2013 Jamboree Troop A318

E.T.A.C. JAMBO TROOP 688

Volume 1, Issue 1 February 6, 2013 February 2013

Welcome to Troop 688

Welcome to East Texas Area Council Jamboree Contingent Troop 688. Our troop is composed of predominantly scouts from our council outside of the Tyler Area. Our sister units will be Contingent Scout Troop 689 (led by Paul Williamson) and two venture patrols (led by Peggy Scott). Troop 689 consists mainly of scouts from the Tyler area and the Paris, TX council. All three units will travel together to the jamboree, but will function independently during the event. Assignments have been made, but it is possible that one or two scouts might need to be relocated for balance as the Jamboree approaches.

Payment Schedule

The cost for this event will be $2400, however if you stay current on payments and have your final payment made by April 1, 2013, your cost will be $2100. The $200 nonrefundable deposit was paid when you registered. $400 will then be due on August 1, 2012; October 1, 2012; December 1, 2012; February 1, 2013, and $300 will be due on April 1, 2013. The final payment is $300 on June 1 if you have not stayed current. As of February 1, you should have paid $1800.

Your Jamboree Adult Leadership Team

The adult leaders for Troop 688 are shown in the table below with current contact information.

Scoutmaster Matt Lindsey [email protected] 903-262-8043

Assistant 1 Anthony Munoz [email protected] 903-238-5244

Assistant 2 Kevin Cook [email protected] 903-472-9237

Assistant 3 Travis Tate [email protected] 936-645-6452

The Adult Leadership team was selected by the Council National Jamboree Committee and they have been working on planning our trip for over a year.

Matt Lindsey of Nacogdoches is a Scoutmaster from Troop 518 in Lufkin. He is also the Tall Timbers OA Chapter Advisor. He was one of the scoutmasters for the 2010 jamboree as well. When he is not scouting he is an Assistant Professor of Management at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Anthony Munoz is the Scoutmaster of Troop 201 and lives in White Oak. He teaches Elementary School in Longview.

Kevin Cook is the Scoutmaster for Troop 268 in Carthage and is the Associate Pastor at Southside Baptist Church in Carthage, TX.

Travis Tate has been a youth member of Troop 100 in Nacogdoches and is currently a sophomore at Texas A&M. Travis is a member of Squadron 12 in Corps of Cadets at A&M.

Communications

From this point forward you will be getting a newsletter like this every 2 or 3 weeks. If you would like a newsletter to be sent to additional email accounts, just let Matt Lindsey know who to send it to by email at [email protected] .

You can consult our the Troop 689 Web Page by following this link. It will always have the current information for our trip. The actual address for the web page is www.troop1525.org and has information from the 2010 Jamboree and other high adventure trips. Just click on the Jambo 2013 Troop 688 link in the header. You can join the site and will be able to post pictures to the Photo Gallery as well.

Important Dates

Between now and the Jamboree we are planning at least three additional events. On Sunday April 7th at 2 PM we are planning a Troop meeting. The location is still to be determined.

Two shakedowns are on the schedule for the weekend of May 4th and June 8th. We are still working on the agenda for these events and let you know as the plans firm up and we see what additional items need to be covered.

It is possible, that once patrols are formed the patrol members might decide to meet to build patrol flags or discuss patrol organization.

Access your dashboard on the National Web Page before April 1, to select your curriculum events. (https://summit.scouting.org)

Health Form

Access the National Jamboree Web Page at https://summit.scouting.org and log in, then access your Dashboard to find your Medical Form. YOU MUST USE THE LINK IN YOUR DASHBOARD TO ACCESS YOUR FORM, not a generic BSA form. Please bring a copy to the Troop meeting or email to [email protected]

Keep Recruiting

Our council will be taking 100 scouts and leaders to the National Scout Jamboree. As of today, most of the spaces are taken, but a few remain and between now and the Jamboree, one or two scouts will probably have to back out as well. So if you know someone that still might want to go, tell them to sign up on the National Summit Bechtel Reserve Web Page (https://summit.scouting.org/en/Jamboree2013/Pages/default.aspx ) and send $200 to the council office. If a space is available, we will let them know and add them to the group. Right now it looks like we still might be able to accommodate five or six additional scouts.

Troop Membership

The following scouts have been assigned to Jamboree Troop 688. A few more scouts that have signed up have still not been assigned, so we expect five or six more very soon. Troop Leadership positions are in the process of being assigned now. If you are interested in serving in a leadership position please contact Matt Lindsey by email at [email protected]

Coy A from Troop 440

Beathan A. from Troop 333

Lake B. from Troop 550

Tanner B. from Troop 518

Harrison B. from Troop 550

Grant B. from Troop 214

Joe C. from Troop 518

Paul C. from Troop 268

Travis C. from Troop 268

James C from Troop 621

Cameron F. from Troop 621

Nathan F. from Troop 621

Nathan F. from Troop 407

Thomas G. from Troop 407

Jackson G. from Troop 621

Brian H. from Troop 100

Aaron J. from Troop 440

Colten J. from Troop 621

Jayce J. from Troop 621

Daniel M. from Troop 621

Levi M. from Troop 259

Kyle M. from Troop 201

William M. from Troop 333

Austin P. from Troop 307

Caleb R. from Troop 268

Jackson T. from Troop 100

Caleb T. from Troop 621

Connor T. from Troop 621

Andrew W. from Troop 419

DESCRIPTIONS OF ELECTIVE AND CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES WITH PERTINENT INFORMATION ABOUT VENUES AND REQUIREMENTS:

The High Adventure ELECTIVE and CURRICULUM program activities will be available in a number of ADVENTURE AREAS located on SUMMIT property which will ONLY be accessible to registered jamboree participants. A preview version of many of the High Adventure activities will also be available in SUMMIT CENTER and these will be open to all participants, unit leaders, staff and daily visitors. The following are the High Adventure Areas that are only accessible to registered jamboree participants and the list of ELECTIVE and CURRICULUM program activities to be offered in each of those areas. The title in parenthesis is the High Adventure team responsible for that activity.

THE CANOPY: CANOPY TOUR CURRICULUM (AERIAL SPORTS)

ADVENTURE VALLEY

THE ROCKS: CLIMBING SKILLS CURRICULUM (AERIAL SPORTS)

CLIMBING, RAPPELLING AND BOULDERING ELECTIVES

(AERIAL SPORTS)

THE ROPES: CHALLENGE COURSE CURRICULUM (AERIAL SPORTS)

CHALLENGE COURSE ELECTIVE (AERIAL SPORTS)

AEP POWER TOWER ELECTIVE (AERIAL SPORTS)

THE ZIP: BIG ZIP ELECTIVE (AERIAL SPORTS)

HIGH GEAR: MOUNTAIN BIKING SKILLS CURRICULUM (EXTREME SPORTS)

MOUNTAIN BIKING ELECTIVE (EXTREME SPORTS)

LOW GEAR: MOUNTAIN BIKING CURRICULUM (EXTREME SPORTS)

NOTE: BOTH CROSS COUNTRY AND DOWNHILL CHOICES WILL BE AVAILABLE DEPENDING ON THE SKILL LEVEL OF THE PARTICIPANT

MOUNTAIN BIKING ELECTIVE (EXTREME SPORTS)

THE KAYAK LAKE: ADVANCED KAYAKING CURRICULUM (AQUATICS)

BASIC KAYAKING ELECTIVE (AQUATICS)

GOODRICH LAKE

WEST LAKE: MARINERS ADVENTURE CURRICULUM (AQUATICS)

WATER REALITY ELECTIVE (AQUATICS)

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD ELECTIVE (AQUATICS)

EAST LAKE: DRAGON BOATS ELECTIVE (AQUATICS)

THE POOLS: SCUBA ELECTIVE (AQUATICS)

FREE SWIM ELECTIVE (AQUATICS)

MAYHEM MOUNTAIN

THE PARK: SKATEBOARD CURRICULUM (EXTREME SPORTS) SKATEBOARD ELECTIVE (EXTREME SPORTS)

THE TRAX: BMX CURRICULUM (EXTREME SPORTS)

BMX ELECTIVE (EXTREME SPORTS)

MOUNTAIN BOARDING ELECTIVE (EXTREME SPORTS)

DISC GOLF ELECTIVE (EXTREME SPORTS)

UPPER RIDGE

THE BOWS: ARCHERY CURRICULUM (TARGET SPORTS)

ARCHERY ELECTIVES (TARGET SPORTS)

THE BARRELS: SHOOTING SPORTS CURRICULUM (TARGET SPORTS)

SHOOTING SPORTS ELECTIVES (TARGET SPORTS)

CONSERVATION AREAS

FISHING LAKE: FLY FISHING CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION)

DUTCH OVEN CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION)

GENERAL SITE: GEOCACHING CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION)

ORIENTEERING – MAP/COMPASS CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION)

ORIENTEERING – GPS CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION)

BIRDWATCHING CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION) NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION)

CONSERVATION TREK CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION) GEOLOGY HIKE CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION)

LANDSCAPE PAINTING CURRICULUM (CONSERVATION)

OFFSITE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

WHITEWATER RAFTING ON NEW RIVER ELECTIVE - $50 ADDITIONAL FEE

TECHNICAL CLIMBING IN NEW RIVER GORGE ELECTIVE - $50 ADDITIONAL FEE

Jamboree Package for Payment of Jamboree Fee

(Per Person)

1 National Jamboree Fee ($850)

1 Jamboree Duffle Bag

1 Day Pack

3 Shakedown/Training Events (includes materials and food)

1 Hat/Cap

~3 Custom Jamboree Contingent T-Shirts

1 Name Badge

2 Jamboree Patches (sewn above right front pocket on Scout Shirt)

3 Restricted Custom Jamboree Council Shoulder Patches

2 Trading Custom Jamboree Council Shoulder Patches

3 Contingent Troop Numbers

~2,700 miles on a Bus with 39 other Scouts/Venturers and Leaders

4 Nights lodging while traveling and while in Washington, D.C.

4 Nights with Private Security Services

All Meals while traveling to and from the Jamboree

Fun Activities while Traveling to and from the Jamboree

Troop Gateway Banner to Display at the Jamboree

Mailouts

Administrative Support from Council Service Center Staff

Contingency for emergencies or unexpected events

Remember, each Jamboree Contingent Leader pays the same amount as each Scout and Venturer. The fee paid by the Scouts and Venturers do not subsidize any part of the costs incurred for the Contingent Leaders.

Basic Equipment List

(A more definitive list will be provided later)

Everything you bring must fit in the jamboree duffel bag and your personal day pack.

It is important that participants pack the right items.

• Personal Gear

Sleeping bag (lightweight in stuff sack with 30/35 degree rating is good)

Eating kit (plate, bowl, and spork)

Two 1-liter water bottles

Toiletry kit (keep it small)

Two bath towels

Two hand towels

Two washcloths

Flashlight

Sunscreen

Non-aerosol insect repellant

• Clothing

Two uniforms

Long pants (required for Day of Service)

Good broken-in waterproof hiking boots

Lace-up shoes (lightweight sports)

Rain gear (simple, lightweight)

Scout head gear

One jacket or sweatshirt (synthetic is good)

Two sets of sleep clothes

Five pairs of underwear

Four or five Scout/jamboree T-shirts (antimicrobial synthetic is good)

Two or three pairs of hiking socks

Two or three other pairs of socks

• Optional

Air or travel pillow

Swimsuit

Water shoes

Sunglasses

• Scout Uniform

Official Scout Shirt w/ correct insignia

Official Scout Pants or Shorts

Official Scout Socks

Official Scout Belt

Jamboree Neckerchief w/ slide

During Washington, D.C. tour, Jamboree arrival day, Sundays, and Jamboree departure day are full uniform (Class “A” days; other times may be determined by your leader.

Other days are Scout/jamboree T-shirts or activity shirts with uniform shorts/pants (Class “B” Uniform)

• Patrol Equipment

One first-aid kit

One troop flag

Items provided by the BSA

All tents

All cookware, except personal mess kits

All cooking supplies

All dining areas/facilities in each troop/crew site

All tools to set up tents, etc.

Dear Scout or Venturer,

Thank you for registering to attend the 2013 National Scout Jamboree to be held for the first time at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia in July 2013. The East Texas Area Council Jamboree Committee is excited that you want to attend. Since you have this letter, you have already registered.

Over the next several weeks we will be signing up scouts and Venturers to be part of our council’s two contingent scout troops and one venture crew. So, if you know others that might be interested in going, please encourage them to sign up while we still have space. We will have our initial meeting this fall on October 13 in Carthage. After this meeting we will determine the makeup of our contingent units.

At this point, if you have any questions, please direct them to the Council Program Director Marie Jones at [email protected] After we determine the makeup of our units, please contact the appropriate unit leader. We have a fine roster of adult leading our contingents and they are working very hard to arrange a once in a lifetime, “mountain top” experience for you. Our venture crew advisor will be Peggy Scott from Nacogdoches. Our scoutmasters will be Matt Lindsey from Nacogdoches, TX and Paul Williamson from Tyler, TX.

COST INFORMATION: The cost for this event will be $2400, however if you stay current on payments and have your final payment made by April 1, 2013, your cost will be $2100. The $200 nonrefundable deposit was paid when you registered. $400 will then be due on August 1, 2012; October 1, 2012; December 1, 2012; February 1, 2013, and $300 will be due on April 1, 2013. The final payment is $300 on June 1 if you have not stayed current. If you know you will have an issue with one of the payments, please contact Ms. Jones and let her know your circumstances.

Sincerely,

The Jamboree Team

Peggy Scout Matt Lindsey Paul Williamson

Crew Advisor Scoutmaster Scoutmaster

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Marie Jones David Bush

Council Program Director Council Jamboree Committee Chair

[email protected] [email protected]

Packing

pack with padded hip belt-capacity: external frame–4000 cu in +/- or internal frame–4800 cu in +/-

*pack cover–waterproof nylon .......................*6-12 1-gallon Zip Lock plastic bags to pack clothes

http://www.rei.com/product/795622/osprey-aether-70-pack

http://www.rei.com/product/811550/kelty-trekker-65-external-frame-pack

http://www.rei.com/product/811561/kelty-coyote-80-pack

http://www.rei.com/product/731953/gregory-seam-sealed-rain-cover

Sleeping

sleeping bag in stuff sack lined with plastic bag ..........

http://www.rei.com/product/807886/the-north-face-cats-meow-20-sleeping-bag

http://www.rei.com/product/794797/rei-lumen-25-sleeping-bag

http://www.rei.com/product/778156/rei-halo-40-sleeping-bag (I normally don’t suggest down bags, but this is about as light as you might consider.)

sleep clothes–worn only in sleeping bag (T-shirt and gym shorts)

*straps to hold sleeping bag on pack ............*foam sleeping pad (closed cell or Therma-Rest)

http://www.rei.com/product/781089/therm-a-rest-z-lite-sleeping-pad

http://www.rei.com/product/810386/therm-a-rest-ridgerest-solite-sleeping-pad- scouts are generally happy with a pad like this

http://www.rei.com/product/780988/therm-a-rest-prolite-sleeping-pad ( I would not consider a backpacking trip without this product)

Clothing: Layer A (Hiking Clothes)

hiking boots–well broken in..........................................

http://www.rei.com/product/737707/vasque-breeze-gore-tex-xcr-hiking-boots-mens

http://www.rei.com/product/788740/merrell-moab-mid-gore-tex-xcr-hiking-boots-mens- nothing lighter than these- I have had bad luck with Merell’s – two pairs have blown out on me. I would not get Merrell’s again- they don’t hold up- I like wearing them, but they don’t last.

http://www.rei.com/product/796770/asolo-moran-gtx-hiking-boots-mens

I like gore tex in my boots, but that is a personal preference..

lightweight sneakers or tennis shoes ...........................

*3 pairs of heavy socks .................................................

http://www.rei.com/product/604587/smartwool-hiking-socks

*3 pairs lighter inner socks (polypro) .............................

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4500230&cat=4501316&hist=cat%2C4500230%3ASpecialty+Socks%5Ecat%2C4501316%3ALiner+Socks

I don’t like the ones with toes, but any of these will work

3 changes underwear ..................................................

NO COTTON- most scouts like the sliders…

http://www.rei.com/product/796597/under-armour-o-series-boxerjock-briefs-mens-6-inseam

*2 hiking shorts ..............................................................

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4501397&jxBrand=REI&hist=cat%2C4501397%3AMen%27s+Convertible+Pants%5EjxBrand%2CREI

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4501397&jxBrand=Mountain+Hardwear&hist=cat%2C4501397%3AMen%27s+Convertible+Pants%5EjxBrand%2CMountain+Hardwear my favorite

*2 short sleeve shirts (not nylon under armour type) ...................................

http://www.rei.com/product/794440/rei-sahara-t-shirt-mens

*1 hat or cap–flexible, with brim ....................................

http://www.rei.com/product/778057/columbia-omni-shade-bora-bora-booney-hat

Layer B (Cool Evening):1 long sleeve shirt (wool or flannel) .............................

http://www.rei.com/product/794446/rei-sahara-tech-long-sleeve-shirt-mens

*1 long pants, cotton or nylon (not heavy jeans) ...........

*1 pair insulated underwear (polypro) ........................... optional

Layer C (Cold) (YES IT CAN BE COLD)

*1 sweater or jacket (wool or polar fleece) ....................

http://www.rei.com/product/809330/the-north-face-momentum-fleece-jacket-mens

*1 stocking cap (wool or polypro) ..................................

http://www.rei.com/product/808157/mountain-hardwear-micro-dome-hat

*1 glove liners or mittens (wool or polypro) ...................

Layer D (Cold, Wet, Windy)

*1 sturdy rainsuit (A) .......(NOT A PONCHO)...............

http://www.rei.com/product/794207/rei-ultra-light-jacket-mens

http://www.rei.com/product/794211/rei-ultra-light-pants-mens-32-inseam

Eating- keep in a plastic bag

deep bowl (small, plastic) ............................................

http://www.rei.com/product/782971/sea-to-summit-delta-bowl

*cup (measuring style) ...................................................

*spoon ...........................................................................

http://www.rei.com/product/784707/light-my-fire-spork-package-of-4

*3 or 4 one qt. water bottles (BB, A) ..............................

http://www.rei.com/product/776181/rei-nalgene-everyday-wide-mouth-loop-top-water-bottle-32-fl-oz

http://www.rei.com/product/402049/nalgene-wide-mouth-loop-top-round-bottle-32-fl-oz

http://www.rei.com/product/670588/nalgene-wide-mouth-cantene-32-fl-oz (I like this one)

YOU MUST HAVE 32 ounce/1 quart/1 liter WIDE MOUTH bottles. The water treatment is for 1 quart. Small mouth bottles are difficult to work with. You need at least 3 bottles. I carry two soft bottles and one regular nalgene.

Personal and Miscellaneous

*VERY small pocketknife (A) ...............................

*matches or lighter in waterproof container (BB, A) ....

*flashlight (small with extra batteries and bulb) ..............

http://www.rei.com/product/793268/petzl-zipka-plus-2-led-headlamp

*compass–liquid-filled (A) ...............................................

http://www.rei.com/product/727086/suunto-a-10-compass

*2 bandannas or handkerchiefs (BB) .............................

money ($10-$20 in small bills) ......................................

*lip balm (BB, A) (with SPF of 25) chapstick ..................

*soap, biodegradable (BB,S) ..........................................

*toothbrush/toothpaste (BB,S) .......................................

*small camp trowel .........................................................

**sunscreen at least 15 SPF (BB, S) ..............................

*sunglasses (inexpensive) .............................................

*ditty bag (for personal items in bear bag) .....................

http://www.rei.com/product/795017/rei-stuff-sack

*fifty ft. ⅛” nylon cord .....................................................

*insect repellent–non aerosol (BB, S) ............................

Optional

*camera and film (BB) ....................................................

*whistle ...........................................................................

watch, inexpensive with alarm (it must wake you up).....

*fishing equipment/licenses (available at Philmont)........

*postcards, prestamped .................................................

rubber bands (large for packing) ..................................

*foot powder (BB, S) ..Only if you use it normally at home...

*note pad and pen ..........................................................

*daypack for side hikes (S) ............................................

http://www.rei.com/product/778466/rei-flash-18-pack

NO RADIOS, CD/MP3 PLAYERS, VIDEO GAME DEVICES OR HAMMOCKS. CELLULAR TELEPHONES ARE DISCOURAGED. DO NOT BRING DEODORANT.

Code: * Available at Philmont’s Tooth of Time Traders

(BB)–Packed together in plastic bag to be placed in bear bag at night

(S)–Share with buddy (A) – Easily accessible in pack or carried on person

May 2011

Crew 713-106 Members and Parents of Crew Members,

Congratulations on deciding to accept the challenges Philmont has to offer you. You will, without a doubt be challenged in many ways, but you will have PHUN. As hard as it might be to believe, now is the time to start preparing for your adventure for the summer of 2012. In much the same way as a mountain climber commits to the challenge of climbing a mountain, preparing for this trip will require commitment. However, by the time we arrive at Philmont, you will be completely prepared for your trek, if you do what we discuss between now and then. It is important that both participants and parents read this letter. Our trip to Philmont is over a year away, however, we will be hitting the trail before you know it. This letter is to inform you of important items related to our trek.

First, the dates for our trip will be from July 12, 2012 to July 26, 2010. Next, I anticipate our trip to cost about $1200. The fee that Philmont is charging is $740. The rest of the money will cover transportation, meals on the road, hotels on the road, TWO REQUIRED shakedowns and required CREW gear, including crew photo and t-shirt. This fee does not include personal gear (boots, sleeping bag, pad, backpack) or spending money. I will update the cost by our first shakedown, but it is pretty close.

A word on dates and deadlines

Please pay attention to event dates and payment or information deadlines. All deadlines are established so we will have time to make our payments. You should have made your deposit by now. The first payment will be due September 10, 2011. The second payment of $400 is due by January 31, 2012. You balance is due by April 1, 2012. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO TROOP 518. So, look at the shakedown dates and let me know ASAP if you have a conflict, otherwise, please pay attention to the dates and keep your schedule open on these dates. In addition to payments, it is equally important to pay attention to due dates for physicals (we will get them around Christmas) or other required documentation. I will send another letter with payment envelopes to you this summer. Please use them to make the payments.

Commitment

I hope you are excited about this adventure. Philmont is a life changing experience for most people. It is also a group project. To be able to succeed, our crew will have to train and work together. Your commitment is extremely important. This is not a trip that you can pack and prepare for the night before you leave. Now is the time to prepare.

I am 110% committed to insuring that you are ready for this experience. I will be doing everything I can to help you prepare. However, you must do your part. Being prepared will require attending all shakedowns, reading the Philmont Guidebook to Adventure (when it is available) and carefully reviewing your personal equipment.

Safety

In addition, I expect all participants to commit to following Philmont’s rules and regulations that you are taught. Philmont has rules for a reason. You might prefer a different method than is taught at Philmont. In matters of safety, we will not debate Philmont’s methods and you will be expected to do things the Philmont way. Failure to abide by Philmont’s rules on our trek and shake downs will not be tolerated once you are taught the proper procedures. When we go over rules, please pay attention. I will expect you to follow the rules after we cover them. Each rule has a health or safety implication and can directly affect you or your crew members.

We will not be hiking in the back yard. We will be in the wilderness and we will not be at the top of the food chain. Philmont has many locations that are several hours from a radio or a jeep trail or a cell phone signal. With that being said, thousands of scouts hike at Philmont safely each year, but the key is knowing and following the established procedures for hiking, camping and cooking. I will attend Philmont during the summer of 2011 and will consult with Philmont rangers on anticipated changes for 2012. I will be teaching you the current procedures, however, some procedures are modified each year and if our ranger teaches us new procedures next year, we will need to adapt.

A word on gear.

Now is the time to start checking out your gear and deciding what will work and what will not work. The big 3 things are your boots, your pack and your sleeping bag. Don’t skimp on your boots. While backpacking, nothing is more important than your feet. You will probably need to spend at least $150 on appropriate boots. Your pack needs to be in good shape. Picking an internal or external frame is up to you. You will spend a third of your trek in your sleeping bag, so make sure it will keep you warm enough if the mercury drops to the thirty’s. You will also spend a third of your trek carrying your bag, so if it is over 3 pounds it might be time to upgrade. It should not be much larger than a basketball, either. We will examine your gear on the first shakedown, so try to have what you need by then. Your name needs to be on every thing you take-from your water bottle to your t-shirts. If I find a sock, I want to find a name on it. If you want something returned that you drop on the trail it will need to have our expedition number on it- 713-106. REI in Dallas is a good place to get educated on gear. They have a great staff that can show you appropriate gear for Philmont. They will not over sell to you. Tell them you need gear appropriate for Philmont and they will give you a couple of choices. You do not need a tent. We will use Philmont tents.

Skills

Mastery of skills is vital to insuring a successful trip. Camping skills, backpacking skills, orienteering skills, cooking skills, hygiene issues, and familiarity with your surroundings, including weather and nature is of the utmost importance. We will cover all of these skill sets and more in our shake downs. We will cover many of the requirements in several merit badges. It will be up to you to work with a merit badge counselor and apply your accomplishments to the appropriate merit badge. As a group we will work to complete the requirements for the Philmont Arrowhead and 50-miler award, but not merit badges.

I have traditionally held three shakedowns. We will have two, but we will spend the same number of days together preparing. In the past I had two overnighters and a three nighter. We will combine the overnighters into a full weekend. These represent our two chances to prepare as a crew and are not optional. If you want to go to Philmont with this crew you need to attend both. Good shakedowns allow us to maximize the PHUN at Philmont.

At the end of this letter you will find a gear list. This is a maximum list. You can comfortably spend 10 days with much less than is on the list. A good goal for your personal gear, without water, crew gear or food is 20 to 25 pounds. You should start gathering everything on this list and we can weed it out on our shake downs. I will expect you to have ALL YOUR GEAR for the FIRST shakedown. If you are not sure if something is ok- ASK ME.

Right now, I am planning on having our first shakedown at Tyler State Park the last weekend in February 2012 (2/25/2012). We will do some short hikes, but the emphasis will not be on hiking. It will be on gear and learning Philmont camping techniques. The second shakedown will give us a chance to function as a crew for a long weekend. It will probably be over Memorial Day (5/25 to 5/28) in the Ouchita Mountains on the Boardstand Loop in Oklahoma near Talihina starting at Talimena state park. Shakedowns are NOT for getting in shape, they are for learning skills. You need to prepare physically at home on your own. If either one of these dates are known conflicts for you, please let me know ASAP.

Do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have. If I do not know the answer, I will find out. This is my twelfth trek, not including anything I did the summer I worked at Philmont or my non-trek visits, so I have answers for most questions. I will use my experience to help you have a TERRIFIC and PHUN time at Philmont. For you to benefit, however, you must start preparing today.

IWTGBTP,

Matt Lindsey

903-262-8043 or [email protected]

From current Philmont Guidebook to Adventure--Labels- Label all your clothing and equipment with your name and expedition number (713-106) so your gear can be readily identified.

Packing

pack with padded hip belt-capacity: external frame–4000 cu in +/- or internal frame–4800 cu in +/-

*pack cover–waterproof nylon .......................*6-12 1-gallon Zip Lock plastic bags to pack clothes

Sleeping

sleeping bag in stuff sack lined with plastic bag ..........

sleep clothes–worn only in sleeping bag (T-shirt and gym shorts)

*straps to hold sleeping bag on pack ............*foam sleeping pad (closed cell or Therma-Rest)

Clothing: Layer A (Hiking Clothes)

hiking boots–well broken in..........................................

lightweight sneakers or tennis shoes ...........................

*3 pairs of heavy socks .................................................

*3 pairs lighter inner socks (polypro) .............................

3 changes underwear ..................................................

*2 hiking shorts ..............................................................

*2 short sleeve shirts (not nylon) ...................................

*1 hat or cap–flexible, with brim ....................................

Layer B (Cool Evening):1 long sleeve shirt (wool or flannel) .............................

*1 long pants, cotton or nylon (not heavy jeans) ...........

*1 pair insulated underwear (polypro) ...........................

Layer C (Cold) (YES IT CAN BE COLD)

*1 sweater or jacket (wool or polar fleece) ....................

*1 stocking cap (wool or polypro) ..................................

*1 glove liners or mittens (wool or polypro) ...................

Layer D (Cold, Wet, Windy)

*1 sturdy rainsuit (A) .......(NOT A PONCHO)...............

Eating- keep in a plastic bag

deep bowl (small, plastic) ............................................

*cup (measuring style) ...................................................

*spoon ...........................................................................

*3 or 4 one qt. water bottles (BB, A) ..............................

Personal and Miscellaneous

*VERY small pocketknife (A) ...............................

*matches or lighter in waterproof container (BB, A) ....

*flashlight (small with extra batteries and bulb) ..............

*compass–liquid-filled (A) ...............................................

*2 bandannas or handkerchiefs (BB) .............................

money ($10-$20 in small bills) ......................................

*lip balm (BB, A) (with SPF of 25) chapstick ..................

*soap, biodegradable (BB,S) ..........................................

*toothbrush/toothpaste (BB,S) .......................................

*small camp trowel .........................................................

**sunscreen at least 15 SPF (BB, S) ..............................

*sunglasses (inexpensive) .............................................

*ditty bag (for personal items in bear bag) .....................

*fifty ft. ⅛” nylon cord .....................................................

*insect repellent–non aerosol (BB, S) ............................

Optional

*camera and film (BB) ....................................................

*whistle ...........................................................................

watch, inexpensive with alarm (it must wake you up).....

*fishing equipment/licenses (available at Philmont)........

*postcards, prestamped .................................................

rubber bands (large for packing) ..................................

*foot powder (BB, S) ..Only if you use it normally at home...

*note pad and pen ..........................................................

*daypack for side hikes (S) ............................................

NO RADIOS, CD/MP3 PLAYERS, VIDEO GAME DEVICES OR HAMMOCKS. CELLULAR TELEPHONES ARE DISCOURAGED. DO NOT BRING DEODORANT.

Code: * Available at Philmont’s Tooth of Time Traders

(BB)–Packed together in plastic bag to be placed in bear bag at night

(S)–Share with buddy (A) – Easily accessible in pack or carried on person

Crew 713-106 Members and Parents of Crew Members,

Please take a minute and look over the contents of this envelope related to your 2012 Philmont trek. Please fill out the postcard and return it to me. Keep this information in a place you can find and use the included envelopes to make the payments.

The dates for our trip will be from July 12, 2012 to July 26, 2010. Next, I anticipate our trip to cost about $1150. The fee that Philmont is charging is $740. The rest of the money will cover transportation, meals on the road, hotels on the road, TWO REQUIRED shakedowns and required CREW gear, including crew photo and t-shirt. This fee does not include personal gear (boots, sleeping bag, pad, backpack) or spending money. I will update the cost by our first shakedown, but it is pretty close.

Money and Deadlines

Please pay attention to event dates and payment or information deadlines. All deadlines are established so we can make our payments. Your deposit should be made by now. The first $400 payment is due September 10, 2011. The second payment of $400 is due January 31, 2012. You balance ($250) is due by 4/1/2012. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO TROOP 518. If you want to pay with one check, that is fine.

The Shakedown dates are look at the shakedown dates are the last weekend in February 2012 (6 PM 2/24/2012 to 2 PM 2/26/2012) and Memorial Day ( 7 PM 5/25 to Noon 5/28 plus travel time). Please let me know on the postcard ASAP if you have a conflict for the two shakedowns, otherwise, please pay attention to the dates and keep your schedule open on these dates. In addition to payments, it is equally important to pay attention to due dates for physicals (we will get the form around Christmas) or other required documentation. Please use the payment envelopes I have included with this letter.

Commitment

I hope you are excited about this adventure. Philmont is a life changing experience for most people. It is also a group project. To be able to succeed, our crew will have to train and work together. Your commitment is extremely important. This is not a trip that you can pack and prepare for the night before you leave. Now is the time to prepare.

I am 110% committed to insuring that you are ready for this experience and will do all I can to help you prepare, but you must do your part. Being prepared will require attending all shakedowns, reading the Philmont Guidebook to Adventure (I have included old copies and I will send you the new copy when I get them in the spring, however, they do not change much from year to year) and carefully reviewing your personal equipment.

Safety

I expect all participants to commit to following Philmont’s rules and regulations that you are taught. They have rules for a reason. You might prefer a different method but, in matters of safety, we will not debate Philmont’s methods and you will be expected to do things the Philmont way. Failure to abide by Philmont’s rules on our trek/shakedowns will not be tolerated once you are taught the proper procedures. When we go over rules, please pay attention. I will expect you to follow the rules after we cover them. Each rule has a health or safety implication and can directly affect you or your crew members.

We will not be hiking in the back yard. We will be in the wilderness and we will not be at the top of the food chain. Philmont has many locations that are several hours from a radio or a jeep trail or a cell phone signal. With that being said, thousands of scouts hike at Philmont safely each year, but the key is knowing and following the established procedures for hiking, camping and cooking. We will learn the procedures taught at Philmont during the summer of 2011 and I will consult with Philmont rangers on anticipated changes for 2012. I will be teaching you the current procedures, however, some procedures are modified each year and we will need to adapt.

Gear Comments

Now is the time to start checking out your gear and deciding what will work and what will not work. The big 3 things are your boots, your pack and your sleeping bag. Don’t skimp on your boots. While backpacking, nothing is more important than your feet. You will probably need to spend at least $150 on appropriate boots. Your pack needs to be in good shape. Picking an internal or external frame is up to you. You will spend a third of your trek in your sleeping bag, so make sure it will keep you warm enough if the mercury drops to the thirty’s. You will also spend a third of your trek carrying your bag, so if it is over 3 pounds it might be time to upgrade. It should not be much larger than a basketball.

We will examine your gear on the first shakedown, so please have what you need by then. Your name needs to be on every thing you take-from your water bottle to your t-shirts. If I find a sock, I want to find a name on it. If you want something returned that you drop on the trail it will need to have our expedition number on it- 713-106. REI in Dallas is a good place to get educated on gear. The staff can show you appropriate gear for Philmont and they will give you a couple of choices. They will not over sell to you. We will use Philmont tents so you do not need a tent.

At the end of this letter you will find a gear list. This is a maximum list. You can comfortably spend 10 days with much less than is on the list. A good goal for your personal gear, without water, crew gear or food is 20 to 25 pounds. You should start gathering everything on this list and we can weed it out on our shake downs. I will expect you to have ALL YOUR GEAR for the FIRST shakedown. If you are not sure if something is ok- ASK ME. I have included links for illustrations and will send you an email copy of this letter. If your gear looks similar to the product shown, you are probably in good shape. If you are not sure if something will work, ask me.

A few little things are also required- you need at least 3 wide mouth 1-LITER/QUART Nalgene type water bottles and a rainsuit. You also need a sleeping pad.

Skills

Mastery of skills is vital to insuring a successful trip. Camping skills, backpacking skills, orienteering skills, cooking skills, hygiene issues, and familiarity with your surroundings, including weather and nature is of the utmost importance. We will cover all of these skill sets and more in our shake downs. We will cover many of the requirements in several merit badges. It will be up to you to work with a merit badge counselor and apply your accomplishments to the appropriate merit badge. As a group we will work to complete the requirements for the Philmont Arrowhead and 50-miler award, but not merit badges.

Shakedowns

I have traditionally held three shakedowns. We will have two, but we will spend the same amount of time together preparing. In the past I had two overnighters and a three nighter. We will combine the overnighters into a full weekend. These represent our two chances to prepare as a crew and are not optional. If you want to go to Philmont with this crew you need to attend both. Shakedowns allow us to maximize our Phil PHUN.

Right now, I am planning on having our first shakedown at Tyler State Park the last weekend in February 2012 (2/25/2012). We will do some short hikes, but the emphasis will not be on hiking. It will be on gear, team building and learning Philmont camping techniques. The second shakedown will give us a chance to function as a crew for a long weekend. It will be over Memorial Day (5/25 to 5/28) in the Ouchita Mountains on the Boardstand Loop in Oklahoma near Talihina starting at Talimena state park. Shakedowns are NOT for getting in shape, they are for learning skills. You need to prepare physically on your own. If either of these dates are known conflicts, please let me know ASAP.

We will probably hike about 60 miles. It will probably include at least a couple of 10 mile days. We will be at high elevations between 7000 and 12,000 feet. Most trails are around a 8% incline, but many are near 20 to 25% incline (20 feet up and 100 feet down the trail). You will be carrying a 40 to 50 pound pack as well. This will be a tough hike. The one comment I kept hearing this summer during the trek was “wow, you said it would be tough”…”or WOW, I wish I had trained harder or more… Now is the time to start preparing, not next June.

Do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have. If I do not know the answer, I will find out. This trek will put me over 250 nights at Philmont, so I have answers for most questions. I will use my experience to help you have a TERRIFIC and PHUN time at Philmont. For you to benefit, however, you must start preparing today.

All the information I give you is available at www.troop1525.org on the Philmont page.

IWTGBTP,

Matt Lindsey

903-262-8043 or [email protected]

Thoughts on Packing

You need three sets of gear for the Jamboree. The first set will go on the Ryder Truck that we will pack this weekend. It will consist of your cot and carpet for your tent. It should be labeled with your name and patrol. If you have something that will not fit in your footlocker, we can try to pack it on the truck, like a foldable chair, but if it does not fit, you will be out of luck.

The second set of gear is your foot locker. It will be packed on the truck and will not be unloaded on the trip. It should have your camping supplies. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCESS IT ON THE ROAD. The third set is your travel gear. It should be things for the hotel and rafting. You need toiletries, swim suit, a towel, and a change of clothes. Pack anything you will need on the way to the Jamboree in this bag. See the web page FAQ’s for the packing gear list.

You will also need a day bag with your raingear, a 1 quart water bottle, flashlight and things like your camera and sunscreen. I will ask EVERYONE to carry a water bottle and raingear on all outings, so bring a bag for them. You should bring a full water bottle on the bus. Be sure it is labeled.

Don’t forget the Web Page

If you have questions about what to take or anything from past newsletters, you can find it on the troop web page. Just go to www.troop1525.com and you can find it. The packing list is under the FAQ page.

Things for the trip

The response to the request for supplies for the trip has been great. Just remember, if you promised a wagon or VCR tapes or something else, be sure and bring them on the trip. Thanks for the support of all of you in preparing for the Jamboree.

The Final Shakedown

The final shakedown will begin at 9 am on July 17th and will be done by noon on July 18th. You need to arrive in your uniform ready for jamboree. We will be checking patches, etc… All troop members need to plan on arriving at Pirtle on Saturday 7/17 between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. Large items will be packed for the Jamboree on Sunday. Cots, rugs, and other large personal items should be labeled and will be packed on the truck. Your foot locker will go on the bus on Friday July 23rd. You need to arrive in your full Jamboree uniform with the patches on it. IF YOU ARE NOT ATTENDING THE LAST SHAKEDOWN, email [email protected] ASAP.

Please bring a rough schedule of your plan for what you want to do during the jamboree. You need to bring everything you are taking to the Jamboree for the weekend and what is going on the truck. You will get your trader patches that you preordered, hat and t-shirts at the shakedown.

Information on our departure and return plans

We will meet at 4 PM and leave at 5 PM from Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in LUFKIN, TEXAS at 2118 Lowry Lufkin, Texas 75901 on July 23, 2010. We will return to the same location on August 8th at about 5 PM for our closing ceremony and to return you to your parents. We will have a brief closing ceremony on August 8th. All family members are invited.

Reminder on phone and electronics policy for trip

We covered this way back at our first meeting last fall, but I want to remind everyone that our scouts will not be allowed to bring cell phones or electronic games or devices. The main reason for this is that we will not have the facilities to charge them or keep them secure. We will have plenty of entertainment. The jamboree site will have pay phones and AT&T will be providing cell phones to call home as well. Patrol Leaders will be allowed to have a phone for use at Kings Dominion and while touring Washington DC when the patrols are out together and not with the whole troop.

Final Preparations- Three weeks to go…

WOW, we are getting close. Here are a few things to remember:

1. You need at least 2 uniforms with Jamboree patches. Any complete scout uniform will work. A uniform inspection will be held at the shakedown.

2. Your personal stuff needs to be labeled so ANYONE can identify it. Your name and troop 1525 needs to be on anything you want back. We will check at the shakedown.

3. Get organized. All your stuff needs to fit in the foot locker. Plan on rain.

4. Replace batteries and anything that is worn (like old shoe laces). If you start with fresh batteries in your flashlight you should not have to replace them but once or twice.

5. Make a plan. You can’t do everything, so set priorities.

6. Learn a new song. We need something for entertainment.

7. Put a label on trading patches

8. Write yourself a letter so if your parents forget about you while you are gone, you will get something. You can send me cookies. Mail it to:

Your full name

Jamboree Troop 1525

Subcamp 15 2010 National Scout Jamboree

Bowling Green, VA 22428-1525

The Final Shakedown

The final shakedown will begin at 9 am on July 17th and will be done by noon on July 18th. You need to arrive in your uniform ready for jamboree. We will be checking patches, etc… All troop members need to plan on arriving at Pirtle on Saturday 7/17 between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. Large items will be packed for the Jamboree on Sunday. Cots, rugs, and other large personal items should be labeled and will be packed on the truck. Your foot locker will go on the bus on Friday July 23rd. You need to arrive in your full Jamboree uniform with the patches on it. IF YOU ARE NOT ATTENDING THE LAST SHAKEDOWN, email [email protected] ASAP.

Please bring a rough schedule of your plan for what you want to do during the jamboree. It does not need to be very detailed, and will be subject to change. Something like Tuesday: Dentistry Merit Badge, Wed: explore national exhibits, Thursday: fish and water front, etc..

You do not need to bring everything you are taking to the shakedown, just what you need for the weekend and what is going on the truck. You will get your trader patches that you preordered, hat and t-shirts at the shakedown.

Information on our departure and return plans

We will meet at 4 PM and leave at 5 PM from Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in LUFKIN, TEXAS at 2118 Lowry Lufkin, Texas 75901 on July 23, 2010. We will return to the same location on August 8th at about 5 PM for our closing ceremony and to return you to your parents. We will have a brief closing ceremony on August 8th. All family members are invited.

Reminder on phone and electronics policy for trip

We covered this way back at our first meeting last fall, but I want to remind everyone that our scouts will not be allowed to bring cell phones or electronic games or devices. The main reason for this is that we will not have the facilities to charge them or keep them secure. We will have plenty of entertainment. The jamboree site will have pay phones and AT&T will be providing cell phones to call home as well. Patrol Leaders will be allowed to have a phone for use at Kings Dominion and while touring Washington DC when the patrols are out together and not with the whole troop. I will post the phone numbers for the scoutmasters on the web site before we leave along with the Jamboree emergency notification procedure.

You will get your trader patches that you preordered, hat and t-shirts at the shakedown.