One of the highlights of the Scouting Program is attending Summer Camp. This year we will be at Wakpominee again.  Our Troop will be going for one week, August 4^th through August 10^th 2013, to Camp Wakpominee in Fort Ann, New York.

Wakpominee has a terrific staff and is very well run.  Wakpominee is one of the best. The staff is terrific and dedicated to making the camping experience safe, fun, and rewarding.  The facilities are awesome; Wakpominee owns over 850 acres of pristine land in the Adirondacks.  The camp has is own lake so there are no other users, no motors (sailing, rowing, canoes, and swimming only).  The lake (Sly Pond as its called) is so clear that standing on the swimming dock you can count the stones on the bottom, 10 feet down.  The program they have for the first year scouts (Pioneer Program) is great.  The Scouts get real jump-start on their requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class.  In addition they can earn the swimming merit badge as part of the program.  They then have the afternoon to work on other merit badges, as they want. 

If you have any questions, please see ASM’s Jim Fitzmaurice (cell 917 337 9034), or Larry Grey (cell 631.252.0620, home 631.581.8044).  

FEES

FOR NEW SCOUTS, costs for camp are $425 if paid by June 1^st.  Applications after June 1^st will pay $495.  This includes transportation fees and purchase of a Troop picture.  The only additional money needed would be for snack bar purchases during the week, and lunch during the return trip home on the 10^th.

Assistant Scoutmasters and parent volunteers drive to and from camp, and plan on leaving the Great River Fire Department early on Sunday, August 4^th.  The Troop returns on Saturday August 10^th in the mid-afternoon.  There are stops to and from camp to allow all to stretch.  For Sunday please pack a lunch for the road, and on Saturday’s return we stop for lunch, so the boys will need $10.

Each participant (Scouts and Adults) must have one that has been done within the past 12 months, signed by a licensed Health-Care Practitioner, and in the case of youth, by a parent/guardian.

In addition, be sure all immunizations (Part IV) have not only the year, but also the month of immunization. Tetanus must have been within 10 years.

Completed Medical Form and Medication Release Form MUST be provided to Assistant Scout Masters Fitzmaurice or Grey completely filled out by about July 1^st.  The 2013 Medical form is on the 205 website, and parts A, B, and C must be completed.  In addition:

1.     A front and back copy of the Insurance Card must be attached to the completed form.

2.     Immunization detail MUST be completed on Page 2; the Camp will not accept an immunization record in lieu of the form being completed.

3.     For Camp, and medications provided MUST be in the original container, with the Scout’s name clearly visible.

  You don't need to have the shots but must note if you have or if not the fill in "N/A."

           To get a Medical forms, Click here

http://www.trcscouting.org/files/d/usr/288/BSA%20Health%20Form.pdf

Parts A, B, and C must be completed.

PREPARATION

In advance of our departure we will review what to pack and how to prepare.  A checklist is provided below, however, now is a great time to schedule a doctor’s appointment for late-May and early June.  Medical forms MUST be completed and submitted by July 1^st to Jim and Larry; these will be distributed once published by the Camp.  Scouts and approved Leaders not having a completed medical form WILL NOT be permitted to attend camp!  Any prescription medicines MUST be in the original container, and will be disbursed by the Camp’s medical unit.  Medical forms can be located at:

Think about purchasing a plastic, lockable foot locker and a combination lock now, in advance of the summer.  The locker should have your son’s name labeled on the outside!

For the Campers Gear Checklist Click Here

WHILE AT CAMP

Your son will be busy!  New Scouts will enter a program called ‘Pioneer’, which completes many of the Tenderfoot and Second Class requirements.  This program occurs every morning and is very structured.  Details include:

Pioneer Program

The Pioneer program is designed for Scouts who have recently entered the Boy Scout program or are working toward achieving their First Class rank.   The program will focus on the requirements of Scout through First Class ranks.   Each Scout will work on the requirements needed to advance to his next rank.   The Scouts will work in each program area to achieve requirements.

The Pioneer Program is designed to meet the needs of Scouts who have not obtained the rank of First Class.  Scouts are assigned to groups in a two-tier program using the patrol method.  This allows for personal goal setting, achievement in the regular camp program and personal advancement.   Swimming merit badge or swim instruction, scoutcraft, camping and a host of other skills are basic to this outstanding five-day activity.   The program runs during the entire morning program from 9 AM to 12:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Pioneer Program scouts will participate in an evening outpost camping experience and are encouraged to bring a back pack (or pack frame), ground cloth, sleeping bag, and flashlight for that purpose.

Pioneer program scouts should bring a pair of long pants, belt, socks & shoes, and a button up long-sleeve shirt for clothing inflation as part of the Swimming merit badge requirements.

In the afternoon the Scouts will choose other merit badges or activities that can be completed.  Scout Leaders are there to ensure the boys take advantage of the opportunities and remain safe at all times!  A sample of the week’s schedule is attached.  Please note that some activities have age and rank requirements.

Also, your son will need to care for himself, including washing, tending to clothes and tent (he will be sharing a tent with another Scout).  As needed the ASM’s are there to guide and ‘prompt’ Scouts to complete these tasks!  Each Scout is required to complete waiter duty three times that week, and leaders/older scouts are there to assist!

The following is a sample schedule for the week:

Pioneer Program

Merit Badge and Activities

Parents are encouraged to come and see the camp.  A great way to see the camp is to volunteer to either be a driver (up or down), Come for the Wednesdays Family BBQ (Small fee for the meal), or volunteer to spend part of the week as a leader.  The number of leaders in the camp at one time is based on the number of scouts attending so space is limited.  Also leaders are required to be registered leaders with the BSA and be youth protection trained.  Depending on the number of leaders allowed and the number of leaders requesting to go, the troop will balance the leaders at camp by splitting the week into halves (Sunday afternoon – Wednesday noon, and Wednesday noon - Saturday morning).   It is hard to arrange to have a week off dedicated to only one son and leave the rest of the family home, so instead the week can be broken up by “splitting” the week with another adult.  As long as we are within the limited number of adults attending there is no fee for adults.

 Also we will need drivers to help transport the Scouts to Wakpominee, another great way to see the camp.  Wednesday there is a camp cookout where parents and siblings are welcome for a small fee.

 The experience and opportunities for fun and advancement are unlimited and will prove to be a highlight of his scouting career.

             Over the next few months you will be hearing more about Summer Camp.  If possible your son should attend.  He will have a great time.

Glen Bernichon

Committee Chairman