Fall Break
Some schools have Fall Break this week, while others have it next week. The Troop will still meet both weeks. We will be holding Camporee Sign-up this week. Email me if you plan to attend the Camporee but won’t make the meeting. Thanks.
National Jamboree
The National Scout Jamboree is the premier Scouting event; it is sure to be a memorable experience for all who participate, with memories to last a lifetime! If you are interested in attending the National Jamboree July 22-31, 2026, with the Council contingent, I’ve been told there are still openings. The cost will be $2550.
Service Opportunity
The Nashoba Carriage Show is looking for help from October 17-19. It benefits WarHorses for Heroes, a group that helps veterans dealing with PTSD with the love of horses.
They need people to set tennis balls back on cones and remeasure after being dislodged by the carriage/ horse; Open and close gates; and Transport judge’s papers from the ring to the office. Help is needed on Sunday morning to conduct safety checks for designated spots along a country drive in the woods next to the arena. Friday afternoon and evening. All day Saturday. Sunday until 1 pm. Meals are included if present for 5+ hours.
This would count toward any of the service hour rank requirements. This won’t be a Troop project, so individuals will handle their own transportation. Contact Mrs. Utterback (lmutterback252@gmail.com) along with a parent if you are interested.
Winter Camp (Kia Kima, Dec 27-30)
At the Court of Honor, a few of the Scouts expressed interest in going to Winter Camp. I will attend, but I’ll need a second registered adult to commit before registration opens on 10/6. The cost is $175 for youth and $100 for adults, but we’ll be asking the Troop Committee to subsidize part of the expense. Merit Badge offerings can be found in the Leader Guide.
Delta Area Merit Badge College (Delta State University, January 3, 2026)
If anyone is interested in attending the Delta Area Merit Badge College. Merit Badge offerings can be found in the Leader Guide.
Upcoming Events
- 10/7 – Troop Meeting – Camporee Sign-up. How to make Breakfast Burritos. Clean-up.
- 10/14 – Troop Meeting
- 10/21 – Troop Meeting – PLC Elections
- 10/23 – PLC Meeting – Outgoing and Incoming PLC members will plan the upcoming meetings.
- 10/24-26 – Eastern District Camporee.
- 12/27-30 – Winter Camp
- 1/3/26 – Delta Area MBC
Calendar Changes
I’ve been informed that the Eastern District Camporee scheduled for March 6–8, 2026, has been canceled. We’ve been encouraged to join the Wolf River/Thunderbird District’s Conqueror’s Reckoning Camporee on March 27–29. Check out this video. Otherwise, we’ll need to find a new campout for March.
Merit Badge Spotlight — Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
We have a double Merit Badge Spotlight this week. Two new Merit Badges were released last week – Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge introduces Scouts to the fundamentals of AI and automation through hands-on activities and real-world examples. Scouts learn key terms, explore how AI and automation are used in daily life, school, and work, and examine ethical concerns like bias and privacy. They also investigate deepfakes, practice communicating effectively with AI, and apply their knowledge through a project or teaching activity. Finally, Scouts explore career paths in AI by researching or interviewing professionals in the field. The requirements can be found at https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/artificial-intelligence/
Cybersecurity Merit Badge equips Scouts with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and protect the digital world. Scouts learn about online safety, ethical behavior, cyber threats, and how to defend against them using tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and strong passwords. They explore encryption, connected devices, and the risks of public Wi-Fi, while also practicing safe habits like updating software and backing up data. Through hands-on activities, Scouts investigate real-world cyber incidents, participate in cybersecurity challenges, and explore career opportunities in the field. The requirements can be found at https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/cybersecurity/
Troop 48 Germantown, TN 
Leave a comment