To – All Camp Squanto 2016 campers. 

Meeting – There will be a signup night on Tuesday, June 28^th at the Locker.  First time campers and a parent will come at 6:30 pm.  All other scouts and a parent should come at 7:30 pm. At the signup meeting, we will collect the forms and checks for camp. This is what you need to know: 

Activities and Merit Badges – new scouts will participate in the Flight to Eagle program.  That is a program designed for new scouts.  First year scouts from all troops in camp get together each morning from 9:00 am to Noon to work on rank requirements, earn a merit badge and have fun.  This is an excellent program that our new scouts have participated in for years.  Also, New scouts will take an additional handicraft merit badge in the afternoon.  I will walk you through the details at the meeting. 

Older scouts will recognize the attached merit badge schedule.  There are some changes this year, including the elimination of the 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm merit badge block and new merit badges to choose from.  The Troop will provide each of you with some suggestions for merit badge programs based on your advancement situation, but you are free to choose your own schedule.  We generally suggest three badges as the right number to leave room for other activities. 

If anyone is interested in the Camp’s new equestrian program, please contact me.  It will be conducted in association with a riding facility/farm in Plymouth for three hours daily.  There is an extra charge. 

Unlike prior years, you DO NOT need to print out the merit badge forms for the meeting.  Please print out the attached Worksheet and fill in the badges you wish to take. 

Medical Forms – we need your medical form with an up-to-date Part C from your doctor’s office and a copy of both sides of your insurance card.  The importance of having those forms in order cannot be overstated – scouts without a complete form cannot stay at camp.  If a scout is bringing prescription or OTC medications with him, we will discuss exactly how those need to be packaged.  If you do not have a Part C updated with a current annual checkup, please contact your pediatrician as soon as possible to schedule a checkup prior to camp. 

Cost – for first year scouts, the cost is $400  If you would like a Troop photo, please add $12.  The cost to scouts who have been in the Troop for at least a year is $210 (plus $12 for a photo) in recognition of your work at the RTF. 

We are looking forward to another great week at camp and encourage all scout to attend if you are able.  Like all Troop 28 activities, cost should not be a barrier to participation.  If the cost is an issue, please contact me or the Troop Committee Chairman, Marty Thomae, privately to discuss making it work.