Your SPL and ASPL are headed to Hidden Valley for the pre-camp meeting on Monday.  The mandatory summer camp meeting is at the church Monday (July 25) at 7pm, and rumors are that a huge truck carrying Chessters is heading North.   That could only mean one thing.  SUMMER CAMP is around the corner!!!

 It is time to start mentally and physically getting yourself ready for  summer camp.  Here are a few tips to help you get ready and enjoy the week in the "Land made for Scouting":  Be Prepared!

• Start thinking of all the fun we will have.
• Familiarize yourself with the summer camp info on our Troop website.  Basic info is here. (or http://www.troop17bsa.org  – then look under the  “upcoming events” menu item).
• Review your merit badge selections and prerequisites on the troop website.
• Get your merit badge pamphlets and  WORK THOSE PREREQUISITES (it makes the badges go much easier)
• Get your gear together (check the packing lists), and pack them according to this blog post
• Get your daypack ready - it'll be with you most almost the entire time
• Start moving your diet toward drinking lots of water instead of energy drinks or soda. Hydrate now!
• Walk to as many places as you can, so your legs get used to being up and around all the time
•  If you have new shoes/ boots, start wearing them around the house to break them in (blisters are NOT your friend)
• Get yourself ready for the temperature by getting outside of the air conditioning.  It's amazing how you adjust.
• Start thinking of a couple of skits, songs, stunts or stories for the many campfires we'll have.
• Get with your patrol mates, and talk about having some patrol adventures - like scaling Mt. Shannon, fishing, etc.
• Packing always takes longer than you think!  Don't wait till the last minute.

 Do a little bit each day.  Be Prepared... By biting off a little everyday, you'll be ready for a super-fantastic summer camp!

We will be holding our summer camp preparatory meeting at 7pm tonight (TONIGHT! 7/20/2015) at the Congregational Church.

All scouts and parents of scouts are expected to attend.

Please see more summer camp info and preparations at: http://www.troop17bsa.com/newsblog

Your SPL and ASPL are headed to Hidden Valley for the pre-camp meeting on Monday.  The mandatory summer camp meeting is at the church next Monday (July 20) , and rumors are that a huge truck carrying Chessters is heading North.   That could only mean one thing.  SUMMER CAMP is around the corner!!!

 It is time to start mentally and physically getting yourself ready for  summer camp.  Here are a few tips to help you get ready and enjoy the week in the "Land made for Scouting":  Be Prepared!

• Start thinking of all the fun we will have.
• Familiarize yourself with the summer camp info on our Troop website.  Basic info is here. (or http://www.troop17bsa.org  – then look under the  “upcoming events” menu item).
• Review your merit badge selections and prerequisites on the troop website.
• Get your merit badge pamphlets and  WORK THOSE PREREQUISITES (it makes the badges go much easier)
• Get your gear together (check the packing lists), and pack them according to this blog post
• Get your daypack ready - it'll be with you most almost the entire time
• Start moving your diet toward drinking lots of water instead of energy drinks or soda. Hydrate now!
• Walk to as many places as you can, so your legs get used to being up and around all the time
•  If you have new shoes/ boots, start wearing them around the house to break them in (blisters are NOT your friend)
• Get yourself ready for the temperature by getting outside of the air conditioning.  It's amazing how you adjust.
• Start thinking of a couple of skits, songs, stunts or stories for the many campfires we'll have.
• Get with your patrol mates, and talk about having some patrol adventures - like scaling Mt. Shannon, fishing, etc.
• Packing always takes longer than you think!  Don't wait till the last minute.

 Do a little bit each day.  Be Prepared... By biting off a little everyday, you'll be ready for a super-fantastic summer camp!

Three reminders for tonight's meeting...

1. We are meeting at the chapel of Spring Brook Cemetery to place flags on the graves of veterans. Full Class A uniform is appropriate.

2. There is a MANDATORY pack inspection for ALL scouts attending the ACadia trip. Those without a pack inspection cannot go on the trip. Packing lists are available on the troop website. See Mr. Gillogly, if there are issues.

3. Annual Health and Medical Records (a.k.a., med forms) are due tonight. Remember that you do need Parts A, B & C (with a doctor's signature).

The Troop will gather at 6:30pm on Monday, May 19 at Spring Brook Cemetery .  We will be placing flags at the gravesites of veterans to honor them in advance of Memorial Day. Note the earlier time.

All Scouts should be present in full Class A uniform.

This important service project will take the place of our regular Monday meeting.  Parents should drop off and pick up their Scouts at the cemetery.

The new Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook is now available at http://www.scouting.org/Home/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/EagleWorkbookProcedures.aspx

Scouts who are using the older versions may continue to do so. Others should download the new version.

If you have any questions about the Eagle Scout Service Project process, please see Mr. Gillogly.