All Hands On Deck! All hands on deck! David Marcus, Stephen Barter, Phyllip Wallace and Hank Fitzpatrick move Mathias Richardson to the stretcher.

Back on November 17 and 18 the Troop ventured down to Chuck Richardson's property on Westport Island for an overnight campout to work on our First Aid requirements.

We got an early start on Saturday morning rather than Friday night due to the rain that we were experiencing (Yes, we are Boy Scouts, but cold is one thing, WET and cold is another!). After we set up camp and ate some breakfast the learning began. We reviewed First Aid protocols and demonstrated bandages and various rescue techniques. I think the boys had as much fun being the victim as well as being the first responder.

Elizabeth Barter and her daughter Allison showed up as mock accident victims which allowed the boys to review how to respond to an automobile accident and how to cope with a frightened child. In addition, the boys bandaged them up and practiced carrying Allison away. We learned that sticks can be used for more than just firewood as we practiced splinting arms and legs with whatever is available to you. The boys also learned that a stretcher can be made with two poles and several items that may be available including shirts, jackets and blankets.

Hank Fitzpatrick was in charge of the meals for the weekend so he kept us full of warm food to fight off the dropping temperatures. As nightfall approached, the mercury dropped into the low twenties. First Aid was abandoned for fire building 101 as everyone attempted to keep warm. Several scouts (and a couple of adults!) retired early as a result of all that fresh air and in an attempt to keep warm (whose idea was this, anyway?).

Sunday morning brought slightly warmer temperatures so we completed our First Aid training and broke camp. Special thanks to Tom Fogarty, Chuck Richardson, Bert Campbell, Jon Campbell, Elizabeth and Allison Barter for making this weekend training possible.

Next up the Troop will be finishing up on our First Aid and other requirements in preparation for Boards of Review, which will occur on December 13. On Saturday, December 8, Andrew Bosio has arranged for the Scouts to complete some Community Service over at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter and James Richardson is arranging for the Troop to sponsor a local family for their Holiday Season needs. We will cap off the month of December with a Court of Honor and Holiday party on the Dec. 20.

If you are between the ages of 11 and 18 and wish to join us, the Troop meets every Thursday between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Call Bob Marcus at 882-9514 for more information.