Jon's fire

Jon poses with his first fire requred for his firm'n chit.

Astronomy

Merit badge work for several who choose to take this elective merit
badge.

Jon at work

Jon is at the tail end of a record number of trays cleaned by one
scout for the week at camp.
Even though the staff was chanting "Billy" it is Jon who posted the
record Tuesday evening.

Dork brain trust

Believe it or not this is some of the brain trust behind the smash hit
"Dork" on YouTube. They are in the planning stage for an epic feature
film of "Dork Goes To Camp" - George Lucas better watch out for these
crafty scouts.

At camp before donuts ... I mean supper. Thanks Archer for paying us a visit

Your guess is as good as mine

Sorry for not updating today, bit I've been busy working by taking photos for Fridays campfire. What I do know is I supervised grandpa dean & john's removal of 5 stumps from our campsite. Dean, Tylor and myself discovered SCUBA so got wetter than others. I left John in charge and for what I know they haven't left camp. Right now john's do his laundry but not offering his services for cheap. I hear Thursday grapvine that Bryan is now a beginner swimmer which is a hugh confidence boost. Another night and several scouts spent a second night under the stars.

Camp laundry

John clean clothes at camp Tuesday.

Tuesday breakfast

A not so thrilling breakfast, but filling.

Ready for action

Grandpa Dean is holding down the campsite and defending it from the
great Birch kitty.

Troop 94 Gateway

A Troop 94 campsite is a welcome to camping site.

Bryan makes new friend

Bryan made a new friend during Monday's open swim.

3 Amigos

Jon, Bronson and Matt soak up the fun after afternoon free swim
Monday. Bronson says hi mom and that Scoutmaster Jim says it's best
not to call home each night. Besides too much fun to have to be in the
phone right now, but maybe in a day or so if needed.

Dylan trying to be serious but without much help from Adam

Dylan and Adam (I walk on my shoestrings and trip myself) V.

Kris and Adam show off rifle shooting work while Bryan enjoys afternoon snack

Tylor doing not so fun work at art merit badge

Ryan at wood carving

Troop 94 campsite rocks

First day and were first in line at chow time as the order was determine for the day after all the campsites were judge and we tied for first place with a troop out of Simon Kenton council (I believe that's where they are from). Pictures to follow in day or so.

First day is off to great start

First is off and going better than I had hoped. No issues from any of the bod and they ALL woke up in great spirit. Photo will show them as they all spent the night out together under the stars.

First night

A troop that camps together sleeps together under the stars, as
picture here about 6:15 a.m. Monday. Several of the scouts were
getting up and ready for mile swim practice. Night was awesome for
sleeping.

Troop 94 group

Sunday night

Well we got checked in and tackled the swimming test (which for some like me, wasn't easy). The Scouts have settled into camp and already playing games. We just had a troop photo and are awaiting supper. Haven't seen many other trrop but there should be a full house this wee
Be sure to keep up with our fun this week.

SUMMER FUN

CAMP IS ALMOST HERE
We're down to days before summer camp and after the 10-day out meeting, I'm really excited about the upcoming week.
The staff seems more than prepared and their enthusiasm is apparent, so I look forward to a great week at camp.
Don't forget about "Shakedown" Saturday - be at the church by 5 p.m. We'll go through our gear together checking to make sure we're prepared, then we'll share some pizza pie together. Bring your own Scout appropriate drink.
Sunday, we're meeting at the newspaper parking lot at 11:30 a.m.

Another note: Brad will be working on his project today (June 23) beginning at 4 p.m. at Fred Carter Park. If you're not sure where it is, call him or myself.

SUMMER CAMP UPDATE

Attention TROOP 94
Summer Camp Attendees!

This is some additional information to what I passed out at the last meeting: If you have any questions please call.

• Something I left off the list: Scouts are welcome to bring board or card (non electronic games) to camp. It is the responsibility of the Scout who brings them to take care of what they brought.

• There will be tent inspections! Prizes will be awarded to the Scout who maintains the third and eleventh points of the scout law during camp! With grand prize winner award for making the effort for the entire week.

• We will meet in the parking lot at the Examiner by 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 28, and will be leaving for Camp Birch by noon. Eat lunch before arriving! BE IN UNIFORM!

• A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY! The boys will not be roaming the camp without supervision or a buddy! Camp is fun and exciting, but the expectation is for all Scouts to travel with a buddy between sessions and during free time. All Scouts are responsible for instruction and homework during merit badge session. Please be mindful of what your requirements for your merit badges. Please do the required work before any additional fun, games or activities!

• There will be a duty roster for Scouts for every day. We will set this up ahead of time to be completed each day. (Fire builder, water, trash … etc.)

• ALL SCOUTS need to be in uniform to travel to camp and have a water bottle. We may receive a tour of camp soon soon after arriving

• ALL SCOUTS will wear their tan uniform shirt to morning and evening flags and meals.

• A small backpack is recommended to carry any items you WILL need including: YOUR SCOUT HANDBOOK, merit badge supplies, a small notebook, pens, pencils, water bottle, hat, or snacks.

• Everyone will be taking the swim test even if you are not going to be swimming. A second towel could be beneficial for the week

• When packing for camp you may choose to pack in a large plastic tote instead of a duffel bag. These help keep everything dry if there is any rainy weather.

• Additional packing notes: All clothing must be Scout appropriate. You may bring a hat or beret to wear. A watch is recommended to keep tabs on your schedule. Please bring a folding chair for evenings around the campfire.

• Scouts are welcome to bring snacks. All snacks will be kept in the trailer with the scouts name on them. There is to be NO SNACKS KEPT IN THE TENTS to prevent furry visitor through the night!

• Everyone will shower at least twice during the week: Tuesday and Friday! A swimming merit badge does not count as a shower!

• Visits through the week are fine. Some Scouts will become slightly homesick, most will not, but parents need to realize that showing up for a visit can open the door to a homesick boy to want to go home. If you are unsure about visiting, you are welcome to call Scoutmaster Jim prior to showing up at camp.

• Friday Night is PARENT’S NIGHT! All parents and siblings are welcome to meet us at the flagpole at 5:45 p.m., in order to eat supper with the Troop (there is a small fee for meals). Parents are welcome to spend the night on Friday. You may bring your own tent or use on of the camp tents if there are ones available.

• Leaving camp on July 4, 2009: We plan to depart as a Troop Saturday. If you need to leave early please discuss with Scoutmaster Jim ahead of time. It takes everyone to clean up the campsite and pack up the Troop.

• Cell service at camp is intermittent at best. I will do my part to check for messages soon after breakfast each morning (8 a.m.). I intend to update my blog each day with notes of our adventure.

Merit Badges Prerequisites
A Scout increases his chances of completing a camp badge if they are prepared. Scouts can leave camp with a partial, but we’d like to see them finish up completely — but they must earn them!

Rifle Shooting: Scouts who will be taking the rifle merit badge at summer camp please note requirements 1d,e,f and i. If you have your Ohio safe hunter hunter certificate, be sure and bring it with you.

Environmental Science MB Prerequisite: 4-B. This is a study plot and most of the scouts do not get this done at camp. We would prefer they do this before camp if possible and record their findings, and bring to me to sign off. #6 Careers report.

Mammal Study MB requirement 3-C: Have the scout bring their report with them. They can usually get this at www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife , click on A-Z Guide to Ohio Species, click on mammal of your choice. This will help get this merit badge done more efficiently. Anything else they want to do ahead of time that is measurable will be carefully looked at as well.

Nature: Requirement #1 part 2, #2 part 2 - www.dnr.state.oh.us

Soil & Water Conservation: Read the book and answer any questions and have drawings ready for discussion.

Forestry: Requirement #7: Careers report

Fish and Wildlife Management: Requirement #8: Careers report

SWIMMING: Don’t forget long pants, shoes, socks, belt and a long sleeve
shirt to wear for Req. 4. A button-collared shirt works best.

ARCHERY: Scouts should expect to purchase kits for bowstring & arrow
making at the Trading Post.

SHOTGUN: Scouts must have the upper body strength to hold & fire the
shotgun repeatedly. Shooting experience is a real plus.

CAMPING: Scouts should have at least one year of Boy Scout Camping
experience. Bring a backpack suitable for a backpacking trip. Req. 8c, 9a-c are best done through the unit.

COOKING: There are some 30 parts to the requirements for this badge that
require extensive pre-camp preparation. You’ll make 9 menus for back-country conditions (prepare 6 of them) plus plan nine meals at home (prepare 3 of them). These menu plans are best done before you arrive.

FIRST AID: It’s a good idea to prepare your first aid kit before coming to camp.

FISHING: Scouts should bring their favorite fishing gear. Loaners will be available if a Scout does not own equipment.

LEATHERWORK: Tools and materials are available at Handicraft. Leather kits are available for purchase at the Trading Post.

WOODCARVING: Must present Totin’ Chip on first day. Carving blanks are available for purchase at the Trading Post.

Mile Swim (not a merit badge): This great pool event is a milestone that many Scouts will never forget. Because the requirements for this award are rigid, it must be a structured program. Scouts who wish to earn the mile swim award must begin on Monday morning at 6:30 am with the training program for the mile. The ‘Mile Swim’ is conducted on Friday morning at 6 am.

———

All worksheets can be found at www.usscouts.org or www.meritbadge.org.

Additional Merit Badges
• Astronomy MB - Tuesday evening (with rain-outs on Wed or Thursday). E-Register code “A” in “Other” Merit Badges.
• Pulp and Paper MB - Session 3 offering! E-Register code “PULP” in “Other” Merit Badges.
• Plumbing MB - Week 2 this will be offered in a normal session time frame. (Sorry, not available in week 1) Pre-requisites are to do requirements 2a and 2b. E-Register code “PLUMB” in “Other” Merit Badges
• Reptiles and Amphibians MB - This will be offered during the 4 p.m. Open period. E-Register code “R” in “Other” Merit Badges.
• Finger Printing MB - This MB takes about 2 hours to complete will be offered during the 4 p.m. Open period. E-Register code “F” in “Other” Merit Badges.
Note: Because these are relatively late offerings, there will be plenty of opportunity to add them at the 10 day out meeting or on the first day of camp.

Troop 71 Swimming MB Tip
There is a requirement to demonstrate survival skills by jumping feet first into deep water wearing clothes (shoes, socks, swim trunks, long pants, belt, and long-sleeved shirt). Remove shoes and socks, inflate the shirt, and show that you can float using the shirt for support. Remove and inflate the pants for support. Swim 50 feet using the inflated pants for support, then show how to re-inflate the pants while still afloat. Unless the Scout brings the clothes listed they might not be able to complete the swimming merit badge. Jeans with no holes and old tennis shoes work well for this.

OA grad

Saturday

Today has been great experience. Lots of hard work. Connor and Tylor met some new friends. Adults did some fi e work in scoutmasters building. Got to go. Almost dinner

Relaxing

Relaxing after day of work at camp

Ordeal weekend

Ready and waiting for Ordeal to begin. Lot of scouts here and beautiful evening

Prep for Ordeal and the excitement of the weekend.

Notes about camp

Troop 94 Summer Camp meeting
June 8, 2009

A. INFORMATION FOR SCOUTS:
Our camp week is from June 28-July 4
1. Scouts using camp tents & cots
2. any dietary restrictions?
3. any special needs?
4. turn in individual advancement sheet
5. release form for Discover SCUBA for those

6. Uniforms: Why do Scouts have a uniform? For the same reason any sports team does; to show that every member is equal and to give a sense of unity. At camp, the uniform does just that. It can be worn any time during the week, but we especially expect it at Flag Ceremonies, supper and evening Special Events. During the day, your troop may have its own distinctive T-shirt, or a Camp Birch T-shirt. Setting the example is the most important step you can make toward having a uniformed troop.

7. Flag Ceremonies: Flag raising is held at 7:45 a.m. at the Parade Field. Retreat is at 5:45 p.m. at the Parade Field. All of Troop 94 will be expected to be on time for flag.

B. INFORMATION FOR ALL
Our camp week is from June 28-July 4. We’ll meet at the church by 11:30 a.m. and plan to depart by noon. Drivers are needed at this time.

1. registration forms and final payment due
June 15, if not, no summer camp — sorry
2. medicial forms due June 15, if not, no summer
camp — sorry
3. Trading Posts — according to leaders’ guide the
average scout spends $25-$35 each week
4. camp emergency number is (937) 767-7126
5. for mail (delievered daily except Sunday),
address as follows:
Scout’s name
Troop 94
Camp Birch
4057 Swimming Pool Road
Yellow Springs OH 45387
6. Parents night is Friday, supper has nominal fee
Campfire for all planned, and parents are welcomed and encouraged to stay the night, for driving home Saturday morning. Scouts are not permitted to leave for home until Saturday when the entire group departs together. Plan to arrive by 7-8 p.m.
7. Visitors in camp/leaving camp
Parents/friends welcome to visit camp. Sign in at McMillan Building upon arrival — same for checkout. If a Scout leaves camp, unit leader, parent or guardian much check him out.
8. Expectations of Scout: follow instructions, be early to each activity, in addition to all that Scouts are. We’ll do our part as leaders to help with homesickness

9. Wildlife & Nature’s Hazards: Camp Birch is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Every Scout should be able to recognize poison ivy. Wild animals are important to camp, but can be dangerous if cornered or threatened.
We should remember that the camp is the animals’ home 12 months of the year and we are here for only and short time.

10. What NOT to Bring to Camp
The following items are not allowed in camp: electronic games, devices and cellphones, bicycles, sheath knives, bows, arrows, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, drugs, alcohol, pets or tobacco. And anything not listed that is not consistent with the Scout Oath or Law.
NOTE: If a cellphone comes to camp without permission, it will be taken and not returned until after camp is completed.

11. Tecumseh Island for 1st year scouts
Tecumseh Island is Camp Birch’s program for new Scouts. This program is designed to provide instruction for young Scouts to help them advance. It is possible that a Scout who joined your unit in the spring could leave Camp Birch with only a few requirements remaining toward First Class Rank as well as two merit badges.
There’s no better boost to a Scout than to succeed early!
Scoutmasters should complete a worksheet that shows which requirements each scout has completed prior to coming to camp. We can streamline the program by focusing on the requirements that more Scouts need while offering more individual instruction for Scouts who need an odd requirement or two.

12. Older Scout/Adult Program
This is a new program for older scouts and adults that is geared to reinforce scout values, increase scout spirit and provide some fun, and semi-high adventure activities. Once all the merit badges are earned and scouts and leaders still want something fun to do at camp, that’s the role of Older Scout/Adult Program. Some of the greatest minds in the council are hard at work coming up with a unique, enriching and exciting program to add to our summer camp experience. Get in on the ground floor of this program and have a blast at camp! There will be a $15 fee to cover extra materials, but it will be worth it!

POSTCARDS FROM CAMP
I plan to offer updates of our week at Camp Birch with photos on my blog at jimmason94.blogspot.com
You can signup for e-mail alerts, which are sent out early next day after I’ve posted something new. Subscribe via e-mail or signup to be a follower, by clicking on one of the links on the right hand side of the page.
Be sure to check daily to see the fun we’re having.
This is a great tool for me to help communicate with each of you, not just during camp week, but during the entire year.

Thanks again for allowing your Scout this opportunity,
Jim

Parent's meeting June 8

I'm asking parents to arrive by 7:30 pm to cover some las minute summer camp items. Your son should have let you know about this meeting if he was at last night's meeting. See all of you then.

Don't miss out

INFORMATION PACKED TROOP MEETING
Tonight we'll have a lot of information to share and discuss. Bring a notebook and a mindful set on the topics of conversation. See all tonight.