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Announcements


Last Update: 30 June 2025. 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.

Scoutmaster's Summer Camp Letter

First Thursday Path to First Class, 3 July, 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

Troop Meeting, Summer Camp Packing Demo,Thursday, 3 July, 7:30-9:00 pm

Camp Packing Demo During Troop Meeting, 3 July, 7:30-9:00 pm

The main meeting event will be a Summer Camp Packing Demo. Learn what to bring, what not to bring, and how best to pack it for camp. Parents, especially of first summer camp scouts, are encourage to partake in the packing demo and learn from adults with many summer camps under their belts.

Download the Troop 497 Summer Camp Packing List

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

Committee Meeting, Monday, 7 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

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), Sunday, 13 July, 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 Dues

Please pay your Troop dues for the year to the Troop Treasurer at the next meeting. Dues are $75 for all Scouts except Scouts who have joined within the last 12 months whose dues were part of their joining fees.

Summer Camp Information

Summer Camp Packing Demo During Troop Meeting, 3 July, 7:30-9:00 pm

The main meeting event will be a Summer Camp Packing Demo. Learn what to bring, what not to bring, and how best to pack it for camp. Parents, especially of first summer camp scouts, are encourage to partake in the packing demo and learn from adults with many summer camps under their belts.

Download the Troop 497 Summer Camp Packing List

Summer Camp Tips & Tricks for Beginners and Experienced Campers Alike

Summer Camp Activity Sign-up Form

Medical Forms

Bring two copies of your completed and signed medical and insurance forms and give them to Mr. Reidler at the next Troop Meeting. See the Information/Major Events page for detailed information.

Summer Camp Information will appear under the Information/Major Events page of this web site as it becomes available or changes. Generally this page will have an announcement about any new major information for about two weeks. The Major Events page is the repository for all the detailed information that can be shared publicly and that information will continue to grow as we get nearer to summer camp. Any private information will be sent in the troop emails. Currently the major Events page has information about passports, medicals, medications, and payments.

Consent Letter to Allow a Minor Child to Cross the U.S. Canadian Border

BOTH Parents or Guardians must complete this Consent Letter to Allow a Minor Child to Cross the U.S. Canadian Border. It must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public and Notarized. We will have a Notary at the check-in the Thursday before we leave for Canada. You can also have it notarized at most banks before then.

Complete Jet Boat Ride Waiver Online - NEW 5 June

We’re working hard towards making summer camp a great experience for everyone. On the trip to camp, we will take a jet boat ride through the rapids of the Niagara River Gorge to the Whirlpool. It’s a bouncy fun ride we have done our last two trips to Canada. Everyone will get soaked.

All participants need to complete a waiver and consent form online using the below link. For all youth participants, the form must also be signed by a parent or guardian: https://whirlpooljet.com/group-bookings/groups-niagara-falls/canadian-group-waivers/

You will need the following information to fill out the waiver/consent correctly:

Upon submission of the waiver/consent form, you will receive an email confirmation attaching a PDF copy. Please print this copy and give it to Ken Krach at a troop meeting prior to Summer Camp.

Anyone who does not submit a waiver/consent form will not be able to participate. Our group rate limits the number of adults that can participate. Any adult who doesn't want to participate, please let Ken know.

Merit Badge Requirements and FREE PDF Merit Badge Books

You can find the current requirements for ALL Merit Badges and download FREE PDF versions of the Merit Badge Manuals at this link https://www.scouting.org/skills/merit-badges/all/

Passports Required for Summer Camp at Haliburton Scout Reserve in Ontario, Canada

Update: 29 June 2025

Make sure your passport is signed by the bearer. "A U.S. passport book is not valid for official use unless it is signed by the bearer in the designated space." (US State Department)

"On a passport for a child under 16, a parent should print the child's full name on the signature line. The parent should also sign their name next to the printed name of their child, and note their relation to their child (example: mother, father, or guardian)." (US State Department)

The Everyone traveling into Canada and returning to the US should have a Passport Book valid at the time of entry.  Visit this US Department of State web site for information on obtaining a passport book. Don't get a Passport Card - it is not valid for international travel by air which may be necessary in the event of an emergency. Apply NOW, it takes time to obtain a passport and is much more expensive if you need it quickly.

A Birth Certificate is required to apply for your passport. Obtain a birth certificate NOW if you don't have one that meets these requirements. It must have the seal or stamp from the city, county, or state which issued it.

All Scouts and adult leaders will need to provide a copy of the identification (picture) page of your passport as backup.

Northern Tier 2025

PAYMENT INFORMATION
Northern Tier 2025 - Final planning is underway for the 2025 Northern Tier trip for registered Scouts/Leaders. Current estimated costs for Scouts/Leaders attending Northern Tier is $3,000 per participant. Payment in full is requested by the end of April 2025.

Emails from BAC concerning Registration Expiring

Please disregard any emails you may receive from the Baltimore Area Council concerning scout or adult registrations expiring.
All scout and adult leaders registration fees that were due at the end of 2024 were paid by the troop in the middle of December.

The Baltimore Area Council is in the process of updating their electronic system.

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.