The Exchange Club of Lawrence and the Andovers has asked us to help out with their Field of Honor again this year. You may remember this from last year when we helped set up and take down 100 flags on the town common. That went so well last year that this year we are doing 500 flags! We will need volunteers to help set up the flags on Saturday, June 20th at 9:00am and then again to help take them down on July 5th starting at 5pm.

Unfortunately, summer camp has been canceled this year. We will look for alternative activities we can do safely though. If you have any ideas for things to do, see the senior patrol leader or Mr.

It is a nice day today and you should enjoy it. Our friends over at Friends of North Andover Trails would like our help with a little project. It's easy and you can do it while keeping a safe distance from others. First, go visit the FONAT web site, (https://www.fonat.org/trails) and pick a trail in the area. Next, take a small notebook, pencil and a garbage bag. Then go walk that trail. On you walk, pick-up any trash that is reachable from the trail. While you walk, take notes the condition of trail, such as downed trees or washed-out area. Take the trash home and dispose of it and send your notes FONAT through their web site. Some rank requirements you can do on your hike are: 2nd Class: 4, and 1st Class: 5a. You can also work on the Hiking and Geocaching merit badges.

You can keep working on some advancement even when you are staying home. There are several merit badges that can be done partly or entirely at home. I am also available to connect virtually for many rank requirements for Scout through First Class. Generally any requirement that says things like "explain," "discuss," or even "show" could be done over a video conference. I am also available for scout master conferences.

There will be no troop or patrol meetings in person until at least April 7th due to the spread of the corona virus.

The annual North Andover merit badge college will be held on Jan. 26 and March 1 from 2-6pm at Troop 87 scout hut at the Trinitarian Church. This is a great opportunity to pick up some merit badges, including several Eagle required ones. Complete and return the form below to Ms. Custer by Jan. 5th to attend.