Folks,

Just a reminder that there is a meeting on Tuesday and the focus will be preparations for the Bishops Castle Camp Out. Please see the previous post on the website for the Packing List. Bring your packing list to the meeting, be prepared to plan meals and two scouts will be selected to buy the food.

Here are some other important dates:

• 25 April @ 7-830pm: Game Night at CityRock. This is the night for those scouts that need the rappel still.  Everyone else just gets to climb for fun!
• 29 April @ 10-2pm: WW2 Aviation Museum Community Service Project. They have the materials and are ready for us.
• 9 May: Court of Honor – Scouts need to finish merit badges and complete Scout Master Conferences prior to this date so they can be awarded/promoted.
• 19-21 May: Campout at Farish Campground – Fishing Merit Badge

So we have some fun stuff coming up!

Sean

Great news! We have two adult leader that will lead this trip! This will be fun one and an easy backpack trip.  This will be a great gentle introduction to camping and backpacking for the new scouts and a good shakeout for the current ones.  Our next meeting will be a shake out so I would like all the scouts going on the trip to bring the below packing list so we can go through it with them.

We will also need two scouts to earn their First Class Cooking achievement by helping plan a menu and buying the food ( the church reimburses you).

Please call with any questions.

Sean

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

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:                         April 11, 2017, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Location:                              Wilson United Methodist Church

In attendance:                       Pam Reeves, Danny Reeves, Sean Warner, Tom Sharp, Michael Pharris, Sandy Diggs

Sean Warner – Scout Master

• Opened the meeting
• FLAG COORDINATOR NEEDED , discussion of coordinator role , proposal of flag introductory meeting for scouts and parents. The Rotary Club will be in contact with the Troop and we need someone in place. May 9th meeting will be a review of the program and routes.
• May 16, 2017 Court of Honor, BBQ, 5:30 p.m.set up, 6 p.m. dinner 7 p.m.  There will be a representative from Investment in Character (formerly Friend of Scouting) More info will be sent out regarding food sign ups.
• April 21-23, 2017, Bishop’s Castle Campout, please visit Sign up Genius
• Discussed fees due for the Summer Campout 2017. If you missed payment tonight at the scout meeting, please bring to the next meeting. Final payments due 4/25/2017.
• Discussed Summer Camp replacements, some scouts unable to attend. Possible one slot may be filled other is pending
• Discussed May Campout with Pack 6
• Soap Box Derby interest discussed
• Knot Patrol Meeting this Thursday- Scoutmasters planning 

Danny Reeves – Committee Treasurer 

• Gave the current status of the Troop’s total operating account
• Discussed the current status of flag and summer camp accounts

 Tom Sharp- Chartered Org. Rep Committee Member

•  Tool set purchase discussed, church in need of tools

Scouts,

We are going to start the communication merit badge on Tuesday.  This is an Eagle Required Badge. Please arrive in Class A’s and bring your scout handbook and binder if you have one.  Bring a pen and be ready to take notes.

We will also do a uniform inspection and work on a little First Class Rank Knowledge.

See you at 7pm at Wilson United Methodist Church.

Sean

Troop 287,

This months camp out will be in San Isabel National forrest with a day at Bishop’s Castle (http://www.bishopcastle.org). Its a really cool crazy Harry Potter looking castle built by hand by one guy!

This will be an easy backpack trip/campout designed so the newer scouts can have fun!

We will need 2 scouts from each patrol to plan and buy meals.

We also need at least two adults to go on this trip and possibly another diver to help transport scouts down and back.

The Campout will be from the 21st to the 23rd.

The cost is $12 per scout….plus any money you would like your scout to spend in the Bishops Castle gift shop. A packing list will be posted closer to the campout. For now, the focus should be on getting a backpack that fits properly, hiking shoes and a backpacking sleeping back rated to at least 30 degrees.

You can sign up here:

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

Sean

Folks,

Just got word that the materials needed to landscape the flagpole at the WW2 Aviation Museum will not arrive in time for our project on Saturday.  So will not have it this weekend.  I told them to let us know when the materials will arrive and we will schedule the project then.

Thanks

Sean

Troop 287,

We have a short notice opportunity to do a 4 hour community service project at the WW2 avaiatin museum this Saturday, the 8th from 10am-2pm.  They installed a flag pole and need help with the landscaping around it. This is a great opportunity for the scouts that needed that additional 4 hours for thier Citizenship in the Community Merit badge or any scouts that need some hours for Rank Advancement.  I hope to have at least 10 scouts there!!

Here’s the Website http://www.worldwariiaviation.org

Its located at 755 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80916

Please bring a bottle of water, dress for the weather to include applying sunscreen, wear work gloves if you have them, and you can bring a small snack.  dress with be Class B T shirt with work clothes.

Please sign up at the following link if you can make it!

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

Thank you

Sean

Just a reminder to all the new folks, Troop 287 aligns with District 11 for weather decisions so when they have a snow day we do too. Have fun and see you next week!!

Sean

Welcome back scouts! I hope you had a good spring break. Get your uniforms back out and dust them off. On Tuesday, we will have a uniform inspection then start our Communications Merit Badge.  This is an Eagle Required merit and a great opportunity to help you advance.  This night is will also be a good night to have accomplishments that you did on the Freez-o-Ree signed off.

See You Tuesday!

Sean

Ju

Hello Troop 287!

Just a friendly reminder that there is no meeting this week during Spring Break! Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 4th at 7pm at Wilson United Methodist Church.  We will start the Communication Merit Badge.

Sean

Continue Reading…

Scouts,

Tonight (Tuesday night) is game night and we are going to go Ice Skating at the Air Force Academy. Cost is $5 per scout ($3 to skate and $2 for rentals).  We will depart Wilson United Methodist at 630pm to please arrive a little early and please make sure your scout has $5 cash.  Show a little early because I would like to depart at 630 sharp.

Because we are going on the Air Force Academy, I would appreciate it if anyone that has a DOD/Military ID card volunteer to drive the scout to and from.  We should finish and be back at the church between 830-9pm.
See you there!

Sean

Boy Scout Troop 287

Meeting:                                    Troop 287 Committee Meeting

Date & Time:                              March 14, 2017, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Location:                                   Wilson United Methodist Church

In attendance:                           Sandy Johnston, Danny Reeves, Pam Reeves , Sean Warner,  Tom Sharp, Jonathan Weston, Sandy Diggs,                                                  Mary Cuccaro, Roxann and Michael Pharris

Sean Warner – Scout Master

• Opened the meeting
• March 21, 2017 – Game Night, proposed ice skating at Sertich Ice Center. Possible alternative location will be announced. Please watch for updates.
• April 21- 23, 2017 – Bishop’s Castle Campout, 12705 State Hwy 165, Rye Colorado. (www.bishopcastle.org)
• May19 -20, 2017 – Farish Campout with Pack 6
• Reminder Flags are coming up soon
• Reminder Summer Camp is June.
• Planning for High Adventure Campout is being discussed.
• Scoutmaster conferences – evaluation of the current process was discussed.

Motion:

                To approve update conferences and addressing skills in scout meetings

Sandy Johnston – Committee Chair

• Troop Scout elections- discussed standardization to process and to have leaderships positions filled by certain rank
• May 16, 2017, a Council representative from Investment In Character (IIC) formerly Friends of Scouting will be presenting at the Court of Honor
• Scholarship Fund review and request presented
• ****There is an URGENT need for a fundraising committee member for flags and popcorn sales****.Flags are in May! Please consider the position and contact Sean or Sandy as soon as possible.

Motions: 

To approve standardization of Troop elections

To approve designated scholarship fund request

Danny Reeves – Committee Treasurer:

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

Thank you to Mr. Chermack and Mr. Bolenbaugh for registering as adult leaders for this trip to make it happen!!! You are great leaders and I, our parents and scouts appreciate your dedication.

Right now I am tracking 11 Scouts and 2 Adults

So, The boys that were selected to buy food should buy the food based on the plan at the last meeting. Meal plans were made at Tuesdays meeting. Plan on Budgeting $10 per scout in your individual patrols.  It should be 4 meals…Saturday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and Sunday Breakfast. I recommend a cold breakfast on Sunday because it will be a quick shutdown.

Here is the new timeline.

Friday:

530pm – Please arrive at the Church at 530 PM on Friday with the following items. Class A Scout Shirt, a meal for Friday night (Subway Sandwich or something like that), your permission slip (https://www.bsatroop287.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/BSA_ParentPermissionForm.pdf), the “covenant not to sue” (found at the end of this document : https://www.pikespeakbsa.org/files/12694/Freexoree-2017) and packing list (Below)

630-7pm depart to AFA

Saturday: – Freez-o-ree

Sunday:Depart AFA no later than 10am be at Church no later and 11am. Scouts will call if they get home early.

Here is the packing list. Take into account it will be 70 degrees during the day and 44 so you may tailor the list accordingly:

Sean

Folks,

First there is a committee meeting tonight.  We have some important issues to discuss such as how Scoutmaster Conferences are run, how elections are run, and our High Adventure Camp for this summer.

The unfortunate part of this posting is that we did not have enough adult leaders to sign up for the freez-o-ree.  As you all know we have to have 2 adult leaders participate in every outing IAW Youth Protection Guidelines.  Unfortunately I could NOT personally make it to this event, I made the last five of them and definitely the next two but I could not make this one.  As such I could not register the troop for the Freez-o-ree without two adults.  This is a bummer as this is the first campout it looks like we will miss in a while and we have 11 boys sign up for the campout.  There is still one way to participate…we can sign up but it will cost the troop an extra $55 late fee ($5 per scout).  If you were planning on going on the campout, still plan on bringing your gear because a shakeout is still a good learning tool…and if we can get one more adult then we will might be able to make this happen.

Thank You,
Sean

Attention Leaders & Parents

We still have a chance to attend the Freez-O-Ree at the AFA this wknd! We have one adult leader signed up but we need one more adult to make it happen. Since JC is a Asst Scoutmaster, the second adult can be a parent or leader. This is a great campout experience for the Scouts to work on their achievements and skills. Sean has extended the deadline until 10:00pm tonight to try to get a volunteer so he doesn’t have to cancel the outing! If you are available to attend please sign up asap!

PS: The weather is going to awesome! Guaranteed sunny & warm!!! Can’t ask for a better camping opportunity!

Thank you,

Sandy

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

Folks,

The Freez-O-Ree on the Air Force Academy is next weekend. The final day for me to sign up the troop is tomorrow.  So far, no adult leaders have signed up for the event.  I cannot make this campout unfortunately. Without adults we cannot do the trip and I will have to cancel the outing.

Here is the link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054baca929a4fc1-freezoree/

If we get at least two adult leaders then on Tuesday we will prep for the campout. We will go through the packing list, determine who will cook meals, and determine a meal plan. Mrs. Cucarro will also bring camp cards which is a great way to earn money to support your scouting activities!

Here is the packing list:

Troop 287,

The Air Force Academy decided to run the Freez-O-Ree in March this year and I think it would be a great opportunity for our Troop! The campout will take place from 17 March @ 4pm to 19 March @ 10am. The Air Force Cadets run this camp out and its a lot of fun!!

In addition to Campfire Ceremonies and other fun stuff. Here are the activies they will have available for the boys!

1. Scouts vs. Blades – accuracy and safety with axes, saws and knives (equip: N/A)
2. Scouts vs. Leadership Challenge – reaction course (equip: N/A)
3. Scouts vs. Terrain – sled race (equip: troop sled)
4. Scouts vs. Fire – fire safety and fire building (equip: matches and fire building materials)
5. Scouts vs. Wild – wilderness survival skills (equip: shelter building supplies)
6. Scouts vs. Rope – lashing skills (equip: 50 feet of 550 cord)
7. Scouts vs. Injury – first aid skills (equip: first aid kit and splinting materials)
8. Scouts vs. Compass – orienteering skills (equip: compass)
9. Scouts vs. BSA Handbook – knowledge of Scout skills (equip: Boy Scout Handbook)

While they will not likely sign off on the achievements, the scoutmasters can and this is a great opportunity to have fun, camp and knock out some rank advancements.  Scouts can also finish their cooking merit badge and well as other merit badge or rank advancements.

The scoutmaster program guide with all the events and packing list is attached below: https://www.pikespeakbsa.org/files/12694/Freexoree-2017

scoutmaster packet 2017 freezoree final

The cost for this trip will be $30 per scout. The Camp charges $20 and the other $10 will be for food.

I need two Adults to sign up for this campout. This is a car camping activity. Please sign up by March 13th.

Please sign up at Sign Up Genius: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F054BACA929A4FC1-freezoree

Sean

Hi Folks,

I forgot to add this link to the previous post about Dart Warz.  They require a waiver.  Please click on the below link and fill it out before you arrive..otherwise you will have to fill it out when you arrive.

Here is the link: https://www.smartwaiver.com/w/526ef3863a8a2/web/

Dart Warz is tomorrow night from 6-730pm. Cost is $10 per scout. Adults can play too!!! I will be briefing the new families about Troop 287 otherwise I would wipe you guys out like the plague in the arena 🙂

Remember to sign-up on Sign Up Genius: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054baca929a4fc1-dart
Sean

Hey Folks,

It’s game night!!! Our next meeting is is at Dart Warz on Thursday at 6pm.  We have a special room reserved for us and if we get 20 people (parents can play and Pack 6 is coming) then it will only cost $10 per player for an hour.  They will get about 18 games and it will be fun!!!! If we just showed up, then there would be a 45 in wait so we get to play right away.

Dart Warz is the largest nerf battle field in the world…actually the universe! yes, that is a true fact I just made up for this post.  The boys voted to go there so please come and get it on!

Dart Warz is located at 5850 Championship View #110, Colorado Springs, CO 80922

I will also be providing a presentation to new parents from Pack 6 and anyone else!!

Please sign up on Sign Up Genius so we can get a count: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F054BACA929A4FC1-dart

See you there!

Sean