Now is also the time to start planning the next years program. Group campsites in stateparks fill up fast, You may already be too late for a fall campout. Why do you need to start all this planning so soon? Districts are looking for Popcorn Kernals. Trails-end will be visit you areas soon. You need to have a plan to create a budget. You need a budget to set popcorn goals, and boy do we have a steep goal this year! we had a record year last year. Now we have to try and beat that.

Whew! I’m thinking about my May event and he’s talking about September and October, but you know what? He’s absolutely right. In my area you can’t reserve most of the campsites more than 90 days in advance, but that’s not true for the national parks. Plus, haven’t you said every year that this time you’re going to be properly organized for popcorn in your pack? That’s especially true if your old Kernal is bridging out and you need to get your next one cross-trained while they’re both still in the pack together. Sound’s like the Chairman has some timely advice, even if it barely lets you shake the snow off your boots before you’re planning for it again.

“In the year ahead, we’ll do more to prepare for, and respond to, emergencies of any kind, whether man-made or natural disasters. This year, by taking ‘Notify NYC’ citywide, anyone in the city will be able to receive phone and email messages with important information. We’ll also handle 911 calls more efficiently than ever.
…
“President-elect Obama has said that he will challenge the nation to embrace a new era of public service – and New York City will lead the way. Public service is a gift that most of us have experienced; for me, it began in the Boy Scouts. And in these tough times, it’s up to us to share that gift even more generously with our friends and neighbors.

Being prepared and doing service for others. That same afternoon New Yorkers responded with the miraculous water landing of US Airways Flight 1540 and the rescue of everyone aboard without a single fatality. If I put money on the table that some of those responsible for this incredible result were Boy Scouts, how safe do you think it would be?

When climbing to a mountain summit or a pass, stop and add a layer just before you get there, especially in blustery or unsettled weather. Usually, the temperature drops and the wind chill increases as you near the top, by which time you may be too chilled to want to stop and adjust your clothes.