As part of the Troop’s Journey to Excellence program, I would like to present to Leaders, Parents and scouts the SCOUTStrong PALA CHALLENGE. Both adults and youth are encouraged to participate in this program and to implement more physical activities into their daily lives and at troop meetings and outings.
WELCOME TO THE SCOUTStrong PALA CHALLENGE
The Boy Scouts of America and the President’s Challenge program have teamed up to help Scouts of all ages and abilities increase their level of physical activity by completing the SCOUTStrong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). PALA is offered by the President’s Challenge, a program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (www.fitness.gov).
Online registration begins on Weds., Dec. 4, 2013. Merit Badge classes will be on Sat., Jan. 25, 2014 & Sat., Feb. 22, 2014. Cost is $15 for up to 4 classes and includes lunch. For adults, CPR Training will be offered & Blood Donations will be accepted. More details available at http://newbirthoffreedom.org/districts/2013/2014harrisburg-mb/.
1. St. Joseph Christmas Bazaar: Cleanup is on Sat., Nov. 9, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. Please advise Pete Slusser if you are able to assist (717-476-8885; slusserpa@lycos.com);
2. Scouting For Food. Door Hangers will be distributed to scouts at the PLC (Patrol Leader Council) scout meeting on Tues., Nov. 5th. Please distribute your door hangers in your neighborhood on Sat., Nov. 9th (same day as Christmas Bazaar Cleanup) and collect your items on Sat., Nov. 16th. Please bring your items to the troop meeting the following Tuesday (Nov. 19th);
3. Planning Weekend: Nov. 22-24, 2013 at Camp Conewago. Think 2014. We hope to conduct leadership training exercises, organize Patrol Boxes, and conduct a flag retirement ceremony. Stay tuned for details;
The New Birth of Freedom Council partnered with The Gettysburg Foundation and Gettysburg National Military Park to offer the Scouts of south-central Pennsylvania and beyond a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. On September 27-29 over 3,000 Scouts and leaders camped out on the grassy fields of the George Spangler Farm, which was used as a field hospital during the battle. All of the buildings at the time of the battle still exist and tent sites were carefully laid out throughout the farm, along with temporary power, water, lighting and restroom facilities.
Scouts arrived at Spangler Farm on Friday afternoon and evening to
set up their campsites. The National Park Service provided nearly all of the event’s programming on Saturday with a day-long, round-robin schedule of activities, including visiting the park’s Museum and Visitors Center. Scouts also provided two different service projects to help restore parts of the park to how these areas would have looked in 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Saturday evening concluded with an amphitheater show back at Spangler Farm that educated Scouts on how the country was changed forever as a direct result of what happened in Gettysburg and the Civil War. Re-enactors provided the voices of people who lived through the events that took place at Gettysburg.
(left to right) Ken Zinn (father), Jeff Rosenzweig, David Zinn, Advancement chairs Gene Huff and David Smith
Troop 103 Scouts, Parents, Committee and Friends,
I am proud to report that Troop 103 Life Scout David Zinn was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout last night (9/17/13), becoming Troop 103′s 78th Eagle Scout. David’s Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project will benefit the bluebird population at Codorus State Park. David led others in the construction of 24 bluebird houses, the repainting of 8 existing bluebird houses, and in using GPS technology to mark and gather data for 81 bluebird houses for future management at the park. David has begun his Freshman year at Susquehanna University and is majoring in biology. When asked during his Eagle Board of Review whether he had any advice for the younger scouts, he replied, ”Get it [Eagle] done while you are young.”
Please join me in congratulating David and in thanking Codorus State Park, and David’s family, friends, leaders, scouts and others who helped make his accomplishment possible. Included is is a photo of Troop 103′s 78th Eagle Scout David with his Dad, Scoutmaster, and Advancement Co-Chairmen Gene Huff & David Smith (left to right).
I am currently working on my Eagle project, which is at Codorus State Park on the Mary Ann Furnace Trail. My project will consist of the clearing of overgrowth, resigning and marking of the trail, installing benches, prevention of erosion, and installing a wooden routered map of the trail.
I’d greatly appreciate if you and your families would be willing to assist me in working on my project.
If any of you have experience in skilled labor that includes wood working and trail work I could use their help.
Dates and Time:
Saturday, September 7th at 8am to 2 pm
and Sunday, September 8 9-12:00pm.
Additional future work dates are listed below.
Place:
Meet at Codorus State Park Office on Smith Station Road. Kara Wright will provide shuttle service every 2 hours to the Black Rock Road parking area since limited parking is available there.
What to Bring:
On these first days wear work gloves and mosquito repellent.
Please bring shovels, rakes, manual trimmers and pruners.
Troop 103 was requested to help with setup & teardown for the St. Joseph Parish Outdoor Yard Sale next Saturday, Aug. 24th. Older scouts may be asked to assist with supervised traffic flow on the parking lot. Here are some details:
Please be prompt despite the early hour and wear your Class B uniform. Please direct any questions to Pete Slusser (717-476-8885 or slusserpa@lycos.com). Thank you.
Boy Scout Troop 103 of Hanover, Pennsylvania attended the Eco Adventure program at Florida Sea Base located in the Florida Keys. During the week-long adventure the Troop was aboard two 41′ Morgan Out Island sailboats named Morning Dance and Island Dreamer. We sailed about 96 miles, kayaked over 5 miles, and snorkeled 2 miles of reefs while discovering areas in both the Florida Bay and the straits of Florida.
From the sailboats we explored marine fish, animals and plant-life by snorkeling and sea kayaks. Our journey included exploring and learning about the various types of mangroves and sea grasses that populate the Florida Keys. During the super-moon phase we kayaked at night to Channel Key. This small mangrove island is home to herons, cormorants, turkey vultures, and white ibis. The key was added to the Florida Keys Ecosystem Project in 2003.
Dive spots include places with interesting names like Coffins Patch, Sombrero Reef and Lignumvitae Key. The captains and first-mate aboard the vessels had vast experience of the area. Each evening every participant would report on at least one significant fish, plant, bird or animal they saw during the day’s exploration. Materials were available on the boats to do additional research on things they saw.
Some of the marine life seen by the group included Great Barracudas, Green Sea Turtles, Stingrays, Spiny Lobsters, Needlefish, Moray Eels, Bluehead Wrasses, jellyfish, Sergeant Major fish, Bermuda Chubs, Yellowtail Snappers, Parrotfish, Blue Tangs, and many more.
We kayaked from our sailboats to the Dolphin Research Center. There we were given a tour of the facility and learned more about the anatomy and habits of the dolphin. The dolphins demonstrated their intelligence and abilities by doing acrobatic tricks and flips.
Daily temperatures ranged from 83º to 91º. The snorkeling activities each day kept the scouts cool.
We finished up the the week by exploring the everglades full of alligators, snakes and Great Egrets while on a airboat that glides along the shallow swamps propelled by a giant rear propeller fan.
Although the Troop began the week knowing little about sailing and the ecology of the Florida Keys, we returned as seasoned explorers with lasting memories and greater appreciation for the environment, marine and wildlife that populates the tropical keys of Florida.
Florida Sea Base – The Adventure Begins
Exploring the Matecumbe Mangroves by Kayak
Snorkeling at Craig Key; Night Kayaking around Channel Key
Sombrero Key Sanctuary Preservation Area
Coffins Patch Sanctuary Preservation Area
The joy of Sailing – The Troop Sailing as viewed from the air
I am proud to report that Troop 103 Life Scout Cullen Rosenbrien was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout last night (5/21/13), becoming Troop 103′s 77th Eagle Scout. Cullen’s Eagle Scout Leadership Project involved planning and supervising improvements to the outdoor courtyard at Hanover Senior High School. Please join me in congratulating Cullen and in thanking Hanover Senior High School, Art Impact Teacher Sara Little, Stonegate Square, and Cullen’s family, friends, leaders and others who helped make Cullen’s accomplishment possible. Attached is a photo of Troop 103′s 77th Eagle Scout along with his parents Stephanie O’Brien and Jeffrey Rosenzweig.Additional photos are available here.
_____ Medications with Instructions _____ Class B Uniform – Wear it when we meet on Friday Class A Uniform – Bring it for Smithsonian & Sunday Mass _____ Sleeping Bag _____ Weather-appropriate clothing & comfortable walking shoes _____ Backpack & Water Bottle _____ Flashlight _____ Personal First Aid Kit (see Boy Scout Handbook) _____ Toothbrush, Toothpaste _____ Mess Kit _____ Camera* & Souvenier Money (optional) _____ Boy Scout Handbook
NO POCKETKNIVES ARE PERMITTED ON THE METRO OR AT THE MUSEUMS
Please Note:
Food and drink other than bottled water are not permitted inside the Museums; Eating & Drinking are not allowed on the Metro.
Please find an Itinerary/Packing List and Permission Slip for the upcoming Climbnasium & Orienteering weekend (March 15-17, 2013).
Many thanks to John & Lois Zinn for generously offering their cabin. Thanks also to the Seymours for scheduling our Climbnasium visit and arranging the Orienteering Course at Kings Gap, to all accompanying adults for supervision, and to Jeff Evich for volunteering to be in charge.
Flower sale bulletin stuffings will take place on Saturday, March 9, at 9:30am in the Bishop Daley Center. Please come and help, we should be done within an hour or less. Scouts will receive 10 flyers each to take home and distribute to neighbors, friends, coworkers, etc. to help advertise the sale.
If you are looking for an up-close, hands-on educational adventure, then the Eco Adventure is for you. Your crew’s home and base of operation for the week will be two 40’ – 45’ sailboats. From there you will launch into your undersea world of exploration by means of snorkel, mask and fins; kayak; fishing pole and glass-bottom viewer. It is here that you will discover and explore the wildlife and ecosystems of the four major marine habitats of the Florida Keys, study the plant and wildlife, and understand their delicate balance. Scouts will return to civilization with a greater appreciation of the undersea world and their roles as stewards of this amazing environment. Crew size 10-12.
Packing your Gear: All your gear (except sleeping pad) must fit in a 24” duffel bag (issued at check-in). No suitcases or frame backpacks can be used. You will be living on a sailing vessel during the entire adventure. Space is limited so you must only bring what you need.
1 Pad lock per crew for storage
1 Set Field or Activity uniforms
2 T-shirts
Lightweight rain gear (optional)
Sunglasses with strap (Polarized are best)
1 pair walking shoes for Key West (Sea Exploring Only)
1 pair of inexpensive water shoes (Coral Reef and Eco Adventures)
16 oz of non-oily, non-aerosol, waterproof, SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion
Large-mouth water bottle with plastic clip, (If you like coffee, a mug in addition is good)
One sheet or light blanket (summer) or warm blanket or a sleeping bag (winter and spring)
Sleeping pad – Backpacking type
1 Swimsuit (modest style)
1 towel and a small pillow
Insect repellant
Prescription Medication
Proof of age/photo ID
Copy of Medical Insurance information
DO NOT BRING
MP3/iPod/video game player
Fireworks
Skateboards
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Hawaiian style shirt (Luau)
Camera (waterproof if possible)
Personal snorkel gear
Extra money ($100-$125)
Bonine® (for seasickness)
(crew photo – $6 per copy)
NOTE
Make sure you can successfully pass the BSA swim test.
Make sure your name is on the crew roster your leader is going to send us.
Don’t forget to bring a photocopy of the front and back of your insurance card.
SHIP’S STORE
Most of the items on the “what to bring list” are carried in our Ship’s Store with the exception of shoes, socks, and sleeping gear. About $100 to $125 is adequate spending money unless you want to buy a lot of souvenirs.
BEING PHYSICALLY FIT
Every participant in the Florida Sea Base High Adventure program needs to be physically fit for the strenuous demands that will be placed on their body. The Sea Base programs are PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING. Get in shape! Stay in shape! You will be in the water a great deal, so go swimming with your crew at your local pool often. Do some light exercises to increase your stamina. You will be frequently lifting your body in and out of the water to boats and docks. You have dedicated a lot of your personal time and resources to come to Sea Base. Get the most out of your experience by being ready – physically and mentally. All participants must be in good health evidenced by a BSA Health and Medical Recordfilled out and signed by you doctor within the past 12 months. A regular medical is not acceptable, nor is another “sports” medical or anything other than a BSA Health and Medical Record. The unique tropical environment has very different requirements from most Scouting and outdoor activities. All participants should note the suggested weight to height guidelines, which are listed in the BSA Health and Medical Record. All programs involve snorkeling and entering and exiting a vessel via ladders rated to only 295 pounds. People weighing 295 pounds or over are not allowed to participate in Sea Base High Adventures. Participants not meeting this requirement will be sent home at their own expense.
MAIL
Parents: Do not send mail. Sea Base offers programs to hundreds of Scouts on the sea, on the land, and on the island. We will not deliver mail from home to Scouts unless it is mail of urgency, i.e. glasses, medicine, etc., left at home.
Please join us this coming Saturday morning (Feb. 23rd) at 7:30 a.m. if you are able. We’ll be stapling church bulletins in the Bishop Daley Center to benefit the Holy Name Society (our sponsor organization). Please bring a stapler if you have one. Many hands make light work.
