ILST, which stands for Introduction for Leadership Skills for Troops, is one of the troops many yearly events in which young scouts get the chance to learn the basics of fulfilling their role in the troop. With senior scouts as their instructors, scouts learn about communication, planning events, leadership, and teamwork. But ILST isn't just a long lecture. The troop also takes this opportunity to celebrate the past year's events with a big feast prepared by hardworking parents and videos to reminisce on our most memorable moments.
The CNY Celebration is an annual day event held during troop meetings. Scouts were graced by the beauty of Chinese dance and Chinese zither, from graceful movements to soothing rhythms, and enjoyed a humorous Chinese crosstalk performance, all done by guests invited by the troop. Next, they were tested on their wit by solving riddles in the Lantern Riddle competition, and their creativity by making Chinese knots and paper cutting. To top it off, everyone attending had the opportunity to consume delicious food and drinks, and receive a lucky red envelope from the Scoutmaster!
Bearpaw is an annual snow camping event. Armed with heavy snow jackets, little snow shovels, and plenty of hand-warmers, scouts set off into the forest to create a structure to shelter them overnight. To say snow was plentiful this year is an understatement--the benches that were supposedly at our campsite were nowhere to be seen, covered by a dozen feet of snow!
The Seabase High Adventure was "low adventure" according to the scouts that attended, a stark contrast to the grueling adventure they expected. Lying idly on hammocks, happily fishing on motorboats, snorkeling in the coral reefs, and visiting the infamous Key West, the scouts wonder if they accidentally had booked a vacation.
This quarter (2023 Q1) we celebrate the advancement of four scouts to Tenderfoot, one scout to Second Class, one scout to First Class, and four scouts to Star. Two patrols earned the NHP award and the scoutmaster presented the Messenger of Peace award to one scout.