From June 26 through July 4 many of our older scouts will be participating in a sailing program at the BSA Seabase in the Florida Keys. Due to cancellations, we have two slots open for this trip. The cost per person (scout or adult leader/parent) is approximately $1,400, which includes Seabase accommodations aboard 41-foot sailboats, air fare, ground transportation, sightseeing, hotels, etc. To attend, a scout MUST BE 14 YEARS OLD BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2010. This is a National BSA policy and there are no exceptions. For more information, please contact Jim Ringbloom.

Summer Camp for Troop 24 will be at Camp Wolverine on the Owasippe Scout Reservation in Twin Lake, Michigan, a four-hour drive from Riverside. We will NOT be attending our regularly visited Boy Scout Camp, Camp Mach Kin O’Siew (affectionately known as “Camp Mach”) this year due to schedules and availability of leaders.

Camp Wolverine is similar to Camp Mach in that it offers a merit badge program and the week-long camp experience. It differs in that the boys do not cook every meal, it is more spread out geographically, and there are more Outpost activities. The Owasippe Scout Reservation also offers a family campground area, known as the Reneker Family Camp, where a boy’s family can camp that week, be nearby and experience much the same surroundings that their son experiences. (Camp Reneker Family Camp reservations will be up to the family of the Scout.)

The price for summer camp is $265/boy ($145/adult leader) plus Merit Badge and Outpost fees. The amount of the additional fees depends on which activities the scout selects (varying form $20 to $40/activity).

Information and forms for summer camp:
Owasippe Welcome Packet 2010
Medical Form
Horseback Riding Form

Rank advancements usually require scouts to perform a certain number of “service hours.” The Troop is often asked to participate in various community events for which service hours may be counted. Our Advancement Chair, Mrs. Olszewski, tracks the service hours for each scout. To make that an easier process, we now have a Service Hour Form, which scouts should fill out and have approved prior to performing the service (to ensure that the event will count). Connor C. has put together a list of local organizations for which service hours are available, which includes contact information.

1. For a service project that is a “troop event,” which would include Eagle Projects and events such as the recent outing to the Chicago Food Depository, scouts do NOT need to fill out the service form. Those service hours will automatically be tracked by our Advancement Chair.
2. Service projects for the groups listed on the list of local organizations are automatically approved, but the scout still needs to have the form filled out and turned in, so that Mrs. Olszewski knows about the hours and can keep track of them. Either our Scoutmaster or the Assistant Scoutmasters can sign the form.
3. If a scout wants to have hours counted for something that is NOT on the spreadsheet, the scout should have the service approved in advance. If the scout does the service without prior approval, it may (or may not) be allowed.
4. Service done for our chartering organization is automatically approved (for example making sandwiches for the Night Ministry, working at the monthly church work days, etc.)

Permission slips for the Camporee at the New Rochelle scout camp, Friday, April 16 – Sunday, April 18, are due by Thursday, April 9. Turn in the form at the Troop meeting, or drop it off to Lisa Buffo.

New scouts must attend at least one overnight camping trip to be eligible to attend summer camp. Since Friday night, April 16, is the date of the 5th Grade Games Night, we will be arranging transportation for scouts leaving on Friday night, as well as for 5th graders leaving on Saturday morning (no later than 7:00 a.m.). Please write on the form whether your scout will be going on Friday or on Saturday. Questions should be directed to Lisa Buffo.

Pack 24 has invited the Boys Scouts (and families) to the annual Roller Skating Party on Sunday, April 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Fleetwood Roller Rink in Summit. The Pack has rented the entire rink. Admission is free, or you can rent skates there ($3 or less). You can also bring your own skates.