TROOP NEWS

After spending 15 hours speeding down the slopes and rekindling his skiing skills, Nathan Kaley didn’t want his troop’s weekend ski trip to end. But the schedule and his body said otherwise. “I wish school was off so we could go another day, but I was tired,” the 12-year-old First Class Scout says. “If tiredness did not exist, I’d go for five more days.” Still, two days proved to be plenty of time to work on a merit badge, learn some techniques and create great memories. NEW YEAR, NEW TRIP Every year, Troop 1 of Colorado Springs, Colorado, goes skiing…

Whether you’re spelunking, digging through your pack at night or walking around camp after sundown, you need a good light. It’s one of the Scout Basic Essentials for outdoor adventures. A flashlight or headlamp can help keep you safe while exploring in the dark, serve as an emergency signal or provide a little illumination on a good book before bed. Let’s shine some light on which headlamp of flashlight to consider before buying. Sleek and simple, the MINI MAGLITE PRO LED ($30, maglite.com) fits perfectly in your hand, and — thanks to its aluminum exterior — if it slips, it…

You might have heard that you can lose at least half your body heat through your head. Well, that’s a myth. It’s closer to about 10% if your head isn’t covered. Still, that heat loss can leave you chilly, so it’s important to keep your noggin insulated. Here are some options: Stocking hat. These hats, often made of wool or fleece, will keep your head warm even if the hat becomes damp. Balaclava. This type of stocking hat covers more than the top of your head; it also extends over your neck, leaving only a small portion of your face…

Here’s what you’ll find inside the December 2022 issue of Scout Life magazine. Remember, many articles are only available to subscribers and are not available online. Please visit scoutlife.org/subscribe to subscribe to the print or digital editions of Scout Life magazine. DECEMBER 2022 FEATURES SNOW MUCH FUN! Councils offer tons of frosty adventures at winter camps. • Councils Offer Tons of Frosty Adventures at Winter Camps GEAR GUY: LIGHT IT UP With these flashlights and headlamps, you don’t have to stay in the dark. • How to Buy a Great Headlamp or Flashlight GOT A (FROST) BITE? Fishing is challenging.…

Check out our fun photos of weird and unusual headlamps and flashlights. Each one is both a fun and effective way to light up your Scout outing. Transformers: This cute flashlight transforms into a lantern with feet that act like a tripod. Tripod Lamp: The bendable legs on this lamp can be twisted into any shape to hang or mount the light on most surfaces. Stocking Cap Lights: A wearable headlamp can keep your head warm while it lights up the area. Magnetic Mounts This light is studded with magnets to mount it on metal surfaces. Flashlight Gloves: Embedding LED…

Councils across the country put on winter camps, but if you want a good chance of playing in the snow, you’ll have to head north. Many camps have organized winter programs. Sometimes, though, finding your own fun creates an unforgettable adventure. That’s what the Scouts in Troop 60 of Geneva, Illinois, discovered when they went to Crystal Lake Scout Reservation in Wisconsin. “The goal going up there was to have a good time, but we didn’t know how we were going to do that,” says Life Scout Quinn Bobeczko, 17. “We spent the whole day making a snow fort. It…

Here are six interesting facts about blizzards: 1. A blizzard is a storm that lasts at least three hours and produces a large amount of snow. 2. In the U.S., blizzards are most common in the upper Midwest and the Great Plains. 3. Most blizzards occur between December and February. 4. The Great Blizzard of 1888 is one of the most severe recorded blizzards in American history. It struck the East Coast March 11-14, producing snowdrifts of more than 50 feet. 5. The word “blizzard” was first used to describe a cannon shot. That changed in the 1870s when an…

Across a frozen expanse, Scouts huddle around small holes carved into the ice. Below their feet, fish swim sluggishly, occasionally nibbling at the bait dangling in the chilly water. “You have to sit there and wait,” says Sky Riggs, 12, a Tenderfoot Scout with boys Troop 218. “It feels like every bite is a massive accomplishment.” That’s the nature of fishing. It often requires patience, determination and a positive attitude. And when you’re fishing on a frozen lake, you need to call upon all those qualities — plus try to stay warm. ONTO THE ICE Boys and girls troops 218…

The holiday season is here! Celebrate with these sweet treats that you can make and decorate yourself. WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE SUGAR COOKIES 5 ½ cups flour 2 tablespoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup salted butter, softened 3 cups white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla Holiday-shaped cookie cutters Nonstick foil Large bowl 2 cookie sheets for baking Mixer Cooling rack Rolling pin Whisk Spatula WHAT YOU’LL DO TO MAKE SUGAR COOKIES STEP 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with foil. STEP 2. In a large bowl, add flour, baking soda…

Life Jackets are designed to keep you safe. These personal flotation devices (also called life vests or PFDs) are essential equipment whenever you’re on the water. It’s important that properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are worn by everyone engaged in boating activities. You can learn more about life jackets in the following three safety videos. LIFE JACKET SAFETY Life jacket types: The best life jacket is the one you’re wearing. There are various types of life jackets, so make sure your life jacket is appropriate for the aquatic activity you’re doing. You should also check the label to…