Scouts,

I will be present at the end of Tuesday’s meeting to collect what Activities and Merit Badges you would like to sign up for Summer Camp.  Recommended activities broken down by age of the scouts are listed on Page 3 of the 2016 Camp Alexander Guide.

A good first year Scout choice is the following (which is what Jim Brinkman’s first year scouts are doing):

TENDERFOOT & SECOND CLASS 9am/10:30am.
Art (Monday/Tuesday) 1:30
Basketry (Monday/Tuesday) 3:00
LEATHERWORK (Wednesday /Thursday) 1:30
WOODCARVING  (Wednesday /Thursday) 3:00

Second and third year summer campers should review the Camp guide and decide what best suits them to achieve fun and rank advancement.

The Camp guide is located at the top of the Troop website under “Summer Camp 2016”

Please feel free to email me with any questions.

Sean

seanmwarner@gmail.com

.

Sunday is Sam Moore’s Eagle COH (17 Apr, 2pm, WUMC)!!  All Scouts should plan on attending to celebrate our newest Eagle Scout!  Rumor has it there may be cake……

Tuesday, 19 Apr, will be our next meeting.  Important:  All money and unsold camp cards are due at the meeting on the 19th.  Scout accounts will be charged for any money or camp cards that are NOT RETURNED BY THE MEETING. Please email Mary at therese1963@msn.com with any questions. 

See you Sunday for the Eagle COH!

There is no meeting Tuesday, 12 Apr…regular Tuesday meetings will return next week!

On Wednesday, 13 Apr,  Scouts working on the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge.should attend the D-11 Board of Education meeting.  Please be there promptly at 6:20 pm so we can get our seats (District 11 Boardroom, 1115 N. El Paso St).  Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm and we’ll depart the meeting at around 7:30 pm (at a convenient and nondisruptive time since the meeting continues until around 9:30 pm).

See you Wednesday!

Folks,

We are only a couple months away from summer camp and I want everyone that’s going to focus on two things right now. Selecting your merit Badges and getting your physicals completed. There is now a link at the top of the Troop 287 Web Page titled Summer Camp 2016 which contains the information for both.

I have to have your Merit Badge selection by the May 2nd meeting. You can hand it to me when you see me or (even better) email me your options to seanmwarner@gmail.com.  Make sure your scout’s name, merit badge choices, and time slots are in the email and make sure you reviewed Program Guide (In the Summer Camp 2016 link) to get this information.

The doctor must use the approved scout physical forms A,B and C in the Summer Camp 2016 link.  No other physical will be accepted. It doesn’t matter what your doctor says. This is a Boy Scout rule. Please go to the link and download the forms and bring them to the doctor when you get the physical.

Feel free to email me with any questions.
Sean

Sean Warner

Come celebrate Troop 287’s newest Eagle Scout on Sunday!  Sam’s parents will be hosting an Eagle Court of Honor at WUMC at 2 pm.

All Scouts and families are invited to this event. We need Scouts to continue the Troop 287 tradition of providing an honor guard, and we need a Scout of each rank to perform a short reading for the ceremony.  Please contact Keith Moore at kmoore436@comcast.net if you can help out.

See you Sunday!

Good Evening All,

Our April Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 19 at 7:30pm due to the Scouts having their meeting this week at the D11 School Board meeting.

On 4/19 we will be discussing our usual order of business – finances, upcoming events, and summer camp details.

Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend!

See you then,

Sandy Johnston

Committee Chairperson

We had 18 Scouts enjoy a night of “take out the old, slow guy” at Dart Warz on Thursday.  Everybody had a blast!

Reminder:  No meeting this coming Tuesday (4/12)

On Wednesday, 13 April, Scouts working on the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge should attend the D-11 Board of Education Meeting.  Please be there promptly at 6:20 pm so we can get our seats (District 11 Boardroom, 1115 N. El Paso St).  Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm and we’ll depart the meeting at around 7:30 pm (at a convenient and nondisruptive time since the meeting continues until around 9:30 pm).  I’ll reconfirm the details and put out another confirmation post next week.

Important:  If you’re not receiving invites from signupgenius please send me the best e-mail address to pass information (jonu_1999@yahoo.com).  We have some great upcoming activities for which we’ll need to confirm participants and the Troop uses signupgenius.com to coordinate these activities.  I’m working an event in Denver you won’t want to miss so make sure I have your e-mail!

There is no meeting on Tuesday, 5 April.

Here are the events for this week!

6 Apr, Wednesday:  Pack 6 Webelo Crossover to Troop 287.  This will occur at Howbert Elementary beginning at 5:50 pm and ending around 8:15 pm.  Need 3-5 Scouts (preferably Scouts who were previously in Pack 6) for a flag detail and to welcome the new Scouts.  Participating Scouts will earn a pebble for their Centennial patch.  Please signup via signupgenius or shoot me an e-mail at jonu_1999@yahoo.com if you can attend.

7 Apr, Thursday:  Game Night, 5-6:30 pm (note time change), Dart Warz (http://www.dartwarz.com/content/colorado-springs-co, 5850 Championship View, STE 110, Colorado Springs, CO 80922).  Please fill out the online waiver via the link on the website prior to arrival.  Cost is $6 for one hour of play, all-inclusive (dart devices, ammo, safety glasses).  Please wear socks to the event.

The Lazy campout is on for Fri-Sat!  Meet at WUMC at 5 pm Friday.

The weather will be sunny, but cold.  Please bring a stocking cap, gloves, warm jacket, etc. to stay warm.  I’d recommend bringing the warmest sleeping bag and pad you have.  You can supplement your sleeping bag with a blanket for extra warmth at night! Also, please bring a water bottle (like a 1 liter Nalgene or equivalent) to the campout.  You can also bring matches/firestarter and a knife (blade no longer than 4 inches) since will be working on fire and knife/axe/saw skills. We’ll be looking at all the Scouts gear to provide feedback on what works and what doesn’t as they begin to build their Scout kits!

We’ve purchased all the food and supplies so we’re locked in with a total of 23 Scouts!  Please bring a waiver and cash/check ($12, payable to Troop 287) if you haven’t already supplied these.  This will be a great event for the new Scouts!

Please see the post below for additional packing items.

We’ll have a meeting Tuesday, March 29th, 7 pm at WUMC to finalize details for the Lazy Campout.  We’ll be camping this Fri-Sat (1-2 Apr) in the vicinity of the WUMC church barn (hereafter referred to as Camp Wilson!).  Show time is 5 pm Friday and we’ll be done at 3 pm Saturday afternoon.  Please eat a snack prior to arrival and bring a signed waiver.  We’ll cook Friday night dinner and Saturday breakfast and lunch during the campout.  On Saturday we’ll work on rank advancement items, and new Scouts will earn the Totin’ Chip and Firem’n Chit (which will allow them to carry/use knives and build fires).

Individual items to bring to Camp Wilson:  Scout Handbook, pen, sleeping bag and pad, clothes, hat/gloves, flashlight, knife (if you’ve earned the Totin’ chit), camp chair (optional), bowl or plate, cup, spoon/fork, toothbrush/comb,.  You can pack all items in a duffel bag or backpack. We will use Troop tents, stoves, and other equipment during the campout.

Cost for the campout is $12.  At Tuesday’s meeting we need to finalize camper names, collect $12 cash or check (payable to Troop 287) or verify use of Scout Account Funds, and collect waiver forms.  If you will be camping but not attending the Tuesday meeting, please let me know so I can verify participation and make alternate arrangements.

Upcoming Events

29 Mar, Tuesday: 7 pm meeting at WUMC

1-2 Apr, Fri-Sat:  Lazy Campout at Camp Wilson

5 Apr, Tuesday:  NO MEETING (see info for Pack 6 Crossover and Game Night alternative below)

6 Apr, Wednesday:  Pack 6 Webelo Crossover to Troop 287.  This will occur at Howbert Elementary beginning at 5:50 pm and ending around 8:15 pm.  Need 4 Scouts (preferably Scouts who were previously in Pack 6) for a flag detail and to welcome the new Scouts.  Participating Scouts will earn a pebble for their Centennial patch.

7 Apr, Thursday:  Game Night, 6-7:30 pm, Dart Warz (http://www.dartwarz.com/content/colorado-springs-co).  Please fill out the online waiver via the link on the website prior to arrival.  Cost is $6 for one hour of play (to be verified).

12 Apr, Tuesday:  NO MEETING (see info for BOE meeting below)

13 Apr, Wednesday:  D-11 Board of Education meeting for Scouts working on Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge.  Please be there promptly at 6:20 pm so we can get our seats (District 11 Boardroom, 1115 N. El Paso St).  Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm and we’ll depart the meeting at around 7:30 pm (at a convenient and nondisruptive time since the meeting continues until around 9:30 pm)

19 Apr, Tuesday:  Resume normal Tuesday meeting at WUMC, 7 pm.

Summer Campers,

Remember to schedule your physical for summer camp.  Here is the link: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_ABC.pdf.   Also, if you are looking for a place for a physical, the troop just received the below email from The Little Clinic which offers a $5 discount for scout physicals.

Sean

Name: Heather Tseng
Email: htseng@thelittleclilnic.com
Comment: Dear Scout Masters and Troop Leaders:

Hello from The Little Clinic! For the last four years, we have extended a special discount to the scouts: $5 off a camping physical exam. We are excited and honored to extend the discount again in 2016.

We offer camp physicals 7 days a week, with no appointments required!

We have 19 Colorado locations inside King Soopers stores:

Broomfield • 2355 W. 136th Ave, Broomfield, CO • (303) 658-9827
Broomfield • 12167 Sheridan Blvd, Broomfield, CO • (303) 658-9807
Castle Rock • 100 Founders Pkwy, Castle Rock, CO • (303) 658-9799
Centennial • 19711 E. Smoky Hill Rd, Centennial, CO • (303) 459-5634
Colorado Springs • 3620 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colo. Springs, CO • (719) 325-0342
Colorado Springs • 3250 Centennial Blvd, Colo. Springs, CO • (719) 325-0344
Denver (Southwest) • 3100 S. Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO • (303) 742-3179
Denver (Stapleton) • 2810 Quebec St, Denver, CO • (303) 370-5870
Fort Collins • 1842 N. College Ave , Fort Collins, CO • (970) 494-6975
Greeley • 2100 35th Ave, Greeley, CO • (970) 475-0056
Greenwood Village • 6000 S. Holly St, Greenwood Village, CO • (720) 200-6920
Highlands Ranch • 9511 S. University Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO • (303) 459-5639
Lafayette • 480 N. Hwy 287, Lafayette, CO • (303) 658-9812
Lakewood • 7984 W. Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO • (303) 459-7105
Littleton • 11747 W. Ken Caryl Ave, Littleton, CO • (720) 981-2069
Parker • 12959 S. Parker Rd, Parker, CO • (720) 842-4089
Parker • 17761 Cottonwood Dr, Parker, CO • (303) 334-9576
Thornton • 13700 Colorado Blvd • (303) 451-4250
Wheat Ridge • 3400 Youngfield St, Wheat Ridge, CO • (303) 459-5645

If you’d like more information, please feel free to reply to this message or contact Crystal Loud at crystal.loud@thelittleclinic.com to receive the coupon.

Thank you!

Heather Tseng
Field Marketing Manager, CO
The Little Clinic
(303) 903-8544
htseng@thelittleclinic.com

Folks,

Troop 287 has a lot of new scouts and right now Costco has a great deal on a Backpack.  They have a 45L Sierra Designs Tangent backpack for $49.99. It has adjustable backstops,  so it will fit the younger boys adjust it as they grow.  It would be a good affordable pack for all those new young scouts. I personally have three of them.  A good fitting and comfortable backpack is very important on backpacking trips.  It can mean the difference between your scout having a good time or a miserable time on the hike. You will not find a backpack of this quality for such a good price. They typically run out pretty quick so I recommend picking one up soon.

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/high-sierra/tangent-45/

Sean Warner

No meeting next week due to Spring Break…next meeting is Tuesday, 29 March; we’ll be planning the Lazy Campout!

BSA Troop 287 is now an official “Certifying Organization” for the President’s Volunteer Service Award!  By accumulating volunteer hours throughout the year you can qualify for this award…it is a great way to build a young person’s resume for school/college/work.

Here’s how to get started:

1.  Sign up for an account and review the information on the website at http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/
2.  In your personal account (once established), enter Record of Service key (“ROS KEY”) NTR-4753 to link your account to BSA Troop 287
3.  Log your volunteer hours!
4.  When you accumulate enough hours for an award we’ll see it in the Troop account on the site.  Let a Scoutmaster know and we can validate your hours and get your award.  There is a nominal fee for the award paid directly to PVSA.

For youth a parent will need to verify approval to establish an account (via an e-mail which the system will send you, I believe).

Here are the requirements to earn recognition.

At Tuesday’s meeting we’ll continue with the Citizenship in the Community MB and Trail to First Class.  We’ll also have a PLC (SPL, ASPL, Patrol Leaders and Assistants, and Troop 287 staff) immediately following the meeting for 15-20 minutes to plan upcoming events, including the Lazy Campout 1-2 Apr and a game night.

This year is the 100 year anniversary for the Pikes Peak Council.  The Council is offering a special recognition program for Scouts, leaders, volunteers, alumni and parents who attend Scouting events and activities during the 100th Anniversary!  Our Troop 287 committee will provide every scout a 100th Anniversary patch, and scouts have the opportunity to earn “pebbles” that velcro onto the patch.  Good news!  If you completed the 5 mile hike in February you’ve already earned your first pebble and you’ll get this on Tuesday!

Additional pebbles can be earned for participating in a Scout Sunday, which some scouts have accomplished (we’ll collect names for pebbles).  Additional pebbles can be earned for the following activities.  Stay tuned!  Troop 287 will have lots of opportunities to fill up the velcro on your patch!

Boy Scout Troop 287

Meeting:                     Troop 287 Committee Meeting

Date & Time:            March 8, 2016, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Location:                   Wilson United Methodist Church

In attendance:

Jon Ullmann, Andrea Warner, Lisa Woodard and Sandy Johnston.

Jon Ullman – Scout Master

• Gave report on the successful distribution of door flyers for the Flag Program
• Tuesday, March 22^nd – No Scout meeting due to Spring Break
• Tuesday, March 29^th – Regular meeting; will plan for the Lazy Camp-Out
• April 1 & 2^nd – Lazy Camp-Out; Friday evening and all day on Saturday
• Tuesday, April 5^th – Game Night
• Looking ahead: 30-mile backpacking trip in late July
• New Assistant Scoutmasters: Troop 287 has four new volunteers!

Sandy Johnston – Committee Chair

• Centennial Program: To celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Scouting, we voted affirmatively to participate in the ‘patch and pebble’ program.

Andrea Warner – Treasurer

• January and February Reconciliation Account Reports were handed out, looked over by Committee Members, and signed and approved.
• 19 (or 20?) boys are going to Summer Camp
• 7 kids still have not paid their annual Troop dues

Folks,

The 2016 Camp Program has been released!  Please review the merit badge/Rank Advancement options for your scout.  Its recommended that first year scouts participate in Tenderfoot and Second Class Session and First Class Session (Used to be called Trail to First Class). Sign up for Merit Badges begins on May 4th…so May the 4th be with you in getting your first choice! (Star Wars Pun).  I will put a sign up sheet for merit badges in the church so you can start filling them out.

The Program Guide can be found at this link:

http://www.pikespeakbsa.org/pubs/2016_Camp_A_PROGRAM_guide.pdf 

Parents! Please schedule your scouts physical for summer camp. The physical can be downloaded at this link:

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_ABC.pdf

A couple of key points in the Program Guide:

• Merit Badge Schedual pg.17– This is the list of merit badges and activities Camp Alexander will be offering during merit badge times.
• Adult Leader Training pg. 24- This page describes the Adult Leader training we will be offereing this year.  Our Council training Committee is still working on the schedualed program.  I will send out the information on that prgoram once it is completed.
• Check In/Out procedures pg. 28– This page descripes our check in procedures on Sunday/Monday and lists the forms required upon check in.  That page also goes over check out procedures for Saturday morning.
• Medications pg. 29- This page describes Camp Alexanders medication procedures.  It is very important you pay attention to this section.  That State of Colorado requires Camp Alexander to store all youth’s medications in there orginal prescriped container.  With that, there is a section explaining the two signatures that are required on part B of the BSA medical form.  One signature is required by a parent and one is required by a licensed doctor.  Your scouts will not be able to receive any over the counter medications or there prescribed medications at camp unless those two signatures are on the form.

For any questions please contact me at seanmwarner@gmail.com

Sean

Sean Warner

Troop 287

Assistant Scoutmaster

Thanks to all the scouts and parents who participated in distributing door hangars for the flag program…we put out almost 600 hangars yesterday!

At Tuesday’s meeting we’ll start the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge.  This is an Eagle required badge that is being run by Mr. Weston…thanks Jonathan!  New crossover scouts should bring their BSA handbook as we’ll be working on Trail to First Class items.

See you Tuesday, WUMC, at 7 pm.

Below information is from Jessica Hines,

“At the Walmart on 8th street, they have 1$ clearance, wool blend boy socks. It is on an end cap in the boys clothes section. I think they are about 25%  wool. That is better than no wool at all and could be a good start for newer boys or even as back up socks. I thought Id throw the word out to you and maybe you can share to the parents…”

This may be a good deal if the rest of the sock blend is primarily synthetics (nylon, polyester, spandex, etc), which they probably are.  If the socks are 25% wool and 85% cotton, I’d not recommend them.  Cotton has a tendency to absorb moisture and cause blisters, and is very poor at insulating when wet.

This may be a good deal for new scouts looking to save $$.