Below are the results of the Knot Patrol Meeting. Something is wrong with the calendar on the website, but we are working to fix it.
Jun: 20-26 – Summer Camp @ Cris Dobbins Jul: 16-18 – Crags to Pikes Peak 14er campout Aug: 6-8 – Loop hike near Sedalia/Deckers Sep: 10-12 – Dino Death March Oct: 15-17 – Sand Dunes (Family style) Nov: 6 – 22 Mile Bike Ride (need to start the cycling MB for those who want/need it) Dec: 10-11 – Lock-in
As always, these are the best dates we came up with where there would be support to do what you as Scouts voted to do. If there are scheduling conflicts, we will workthem out and get out there Scouting!
When you have money in your Scout Account you can buy just about anything related to Scouting. Are you looking for a new sleeping bag or maybe a new hammock? Do you want to have some money to spend at Summer Camp or buy a new pocket knife? Well, with money in your Scout Account all this is possible and more and I am going to tell you how.
There is a new “channel” on the discord server labeled COH Elections.
If you would like to run for a leadership position, please throw your name and what position you want to run for. All “Hard Leadership” positions (SPL, ASPL, and PL) require a candidate speech to be given. Scribe, Historian, Quartermaster positions do not require a speech, but are very important roles and require you to be active for most of our meetings and events.
Anyway, check it out.
Remember that next tuesday is the COH, we will set up starting at 5:30 at the Church. Dinner at 6pm. CLASS A UNIFORMS!!!! I am sure I am forgetting something!
Please RSVP at the link above for the Court of Honor next tuesday night, May 11. We will set up around 5:30pm, serve food at 6pm, then move to the Sanctuary for the presentation of the awards and all that.
Bird Dog BBQ is catering the event, so we need good numbers on who will be in attendance. Of course, siblings and folks like that are allowed and expected so they can see you get what you have earned. Basically, we need solid attendance so we get the right amount of food for everyone.
This is a CLASS A event, full dress uniform, all that good stuff.
Elections will be held as well. If you would like to run for a leadership position, please prepare a 2-3 minute speech to present on why you should be voted into that position.
Positions up for election: All of them! SPL, ASPL, PL (x2), Scribe, Historian, and Quartermaster is what we generally have in “office”. SPL/ASPL are limited to First Class Rank and above, PL and the others can be any rank.
Troop, you all decided to play ultimate cabbage at Oak Valley Ranch Park. Since this is a game night, we start a bit earlier than normal. We will meet up at 6pm and close out around 8pm. Mr. Petree is bringing the cabbage.
See you guys there! Here is the location/directions. It is right off of Silent Rain Dr. From the Church, head north on Flying W Ranch Rd to the stoplight at Centennial. Turn left on Centennial and then turn left onto Silent Rain Dr, just a few hundred yards up. Follow Silent Rain until you see the park on the left.
Here is an opportunity to do some really fun white water rafting while we are at summer camp. We could also do this as part of a troop excursion this summer, if you all wanted to. We might be able to make that work.
The link below has all the info on it. Basically, in order to do it, we would need at least five Scouts to sign up. The cost is $75 (each) without transportation and $95 (each) for the River guys to drive the participants.
Right now there are 15 Scouts signed up for Camp. I have 10 merit badge selections completed. There have been some adjustments to the offerings, like ATV is not on the list for a Merit Badge, but I beleive you can spend free time there (this also may change again), so be flexible.
I need (I apologise if I may have overlooked what you already gave me) the following Scouts to get me their lists: I need three Primary and three Alternate choices!!!!!!! Text, email, phone call, carrier pigeon, just get the choices to me!
John R. WIlliam W. Jefferson H. Ethan M. Noah H.
Here are the offerings as of right now for merit badges: I am not sure if the ones with a “/” are concurrent offerings or not. Like If you sign up for Energy, youll got Electricity at the same time. Not sure, we will find out!
Energy/Electricity
Chemistry/ Nuclear Science
Astronomy/Space Exploration
Emergency Preparedness
First Aid
Camping/Pioneering
Search and Rescue/ Wilderness Survival/ Orienteering
Mamal Study/ Fish and Wildlife Management/ Forestry
Also, we are just about a month and a half away from attendance, which means you and your parents need to work on getting to see your doctor to get a physical completed. Need to have one within a year of attendance to camp. Here is a link to the forms. Need to ensure the form for Summer Camp is filled out by the doctor.
This week, we will be visited by representatives from the Ha-Kin-Skay-A-Ki Lodge, Order of the Arrow.
They will present an invormational video and give us an idea of what the OA is all about. Then they will hold an election for eligible Scouts to be inducted into the OA. I will not go into the details, but we do need as many Scouts as possible at the meeting for the voting process.
To be eligible, a Scout must be a First Class Scout, and have 15 nights in the past two years camping. Up to five of those nights can be a “long term camp” like summer camp, but no more than five nights can be counted in that way. The other 10 must be two or three night (weekend) events.
More on that from the OA reps on Tuesday night.
Just a reminder to get your MB selections in either to me on Tuesday or email them to me if you have not already done so. The sooner we get them in, the better chance you will have getting the choices you want.
Lastly, for those of you who missed this campout this weekend, we all had a really fun time. We had some special concocted brownies using 18 year old cocoa powder and coffee creamer, and even conducted a rescue mission for a lost chair, which entailed repelling (sort of) down a ravine. Pictures and video to be presented at the COH next month.
Gotta decide on game Night for next week as well, since the OA elections are this week.
We are a “GO” for the campout this weekend. Here is the itenerary:
We will link up at the Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead parking lot and head out from there. (5pm Friday to 8am Sunday)
I would like to get an early start to this adventure, so I am asking that we link up at the parking lot no later than 5pm, with a step-off no later than 5:30pm. (let me know if this is an issue-a group text will be coming out later tonight to make sure all parents of Scouts are aware of the details).
We will hike until the sun gets a little low in the sky find a place to camp and bed down for Friday night. Saturday will be a hike and play/learn type deal up to then back from the crash site to a camping point close to our starting point.
Sunday will be a short hike out, since we have a schedulling crunch to get this thing done. Therefore, we are looking to EXFIL from the Start/Stop parking lot around 8-8:30am. So, pareants, please plan for that timeline. You could always get a coffee in Monument on your way up to grab your Scout.
The Trail is called “Ice Cave Trail” and in Alltrails, you can find it under “Harrison Plane Crash via Ice Cave Trail” (link below).
Parking lot is in the image above, labeled in green as “Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead” Google maps link below.
Here (below link) is the map we will be using, to include our route to and from the crash site. Our overnights will be somewhere along this route.
If you have any questions, please let me know. If we need to cross load Scouts for transport, our current restrictions allow two households in a vehicle, so I think we can work some sort of transport deals. MASKS ARE STILL REQUIRED.
BSA Transport guidelines: Ensure family transportation to/from outing location (no unit carpooling). -Transport should be limited to the 10 person/two household limit shown under personal gathering size
Here is the latest information from Camp Cris Dobbins on MB selection. I have several MB lists from you guys, but I do not have them all. So, at the bottom of this post is a document we (as a troop) will use to select your merit badges for the duration of camp. The sooner you get me your picks, the better off you will be in getting what you want. You can download and fill out the form below and email it to me @ Geren.mcguire@hotmail.com. CCD has not posted the form yet (likely be posted to their site later today). The sooner the better!!!
Read below for the latest information on the CCD MB program.
Merit Badge Sign Up Process To avoid the “doubleknot dash”, this year we will have troops complete a Microsoft Form for each scout. You will be prompted to choose and rank 6 merit badges for each youth in priority order. Based on the availability of each merit badge, we will create schedules starting with the first pick. If a youth does not get the first couple merit badges on their list they will still have opportunities to work on them during Troop Activity Time.
Collect Merit Badge Preference List from each youth. Use this sample Planning Sheet – Click Here.
Go to the Merit Badge List Submission located on www.DenverBoyScouts.org/Dobbins available April 21st. (not available at the time of this post).
Complete the form for each youth attending camp. If changes are needed – please submit again & notice the Camp Director ASAP. Submissions will be accepted until the 11-Day Meeting. Schedules will be provided at Check-In or the Leader’s Meeting. Merit Badge Fees Some merit badges or activities require more resources than the camp is available to provide on a “free” basis. Some badges have an extra fee or require a kit to complete it. All fees and kits must be purchased at camp. Units have the option to make one “lump-sum” payment for these or Scouts can individually pay for them. This is up to the unit on how they want to handle fees. ❖ Rifle Ammo – $1 = 10 shots or $10 = 100 shots ❖ Shot Gun Ammo – $12 = 25 shots or $35 = 100 shots
Above is the signup for this weekend’s camping trip. I know many folks have stuff going on this month. No biggie. Our troop (loosely organized) policy states we need six Scouts to make a campout a go, plus two registered adults. Right now, we only have two Scouts signed up on the signup genius and one adult (me). We will be moving forward with the trip until Thursday evening around 7, when I will make the final determination on cancelling or not.
If you want to go, sign up at the link above, otherwise, we will just postpone this trip until next month.
Temps are supposed to be in the 60’s during the day and 30s overnight. Browse the Troop site for the packing list. Food is still on an individual basis due to covid (Pikes Peak BSA has not updated their stuff yet), but that list is also on the troop site.
Anyway, if you need a hammock, please state that on the sign up as well.
There was an issue for the last couple of weeks where posts I was making were not being sent as emails. Please take a few minutes to visit the Troop website (link above) and review the posts you may have missed. I think the last post that went out was on 5 April. There is a lot of information to be had since then (camping this weekend, Merit Badges at Camp, and Committee Member requests).
Troop, I was notified there is an issue with the posts being published and the above link being broken. I am working the issue posting issue. The link above should be good to go now, but if it isn’t, let me know!
It has been quite a while since we have had a COH. Since February 2020 as a matter of fact. So, this next COH will cover 15 months of stuff. RSVP with all those attending (Family and whomever you want there) at the link above.
The COH will be held on May 11. Our start time for set up is 5:30pm, with a dinner time of 6pm. Then we will have a viewing of a Scout put together slide show for a couple minutes, then the award ceremony portion.
Food will be catered by Bird Dog BBQ and is open to all family members whom you would like to see you receive what you have earned.
If you have any direct questions, I can do my best to answer them, or you can go direct with the person in that position, or coordinate with Lisa (she knows a lot of stuff about the committee positions).
It has been a couple of years since we created the current patrol names and stuff, and now the current Scout Leaders (as has been discussed) will be renaming the patrols, and possibly shifting members around. This week’s meeting will be focused on the Patrol re-naming, but first, we will be finalizing the camping trip route and possible stopping points. We will likely hike out a couple miles, camp, continue the hike to the crash site and start our trek back Saturday night to a point close, but not too close to the end point to find a campsite. It is a pretty short and relaxing hike, so think we will have plenty of time to cover a lot of stuff, if desired (SM conferences, rank requirements, etc.)
COVID Update: The State decided last week to allow counties to make decisions for COVID restrictions. As of right now, there have not been any changes, but that does not mean there wont be any between now and this weekend’s campout. I will check the council website (which your Scout leadership should do as well) on a daily basis to see if anything changes. I will also be in contact with council to see if there are any updates which have not been published.
Anyway, I will make another post after final decisions are made at this week’s meeting about the camping.
Here is the stuff you guys talked about last night. The route will be published next week as we get closer and the stops are decided upon at our next meeting. However, if you are interested, the route is available on AllTrails: Harrison Plane Crash.
Here is the meal plan: everyone will buy their own since we are still under Covid non-patrol eating rules.
Packing List:
Clothing:
Clothes bag (optional)
Base layer (long underwear, tight-fitting synthetic shirt)
Zip off pants (otional)
Pants (normally not jeans)
Shorts (normally not denim)
T-shirt (at least 3, class B works well
Socks (a lot, at least two pairs, non-wool socks work best, normally synthetic)
Underwear, moderate amount
Belt (optional, helps with hiking and holding backpack)
Trail shoes / Hiking boots
Sweater with hood
Ball cap / beanie
Down jacket / puffer jacket
Raincoat / poncho
Gear:
Personal hammock (included for this trip, if not lending then hammock with tarp)
Sleeping bag (20* or less)
Sleeping pad
Camping / blowup / neck pillow
Backpacking backpack (basically required for backpacking)
The PLC asked me to post this information in preparation for tomorrow night’s Campout prep meeting. Links are at the bottom of this post.
Remember, you will be discussing your clothing and gear, as well as deciding on the menu for the weekend. Make sure if you are coming on the trip (NEXT WEEKEND 23-25 APR), you LET ME KNOW if you NEED a hammock. We are sleeping in individual tents/hammocks per covid rules. I have a few extras you can use. And sign up on the signup genius that I posted over the weekend.
Although the Scouts will create a meal plan as a troop, we are still in the “Yellow” status for meetings and all that, which means no “family style” eating or food preparation. If you need the rank requirement for advancement for planning and purchasing the meals, make sure you write all that stuff down, create the budget (we usually do $8-12/Scout/weekend campout), and then go shopping (stay on budget) and bring all that documentation to the next meeting so you can get credit for it.
Also, just a reminder for you in Leadership and those who want to be in Leadership positions, our website has a bunch of good information and links at your disposal under the “Scout Corner” tab at the top of the screen. Make sure you check it out. The resources there are for you as Scouts and as Scout Leaders. Remember that we (adult leaders) are there to help you along, not do all this for you. So, i encourage you to take a break from Youtube, Discord, or Minecraft and check out YOUR website!
Troop, we are shifting our schedule a bit to allow for more time for campout prep.
This week is campout prep, older Scouts will be conducting a layout of younger Scouts backpacking gear (so, if you plan on camping this month, bring your gear!). As always, we will be discussing what and how to wear the proper gear, what to bring to sleep in, and how to stay comfortable (warm or cool) on these hikes.
Also, the Scouts will be selecting the meal plan, which will require at least one Scout to purchase the food and bring it to the campout. Depending on how many attend the campout, we may have a second “camp cook”.
The link to the signup is below, so If you would like to attend this hammock style camping trip to a pretty cool historical site, go ahead and sign up! Below the sign up are a few details which will be explained further as we get closer to the campout.
Who: Troop 287 What: Hammock Camping Where: Harrison Plane Crash/Ice Cave Trail-Palmer Lake, CO When: 5pm (adjustable to accommodate), 23 April through 10:00 25 April. How: By hiking! That’s how!
Our plan will be to meet up in Palmer Lake near the trail head (details coming later) no later than 5pm Friday, 23 April. We will step off no later than 5:15pm, and hike in until we find a good place to set up camp. On Saturday, we will continue our hike to the crash site, and stay the night near there, or on the way back. We will return to our starting point by Sunday morning at 10:00am.
Additional details and finalization of those details will be made at our meeting on 13 April. This will include meal planning, route (already done through All Trails), hike leaders and all that stuff. Times are adjustable to accommodate adult schedules and stuff like that.
Let me know if you have any comments, concerns, or questions.
Troop, just a quick reminder that this week’s meeting is the first meeting of the month and we will have a uniform inspection. Class A uniform with all the chest candy you’ve got!
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.
Game Night August 26, 2025
Manitou Springs Arcade, meet at the barn at 6:30. Scouts will return to the barn at 9:00
Vibes Baseball Game August 29, 2025
Rocky Mountain Vibes Baseball, 4385 Tutt Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80922, USA
Council sponsored baseball game. Game starts at 6:35, gates open at 4:35
Flags September 1, 2025 at 6:00 am – 7:00 am
Troop Meetings
Every Tuesday, 7-8:30 p.m.
Wilson Ranch Community Church
Scoutmaster: Anthony Turner
