May Camping Trip

The May Camping Trip will be Saturday, May 2nd and 3rd at the Troop campsite near St.Mary’s Cemetery in Milford. We will meet at the parish center at 10:30 AM. We will return for pick up at the parish center by 11:30 AM on Sunday. Scouts need to bring a bag lunch and the items listed on the Troop 4 camping equipment list. The list is available on our website. There is very limited parking at St. Mary’s so it’s important for scouts to meet at the parish center and carpool.

Campouts at our troop campsite are great opportunities to practice camping and cooking skills, pioneering activities and even night time fun at the nearby park. This trip is a perfect introduction to camping for new scouts, and for those who need to come/go because of team sports events. For food, scouts need to bring a bag lunch for Saturday, will be cooking patrol-style over an open fire for dinner and breakfast. Scouts will plan these patrol meals at the next troop meeting.

If you son will be attending the May campout, please complete the permission slip and return it to the Troop Scribe at the April 16th troop meeting. All first year crossover scouts are strongly encouraged to attend as this is a great introduction to camping and pioneering skills. If your son would like to attend but won’t be at the April 16th troop meeting, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-282-0283 or bedard18@verizon.net We will need a few parents to drive to/from and/or stay for the event. If you can help out please indicate on the permission slip.

District Pine Wood Derby

Congratulations to Troop 4’s own Alex H. for winning the district pine wood derby race this month. And thanks to Wyatt B., Mike M., DJ P. and Alex H. for volunteering to help run the event.

Friends of Scouting Introduction

At our April 16th Troop Meeting, the troop will host representatives of the Knox Trail Council’s Friends of Scouting organization. The troop invites parents to arrive for pickup a bit early at 8:15PM to listen to this brief 10 minute presentation and learn about this great organization.

Adult Leader Training

Thanks to all the registered leaders who’ve complied with the requirement to complete the on-line BSA Youth Protection training by March 31. The troop committee will make it a regular agenda item to report status of adult leader training to ensure we remain compliant with BSA requirements. All leaders should report completed training to Stacey Barie at s.barie@comcast.net. Thanks!

New and Improved Web Site

Webmaster Steve Eddins has outdone himself again. Check out the new look of our troop website, which sports a new backcountry look, and a new layout that makes finding event information, dates and forms a snap! Thanks Steve!

Troop T-Shirts

The Troop is assessing demand for our famous lime green Troop T-shirts (aka Class B shirt). If interested in purchasing a shirt this summer (likely around $8-$10), please send a note to Phil Bedard and indicate shirt size and quantity (Youth M, L, Adult S, M, L, XL, XXL). These shirts are great for scouts, parents, and all family members. When sufficient demand is logged, the troop’s graphic designer will create a design and order a new batch of these signature shirts.

New Neckerchief

You may have noticed that younger scouts are wearing a new neckerchief. To better reflect the Troop’s strong outdoor traditions, we are gradually switching from the blue/gold neckerchiefs to the embroidered forest green neckerchiefs. Our new class of 11 scouts is the first to receive these neckerchiefs. The transition will continue over the next year or two. Older scouts will receive the new neckerchief when recognized for outstanding service, scout spirit and outdoor achievements.

Relay for Life – Staff Crew

The Troop has received a long list of volunteers to help out as cleanup staff at the Milford relay for life on Friday May 15 from 6pm to midnight. A separate email will go out in early May to detail the troop’s participation.

August Presidential Range Adventure

Mr. Croteau recently announced the Troop’s August plans to assault Mt. Washington, and the neighboring peaks of the Presidential Range. This will be a rugged and exciting trip that is open to scouts that have completed the Personal Fitness Merit Badge. If you have not yet taken this badge, but want to go on the August trip, you must start this merit badge NOW. It takes at least 3 months to complete. See Mr. Bedard for a blue merit badge card, and then talk to Mr. Croteau to begin work on this badge. Details of the trip are posted on the troop website. There is a $51 fee ($84 for adults) to allow us to stay one of the trip nights at the AMC Lake of the Clouds Hut (includes 2 hearty meals). Those planning to attend must turn in this fee no later than the June 4th troop meeting. Note that this trip is much more strenuous and faster paced than our normal backpacking trips, and is not advised for recent Webelos crossovers, or scouts that have never backpacked. See Mr. Croteau if you have questions.

Whitewater !!! Time to Register

The troop’s famous whitewater adventure is fast approaching. Information has been posted on the Troop website. The steeply discounted price for Boy Scout troops is $80 per person. There will be no other expense for this 3day trip except for some pocket money for fast food on the ride up/back. Those interested in attending must submit an $80 check payable to Troop 4 by May 14th. This is a firm deadline, as we have to submit payment to the outfitter to confirm our slots soon after. As with all our trips, parents are welcome (but not required) to join us on this high adventure event.

Summer Camp Parent Guides Finalized

The troop has received the council’s final version of the 2009 Camp Resolute Scout and Parent Guide, and we’ve revised our Troop Camp Resolute guide to reflect new changes for this year. All camp documents have been posted to the troop website. Note the new medical forms that are required. These are different from last year. The Troop 4 Summer Camp Parent Guide details how these forms must be filled out, and includes all due dates. Make plans to visit your doctor now! Note that the deadline to receive the Camp’s “early bird” discounted rate is fast approaching. Early bird payments must be turned in at our April 16th troop meeting. You can still sign up after this date, but will have to pay the higher “regular” rate. First year scouts can still receive the early bird rate through late May.

Upcoming Event Dates & Reminders

• April 16th is a regular troop meeting ** Camp Resolute “Early Bird” Fee Due **
• April 23rd – No meeting – School Vacation
• April 30th is a regular troop meeting
• May 2nd and 3rd is the troop campout at the St. Mary’s Troop Campsite
• May 7th is a regular troop meeting
• May 14th is a regular troop meeting. Whitewater payment is due.
• May 15th – Troop 4 clean-up crew helps at the Relay for Life (6pm – 12pm)
• May 21st is a regular troop meeting.
• May 28th is a regular troop meeting.
• June 4th is a regular troop meeting. August Presidential Range trip fee is due.
• June 11th is our Spring Eagle Court of Honor
• June 20th thru 22nd is out Whitewater Adventure

Questions?

Call Phil Bedard at 508-282-0283 or email at bedard18@verizon.net