My Eagle Scout project, overseen by Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, will take place in the Forest Lakes – Mount Herman area. The goal is to build two benches and install a mountain bike repair stand to entise mountain bikers and hikers to explore this new area.
AM helpers would start at 9:00. We will work on laying the concrete for the benches and stand as well as help with trail work. At noon we will enjoy pizza and refreshments together.
PM helpers will arrive around noon for pizza and refreshments before we get started. We will work on installing the benches and stand as well as help with trail work.
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you! – Alex
I challenge each of you to read through the US Declaration of Independence this Saturday. If not then, sometime soon before the summer leaves us and school begins. In Philadelphia, 250 years ago, our founding fathers decided to take the ultimate risk and chose to stand together against the British Empire to start a new country. There are three main parts of the short document. First, a Preamble which gave a vision of the freedoms and life citizens of this newly-declared country might achieve. Next is the List of Grievances. These state the legal case of how the Colonies truly tried to live within British law and how they were ignored and persecuted by the Crown. Finally, the strongest statement of the entire document, the Resolution of Independence. Ripping ourselves from the Crown, we declared that we are a new country. Its final sentence lays down the ultimate risk/reward: And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. (JC Kundert)
Nations come into being in many ways. Military rebellion, civil strife, acts of heroism, acts of treachery, a thousand greater and lesser clashes between defenders of the old order and supporters of the new–all these occurrences and more have marked the emergences of new nations, large and small. The birth of our own nation included them all. That birth was unique, not only in the immensity of its later impact on the course of world history and the growth of democracy, but also because so many of the threads in our national history run back through time to come together in one place, in one time, and in one document: the Declaration of Independence. (from US National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-history)
The Declaration of Independence was designed for multiple audiences: the King, the colonists, and the world. It was also designed to multitask. Its goals were to rally the troops, win foreign allies, and to announce the creation of a new country. The introductory sentence states the Declaration’s main purpose, to explain the colonists’ right to revolution. In other words, “to declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” Congress had to prove the legitimacy of its cause. It had just defied the most powerful nation on Earth. It needed to motivate foreign allies to join the fight. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration/what-does-it-say
Preamble
These are the lines contemporary Americans know best: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.” These stirring words were designed to convince Americans to put their lives on the line for the cause. Separation from the mother country threatened their sense of security, economic stability, and identity. The preamble sought to inspire and unite them through the vision of a better life. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration/what-does-it-say
List of Grievances
The list of 27 complaints against King George III constitute the proof of the right to rebellion. Congress cast “the causes which impel them to separation” in universal terms for an international audience. Join our fight, reads the subtext, and you join humankind’s fight against tyranny. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration/what-does-it-say
Resolution of Independence
The most important and dramatic statement comes near the end: “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.” It declares a complete break with Britain and its King and claims the powers of an independent country. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration/what-does-it-say
This is the true reason for our National Holiday on July 4th each year. Honor our Flag, your fellow countrymen, your family, and your God on Independence Day. This may not be the perfect country. It has many flaws. It is also the absolute best on the globe. (JC Kundert)
Troop 287 needs your help on Saturday! As of now, we only have one driver and two scouts signed up for Flag Posting. Each flag posting day a scout volunteers equals more than $50 into their scout account. Siblings are encouraged to volunteer as well, contributing to their Troop 287 brother’s account. Please sign up ASAP to ensure our partnership with the Rotary Club and the Mountain Shadows neighborhood stays alive. This is our only fundraiser and needs your effort to keep it going.
Tonight we’ll meet at Wilson Ranch Park at 7pm for Game night – WATER BALLOONS! Dress accordingly.
4th of July Flags: We still have a lot of openings to support flags on the 4th of July. Please sign up to help…And, as a reminder, please sign up an adult as well with your scout, to either help drive or navigate. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-64167983-flag#/
Hi Troop!! We sent 15 scouts off to Summer Camp yesterday. They were excited and ready for a week in the outdoors!! I hope our 3 adults were as excited as they were!
No Meeting This Week: As a reminder, we have NO MEETING this week due to a majority of the troop at summer camp. We meet again next week for Game Night. Details to be released next weekend.
Flags: Our flag program is one of the troop’s most important fundraisers. Signing up to post and retrieve flags not only helps support troop activities, equipment, and adventures, but also teaches Scouts responsibility, service, and teamwork. Every family’s involvement makes a difference, and sharing the workload ensures the program remains manageable for everyone.
We have a lot of openings to support posting flags on the 4th of July. Please sign up to help…And, as a reminder, please sign up an adult as well with your scout, to either help drive or navigate. Sign up here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-64167983-flag#/
Thanks for your support. Together, we can continue this valued community tradition while providing meaningful opportunities for the troop.
Hi troop, I am sending one final reminder about summer camp. See my original camp post from last Sunday that included the packing list and theme days and other logistics.
Please arrive at the barn no later than 11:00am on Sunday.
Remember that we travel in class A’s. Traveling in it also can also help you not forget it!
After we arrive and get settled at our campsite, we’ll be heading to the pool to do a swim test. Please have your swim suit easily accessible in your tub.
We will arrive back at the barn sometime between 9:15 and 10:15 am on Saturday, June 26. Please expect a text from your scout or from one of the adult leaders that morning letting you know when we are leaving camp and when we are expected to get to the barn.
If you need to contact any of the adult leaders, here are their phone numbers.
This weekend, troop’s current bank is transitioning from First Bank to PNC. Please do not Zelle any money to the troop after tonight to ensure that it doesn’t get ‘lost’ during the transition.
I will let you know when we are back up and running next week. Thank you!
With summer camp just one week away, here are some last minute details.
Adult Leaders Give a big thanks to the three adults going with our troop as our leaders – Mr. JC Kundert, Mr. Tim Oroszi, and Mr. Matt Tonge.
Departure & Return On Sunday morning, June 21, we will meet at the barn at 11:00 and aim to leave around 11:30. Please be there on time (or before) so we can get the Troop trailer loaded with troop and Scout gear, cross load and get a vehicle load plan where each Scout is sitting. We would also like to ensure everyone’s phone number is on a roster so contact can be made as necessary throughout the week.
As for a return, we will leave Camp A between 8:00 and 9:00 so we will get to the barn between 9:15 and 10:15am on Saturday, June 27. We will text families when we leave Camp.
Uniforms We are required to travel to and from BSA Activities in Class A uniform (no sash required). Your Scout will wear his Class A to camp, every morning for flags, every evening for flags, and on the way home on Saturday.
Class Bs are a great choice throughout the week, but feel free to where whatever is comfortable.
Family Night On Friday night, June 26, Camp A will host a family night. Families are invited to come up to Camp on Friday night to join your scouts in dinner and enjoy the Closing Camp Fire. For this, arrive at 5:30pm on Friday night. Meal tickets for Friday dinner are $10 each or $5 for anyone under 7 years old, and can be purchased at the camp office when you arrive and check-in. All festivities will conclude around 9:30 pm.
If you wish to bring your scout home on Friday night after the campfire, you must check out with the front office and one of our 3 adult leaders. If you are planning on taking your scout home on Friday, please let Mr. Tonge know. He can be reached at 719-964-8296.
Packing List Below I have a packing list I put together. If there are other items you think you might need that aren’t listed below and aren’t on the prohibited list, feel free to pack them.
My recommendation is to pack in a tuff box/plastic tote or similar with a lid. This makes it easy to keep everything together both during transport and at camp, plus easy to identify and mark with identifications. And, it helps keep critters out of your stuff and any moisture that might find its way into your tent.
Please make sure your Scout packs his own stuff. This helps him know where stuff is.
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Day pack
Ten essentials
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Hat
Rain gear
Personal scout book
Camping chair
Personal small first aid kit
Flashlight or headlamp (maybe extra batteries)
Pocket knife (if you have your Totin chip)
Sunglasses
Hiking shoes
Water shoes
Bug spray
Notebook and writing utensil
Towel
Class A uniform
Shirts
Shorts
Pants (1 or 2 pairs)
Socks and underwear
Swimsuit
Sweatshirt or jacket
Toiletries (Soap, Deodorant, Toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.)
Optional:
Hammock
Spending money for trading post
Cot (troop will provide but you can bring your own if you want)
Fishing Gear
Cards or games
Compass
Troop will supply:
Cots
Large first aid kit
Patrol Box
Camp A’s Prohibited Items
Personal Shooting Equipment
Inappropriate Shirts
Aerosol Cans
Fireworks
Drugs of any Kind
Dutch Ovens (fire ban)
Alcohol
Excessive Jewelry
Other Valuables
Inappropriate Material
Pets
Hygiene Please ensure when your Scout packs, he packs deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste. We are going to be very active for the week. Being Clean is one of the points of the Scout law. They will be reminded of this as necessary.
Theme Days Something really fun at Camp A are the Theme Days. While you might not be able to participate in all of them, bring what you can.
Monday – Crazy Hat Day — wear a crazy hat!
Tuesday – Camp T-Shirt Day – wear your favorite Camp Alexander t-shirt
Wednesday – OA Day – wear your OA sash with full field uniform
Thursday – Survivor — wear all your survivor themed gear!
Friday – Western Wear – wear your best flannel, jeans, boots, and cowboy hat
Please reach out to me or any of the three adult leaders if you have any questions.
Troop, we will be meeting on Wednesday June 10 at Quail lake to complete a service project. We will meet at 5:15 at the park so we can get a headcount. Uniform is Class B and also bring a water bottle and gloves. With this, there will be no meeting Tuesday June 9.
FLAGS this weekend – we still need one more scout, 2 more drivers, and 2 more navigators. Use the sign-up link below.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Jun 9: NO MEETING.
10 Jun: Upadowna Service Project at Quail Lake Park (915 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd) from 5:30-6:30 pm. Meet at the park.
The Troop is in need of two more drivers and two more navigators for Flag Day. We also need one more Scout. As stated last month, we will meet at the flag barn and be ready to go begin posting flags at 6 am. If you have the ability to use the troop trailer, you may sign up for that as well. I ask all navigators to use the Helping with Flags app as the primary means for recording our flag posting and pick up. I will provide a printed route as well. Please let me know if you have any questions.
The Troop will camp at Crater Lake (Lone Eagle Peak, https://maps.app.goo.gl/kgccNt9G5qnBYW989) in Indian Peaks Wilderness 12-14 June. We can fit up to ten people on the permit.
Both the U.S. Army Birthday and Flag Day are celebrated on June 14, marking the Army’s founding in 1775 and the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777.
U.S. Army Birthday
The U.S. Army was officially established on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. It was created to provide a professional, trained force to support the colonial militias during the Revolutionary War, particularly in the lead-up to the Battle of Bunker Hill. Each year, the Army celebrates its birthday with ceremonies, parades, and events that honor the service and sacrifices of soldiers past and present. In 2026, the Army will mark its 251st anniversary, highlighting its historical role in the nation’s founding, growth, and defense. Celebrations often include public events, military demonstrations, and opportunities for civilians to interact with soldiers and explore Army history and equipment.
Flag Day
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The original Flag Resolution specified thirteen stripes and thirteen stars to represent the original colonies. Although first proposed in 1861 and celebrated in various states, it was officially recognized nationally in 1949 when Congress approved the observance and President Harry Truman signed it into law. Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is widely observed with ceremonies, flag-raising events, and educational programs emphasizing patriotism and the history of the U.S. flag.
Connection Between the Two
June 14 is unique in American history because it marks both the Army’s birthday and Flag Day, making it one of the most patriotic days in the United States. The Army’s founding predates the adoption of the flag by two years, yet both celebrations are intertwined in honoring the nation’s heritage, military service, and national symbols. Public events often combine recognition of the Army’s contributions with patriotic observances of the flag, reinforcing national pride and historical awareness.
Troop, we will be meeting at the church/barn at 7:00 to prepare for summer camp at Camp A. We will also go over some admin items as well as going over some proper camping techniques.
Hi all – I’ve been informed that there are some scouts in need of hoodies/t-shirts. Use the link below to order your shirt. Once submitted, money for the order will be taken from your scout account, if available. As always, payments can be made via cash, check made out to Boy Scout Troop 287, or via Zelle to Treasurer Betsy Douglass betsydouglass.bsa@gmail.com.
Both adult and youth sizes available.
Prices noted in the form are for a minimum Troop order of 12 items. If we have less than 12 items as a troop, individual prices might be more expensive. (If we have less than 12 items, I will reach out to those that ordered to confirm adjusted prices).
June 2 is the deadline for this current order, so that we can make sure scouts going to Summer Camp have what they need.
Troop, we will be meeting at 7:00 pm at the northeast corner of Acacia Park downtown (corner of Platte and Nevada). Please be on time, we will begin our walk at 7:15 pm. We will walk around downtown looking at the architecture of various buildings for the architecture merit badge. We will cover questions #1 and #2 of the workbook. Although not necessary, please print out the workbook to make it easier for your scout to work. Your scout will be assigned question #4 for homework and then we will finish up the merit badge on 16 Jun where we will cover questions #3 and #5 with a real architect! Wear class B uniform and bring a water bottle. Adults will be needed to help corral the scouts as we walk around.
Upcoming schedule:
2 Jun: Summer camp prep
10 Jun: Upadowna Service Project at Quail Lake Park (915 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd) from 5:30-6:30 pm. Meet at the park.
As you know, Troop 287 derives significant funds from our flag planting partnership around major holidays. Sign up for your weekend for the rest of the year.
On each flag day, flag teams will gather twice. At 6am, everyone will meet at the barn to put flags out. Then, at 7pm, everyone will meet at the barn to take flags in. If you sign up for a day, you sign up for both the morning and evening.
Welcome to the website of Boy Scout Troop 287 at Wilson United Methodist Church, located on the northwest side of Colorado Springs, CO, in school districts 11 and 20. We are in the BSA Pikes Peak Council, Frontier District.
To the left, you can view our news and events. Below you can browse information about our troop, subscribe to our blog by email, download documents, and access useful links.
