Scouts BSA Troop 355

08/18/2024

Kids who are Scouts grow into versatile adults.

02/23/2024

The early bird gets the face full of spiderwebs. Sleep in.

Take a hike. National parks offer many opportunities to hit the trail. Bring a friend. Maybe a tall friend, just saying.

Learn more about trails and hiking in parks at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/trails/index.htm

02/07/2024

One day you’ll find someone obsessed with you. It’s probably going to be a squirrel. 🐿️

Nuts. Most squirrels are not the obsessive type. Some can even be friendly if they’ve learned that people will give them tasty snacks. Same. That can be a problem. Squirrels that are invited to join the party can become dependent on human food and be relentless (almost Nandor-like) in their pursuit of it. They may lose their natural fear of humans and the ability to forage for natural foods. Although it may be tempting to reward a cute squirrel for a spot-on impression of Oliver Twist asking for more, please sir, be a true friend of wildlife and keep your food scraps to yourself.

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/idkt_feedingwildlife.htm

Image: Screenshot of a National Park Service tweet that reads, “One day you’ll find someone obsessed with you. It’s probably going to be a squirrel.”

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas to all!

12/25/2023

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the park; Many creatures were stirring, even a moose, (meece?) umm, moose;

Some pinecones were hanging from a tree with care, As a family of deer soon would be there (to eat the pinecones, obviously);

The marmots were nestled all snug in their burrows, while visions of Alan (or Steve) danced in their heads; AAALLLANN!!! And Mamma bear in her den, with two cubs nearby, had just settled down for a long winter’s nap. (You’re gonna have to hold it, kiddo.)

When out on the trail there arose such a clatter as the bears sprang from their sleep in hopes of a holiday dinner platter. Away to the window (bear dens can have windows, it was in their budget), they flew like a flash, soaring like the salmon and landing with a splash.

The moon reflected on fallen snow that gave the luster of mid-day to sleep-deprived bears below, When, what to the bear’s wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, err caribou. (Size is relative to the bear’s vision and how much the moon is reflecting against the snow. Also, the bears are more likely to see caribou in these parts. Science. Please do not question our geography.)

With a jolly park ranger, so lively and fast, the bears thought for a moment, “I thought had passed.” More rapid than eagles (most likely a hawk playing an eagle) as coursers they came, And he pointed, and shouted (shhhh!), and called them by name (the caribou, not the bears);

“Now, Sequoia! now, Rocky! Now, Boulders and Moose Jaw! On, Redwood! On Hoodoo! On, Parkie, and Terry!

Up to the hilltop, the caribou flew (like fast, not through the air.) With the sleigh full of brochures, and that park ranger too—Down the hill, they came with a leap and a bound. Dressed all in green, the hat brim so round,

The ranger spoke not a word, but went straight to the chore, Refilling the brochure case; before turning to the door, Another task done as the year comes to a close, And giving a slight nod, up the hill they rose;

But the bears heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight,

GO BACK TO BED, and to all a good night!

📸: Full moon over Denali National Park and Preserve. NPS/Karnes

11/08/2023

DID YOU KNOW??

TWRA offers a free youth license!

Resident Youth 13-15 qualify for a free license. License Applications will be processed on Friday of each Week. You will be notified via email if you have been approved to receive a free license, including steps to redeem the free youth license. If you have any questions, please call 615-781-6502.

10/13/2023

Survival skills are important!

Tis the season. Stay safe and follow these simple rules to make the most of your park visit!

#1 Never ask “If not friend, why friend shaped?”

#2 Never split up. Always stick with slower friends until you need to...umm until you’re safe.

#3 Make sure your car is in working order. What do you mean you dropped the keys?

#4 He’s not that cute. Resist the urge to pet wildlife.

#5 Don’t feed the squirrels after midnight. Don’t feed them anytime.

#6 Wear comfortable shoes.

#7 Watch where you’re running. Tree roots care for no one.

#8 Don't poke things with sticks.

#9 Be wary of a faster friend saying, “let’s split up.”
#10 Keep your pants on. Because it’s cold.

#11 Check the forecast. “Thunderbolt and lightning – very, very frightening”

#12 Have fun! Not too much fun. You know, moderation.

#13 It’s behind you.

10/05/2023

All of our Scouts learn basic orienteering!

Maybe not

09/20/2023

https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2023/08/31/eagle-scout-battling-for-playing-time-on-one-of-college-footballs-best-teams/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer09202023&utm_medium=email&utm_content=B

Scouting still plays a big role in the life of Eagle Scout Addison Nichols, a college football player at the University of Tennessee.