Troop 1983

Summer Camp 2009

General Information

We are going to summer camp at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation.

Key dates/deadlines for summer camp are:

Merit Badge Pre-Registration

Camp Meade allows scouts to pre-register for merit badges and it's now time to get that done. Only the second year and above scouts need to select merit badges. The new scouts will participate in the camp's Pathfinder Program which includes earning two of three merit badges (Indian Lore, Mammals or Swimming) as well as completing most of the Tenderfoot to First Class requirements.

The list of merit badges available at Camp Meade includes any pre-requisites or extra material costs. Scouts need to review this list closely and select their merit badges with the goal of completing them during summer camp - minimize those partials. Pick merit badges from as many program areas as possible and those that can normally only be earned at summer camp. Canoeing merit badge is a good one for those going to Northern Tier and those that had problems during last month's canoe trip. Cooking merit badge is another good one that would benefit the troop a lot. In addition, Fingerprinting and Paper & Pulp merit badges are not listed but are available and can be started mid-week in the event you finish another merit badge early (you don't pre-register for these).

Review the camp's daily schedule and the merit badge time periods to help in your planning. Use the Merit Badge Sign-Up Form. The form must be completed by all second year and above scouts and turned into Mr. Carstens no later than May 11. When making your choices I strongly recommend that you keep one period open during the afternoon. This will allow you time to participate in the open swim/boating/shooting times. You should discuss which period with your patrol members in order to do things as a group.

Options for Older Scouts

For our older scouts that say: "been there, done that", and don't see the need to go to summer camp, Camp Meade has programs just for you.

C.O.P.E. - The COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) Program is teamwork, leadership experience which is available to Scouts age 13 and older, as well as adults. This program runs Monday - Friday. There is an additional fee of $16.00 which includes the recognition tee shirt given at the end of the week. The morning session of COPE will be 9:00-12:00 Noon and will be available for those who have never taken COPE before. The afternoon session will be 2:00-5:00 PM and will be available for those who have participated in COPE before. Please choose one session for the entire week. COPE signup is done on a first-come, first-serve basis with signups beginning at Sunday check-in. Participation is limited. Scouts should verify their participation at the COPE course at 7:20 P.M., Sunday. Long pants are required for all participants of COPE.

BSA Lifeguard - BSA Lifeguard is available to Scouts age 15 and older. This program is also available to adults. Participants must have CPR certification to complete the program.

Extreme Sports - The Extreme Sports area is available for older Scouts. The mountain boarding course is an exciting opportunity to experience the thrill of mountain boarding. The Bikathalon gives Scouts the opportunity to test their skills of mountain biking and shooting at targets with a pellet gun. Scouts are given a score based on their speed and shooting skills. Safety equipment is provided for all activities in the Extreme Sports area. The Extreme Sports area is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings as well as Friday afternoon.

Boots and Paddles - New for 2009! Boots and Paddles is a program designed for the Scout 14 years and older. Scouts will take a two day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail and a two day kayaking trip on the Schuylkill River. Scout will be in camp with their unit on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. Scouts will complete the Leave No Trace Award, Kayaking BSA Award, 50 Miler Award, Wilderness Survival Merit Badge, and Whitewater Merit Badge. Kayaking equipment, tent, backpack, and sleeping bag will be provided. Scouts may use their personal backpack and sleeping bags if these items are approved by the Boots and Paddles Director.

Don't hesitate to contact Mr. Carstens or Mr. Reed if you should have any questions.