Information on Major Events


2023 Summer Camp Trip, 15th to 28th of July 2023

Last updated 5 April 2023. Please check back for updates between now and when we leave for camp.

Information about summer camp will most often appear on the announcement page for a few weeks and then be removed. However, it will also appear on this page and remain as long as relevant or until we return from camp. Treat this page as your reference where you can find any information about camp that we have published.

ITEMS TO DO NOW!

Get the following items completed now. They require time to complete. Details about each item are given further down in this document.

GENERAL INFORMATION

We will be at Camp Jeffrey, Ben Delatour Scout Ranch, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado from 15th to 22 of July and then touring from the 22nd until we return on Friday, the 28th July. (Dates may change slightly to accommodate travel and some adults will be leaving for camp earlier to make arrangements.)

The cost for Summer Camp 2023 is $1,750 per Scout/ $1,500 per Leader including airfare (subject to change based upon transportation costs and final activity itinerary).  This includes all transportation, camp fee, airline, touring activities, and meals.  Spending money and souvenirs are the responsibility of the Scout.

It is important that you confirm your trip participation commitment by making the initial $300 deposit. Deposits need to be received to register Scouts for their preferred merit badge programs.
MEDICAL AND INSURANCE FORMS - THESE MUST BE TURNED IN  DURING A TROOP MEETING

An annual physical is required for Scouts and Adult Leaders participating in events lasting 72 continuous hours and resident campers. That includes everyone going to summer camp.

Please make TWO COPIES of each of the following medical forms and turn in as soon as you can, at least two weeks before we leave for camp. You can turn them into Andy Reidler or Kevin Shaffer at Troop meeting. For privacy reasons, DO NOT email your completed forms. Please call Andy Reidler at 410-916-4083 if you have any questions.

MEDICATION RECORD AND MEDICATIONS

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 2023 Troop Medication Form in the plastic bag.  The Troop Medication Form is available in Excel File or  PDF Document. Forms not yet available; please check back. 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.

SPECIAL DIETARY RESTRICTIONS - Must inform camp online by 24 June - Updated 5 April

If you have dietary restrictions for allergies, intolerance, religious, or other reasons, you will be required to complete an online Camp form at least 3 weeks prior to the start of summer camp. Identify your needs to Troop 497 when registering for the trip so your needs can be accommodated during the touring portion of the trip. Please be sure to share any dietary needs/allergy information with the camp's dining services provider via this link.

According to the camp: Special food requests beyond normal meal plan menus may be provided and may have additional costs. Vegetarian and gluten free alternatives are normally available. Please limit dietary requests to medical and religious needs. Requests that are made upon arrival to camp may not be possible to accommodate.

ADDITIONAL FORMS

THERE WILL BE A NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL FORMS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THIS YEAR. These include forms for Colorado, Ben Delatour Camp, activities waivers, and more. They will be listed here, with links, when they are available.

PAYMENT INFORMATION
The cost for Summer Camp 2023 is $1,750 per Scout/ $1,500 per Leader including airfare (subject to change based upon transportation costs and final activity itinerary).  This includes all transportation, camp fee, airline, touring activities, and meals.  Spending money and souvenirs are the responsibility of the Scout.

It is important that you confirm your trip participation commitment by making the initial $300 deposit. Deposits need to be received to register Scouts for their preferred merit badge programs.

Trip payments to the Troop Treasurer are anticipated according to the following schedule (depending upon final trip costs):

Date
Payment
Paid Amount
Initial Deposit, January 2023 $300 $300
February 2023 $300 $600
March 2023 $300 $900
April 2023 $300 $1,200
May 2023 $300 $1,500 (Tentative Final Amount for Adult Leaders)
June 2023 $250 $1,750 (Tentative Final Amount for Scouts)

Payments should be made by check made out to "Boy Scout Troop 497" or through Family Account transfer. Please note the participant's name on the check. Check payments should be paid to the Troop Treasurer, Kevin Shaffer, at an in person Troop meeting or mailed to Kevin Shaffer, 119 Ridgefield Road, Lutherville, MD 21093. Family Account transfers can be made in-person or via email to kevineshaffer@comcast.net. If transfer is requested via email please include Participant Name, Activity and Dollar Amount to be transferred for payment.

RANDOM ITEMS
DVD MOVIES FOR THE BUSES

We are traveling on video equipped buses again this year. At times we will play PG and lower movies on the bus with younger Scouts and PG-13 and lower on the bus with older Scouts. Select your favorite DVD to be played on the bus, write you name on it, and give it to the designated adult (TBD) at a troop meeting or at check in on the 13 July. They pick a selection of movies for each bus and make sure they are on the buses when we travel long distances. They will return them to you at a time to be specified later - Please check back.

ADULT SPECIFIC INFORMATION

ADULT REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO ATTEND SUMMER CAMP
ADDITIONAL ADULT ONLY REQUIRED FORMS
REQUIRED ADULT BSA TRAINING FOR SUMMER CAMP
Adult leaders (18 years of age or older) must be current in several of their BSA Training and bring printed certifications of completion to camp.

2024 High Adventure Trips

High Adventure Trips 2024 – Payment Schedule

Those Scouts and adults who have expressed interest in Sea Base or Northern Tier in 2024 must make a deposit and remain current with the payment schedule to remain on the attendee list.

We anticipate that the demand will exceed the capacity. Note that all participants who make a deposit must also obtain approval to participate from the High Adventure Committee, which includes the Scoutmaster and Mr. Strueber.

2024 High Adventure Payment Schedules

Date
Sea Base 2024
Philmont 2024
April 2023 $400 $400
September 2023 $300 $400
January 2024 $300 $400
February 2024 $300 $400
March 2024 $300 $400
April 2024 $300 $400
May 2024 $300 $300
Total (Estimated)
$2,200
$2,700