What’s Going On in Troop 555
Hohokam Pool - 06/25/08 Swim tests and pool party to celebrate Mr. Bache-Wiig’s 84
birthday and Marla’s 29? Birthday.
6:00pm to 9:00 pm.
Good luck and best wishes to Mitchell N. And family! - They are moving to Texas this
week. Hope you find a good troop Mitchell! Keep in-touch!
Gauntlet Photos Here - Every year we have the gauntlet and every year it gets better!
(See Photos here)
Alex M. Completes his Star Rank - Congrats Alex! Board members say it was a great
board!
The Salt River Whitewater Trip - Was fantastic! The weather cooperated and we had
a total of 36 scouts and adults atttend this trip! We will definately stay at this
campgroung again next year (if there is enough water).
Armando A. Successfully completed his Life Rank Board - Wednesday night, April
9th. Congratulations Armando. Looks like we have 7 Life scouts planning eagle projects
now!
Webelos Cross-Over Campout and Cub Graduation - April 5th. Pena Blanca Canyon.
This was a fantastic weekend! The weather was perfect and Dens from both Pack 555
and Pack 576 attended this graduation/cross-over campout! Triple-Nickel has nine
new scouts and 2 new adult leaders added to our ranks. Congratulations on you Arrow
of Light Awards and Welcome to 555: Nathanial B., Izak B. Izak U., Nicolas M.,
Mario M., Victor Manuel G., Sebastian A., Sebastian K., Sebastion L, Welcome
Assistant Scoutmasters Carlos B. and Horacio L. Great to have you aboard!
Manny V. Completes his Eagle Project - Manny had the commitment from 25 scouts
to help him at his Eagle Project this last weekend at Calabasis Cemetery. It was
a great project, but less than half of the scouts who committed actually came out
to help. Great Project Manny. Good Luck on your Eagle Board ! Update: Congratulations
Manny ! You are Troop 555’s newest Eagle Scout ! Great Board !
Troop 555 Hosted Pack 555 and Pack 576 and Santa Cruz District for the 2008 Pinewood
Derby - About 90 scouts ran their pinewood derby cars at the VFW on Saturday March
1. It was a great race and We ran the district run-off’s in the afternoon. We
sure could have used more Troop 555 scouts to help run this event. Thank you to
all T555 Scouts who did show-up! (Photos Here)
19th Annual Sunrise Ski Trip - Was a successful and fantastic trip this year ! Despite
blizzard conditions (40 MPH winds and over 20” of snow, Troop 555 scouts learned
to to handle the powder and had a great time. We got to ski for ½ day on Thursday,
all day Friday, all day and also night skiing on Saturday. It started to snow on
us Thursday night and didn’t stop until Saturday morning. The winter storm closed
most of the roads to Sunrise so the thousands of people who wanted to ski the holiday
weekend didn’t start arriving until late Saturday and this was great for us. Only
those scouts with advancement got to go on the trip.
Backpack Demo for Webelos Invitational - Here’s a chance to show-off what you know!
Webelos scouts from Packs 555 and 576 are invited to our meeting on Feb. 19. This
meeting will start early at 7:00 pm so scouts will have to arrive early (6:00) to
set-up.
Salt River Whitewater Trip - This year’s raft trip is promising to be one of the
best whitewater trips yet. There is greater than average snowfall in the White Mountains
and this means lots of run-off in the spring. Trip dates are Friday, Saturday and
Sunday - April 25, 26 and 27th. Total cost is $140.00 per person. Deposits are
needed now to hold your place. First 50 people who sign are going! More info by
clicking on the “Forms and Info” tab on the left side of the home page.
18th Annual Sunrise Ski Trip - Each scout needed an advancement to qualify his position.
We cut-off at 16 people and cancelled 8 rooms. This is the smallest group we
have taken in over 18 years but is going to be a great ski weekend!
Troop 555 Hosted Pack 576 at the Hidden Cave - Troop members took Cubs and Webelos
from Pack 576 to the Hidden Cave on Jan. 26. There were so many scouts who wanted
to see the cave that we had to divide into two groups. It was a great trip !
District Dinner - attendance by scouts who committed was dismal this year. Seems
like we have a problem that has to be addressed by the Senior Patrol.
First Meeting of 2008 - Will be on Tuesday, Jan. 8th. New Patrol formations and
advancement push will be on for the ski trip! Possible smaller trip to happen on
Jan. 19, 20, 21. See the scoutmaster for details.
Last Meeting of 2007 and Dinner - Location was held at Las Vigas Steak House at 7:00pm
Tuesday, Dec. 18th. Most Memorable Recipients include Charlie B,, Noe and Noe Sr.,
Luis M and Louie and “Louie”, Michael S., Victor M., Rene M. (Click Here for Photos)
Last Map and Compass Course of the Year - Was held for 6 scouts who successfully
completed the day-long course on Sunday, Dec. 9th. Boards of review to follow now
for ski trip qualification ! Great job guys !
Last Hidden Cave Trip - Triple Nickel sponsored Den 4 to the Hidden Cave on Satuday
for 16 parents and Bear Scouts. We provided the opportunity for these scouts to
get some real caving time in. Thanks MUCHO to those T555 Scouts and Scouters who
went along to help !
Hot Chocolate Fundraiser - We sold lots of chocolate Dec. 7th, but not as much as
last year due to the poor showing of scouts to help sell. All proceeds will be divided
up into individual scout accounts.
31st Annual Tumacacori Festival Service Project - 31-year Troop 555 Tradition! We
met at Tumacacori at 9:00 pm. Played “Kick-the-Can” until 2:00AM then performed
our service project. We had Breakfast in Nogales 8:00am the next morning at Zula’s
and then made it home for some much-deserved sleep ! (See pics by clicking here)
Brotherhood Ceremony at Double V - We had many candidates for Brotherhood this Nov.
30 and Dec. 1., but only six could attend. UPDATED: It was a very wet Ordeal Weekend.
Over 1 inch of rain and 25 MPH winds with many gusts to 50 MPH all night long. Most
of us stayed dry, and also got a lot of work done at the the Double V Scout Ranch.
Congrats to our newest Brotherhood members - Diego V., David G., Kenny L., Saul
K., Andrew U. Rene M. (Click Here for Photos)
Troop 555 Hosted Dan and Den 8 at Hidden Cave - Troop 555 Scouts took a total of
18 webelos and adults to Hidden Cave this last weekend. (Click Here for Photos)
Troop and Pack 555 Double V Campout was a GREAT SUCCESS !! - All Scouts, Webelos
and Cubs had a great time ! Weather was perfect and lots of Archery, and BB Gun
shoot-offs - topped-off with a great campfire hosted by the Scouts of Troop 555 and
M.c.’D by Pablo V was great. T555 scouts also paid for the weekend by helping to
Re-Roof one of the Ramadas at the Double-V. Thanks Mucho scouts. Last good turn
was done by planting “LOUIE” back where he should be. We will now have a troop mascot
everytime we go back to camp ! (Click Here for Photos - More photos available under
individual Den Photos in our “Cubs Corner”)
Aravaipa BP - This trip is limited to about 29 people. Please see your scoutmaster
for eligibility.
Happy November Birthdays to the following scouts: Adan G. Charles B. Armando
A. Jaime F. Michael S.
Brotherhood Ceremony at Double V Scout Ranch - All Ordeal members who are eligible
for Brotherhood should make this weekend.
Annual Tumacacori Service Project Coming up on Dec. 1 - This is the one that everybody
waits for! OA Brotherhood ceremony at Double V Scout Ranch on the same weekend.
Leonid Meteor Shower Campout - November 16, 17 and 18th. Come and watch the Leonid
Meteor showers with us or just get into a great night-time “Capture the Flag Game”
. We will be leaving after school on Friday. Nov. 16. Double V Scout Ranch
“Mountail Lions - A CAT BY MANY NAMES” A big “Thank you to Shiela Beck for putting
on a great presentation at Patagonia Lake Visitors Center Thurday night, Nov. 1 on
Mountain Lions (Cougars) habitat, mannerisms and what to do if encountered in the
wild. It was an informative meeting for all those 555 scouts who attended.
THANK YOU’S DUE: Troop 555 is sending a special “Thank you” to Steve and Kim Dorion
of Jerkwater Canoe for making this trip happen for us. They went way out of their
way, along with their son Adam and his friend Connor, Jim and Holly and everyone
else in their group! It made a ig difference for our group of Spirited scouts and
adults ! Thanks Again!
Black Canyon/Topock Trip was great ! We were a little-bit worried when we got off
the plane in Las Vegas and it was actually COLD outside. Temps were actually into
the low to mid 50’s and we were dressed in tee-shirts. Its usually 90 to 100 degrees
here at this time of the year. Aside from a few minor injuries, the trip was a success
and the football games on the river sand-bars and Park Moabi were great !
The Black Canyon Trip is a Go ! We have 48 scouts and 9 adults who will fly to
Las Vegas, tour the Hoover Dam, Canoe the Black Canyon, Drive to Topock and Canoe
the Gorge, this weekend. Its going to be a great trip. Remember - Photography
MB requirements is to tell a story with photos. Take lots and we need “action”
shots mostly. If 45 people each take a photo of a landscape, we end-up with 45 photo’s
of the same thing. Get creative ! Meet at 7:00AM sharp on Saturday.
Den 8’s Lake day Included a canoe course for parents and scouts. Was a fantastic
day. Thanks to Troop 555 scouts Jaime F. Ariel V. For helping out all day long.
Thank you Ivan R. For Volunteering to help with Pack555 - Den 1’s Canoe Course.
This is your 6th. Instructional course for your qualification. Good Job.
Our Trip Date is finally here- Mandatory meeting on Tuesday for all who will be
attending the BC Trip on Oct 6th.
Knot Gauntlet next Tuesday, Sept. 18. - Come Prepared or/and bring a towel. (Rope
rental $2.00 per scout)
Pyro tryouts - Fastest Patrol Wins !
Pack 576 CPR Certification Course Sept 14. 16 Scouts and Adults received their
CPR certification Friday night. Check with your scoutmaster for the next available
cert. Course.
Rocky Point Beach Campout Tentative September 15 or 16th. !!
Great Ethnic Food Cookoff this coming Tuesday - Adults will provide the fool. Patrols
will bring everything else including clean-up items. Fires will start at 6.
Order of the Arrow Ordeal and Brotherhood Weekend September 7th and 8th. - We will
be leaving after school on Friday and driving to Mt. Lemmon (about 2.5 hours). Great
opportunity to get your brotherhood !
14 members of Troop 555 Received their AHA CPR Certification Monday night - Great
course. Another certification course will run on Friday Aug. 31 for Webelos scouts
of Den 8.
4th and 5th Canoe Session at Patagonia Lake - Aug. 25 and 26th. This course is a
“must” if you are going to attend the Black Canyon Trip in October! Note - 12 scouts
completed the course on Saturday and __ on Sunday.
Water Skiing Merit Badge - Thursdays after School - Speak to your Scoutmaster
First Meeting back will Aug. 14 7:00pm
Black Canyon Fall Canoe Trip - The last time we went on this great trip was in 2003.
All scouts wishing to attend must have passed the canoeing merit badge. Adults
must have gone through the course also. Total cost is going to be about $350.00,
with the 1st $100.00 for airline tickets due by Aug.21. Scouts must also have CPR
certification and first aid passed as a troop requirement along with regular advancement
to attend. Sign-up now as our attendance list will be closed-off by September 4
and there will be no changes allowed!
2nd Canoe Merit Badge Session for July 24 - Sign up now!
Planning Meeting - July 31st. 7:00PM - Calendar, Fall trip and Patrol Elections
to be discussed.
Bike meeting - July 17th., Mapping Basics July 24, First Aid Merit Badge and CPR
Certification Week - Aug 14.
No Troop Meeting Tuesday - July 3rd. - Have a Happy 4th of July!
Pool Party to honor John Bache-Wiigs 82nd Birthday- Used to be tradition that we
celebrated his birthday at summer camp at Camp Lawton every year. Marla Lopez also
has her birthday on the same day and we are celebrating her 20+ birthday also.
1st Canoeing Merit badge course was held June 16th. We only had 6 scouts take advantage
of this course. We will run 2 more courses this summer. - We are planning a Black
Canyon canoe trip this September and everybody attending must have gone through a
Canoe MB course - adult volunteers included. We are limited to 12 people per course.
Next Weeks’ meeting will be held at the Nogales Rec Center Pool - New Scout swim
tests, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class Swim requirements, Swimming Merit badge will be kicked-off
tonight. 6:00PM to 9:00PM. Swimmers should bring a pair of long pants (without
holes in them), a button-up long-sleeve shirt, and shoes that can get wet. $5.00
per person to cover the cost of pool rental and snacks/drinks. Be there early !
LORD OF WAR - This turned out to be a great competition! Scouts will be better prepared
next year I’m sure. Only the strongest patrol who had team work and new their stuff
came out dry ! See Photos Here or in our Photo Album under LOW07.
The Knot Gauntlet was lots of fun! - Also lets scouts know how well the really know
their knots ! We will run this event again by popular demand, before school starts.
(Photos on-line in our Photo Album or by clicking Here)
Summer Camp positions available ! We will be going to summer camp during the first
week of July. Scout sign-ups still available. Adult covervage still needed. If
you have a few days off and would like to camp up in the pines, please speak to the
scoutmaster !
Memorial Day Ceremony - It’s important to stress that Memorial Day isn’t just “another
holiday” or a “day off”, its a day to remember and reflect on those who gave their
lives for this country; for our freedom. Many lives were lost fighting and defending
what we enjoy, and it is an honor and privilege for Troop 555 to be able to read
the names of those men from Santa Cruz County, who give their names in the line of
duty. The scouts who did show up for the ceremony performed admirably. We are proud
of you ! (Photos Here)
May Birthdays - Happy Birthday to 555 Members who have birthdays in May - Jesus O.,
Chris P., Dante A., Brian B., Alex M., Pablo D. and Louis M.
Movie Night next Tuesday - Each Scout and/or Patrol should bring their own eats and
drinks. Feature length movie will start at 7:00pm.
Tubac Fire Department Emergency Prep and Response Team - Triple Nickel Scouts played
accident victims this last Saturday morning (May 13th) at 8:30am. Thanks to the
Scouts who showed up! (Click here for Photos)
Flag Ceremony - Rio Rico High School - This Wednesday night. Triple Nickel Scouts
will perform the opening Flag Ceremony at 6:00pm Photos Pending.
Great Mexican Camp Food Cookoff - Was a huge success! Andre A’s “Patrol Patrol”
took the money! All patrols had SUPER meals prepared and a big thanks to our Judges:
John Bache-Wiig, Martin Taylor, Mary and Simon Kellar, Jimmy Camacho and Victor.
(Click here for Photos)
Trip Review and Photo Night - Lots of Pizzas eaten ! Photos of Service Camp were
reviewed. - Cookoff menus planned also.
Mt. Lemmon Service Project Camp at Camp Lawton - a total of 35 scouts and adults
traveled 120 miles Friday night and set up camp at Camp Lawton, Mt Lemmon, to complete
a service project that we had started as an OA project last year. We cut and hand-carried
all cut metal panels from the old watertank below Apache South campsite that had
burned-out during the last forest fire We completed out project and also had time
to hike up to the “towers and Look-out” up on Bigelow Peak before returning and preparing
a well-deserved dinner. Big Thanks to all Adult volunteer who help transport scouts
and equipment. (Click Here for Photos)
Salt River Whitewater Trip Canceled - Again ! - Water levels on the Salt River dropped
to 489 CFM even after a weekend of light rain. There is not enough water to run
a trip and our Outfitters are sending their river guides home to Colorado. Looks
like we have a choice of keeping our campsite and camping there, or going South and
camping at Puerto Penasco. Either way, parents will be needed to drive. Lets take
a vote this next meeting !
Map and Compass Outing - 2nd, 1st Class Compass Training was Sunday at 9:30. Four
Scouts showed up only, but learned a lot. . Lots of scouts raised their hands,
but only 4 showed-up !
Big Chuys Golf Tournament - Thank you all scouts and adults who help out with “Big
Chuys” Golf Tournament. Photos are now available in our album or by clicking here.
Thanks to Mr. Mtz.. And all other volunteers who worked the golf tournament this
last weekend. Donated funds will go into scout accounts.
Birthdays This Month: Happy Birthday to the following Troop 555 Members who have
a birthday in April: Manny V. 04/04, Alejandro and Fernando L. 04/15, Rosendo
F. 04/16, and Mitchell N. 04/21.
Whitewater Trip - Our Salt River Trip is in jeopardy ! T I A - We live in Arizona
and a fact of life here is drought conditions. Our Trip Outfitters wanted us to
move our trip to April 14th., but could only accommodate 30 people. This would be
fine for any other troop, but we are now a MEGA-TROOP. The water-flow on the Salt
river is down to 630 CFM and when it drops to 500 CFM, the season is over - unless
we get some rain. (Click Here for WATERFLOW LEVEL information). The trip will still
be planned for April 27th. 28th. and 29th and we will pray for rain. We will make
a decision the week before the planned trip and if conditions are not right, our
contingency plan will be to go to Rocky Point and Camp on the Beach. Any monies
will be refunded at that point and I will keep a deposit on-hand with the outfitters
for next year. If it does rain and we are able to go on the whitewater trip, we will
be leaving at about 3:30 pm on Friday. Check Lists are on the site .
End of School Year Backpack Trip - Looks like Havasupai is in again ! We have reservations
available and will be preparing for this trip!
Cross-Over Campout and Ceremony - It was a LOT of work, but this year’s cross-over
ceremony was probably one of the best that we had performed in the last 18 years
! We always perform our Cub graduations and Cross-Overs into the troop, under the
stars and it was a fantastic weekend ! The Weather was perfect ! We now have 20
new Scouts and 2 New Assistant Scoutmasters in Troop 555 ! A big welcome to all
! (Click Here for Photos)
Rabies Clinic - 9 Scouts, 2 Webelos and 3 Adults from 555 helped run the Rabies Clinic
at Fleitcher Park on March 24. It was a successful clinic this year. Always there
to help out Dr. Escalada and Dr. Rojas !
Cross-Over Campout Prep - Next meeting March 27.- Patrol Leaders should print-out
Menus and Duty Rosters for this meeting. These are down-loadable on our website
under the “Forms and Info” link button.
Troop Movie and Pizza Night - Tuesday, March 20th. Eragon will be showing for any
scouts who didn’t leave out-of-town for the Spring Break. We were going to watch
“Blood Diamond”, but it was too long for our time slot.
Salt River Whitewater trip Date Change - The dates for the Salt River Whitewater
trip has been changed. We will be leaving on Friday afternoon, April 27 at about
3:00 pm. This will put us on the river on Saturday, April 28th. See the RED “Whitewater”
box for details.
Great Backpack Demonstration Meeting - Webelos II from Pack 555 participated our
backpack demonstration meeting in prep for an upcoming backpack trip. All patrols
put-on EXCELLENT demonstrations ! About 90 scouts and adults showed up for this
meeting !
Webelos II Cross-Over Into our troop is scheduled for Saturday Night, March 31.
Come and welcome these new scouts into our troop and have a great campout at the
same time!
Pack 555 Webelos II Troop Visit- About 20 Webelos II scouts will be visiting our
meeting for their Arrow-of-Light requirement on Tuesday March 13th. Each patrol
is set-up to demonstrate backpacking equipment and techniques.
Troop 555 will Host the District Pinewood Derby - Triple Nickel set-up and ran the
district and Pack Pinewood Derby on Saturday, March 10th. As many scouts as possible
are needed for this event !
Birthdays this month: Rene M. Feb 27. Ivan R. March 1, Aaron F. March 4, Issac
G.-and David G. March 9, Sam C. March 10, Phils B. March 25. Happy Birthday to
all !
Hey! There’s still snow on the Mountain !! Updated - A small group of triple-nickel
scouts and adult volunteers who didn’t get to go on the first ski trip finally had
the opportunity to go skiing ! 7 Triple Nickel scouts and 3 adults went to Sunise
Park this last weekend. The outside temperature on Saturday morning was 8 degrees
! It warmed up to 24 degrees but nor before a few scouts got sick from dehydration.
Over-all a great Trip! Mr. Mayer got to ski lots and even actually skied some
b lack trails and a “Double-Black Diamond with some of the scouts. Pictures now
posted (Click Here).
Big Congrats to Andrew! - Andrew was presented with his Eagle Scout Award in front
of the Nogales Lions’ Club today at lunch time. Great job Andrew! (See photos by
clicking here).
I don’t know what to say here - We all have a lot of work to do and back to basics
is what we need. Camporee prep seems to be a good place to start, but advancement
has to take front seat to any program in our troop. We have to get the “Soul of
the Troop” back and will need everybody to cooperate with us to get this accomplished.
Please get your copy of your advancement sheet today !
Underwater Memorial Placed for Troop 555 Eagle Scout Mike Karam - Alex Kory and Vince
Dober made a memorial marker for Mike Karam, Troop 555 Eagle Scout and Master Diving
Instructor. The memorial was constructed of 500 or 600 lbs of of cement and a stainless
steel plaque in memory of Mike. It was placed of San Pedro Island in 21 feet of
water at low tide. Location coordinates are: N27°58’00.56” x W111°22’19.48” . Many
more Triple Nickel scout divers will be able to visit this memorial for many years
to come! Good job Alex and Vince and Thank you ! (Click Here for Photo of Memorial)
Troop 555 - 17th. Annual Sunrise Ski trip - We left on-time and hit a blizzard
just past the city of Globe which delayed our arrival into Pinetop. We rented all
of our gear and checked into the Sunrise Lodge. It snowed all the way. The ski
lifts were closed down due to high winds and blowing snow, so we didn’t get to ski
the first day. 37 scouts and 13 adults and family members hit the slopes on Friday
and Sat for some good skiing. The trip wasn’t without problems though, for the 1st
time in 17 years we didn’t get any troop ski shots. Tradition broken. Maybe some
other time? Be sure to attend the meeting on Tuesday Feb. 6 to watch the photo
slide show and discuss the trip !
B2B - Back to Basics kick-off was this Tuesday. Patrol leader training and situations
covered. Every week will offer new training and chances to “show our stuff”. Keep
tuned to this station !
Ski Trip still looks promising - Sunrise got 14 inches of snow yesterday (01-19)
and its still snowing. We are hoping for one additional sknowstorm before we leave.
Get your final payments taken-care of now and avoid the last minute rush. Looks
like we will have about a 50 person trip this year, and yes, your scoutmaster is
going this year. NO INURIES YET!
Scouts and Leaders Hosted Mexican Grupo 11 - To Hidden Cave this last weekend. 15
Scouts and Leaders took the trip. Temperatures were 25 degrees outside the cave
and 85 degrees inside the cave. A good time was had by all.
1st Troop Meeting of 2007 ! - Wow, a new year upon us and I hear talk of a fantastic
troop calendar! Our first meeting back is on Tuesday, January 9th. Your goal for
this year should be Advancement, Advancement, Advancement! Points are given for
advancement and service and this is your ticket to the big trips! Scout spirit is
developed by attending everything that is available to you! Lets not waste any time
this year and take advantage of everthing ! Welcome back Troop 555 !
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Movie Premier of “Eragon” showing Saturday at 10:30 am ! Please have all tickets
sold be this time. Turn in any proceeds before the movie or at our last meeting
next week.
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Troop 555 scouts sponsor Pack 555 Den 3 Scouts to the Hidden Cave - 8 Triple Nickel
Scouts and 2 adult leaders sponsored Den 3’s scouts at the Hidden Cave this last
Sunday, Dec 17. All told, over 25 scouts and adults were able to get into the
cave this trip. It was a great learning experience and a fun time was had be all.
See photos by clicking HERE or go to The Cubs Corner, Den 3 Photo page!
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Great Tour to Mt. Hopkins - Fred Whipple Observatory - 11 Troop 555 scouts and adults
attended the Mt. Whipple Observatory tour on Dec. 09. Absolutely fantastic trip
! Mr. Villasenor kicked-off the Astronomy Merit Badge with this trip and it was
great ! Triple Nickel also extends a huge Thank you to Mr. Park Thoreson and Dan
B. - for this great trip ! Scouts were in the right place at the right time and
met a very famous astronomer - Dr. Gaspar B. Who is credited with finding the largest
Exo planet in the universe - outside of our solar system. Scouts learned about telescopes,
equipment and methods of gazing the stars ! Gamma Ray Reflector scopes, the HAT
Project (only those who went on the trip know what this stands for), and the huge
rotating MMT were toured. You can view out photos by clicking HERE or going to our
photo page. Great Trip !
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We ran the last 2nd and 1st Class Map and Compass course of the year, this last
Sunday, Dec. 10. Only 6 scouts called or took advantage of this course (needed
for advancement and eligibility on our next trip). This was a good course (see photos
under our “2006 On-Going Activity Photos”)
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Mr. Villasenor is counseling the Astronomy Merit Badge - The Mt. Hopkins Tour of
the 6.5 meter Telescopes is this coming Saturday, Dec. 9. All interested scouts
will meet at the VFW at 7:00 am and bring a sack lunch also. Please don’t be late
as we have to leave on time to catch the bus at the bottom of the mountain for this
tour ! Great opportunity - Don’t Miss It !
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Movie Premier Ticket Sales now due! Please turn-in your sales for the movie premier
on Dec.16th. Sales are due this week !
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Christmas Parade Fundraiser and Tumacacori Service Project Info - This is a great
way to put a little money in your account for the ski trip coming up ! We meet at
Alamo Plaza (Domino’s Pizza) in-front of Food City at 6:00pm. Parade should be over
about 8:00 and we all meet at Larriva’s at 8:45 PM to leave to Tumacacori for our
27th Annual Service Project. You had better get some sleep on Saturday during the
day because you wont sleep Saturday night! Be sure to bring your permission slip
and money for breakfast Sunday morning.
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Scouts who have not paid their registration Fees will not be able to attend the
Tumacacori Festival Service Project ! -
Please get your $20.00 paid now to be eligible for events !
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Troop 555 held it’s 1st Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Left-over Dinner at our last meeting
!- Patrols cooked Turkey Tacos, Turkey Enchiladas, Turkey and Red Chili Tortas, Turkey
Mole, Roasted Turkey, Orange glazed Turkey, Breaded Turkey, Pepsi Turkey, Turkey
Chili, Chocolate Turkey - but No Turkey Sandwiches ! Great time had by all and I
didn’t even need Rolaids !
Good Job Patrols !
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Troop 555 Camped at Mowry Flats Nov. 17 thru Nov.19th and watched the Leonid Meteor
Showers ! - This was one of the most enjoyable camps that we have been on in the
last few years ! 22 Scouts had 14 Archery Stations set-up and the “Most Comfortable
Camp” theme. Food was great and the weather was cool at night, but after the campfire
the Troop 555 “Desert Oasis” theater played “Nacho Libre” and” Into the Blue” for
entertainment. Thanks to lots of adult help - Rene, Manny, Beto, Lee, Alex, David
to help make this a great camp!
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Special Thanks to Ariel, Jaime and Charlie - For representing Troop 555 with me at
the Veteran’s Day Parade. We attended the services at City Hall after the parade
and our groups got a photo op with the Mayor of Nogales. Thanks again guys !
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Veteran’s Day Parade, Mowry Camp, Tumacacori Service Project, Christmas Parade and
Sunrise Ski Trip Prep all Happening Now !!! Advancement necessary for some of these
! Get Moving NOW !!
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October and November Birthdays - Happy Birthday to:
(October Birthdays) - Diego A., Pablo M., Sebastian S.
(November Birthdays) - Adan G., Charles B., Armando A., Jaime F., Michael
S., Diego U.
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A Special thanks to Mr. Oscar V. - Who set up the Star Party at the Smithsonian Institute
this last Saturday night, Oct. 28. We had 23 scouts, adults, and family members
attend this event. It was a fantastic night - skies were clear and temps were great!
We are really looking forward to taking the tour of the 6.5 meter telescope on Mt.
Hopkins this coming December. Mr. V. Will be counseling the Astronomy Merit Badge.
See Pictures here or in our Photo Album Under 2006 Misc Activity and Meeting
Photos.
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Troop 555 Attended the Zoo Art Project - For Reid Park Zoo at the Teyeacha Park
on Saturday, Oct. 28. Seven scouts and 1 adult painted 10 or 12 of the 55 gallon
trash barrels for Reid Park Zoo. The cans came out nice and the troop was asked
to take on an expanded part of this project next year. It was a lot of fun ! See
Pictures here or in our Photo Album Under 2006 Misc Activity and Meeting Photos.
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Triple Nickel Scouts also helped-out with the Book Fair at the Nogales Library -
on Saturday, Oct 28. Scouts showed up and helped put up boothes and also take down
the event that afternoon.
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Triple Nickel goes Diving ! The troop hosted 44 total divers and instructors on
its dive trip to San Carlos Mexico October 12th thru 16th. The troop made its Headquarters
at the Condominios Pilar, which was just perfect. We rented 2 boats from Gary’s
Dive Shop but one of them broke down and we had to compromise our second day of diving.
Aside from a few problems, most dives were great and the San Pedro Island dive (1
dive only) was great. Water temperature was 84 degrees and no jellyfish ! The surface
conditions going to the island was choppy to say the least and if we had gotten an
earlier start like we wanted to, we could have saved 3 hours of daylight and diving.
Well, next time we know better. Congratulations to all scouts and family members
who received their Open Water Certification and to all those divers who got their
advanced dives in also. A very Special thanks goes out to Mr. Ken L. and Dr. Saul,
who really put forth a super effort to help me make this trip happen!! See Photos
Here!
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We got off to a rough start at the Double V Scout Ranch this last weekend, but decided
to turn it into a fun weekend for our Scouts ! We located a campsite that we made
into our home for the weekend. Scouts set-up an archery site and a few of Pack 555’s
Dens took advantage of this. Triple-Nickel Scout Lifeguards were on-hand for the
afternoon swim session at the Double V Pool (Nice Pool). We were supposed to sponsor
the Pack for various events but plans had changed late Friday night.. Our scouts
performed a service project Saturday afternoon to help earn our keep at camp. Scouts
worked hard and some scouts suffered more (Charlie) than others on this project.
(Click Here for Pictures)
Troop 555 would also like to take this space and Thank Mr. Tim Werner for putting
up with us all weekend and also to extend our sincerest condolences to him and his
family on the loss of his grandson.
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The water is running at Sycamore Canyon ! Sycamore Canyon Hike was fantastic ! We
had never seen more butterflies than we saw this weekend ! Millions of them ! The
pools were full and the water was great ! (See Photos Here) . The canyon was full
of brilliant colors. Looking forward to our next backpack trip out here again. If
you missed this, you missed a great hike..
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Map and Compass Course held on Sunday 09/17/06. Scouts attending passed 2nd Class
and 1st Class Requirements for Map and Compass. Good Course !!
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Triple Nickel Scouts and Adults who have birthdays in September: Andrew U. Michael
G., Diego V. Eddie Siordia, and Mr. Larriva - Happy Birthday to All !!!
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Congratulations to Triple-Nickel’s Newest OA members! Diego A. Michael G. Diego
V. Alex L. Fernando L. Manny V. Saul K. Taylor W. David G. Kenny L. Andrew
U. Brian B. Bobby B. Phils B. Armando A. Nick E. Mr. Rene Martinez, Dr. Saul
Kramer all earned their Ordeal Sash this last weekend at Camp Lawton. The group,
along with Steve Mayer had volunteered to take down one of the old water tanks that
had not been in use for years. It was an exceptional project to which Troop 555 Scouts
and a few other new friends of Troop 555 got a chance to prove our colors ! Great
job guys! (Click Here for Photos) You can be proud of the way you passed your ordeal
and remember it every time you look at your sash ! We have 3 members who could not
make this ordeal but maybe can make it up on December 9th at the next Ordeal at the
Double V Scout Ranch.
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Iron Chef Cookout - We always have a good time when we cook at the meetings. This
week, it rained - no, it poured as we were getting our grills and stoves set-up.
That didn’t stop competition. Heck it didn’t even slow it down. As a scoutmaster,
I have got to say that I have never seen this level of cooking in our troop before.
This was fantastic and I can’t wait to see what happens next time. A very special
“Thank You” goes out to John Bache-Wiig, Ken Larriva and Manny Gerardo for being
our judges this time around!
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Map course Plotting Meeting - It was surprizing to see how many errors came up during
this exercise, but it was a good exercise. We will plan more of these to go along
with cross-country backpacking later this year. Good job to the patrol who made
it to Walmart and back in such a short period of time.
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Congratulations to Bobby Brubaker - Passed his Eagle Board of Review on 08/24/06
- Great Board Bobby !!
Congratulations to Phil Baffert - He was awarded his Eagle Rank at the Lion’s Club
meeting Aug. 29th. ........................................................................................................................................................................................
Last Meeting 08/22/06 - Compass and Mapmaking - “Down and Dirty” review. All scouts
will need compass, flashlight and possibly a rain poncho for next weeks’ meeting.
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TRANSPORTATION TO SAN CARLOS FOR SCUBA CERTIFICATION TRIP - We need to set-up transportation
and rooms in San Carlos for the check-out trip. If your parents are planning to
attend this trip, please let Steve Mayer know so that we can coordinate rides for
scouts and equipment. We are very short on transportation at this time.
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SCUBA Classes Started on 08/16/06 - We had 22 scouts and a few parents show up at
Alexander’s for Scuba Course Sign-ups. This, combined with approximately 12 scouts
who will take the Advanced Diver Course and another 7 or 8 who just want to go diving,
promise to make this one good troop activity. The check-out dives will happen over
a 4 day trip to San Carlos, Mexico over the Fall School break. There is still time
to get signed-up for this great course ! Click on our calendar for class dates !
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Next meeting on 08/22/06 - Every scout needs to bring his own compass. If you have
to buy one, please make sure that you purchase a Silva Map Compass or a Suunto compass.
Please stay away from the Coleman compasses or lensatic compasses at this time.
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Knot Tying meeting (08/15/06) - Troop 555’s way to teach the knots ! It’s a wet
but fun meeting.
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First Meeting of the New School Year - We had our first meeting of the new school
year on Tuesday night, Aug. 8. Items discussed - SCUBA courses, City Recycle Program
(Also meeting this Saturday morning at 7:00AM), class b uniforms and upcoming campout
at Lake Patagonia (Water fight Campout). Talk to your patrol leader for details
if you missed the meeting!
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Congratulations to all OA candidates elected earlier this year- The Ordeal that we
sill go to is scheduled for September 8,9,10th on Mt. Lemmon. We will leave after
school on Friday. Candidates are: Diego A., Armando A., Phil B., Bobby B., Brian
B. Issac G., David G., Michael G., Saul K., Kenny L., Alex L., Fernando L., Michael
S., Andrew U., Diego V., Manny V., Taylor W., and our adult canididate is Mr. Martinez.
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City Of Nogales Recycle Program - Last Thursday’s recycle session had to be cancelled
by the City due to bad weather the night before. All city workers were busy repairing
streets. Was rescheduled to Wednesday, Aug. 2 and then cancelled because only
2 scouts showed up. We had a little better showing on Thursday. 4 scouts out of
the 9 that committed to go, actually showed up. Thursday was then cancelled because
of rain. I really thank the scouts who showed up and I will credit them with time
put in, but we really need to address the problem of scouts who commit and then don’t
show up.
Any suggestions
on how to handle this?
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Meeting: 07/25/06 - Practiced round, square and diagonal lashings and then the
scouts lashed together a 14 foot tower. All members climbed on the tower and it
held - until the bottom supports started to split, then everybody got off - fast.
We decided not to meet next week and resume meetings on Aug. 8 - the first day of
school. We have to get SCUBA sign-ups that night.
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Meeting: 07/18/06 - We had an easy meeting today. We only had about 21 scouts
show-up. City Recycle volunteers for this Wednesday and Thurdsay 3:00 to 8:00 pm.
Had a big Bacon game and discussed fundraisers.
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Huge “Thank You” from the Soto Family and also from your scoutmaster, to those scouts
who showed-up in uniform and also to volunteered to park cars and shuttle visitors
up to the Soto’s home and back down again during services for their daughter, Lauren,
who lost her life in a tragic accident. Kenny, Philippe, Andrew and Ivan - Thank
you.
Troop 555 offers our most sincere condolences to the Soto family on their loss.
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Great thanks to the 7 scouts who helped out with the City of Nogales Recycle program
this last Thrusday. 50% of the proceeds will go into each scout’s own account and
the balance to the troop. Next day for our Troop: Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday,
July 27, at 3:00 pm - City Works Building.
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Meeting: 07/11/06 - We had an easy meeting today. We only had about 21 scouts
show-up. City Recycle volunteers for this Saturday, 7:00 to 12:00 noon. Discuss
up-coming campout. Went to the City Park and played post-world cup soccer game.
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4th of July Celebration - A very special thank you to all scouts and adults who attended
the 4th of July festivities at Fleitcher Park this last Tuesday. Troop 555 scouts
helped to pass-out the give-away gifts and help out in other areas. A fantastic
fireworks show followed. Troop 555 also thanks Mayor Albert Kramer, Jaime Fontes,
and Cecilia for the opportunity to help out.
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City of Nogales Recycling Project - Great opportunity at a fundraiser! The City
of Nogales has passed an ordinance that all households will have recycle bins along
with new trash bins. Troop 555 has been invited to help pass-out new bins starting
in the Meadow Hills area and continuing until the whole city is covered. We had
3 scouts and 1 adult show up on Friday and 4 scouts and 1 adult on Saturday. It
was a hot day, but 5 people equaled the amount of deliveries that 15 people in another
group delivered. This program should last approx. 1 month and the City of Nogales
will give us special days for delivery so that we dont have to compete with other
groups for delivery options. Hope to see more troop members help out next time.
Thank you Diego A, Manny V., Taylor W. And Ivan R. -for your diligence ! Check
back for new project dates !
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Lake Patagonia Waterfight Campout - We have this campout every year and every year
the adults and senior scouts win the waterfight (See the rules below):
Rule #1: Adults and Senior Scouts Always win.
Rule #2: See Rule #1
All joking aside, this is a fun campout, but it is hot. You will have your choice
of either suffering of heat exhaustion or being water-logged. Scouts can get lots
of fishing time in, but have to watch the weather. Nobody on the lake if it is going
to storm. We had to evacuate the island last year because the water level raised
so much, let’s see if we can do it again this year!
Date is tentative and depends on summer camp schedule.
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CPR Course – New numbers have come out and we are now teaching American Heart Association
CPR courses using the new rules. If you are new, or your certification card is about
to expire in the next couple on months, join us and get trained on the new numbers.
You could save a life !
Check with your scoutmaster for schedule information.
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First Aid Merit Badge and American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid Course
- We will be running a few of these courses in July and August. Please e-mail the
scoutmaster to sign-up for one of these courses. Information covered will completely
cover all Tenderfoot, 2nd Class and 1st Class first aid requirements, the First Aid
merit badge and you will also receive the AHA First Aid course card. Email me at
smayer@therealtroop555.com
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Swimming and Lifesaving Merit Badges - The City of Nogales is letting us use the
main pool at the Recreation Center on Hohokam Drive to run these two merit badges.
We can use them a few evenings during the week. We pay a small rental fee and this
cost will be passed on to the scouts attending.
The Swimming merit badge is a prerequisite for the Lifesaving MB. Please sign-up
at the meetings or Email me for a current schedule. smayer@therealtroop555.com
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Motorboating and Water Skiing Merit Badge - Limited number of spaces are open and
will take quite a few trips out to the lake to complete these merit badges. Lots
of useful info. Provided to make you a safe motorboat operator. Sign up now !
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