Use this category to add news to the Troop blog. News can be a collection of announcements, live updates (photos, videos, etc.) on outings, or any information that pertains to the entire Troop.
www.bsatroop287.org
Troop,
There was an issue for the last couple of weeks where posts I was making were not being sent as emails. Please take a few minutes to visit the Troop website (link above) and review the posts you may have missed. I think the last post that went out was on 5 April. There is a lot of information to be had since then (camping this weekend, Merit Badges at Camp, and Committee Member requests).
Dan
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AADA829A7FE3-committee
Troop, I was notified there is an issue with the posts being published and the above link being broken. I am working the issue posting issue. The link above should be good to go now, but if it isn’t, let me know!
Dan
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AADA829A7FE3-court1
Troop,
It has been quite a while since we have had a COH. Since February 2020 as a matter of fact. So, this next COH will cover 15 months of stuff. RSVP with all those attending (Family and whomever you want there) at the link above.
The COH will be held on May 11. Our start time for set up is 5:30pm, with a dinner time of 6pm. Then we will have a viewing of a Scout put together slide show for a couple minutes, then the award ceremony portion.
Food will be catered by Bird Dog BBQ and is open to all family members whom you would like to see you receive what you have earned.
More to follow on this subject as we get closer.
Dan
Parents, we are still looking to fill some slots in the Committee and have some folks take over a couple of positions.
Here is a sign up Genius that lays a brief overview of each position:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AADA829A7FE3-committee
If you have any direct questions, I can do my best to answer them, or you can go direct with the person in that position, or coordinate with Lisa (she knows a lot of stuff about the committee positions).
Dan
Troop,
It has been a couple of years since we created the current patrol names and stuff, and now the current Scout Leaders (as has been discussed) will be renaming the patrols, and possibly shifting members around.
This week’s meeting will be focused on the Patrol re-naming, but first, we will be finalizing the camping trip route and possible stopping points. We will likely hike out a couple miles, camp, continue the hike to the crash site and start our trek back Saturday night to a point close, but not too close to the end point to find a campsite. It is a pretty short and relaxing hike, so think we will have plenty of time to cover a lot of stuff, if desired (SM conferences, rank requirements, etc.)
Here is the sign up link for the camping this weekend (let me know if you need a hammock or other gear):
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4aada829a7fe3-harrison
COVID Update: The State decided last week to allow counties to make decisions for COVID restrictions. As of right now, there have not been any changes, but that does not mean there wont be any between now and this weekend’s campout. I will check the council website (which your Scout leadership should do as well) on a daily basis to see if anything changes. I will also be in contact with council to see if there are any updates which have not been published.
Anyway, I will make another post after final decisions are made at this week’s meeting about the camping.
Dan
Troop,
Here is the stuff you guys talked about last night. The route will be published next week as we get closer and the stops are decided upon at our next meeting. However, if you are interested, the route is available on AllTrails: Harrison Plane Crash.
Packing List:
Clothing:
Gear:
Troop,
The PLC asked me to post this information in preparation for tomorrow night’s Campout prep meeting. Links are at the bottom of this post.
Remember, you will be discussing your clothing and gear, as well as deciding on the menu for the weekend. Make sure if you are coming on the trip (NEXT WEEKEND 23-25 APR), you LET ME KNOW if you NEED a hammock. We are sleeping in individual tents/hammocks per covid rules. I have a few extras you can use. And sign up on the signup genius that I posted over the weekend.
Although the Scouts will create a meal plan as a troop, we are still in the “Yellow” status for meetings and all that, which means no “family style” eating or food preparation. If you need the rank requirement for advancement for planning and purchasing the meals, make sure you write all that stuff down, create the budget (we usually do $8-12/Scout/weekend campout), and then go shopping (stay on budget) and bring all that documentation to the next meeting so you can get credit for it.
Also, just a reminder for you in Leadership and those who want to be in Leadership positions, our website has a bunch of good information and links at your disposal under the “Scout Corner” tab at the top of the screen. Make sure you check it out. The resources there are for you as Scouts and as Scout Leaders. Remember that we (adult leaders) are there to help you along, not do all this for you. So, i encourage you to take a break from Youtube, Discord, or Minecraft and check out YOUR website!
See you guys tomorrow night.
Dan
Troop, we are shifting our schedule a bit to allow for more time for campout prep.
This week is campout prep, older Scouts will be conducting a layout of younger Scouts backpacking gear (so, if you plan on camping this month, bring your gear!). As always, we will be discussing what and how to wear the proper gear, what to bring to sleep in, and how to stay comfortable (warm or cool) on these hikes.
Also, the Scouts will be selecting the meal plan, which will require at least one Scout to purchase the food and bring it to the campout. Depending on how many attend the campout, we may have a second “camp cook”.
The link to the signup is below, so If you would like to attend this hammock style camping trip to a pretty cool historical site, go ahead and sign up! Below the sign up are a few details which will be explained further as we get closer to the campout.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AADA829A7FE3-harrison
Who: Troop 287
What: Hammock Camping
Where: Harrison Plane Crash/Ice Cave Trail-Palmer Lake, CO
When: 5pm (adjustable to accommodate), 23 April through 10:00 25 April.
How: By hiking! That’s how!
Our plan will be to meet up in Palmer Lake near the trail head (details coming later) no later than 5pm Friday, 23 April. We will step off no later than 5:15pm, and hike in until we find a good place to set up camp. On Saturday, we will continue our hike to the crash site, and stay the night near there, or on the way back. We will return to our starting point by Sunday morning at 10:00am.
Additional details and finalization of those details will be made at our meeting on 13 April. This will include meal planning, route (already done through All Trails), hike leaders and all that stuff. Times are adjustable to accommodate adult schedules and stuff like that.
Let me know if you have any comments, concerns, or questions.
Dan
Troop, just a quick reminder that this week’s meeting is the first meeting of the month and we will have a uniform inspection. Class A uniform with all the chest candy you’ve got!
Dan
Troop,
This week we will focus on planning what we are going to be doing for the remainder of this year. I know we have done this during covid, but we need to re-hash it so we (us adults) can plan against what you Scouts would like to do.
Bring your ideas pertaining to outings, merit badges, and game nights. As far as it goes, we need to decide on what kind of events we want to do. The adults will figure out a best time to plan what you guys want to do. Just really need to fill in the blanks below (plus merit badges).
April: Hike campout from Palmer Lake to a plane crash site for hammock camping.
May:
June: Summer Camp at Camp Cris Dobbins
July:
August:
September: 14er usually
October:
November: No Campout due to Thanksgiving and Columbus Holidays (Day hike or bike ride?)
December: Lock-In
Dan
Troop,
Welcome back from your well deserved Spring Break!
Now, we need to get back into it!
In March we had 1: Rank ADV; 2: Camp Planning; 3: Game Night (Spring Break); and now we need to round out our month with some Merit Badge work.
We do not have a badge planned for this week, so we will try and finish up a few outstanding merit badge items.
Mr Petree has Indian Lore, if you all remember that one! I can finish up (if you bring in your work) some Emergency Preparation, some Crime Prevention items. If there is a Merit Badge you would like to start (as an individual or a Troop-PLC) let me know and we will get it going next month.
April will look something like this:
1: Rank ADV
2: Merit Badge
3: Camp Prep – 5W’s still to come. (also this may be rearranged depending on adult supervision availability and weekend planning)
4: Game Night
Also, PLC will need to come up with a plan for camping in April and some merit badges to throw on the calendar. I know we did this in the before times, but now we need to rehash it and get it going.
Lastly, on Wednesday night, Pack 166 is having their crossover ceremony. We will be there to receive two Scouts (one has been with us for a couple of months, and the other visited us a couple weeks ago.
Foothills Elementary School at 5:30pm. Class A uniforms, please! Lets get as many of us there as possible. I know I will be there, which means at least one of the PLs will be there!
Talk to you all tomorrow,
Dan
Troop,
Enjoy the break this week and get some Family fun in wherever you may be!
While you are “resting” from Scouting this week, take a moment to think about the Merit Badges you want to complete at camp this summer (if you are attending).
Take a look at the Program guide I sent out a week or two ago (there is a post on the site) and select and rank in order of preference up to 15 merit badges/classes. Please either email th list or write it down and bring it to Scouts next week. I have only two lists, and we will need to get those from you so we can select our choices before they fill up.
See you next week.
Dan
Troop,
As we (mostly) always do the meeting after a campout, we are having a game night. This one is going to be focused on competetive gaming. We will sort it out and have a game system or two to choose from to play a friendly competition.
From your SPL:
Tomorrow night we will be playing Jackbox and other video games for a game night! Please meet in the church at 7:00pm and if you would like to participate, please bring a phone, computer, tablet, or any device that can access an internet browser. We will be required to stay only in the main church area and to maintain social distancing we will use the projectors. See y’all tomorrow. -Mark
I forgot to tell you to bring sleds and winter/snow sport type stuffs.
See you at five!
Troop,
I spent some time down on Fort Carson earlier today and did a site visit to our camp location (map below). After coordinating with the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES), and the Fort Carson Emergency Operations Center (EOC), as well as the Butts Airfield Staff (2miles down the road from our campsite), they all agre the storm is hitting more north than originally thought. The current forecast as of 1245hrs, is 2″ tonight, 5″ tomorrow, and another 1″ on Sunday for Fort Carson.
So, as it stands, we have the required amount of Scouts to have a campout, and will be moving forward with it.
5PM tonight, we will link up at Gate 1 Visitor Center to get vehicle passes. Current, DL, Registration, Insurance required.
Then we will move to our camp location to set up. We will have fun until Sunday around 9am, or whenever you and your family decide to break camp.
If at any time the weather is a safety concern, we will assess and make a determination as to continue outdoor activities. As this is a Family outing, Families can always make the call on their own.
Once you take the left fork in the road, there is a right turn in to the camp area. There are supposed to be four tent platforms, but I only found three. Pick one and set up! I planned to take the area directly to the right as you come into the clearing. These sites are pretty rought and need some tending, but we will make it work.
See you tonight,
Dan
Troop,
Here is a link to the Cris Dobbins Camp Program Guide. Please check it out and on page 10 is a list of merit badges they are offering (also pasted below).
This is what they suggest: select up to 15 merit badges. Prioritize them in the order you want to take them. You will likely get top 5, but we need to have a few back up options in case the classes are full or whatever.
Bring your selections to the next meeting, or email them to me so we can get you registered for the badges you want.
In years past camps have suggested for First Year campers to take the Eagle Bound classes. My recommendation is to take the actual merit badges and not those. We can take care of the Rank requirement stuff within the Troop. Aslo, because MB opportunity is lower due to covid, get these ones while you can sort of thinking.
Here is the list:
Troop,
The weather looks to be pushing a little to the north of Fort Carson, which means the snow isn’t going to hit as hard as we thought it was going to. the current forcast (Thursday morning) is:
I will make contact again with Fort Carson Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to verify the status and all that and make a quick post of the results.
Here is the plan again:
We will meet up at the Gate 1 Visitor Center at 5pm.
I will sponsor everyone onto the installation. Parents please bring DL, Ins, and vehicle registration (all must be current).
After the pass is granted, we can either convoy or go individually to the camp site. If it is early enough, we can head straight down 115 to Gate 6. Enter the gate, and take an immediate right into Camp Carson.
Gate 6 closes at 6pm, so if we dont have the time, we will have to go through the installation. We will make that determination tomorrow night.
Let me know if there are any questions, comments or concerns.
Make sure you sign up!
Dan
Troop, Just want to be clear on the latest on BSA Stance on COVID exposure. Here is the pre-screening form we are required to use by BSA plicy.
Again, this form is required to be filled out (parents can do it) and brought in with the Scout, this will be combined with the event permission slip (linked here: BSA Parent Permission Form (.pdf/488K) from our site).
Dan
Parents:
Here are the details for access to Fort Carson.
Who: All Campers/Parents/etc.
What: Bring Valid DL Insurance, and vehicle registration
When: 5pm Friday, 12 March 2021 (adjustable if needed)
Where: Fort Carson Gate 1 Visitor Center, 6012 Nelson Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80902
Why: To obtain access to Fort Carson for the Weekend Camping trip.
The format is s follows: I will have to sponsor any non-DOD ID card holder onto the installation. We will all link up at gate one, we will go in the visitor center with all your documentation and get vehicle passes. This will grant you access to the post and all that. Once you have your pass, you can head out to the camp site. Either through the post, or Down HWY 115 to Gate 6 (it closes at 6pm on Fridays). No need to wait for everyone, unless you want to.
Weather forecast: They are saying up to a foot in areas of the city this weekend. We may need to adjust our activities! It’ll still be fun!
The Scouts will make the final decision on our trip, with safety input from adult leaders. Just to be clear, if we only get Scouts for this campout, we will have another Family Camp at a later date. Still moving forward with this event though!
The PLC tonight (3/8/21) will throw some ideas around.
Talk to you soon,
Dan
Troop,
We decided to camp at Fort Carson’s Camp Falcon. This is a rustic camp with some fire rings and trees. This will be a family oriented camping trip, open to all Family members. Because this is a family trip, we usually “car camp” and do some hiking and other fun stuff near the campsites. Archery, Sling shots, baggo, pioneering, and stuff like that. Since you all wanted to do some orienteering, we will do that as well. That being said, if you have a family tradition while camping, you are more than welcome to bring it along and teach it to us! Bring your books too, so we can sign off on rank advancement.
Since this is a family camp, Families will be responsible for food items (plus-covid rules apply, so no food sharing between families). We will not host any community meals this time. Which means, no Intra-patrol cooking competition (sad face). However, this does not mean you cannot get credit for rank advancement for the meal planning, budgeting, and purchasing of food. If your family is coming, plan, budget and buy the food that will sustain you and your family for the weekend, then prep that food and eat it. This will earn you the credit for rank advancement (adult leaders will verify with parents this was completed within the requirements).
Go ahead and sign up and we will see you there!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AADA829A7FE3-fort
Directions from the Church (ignore the right turn at Wilderness Rd; turn left onto Fort Carson)-stand-by for change in directions-we may need to go through gate 1 and traverse the entire post to get to where we are going, for now, here are the basic directions (more to follow):
************************************************************************I am working on getting everyone access to the installation for the camping, so please be prepared for additional information. If you have access to the post (military, DOD, etc.), please let me know in your sign up. If you need access, please let me know that as well, I need to get a memo with everyone’s name on it who will be on post to the access control guys as soon as possible. ************************************************************************
Dan
