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!

Update to the Hidden Valley merit badges - Welding Merit Badge.

This differs from the schedule and form handed out last Monday. Please take note when selecting your program.
  - Welding is available to Any Scout aged 13+ (was 14+)
  - Welding will be offered at 9am or 10am all-week long
  - Welding will no longer be offered through the SPOKE program

We highly suggest consulting the Pre-requisite Guidebook before making your selections.  This guide will tell you all you need to prepare for ahead of camp. 

We want all Scouts to get the most out of their Summer Camp experience!  With so many different offerings and exciting programs at Griswold Scout Reservation's (GSR's) Hidden Valley, we want everyone to be made aware of all their choices. There is truly something for everyone, and we are excited to be coming back to "The Land Made for Scouting".

As always, GSR continues to enhanced their program year-after-year, and this  this year with many new programs, merit badges and other offerings.   The GSR Guidebooks will give specifics on all programs.  Older Scouts should look to the SPOKE, COPE and Valley Voyager programs for a bigger challenge..

We are attending camp this year during week 6 (July 27 - August 2).  If Scouts wish to have more than one week of summer camp experiences, they may choose to attend camp as part of a provision troop.  Please see Mr. Gillogly or Mrs. Vickers, should a Scout be interested in any older Scout program or provision camp.

New this year
An overhauled SPOKE program schedule and expansion to 11 different offerings (5 new):  Cit. in Nation MB, Cit. in World MB, MovieMaking MB, Personal Fitness MB, Photography MB, Search & Rescue MB, Welding MB, Griswold (Red) Trail Hike, Mack N’ Back Hike, Mountain Biking and Big Lake Winnipesaukee Kayaking!!!

White Mountain Vouager Weeks 1,3,5 & 7 and Valley Voyageur for Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8!

A new Welding Area to house 6-7 brand new Welding Stations for Welding MB!!!

Adding Pottery & Bugling MBs and returning Geocaching & Kayaking MBs to main camp!

The return of two separate weeks of SCUBA programs to GSR!!!

 Hunter Education certification in conjunction with NH Fish & Game!

 Reservation Recognitions added: GSR Hiking Award, Hidden Valley & GSR Award

We will be discussing summer camp program selections (to include Merit Badges, programs and afternoon activities) during upcoming troop meetings.