Troop 5 Scoutmaster Announcements – Jan 9, 2024

Happy New Year!

Invoices for 2024 dues have been sent through Square to any scouts who did not sell at least $750 in popcorn. Please check your email for this invoice if you have not already done so.

Winter Blast is this weekend! We have 12 scouts and 4 adults attending. If you have not turned in your health forms yet, we need those ASAP.

• We need to depart from the church as close to 5pm on Friday as possible. It is a 4-hour drive to Camp Durant. We plan to stop at the I-95 welcome center around 6:30pm. Please pack a bag dinner with you to eat there.
• We plan to depart from the camp no later than 9am on Monday and so should arrive back at the church no later than 1pm. We plan to stop at a rest area for a brief morning break but do not plan to stop for lunch. If you think you will need snacks, please pack them or plan to use the vending machines.
• The trading post at Camp Durant will be open this weekend. Please bring money to spend if you would like to purchase
• Full guide for the weekend with schedule, menu, and other information is here: https://ocscouts.org/wp-content/uploads/WB-Leaders-Guide-January-2024-11-16-23.pdf
• Scouts will be sleeping in troop tents. We will get these from the shed at the church before departing. Adults need to bring their own tent.
• Check the weather forecast. Last I looked there was a chance of rain, wind, and freezing temperatures. In addition to Aiden’s training tonight, this scout article is a helpful guide on what to pack: https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/outdoorarticles/6981/checklist-for-a-basic-cold-weather-outing/
• Class A uniforms while departing, in transit, and while arriving (in both directions). Class B uniforms otherwise this weekend (including flag ceremonies).
• Please bring your scout handbooks. If I can get an internet connection, I plan to try to get the online Scoutbook updated to match what is in the paper records. We can then do any scoutmaster conferences that are needed ahead of next Tuesday’s committee meeting (and potential boards of review).

For those attending our ski/snowboard trip January 21-22, I emailed out all of the details on Sunday for how to book your tickets. We can still add people if needed; please let me know if you or someone you know wants to join in. Adults staying overnight must have current Youth Protection Training certificate. I will send out more details on transportation and food by next week.

If you need Second Class requirement 7c (drugs, alcohol, and tobacco training), the city police are hosting a youth academy tomorrow, 5-6pm at Calvert Square, 975 Bagnall Rd that will meet this requirement.

Thank you everyone for being flexible with our quick change today from in-person to virtual meeting. Stay safe in this storm!

Scott Guirlinger
Scoutmaster