2012 Events
You can view all photos of each trip in 2012 by clicking on the thumbnail images below. |
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Planning Weekend - 11/16/2012 - 11/18/2012 |
![]() Scouts are encouraged to research ideas for monthly activities prior to this event. Make next year's activities fun and adventurous by getting ideas from previous publications of Boys Life magazine or activities posted on other troops web sites. |
Summer Court of Honor - August 11, 2012 |
Sat., 8/11/2012:7:00 pm: SUMMER COURT OF HONOR![]() Since the first of the year, our 16 active scouts earned 51 Merit Badges, 9 Rank advancements, and 5 special awards. 11 of our adult leaders participated is training. St. Joseph Elementary School - Baltimore Street, Hanover PA Starts at 7:30 p.m. Setup & Skit, Program & Flag Rehearsal at 4 pm at school on Baltimore Street. Snacks: Greedy Patrol: Fruits, Veggies, Finger Food Candy Patrol: Appetizers, Desserts Come out to show your support for our scouts and share a few hours of fellowship! Hope to see you then, rain or shine. Thanks, |
Poe Paddy - Penns Creek Tubing - August 3-5, 2012 |
![]() Please complete both permission slips and review the Itinerary Information listed below. ![]() |
It's Popcorn Time Again!, Fall 2012 |
![]() To help your family offset the expense of summer camp, the Troop will participate in the district sale of items from Camp Masters Popcorn and Sensational Candles. We are encouraging each Scout to sell at least $275 of popcorn, candles, and magazines. Approximately 35% of each sale will go directly into your scout account. If everyone in the Troop Sells at the $275+ level, an extra 5% will be earned for a total of 40%. We will have to work as a team to reach that level. More details are available at the following link and will be presented to the Troop at the next scout meeting. |
Summer Court of Honor - August 11, 2012 |
Sat., 8/11/2012:7:00 pm: SUMMER COURT OF HONOR![]() Since the first of the year, our 16 active scouts earned 51 Merit Badges, 9 Rank advancements, and 5 special awards. 11 of our adult leaders participated is training. St. Joseph Elementary School - Baltimore Street, Hanover PA Starts at 7:30 p.m. Setup & Skit, Program & Flag Rehearsal at 4 pm at school on Baltimore Street. Snacks: Greedy Patrol: Fruits, Veggies, Finger Food Candy Patrol: Appetizers, Desserts Come out to show your support for our scouts and share a few hours of fellowship! Hope to see you then, rain or shine. Thanks, |
Summer Camp Photos are Available -- July 14, 2012 |
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2012 Volunteer Recognition Dinner - 5/24/2012 |
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2012 Volunteer Recognition Dinner - 5/24/2012 |
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Final Summer Camp Meeting - 6/26/2012 |
Troop 103 Parents & Scouts, Summer Camp is approaching rapidly. The following 5 items are available for your use and information: 1. Permission Slip; 2. Itinerary & Packing List (4 pgs.); 3. Administration Summer Camp Equipment Checklist; 4. Brownsea Island Checklist; and, 5. Mountain Man Outpost Equipment Checklist. Please note the following important dates: Tues., June 26, 2012 at 7 pm.: Final Summer Camp Meeting for Parents and Scouts. Please attend this important meeting. Matters to be covered include: Tues., July 3, 2012 at 7 pm: Shakedown and Gear Drop off. Sat., July 7, 2012 at 7:30 am: Departure. Eat Breakfast first, bring a sack lunch. Sat., July 14, 2012 at 5:30 pm: Return (estimated). Thank you. Paul Seymour Troop 103 Summer Camp Coordinator (717) 634-0542 p4s58@hotmail.com Jeffrey Rosenzweig, Scoutmaster BSA Troop 103 135 Broadway Hanover, Pennsylvania 17331 (717) 630-8451 (h) (410) 580-5240 (w) (717) 968-6533 (c) sm@bsatroop103.org www.bsatroop103.org |
Cooking & Theater Merit Badges, Camping & Kayak Wildlife Watchers Weekend: June 1-3, 2012 |
![]() Theater Merit BadgeLearn what it takes to produce a theatrical play.See the "Beauty and The Beast Musical" musical. List of requirement for Theater MB Cooking Merit BadgeBe your own chef and master the requirements of cooking merit badge this weekend. Plan and prepare well balanced meals for yourself and others.Cooking Merit Badge Requirements Wildlife Watchers on a KayakTake a 1 1/2 hour guided tour on a kayak through the coves of Lake Marburg to quietly observe wildlife on the water's edges. Boats, paddles, vests and binoculars are provided. Beginners are welcome. Experienced guides are DCNR conservation volunteers.Forms |
Sub Sale - Orders Due: June 18, 2012; Delivery: June 27, 2012 |
This is the last Sub Sale of the season. Get in on the action and earn money for upcoming events. All profit from sales of each scout go directly into their scout account.
Click here for the Order Form |
Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Overlooks - Day Hike - May 11-13, 2012 |
Two Great Overlooks - One Day Hike”![]() Photos of the EventDetailed Account:Boy Scout Troop 103 recently hiked to Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle vistas. Located near Hamburg, Pennsylvania, the overlooks afford some of the best views along the (AT) Appalachian Trail in our state. The Troop traveled to the area on Friday and camped over the next two nights at the Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation.Weather was gorgeous for the entire weekend. As daylight was breaking on the cool Saturday morning, scouts awoke to the distant sounds of gobbling turkeys and nearby barking squirrels. The forest was alive. Scouts prepared their own breakfasts and quickly departed by vehicles to the trailhead parking near the Hamburg Reservoir. The 9 mile loop hike began at 8AM. This is a great hike since the first half of the hike ascends to the overlooks followed by a long gradual descent back to the parking area. Pulpit Rock was our first destination and is just two and a half miles up the Appalachian Trail. As we followed the white trail blazes up to Pulpit Rock we were joined by an AT through-hiker with a trail name "Rambo". He is from North Carolina and decided to hike the entire 2,184 miles of the trail after graduating from high school early last Fall. His adventure started in February at the AT trailhead in Georgia and will finish in Maine. Although we were only hiking one day, it seemed that Rambo was carrying much less than we were. He had many interesting stories to tell about his trek. As we neared the first vista we had to scramble up and over large rocks. The trail markers were hard to follow at places. After the rock scramble we passed by the Pulpit Rock Astronomical Park. The 4.3 acre open area on top of the mountain has three observatory domes and is maintained by the Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society. Pulpit Rock gave us a great view of the area. Turkey vultures soared in light winds along the ridge of quartzite rocks. At an elevation 1582 feet above sea level, you could see the Blue Rocks Boulder Field below. The boulder field is a large area of rocks about one-half mile long by 400 feet wide. Located on the slopes of Blue Mountain, it is believed that the boulders were left behind at least 10,000 years ago by the ancient glacier activity from the Wisconsin Glacial Episode. Our journey continued along the Appalachian Trail for another 2 miles toward the Pinnacle. As you approach the overlook you pass by a giant cairn trail marker. This 15 to 20 foot tall pyramid of rocks is the largest cairn that we had ever seen. A copperhead snake was basking in the warm sun on the enormous pile of rocks. As you come out of the forest and onto the outcrop of rocks you have great views of the Lehigh Valley. We had lunch on the rocks while taking in the amazing views. We were entertained by a black rat snake that slithered along the cracks in the rocks and a caterpillar. After lunch we explored the far-end of the vista where we found a mailbox containing a log book with descriptive notes from hikers who passed by over the last year. Nearby was an entrance to a small cave-like cavity in the rocks. The scouts explored the cool dark shafts and interesting crevices. We then made our way back to the AT and scouts led the way along the north ridge for 4 miles and back to the vehicles. On the way back to camp we stopped at Cabela's, an outdoor outfitter. This place hosts museum quality wildlife exhibits of animals and fish from Pennsylvania and other places around the world. The African display is well done with zebras, water buffalos, lions and elephants. We returned to camp and relaxed at the site with perfect temperatures as the sun filtering through the leaves. After scouts prepared their dinners, the day ended at the campfire with a ceremony conducted with dignity and respect to retired American flags that were worn beyond repair. NOTE: YOU ARE TO BRING YOUR OWN NON-PERISHABLE FOOD FOR ALL SATURDAY MEALS ItineraryFri., May 11, 2012Sat., May 12, 2012Sun., May 13, 2012Morning: Mass in Lebanon, PA. 3 Options:Camp MapForms |
April 27, 2012 - Spring Camporee |
SPRING CAMPOREE – “SKILLS FOR A LIFETIME”![]() Recap of the EventBoy Scout Troop 103 attended the Blue and Grey District's Spring Camporall during the weekend of April 27-29th, 2012. It was held at Christ United Church of Christ in Littlestown, PA and there were 250 in attendance not including the staff who worked so hard to plan the event. 7 packs, 13 Troops, and 2 Crews from the Blue and Grey District ventured out to participate in weekend events. The theme of the weekend was "SKILLS FOR A LIFETIME" and the scouts practiced scout skills and competed against other Troops and Crews. The scouts rotated through 12 stations practicing and learning skills including: Physical Fitness, Compass, Fire Building, Campsite, Knots, Nature, Cooking, Rescue, First Aid, and more.Nine scouts and six adults from Troop 103 participated in all or part of the weekend and everyone seemed to have a great time. The adventure began on Friday night when it was windy and cold so the Troop set up camp quickly so they could enjoy dinner and a camp wide cracker barrel in the evening. Dinner was steak sandwiches and green beans, but the scouts seemed to enjoy the root beer floats being served at the cracker barrel even more. Some were even lucky enough to acquire seconds. Before TAPS, some time was spent reviewing the schedule for Saturday and warming up around the campfire. Overnight it got down to a frigid 29 degrees and even though frost blanketed the field and clouds covered the skies, everyone awoke before reveille to get started on breakfast plans. The Scouts cooked French toast and bacon and then participated in the flag raising ceremony which started at 8:30. The Scouts rotated through 6 stations before lunch and 6 more in the afternoon. Everyone enjoyed participating in the camp wide challenge which was water balloon volleyball. Troop 103 got through several qualifications but got eliminated during the last round. They worked well together well as they competed and had fun catching the water balloons with their fitted sheet. Dinner was spaghetti with chili, salad, and apple cobbler. Everyone wanted seconds! Two scouts from Troop 103 participated in the closing flag ceremony just before mass. Mass was held indoors due to the rain, but it was well attended. Right afterwards was the fireless campfire since it was still raining, but that didn't put a damper on the fun. A former scout provided the entertainment and had everyone singing and clapping their hands. Awards were given during the campfire and Troop 103 earned two ribbons. They received the most points for the challenge and rescue courses. The patrol earned points for their teamwork and buddy carries. After campfire it was time for bed so everyone retired to their tents. Sunday morning was breakfast, clean up, check out, and returning to St. Joes. Photos of the EventItineraryFri., April 27, 2012Sun., April 29, 2012 Camp MapForms |
Flower Sale - 3/17/2012 through 4/6/2012 |
![]() Flower Sales SchedulePublic Flower SaleBoy Scout Troop 103 of Hanover is having a public Flower Sale on Friday, April 6 from 8AM until 3PM at the St. Joseph's Elementary School located at 236 Baltimore Street, just three blocks south of the Hanover Square. The scouts will be offering a wide range of flowers and baskets. Please help support your local scouts by picking up Easter flowers for Mom or someone special. St. Joseph Boy Scout Troop 103 is proud to serve the greater Hanover Area. The Troop meets every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM at St. Joseph Middle School on Grandview Road, Hanover. For more information about the adventures of Troop 103, please visit our website at http://www.bsatroop103.org. Boys interested in joining our Troop or Pack can contact our Scoutmaster Jeff Rosenzweig at 717-630-8451 or by email at sm@bsatroop103.org. |
Pine Grove Furnace/Pole Steeple Vista Hike - 3/23/2012 |
Photos of the EventVideo and Animated Fly-overHike StatisticsHike DescriptionScouts hiked 7.3 miles from the Pine Grove Furnace Group Camping Area to the summit of Pole Steeple overlook and back. At 10:15 AM the hike began. It was about 58 degrees and a light rain and drizzle fell. The group was led by one of the scouts practicing his map and compass skills. He was assisted by one of the older scouts. On the way they saw a snapping turtle along the Brickyard trail.They hiked along the beach of Fuller Lake and one scout spotted a Palomino Trout. Pennsylvania and other states hybridized the pure strain of West Virginia golden trout with normal rainbows and produced palomino trout, which were true genetic palominos. Palomino trout were first stocked in Pennsylvania in 1967. The hikers picked up the Appalachian Trail and headed north to the Pole Steeple Trail. On a clear day, the entire park can be viewed from the Pole Steeple Overlook, which is a quartzite rock outcropping. Today, clouds surrounded the summit as the scouts stopped for lunch. Rains subsided during the break. At one point, Laurel Lake was partially visible through the fog. Scouts descended to the base of Laurel Lake and took the railroad bed for a short section. Trees and flowers bloomed about 3 weeks ahead of schedule and the yellow blooms of forsythia lined the pathway. A scheduled stop by a nearby spring allowed hikers to fill up their water bottles. Scouts then crossed Mountain Creek and took the Mountain Creek Trail. One scout stopped and stood at the base of a tree that appeared to have been struck by lightning. A mile along the Mountain Creek Trail they had to cross the creek again without a bridge. One scout decided to try to ford the creek on foot but found it too deep to cross. Others took note and used their balancing skills as they walked across a fallen tree to get across the creek. A woodpecker was spotted just before reaching the bubbling swamp area. Upon return to the camp at 4PM, scouts got a fire started and prepared dinner. A 23 pound chicken was not the choice, but rather classic hamburgers. Cobbler made in a well seasoned iron crock simmered on the fire and was served for dessert. ItineraryFri., 3/23/12:5:00 pm: Drop Off at St. Joseph Church [Bring a Sack Dinner or eat first];Drive to Pine Grove Furnace State Park (Gardners, PA); Camping in Iron Workers Organized Group Tent Site B Sat., 3/24/12:Morning: Breakfast, Pack a Lunch – Lunch on the TrailAppalachian Trail Hiking Options:
Sun., 3/25/12:Morning: Breakfast. 10:15 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church in Hanover.Area MapForms to Complete |
1/24/2012 - First Summer Camp Deposit of $100 is due! |
![]() The first summer camp deposit payment of $100 is due this month on January 24. The second deposit of $100 is due on March 27. The final payment is due on May 22. A special Summer Camp Parent Orientation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21. Parents and scouts attending summer camp are encouraged to attend this meeting. This is the first time our troop is attending the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation located in southern Virginia. It offers a broad range of opportunities to our scouts including special High Adventure camps. Last fall scouts choose to attend either the traditional Ottari base camp or one of the high adventure camps available (New River Adventure or the Mountain Man). Those scouts attending one of the high adventure camps will not have an opportunity to obtain merit badges at camp and should strongly consider attending the Harrisburg Merit Badge College held this month on 1/28 and 2/25 and should register immediately. Details for the merit badge college are found in the next section. |
Sub Sale - Orders Due: May 15, 2012; Delivery: May 23, 2012 |
Start Selling Subs now and save for Summer Camp and other events. This is the third sub sale of the year. All profit from sales of each scout go directly into their scout account.
Click here for the Order Form |
Sub Sale - Orders Due: April 17, 2012; Delivery: April 25, 2012 |
Start Selling Subs now and save for Summer Camp and other events. This is the second sub sale of the year. All profit from sales of each scout go directly into their scout account.
Click here for the Order Form |
Sub Sale - Orders Due: February 28, 2012; Delivery: March 7, 2012 |
Start Selling Subs now and save for Summer Camp and other weekend events. This is the first of three sub sales that we will have before summer camp.
Click here for the Order Form |
February 17-19, 2012 - Klondike Derby - Mount Everest Challenge |
![]() Itinerary4:30 p.m.: Meet at St. Joseph Church on Grandview Rd. Travel to Camp Tuckahoe in Dillsburg, PA (Maple Lodge) 11:00 a.m.: Approx. return to St. Joseph Church, depending upon Mass. Photos of the EventCamp MapForms to Complete |
February 4, 2012 - Scout Sunday (Saturday) and Court of Honor |
Sat., Feb. 4: - Scout "Sunday" and Court of Honor: (Saturday Evening)
Additionally, We will review activities on our Troop Calendar http://www.bsatroop103.org/documents/2012_scout_calendar.pdf |
Sub Sale - Orders Due: February 28, 2012; Delivery: March 7, 2012 |
Start Selling Subs now and save for Summer Camp and other weekend events. This is the first of three sub sales that we will have before summer camp.
Click here for the Order Form |
1/24/2012 - First Summer Camp Deposit of $100 is due! |
![]() The first summer camp deposit payment of $100 is due this month on January 24. The second deposit of $100 is due on March 27. The final payment is due on May 22. A special Summer Camp Parent Orientation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21. Parents and scouts attending summer camp are encouraged to attend this meeting. This is the first time our troop is attending the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation located in southern Virginia. It offers a broad range of opportunities to our scouts including special High Adventure camps. Last fall scouts choose to attend either the traditional Ottari base camp or one of the high adventure camps available (New River Adventure or the Mountain Man). Those scouts attending one of the high adventure camps will not have an opportunity to obtain merit badges at camp and should strongly consider attending the Harrisburg Merit Badge College held this month on 1/28 and 2/25 and should register immediately. Details for the merit badge college are found in the next section. |
1/20/2009 - Climbnasium Indoor Climbing |
![]() Fri., Jan. 20, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. (St. Joseph Parking Lot) – Bring Sack Dinner Climbing: Fri., Jan. 20, 2012: 6 - 10 p.m. Climbnasium, Inc. (Indoor Climbing) 339A North Locust Point Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 (717) 795-9580 http://www.climbnasium.net/Climbnasium.html Camping: Cobber Cabin 446 Pine Grove Road Gardners, PA 17324 Return: Sat., Jan. 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m Please complete both permission slips and review the Itinerary Information listed below. |
1/28/2012 and 2/25 - Harrisburg Merit Badge College - Register now! |
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Journey to Excellence Award --1/1/2012 |
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Troop 103 is proud to have been recognized as a Quality Unit for many, many years running. In 2011, Scouting's "Journey to Excellence" program replaced the Centennial Quality Unit program. Troop 103 is happy to announce that it earned the Silver Level Journey to Excellence Award Click here for more information about the 2011 Troop Performance Recognition Program. |
1/1/2012 - 2012 Troop Calendar is now available. |
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Other Year's Events |