White Water Rafting
1919 - Devil's Den, Gettysburg
AT Vista - Pole Steeple
Underwater Exploration - Florida Keys
1918 - Troop's Victory Garden
Troop 103 - Sailing the Florida Keys
Retiring the Colors - Fort McHenry
Troop 3 at the Capital
White Water Rafting
2008 Events
2008 Events Photo Gallery for Troop 103
Slide Show: Click here to see a self-running slide show summarizing events from Troop 103.

You can view all photos of each trip in 2008 by clicking on the thumbnail images below.

  November 21-23 - Planning Weekend at Camp Conewago
Boy Scout Troop 103 will be camping at the Camp Conewago Lodge. The weekend will include a session to plan activities for the upcoming year including a budget.
  • Click here for aPermission Slip
  • Click here for Schedule, Contacts, and What to Bring.
  • Click here for Photos of the event.
  •   October 31-Nov. 2nd.: Fall Camporee
    The Fall Camporee will be held at Camp Tuckahoe. We will be leaving at 5:00PM from the Church Parking area. Details are below.
     
  • Itinerary and Information: Click here to view the Itinerary and "What to Bring".
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop's Permission Slip
  • Leaders Guidebook containing the Patrol Items, Weekend Schedule, Rules, Saturday Dinner Plan & Morse Code Alphabet.: Click here for Guide to Rules for the Event
  •   90th Anniversary Event
    On October 11, 2008, our sponsor, Saint Joseph Holy Name Society and Boy Scout Troop 103 celebrated their 85th and 90th anniversaries respectively with a dinner and special program.

    Troop 103 is Feature in a York-Adams Area Council News Article on their website.
    View the Event Program.
    View the Event Photos.
    Order Shirts, Sweatshirts, Hats, and Neckerchiefs with our new 90th Anniversary logo!
    Logistic information leading up to the event.
    Promotional Flyer
    Slide Show that ran at the 90th Anniversary Event
      September 23: Eagle Scout Announcement re: Anthony Eltz
    I am pleased to report that Anthony Eltz, former Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 103, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout this evening (9/23/08). Tony's Eagle Project consisted of preparing a Prayer Path and Reflection Area alongside the existing path in the Picnic Grove at St. Joseph Church in Hanover. Please join me in congratulating Tony and in thanking his family, friends and leaders who helped make it possible. The attached photo of proud mother and son was taken moments after Tony received his award.

    - Jeffrey Rosenzweig, Scoutmaster
      September 19-21: Catholic Scout Retreat at Camp Bashore
    The 2008 Diocesan Catholic Scout Retreat will be held at Camp Bashore, Lebanon County. Boy Scout Religious Emblems earned since last year's retreat will be presented at Saturday evening Mass. A new C.O.P.E. course is offered for scouts aged 14-17. See links below for more information.

    Note that there are two (2) permission slips - Our (Troop 103) Permission Slip and the Diocesan Permission Slip

    Cost of the event: Adults and scouts under 14 is $20. Scouts 14-17 is $25.00.

  • Catholic Scout Retreat packet: Click here to view the 2008 Diocesan Catholic Scout Retreat packet.
  • Itinerary and Information: Click here to view the Itinerary and "What to Bring".
  • Troop Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop's Permission Slip
  • Diocesan Permission Slip: Click here for the Diocesan Permission Slip


  •   August 16: Re-creation of Devil's Den Troop Group Photo
    In preparation for our 90th Anniversary Celebration, the Troop is recreating the Devil's Den photo that was originally taken in 1919. This gathering for the photo at Gettysburg is for the scouts and their families, leaders and all formers scouts, former leaders.

    At least two photos will be taken at the event. The first photo will recreate the original that includes current scouts (including those who just turned 18 this year) and the core leadership. Another photo will be taken that all other attending the event including family, committee members and past leaders of the troop.

    Scouts and Leaders should dress in their Class A uniforms for the photo.



    Event Date: Sat., Aug. 16 (the same day as the Court of Honor); meet at 9 am at St. Joseph Church on Grandview.
    Scouts will be returning to the Church parking lot around 12:00 noon. If families are traveling to Gettysburg on their own, they may wish to participate in other activities in the Gettysburg area that are outlined below.

    Rain Date: Sat., Aug. 23; meet at 9 am at St. Joseph Church on Grandview.

    The following events also scheduled in Gettysburg:

    Sat., Aug. 16:
  • Living History Encampment:
         - Huckstep's Artillery,
         Society of Civil War Surgeons

  •  
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop's Permission Slip
  • Click on the Photo to see photos from the event.
  •   August 16-17: Court of Honor - 7:15PM and Campout following the Court of Honor

    The summer Court of Honor will be held Saturday, August 16th at 7:15PM at the Church Picnic Grove. The rain location will be in the Social Hall. All scouts are encouraged to attend. A campout at the Picnic grove will follow the Court of Honor event. Scouts camping out can be picked up on Sunday morning at 10:00AM.
     
  • Itinerary and Information: Click here to view the Itinerary and "What to Bring".
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop's Permission Slip for the overnight Campout
  •   August 8-10: Skills Building Weekend
    The Poe Paddy tubing event is being replaced with this Skills Building Weekend because of low water levels. This fun-filled weekend will include camping out at the Church Picnic Grove and will focus on building basic scouting skills including fire building, map and compass, orienteering, knot tying, First Aid, etc. Some scouts will be participating in a 5-mile hike. Older scouts are encouraged to participate to assist with training younger scouts.
     
  • Itinerary and Information: Click here to view the Itinerary and "What to Bring".
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop's Permission Slip
  • Click here to see photos from the event.
  •   June 17: Eagle Scout Announcement re: Nathaniel Smith
    I am proud to report that Nathaniel Smith of Troop 103 was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout last night (June 17, 2008). His Eagle Service Project was to plan, obtain materials for and lead the construction of a paved fire pit in the Picnic Grove at St. Joseph Church on Grandview Road. Thanks to all scouts, leaders, donors, family and friends who helped make this possible. Please congratulate Nathaniel on his accomplishment when you next see him and check out his Project if you have not already done so!

    - Jeffrey Rosenzweig, Scoutmaster
      July 13-19: Summer Camp at Rodney Scout Reservation Preparation
  • Click here to see photos from the event.
  •   June 6-8: Shenandoah/Potomac Whitewater Raft Trip
    Click Photo to see gallery of photos from this event.
    A firm attendance of scouts and adults is requested on Tuesday, May 27th for the upcoming June 6-8 Rafting trip on the Shenandoah/Potomac Rivers. Please Complete the Troop's and Outfitters Outing Permission slips and Waiver. See links below.

    WHAT: Shenandoah/Potomac Whitewater Raft Trip

    WHEN: Friday June 6th - Sunday, June 8th:
    SAFETY AFLOAT - SWIMMERS TEST REQUIREMENTS
    Although the rafting trip does not include plans for swimming, all scouts must pass a "swimmer" test within the last year. Many scouts have taken this test at summer camp. For those scouts who have not taken the test, the Troop will try to arrange a test within the next few weeks.

    The Swimmer Test:
    Jump feetfirst into water over your head. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating. This qualification test should be renewed annually.

    COST:
    The cost is estimated to be $86. The breakdown is shown below.
    • $72 including a (5% amusement tax + 5% state tax must be added to all rentals. A user fee of $1.50 will be added to all trips. )
    • Food (Approx $10 to 15)
    • Gas (Approx. $3.75). Waivers of Liability must be signed by all participants. Leaders of kids groups should ask to have a waiver ahead of time for parents to fill out and sign.

    Trips run rain or shine. We reserve the right to relocate or change raft size, number of guests per craft, and length of trip due to abnormal river flow and conditions. You will get wet, please leave all valuables at home. Disposable cameras are available at our shop for trips

    The Outfitter includes:
  • riverside picnic, guide in each raft, shuttle, and equipment
  • Wetsuits are available for spring or fall trips with prior notice

  • Outfitter: https://www.rivertrail.com/rafting/
    PERMISSION SLIPS and WAIVERS (Complete all three)
      May 16-18: Backpacking along the Appalachian Trail
    The Troop backpacked an 11.85 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail from the Old Forge Area (NE of Waynesboro) To Caledonia State Park located West of Gettysburg along US Route 30. Details are provided below.

    The rain subsided at 6:00PM on Friday night as we arrived at the Tumbling Run parking area. The shelters at Tumbling Run we occupied by other AT hikers. The lower sites right along the creek were flooded out from recent rains. A few light showers passed over and the sky cleared just after dark. The moon was almost full and filtered through the trees as we settled down to sleep. The temperatures at night were in the low 40s.

    On Saturday morning, the day be gain with beautiful sunshine filtering through the trees. We broke camp at about 9:00AM and began our 11.60 mile hike.

    The first stop included a visit to Chimney Rocks overlook. The views there were great and the trees were fresh bright green with their new spring leaves. A slight morning haze was present from moisture of the recent rains.

    We stopped for a 25 minute lunch break near Snowy Mountain, the highest point in the Michaux State Forest. Our elevation at the high point on the trail topped off at 2030 feet. A half mile down the trail we picked up water at Snowy Mountain Tower Road from a support vehicle. Thunder could be heard in the distance to the west and we soon hit the trail again.

    A mile later, we crossed over Route 233 and hiked along Rocky Mountain Ridge. The hike continued for another mile and a half to the Rocky Mountain Shelter side trail where we took another short break.

    The hike continued another 3 miles to US Route 30 and entered into Caledonia State Park at the 9.85 mile mark. The group dropped off their packs on the support vehicle and hiked another 3/4 of mile to the Caledonia Iron Furnace.

    The tired hikers hike the final mile to the Hosack Camp Sites 148-151 and arrived at about 5:00PM. The elevation profile for the trip is included below.

    Showers again passed though starting at about 8:00PM.

    On Sunday morning, a steady rain began at about 8:00AM and continued through breakfast. We departed at 10:05AM and attended the 10:30 Mass at the historic St. Ignatius Loyola Parish. Father Kenneth Smith Celebrated Mass.

    Scouts were dropped off at St. Joseph Church at 12:20PM.

  • Click here to see photos from the event.
  • Trip Stats: Click here to view the Trip statistics and Elevation Profile".
  • Itinerary: Click here to view the Itinerary and "What to Bring".
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop's Permission Slip
  • AT Trail Map: Click here for AT Trail Map
  • Detail MAP of Old Forge/Tumbling Run: Click here for Detail MAP of Old Forge/Tumbling Run:
  • Caledonia Park Map Click here for Caledonia Park Map.
  • Hosack Campground Map Click here for Hosack Campground Map.
  •   May 4: Zack and Aaron are presented with their Eagle Awards
    Click on the photo to the left to see the photo gallery.
    `

    April 2008:

  • Tue. April 1: PLC Meeting at 7:00PM
  • Fri-Sun April 4-6: Caving Outing
  • Tue. April 8: Troop Meeting at 7:00PM
  • Tue. April 15: No Troop Meeting- Forty Hours
  • Tue. April 22: Troop Meeting at 7:00PM
  • Fri. April 25: Parish Gala Setup
  • Sun. April 27: Parish Gala Tear-down
  •   April 4-6: Caving at Crystal Cave Park; Hawk Mountain Sanctuary; Cabela’s
    The Troop will be camping out at Camp Meade at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation (HMSR) in Schuylkill Co. On Saturday, we will tour the both the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and Crystal Cave Park in Kutztown, PA. On Sunday we will attend Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamburg, PA and then stop off at Cabela’s in Hamburg, PA. on the trip home. Details are provided below.
     
  • Itinerary: Click here to view the Itinerary and "What to Bring".
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop's Permission Slip
  • Additional Website Info: Click here for the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website.
  • Additional Website Info: Click here for the Camp Meade at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation website.
  • Additional Website Info: Click here for the Crystal Cave Park website.
  • Click on the Photo to see photos from the event.
  • March 2008:

  • Sat. March 1: Stuff Bulletins for Flower Sale/Blue and Gold Banquet
  • Tue. March 4th: PLC Meeting at 7:00PM
  • Fri-Sun March 7-9: Rancho Kelley/Tubing
  • Sun March 9: Basket Bingo Setup
  • Tue. March 11: Troop Meeting and OA Elections at 7:00PM,
  • Sat. March 15: Flower Sale after Saturday Mass 6:00PM
  • Sun. March 16: Flower Sale after each Mass
  • Tue. March 18: Troop Meeting at 7:00PM
  • Holy Thurs. March 20: Wrap Flowers at Baltimore Street 6:00PM
  • Good Friday March 21: Flower Sale at Baltimore Street 7AM -4PM
           Easter Mass Chair Setup
  • Tue. March 25: Troop Meeting at 7:00PM
  •   March 20, 2008 Easter Flower Sales
    Scouts and many volunteers help sell flowers for the Troop's main fundraising event. Thanks to Tim Homa, Lori Green and the others to help make this event possible.
    Click on the photo to the left to see the photo gallery.
      3/7/2008 - Nathaniel Smith organizes and executes his Eagle Project
    Nathaniel Smith organizes and executes his Eagle Project. The project includes creating a fire circle at the church picnic grounds. Click here to see photos of the work. More Photos to come as the project progresses.
      March 7-9: “Rancho Kelly” / Boulder Ridge Snow Tubing Weekend
    The Troop will be camping out at the Church Picnic Grove and go snow tubing either at Ski Liberty or locally. Notice! Because of Global warming, the troop has altered their plans and will go bowling instead. Details are provided below.
     
  • Itinerary: Click here to view the Itinerary.
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop's Permission Slip
  • Tubing Waiver: Click here to view the Tubing Release Form
  • Additional Boulder Ridge Tubing Website Info: Click here for Boulder Ridge Tubing website.
  • Click on the Photo to see photos from the event.
  •   March 1, 2008 - Blue and Gold Banquet
    5 Webelo Scouts Crossed over to the Troop at the closing ceremonies of the Blue and Gold Banquet.
    Click on the photo to the left to see the photo gallery.
      February 19, 2008: Zack and Aaron Earn the Rank of Eagle
    Click for more photos Troop Committee, and Parents & Friends of Troop 103,

    I am pleased to announce that on February 19, 2008, Troop 103 Scouts, Zach and Aaron, passed their Eagle Boards of Review and were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations to each scout and thanks to the parents, leaders, and others who helped these scouts make this achievement possible.

    - Jeffrey Rosenzweig, Scoutmaster

  • Photos: Click on the Photo to see photos from the event.
  •   February 15-17: Klondike Weekend
    Click for more photos The Troop will be spending the wintry weekend in the northern wilderness of Camp Tuckahoe to participate in the annual Klondike adventure. Details are provided below.


     
  • Itinerary and Information: Click here for the itinerary, what to bring, and emergency contact information.
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Permission Slip
  • Photos: Click on the Photo to see photos from the event.
  •   Troop 103 Demonstrates Collection Merit Badge at the scout show
    Troop 103 Demonstrates Collection Merit Badge at the scout show Click here to see photos of the event.
      Pete Slusser Recognized for his Outstanding Service
    The Troop Recognized Pete Slusser for his dedicated and outstanding service to the troop over many years. Click here for an account of the recognition.
      January Court of Honor and Scout of the Year
    Troop 103 honored scouts who received merit badges, earned rank advancements, or received special awards including the coveted Scout of the Year Award.
  • Sat. January 26: Blood Drive from 8:00AM - 2:00PM
  •   January 26 Blood Drive - Troop Service
    Troop 103 showed strong support at the Boy Scout Sponsored Blood Drive in Hanover, PA. The event was well attended.
  • Sat. January 26: Blood Drive from 8:00AM - 2:00PM
  •   2008 Quality Unit Award
    Quality Unit Award
    Troop 103 is proud to have been recognized as a Quality Unit for many years running. In 2007, The National Council began a special 4 year Centennial Quality Unit Award program in preparation for the 100th anniversary in 2010. Again, Troop 103 rose to the challenge and exceeded the new requirements needed to be designated as a Quality Unit for 2008.

      January 18-20 - U. S. Naval Academy, Merit Badge Jamboree
    Scouts of age 14 and over may attend the Merit Badge Jamboree at the U. S. Naval Academy located in Annapolis, Maryland. Details as listed below.


     
  • Itinerary: Click Here!
  • Permission Slip: Click here for Naval_Academy_Permission_Slip.pdf.

  • Note: Permission Slip only applies to those scouts who were selected to attend based on age requirements.
  • Click on the Photo to see photos from the event.
  •   January 5: Indoor Rock Climbing at the Climbnasium Day Outing
    The Troop will be spending the day at the Climbnasium located in Mechanicsburg, PA. Details are provided below.


     
  • Itinerary: Click here for Climbnasium_Itinerary.pdf
  • Permission Slip: Click here for Troop_103_Climbnasium_Permission_Slip.pdf
  • Waiver: Click here for Climbnasium_Waiver.pdf
  • Additional Website Info: Click here for Climbnasium website.
  • Click on the Photo to see photos from the event.