We are gearing up for summer camp, and those people who are attending can find information attached to this e-mail (and another e-mail with more attachments) about the different steps we need to take to be prepared. See the end of this e-mail for all important DEADLINES related to Summer Camp Registration.

1. Dr. Golden asks that we please remember that... Scouts going to the Jamboree are strongly advised NOT to go to summer camp during the week before they leave for the national event... so please note the dates for summer camp (July 11-17) and the date the Scouts are leaving for the Jamboree (July 22) before you make your final decision about summer camp.

2. Please choose either five one-hour classes, or enough classes (some are 2 hours) to fill up the five one-hour time slots from 9am until 4pm. (No classes are offered between 12-2pm). The last hour of each day, from 4-5pm does not have to have a class, and many of the boys use this time for recreational swimming, fishing, resting, etc. The Merit Badge Scheduling Sheet will indicate how long each class is, and when the class is offered.

3. New Scouts can consider taking the Green Bar Program, which has all classes already organized throughout the day and helps the Scout advance toward their next rank.

Please try to have your class choices and alternate selections prepared to show to Dr. Golden at the Monday, March 15, meeting.

<< Click Here for the complete list of merit badges, schedules, and additional parent information >>

Summer Camp Deadlines for Troop 521

March 8 - Read the Parent Info Sheet and the listing of Merit Badges offered.  During the week of March 8-14, each family log on to  http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges.aspx to view information about any merit badges you want to take and make a list of your choices and a few alternate class choices.  PLEASE NOTE: All class choices/merit badge selections must be approved by the Scoutmaster before they can be submitted to Mrs. Gray.

March 15 - Show your class choices to Dr. Golden, and once he has approved them, hand in your class choices to Mrs. Gray - Receive a copy of the BSA Annual Health Medical Form ****Don’t forget to make an appointment for your physical.

March 29 - Early Bird registration fee of $30 per Scout is due. Make checks payable to Troop 521  (This early bird fee earns you an Early Bird patch, and a $20 discount—making the cost per Scout $175--, but if you need to pay later, you can pay the full price of $195.) - A Campership Request Form, which is a request for financial assistance, can be submitted with your $30 Early Bird registration fee. Please let Mrs. Gray know if you would like a form.

April 5-12 - We hope to have confirmation on what everyone’s final schedule will be…. Scouts should plan to borrow the correct merit badge books from the Troop Librarian, or purchase them from the Scout Shop, and begin reading them, and completing the pre-requisites.  Final schedules are not set until the July 1 10-day out meeting at which time the Troop receives copies of the actual assigned class schedules.  Adjustments can be made on site at Boxwell on the first day of camp.

April 26 - All BSA Annual Health Medical Forms are due to Troop 521. Those Scouts and Adults attending Jamboree must hand in the Jamboree Medical Form (with the Barcode) and all other Scouts and adults will use the regular form regardless of whether or not they are attending summer camp at Boxwell Reservation*.

May 24 - Remaining registration fees are due. Make checks payable to Troop 521.  Those who paid the Early Bird fee, your balance is $145. Those who didn’t, your total is $195. At this time, all Program Fees are due as well. Please check: http://www.mtcbsa.org/Youth/scout/camping/bs_summerprograms.html for a list of fees for the various Merit Badges and Activities, and include them with your payment.

*--A Medication Card must be filled in by the Scout’s parent and physician for any medication that the Scout will be taking while at camp. Please see Mrs. Gray if you need a copy of this form.