2025 Summer Camp Merit Badge Fees

Please note that selected Merit badge sessions (i.e. motor boating, wilderness survival, metalwork, leather work etc) include materials that require an individual fee for merit badge participants. Due to the unique nature of our Halliburton Camp experience with merit badge sessions led by Troop 497 Leaders, details of related merit badge costs will not be available at Check-In but will be collected after Camp when Troop meetings reconvene in September. Thank you.

Planning Session, Thursday, August 21/22

This year's planning session will be at the Mr. Palmer's Cabin on the Susquehanna River starting at noon on Thursday, August 21 and finishing Friday, August 22nd at noon.

• Patrol Leaders, Seniors, and Troop Guides are required to attend. Please reach out to Mr. Boutilier as soon as possible if you have a conflict.
• Patrol leaders should get input from their Patrols.
• Patrol Leaders and Seniors should submit their list of 5's by Sunday August 17th. Use this link to submit your list of 5'S.
  Answer the attendance question to let us know when you are participating.
• Registered adults are welcome to submit their list of 5s and attend! Adults, please let Mr. Boutilier know if you plan on attending so we can capture the full headcount for food. Answer the attendance question on the List of 5's form to let us know when you are participating.
• Please bring a bathing suit and towel for Thursday afternoon. Also bring a sleeping bag or sheet to sleep on Thursday night. We will be inside Mr. Palmer's cabin, so tent's are not required.
• Since this is an overnight event, Scouts are not permitted to drive to/from the event in accordance with Scouting America policies. It is recommended to coordinate parent carpools with the seniors.

Committee Meeting, Tuesday, 2 September, 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

First Thursday Path to First Class, 4 September, 6-7 PM, Joe's Cafe

The First Thursday meeting will be held from 6-7 PM in Joe's Cafe which is located in the basement of the Parish Center. Enter through the side door to the parking lot. The First Thursday meeting will be followed by a pizza dinner at 7 PM for active meeting participants.

These classes are available to scouts that are working on the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class and will be offered on the first Thursdays of the month.  Scouts do not need to sign up in advance. For more information about the First Thursday Path to First Class program, call Mr. Raj Mahanti (443-528-1437).

We will need lots of help from the seniors, patrol leaders, older scouts and adults

First Troop Meeting of the new Scouting Year, Thursday, 4 September

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), Sunday, 7 September, 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.

Cape Henlopen SP, 19-21 September 2025

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

Our next camping trip is to Cap Henlopen State park in Lewes Delaware.

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 $TBD Adults. Pay the troop treasurer at a Troop meeting.

General Information 

• The main activity for the weekend is Beach Fun
• Check this link for a Weekend Personal Clothing and Gear List. Be sure to pack sun screen and insect repellent.
• Carry a flashlight in your pocket for when you arrive.
• We will return to the shed on Sunday at 2 PM and take care of the gear used on the trip. Parents should arrive at 1:45 to pick up their sons who had carpooled with another adult.
• Things to do at Cape Henlopen SP
• Topographic Map of Cape Henlopen

• We will be tenting this weekend. There is a pavilion, which we may have access to use, but no enclosed buildings. Scouts must sleep in troop tents and adhere to normal BSA guidelines for tenting with other scouts as we do on any other camping trip. Adults may tent in their personal tents or a troop tent.

• This is a Troop cooking trip. Check back for the menu and any special foods for the weekend.
• Special dietary restrictions: Special dietary restrictions: If your son has special dietary restrictions you would like the patrol to attempt to accommodate contact the Patrol Leader. PLEASE BRING SPECIAL FOOD AS NEEDED. 

• Please register to drive using the Online Event Registration Form.
  
• These are the suggested driving directions. The route is 137 miles and should take about 3 hours depending on traffic.
• 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.

Annual Renewal of Merit Badge Counselors

All Merit Badge Counselors must confirm their registration annually. If you do not respond to the District Merit Badge Dean (meritbadgedean@gunpowderfallsbsa.org) seeking your continued interest, your Counselor position may be dropped and need to be to re-registered.

More information about Merit Badge Counselors can be found on our Information/Resources page.

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.