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

Volunteers NEEDED!!

Hello all scouts and families! This is Madden and I’m looking for volunteers for my Eagle Project at Eagleview Middle School. We are making picnic tables for an outdoor area and repainting others. This is going to take place on May 31 from 8 am – 11 am at Eagleview’s wood shop. You will not need to bring any gear and we will have some drinks available. The cutting and painting is done. We will be assembling the tables on this day and painting two additional tables that are already assembled. If you want some service hours and are free to come, I would appreciate it if you could make it. This is not limited to Scouts and the more people the better. Please email me if you can come. If you have any questions you can email me at maddenpohl@gmail.com.

Madden Pohl

Troop,

This week we will be doing a gear layout at the barn in preparation for summer camp. Setting up tents and making sure we have all the necessary gear. Do not wear class A uniform – wear class B or some old clothes. The Philmont crew will also be on hand doing the same thing, so we should be able to get things done quickly and have time for rank advancement or some games.

Upcoming calendar:

June 3 – Summer Camp adminstrative paperwork and final prep for summer camp.

June 7-14 – Buffalo Bill Summer Camp

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

June 24 – Canoeing (TBD)

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)

Mr. Turner

Troop,

Game Night! Earlier this year our bike ride was canceled because of bad weather, so we will meet at the church at 7:00 and cruise over to Ute Valley for an awesome mountain biking ride! Remember to bring your bikes and helmets and maybe a headlamp. While the scouts are riding, the Summer Camp parents and adults will have a meeting for the Buffalo Bill Summer Camp. We will discuss carpooling, departure dates, and possible attractions to see/do on the way there and during our Wednesday free day. Bring any summer camp paperwork, payments, etc. Please make every effort to attend if you have a scout attending Camp Buffalo Bill so your voice can be heard and you can ask questions.

Upcoming Schedule:

21 May – Scout leadership Knot Meeting (6:30 pm)

26 May – Memorial Day Flags

27 May – Summer Camp Gear Checkout

3 Jun – Summer Camp Administrative Checks; Rank Advancement/Games

14 Jun – Flag Day Flags

28 Jun – Radio Merit Badge (sign up on Pathway to the Rockies website – no cost, 9:00am – 4:00pm)

4 Jul – Independence Day Flags

Mr. Turner

Our first flag holiday is right around the corner. Memorial Day, May 26th. We still have some slots to fill. Information on SignUpGenies below. Scout and Guardian sign ups work best.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-55352959-flag

Contact Maureen at 208-596-3115 if you have any questions

Troop,

This week, the BSA swim test will be held with Matt Hoekstra at the Southeast YMCA (2190 Jet Wing Dr) from 6:00-8:00pm. Please bring your swim trunks, towel, and flippies. Cost is $10.00 for scouts and $15.00 for parents. Mr. James Zsoka will be in charge. Please do your best to attend and get your scout qualified for summer camp, and water adventures in general. Also, the Sand Dunes campout is this coming weekend (signup genius is posted), so please sign up ASAP if you plan to attend. You can sled down the hills or bring a chair and sit in the middle of the stream. As of now we have 4 adult drivers and 8 scouts attending.

Camp cards are due this Tuesday – please turn in all money and unsold cards to Miss Maureen.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

May 16-18 – Great Sand Dunes campout (the Medano Creek should be running!)

May 20 – Game Night (Outside TBD) & Buffalo Bill summer camp meeting #1 – summer camp parents, please attend so we can review some summer camp details. (I had to reschedule due to an illness).

Make sure you have completed the medical form and then turn them into JC Kundert.

Scout Youth Leaders – we will do a knot meeting on 21 May to schedule out a little further.

Mr. Turner

Get your sunscreen, sleds, and sand shoes because Troop 287 is headed to the Great Sand Dunes National Park on May 16 – 18, 2025. The dunes are located 3 hours southwest in the San Luis Valley, and we will be car camping, so bring as much gear as you want. Please sign up ASAP so we can plan food and adult support. 

We will depart from the barn at 5:30 on Friday and return between 12 and 1 on Sunday

Please sign up here so we have an accurate count of who will be attending.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-56754169-sand

Troop,

We will be meeting to plan and meal prep for the May campout to the Great Sand Dunes! Nathan will also be giving a class on packing for a campout and what to do and not do on the campout. Try to get creative with your meal selections and some of the new scouts should step up and help with buying the food and cooking. The earlier you get in there and try, the easier it will get.

Upcoming Schedule

May 12 – Scout Leadership Knot Meeting (6:30 pm)

May 13 – Swimming test, Buffalo Bill Summer Camp Meeting – summer camp parents please attend so we can review some summer camp details.

May 16-18 – Great Sand Dunes campout (the Medano Creek should be running!)

May 20 – Game Night (TBD)

Mr. Turner

Troop,

Tuesday is game night! We will introduce our newest scouts to the awesome sport of ultimate cabbage! Meet at the barn at 7:00 pm and we will walk over to Wilson Ranch Park. Make sure to wear your troop hoodie or another hoodie (no class A’s) as the temps should be around mid 40s to low 50s. We should have daylight till around 8:10 and we will head back to the barn for closing. I will bring the cabbages and penny jerseys.

Upcoming schedule:

May 4 – Jefferson’s court of honor

May 6 – prepping for Sand Dunes Campout

May 13 – Swimming test & Buffalo Bill Summer Camp meeting #1

May 16-18 – Great Sand Dunes Campout

May 20 – Game night (TBD)

May 26 – Memorial Day Flags

Mr. Turner

Sleeping bag/pillow/sleeping pad

Mess Kit (plate,cup,bowl, spork)/water bottle

Scout 10 essentials

Bike/helmet/sunglasses/good shoes

Clothes for 3 days/2 nights (minimize cotton), dress in layers (be prepared for lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s), light jacket, beanie, gloves

Small daypack for lunch/water and extra gear

camp chair

Extra personal gear, snacks

Bike repair kit, tools, pump if you have them

Any personal medication

Scout book to work on rank

Ball/cards for evening games

Flashlight or headlamp

Hygiene kit

Hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes

Troop,

This week we will meet at the church to do trip and meal prep for the mountain biking campout this weekend at Fruita. There will also be a bike inspection, so make sure to bring the bike you will use if you are going on the campout – some of the adults will be able check the basics and make sure you are ready to go.

Here is the link to sign up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B49A9AB2CA0F49-56383787-troop

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

25-27 April – Fruita Mountain Biking Campout 

29 April – game night (TBD)

4 May – Jefferson’s Eagle Court of Honor

https://evite.me/JeffersonCHolpuchCOHTroop287

13 May – Swim Test at Southwest YMCA, 6:00 pm, $15.00 adults and $10.00 youths

Mr. Turner

Troop, Make sure you sign up as we honor Jefferson earning his Eagle rank. The Court of Honor will take place on Sunday, May 4th at 2:30 pm at the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (7400 Tudor Rd, Colorado Springs, CO). Use the link below to access the invitation.

https://evite.me/JeffersonCHolpuchCOHTroop287

Hope to see everyone there!

Mr. Turner

Troop,

Use the Sign-Up Genius below to sign up for an awesome weekend of mountain biking 25-27 April in Fruita, CO. Please sign up by this Tuesday, April 22 so we have an accurate count.

Adults, we need drivers! Please sign up on the link below and comment if you are able to drive, how many scouts you can take AND how many bikes you can fit in your vehicle. Thanks!!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B49A9AB2CA0F49-56383787-troop

Mr. Turner