Last Update: 28 September 2026.
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IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS - see additional information below
Recognition Event for Ray Palmer, 16
October, ticket sales end 6 October
Camping at Calvert Cliffs, SP 23-25
October, Registration is Open
Troop 497 Annual Parent Meeting Presentation
Our Annual Parent Meeting took place on Monday, September 21st. Here
is a link to the Presentation.
This important meeting provided an overview of the upcoming scouting year,
including:
• Annual program plan and major events
• Camping and outdoor activities
• Advancement and merit badge opportunities
• Leadership development and youth-led troop operations
• Volunteer opportunities and committee support
• Communication methods and important troop resources
• Questions and answers with troop leadership
Whether your Scout is new to the troop or has been with us for years, this
meeting is an excellent opportunity to learn how Troop 497 operates,
understand upcoming plans, and discover ways to support a successful
scouting experience.
First Thursday Path to First Class, 1 October, 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. Chris Mulhall (610-350-8419).
We will need lots of help from the seniors, patrol leaders, older
scouts and adults
Troop Meeting, Thursday, 1 October 2026, 7:30-9:00 pm, Multi-Purpose
Room
The theme for September is Pinewood Derby.
Join us on every Thursday evening for our Troop Meetings in the St Joseph
Parish Multi-Purpose Room. Check these announcements for any updates.
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
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.
Celebrating 40 Years of Service, Recognition for Ray Palmer, 16
October 2026
Purchase
your tickets NOW!
Ticket sales end 6 October 2026.
Join us in recognizing Ray Palmer's 40 years as
Scoutmaster of Troop 497.
Our next camping trip is to Calvert
Cliffs State Park in Lusby, Maryland. We last camped
here in September 2024 - photos are available to view by clicking the
Photographs menu item above.
Actions required by participants before the trip:
Complete
the Event Registration Form and pay the
Troop Treasurer at a Troop Meeting.We need a good
count of participants to purchase enough food for the Scouts and
adults.
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 Adults. Pay
the troop treasurer at a Troop meeting.
General Information
The main activity for the
weekend is Biking and Hiking!
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.
We will be tenting this weekend. There are two pavilions, which we
will 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.
Food
This is a Patrol cooking trip with the food selection exceeded that
of a normal camping trip.
This is the best opportunity left in 2026 for cooking your PASS
Meal. Contact Mr Kakel with your request and meal plan.
Special dietary restrictions: If your son has special
dietary restrictions you would like the troop to attempt to
accommodate on this trip, please contact Mr. Ken Krach at
kf62krach@gmail.com as soon as possible. PLEASE BRING SPECIAL FOOD
AS NEEDED.
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.
These are the suggested driving
directions. The route is 102 miles and should take
about 2 hours depending on traffic.
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.
Venture Ski Trip, 29-31 January 2027, PURCHASE EPIC SKI PASSES NOW
- Price Increases 1 November
The annual Venture Ski Trip will take place 29-31 January 2027 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
This
event is open to all seniors, Patrol leaders and anyone who has served
as a patrol leader.
There
is a great opportunity to save money for the upcoming ski season. If you or your
family likes to ski you have the opportunity to purchase an EPIC pass
now and save money. This money saving opportunity is not limited to
those who are planning to attend this trip but if you are, you can
purchase an EPIC pass now to save money. Please note the earlier you buy the better the
price as prices increase and the next price increase is November 1st.
EPIC passes are not available with this special discount after the end
of November.
Check your email for a special announcement giving instructions on how to
purchase your passes using the Troop's Discount Code. This is your chance
to save money and remember EPIC passes need to be purchased based on the
region you want to ski.
If you have any questions please contact Mr. Andy Reidler.
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.
