A couple of things for this weeks meeting tomorrow….

We will go over gear for the Snow Show Campout.  If you are going, please bring in your 0 Degree sleeping bag if you have one. You do NOT need to bring in all of your gear.  I haven’t given you the packing list yet. I noticed there are only 3 scouts signed up at the moment and I need one more adult to sign up to have the 2 minimum.

We will also be doing Scout Master Conferences. I need ASMs in case we have a few of them.  If you are doing a scout master conference, please wear your Class A’s, look sharp and bring your scoutmaster book.

See you tomorrow at 7 (Remember, if district 11 is canceled tomorrow for snow then we will not have a meeting.)

Sean

Good morning everyone!

We are up to 13 scouts attending summer camp. Just a friendly reminder that we are asking families to have the total balance due by April 10th. I have heard from several of you to take monies out of your son’s Scout Account. Please reach to me if you wish to know the balance owed or the balance in your Scout Account. We have a Court of Honor coming up on the 27th. I will have account summaries available then.

Regards,
Danny R

Hey Troop!

Tomorrow we will start our Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge. This is an eagle required MB.  Please don’t forget to work on your Communication Merit Badge if you started on it.

Also, the snowshoe campout will be on the March 3-4 weekend. I apologize for making the change from the third week in February but it turns out I have to work that weekend and I probably have the most training in the snow so I feel its important to make it on this one with the Troop!

Please sign up on Sign Up Genius for the campout.  I need to reserve Snowshoes for those that need them and I need to so that in Advance. Snow Shoes will cost $18 for the weekend if I get them though the Air Force Academy Outdoor Recreation.

Thanks

Sean

Scouts,

We have an awesome location to Camp in April. This is the best time of the year because the snow melt makes a beach to swim at in addition to being able to hike the Dunes.  This will be an epic adventure. I’m not sure of the cost yet but like everything else we make this super affordable!!!

Please sign up here!!

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F054BACA929A4FC1-great

Sean

Troop,

Most years we do the Freez-O-Ree on the Air Force Academy and its a blast! The Air Forces Cadets run this and they have some pretty cool events from Obstacle Cources, Leadership Courses, races, food, etc.

The dates are from Friday, March 16, 2018 at 5:00pm to Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 9:00am.  This is a low stress fun trip and right in our back yard. The cost is $32 total for each scout.

Please sign up in by March 1st so I can register us for the event!

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F054BACA929A4FC1-freezoree1

Thanks
Sean

Winter Scouts!

We are preparing for some high adventure camping that will be appropriate to all the ages and ranks of all the scouts.  We are going to finish our Snow Sports Merit Badge by hiking to a camp site in Snow Shoes!! This is going to be really fun! Imagine seeing the stars from the mountain woods on a cool crisp night….or having a camp fire in the snow! I can only think of being in a Narnia like environment when I think of hiking and camping in the snow.

At the moment, the location is looking like Leadville, CO and we are either going to have it the weekend of Feb 24-25 or Mar 3-4. We are looking for somewhere that actually has snow! It will be a 2 day/1 night camping trip.  We will leave Saturday early in the morning and return Sunday afternoon. The reason for the date change is I might have to work one of those weekends and I am the only one in the troop that is Avalanche trained and I have the most experience camping in the snow….so I ask for you consideration and flexibility on this weekend. I would like to ask additional parents to go too!

On this sign up there are two things you are committing to…..signing up and requesting Snow Shoes if you do not have them. You may rent or buy your own or you may click on the link and I will rent a pair for you! I’m not sure of the cost of snow shoe rentals but it should not be that much. If you choose to buy a pair then I would recommend Costco!  They have great snow shoes and hiking poles at a great price!!

I will send the packing list a week prior but here are few mandatory items for this trip:

– 0 Degree Sleeping Bag

– Hand and foot warmers

– Waterproof insulated Hiking Boots

– Good Gloves

– A positive attitude!

Please sign up on the sign up Genius Link below

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F054BACA929A4FC1-snow1

Scouts,

Sorry for the last minute update but we will be working on Elections tonight and some aspects of the communication merit badge (Eagle Required!!).

Thank you,

Sean

Folks,

I apologize for the late post. Just want to let you know that there is a meeting tonight at 7pm.  We will also have an PLC tonight at 8pm so the Boy Scout leadership wil participate in that and the rest of the scouts can be picked up at 8pm.

There might be some Cub Scout visiting to see us in the regular course of our meetings so any committee members or ASMs that can are available please help answer any questions they might have.

Thanks

Sean

Hello everyone,

The troop just paid the second installment of Summer Camp for Camp A to Council.  I have been challenged with getting to the meetings and to remind you all about making payments.

For February, please be prepared to submit a check for your first and second installments (the first was your deposit). Each installment is $66.25, so a total of $132.50 would be due.  Installment three is due March 13th and your final installment is due April 10th.

I have the following scouts noted as attending Summer Camp:

Rhett (paid in full)

Riley ($55)

Daniel ($55)

Jack ($55)

Marquel ($165)

Ignacio ($55)

Xander ($55)

Cody ($55)

Mark P. ($55)

Evan (paid in full)

Lance ($55)

The troop will be covering the costs of one adult leader for attending (we get one for free).

You may also take a payment out of your Scout’s account.  Reach out if you need an update on their balance.

Regards,

Danny R.

Just saw this in my emails and thought some of you might be interested.  If you have any kids in the 5th or 6th grade then this is the best way to get a ski pass

https://passport.coloradoski.com/?utm_source=newsletter_907&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180129-passport

Sean

Troop,

This week’s meeting will be at Colorado College to complete the communication merit badge.

To complete the Communication MB we must complete achievement #3:

 a. Attend a meeting of your city, town, or county council or school board; OR a municipal; county, or state court session 

 b. Choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed, and explain to your counselor why you agree with one opinion more than you do another one.

The one that fits into our schedule best is a meeting on Tuesday from 6-8pm at Colorado College. Colorado Attorney General candidate Michael Dougherty will discuss his candidacy and answer questions. This is hosted by The Colorado College Democrats.  The meeting is free to the public.

No matter your political affiliation, its good to know what is going on in your state.  The Q&A should invoke a lot of topics that will make for good discussion.  I encourage all to come to include parents. You may start the Merit Badge by attending this meeting as it is the hardest requirement in this merit badge.

The meeting will be from 6-8pm at Colorado College at Gaylord Hall on the main floor of Worner Campus Center at 902 N. Cascade Ave. Click this link for a location: Map

Please wear personal clothes….no boy scout uniforms as we do not want to attract attention at a political discussion.

See you then!

Sean

Sorry folks, I had two times on the emails.  630pm is what I originally put so lets go with that. That time allows scouts to pay, prep and probably play from 7-8pm

Thanks

Sean

Folks,

I will not personally be at Dart Warz tonight because I am attending an Avalanche Level 1 Certification course. For those that arrive, please just gather together pay the entry fee of $7 per player and have a great time!!  This is not a group discount thing so no one has to check in as Troop 287. Tonight is Dart Warz discount night for everyone and the cost is just $7.

Feel free to give me a call if anyone has any questions!  719-648-6798 or seanmwarner@gmail.com

Thanks

Sean

Folks,

Only two adult leader’s RSVP’d for our Knot Patrol meeting tonight so I’m moving it to next week to hopefully get some more participation.

It will be at Wyatt’s Pub and Grill on 31 Jan at 630pm located at Wyatt’s Pub and Grill 806 Village Center Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. These meetings are very important to determine which adults can go on what campouts and to determine how we can best support the scouts planning with adult leadership.  Ideally we would have most if not all the ASMs there to include the committee chair…and anyone else that would like to come.

Thanks

Sean

Scouts,

The scouts from the Troop decided that they want to go to Dart Warz on Thursday night because they are not open on Tuesday. The price will be $7 per hour per scout.  The address is:

Hey Snow Sports dudes,

We are going to meet at the Safeway Grocery store off Colorado Ave at 6am! The address is 3275 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.  Since we are going to take HWY 24 to Monarch I figure we would meet at a location that is on the way plus scouts will be able to run into safeway to buy snacks if needed. One the way home we can drop off at the church, probably around 7pm…

Please bring your Adult Permission slip filled out! You can click on the link and you can find it on the right hand side of the troop website.

I am going to stay overnight in Monarch so those scouts are are not riding with their parents will carpool with scouts that are returning Saturday night. I would plan on expecting a return back to the church about 7pm that night.

Also, please sign up on signup genius if you haven’t done so already so we know to expect you in the morning.  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054baca929a4fc1-snow

As far as equipment, you can rent your equipment from Monarch or you may rent it in town here at Colorado Ski and Golf (or Many other places in town like Christy Sports). The option is up to you.  Lift tickets can be purchased at Monarch, Monarch online or at King Soopers. I believe its a little cheaper if you buy online in advance or at King Soopers. The link to buy the tickets online at monarch and to view prices is here: http://www.skimonarch.com/tickets/

Please make sure your scout is pre-paid for equipment and lift ticket prior to coming (or has the money to buy the tickets on the mountain). Also, please give your scouts some $$ to buy lunch on the mountain and maybe grab a fast food meal on the way home.  I recommend bringing some snacks and water for the ride up too.

Please let me know if you plan on driving up on your own and meeting us there so we do not wait for you at the church.  The route we will be taking is HWY 24. It takes about 2 hrs to get there.  Here is the route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i/1Bdh9

Please let me know if you have any questions! seanmwarner@gmail.com

also…here are some links to help save on lift ticket prices:

http://theknow.denverpost.com/2017/10/28/save-money-on-ski-lift-tickets/163168/

10 ways to score Colorado lift ticket deals for the 2016-2017 ski season

https://www.liftopia.com/monarch

Adult Leaders and Parents,

I would like to have a Knot Patrol meeting Wednesday the 24th so we can plan out how to support the scouts next three months.  Knot patrol is a meeting for Scoutmasters and ASMs and the Committee Chair….however, anyone that wants to be involved can attend.   I live in Manitou but would be happy to have this at a coffee lounge or pub closer to the church or wherever.  I’m thinking it could be at 7pm?  Please email me directly at seanmwarner@gmail.com if you can make it. If you can’t make it, please email what would be a better day to have it.

I was thinking Wyatt’s Pub and Grill located at 806 Village Center Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.  This is pretty close to the church. Its adults only so it cool to have an adult beverage while we plan 🙂

Thanks

Sean

Folks,

First check out these awesome pics of Josh J climbing on ice this weekend at Camp A!!  Too scary for me but if any of you want to sign up for future Ice Climbing sessions then you can sign up at the following link: http://www.pikespeakbsa.org/Events/IceClimbing

For next Tuesday’s meeting we will be working on the Snow Sports Merit Badge.  We will do the discussion part of the merit badge Tuesday then complete the requirements on Saturday at Monarch.  For those that are not able to do the merit badge but just want to ski, that is fine if a parent comes with you so the leaders can run the merit badge. I recommend that everyone attend this portion because scouts can also earn this merit badge on Snowshoes and our next campout will be snowshoeing.

Here are the abilities required to earn the merit badge:
Alpine Skiing:

Downhill (Alpine) Skiing Option

e. On a gentle slope, demonstrate some of the beginning maneuvers learned in skiing. Include the straight run, gliding wedge, wedge stop, sidestep, and herringbone maneuvers.

f. On slightly steeper terrain, show linked wedge turns.

g. On a moderate slope, demonstrate five to 10 christies.

h. Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope and demonstrate the following:

1. Short-, medium-, and long-radius parallel turns

2. A sideslip and safety (hockey) stop to each side

3. Traverse across a slope

i. Demonstrate the ability to ski in varied conditions, including changes in pitch, snow conditions, and moguls. Maintain your balance and ability to turn.

Snowboarding Option

g. Do the following:

1. On a gentle slope, demonstrate beginning snowboarding maneuvers. Show basic ways to control speed and direction. Include the side slipping maneuver.

2. On slightly steeper terrain, show traversing.

h. On a moderate slope, demonstrate an ollie, a nose-end grab, and a wheelie.

i. Make a controlled run down an intermediate slope and demonstrate the following:

1. Skidded, carved, and jump turns

2. Stops

3. Riding fakie

j. Demonstrate your ability to ride in varied conditions, including changes in pitch, snow conditions, and moguls. Maintain your balance and ability to turn.

See you Tuesday!

Sean

Happy New Year from Oslo, Norway!! I’m here visiting my daughter and getting quite an awesome cultural experience! The one picture of me is in front of the Norwegian Parliament building. Its dark but its only about 3pm in that photo. They only have a couple hours of daylight here because we are so far north. The second picture is our decorations at my daughter’s apartment 🙂

I hope everyone had a great new years as well!  Our first meeting back will be on Jan 9th at 7pm.  I think it would be good to see each other again and go through and inventory our camping equipment.

It looks like everyone is interested in the one day snow sports trip to Monarch on the 20th so we will start the snow sports merit badge at the church on the 16th.  It will be up to each scout to secure their own pass and equipment for Monarch. Sometimes Shell gas stations offer 2 for 1 passes for Monarch when you buy a full tank of gas. I imagine will will depart early on the 20th and arrive back late that night. We can figure out the arrangements on the 16th.

See you guys soon!

Sean

Folks,

We plan on running the snowsports merit badge at Monarch Mountain on Jan 20th.  Originally Council was going to run it and we were going to tag on but it seems they took that off their calendar. No worries…we can still run it if we get enough volunteers. So there is two options that we can entertain…one is going up for the day and one is going up for two days.  One day would be for the merit badge and one day would be for fun.  On both days I’d like to have an Adult volunteer that can hang with those that want to ski/ride but are not yet ready for the Merit Badge. Based on the Feedback from this signup we will choose one of those options and plan further.

If we go up one day it will be on the 20th. If we go up for two we will depart morning of the 20th and return the next day on the 21st.  In both cases it will be on Monarch Mountain. Here is the link.

http://www.skimonarch.com/tickets/

Tickets for those 7-12 will be $43 and for scouts 13-17 will be $59

There will likely be an additional cost for lodging and meals (TBD)

Scouts and family will responsible for purchasing their own tickets and having their own gear (rentals are available at Monarch).

Please sign up soon so we can plan accordingly! It wil be fun to slide down the mountain!

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F054BACA929A4FC1-snow

Thanks

Sean