Turtle Express: November 2025

On the 1st of November, with candy still in their stomach, Scouts distributed stickers on 7,000 doors to notify them of the upcoming food collection. 

 

Then, there were Patrol leader elections. Jayden won the election for the Vipers and Puneeth as APL. Austin was elected as the Dragon’s Patrol leader and Euston was elected APL. For the Panthers, Nitish was elected PL and Peter APL. Lastly, the Shark election saw Ainsley as PL and APL, Kiet (also the web master). 

 

On November 8th, Scouts went out again this time to collect the food that they previously notified people about. And, over the course of five hours, they collected 8,604 lbs of food! This food was then delivered and sorted into two food pantries – the Heritage House (AUMC) and Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA). 

 

The next meeting, the troop did meal planning for the upcoming Thanksgiving campout. For this campout, patrols had to come up with a side and desert for the Thanksgiving feast. 

 

Finally, the Thanksgiving campout weekend is here! Scouts got to the campsite and had to set up camp in the dark. After a cup of hot cocoa, it was time for all to go off to bed. 

 

The next morning, Scouts woke up and made breakfast. After breakfast the troop formed into groups. Each group had to lead cub scouts in various fun activities. After a lunch of pizza and soda, the Scouts had a lot of free time and energy. Many played football on the open field and some hung out at the campsite chatting and playing games like mafia.

 

At around 4pm a scout from each patrol was selected to prep and cook a turkey.

After each scout put a turkey into a dutch oven, it was now time to start cooking for the big Thanksgiving feast. Each patrol had to prepare a dessert and put it into a dutch oven to cook, and they also had to cook a side. Once everyone had cooked their side and put their dessert in the dutch ovens, it was time for a feast. Each patrol was called up one at a time to pick whatever food they wanted to eat. There were lots of varieties including green bean casserole, yams, mac and cheese, pumpkin pie, monkey bread, and so much more.

After eating some delicious food, it was time for the Grand K.P. (kitchen patrol). All Scouts had to clean all the cookware and personal K.P. items like mess kits. After this great ordeal, Scouts hit the sack. 

 

The next morning, Scouts cooked a quick breakfast then split into two groups for a service project. The service project was providing wood to all campsites. One group split the logs and one group moved the logs into campsites. After doing this, it was time to pack up camp. After packing up camp we did a quick round of roses then headed back to the church.

 

On November 17th, there was a PLC where we talked about upcoming events and past events. After the PLC there was leadership training for the new youth staff.

 

On November 24th, Maxton and Kiet demonstrated how to present ideas for the annual planning meeting and Instructor Kaden and Guide Samuel led a tent setup demo. 

 

November proved to be an exciting month packed with accomplishments, teamwork, and plenty of scouting fun!