Venture Ski Trip, 6-8 February 2026, openings available, see information below

Safeguarding Youth Training (replaces Youth Protection Training)
MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL ADULT LEADERS TO REGISTER, DO IT NOW!

This training is required to register you as an adult leader with the troop which will occur near the end of November. We have an extension so take the training now, if you have not, and send your certificate to Ken Krach and Adam Spence

Safeguarding Youth Training, which replaces Youth Protection Training, is an updated Scouts America youth protection training available for leaders, parents, and all adults who interact with Scouts. The training includes a Certification Test.  All Adult Leaders are required to complete this training annually (even though it says online that the training is good for two years).  Login to your BSA account at my.scouting.org to take the course. The course and test will take about 90 minutes to complete but can be completed a module at a time. Email a copy of your completed certificate to Ken Krach and Adam Spence.

First Class Navigation Instructional Class, 13 December

First Class Requirements 4a + 4b.  This class is currently full but we are accepting scouts for the wait-list.  Being on the wait-list automatically enrolls you in the next class and sometimes positions become available due to Scouts who cannot attend.
 
**Note: This class is for those that have completed 2nd class navigation requirements 3a - 3d.  If you have not completed these requirements you will need to complete them before attempting First Class Navigation.  Please check your records before verifying your ability to attend.
 
If you are enrolled in the current First Class Navigation class look for an email this weekend with details.  If you wish to put your name on the wait-list please send an email to Mr. Clasing at bclasing@comcast.net.  Remember to copy in a parent with your request.    

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), Sunday, 14 December, 7:00 PM, Joe's Cafe

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.

Please arrive at Joe's Cafe shortly before 7 PM so the meeting can start on time. Parents should return at 8:00 PM to pick up their sons.

Troop Meeting, CHRISTMAS PARTY, Thursday, 18 December, Padonia Park Club

VOLUNTARY GIFT EXCHANGE

• Bring a non-gag gift valued at less than $25.
• A good guideline to follow is to bring something that you would like to receive.
• The gift should be wrapped.
• Sometime during the meeting all participants will gather and there will be  game to shuffle the gifts for the exchange.

Please bring a non-perishable food item, e.g. a canned good, to the Christmas Party. These food items will be donated to people in need this holiday season.

NO Troop Meeting on Christmas and New Year's Day

Junior Leader Training, 3th January

• When: 3 January 2026, 9 AM to 3 PM
• Where: Associated Gun Clubs Trap Room
• There is no charge for the training.

Camp Spenser, Broad Creek, 23-25 January 2026, Signup & Pay by 8 January

Our next camping trip is to Camp Spencer, Broad Creek MSR. We will be staying in Hansen Lodge and the Administration Building. The currently listed activities include Olympics / Ultimate Frisbee / Fashion show /Rifle Shooting.

Please register to participate using the Online Event Registration Form and pay the Treasurer at a Troop meeting before 8th January.

BROAD CREEK HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT MUST BE SIGNED BY A PARENT BEFORE CAMPING TRIP

Parents must Sign the bottom and and Initial next to Rifle Shooting on this Hold Harmless Agreement for their sons to participate in this offered event during the camping trip. Your Scout also needs to sign this form. This is a requirement of Broad Creek and the Baltimore Area Council. You can also initial all the activities on the form for which you give permission for your son to participate in at Broad Creek this coming year. The form is valid for 12 months from the date of signature.

Please print, sign, and bring the completed form to a Troop Meeting before the camping trip and give to Mr. Andy Reidler. Or, you could scan the document and email it to Mr Reidler at andyreidler@gmail.com.

Actions required by participants before the trip:

• Complete the Event Registration Form and pay the Troop Treasurer at a Troop Meeting.  
• The registration form should be completed by all Scouts and Adults participating during any part of the weekend including just driving.
• Only Adults, who are registered with the BSA and Troop 497, are permitted to camp overnight with Troop 497 Scouts.
  
• Re-register if you need to make updates or cancel your participation after you submit your initial registration.
• The cost for the trip is $TBD for Scouts and $10 for Adults. Pay the troop treasurer at a Troop meeting.
• Turn in a completed Broad Creek Hold Harmless agreement for at least Rifle Shooting.
  

General Information 

• Check back for the main activities for the weekend.
• Check this link for a Weekend Personal Clothing and Gear List.
• Read these Cold Weather Tips before going camping and you may discover a tip or two to make your weekend more enjoyable.
  
• Carry a flashlight in your pocket for when you arrive.
• We will return to the shed on Sunday at approximately 1:30PM and take care of the gear used on the trip. Parents should arrive by 1:45pm to pick up their sons who had carpooled with another adult.

• We will be sleeping and eating in heated buildings this weekend. Adults may tent in their personal tents, or an arranged troop tent, or may sleep in one of the lodges.

• This is a Troop cooking trip. 
• Special dietary restrictions: Special dietary restrictions: If your son has special dietary restrictions you would like the Troop to attempt to accommodate contact the Mr. Michels. PLEASE BRING SPECIAL FOOD AS NEEDED. 

• Please register to drive using the Online Event Registration Form.
  
• Use these driving directions to Camp Spenser.The route is 32 miles and will take about 50 minutes to drive.
• You should still complete the online registration process if you are a Virtus approved driver and 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.

Venture Ski Trip, 6-8 February 2026, openings available

• Full cost of the Ski Trip ($200) must be paid by the completion of the Troop meeting on Thursday January 15th. Please make checks out to Troop 497. Read the flyer for more details.
  
• You will need to purchase your lift ticket on line and depending on your lift ticket it will get you discounts on rentals and should get you discounts on lessons.  Follow this link for instruction on how to purchase your Epic Pass.
• Seniors, patrol leaders or those who have been patrol leaders and venture scouts are eligible for this trip to Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
• Cost is $200. Fee includes 2 nights lodging, 2 Breakfasts in the chalet, lunch will be available in the cabin, Dinner
  Saturday and snacks. Seven Springs has 31 slopes and trails. Information on the Resort is available at 7Springs.
• There is a first $50 deposit due by 13 November. The first deposit holds your spot and reservations are on a first come first serve basis. Make all checks payable to Troop 497.
• You will need to purchase your lift ticket on line and depending on your lift ticket it will get you discounts on rentals and should get you
  discounts on lessons. Note, prices go up October 9th.
• Check out the photos from previous year's ski trip and read the flyer giving more information about the trip including payment details.
• Questions, call Mr. Andy Reidler at 443-280-4268 or email your questions to andyreidler@gmail.com.
• Check back closer to January for a permission form and equipment request form which must be returned it to Mr. Reidler.

Citizenship in Society Offered in January

Summer Camp, 23 July - 2 August 2026, SAVE THE DATES

High Adventure Trips to Philmont and Sea Base in 2026, Sign Up for Crews

• We have two crews who will going to Philmont from 17 June - 1 July 2026.


• We will also have two crews going to Sea Base. One will be gone from and 14-20 July 2026 and the other from 14-20 August 2026 participating in a Reef Sailing Adventure.


• See additional information, including the payment schedule, on the  page.
• Contact Mr. Boutilier to sign up for these trips.

Additional Resources for Scouts, Parents, and Adults

Please visit the Resources page under the Information menu above for additional information about Troop 497 programs and activities.