Troop 75

Posted By Scouter Dave on May 12, 2010

The “New Scout Camp Out”, and the meetings leading up to this event, together with Summer Camp (7/10 ~ 7/17) are the most important events for EVERY new Scout to attend. Older Scouts will be teaching basic camping, Scout and team building skills at both the meetings leading up to this event and then leading activities at the camp out during which the new Scouts will “learn by doing” these skills.

“Camping” skills will include what & how to pack, tent site selection, pitching a tent, how to behave in and use a tent, fire building, camp cooking, poison ivy identification, axe-camp saw-knife use-care-safety (”Totin Chip”), KP, hygene, striking camp and care & return of Troop gear.

“Scout” skills will include the “Patrol Method”, “Buddy System”, “Camp Fire”, “Camp Etiquette”, “Scout” rank skills, “Table Manners”, prayers with Meals at camp; “Vespers”.

“Team Building” skills are practiced by pitching & striking tents, cooking Saturday’s dinner for themselves & Troop, and a series of specific team trust & building activities.

A local camp site is used so that known camp facilities, including a very nice pavilion (built by the Troop under the Leadership of Eagle Scout Adam Kajfez), are available so that we can concentrate on these skills rain or shine. A “New Scout Checklist” is avaiable under the “Resource” Pages of this web site to help new Scouts & Parents know what is needed.

As I have told everyone, however, do not buy any gear if you can help it … we can loan personal gear if need be and it is always best for the Scouts to see the variety of gear in use by the more experienced Scouts & Scout Leaders. Please do not forget to bring your Scout Handbook in a freezer ziplock bag on this, and every event!

As always, please post any questions or comments you might have here so that others can benefit from the answers.

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Scouter Dave on March 4, 2010

This will be a good 1^st camp for new Scouts, and a laid back event for our older Scouts, as tenting issues will not be in play and the main event will be structured at an outside vendor: Kendall Cliffs Rock Gym. In addition to our usual camp fee of $15.00 for food, there is a separate $15.00 fee to climb and, in order to climb, you must also have a signed waiver … see their web site to download this waiver at http://www.kendallcliffs.com/kc/forms.html

Camp Manatoc is a terrific facility, with several trails and quick access to Cuyahoga Nat’l Park where we do our AT shake down hikes, Kendall Cliffs Rock Gym where we will climb on Saturday from 11:00AM to 2:00PM, and Appalachian Outfitters (next door) is one of the last local outfitting stores, and which we always visit on this outing. I am sure that Mr. Sheehy & I can be talked into giving a walking tour of gear options and recommendations for new parents & Scouts before or after our rock climbing session. Let us know if there is any interest and we will set a time to meet at Appalachian Outfitters.

We will be camping in Adirondacks, a generic term for three sided shelters with roof and sleeping platform. Parents, as always are welcome to attend or, as above, just meet us at Appalachian Outfitters or even visit the camp site. The link out on the Calendar (click on event on calendar) and Links to the camp on our Home Page (left side of Home Page), as always, should give you all the info you need.

Please see our “RESOURCES” page (tool bar at top & links on left from Home Page) and read at least: “Packing for Camp: How & What”. In this same list, our “Permission Slip” needs to be signed and given to Mrs. Knight with camp fees and “New Scout Checklist” is worth reading as well. Finally, we need to have at least the Health History (Section A) of the Scout Health Form filled out and turned into Mrs. Knight before the Camp Out. The form can be found at http://www.bsa-gwrc.org/forms/  and it is the same form that we will need the Doctor physical portion completed by Summer Camp.

Any decent sleeping bag should do and an inexpensive fleece liner or blanket can be added for additional warmth if need be … as always, we have gear to loan, just let us know. Please do NOT buy camping equipment until your son has been on a number of Camp Outs so he can make intelligent choices. Just remember, a rinsed out 24 oz pop bottle makes a fine canteen and a washed out large margarine tub, plastic cup and plastic utensils (all in a zip lock bag) makes a perfectly adequate mess kit. Gear should be packed in a SMALL gym bag and sleeping bag & pillow can be packed in a plastic garbage bag. A small folding camp chair is allowed but not necessary. New Scouts are NOT allowed to carry knives until they have earned their “Totin Chip” and any flashlights should be SMALL as well.

Finally, please remember that we travel to and from camp in Class A’s … again, Webelos uniforms are OK, but they should be in uniform. They will change out of Class A’s as soon as we get to camp and we will try to encourage them to pack, or hang up, their uniform so it is clean and wrinkle free for the trip home. If you need uniform parts, just call Mr. & Mrs. Ponikvar and they will be happy to bring the uniform bank to a meeting. As always, if you have questions, do not hesitate to ask!

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Scouter Dave on December 7, 2009

We will depart St. Mary’s at 6:00PM, return approximately 11:00AM for Seven Ranges Scout Reservation, Kensington, OH (east of Canton) Directions & Map: http://www.buckeyecouncil.org/seven%20ranges.htm

Cabin Camp Out w/ 1^st aid kits, map drawing, 5+ mile hike, orienteering, etc. for all Scouts who do not have all orienting, 1^st aid kit & hiking rank requirements already signed off … & game fest

The “Orienteering Camp Out”, fna the “Movie Camp Out”, has, thankfully, returned to its roots when, before the advent of modern electronics, it was originally know as the “No-brainer Camp Out”. Once again, and as in days gone past, movies and all electronics will be absolutely banned beyond a boom box the cooks will be permitted to use while the rest of the Troop is hiking. We will return to the past practice of tournament style playoffs of old fashion games, most notably Risk, Monopoly & Life. This event is at “Seven Ranges” BSA camp east of Canton in a heated cabin with kitchen and flush toilet. The roof extends beyond the cabin itself forming a open sided pavilion where most of the adults set up their sleeping bags while the guys are next door in bunks in the cabin.

The older guys will kick back and socialize over board games, cooking and setting up an orienteering course while a select few of the older guys accompany the rest of the Troop on what usually turns into an all day hike. Together with a few Junior Instructors, any and all Scouts who do not have all of the hiking/orienteering rank requirements signed off will spend Friday night going over the personal 1^st aid kits they will carry on the hike and working on drawing personal maps traced from a generic camp map to be used to find their way on the hike. Legends, landmarks, contours, scales, bearings and such will be added both before and during the hike to see if the Scouts can navigate through a 5 mile hike while working together to do three things:

1. Improve their maps

2. Hike a pre-determined route, and

3. Not get lost … or at least find their way back

Although, eventually, we always find our way back, we have always gotten lost. In fact, we choose this forum because of how easy, but safe, it is to get lost. Those Scouts who have, in the past, persistently clung to the belief that the adult leaders would not actually let them get lost … or have fixated upon conflict in lieu of team work as the solution to their dilemma … have even turned this event into a night hike on a couple of occasions (just ask you SPL about his first try)! This event is also used for rank advancement (hiking & orienteering) for the younger Scouts. Any Scout can get any of requirement nos. 1~9 toward Tenderfoot signed off at this event, however, this event is specifically geared toward completing the following requirements: Tenderfoot requirement no. 5 (safe hike rules); 2nd Class requirement nos. 1 & 6b (orienteering/hike with map & make 1st aid kit/take on hike); and 1st Class requirement nos. 1 & 2 (direction w/o a compass & orienteering course). Any Scout who does not have all of those requirements already signed off should be on this hike. Prepare to get lost!

On Friday night and Saturday morning Scouts w/o these requirements completed will work on drawing up maps for Saturday’s hike and going over the contents of their 1st Aid Kits that they have made up in advance of the event. While on the Saturday hike, older Scouts will set up an orienteering course to cover the remaining requirements. As to the first aid kits, there are three important issues to be aware of: 1. They must be prepared in advance of the outing & of a style and content appropriate to carry on a hike; 2. 1st Aid supplies are expensive, so families should team up to buy them (for example, one box of band-aids can be split at least 4 ways); and 3. Scouts will be given a written list at the event of how to improve their 1st aid kits – and – the requirement will not be signed off until they show their new and improved kit to an adult leader.

As this event approaches, look for 1st Aid Kit & orienteering hand outs on the Troop Resources Page of this web site. As always, post any questions or concerns that you have about this event on the Troop Web Bulletin Board.

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Scouter Dave on October 28, 2009

A lot of new and useful content has been added to our web site over the last few weeks, particularly on these “Pages”.  Our adult leaders are gathering handouts, skill programs and other resources and we will continue to update this site.  If you have anything worth contributing, please get to me to do so.  We are very close to getting internet access at our meetings whereafter more exciting and useful updates will occur … check it out and stay tuned!

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Scouter Dave on October 28, 2009

This Event is held (for the 1st time) at Camp Manatoc in Peninsula off of SR303 near Blossom & Cuyahoga Valley NP. Camp fees are $30 per F&S pair and they are due to Mr. Barnard on or before 11/17, however, sooner would help us out a great deal in planning for this event. A Flyer with a schedule of events, directions to camp and all of the details of the event is on the “Resources” page under “Event Flyers” of this web site.

This event is put on for area 1^st & 2^nd Year Webelos and their dads and it is an opportunity for them to see what Scouting has to offer beyond the Cub program. Basic “Tenderfoot” skills and activities will be taught to the Webelos by or newest Scouts who were, themselves, Webelos, last year. Regardless of if, or where, Webelos might be crossing, this is a great opportunity to see what potential Scouting offers them since the Event Instructors are only 6 mos ahead of 2^nd Year Webelos. For our new Scouts, it is an important opportunity for them to learn to “teach” the skills they have been learning over the past 6 mos. These skills will include, Axe Yard, Knots, Orienteering, 1^st Aid & Fire Building.

And, of course, you will have the opportunity to mingle with our Scouts & Scout Families to learn about what Scouting has to offer beyond the Cub program. Meals are a consistent highlight of this event and they are prepared by our older Scouts. Dads are encouraged to bring dull knives that our Scouts will sharpen for them and there has been a traditional Scout Dad Apple Pie Bake Off Saturday evening as well. Moms and siblings are invited out for the Saturday Evening Vespers, Camp Fire & Social … a dish to share is requested and car pooling is encouraged.

Webelos can come out Friday evening or early Saturday morning and may leave Saturday evening or Sunday morning (see Flyer) HOWEVER we ask that Saturday AM arrivals be there BEFORE 9:00 AM so as not to disrupt the presentations. All of the event details are on the Flyer and the only question that typically arises is what about Scouts or Cubs whose fathers can not attend. Of course, fathers are encouraged to attend but if that is not possible, an adult brother or uncle or grandfather (any adult male relative) can attend and, if that is not possible, as long as an adult male cub leader is willing to assume responsibility for the cub that will be OK as well. BSA rules pertaining to Boy Scouts do not permit us to mix genders in overnight cabin facilities.   These are restrictions imposed upon us by BSA and the limited facilities available to us for this event. As always, call or email me with any questions you might have.

Category: General | 1 Comment »
Tags:

Posted By Scouter Dave on October 7, 2009

As to the event itself, it will be at Hocking SP this year which is about a 4 hour drive requiring us to arrive late and traverse some rough and twisty roads. For this reason, as well as the fact that very little time will be spent in camp, we try to travel light and we will NOT take the trailer. Further, it is important that we leave the Church as early as possible … be there at 5:15 and departure will be 6:00PM sharp! Usually, Mr. Sheehy & I will leave earlier with the Junior Instructors as the advance group, so if you are interested in going down earlier, call us.

FEES are as follows: $60 for 1st time participants ($20 camp & food fee; $20 equip fee & $20 1st time equip acquisition) & $40 for repeat participants (same fees minus 1st time equipment acquisition for those that already have webbing).  As always, Campership money is available to offset any camp fees for those in need.  Just contact Mrs. Knight.

 Lunch will be carried in and eaten at the rock face, so we use this opportunity to start learning back packing style meals and hands outs were passed out for this purpose. I have always found that backing packing style lunches work best in pairs (one will bring the bagels and the other the tuna or pmj) and Mr. Sheehy will also demonstrate an AT type dinner meal as well.

Hand outs & retired webbing are given out covering all of the skills needed. Scouts should be practicing the knots & Swiss seat with this webbing and NOT trying to climb or rappel at home!  Keep the webbing clean, dry and hand it back in so we can use it again next year. This webbing will hold over 4,000 pounds and the rest of the equipment being used is even stronger than that … in fact, I have been told that the ropes we use could hold a suspended school bus full of kids. Suffice it to say, as with all of our events, we have very experienced and trained instructors and excellent equipment. Not only are Bill & I certified instructors but Bill is responsible for training & certifying other BSA instructors.

Rappels are available at Hocking from about 85′ to 125′ and climbs are about 65′.  It can be very intimidating but we have a lot of experience in building personal and Troop wide confidence and safety into these activities. All climbers and rappellers are “belayed”, a separate person and system to prevents falls … even if a participant to loose control, these belayers are there to “brake” the participant from an uncontrolled descent or fall.

As always, if any parent has any concerns about this, or any other event, simply ask or, better yet, come with us and see for yourself.

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Scouter Dave on July 30, 2009

In folow up of my email, thigs will be hectic in the next couple of months as the guys will hold their Annual PLC to plan next year’s Calndar (8/4), elect new Junior Leaders (8/18) and have our semi-annual Court of Honor (8/28). In the next few weeks we also need to decide if we are going to return to Haliburton, Ontario for Summer Camp in 2010 as the Troop has been doing every other year for more years than anyone can remember.  Traffic, both at the border & all the way from west to far north of Toronto, has become VERY heavy, fuel prices, unfavorable exchange rates and the expense & aggravation of everyone needing a passport .. etc., has us all wondering if we need to find somewhere else to go to Summer Camp!  Every-one’s thoughts, opinions & suggestions are desperately needed.

So stand by, things will be hectic over the next couple of months … now, more than ever, it is important that you keep checking the Troop Calendar as events are re-scheduled and locations and even dates change as plans and facility availabilities firm up.

Finally, we will have an ANNUAL ADULT MTG on 9/1 at 6:30 to coincide with the regualr mtg so we can brief all families on next year’s schedule, get your input, answer your questions and go over reocurring issues.  We need to have ALL Parents at this Mtg … so mark your calendar now!

Check Out the Calendar for further, and changing, details!

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Scouter Dave on July 15, 2009

Departure:  Meet at St. Mary’s barn at 6:00AM in Class A’s.  Bring CD’s to share but absolutely no personal electronic devises of any sort … there will be no zoned out texting, twittering, iPoding, whatever, allowed!!!  If you are not in Complete Class A’s, expect to be sent home … if you are missing uniform parts, call Mr. Ponikvar.  A pillow, preferably a small or camp size pillow is not a bad idea for the car & camp, as is a hanger to hang up your class A’s once you get to camp so they stay pressed and clean looking for functions at camp that require class A’s and the ride back home.  Please pack in small gym or duffle bags … this camp provideds Tents, Cots & Meals at the Dining Hall, so there is no need to drag the trailer so everyone’s gear will need to fit in the avaialable vehicles.  Adults, camp chairs are always a good idea … Scouts with camp chairs will be thanked for bringing them for the adults if the adults don’t already have a place to sit.  Please look at our web site under “Resources” for a check list of things to bring … there is also a link on the “Calendar” for the Camp Leader’s Guide which also includes a check list and every imaginable detail about Camp.  Please note certain things on these check lists that are unique to Scout Camps (no aerosol/spray cans of any sort; no personal electronic devices; no knives w/o totin chip and adult leader approval, etc.).  Above, all do not forget to bring your Scout Handbook, Merit Badge Books, materials, blue cads, etc., and all in a freezer style zip lock bag.

Scouts should have enough pocket money, or brown bag it, to have lunch on the way down & back.  It is a 4 hour drive and we usually make one (1) fuel, toilet & lunch stop … please hit the bathroom BEFORE you arrive ot leave.  Please also have Class B’s ready and accessible to cahnge into upon arrival at the Camp site and a hanger to hang up your Class A’s.  Please make sure you are squared away with Mrs. Knight as to all fees & paperwork – and Mr. Emily as to all Merit Badge & other program issues – well in advance of leaving.  All adults & Scouts at Camp are required to have current BSA Health Forms & Physicals.  If you have not already taken care of this, Dr. McGee will do physicals Sunday, 7/19 from 2-5PM at our house.  Forms can be down loaded from the Council web site (see my prior email with links) for which there is a link on our web site.

Once at Camp, everyone will be very busy with Merit Badge, Rank and a host of other activities.  As always, it is the individual Scouts responsibility to get to their classes and activities.  If there is any confusion about where and what you should be doing, ASK!  Ask Mr. Emily or any of our adult & junior leaders as well as Camp Staff!

This Camp is what I refer to as a classic Scout Camp: canvas campaign wall tents pitched over platforms with cots – and – all meals served in a dining hall – and – everybody running all around getting to staffed classes & activities.  In short, it is (intentionally) a complete contrast to our alternating Summer Camp at Haliburton.  It is very structured, staffed, a little hectic, but a lot gets done and everyone has a blest.

Don’t miss out!  As always, call or email with any questions.

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Scouter Dave on July 1, 2009

Once again, we will hold a weekend Aquatic event at Pymatunning, PA the weekend of 7/10~7/12.  Plan on meeting at the barn at St. Mary’s at 5:30PM on Friday, 7/10.  Scouts are to bring any PFD’s & fishing gear they have access to … HOOKS ARE NOT TO BE INSTALLED ON POLES.  This event is meant to give Scouts a head start on aquatic skills and merit badges they might be working on at Summer Camp.  Our new Scouts are expected to work on basic swimming and canoe skills regardless of whether they are capable of completing, or even starting, these merit badges.  As always, Patrols with tent and cook as Patrols.  This is a good event for moms who may wish to attend a camp out because it is a fixed camp within a State Park with nearby flush facilites … moms will often team up and tent together for such events.  We are also looking for a family with a small sailboat and a parent to teach basic sailing skills … this would be a great event to come forward and help if you have the ability to do so.  As with ALL camp outs, Scouts should be looking in their Handbooks to see what rank requirements they can prepare ahead of time or volunteer to be involved in at camp!

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags:

Posted By Scouter Dave on July 1, 2009

Once a year, we bring out Troop & personal kyaks & canoes for an Troop Family Aquatic Picnic.  Low water levels have prevented us from using our usual spot of East Branch Reservoir so, once again, we will meet at the Fairport Harbor Beach.  The whole family is invited, families are asked to bring a dish to share, their own utensils, plates & cups, etc. and we will collect a modest fee for dogs, buns & condiments.  Families should plan on meeting at St. Mary’s by the barn to car pool and key adult leaders older Scouts are asked to be at St. Mary’s early to help get the gear ready to go.  We do not have troop PFD’s other than personal ones to share, so families are asked to bring whatever PFD’s they might have as well as any watercraft … we are looking for another family with a small sailboat!  This event will, hopefully, also get our new Scouts ready for our pre-Summer Camp Aquatic Outing at Pymatunning, PA this coming 7/10~7/12 and give our older Scouts a chance to start working on White Water Skills & MB.  Don’t forget sunscreen, towels, water shoes, etc.

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags: