Excellent hike to Hutch’s Pool just north of Sabino Canyon. We enjoyed the rare treat of cooling off and relaxing underneath the stars after a brisk 6 mile hike with full kit.

Conditions for the annual ski trip to Arizona Snowbowl were challenging. We were presented with icy conditions which turned to slush, ASL Chris M., explained our hazards and reviewed our safety procedures.

Despite the slush, many scouts in our troop completed their snow sports merit badges.

Great time at Empire Ranch in southeast Arizona. ASL Steve Hensel helped arrange a service project where scouts and adult leaders participated in recycling wood from old barns. As a treat we were provided sleeping accommodations and a tour of this ranch that served up as a film location for many famous westerns.

Scouts both young and old enjoyed cooking competitions, knife-throwing, and archery.

Curtis S., helping out.

EM, TH, and LJ utilizing their pioneering skills.

Did we forget to mention the hatchet throwing?

We have created a facebook group called “BSA Troop 186 Tanque Verde” for scouting adults. That’s right, this is for the adults to share according to BSA social media guidelines. If you are interested, please request membership to the group through facebook.com

Beautiful day for a hike in the mountains east of Tucson. We embarked bright and early with full packs and enjoyed lunch and rain.

Scouts, by next week, August 20, 2013, you will need to have your Athletics Merit Badge Workbook and a pencil. We will be continuing with the Merit Badge. Please come prepared with a set of sport shorts, Class B or scouting related t-shirt, athletic shoes, and a bottle of water along with your Class A and appropriate pants for the meeting. NO sport shorts are allowed during the meeting, only when participating in athletic events. If you have any questions please email the SPL here.

Scouts come prepared with your Athletics Merit Badge Worksheets. We will be reviewing the first two parts. Also, those scouts participating in the Aviation Merit Badge come required with your needed materials.

ASL Vance Drenkhan will be leading eligible scouts through the aviation merit badge, follow this link for a Downloadable Aviation Flyer. Scout leader Drenkhan is a former Air Force pilot and graduate of the United States Air Force Academy so this is an excellent and unique opportunity to gain first-hand accounts of what the field of aviation is about.

Should Scoutmaster Fields bring back the stache? What do you think of this new look?

Attention parents and scouts. Events that were previously posted on the calendar are incorrect. The car camping trip and planning meetings that preluded the trip have now been postponed. The events for those days will be determined on Tuesday, July 23. If there are any questions please email the Troop Webmaster.