10/13/25 Weekly Update

Fall Break Some schools had Fall Break last week, while others have it this week. The Troop will still meet both weeks. Popcorn Booth Scouts expressed interest in an opportunity to sell popcorn at a booth. We’ve scheduled a booth for Lowe’s in Collierville on October 17th from 4-8pm. Please sign up through the Trails…

Fall Break

Some schools had Fall Break last week, while others have it this week. The Troop will still meet both weeks.

Popcorn Booth

Scouts expressed interest in an opportunity to sell popcorn at a booth. We’ve scheduled a booth for Lowe’s in Collierville on October 17th from 4-8pm. Please sign up through the Trails End App. Currently, only one Scout is signed up. Without enough sign-ups, we will not have a successful sale!

PLC Elections

If you are interested in running for Senior Patrol Leader or Patrol Leader, you will need to submit the attached application before the PLC Election on 10/21. Review the Job Descriptions on the Troop’s website.

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 Opportunities

Friends of the NRA is requesting Scouts for a Color Guard for their event on October 30th at 5:30. If you are available, please contact John Campbell.

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. Please contact Mrs. Utterback.

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 $80 for youth and $50 for adults because the Troop Committee is subsidizing part of the expense. Merit Badge offerings can be found in the Leader Guide. If you are interested in attending, let me know which Merit Badges you’d like to sign up for and a couple alternates.

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

10/14 – 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

Merit Badge Opportunities

Bird Study Merit Badge November 1, 9am-Noon, $26, Arkabutla Trails
Plant Science Merit Bage November 15 8am-Noon, Free, SiteOne Landscape Supply

Merit Badge Spotlight — Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity

We are repeating the double Merit Badge Spotlight from last week since these are totally new Merit Badges. They were just released a few weeks back – 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