Troop 353 Putnam Valley

This weekend’s cabin camp out at Agatha A. Durland Scout Reservation (Clear Lake) will include working on three Merit Badges - Wilderness Survival, Nature and Emergency Preparedness. There will also be a hike during, which we will perform tree identification, discuss animal tracks and orienteering. It will be an action packed weekend.

The scoutmaster has many new and exciting events and we look forward to seeing you there at the White Pine Cabin starting Friday night - please stop at the CampMaster’s cabin on your way in. Please contact Scoutmaster Eliopolous for any last minute questions or concerns.

During last evening’s Committee Meeting we discussed summer camp at Curtis S. Read Scout Camp located at Brant Lake in the Adirondacks. We currently have four adult volunteers to assist the Troop. Those scouts who are interested need to return to Mrs. Gallo their Camp Scholarship Form and a check in the amount of $50 made payable to TROOP 353 to secure your place at summer camp. The full fee for summer camp is $330. The Troop will forward to Council all forms simultaneously for their review and consideration. Your information will remain confidential.

You can go to www.wpcbsa.org (their website) and view this information
Medical forms (attached) will be collected the week prior to camp. All forms are reviewed again up at Read by their staff to make sure all information has been provided. All medications taken by scouts and adults have to be indicated and provided to the camp medical staff for distribution as required.

Your sons have expressed an interest in going to The Cliffs in Valhalla. This firm teaches climbing at their Indoor Rock Climbing School. Our scouts will not only learn intricate knots required for climbing, but also learn to rappel and free-climb by experienced climbers who provide instructions to earn the Boy Scout Climbing Merit Badge. The cost for the two-day course is $60. A minimum of 10 scouts per class is required. The Troop Committee has agreed to split the cost with the scouts. Those interested in attending need to make a check payable to Troop 353 for $30. The date is still being worked out.

The Putnam Valley Grange has contacted our Troop to assist them in cleaning up the storm damage around their building. They are planning for an outdoor event and would like us to assist. Our April 27th meeting will be held at the Grange at 6:30PM (corner of Mill Street and Peekskill Hollow Road) where we sell our Christmas trees. Please bring rakes and gloves. They are also asking our help to erect a tepee. This is especially helpful for those scouts and students who are required to provide community service and interesting.

We have been invited to attend Pack 53’s May 21st meeting at Town Park. They will have a variety of events happening, including an exhibition with a wolf and it’s handler. The time is tentatively 5PM - 8PM.

Parents have expressed an interest in obtaining sweatshirts for scouts who just recently have joined the Troop, or who have outgrown their existing ones. We are currently reviewing the minimum amount required to place an order. Our Scoutmaster is also looking into up-dating the look of our troop cap. Please let us know your thoughts and ideas.

Any questions or thoughts can be sent to my email and I will obtain answers as quickly as possible. Thank you.

All parking will be done in designated locations. There will be no vehicular access directly to the cabins. Units are permitted 2 or 3 cars in parking areas along main road near cabins. Additional vehicles will be parked in either the Campmaster lot or the Sperling Center lot.

Last week we had a Board of Review for one of our scouts and discussed having a Committee Meeting during the Boy’s meeting this week. I should have sent out an email early, sorry for such short notice.

All committee members and PARENTS are requested to come to the VFW at 7PM to discuss upcoming events - especially Summer Camp. This invitation is being extended to ALL PARENTS who can attend, listen and participate. With you, our Troop runs that much smoother and your input is greatly needed and appreciated.
Thank you and I hope to see you this evening.

Just a Reminder:

At our Troop meeting this evening we will have a presentation by Council regarding summer camp. Please be prompt and in full dress uniform. They are our guests and we would like to show them the respect they deserve. Bring your parents.

Thank you - Hope to see you.