Troop 497 Announcements

Last Update: 14 July 2024. Click your browser's refresh button to ensure you are looking at the most recent update to this page. It is updated several times most weeks. Click underlined text to follow the link to additional information.

Summer Camp Check-in and Schedule, Thursday, 18th of July, Arrive Between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Thursday evening, July 18th, will be the troop check-in evening. You may arrive any time between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. It will take approximately one hour to get everything done. Medications should be turned in at this time. At this time, we will check all paperwork, handle all final payments (including the $25 for the Visa Card for lunch) that may be outstanding, and complete the final checklist for all boys and adults. Please note that all unpaid fees will be due at this time including any outstanding dues amounts ($75.00 per year). It is also at this time that you may purchase Troop T-Shirts, pick up your nametags, and do final merit badge checks.

After checking in, we ask all of our parents to return to St. Joseph’s parking lot at 5:30 A.M. on Friday July 19th. BRING YOUR DUFFLE AT THIS TIME. Please do not be late for we will be organizing everything to go on the buses and will not have time to deal with late arrivals. Please bring your packed carry-on ready to go and be in full uniform. Upon arrival at the church, please check in at the check-in table to get your bus assignment and further instructions. We will be leaving the church parking lot as close to 6:30 a.m. as possible. The buses will arrive at approximately 6:00 a.m. which will allow us to pack and leave on time.

We will be returning to the church parking lot on Sunday, July 28th, between 1:30 and 2:30 P.M. We will use our X (twitter) account to notify our families when we have a more accurate arrival time. Please do not plan on having your son call you upon his arrival. All of the adults and leaders will want to leave as soon as possible. Therefore, we ask that our parents be waiting for us when we arrive.

IMPORTANT SUMMER CAMP INFO FOR ATV ACTIVITY!!!

In order to participate in the the ATV activity at Summer Camp:

There are 2 additional forms and an E-learning class that each participant must complete.
The forms will be completed at Summer Camp Check-in on Thursday evening 7/18 so a parent must be present to sign these forms.
The E-Learning modules must be completed prior to check-in.
Please follow the link below to familiarize yourself with the permission forms and to complete the E-training. You will need to create a new account in order to complete the E-learning modules. After the account is created enter E-learning by selecting the "Self enrollment (Student) Enroll me" icon. This learning takes some time to complete (approximately 2.5 hours), so plan ahead and don't try to do it at the last minute.
When completed print out the completion form and bring it to Summer Camp.
It looks like you will have a great time.
Take a few minutes to go over the information at the following link to make Check-in quicker.
Link to all the above mentioned items at the JN Webster Summer Camp web site https://www.gotowebster.org/atv-powersports.html
IMPORTANT: Take notice of the special clothing that is necessary and pack them for summer camp. (Listed on the above website).

Scoutmaster's Summer Camp Letter - UPDATED - Return Date Corrected to 28 July

This Scoutmaster's Summer Camp Letter contains important information about our Summer Camp at June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation. He discusses the things you need to know as you get prepared to go to camp. It includes information on traveling, uniforms, medications, camp rules, spending money, and more. It is MUST READING for everyone. Find this document and other summer camp information on our Information/Major Events page.

Summer Camp Tips & Tricks for Beginners and Experienced Campers Alike

Go to camp this year already knowing what those who have been before already know! This document contains tips and tricks (revised 22 June 2024) based on our past experiences that may make your travel and summer camp more enjoyable.

Find this document and other summer camp information on our Information/Major Events page.

Senior Meeting, Sunday, 14 July, 4:30-6:30 PM, Joe's Cafe

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), Sunday, 14 July, 7:00-8:00 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.

The PLC will once again be in person. 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.

Rifle Badge Shooting Sessions this Summer, 22 July, 5 & 19 August

If you are working on your Rifle Merit Badge, Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association will be holding free public youth rifle instruction starting on June 10th at 6pm. We are a PRIVATE range located in Parkville just north of Harford Rd.

If you would like to work on your merit badge, you MUST contact Mr. Sunday a few days prior to attending. This will be for the shooting part of the badge only.

All scouts must be accompanied by an adult and a participation waiver must be signed.

BCG&F supplies rifles, ammo, eye protection, and hearing protection.
There will be certified Range Safety Officers and Instructors on site.
The offer of working toward your merit badge is not a BCGF sponsored event.
Mr. Sunday is offering this since he is one of the organizers of the youth shoots. The club has been putting on this event every summer for many years.

The dates are 22 July, 5 Aug, 19 Aug.

Mr. Sunday Steve.Sunday@verizon.net 443-985-0527
BCGF info: https://www.bcgf.org/ 3400 Northwind Road, Parkville, MD 21234

BSA Training Required for ALL Merit Badge Counselors

Gunpowder Falls District has sent out information on training that is required for all Merit Bade Counselors in the District. ALL Merit Badge Counselors are required to complete the following training ASAP. Some merit badges also require specialized training see Gunpowder Falls Merit Badge Counselors for additional information.

The following required training can be completed at https://my.scouting.org. Send copies of your completed training certificates to Laron Wilson III, Gunpowder Falls District Merit Badge Dean, lwilson1382@gmail.com.

Advancement (course SCO-471)
Aims and Methods of Scouts BSA (course SCO_472)
Introduction to Merit Badges (course SCO_474)
What is a Merit Badge Counselor (course SCO_486)

2024 Summer Camp - June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation, Ashford, Connecticut

New Summer Camp information will be presented here for several weeks. The main repository, and your place to go for all the available Summer Camp information, is the Major Events page under the Information menu. It will be updated as new information becomes available.

SUMMER CAMP BRIEF ITINERARY New, 21 June

A brief itinerary for our Summer Camp trip is posted on our Information/Major Events page along with other Summer Camp Information.

SUMMER CAMP SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

This is a Troop 497 Summer Camp checklist for clothing and gear to bring with you to summer camps. You should adjust these recommendations for expected weather and personal preference. Summer Camp Suggested Packing List on our Forms/Current Events page.

MEDICATION RECORD AND MEDICATIONS New, 22 June

All medications and instructions for administering them must be turned in to our Meds leader, upon arrival during check-in. Please place them in a resealable plastic bag with the scout's name printed in large letters on the bag. Place a completed 2024 Troop Medication Form in the plastic bag. Click to download the Troop Medication Form . Please complete this form neatly to provide clear instruction to us. The Meds Leader will keep track of and administer all medications as directed. The medicine must be in the original prescription container with the doctor’s name on the label.

PAYMENTS

Please make trip deposits to our Troop Treasurer for all Scouts and Leaders according to the following schedule:

Date	Payment	Amount
Initial Deposit January 2024	$100	$100
February 2024	$175	$275
March 2024	$200	$475
April 2024	$200	$675
May 2024 (Scout Only)	$200	$875
June 2924 (Scout Only)	$100	$975
Total (Estimated)		$975

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.