Simsbury Troop 175

CT Trails Day Hike on West Mountain Trails

On Sat., June 4 (Raindate: Sunday, June 5, 9:00 a.m.) The Simsbury Land Trust will hold a loop hike of about five miles which traverses property with Hop Brook bottomlands and a historic dam, follows a ridgeline with views of the Farmington Valley and beyond, and then returns through a dramatic and geologically significant valley. Meet and park at the Simsbury Land Trust trailhead at 60 Westledge Road. Hikers should wear suitable shoes, and should consider bringing drinking water, a snack, and insect repellent. Allow 3 hours. RSVP’s are requested to 860-651-8773.

Troop 175 Thanks Joe Pizza

Simsbury Troop 175 would like to thank Ben from Simsbury's Joe Pizza Resturant for holding a successful fundraiser for the troop's 2011 Philmont crew. The event raised funds to help send 10 scouts to Philmont Scout Reservation this summer.

What To Bring To Summer Camp

Here is a suggested list for scouts. Double check the list carefully. Add any items you feel are important. We suggest that each item of clothing be labeled with name and troop #175.

CLOTHING and BEDDING:
Complete Scout Uniform
Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Insect Repellent
Extra Shorts or Pants and Shirts
Daily Change of Underwear and Socks
Handkerchiefs
Swim Suit
Raincoat or Poncho
Pajamas
Sweater or Jacket
Sneakers
Sleeping Bag or 3 Warm Blankets
Pillow
Sheet or Mattress Cover

MUST'S for a HAPPY WEEK:
Flashlight w/ extra batteries
Scout Handbook
Pencil, Pen, & Pad
Compass
Merit Badge class work

OPTIONAL:
Camera
Musical Instrument
Fishing Tackle
Mess Kit and Canteen
Bible or Prayer Book
Sewing Kit

TOILET ARTICLES:
Tooth Brush and Paste
Hand Towels
Bath Towels
Wash Cloth
Comb, Brush and Mirror
Soap & Shampoo

Please leave at home radios, comic books, game systems, MP3 players, TV’s, cell phone etc. Articles such as these tend to detract from the scouting atmosphere that should prevail in a Boy Scout Camp.

 

Reprinted from June, 2009

Help Support The Jimmy Fund

On May 8th, Jeff Stickles, uncle of Troop 175 scoout Brian Sennott, left Florida on his bike to overcome a great challenge to raize money for the Jimmy Fund, A cancer organization for the Boston Red Sox, by biking from Florida to Maine. Now in his 40s, this has been his life long dream and to do it for people with cancer is great for him.

His original goal is to raise $10,000 and is going to donate every penny he recieves. Donate to his ride by following this link and clicking "Donate to Jeffs Ride."

International Control Descriptions for Orienteering

Simsbury Troop 175 is learning about orienteering this month. Orienteering is a family of sports that requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain, and normally moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a specially prepared orienteering map, which they use to find control points.

Control points are placed on features on the map that can be clearly identified on the ground. Control points are marked in the terrain by white and orange "flags". Competitors receive a "control description sheet" or "clue sheet" which gives a precise description of the feature and the location of the kite, e.g., boulder, 5m, north side. For experienced orienteers the descriptions use symbols (pictorial), in accordance with the IOF Control descriptions.

Here is a great resource to see what the symbols are and how they would look both on a map and in real life. Go to Control Descriptions and Map Symbols Explained.

 

Here is a great quiz to see how well you know your control descriptions for orienteering.Go to International Control Descriptions for Orienteering--2010

 

If you are interested in earning the Orienteering MErit Badge, here are the requirements.

Troop 175 Scout Participates in Benefit Concert for Petit Family Foundation

On Friday residents will have a chance to see some of the area’s finest young dancers and musicians doing what they love – performing to bring joy to the community. But this Friday’s performance will not just entertain but also will serve as the group’s first fundraiser to benefit the Petit Family Foundation.

The group is Arts From the Heart, made up of middle school and high school students dancing and performing music as community service. This group includes Troop 175's own Justin F.

The group will perform songs and dances in duets, large ensembles and as solos. In addition, items donated by local stores and restaurants will be raffled off or sold at silent auction during the evening. A bake sale will be held, too, with proceeds from the entire evening going to the Petit Family Foundation.

The event is Friday, May 20 at Irving A. Robbins Middle School. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the bake sale and raffle and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 14, and are available by calling 860-677-2900 or by contacting ellen@ellenhoffman.com.

Sgt. Felix M. Del Greco Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

On April 9, 2004 we lost a Simsbury soldier, an Eagle Scout, a son, a brother, and a friend to many. Sgt. Del Greco was the first Ct. National Guard soldier to be killed in the current conflict in Iraq. The scholarship fund is his legacy.

Through the dedication of family and friends, since 2004, the scholarship was created to benefit college bound children of Ct. National Guard soldiers and scouts from Simsbury BSA Troop 76 where Felix Del Greco Jr. earned his rank of Eagle Scout.

During the month of May, with a min. $10.00 donation to the Sgt. Felix M. Del Greco Memorial Scholarship Fund, to say thank you, your name will be entered for a chance to win one of the following gifts.

• (1) 2010 New York Football Giants – Team Collector’s Football (value $140.00) The ball features the autograph of each 2010 team member as well as Head Coach Tom Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese. Donated by the NY Football Giants.
• (1) NY Yankees autographed Curt Granderson Baseball. (value $75.00) Baseball donated by the New York Yankees.
• (5) Three pack of lawn tickets to the 2011 Summer Series of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival. (value $75.00 per three pack) Tickets donated by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
• (1) Two Autographed CD Collection of the music of LittleHouse plus Songwriting and Songs book (value $50.00) Autographed and donated by J.A. Patrina of LittleHouse
• (1) “Huge & Famous”  Tulmeadow Farm Ice Cream Pie  (various flavors) (value $15.00)  Tulmeadow Farm has been farmed by the Tuller family since 1768.  Ice Cream Pie donated by Tulmeadow Farm.  

Items will be on display during the month of May at Fitzgerald Foods, 710 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury. To enter, us the donation form on the back of this flyer or go to www.troop76.info. Click on the yellow ribbon and then click onto the donation page and then return as instructed.

This event is being arranged by members of Simsbury BSA Troop 76

The drawing will be held on June 16 or sooner.

For more information, email Mark Holowesko at holowesko.mark@comcast.net

Felix was committed to improving the world, whether through military service, or education. With your help he can continue to do so. The Sgt. Felix M. Del Greco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship is his legacy.

      PLEASE SUPPORT THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND, THANK YOU!

What to Expect at Summer Camp

Sunday Afternoon . . . After being guided to the campsite, scouts get into their swim trunks and get ready for check-in. They walk down to the Dining Hall porch, with Medical Forms signed by a doctor within the last three years (and a parent within the last year) in hand for a medical recheck by the Camp Nurse. At this time all medication must be turned in to the nurse to dispense along with the Troop Medication form  listing all medications for scouts.

After the medical recheck, it's down to the Waterfront for a boating talk, and then a swim check. This check, covering 100 yards consists of ”Jump into the water feet first then swim 100 yards continuously in a strong manner, with 75 yards on your stomach or side and 25 yards on your back in a resting manner.” This check is required for all scouts and leaders who wish to go in or on the water. At 4:30 PM the unit leader and Senior Patrol Leader have a meeting with the Camp Director and Program Director in the Dining Hall. It will last about 30 minutes. 5:50 is flag lowering, followed by dinner at 6:00 with everyone in uniform of course. After dinner is the merit badge sign-up for scouts to talk with their counselors. That evening there is a campfire, which all troops must attend, sponsored by the staff to introduce themselves and to get the scouts acquainted with camp. Just prior to the campfire is an orientation for the Archery and Rifle ranges.

A Typical Day . . . The morning starts out with reveille at 7:00 AM, flag raising is at 7:50, with breakfast at 8:00. During the morning, the troops attend various activities (see program section); Nature hikes, Scoutcraft skill sessions, Archery and Rifle ranges where they learn how to shoot safely. Also during the morning is instructional swimming and boating where every scout can improve their skills or learn new ones. Older scouts might find the mountain bikes or the weeklong PROJECT COPE program more to their liking. Newer scouts can work on the Outdoor skill requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. At this time the Camp Commissioner is inspecting the campsites and rates them on how clean, neat and safe they are. Lunch is at 12:30 PM followed by more activities including merit badges that run all afternoon.

From 4:00 – 5:00 there is open swimming and boating, a time for cooling off and fun. Sailboats are available all morning and afternoon, especially if adult leaders want to try their sailing skills; also available are kayaks and fun-yaks for qualified individuals. Open shoot at the archery and rifle ranges with open climbing at the climbing tower (13 and over) and mountain biking (13 and over) are just some of the activities going on now to help everyone have fun. 5:50 is flag lowering, followed by dinner at 6:00 with everyone in their scout uniform of course. After dinner, troops enjoy free time and can do things like water polo, open boating, volleyball, the climbing tower, softball, Frisbee, troop campfires, etc.

Parent’s Night . . . Wednesday night is Parent's Night. Because camp and unit programming is going on other times during the week, we ask that visitors and parents only come up on Wednesday night. Parents are invited to come up anytime after 5:00 PM. Picnic tables are available in the Picnic Grove on a first come-first serve basis. Scouts can eat with their parents at these tables, but there is only enough room in the dining hall for scouts spending the week. Afterward at 8:00, the scouts and staff put on a campwide campfire for the parents. Come up and join in on the fun, singing, cheers, stunts, and skits. You never know what lunacy the scouts and staff might be up to; plus you're never too old to embarrass yourself.

Hawaiian Shirt Thursday . . . Thursday is Hawaiian Shirt day at camp, make sure you bring yours! During the morning and afternoon, everyone can wear their loud, colorful shirt throughout camp.

Court of Honor . . . Saturday morning, directly after breakfast is the camp Court of Honor. This event is where camp and departmental awards, as well as any unit awards are given out. It’s also a great place to tell your parents to meet you to pick-up their scouts. Pick-up time should be planned for 9:15am.

The Trading Post . . . A Trading Post is available at camp. We sell merit badge books, scouting supplies, patches, candy, soda and ice cream.  Items stocked are on a first come, first serve, while they last basis.

 

Reprinted from July, 2009

Troop Car Wash

The Philmopnt crew is at it again! They will be holding a car wash to raise funds for their trip this summer on Saturday, May 21st at St. Mary's parking lot.

Tickets will be available from any scout in troop 175 after the next troop meeting. 

Please save the date and plan on getting your car expertly cleaned.

 

 

Common Sense Hiking Tips From Trails.com

Common Sense Hiking Tips - Courtesy of Trails.com