Troop 287,

Tomorrow’s meeting we will focus on rock climbing in preparation for the March camp out. We will have a slideshow showing our rock climbing adventures over the last two years. Austin will conduct a rock climbing demonstration with the help of Mr. Anderson and/or Axel. If time permits we will conduct rank advancement and/or some more fun games.

**The final sign-up genius for summer camp has been sent out along with a summer camp agreement form. Please sign up again before Friday, 21 February, to confirm you can still attend Camp Buffalo Bill in Wyoming from 7-13 June. Also, complete and sign the agreement and email to Betsy or Mr. Turner or bring a hard copy to our meetings. If you haven’t received either message, please let us know. I will also be bringing hard copy agreement forms to tomorrow’s meeting.**

Upcoming schedule

25 Feb – chemlite hike/snowshoe Ute Valley

4 Mar – Scout rank advancement with Senior Scout mentors

11 Mar – Camp out prep with some climbing games/competitions

14-16 Mar – Rock Climbing Camp out (Canyon City)

18 Mar – Game Night (Bowling)

25 Mar – Spring Break (no meeting)

Mr. Turner

Troop 287,

We had a great response to the summer camp post last week. Camp Buffalo Bill in Wyoming won by a slim margin. Please use the sign up genius below to confirm you will be able to join us at summer camp from 7-13 June. The troop will also be sending out summer camp agreement letters and bringing a stack of them to tomorrow’s meeting for each Scout and adult to sign. Please sign up and get your agreement signed by this Friday so we can reserve out slot!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-55175314-summer

Mr. Turner

Please help us to gauge interest in summer camp this year by filling out this sign up.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-55100360-summer#

Troop,

On Thursday, 13 February Pack 166 will hold a bridging ceremony at St. Michael’s Church, 7400 Tudor Rd from 6:00-7:30 pm. Three Cub Scouts will be bridging over to Troop 287!

Isaac Thesing

Knox Reed

Sawyer Tonge

On Saturday, 15 February Pack 62 will hold a bridging ceremony at Sunrise United Methodist Church, 2655 Briargate Blvd from 4:00-6:00 pm. One Cub Scout will be bridging over to Troop 287!

Eddie Peterson

If you plan to attend, please were your Class A’s. Come out in force and let’s show the Cub Scouts how to represent and welcome our newest members!

Mr. Turner

Troop,

This week some scouts will be conducting classes to teach new scouts and refresh older scouts on some basic scouting skills. Make sure you arrive early to set up if you are one of the scouts presenting.

Knots: Nathan

First Aid: Rudra

Clothing/Packing: Liam

Team Building: Austin

We will also be welcoming Patrick Kundert to the troop. He had his bridging ceremony on Sunday and will be joining us tomorrow. There are two additional bridging ceremonies this week: Thursday 6:00-7:30 pm at St Michaels Church for Isaac Thesing and Saturday 4:00-6:00 pm at Sunrise United Methodist Church for Eddie Peterson. The troop would like to represent at these ceremonies with some younger and older scouts, so if you are available let your leadership know.

Mr. Turner

Troop,

This week for the game night we will be going to Whirlyball!! It is $15 per person. Make sure to arrive a few minutes before 7:00 so we can have a full hour of fun!!!

Address: 3971 Palmer Park Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

2/5: PLC meeting at 7:30 (monthly on-line planning meeting for scout leadership)

2/11: Prep/Class on how to prepare for winter campouts

**Parents interested in sending their Scout to Summer Camp 2025: Start thinking about whether you want to send your Scout to Summer camp. The Troop quickly needs to determine how many Scouts are planning on going along with any parents who are willing to assist at camp. Some options for parents would be for one parent to attend the whole week or have several parents serve a day or two each, along with myself. Some factors to consider are location and dates. The troop voted last year and thought that Camp Buffalo Bill in Wyoming would be fun, but it is about 9 1/2 hours away. We could also do Camp Alexander which is about 1 1/2 hours away. Dates available in June are: weeks 1-3 for Camp A and weeks 2-4 for Camp Buffalo Bill (camp is only 1 week). I believe Buffalo Bill is $525 and Camp A is $450. The troop previously went to Camp A in 2023. You can text me directly if your Scout wants to attend, which camp, which dates are best, and if you are available to help.

Mr. Turner (614-562-7286)

Below is a spreadsheet of everyone that is going ice climbing along with arrival date and transportation. For those that are departing on Friday, we will meet at the barn at 6:00 pm.

Mr. Turner

All, 

A couple extra notes; 

– Ice climbing boots will be provided by Camp A.

– bring ski goggles if you have them. You can wear them while climbing to keep ice out of your eyes. Sun glasses also work. 

– you’ll be really cold belaying, and working really hard climbing, so bring layers you can remove. A puffy coat is really nice to have. 

– you may get wet while climbing. Plan accordingly. 

– we’re sleeping in a nice indoor lodge. Think about bringing board games, etc fit entertainment

Mr. Turner

We will be meeting at the barn on Friday at 5:00 to grab troop gear and carpool to Camp A. Mr. Zsoka, Mr. Turner, and Mr. Anderson will be driving. We should return to the barn on Sunday around 11:00. Also, we are staying in the lower conference room (a large open room) so we should be able to play board games or card games in the evening (bring what you want to play).

Packing List for Campout

Essentials: Backpack, Water bottle, Hygiene essentials, First Aide Kit 

Clothing: Medium gloves, Sunglasses, Snow pants, Thick jacket or ski jacket, Lots of layers and a change of cloths

Sleeping Gear: Sleeping pad, Sleeping bag, Pillow

Activities & Equipment:

Sled (Optional, Remember to bring a helmet if sledding)

Microspikes or Yaktrax for hockey (Optional)

Snowshoes (Optional)

Boots for the crampons for Ice Climbing (Required)

Camping Furniture:

Camping chairs

From Camp A Website:

Ice Climbing Personal Gear List (PLEASE bring these items)

Waterproof pants and jacket appropriate for winter conditions. Please be aware the crampons are sharp and may cut your pants if you are not careful.

Gloves. Tighter-fitting gloves are preferred so that you can grip the Technical Ice Axe as you climb. Waterproof gloves work the best, and you may need to bring two sets.

Sunglasses or ski goggles. Depending on weather conditions, goggles may be necessary to stay warm and continue climbing.

Wool or fleece hat to wear under the helmet to stay warm as you climb.

All other winter clothing, you will need to stay warm.

Also, if you are planning to complete the Sustainability Merit Badge – here is the final requirement:

8a. On a campout or other outdoor Scouting activity that you attend, make notes on the sustainability practices you and your fellow Scouts practice. Observe transportation, forestry, soil conservation, water resources, habitat, buildings, campsites, and sanitation. Share what you observed and learned with your counselor.

Mr. Hatch recommended you write out your notes and either email or turn them in to him for review/discussion.

Mr. Turner

Troop, 

This week, we will be doing meal preparation and other prep for the ice climbing campout this weekend at Camp Alexander.

Here is the sign up genius if you haven’t signed up already

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-53926155-cabins#

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

1/31-2/2: Ice Climbing Campout

2/4: Game Night: WhirlyBall at Colorado Springs, 3871 Palmer Park Blvd; $15.00 per person. 7:00 pm start time, arrive a few minutes early so we can have a full hour of fun!

2/5: PLC on-line meeting at 7:30

2/11: Scout led classes on how to prepare for winter campouts

Mr. Turner

Troop, 

This week, some new scouts will visit our troop to explore it. We’ll set up a few stations run by some scouts to show what we do here. These include a tent station, a ropes station, an ice/rock climbing station, a first aid station, a skit involving four to six scouts, and a slideshow at the end.

Make sure to be in Class A uniform and arrive early to set up your stations – be prepared to talk/demonstrate for about 15 minutes. Also, bring lots of knives, axes, saws, etc for the TSA skit.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

1/28: Meal planning and prep for the Ice Climbing Campout

1/31-2/3: Ice Climbing/Cabins Campout 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-53926155-cabins#

2/4: Game Night: WhirleyBall at Colorado Springs, 3871 Palmer Park Blvd; $15.00 per person, 7:00-8:00 pm.

2/11: Prep/Class on how to prepare for winter campouts

Mr. Turner

TITLE: 1/21 Troop MeetingTITLE: 1/21 Troop Meeting

Troop, 

This week, some new scouts will visit our troop to explore it. We’ll set up a few stations run by some scouts to show what we do here. These include a tent station, a ropes station, an ice/rock climbing station, a first aid station, a skit involving four to six scouts, and a slideshow at the end.

Make sure to be in Class A uniform!

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

1/28: Meal planning and prep for the Ice Climbing Campout

1/31-2/3: Ice Climbing Campout 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-53926155-cabins#

2/4: Game Night: WhirleyBall at Colorado Springs, 3871 Palmer Park Blvd; $15.00 per person

2/11: Prep/Class on how to prepare for winter campouts

Troop, 

This week, some new scouts will visit our troop to explore it. We’ll set up a few stations run by some scouts to show what we do here. These include a tent station, a ropes station, an ice/rock climbing station, a first aid station, a skit involving four to six scouts, and a slideshow at the end.

Make sure to be in Class A uniform!

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

1/28: Meal planning and prep for the Ice Climbing Campout

1/31-2/3: Ice Climbing Campout 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-53926155-cabins#

2/4: Game Night: WhirleyBall at Colorado Springs, 3871 Palmer Park Blvd; $15.00 per person

2/11: Prep/Class on how to prepare for winter campouts

Troop, 

This week, some new scouts will visit our troop to explore it. We’ll set up a few stations run by some scouts to show what we do here. These include a tent station, a ropes station, an ice/rock climbing station, a first aid station, a skit involving four to six scouts, and a slideshow at the end.

Make sure to be in Class A uniform and arrive early to set up your stations – be prepared to talk/demonstrate at your station for about 15 minutes. Also bring lots of knives, axes, saws, etc for the TSA skit.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

1/28: Meal planning and prep for the Ice Climbing Campout

1/31-2/3: Ice Climbing/Cabins Campout 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-53926155-cabins#

2/4: Game Night: WhirleyBall at Colorado Springs, 3871 Palmer Park Blvd; $15.00 per person, 7:00-8:00.

2/11: Prep/Class on how to prepare for winter campouts

Mr. Turner

Troop,

Miles Kunkle’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor is scheduled to be held at the church on Saturday February 22nd, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Please attend to honor this monumental achievement!

Please sign up below
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EADA82FA6FFCF8-54449797-miles

We still have many NON-REFUNDABLE slots for ice climbing on Sat, February 1st. No prior experience needed. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that costs the general public $240 per person, but it’s only $70 for scouts. While the climbing coincides with the weekend cabin trip at Camp A, you do not need to stay for the entire weekend to do ice climbing. You can come up just for climbing on Saturday (3hr slots). We really want to fill the slots with Troop 287 scouts, but we will start giving away our slots this week

On the sign-up you will see separate sign-ups for the cabins (scout & adults) and a sign-up for ice climbing (scouts & adults). If you have any questions please contact Janelle Anderson  (801)518-9659.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-53926155-cabins

Troop, 

This week, we will be watching Raiders of the Lost Ark at the church from 6:30-8:30! Mr. Zsoka and Mr. Petree will be bringing popcorn and soda, but feel free to bring your own snacks if you’d like.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

1/21: Troop Bridging: Some new scouts will visit our troop to explore it. We’ll set up a few stations to show what we do here. These include a tent station, a ropes station, an ice/rock climbing station, a first aid station, a skit involving four to six scouts, and a slideshow at the end.

1/28: Meal planning and prep for the Ice Climbing Campout

1/31-2/3: Ice Climbing Campout 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-53926155-cabins#

2/4: Game Night: WhirlyBall at WhirlyBall Colorado Springs, 3871 Palmer Park Blvd; $15.00/pp

Mr. Turner

Still have a Christmas tree to dispose of? Scout Troop 78 is conducting its 23rd annual Christmas Tree Recycling program! We are once again collecting trees to use for mulch at the USAFA “B-52 Scout Campsite” to help control erosion.
Our remaining collection days are:
Saturday, Jan 11th (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan 12th (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Our drop off locations are:
Eagleview Middle School (1325 Vindicator Dr. – west side)
Progressive Insurance (12710 Voyager Parkway – NE corner)
If you would like to make a reservation for a pick up, please visit our website to complete the “Tree Pickup Reservation Form” at this link:
www.78trees.net

Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated to support our scouts.
Best wishes for a very Happy New Year!
Scouts of Troop 78

Troop 287,
We have some exciting things planned this year, so mark your 2025 calendars! Sign-ups for adult help and interested scouts will be sent out every month. Looking forward to a great year!

Jan 12 — Monarch Ski Day

Jan 31 – 2 Feb — Camp A cabins & Ice climbing
1 Feb – Ice Climbing at Camp A (you are not required to do the weekend campout to do the ice climbing, as long as you have your own transportation to/from Camp A).

Mar 14 -16 — Activity/Location TBD. Ice fishing was proposed.

April 25 – 27 — Fruita, CO (Mountain biking/hiking)

May 16 -18 — Sand Dunes

June 22 – 28 — Summer Camp (Tentative – depending on interest)

July 12 – 24 — Philmont, NM

Aug 22 – 24 — 14er hike – TBD

Sept 19 – 21 — Backpacking TBD

Oct 25 – 26 — Dino Tracks

Nov 14 -16 — USAFA Scout Huts

Dec 12 – 13 — Lock-inTroop

Troop,

I hope you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hopefully it doesn’t snow too much this evening.

Our first meeting of the year will be a potpourri (meet at the church): We will discuss the upcoming ski trip, John will give a class to complete his Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge, some of the scout leaders will complete some planning, and there will also be some time for rank advancement and some games.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

12 January: Troop Ski Trip at Monarch Mountain (make sure you have you gear or rentals and your lift ticket). We will meet at the barn at 0600 and carpool there.

31 Jan – 2 Feb: Our first campout of 2025 – Ice Climbing and cabins at Camp Alexander. Make sure to sign up on the signup genius that was sent out. You do not have to ice climb, but if you decide to it will be $70.00 pp. Other things we have fun doing at the cabins are sledding, snow shoeing, and ice hockey on the lake. Also, if you attended the Sustainability Merit Badge Class with Mr. Hatch, you can use this campout to complete your final requirement.

Sunday, January 12th. Meet at the barn at 0600 and we will caravan to Monarch. Adult drivers and scouts please sign up below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-54225425-monarch

Troop,

Our volunteer opportunity for this week has fallen through, but like any good scout, we are prepared to improvise.

Troop 287 Holiday Gathering and Ugly Sweater contest.

Uniform will be an ugly holiday sweater or comfy pajamas. (Prizes for top 3 ugly sweaters)

Tonight we will enjoy some holiday treats and do some “Patrol team building exercises” … Games (5 Man Snowshoe). We will also go over the adventure plan for next year and give the PLC a little time to prepare for the January and February meetings and outings.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

12/24-12/31: Winter Break

1/7/2025: First meeting of the new year