As we are in the final preparations for a fantastic week at camp, I wanted to share some items with you that will make this a memorable experience for your Scout and ease the could be tension and home sickness that some Scouts feel while at camp.
The first way that we can achieve this is by being positive about the Summer camp experience. Time spent with buddies, all the activities, and the chance to meet new people and try new things. The week will fly by and before they know it we will be on the way home, each Scout with his own story to tell and experience to cherish.
Another way to help is to send mail. Every Scout likes to get mail (even the Scouts who’s parents are in camp). In the past I have been happy to collect mail from Mom’s and Dad’s before we depart, then each morning I “deliver” the mail to the Scout at our in camp flag ceremony. I am more than happy to continue this. The other way is to snail mail the letter to your Scout. If you would like to do this the mailing address is:
Scouts name
Troop 664
Send your mail earlier than later as we don’t want mail to get turned around and delivered to the Scout when he gets home.
It is also nice to hear from your Scout while he is at camp. The trading post offers post cards and we encourage all the Scouts to send at least one home from camp. So plan that into the spending budget for your Scout.
Food. Do not send your Scout to camp with food. The dining hall provides more than enough. Food in the tents draw critters. We do not need that in camp. If you absolutely must send snacks, make them individually wrapped and something that will not become a distraction.
Extra gear. We are not going on a backpacking trip. The amount of gear needed for summer camp is minimal. Tents are provided. There is a packing list on the Troop website that details what to bring. Do not go overboard, they won’t use half of it. Rain gear is a must as well as socks and t-shirts. They need to have their full Scout uniform, they will be wearing it every day. We will show them how to keep it clean.
When it comes to clothing, one set of warmer clothes will be enough. Scout pants that have zip off legs serve great for warm and chilly evenings. A fleece jacket will be enough to get through the coolest temps at camp. Do not send your Scout with a heavy jacket.
FLIP FLOPS are FORBIDDEN. Only closed toed shoes are allowed in and around camp. Sandals that have covered toes are great for the water front. Heavy hiking boots are not required either. It is preferred that what ever shoe you send your Scout in it must be able to be laced up and secure.
Spending Money. The
Medication. If your Scout is on any medication the medicine must be in pharmacy labeled containers with the Scouts name on them. Inhalers, injectors, pills, and the like are controlled either by camp staff or by the Assistant Scoutmasters in camp. If your Scout has a medication listed on his medical form that medicine must accompany him to camp.
Medical forms. We have checked and rechecked the medical forms. They are an important part of your Scouts safety and treatment in camp should something happen. It is important that every Scouts medical form is accurate and permission is given on the last page for your Scout to fully participate in the Scouting experience.
Cleanliness. We force the Scouts to take showers while in camp. Typically we do this by patrol. We do not expect them to, but encourage them to shower daily. Most Scouts do take advantage of the Shower house daily. A towel or two are a must. They will use their towels at the water front and in the shower house. Soap and shampoo in limited quantities are a must also. Adults can not be in or around the youth shower, so we trust our Scouts (and see them at camp) to stay clean. We have never had an issue with staying clean, I do not anticipate this year being different.
Advancement Opportunities. Summer camp offers great opportunities for Scouts to work on advancement as well as discover new and exciting activities through merit badges. I personally track advancement opportunities while at camp and encourage, particularly the first year Scouts, to advance one rank while at camp. I have a system of tracking that I will review with your Scout daily while in camp. Make sure that they bring their Scout Handbook to camp to get requirements signed off. We encourage every Scout to earn at least one merit badge while at camp, we discourage the Scouts from over loading on merit badges. They are at camp to have fun, not to crank out badges. The merit badges come with fun activities and balance. No more than 5 merit badges will be allowed, unless they are in a “Twofer” class. That is a class that offers two merit badges in the session, for example Fish and Wildlife Management and Mammal Study. I ask that each Scout consider taking one Eagle Required merit badge at Summer Camp. At
Like I said at the outset, We are in for a memorable fantastic week at camp!! I look forward to this opportunity to share in your Scouts growth and development as both a young man and a Scout, and it all comes together at Summer Camp. If you have any questions this week, please feel free to ask. While we are at
Home phone: 503 665 9043 Cell phone: 503 730 7083
Thank you again for supporting your Scout and providing for this great summer camp experience. Your Scout will have a great time!
Yours in Scouting!
Jerry Schleining
Scoutmaster
503 318 8113
gerald.schleining@verizon.net
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