Introduction

Troop 174 will go to summer camp at the Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation in Brant Lake, NY about a 4 hour drive north of Yorktown Heights.

Summer camp is a golden opportunity for scouts to advance in rank, to work on many outdoor skills, and to earn merit badges, optimizing fun and opportunities.  The benefit cannot be stated too strongly.  For many scouts summer camp is the high point of their year.

Week 1 is July 2-8, 2006.  Week 2 is July 9-15. Week 2 is our primary week.
 
 

What to do

1. Learn about Summer Camp

Read the Read 2006 Boy Scout Summer Camp Parents' Guide.  See Curtis Read Scout Reservation for all other details.  The checklist below is specialized to Troop 174.

Adults staying in camp should be familiar with Camp Read's 2006 Troop Leader's Guide.

2. See Fees

Give Summer Camp payment to the Troop Treasurer as soon as possible.

See the fee schedule here. $280 for one week, or $550 for two weeks.  Late fees after June 1. Ask the Troop Treasurer about the Canoe Trek fee, if interested.  Partial scholarships are available for families unable to pay the full amount; see the Scoutmaster.

There is a way for a scout to go to Camp Read for two weeks and receive a $100 credit toward this year's Read summer camp fee.  Camp Counselor In Training (CIT) for those ages 14 and 15 (may also earn merit badges as time permits).  Will take the place of Den Chief at the Webelos Resident Camp (Week 1, no fee).  It is recommended that a scout who volunteers to be a CIT, be First Class, and have the interest and maturity to serve in this leadership position.  Photos of 2005 Webelos Resident Camp.

3. Fill out Medical form

3.1.  Both camping with our troop and the high-adventure programs require medical forms.

Complete the Camp Read Medical Form Class 3, which can also be found on the last two pages of the Camp Read 2006 Boy Scout Parents' Guide.

Scouts going to summer camp must have a physical and this form filled out within 36 months of attending camp.  However, Part V. (Medical History) on the form, including immunizations, must have been updated within the last 12 months, and then sign and date in section VII (Additional Notes) when you update the Medical History.

Scouts going on the Trek must have a physical and this form filled out within 12 months of attending camp

Adults 40 years old or under must have a physical and this form filled out within 36 months of attending camp.  However, Part V. (Medical History) on the form, including immunizations, must have been updated within the last 12 months, and then sign and date in section VII (Additional Notes) when you update the Medical History.

Adults over 40 must have a physical and this form filled out within 12 months of attending camp.

This requires a recent doctor's exam, which is why this item is early on this list.  Give the completed form to Nicole E.

The Medical form required by Read Scout Reservation differs from the National Class 3 medical form due to New York State requirements.  The New York State Health Code now requires information on three vaccinations that were not listed on previous forms.  These additional vaccinations are for haemophilus influenza type B, hepatitis B, and varicella (chicken pox).  The medical form required by Read Scout Reservation includes these vaccinations.  Please note that these vaccinations are not required to attend camp.  A record of whether or not each Scout and adult has had these vaccinations and, if they had them, on what date, is required to attend camp.  Standing orders for dispensing over the counter medications must be completed.

3.2.  For any camper to attend camp for seven or more nights, parents must fill out and attach the Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form to the Class 3 medical form..

4. Fill out Permission form

4.1. .Read Scout Permission Slip  Signed parental permission is required for optional activities, such as white water rafting, off-camp caving, water skiing, and the Forestry Merit Badge visit to a manged forest.  Give the form to Nicole E. by June 19.  There are fees for some of these activities.

4.2.  On the same form signed parental permission is also required, if arrangements are made for someone other than a parent to pick up their son to leave camp for any purpose, including these activities.

5. Complete your schedule

Please note below that your merit badge schedule, reviewed by the Scoutmaster, is due at the latest by June 19.

5.1.  See the Merit Badge Schedule for the time of day each merit badge program is offered.

    First-year scouts are limited to

• Basketry
• Leatherwork
• Woodcarving


5.2.  Find the program that is right for you.

    First-year scouts

First-year scouts should sign up for the Anthony Long First Year Camper Program (formerly known as the Dan Beard First Year Camper program) their first week.  It is designed to help the first-year camper "hit the ground running."  Outdoor requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class are covered.  The second week should be Regular Camp.

Plan to attend the entire First Year Camper Program, including all three Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class sessions from 9:00 a.m. to noon, or from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. even if you are nowhere near First Class yet.

• Tenderfoot:        9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  or from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Second Class:  10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  or from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• First Class:       11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon or from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Try to take all morning sessions or all afternoon sessions, because sometimes the morning and afternoon sessions are a little out of synchronization.  Then, at other times one may sign up for a troop activity or for Basketry, Leatherwork or Woodcarving merit badges.  The evening make up is for merit badges only, not for the First Year Camper Program..

The First Year Camper Program takes priority over merit badges and troop activities (COPE course, climbing wall, etc.).

Read this Focus on the First-Time Camper article with general information for parents of first-time campers.

You cannot sign up on the Troop 174 website for merit badges.  Give the Scoutmaster (or his designee) a list with the scout's name and a prioritized list of merit badges, including the time of day of the merit badge since some merit badges are offered more than once a day.  If a scout is attending camp for two weeks each week's merit badge list should be made separately.  It is best if the first-year scout signs up for two merit badges if he takes the 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon First Year Camper program so that he can participate in the afternoon troop activities and complete two merit badges.

Sample Merit Badge Priority List
ScoutFirstName  ScoutLastName
Summer Camp Week 2
9:00 a.m.  Anthony Long First Year Camper program
10:00 a.m. Anthony Long First Year Camper program
11:00 a.m.  Anthony Long First Year Camper program
2:00 p.m.  Basketry (2nd choice Archery)
3:00 p.m.  Leatherwork (2nd choice Woodcarving at 4:00 p.m.)

First year scouts are limited to Basketry, Leatherwork, and Woodcarving because these are the easiest merit badges at summer camp.  If a first-year scout decides to not participate in the troop's afternoon activities then he could do the afternoon Basketry, Woodcarving, and Leatherwork.  But it will be more fun and better for a first-year scout to participate in the troop's afternoon activities and only do afternoon Basketry and Leatherwork.

Woodcarving is often done during the second week at summer camp.

As of May 25, 2006, all the required merit badge kits for summer camp have already been delivered to Camp Read.  Scouts who need them should purchase kits at the Trading Post in camp.
 

• BASKETRY: No advance preparation. There is however, a cost for the Scout to purchase materials for making three kits. The cost is approximately $20.00.
• LEATHERWORK: No advance preparation. There is a cost of about $12.00 for materials.
• WOODCARVING: No advance preparation, but a good carving knife is recommended. The Scout needs to purchase carving kits which cost from $6.00 to $10.


If the scout follows the sample schedule for first-year scouts he will have afternoon Basketry and Leatherwork.  He will use all the available 7:00 p.m. merit badge make-up time slots for making up missed classes, the only time available for make-up,  for Basketry and Leatherwork.  1st-Year Program make-ups will be available both during the day and in the evening.
 
 

There is no merit badge makeup on Friday evening because the camp staff is busy completing and signing the merit badge blue cards which are returned to the troop leaders about 9:00 p.m. Friday night.

    First-Class and above scouts

Suggestion:  Take required Eagle Scout merit badges and waterfront merit badges.  An experienced camper usually can complete four merit badges a week.

Check prerequisites on this page, which also identifies difficult merit badges for older scouts.  Complete prerequisites before you arrive at summer camp.

Some merit badges are limited by space available or scout age.  Examples are Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, Canoeing, Small Boat Sailing, Climbing, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, Archery, and Horsemanship.

5.3.  Troop activities are available if you want them.  The schedule is below.  There are fees for the troop picture, whitewater rafting, and horse trail ride.  There is no charge for the COPE course and for indoor and in-camp outdoor rock climbing.

    All scouts

Weeks 1-2 - scheduled troop activities
• Low COPE course, no fee.
• Indoor climbing wall, no fee.
• Whitewater rafting, $18 + Transportation.
• Horse trail ride, $12.
• Zip line, no fee.


Scouts may sign up for any troop activities they want, but to give everyone a chance there may be limits.  First-year scouts see section 5.2 above and 5.4 below for how to avoid conflicts with your First Year Scout program.  7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. is reserved for making up merit badge classes missed during the day.

The zip line is only for scouts who pass the Camp Buckskin swimmer test.  The zip line is a trapeze slide down a steel cable that ends with a refreshing plunge into Lester Pond.


    First-Class and above scouts

• High-adventure rock climbing and rappelling in the Adirondacks
•  $40 in addition to camp fee for one day of Adirondack climbing and rappelling out of camp on Tuesdays.  Must be 13 years old or older.
• High-adventure caving
• $40 per person, youth or adult for high adventure caving at Eagle Cave at Chimney Mountain in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area on Wednesdays.  Largest and most spectacular wild cave in the Adirondacks.  Rappel down a rope to enter the cave.  Must be 14 years old or older.  Trip will be lead by a professional licensed Adirondack guide.  Hours are after breakfast to 5:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Photos and Troop Photos taken inside Eagle Cave.
• Consider also earning the Paul Bunyan Woodsman, and Mile Swim awards.

First year scouts should have a merit badge schedule card for their first week something like these examples.  This scout has chosen a full schedule.  Other scouts may want more break time.

6. Register

6.1.  By April 6

6.1.1. .Sign up here for summer camp.  First year scouts sign up for the Anthony Long First Year Camper Program (formerly known as the Dan Beard First Year Camper Program) for their first week.

We need parent volunteers.  On the sign up form parents may offer to help out at camp, and await a decision later as to who will go based on the ratio of scouts to available adults.

6.2  By the June 19 Meeting for Camp Read Attendees - But do well before this date if you can

You will be more likely to get the merit badge courses you want if you turn in your choices and have paid the full camp fees well before this date.

6.2.1.  Merit Badge Schedule Card

Print out and fill in your merit badge schedule card (two cards for two weeks, labeled Week 1 and Week 2).  Fill in your merit badges and troop activities.  The Scoutmaster can look over your card and advise changes.

Make a copy of your merit badge schedule card to bring to summer camp in your backpack.

Make a prioritized list of desired merit badges.

Give Merit Badge Card to the Troop Treasurer as soon as it is complete.

Merit Badge Schedule Card (the copy for the Troop)

Prioritized list of desired merit badges for the online signup.

You must be paid in full before the Scoutmaster can sign you up for merit badges.

6.2.2.  Hand in to Nicole E. as described above in sections 3 and 4 your

• Medical Form,
• Meningitis Form,
• Permission Form.

6.2.3.  Pay the full amount of camp fees.  Make the check payable to "BSA Troop 174", write in the memo section: "Week 1", "Week 2", "Both Weeks", or "Trek", and give the check to the Troop Treasurer. After this date you have to take the money to Council, and note that fees increase on June 1.  You must be paid in full before the Scoutmaster can sign you up for merit badges.

6.2.4.  Write a separate check for optional activities.  Make the check payable to "BSA Troop 174", write in the memo section what it is for, and give the check to the Troop Treasurer.

• High Adventure Rock Climbing and Rappelling, 13 years old or older, $40.
• Whitewater rafting, $18 + transportation.  Usually we use the Hudson River Rafting company for the Sacandaga River.
• High Adventure Caving, 14 years old or older, $40.
• One hour horse trail ride, $12.
• Troop picture color 8x10, $6.  (Troop Picture information.  Troop 174 low-resolution web troop pictures: 2001, 2000).
• Horsemanship merit badge, $25.
• Portion, to be determined, of the $142 Canoe Trek transportation fee.

6.2.5. Do not pick up your merit badge blue cards yet. That is done at camp.

6.2.6. Sign out merit badge booklets from our troop Librarian.

6.3.  Approximately June 20 check the Troop 174 password-protected pages to see if you got into the Merit Badge courses you wanted.  Look for the Summer Camp Merit Badge Registration list.

Print out a copy of the Summer Camp Merit Badge Registration list, tear out just your registration with the times, and take it with you to summer camp.
 

7. The Weeks Before Camp

7.1.  Do the merit badge prerequisites before going to camp, using the Merit Badge booklets you checked out.  Proper documentation is required for credit for work completed before a Scout's arrival in Camp. Example: First Aid requires bringing your kit to camp.

7.2.  Bring a skit, maybe one of these skits for the Friday campfire program.

8. Pack for camp

Camp Read supplies a two-person tent on a wood platform, a cot, and a mattress, as well as meals.

8.1.  Get supplies listed on the Camp Read Suggested Equipment List Scout Equipment.

8.2.  Then, add to that suggested equipment list:

• Your merit badge blue cards, which you picked up at the Meeting for Camp Read Attendees in June.
• A copy of your Merit Badge Schedule, which you tore off of the Summer Camp Merit Badge Registration list in the password-protected pages.
• Insect control -
• Mosquito net.  Get this early, because they tend to run out of them close to summer camp.  Consider this a requirement, not optional, to create a bug-free sleeping barrier.  BSA sells one that fits the camp cots through their catalog as item 01490for about $14.  It is a green rectangular net big enough to cover the cot and be tucked under the mattress to make a sealed enclosure for sound sleeping.  It measures 76" x 33" x 35" and fits the camp cots.  Mosquito nets that are other sizes may be too small or too large.  If in stock, one may be purchased at the Hawthorne Scout Shop (914) 773-1216 at the Westchester-Putnam Council 41 Saw Mill River Rd. (9A), Hawthorne, NY.
• Bring your own four poles to hold the mosquito net up over your cot.  These can be any kind of sturdy, straight sticks or 1/2 inch wide PVC pipe.  Best would be 2 poles 3.5 feet long for the edge of the bed by the sloping side of the tent and two poles 4 feet long for the edge of the bed near the center of the tent.  Arrive prepared to adjust the length.
• A roll of duct tape both to tie the cot legs to your poles so that they do not fall down, and for other uses.  Be sure to remove all of the tape when you leave.
• Avoid luring insects:  Bring only unscented soap and shampoo.  Use unscented laundry detergent to wash clothes before camp and to wash between the first and second weeks.
• A strong repellent with DEET is recommended, like Deep Woods Off or Cutter.  Leave mild repellents at home.
• Do not bring either aerosol or pump insect repellent, because of continuing and persisitent problems with scouts spraying them in the fire.
• Clothes -
• A backpack if you have one for clothes and equipment storage under your cot is better than a duffle bag or a trunk.
• A hanger for your official uniform.
• Clothes line for outside the tent and inside.  Use the inside line for your official uniform and swimsuit.
• T-shirts do not have to be scout t-shirts.
• Extra pair of broken-in shoes (bring sneakers and hiking shoes) and either pool shoes or sandals.  Long rubber rain boots are good for wading in shallow water.
• Swimsuit, big beach towel, and pool shoes or sandals should be packed on top, because the swim test will be given early upon arrival Sunday.  Wear a swimsuit during showers at camp, and pool shoes or sandals.
• Optional mesh laundry bag.  Airtight invites mildew.
• You may bring a costume to wear Thursday for the weekly camp theme:
• Week 1 is Wizards,
• Week 2 is Cartoon Characters.
• Your Totin' Chip Card if you have one, if not you can earn a Totin' Chip card at summer camp.  If you have a Totin' Chip card and are an older scout, think about doing the Paul Bunyan Woodsman.
• Your Firem'n Chit Card if you have one, if not you can earn a Firem'n Chit card at summer camp.
• A hot- or cold-liquid mug.
• More extra batteries for your flashlight beyond what you might imagine.
• No electronic games, no radios (except a Walkman with headphones), no Gameboys, but do bring books and other games, such as cards, board games, chess, checkers, etc. with pieces that can be found if dropped among leaves.
• You may wish to pack some money for snacks from the Trading Post near the dining hall, no more than $20 per week in small bills.  The scout should deposit the money with the adult leaders on Sunday and withdraw what remains on Friday.
• A comfortable folding chair or camp stool.
• OA members should bring for Wednesday OA T-shirts worn during the day, and sashes for retreat.
• Label everything with your name.
• For scouts who want to write home, self-addressed, stamped envelopes with paper.
• Do not expect to phone home from the pay phone.  There is one phone for 450 scouts.

9. Donate if you have extra

Camp Read requests that people who have certain items to donate please bring them to camp.  They want:

• Ball-peen hammers
• Gouges
• Chisels
• Bird cages
• Gerbil cages
• Fish tanks
• Floodlights
• Books and magazines on environmental topics and camping

10. Travel to Camp Read

Troop 174 does not provide transportation to Camp Read.

Camp Read is in Brant Lake, NY, about a 4-hour drive 200 miles north of Westchester, about a half hour north of Lake George.

Driving, leave for Camp Read 6:00 a.m. or earlier Sunday morning. Google map: In the white bubble use the "Directions To Here" link to get driving directions.

See the Getting to Camp page for Council -

• Transportation by bus, and fees.
• Driving directions to Read Scout Reservation and Brant Lake area map

Wear activity uniform.

Bring a bag lunch or eat an early lunch before you arrive on 12:00 noon (change from last year) Sunday.  Daby's General Store in downtown Brant Lake has a deli and groceries.  It closes at 1:00 p.m. Sunday.

Then, see the map for the parking area and the Ranger site (middle of the map) at Camp Buckskin.  We share the Ranger site with Troop 164 from Yorktown Heights, NY.

11. Arrival at Camp Read

• Arrive at 12:00 noon (change from last year) Sunday.  By 1:00 p.m. it will be too late.  Wear activity uniform.
• Park in the designated Camp Buckskin parking area near the dining hall.
• Meet at the Ranger site at Camp Buckskin.  Bring all your gear, and move into your tent platform.  Change into your swimming suit, and have your prescription medications ready to take to the medical recheck.
• Pick up your merit badge blue cards from the adults at camp.
• See The First Day in Camp on the Camp Buckskin page.
• The Trading Post by the Camp Buckskin dining hall will be open Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., so you may buy if you wish camp t-shirts, merit badge kits, etc.
• Always use the buddy system.  Scouts do not wander off alone.
• Parents may help their son move into his tent platform, and may go with our troop on the Sunday afternoon medical recheck, swim check, and camp tour.  Monday-Friday there is instructional swim from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
• Tell the adult leaders any dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Parents and other family members are welcome to visit camp.  Visitors are required to report to the Reservation Central Office to obtain a visitor’s badge.  Parents and other family members on day visits, not part of the official troop staff, should pay in advance $3 for breakfast, $4 for lunch, $5 for dinner, and $4 overnight.  Space is limited.  Tell Treasurer, Rita S. the day and meals, and pay her in advance.  To ensure that there is enough food at each meal the Troop Treasurer must inform the Reservation Office a minimum of three days before expected visitors arrive.  Due to the number of campers, seating for visitors may be limited at some meals, particularly Sunday evenings.

12. Between the first and second week

• There is no adult supervision over the weekend.  Parents are responsible for their son.
• Parents and their son may sleep Saturday night in tent platforms.
• No meals are provided.  No Saturday lunch through Sunday lunch.  The next meal is Sunday supper.
• Nearest grocery store is in Chestertown, NY.
• Daby's General Store on Route 8 in downtown Brant Lake has a deli and a few groceries.  It closes at 1:00 p.m. Sunday.  (518) 494-4039.
• Recommended restaurants:
• Brant Lake area
• Suzie Q's Sunshine Cafe, 148 Tannery Road, Brant Lake, NY is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  (518) 494-3213.
• Lake George area
• Grandma's Back Porch Restaurant, 4 Hill Drive (Rt. 9N), Lake George, NY  (518) 668-3862
• Homestyle cooking.
• 1 mile north of Lake George Village at the intersection of Route 9N and Hill Drive.
• Take I-87 Exit 22, stay to the left on the exit ramp.  At the end of the ramp, at the traffic light, turn left to go north on Route 9N (Lake Shore Drive).
• "Come back home to real good cooking at family prices.  Breakfast & dinner.  Specialties:  real mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, homemade breads, and desserts.  Let’s hear what some have had to say about Grandma’s.  “It’s one heck of a meal!”  “ You come highly recommended!”  “Your turkey and dressing is better than my mother’s!”  “This was the best meal we had on our vacation!”  Take out available.  www.lakegeorgeguide.com/DiningGuide.asp
• Tired John’s Bar-B-Q Pit Restaurant, 3609 Lake Shore Drive, Route 9N, Lake George, NY  (518) 668-9232
• Enjoy casual dining in our charming family-style, air conditioned dining room or outside on our breezy terrace surrounded by trees. We offer an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Breakfast and BBQ Dinner Buffet at affordable family prices.  Dinner buffet includes unbeatable BBQ Pork and Beef ribs, BBQ chicken, wings, our award winning chili and much more.  Our specialties: BBQ chicken, pork and beef ribs, steaks, seafood and Italian dishes since 1962, keep people coming back year after year.  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Menu.
• Public laundries (self service, coin operated) are in Warrensburg, NY.
• Warrensburg Laundry & Dry Cleaning, 11 Richards Avenue, Warrensburg, NY  (518) 668-2924
• Final Rinse Laundry, 3856 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY  (518) 623-9621
• Keep your Week 1 swim tag, so that you do not have to repeat the swim test on Week 2.

13. Pick up scouts at Camp Read at the end of the week

• Before 9:00 a.m. Saturday scouts should have completed checkout, be picked up, and on their way home.