Advance Procedure for Campouts at the Troop Campsite

Advance Procedure for Campouts at the Troop Campsite

About a week before, call the business numbers for the Milford police and fire. Police 508-473-1113 ask for the dispatcher and give them the date/time of the event. For Fire department, give the info to the guy who answers the phone at 508-473-1215; date and times, plus that we will have several small cooking fires in pits with the appropriate water, clearance around the pits, etc. Remind our Chartered Org Representative about a week before the event to let St. Mary’s know of our plans. You should also let police and fire know that you are the scoutmaster and give them your cell phone number.

Maine Canoe Trip Medical Training – Session 2, at parish center

Maine Canoe Trip Medical Training – Session 1, at parish center

Troop Meeting (Camp Resolute fee due for new scouts)

Troop Meeting (Camp Resolute fee due – except new scouts)

Troop Meeting (April campout perm slip due)

Troop 4 Family Newsletter 3/22/2010

New Scouts

New Scouts are progressing along through their advancement to Tenderfoot. Scouts recently took their initial Tenderfoot fitness test, and are expected to log regular workouts for a 30day period. At the conclusion, they will turn in their logs, and take a final fitness test to show improvement. This is one of the few advancement requirements that we do not cover at troop meetings. Scouts must do their exercises at home. Please encourage your scout to make steady documented progress on this requirement. There is one additional “at-home” requirement for new scouts, which is to read the parent/scout exercise pamphlet in the front of their new scout handbook. Please email Phil Bedard when you’ve completed this pamphlet.

Medical Training for High Adventure trip:

All adults attending the Maine canoe high adventure trip are required to take one medical training course; either First Aid or CPR, at the Parish Center on Saturday May 1st. CPR will run from 9AM-12, and First Aid from 1230-330. These are excellent training courses run by a professional. We would like an even mix on both courses. Adults attending the Maine trip need to contact Stacey Barie at staceybarie@gmail.com by April 1, to confirm attendance and to select their desired time slot. We’ll do our best to accommodate requests, so long as we get a relatively even distribution between the two. We are advertising compliance to this medical training plan in our tour permit request, so it’s important that all attend. There is no additional charge for the training, as it has been budgeted into the cost of the trip. Please direct questions to Stacey.

April Backpacking Trip

The trip will be Saturday, April 10th and 11th along the Tully Trail in Royalston, MA. We will meet at the parish center on Saturday morning at 8:30 AM. We will return for pick up at the parish center by 3:00 PM on Sunday. Scouts need to bring a bag lunch and the items listed on the Troop 4 backpacking equipment list. The list is available on our website. Remember to pack warm. April nights can still be cold.

The area around the Tully Trail is known for its scenic views, including Royalston Falls, the highest Massachusetts waterfall east of the CT River. We will be camping along the river about a mile upstream from the falls, in a remote area that includes an Adirondack shelter, and plenty of room for tent camping. Scouts will be broken down into ability groups so that everyone can hike to the campsite at a comfortable pace. Once we establish camp, we’ll take side hikes to nearby sites, including the waterfall, a beaver pond, and a natural stone bridge.

Since this will be the first camping trip for many of our new scouts, we will be doing a lot of preparation and training at our upcoming meetings. For food, scouts need to bring a bag lunch for Saturday, and will be cooking patrol-style on backpacking stoves for dinner and breakfast. We’ll make a fast food stop for lunch on the way home on Sunday. Scouts will plan their patrol meals at the next troop meeting. At the following regular troop meeting on April 8th (April 1st is not a regular meeting as it is our swim night), all scouts that plan to attend this trip should bring their backpack fully packed as if they were ready to go. Older scouts (veterans of the Colorado and Mt. Washington alpine adventure teams) will work with each patrol to perform a “shakedown” of each backpack to ensure scouts have all that they need for the trip, but no more. This will ensure that packs are light enough to allow an enjoyable trip, and that scouts have the required gear. For new scouts that have not yet had an opportunity to purchase a backpack, we have one or two Troop packs that you can borrow for the event. Contact Phil Bedard.

If you son will be attending the backpacking trip, please complete the permission slip and return it to the Troop Scribe at the March 25th troop meeting. All first year crossover scouts are strongly encouraged to attend as this is a great introduction to backcountry camping. If your son would like to attend but won’t be at the March 25th troop meeting, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or pbedard1@gmail.com. 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.

Troop Swim Night

Please note that the April 1st troop meeting will be held at the Milford high school pool as the troop conducts our spring swim night. Meeting drop-off and pick-up is the same as a normal troop meeting. New scouts will have an opportunity to try their hand at the BSA Swim Test. This is good practice for the test given at summer camp. Scouts can also knock off some 2nd and 1st Class water related requirements. Pool games, belly flops, and pizza/soda will round out the night. There is no cost for this event, but it’s important to arrive on time, as the pool folks will attempt to collect a fee from all those that arrive after we’ve started.

Spring Order of the Arrow Ordeal

We apologize to our recently elected OA candidates on the lack of information for the Spring Ordeal. We have contacted the Council’s OA Lodge, and as of this date, they have not decided on a weekend for the Spring Ordeal. The event will likely be some time in May. The troop will continue to check status with the lodge, and will contact newly elected candidates as soon as information is available.

Eagle Project Service Opportunity

Life Scout Spencer C. has advised the troop that he will be holding an Eagle Service Project work party at the Milford Upper Charles Bike Trail, at the trail head across from Sacred Heart Church. Work will take place near the kiosk that he is constructing just a short distance down the trail from the road. The event is from 9AM to 330PM on Saturday March 27th. Spencer will be sending out an email with more details, and instructions if you are interested. Time assisting Spencer will count toward advancement service hour requirements.

Camping Trek Plan

Congratulations to Wyatt B. for winning the recent trek plan contest. Wyatt crafted an excellent plan that was used for our recent March hiking trip. Scouts interested in completing this camping merit badge requirement can draft a trek plan for any future Troop camping trip. Scouts should see the SM or an Assistant Scoutmaster when they are ready to knock off this requirement. Reference the camping merit badge booklet for required trek plan content. We will post Wyatt’s trek plan to the scout room bulletin board as an outstanding example.

District Pine Wood Derby – Help Needed

The troop is looking for a couple scout volunteers to help out at the District Pine Wood Derby to be held on Saturday April 10th from 9am to 1pm at the Milford Youth Center. Volunteer’s can also cheer on two of Troop 4’s new crossover scouts (Evan and Tyler), who have qualified for this competitive district race. Please note that this is the same day as the troop backpacking trip. If interested, please notify Phil Bedard at the next troop meeting. Volunteering for this effort qualifies as service time toward advancement.

Maine 50 Miler Canoe Trip:

Thanks to those who recently turned in their canoe trip deposits. As a result, we’ve secured our reservation with the outfitter. Planning will continue over the next few months. See med form comments below.

Camp Resolute Update and Fee Reminder:

Please note that the Camp Resolute fee for all scouts planning to attend (other than new scouts) is due April 15th. First year scouts have until May 27th. Updated medical instructions and forms have recently been posted to this website. You must use these forms. Please schedule your medical appointments as soon as possible to meet the med form deadlines. The same medical form requirements apply to those attending the Maine canoe trip. If you are attending both camps, you only need to turn in one set of forms. For new scouts, please note that the summer camp med forms are in addition to the Class 1 simple med form that you recently turned into the troop. See the summer camp information on our website for more detailed information.

Please call the Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or email at pbedard1@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Troop Meeting (Permission Slip Due)

Troop 4 Family News Letter – March

New Scouts

Welcome to all our new scouts and families. We have 10 new scouts joining from Pack 4, Pack 67 and Pack 32. The first troop meeting that includes new scouts will be Thursday 3/4 at 7pm-830pm. Parents are welcome (but not required) to stay for this first meeting. An adult leader will offer parents an overview of troop operations, and a scout will offer a quick presentation on the short list of personal camping gear that each scout should have. Other kickoff details for new scouts were recently provided via email. If you didn’t receive the email, please let Phil Bedard know at pbedard1@gmail.com.

Pancake Breakfast

Thanks to all for the hard work at the Pancake Breakfast. It was the biggest crowd to date. Fantastic results; nearly $6000 profit, which will fund some much needed troop equipment purchases, and it will make the upcoming high adventure trip much more affordable. Great performances by all – ticket sellers, ad sellers, parent help on the ad sale logistics and day of event, chefs, waiters and clean-up crew. Special thanks go to Stacey Barie, the Brundrett family, Pat Gallagher and future “Hell’s Kitchen” host Peter Lanciano, for supervising key aspects of this event.

Merit Badges

Keep an eye out for kickoff announcements on a variety of merit badges this spring, to include Personal Fitness.

Camp Resolute and Maine 50 Miler Canoe Trip: Plans are moving forward on the troop’s participation in a couple of week long summer events; Camp Resolute in July, and the Maine 50 Miler Canoe Trip in August. Dates and details are posted on the troop website, and more will follow. An important date to remember: March 4th. That is the date that the $100 Maine canoe trip deposit is due. Our reservation and pricing will be based on the deposits that we turn over to the outfitter next week, so please submit on time. The un-subsidized price for this trip is approximately $590 per person. This prices reflects the cost of motor coach transportation, backcountry meals for 1 week, opening/final night campsite at the outfitter’s campground, outfitter shuttle vans to/from wilderness drop point, canoe/paddle/PFD rental, troop adventure t-shirt, and special troop equipment required for the event. The only out of pocket cost to scouts is a couple fast food stops on the way up/back.

While $590 may seem expensive, it is less than what BSA High Adventure camps charge for similar events ($700-$1000). Plus, we include cost of transportation. Compared to similar BSA trips, our Troop-led adventure offers even more high adventure, better food and more personalized and advanced training for our scouts. It’s a good deal. And we are fortunate to have had a successful fundraiser to further reduce the price. Estimated pricing for the 2010 Maine Canoe Adventure is:

Adults: $350
Scouts who sold $100 worth of pancake breakfast tickets: $350
Scouts who sold >$100 worth of tickets $350 less value of tickets sold over $100
Scouts who did not sell at least $100 of tickets $450
Scouts who did not participate in any aspect of fundraiser $590

The exact price will be based on the final head-count and final cost of trip supply/food purchases, but should be relatively close to the forecast above. The “per person” price could come down further if the headcount is higher than expected.
On this same date, we will also be giving a presentation and information session for Camp Resolute to all interested parents and scouts. This presentation will include just released pricing and medical form information. Camp resolute fees are NOT due at this time.

Note that our troop participation at Camp Resolute is open to all scouts in the troop, including first year scouts. But due to the level of outdoor and wilderness training required for the Maine canoe trip, only 2nd year scouts, parents and leaders are invited. However, a high adventure cancellation or open slot may occasionally be offered (at the discretion of the Scoutmaster) to a first year scout if the parent/scout expresses interest and the scout has advanced camping skills/experience. See Phil Bedard if you would like more details.

Court of Honor – Congratulations to Tim and TJ: Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scouts Tim Brundrett and TJ Fasulo. Both were honored at the last Court of Honor. Thanks to all the families and volunteers who worked to make the evening a great success.

Lanciano Cabin NH Winter Weekend

A big thanks again goes to the Lanciano family for hosting us at their cabin for another exciting winter event this past weekend. The snow prayers worked, as there was nearly 3 feet of snow at the cabin!

Venture Campout Report

Thanks to Jim Malnati and Bob Garber for restoring the tradition of an annual Venture Campout. The older ventures recently coordinated a successful winter cabin campout at Nobscot Scout Reservation. They’ve come back with a full report of the facilities. This BSA property offers nice cabins with wood stoves, and an extensive and varied trail system. We’ll try to continue the tradition of an annual venture-only cabin campout.

Troop Day Hike

will be Saturday, March 20th at the Mount Wachusett State Reservation in Princeton MA. We will meet at the parish center for a 9:00 AM departure. We will return for pick up at the parish center by 4:00 PM that evening. Scouts need to bring: a bag lunch, poncho or rain coat if it looks like rain that day, boots, a hat and gloves/mittens. A spare pair of socks is a must to bring. If the weather is cold, bring a warm coat as well. Scouts should bring at least one quart/liter of water (no soda, juice, punch, etc.). Do not bring water in disposable water bottles – get a canteen or hiking water bottle at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. for about $10. Scouts need to bring a day pack (school pack will work fine) to carry their personal and troop gear for the day.

Mount Wachusett is a great place to hike and explore. We will divide the scouts into age/ability groups and cover distances that are comfortable for each group. Mount Wachusett is the highest Massachusetts peak east of the Connecticut River; with a 2006 foot elevation. It’s higher elevations includes one of the most southern New England remnants of the great northern boreal forest, and a patch of very rare old growth oak forest. Mt. Wachusett is also a premier location in New England for watching hawk and eagle migrations.

At the end of the hike we will have some of Troop 4’s famous fried dough!

If you son will be attending the hike, please complete the attached permission slip and return no later than the March 11th troop meeting. If you son would like to attend but won’t be at this troop meeting, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or pbedard1@gmail.com 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.

SCOUTS – Camping Merit Badge Trek Plan Opportunity

For scouts looking to fulfill the camping merit badge “trek plan” requirement, here is a great opportunity. The troop will give credit to any scout who drafts a compliant trek plan for the March day hike. Use the web, where you can find trail maps, road maps and town/park details. Your plan must include a trail map with a suggested 5mile hiking route (you can find a good map at the state’s website for this park), a road map (e.g., google map) with your suggested driving route from Milford to the park, local emergency numbers (police/fire), address of nearby hospital, troop leadership contact information (can be found on this newsletter), and your suggested schedule/itinerary for the day. In the very unlikely event that we have trouble on the trail, a good trek plan, left behind at home and on our car windshields, would help guide friends/family and rescue workers to our aid. Every troop trek should leave a good trek plan behind. In addition to merit badge credit for all entries, a great prize for the best Trek Plan will be awarded.
Please call the Phil Bedard at 508-561-7058 or email at pbedard1@gmail.com if you have any questions.