The Western Los Angeles County Council began producing and broadcasting in March 2020 a live Scouting show called Scout Saturday Live! hosted by Scouts.  Their 18th episode will be stream live this Saturday, January 2nd, at 1:30pm Eastern Time.  It can be viewed through Youtube and Facebook.  For more information see their web page at the below link or use a search engine such as Google for the words "Scout Saturday Live."  Their web page also has links to watch previous episodes.

https://bsa-la.org/ssl/

Troop 658's Assistant Senior Patrol Leader successfully delivered bags and boxes of non-perishable groceries to the Salvation Army in Burlington, VT.  In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season and Scouting's mission of service to others, scouts donated and gathered donations from friends and neighbors to provided to the Salvation Army.  2020 has been a hard year on charitable service organizations and the Burlington Salvation Army has struggled to provide meal services to those in need.  The Salvation Army was very appreciative and thankful.  The troop has a long standing relationship with the Burlington Salvation Army.  Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Troop 658 Scouts could often be seen there assisting with preparing and serving meals.  Many scouts expressed it was a rewarding experience and Troop 658 looks forward to volunteering there again in the future.

Troop 658 is doing a food drive for the Salvation Army and we need your help!. Check your email for details and if you have any questions, reach out to Aidan P or Jonah D. 

What kind of donations are needed? Here is a list of suggestions:

• Canned Goods (vegetables, fruits, ready to eat soups or other ready to eat meals)

• Beans

• Dried goods

• Dried meals

• Dry pasta

• Non perishables 

Things not do Donate: 

• Candy 

• Sugary drinks

• Fresh foods

• Dairy products

• Refrigerated items.

POPCORN orders will be available for pick up this Saturday!  If you sold popcorn and turned in an order form please contact Mr. and Mrs. Buker to arrange a time to pick up your order.  Pick ups will be by appointment and scheduled between 10am to 4pm this Saturday, 12/5.  Appointments are necessary to minimize exposure to others and to keep a healthy distance. Masks are required.

To schedule your popcorn pick up please call Mr. and Mrs. Buker at 802-862-6872.

On Saturday, 11/7/2020, the troop will host a 10-mile hike on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail.  Participants have the option of meeting in the Colchester Shaw's parking lot at 8:30 am or meeting at the trail parking area (to be announced).  Additional information will be sent out by email and posted to the troop website later in the week.  This is a great opportunity for anyone who needs to plan and cook a meal during a hike (of at least 5 miles) or who may work on the hiking merit badge.  It's also an opportunity for scouts who need to identify plants or animal signs.  The weather outlook is excellent so take advantage if you don't have a schedule conflict.

Last Sunday, October 25th, Troop 658 had a short geocache hike instead of the regular troop meeting, at Ethan Allen Park and in the woods near the north end of Burlington. The troop had great weather for the outing, even if it was a little chilly. The group split into 2 smaller groups and each group found 3 individual geocache locations.