Hi everyone, Wilder here welcoming you back to the Troop 457 Podcast after a long hiatus. We’re back with a new name, the Troop 457 Trail Map, and a fresh lineup of episodes; but we’re still your weekly guide to everything happening in our Troop. Whether you’re a Scout, a parent, or one of the adults who keeps this whole adventure moving, I’m glad you’re here. Think of this podcast like a campfire at the end of a long day. Take a seat, warm your hands, and let’s talk about what’s coming up for Troop 457.
Let’s kick off our first episode back with a celebration! We’ve got a birthday in the Troop this week. Join me in wishing Brennan a very happy birthday. I hope it’s packed with fun, good food, and maybe even some new gear!
Now let’s talk about RSVP deadlines.
We have three upcoming events that share the same RSVP deadline: Tuesday, December second. That includes:
- The Miracle on Main Street Parade on Thursday, December 4 where we’ll be marching with Pack 457 and handing out candy canes.
- I.L.S.T., our Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops training on Saturday, December 6 at 10 A.M. at Glade Run. This training is open to every Scout in the Troop, even if you’ve taken it before. I.L.S.T. helps you build the mindset and skills to be a strong leader both within Troop 457 and in the world beyond Scouting, and your participation strengthens the leadership of the entire Troop.
- And finally, we have a service opportunity at the Coffee Break on Sunday, December 7 at Meeder Farms. We’ll help manage fire pits for the event. Volunteers get free food and unlimited hot chocolate, making it a perfect winter assignment.
Make sure you RSVP for each of these events by December second so we can plan appropriately.
Our annual Troop Holiday Party will be held on Tuesday, December sixteenth. There will be pizza and a white elephant gift exchange. Your gift should be Scouting-appropriate and under $15 dollars. Make sure you RSVP in TroopTrack so we know how much pizza to order.
And while this one didn’t list an RSVP, it’s still helpful to let the Philmont crew know if you’re joining the 12-mile conditioning hike on Sunday, December seventh along the North Country Trail.
Remember, your timely RSVPs, both Attending and Not Attending, are incredibly important to the Troop. Knowing who is and isn’t attending helps our leaders make sure we have enough drivers, enough food, enough gear, and a plan that works for everyone. Every “yes,” “no,” and “I’ll be there after practice” matters, so make sure you RSVP before the deadline for any Troop event.
Next up, a few important reminders from Mr. Maloney.
If you volunteered to teach part of ILST on December 6, or if you’d still like to help, please reach out to him. This is a big training day, and we rely on strong youth instructors to make it work.
Patrol planning is also critical. Meetings and activities shouldn’t be thrown together the day before (or worse, the night of). Take some time, look ahead, and build plans that make your meetings fun and meaningful. And as Mr. Maloney says, “Don’t be the Scout who teaches by reading straight from a book. Prepare, practice, and make your time worthwhile.” The more you plan, the more your patrol and the Troop benefit.
For Scouts stepping into new leadership roles in January, your SMART goals are due by next week’s meeting. These goals show your active service in your new position, so make sure yours is turned in. If you need a new copy, see Mr. Maloney.
And finally, a big reminder for everyone: Membership Renewal. All our members should have received an email on Wednesday, November 26 with instructions and a video explaining how to complete the renewal survey for the 2026 calendar year. Every household needs to fill out the form no later than December 12 so the Troop can finalize our recharter on time. Check your spam folder if you didn’t see it.
Now, here’s a look at what’s happening in the Troop over the next week.
Next Tuesday’s meeting will be an extended Patrol Planning and General Advancement Night. The Harmony Fire Department isn’t available for CPR training, so we’re using that time to focus on advancement and leadership. We’ll also have our November and December Extended PLC beginning at 6:30 P.M., and the Parents Meeting will begin at 7.
That wraps up this week’s Troop 457 Trail Map. Thanks for listening, thanks for staying engaged, and most importantly, thanks for showing up for each other. Every RSVP, every meeting you plan ahead, every event you support strengthens the Troop. Until next time, keep your boots dry, your compass steady, and your spirit high. I’ll see you on the trail.