Troop 497 Announcements

Last Update: 5 July 2026. 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.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS - see additional information below

Submit your Medical forms at the next Troop meeting. This will dramatically shorten the time for check-in!
Sea Base 14-20 July and 16-22 July 2026

Committee Meeting, Monday, 6 July, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Please update your Zoom App to the latest version before joining the meeting.
Zoom Meeting ID: 883 1455 5884

All adult leaders and parents are welcome to participate. Committee meetings are generally scheduled for the first Monday of each month. Check the announcements each month for updates.
To be admitted to the meeting you must use your first and last names when you join.
Please join a few minutes early so we can start on time. The meeting should be available for joining about 7:20 PM
Alternate phone audio 1 929 205 6099

Troop Meeting, Thursday, 9 July, 7:30-9:00 pm, OUTDOOR MEETING

We will meet at the Shed for the meeting. The Monthly Program Theme for July is Life Skills and Summer Camp Preparation. We will be learning how to properly cook eggs and also cleaning out the Patrol food and kitchen boxes during the meeting. They won't be used again until October!

Join us on every Thursday evening for our Troop Meetings in the St Joseph Parish Multi-Purpose Room. Check these announcements for any updates.

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), Sunday, 12 July, 6:00-7:00 PM, Joe's Cafe

PLCs will generally be scheduled for the first 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 6 PM so the meeting can start on time. Parents should return at 7:00 PM to pick up their sons.

Troop Meeting, Thursday, 16 July, 7:30-9:00 pm, Joe's Cafe

There will be a summer camp packing demonstration during the meeting. Parents of first summer camp Scouts are encourage to attend.

Join us on every Thursday evening for our Troop Meetings in the St Joseph Parish Multi-Purpose Room. Check these announcements for any updates.

Summer Camp, 24 July - 2 August 2026

Updated 7 June 2026
We will be traveling to Camp Rotary in Clare, Michigan for our 2026 Summer Camp. We need volunteers to help plan and execute the trip. We are especially looking for several people to help with the logistics, including travel, lodging, and activity arrangements to/from camp.

Please visit our Information / Major Events page for more information about Summer Camp and the items listed below. Information will remain on that page until after we return from camp. Information in these Announcements will be posted for a short time and then removed.

Summer Camp Information

Summer Camp Packing List

Use the Summer Camp Packing List prepared by some of the troop's adult leaders to help ensure you have packed all of the essentials. You will not need the listed mosquito netting since we are camping in troop tents with screens.

Scoutmaster's Summer Camp Letter - NEW

Have you been waiting for all the details about summer camp? They are in the Scoutmaster's Summer Camp Letter. This letter contains information about every major aspect of our upcoming Summer Camp trip. You will find information on traveling, packing, living in camp, activities along the way, water park on the way back, medicals, Instagram, proposed itinerary, and much more. You will want to read this letter more than once so not to miss anything!

Summer Camp Tips & Tricks for Beginners and Experienced Campers Alike - NEW

Go to camp this year already knowing what those who have been before already know! This document contains tips and tricks 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.

White Water Rafting - Complete the Required Waiver to Participate

Added 7 June 2026

The troop has arranged with Wilderness Voyageurs for a rafting trip down the Lower Yough (Youghiogheny River) outside of Ohiopyle, PA on our way to summer camp. All participants on this trip must sign and submit a waiver using this link: Online Rafting Waiver Link.

Additionally, all participants must pass the BSA swim test prior to leaving for summer camp. Opportunities to take the swim test will be offered at Water Weekend.

Although this waiver is submitted electronically, please print a paper copy of the completed waiver and deliver it to Mr. Krach at any troop meeting starting on June 25, 2026. The troop is currently looking for alternative activities for anyone who will not be rafting.

Medical Forms for Summer Camp and High Adventure Camps

Scouting America has updated the Medical Forms for Summer Camp and High Adventure Camps for 2026. The NEW 2026 VERSIONS are available on our Information / Major Events & Resources pages. All adults and Scouts who will be having a medical between now and these events should complete the form and bring it to their medical exam so the doctor can add his/her information and sign the forms.

Medication Records and Medications

Added 23 June 2026

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 2026 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.

Self-Certification Statement Out-of-State Clearances - MUST be completed by all adults attending any part of summer camp

All Adults attending any part of summer camp must complete and sign the Self-Certification Statement Out-of-State Clearances document. They will be collected before summer camp. Additional information to follow.

Payment Schedule

Check the payment schedule and please keep up with your payments by paying the Troop Treasurer at any Troop Meeting.

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.

Announcements