2015 Troop 97 Event Guide

Transcription

1 2015 Troop 97 Event Guide

2 Contents Introduction... 4 Required Forms... 4 Types of Camping... 4 List of Videos... 4 ANNUAL PERMISSION AND MEDICAL CONSENT FORM... 5 Special Event Calendar... 6 Service Activities... 8 Scouting for food... 8 Veterans Drive... 8 Salvation Army Bell Ringing... 8 Summary of Special Events... 9 Normal Departure... 9 Klondike Derby... 9 Summary... 9 Special Notes... 9 St. Louis Museum Trip... 9 New Scout Retreat... 9 New Scout Campout... 9 Summary... 9 Special Notes Lincoln Pilgrimage Lincoln Trail Lincoln Pilgrimage Special Notes: Rappelling Campout Memorial Day Events Family Swim Party Summer Camp! Zip lining / Caving Lake Sangchris Fort Massac / Webelos Woods... 13

3 Ghost Walk Backpacking Campout Video Campout Christmas Party Personal Equipment General Notes: Clothing Fabrics Travel wear Trailer / Urban Camping / Summer Camp Backpacking Sleeping Bags Cots Maps Camp Illinek Joe Brunk Cemetery Camp Bunn New Salem Giant City State Park Fort Massac Lusk Creek... 28

4 Introduction The following guide has been prepared to help scouts and their families be better prepared for the Troop 97 special events. One of our scout masters has developed accompanying videos that may prove to be helpful when selecting equipment or packing for events. In addition, we have prepared a summary of each of the 2013 planned events (page: 9) and a packing list (page: Error! Bookmark not defined.). Required Forms In order to participate, Troop 97 needs each scout to complete a couple of forms. 1. The annual BSA medical form (Link) 2. A permission slip (next page) 3. Depending on the event, additional forms may be required and will be distributed by the leader in charge of the event. Types of Camping Troop 97 generally engages in four types of camping. 1. Urban camping we stay in hotels or other buildings 2. Trailer camping we sleep in tents with cars/trailers usually within a 15 minute walk. These are usually 2-3 nights. 3. Summer Camp we camp for a week, usually in wall tents. These tents are usually canvas but have no floor although they may have planking available. 4. Backpacking all you have is what you carry. We usually try to limit this to older, more experienced scouts. List of Videos 1. What to pack essentials 2. What to pack clothing 3. What to pack backpacking 4. Equipment Sleeping Bags / Pillows / Ground Pads 5. Equipment Cots / Mosquito Netting 4 P age

5 ANNUAL PERMISSION AND MEDICAL CONSENT FORM I/we hereby give my/our permission for to engage/participate in all BOY SCOUT activities or outings for the period of January 201 to January 201. I/we understand that I/we will be informed of the nature of the activity, trip, or function, date, times, destination prior to such activity. At that time, if I/we do not wish the above Scout to participate in such activity, I/we am to send a note informing the Adult Leader or Scoutmaster of such intent. I/we have completed the annual BSA PERSONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORD form for and submitted it to Troop 97. In an EMERGENY NOTIFY: Relationship at / - or cell / -. If I/we can not be contacted, please notify: Name, relationship, at / - or cell / -. Name, relationship, at / - or cell / - Name of physician:, Address:, Phone: / - Personal health/accident insurance carrier: Policy Number: PARENT OR GUARDIAN AUTHORIZATION: The above information is correct and the Scout has my/our permission to engage in all activities, subject to limitations noted herein. Exceptions are hereby noted: In case of emergency, I/we understand every effort will be made to contact me/us. In the event I/we cannot be reached, I/we hereby give my/our permission to the license health-care practitioner selected by the adult leader in charge to secure proper treatment, including hospitalization, anesthesia, and surgery or to order injections for medication for the above Scout. I/we authorize / do not authorize (circle one) blood transfusion prior to my/our arrival. I/we will be responsible for the medical charges upon receipt of the statement. PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE(S) Date: Date: 5 P age

6 Special Event Calendar Event Start End Location / Description Advisor 1 1/17 1/17 Camp Illinek / Klondike derby shelter building 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Tim T. 2 1/24 1/25 Camp Illinek / Klondike derby 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Mike B. 3 2/6 2/6 Movie Night: Troop will be attending a movie as a group. TBA 4 3/7 3/8 New Scout Retreat this event is for our new scout patrol and the scout and adult Tim T. leadership. 5 4/17 4/19 Camp Bunn / New Scout Campout 5:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. Tim T. 6 3/14 3/15 St Louis museum trip TBA 7 4/25 7:00 a.m. 4/25 5:00 p.m. Lincoln Trail: New Salem State Park / Troop 97 will hike 20 miles as part of the annual Mike B. 8 4/26 11:00 a.m. 4/26 3:00 p.m. pilgrimage Lincoln Pilgrimage: Meeting location to be determined / Troop 97 will participate in the parade from Lincoln s tomb to the old state capitol. 9 5/15 5/17 Garden of the Gods / Rappelling campout 5:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Rob R. 10 5/25 5/25 Memorial day Events Scoutmaster 11 6/8 6/8 Family Picnic / Swim party Island Bay Yacht Club Tim T. 12 6/14 or 6/21 6/20 or 6/27 Summer Camp 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Tim T. 13 7/17 7/18 This is a MANDATORY troop 97 event. It is our largest fundraiser providing most of our normal operating budget. Shifts will be split so that each scouting family only has a short work Aly G. schedule. TBA 14 8/28 8/30 Caving Trip or sky zone TBA 15 9/18 9/20 Lake Sangchris Campout A relaxing weekend of hiking, fishing, camping and scout skills. TBA This will include a family picnic on Saturday /16 10/18 For Massac Re-enactment 17 10/24 10/25 Ghost Walk 18 11/6 11/8 Lusk Creek / Troop 97 s annual backpacking 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. trip. This year the plan is to sleep under the Mike B. 6 P age

7 cliff face near 19 12/4 12/5 Video campout we are looking at moving this Mike B to Grand Bear Lodge in Starved Rock for /13 Annual Christmas court of honor / pot luck Aly G. 7 P age

8 Service Activities The following are service events the Troop normally participates in: Date March November December Event / Description Scouting for food Scouting for food is a program designed to help replenish the local food banks. Cub scouts distribute flyers and then a week later boy scouts, including Troop 97 go around and collect the donated food. This event normally runs from about 9:00 a.m. till Noon. Veterans Drive In November the troop normally holds a drive for a local Veteran s home. We collect clothing items and toiletries items often much needed by our older Veteran s. Salvation Army Bell Ringing The Troop normally helps the local salvation army by donating to work a bell ringing station at the Walmart on south 6 th street. 8 P age

9 Summary of Special Events Normal Departure Unless otherwise noted, you should plan on dropping your scout off and picking him up at the County Market in Chatham. Most weekend events depart at around 5:00 p.m. on Friday and return late morning to early afternoon on Sunday. Klondike Derby Summary The Klondike Derby is a winter camping event based upon a dog sled team competing in various scouting activities. The events change annually but usually include general scouting knowledge, first aid, knots, problem solving, winter camping and team work and cooperation. The weekend before the event the troop meets for 4-5 hours to build a custom shelter for the actual weekend. Historically our structure has been created by stapling plastic sheets to a timber frame the scouts create from lashings. Special Notes Drop off and pick-up for both weekends are from Camp Illinek rather than County Market. Scouts need to be dressed for the weather, we have had rain some years and bitter cold other years BE PREPARED! St. Louis Museum Trip In March we are planning an overnight trip to the STL to visit various museums still in the planning stages. New Scout Retreat This event is for the new scout patrol to begin to learn the patrol method as well as to introduce the scouts to each other and their scout and adult leadership. The event is scheduled for camp Illinek and will require sleeping bags but we will not tents. New Scout Campout Summary The New Scout Campout is usually scheduled at Camp Bunn near Hettick IL. This trailer camping event designed to introduce our new scouts to the patrol 9 P age

10 method of camping as well as to allow our older scouts the opportunity to teach scouting skills. Each of the patrols is provided with a separate camp site (with the youngest scouts camping nearest the leaders) and is given the chance to learn to work together as a patrol. The weekend is filled with learning, fishing, games and usually a movie on Saturday night. Special Notes Camp Bunn boasts some excellent fishing! Lincoln Pilgrimage Lincoln Trail On the Saturday before the pilgrimage the troop generally participates in the Lincoln trail event. This is a 20 mile hike on some trails but mostly country roads. This event qualifies for the 20 mile hiking merit badge requirement! depart from County Market in Chatham. Drop off and pick-up spots are dependent upon whether the troop camps or not. In 2013 the PLC voted to not camp, so this event will most likely Lincoln Pilgrimage. This short parade begins at the Lincoln s Tomb and ends at the Old State Capitol. We generally meet at the Horace Mann parking lot for lunch (although the boys voted to not have lunch in 2013) and car pool to the tomb. Pick-up will also be at the Horace Mann Parking lot. Special Notes: Class A uniforms are required for the pilgrimage 10 P age

11 Rappelling Campout This very popular event is being scheduled May this year. This is a trailer camping weekend where the Troop camps at Giant City (near garden of the gods) and spends Saturday rappelling. The Troop has purchased all the special gear, so all the scout needs to bring is some old clothes and a positive spirit. If time permits, adults and even a few leaders try their hand! This event is also popular with families so make sure you sign up early for this one. Memorial Day Events The Troop normally participates in three Memorial Day events (times will be announced). Beginning in the morning, the Troop leaves from Glenwood Middle or Immediate School and travels to the Joe Brunk Cemetery to raise the American flag. This counts towards the flag T-2-1 flag ceremony requirement. In addition, we usually visit the grave site of a Revolutionary War veteran who is buried there. We then travel to the Chatham Square to participate in village ceremonies. Later that evening we travel back to the Brunk Cemetery retire the colors. Family Swim Party We are currently looking for a new site for our annual troop pool party/picnic. Information will be forthcoming as we know more. 11 P age

12 Summer Camp! Troop 97 attends a week long boy scout summer camp each year. The Troop often elects to travel far to try different camp experiences. This is a great opportunity for the scouts to grow and develop as well as show off their camping skills. Zip lining / Caving In August the troop is considering a zip line or caving trip. Details to follow later in the year. Lake Sangchris In 2014 we camped at Lake Sangchris rather than Panther Creek and had such a good time that the PLC voting to stick with this site. This is a very relaxing campout with some hiking, maybe geocaching and fishing. On Saturday, we are planning to incorporate the annual family picnic and scout Olympics along with an evening fire bowl. This is a great opportunity for the families to get a feel for what boy scout camping is like as well as a chance to see the boys lead an evening program. 12 P age

13 Fort Massac / Webelos Woods Traditionally the troop alternates between Fort Massac and Webelos Woods. In 2015 will plan on attending Fort Massac: a weekend camping trip to Southern Illinois to enjoy historical re-enactors. In addition to the fort and mock combat (complete with cannons), many regional artisans attend and demonstrate their crafts. Usually there are leatherworkers, blacksmiths, basket makers and period traders. In addition, there are many booths serving period style fare. Overall, this is a very entertaining and educational event. Ghost Walk Annually the Troop hosts a haunted trail event at Camp Illinek. The scouts create their own scenes (with help from the leaders) and setup Saturday morning. Saturday evening, guides lead local scouts (including cub scouts) and scouters for a holiday scare. This event is very popular with local cub scouts and we even have scenes being created by scouts from other troops. 13 P age

14 Backpacking Campout For the last several years we have been traveling to Lusk Creek for this event. This event gives a Philmont like experience to the scout who will live with what they bring for a 24 hour period. We try to leave early on Friday and camp near the cars. On Saturday we spend the day hiking and experience some of the most beautiful scenery in Illinois. Traditionally we have camped on a bluff overlooking the water but in 2015 we are planning on camping under the bluffs under an overhang no tents! Video Campout This event is usually scheduled at the sailing center at Camp Illinek. Unlike most events, the scouts are strongly encourage to bring gaming systems, computers, movies all things electronic. We then encourage the scouts to have all the electronic fun they can handle and eat many sweet and salty snacks. Sunday morning we usually have breakfast and cleanup usually done by 10:00 a.m. so scouts can attend church. Christmas Party The Troop normally ends the year with a court of honor / Christmas party. This family friendly event includes a gift exchange for the scouts and any of their family members (adult or sibling) who would like to participate. This event includes a pot luck and a lot of holiday fun. This is normally scheduled at the VFW in Chatham. 14 P age

15 Personal Equipment General Notes: 1. There is no best gear for hiking and camping. What one person finds comfortable will not work for another. 2. Don t buy a lot of gear; let the leaders know we generally have access to spare gear. If you do need to buy something (for instance boots) buy lower quality gear initially; while cheap boots are heavier and won t last as long, you are still growing. 3. There are other lists and opinions except for restricted materials please feel free to improvise. 4. Dress in layers allows you to combine your clothes to deal with the temperature variations throughout the day 5. Pack your gear in water resistant bags (turkey bags are lighter than zip locks but don t have an air tight seal) 6. Only bring what you need remember you have to carry it. 7. Stuff that serves multiple purposes is better Clothing The following is a brief discussion of how your scout should dress to be the most comfortable when attending special events. Except for the backpacking campout your scout should be able to use normal everyday clothing & their scout uniform. Although, one or two pair of good wool camping socks can be very beneficial. If you are considering purchasing some specialized clothing here Fabrics Natural (Silk/Wool) Synthetics Cotton Pros: Lighter, compresses Pros: Cheaper, easier to maintain, tighter works when wet Cons: more expensive, harder to maintain, shorter life Cons: Heavier/ Bulkier Cotton is generally fine for most camping situations however: 1. Wet blue jeans are heavy and cold 2. Cotton under ware if wet or sweaty causes chaffing and is cold. 3. Cotton socks can cause blisters. Travel wear: When traveling we ask that troop 97 scouts wear their class A uniform shirt. They can wear scout pants, hiking pants or blue jeans. Trailer / Urban Camping / Summer Camp: Although special circumstances may call for a change generally your everyday clothes will work just fine. Backpacking: A small amount of specialized clothing can really make a difference. 15 P age

16 Sleeping Bags Sleeping bags can generally be divided by two categories, shape and insulation. Rectangular bags are best for warmer weather; mummy or fitted bags are closer to your body and therefore are more useful in cooler weather. Insulation is generally divided into natural (down) or synthetic. The chart below provides a good summary, but for most scout camping a middle weight synthetic bag is probably the best choice. Down Pros: Lighter, compresses tighter Cons: more expensive, harder to maintain, shorter life and little insulation if wet Recommendation Initially synthetics Synthetics Pros: Cheaper, easier to maintain, works when wet Cons: Heavier/ Bulkier Cots Cots generally come in three designs: clamshell, U-legs and six pointed. Here are some comments on cots: 1. We generally do not recommend cots except for summer camp. For fall and winter camping having cold air circulate below you is rarely a good idea. 2. For tents we floors you generally want a U shaped legs, cots with a few single points can wear through the bottom of the tent. 3. However at summer camp where we generally use tents without floors a cot can be very nice.. 16 P age

17 Maps Camp Illinek 17 P age

18 Joe Brunk Cemetery 18 P age

19 19 P age

20 Camp Bunn 20 P age

21 21 P age

22 New Salem 22 P age

23 23 P age

24 Giant City State Park 24 P age

25 25 P age

26 Fort Massac 26 P age

27 27 P age

28 Lusk Creek 28 P age

29 29 P age

30 30 P age