First United Methodist Church’s Methodist Men’s group welcomed members of Troop 60 and representatives from Norwela Council to their Scout Sunday breakfast. Individuals contributed to Friends of Scouting fundraising efforts. Troop 60 has a charter with First United Methodist Church Natchitoches that is one of the oldest in north Louisiana. Netami District Executive Neal Stapleton was in attendance to represent Norwela Council.. Troop 60 And the Norwela Council appreciate the continued support of Scouting.

Troop 60 concluded the requirements for the pulp and paper merit badge Saturday by visiting a paper mill and a forestry logging Operation. They were given a guided tour of Pratt industries paper recycling mill in Shreveport. They were able to see the entire paper recycling process from start to finish. In addition, Sonny Evans, a life long timber man accompanied the troop and allowed the scouts to view one of his logging operations in Natchitoches parish.

Pratt Recycling is a subsidiary of Pratt Industries, the 5th largest corrugated packaging company in the USA and the world’s largest, privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company. Pratt Recycling Division is a full service recycler with 13 recycling facilities. Every year Pratt diverts 2.2 million tons of waste paper, other recyclable materials and waste-to-clean energy materials.

Troop 60 had a busy meeting tonight. They continued their Paper and Pulp education by making paper. Thank you Nyle for providing such a fun and interesting way to learn. They then planned an upcoming paper mill and forestry tour to help complete their merit badge requirements. Parents can refer to group me for details of the upcoming event.

Troop 60 also received Scout Cards to sell. This is their most recent fundraiser. Cards are available for $5 and include discounts to local and Shreveport based establishments. Proceeds are used to assist scouts in meeting their annual requirements. Cards are available for purchase through the end of March.

Celebrations were also in order as troop 60 sang happy birthday to Jacob Miller, congratulated Koda DeBlieux for passing BOR for Star Scout and offered Austin Dees a huge congratulations on making Eagle 🦅 Scout. His Court of Honor will be held on March 12th.

Troop 60 adventures included a no trace camp out and a discovery hike. Troop 60 worked on many requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second and First class ranks. The older scouts used the edge method to teach the younger scouts first aid, hiking safety and plant and animal identification and safety.

On our hike we identified native plants and animals. We cooked on an open campfire, discussed principles of scouting including the meanings of the oath, law, outdoor code, and pledge of allegiance. We also earned frost points by sleeping in tents in temperatures below 32 degrees. Brrr…