1. CORRECTIONS.

a) Next Downeast District Leader Training will be Saturday, February 6, 2010.

b) The Camp Gustin information was provided to the Beacon by Scott Verrill, District Executive for Abnaki District. I tried to give Scott Bernier the credit.  Thank you Scott V for sharing and Scott B for assisting!

2. JAMBOREE NEWS.  The World is Coming to West Virginia!

"The world will soon be coming to West Virginia!"

That was the pronouncement of National Executive Board member Jack Furst as the Boy Scouts of America formally unveiled The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The new site will be home to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, future jamborees, a national high-adventure base, and other innovative programs.

Principal benefactor Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr. and his family were on hand to receive a heartfelt thank you from our Scouting family, along with West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, local officials, and hundreds of local citizens and members of the press.

Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca and National Commissioner Tico Perez formally presented the new site to West Virginia and the world.

West Virginia Metro News - Charleston, WV: http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=33669 <http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=33669>

The Associated Press: http://www.wctrib.com/event/apArticle/id/D9C26C6O0/ <http://www.wctrib.com/event/apArticle/id/D9C26C6O0/>

Dallas Morning News: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D9C23BC85.html <http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D9C23BC85.html>

Houston Chronicle: http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_322212141.html <http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_322212141.html>

3. KLONDIKE DERBY / JANUARY 30, 2010  AHOY THERE!

Come be a part of a truly unique Klondike Derby experience at the…Maine Maritime Museum. Saturday January 30, 2010

Registration Begins at 8:00 a.m. with the Leaders Meeting at 8:30 a.m.

Cost: $10.00 per Scout

Scouts will compete in reading navigation charts and piloting, conducting an underway

replenishment (UnRep), tying nautical knots, and Semaphore flag signaling (using scout skills they know, and learning new ones). They will also participate in a scavenger hunt through the museum and experience steam-bending wood. Of course, no Klondike Derby would be complete without the Human Iditarod over challenging terrain, so tune up those sleds and train your sled doggies!

Landlubbers (parents and family members) are encouraged to come and experience the Maine Maritime Museum while their scouts are burning off some energy. Families will receive the museum’s group admission rate of $8 for adults, $6 for children (4 & under are free). You can also enjoy the warm comfort of Long Reach Hall to read a good book, purchase a hot meal and refreshments, and take in beautiful views of the Kennebec River. There are also the many shops of downtown Bath. Small kids will love the Pirate Ship playground! Make a day of it in Bath!

Send registration forms to:

Downeast District, Pine Tree Council

131 Johnson Rd.

Portland, ME 04102

Fax: 207-797-7183

Troop __________ Number of Scouts __________ x $10 = Total Due __________

Scoutmaster (or Contact Person)

Phone Number

Email

Money Enclosed $ __________ You can also register at www.troop621.org

Directions from Points South

Follow Route 1 North to Bath. Take the Historic Bath exit downhill to traffic light.  Turn right onto Washington Street. Travel along Washington Street for 1.2 miles. The museum will be on your left.

Directions from North - Coastal Route 1

Take Route 1 South to Bath. Take the 209 Bath/Phippsburg exit just over the Sagadahoc Bridge. Turn left at traffic light to pass under Route 1. Travel along Washington Street for 1.2 miles. The Museum will be on your left.

What to Bring

Prepare for cold weather and for being outside most of the day.

Troops are responsible for their own meals. The Sea Scouts will run a concession of hot food and snacks.

Gear for Activities:

Compasses and Protractors

Sleds

Rope for tying knots

Pencil and paper

Skills to Practice

Map reading, especially nautical maps, and plotting objects on a map.

Knot tying, especially knots used on a ship.

Semaphore flag signals, including some history.

Situational problem-solving (hint: UnReps)

Sled pulling

4. Send in your favorite quotes or inspirational phrases. Thank you -ed

RECIPE:

Hermits

2/3 C shortening

¾ C white sugar

¾ C brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

3 C flour

½ tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cloves

½ tsp ginger

¼ C molasses

1/8 C water

1 ½ C raisins

Cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs. (Save a small amount of egg to brush on top of batter before cooking.) Add dry and liquid ingredients and raisins. Spread on a greased cookie sheet. Brush with egg. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. The sheet that my mum used was 10 ½ “ by 13” by ½” deep.  I cut the hermits when they are still warm and then let them finish cooking in the sheet.  I make small bite-sized pieces.