Summer Camps

Final Summer Camp payments for most scouts are due no later than May 29. Make checks payable to “Troop 4”. For those attending one or both of camps, the required payments are

• For 1st year scouts, the early-bird $290 Camp Resolute fee still applies ($230 for additional siblings). For other scouts, the fee is $320, as the early-bird period has expired.
• The Camp Tahosa 3rd and final payment is $325 for most scouts. Your scout’s payment may be slightly higher or lower, depending on his pancake ticket sales. Those selling more than $100 worth of tickets will receive an additional discount. Those selling less than $100 will have to pay a bit more so that they contribute a fair share to the trip fundraising effort. Scouts owing an amount other than $325 will receive an email. Finally, we had hoped we could reduce the total trip fee below our initial estimate of $675, however, due to very high fuel costs, and the likelihood of bus/air fuel surcharges, it appears that further discounts are unlikely.

Other important summer camp dates:

• May 24: Resolute parent volunteer information is due (maiden name if applicable, SSN, DOB). Mail to Phil Bedard, 22 Harmony Tr, Hopedale, 01747. Required for the Council to initiate the required CORI check.
• June 15: Resolute Merit Badge choice due via email to Dave Callis at dfcallis@msn.com
• June 15: All required camp forms (especially medical) due to Phil Bedard (22 Harmony Trail, Hopedale)

For those attending Camp Tahosa, please note that we are preparing a detailed instruction letter that will cover all trip schedule details, packing requirements, and other useful information. This letter will be issued before the last troop meeting in June so that you have time to prepare. A portion of the last troop meeting will also be dedicated to reviewing these instructions with scouts. A final and mandatory pre-trip meeting for all attendees will be scheduled in late July.

June Campout

Biking, hiking, swimming, and a final backpacking training opportunity for our Colorado alpine adventure team… this trip will have it all! The trip is scheduled for Saturday June 21 thru Monday June 23. We will be camping at Savoy Mountain State Forest, located in Berkshires on a 2000’ plateau. The park offers hiking to mountain lakes and waterfalls, and also biking, fishing and swimming opportunities. There is also nearby access to a “rail trail” for extended scenic bike rides which can be tied into the cycling merit badge.

The troop will meet at the parish center at 8:30 AM Saturday and leave for the campsite by about 9 AM. We will return to the parish center for pickup by 4pm on Monday.

Scouts need to bring a bag lunch for Saturday. The troop will be cooking patrol style for dinners and breakfasts, and Sunday lunch. Scouts should also bring some money for a fast food or diner lunch on Monday’s return. Each patrol will give grocery assignments to their members at the May 29th troop meeting.

If your son will be attending, please drop off the permission slip no later than the May 29 Troop Meeting. Please email or call Phil Bedard before May 29 if your son will be attending but won’t be at the May 29 Troop Meeting. The troop needs to know who is attending for planning purposes. There is a nominal fee of $8/scout to help with the cost of the state park campsites. Please staple or clip the payment to your permission slip. If paying by check (preferred), please make payable to Troop 4.

Advancement

Tenderfoot and first class advancement continues at weekly troop meetings. Please have your scouts make every effort to attend the next two meetings so that they can complete any remaining requirements and attend their board of review so that they can receive their badge at the June 5th Court of Honor. If your scout is wrapping up merit badges, have them meet with their counselor to get final blue card signatures. Completed blue cards should be turned into Mr. Bedard no later than the May 22 troop meeting.

For those interested in working on the Personal Fitness merit badge this summer, Mr. Croteau will hold a mandatory meeting at the Milford High School track on Saturday May 17th at 1pm. This meeting will include the initial fitness test. Please dress in workout clothes. The session will end at approximately 2:30pm.

The troop is also kicking off Dog Care and Music Merit Badge sessions for all interested scouts.

Boards of Review

The May 15, 22, and 29 troop meetings will include Boards of Review for advancements. We will notify the scouts who are ready for advancement in rank. To be placed before the board of review, scouts must be in full uniform and in possession of their merit badge book with all required signatures. Scouts who have earned merit badges should bring their sash.

Memorial Day Parade

The Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 26. This is the only parade that the troop attends each year. Scouts should meet in the Stop and Shop parking lot near the 99 Restaurant at 9:30 AM in full uniform. Scouts may be picked up at Draper Park at Noon.

Troop Eagle Court of Honor: will be Thursday, June 5 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at St. Mary’s parish center. This special Court of Honor will honor our newest Eagle Scouts: Alex Morte and Brian Zanella. Awards earned by all other scouts since the last Court of Honor in February will also be presented. There will be a dinner before the awards ceremony. The troop committee is still planning the details and will communicate more information to families shortly.

Troop Adventure T-Shirts

We are still looking for ideas for the Troop 4 Colorado Adventure T-shirt. Please bring your ideas to Mr. Garber at a troop meeting before May 29.

Youth Protection Training

In order to meet Council and summer camp requirements, all troop leaders must take the Council’s online Youth Protection training course. Please complete by the final June 12 troop meeting. It’s simple and quick (about an hour). When complete, please print out the completion form and give to Phil Bedard. You will need your BSA ID number in order to print out your completion certificate. Launch the boy scout youth protection link on: http://www.ktc-bsa.org/training.htm (about halfway down the page). You will need to create a simple BSA online training account.

Leaders should also take the on-line Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense courses. These short courses can also be launched from the same web site. The troop may not be able to participate in water related activities if we do not have a sufficient number of trained leaders. Please submit your completion certificates to Phil Bedard before the June 12 troop meeting.

Thank you note from Mr. Kirchner

Dear Troop 4 Parents and Families:

Thank you for the wonderful surprise “retirement” at my final troop meeting as scoutmaster. It was a very special evening for me, and very moving to have as many Eagle Scouts, other scouts, Leaders and family members at the meeting. My family, Kathie, Nick and Laura, who have me countless hours on troop activities over the years, were very appreciative of your thoughtfulness.

The scout program takes many dedicated adults to make it work. I always felt very fortunate to be able to work with the men and women of the Troop 4 leadership – they are a truly remarkable group of individuals – I can never thank them enough for their help.

The framed photographs are in my office at work. Kathie and I are looking forward to using the diner certificate. The digital photo frame is a great gift and set up at home – filled with photographs that bring back countless memories.

The memories of shared adventures with your sons are the best gifts that I could ever have received from the scouting program. Fourteen years as a leader in the scouting program – the last nine as scoutmaster have been a special opportunity to be with you sons as they grew and matured over the years. I am grateful beyond words that I could be there.

Thank you for your support and kindness over all these years.

Very truly yours,
David Kirchner

Venture Scout Corner

Alpine Adventure Training: The last “make-up” phase of the Venture Alpine Adventure training will be at the June 21-23 camping trip. This training is for older scouts who are enrolled in this summer’s Alpine Adventure program. All scouts attending the Alpine Adventure portion of the summer Colorado trip were required to attend BOTH the March and May hiking/camping trips. However, scouts that had a conflict on ONE of these trips have an opportunity to makeup a missed session at this camping trip. Remember that this training is mandatory in order to attend the Alpine Adventure. Scouts that do not take the required training are still eligible for the Tahosa Eagle Point program. Contact Mr. Lanciano for any questions on these training requirements

See the “Tahosa” section of the Troop Website for additional information on this summer’s Alpine Adventure.

Upcoming Event Dates & Reminders

• May 15 and 22 are regular troop meetings
• May 26 is the Memorial Day parade at 9:30am
• May 29 is a regular troop meeting. Camp fees/forms are due. See earlier “camp” section
• June 5 is the Troop 4 Eagle Court of Honor at 6:30pm
• June 12 is the final troop meeting
• June 15 is the deadline for Resolute merit badges. Send choices to Mr. Dave Callis at dfcallis@msn.com
• June 15 is the deadline for Summer Camp forms. Mail to Phil Bedard at 22 Harmony Trail, Hopedale 01747 (or better yet, drop off at an earlier troop meeting)
• July 6-10 is Camp Resolute week
• July will include a Colorado Adventure planning meeting. Date to be announced soon.
• Aug 2-9 is Camp Tahosa, Colorado

Questions?

Please call the Phil Bedard at 508-282-0283 or email at bedard18@verizon.net if you have any questions.