Camping at Assateague Moved to Rodney Because of Bad Weather, 22-24 September

We have moved this weekend's camping trip to Rodney Scout Reservations because of expected high winds, dangerous surf, and lots of rain at the beach. Tropical storm warnings were posted for Ocean City early Thursday afternoon just before this announcement was posted. These conditions would not only be unpleasant camping in the dunes but potentially dangerous and could result in the State closing the camping area.

• This is a tent camping trip with troop cooking. Cabins will be available for the program activities and sleeping in the event of severe weather.
• We are sleeping in tents this weekend.
• ALL SCOUTS must use a Troop Alps Mountaineering tent. There are written instructions in the PASS Skills Instruction Manual and a video on how to set up and take down a troop tent at http://troop497.org/html/information/ScoutSkills-PASS.html
  
• Adults may camp in a troop tent or their own tent.
• Scouts may sleep with one other scout within two years of age in the same tent or alone in a tent near a buddy tent. It is the Scout's responsibility to implement their parent's tenting preference. Ask the quartermaster for a tent for yourself if you want to tent alone.
• The cost for the trip is $30 for Scouts and $10 for Adults - pay the troop treasurer at a Troop meeting.
• Adults may camp in a troop tent or their own tent. Make arrangements for a troop tent while at the shed on Friday.
• Scouts and Adults should bring board games and other games that can be played indoors.

Food

• Special dietary restrictions: IF YOU OR YOUR SON REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL DIET ITEMS, PLEASE BRING THEM FROM HOME
• Menu
• BRING SPENDING MONEY FOR LUNCH STOP ON SUNDAY
• Fri. Crackerbarrel: Misc. snacks, coolade, water.
• Sat. Breakfast: Assorted cold cereal with milk, misc. pastries, muffins, and sweet rolls, juice (Coffee &
  tea for adults)
• Sat. Lunch: All beef hot dogs, condiments, chips, applesauce, cookies, coolade.
• Sat. supper: To be determined.
  Sat. Crackerbarrel: Steamed crabs still planned, misc. sweet items, drinks.
• Sun. breakfast: Assorted cold cereal with milk, misc. pastries, muffins, and sweet rolls, juice (coffee &
  tea for adults).

Transportation

• WE NEED DRIVERS – please register to drive. 
• The online Event Registration Form now includes a section for REGISTERED adult participants to volunteer to drive Scouts and camp.


• The online Event Registration Form now includes a separate section for adults, WHO ARE NOT REGISTERED To volunteer to drive Scouts but NOT camp. Adults, who are not registered with the BSA, are no longer permitted to camp overnight with Scouts.


• Everyone going on the camping trip should meet at the shed on Friday evening in full uniform at 6:00 PM.
• We will pack the trailers with Patrol and Troop equipment and food.
• We will disperse to the cars driving to our camping trip.
• We will return to the shed in full uniform on Sunday at 2 PM and unload the trailers and take care of the gear used on the trip. Parents should arrive at this time to pick up their sons who had carpooled with another adult.
• Suggested driving directions to Rodney Scout Reservation. It is 58 miles and about 65 minutes depending on traffic. Bring your EasyPass for the bridge toll. We will be staying at Minsi and Shawnee - the same as last winter. Park the same as last winter.

  Carpooling:

• All parents are highly encouraged to volunteer to drive on at least one of the trips this fall.
• All adults attending the trip, and parents willing to drive scouts but not camping, should confirm whether they will be driving scouts at least one week before the trip when they register for the camping trip. You should still complete the online registration process if you are volunteering to drive but don't plan to camp.
• The Troop's transportation coordinator may actively recruit parents to drive to/from the camping location if we don't have sufficient adult volunteers to drive. You may be asked to drive one or both ways.
• Parents may choose to drive their own sons and not take other Scouts. They should still meet at the shed on Friday and return to the shed on Sunday with the Troop.
• Drivers have the right to require their passengers to wear masks while in their vehicles and whether they will fill the middle seats in their vehicles. Parents who don't want their sons wearing a mask should have their son assigned to a driver who does not require masking.

2023-2024 Parents Meeting Presentation

Troop Meeting, Thursday, 28 September, 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Multipurpose Room

We will meet in person in the Multipurpose Room this week and follow the current Archdiocese Covid-19 protocols which is that masks are optional.

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), Sunday, 8 October, 5:00 PM

PLCs will generally be scheduled for the second Sunday of each month. Check the announcements for any changes. All patrols should be represented by their Patrol Leader or a designated substitute. All Seniors are expected to participate. Adult Leaders are welcome to join the meetings.

The PLC will once again be in person. Please arrive at Mr. Boutilier's home shortly before 5 PM so the meeting can start on time. Check a troop roster, which have been emailed periodically to all parents, for the address. Parents should return at 6:00 PM to pick up their sons.

Bull Roast, Friday, 3 November, 7-11:00 PM (Check back for updates)