The Signaler

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Website: http://www.troop264olney.net E-mail: [email protected] Upcoming Dates and Deadlines (Refer to calendar pages and articles for specific times.)

Troop 264 – Meeting time 7:30 PM Mondays June Venturing Crew 264 -- 6:30 PM Mondays

(Venturing Crew activities in RED) 1-2 Spotsylvania (Crusaders) ------3 “Last Chance” BOR / Patrol meeting 5 District Roundtable (Vikings) Passing of Pam Greenspon 6 Venturing Roundtable 8 Troop Picnic and Summer COH, 1 PM It is with great sadness that we report that Mrs. Pam Greenspon 10 Troop meeting passed away on May 24 after a brief battle with cancer. She 14 Last ½ day of school (MCPS) had been active in Scouts since Cub Scouts with her two boys, 17 TLC and Patrol meeting Jeff and Ben (T264 Eagle). While they were in the troop, Pam 17-21 Cub Scout Day Camp helped assemble the Signaler. Many of you will remember her 20 Troop Adult Meeting 8 PM Brookeville A. for her work arranging Webelos Weekend for T264 in recent 21 Summer starts! years. She will be missed, and our heartfelt sympathies to her 29-30 Whitewater rafting at Cheat R, (Eagles) husband Walt and the family. 29 Nursing Home Visit

July Troop Picnic and Summer Court of Honor - June 8 1 Patrol meeting 4 Fourth of July Please mark your calendar – T264’s Troop Picnic and Summer 8 Summer Camp Information Meeting COH is Saturday, June 8, 1 PM to 4 PM. Place is behind the 7-13 Advancement Camp (Camp Twin Echo) Smith Center, first building on the right as you turn into the 14-20 Troop Summer Camp – Powhatan Meadowside Nature Center drive. More details on Page 4. 15 NO troop meeting 18 Troop adult meeting 8 PM Brookeville A. 22 TLC/BOR/Patrol meeting 28 – Aug 3 Guppy Gulch (Venturing Crew) Troop 264 Eagles at 29 Troop meeting High Adventure Bases

August Two Troop 264 Eagle Scouts are spending their second summers working at BSA High Adventure Bases. Gerad Sherman is a Jul 28 – 3 Guppy Gulch (Venturing Crew) Climbing Instructor at Philmont. Jimmy Bickel is an 5 Patrol meeting Interpreter (wilderness guide) at Northern Tier in northern 9 - 11 Family Camp at Solomons Island Minnesota. These are paid BSA positions. Scouts and 12 Troop meeting Venturing Crew members aged 14 years and up are eligible to 14 District Roundtable attend BSA High Adventure Bases. 15 Troop Adult Meeting 8 PM Brookeville A. 16-18 Seneca Rocks, WV (hike, camp, NRAO) Closer to home, Anthony Justus is putting his scouting skills 19 TLC/BOR/Patrol meeting to work at the Adventure Park in Sandy Spring. Say “hi” 26 Patrol meeting when you pass through! 26 School starts (MCPS)

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June 2013

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Civil War Hike at Spotsylvania, VA (Crusaders) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Civil War Hike at Really Spotsylvania, VA “Last Chance” BOR District Roundtable Venturing Roundtable Summer Court of (Crusaders) and Patrol meeting (Vikings) Honor & Troop Picnic (1-4 PM) 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Troop meeting Open: New Scouts Last (1/2) Day of Skill: Vikings School (MCPS) MB: Hawks

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 TLC Troop adult meeting, Fathers’ Day Patrol meeting 8 PM, Brookeville Summer! Whitewater Rafting at Academy Ohiopyle (Eagles) Cub Scout Day Camp Cub Scout Day Camp Cub Scout Day Camp Cub Scout Day Camp begins Cub Scout Day Camp 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Troop meeting Nursing home visit Open: Serpents (Serpents) Skill: Crusaders MB: Eagles Whitewater Rafting on the Cheat River (Eagles) 30 Whitewater Rafting on the Cheat River (Eagles) 2

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July 2013

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 Independence Day Patrol meeting

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Troop meeting – NO Summer Camp Info NO Roundtable Venturing Roundtable Advancement Camp and Questions and at Camp Twin Echo Answers (Week 1) Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Advancement Camp Ends 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 NO meeting National Jamboree Troop adult meeting, T264’s regular opens to visitors 8 PM, Brookeville Summer Camp at Summer Camp at Summer Camp at Academy Summer Camp at Summer Camp at Powhatan Powhatan Powhatan Summer Camp at Powhatan Powhatan Powhatan Summer Camp 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

TLC/BOR Patrol meeting

28 29 30 31 Troop meeting Guppy Gulch Gu ppy Gulch Guppy Gulch Guppy Gulch (to Aug 3) (Venturing Crew) (Venturing Crew) (Venturing Crew) (Venturing Crew)

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Nursing Home Visit This Month – June 29

There was no nursing home visit scheduled in May because the last Saturday in the month fell on Memorial Day weekend. So the next nursing home visit, at Friends Nursing Home in Sandy Spring, will be on June 29, and we ask the new Serpent patrol to conduct this one hour visit, at 11 AM on that Saturday.

Civil War Campout – May 31 – June 2

On Friday, May 31st through Sunday, June 2nd, the Crusaders are hosting the annual Civil War Campout, at Spotsylvania Courthouse National Battlefield (formerly labeled in the Signaler as a trip to Yorktown Battlefield). If you want to go, please sign up by contacting Jeremy Neufeld by May 24th at (240) 644-9782 or via email at [email protected].

The battlefield is the site of a bloody two-week battle between forces under Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee in May of 1864. The fighting was so intense that entire trees were cut down by rifle fire.

We will leave from St. John’s on Friday evening, May 31st, at 7:30 pm for the approximately 90-minute drive to Prince William Forest Park, where we will be camping. On Saturday, June 1, we’ll eat an early breakfast in camp, then drive to Spotsylvania Courthouse for our seven mile hike. Lunch will be on the trail. We’ll return to camp for dinner (troop cooking) and a campfire. On Sunday morning, June 2nd, we’ll eat a quick breakfast, pack up, and return to Olney before noon.

Cost of the trip will be probably be approximately $30 per person (an exact figure will be determined after the event), covering two breakfasts, dinner, campsite, and park fees (including a $5 per vehicle entrance fee for Prince William Forest Park).

Remember to bring (in addition to regular camping gear including tents, changes of clothes, rain gear, etc.): -Signed permission form (attached) -Comfortable hiking boots and socks -Daypack -Bagged lunch for Saturday -Water bottles to carry at least two liters of water on the hike -Extra money

Questions? Call Jeremy Neufeld at (240) 644-9782 or via email at [email protected] .

Troop Picnic and Summer COH – Saturday June 8

The troop picnic and summer Court of Honor is Saturday, June 8. Cost of the picnic is $6 per person or $15 per family, all family members welcome. A collection box will be at the food table. Families with a last name starting M – Z, please bring a dessert to share. Those with last names starting with A - L , please bring a salad or other dish. Bring enough for your own family and to share with others. The troop will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, fixings, and drinks. Also, please bring a camp chair or two. There are picnic tables at the site but there are not enough seating for everyone. Please wear Class A uniforms to the Court of Honor, including neckerchiefs and merit badge sash. Venturing Crew 264 members and families welcome too.

Class B uniforms (scout T shirts) may be worn to troop and patrol meetings after the June 8 Court of Honor until the September Court of Honor.

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Fleur de Lis Accessories All proceeds benefit our Adopt A Soldier Program Serving our Troops since 2005

Zipper Pull - $ 2.00 (Silver-Tone)

Earrings - $ 5.00 (Silver-Tone or Gold-Tone)

Gift Package - $ 10.00 (Gift Boxed - Zipper Pull, Silver-Tone and Gold-Tone Earrings)

Crafted by Mrs. Josey Simpson Assistant Scoutmaster Adopt A Soldier Program Eagle Scout Courts of Honor 301.512.5439

[email protected]

God Bless America … Land of the Free … Because of the Brave SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Whitewater Rafting on the Cheat River, WV June 29-30

COME RAFT WV’s CHEAT RIVER WITH TROOP/CREW 264

YOU’RE INVITED: The Eagle Patrol is organizing a Cheat River (WV) rafting/one-night camping trip departing Olney midday Sat. June 29th thru the early evening of Sunday June 30th. The trip is open to all 264 Boy Scouts and Venturers.

LOGISTICS (TENTATIVE): We’ll meet at St John’s Parking lot at 12:45PM for a 1PM sharp departure. Our destination is Cheat River Outfitters and camping area (www.cheatriveroutfitters.com ; 2764 N Preston Hwy, Albright, WV 26519). After an ~3.5 hr drive (I-270 to I-68 to WV-26) we should arrive with plenty of light left to set up camp, make dinner, explore and have a campfire (yes, fires are allowed!) We'll be camping in a quasi- primitive campground, but within eye-shot and a short walk of the outfitter facilities. Cars may park close to the tenting area. There are port-a-johns and fire rings (but no grates), and water is available from a hose at the outfitter building. But we'll need to bring in all other supplies and equipment. An e-mail will follow soon to let you know if it will be patrol or troop cooking. All boys should plan to camp but parents not interested in camping may wish to consider near-by lodging options (see http://www.cheatriveroutfitters.com/area_info.cfm)

On Sunday morning, we'll break down camp, eat a simple breakfast, pack the cars and meet up at the Outfitters by 8:30AM for 9:00-9:30AM shove off of the rafts. We'll be rafting a section of the Cheat River rated as Class II and 5

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III (appropriate for all scout ages) and a professional guide will be on board each raft of 6 Scouts/Scouters. The Outfitters will provide all necessary instruction and safety gear including life preservers. This time of year most do not need it, but wet suits and booties may be rented for an extra ~$12 for those sensitive to the cold. Paddlers should dress prepared to get wet and should have water shoes, scuba booties or some other footwear that can get wet and stay securely on their feet (no sandals!) Lunch will be provided half way through the rafting trip. We can expect to be off river by about 3PM. After a fun-filled day on the River, we'll turn in all our gear to the Outfitter, load up the cars and leave by about 4PM. Tentatively, we’ll stop to eat about half way home which should put out arrival back to St. John’s by ~8PM.

COST: The estimated total cost for the trip/person will be ~$75/person. This includes (1) the cost for rafting (~$50 per person; excluding option wet suit rental), (2) $5 gas contributions to drivers, (3) $10 spending money for dinner on the way home and (4) $10/person for food (supper Saturday eve and breakfast Sunday morning).

RESERVING YOUR SPOT: We currently have 18 spots reserved for the trip. This should be a fantastic trip! If you wish to attend, please send an email to Asst. Scoutmaster Gary Sherman ( [email protected] ) and include names of all Adults and scouts attending, Patrol name, and phone number. Please also indicate if you can drive and how many people your car can hold (plus gear.) This is first come, first served, so please let Mr. Sherman (Eagle Patrol dad) know as soon as possible if you wish to reserve a spot(s)!

Gary B Sherman, MS, DVM, PhD 301-651-9639 (c) [email protected]

Advancement Camp at Camp Twin Echo July 7-13 or 14-20

SIX MERIT BADGES IN A WEEK!

This is what you can get by attending the 2013 Advancement camp at BSA Camp Twin Echo near Ligonier, PA, about 3 1/2 hours from Olney. This is run by the Laurel Highlands Council (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Council). A few T264 scouts have attended this camp each year for the past several years.

The details, and list of merit badges available, are available at http://lhc-bsa.org/Camping/Advancement%20Camp . Cost is $335 for the week, including meals. There are always good, and less common, merit badges at this camp. Pick six of the eight merit badges offered for the week. There usually is some work to be done ahead of camp, in order to complete the merit badge that week, but the prerequisites have not yet been posted.

The first week (Fix It Build It week, July 7-13) occurs the week before T264's summer camp at Camp Powhatan in Virginia (July 14-20). So it is possible to go to Advancement Camp, come home Saturday, do laundry, and leave the next day Sunday for summer camp (and do another two or three merit badges). And scouts have done this. 6

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We do not do this as a troop, so register individually. You must arrange your own transportation, but if more than one scout goes, carpooling may be possible. (If you send an e-mail to [email protected] after registering, I will put you in contact with anyone else I know of that plans to go.) One scout is already registered to attend.

It is possible for an adult to attend too, and serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster at the summer camp. Youth Protection Training (YPT) must be taken on line before the adult can go. Ask if you are interested.

~ Mr. Dale Bickel [email protected]

Summer Camp at Camp Powhatan – July 14-20 LAST DAYS TO SIGN UP!

It’s time to register for summer camp! This year summer camp will be at Camp Powhatan, on the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation in southwestern Virginia.

At the end of this Signaler is a list of merit badges that scouts may sign up for. All merit badge requests must be received by Mr. Doug Long, [email protected], no later than June 24. First year scouts generally enter the Brownsea Island program during the day, at night they camp with the troop. Parents can go too, for all or part of a week.

All scouts must be registered with the troop and council before they can attend summer camp, but that doesn’t stop you from applying now.

The troop charters a bus to and from the camp for a nominal additional charge of $80. This is the easiest way to make the 5 hour trip to southwestern Virginia. On Monday, July 8, we will have a troop meeting dedicated solely to summer camp logistics, questions and answers. But you do not need to wait until then if you have a question!

Cost of the camps is listed on the pages at the end of this Signaler. Any questions, or to sign up, please ask Mr. Doug Long at [email protected] .

Powhatan 2013 Leaders' Guide: http://bsa-brmc.org/images/stories/PDFs/CAMP/Powhatan_CLG_2013.pdf

Brownsea Island program: http://bsa-brmc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=300:camp-powhatan-base- camp&catid=46:camping-a-reservation-pages

T264 and V264 Family Camping – August 9-11 FAMILY CAMP!!!! Navy Recreation Center, Solomons Island, Maryland!!

Get it on your calendars! Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11, 2013 (NO date change)

Family camping-all are welcome. $6.50 per night per person... this includes campsite, 3 pools, river beach, putt-putt golf, pool tables, ping pong, softball game and whatever else we want to use of theirs (board games, sports equipment, etc).

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Bring fishing poles and crabbing equipment!

Patrol cooking... food costs will be decided at a later date

Lots to do on base as well as in the town. You can bring bikes/skates but MUST have helmets. BEST crabcakes ANYWHERE at a local restaurant . Can rent paddle boats, kayaks, pontoons.

Check calendars and we'll start the list of who is joining in the fun. It is "family camping" for all to attend.

ALL drivers MUST have: Drivers’ license, Auto Registration, and Proof of Insurance to gain access to the base and campsites. ~ Helen Justus [email protected]

Adventure Park in Sandy Spring – April 6

Last month we noted that we didn’t have a summary or a roster of participants. This month, we still don’t have a summary, but we can tell you who was there for this Saturday evening event (hosted by the Red Bulls patrol).

Participants: ( * = Crew 264)

Brian H. Luke T. Eli H. Tyler H. Caleb H. Mariah H.* Jacob W. Brendan O. Eric L. Tommy B. Elizabeth J.* Luke R. Mr. Micah H. Mr. Adam H. Mrs. Carolyn R. Ann M. Jessica R. Maryann A. Jennifer D.

Natural Bridge / Safari Park Campout – May 3-5

This campout was conceived, planned, promoted, and executed by scout Joel P., and demonstrates his leadership skills in following a project from start to finish, over a period of some months. There would have been more interest in it had the spring calendar not already been so overloaded with events. This is exactly the kind of initiative we encourage scouts to exhibit. We commend Joel for his efforts on this outing.

In early May two scouts from the Crusaders Patrol went; Joel Parks and Luke Renshaw as well as Luke’s mom and Joel’s parents. The weather was perfect and the trip started with a night in Buena Vista Virginia. That morning they went to the famous Virginia Safari Park and toured the drive through zoo. There they fed animals such as llamas, camels, ostriches, zebra and elk. 8

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They went through a few times feeding different animals each time. Then they ate lunch having the famous make your own sandwiches. Afterwards they went to the regular zoo and went in a walk through kangaroo area, and then fed some budgies. Afterwards they went and looked around to come to a presentation of the kangaroos by some keepers. Looked some more to come across roaming peacocks that spread its feathers.

Then later we came to a presentation of an albino Burmese python where they got to touch it and learn all about it. This trip was great with weather and all but more people would have made it even better.

~ Joel P.

Participants: Joel P. Luke R. Mr. Dan P. Mrs. Theresa P. Mrs. Carolyn R.

Assateague Island Backcountry – May 17-18

This trip was an exercise in making adjustments. It started out OK, with everyone arriving at Assateague Island State Part on Friday evening, after sundown. We set up the tents, with a quarter moon hanging in the sky and few clouds in sight. Scouts made a small fire and then we went to bed.

At 4 AM Saturday morning I was awakened to the patter of raindrops on the rainfly. That passed, and by 6 AM we were up getting breakfast under a low, leaden sky. The forecast called for rain later in the afternoon, with thunderstorms possible. And a beach area has no place to take shelter from lightning. So we decided to change the overnight camp at the Little Levels backcountry campsite, to a backpacking hike down and back along the beach, ahead of the rain. We drove over to the National Park, and there lightened everyone’s load (it was with difficulty that we persuaded Caleb to part with some of his gear) and left it in the cars. On the beach, we turned south next to the waves.

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We backpacked down about 3 miles, stopping for a break opposite the Tingles Island campsite entrance, dodging fishermen surf fishing along the beach and their off road RVs and pickups. As we planned to take a lengthy break there, I was curious as to what a “bayside” campground looked like. Leaving our packs with the group on the beach, Jim, Dan, Gavin, and myself went along the 1 km westward trail toward Tingles Island. A short distance from the beach, there were a few stunted trees and grass was growing in the sand. A narrow, slightly elevated roadway connected Assateague Island to Tingles Island over an expanse of low swampy ground. Here were about a dozen of Assateague Island’s famous wild ponies, grazing about 100 feet off to the right. But the Tingles Island campsite was a pleasant surprise, nice campsites in a pine woods overlooking marshy ground on the bayside. (Wouldn’t want to be there in bug season, however.) We walked back to the group, and easily persuaded them that this was a good place for lunch. So on with the backpacks, back to Tingles Island where we had lunch at the picnic tables. We also found the bayside canoe landing spot.

Lunch over, we returned to the beach and headed north, back toward the cars, hoping to beat the rain. By this time Caleb was complaining about being tired (fortunately we had lightened his pack in anticipation of a longer day hike). But we made it just as a steadier rain moved in. We got all the gear back in the vehicles, ourselves too.

Here was the second decision of the day. As the original plan had been to camp in the backcountry, we had not reserved a second night’s campsite in the state park. Calling the state park, we found that all sites were full. But Jim, walking over to the national park ranger station, found that there were 2 adjoining walk-in sites available due to a cancellation (caused by the rain, no doubt). Scouts voted to 10

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter stay, so we reserved the campsites, and went to set up our tents in the rain. It was only a little after noon on Saturday.

We did get the tents up, but now there was little to do. Backpacking tents are small, and there was not enough space to get many scouts in any single tent. Plus the wind was blowing the rain at an angle, which meant a tarp would not be much good, even if we had anything to tie it to (the scrub brush would not have held a wet tarp, even had the park permitted such use – which it does not). A few scouts braved the rain and went over to the beach, where a couple scouts (Keith was one, I believe), thinking that as they were wet already so what’s the difference, splashed in the cold surf. They returned to camp dripping.

The rain increased in intensity. The decision point came to Mr. Hoffman when he found himself actually considering staying in one of the semi- permanent johns because they were dry inside. Once the subject of leaving was broached, a few wanted to stay, but the scouts’ majority vote was to leave. Adding weight to that decision, in my view, was that the rain was expected to continue through the night, and I was unsure how much dry clothing some scouts actually had. So we took down the very wet tents in a heavy rain, packed them and the other gear back in the cars, and left for home. It was 4 PM Saturday afternoon, and we had stayed at the national park campsite about 3 hours. (Many other campers were packing out too.)

Despite the early departure, we did achieve most of what we wanted to accomplish. We had a pleasant backpacking hike along the beach, a lunch out of only what we carried, and hiked approximately 7 miles (8 for the four of us who first went on the Tingles Island exploratory side hike). Scouts got some practical experience backpacking, and in setting up (and taking down) a campsite in the rain. I expect that this will help all who went, to better prepare for the next backpacking trip.

~ Mr. Dale Bickel

Participants: Joel P. Tyler H. Caleb H. Gavin M.* Keith M. Kepono U. Mr. Dan P.* Mr. Micah H. Mr. Jim B.* Mr. Dale B.* Eric F.

(1 night camping, 7 miles except “*” = 8 miles)

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Amusement Park Weekend – May 24-27 (Memorial Day Weekend – Venturing Crew 264)

The Amusement Park Weekend trip started with everybody meeting at St. John's at 3:30 PM on Friday. Everybody was energized for the trip and ready to go. We quickly loaded into the vehicles, and were on our way. First, on our way to the campsite, we stopped at the Golden Corral in Hagerstown for a dinner. Much food was eaten here, and some new food items invented (ever dip steak in the chocolate fountain before? Willy did.) and eaten as well. After everyone was overly full, we drove on to the campsite. When we arrived at Keystone State Park, it was dark, and we quickly set up, had a meeting, and went to bed. The next morning, we got up, got everybody moving, and loaded back into the vehicles.

On our way to Kennywood, we stopped at an IHOP and ate breakfast. The energy level of everybody was still quite high, although not as high as the night before. After finishing up at the IHOP, we drove the remaining short distance to Kennywood (which was about an hour’s drive from the campsite), passed out tickets, and lined up at the gate. When the gate opened up, we quickly entered the park, had a quick meeting, and then people slowly broke up into small groups.

Within Kennywood, there were numerous rides to enjoy. There are six roller coasters. Three are wooden and three are steel. Some were from the 1920s, others as new as 2010. Many of the people in our group managed to ride all six roller coasters throughout the day. Memorable ones include Sky Rocket (2010), which launches the train at 50 miles an hour up and over a hill and through as series of inversions; Exterminator (1999), which is an underground, mostly unlit steel wild mouse coaster; Phantom's Revenge (2001), which is the largest roller coaster in the park; and Racer (1927), which is a traditional racing wooden roller coaster. Other rides of interest include the Black Widow, a giant rotating, swinging arm with seats on the end, Swing Shot, which features two opposing swinging arms, Volcano, a traditional Enterprise ride, and the Ghostwood Estate, a haunted mansion featuring laser targets and robotically driven cars.

As the groups went through Kennywood, people constantly met up and formed new groups as the day went on. Many did all the roller coasters, while some chose to focus on the less intense rides. By the end of the day, most everybody was worn out. Once the group gathered together, we left the park, loaded into vehicles, and went to get dinner. We stopped at a Steak and Shake, where we proceeded to occupy half the restaurant. After a quick dinner, we got up and left to return to Keystone State Park. When we returned, people were so tired they crawled into their tents and went to sleep. But not for long.

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Kennywood at Pittsburgh

The next morning, we got up at 4:30 AM and crawled into the vehicles again. This time, we were headed for Cedar Point. Cedar Point, in Sandusky, Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie, was a four hour drive from the campsite, so to get there at a reasonable hour we had to get up quite early. Along the way, we stopped at a Denny's for breakfast, where we ate food and quickly celebrated a birthday. We got back in our vehicles and continued on to Cedar Point. We arrived at Cedar Point about 11 AM, and were in the gate soon after. Once in the gate, we quickly broke into groups and went our separate ways. Unlike Kennywood, the groups were not bumping into each other very often. Over 3 million guests pass through Cedar Point in a given summer. It is a huge park. Many people chose to focus on the roller coasters again, and a few others chose to try some less intense rides.

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Cedar Point has 16 roller coasters. On a weekend, it is impossible to ride all 16 in a day. However, we made our best attempts to ride as many as possible. Memorable coasters include the Top Thrill Dragster, which launches a train at 120 miles per hour along a track and up a hill 420 feet tall; the GateKeeper, a brand new $30,000,000 winged coaster that breaks several world records; Millenium Force, which is consistently voted one of the best steel roller coasters in the world; Blue Streak, an old wooden roller coaster but VERY fast; Mantis, a large stand-up roller coaster; Magnum XL-200,

another large steel roller coaster; and Mean Streak, a giant wooden roller coaster. Cedar Point has many other rides of interest, more than I can list here.

By the end of the day, everybody was quite tired. We gathered at the entrance to the park, and left the park about 9 PM. We began the long ride back to the campsite. By around 2 AM, we all arrived at the campsite, and promptly went to sleep.

The next morning, we woke up around 9 am, packed our gear, and loaded up into the vehicles. We stopped at an Eat 'n Park for breakfast, and then proceeded to go to Idlewild for a few hours.

Idlewild is a smaller amusement park that has two small roller coasters and a lot of children's rides. It also has an attached waterpark included in the regular admission. Idlewild is not well known outside of Western Pennsylvania, as it is quite small and doesn't have nearly as many rides as Kennywood or Cedar Point, or other PA parks (like Dorney Park, HersheyPark, or Knoebels). But it was a place to spend a few hours on the way home.

In Idlewild, we went on some of the rides, and then headed over to the waterpark, where, despite the cool water temperature, much fun was had. The slides at the waterpark were quite thrilling, and guaranteed that all riders would

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter become numb with coldness. Eventually, after becoming numb in the water, we left the waterpark, hit up a few more rides, and then left the park in mid afternoon. From there, we drove home, with some people stopping at the Golden Corral at Hagerstown once more and the rest heading straight home. Many people did not get home until 8 PM, and of course, had school the very next day.

Overall, it was a tiring weekend. But it was an exciting weekend. The total amount of driving exceeded 17 hours, but the total amount of time in amusement parks exceeded 20 hours. Thank you to all who helped me plan the trip, and thank you to all the drivers and participants who made this trip possible. ~ Jim Bickel

Flight 93 memorial

Jim gets all the credit for making this trip possible. He arranged for the campsite, all the parks tickets, meal stops, collected all the money, lined up drivers, everything. The only complaint was that it was too cold at night, into the mid to upper 30s. But of course that wasn’t Jim’s doing. Otherwise the weather was great, sunny Saturday and Sunday, indeed as there was no wind Sunday, there was no cold breeze off Lake Erie into Cedar Point (as there often is). Sunday turned cloudy but that didn’t affect us at Idlewild, except to keep the temperature down for those who were in the water park.

One small side event that Jim missed. U.S. Route 30 passes by the Flight 93 memorial near Shanksville, PA (maintained by the Park Service), so after Idlewild, we stopped there for a few minutes. A light drizzle was beginning to fall from the cloudy sky, as we walked from the parking lot to the memorial. For those of you that may not know the story, this is the site where the jetliner crashed in Pennsylvania during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A sobering experience, and one fit for a Memorial Day.

A couple more comments. Once we were through the gate at Cedar Point, Jim disappeared into the park and I did not see him for nine hours. Sophie went on the water canyon ride (pictured above) and came out almost try both times, while Jonathan got his next six baths at one time. And Brandon was surprised on the Thunderbolt roller coaster at Kennywood – he though the ride was over but there were still two big drops unseen.

Lastly, I want to thank all the crew members for making our scout, Brandon, feel welcome and so much a part of the group. That conduct is to your lasting credit.

~ Dale Bickel

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Hello Cedar Gang: A special thank you for making Brandon’s first experience with the troop one he will never forget.

~ Joshua Sussal MD

The Crew: Jonathan G. Josie M. Peter B. Sophie E. Anna T. Elizabeth J. Jacen S. Kevin C. Brandon S. Jacob W. William S. Matt McD. Nate K. Mr. Rick J. Mr. Al B. Mr. Dale B. Mr. Jim B. Dr. Joshua S. Mrs. Laura H. Mr. Jim C. Joshua F. (1 night camping + Kennywood) Brandon S. (T264 scout) Mariah H. (Venture -- no camping, Cedar Point only – came with family)

3 nights camping + 3 amusement parks! (except as noted)

Legion Flags – May 27 (Memorial Day)

Mr. Predoehl reports that several scouts and families came out to support our local veterans of American Legion Post No. 68. Thanks to all who came. These pictures tell the story:

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Thank you to the

M. Russell, Harris, Kirk, Justus, Renshaw, and Santos families for joining the Legion at this memorial event.

Luke R. and Victor S. were the buglers.

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

White Oak District Awards – May 28

District-level awards were given out to several Troop and Crew adults for services rendered to their respective units.

Commissioner Award: Mark Russell (Crew 264)

Outstanding Unit Scouter Awards: Dale Bickel (Troop 264), Rick Justus (Troop 264), Helen Justus (Crew 264), Mark Freedman (Troop 264), and Laura Hungerford (Crew 264)

Also attending were Martin Predoehl and Gary Sherman.

Congratulations to our outstanding scouters!

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Seabase 2014, August 13-20, 2014 Crew Who: After the initial disappointment of neither the troop nor the crew being selected in the Seabase lottery, Mrs. Robbins was able to snag a first-come/first-served tall ship adventure in David R. the Florida Keys. The offer to join the 264 Crew was first made to those scouts and adults Matt McD. that had signed up to participate in a Seabase trip some months ago, before T264 and V264 Ryan McD. Elizabeth J. entered the lottery. At this time, the crew of 20 is filled. Gina H. Anthony J. The troop has just sent a deposit of $2000, or $100 a person, to Seabase to hold the ship and Luke R. date. So it's time to collect the first $100 installment from everyone. Make checks out to Peter B. BSA Troop 264. You can use scout credits if you have them and you can apply scout credits William S. to siblings or parents too. Checks or scout credit slips are being collected by the Treasurer, Miguel A. Mr. Al Barth. Brian H. Jacob Wier. The next big payment (1/2 of the remaining amount due to Seabase) will be due around Jacob L. September 1, and the final amount due to Seabase will be due around March 1, 2014. If you Mrs. Christiane R. are so inclined, you can make advance installment payments to Mr. Barth (say $100 per Mrs. Carolyn R. month per person) to spread out the financial impact. About that time, March 2014, travel Mr. Al B. arrangements will be initiated too. Mr. Tom H. Mr. Bart H. Remember that this trip is over a year away so it's unlikely to have current conflicts with Mr. Dirk W. other activities, and once it's on your calendar, it will be easier to defend against conflicts Dr. David L. from other activities.

No interest has been expressed in looking for a second ship of any size, so we will abandon that avenue of exploration for the present.

New Signaler Editor(s) Needed!

Sam Hull and Mr. Hull have advised that, for personal (and sound) reasons, they can no longer continue to assemble the monthly Signaler newsletter. So we are asking if we have any volunteers to take over this important troop function. For the scout, this can count as a troop leadership position up through Star and Life ranks. (For leadership positions for Eagle scout, please see the Eagle“On Track” Timeline on the troop website.) If you are interested, please contact Mr. Dale Bickel for details.

Video Training for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class

Scouting.org has videos available to help scouts with the rank requirements of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. These short videos include the current requirements listed for Tenderfoot through First Class.

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Applications/RankVideo.aspx

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Cub Scout Day Camp – June 17-21

Here is an opportunity to pick up a LOT of SSL hours all at once, and help out Cub Scouts too! Reprinted from the White Oak District Newsflash.

LOOKING FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS!

Cub Scout Day Camp is the week of June 17 - 21 at the Gaithersburg Lois Green Izaac Walton League. Adult and Youth staff must be at camp each day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless special arrangements are made in advance. There will be a half hour lunch and we're pleased to announce that lunch will be the same as in past years. The camp will buy the main dish and staff can bring side dishes and desserts if you would like to join us for lunch. You are always welcome to pack your own lunch.

Camp for the Cub Scouts is from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. We need Scouts to volunteer as den chiefs who travel with Cub Scout groups and parents to the different stations throughout the week (normally that's 1st year camp Scouts who have never volunteered at camp before), help the adult volunteers run a station, and assist staff at headquarters as a Program Assistant (for example, filling up the station's water jugs throughout the day). Scouts have to be 14 years of age or older to assist at BBs and Archery.

The theme this year is Wild West. Here are the stations: Crafts, Field Sports, Archery, BBs, Fishing, and Theme (includes nature, Native American lore, Western lore.

All attached forms will be turned in to me, Debbie Metrey. They can be mailed to 18508 Meadowland Terrace, Olney, MD 20832, delivered in person to my address, or scanned and sent via computer. Each Scout needs to complete a BSA Medical form (Parts A & B) with a copy of the front and bank of their insurance card and updated immunizations, a signed 2013 Staff Agreement, and a completed 2013 Staff Application form. All forms are attached to this email. I do take requests as to where volunteers wish to work during the week, but I make the final placements so we have enough staff covering all the areas throughout the camp.

Mark your calendars! Staff training will be held both the Saturday and Sunday prior to the start of camp (June 15 and June 16). We'll also be setting up ranges and stations. Staff are required to attend at least one of those days unless special arrangements are made in advance. SSL hours will be available for youth staff that can help set up camp after training is complete that weekend.

If you have general questions about the program or have other questions about day camp, please contact Carlos Salazar, who is in charge of day camp this year at [email protected] .

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Metrey Youth Coordinator Cub Scout Day Camp

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Getting Credit for Troop Activities

It’s important that everyone who participates in Troop 264 campouts, trips, and community service activities gets credit for their hard work. The Signaler provides the permanent record of everyone who attends these events. Patrol leaders need to take responsibility for collecting the names of participants in their patrols and send those lists, preferably by email, to the Signaler staff by the monthly deadline. E-mail lists to [email protected].

Troop Activity Policy

Please be reminded that it is troop policy (and common courtesy) for a scout or scouter to pay the costs associated with an event he or she has signed up for but did not attend, without being asked. No-shows increase the costs to the troop and the participants, require the troop to reserve unneeded space and transport excess equipment, and results in wasted food and materials. We realize that situations inevitably will occur that prevent a scout from attending events, and ask that the scout or scouter contact the person organizing the event right away. If the conflict is raised early enough, adjustments can often be made where food has not yet been purchased or reservations have not been finalized.

Resources for Planning Troop Outings

On the troop website, under “Outings” at http://www.troop264olney.net/outings.html, you will find links to information about places the troop has visited, as well as:

 Guide and Checklist for Planning Troop Outings, which provides a step-by-step guide for Scouts and adults to plan a successful trip;

 Troop Outing Expense Accounting spreadsheet, to help Scouts and adults ensure that costs of troop outings are fully covered;

 Historical Hikes and Camping Summary Form, that Scouts and adults can download and complete or update with new information about particular hikes and campouts that can then be sent to the troop webmaster [presently Mr. Bickel] for uploading to the troop website; and

 Links to completed summary forms containing information about various historical hikes and campouts the troop has done, including information about Scout patches or medals that can be earned and information about accessibility for physically-challenged Scouts or adults.

For further information about any of these tools, contact Mr. Bob Irvin at [email protected].

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Troop and Crew Drivers’ Info Update Needed

Each Boy Scout troop and Venturing Crew is required to maintain some basic information about the adult drivers that may be transporting scouts to and from events. This information is kept confidential and is only used to apply for BSA Tour plans, which are required for all trips outside the NCAC Council area, and for specific kinds of activities within the Council.

So that we can keep our records current, please complete the attached form with current information and return it to Mr. Dale Bickel. Thanks in advance for your assistance! Note that changes in the BSA requirements means that we don’t need as much data as in the past.

Name(s): ______

Address: ______

City, State: ______BSA registration no. (if known): ______

Phone number: ______E-mail address: ______

Vehicles (Make, Model, Year) ______

and No. of Seatbelts ______

______

My insurance meets state standards: Y / N

BSA Youth Protection online training is current (if known)? Y / N

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

INFORMATION PAGE Attention: Board of Review (BOR) Procedures

Some years ago we set up a new procedure for scouts to follow for requesting Board of Reviews. Being a large troop, we needed to give the adults sitting on the BORs some lead-time. Recently the procedure has been sliding and the adults are getting short notice because of last minute BORs being scheduled. Therefore we are restating our policy. FORGOT THE PROCEDURE? NO PROBLEM – It is almost always on one of the last pages of each Signaler edition. Also, you can look at any past edition of the Signaler for this information. BOR Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. Walt Greenspon @ (301-774-5394) no later than two Sundays (8 days) before the scheduled Board of Review. Failure to give proper notification will delay your BOR until the next month. Get your Scoutmaster Conference prior to calling Mr. Greenspon. If your scout is scheduled for the BOR, he must bring an adult w ith him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another scout. This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for advancement.

Dress Code for BOR: Class “A” shirt, neckerchief, slide and scout pants (khaki or black pants can be substituted). More Assateague Island photos A scout hat is preferred.

The Signaler Staff

Editor: Currently Vacant NEED A SCOUT HERE! Webmaster Mr. Dale Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Reporters: William S. 301-260-8605 ejs [email protected]

Signaler Adults: Mr. Dale Bickel 301-774-0416 [email protected]

Adult Advisors: Scoutmaster: Mr. Dennis Bogan 301-774-2768 [email protected] Treasurer: Mr. Al Barth 301-570-0869 [email protected] Troop Committee: Mr. Mark Russell 301-774-1077 [email protected] Order of the Arrow (OA) Mr. Rick Justus 301-774-7833 [email protected] Advancement Chairman: Mr. Gary Matyas 301-570-0610 [email protected]

SPL: William S.

Adult activity coordinators – please submit information about upcoming activities to Signaler Staff (electronically or hardcopy) by the deadline. Please contact a Signaler reporter if you would like to have a Scout generate the anno uncement for you. If any information about or participants of activities have been left out of the Signaler; corrections will be made in the next issue. Please send any corrections to The Signaler at [email protected].

The Signaler is posted on the troop’s website, www.troop264olney.net. Notice is sent by E-MAIL when the new Signaler edition is posted. To get on the e-mail list, or to be removed or make corrections, please send an e -mail to [email protected] (Mr. Dale Bickel).

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

AADDVVAANNCCEEMMEENNTT IINNFFOORRMMAATTIIOONN PPAAGGEE

BOARD of REVIEW (BOR) SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES Any scout needing a Scoutmaster Conference for Any scout needing a Board of Review should call Mr. advancement up through First Class, needs to contact one Greenspon @ (301-774-5394) no later than two Sundays (8 of the following for a conference: days) before the scheduled Board of Review. Failure to give Mr. Greenspon 301-774-5394 proper notification will delay your BOR for a month.If your Mr. Laing 301-570-4235 scout is scheduled for a BOR, he must bring an adult with Mr. Predoehl 301-774-0974 him. That adult is needed to sit on a BOR for another scout. Mr. Matyas 301-570-0610 This way we can accommodate all scouts striving for Mr. Freedman 301-774-7766 advancement.Scout dress code for BOR will include Class Mr. Bickel 301-774-0416 “A” shirt, neckerchief, slide, and scout pants (khaki or black Mr. Irvin 301-570-5548 pants can be substituted). A scout hat is preferred. Mr. Kennedy 301-774-5014 Mr. Long 301-924-4365 SCOUT SPIRIT for ADVANCEMENT Scoutmaster Conferences for Star, Life, and Eagle must be held with Mr. Bogan - (301)-774-2768, We all recognize that Scout Spirit is hard to evaluate. We [email protected]. Preparation for the scout’s BOR must know Scout Spirit includes being helpful and cheerful, but it is include being prepared to answer skill, citizenship, first aid, and more than that…it’s giving back. In an effort to assist Patrol merit badge questions. dads in recognizing Scout Spirit, the following guidelines are offered. Our troop believes that prior to each advancement, participation in the following activities exemplify the essences of Scout Spirit: BOR for STAR and LIFE SCOUT ADVANCEMENTS

A minimum of 1 nursing home visit Participation in at least 1 fundraiser While ropes and compasses are provided for younger ranks, At least 4 overnight outings per year by the time you are ready for Star and Life advancement, you Good deeds done outside of scouts should be responsible enough to bring your own knot rope The Patrol Dad, not a senior scout, is responsible for signing and compass for your BOR. We are requiring all scouts who off on Scout Spirit prior to your Scoutmaster Conference. are advancing to Star or Life to bring a knot rope and compass to their BOR. LIFE and EAGLE SCOUTS as ADVISORY BOR MEMBERS If you are a Life or Eagle Scout and would like to sit on a Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, or Star BOR, as a “Technical Expert”, call Mr. Greenspon on 301-774- 5394.You would be the fourth person on the Board. While you wouldn’t have a vote, you would have input into the decision-making process and add invaluable knowledge and insight by asking questions that perhaps scouters wouldn’t think to ask. This is a great way to give back to and maintain the quality of your troop.

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Troop 264 Summer Camp 2013 CAMP POWHATAN BLUE RIDGE SCOUT RESERVATION

Troop 264 has reservations for Camp Powhatan at the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation for 14 – 20 July 2013. This is a dining hall camp.

Cost per scout: $330 for June signups (please double check cost with Mr. Long)

A charter bus will be available for a fee of approximately $80.00 in addition to the scout camp fees. We encourage campers to travel by bus. Bus fees will be collected when the actual cost is available, which is based on the number of passengers. No other transportation will be provided by the troop. The camp is approximately 310 miles from Olney.

Parents are welcome, and may attend for all or part of a week.!

INFO: Doug Long 301 924 4365 (H) 4405 Skymist Terrace 301 738 5153(W) Olney, MD 20832 [email protected]

New scouts typically enter the Brownsea Island program, which is geared for new / younger scouts. These scouts work on advancement and a few simpler merit badges.

REGISTRATION FORM

PROGRAM: ______NAME: ______BIRTH DATE: ______ADDRESS: ______BUS: Y/N ______E-MAIL: ______T-SHIRT SIZE ______TELEPHONE: ______PARENT(S): ______PARENTS SIGNATURE: ______Parent Attending: Y/N and how long ______

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

CAMP POWHATAN BLUE RIDGE S COUT RESERVATION

14 – 20 JULY 2013

MERIT BADGE S ELECTION

Name: ______

Telephone: ______

E-mail: ______

Patrol: ______

Merit Badges:

7:00 ______

9:00 ______

10:00 ______

11:00 ______

2:00 ______

3:00 ______

4:00 ______

7:00 ______

First year scouts will be scheduled for the Brownsea Island Program and sign-ups will be handled separately.

E-mail completed form to: [email protected] or turn-in at a troop meeting by 24 June. If you have any questions call Doug Long 301 924 4365 or E-mail: [email protected]

The Signaler - Troop 264 Newsletter

Permission Slip for Camp Powhatan Summer Camp July 14-20, 2013

I give permission for my son or daughter ______to participate in the Troop Summer

Camp at Camp Powhatan, Blue Ridge Scout Reservation, in southwestern Virginia. In an emergency, please notify

______(indicate name and relationship to your son) at

______(phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My son is allergic to the following medications or foods: ______

______

Parent or Guardian Signature Date

------

Permission Slip for Cheat River Whitewater Rafting June 29-30, 2013

I give permission for my son or daughter ______to participate in the Troop/Crew

264 whitewater rafting trip on the Cheat River in West Virginia. In an emergency, please notify

______(indicate name and relationship to your son or daughter) at

______(phone). If this person cannot be reached, I authorize qualified medical personnel to administer any necessary aid or treatment to my son for illness or injury. My son or daughter is allergic to the following medications or foods: ______

______

Parent or Guardian Signature Date