Thursday, July 17, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #10 - Packing Your Gear
If you're like most, you've put off packing until the day before you leave.
It's a great idea to pack everything yourself.
Mom and Dad can help gather everything on the equipment list but you should do the packing,
That way you know what you have and where everything is.
Pack securely so nothing is lost or separated.
Be sure and put your name and Troop number on everything...that way if someone finds it, they know where to return it.
These related tips come from Mr. Al Hellaby:
"Things get miss placed at camp. Leave the valuable stuff at home. Game boys, jewelry, High tech items.
Adults should put spare key to their vehicle some were on the out side of the vehicle should they loose their key. It has happened.
Also leave your wallet and check book in the glove box. Get a second wallet to carry a minimum of cash and not run the risk of loosing everything.
Boys should bring their spending money in smaller bills and not large ones that will be hard to exchange."
This one came from both Mr. Matthew Arlauckas and Mr. Joe Hellaby:
"Gold Bond!"
'nuff said.
This concludes my Tip of the Day series. If I have any ideas or reminders, I will be sure to email you in a timely fashion. Otherwise, I will see you bright and early this coming Saturday morning at the Legion.
Please arrive by 7:30am.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #9 - Uniforms

A uniform sets a standard to be met, promotes group spirit and a sense of identity. It also designates equality among members of the group.

The Scout uniform (aka "Class A") is appropriate dress any time during the week, and is especially encouraged for evening meals and required at the camp evening flag ceremony and Troop group photo.

The "Class A" uniform consists of:
Scout shirt (short sleeve)
Neckerchief and slide
Scout shorts/pants w/Scout belt
Scout socks

The "Class B" uniform, or activity uniform for the Troop is a black t-shirt(Scouts) and the black collared shirt(leaders) with the Troop 140 BSA insignia imprinted in gold.
If you ordered a new "Class B" shirt and would like to pick it up before Saturday, please call me to make arrangements.

For insurance purposes, the Scout Class A uniform should be worn when traveling by vehicle to and from a Scouting event such as summer camp.

For this reason, please arrive at the Legion on Saturday, July 19th by 7:30am wearing your Class A uniform.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #8 - Camp Mail
"Mail Call!"
When you're away at camp there is no better feeling when you receive a letter or "care" package from home.
Mail takes at least two-three days to reach camp and get properly distributed. With this in mind, we found the following mailing practices will ensure your Scout gets his deliveries:
Begin sending mail/packages on Wednesday, July 16th or Thursday, July 17th.
Stop sending packages by Tuesday, July 22nd
and mail by Wednesday July 23nd
All mail MUST have a Troop number on it.
Here's the address:
(Name) Troop 140
Massawepie Scout Camps
65 Massawepie Road
Tupper Lake, NY 12986
Getting mail from your Scout is essential also. Don't forget to send him off to camp with a couple of SASEs.
A card or a letter can be a welcome break for a Scout, or it can set off a bout of homesickness.
Please keep messages short and upbeat!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #7 - Food in Site
Camp critters LOVE snacks.
If they smell something...even an empty candy wrapper...they will chew through ANYTHING to find it.
Even worse, they tell ALL their friends.
To prevent getting up close and personal with the wildlife at camp, do not keep snacks and wrappers in your gear and tents. There is always a danger of a Scout or leader being injured by an animal.
Camp policy states "Absolutely NO food or food remains may be kept in your site."
It's okay to bring snacks to camp, Mom and Dad can mail snacks to camp, you can even buy snacks at the Trading Post. Any food will be secured in the Troop trailer.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #6 - Kodak Moments
Another great thing about summer camp is all the stuff you can take photos of.
Chipmunks...the lake at sunset...weird bugs...goofy pictures of your friends.
Disposable/recyclable cameras are an essential item to bring to camp.
Most have about 27 exposures per camera...you might want to bring two.
I found a camera that takes digital pics. it's called the
Kodak Plus Digital One-Time-Use Camera. You get prints AND a picture CD.
Shop around...there are plenty of similar items at reasonable prices.
ALSO...Don't forget to bring $8.00 for the Troop Group photo.
Bringing electronic devices to camp is discouraged...you do so at your own risk. Things will get wet, dropped, or misplaced. The Troop is not responsible for damaged or missing items.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #5 - Homesickness
Homesickness at Scout camp is as common as bugs.
95% of children between the ages of 8 and 16 who attend summer camp, experience some feelings of homesickness on at least one day. 20% of those experience moderate to severe feelings of homesickness.
Not to worry! The adult Troop leadership has the experience to recognize the tell-tale signs of homesickness and what to do to help Scouts adjust to camp.
Here is a brief list of things parents can do to help minimize homesickness:
-- Share stories of the positive things you did at camp as a child.
-- Avoid saying things like " I don't know what I'll do without you" or "I hope I remember to feed your dog."
-- Have a No-Call policy. Cell phones are great but calling home is not a treatment for homesickness. 5% of phone calls have no effect and the rest have a negative effect. Leave the cell phone home.
-- Have them bring self-addressed, stamped envelopes from home to write letters to Mom and Dad.
-- Express to your son, the confidence you have in his abilities to cope with feelings of homesickness.
Your son may experience some anxiety or sadness at camp, but he'll have the support of trusted adults and older Scouts at Camp.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #4 - The Buddy System
While at camp we will be using the Buddy System.
It is an important way for Scouts to look after one another, especially while exploring camp.
It's a helpful way we keep track of each other...it's a way of sharing the good times and avoiding the bad.
It is also Boy Scout Tenderfoot rank requirement # 9. Explanation can be found in your Handbook.

Also: If you haven't already...now is a good time to choose a tent buddy. Two Scouts per tent.
This includes the adult leaders as well.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #3 - Scout Handbook
Bring your Boy Scout Handbook to camp. You'll need it, especially for the Trailblazer program.
Bring pens, pencils, Merit Badge Pamphlet(s), and a small notebook in a daypack/bookbag (the kind you take to school.)

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #2 - R & R
To get a good night's rest while at camp...especially in unfamiliar surroundings...
It's best to bring your favorite pillow from home...the one you use every night.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Massawepie Tip of the Day #1 - Footwear
If you need new hiking boots/trail shoes for camp, now is the time to get them and to break them in.
Give yourself a good week of walking around in them.
It's good idea to bring two pairs of shoes...sneakers...boots...trail shoes.
We might also have an opportunity to play soccer...if you have cleats, bring them if you like.
Remember...to avoid foot/toe injuries...open-toed sandals are not allowed at camp.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Troop Court of Honor
Saturday morning July 5th at 11:00am. Please join us at the Legion to honor our hard-working Scouts. Court of Honor follows the pre-summer camp meeting.
Please wear you FULL Class A Uniform. Look sharp.