Hello hikers! 

We are looking forward to a great weekend hiking Mt Yale. Here is some information to help you prepare for a high altitude adventure. We will be car camping, so remember to bring your sleeping bag, pillow, and sleeping pad. You’ll want a warm coat for camp, and we will grab some troop tents on Friday.

Meet at the barn at 5:00 pm so we can pack up and leave by 5:30 pm.

Here are a few tips to help you out…

A great app to use is 14ers.com and Hiking Project.

Altitude sickness is a real thing, even if you live in Colorado. Please be aware of the symptoms and communicate any you may experience along the way. Taking some Tylenol or Advil as you approach 10,000ft can prevent the not-so-fun altitude headache that can ruin your day. SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR.

Drink extra WATER and hydrate this week, especially the day before the hike. This will help you on Saturday. Some people like hydration powders, but bring a separate bottle (i.e.12oz plastic water bottle) for this. The sweetness can make some people nauseated at high altitude, so it’s good to have plain water too.

Bring snacks that are both salty and sweet. A variety of lightweight, high-calorie options are great. Pepperoni or jerky, or sausage sticks taste great at the summit! So do cookies!

Pacing yourselves and taking short rests will help. Stopping for long periods of time is not recommended and can really slow your progress. Short, Frequent Breaks: Take 5-10 minute breaks every couple of hours to drink water, eat snacks, and check for any issues like hot spots on your feet. Use the Rest Step: On inclines, practice the rest step by momentarily supporting all your weight on one leg before bringing the other forward, allowing your muscles to relax with each step. 

Here is a packing list to help guide you. We recommend going light but still being prepared. 

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

– Day pack 

– Water (Nalgenes or Hydration Bladder) 2+ liters

– Light gloves

– Beanie/hat/buff

– Sunglasses

– Sunscreen (small bottle or squeeze some into a ziplock so you’re not carrying extra weight)

– Headlamp (Pro Tip – wear your headlamp around your waist. You won’t blast your friends in the face with a bright light when you are talking to them. It also makes it easier to see obstacles on the trail, like rocks and logs.

– Dress in layers (non-cotton, moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, waterproof and windproof outer layers). Going up will be warm, but it can be cold and windy up high.

— T-shirt

— Long sleeve shirt/sun shirt

— Fleece jacket or light puffy jacket or sweatshirt 

— Raincoat/windbreaker

– Good socks with no holes

– Study footwear…trail running shoes, hiking boots, or tennis shoes with good tread 

– Hiking pants (NO BLUE JEANS)

– Trekking or ski pole (optional)

– A few Band-Aids

– – Duct Tape works great to prevent blisters,  just don’t bring the whole roll. If you’re getting a hot spot, tell an adult so they can help you.  Preventing blisters is important. 

– Emergency blanket (if you have one)

– TP in a little ziplock or small Kleenex pack

– Cell phone & Ear Buds for music

** inReach Satellite Phone for Emergency Use (Mr. Anderson will have one)

HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS 

Most people who get altitude sickness get AMS, acute mountain sickness. At higher than 10,000 feet, 75% of people will get mild symptoms. There are three categories of AMS:

Mild AMS: Symptoms, such as mild headache and fatigue, don’t interfere with your normal activity. Symptoms improve after a few days as your body acclimates. You can likely stay at your current elevation as your body adjusts.

Moderate AMS: Symptoms start to interfere with your activities. You may experience severe headache, nausea, and difficulty with coordination. You’ll need to descend to start to feel better.

Severe AMS: You may feel short of breath, even at rest. It can be difficult to walk. You need to descend immediately to a lower altitude and seek medical care.

Two severe forms of altitude illness occur less frequently but are more serious. Both can be life-threatening. You need to descend immediately and receive medical treatment for:

HAPE (High-altitude pulmonary edema): HAPE produces excess fluid on the lungs, causing breathlessness, even when resting. You feel very fatigued and weak and may feel like you’re suffocating.

HACE (High-altitude cerebral edema): HACE involves excess fluid on the brain, causing brain swelling. You may experience confusion, lack of coordination, and possibly violent behavior.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-57816080-mtyale

Troop, we will be conducting meal planning and camp prep at the church at 7:00 pm in preparation for this weekends campout (14er and some water fun). We will also be assigning scouts to patrols along with an assistant scoutmaster leader. Nathan is planning to hold a scout knot meeting with myself, all assistant scoutmasters, and scout leaders (SPL, ASPL, Scribe, and Patrol Leaders) to plan out the rest of the year – if you are a leader, make sure you attend. With all the leadership and scout position changes, I know everyone is working on getting their uniforms sewn up so lets meet in class Bs. Depending on how the SPL and ASPL decide to work it, we may expand to a third patrol, so if you are interested in becoming a patrol leader, have a quick speech ready to go.

Upcoming schedule:

22-24 Aug: 14er campout (Mt. Yale) and water fun (either rafting or canoeing/swimming)

26 Aug: Game night (Manitou Arcade)

29 Aug: Council sponsored Vibes baseball game (sign up if you are interested)

1 Sep: Labor Day Flags (sign up)

13 Sep: Council planned merit badges (Mining in Society & Water/Soil Conservation). Sign up on the council webpage. Cost is $5.00 and both merit badges will be completed from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

27 Sep: Field trip to WWII Aviation Museum (10:00 am, cost is $17.00)

Mr. Turner

Take your family to a Council-sponsored Vibes Baseball Game on August 29, 2025. Please see the details and sign up in the link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-57811980-council

Please see the sign-up link below with all the details regarding our next Troop 287 adventure!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-57816080-mtyale

Extra T-shirts and one adult small hoodie are available for sale at the COH next week. Reserve yours now by texting Janelle at (801) 518-9659. Limited supply available. Also,  check out the free pile of uniform items and t-shirts available in the scout closet!

We have a BSA High Adventure opportunity to go to Sea Base next Spring Break!

We have secured one crew for Coral Reef Sailing on Sunday, March 22 – Friday, March 27, 2026, with departure and travel on Saturday, March 21st. This is an 8-person crew (minimum of 2 adults included). Please see the sign-up link for details, including estimated cost and sign-up slots.

Due to airline travel and out-of-state logistics, we are currently only opening this opportunity to scouts who will be 14+ years old at the time of departure. We will consider offering slots to 13+ year olds if adults are willing to support, and we have enough scouts able to commit. You will see two sign-up slot options: one for those committed to go and one for those interested but not ready to commit.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-57799115-seabase

Troop,

We will be meeting at the barn at 7:00 pm for some elections. First off, from 7:00-7:30 we will hold Order of the Arrow elections (maximum attendance needed!). At 7:30 we will hold our troop scout leadership positions (remember to bring a speech for whatever position you are running for) followed by the Traffic Safety Merit Badge. Make sure everyone wears their Class A uniform. If you plan to attend the Traffic Safety Merit Badge, please bring the worksheet to fill out and if you really want to learn about Traffic Safety, read the pamphlet before the meeting.

Upcoming Schedule:

8/12 – Court of Honor (Ice Cream) – make sure you sign up! 6:30 start time!

8/19 – Campout/meal prep and finish Traffic Safety MB (if needed)

8/22-8/24 – 14er campout (Mt. Yale) with WhiteWater Rafting

8/26 – Game night at Manitou Arcade

8/29 – Pathway to the Rockies Council Vibes baseball game

9/1 – Labor Day Flags

Mr. Turner

Troop,

Short and sweet: We will meet at the barn at 7:00 pm to straighten our gear out and work on the trailers. We will also be reviewing the scout positions and how the elections will go. We will also be conducting any scoutmaster conferences. Wear class B’s as we will be working outside and in the barn.

Upcoming events:

12 Aug – Court of Honor (ice cream – remember to sign up)

19 Aug – Campout prep

22-24 – 14er campout and rafting

Mr. Turner

Troop,

This week, we’ll be working on the Fingerprinting merit badge at the church at 7:00 pm. I’ll provide the merit badge worksheets. If possible, please print out the Fingerprinting merit badge pamphlet so you can follow along and we can complete the merit badge. Thank you!

Here is the link to the pamphlet:

Click to access Fingerprinting_Merit_Badge_Pamphlet_202433111213485718644.pdf

Upcoming Schedule:

29 Jul: Barn/equipment cleanup; trailer rehab; election details; scoutmaster conferences

5 Aug: Traffic Safety Merit Badge; scout leadership elections; boards of review

12 Aug: Court of Honor (Ice Cream!) 6:30 start time

19 Aug: Campout prep, meal planning

22-24 Aug: 14er campout (Mt. Yale), whitewater rafting (sign up coming soon so decide if you are interested and want to go)

26 Aug: Game night (Manitou Springs Arcade)

29 Aug: Pathway to the Rockies Council – Rocky Mountain Vibes game: $30.00 ticket includes parking, food voucher, smores kit, and a patch. A sign up will be coming out soon so be thinking about it!

Mr. Turner

Date: Tuesday, August 12th

Time: have boys there by 6:30 to help set up, ceremony is at 7, ice cream to follow

Troop will supply the ice cream. Please RSVP as well as sign up to bring a topping.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-57602634-2025

Troop,

We will be meeting at the Oak Valley Ranch Park off Silent Rain Dr. at 7:00 pm for a fun night of water balloons and squirt guns (bring your own squirt guns). Make sure to wear swim trunks or clothes you can get wet and bring a towel. I will bring several water tubs to refill your guns and lots of water balloons.

Upcoming Schedule:

12-24 Jul: Philmont

22 Jul: Fingerprinting Merit Badge (please print out the study book, I will bring the worksheets you write in)

29 Jul: Barn/equipment cleanup; trailer rehab; election details; scoutmaster conferences

5 Aug: Traffic Safety Merit Badge; scout leadership elections; boards of review

12 Aug: Court of Honor

19 Aug: Campout prep, meal planning

22-24 Aug: 14er campout (Mt. Yale), whitewater rafting

26 Aug: Game night (Manitou Springs Arcade)

Mr. Turner

Troop,

We will be meeting at the Wilson Ranch Pool (2335 Allegheny Dr.) from 4:30 – 6:00 to get all remaining scouts swim qualified in preparation for upcoming canoe trips and white water rafting. If you get there at 4:30 the cost is $5.00 for kids and $7.50 for adults. At 5:00 the cost goes up to $10.00 for kids and $15.00 for adults. Please show up if you are not swim qualified and you want to participate in future water activities. Mr. Orozsi will be qualifying scouts in swimming and if time remains, you can work on aquatics requirements for second and first class ranks.

**Thank you to everyone who helped with flags on the 4th of July!!

**A slot has opened up for Philmont to anyone interested in attending (12-24 July). You must be 13 years old. Contact myself or another scout leader if you want to go.

Upcoming schedule:

15 Jul – Game night: Squirt gun and water balloon fights at Oak Valley Ranch Park (bring your own squirt guns). The troop will bring water balloons and water tubs to refill your guns.

22 Jul – Merit Badge as a Troop. I have not received any suggestions, so I am going to register as a counselor for Fingerprinting and Traffic Safety and let everyone choose. We will also review leadership positions and election details.

29 Jul – Gear check/Barn cleanup/Trailer repair. Also Scoutmaster conferences if needed.

5 Aug – Merit Badge as a Troop. New leadership elections. Boards of Review if needed.

12 Aug – Court of Honor

19 Aug – Campout prep/meal planning

22-24 Aug – 14er campout & whitewater rafting

26 Aug – Game night @ Manitou Springs Arcade

29 Aug – (In conjunction with the Pathway to the Rockies Council) Scout Night with the Rocky Mountain Vibes at 6:35 pm. $30.00 tickets include a food voucher, smores kit, parking, and a patch. Families are welcome, but we will also take scouts if parents can’t attend. The troop will secure tickets so let me know if you want to go

**Schedule update – Mr. Orozsi secured us a tour with the WWII Aviation Museum for 27 Sep at 10:00 am. Cost is $13.00 for age 11 and below; $17.00 for age 12 and up. For anyone who hasn’t been there, it is a great museum! Plus we will get a behind the scenes tour!

Mr. Turner

We are very short on flag sign ups this 4th of July holiday.  At this time we only have enough signed up to do one route and we need four.  Tonight is the night of assignments, so if you have been waiting, now is the time to sign up.  We are all going to a bbq on Friday night but if you can find an hour to help out it would be greatly appreciated.  If you can only do the morning shift, we will happily take that also, just let me know.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-55352959-flag

Maureen Reiser

208-596-3115

Troop,

We will not be having a meeting tomorrow so everyone can enjoy the week of the 4th of July with their families. Please remember to sign up for flags on the 4th if you are available. Scouts, also remember to be thinking of what merit badge you would like to do as a troop. I will need some time to put in the paperwork if I am not already a merit badge counselor for the one you choose. Next week we will be helping the Philmont Crew get any last minute things taken care of. If they do not need our help we may try to schedule a swim test to get everyone qualified for future canoeing and white water rafting.

**Please bring any Buffalo Bill summer camp awards and patches to the 8 Jul meeting. Also, make sure you are working hard on your merit badges and any rank advancement – the Court of Honor will be here before you know it.

**Good news: New tents and neckerchiefs have been ordered/purchased

Upcoming Schedule:

4 Jul – Flags

8 Jul – Philmont help/rank advancement/games or possible swim test

15 Jul – Game night (squirt gun/water balloon fights)

22 Jul – Merit Badge as a Troop (TBD) & leadership position descriptions/election details

29 Jul – Gear check/Barn Cleanup/Trailer repair

5 Aug – Merit Badge and New Leadership elections

12 Aug – Court of Honor

19 Aug – Campout prep/meal planning

22-24 Aug – 14er campout & whitewater rafting

26 Aug – Game night @ Manitou Springs Arcade

Mr. Turner

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Thanks to those who have been helping with flag duty.  We just purchased new camping equipment and neckerchiefs for the troop with the help from flag money.  

July 4th is Friday and we still need some adults and scouts to sign up below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-55352959-flag

Contact me if you have any questions

Maureen Reiser

208-596-3115

I am looking for a parent volunteer who would like to take a more active role in our troop. I have been the Advancement Chair for the last four years, and it is a great position! It is not a difficult job. You’d need to learn Scoutbook and will be responsible for planning three Court of Honor events each year (they are mostly planned already, though) and creating the program for them. You would also attend and contribute to the monthly council meetings held at the same time as the scout meeting. I’m not going anywhere, but I’d like to train someone this summer as we go through the summer camp merit badges. I’d be happy to work in tandem with someone for a while. Let me know if you have any questions. ~Jenine 619-607-1647

Troop,

I am sending out this post early so everyone knows what is happening on Tuesday. I think the canoe outing will need a little more preparation/planning before we execute. I was also reminded that the water is still really, really cold and I know you guys will want to play canoe wars. Although, after the polar plunge I’m sure some of you wouldn’t mind the cold. I think we can move the canoeing to July or August. Instead I would like to review how summer camp went with an after action report. All the adults that went, please write down things that went well and what could be improved upon. All the scouts can be thinking of the good and “needs improvement” as well. I also want to review the 21 merit badges that were not completed and make sure each scout knows what they need to do (I don’t want these merit badges to fall by the wayside and be forgotten – you guys worked to hard at camp). We can also do a uniform inspection to make sure everyone identifies what they are missing and need to buy. I will also have binders for those that never received them. We also need to set the tents back up again and identify those that need replaced, identify items we need to buy, and make sure everything is packed up. If there is time left over we can play some games.

**I know this is not a “fun” meeting, but please make every effort to attend and don’t blow it off as these are important things we need to accomplish. Not only will this set up all the scouts for the Court of Honor in August, but we will be ready for all future outings.

Mr. Turner

Troop,

This week, we will be going on a hike at the Garden of the Gods for game night. Be sure to bring proper footwear, class B uniform, a headlamp/flashlight, and some water for the hike.  Arrive at the north parking lot at 7:00 pm. Also, while unpacking from summer camp, if you discovered something that wasn’t yours, please bring it so we can find the owner. Also, I would like to officially present the Buffalo Bill Summer camp awards/badges at the August Court of Honor, so please get them all to me when you can.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

June 24 – Canoeing (Rampart Reservoir)

June 28 – Radio Merit Badge with Pathway to the Rockies Council (sign up online)

July 1 – No meeting (enjoy Independence Day with family)

July 4 – Flags

July 8 – Help with Philmont prep, uniform inspection (start identifying your deficiencies), and skills games

July 12-24 – Philmont

July 15 – game night (squirt guns and water balloon fight)

July 22 – Merit Badge as a troop (think of which one you want to do); there is also an opportunity to do a service cleanup project with Upadowna at Wildflower Park from 6:00-7:00 pm.

July 29 – Orienteering (USAFA or Garden of the Gods)

Aug 5 – Merit Badge as a troop (this could be part II from July or a new one)

Aug 12 – Court of Honor

We are also working on a visit to the WWII Aviation Museum (Aug 30).

Mr. Turner

Troop,

This week, we will meet at the church for some final preparations for summer camp, including reviewing the necessary gear, administrative paperwork, and addressing any questions you may have about the camp. We will also knock out Totin Chip for any scout that needs it. If we finish early, we will do rank advancement and play some games.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

June 7-14 – Buffalo Bill Summer Camp

June 17 – Game Night – hike at Garden of the Gods

June 24 – Canoeing (Rampart Reservoir)

July 1 – No meeting (enjoy Independence Day with family)

July 8 – help with Philmont prep/skills challenges, and games

July 12-24 – Philmont

July 15 – game night (squirt guns and water balloon fight)

July 22 – Merit Badge as a troop

July 29 – Orienteering (USAFA or Garden of the Gods)

We are also working on a visit to the WWII Aviation Museum (Aug 30) and a service project for September.

Mr. Turner

Memorial Day flag duty was a success with all the new families, thank you.

Flag Day is Saturday June 14th.  Most of the troop will be returning from summer camp and so many of us are out of town.  We are still obligated to put up flags on this day.  PLEASE sign up below if you are in town and can help with flags.  We really need to rally and get everyone we can to sign up. Siblings, friends and family are welcome to help. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-55352959-flag