Summer Camp info.

I know it's been a rush with all the change since joining the Troop but thanks to all the parents and leaders, we've come a long way in making the transition over to Scouts from WEBELOS rather well and quickly.

Several things are going to be important in the next few weeks....gearing up for summer camp will be the priority as it will be his first extended camp.

We have several lists in the New Scout Handout about what to bring and there is also a list on the Troop website.

We will be talking to preparation in the coming weeks before we go and will refer to written lists that have been passed out since he joined.

As noted in the last Monday night meeting, some of the boys still need the official green BSA socks for meetings now and they will be required when he wears his uniform at camp..I recommend he have a minimum of two pair. He needs them at all weekly meetings and will wear them for each evening meal at camp along with his tan shirt,red t shirt, and BSA shorts.

He can wear any type of shorts and Tee shirt starting at breakfast and throughout the day at camp until the evening meal, when the uniform is required. He does not need two tan shirts, as he will hang it up on a coat hanger (bring one with him) in his tent when not wearing it. Same for the Scout shorts/pants..and BSA socks (two pair should be sufficient). Most boys bring a least five t shirts and two or three summer shorts and a fresh pair of socks for each days activities. A regular change of underwear, a tooth brush and tooth paste are part of it. He shouold bring an empty plastic garbage sack for keeping his soiled laundry in and separated from the others. You can pick the soiled bag up when you come on Wednesday night to visit, just bring him a new bag to replace it for the last two day and nights.

When you visit him on Wednesday, you can arrive anytime after 3:00 PM. Try to agree on a time before you come so he won't have to wait too long for you to arrive. There is a map to the Camp in the Troop Guide, and we will be staying at Boone's Place. The roads are unpaved so wear foot the appropriate foot gear. If they predict rain....bring an umbrella and rain gear, as it probably will rain. Ask him to give you a tour of the camp, so you can get an idea of the layout and see what he has been doing.

He will normally meet you in the parking lot to help you carry any gear and his meal that night...you can eat as a family, w/other patrol families on a table in the Troop area or anywhere else as a picnic type meal (a fast food or family favorite works).

Cars won't be permitted in the camp area, so travel light. Some boys may ask to return home that night (due to homsickness), one or two seem to always ask, but we recommend that you do not as he likely will not return to the program. We will more than assure him that the remaining two days will be the best at camp. You can rest assured that he is having a good time w/the troop.

We recommend you mark his name on all his articles of clothing so as not to be mixed with his bunkmate or if left outside the tent we will know whose it is.

Summer camp is great experience that we look forward to each year. It is the first time during the year for a new Scout to bond with the Troop, experience group activities on a daily basis and enjoy the camaraderie and esprit that Scouting is all about. Based on our recent trips, the Troop; will be one of the most spirited Troops at camp and based on observed relationships already between the boys, it should be the most fun he has had so far.

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, and make sure he attends the several meetings before camp to assure he is acquainted with with what it will be.

Don't forget to assure the BSA Physical form is complete..he will have to have it just to be admitted to camp.

Finally, don't forget to make sure he brings his Scout book/guide as we will be marking off nearly all of the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements while he is at camp along with the four merit badges he will be earning.