Form the start of 2025 to the end we had so much fun from campouts, hikes, projects, ect. I had collect from leaders and scouts of what they like form the whole year. > Name: Caleb Lara > The Flags on The 48 is my first favorite because it is a time to view the nature of the get go’s of New England, you also get to really remember the people who died on the tragic 9/11 attacks. My second all time favorite is White Water rafting in a town people have never heard of but us. I l

By David Foote Edited by Talon Silvia When my son first crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, I honestly had no idea what to expect. He had only been in Cub Scouts for about a year and a half, and moving into Troop 161 was a completely different experience. At that time, Troop 161 looked very different than it does today. There were maybe a dozen boys total. Many of them were older Scouts, and while they had fun, there was also a lot of mischief. Some of the younger Sco

The New Year is a time when people think about what happened last year and what they want to do better in the next one. For Scouts, the New Year isn’t just about staying up late or watching fireworks — it’s about starting fresh and getting ready for new adventures. Thinking About Last Year When I look back on the past year in Scouting, I think about campouts, meetings, and the things I learned along the way. Some things were easy, like hanging out with friends, and some thin

Text by DAVID FOOTE Edited by TALON SILVIA

Christmas and New Year are some of the best times of the year! There are lights everywhere, people are happier, and Scouts get to help out in the community. But while the holidays are fun, they can also be busy—and sometimes accidents happen. That’s why first aid is super important for Scouts, especially during the Christmas season and going into the New Year. As a Scout, learning first aid isn’t just about earning a rank or merit badge. It’s about being ready to help someone

Being a Scout isn’t just about camping, knots, and uniforms — it’s also about becoming a stronger, kinder, more confident version of yourself. One of the best (and most underrated) ways to grow is simple: talking to other Scouts. Whether you’re around a campfire, at a meeting, or hiking a trail together, those conversations can actually make you a better person. Here’s how: --- 1. You Learn From Their Experiences Every Scout has a story — their first campout, a badge they st

Hey Scouts and friends! So, I’ve been thinking… What's the best gift a Scout could ever get? And honestly, it’s not always the shiny badges or fancy camping gear (though, don’t get me wrong, those are awesome ). The best gift is something that makes your Scout life better, more fun, or helps you help others. Here’s my list of the ultimate Scout gifts: 1. A New Pocketknife or Multi-Tool Every Scout needs one. Perfect for campouts, projects, or just showing off skills you learn

November 21–23 Scoutsgiving is one of the most meaningful weekends of the year. From November 21st to 23rd, Scouts came together to celebrate community, service, leadership, and thankfulness. It’s more than just a campout—it’s a reminder of why Scouting matters and how much stronger we are when we work together. The Spirit of Scoutsgiving This weekend blends traditions of Thanksgiving with the values of Scouting. It’s a time to look back at what we’re grateful for: our leade

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food—it’s one of the best times of the year to practice the Scout motto: Do a Good Turn Daily. Being at your family’s home for Thanksgiving dinner gives you the perfect chance to show responsibility, kindness, and leadership, even when no one asks you to. Here’s how you can make a big difference before, during, and after the celebration. --- 1. Helping Before the Meal: Preparing the Home Offer your help early When you arrive (or even the da

The Meaning of Thanksgiving for Scouts Thanksgiving is a time when families gather, communities come together, and everyone pauses to think about what they are grateful for. For Scouts, this holiday is especially meaningful. It connects directly to the Scout Oath and Scout Law—living with gratitude, serving others, and showing appreciation for what we have. In Scouting, we learn that being thankful isn’t something we do just once a year. It’s a mindset. Every campout, service

Located in the heart of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, Boy Scout Troop 161 continues to help young people grow into confident, capable leaders. Guided by Scoutmaster Kevin Scheer, Troop 161 offers a powerful blend of outdoor adventure, personal development, and community service that shapes Scouts for life. --- A Tradition of Leadership and Growth Leadership is more than a lesson at Troop 161—it’s a way of life. Scouts learn responsibility and teamwork by planning campouts, runn

"The following is a transcription of an interview with Jacob Powell, edited and arranged for clarity by Talon Silvia" My name is Jacob, and for my Eagle Scout Project, I chose to serve my local community through a renovation project at Faith Baptist Church in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Faith Church has a dedicated area used for children’s ministries such as Awana, Bible studies, and book clubs. However, over time, the space had become outdated and needed improvements to mak

By: David Foote (Mr.Foote) Edited by: Talon Silvia When people ask how my military experience relates to Scouting, I always say the biggest connection is service to others. In the military, it’s service to our country; on a smaller scale, it’s service to your fellow soldiers. Everyone is there to help each other with whatever is needed. Every single person, no matter their job, has one mission—to make the country a safer and better place to live. In Scouting, I see that same

November Nature Hikes: What to Look for Before Winter As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, November invites us to take one last lingering look at nature before winter’s quiet sets in. The forests may seem bare at first glance, but this in-between season is full of subtle beauty and fascinating discoveries — from lingering leaves and animal tracks to the perfect moments for nature journaling. Here’s what to look for (and bring along) on your late-autumn hikes befo

How to Safely Start a Fire and Cook Comforting Meals Outdoors. When the temperature drops and your breath turns to mist, few things bring comfort like the crackle and warmth of a well-built campfire. Whether you’re hiking through crisp autumn woods or setting up a winter campsite, knowing how to build and maintain a fire safely is an essential outdoor skill. Let’s walk through the basics — from fire-starting techniques to simple, hearty meals you can cook right over the flame

As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisp, Scouts know that winter adventures are right around the corner. Cold-weather camping, frosty hikes, and snowy service projects all bring their own set of challenges—and rewards. Before the first snowflake falls, take some time to sharpen your outdoor skills so you’re ready for whatever winter brings. Here are three scout-tested areas to focus on this season. --- 1. Knot Tying: The Backbone of Outdoor Skills When temperatures d

Here’s your full Campsgiving meal plan with clear ingredient quantities added for each recipe — perfect for Scouts cooking over a campfire or portable grill. --- Thanksgiving Foil Dinners Thanksgiving Turkey and Veggie Packets Serves: 1 (multiply as needed) Ingredients: 1 turkey breast slice or 1 ground turkey patty (about 6 oz) 1 small potato, diced (about ½ cup) 6–8 baby carrots, sliced in half ½ cup green beans, trimmed 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon butter

Here are someone Ideas for you to do for Holiday Service Food Drive/Clothes Drive a drive for coats, blankets, and warm socks to give to homeless shelters Toy Drive- a charity event that collects donated toys to be distributed as gifts to children in need Pet Supply Drive- Collect old towels, blankets, pet food, and toys for local animal shelters. Prepare care packages - packages containing a curated selection of useful and comforting items that have been pre-assembled for c

The merits badge that fit the fall season are numerous and varied, reflecting the rich tapestry of activities and skills that can be pursued during this vibrant time of year. As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, individuals can engage in a wide array of pursuits that not only celebrate the beauty of the season but also promote personal growth and community involvement. One popular merit badge that aligns perfectly with the fall season is the Gardening badge. Th

Today, our scout troop organized and participated in a meaningful food drive at Shaw’s, a local grocery store that generously allowed us to set up outside their entrance. The day began with a sense of anticipation as we gathered at the store, equipped with brightly colored signs and enthusiastic smiles, ready to engage with the community. Our mission was to ask shoppers to donate non-perishable food items to support families in need within our area. Initially, standing outsid