, water was collected, and bagged dinners were eaten. At 10:30 PM, the troop went to sleep for the big event the next day. Sleep was easy and the troop woke up with plenty of energy and had made breakfast. The next day, all of the troops were called into a morning meeting to announce the start of the camporee. The pledge was said, the Scout Oath, and Law. Afterward the troops then set out on the competition. After completing our first station, our two patrols decided to proceed together from station to station. Some of the stat...

Since neither KES or St. Mary's School are open tonight, our regular meeting for November 3 has been cancelled. If you are free to help out tonight, we will be setting up for Chili Night at the Katonah Fire Department, starting around 7:00pm. Stop by and help out if you can!

Quite a busy night on Thursday! Many awards and congratulations were handed out at the Troop meeting at KES. Matt Bona was awarded his rank of Life Scout, just sneaking in under his 18th birthday. Sharing the occasion with Matt was his mother, who has been his big supporter throughout his Scouting career. At the other end of the spectrum, Jack K. and Joe S. were both awarded the rank of Scout, the first rank you can earn on the Trail to Eagle. As a special surprise for the troop, everyone was packed into cars for a short "Field Trip" to Carvel in Bedford Hills where everyone was treated to ice cream as thanks for taking First and Second Place at the Muscoot District Fall Camporee. Scoutmaster Hank's challenge to the troop: "Take first place at the Klondike Derby and I'll take you all out to dinner!" We are also planning a troop activity/campout to the museum at West Point Military Academy for Saturday, November 19. We are investigating options for overn...

Boy Scouts from Troop 1 Katonah visited with Cub Scouts from Pack 1 Katonah on Tuesday night to teach knots, introduce principles of "Leave No Trace" camping, and generally have fun! Photos by John Albert... After showing the Wolf Cubs how to do the bowline, Ryan tells the scouts "Now it's your turn!" Harry demonstrates some knots to Tiger Cubs. Peter shows the Wolfs his method of doing the Timber Hitch. Taylor and Charlie demonstrate the half hitch to the Bears. Billy showing the Tigers the Square Knot. "That's right, you just about have it..." Harry gives a quick introduction to the 7 principles of Leave No Trace . After demonstrating the bowline, Kyle watches the Webelos give it a try. After the pack & troop closed things out a wild game of dodge ball broke out. Visit Katonah Pack 1's web site!

Hello Scouts, Congratulations to all who attended the Fall Camporee last weekend! I'm very proud of each of you and coming in 1st and 2nd place was the icing on the cake! That is a Scoutmaster's pay day! Thank you all for your commitment to the troop: GREAT JOB! Remember to dry out your tents this week and bring them to Thursday night's meeting. Also a reminder to those of you who already volunteered to help with knot tying the Cub Scout meeting is tonight at KES at 7:00pm. KES would once again like some scout help at the Halloween Fair on Saturday starting at 11 am. I'll remind you at the meeting but you might like to make advance plans to attend. Have a good Tuesday! —Hank Tschorn, Scoutmaster

Our two patrols placed first and second at the 2011 Muscoot District Fall Camporee at Durland Scout Reservation this past weekend! Congratulations to all the Scouts who worked hard and gave their best effort! More photos and details to follow...

The 2011 Muscoot Fall Camporee "Galactic Training" will take place this weekend at Durland Scout Reservation at Clear Lake. Patrol Leaders should familiarize themselves with the event, and make sure they bring all of the required gear to participate. The event packet can be downloaded from the Council web site. The event has a Star Wars theme, and participants are encouraged to show up "in costume." The events will include First Aid, Emergency Shelter, Pioneering, GPS, Cooking, and Fishing . We will be leaving from KES on Friday afternoon at 4:30pm, and returning Sunday morning. Participation in this event is encouraged to ensure the success of the patrols! The troop functions best as a team, and when Scouts are missing, we cannot perform at our best. Early departures are discouraged, as it weakens the patrol, and then the remaining members must clean up and break camp with fewer people. As a reminder, Scouts will return Sunday morning, so there will be plenty o...

We will be departing from KES on Saturday, October 15, at 7:30am SHARP. Do not skip breakfast and bring a bag lunch to eat on the trail. It takes about two hours to get to the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead, which is located up in the Catskill Mountains near Hunter. After our hike, we will be car-camping at Colgate Lake . Expect our return to be sometime early Sunday afternoon. There are ways you can prepare for this hike the day before the trip. Loading up on carbs the night before will help you store the energy you'll need for Saturday's activities. A pasta dinner or chicken and rice are great ways to load up. Energy snacks for the trail will help you maintain energy levels, too. Avoid "energy bars" and granola bars, they tend to be made with processed fats and sugars that will slow you down. Instead, consider a trail mix made from dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries, etc), peanuts, walnuts, chocolate chips or Reese's pieces. Hydration is very important,...

More photos from our October 9 advernture to Catamount Zip Line in Hillsdale, New York! Photos by Alex Bacon.

On October 9, Troop 1 Katonah traveled to the Catamount Aerial Adventure Park up in Hillsdale, New York. Everyone had a great time climbing, swinging, and zipping! Photos by Dean Pappas This coming weekend is our annual Kaaterskill Falls Hike and Campout . Call your patrol leader and make sure he knows you will be attending.

We'll be leaving from KES on Sunday, October 9, at 7:30am SHARP! We'll be on the ropes course for at least three hours, so plan on having lunch up there (pack your own lunch or bring some money to buy lunch up there). Wear comfortable clothing that permits free movement, but should be close fitting and NOT have loose ends that could get caught in ropes course and ziplining equipment. We should return to KES around 4:30pm. The cost is $44.00 per person, please bring cash or check to reimburse Chris Kristensen for the cost of our reservation. See you Sunday!

As of this morning, we have 12 reservations for the Catamount Zip Line on October 9. It would be great to get at least three more to qualify for the group discount. We'll also need drivers to help bring Scouts to this activity, located in Hillsdale, New York (about an hour-and-a-half leisurely drive up Route 22). Please contact ASM Chris Kristensen for more details. Patrols should be planning for the Kaaterskill Falls Hike and Campout for October 15-16, as well as the Muscoot Fall Camporee for October 21-23. This Thursday's troop meeting will be held at Katonah Elementary School. See you there!

The September 29 meeting took place at St. Mary's School. Congratulations to our newest Order of the Arrow members, Ian F., Greg C., Billy P., and Ryan K.! They completed their ordeal at Durland Scout Reservation and are now members of Ktemaque Lodge 15 . The OA is the service organization for the Boy Scouts, helping to maintain our many camps and other properties. Thanks also to Nick K., Daniel E., Sean B., Kyle W., and Peter Baron for helping out with the Katonah-Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corp. chicken BBQ fundraiser. KBHVAC sold more than 480 chicken dinners! A donation was also made to Neighbors Link of Mt. Kisco. Thanks to the Scouts for their help during the event! Harry A. went over the principles of Leave No Trace. We did a backpack review in preparation for the upcoming campout. Hank reviewed map and compass skills with the Scouts. We need Scouts to come help sell popcorn in front of the Wooden Nickel Deli on Saturday, October 1. We need help from 9:00...