July 2025 Newsletter

  

Agenda

July is a golden month glowing with the warmth of summer’s peak. The sun blazes high in the sky, inviting long afternoons and balmy evenings filled with laughter and connection. It’s the season of bright blooms, ripe fruits, and carefree days spent under wide, open skies. Each moment feels infused with energy and celebration, as summer’s magic reaches its fullest.

• From the desk of the Committee Chair
• Picnic
• Trap Pond
• Skill of the Month
• Jokes 
• Crossword

Committee Chair's Desk Message

By Mr. Krishnamurthy 

This is monthly section called the Committee Chair's Desk Message where the Committee Chair talks about scout topics. This month's topic is what other people think about Boy Scouts.

From the desk of the Committee Chair

July 31, 2025

Hello Troop 89 Scouts,  

Have you ever wondered what others think of scouts? As scouts, you've been saying something countless times, but may not think of it often enough: the Scout Oath and Law. These words aren't just part of tradition. They're values that, when lived daily, can shape your future in powerful and sometimes surprising ways. Being trustworthy, helpful, and brave isn’t just for earning ranks. They’re how you become someone who others rely on and respect out in the real world.

Let me share an anecdote from my job that’s stuck with me. We once had to choose a vendor for a major project. The top three candidates were all solid, but one of them stood out. He was personable; however, he was also the one who quoted the highest price. So by the financial criteria, he was going to be eliminated. Our CIO started inviting each vendor to his room and asked them why he should pick them. The one with the highest price responded, “Because I’m an Eagle Scout,” and explained how the values he learned through Scouting shaped how he runs his business. That simple statement impressed my CIO, and we ended up giving him the contract even though he was the most expensive, but we had faith that we had a trustworthy partner who would deliver quality service. It reminded me that being a Scout doesn’t end at 18; it becomes part of your identity and how you carry yourself. That moment is one reason I’ve always wanted my sons to be Scouts and to aim for Eagle.

This fall, I want each of you to commit to your own progress and live your values as you work towards Eagle rank. Advancement takes effort, but think of it as building a foundation that lasts a lifetime. Every step you take puts you closer to something bigger than a badge or a patch: it builds confidence, leadership, and grit.

Choose growth over comfort. Commit to showing up and following through. Because people out there really do notice and trust someone who lives like a Scout. Eagle ranks are not just to help you get good college admissions, but it is also a part of your brand and reputation in the real world. You’ve got it in you to attain it. Go for it.

Yours in Scouting.

Mr. Krishnamurthy

Summer Camp

By: Rohan

This year's Summer Camp was my first time going, and it was even funner than I had imagined. From the water course in the lake, to the shooting range up the hill, this year's summer camp was packed with fun activities and merit badges to do. Although the badges took a while to walk to sometimes, it was all worth it, as the counselors were welcoming and the scouts were respectful. 

On the first day, it was challenging realizing how much we had to walk and how little time we had to do so. But once the day was over, we figured out where all our classes were and memorized them. Going in the water was especially refreshing after walking around and sitting for a couple hours. The opening campfire was especially fun when we got to see all the counselors do different skits.

Then for the second, third, and fourth day, it was all about continuing to learn about all the merit badges we were doing. The meals were especially good during the week, as we got to enjoy foods and drinks like warm churros and refreshing lemonade. We also had to think about a skit to do as a troop, and practiced it multiple times. 

On the last day (Friday), we could finally complete all our merit badges. We were all excited to spend the warm day finishing the last requirements, and wrapping up to go to our final classes for the day. During the night, it was time for the closing campfire, and us scouts did not disappoint. Not only did we do very well with our skit (which was “Yapoocha”), but Mr. Devakate also won the adult desert cooking contest, bringing our confidence as a troop up. 

Overall, this year's summer camp was an unforgettable experience, with adventures packed into the week. All the scouts enjoyed the camp, it made for a very special memory.

Skill of the Month

As scouts one of our pillars is to be prepared. So to brush up on important skill here is a skill of the month. It's a lot longer than normal, however, this is a very important video as it focuses on scout leadership.

Jokes

• Why did the Scout bring a pencil to camp?
  Because they wanted to draw their own map!

• What’s a Scout’s favorite workout?
  Tent-ups!

• Why did the canoe blush?
  It saw the riverbank changing!

• How do Scouts keep their uniforms clean?
  With scout-and-water!

• Why did the campfire apply for a job?
  It wanted to make a little extra “glow.”

• What’s a Scout’s favorite type of math?
  Camping-ometry—lots of angles for pitching tents!

• Why did the Scout pack an extra flashlight?
  In case things got a little too “in-tents.”

• What do you call a Scout who can play guitar?
  A camp-strummer!

• Why don’t compasses ever get nervous?
  They always find their center!

• What’s a Scout’s favorite sandwich?
  Peanut butter and trail jam!

Crossword

Crossword

Crossword Answer (No peeking a scout is trustworthy)