Click here for Signup Form
Click here for Payment Page
Click here for the 5/1/2014 Troop Meeting Presentation
Whitewater Rafting on the Lehigh River is always a troop favorite. We will take part in a Dam Release Weekend on the Lehigh through the Whitewater Challengers Outfitter & Campground.
Dates – Depart 5:30 PM on Friday, June 6 from OLPH Lower Parking Lot. Return home by noon on Sunday, June 8.
Campground Location/GPS address: Whitewater Challengers – 288 North Stagecoach Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255. Latitude 40.9844, Longitude -75.7864
Directions: From Oakland, take I-287 south to I-80 west. Cross the Delaware River (toll) and continue on I-80 west to exit 273 in Pennsylvania. Go west on Route 940 for 1/2 mile. Turn left onto Lehigh Gorge Drive. Go 4.8 miles and turn right onto Buck Mountain Road. Go 1 mile to first intersection. Turn right again onto North Stagecoach Road. Go 300 yards to the entrance on the right.
Siblings – Siblings aged 9+, with height of 44”+ are welcome WITH a parent. Siblings must pay the “adult” rate.
Food – since the focus is on rafting, we will be utilizing the dining facility for Saturday Breakfast, Dinner and Sunday Breakfast. Friday night snacks and a bag lunch for Saturday will be prepared prior to our departure.
FORMS REQUIRED
BSA Health form – Please make sure you have a CURRENT health form on file with the troop.
Whitewater Challenger Waiver – This form is required by the outfitter of all participants. Please provide the form to Rob Dente. Link to form: http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/documents/LehighWaiverForm.pdf
OTHER PLANNING AND PREPARATION ITEMS
Weather: Always check the weather prior to camping. The temperature forecast for this weekend is as low as 53 degrees at this time, and cloudy with a chance of rain. Please bring adequate rain gear, etc. The trips on the River run Rain or Shine!!!
Advancement – We will have lots of opportunity for scouts to learn and review advancement requirements. Please bring along your Scout Handbook and work with your Patrol Leader and other Troop Guides/Instructors.
Rafting Safety Video – The Whitewater Challengers Outfitter offers a safety video on their website. The video is less than 6 minutes in length. Take a moment to watch this with those attending the trip to remind and re-emphasize the importance of safety on the trip: http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/lehigh/lehigh-safety.asp
What to Pack/bring – Always refer to the Boy Scout Handbook for information on what to pack on campouts. Here is a list that is a bit more customized for our trip this weekend.
__Class A Uniform: Scouts are to travel in their CLASS A uniform: Scout Pants or shorts, Shirt & Troop Neckerchief. Uniforms are required for Saturday Dinner and Sunday Breakfast. We will take a troop photo just prior to dinner on Saturday night in Class A uniforms.
__Pack in a duffel bag or soft backpack (No frame packs, please, since space in cars may be limited)
__Plastic hanger to hang your scout uniform up when you are not wearing it
__Old sneakers (NOT flip flops, loose-fitting sandals, “crocs,” and bare feet – these are not permitted)
__Bathing suit
__2 Full changes of clothes
__Dry shoes/boots/sneakers (for after the trip)
__Eyeglass straps
__Suntan lotion
__ Cap or visor
__Warm Layer, including wool hat, sweater, socks, gloves for when the temperature drops at night
__Jacket
__ Sleeping Bag 32-40 degree rated at a minimum.
__ Pillow
__Ground Sheet or Foam Pad
__Cot (optional / if space provides)
__Flashlight
__Tent (The troop has a number of tents available if you do not have one)
__BSA Handbook
__Toiletries for showering – After a day of sweating and river water, showers are a MUST!!!
__Flip flops for shower
__ At least 1 towel – 2 is preferred
__Consider money for the following items:
Wet Suit (optional/weather permitting) – approx. $25 for full suit
Souvenir Photos – Each raft is photographed. You may wish to purchase yours.
Trading post – There is a popular snack bar with hot dogs, snacks and soft serve ice cream.
Zip Line – The facility operates a zip line on site, which is an extra cost.
See the outfitter website at http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/lehigh/lehigh-whitewater.asp for more info and current prices of optional activities, etc.
What do we wear in the raft? In warmer weather, a swim suit or shorts and T-shirt are best. A baseball cap, visor, or sunglasses are helpful in bright, sunny weather. Old sneakers or shoes that lace-up offer the best foot protection. Flip flops, loose-fitting sandals, “crocs” and bare feet are not permitted. Snug fitting sandals (like Tevas) that attach firmly at the toe and heel are acceptable, but don’t offer the same foot protection against sharp rocks as old sneakers do. Wet suit booties are available in our rental shop. In cooler conditions, a wool sweater or windbreaker is ideal. In cool or cold conditions DO NOT wear cotton, either on its own, or under a wet suit or windbreaker. Wet suits and waterproof paddling gear can be rented at the rafting center. (Rental fee is $20 for full wet suit package; or $6 for jacket; $6 for pants; $5 for booties and $3 for mittens.) Cotton, when wet, loses all insulation value and will make you colder, not warmer.
What can we bring in the raft? In the raft, bring as little as possible. The Troop will provide lunch. If there is medication you might require, keep it with you on the river. Towels, dry clothes, valuables, and other than waterproof cameras should be left at camp. Scouts should see me about locking items up while out on the river.
Please Do Not Bring the following:
• No Alcohol/drugs (Never allowed in scouting. Not allowed on the river or in WWC camping areas)
• No smoking in the campsite. Use designated areas as identified by the WWC campground.
• No Ice chests in rafts. These take up too much room and can pose a hazard in rough water
• No hooded rain suits/ponchos in the rafts (these are unsafe for use in moving water)
• No bare feet, loose sandals, “crocs” or flip-flops (unsafe on the river)
• No cotton clothing in cold weather (makes you colder when wet; use polypropylene or wool)
• No expensive cameras (unless waterproof)
• No Jewelry, valuables – they are irreplaceable if lost in the river.
• No Wallets on the river. Lock them in your car.
• No Keys on the river. The outfitter has a key board in the office.
•No Pets (Never allowed in scouting. Not allowed on the river or in the campground)
Preparedness for the trip
All attendees are required to have passed the BSA “Swimmer” Test within the past 12 months. So, if you have been to summer camp and have completed the swim test, then you are covered. If not, you will need to arrange to have the BSA swim test completed. The swimmer must complete the following:
– Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth.
– Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes:
- sidestroke,
- breaststroke,
- trudgen, or
- crawl;
– then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke.
– The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn.
– After completing the swim, rest by floating.
All attendees should be familiar with BSA Safety Afloat. Visit this link to learn more: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Aquatics/safety-afloat.aspx
Saratoga National Historic Park- Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9, 2014
Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9, 2014
Trip to Saratoga National Historic Park
http://www.nps.gov/sara/index.htm
http://www.ogs.ny.gov/esp/ct/tours/Capitol.asp
REGISTRATION DEADLINE SUNDAY Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Click here for payment page
Click here for sign up form
ACTIVITIES
We will travel to the Albany, NY area on Friday morning. On arrival, we will tour the State Capitol and have an opportunity to visit the Corning Tower in Empire State Plaza and the State museum. We have a tour booked for 12:00. Bring a bag lunch for after the tour. Backpacks will slow you down because you will have to go through security in all buildings, so we will leave them in the trailer. No pocket knives or knives of any kind are allowed and any found will be confiscated by security. Please leave them in the car and NOT in your backpack if you bring one for the trip.
In the afternoon, we will continue on to Saratoga and establish our campsite on the historic Saratoga Battlefield. We’re expecting crisp weather, so our fall weather camping skills will have to be tack sharp to ensure a comfortable trip. On Saturday, we will hike 8 miles on the historic trail, steeping ourselves in the rich history of the site. Late in the afternoon, we will take part in a service project, leaving our small mark on this important site. Sunday morning, we’ll visit some other sites in the area, and head home after lunch. This promises to be a fun trip!
SCHEDULE
Friday morning, we’ll depart OLPH just about 8 AM for the drive to Saratoga National Park and surrounding area. Departing no later than 10 AM Sunday, we should arrive home between 12 Noon to be picked up at OLPH.
CAMPSITE
We’ll have a campsite at the Historic Saratoga Battlefield Park. There are port-a-pots available and it will be cold. Prepare for winter camping. See the Troop’s website for tips on COLD WEATHER COMFORT & SAFETY under “Information Files.”
http://www.troop49oakland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Cold-Weather-Comfort-and-Safety.pdf
FOOD
If you need to cook one or more meals for advancement, this is your opportunity to step up and make it happen! We need a snack and dinner Friday evening, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and a grab and go breakfast Sunday for the troop!
GEAR
We will be outside for the weekend. Dress in layers for warming days and cool nights. We will be tenting on the ground – no lean-to structures. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather. See reference above.
COST
$ 25.00 which includes camping, and food.
RSVP
Payment due to Mr. Peter Foley by Wed 11/5/14.
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2014 Wreath Sale
Here is your BIG fundraiser of the year, with 40% of your sales going right into your scout account!
5 scouts last year each sold over $825, and earned enough money to go to summer camp for free!
Print the forms from the links below if you did not pick them up at the meeting.
Scout Instructions (Microsoft Word)
Wreath and Roping Flyer (PDF)
Tally Sheet (Microsoft Excel file – right click the link, and “Save Target As” to your local computer before opening)
Wreath and Roping Orders sheet (Microsoft Excel file – right click the link, and “Save Target As” to your local computer before opening)
Critical dates:
Now through Nov. 20 – Go out and sell now! Don’t wait. Don’t forget friends and relatives.
Thurs. Nov. 20 – Turn in copy of your Order Form or Tally Sheet at meeting.
Nov. 21-23 – Sell some more if you can, and email or call-in any add-ons by 6 PM on Sun. Nov. 24.
Tues. Nov. 25 – Wreath decorating, and pickup.
Last Fling Pumpkin Sling at Pocono Raceway, October 17-18, 2014
Links to sign up:
Link to Registration Form
Link to Payment Page
REGISTRATION DEADLINE Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Program Event Site: http://www.pumpkinsling.com/
Click for 2013 Photos
ACTIVITIES
Along with other teams from schools, communities, scout troops, and others, we will participate in a pumpkin throwing event! In a country fair atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to help fellow scouts prepare our trebuchet, make modifications to improve its performance, and ultimately deliver our best 3 throws in the friendly competition. We’ll get a close look at Sir Chunks A lot, world-class competitor in the national competition held in Delaware.
SCHEDULE
Friday evening, we’ll depart OLPH just after 6 PM for the drive to the Pocono Raceway site in Pennsylvania. We’ll have a sandwich in the car, or before arriving at OLPH. Once there, we’ll establish our campsite and get to work on the trebuchet. We’ll have a heavy snack in the evening, and get a good night’s sleep.
Saturday, we’ll have breakfast and be on the firing line by 9 AM, with first shots taking place at 9:00 AM. Events continue throughout the day, with third and final round of shooting beginning at 3 PM. Around 5 PM, we’ll break down and pack our gear. Departing around 6 PM, we should arrive home between 8 and 9 PM Saturday evening.
CAMPSITE
We’ll have a campsite on the property of Pocono Raceway (NOT inside the stadium/track). Should be very cool!
FOOD
If you need to cook one or more meals for advancement, this is your opportunity to step up and make it happen! We need snack Friday, breakfast, lunch, dinner Saturday for the troop!
GEAR
We will be outside for the weekend. Dress in layers for warming days and cool nights. We will be tenting on the ground. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather. We have a lovely campsite, but it requires a short walk to access. As this will be a short trip, bring only the equipment which you require.
COST
$ 20.00 which includes camping, admission, and food.
RSVP
Payment due to Mr. Peter Foley by Thursday, October 16, 2014.
Campout to Floyd Bennett Field, NY on Sept 27-28
REGISTRATION DEADLINE THURSDAY 09/25/2014
Sign up Form – Click Here
Payment Form – Click Here
More info about the park: http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/flbe.html
ACTIVITIES
We will be exploring the old airfield, canoeing on Jamaica bay, touring the historic aircraft restoration project and maybe getting in a bicycle ride! This is a site we’ve never visited, so come and be part of the first group to explore!
SCHEDULE
Saturday morning: arrive at OLPH at 6:50 for a 7:00 AM departure having eaten breakfast, or bring a brown bag dinner with you. Saturday, we will cook lunch and dinner in camp. Sunday morning, we’ll have breakfast, perhaps have a ride or a paddle, pack up, and head for home targeting a noon arrival or earlier into Oakland.
CAMPSITE
We have 4 campsites for the weekend right on the old airstrip. Should be very cool!
FOOD
If you need to cook one or more meals for advancement, this is your opportunity to step up and make it happen! We need lunch, dinner, and breakfast for the troop!
GEAR
We will be outside for the weekend. Dress for in layers for warming days and cool nights. We will be tenting on the ground. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather. We have a lovely campsite, but it requires a short walk to access. As this will be a short trip, bring only the equipment which you require. A backpack is strongly encouraged.
COST
$ 20.00 which includes camp reservations, and food.
RSVP
Payment due to Mr. Peter Foley by Friday, September 26.
Order of the Arrow Qualification
Scouts, as you make choices about which trips you attend, you should be aware that your time camping with the troop does affect OA election eligibility.
In order to be placed on the ballot for election to the Order of the Arrow, there are established requirements. Specifically, after registration with a troop or team, a scout must have experienced 15 days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the two-year period prior to the election. The 15 days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps.
Youth must be under the age of 21, hold the BSA First Class rank or higher, and following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity team Coach, be elected by the youth members of their troop or team.
OA Elections are held annually in the February to May timeframe. Following every trip our troop takes, the leader provides a report to Mrs. Norton, the Troop Advancement Chair, and she records information such as duration and location of the trip, attendees, whether it was tent or cabin camping, and whether scouts earned the Firem’n Chit or Tot’n Chip. The Troop’s official records, as maintained by Mrs. Norton, are used by the BSA for advancement purposes, as well as for things like OA election qualification.
Summer Camp at Turrell – 2014
Dates to remember:
March 15 – Campership applications due to NNJ Council
April 1 – Registration opens on website for merit badge signups
April 15 – Early bird deadline (fees go up $50.00 after this date!)
July 27 – August 2nd – Summer Camp!!!
Links:
Click here to Register
Click here for Payment Page
Camp Fees:
Important Note: Do not make payments directly to the Northern New Jersey Council; All Payments will be handled through Troop 49 to reduce additional accounting work on both sides. As such, while the early bird deadline for the Council is April 15, in order for the troop to get payments to Council by that date, we need for our scouts to make payments to the Troop by no later than April 10.
Through our fundraising efforts, Troop 49 is able to give each scout a $30 credit for use for one NNJC Summer Camp weeks at either Floodwood or Turrell.
Full price
Less $30 troop subsidy
$375
$345
$425
$395
Bottom line – If you’re not going to Floodwood, and you pay by April 8, the cost is $345.
Camp Information:
As we get closer to camp time, information including the 2014 Summer Camp Leader’s Guide, Medical forms and Merit Badge class signups will be posted on the Northern New Jersey Council Website at: www.nnjbsa-turrell.org
Merit Badge Class registration – When the form to register for merit badges goes on line, each scout attending camp must go through and sign up for classes during each session of the day. Please make sure that when you go through this process, you select the correct camp week that we will be there:
Session 4 (Week 4) July 27 to August 2
Questions?:
If you have any other questions, contact Mr. Tendai Richards at tendai@optonline.net.
Glen Gray Merit Badge Fair Weekend – Mahwah, NJ – 5/16/14-5/17/14
Friday, May 16, to Saturday, May 17, 2014
Glen Gray Merit Badge Fair Weekend – Camp Glen Gray, Mahwah NJ
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Event Signups are Closed. This information is to register for camping.
Click here for payment page
Click here for sign up form
ACTIVITIES
Younger scouts who are attending and did not complete the Tot’in Chit or Fireman Card are more than welcome to complete them either Friday night. Otherwise it is AM Merit badge Class and then PM Merit badge. Your Merit Badge counselors will be getting in touch with you shortly. If you have signed up and made the commitment, please make all efforts to keep it, otherwise notify me ASAP, since there is a waiting line for other scouts. After the fair is over, we will leave around 4:30 PM.
CAMPSITE
The troop has reserved Dormanville and Beaverville for the weekend.
COST
$ 20.00 which includes camp reservations, and food.
GEAR
We will be outside for the weekend. Dress for in layers for warming days and cool nights. We are tenting in lean-to’s, however there may not be enough, so tenting on the ground will be the other option. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather. We have the same Campsites. Dormanville and Beaverville, which are great campsites, but it requires a bit of a hike to get in. Bring only the equipment which you require. A backpack is strongly encouraged.
COOKING/FOOD
Friday night: arrive having eaten dinner, or bring a brown bag dinner with you. We will have a snack late in the evening. Saturday, we will cook breakfast and lunch.
RSVP
Payment due to Mr. Leymeister by May 2, 2014.
GettysBurg National Park April 4-7, 2014
Click Here For Payment Page
Click Here For Sign up Form
April 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th
Gettysburg National Park, Eisenhower Farm/Estate, Harley Davidson Factory
1195 Baltimore Pike
Gettysburg, PA 17325
RSVP: March 25, 2014
Activity:
Scouts/Adults have the option of doing the various hikes offered to earn patches and the medal.
NOTE: Siblings/Families are invited. There are hotels right near the campsite if preferred.
The hikes are not mandatory for all and many of the “points of interest” on the hikes are accessible by car, so that is an option for families. Siblings/Families do not have to participate in the hikes, but are welcome to. Be advised the pace of the troop may exceed that of siblings/families, so it may be necessary to split into separate groups.
Nearby Hotels:
Hilton Garden Inn 1-866-460-7440
Hampton Inn 1-866-460-7440
American Best 717-334-1188
1863 Inn of Gettysburg 717-334-6211
Colton 717-334-5514
Quality Inn 717-334-3141
=Trail guides and patch info=
http://newbirthoffreedom.org/gettysburg-heritage-trails-program/
The National Park Service and the New Birth of Freedom Council have published a trail guide for each of these five trails and tours.
Patches/Medals that can be earned:
Itinerary (To be updated – times/days of hikes may change) Note: Since this Trip is about two Armies we will keep track of time as the military did. First time is EST and second is Military (after 12:noon just add 12 onto the EST time to get the military time.)
Friday:
5:00 PM or 17:00 Meet at OLPH
5:15 PM or 17:15 Leave OLPH for Artillery Ridge Camping Resort
NOTE: You can also choose to meet the group at Gettysburg
10:15 PM or 22:15 Arrive and Set-Up CAMP
11:00 PM or 13:00 Lights Out
Saturday
7:00AM or 7:00 Reveille and Breakfast
TBD National Park Visitors Center
TBD Johnny Reb Trail – 4 miles – 2.5 hours.
TBD Historic Gettysburg Trail – walking tour through downtown area and imagine what life was like there in 1863. 3 miles – 2-3 hours.
TBD Dinner
11:00 PM or 23:00 Sleep!
Sunday:
07:00 or 7:00 Reveille and Breakfast
TBD Billy Yank Trail – 10 miles – 6 hours. Takes you through the Gettysburg battlefield.
TBD Eisenhower Estate/Farm
TBD Dinner
Activities in and around camp. Explore the camp, work on advancement requirements, exploring camp, playing games, etc.
Saturday/Sunday Night:
Fantastic star gazing if the night sky is clear. Bring binoculars or a telescope if you have one.
Monday Morning:
7:00 AM or 7:00 Breakfast in camp.
9:00 AM or 9:00 Pack up and depart for Harley Davidson Tour (children under 12 are not allowed on the tour)
11:00AM or 11:00 Depart for Home Optional stop ( At drivers’ discretion) : Cabela’s- Hamburg, PA.
TBD Eisenhower Estate if not done on Sunday
Bring:
NOTE: Refer to Pathfinder website for cold weather tips
https://www.thepathfinders.org/Pathfinders/coldweather.htm
Cost: Estimated to be around $55 to 50 for adults, $50 per scout sibling NOTE: A Scout subsidy request will be presented to the Troop Committee. Will be completed on Tuesday March 8th
Car Pools:
If someone else is driving your son on this trip, please consider providing them with a fair stipend for gas, etc.
Cooking/Food:
Siblings: Siblings welcome. An adult must be with a non-Scout sibling at all times. Siblings/Families do not have to participate in the hikes, but are certainly welcome to.
References:
National Park Site http://www.nps.gov/gett
White Water Rafting – Lehigh June 6-8
Click here for Signup Form
Click here for Payment Page
Click here for the 5/1/2014 Troop Meeting Presentation
Whitewater Rafting on the Lehigh River is always a troop favorite. We will take part in a Dam Release Weekend on the Lehigh through the Whitewater Challengers Outfitter & Campground.
Dates – Depart 5:30 PM on Friday, June 6 from OLPH Lower Parking Lot. Return home by noon on Sunday, June 8.
Campground Location/GPS address: Whitewater Challengers – 288 North Stagecoach Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255. Latitude 40.9844, Longitude -75.7864
Directions: From Oakland, take I-287 south to I-80 west. Cross the Delaware River (toll) and continue on I-80 west to exit 273 in Pennsylvania. Go west on Route 940 for 1/2 mile. Turn left onto Lehigh Gorge Drive. Go 4.8 miles and turn right onto Buck Mountain Road. Go 1 mile to first intersection. Turn right again onto North Stagecoach Road. Go 300 yards to the entrance on the right.
Siblings – Siblings aged 9+, with height of 44”+ are welcome WITH a parent. Siblings must pay the “adult” rate.
Food – since the focus is on rafting, we will be utilizing the dining facility for Saturday Breakfast, Dinner and Sunday Breakfast. Friday night snacks and a bag lunch for Saturday will be prepared prior to our departure.
FORMS REQUIRED
BSA Health form – Please make sure you have a CURRENT health form on file with the troop.
Whitewater Challenger Waiver – This form is required by the outfitter of all participants. Please provide the form to Rob Dente. Link to form: http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/documents/LehighWaiverForm.pdf
OTHER PLANNING AND PREPARATION ITEMS
Weather: Always check the weather prior to camping. The temperature forecast for this weekend is as low as 53 degrees at this time, and cloudy with a chance of rain. Please bring adequate rain gear, etc. The trips on the River run Rain or Shine!!!
Advancement – We will have lots of opportunity for scouts to learn and review advancement requirements. Please bring along your Scout Handbook and work with your Patrol Leader and other Troop Guides/Instructors.
Rafting Safety Video – The Whitewater Challengers Outfitter offers a safety video on their website. The video is less than 6 minutes in length. Take a moment to watch this with those attending the trip to remind and re-emphasize the importance of safety on the trip: http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/lehigh/lehigh-safety.asp
What to Pack/bring – Always refer to the Boy Scout Handbook for information on what to pack on campouts. Here is a list that is a bit more customized for our trip this weekend.
__Class A Uniform: Scouts are to travel in their CLASS A uniform: Scout Pants or shorts, Shirt & Troop Neckerchief. Uniforms are required for Saturday Dinner and Sunday Breakfast. We will take a troop photo just prior to dinner on Saturday night in Class A uniforms.
__Pack in a duffel bag or soft backpack (No frame packs, please, since space in cars may be limited)
__Plastic hanger to hang your scout uniform up when you are not wearing it
__Old sneakers (NOT flip flops, loose-fitting sandals, “crocs,” and bare feet – these are not permitted)
__Bathing suit
__2 Full changes of clothes
__Dry shoes/boots/sneakers (for after the trip)
__Eyeglass straps
__Suntan lotion
__ Cap or visor
__Warm Layer, including wool hat, sweater, socks, gloves for when the temperature drops at night
__Jacket
__ Sleeping Bag 32-40 degree rated at a minimum.
__ Pillow
__Ground Sheet or Foam Pad
__Cot (optional / if space provides)
__Flashlight
__Tent (The troop has a number of tents available if you do not have one)
__BSA Handbook
__Toiletries for showering – After a day of sweating and river water, showers are a MUST!!!
__Flip flops for shower
__ At least 1 towel – 2 is preferred
__Consider money for the following items:
Wet Suit (optional/weather permitting) – approx. $25 for full suit
Souvenir Photos – Each raft is photographed. You may wish to purchase yours.
Trading post – There is a popular snack bar with hot dogs, snacks and soft serve ice cream.
Zip Line – The facility operates a zip line on site, which is an extra cost.
See the outfitter website at http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/lehigh/lehigh-whitewater.asp for more info and current prices of optional activities, etc.
What do we wear in the raft? In warmer weather, a swim suit or shorts and T-shirt are best. A baseball cap, visor, or sunglasses are helpful in bright, sunny weather. Old sneakers or shoes that lace-up offer the best foot protection. Flip flops, loose-fitting sandals, “crocs” and bare feet are not permitted. Snug fitting sandals (like Tevas) that attach firmly at the toe and heel are acceptable, but don’t offer the same foot protection against sharp rocks as old sneakers do. Wet suit booties are available in our rental shop. In cooler conditions, a wool sweater or windbreaker is ideal. In cool or cold conditions DO NOT wear cotton, either on its own, or under a wet suit or windbreaker. Wet suits and waterproof paddling gear can be rented at the rafting center. (Rental fee is $20 for full wet suit package; or $6 for jacket; $6 for pants; $5 for booties and $3 for mittens.) Cotton, when wet, loses all insulation value and will make you colder, not warmer.
What can we bring in the raft? In the raft, bring as little as possible. The Troop will provide lunch. If there is medication you might require, keep it with you on the river. Towels, dry clothes, valuables, and other than waterproof cameras should be left at camp. Scouts should see me about locking items up while out on the river.
Please Do Not Bring the following:
• No Alcohol/drugs (Never allowed in scouting. Not allowed on the river or in WWC camping areas)
• No smoking in the campsite. Use designated areas as identified by the WWC campground.
• No Ice chests in rafts. These take up too much room and can pose a hazard in rough water
• No hooded rain suits/ponchos in the rafts (these are unsafe for use in moving water)
• No bare feet, loose sandals, “crocs” or flip-flops (unsafe on the river)
• No cotton clothing in cold weather (makes you colder when wet; use polypropylene or wool)
• No expensive cameras (unless waterproof)
• No Jewelry, valuables – they are irreplaceable if lost in the river.
• No Wallets on the river. Lock them in your car.
• No Keys on the river. The outfitter has a key board in the office.
•No Pets (Never allowed in scouting. Not allowed on the river or in the campground)
Preparedness for the trip
All attendees are required to have passed the BSA “Swimmer” Test within the past 12 months. So, if you have been to summer camp and have completed the swim test, then you are covered. If not, you will need to arrange to have the BSA swim test completed. The swimmer must complete the following:
– Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth.
– Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes:
– then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke.
– The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn.
– After completing the swim, rest by floating.
All attendees should be familiar with BSA Safety Afloat. Visit this link to learn more: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Aquatics/safety-afloat.aspx
New Scout Weekend- Glen Gray, Mahwah – March 28-30
Glen Gray New Scout Weekend – Camp Glen Gray, Mahwah NJ
Click here for sign up form
Click here for payment page
REGISTRATION DEADLINE SUNDAY 03/23/2013
ACTIVITIES
There are three main objectives for the weekend.
Get some camping and tenting in for new scouts to promote advancement
Refine our outdoor navigation skills on any one of several orienteering courses at Glen Gray. This is a requirement for First Class, and for the Orienteering Merit Badge. Courses run from simple 1.6 mile courses to 6.0 mile courses requiring 4-6 hours to complete.
Participate in the new scout program, both as “givers” and “takers”. In the list below, we will be teaching the knot station.
New scouts will have the opportunity to visit stations to accomplish the following:
1. Totin’ chip
2. Firem’n Chit
3. Leave No Trace
4. Poisonous Plants-#11*
5. Physical Fitness-#10*, or,
6. Ropes-#4*a, b, c, or,
7. Flag Etiquette-#6*+Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan-#7*, or
8. First Aid-for chocking, bruises/cuts/scrapes/blisters/burns or,
9. First Aid for stings/snakebites/nosebleed/frost bite/sunburn.
* indicates Tenderfoot requirement from the Boy Scout Handbook
CAMPSITE
The troop has reserved Benedict Lodge for the weekend. We can accommodate 24 scouts inside, with some tenting outside. Given our hearty winter, priority for cabin bunks will be given to younger and less experienced scouts; tenting outside may be granted to less experienced scouts based on prevailing weather conditions!
Click below to enlarge the map.
COST
$ 25.00 which includes camp reservations, and food.
GEAR
We will be outside for the weekend. Dress for in layers for warming days and cool nights. For those sleeping outside, we will be tenting either on the ground or on platforms, depending on what is available. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather. We have a lovely campsite, but it requires a bit of a hike to get in. Bring only the equipment which you require. A backpack is strongly encouraged.
COOKING/FOOD
Friday night: arrive having eaten dinner, or bring a brown bag dinner with you. We will have a snack late in the evening. Saturday, we will cook breakfast and lunch, and have dinner in camp. Sunday morning, we’ll have breakfast, pack up, and head for home. If you need to cook one or more meals for advancement, this is your opportunity to step up and make it happen!
RSVP
Payment due to Mr. Peter Foley by THURSDAY, MARCH 27.