Dear Troop,

This week we will be focusing on the First Aid. We will review the First Aid merit badge requirements to refresh our skills. This information will be helpful for everyone even if you have no interest in finishing the merit badge. We will be working in small groups using the EDGE method and helping each other. We will include some games too!

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

4/9 Meeting: Climbing in Penitente trip preparation and meal planning. Review Climbing and Cooking Basics

4/12-4/14 Trip: Climbing in Penitente

4/16 Court of Honor: 6:30p – 8:30p Watch for sign-up!

4/23 Game Night (TBD)

-Axel and Rudra

Troop,

Reminder we are not not meeting at the church tonight being we have our game night at Gripstone Climbing Gym.

Please film out a waver in advance and have your registration fee. See previous post for details.

I addition if you have any other climbing gear please bring it or be prepared to rent it. The Anderson’s will be bringing harnesses to share around.

see you all tonight at 6:30pm.

Troop,

We will be going to Gripstone Climbing Gym this week for game night!

Keep in mind that the meeting will start 30 minutes early at 6:30 to have more time to climb.

Make sure you bring $23 so you can have a fun time rock climbing with us! Please fill out a waiver before you arrive.

Here is the link to gym site for all the info you need. 

If you need a ride,  please contact Mrs. Janelle Anderson at (801)518-9659 via text or call. 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Game Night 3/19: Rock Climbing at Gripstone Climbing Gym ($20 -$23 per person, price depends on how many attend)

Spring Break 3/26: NO MEETING

Meeting 4/2: First Aid Rank Advancement + Guest Speaker (Mr. Hatch)

Meeting 4/9: Climbing Penitente Trip preparation and meal planning

Campout 4/12-4/14: Climbing Penitente Trip

4/16 Meeting: Game Night TBD

-Axel and Rudra

BSA Troop 287 voted for Philmont as the high-adventure for the summer of 2025. As such, we secured a reservation for 7/12 – 7/24/2025. We have a crew of 6 committed to this high-adventure opportunity and need 2 more to meet the minimum of 8. The maximum crew size is 12, so we have room to grow.

To recap, this high-adventure trip will cost $1,675 per person plus travel to/from Philmont. There is a financial agreement with payment schedule similar to previous adventure camp agreements.

If your scout is interested and able to commit, please use this SignUp Genius link to register. As the coordinator for this effort, I will schedule regular information and planning meetings.

Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-47987066-philmont

Please review the Philmont Scout Ranch website for more information about the camp itself: https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/

The crew will be led by Jason Holpuch and Shawn Hatch. 

The following Scouts have committed to this adventure:

1. Miles Kunke

2. Alex Winslow

3. Jefferson Holpuch

4. Noah Hatch

Join us! You’ll love it!

Please contact me if you have questions or concerns before registering.

Jean Kunkle

303.887.9881

Troop,

We have meal planning and prepping for the MTB to Fruita trip on the schedule. However, we are watching the weather and may have to change plans depending on the storm coming in this week. 

We will have the Fruita travelers plan for meals and gear.

We will also be doing another rank advancement one one-on-one session. If you have Merit Badges you need to work on, please come prepared with appropriate materials. Mrs. Anderson will be helping with the Cooking MB.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

Meeting 3/12:  MTB trip to Fruita preparation and meal planning

Campout 3/15 – 3/17: MTB trip to Fruita (PENDING)

Game Night 3/19: Rock Climbing at Gripstone Climbing Gym ($20 per person)

Meeting 3/26: TBD – Spring Break

Meeting4/9: Climbing Penitente trip preparation and meal planning

-Axel and Rudra

Troop,MERIT BADGE MADNESS >:D

This week we will be working on the Citizenship In the World merit badge.

If you have that completed, you can work on other merit badges you are doing, so bring any other merit badge work you need to get done!

The rest of the meeting will be a Mini Game Night!

Bring headlamps and wear Class B’s!

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

3/5 Meeting: Citizenship in the World MB or other MB work

3/12 Meeting:  MTB trip to Fruita preparation and meal planning
Haven’t signed up yet??? Do it below now!!!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-46910428-mountain#/

3/15 – 3/17: MTB trip to Fruita

3/19 Meeting: Game Night (Climbing Gym)

3/26 Meeting: First Aid MB + Guest Speaker (Mr. Hatch)

-Axel and Rudra

All,

The March outing is to the world-class Mountain Biking destination of Fruita, Colorado! We will be car camping at the North Fruita Desert BLM Campground. This area has a wide selection of awesome trails from beginner to advanced. You do not need to be an expert rider to come on this trip and have a great time. If you would like to go, but don’t have a bike, please reach out. We may be able to loan you one. Renting is also possible. 

In fact, you don’t have to be a cyclist at all. Everyone is welcome to come and camp/hangout. We will likely do some sightseeing at some point (Colorado National Monument is very close by.)

Details:

Trip Leader: Mr. Anderson

Depart: Friday, March 15 at 4PM (this is about a 5 hour drive in good conditions, so we would like to leave an hour earlier) 

Return: Sunday, March 17 ~ 4PM. We will notify parents when we are about 30 minutes out.

We will stop for a fast food dinner somewhere along the way, and for lunch on the return, so please bring ~$20

Drivers: We need drivers with capacity to carry bikes. If you sign up to drive, please note how many bikes you can carry. 

Gear: If you intend to ride, a working bike, and a helmet are required. Gloves, a hydration pack, portable tool kit and hand pump are highly recommended.

Permission Slips: If you have not filled out a annual permission slip, please make sure you print and fill one out for this outing.

Please inspect your bike prior to the trip. Mr. Anderson will bring an assortment of tools and spare parts, but don’t count on that. BE PREPARED!

Haven’t signed up yet??? Do it below now!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-46910428-mountain#/

Philmont won as the choice for high-adventure camp 2025. 

Troop 287 has a tentative reservation for Philmont 7/12-7/24/2025. This will be a 12-day trek in beautiful New Mexico with the first 3 days led by one of the camp rangers. This high-adventure camp is open to scouts who are at least 13 years old and have graduated 8th grade. In addition, they must be able to carry a backpack weighing up to 50 pounds and be able to hike up to 12 miles daily.

Our tentative reservation is for 1 crew of 12, which includes 3 adults and 9 scouts, 7/12-7/24/2025. (We are on the waiting list for spots in June so that we can have cooler weather, but this was the spot we have for now!) 

The cost for the trek is $1,675 per person, plus incidentals (i.e., food, tshirt, travel to Philmont). A payment plan will be provided in the coming weeks, which will include the incidental fees. Once we have a crew put together, invites will be sent out for planning meetings to work through the other details. For now, we need to secure individual commitments and the reservation.

If you and/or your scout wish to attend this high-adventure, please sign up by 3/14/2024 using the following Signup Genius link. A deposit of $150 will be due by 3/15/2024 along with a commitment form (coming soon) to reserve your spot.

Please use this SignUp Genius to register your scout for Philmont 2025:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-47987066-philmont

Jean Kunkle is the primary contact for this adventure. She may be reached at 303-887-9881 or by email at shekunkle@gmail.com.

This week we will be hosting an open house, campfire, and game night for future Boy Scouts who wish to join this troop! 

Please remember to bring the things you committed to and try and show up early to help set up. I know Mr. Petree will be there around 6:30pm to open the barn.

 Make sure to wear a Class A uniform and to be on your best behavior for the new scouts!

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

2/27 Meeting: Open House

3/5 Meeting: Citizenship in the World MB or other MB work

3/12 Meeting:  MTB trip to Fruita preparation and meal planning

3/15 – 3/17: MTB trip to Fruita

3/19 Meeting: Game Night (Climbing Gym)

-Axel

Hello Troop 287 Arrowmen,

As you may know the National Order of the Arrow Conference is coming up. This may leave you asking a couple of questions, here are some details about the event that may answer them.

What is NOAC? It is the National Order of the Arrow Conference and usually hosts around 8000 Arrowmen from around the country. 

When is it? It is July 29th – August 3rd.

Who can attend? Any Arrowman currently registered with any lodge.

Where is it? It is in Boulder Colorado this year, the closest NOAC will ever be!

How much does it cost? Early registration is $675, and at the gate registration is $1100

How do I register? You will need to contact your lodge leadership and talk to the youth and adult NOAC contingent leaders, or follow the instructions in the below link.

Brian Foulks   brian.foulks@gmail.com   719-332-5987 

Betsy Meikle   meikleb@msn.com           719-573-2632.

https://mycouncil.pathwaytotherockies.org/Event/NOAC?_gl=1*1p89jlg*_ga*MTYyOTQwNjA2MS4xNzA4NTMzNTg4*_ga_9RSGWEBP51*MTcwODUzMzU4Ny4xLjEuMTcwODUzMzU5NS4wLjAuMA..&_ga=2.243144961.2076912934.1708533589-1629406061.1708533588

If you have any more questions feel free to talk to Austin Petree your OA Representative, or visit the website https://oa-bsa.org/program/events/noac/faq

I hope to see you there!

WWW,
Austin Petree
Order of the Arrow Representative

Troop,

We have a plan… June 16-22nd Camp Chris Dobbins just Northeast of Black Forrest. Now we just need to make the arrangements… check it out!

Camp Chris Dobbins Video

Camp Chris Dobbins Website

This camp is close and is a great opportunity to earn many merit badges and make even more memories. Cost will be about $450 per person and that will include all food and lodging.

To do that we need to know who would like to attend. Please check your schedules and sign up below.

Mr. Anderson, and Mr. Huntley have lead the charge, along with other adults who will rotate in.
So far, we have Axel SPL, Alex ASPL, Miles, Mason, Ben and Keagan who have shown interest.

SIGN UP HERE

It’s time for the long awaited Pack 166 2024 Pinewood Derby! This is our most popular event of the year.

Event: Pack 166 Pinewood Derby
Where: St Michaels Episcopal Church – 7400 Tudor Rd (This year we will be in the larger upstairs room at St. Michael’s.)
When: Feb 24, 2024, 9:30am – 11am (UTC-07:00) Mountain Time (US & Canada)

Volunteer: Please see link below to volunteer for Friday and Saturday. We need parents and a few scouts to help with set up/tear down and car check in. (Boy Scouts are also good helpers. share with your local Troop)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094FA4AF2EA3F49-48030667-pinewood

Pinewood Derby Volunteers 2024Pinewood Derby 2024 is Here!!! We need volunteers to help it run smoothly. No experience required. Set up and Tear down, Car Inspection, Race Day Crew and More! Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Adults. Contact me with questions – Adam Thesing 719-963-6933   Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!www.signupgenius.com

Troop,

This week we will be finalizing our plan for our Open House on the 27th. We need to make sure we know what games, activities and supplies we need to have ready. We should  finish the handout too.

We also need to have patrols figure out meal plans for the Camp A Snowshoe Campout this weekend. We can make a gear list so we have sleds,  snowshoes, warm clothes and all the other stuff we need.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

2/20 Meeting

2/23-2/25 Snowshoe Campout

2/27 Open House & Campfire (game night)

3/5 Meeting – Citizenship in the World MB or other MB work

-Axel 

Philmont won as the choice for high-adventure camp 2025. 

Troop 287 has a tentative reservation for Philmont 7/12-7/24/2025. This will be a 12-day trek in beautiful New Mexico with the first 3 days led by one of the camp rangers. This high-adventure camp is open to scouts who are at least 13 years old and have graduated 8th grade. In addition, they must be able to carry a backpack weighing up to 50 pounds and be able to hike up to 12 miles daily.

Our tentative reservation is for 1 crew of 12, which includes 3 adults and 9 scouts, 7/12-7/24/2025. (We are on the waiting list for spots in June so that we can have cooler weather, but this was the spot we have for now!) 

The cost for the trek is $1,675 per person, plus incidentals (i.e., food, tshirt, travel to Philmont). A payment plan will be provided in the coming weeks, which will include the incidental fees. Once we have a crew put together, invites will be sent out for planning meetings to work through the other details. For now, we need to secure individual commitments and the reservation.

If you and/or your scout wish to attend this high-adventure, please sign up by 3/14/2024 using the following Signup Genius link. A deposit of $150 will be due by 3/15/2024 along with a commitment form (coming soon) to reserve your spot.

Please use this SignUp Genius to register your scout for Philmont 2025:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-47987066-philmont

Jean Kunkle is the primary contact for this adventure. She may be reached at 303-887-9881 or by email at shekunkle@gmail.com.

Troop,

Hello! Don’t forget that we are meeting at 7pm at the Fire Department Station #18 (right behind the Walgreens off Flying W & Centennial) to work on our Emergency Preparedness MB requirements. Be sure to wear your uniform and remember that we want to make a great impression on how awesome Troop 287 scouts are.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

– 2/13 Fire Department

– 2/20 Planning (Food Prep) for Snowshoe Campout and finalizing plan for Open House

– 2/23-2/25 Snowshoe Campout at Camp A

– 2/27 Open House and Camp Fire for Webelos (Game Night)

-Axel

Troop,

We are planning to do some rank advancement lessons. We also need to create a pamphlet about Troop 287 that we can send to all the local packs to help us recruit and get Weblos to our Open House on 2/27. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining our troop please tell them to come to the Open House. Please bring a laptop so we can make a pamphlet.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

— 2/13 we will meet at the Fire Department Station #18 (right behind the Walgreens off Flying W and Centennial) to work on our Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge requirements 

— 2/23 – 2/25 Snowshoe Campout

— 2/27 Recruiting Open House & Campfire

– Axel

Troop!

Check your emails for info on ICE CLIMBING this Saturday morning. We only have 8 slots available so grab one quick! This is highly recommended for those planning to go on this summer’s High Adventure Trip.

At the meeting this week, we will be sorting patrol boxes. We will identify missing items and each patrol will learn about what it is their patrol box and where everything goes. This will, in turn, help us be more organized and prepared for our next campout. 

Speaking of our next campout, be sure to sign up for the Snowshoe Campout at Camp A! Last year was a blast and may or may not have included some nighttime sled jumping! Maybe bring a helmet this year!!!!

Oh, and if you want to go to summer camp we need to talk our parents into helping out if even for a few days. Getting some adult support will make this happen. Summer camp is a super fun week so let’s see if we can make it happen?!

Hope to see you there!

-Axel

Troop,

No football this weekend? No Problem…We are going to offer a half-day Ice Climbing outing this weekend on Saturday morning, Feb 3rd. We will meet at the church at 6:30AM and return by 12:00 noon. (Ice climbing requires cold temperatures, so early morning is best.) We will be climbing on Helen Hunt Falls in Cheyenne Canyon.

This activity will be limited to 8 scouts, so sign up immediately if you would like to participate. No gear or prior experience is required.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAD2DA1FCCF8-47545925-iceclimbing

IMPORTANT: Participants need to have Ice Climbing or Mountaineering boots. These can be rented from Mountain Chalet in Colorado Springs for $25. You will need to pick these up Friday night. We have a a few extra pairs of boots in the following sizes that you can borrow (we can swap out, as needed): Men’s Size: 6.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 10.  You can rent a complete ice climbing kit, but this isn’t necessary. We have crampons and ice axes to share. 

15 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903They close at 6pm on Friday night!

Dress as you would for skiing or sledding (water-resistant outer shell, layers underneath.), along with a “puffy coat,” if you have one, to go over the top when you are not climbing.  A very thin hat is best because you’ll be wearing a helmet. Some ice climbers like to wear goggles or clear glasses (not me personally), but this is not required. If you have them, please bring shoe spikes (Yak Trax, etc) for the short hike to the climb, which is slippery. Kids need solid gloves or mittens. We can share, if needed. We will only have 2 climbers climbing at a time. If you have a climbing harness and/or helmet, please bring it, but we have enough to provide for everyone. Adults are welcome if the youth slots are not used up. Parents can come to observe, but will need a helmet (which we can provide). Bring your 10 essentials with a medium-sized pack to help carry gear. Hot chocolate in a thermos is a great idea too.

They are forecasting snow for Saturday morning. If it’s a heavy storm, we will postpone this. Watch the weather and standby for updates. —

Take care,

-Mike

Troop,

We are collecting preferences for the high adventure trip in the summer of 2025 (not the current year’s trip to Wyoming, the NEXT summer). The registration period for BSA-sponsored camps is now open, and if the Troop elects to visit one of those camps, it will need to be booked soon. Please follow the link below to complete the survey. We would like to get responses by the end of this month (Jan 31st). 

SURVEY

Mike Anderson
Committee Chairman

Troop,

We need to know who is interested in attending a BSA Summer Camp as soon as possible as camps are filling up quickly. This is the best place for newer or younger scouts to get their feet wet with a longer camping trip that is tailored to provide opportunities to work on and complete a number of scouting skills and requirements. This is the perfect place to advance in rank and earn a number of merit badges.

We need some information to help understand who is interested so we can facilitate the appropriate program at the right camp on the best dates.

Please signup below to show your interests in attending a BSA Summer Camp this year. This is not a commitment.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4BA8A828A4FD0-47442577-summer

Furthermore if you are an adult and can spare the time off work to chaperone and mentor these kids, please let us know at the link below. The troop will cover all registration costs and camp fees for the required positions.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4BA8A828A4FD0-45158227-summer

Mr. Petree
Scoutmaster