Summer Camp 2009

Camp Old Indian: July 19-25, 2009

Summer Camp means more in a Scout's life than all the meetings in the year put together. The days in camp mean physical fitness, fellowship, and fun. Scouts will have the opportunity to complete requirements for rank advancement, earn merit badges, and participate in several fun troop activities. Click on the links below to get the forms you'll need.

Please fill out the application coupon on the Activity Checklist/Permission Form below and return it with your remaining fee balance. A total of $235 is due June 17th.

Click here for the Activity Checklist/Permission Form.

Click here for the required Annual Health and Medical Form.

Click here for a Routine Drug Administration Record form.

WHEN

We are signed up for the week of July 19-25, 2009. We will check in at camp at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 19th, and check out at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 25. All drivers coming up Saturday morning July 25th are to be there by 8:00am sharp - do not be late! Please do not ask to leave with your Scout early - they will have check-out duties, and we will depart together as a Troop. We anticipate the boys will return to Scout Hall Saturday, around 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.

WHERE

Camp Old Indian is a Boy Scout Reservation located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.
Click here for a map to get directions.

FEE

The summer camp fee is $235.00. This fee covers most expenses, such as food, lodging and a Troop 77 t-shirt, but does not include refreshments, such as snacks, soft drinks, or certain articles needed for merit badges, or meals in transit to and from camp. The camp also requires a BSA medical form signed by a physician. Click here for the required Annual Health and Medical Form.

HOW

The Troop 77 Summer Camp Committee will be coordinating transportation for all Scouts who sign up for camp. In order to transport the 50 Scouts that normally attend summer camp we need drivers. If you can drive one way or both, please check the appropriate space on the registration form and/or let the Scoutmaster know.

PACKING

Here is a link to a detailed list of personal equipment your son will need to make his stay in camp comfortable. Click here for the Summer Camp Personal Equipment List. !!!Be sure to read the Additional Info & Helpful Tips section below!!!

LEADERS

In addition to the well-qualified camp staff, parent leadership is needed at the Troop campsite. Therefore, we need parent volunteers to make the week successful. You can attend for one day or the entire week. Please inform the Summer Camp Committee if you can support the scouts in this way. There will be camp wall tents in our site, but you are welcome to bring your own.

ADDITIONAL INFO & HELPFUL TIPS

No neckerchiefs required for summer camp (the boys just lose them and it's too hot to wear them.)
Remember - the Troop always travels in Class A uniforms!
Class B uniforms (any kind of Scout t-shirt) will be required most of the time. Class A's are worn during certain ceremonies and evening meals.
Send a clothes hanger with your son for hanging his Class A uniform up in his tent. (Some boys may need a lesson in how to actually USE a hanger!)
Put your son's name on EVERYTHING. Get a sharpie and mark it ALL. "Metallic" Sharpies mark well on almost any surface.
Your son should bring money for lunch on the way TO and FROM camp.
Fred Turner is coordinating all the merit badge classes for our troop. All "new" boys will take "New Scout" for three hours every morning. This will help him in rank advancement. Merit badge classes will be available for him to take in the afternoons. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR SON IS REGISTERED for classes. If you're unsure, call Fred at 404-841-4646.
Staying Dry - It's guaranteed that drought or no drought, it WILL rain at Summer Camp. Click here to read about staying dry on Scoutmaster Brad's Boyscoutwiki.org. Your Scout will be much more comfortable if he has the proper rain gear for summer camp. Bring plastic bags. Pack clothes in large (2+ gallon) ziplock bags so they'll stay dry regardless. (This really works!)
Many boys like to have their stuff in an "Action Packer" box (20-24 gallon size), or footlocker, etc. It should fit under the cot if possible.
Poncho, water bottle (a carabineer clip works well to carry the water bottle.) There are water coolers at each activity station and the boys are encouraged to refill their bottles and drink -- A LOT.
Homesickness is often an issue - especially if the weather is bad. Encourage your son before the trip saying that he will have fun. Emphasize the fact that if he's not having fun, he needs to speak with one of the adult leaders. The troop really likes to help the boy realize that he CAN do this.
Consider sending a letter or postcard (or two) to your sons before they leave for camp (especially for New Scouts). The camp has daily mail service. No mail should be sent to the Scout after Wednesday because it will not arrive in time. The address is:

Camp Old Indian
601 Callahan Mountain Road
Travelers Rest, SC 29690

We need drivers on both legs of the trip.

For more information, check out:
Blue Ridge Council's Camp Old Indian web page, or the
Camp Old Indian web site.

If you have any other questions, please give Scoutmaster Brad Gilmer a call. We are looking forward to another exciting and successful Summer Camp with you and your sons.

Brad Gilmer, Scoutmaster
(770)-496-0136 (h)