Parents,

The last night of camp is a time for families to come down and enjoy the beautiful camp we call home. Families are welcome to join us for dinner in the William R. Kephart Dining Hall between 4:30-6:30 p.m on Friday the 23rd. After dinner, there will be a fantastic flag ceremony, and an end of the week slide show produced by the Hollywood Lodge. After this is another wonderful Camp Cris Dobbins Staff Campfire, to close out the week!

It will be on Friday the 23rd from 430-630 however you can come earlier if you’d like.

The cost is $8.50 for each meal and you can pay when you check in at the camp.

I need to let the camp know how many will come by Wednesday so please sign up before then.

You can sign up here: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F054BACA929A4FC1-summer

Here are directions to Camp: Map to Chris Dobbins

Thank you,

Sean

Good Morning,

Morning shift went off without a hitch despite being 2 drivers short! We got an early start at 0530 and all flags were out by 0900! Yay team! Great job & Thank you to all those who participated in the morning!

We are still 1 driver short in the pm so Sean & I & our team are getting started a little early since we have to cover 2 routes and won’t be at the barn when you get there. Everyone else please meet at the barn at 5:30pm. Clipboards with assignments are in the buckets. Please do not leave until your team is complete. Sean’s number is on the flag info sheet should you need to reach either of us. Call or txt me if you need to reach me regarding an assignment or have questions before this evening.

Thank you for participating in Flags! It takes a village and we couldn’t do it without you all!

Happy Flag Day & Happy 242nd Birthday to the Army!

Sandy 719-494-9922

Attached is the list for Flags for Flag Day tomorrow. Unfortunately, there are no assignments since we do not have enough people for either shift. WE ARE IN DIRE STRAITS FOR THE AM SHIFT! We only have 2 drivers which means each car will have to do about 125 flags. In addition, each car can only carry 2- 3 Scouts. We can use Scouts as navigators so filling the driver slots are most important! So please if you are able to drive, please, please, please sign up to help! Please use the Sign-up Genius to sign up so that we can keep track of who is helping. Sean will be taking a poll at tonight’s meeting to see if starting earlier (around 5:30am) would allow for some of you to help before work. Call or txt me if you need anything or have any questions!

Thanks,

Sandy

719-494-9922

Troop #287 – Flag Day 2017 B

Troop,

The focus of tonight’s meeting will be on Summer camp preparation so there will be no committee meeting tonight.

Also, we only have 2 drivers for Flags tomorrow morning and 6 scouts.  We have 4 drivers and 9 scouts for pick-up. We are going to be struggling without some more support. Please sign up! Here is the link:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054baca929a4fc1-flag

Thanks

Sean

Folks,

This is our last Tuesday prior to summer camp and I would like to have one final meeting.  If possible, I would like all summer camp scouts to attend and at least one parent for the first part of the meeting. We need to make sure we have all the required paperwork and basic packing list. We are also going over the schedule, meds, emergency contact procedures and everything else….

The link to the physical and Colorado can be found at the top of the Troop 287 Web Page at https://www.bsatroop287.org/summer-camp-2016-2/. 

It can also be found at the Camp Leader’s Guide here: http://www.denverboyscouts.org/document/2016-peaceful-valley-scout-ranch-adult-leaders-guide/157926

Finally, every parent should go though the Program Guide with their scout: http://www.denverboyscouts.org/document/2017-cris-dobbins-program-guide/160308

Please bring the packing list to the meeting so we can go over it! The packing list is located at the link at the top of the page.

Here are some other tidbits:

• Cots are not provided at this camp. Scouts must bring their own or bring a sleeping pad. I didn’t see rental either. So scouts must bring their own cot or sleeping pad.
• There is a family night on Friday at 4pm. Parents are encouraged to come to see the final skits and campfire ceremony.
• Scouts should have a little spending money for the Trading Post. Usually $20 will do it. They usually spend it all on candy 🙂
• Summer camps have mosquitos for some magical reason. Scouts should bring bug spray.
• I would like all scouts to have at least one nalgene bottle as their method of hydrating, Its easier to judge how much water they drank.

Thanks
Sean

Hi Troop!

We have Flag day on Wednesday and we are hurting on scouts and drivers….only two for the morning! This makes doing these fund raisers very tough.  I know this is a work day and its tough to get out there but the community and the troop is relying on your good will!

Please sign up!

Here is the link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054baca929a4fc1-flag

Thank you,
Sean

Folks,

This Tuesday we are going to do a couple of things.  First we are going to finish up the cooking merit badge.  The only achievement was to make a backpacking meal using a camp stove.  Bring something to cook up in the Jet Boil stove, show you know how to work the stove and cook the meal. Bring your mess kit to eat the meal with. The meal should be fairly simple and able to be heated simply by boiling water.

We will also be working on getting ready for summer camp. Please bring your BSA Physical Form and any additional paperwork if you have it. The Colorado Addendum form is required as well. Both of these forms can be found at the top of the website under Summer Camp 2017.  The packing list is located there as well. Start putting all that stuff together.  The 13th will be the final night to turn in all paperwork and we will go through the Summer Camp packing list. This is the final link to the leader’s guide which has all the information that parents might want to know about summer camp.  http://www.denverboyscouts.org/document/2016-peaceful-valley-scout-ranch-adult-leaders-guide/157926

Finally, we will do some rank advancement and merit badge completion activities if we have time.

Thanks

Sean

Hi Folks,

We had a great Memorial Flag Day! I really appreciate everyone who signed up to do the routes. Our next holiday is Flag Day on June 14th. This one is a bit tricky since it lands on a work day and several of us have to work. With that being said, I just wanted to reach out because I know a couple of people have expressed an interest in taking over the Flag Coordinator position. I just received the list for Flag Day & I will be at tomorrow’s meeting with everything needed to start training someone for this position. This would be a great time to take over because right after Flag Day, 4th of July comes around and it will be good training to do both those holidays so close together.

See you all tomorrow!

Sandy

Folks,

Attached are the routes for tomorrow and the Driver/Navigator/Scout Teams.  Please take a moment to look at the routes before tomorrow…sorry for the late email send tonight 🙂

MemDayAssign  – Teams

Troop #287 Memorial Day A  – Routes

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/embed?mid=10m0GV4Em7r3f3QEh_i1-nXw87qQ&ll=38.89769193693255%2C-104.8680708148193&z=12

Also, we need one more scout and driver for the flag pick up in the afternoon.  Please sign up at sign up genius!! Here is the link:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054baca929a4fc1-memorial

See you tomorrow bright and early!!

Sean

Folks,

Please come to the Church and celebrate our own Scott Jirous’s accomplishment of earning the rank of Eagle Scout.  Scout has been with the troop for many years.  He embodies all the the positive traits of scouting….good citizenship, athleticism, academics and community service.

We need some scouts to participate in the ceremony as well….there will be cake 🙂

Thanks,

Sean

Folks,

Since we have not done Flags for a while we are having a meeting for all the parents at 715pm at the barn behind the church tonight to orient you to the program. Attending this will help you understand the program and make execution of it easier.

Please Please Please all parents attend. This program is essential for the financial well being of the troop. The money raised in this program pays for all the awards, it paid for all your scouts membership this year, and it offsets many of the costs for our troop activities.

There are still many slots available on Memorial day flags. Please sign you scout up so he can make some money and support the program. Please sign up for Driver and Navigator to support the program.

After memorial day flags we will not have a parent Flag representative any longer. We desperately need someone to volunteer for this position. Unfortunately our current volunteers are very occupied with their current position.  Loosing this Flag programs would significantly hurt our troop and cost all of us a lot more money. Please consider volunteering for this position.

Thank you

Folks,

We had a great campout in Terryall this past weekend!  We did a great 6 mile hike through the mountains and completed a ton of rank advancement requirements.  The pictures are posted to the Troop Web Site under the photos link at the top.

This week’s meeting will be game night. We are going to play kickball at Pinon Valley Park located at 5585 Mule Deer Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919, USA

Wear class B’s or athletic clothes, shoes good for kickball and an athletic bottle.  See you there at 7.

Sean

Folks,

We are all signed up for Merit Badges and some of you have already sent me physicals by email.  I would ask that you also please bring in a COPY of the physical to a meeting.

In addition to a physical, you must fill out this Colorado Addendum form. Here the URL incase the link doesn’t work: http://www.bsacoloradoadventure.org/document/colorado-health-form-addendum/120741

This is basically the same as the shot record portion of the scout physical and all you need to do is transpose the shot history to this form. Parents sign this and it does not need to be filled out by a physician/medical provider so its really easy.

Also, I noticed that I am the only adult signed up for summer camp.  We need to have at least two adults there at all times.  Also, I can do summer camp from Sun-Thur and need someone to fill in the last two days on Fri-Sat because I have two triathlons I’m doing that weekend. We don’t need the same adults there the whole summer camp….but we need two Adults there the entire time.  This is a great opportunity to see your scout having fun for a couple of days or more. Please sign up up for at least a few days.  Without two adults….we cannot go to summer camp and I know we will not let that happen!

There is no cost for Adults for summer camp as long as we only have two there at any one time. Adults also need to have their physical done.

Please call with any questions.

I’m excited about this weekend’s campout. We might be sleeping in the snow! Make sure all the scouts coming dress in layers and BE PREPARED for cold/wet weather…. waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, shoes, a proper sleeping bag (Rated to 30 degrees).

See you tonight at the Church at 530.

Please wear Class A’s during travel.

Bring a meal for dinner tonight….like a Subway sandwich or something.

Troop 287! Please sign up for the Terryall Campout. We are buying the food on Tuesday. The scouts planned out the campout tonight and its going to be a blast 🙂

Be prepared for the weather…we might have some snow with weekend!!

Here is the link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054baca929a4fc1-terryall

So so everyone knows “The Plan”….here are some updates:

1. This week’s meeting will not be a COH. Our next COH will be in August. This meeting will be focused on planning this weekend’s campout to Terryall.
2. Scott Jirous earned his Eagle Scout! His Eagle COH will be Sunday, May 28 at 1:00 PM at United Wilson Methodist Church. This is such a significant event that there will be a separate post about this soon. We are so proud of Scott Jirous.
3. Memorial Day Flags is coming up on May 29th. Please sign up on Sign Up Genius at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F054BACA929A4FC1-memorialTime for the scouts to make some money to support their scouting activities!  We have about 250 American Flags to put out in the moring and retrieve at night. This is such a great way to offset costs an honor such an important holiday.

   We will have 5 routes, 2 scouts for each route, 1 adult driver and 1 adult Navigator for each route. We will attempt to pair experienced people with un-experienced people. Please, we need each route filled completely. This is how we can afford to pay for awards and offset activity costs.

   Those who volunteer to drive need to have a car that you can put about 55 flags in the back of…preferably a pick up, SUV, mini-van, etc. We do have one trailer that someone can tow.

   We will have a Flag orientation meeting on May 23rd. We would like all Parents to attend this meeting. Its very important!! …or at least one parent from each scout 🙂

Hi Folks!

Time for us to get back out side!!!

Get Ready for the next campout! We were going to go to Farish, but there are no sites available so we are going to Spruce Grove Campground in Terryall.  This is a car camping Trip, but there are some great hikes and other activities. I camped at this one a few times and its awesome. If you are from Pack 6 and are going to Farish then please do not sign up for this one too.  We’ll miss ya but you will have a blast at the Pack 6 Final Camp out!

We will retire some American Flags on this Campout.

This campout will be from May 19th – May 21st.  We will meet at the church at 530pm on Friday and try to be back at the Church before 11am on Sunday.

Here is the link to the camp site to check it out: https://rootsrated.com/colorado-springs-co/backpacking-camping/spruce-grove-campground

The cost of this trip will be $15 per scout.

We need at least two adults to sign up for this trip, it would be better if we had three. I am training for an Ironman so I would like two adults so I can go for an early morning run and ride (I know….I’m selfish but hey….its an Ironman)

Please follow this link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054baca929a4fc1-terryall

We will need two scouts to sign up to purchase and cook food to earn their First Class Cooking Requirements. There is a spot on Sign Up Genius for that.

Also, I know this is last minute I would like all scouts to pay and turn in their permission slips at tomorrow’s meeting. The permission slip is on the right side of the page under “Downloads” or you can get it at this link: https://www.bsatroop287.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/BSA_ParentPermissionForm.pdf

Here is a packing list. You do not have to bring these items tomorrow’s meeting:

THE SCOUT OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS

They’re called “essentials” for a reason. Every packing list starts with these 10 items.

1. A pocketknife or multitool

2. A first-aid kit. Make Sure its small for backpacking

3. One extra shirt, extra pair of underwear and two extra pairs of socks

4. A jacket that is warm and can also act as rain gear ( a poncho works for rain too)

5. A flashlight, but preferably a headlamp  Bring extra batteries, too.

6. Trail snacks is good for maintaining your energy. Bring more than you think you’ll need in case you get stuck (or lost) in the woods.

7. 2 Liters of Water in 1 Liter size Nalgene bottles. Camelbak

8. Matches and/or a fire starter ( lighter)

9. Sun protection might include sunblock, sunglasses, lip balm and a wide-brimmed hat.

10. Broken in Boots

11. Sleeping Pad

12. Sleeping Bag rated to at least 20 degrees (Sometimes a 30 degree will work)

13. Back pack that fits properly

14. Bring a small Day Pack for hikes

KEEPING CLEAN

Here are some hygiene items you may want to pack, depending on the outing:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Soap
• Comb
• Waterless hand cleaner
• Washcloth
• Toilet paper
• Trowel for digging cathole latrines

COOKING AND EATING

Here are some cooking and eating items you may want to pack, depending on the outing:

• Canteen Cup or some type of portable mess kit
• Spoon
• Cup or insulated mug
• Water treatment system
• Backpacking stove with fuel

EXTRAS

Here are some extras you may want to pack, depending on the outing:

• Watch
• Camera
• Notebook
• Pen or pencil
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Nylon cord
• Insect repellent
• Repair kit
• Hiking stick or trekking poles
• Binoculars

Boy Scout Troop 287

Meeting:                      Troop 287 Committee Meeting

Date & Time:                May 9, 2017, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Location:                     Wilson United Methodist Church

In attendance:              S. Johnston, S. Chermack, S.Diggs, D. Reeves, P. Reeves, S. Warner, J. Weston. S. Cucaro, M. Cucaro, T. Sharp,                                       J. Brinkman, L.Durrenberger, M.Pharris, J. Brinkman

Sandy Johnston – Committee Chair

Opened Meeting  

• Discussion regarding need of Flag coordinator; still need volunteer and Flags coming up May 29, 2017
• Discussion regarding scout payments for participating in flags, by route or by scout
• Flag Parent Meeting Tuesday May 23, 2017
• Discussion regarding Sandy Johnston stepping down from Committee Chair late 2017, please inquire if interested in position.
• Discussion of camp out payments due dates
• Discussion of guidelines and notification of cancellation of Troop events , Responsibility for parents to notify scoutmasters . Responsibility of parents to make payments for outing if appropriate notice not given. (There are preparations and food expenses to take into consideration)

Motions: 

To approve flag payments by scout

To approve camp out payments due Tuesday before camp out at Troop meetings

Sean Warner – Scoutmaster 

• Discussion regarding need for Outdoor Coordinator ; position filled within meeting
• Discussion of to move May Court of to August 2017.
• Camp out on schedule for May 19, 2017, change from Farish to Tarryall Campgrounds

Motions: 

To approve next Court of Honor for August 15, 2017.

Danny Reeves – Committee Treasurer:

• Gave the current status of the Troop’s total operating account

Tom Sharp- Chartered Org. Rep Committee Member

• Discussion Eagle Board of Reviews; please take serious consideration to participate at the next opportunity. This is good experience to see what your son can prepare for.
• Soap Box Derby interest discussed, 4 to 5 scouts expressed interest

Folks,

The Committee meeting will be tonight at the Church at 730pm. However, due to a safety issue that needs resolving the scout meeting is cancelled. Please contact me if your scout needs a scoutmaster conference or merit badge completion.

Tonights Committee meeting is very important and I recommend as many committee members and parents attend as possible.

I apologize for the last minute notice and I posted this from my tiny phone so please forgive errors.

Thank you

Sean

Troop,

This week we are going to prep for our next Campout which has changed from Farish to Spruce Grove in Terryall.  We will plan out meals and activities. We will also start the fishing merit badge.

My own Eagle Scout Michael Warner will be there to run the over some Second Class Skills in the first 15 minutes.

At 730pm, the troop will also have a committee meeting. All parents are invited. We are in dire need of an Outdoor Activity Planner (the person who reserves campsites and stuff), and a fund raise representative (the person that helps organize flags, camp cards and Popcorn).

Thank you

Sean