Troop 175 Newsletter
Recent Posts
- How to sharpen a knife
- Simsbury Troop 175 At Summer Camp 2010
- Poisonous Plants
- The Principles of "Leave No Trace"
- History of The Boy Scouts of America on YouTube
- Merit Badge Presentations
- New Inventing Merit Badge Announced
- Adventure Race 2010 Results
- Congratulations Troop 175 High School Graduates!
- Adventure Base 100
Summer Camp
July 21, 2010
June 02, 2010
Summer Camp Medical Forms Due
An email was recently sent out via the Troop Google Group requesting that all scouts going to summer camp have their forms, including medical forms, completed and turned in by June 25th.
See the Google Group email for complete details.
Please see Mr. Burke if you have any questions.
May 04, 2010
April 06, 2010
Summer Boy Scout Camp at Mattatuck
Once again Simsbury Troop 175 scouts will enjoy a week of summer camp at CAMP MATTATUCK, Plymouth, CT July 11 (Sunday) - July 17 (Saturday).
Camp Mattatuck is in Plymouth, CT. Established in 1939, the camp has 500 acres of land that is home to approximately 2,000 scouts a summer, spread over a 6-week period. The 1100 Boy Scouts stay in 2 man wall tents, sleep on beds with mattresses and have 3 square meals served daily in the Dining Hall. The camp has its own private lake for swimming, fishing and boating.
Summer Camp provides Scouts the opportunity to learn new skills, acquire knowledge, make new friends and earn merit badges (including some of the Eagle Scout required merit badges that are difficult to do through the Troop’s regular program.)
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. Newer scouts can work on the Outdoor skill requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. Lunch is at 12:30 PM followed by more activities including merit badges that run throughout the 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.
How to sign up
Scouts should sign up for summer camp by completing the required forms and payment before May 7th to receive a discount. If you are sending more than once scout to camp in your family, there is another discount. All scouts are required to have completed medical forms which are due by June 25th. See the Troop 175 Google Group for all required forms.
General information on the Camp Mattatuck website. The 2010 edition of the Camp Mattatuck Summer Program Guide is a helpful guide for all scout families attending summer camp.
August 25, 2009
July 21, 2009
Troop 175 Scouts Enjoy Summer Camp At Mattituck
43 Scouts from Simsbury Troop 175 spent a week in the woods at BSA Camp Mattituck.
Highlights from the week at camp include swimming, boating, earning merit badges, family night, earning merit badges, firing rifles, archery, and being with friends.
For photos of the week at camp, go to the Troop 175 Photo Library.
For those in the pool to guess how many photos Mr. Rice would take, the final number 808. He was hampered by a broken lens for part of the week.
Camp Mattituch Dive Competition Dominated By Troop 175
Scouts from Simsbury Troop 175 demonstrated their flying ability as they won three of four diving events at Camp Mattituck.
Mike R led the way with a win in the small splash competition, followed by Matt Z who showed that technique is more important that physical size.
Senior scouts Keegan R and Kevin B did not have any competition willing to take them on in the tandom diving competition. Keegan R also showed his style with a 1 1/2 flip that won the freestyle competition.
Also at the waterfront, Troop 175 first year scouts won the Waterfront Treasure Hunt and Rowing Without Oars events.
For additional photos, go to the Scout Photo Archives.
Troop 175 Wins Ryan Duff Oar
Each year at Camp Mattituck, Troop 175 and Troop 76 compete in a high-spirited water polo game to claim the Ryan Duff Memorial Oar as a trophy for the year.
Troop 76 had retained the Oar for the past two years, but it was not to be this year. An outstanding offensive performance from troop 175's first year scouts and a strong defense from a Philmont-depleted senior scout team allowed Troop 175 to reclaim the prized oar.
The Oar is named for Ryan Duff, an Eagle scout from Troop 175, and brother to current scout Michael Duff, who tragically lost his life in a car accident. Ryan had many friends in both troops and this oar honors his memory.
For additional water polo photos, go to the Troop 175 Photo Library.
Scoutmasters Win Iron Chief Competition
Troop 175 Assistant Scoutmasters Mark Bushey, Tom Nichelson, Gerry Burke and Bill Rice, led by camp cooking legend Bob Gilmore, won first place in the Camp Mattituck Dutch oven Iron Chief competition.
Drawing from the same ingredients as the other troops and required to use tuna in the meal, the group combined their efforts to create :Scoutmaster Pie" with layers of beef, french toast, mixed veggies, more french toast and a cheesy tuna topping. This was followed by a cinnamon cake with apples and zucchini with a blueberry compote.
July 07, 2009
Parents Night at Summer Camp is Wednesday July 15th
Parents Night is Wednesday July 15th
starting at 5:00 PM ... with a Campfire Program until 9:00
PM. The Troop is supplying
hamburgers & hotdogs for dinner for Scout(s), siblings & parents at our
Campsite.
Families with last name starting with A-G please bring appetizer or salad.
Families with last name starting with H-Z please bring dessert.
All
families bring a bag of chips!
You should make prior arrangements as to when and
where you will meet your son(s) ... the amphitheater at the bottom of the hill
from the parking lot is a good spot.
July 03, 2009
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.
June 28, 2009
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.
June 24, 2009
Summer Camp Merit Badges
In preparing for summer camp, it is a good idea to think out which merit badges you want to try to earn while at camp. Most scouts earn 2-3 merit badges while at summer camp, however they are not required.
Suggestions for first year scouts include Indian Lore, Fishing, Small Boat Sailing, Weather, Woodcarving, Basketry and Leatherwork.
2009 Camp Mattatuck Merit Badge Time Schedule
Merit Badge Time
SCOUTCRAFT
Camping ............................................. 2:00 & 3:00
Cooking .............................................. Mon. and Wed. 4:00, Tues. 7-8:30am,
Thurs 4-6:30pm, Fri. 11:30-1
Orienteering ........................................ 3:00
Pioneering ........................................... 1:30-3:00
Indian Lore ......................................... 2:00
Hiking & Backpacking .............................6:45pm
Wilderness Survival ............................... 4:00
NATURE
Environmental Science ............................... 1:00-2:30 or 2:30-4:00
Forestry ............................................... 3:00
Reptiles & Amphibians* ..............................2:00
Mammal Study ........................................ 2:00
Plant Science ......................................... 1:00
Geology* ............................................... 3:00
Nature* ............................................... 3:00
Weather............................................... 4:00
Fishing ................................................ 1:00
Fly Fishing .......................................... 6:45pm
*** Astronomy, Fish & Wildlife Management and Soil & Water Conservation will be offered only on even numbered years with Reptiles & Amphibians, Geology and Nature being offered during odd years. ***
SPORTS
Archery ................................................ 1:30 - 3:00 .
Athletics ............................................... 3:00
Rifle Shooting ......................................... 1:30 - 3:00
Cycling ................................................. 6:45pm
Sports .................................................. 2:00
Climbing .............................................. 1:30 – 3:00
Personal Fitness ..................................... 3:00
AQUATICS
Canoeing ............................................. 2:00 & 3:00
Lifesaving ........................................... 2:30 - 4:00
Rowing ............................................... 3:00
Small Boat Sailing ................................... 1:15 - 2:30
Swimming............................................ 2:00 & 3:00
Whitewater ......................................... 1:15 - 2:30
7:00am -12:00 Fri. for trip
Lifeguard BSA ...................................... 9:00 - 12:00 & 1:15 – 4:00
Snorkeling BSA ..................................... 4:00 Monday and Tuesday
Kayaking BSA ....................................... 6:45-7:30pm Monday and Tuesday
HANDICRAFT
Art ..................................................... 4:00
Basketry .............................................. 1:15 – 2:00
Leatherwork ......................................... 3:00
Photography ......................................... Monday and Friday 6:45-8:00pm
Wood Carving ....................................... 2:00
Unless otherwise stated all sessions are one hour long and will meet each day of the week. Please realize that many of the badges require previous work before coming to camp.
March 30, 2009
Boy Scout Summer Camp 2009
Summer Camp provides Scouts the opportunity to learn new skills, acquire knowledge, make new friends and earn merit badges. Troop 175 will go to Camp Mattatuck in Plymouth, CT beginning July 12 (Sunday) to July 18 (Saturday).
Established in 1939, the Camp Mattatuck has 500 acres of land and runs both a Boy Scout resident summer camp and a Cub Scout day camp. The Boy Scout staff, of which there are 55, are chosen by Connecticut Rivers Council and are highly skilled and trained. The Boy Scouts of America train department directors, as well as the Camp Director, at their National Camping Schools. The camp is conveniently located off CT Route 8 in Plymouth, CT, just a few miles north of Waterbury. Camp Mattatuck is part of Connecticut Rivers Council and is supported by the Camp Mattatuck Volunteers.
The camp fees and payment are made to the troop and deadlines are as follows:
• Camp Fee (Early Bird) - $325 - Payment in full is due to the Troop by May 8, 2009.
• Brother at Camp (-$40 Discount) - This is the fee for a second Scout from the same family. The
discount is applicable before and after May 8, 2009.
• Camp Fee - $350 - This is the fee if your payment in full is made after May 8, 2009.
Each Scout attending camp must have a completed medical form that has been signed by a parent/guardian and a physician. A medical examination within 36 months prior to attendance at camp is required.
The best source of information on what to expect from boy scout camp is the 2009 edition of the Camp Mattatuck Summer Program Guide. It explains what to expect and what is offered each week at Mattituck.
If you have any questions, please call Gerry Burke at a troop meeting.
