MSG.GLENRIDGESCOUTS.COM

Memorial Day Packing List and Directions

Jeff P. — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:07:12 GMT

Updated

Packing list

Gear

• Pack

• Flashlight w fresh batteries

• Pocket knife (if you have earned totenchit)

• Matches (if you have Fireman badge)

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb, etc.)

• Beach Towel

• Bailer - Gallon milk or water jug with bottom cut out, or plastic pale that can be lashed to canoe

• Sleeping Bag and Pad

• Mess Kit (plate, cup, utensils)

Food

• Friday night Dinner

• Snacks for 2 days

• Troop will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.

Clothes

• Hiking Boots or comfy shoes

• Water shoes, Tevas, or old sneakers

• 4 clean underwear

• 4 days clothing - Avoid jeans or cotton; nylon dries more quickly

• Swimming trunks or pants you don't mind getting wet

• Jacket (for temps in the 50's)

• Poncho or rain gear

• Hat

• Sun Screen SPF 50+ (and use it!)

Sleeping Arrangements

• Boys will sleep in Patrol tents. No tents needed.

• Adults sleep in bunks in the cabin. Bring sleeping bag or sheets and blankets. Bring anti-snoring devices or ear plugs.

Directions To Ten Mile River (TMR), Traubner/Barta Cabin.

GPS 41.59594,-74.93408

Travel on the Garden State Parkway to I-87, taking it west to the exit marked Harriman and Woodbury Common. At that exit, pick up Route 17 West.
Travel on Route 17 for 44 miles to exit 104 (Monticello Raceway).
Travel on 17B for about 6.7 miles into White Lake and blinking light.
At 0.7 miles beyond the blinker, make a left hand turn on Route 55 West.
Follow Route 55 for about 4 miles to the Ten Mile River Camp cut-off on the right hand side (County Route 26 or Crystal Lake Rd).
Follow the TMR signs. Look for Traubner/Barta cabin on your right at the top of a short lane.
If you reach the TMR HQ, you've gone too far. Turn around and go a couple miles back.
Note: After getting on to Crystal Lake Rd, you'll soon see a sign for Ten Mile River Camps and a gravel road. don't take it!

Send off Potluck for Jeff P at Rifle Camp Park on 6/3

Jeff P. — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:28:02 GMT

Submitted by Brad B on 5/21

Join us on Sunday, June 3 at 1pm for an outdoor potluck to thank Scout Master Jeff Pitcher for his countless hours of dedication to Troop 55. He and his family have been an important part of Glen Ridge Scouting for several years, so let's send them off in Troop 55 style: surrounded by nature and trails.

The potluck will be held at Rifle Camp Park, at Second parking lot on left side of road.

Please RSVP to brad.bushue@gmail.com (Subject line: Jeff P Picnic) and indicate the dish you would like to bring.

Meat for grilling (Hotdogs, Hamburgers and Buns)
Deserts
Salads
Drinks
Paper plates, napkins, cups

Directions:

GSP to 46W (exit 153B )

Take 46W to Great Notch exit toward Cedar Grove (exit is directly after the Great Notch Inn)

Follow Rifle Camp Rd past reservoir.

Park entrance is on your Right, just before the Sunoco gas station on left.

Follow the lane past the first parking lot on right to the second parking lot (on your left).

<GPS: 40.890313,-74.18762>

Canoe Trip Reminder: RSVP at 5/21 Meeting

Jeff P. — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:44 GMT

Don't forget. Attendance for next weekend's canoe trip on the Delaware Water Gap are due at Monday night's meeting at Linden Ave School.

The Cost is $70 per individual. Please bring checks payable to Troop 55 or cash in clearly labeled envelope.

Other details will be distributed at the meeting.

Checks can be left with Paula Fields or Brad Bushue

6/4/2012 Troop 55 Committee Meeting

Jeff P. — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:48:54 GMT

There will be a regular committee meeting on June 4th to discuss Troop 55 business. If you are on the board or would just like to participate, please meet in the Art Room of Linden Ave School during the regular troop meeting.

For those of you not already on the committee, there are several open positions. This is a great way to share you son's scouting with minimal investment in time.

Open Board Positions that need to be filled:

- Advancement Chair (Urgent)

- Fund-raising Chair (coordinates individual event chairs)
- Equipment Coordinator (supervises the QM)
- Committee Secretary

Uniformed position to be filled:
Assistant Scout Master for new scouts

Other positions to be filled to help patrol leaders organize and communicate:

Single outing coordinator
Single fund-raiser chair
Web supervisor
Additional ASMs

Thanks for the memories

John D. — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:57:57 GMT

As you should know...our scoutmaster Jeff Pitcher is stepping down. We are working on a memory book for him. So please email me, your Jeff/Troop 55 stories, memories, thanks, words of congratulations. well wishes to jdavitt1@hotmail.com.
Also, email any pictures you have of Jeff.

The deadline for the memories, words of thanks, etc is Tuesday, May 22nd.

Thanks !

Memorial Day Father/Son Canoe Trip

Jeff P. — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:28:07 GMT

Hello all. Memorial day weekend is the annual Father/ Son canoe trip on the Delaware river. Everyone is encouraged to go.

Please read the attached FAQ for more info.

Please RSVP to Nick Munson ( nickmunson@comcast.net as soon as possible. The cost of the trip is $70 per attendee, please make checks payable to Troop 55. We need all checks by next meeting, Monday, May 21st.

We meet at the cabin on Friday the 25th. Directions will follow shortly. (it’s about a 2 hour drive.) We canoe Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday (15 mi.)
Skinner’s Falls to Minisink with lunch at TMR Landing

Sunday (10 mi.)
Pond Eddy to Matamoros with lunch at Knight's eddy

On the first day we meet at Skinner’s around 10am and hit the river. The rental place shuttles us back to Skinners to get the cars. On day 2 we drop kids at Pond Eddy for breakfast while drivers take the cars to Matamoros and get shuttled back to Pond Eddy and we start canoeing. At the end of the trip we leave for home from Matamoros.

We have lunch on the shore of the river both days, dinner will be provided on Saturday.

Other details, such as directions and packing list will be distributed at the next meeting.

Save The Date!!

Jeff P. — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:01:31 GMT

All,

We will be holding an Eagle Court of Honor on June 20, 2012. It will be held at the Women's Club in Glen Ridge and will consist of coffee and desserts. This year it will be FREE so we're hoping to have all of the Scouts and former Scouts attend. It will be at 7:30 pm. More to come soon.

Jeff

Tomorrow's Meeting 5/7

Jeff P. — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:10:34 GMT

"Tomorrow's meeting will be participating in the Cubs' cross-over ceremony. All scouts should arrive in the Glen at 5:15 -- full Class A uniforms, squared away (the Cubs really appreciate seeing boy scouts fully uniformed correctly). The crossover will be followed by a reception at the train station for Cubs, Boy Scouts and parents of both. The reception (which will include refreshments) will be over by 7. We won't be going on to Linden from there.

Any scouts who can't make it, please let Mrs. Agarwal know for planning purposes (especially with the food). Also, please invite your parents to the reception (starting at 6) -- we'll be making a short presentation about the Troop and our programming over the next few months; and even parents of current boy scouts might like to attend in order to stay current. Any scout parents who plan to come to the reception should RSVP to Mrs. Agarwal. Her email is Jennifer_agarwal@yahoo.com."

Thanks, Jeff.

IMPORTANT: Canoe trip waiver for Philly-4-day

Jeff P. — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:45:51 GMT

To participate in the Canoe trip this week, you must bring a completed release form signed by a parent or guardian. You can download the form here.

http://www.mickscanoerental.com/media/release.pdf

If you are not yet 18 years of age, you must have a parents signature.

The boys have a detailed safety plan and will take every precaution to stay safe. Leaders are Safety Afloat certified.

Packing List for Philly-4-Day

Jeff P. — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:18:09 GMT

Packing list

Gear

Backpack
Sleeping Bag
Canteen (nalgenes or liter bottles) for water
Flashlight
Pocket knife (if you have token chip)
Matches (if you have Fireman badge)
Toiletries
Towel

Food

Thursday Lunch (Non-perishables, like Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches)
Snacks for 4 days
$15 Cash for Souvenirs and other items
Signed Canoe Waiver

Clothes

Hiking Boots
Water shoes, Tevas, or old sneakers
4 clean underwear and clothing (avoid Jeans, Nylon hiking pants are best)
Jacket (for temps in the 50's)
Poncho or rain gear
Swim trunks or pants you can get wet
Hat, Sun screen!

Don't Bring:

Cell phones or valuables
Video games
Sheath Knives
(use your common sense!)

Philly-4-day Itinerary

Jeff P. — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:16:37 GMT

All - The following is the planned itinerary for the trip.

The SPL will follow this post with a packing list.

Wednesday, 4/25 - Tour Philadelphia

Depart from Linden Ave at 7 a.m.
Tour the Franklin Institute, group lunch (provided), planetarium
Set up camp at Valley Forge campsite (here)

Thursday, 4/26 - Valley Forge tour and cook-off

Breakfast and pack up camp by 9 am
Valley forge tour, hike
Lunch - (Plans TBD)
Depart at 5pm for Wharton State Forest campsite and stock up on food supplies
Set up Camp at 6pm
Cook off, Star-gazing

Friday, 4/27 - Canoe trip

Breakfast, pack lunch, and pack up camp by 9 a.m.
Canoe trip here
Dinner on the road (pizza)
Set up camp at Pine Hill Scout Reservation (here) at 7pm

Saturday - Highland Games

Breakfast at 7 am
Highland Games 8am-4pm
- Troop 55 will man one or more games - participation required
Pack up camp at 5pm
Feast at 6pm
Depart for home at 7pm
Arrive in Glen Ridge 10pm-ish

Summer Camp Deadline

Jeff P. — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:54:31 GMT

Hello All,

If you are planning to go to summer camp and want to take advantage of the early discount today is the deadline. You need to get your money to Paula Fields today in order to beat the deadline. Paula's number is 973-953-3330

Jeff

Summer ideas

John D. — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:41:50 GMT

The troop will be doing a week at Boy Scout Camp NoBeBosCo again this summer. It's a great camp and an excellent place to earn merit badges and learn core scouting skills(fire making, hiking, 1st aid, swimming, etc).

In addition to NoBe, I just wanted to pass along two other programs(not affiliated with Boy Scouts) this summer that looked interesting for those in scouting. I have not been involved in either of the programs but they seem worth "taking a look at".

The 1st is a "day trip camp" that is run by a few teachers from the Montclair school system. . http://www.surfandturfcamp.com/

The 2nd is Outward Bound. This program is an intense outdoor experience that be suited for our older(high school aged) scouts. The trips are long(from 14 to 28 days). It's also far from cheap, but they do offer "scholarships".
The Outward Bound trips are physcially demanding but very rewarding. A few people that I know who did the program called it "life changing". http://www.outwardbound.org/

Bring your $20 deposit for the April Trip Tonight!

Jeff P. — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:19:23 GMT

The April trip to Philadelphia Area is approaching fast. Please bring your $20 deposit for the Highland Games to tonight's meeting.

This is a four-day trip leaving Wednesday 4/25 and returning Saturday Night 4/28. Details will be finalized and published ASAP.

Sea Base Opportunity

Jeff P. — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:58:48 GMT

Hello All,

There are still 3 slots open to go to Sea Base in Florida with some of the guys from Troop 12. Mr. Umar will be leading the expedition. The dates are 8/18 - 8/26. Sounds like it's going to be a great trip. Please let me know ASAP if you have any interest and I'll fill you in on details.

Mr. P

Tonight's Meeting 3/19

Jeff P. — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:07:17 GMT

Hello All,

Sorry for the late notice...

We will be meeting tonight at the Benson Street Green (across from the old Benson Street Train Station). Everyone is invited to show up starting at 6:30 to help prepare the community gardens for planting. If possible, please bring some gardening tools such as rakes, hoes and garden shovels. The meeting may not last until 9:00.

See you all there

Jeff

Upcoming Events

Jeff P. — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:25:06 GMT

Hello All,

As most of you know we're planning to do some hiking on the Appalachian Trail this coming weekend 3/17 - 3/18. I'm hoping some dads would like to join us for this one. Give me a call or e-mail if you'd like details.

On a separate note A Lot To Grow (Glen Ridge Community Garden) has asked Troop 55 for some help in getting their gardens ready at the Benson Street Green. We're looking for volunteers to show up Friday afternoon around 4:00 PM to spend a few hours prepping the site and then we're planning to hold our weekly Monday meeting at the site starting at 7 or so on Monday. Both days are open to everyone and I'm encouraging you all to bring the whole family. If you come, please bring gardening gloves and gardening shovels if you have them.

See you there,

Jeff

Boy Scout Meeting Cancelled Tonight!

Jeff P. — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:46:55 GMT

Hello All,

I just received word from the school that the custodian is sick tonight and the school will not be open. Therefore, the normally scheduled meeting (3/5/12) will be cancelled. We'll see you all next Monday.

Jeff

Summer Camp and other things

Jeff P. — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 02:59:43 GMT

Hello
It is time to start planning the summer believe it or not! We will once again be attending scout summer camp at No-Be-Bo-Sco. We are officially reserved for week 4 at No-Be-Bo-Sco. The dates are 7-22-12 through 7-28-12. If paid before April 15 the cost will be $355 for the week. After 4/15 the cost goes up to $385. I would love to have an idea about how many children will be attending so please let me know where you stand on this. paulafields@yahoo.com

In my new position as treasurer, I will also be responsible for collecting monies for annual dues and trips. Annual dues are currently due and we have also had 2 camping trips in the new year. If you do not know what you owe please send me an email and I will let you know. In addition to the 2 trips and annual dues, we are also collecting $20 per scout to pay for a new closed trailer to be used on our camping trips.

Thank you
Paula Fields (Skorupski)
paulafields@yahoo.com

Tomorrow's Meeting 2/26

Jeff P. — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:57:17 GMT

Hello All,

Tomorrow we will be holding a special meeting for the leadership cadre of troop 55. If you are not in a leadership position i.e. patrol leader or a Star rank or above you should not attend. Regular meetings will resume Moday, March 5.

Thanks,

Jeff