Troop Eagle Court of Honor – February 6, 2020
The preparations for the Court of Honor on February 6, 2020 are underway and you are invited! The event will take place in the Large Hall at Saint Mary’s. Dinner and the program will begin at 6:30 PM. Scouts are asked to arrive between 5:45 and 6:00 PM (no later than 6:00 PM) to help with preparations and to get last minute instructions. This will be an Eagle Court of Honor to recognize Ashby Norris. Awards earned by all other scouts since the last Court of Honor also will be presented.
I ask each family to provide both Tara Spiegelman and me the number of guests your family will bring. To help minimize double counting, please tell us the total number AND break down by scout; adults; and children (under 12). Please respond by Thursday, January 16th. Please let me know if your family is unable to attend as well.
While the dinner is being provided by the hosting Eagle Scout family, the Norris family, the troop families are asked to provide a dessert item (cookies, brownies, etc.) and a 2-liter bottle of your favorite chilled soft drink (diet soda, regular soda, seltzer, water or juice . . .).
Please reach out to Tara if you have any questions.
We look forward to a great night recognizing our sons’ accomplishments!
February Winter Wonderland Trip – RSVP & Payment by December 12, 2019
The annual Winter Weekend is almost upon us. This year we will continue the HUT TRADITION and camp at the Lonesome Lake Hut located in the Mt Washington State Forest in NH. No Tents needed! Bring snowshoes if you have them. The area views are SPECTACULAR!
All scouts will meet at 8:30 and depart from the Parish Center on Saturday February 22nd at 9 am. Scouts will return from the event for pickup at the Parish Center at 1 pm on Sunday February 23rd All scouts should eat breakfast before they depart, as there will be no meal stop on the ride up north.
There is a $45 fee for this camping trip to pay for the cost of the luxurious hut accommodations. Your permission slip and payment for this event is due at the beginning December 12th Troop Meeting. We need to enforce this deadline for this camping trip as the Troop will need to confirm numbers and make its payment in full the following week.
BSA Medical Forms
If your son attended Camp Resolute or the Maine High Adventure trip this past summer you do not need to complete a new medical form UNLESS something has changed in your son’s medical history. For all others, the annual BSA medical form is attached and is required under BSA rules. Unlike summer camp and high adventure forms, only a parent signature is required (we just need Parts A & B – Part C is for trips in excess of 72 hours). Part A is an informed consent, release agreement, and authorization that must to be signed by every participant (or a parent and/or legal guardian for all youth under 18). Part B is general information and a health history.
Troop 4 Dues
Troop dues and medical forms are due no later than the December 5th troop meeting. The combined troop and re-charter dues have increased by $20 this year to $145 per scout ($125 for additional siblings). This fee combines the Troop dues ($43); the annual BSA National Registration fee ($60); Boys’ Life ($12) and the Mayflower Council program activity fee ($30). The increase is due to an $27 increase in annual BSA National Registration Fee that was announced last month.
Please drop off your check at the start of the troop meeting. If your son(s) can’t make the meeting but would like to continue in the troop, please mail the dues to the Troop Treasurer, Mr. Tony Bogner. Please make all checks payable to Troop 4. As a courtesy to the troop and to assist in our planning, if your son does not plan to continue in our program, please have him contact me to convey his decision.
Christmas Wreath Fundraiser – Final Orders and Help Needed for the November 24th Distribution
We’re wrapping up our Christmas Wreath sales supporting our high adventure trips. Before finalizing things, we wanted to reach out to everyone for any additional orders from our troop families. Unlike our annual pancake fundraiser, scouts asked not to solicit sales of wreaths door to door. Of course, if you, a friend, neighbor or family member would like to purchase a wreath, we would accommodate their request. If anyone is interested in purchasing a wreath(s), please send a note to Mr. Comisky with size and quantity prior to tomorrow night’s meeting. Wreaths come 22″ or 28″ inch and are $15 and $20, respectively.
Thank you to Adrian, Paul, James, Ashby, Andrew, Jason, Neil, Shane and WIlliam for taking orders for Christmas wreaths these past two weeks.
Please let Mr. Comisky know if you can help with wreath distribution. Distribution will take place at the Small Hall (our weekly meeting area) on Sunday, November 24th between the hours of 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM.
November Camping Trip and PIG Roast – November 16-17, 2019
The November camping trip will take place Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17 at the Troop Campsite in Milford. We will meet at St. Mary’s parish center at 8:30 AM (depart by 9:00 AM) Saturday, November 16 and will return to the parish center for a 11:30 AM pickup (leave the campsite at 10:30 AM) on Sunday the 17th. Scouts should bring their regular camping gear and bag lunch for Saturday. As always, scouts can come/leave early late, etc., if they have conflicts with sporting or other local events. We will need a few parents to drive to/from the event.
If your son plans to attend, please return the permission slip by the November 14th troop meeting along with a check for $15 to cover the cost of the food for the weekend (dinner/breakfast). If your son can’t make the Nov 14th troop meeting but wants to attend, please call or email Brian Weber before the 14th so we can include him in planning for the event.
First Troop Meeting of the Year – September 12th
Parents, Scouts,
Welcome back! It’s hard to believe that summer has come and gone already. If you haven’t been on the website recently, next Thursday, September 12th, is our first Troop meeting. We will meet in the Small Hall at Saint Mary’s from 7:00 to 8:30. We have a great year planned and look forward to some fun!
From Friday September 20th to Sunday September 22nd, Troop 4 will be camping at Nickerson State Park located in Brewster, MA on Cape Cod. We will meet at the parish center at 4:00 PM on Friday, September 20th for a 4:30 PM departure. We will return for pick up at the parish center by 10:30 AM on Sunday, September 30th. Nickerson State Park offers 1,900 acres of wooded trails and ponds to explore. We will bring our bicycles and, on Saturday, will ride along the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, a paved trail through 6 Cape Cod towns.
There is a $10 fee per person to attend this trip to help defray the cost of the site rental and food. We will be cooking as a Troop. Permission slips are due no later than the September 12th Troop meeting. However, because of the logistics associated with transporting the bicycles, please RSVP as soon as you are able.
I hope to see everyone next week.
Brian/Mr. Weber
February Winter Wonderland Trip – RSVP & Payment by December 15, 2016
The annual Winter Weekend is almost upon us. The tradition was started last year up at Lonesome Lake Hut. This year we will look Read the rest of this entry »
Anthony Matondi – Eagle Scout
Please join the Troop in congratulating our newest Eagle Scout, Anthony Matondi. On September 20th, Anthony completed his Board of Review which concluded that Anthony has met or exceeded the requirements of scouting’s highest rank.
Congratulations Anthony!
Troop 4 decorates nativity scene
Troop 4 scouts finish the annual “Greening” of Milford’s Nativity Scene just hours before a snow storm!
Order of the Arrow for Brian Spiegelman
The Order of the Arrow (OA) is the National Honor Society of Scouting. Brian was elected into the OA by his peers in Troop 4 last Spring. Since becoming an Arrowmen, Brian has attended 2 weekend long “ordeals” and Camp Resolute. After demonstrating his knowledge of the traditions and obligations of the OA he was inducted into the Brotherhood of the OA in a ceremony over the summer.
Congratulations, Brian!
BSA Lifeguard Certification for Alex and Sam
Alex Hastings and Sam Lanciano attended a week of Training at Resolute in August. They both received Official BSA Lifeguard Certification. They both worked really hard beginning at 5:45 AM every morning to supervise the Webelos polar bear swim time, and they continued to work in the water all day with the grueling lifeguard course until crashing in bed at nightfall.
Congratulations!
Douglas State Forest Trip Report
We had a great trip in the Douglas State Forest this past weekend The day started cloudy and damp and soon became sunny, warm and dry! During the trip, there were many archaeological sites to be seen and abundance of wildlife around. There were also several horse riders and Troops from Oxford MA and Mystic CT sharing the trails. It was also a trip of many accomplishments for our scouts. Here is a quick run down.
- 26 Scouts were in attendance. A great mix of young and older scouts.
- 6 Adults were in attendance…including 2 new dads. Way to go!
- Older scouts showed thier leadership skills helping the new scouts along and led the troop on the hikes.
- First year scouts (Vikings and Honey Badgers) showed great endurance, teamwork and leadership qualities…helping each other out when they got tired or fallen down. They also learned how to set up and breakdown thier own tents, make thier own meal plan, pack a backpack, carry thier gear along the trail, cooked on an open fire or on a gas stove, pumped water from a bubbling spring and had the most creative campfire skit..
- Viking and Honey Badgers Patrols created their first outdoor patrol meal together
- Duct Tape Patrol tried their hand at gourmet cooking….Ramon Noodles with Beef Jerky.
- Hawks and Honey Badgers loved their hot dogs!
- Ventures tried their hand at a variety of Mountain House meals (chicken and potatoes, spare ribs, beef stroganoff, lasagna)…”take out” food anyone!
- 2 new dads joined in on their first trip and sampled some gourmet cooking – Pedro Patrol style…..complete with appetizers, entree, dessert and butt kick’n coffee!
- A first year scout created his first natural shelter and slept in it….and he did ….in his first camp out ….in his first year….snug as a bug in 31 degree temps….and earned a requirement for Wilderness Survival MB.
- Everyone learned the importance of a compass and map.
- Wintergreen mint really is tasty…..and its everywhere!
- Troop 4 scouts met other Troops from Mystic, CT and Oxford, MA. in passing. The other troops passing by were impressed with the size of our troop and the participation.
- All scouts (and dads) got a great work out hiking. In fact…this weekends trip qualifies under Endurance and Aerobic activities for those working on the Physical Fitness MB.
- The overall trip was 13.35 miles!
- Day one qualifies as a 10 mile trip for the Hiking MB.
Here is the breakdown.
Day 1
Route 1 = 8.8 km x 0.62137 = 5.46 mi (2 1/2 hours)
Route 2 = 6.29 km = 3.91 mi (2 hrs and some exploring)
(add in the many trips for water and you can round out Day one to a 10 miler)
Day 2
Route 3 = 3.35 mi (1.5 hrs and lots of site seeing)
Total = 13.35 mi.
Most of all – Troop Support….several parents volunteered to help the boys get to their destination. Even though we used a few of the many parents who volunteered….your support is why Troop 4 continues to excel in advancement and adventures. Thank You.
Troop 4 Milford
Ron Gorham
Scoutmaster
Douglas State Forest Pictures – April 2013
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- Dragons? … What Dragons?
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- Cedar Swamp
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- RI/MA Border in the Woods
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- Troop 4 at the Tri-State Marker – MA, CT, RI
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- Snug as a Bug – Wilderness Survivalist
Clearing out fire hydrant after blizzard
Thanks, Evan, for clearing out the hydrant at the corner of Forest and Grove Streets!
“Roasted Beast” Campout Report – Nov 2012
A great time was had by all at the Troop’s Roasted Beast and Webelos Campout at the Troop 4 campsite on the weekend of November 18th. We had 35 Troop 4 scouts, 8 Webelos and many parents participate. The Venture scouts did a superb job managing the field kitchen, efficiently smoking 30 pounds of meat, trying their hand at “trash can cooking”, and preparing and serving a variety of tasty side dishes. Scouts also organized and led a variety of fun contests and events, including the archery range, obstacle course and campfire stories. A big thanks goes to the Troop 4 scouts and adult leadership for organizing a great campout, and for obtaining the many supplies and equipment needed. A BIG THANK YOU goes out to the Webelos from Pack 4, 32 and 67 for attending. We hope you all had a great time!
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- Bullet Smokers and Trash Can cooking
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- Keilbasa, Corn Cob, Potatoes, Cabage
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- Mmmm
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- Mr. Hastings looking at the Hardwood Smoker
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- Mr. Kehoe, Josh Ahren, Joe Thomas, Mr. Crouteau – Ready!, Aim!….
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- Pack 4 and 32 webelos get an Archery Lesson from Mr. Crouteau
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- Roasted Beast Feast
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- Trash Can Meal
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- Troop 4 archery range
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- Troop 4 Ulisses Ramirez greets scouts to the campsite
Tully Trail / Royalston Falls Pictures – 2012
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- Alex Hastings – “Hi mom!”
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- Whole gang – “knothing to see here!”
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- Footbridge
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- Campfire
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- Adirondack shelter
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- Wintergreen (Winterberry) Mint
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- Falls Brooke Shelter
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- Fall Scene
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- “You take the high road, I’ll take the low”
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- “Pretty”
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- “Can you hear it?”
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- Royalston Falls – 40 ft drop!
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- COOL! Kevin and Tabor
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- Rob and Mr. Gorham – “Smile”
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- Isaiah and Ulisses Ramirez
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- Kevin and Brian “Hi Mom!”
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Pig Roast – November 2011
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- Firing squad
Douglas State Forest Backpacking – October 2011
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- Midstate Trail backpackers
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- Now that’s a neat campsite
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- Who lit my shoelace afire?
Scouts Dig Out Hydrants – January 2011
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- More scouts digging hydrants out
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- Troop volunteer digs out the hydrant
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- We do drains, too!
Troop Meeting – Troop elections, Camp Resolute merit badge selections
Scouts ranked First Class or higher are eligible to run for Senior Patrol Leader. Elections will be held at the June 3rd Troop Meeting. If interested in running for this prestigious post, please prepare a short speech (~1min) to the troop to announce your candidacy, which you read to the troop on June 3rd just prior to the election. They elected winner will meet with the troop adult leadership for training over the summer, and will be able to choose his staff over the summer, too.
PawSox game
The Lions Club has generously donated 25 tickets to the troop for the 1pm June 13th PawSox game against Louisville. If interested, please contact Phil Bedard. Up to 4 tickets per family will be given on a first come first serve basis.
Black Mountain NH Pictures – December 2009
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- Name Those Feet
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- Snowshow Conquest of Black Mountain NH
Pig Roast Pictures – November 2009
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- Chefs taking a coffee break
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- Archery firing squad
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- Wilbur
Reminders for January 9 Camping Trip
- Bring your backpack AND a sled. The sled is for fun….and to help haul troop gear. Hooking a rope/cord to the front of your sled makes hauling much easier.
- If you don’t have a winter sleeping bag rated to cold temperatures…. bring a thick blanket or two to put on top. Given the snow/sled… it should be easy to haul in this bit of extra gear… and will make for a comfy night sleeping.
- Bring ALL the stuff listed in the winter camping checklist on the website. Dont forget **2** FULL water bottles.
- Dress/pack smartly… wool socks…good winter boots…. etc…etc… bring ALL the winter gear called out in the checklist. SPL/ASPLs will be checking that you’ve brought the right gear. If you’re missing critical gear, you’ll have to go back home to get it.
- Drop off / pick up times are listed on the event page.
- This will be a fun trip…. see you there.
Decoration of Town Nativity Scene
The troop will once again decorate the town’s nativity scene in Draper Park. The troop is looking for scout volunteers to help decorate. We have a head start this year because we already chopped down a stack of pine boughs at the last campout. We plan to use these to decorate the nativity scene on Saturday December 5th, at 930AM. Please meet at Draper Park (near the general on the horse). We will wrap up by 1030AM. Pick-up will be at the same spot.
Summer Camp Adventure 2010 Survey
Please Complete and Return no later than the Dec. 17, 2010 troop meeting
Or email Results to Phil Bedard at: pbedard1@gmail.com
Scout name: ___________________________
| Camp Resolution July 18-23, 2010 |
50 Miler Maine Adventure Aug 14-21, 2010 |
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|---|---|---|
| My son PLANS to attend | _______________ | ______________ |
| My son MIGHT attend | _______________ | ______________ |
| I can help at Camp Resolute (# days/nights) |
______________ | |
| I might be able to help at Camp Resolute (# days/nights) |
______________ | |
| I PLAN to attend the 50 Miler | _______________ | |
| I MIGHT attend the 50 Miler | _______________ |
My son will not be attending either camp/trip for 2010: __________
Parent name: _____________________________
Please remember that this is only for planning purposes. Decisions are not final until the deposit/fee due dates of March 4, 2010 for the 50 Miler Canoe Trip and April 15, 2010 for Camp Resolute.
Taconic Mountains Pictures – October 2009
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- AMC Northwest Cabin
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- Summit of Bear Mountain, Highest Peak in CT
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- Tri-State Marker Shrouded by Fog and Clouds
Congrats to Eagle Scout TJ Fasulo
Congratulations are in order for Anthony “TJ” Fasulo for passing his Eagle Board of Review on October 27 to become the Troop’s newest Eagle Scout. We’ll celebrate his achievement at our next Eagle Court of Honor in February. Be sure to congratulate TJ the next time you see him. Great job TJ!
Halloween Party – October 29
The Troop meeting on October 29 will be a Halloween party. Click here for details.
Backpacking Shakedown and Contest – October 15 Troop Meeting
There will be a backpacking shakedown and packing contest at the October 15 troop meeting. Click here for details.
New Backpacking Checklist
The Troop Four Short-Term Backpacking Checklist has been updated.
Personal Fitness Kick-Off Postponed
The Personal Fitness merit badge kick-off originally scheduled for September 27 has been posted to Sunday, October 4th, at 1:00 PM.
Mount Washington Pictures – 2009
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- Summit of Mount Washington
Scouting for Food
The troop will support the scouting for food event by receiving and sorting incoming food that other troops and packs have collected. The event will run from 12:30 to 3:30 PM. Mr. Hastings will be onsite to work with the senior attending scout to coordinate our troop’s activity.
Meet at the food pantry on Exchange Street.
Kickoff Letter for 2009-2010
Click here for Mr. Bedard’s 2009-2010 kickoff letter for Troop 4 families.
St. Mary’s Cemetery Cleanup
This service event is important to support the troop’s sponsor. We’ll meet at the St. Mary’s cemetery Irish round tower at 10am on Sunday Nov 22nd. Bring work gloves and a rake. It would be helpful if another adult or two could bring a truck to haul leaves and debris to the woods. Note that this event will start immediately after the troop campout, so those at the campout have the benefit of automatic enrollment. Call Mr. Bedard if you have any questions.
Milford Triathlon – 2009
Troop 4 Takes Gold, Silver, Bronze at Milford Triathlon
New Eagle Scout – Michael Tusino
Michael Tusino passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on August 25 to become Troop 4’s 18th Eagle Scout.
The troop will honor Mike at an Eagle Court of Honor scheduled for October 22.
Congratulations, Mike!
Date change for September committee meeting
The date for the September committee meeting has been changed to Wednesday, September 2.
Summer Camp Pictures – 2009
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- America’s Cup Trials
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- Back Seat Lounging
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- Chowdah Tonight
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- Hangin at Nomolos
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- Ladder Ball Tournament Action
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- Squirrel’s Worst Nightmare
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- The Next Michaelangelo
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- Training for Hi Adventure 2010
June Whitewater Pictures – 2009
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- Airborne at the Pool
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- Gourmet Cooking
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- Snack Break on the Kennebec
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- Troop 4 Knot Champ
Troop Committee Meeting
5min – Training: Status / New council YP directive / Maine canoe requirements (Barie)
5min – Merit Badge: Councilor list review / fill gaps / summer-fall plans (Gallagher)
5min – Web Site: Need to recruit day/day web maintenance. S.Eddins will still give tech support (Bedard)
5min – Treasurer Report: Recommend a quick status, and defer the more detailed annual budget review to Sep meeting, after 09/10 books close. (Laviolette)
5min – Adult Leadership Status / Needed volunteers (Lanciano/Bedard)
– Need to fill various roles:
Campout Event Planner _______________
Web Site maintenance _______________
Pancake Bfast _______________
Pancake Fundraising roles _______________
Recruiting coordinator _______________
Venture coordinator _______________
5min – Church relations (Kirchner)
5min – Advancement Status (Bedard)
5min – Eagle advising process / call for volunteers (Bedard/Kirchner)
5min – Hi Adventure Status (Hastings, Gallagher, Croteau)
5min – Scout training plans (Bedard)
5min – Resolute status (Sgammato)
5min – other topics
30-60 min – Annual planning – ALL Please bring your calendars so that we can avoid conflicts.
Court of Honor
The Troop Four Court of Honor scheduled for Wednesday June 9th will be at the St. Mary’s Parish Center. We expect to award merit badges, many badges of rank, and other awards. The evening will begin with dinner at 630pm, and will conclude around 830pm. Scouts should arrive on time and in full uniform, to include neckerchief and slide. The dinner menu is the popular Troop 4 “pot-luck” dinner. Scouts and committee members will be contacting parents with a request to bring a dinner item or dessert, and a 2 liter bottle of soft drink.
Memorial Day Parade
The Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 31. This is the only parade that the troop attends each year. Scouts should meet in the Stop and Shop parking lot near the 99 Restaurant at 9:30 AM in full uniform. Scouts may be picked up at Draper Park at the parade’s conclusion (~1130AM). Please notify Phil Bedard if your scout plans to attend. It’s important for the Troop to have a good showing at this important event.
Swim Night
Please note that the April 1st troop meeting will be held at the Milford high school pool as the troop conducts our spring swim night. Meeting drop-off and pick-up is the same as a normal troop meeting. New scouts will have an opportunity to try their hand at the BSA Swim Test. This is good practice for the test given at summer camp. Scouts can also knock off some 2nd and 1st Class water related requirements. Pool games, belly flops, and pizza/soda will round out the night. There is no cost for this event, but it’s important to arrive on time, as the pool folks will attempt to collect a fee from all those that arrive after we’ve started.
Court of Honor
This Court of Honor will feature TWO Eagle Scouts; TJ Fasulo, and Tim Brundrett. Tim is our most recent Eagle Scout, having just passed his Board of Review on January 19th. Congratulations!
Families should arrive at the ceremony at 630pm. Please be on-time, as it’s a busy night, and we will be starting immediately. Scouts will be contacting families to bring a two-liter bottle of soft drink and a small desert. Dinner will be served.
Pancake Breakfast
The venture kitchen staff should report for KP no later than 630 AM sharp. Cooks should wear a Troop 4 T-Shirt. The wait staff (all other scouts) should arrive between 700 – 730AM for set-up and waiter training, and must be in regular Class A uniform. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Christmas Tree Pick-Up
All scouts that are participating in this year’s Christmas Tree Pick-up need to be at the Parish Center no later than 8:30 AM on Sunday January 3rd. The troop trucks leave at 8:30AM sharp, so please be on time. We will have a crew picking up trees in our assigned precinct, and also a crew unloading trees at the Transfer Station. Scouts will rotate so they can try both jobs. At the conclusion, parents can pick up their scouts at the parish center at 11:30AM. Adult truck/trailer drivers: we need a vehicle count so that we can get the proper paperwork for each vehicle. Please email Bob Garber at bobg.home@comcast.net to let him know if you have a truck you can drive. We also need 1 adult to volunteer at the Transfer Station. Email Bob is you can help with either. Also, to raise visibility for this event, we’ve attached a flyer that can be handed out, or posted in your neighborhood (see last page of newsletter). Please remind your neighbors.
Troop Meeting – Knife Contest, OA Election
The Troop Knife Contest will be at the December 17 troop meeting. Scouts can bring a knife that they can use under the troop/BSA rules and enter it in the competition for sharpest, best looking, and most functional. There will be prizes for the winners.
Troop Meeting – Michael Tougias
Troop 2, 4 and 18 have combined forces to bring famous author Michael Tougias to St. Mary’s parish on our regular troop meeting night of Dec 10th. Mr. Tougias has written many books with a survival theme, including Fatal Forecast (see summary below). Please arrive between 630-645pm. The show starts promptly at 7pm. All scouts must bring a two liter bottle of soft drink for the refreshment table. The other troops will provide snacks and paper goods.
An overview of the book/presentation:
Fatal Forecast:
“A Breathtaking book, the story is both marvelous and terrifying.”
– – – LA Times
What happens when a 90-foot wave hits two 50-foot boats 200 miles out to sea in November? Fatal Forecast chronicles one of the most incredible survival stories ever told. Using slides from the actual storm and rescue, award-winning author Michael Tougias tells the story based on his new book, Fatal Forecast: An Incredible True Tale of Disaster and Survival at Sea.
Swim Night
This week’s troop meeting (Dec 3rd) will be a swim night at the Milford High School pool. Bring swim attire and a towel. No uniform required, and there is no fee for this event. Younger scouts will cover important 2nd & 1st class requirements related to swimming and water safety. We’ll also have pool games, diving, and of course, pizza/drinks to end the night. Normal meeting time: 7pm start (sharp) & 830pm pickup.
Taconic Mountains Backpacking Trip
The troop will demonstrate these new backpacking skills on the weekend of October 23-25. The troop will travel to the Taconic Mountains in the MA/NY/CT tri-state area. This trip will feature a combination of cabin camping at the AMC’s Northwest Camp and tent camping along the Appalachian Trail. Experienced backpacking scouts desiring a faster pace and very challenging route may choose to leave on Friday afternoon directly after school. This group will meet at the St. Mary’s parish center for an immediate departure at 3pm. They will arrive at the trailhead at dusk for a very short ½ mile backpack to the cabin before dark, followed by a challenging hike to a wilderness campsite on Saturday.
First year scouts, and other scouts not able to leave on Friday will meet Saturday at the parish center for an on-time departure at 8AM. This group will travel on a 5-mile route over the Appalachian Trail to the same AMC cabin. This 2nd group may break into ability groups depending on the number of attendees. Both groups will backpack out on Sunday morning, stop for a fast food lunch on the ride home, and arrive home for a parish center pick-up at 4pm.
Our destination is home to many interesting features including the highest peak in Connecticut, and the highest land point in Connecticut. A nickel to the scout who can explain how these can be two separate places. We will also traverse exposed ridges, deep ravines and rocky summits.
The option for a Friday or Saturday departure may change based on the number of attendees and leaders. It is therefore very important that all scouts and leaders planning to attend turn in the permission slip no later than the Oct 1st troop meeting in order to allow for the required logistics planning. Early submittals via email to pbedard1@gmail.com are strongly encouraged.
Due to the challenging nature of this backpacking trip, all attendees must be physically fit. New scouts unaccustomed to strenuous activity should begin a fitness program now in order to be ready for this trip. Consider starting the personal fitness merit badge to get in shape. Same goes for older scouts/adults that want to participate. Please direct any questions on this topic to any of the Troop 4 Personal Fitness Merit Badge Councilors listed on the troop website.
All attendees (scouts/adults) will cook their backpacking meals individually, using only boiled water for meal preparation. Veterans of the Mt. Washington trip will provide detailed instruction on meal preparation and ingredients each person must buy. Ingredients can be easily purchased at a local grocer at low cost. Scouts should also bring some money for a fast food lunch on Sunday’s return. Detailed meal planning and packing instruction will take place at the October 8th troop meeting. All scouts must then bring their fully packed back-pack to the October 15th troop meeting where a “shake-down” will be performed to ensure each scout is well prepared. Scouts must “be prepared” by bringing every item on the checklist provided at the 10/8 meeting – no exceptions. On 10/15, each backpack must brought to the meeting in “ready-to-hit-the-trail” condition. Also, a nominal $5 fee (check payable to Troop 4) is required to defray the cost of the AMC Cabin.
Again, if your son will be attending, please drop off the permission slip no later than the beginning of the October 1st Troop Meeting, or email the form earlier to Phil Bedard.
Halloween Party
This is a fun event… with lots of scout led games and contests. No uniform is required for this meeting.
All scouts should could come with a small snack item (dessert, chips, etc…) for the party food table. The Troop will supply the drinks.
There will be a Costume Contest…with prizes, so come with an interesting costume.
Prizes for…scariest, funniest, most medieval (lightning patrol insisted on this one), most realistic, and most original.
Eagle Court of Honor
A Troop Eagle Court of Honor will be held on Thursday, October 22 for all the awards and badges earned since the June Court of Honor. Dinner will be served. The dinner will start at 6:30 PM and awards will start about 7:15 PM. The evening will conclude around 8:30 PM
Troop Meeting – Backpacking Shakedown and Contest
Scouts attending the October backpack trip have been instructed to come to the October 15 troop meeting with their packs full packed, and food ready to go. If there is fresh food involved for some parts of their meal, the need not bring that on thursday. The intent of this early shakedown is to make sure scouts are fully prepared for this exciting trip, and also so we can leave the parking lot right on time on Friday afternoon, as we’re racing the sunset.
To make this effort a little more interesting, we are adding a contest with some interesting prizes. The troop has decided that we no longer need our 1 man lightweight backpacking tents. These are nice tents, but turned out to be too small for boy scout trips, where we typically double up scouts in a tent…so they have been going unused. But they are great for 1 person. So we will give away two tents to winners of the following contests. This is open to all scouts, whether they are going on the campout or not. Scouts just need to come packed up as if they were going in order to enter the contest.
(1) Best packed backpack for a 2night trip.
Judging criteria:
* Contains all required checklist items.
* Creativity in reducing weight.
* Little/no unnecessary items.
* Critical pack contents are protected from water.
* Pack contents are efficiently and securely packed
* Fancy/expensive gear is NOT part of the criteria. Do the best with what you have or can easily get.
(2) Best backpacking meals
Judging criteria:
* Packed compactly, without excessive packaging
* Packed in an orderly fashion
* Nutritious/high energy/sufficient calories
* Appears tasty
* Limited unnecessary weight (emphasis on dry or dense foods)
* Total weight is NOT a criteria, as bigger scouts need to eat more to get the required energy on the trail.
Participating scouts should line up their packs along the wall in the main hallway when they arrive on Thursday night. If any questions… scouts can call/email Mr. Bedard at any time.
Personal Fitness Merit Badge Kick-Off
Milford High School track
Troop Meeting (Venture Scouts only)
This Venture-only meeting will include road-to-eagle planning discussions. Mr. Bedard will have the detailed advancement records for each Life Scout available that night to assist in our planning. Scouts with active Eagle Service Projects should also come prepared to brief the group on the project status and plans for completion.
Troop Committee Meeting
Agenda
(1) Finance – Roll out of new budget discussed at last meeting (Deb, 5min)
(2) Training Status, incl discussion of ideas for Hi Adv training (1staid/CPR) – (Stacey, 5min)
(3) Advancement Status / Participation Policy / Invite recent Eagles as ASMs? – (Phil, 5min)
(4) Summer Camp debrief, and 2010 camp kickoff – (Tom S, 5min)
(5) High Adventure – debrief of subcommittee meeting (Pat, 5min)
(6) Safe Scouting Incident / Path Forward (Phil/Peter- 10min)
(7) Pancake kickoff (e.g., dates, incentives, establish subcom) – (Peter/Phil, 5 min)
(8) Season Kickoff Plans (venture meeting / new scout leader meeting) – (Phil, 5min)
(9) Committee/ASM volunteers to take logistics lead (CMs), or supervision lead (ASMs) on key Q3/4 activities – (Peter/Phil, 10min)
– Pig pickup/dropoff (for Nov campout)
– Cemetery Cleanup
– Xmas Tree pickup
– COH setup subcommittee (may need fresh blood here)
– Webelo recruiting events
– Treberchet supervisor (fall wood project)
– Venture nights (at least once per month)
– Scouting for Food
(10) Eagle Project Financing proposal (Phil/DaveK, 5min)
(11) Church relations (DaveK, 5min)
(12) Troop Mtg / Campout projects for the season (All, 5min)
– Repair collapsing cabinet
– New ditty bags for chef kits
– Treberchet
– other?
(13) Venture activities/ideas (BobG, 5min)
– shotgun night (LA volunteered again)
– speakers
– other?
(14) Equipment (Phil, 2min)
– vote on gifting of the cheapo bpack tents (texsport 1man)
(15) Other topics (Peter)
June 11 Eagle Court of Honor Starts at 6:30 PM
Please note that the June 11 Court of Honor begins at 6:30 PM.
Many scouts have active assignments, such as speaking roles, at the Court of Honor. Scouts with active assignments should arrive 5-10 minutes early. Please check in with the SPL when you arrive.
Camp Resolute Form Information
Please see the Guidance for Completing Camp Resolute Forms page for important information on how to fill out the camp forms.
Guidance on Completing Camp Resolute Forms
Submit the following to Phil Bedard by June 18:
- BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (new this year) Part A
- BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (new this year) Part B
- BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (new this year) Part C (Release form)
- Insurance card photocopy (front and back)
- Camp Res. Authorization to Issue Medicine
- Camp Res. Parental Authorization Form (for shooting sports)
Note that the physical exam must be within 1 year of the date of the first day of camp, July 19.
If your doctor gives you a separate form, that can be attached. However, you must still turn in all 6 forms above. Please get the doctor’s signature on the BSA form.
Adults staying overnight at camp must turn forms in, too. Only the first 4 forms apply to overnight adults.
Note that there is not a separate immunization form this year, like there was last year. Immunization data is now incorporated into the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record.
Please be sure to turn in the forms completely, and by 6/18.
If your forms can not be turned in at that time, please plan to remain at camp on sign-in day until the medical session is complete, which could be 2-3 hours after arrival.
If forms are not in order, the camp will not allow your scout to register. If you get them in on time, the troop will screen them for problems. Thanks for your help.
Memorial Day Parade
The Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 25. This is the only parade that the troop attends each year. Scouts should meet in the Stop and Shop parking lot near the 99 Restaurant at 9:30 AM in full uniform. Scouts may be picked up at Draper Park at Noon. Please notify Phil Bedard if your scout plans to attend. It’s important for the Troop to have a good showing at this important event.
Policy Reminders: Scouts are NOT allowed to leave the premises (e.g., walks to the nearby convenience store) during troop meetings. Scouts are also reminded that fixed blade knives are not allowed at any troop events, except by specially trained and approved Life Scouts.
Senior Patrol Leader Election
The Troop will conduct Senior Patrol Leader elections at the June 4th Troop Meeting. The new SPL will then appoint his Assistants, and begin work on the selection of the entire troop leadership over the summer. This shift to an end-of-season election will allow the adult leaders to provide training to the new troop leadership over the summer in order for us to hit the ground running at the start of the new season. Any scout that demonstrates Scout Spirit, and is Star or higher, is eligible to run for this important office. Prospective SPLs must also commit to attend most troop meetings and outdoor events in our 2009/10 season. Please notify the current SPL if you would like to run for the position.
Presidential Range Adventure Fee Due
There is a $51 fee ($84 for adults) to allow us to stay one of the trip nights at the AMC Lake of the Clouds Hut (includes 2 hearty meals). Those planning to attend must turn in this fee no later than the June 4th troop meeting.
Milford Relay for Life
Many Troop 4 Scouts have volunteered to serve as part of the Milford Relay for Life staff on Friday May 15th. Those who replied to the earlier “call for volunteers” will receive a staff T-shirt. Other family members and scouts are encouraged to join. The troop’s participation will run from 6pm-midnight. Scouts should check in with a Troop 4 leader upon arrival. We need four scouts to serve in the color guard at the opening ceremony. Please notify Phil Bedard at the May 14 troop meeting if you can arrive at 5:45pm to participate in the opening. Although the Troop is not registered as a formal team, we would like to pool some donations to submit through our sponsor’s team (St. Mary’s). Any desired donations should be made payable to the American Heart Association. Donations provided to any Troop leader will be passed on to the St. Mary’s team. Hope to see you there.
Knox Trail Council Friends of Scouting Presentation
At our April 16th Troop Meeting, the troop will host representatives of the Knox Trail Council’s Friends of Scouting organization. The troop invites parents to arrive for pickup a bit early at 8:15PM to listen to this brief 10 minute presentation and learn about this great organization.
March Hike Pictures – 2009
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- Orienteering Team on Hopedale Hill
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- Orienteering
March 22 Newsletter Posted
Click on “NEWSLETTER” at the top of the page to see the March 22, 2009 newsletter.
Click on “Newsletter Archives” at the lower right of the page to see all previous newsletters.
Orienteering Course Setup
For Venture Scouts only. Time TBD.
Troop Meeting Date Moved to MONDAY, March 2, 2009
Due to some unique circumstances, the upcoming Thursday March 5th troop meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, Mar 2nd. This one-time shift to a Monday night was made to ensure we had some extra adult leader support required for the opening night for our new scouts. Additional leaders will be on hand to provide orientation to both our new scouts and their parents.
Two New Eagle Scouts!
Troop 4 is proud to announce that Gabe Lanciano and Jonathan Lincoln have passed their Eagle Board of Reviews, and are now Eagle Scouts. The Troop will celebrate their achievements at our June Eagle Court of Honor.
Congratulations, Gabe and Jonathan!
February 26 Newsletter Posted
Click on NEWSLETTER at the top of the page for the latest Troop Four Family Newsletter.
February Camping Trip Pictures – 2009
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- Psycho Sled Ride
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- Snowshoers
Pancake Breakfast Pictures – 2009
The 2009 Pancake Breakfast was a big success, earning over $3,000 for Troop 4!
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- Satisfied Customers
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- Troop 4 Chefs in Action
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- Wyatt Serving a Monster Cake
Scout Sunday
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Milford, will celebrate Scout Sunday on February 8, 2009, at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. All scouts and leaders are invited to participate and to join in the procession in uniform. Attendees should gather in the chapel (lower church) by 10:00 a.m. Boy Scout Troop 2, chartered by Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, cordially invites all scouts and leaders and their families who participate in Scout Sunday to join them in the Bell Tower Room for light refreshments immediately following the Mass. Please inform Phil Bedard if you plan to attend (note: this is the same weekend as the NH Winter Sports Weekend).
January Camping Pictures – 2009
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- Hopedale Parklands Ridge Shelter
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- Return of the Eagle
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- The Hopedale Mountain Slalom Course
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- Wipeout
Presidential Range Backpacking Adventure
[Updated April 2, 2009]
From Mr. Croteau:
I have come up with an itinerary and route for the August backpacking trip. The route is intended to provide a variety of different elements to keep it interesting for those that attend. I have worked with the Appalachian Mountain Club folks and the NH Forest Service to put this together. The route starts at Dry River Campground, consists of some wooded hiking along a stream on the dry river trail (I’m told there’s water holes to swim in), an overnight in the forest, then hike above tree line to summit Mt. Monroe, hike to and stay at the AMC hut Lakes of the Clouds (a prepared dinner and breakfast), then summit Mt Washington (get a bowl of chili and use rest rooms) and end at Pinkham Notch.
The dates:
Friday August 7th – arrive at Dry River Campground
Saturday August 8th – leave in the am and hike into the forest on Dry River Trail (5.4 miles)
Sunday August 9th – Hike Mt Eisenhower Trail, to Crawford Path, Summit Mt Monroe, and stay at Lakes of the Clouds AMC hut (4.3 miles)
Monday August 10th – breakfast at 7am, Crawford path (1.1 mile), Summit Mt. Washington, Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Pinkham Notch (4.4 miles)
Depart for Milford on Monday evening August 10th
This route accomplishes a number of things. We backpack the majority of the food we need for the first day (dinner and breakfast) and consume it in the forest and before we lug it up any significant elevation. That lightens our pack for the hike to Mt Monroe and then we stop at the AMC hut, where we get fed a family style dinner and breakfast. Our packs are lightest here with only lunch for the summit and descent of Mt Washington. It also gives us a fairly good variety of forest and above tree line views of the Presidential range.
The AMC hut charges per person and I have already reserved 20 spots. I have to pay 60 days in advance, so I’ll need a definite commitment by June 5th for those that are coming. The AMC hut cost is $85 per adult and $51 per scout.
The one logistical issue to work out is how to get from Pinkham notch to Dry River Campground on Monday. We may have to drive and leave a couple of vehicles to Pinkham so we can get back to Dry River Campground. That’s my current plan.
For the scouts, the Personal Fitness Merit badge is a prerequisite to attend. This hike should be fun and will be challenging.
Currently we have spots for 20 people for this trip (we may be limited to only 20), so I need to know who plans to go soon. Please RSVP to me within the next month if you intend to go.
P.S. For those that need the PF merit badge, work on your plan and fitness log; it should be easy with Lacrosse and spring sports starting up. Remember it takes three months to complete. You need to start now if you plan to attend the trip in August.
Parent Volunteers Needed in January
Parents—Troop Four can really use your help in January! More volunteers are needed for the Christmas tree pick up and for Pancake Breakfast ad sales.
January 8 Troop Meeting – New Location
The January 8 Troop Meeting will be at the Milford Police Station. Scouts will be working on the Fingerprinting Merit Badge. Click here for details.
Date change: January camping trip
The upcoming January camping trip has been rescheduled for January 3-4. The permission slip is now due at the December 18 troop meeting.
December 7 Newsletter Posted
Click on NEWSLETTER at the top of the page for the latest Troop Four Family Newsletter.
Troop Committee Meeting
Parish Center
Agenda:
1. Parish Center Winter Closures and alternate TM events (Dave K / Phil B)
2. Jan camping trip – coverage issues (Phil)
3. Troop meeting adult leader coverage in January (Phil)
4. Pancake Breakfast Long Lead Activity Status/Plans (Pancake chair)
o Ticket printing
o Ad Sales
o Prizes
o Scout participation requirements
o Ad in church bulletin / local papers
5. June Whitewater Plans (Phil)
6. Spring Event ideas (All)
7. Troop Financial Status / Budget (Deb L)
8. Re-charter Status / Issues (Phil)
9. Advancement Status (Phil)
10. Court of Honor … Eagle? (Ken/Michelle)
11. Volunteers for Eagle Board of Reviews in Dec/Jan (All)
12. Webelo Recruiting Status (MarkS / Phil)
13. Eagle Project Status (Phil)
Army Care Package Collection – Nov. 13
At the November 13 troop meeting, we will be collecting care package items for Mr. Bedard’s nephew’s Army squad in Afghanistan. If you’re interested, bring one or two small items. We’re a large group, so it will add up quick.
For ideas about what to bring, check out this list of armed services care package suggestions.
November 7 Newsletter Posted
Click on NEWSLETTER at the top of the page for the latest Troop Four Family Newsletter.
Activities for Webelos – November
Troop 4 has two activities for Webelos during November:
- Webelos night (for 1st and 2nd-year Webelos) – Thursday, November 6
- Camping trip (for 2nd-year Webelos) – November 22-23
Click on the links above for more information.
Physical Fitness Merit Badget Meeting—Rescheduled
The September 27 Physical Fitness Merit Badge meeting has been tentatively rescheduled for October 4, 10:00 – noon, at the high school track.
Camp Resolute 2009
[Updated April 3rd]
Contents
- General Information
- Camp Resolute Scout and Parent Guide
- Check In on Sunday
- Check Out on Friday Night
- Troop Pictures
- Emergencies
- Visitors
- Parental Authorization Form
- Medical Forms (2)
- Volunteers / CORI Form
- Merit Badge Sign-Up
- Pocket Money
- Uniforms
- What to Bring to Camp
- Sign-Up for Camp
- Leader’s Guide
General Information
Troop 4 will be attending the Knox Trail Council’s Camp Resolute in Bolton, Mass. as our week long local summer activity this year. We will be camping from Sunday, July 19 through Friday July 24. At Camp Resolute, a troop reserves one of about 12 troop campsites for its scouts. Each troop has its own site and we camp as a troop. We have reserved the “Nomolos” site. Scouts sleep in 2-man tents on wooden platforms. There is a cot with a mattress for each scout. Meals are eaten in a dining hall along with the other scouts (about 150) in camp for the week.
A typical camp day consists of merit badge classes in the morning run by camp counselors. The classes are fun and scouts get the opportunity to learn about many outdoor merit badges. Each Scout selects the classes that he would like to attend. The afternoons are reserved for individual scout activities and interests. Many of these activities are explained in the camp guide.
We will be working with the newer scouts on Tenderfoot through First Class requirements during the afternoons and evenings. After dinner, there will be troop activities and camp wide games.
Camp Resolute Scout and Parent Guide
Please review the Camp Resolute Scout and Parent Guide as it contains hints and information about Camp Resolute, and includes required forms. Also, there are a few items in the guide where Troop 4 will do things differently from the guide and a few items listed that we will explain further:
Check In on Sunday
Check In: Troop 4 will meet in the Camp Resolute parking lot between 12:30 and 1:00 PM on Sunday, July 19. At 1:00 PM, we will proceed to our Troop campsite (the “Nomolos” site). Parents and other family members are welcome to help the Scouts move in. Families can stay and tour the Camp during the afternoon, or leave as soon as their entire Scout’s gear is at the campsite. If you can not meet the check in time, please call or email Phil Bedard. Please call or email if you need directions to the camp. It is about a ½ hour drive from Milford.
Check Out on Friday Night
Check Out: is Friday night, anytime after 5:00 PM and before the Camp Resolute barbecue at 6:30 PM. Parents and families are encouraged to stay for the barbeque – information regarding purchase of tickets to attend (scouts are free) is in the Camp Resolute Guide. The troop will take part in the camp barbecue. Because summer camp ends on Friday, we will not be able to have the awards ready for a Court of Honor at camp. Instead, we will announce all the awards completed at camp at the barbecue and give out the actual awards at a Court of Honor in October. The Camp puts on a great closing campfire that the Scouts and their families may attend after the barbecue on Friday night.
Troop Pictures
Each year the Council has a professional photographer take each troop’s picture (the pictures are ready for pick-up Friday night). For those wishing to purchase a troop photograph, the troop will be collecting the $10 fee upon arrival on Sunday July 19 at camp. Please make checks payable to TOP Photography.
Emergencies
Emergencies: If you have an emergency and need to contact your son, you can call the Camp number listed in the guide. At check-in on Sunday, we will have several cell telephone numbers of the different Adult Troop 4 Leaders attending camp that you can call.
Visitors
Visitors are welcome any time. Please follow the Camp check in procedures and they will assist you in locating our Troop in camp.
Parental Authorization Form
Families must complete a release form to allow their scout to use firearms at the ranges and for their photos to be taken during camp. Please download the form, sign, and submit along with your health forms to Phil Bedard prior to June 18th. As an alternative to a troop meeting, you can send via US mail to Phil at 22 Harmony Trail, Hopedale, MA 01747
Medical Forms (2)
There is a new medical form this year. You must complete all three parts (A, B and C). Part B must be signed by your doctor. For scouts that require medication to be dispensed at camp, there is also an “Authorization to Administer Medication to a Camper” form that must be completed. In addition, the Troop procedures for submitting the medical forms are different from the ones stated in the guidebook and different from what the troop has done in the past. The completed and signed forms MUST be delivered to a troop meeting, or mailed or dropped off at Phil Bedard’s house, NO LATER THAN Thursday, JUNE 18th. The Camp wants the forms before to review them and speedup the check-in process.
The BSA medical forms MUST be: signed off by the doctor, signed off by the parent, and have the medical insurance company name & policy number listed. Many doctor’s offices use a standard form. If such a form is provided by your doctor, please attach it to the BSA form for additional detail to avoid unexpected problems. But even if attached, please note that the doctor MUST SIGN the BSA medical form (BSA rules). Please double check your forms carefully. Each year the troop has to return many incomplete forms for update. The camp will not in-process any scout with incomplete forms. Common mistakes include no parent signature, missing medical insurance information, no doctor phone number, and no doctor signature. The effort for the troop to obtain and process all these forms is very time consuming, so please do all that you can to submit them accurately and on-time. Thanks!
Medical forms for adult leaders are required as in past years. The Council wants these forms before camp also, so please forward them to Phil Bedard by June 18th via a troop meeting, or mailed to 22 Harmony Trail, Hopedale, MA 01747. You can leave them in the scout drop off box near my garage door if you prefer.
Volunteers / CORI Form
The Troop will have many of our regular adult leaders attend in shifts to cover the week. However, if we are low on leaders for a particular part of the schedule, we may contact you to see if you can spend a day or night at camp. We will have an adult leader with you, and all you will be required to do is be present. Meals are at the dining hall and there are hot adult showers. Many adults actually commute to/from work for a day or more.
If you are staying overnight or volunteering for a day, the troop must (per Massachusetts law) submit your name, date of birth, and social security number and other information to the Council so that they can have a CORI check done. If you are asked, and are able to help with the adult coverage, please complete and sign the CORI form and return to Phil Bedard by May 28th (mail or drop off at 22 Harmony Trail, Hopedale 01747). This goes for registered adult leaders as well. Do not forget to attach a photocopy of your picture ID to the form. The information is needed by that date as the troop must submit all CORI forms before June 1 to the Council.
Merit Badge Sign-Up
Scouts should review the merit badge course listing in the 2009 Camp Guide. Some merit badges have prerequisites that need to be completed before camp in order for the scout to complete the badge at camp. If a scout does not complete the badge at camp, he receives a “partial” completion and can finish the merit badge later with a Troop 4 merit badge counselor.
This year the troop will be pre-registering scouts online before camp. Have your son(s) follow these steps:
- Select the merit badges from the list in the 2009 Camp Resolute Guide. Each scout should sign up for 3 merit badges. In addition, if a first year camper is fairly good at swimming, he should take the Swimming merit badge – it’s an Eagle required merit badge that is hard to get outside of summer camp.
- Check the merit badge course time schedule to make sure that you don’t have any time conflicts. Some merit badges (Lifesaving, Small Boat Sailing for examples) are two periods long.
- Bring your selections to the June 4th troop meeting, where a Troop leader will review them, help you make changes if needed, and then will register your scout in the council’s on-line system. If you can not attend that meeting, email your selections beforehand to Phil Bedard.
- The most important thing to remember when signing up for merit badges is – Have Fun! Have your son(s) sign up for badges that he will have fun doing.
If your son is completing prerequisites before camp, notes indicating completion are required from the troop counselor for the badge. Please email Phil Bedard before the last June troop meeting once your son has completed any required prerequisites.
Pocket Money
Scouts usually need $30.00 to $35.00 for the week for snacks, supplies, handicraft items, etc. Scouts can bring plenty of snacks to camp, but please be sure that the snacks can be kept in the Scout’s footlocker or duffel bag.
Uniforms
All Scouts are required to have the full uniform (official pants are not required) including the Troop neckerchief. Official BSA shorts are suggested, but not required. The Scouts usually wear T-shirts and shorts during the day for activities. It is a good idea to buy “Troop 4 “T-shirts for use at camp. We are currently sold-out of most sizes, but we will replenish supplies before summer camp.
What to Bring to Camp
The list in the Camp Guide is a good list to follow. Here are some explanations for some of the items on the list: The mosquito netting is the size that fits over a camp cot sized bed (can get at Wal-mart or sporting goods store). The Scouts sleep in 2-man wall tents with a wooden floor and a camp cot for each Scout. The dowels are to hold up the netting are good to bring, but are not necessary as you can use sticks at the campsite that work just as well. Bring twine to attach the dowels/sticks to the cot. For extra clothes, one change per day is adequate. Slippers are not necessary, but beach sandals are a good idea. A mattress cover is not necessary, as a piece of plastic will do just as well to cover the cot mattress. Swimming Merit Badge Clothes are needed only if the Scout is planning to take the swimming merit badge.
Clothes and gear can be kept in a duffel bag or footlocker while at camp. A backpack can be also be used to carry some of the equipment for the week.
Sign-Up for Camp
The camp sign-up and payment process is the same format as last year. The troop is required to collect the camp fees from the scouts and remit the total camp fee for the troop to the Council. The regular due date for scouts is the April 16 troop meeting. The due date for “new Scouts” – scouts who joined from last November to now – including crossovers from Webelos, is the May 28th troop meeting. Checks should be made payable to “Troop 4” (the troop remits one check to the Council with the list of scouts). Note that scouts can still sign up for camp after the dates listed but each fee is about $30.00 more.
As mentioned, the camp is owned and run by the Knox Trail Council. This year’s fee is $305.00 per scout. The “brother fee” for a brother that is also attending $240.00. Please see Phil Bedard if the fee is a hardship. All hardship requests are confidential.
Please call or email Phil Bedard if you have any questions. The troop has had many great adventures at Camp Resolute and this year will be another fun and adventure filled week. See you there!
Leader’s Guide
The Camp Resolute Leader’s Guide contains information for the adult leaders of the troop.
May Camping Trip – St. Mary’s Cemetery
Scouts: be sure to bring your scout handbook to the campout this coming weekend. We will be doing advancement and scoutmaster conferences, in preparation for the upcoming boards of review, and it’s important that we be able to ensure all requirements are properly signed off and dated in each scout’s handbook.
The May Camping Trip will be Saturday, May 2nd and 3rd at the Troop campsite near St.Mary’s Cemetery in Milford. We will meet at the parish center at 10:30 AM. We will return for pick up at the parish center by 11:30 AM on Sunday. Scouts need to bring a bag lunch and the items listed on the Troop 4 camping equipment list. There is very limited parking at St. Mary’s so it’s important for scouts to meet at the parish center and carpool.
Campouts at our troop campsite are great opportunities to practice camping and cooking skills, pioneering activities and even night time fun at the nearby park. This trip is a perfect introduction to camping for new scouts, and for those who need to come/go because of team sports events. For food, scouts need to bring a bag lunch for Saturday, will be cooking patrol-style over an open fire for dinner and breakfast. Scouts will plan these patrol meals at the next troop meeting.
If you son will be attending the May campout, please complete the permission slip and return it to the Troop Scribe at the April 16th troop meeting. All first year crossover scouts are strongly encouraged to attend as this is a great introduction to camping and pioneering skills. If your son would like to attend but won’t be at the April 16th troop meeting, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-282-0283 or bedard18@verizon.net We will need a few parents to drive to/from and/or stay for the event. If you can help out please indicate on the permission slip.
Maine White Water Camping Trip
The Maine Whitewater Trip is from Saturday, June 20 through Monday June 22nd. We will meet at the parish center at 9 AM. We will return for pick up at the parish center by 3:30 PM on Monday. We will stop for fast food lunches on the way up and back, but scouts are welcome to bring a bag lunch if they prefer. Scouts also need to bring all the typical items that are found on the Troop 4 camping equipment list.
As we did two years ago, we will be using the Adventure Bound outfitters. They will provide the boats, wetsuits, all equipment, and even the expert guides that will ride in each boat. Friday is a travel day to our “resort” campsite, complete with pool, hot tub, and climbing wall. Saturday is whitewater day. Our river course follows the Kennebec River. The outfitter provides lunch on the river. Monday is our return trip home. Scouts will be cooking patrol-style using camping stoves. Patrols will plan their meals at the June 4th troop meeting.
The steeply discounted price for Boy Scout troops is $80 per person. There will be no other expense for this 3day trip except for some pocket money for fast food on the ride up/back. Those interested in attending must submit an $80 check payable to Troop 4 by May 14th. This is a firm deadline, as we have to submit payment to the outfitter to confirm our slots soon after. As with all our trips, parents are welcome (but not required) to join us on this high adventure event.
Please note that all participants need a complete and signed waiver form.
If you son will be attending the June whitewater trip, please complete the permission slip and waiver, and return it to the Troop Scribe at the June 4th troop meeting. But note that payments are due earlier on May 14th. If your son would like to attend but won’t be at the meetings when forms and payments are due, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-282-0283 or bedard18@verizon.net We will need a few parents to drive to/from and/or stay for the event. If you can help out please indicate on the permission slip.
Christmas Tree Pickup
The Milford Christmas tree pick up will be Sunday, January 4. This is a combination fund raiser and service project that we participate in with other scout units in town. We are looking for one or two more parents with pick up trucks or trailers to drive around our assigned territory in Milford to pick up the trees and transport them to the town disposal area. It starts about 8:00 am and ends about noon. We will be camping this weekend so we really need a few scouts and parents who won’t be camping to help out. Please call or email Bob Garber at bobg.home@comcast.net if you can participate. We had to schedule the camping trip the same weekend because that was the best fit for all of our winter activities.
To make sure to get a tree pick-up at your home, call Mary-Ellen at 508-478-2851.
A $5.00 donation is requested.
Scouting for Food – Assist at Food Pantry
Meet at the Food Pantry on Exchange Street.
Rifle Merit Badge Completion Session
At the Maspenock Rod and Gun Club. This session is only for those who started the badge at Resolute this past summer.
Personal Fitness Merit Badge Session
At the High School track. Contact Mr. Croteau for details.
Eagle Scout Court of Honor
Our next Court of Honor is scheduled for June 11th. This will be an Eagle Court of Honor for our two most recent Eagle Scouts, Gabe Lanciano and Jonathan Lincoln. In addition, many other scouts will receive merit badge, advancement and other awards. Please respond ASAP to the invitation you recently received from the Troop’s COH planner (Michelle Garber, mic.garber@comcast.net), so that we can plan appropriately for the meal. Scouts and their families are asked to arrive at 6:30 PM for dinner. Awards will start after dinner about 7:15 PM and the evening will be done by about 8:30 PM.
Swim Night
The April 9th meeting will be held at the high school pool as the troop conducts our spring swim night. Meeting drop-off and pick-up is the same as a normal troop meeting. New scouts will have an opportunity to try their hand at the BSA Swim Test. This is good practice for the test given at summer camp. Pool games, belly flops, and pizza/soda will round out the night.
Day Hike and Orienteering Contest
The Troop Day Hike and Orienteering Contest will be Saturday, March 14 at the Hopedale Parklands Forest. We will meet at the parish center at 9:00 AM and leave about 9:30 AM for the park. We will return for pick up at the parish center by 5:00 PM that evening. Scouts need to bring: a bag lunch, poncho or rain coat if it looks like rain that day, wear boots, bring a hat and gloves/mittens. A spare pair of socks is a must. If the weather is cold, bring a warm coat as well. Scouts should bring at least one quart/liter of water (no soda, juice, punch, etc.). Do not bring water in disposable water bottles – get a canteen or hiking water bottle at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. for less than $10. Scouts need to bring a day pack (school pack will work fine) to carry all their gear for the day.
The Hopedale Parklands Forest is a great place to hike and explore. There are miles of trails and hills that surround the Hopedale Pond and the Mill River. After hiking in to a remote hill top shelter, we’ll set up base for our Orienteering Contest. We will divide the scouts into age/ability groups. Using orienteering maps, scouts will plot strategy, and then seek out as many orienteering markers as possible in the allotted time. The troop has conducted these orienteering contests before with great success. At the end of the hike we will enjoy some of Troop 4’s famous fried dough!
If you son will be attending the hike, please complete the permission slip (click here) and return it to the Troop Scribe at the March 2nd troop meeting. All first year crossover scouts are strongly encouraged to attend as this is a great introduction to our outdoor program. If you son would like to attend but won’t be at the March 2nd troop meeting, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-282-0283 or bedard18@verizon.net We will need a few parents to drive to/from and/or stay for the event. If you can help out please indicate on the permission slip.
Venture Scouts will be planning and leading this activity. Ventures will perform the course setup on March 7th using GPS devices, and will also lead the actual event on March 14th. Venture attendance at one of these two dates is required. Attendance at this hike counts toward the outdoor participation requirement (>= 50% of events) to advance to the next rank. Ventures must coordinate their attendance through event leaders Mike Tusino and TJ Fasulo.
Troop Meeting
Due to some unique circumstances, the upcoming Thursday March 5th troop meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, Mar 2nd. This one-time shift to a Monday night was made to ensure we had some extra adult leader support required for the opening night for our new scouts. Additional leaders will be on hand to provide orientation to both our new scouts and their parents.
Camp Tahosa Pictures (Mr. Ward) – 2008
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- Tumblesom Lake and Sawtooth
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- Tumblesom Lake
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- Chillin on the Spillway
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- Warm-up Hike to Falls
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- Warm-up Hike – chillin
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- Warm-up Hike – Stephen & Chris
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- Warm-up Hike – TJ and Matt
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- Camp Tahosa
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- Camp Tahosa – John Rowan
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- Camp Tahosa – Liberty Point
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- Camp Tahosa – View of Mts Audobon & Sawtooth
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- Camp Tahosa 2
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- Camp Tahosa 3
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- Day 1 – On the way to Coney Flats
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- Day 1 Afternoon at Coney Flats camp
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- Day 1 Afternoon
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- Day 1 Coney Flats campsite
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- Day 1 Coney Flats – View of Sawtooth
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- Day 1 Glacading
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- Day 1 Glacading
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- Day 1 Glacading 00
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- Day 1 Glacading 01
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- Day 1 Glacading 02
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- Day 1 Glacading 2
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- Day 1 Glacading 3
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- Day 1 Glacading 03
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- Day 1 Glacading 04
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- Day 1 Glacading 05
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- Day 1 Glacading 06
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- Day 1 Glacading 07
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- Day 1 Glacading 08
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- Day 1 Glacading 09
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- Day 1 Glacading 10
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- Day 1 Glacading 11
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- Day 1 Glacading 12
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- Day 1 Glacading 13
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- Day 1 Glacading 14
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- Day 1 Glacading 16
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- Day 1 Glacading 18
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- Day 1 Just another view
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- Day 1 On the way to Coney Flats
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- Day 2 Afternoon at Fox Park
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- Day 2 Buchanan Pass Ascent
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- Day 2 Buchanan Pass Ascent Sawtooth Mtn
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- Day 2 Buchanan Pass Ascent view east
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- Day 2 Buchanan Pass Ascent
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- Day 2 Buchanan Pass Ascent2
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- Day 2 Buchanan Pass Ascent3
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- Day 2 Buchanan Pass Trail
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- Day 2 Buchanan Pass Trail
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- Day 2 Coney Flats morning
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- Day 2 Morning at Coney Flats 4
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- Day 2 Morning at Coney Flats camp
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- Day 2 Morning at Coney Flats camp3
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- Day 2 Unknown Ridge along the Buchanan Pass Trail
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- Day 2 View East from Buchanan Pass Trail
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- Day 4 Afternoon at Pawnee Lake
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- Day 4 Cascade Falls on way to Pawnee Lake
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- Day 4 Morning at Crater Lake
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- Day 4 Morning at Crater Lake
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- Day 4 Morning Crater Lake cabin
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- Day 4 Pawnee Lake campsite
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- Day 4 Pawnee Lake Campsite Guide
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- Day 4 Pawnee Lake Campsite
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- Day 5 Descent to Long Lake
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- Day 5 from Lake Isabelle
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- Day 5 Isabelle Lake
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- Fox Park
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- View of Longs Peak from Sawtooth
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- View of Pawnee Lake from Pawnee Pass
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- Wildflowers along the Continental Divide
Troop Meeting at Midtown Fitness Center
Please note that the Feb 12 Troop Meeting will be held at the Midtown Fitness Club on 51 Sumner Street in Milford, MA. Info and directions can be found on http://www.midtownfamfit.com. The meeting start and end times will be the same as a normal troop meeting. Please arrive on time.
Scouts will have the opportunity to take the initial personal fitness merit badge test, receive demonstrations and try out the latest in fitness equipment technology, and play team wall-ball on the club’s racquetball court. Please come dressed in workout clothes and sneakers (wear a troop t-shirt if you have one).
Please print, fill out, and bring the form below:
Pancake Breakfast
The breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, February 1st from 8:00 AM until noon at St. Mary’s parish center. This is our big fundraiser to raise funds for our outdoor adventures. All scouts should have picked up an initial 20 tickets to sell for the breakfast.Each scout is expected to contribute a strong effort on this sale and should sell at least 20 tickets. Scouts can get as many tickets to sell as they want. See Phil Bedard or Jim Brundrett if you need more tickets. THIS IS THE PRIMARY TROOP FUNDRAISER FOR THE YEAR… PLEASE HELP.
There will be some great ticket sale prizes for all scouts, regardless if they go on a future high adventure trip or not! There will be prizes (knives, backpacking stoves, etc) for scouts who sell the most, second and third amount of tickets. Some scouts have already reported very strong sales – great job! Aside from the top three sellers, all other scouts who sell tickets will have a chance at the drawing of 3 additional great prizes!
There is an additional effort to sell event advertising to local vendors. Scouts should see Mr. Brundrett and his team of Venture and 1st Class scouts if you would like to help. We are also in big need of parent help. Any parents that can donate a couple of late afternoon hours should contact Mr. Jim Brundrett at spidr2@comcast.net.
Troop 4 Has a New Eagle Scout!
Patrick Bedard passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on Tuesday night.
Congratulations, Pat!
June Camping Pictures – 2008
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- Glacial pothole…the ideal scout penalty-box
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- Savoy Mtn’s finest hiking weather
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- Ready for another 20 mile hike
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- Shelburne Falls
Camp Tahosa Trip – FINAL DETAILS POSTED
A memo containing final details (updated July 22) for the Camp Tahosa trip has been posted to the web site. This memo contains critically important information about schedules, packing, uniforms, luggage, personal gear, etc. Please read it carefully.
Also, everyone traveling to Tahosa must attend the planning and inspection meeting on July 24.
Court of Honor
We expect to award many merit badges, badges of rank, and other awards. The evening will begin with dinner at 630pm, and will conclude around 830pm. Scouts should arrive on time and in full uniform. The dinner menu is the popular Troop 4 “pot-luck” dinner.
Each family attending should bring one main dish, one bottle of soda/water/juice and a desert. The troop will supply paper plates, cups and fine plastic cutlery.
We will have some extra guests but not as many as when there is an Eagle court of honor.
A main course can also include a large salad but keep in mind these are boys and few salads will be required/eaten to make the masses happy.
Some scouts do have dietary restriction such a no peanuts so if you do something fancy just keep that in mind and plan a sign. For those of you in a rush on the way home pizza is always a big hit.
Troop Meeting at Milford Police Station
St. Mary’s parish center will be closed for our next scheduled troop meeting on January 8th. However, the troop has lined up an alternate merit badge activity at the Milford Police Station at the normal troop meeting time. Officer Jay Ball will be conducting a fingerprinting merit badge class. This is a great opportunity to earn a merit badge in just ONE meeting. All you need to do is print out the worksheet that can be found at http://www.usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Fingerprinting.pdf, and do a bit of on-line homework to complete the “history of fingerprinting” requirement #1. Bring the partially completed worksheet to the Jan 8th meeting, where Officer Ball will then work with all scouts that attend to complete the remaining requirements. Due to space constraints at the police station, this meeting is recommended only for those scouts who have not yet completed the fingerprinting merit badge. Attending scouts should meet the troop’s adult leaders in the Police Station front lobby at 7pm. It is very important that scouts arrive on-time for this meeting (a few minutes early is even better) in order to fill out some preliminary paperwork. Pickup will be at 8:30 in the same location. Older venture scouts that have already earned this badge may take the week off, though there is rumor that your SPL may arrange a venture-only activity. Stay tuned for a possible note from Brad.
Troop Meeting – Knife Contest, Yankee Swap, and OA Elections
The Troop Four Knife Contest will be at the December 18 troop meeting. Scouts can bring a knife that they can use under the troop/BSA rules and enter it for a variety of contests (sharpest, best looking, most functional, etc.) There will be prizes for the winners.
The meeting will also include a Yankee Swap. Scouts who want to participate should bring a small gift wrapped with a cost of less that $10. The activity is basically a grab bag and the scouts do a “swap” as each gift is unwrapped. It’s a lot of fun. We will have some refreshments at the meeting, too.
Halloween Party
The troop will provide beverages, but if each scout could bring a small snack/desert item to add to the junk food buffet. (e.g., chips, cookies, etc). Please help our cleanup crew by avoiding things that could make a mess on the parish center floor… like small or sticky candies. Thanks!
Also… no uniform required. Scouts should come in costume in order to get in on the costume prizes. Awards for scariest, most original, most grotesque, and funniest. Prizes will also be awarded to the winners of the various contests that venture patrol came up with.
Ventures… please try to arrive 10 minutes early to help set up.
Eagle Court of Honor
This special Court of Honor will honor our newest Eagle Scout, Pat Bedard. Awards earned by all other scouts since the last Court of Honor will also be presented. There will be a dinner before the awards ceremony. Families are requested to bring a desert item and a 2-liter bottle of soft drink.
Troop Meeting (troop elections)
Troop elections for Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leaders, and Assistant Patrol Leaders.
Troop Committee Meeting
Parish Center
New Newsletter Posted
The June 8 Family Newsletter has been posted to the web site. Click on “NEWSLETTER” at the top of the page for important information about our last troop meeting, summer camps, the upcoming camping trip, and more.
OA Ordeal Weekend
At Camp Resolute
OA Ordeal Weekend
At Camp Resolute
Summer camp payments, June permission slip due this week
For all folks attending one or both summer camps—Resolute and Camp Tahosa final payments are due this Thursday. We are making non-refundable payments to the camp and airline only a few days later, so Thursday’s deadline is firm. Thanks for your help. Also… we will be planning for the June Berkshire campout at Thursday’s troop meeting, so permission slips and $8 payments for this trip are due at that time as well.
Pawsox tickets available
The Milford Lions Club is once again donating Pawsox tickets to our troop. 50 tickets are available for scouts and their families. The game is on June 8th at 1:05pm. Please email Phil Bedard (bedard18@verizon.net) if interested with the qty of tickets desired, and we’ll issue them on a first come first serve basis. For now, the maximum number of tickets per family is four. Tickets will be distributed at the June We’ll hand them out at the June 5 Court of Honor.
Go Sox!
Latest newsletter and updates
Click on “NEWSLETTER” at the top of the page to read the latest Family Newsletter. It contains critical information about upcoming events, summer camps, money due dates, form due dates, etc. Please read it carefully.
Mr. Croteau is starting a new round of Personal Fitness merit badge sessions this Saturday, May 17. Click on the link under “UPCOMING EVENTS” for more details.
Personal Fitness merit badge – mandatory initial meeting
For those interested in working on the Personal Fitness merit badge this summer, Mr. Croteau will hold a mandatory meeting at the Milford High School track on Saturday May 17th at 1pm. This meeting will include the initial fitness test. Please dress in workout clothes. The session will end at approximately 2:30pm.
Resolute parent volunteer information due
Maiden name if applicable, SSN, and DOB. Mail to Phil Bedard, 22 Harmony Tr, Hopedale, 01747.
Required summer camp forms due
To Phil Bedard (22 Harmony Trail, Hopedale)
Resolute merit badge choices due
Via e-mail to Dave Callis at dfcallis@msn.com
Pictures posted from ceremony for Mr. Kirchner
Pictures have been posted from the March ceremony honoring Mr. Kirchner’s years of valued service as Scoutmaster.
Troop Committee Meeting
St. Mary’s Parish Center
Tentative Agenda
- Summer camp at Tahosa planning
- Resolute summer camp issues of planning/needs
- Advancement status/Boards of review needs
- June Court of Honor planning (scheduled to be an eagle scout (2 scouts) coh as well)
- Venture scout ideas
- Planning our program for the 2008-2009 scout year/setting a master schedule as well (If you remember the board decided to move this important task to the spring from Sept. to allow for more advanced planning for the next year’s events)
- As always we will take items from any board member to discuss at the meeting (we are fairly informal)
Monadnock Camping Trip – May 2008
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- Group photo
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- Fun in the fog
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- Cooking pancakes
New Eagle Scouts!
Troop 4 would like to congratulate our two newest Eagle Scouts, Alex Morte, and Brian Zanella. Both Brian and Alex successfully completed their Eagle Boards of Review last night, which caps their Boy Scout career with the highest honors possible.
Festivities in their honor will occur at the next Troop 4 Court of Honor scheduled for June 5. Keep your eye on the Troop Newsletter for upcoming details.
Click on “EAGLE SCOUTS” at the top of the page for the complete list of Troop 4 Eagle Scouts.
Permission Slip and Payments Due at April 17th Meeting
The Mount Monadnock permission slip, the Camp Resolute fee, and the 2nd Camp Tahosa payment are all due at the April 17 Troop Meeting. See the April 13 newsletter for more information.
April 13 Newsletter
The April 13, 2008 Family Newsletter has been posted. Click on “NEWSLETTER” at the top of the page.
Alpine High Adventure Training Requirements
Scouts and adults going on the Alpine High Adventure portion of the Colorado trip should review the fitness and training requirements just posted to the web site.
Alpine Adventure Training Requirements
Hello to All,
With the trip to Camp Tahosa here before we know it, it is time to start planning and training for our back packing adventure. Below I have out lined a few things that should be and in some cases must be done before we embark on the trip to insure that everyone is safe and happy for the week.
Each of you qualify to go on the trip based upon age and scouting experience. With that said each of you should know that this backpacking trip while a great experience is also fairly physically demanding. It is wise to start training and working your way up to carrying the load at high altitude. In general, your body will need to work 30% harder at everything including sleeping then where we live at sea level. Additionally, you will be carrying food as well as group gear for 5 full days including 15 meals and snacks. This load will be heaviest in the first 2 days while we are going up hill and lightest the last days when going down hill.
The absolute best way to start training is to go for walks up and down hills with your pack on carrying a minimum of 25% of your body weight in the pack. So for those that weight 210 pounds, like me, that means going for a walk with a pack that weights at least 52+ pounds. The reason for carrying 25% of your weight is that it will train you to carry 20% at high altitude which is a normal long distance pack weight assuming the minimum of gear, cloths , food and water are carried. All scouts and adults will have to carry a pack weighting 20% at high altitude for the 5 days. It is recommended that each of you get into the habit of walking at least 10+ miles a week with weight on you back.
I strongly urge each person to start training so that when we hit the trail we can complete the distance otherwise we will need to turn back. Recommended additional training should include core exercises like sit ups, push ups, Pilates 100, sand bag/dumb bell squats, swings and dead lifts. These core exercises will help strengthen your vertical and lateral muscles avoiding common injuries when back packing. It is best to do 2 sets of 30 for each exercise at least 4 times per week.
Lastly, for any of you who may be overweight like me now is a good time to consider reducing some of the extra weight. My goal is to get down below 200 before the trip that way I can carry less weight in general as well as that 10+ pounds I hope to shed.
For those who have not taken the physical fitness merit badge, Mr. Bedard should be contacted as it is a great time to get that badge done as the training will serve two purposes.
There will be two required long distance hiking/backpacking events to help get the group into shape. Yes that includes me also.
March 29th Troop Hike – The High Adventure Crew should plan on going on this trip and must bring a full back pack weighting 25% of their weight. If it does not weight that much we will add rocks to the pack to get the weight up there. Please bring plenty of water also. I would like all High Adventure Crew members on this trip if possible.
May 3 & 4th – The troop backpacking trip will have two groups, adult leadership permitting, so that the High Adventure Crew can get 20 miles under it belt in 2 days. This is a must attend event for all High Adventure Crew members no exceptions. If there is an issue attending this trip please contact me immediately. As with all troop outings, be sure to turn in your permission slip at the previous troop meetings to allow us to properly plan and coordinate the required transportation.
If for some reason someone can not make the March 29th hike, we will have another group hike during the bike trip in June.
Lastly, at this week’s meeting we will meet for a short period to review the above, have a weigh-in so we can define pack weights for the following hike. Additionally, over the next month I will send out e-mails on recommended personnel gear to pack along with an initial list of group gear that we will be packing. The trip on May 3 & 4 is a full shake down trip to get everyone organized and focused on training for the summer trip.
Backpacking along the continental divide will be a magnificent experience and one which I am sure all will remember and tell many about. The key to having a fantastic experience resides in the basic scouting phrase “Be Prepared” with your help we will be prepared to fully enjoy the experience of a life time high in the mountains where few dare go but the adventurous.
Peter Lanciano
PS. Younger scouts and adults that are attending the Tahosa Eagle Point program must also get in shape. While you don’t have to pile rocks in your backpacks like our Alpine Adventure scouts, you should also begin training, and make every effort to attend the troop’s Mar/May/June adventure trips. Working on the Personal Fitness Merit Badge is also a fine way to get in shape.
A Final Scoutmaster’s Minute
Mr. Kirchner’s final Scoutmaster’s Minute has been posted to the web site.
Date Change – Court of Honor
The date for the upcoming Court of Honor has been changed to June 5th.
Ceremony for Scoutmaster Kirchner – March 2008
Pictures from the Troop Four ceremony honoring David Kirchner’s years of valued service as Scoutmaster.
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- Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner
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- Special guests arrive
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- Mr. Kirchner and Mr. Hamilton watch from the back
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- Troop Four Eagle Scouts
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- Troop Four Eagle Scouts
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- Troop Four Eagle Scouts
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- Troop Four Eagle Scouts
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- Troop Four Eagle Scouts
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- Senator Moore and Representative Fernandes
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- Senator Moore
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- Representative Fernandes
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- Representative Fernandes
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- Mr. Rowan and Mr. Bedard say a few words
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- Mr. Kirchner gives his final Scoutmaster minute
Latest Newsletter
The March 12th, 2008 Family Newsletter has been posted. Click on “NEWSLETTER” at the top of the page.
Troop Pictures – Split Rock Cabin Camping Trip
Pictures from the February Split Rock Camping Trip have been uploaded to the Troop Four Photo Gallery. Click on the picture below.
Troop Pictures
A Troop Four Photo Gallery has been created. Click on “PHOTOS” at the top of the page to go to the gallery.
Pictures have been posted from:
| Fall Camping Trip | Pancake Breakfast | Winter Camping Trip |
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Camp Tahosa cost information
Cost and payment information is now available for the 2008 Camp Tahosa trip. Click on “Camp Tahosa 2008” under “SPECIAL EVENTS” on the right side of the page.
Latest Newsletter
The January 24, 2008 Family Newsletter has been posted. Click on “NEWSLETTER” at the top of the page.
Pancake Breakfast Pictures – 2008
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- Patrons
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- Cooks
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- Flipping pancakes
January Camping Pictures – 2008
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- Camp fire
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- The need for speed!
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- Dinner time
Summer camps survey
Please fill out the Summer Camps Survey and turn it in by the January 31st Troop Meeting.
January camping trip – checklist
The January camping trip is this weekend (January 5-6). You can use the Troop’s winter camping checklist to help you prepare. Click on “Camping information” under “TROOP RESOURCES” on the right side of the page.
Pancake Sponsorship Drive – Wednesday Meeting
Round 2 of the pancake sponsorship drive is this Wednesday, December 19. Click here for details.
Pancake Sponsorship Drive – Round 2
To those working on the communications/sales merit badges… round 2 of our pancake sponsorship drive will take place on Wed 12/19 from 3-430pm. We will meet at the parish center. Round 2 will be a short event, so please be prompt. Other sponsorship sales dates will be announced at Thursday’s troop meeting. Scouts should come in uniform, and bring a pen/notebook to collect records of who you visited and who requires a followup visit. Hope you can make it. You MUST email me by Tue 8pm, if you plan to attend. An adult volunteer is needed, too. Not to sell… just to help supervise. Let me know if you would like to help.
December 20 Troop Meeting
There is a troop meeting this Thursday, December 20. The meeting will include our Yankee Swap. Also, please bring your January camping permission slip.
December Troop Meetings
The December 6 troop meeting is the Knife Contest and the Toys for Tots drive.
The December 13th Troop Meeting has been rescheduled for December 20 because of the storm.
The December 20 troop meeting is the Yankee Swap. Also, the winter camping permission slip is due then.
There is no meeting on December 27.
Toys for Tots Drive
Any scouts who would like to donate new toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive please bring them to the December 6 troop meeting. One of our long-time sponsors, American National Power, is collecting for the marines this year.
Recent Newsletters and Calendar Updates
Click on “NEWSLETTER” at the top of the page for the December 5 Winter Camping newsletter.
Click here for the November 28 newsletter.
Events on the web site calendar have been updated with information from the latest newsletters.
Calendar Updates
The web site calendar has been updated with the latest information about upcoming events, including:
- Personal Fitness Merit Badge Class (November 10)
- November Backpacking Trip (November 17-18)
- Parent Information Meeting for 2008 High Adventure Trip (November 29)
See the event calendar on the right side of the page.
Draper Park Nativity Service Project
For many years the troop has been decorating the nativity in Draper Park with pine branches. We need a few scouts and parents to help out. We will meet at the troop campsite in Milford at 9:00 AM on December 1 and gather a supply of pine. We will drive over to Draper Park and add the pine to the nativity scene. The project will be finished by 11:00 AM. If your son would like to participate please let Dave Kirchner know before the end of November.
Parent Information Meeting – 2008 High Adventure Trip
Parent Information Meeting for 2008 High Adventure Trip will be during the November 29 regular troop meeting. We will have information for the 2008 High Adventure trip to Colorado. For that evening we will be meeting on the on the third floor of the parish center (the scouts on the third floor too). Please use the front door of the parish center that night – St. Mary’s is using the first floor for a play practice.
Personal Fitness Merit Badge Class
Personal Fitness Merit Badge Class will start at the Milford High School track on Saturday Nov. 10 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. This meeting is great for scouts beginning this Eagle required merit badge, as well as for the scouts who have already started and want to gauge their fitness progress. Dress in warm workout clothes. Please email Mr. Phil Bedard at bedard18!!! remove this !!!@verizon.net if your son plans to attend.
November Newsletter
Click on “Newsletter” at the top of page for the Troop Four November newsletter.
Fall Camping Trip Pictures – 2007
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- Building a log bridge
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- Building a log bridge
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- Building a log bridge
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- Roasting pig
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- Testing the bridge
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- Testing the bridge
High Adventure Trip – Colorado
See the Troop’s Camp Tahosa page for more information.
Scouting for Food – Additional Details
Updated times and details are now available for the upcoming Scouting for Food weekend. Click on “Scouting for Food” on the right side of the page, under “Upcoming Events.”
October Newsletter
Click on “Newsletter” at the top of page for the Troop Four October newsletter.
Minimum participation requirements
Adequate participation is necessary for scouts working on Star, Life, and Eagle ranks in order that they can demonstrate and meet the scout spirit, active participation, and leadership requirements for advancement. While it is up to the Scoutmaster to determine if the scout meets the requirements, the Troop Committee has established these minimum participation requirements (and may be more on an individual basis) to help the scouts meet the requirements:
- Scouts must attend and be an active participant in at least half the troop meetings in the scout year.
- Scouts must attend and be an active participant in at least 4 outdoor troop activities in the scout year.
- Scouts must demonstrate scout spirit and these meetings and outdoor activities.
- In order to complete leadership requirements, scouts may need to attend more than the numbers listed and work independently to complete some of the leadership requirements.
- Scouts wishing to advance in the middle or part of the scout year would be expected to meet the meeting requirements and the appropriate ratio of outdoor activities (2 outdoor activities for half a year for example).
The Scoutmaster determines if the scout has met any and all requirements for advancement.
First meeting and welcome letter
The first troop meeting of the year for all Scouts is Thursday, September 27.
The welcome letter has been e-mailed to all families, and it is also available on the web site.
Pancake Breakfast
This is our big fundraiser to raise funds for our activities and for this year in particular to help offset the cost of our 2008 high adventure trip to Colorado. All scouts will be given an initial 20 tickets to sell for the breakfast. Some of the tickets were given out as swim night; the others will be passed out at the November 29 troop meeting. We will mail out the tickets to any scouts still needing them after the meeting.
Scouts who will be attending the high adventure 2008 trip must sell at least 20 tickets (or have their family buy the tickets or the unsold portion). The sale of the 20 tickets plus any other ticket sales above the original 20 will result in a dollar for dollar reduction in the cost of the high adventure trip!
Scouts can get as many tickets to sell as they want. See Dave Kirchner if you need more tickets. There will be ticket sale prizes for all scouts, regardless if they go on the high adventure trip or not! There will be some great prizes (think of something sharp and personally engraved) for scouts who sell the most, second and third amount of tickets. For all the other scouts who sold any tickets at all, there will be a drawing of 3 additional great prizes!
Logistics
We will need full troop participation to be successful. Venture scouts need to be at the parish center at 6:00 AM on January 13. Venture scouts should wear a Troop 4 t-shirt. The Ventures will be cooking, doing the hall setup work, and some preliminary cleanup work. We are asking the Ventures to work from 6:00 AM until about 1:00 PM. All other scouts need to be at the parish center at 8:00 AM with full uniforms (no troop t-shirts). These scouts will be waiting on tables and working with the public with games, displays, etc. Plan to work until about 2:00 PM. If a scout can only do part of the hours, that’s great – we need all the help we can get to make the breakfast a success. For all who have never participated in the pancake breakfast before – it’s a great experience and lots of fun!
Eagle Scout Roster Added to Web Site
Since Troop 4 was founded, twelve of its Scouts have advanced to Eagle. Click on “Eagle Scouts” at the top of the page to see the new roster.
Court of Honor
This special Court of Honor will honor our newest Eagle Scouts: Alex Morte and Brian Zanella. Awards earned by all other scouts since the last Court of Honor in February will also be presented. There will be a dinner before the awards ceremony. The troop committee is still planning the details and will communicate more information to families shortly.
Location: St. Mary’s Parish Center
June Camping Trip
Biking, hiking, swimming, and a final backpacking training opportunity for our Colorado alpine adventure team… this trip will have it all! The trip is scheduled for Saturday June 21 thru Monday June 23. We will be camping at Savoy Mountain State Forest, located in Berkshires on a 2000’ plateau. The park offers hiking to mountain lakes and waterfalls, and also biking, fishing and swimming opportunities. There is also nearby access to a “rail trail” for extended scenic bike rides which can be tied into the cycling merit badge.
The troop will meet at the parish center at 8:30 AM Saturday and leave for the campsite by about 9 AM. We will return to the parish center for pickup by 4pm on Monday.
Scouts need to bring a bag lunch for Saturday. The troop will be cooking patrol style for dinners and breakfasts, and Sunday lunch. Scouts should also bring some money for a fast food or diner lunch on Monday’s return. Each patrol will give grocery assignments to their members at the May 29th troop meeting.
If your son will be attending, please drop off the permission slip no later than the May 29 Troop Meeting. Please email or call Phil Bedard before May 29 if your son will be attending but won’t be at the May 29 Troop Meeting. The troop needs to know who is attending for planning purposes. There is a nominal fee of $8/scout to help with the cost of the state park campsites. Please staple or clip the payment to your permission slip. If paying by check (preferred), please make payable to Troop 4.
May Mountain-Climbing Camping Trip
The May Mountain-Climbing Campout:will be held Saturday/Sunday, May 3-4 at Mount Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey NH. The troop will camp at a secluded group campsite, and then hike to the 3150 foot summit. The weather atop Mt. Monadnock is often cold and windy, so scouts should pack warm clothes, hat and gloves for the ascent.
The troop will meet at the parish center at 8:30 AM Saturday and leave for the campsite by about 9 AM. We will return to the parish center for pickup by 3pm on Sunday.
Scouts need to bring a bag lunch for Saturday. The troop will be cooking patrol style for dinner and breakfast. Scouts should also bring some money for a fast food or diner lunch on Sunday. Each patrol will give grocery assignments to their members at the April 17th troop meeting.
If your son will be attending, please drop off the attached permission slip no later than the April 17 Troop Meeting. Please email or call Phil Bedard before April 17 if your son will be attending but won’t be at the April 17 Troop Meeting. The troop needs to know who is attending for planning purposes. There is a nominal fee of $5/scout to help with cost of the state park campsite. Please bring the payment along with your permission slip, and make checks payable to Troop 4.
Memorial Day Parade
The Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 26. This is the only parade that the troop attends each year. Scouts should meet in the Stop and Shop parking lot near the 99 Restaurant at 9:30 AM in full uniform. Scouts may be picked up at Draper Park at noon.
Troop meeting – Board of Review
Final summer camp payments due
Troop meeting
Payments due for Camp Resolute ($290 plus $230 per additional sibling) and Camp Tahosa (2nd payment of $250). New scouts attending Camp Resolute have until May 29 to turn in their payment.
Troop Hike
The Troop Day Hike will be Saturday, March 29 at the Douglas State Forest. We will meet at the parish center at 9:00 AM and leave about 9:30 AM for the park. We will return for pick up at the parish center by 5:00 PM that evening. Scouts need to bring: a bag lunch, poncho or rain coat if it looks like rain that day, wear boots, bring a hat and gloves/mittens. A spare pair of socks is a must to bring. If the weather is cold, bring a warm coat as well. Scouts should bring at least one quart/liter of water (no soda, juice, punch, etc.). Do not bring water in disposable water bottles – get a canteen or hiking water bottle at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. for about $10. Scouts need to bring a day pack (school pack will work fine) to carry all their gear for the day.
Douglas State Forest is a great place to hike and explore – we will divide the scouts into age/ability groups and cover distances that are comfortable for each group. At the end of the hike we will have some of Troop 4’s famous fried dough!
If you son will be attending the hike, please complete the attached permission slip and return to the March 20 (swim night) meeting. If you son would like to attend but won’t be at the swim night on the 20th, please call or email Phil Bedard at 508-282-0283 or bedard18@verizon.net We will need a few parents to drive to/from and/or stay for the event. If you can help out please indicate on the permission slip.
Swim Night
Troop Swim Night will be at the Milford High School Pool. There will be pizza and soda after swimming.
Court of Honor
Awards earned by the scouts since the last Court of Honor in October will be presented. There will be a pot-luck dinner before the awards ceremony. The troop committee will contact the families to determine who will be attending and what to bring. In addition, we will be honoring a great supporter of the troop, the former pastor of St. Mary’s Father Michael Foley.
November Backpacking Trip
The November Backpacking Trip will be Saturday, November 17 through Sunday November 18. We will be backpacking and camping overnight on the South Taconic Trail in the Berkshire Hills of Southwestern Massachusetts.
We will start at Bash Bish Falls, the highest waterfall in the state, and end in Mt. Washington State Forest. We will be hiking the South Taconic trail, which comes up from the gorge with the falls onto some ridge lines that have some of the best hiking views in the state. Coming down off the ridge line we will be camping in some campsites along the Ashley Brook. On Sunday we will be hiking through wilderness areas in the State Forest out to the trails end. As with all our backpacking trips, the distances and difficulty of the trails we take will fit the scouts we have on the trip. On the way home we will stop for a fast food lunch in the Berkshires.
This will be a great backpacking trip for beginners as well as veteran scouts. We plan on having two hiking groups, one for beginners and one for advanced scouts. The troop has a good supply of patrol/troop backpacking gear, so scouts just need to bring their personal gear. A list of gear for backpacking can be found on the troop website under “Troop Resources – Camping Information”.
We will be cooking patrol style for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Scouts should bring a bag lunch for Saturday and some $ for a lunch on Sunday. We would be happy to have a few parents drive and participate in the event.
We will meet at the parish center on Saturday November 17 at 8:00 AM and leave for the Berkshires by about 8:30 AM. We will return to the parish center for pick up by 4:00 PM on Sunday.
If your son is planning to attend, please return the attached permission slip by the November 8 troop meeting. If you son can’t make the meeting on the 8th but would like to attend, please call or email Dave Kirchner by the 8th. We will be planning for the event at the troop meeting November 8, so it is important to know who will be participating for planning purposes.
Christmas Tree Pick-up
This is a combination fund raiser and service project that we participate in with other scout units in town. We are looking for one or two more parents with pick up trucks or trailers to drive around our assigned territory in Milford to pick up the trees and transport them to the town disposal area. It starts about 8:00 am and ends about noon. We will be camping this weekend so we really need a few scouts and parents who won’t be camping to help out. Please call or email Dave Kirchner if you can participate. We had to schedule the camping trip the same weekend because that was the best fit for all of our winter activities.
Troop meeting – Yankee Swap
Scouts who want to participate should bring a small gift wrapped with a cost of less that $10. The activity is basically a grab bag and the scouts do a “swap” as each gift is unwrapped. It’s a lot of fun. We will have some refreshments at the meeting too.
Troop meeting – Knife contest
Scouts can bring a knife that they can use under the troop/BSA rules and enter it for a variety of contests (sharpest, best looking, most functional, etc.) There will be prizes for the winners. We will also be doing some wood whittling and carving that night so scouts should bring a knife.
Any scouts who would like to donate new toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive please bring them to this meeting. One of our long-time sponsors, American National Power, is collecting for the marines this year.
Nativity
Draper Park
Troop meeting – 3rd floor of Parish Center
This week’s troop meeting will be held on the third floor of the parish center. Please use the front door of the parish center.
Swim Night
Troop Swim Night will be Thursday, November 15 at the Milford High School pool from 7:00 to 8:30 PM (instead of the troop meeting that night). There will be pizza and drinks after.
Scouting for Food
On Saturday, meet at the HS gym to pick up instructions, bags, and route list.
On Sunday, meet at Daily Food Pantry at 21 Exchange Street about 12:30 PM to check in with a parent to drive around and pick up the food and return it to the food pantry. Please don’t park on Exchange street when checking in, use one of the side streets.
WordPress upgrade
Upgraded to WordPress 2.2.3.
Personal Fitness Merit Badge – Kickoff Meeting
On Saturday, September 8, Mr. Bedard will lead a kickoff meeting for the personal fitness merit badge. See the calendar entry for details.
Personal Fitness Merit Badge – Kickoff Meeting
For any scouts interested in the personal fitness merit badge, there will be a kickoff meeting at the high school track at 10:45AM on Saturday September 8th. Please wear workout clothes/sneakers since we will perform an initial fitness test that includes pushups, situps and a 1 mile run. We will wrap up at Noon.
The fitness merit badge is an Eagle required badge that includes a commitment to perform 12 consecutive weeks of a workout program that includes stretching, endurance and strength building exercises.
In order to begin your 12week program, you’ll need to submit a written fitness plan for approval. To speed things up, scouts should come to this first meeting with a draft fitness plan in hand. Format is not important, however the plan must include your planned weekly workout schedule, exercises to be performed, and it should show how you plan to improve over the 12weeks (e.g., increase in distance, repetitions, etc). We will review and approve these plans at the meeting.
Please call or email if any questions. Thanks, Phil Bedard
508 282 0283 cell
508 478 5773 evening
Getting Started for 2007-2008
The first meeting for Venture Scouts will be Thursday, September 20. All other scouts will start regular meetings on Thursday, September 27. Same place and times: St. Mary’s parish center from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. Lots more information to come via emails and mailings. Here are a few dates to mark off on your calendars now – Thursday, October 18 will be a family Eagle Scout Court of Honor (congratulations to Luke Lanciano) for all awards earned since our last Court of Honor in June (including summer camp). Also, the first Troop camping trip will be October 20 – 21 at the troop campsite.
Congratulations to Luke Lanciano—Troop 4’s 12th Eagle Scout
Luke Lanciano passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review last Thursday night.
Congratulations, Luke!
Backup established
Established three levels of backup for the Troop 4 web site. See the backup procedures page for details.
Milford Upper Charles River Bike Trail – Grand Opening
Volunteers are needed by the trail committee to help with everything from set up, to working on activities, to clean up – any time between 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If any scouts would like to help out for any part of the day please email M. McNeilly at McNeilly!!! remove this !!!@comcast.net.
Cemetery Flagging
Meet at the St. Mary’s Cemetery on Cedar Street at 8:00 AM. The event will end about 11:00 AM. Scouts are invited to join the Italian American Veterans at Plains Park for a flag retirement ceremony and hot dogs and chips snack after.
Finger Printing Merit Badge
The Finger Printing Merit Badge will be offered by the Milford Police Department to scouts in Troop 4 on Monday, April 9 at the Milford Police Station. Scouts will be able to complete the entire merit badge on this night. Meet at the main entrance to the Police Station at 7:00 PM. We will finish up at 8:30 PM. Scouts need to wear their uniforms. The Milford Police do a great job with the badge requirements and it’s a great way to get a merit badge in one night!
Parish Center Key Procedure
Access to this document is for troop leaders only and requires a password. Contact the webmaster for access.
Made search button search pages, not just posts
Added “search everything” plugin so searches find information on pages, not just posts. For example, searching on “flashlight” now returns the cold-weather camping checklist page.
Changed archive template and event listing pages; latest newsletter link
Modified archive template so that pages like the Newsletter archives look better.
Made an events category template so that daily, monthly, and open-ended events listings look better.
Fixed the “latest newsletter” link so it points automatically to the latest one. It no longer has to be manually updated.
Simplified page template
Simplified the page template to remove extraneous wording about comments and pings. Also removed navigation links at the top.
Yahoo Small Business account closed
Closed Yahoo Small Business account. It is no longer needed and was costing $11 per month.
Tweaked archive and sidebar templates; added documents
Modified archive to get a neater, more concise listing.
Added “latest newsletter” link to the top of the sidebar.
Uploaded newsletters and other document files (Word and PDF) from the old web site. Made a new category, “Documents,” for these files. Added Document Archives link to the sidebar.
Added merit badge counselors page
Added new page listing Troop 4 merit badge counselors.
Domain registration transfer completed
Domain registration transfer to the registrar used by 1and1.com has been completed. The Yahoo Small Business account can now be shut off.
Domain registration and mailserver settings
Applied to transfer registration to be handled by 1and1.com’s registrar. Necessary before we can shut off Yahoo Small Business account. Expect that this process will get completed in about two weeks.
Updated mailserver settings so that e-mail sent to the troop4milford.org domain gets forwarded directly to me.
Corrected font size problem on home page
There was a problem with font sizes on the front page when viewed using Internet Explorer 6. Much of the text was too big. The problem was caused by “funny” HTML tags in the “About Troop 4” blurb that I accidentally copied over from the old web site content. Fixed the problem by reentering the blurb in plain ol’ HTML.
Added web site “Changes” category
Added a post category called “Changes”. Made a link to the category archive off of the web site maintenance page.
Pointed DNS nameservers to 1and1
Added external domain (troop4milford.org) to my 1and1.com hosting package. Updated nameserver entries at Yahoo.com to point to 1and1.com location. Change took effect tonight. Updated internal blog links to reflect the change.
Family Court of Honor
Our annual year end June family Court of Honor will be on Thursday, June 14. This is our wrap up of the scout year and dinner with awards night for scouts and their families. There will be lots of awards earned by the scouts given out that night and family members are welcome to attend. Scouts and their families are asked to arrive at 6:30 PM with dinner to start and awards after dinner. The evening will be done by about 8:30 PM. This is a pot luck dinner, and each family is asked to bring one dinner/dessert item. Members of the Troop Committee will contact each family to see who will be attending and what to bring.
Milford Memorial Day Parade
Troop 4 will participate in the annual Milford Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 28. We will meet in uniform at 9:30 AM at the starting point in the Stop and Shop/99 Restaurant parking lot. The parade will start at 10:00 AM and end at Draper Park about 11:30 AM. This is the only parade event that the troop does each year and we would like as many scouts as possible to attend.
Troop Bike Trip to Cape Cod (rescheduled)
The rained-out Troop Bicycling/Camping Trip has been rescheduled to Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 3.
The troop will be camping and cycling on Cape Cod! We have once again reserved a camping site at Nickerson State Park on the Cape for Friday and Saturday nights. This will be a great trip and a chance to work on the Cycling merit badge.
The troop will meet at 5:00 PM Friday June 1 at the parish center. We will leave the parish center for the campground at about 5:30 PM. Scouts should have already eaten dinner before meeting at the parish center. We will arrive at the campground and set up camp for Friday evening.
On Saturday morning, the troop will divide into two cycling groups – advanced and beginners. Scouts can go with the group that they feel most comfortable with. There will be adult leaders for both groups. We will cycle in the morning and return to the campground for lunch. After lunch, we will cycle on different routes until dinner. After dinner at the campsite, scouts will have a chance to explore the park. On Sunday morning, there will be opportunities for a short ride. We will leave the campsite in the morning and return to the parish center for pickup at 3:00 PM Scouts will need to bring some $ for a fast food lunch on Sunday and an ice cream stop on the bike trail Saturday.
We will be cooking patrol style for Saturday breakfast, lunch & dinner and Sunday breakfast. Scouts will need to bring some $ for Sunday lunch. We will be camping in tents on Friday and Saturday nights. Besides their regular personal camping equipment, scout should bring:
- a bike (we will have spare tubes and repair equipment)
- a bike helmet (required)
- sun block
- water bottle to carry on bike
We will need a few parents to drive to/from the event. If you can help out, please indicate on the permission slip. If your son would like to attend, please complete the permission slip and return by the May 24 troop meeting. Even if you completed the slip for the rained out May trip, a new slip is required. There is a nominal $5 charge per scout to offset our additional cost to reschedule the campsite. Please bring a check payable to Troop 4 along with your permission slip. If your son would like to attend but will not be at the troop meeting on May 24, please email Dave Kirchner kirchner5!!! remove this !!!@comcast.netbefore the 24th. We will be doing all the planning for the trip at the May 24 troop meeting, so please be sure to let us know if your son will be attending.
This will be a great trip and a chance to see some really scenic parts of the Cape. Hope to see you there!
Troop Committee meeting
Update for rest of 2007 and plan for 2007-2008.
Troop meeting; Patrol Leaders Council meeting; cooking night; Venture Scout career presentation
For Venture Scouts: Attorney Ms. Kristen Rowan will cover the requirements for the Law merit badge and talk about what it is like to be a lawyer, and how to become one. Scouts will be able to complete the requirements for the merit badge in the two meeting nights!
Troop meeting; Venture Scout career presentation
For Venture Scouts: Attorney Ms. Kristen Rowan will cover the requirements for the Law merit badge and talk about what it is like to be a lawyer, and how to become one. Scouts will be able to complete the requirements for the merit badge in the two meeting nights!
Troop hike
The March Troop hike will be an orienteering hike at Peppercorn Hill in Upton (start and finish at the Milford entrance to the park) on Saturday, March 24. This will be a great one day event with lots of scout style orienteering (and lots of fried dough too). New scouts will complete the Second Class 5 mile hike requirement plus we will complete several other Second and First Class outdoor requirements. Venture scouts will be setting up the courses the weekend before on March 17.
We will meet at St. Mary’s parish center at 9:00 AM Saturday morning and return for pick up by 5:00 PM Saturday afternoon. Scouts should bring a day pack with a compass, lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Depending on the weather, scouts should also bring a poncho/raincoat, warm coat, gloves and a hat too. Chances are it will be wet and muddy, so boots will work better than sneakers.
If your son would like to attend, please complete the attached permission slip (Venture Scouts too for this date) and return by the March 22 troop meeting. If your son would like to attend but will not be at the troop meeting on March 22 please email Dave Kirchner before the 22nd.
We will need some drivers to/from the event. If you can drive, please note on the permission slip. We elected to car pool to/from the event because the parking lot and road at the park is small and we want to minimize the traffic impact to area for the day.
This is a great way for Venture scouts to help meet their activity and leadership requirements for advancement too!
Troop meeting; yo-yo demonstration
The March 15 troop meeting will be a special meeting – we have a yoyo professional attending the troop meeting and there will be a demonstration plus a chance to learn some yoyo tricks as well. Each scout will get a professional model yoyo to keep!
About Troop 4
Troop 4 Milford was founded in 1998 and has already seen 12 young men advance to Eagle scout. Currently we have 44 scouts ranging in age from 11 to 18. We meet Thursday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 most every week from September to June in the St. Mary’s Parish Center.