Thanks to the 27 scouts and 9 leaders who helped out with summer camp at Kreitenstien last week. The boys had a great time an overcame some challenges such as not having running water for drinking and for showers!
Camp Krietenstein is a smaller camp than our typical Camp Ransburg. This means a few fewer program offerings but program areas are closer together. Troop 183 was by far the largest troop in camp this past week (around 40 vs a total of perhaps 80 total campers). Scouts and leaders made some of these comments about camp:
- We enjoyed everything being closer together at a smaller camp
- It was frustrating that the Firecrafter area wasn’t organized and staffed like Ransburg
- Food was great!
- The flexibility of a smaller camp staff made us feel welcome and allowed some scouts to pick up merit badges during the week that they didn’t sign up for ahead of time.
- It was frustrating for things to be so hot and humid outside and the showers to be out!
- The humidity really made it hard for the Firecrafters to pop a spark!
Compliments to all the scouts at summer camp on great behavior at Golden Corral and throughout the week.
Advancement:
Summer camp was good for rank advancement for several scouts!
- Scout: Arron (American Dragons)
- Second Class: Ganner (Ballistic Zombies)
- Second Class: Daniel (The Patrol)
- Life: Holden (Biohazard Bacon)
Announcements:
- Sign-up for collecting food for Cullen’s Eagle Project. Availability every Saturday in July. See other email from him for info.
- Doug Khulman has Activity Uniforms (T-Shirts) for anyone who didn’t pick up up already. See him at a troop meeting or make other arrangements with him.
- Lost and found items from summer camp are available. Issac is looking for a blue BSA water bottle left at camp.
- Drew, Jack, Mark, and adult Dan Monnin are currently at SeaBase doing the Out Island adventure with Troop 103 from Cicero. Have fun and come home safely!
Thank you to Mason (new scribe) for taking announcement notes. Happy 18th birthday to AJ (who has now aged out)!
If you have detail for your announcement, please give it to Mason (the scribe) which will help get all the detail into his notes. We will be working to have the scribe take notes at meetings, the historian (Adam) post detail after our outings, and the webmaster (Mark) put the information on the website.
Advancement:
Announcements:
- Joey Eagle Project, Hinkle Creek Elementary (ball field), June 2 and June 9, Build a shed
- Alex Eagle Project, June 8, Janus
- Swim test on Sunday, Carmel High School, May 20, 1:30 – 5:00 pm (bring goggles)
- T-Shirt design contest (Troop summer camp shirt), due soon (next week?)
- Capture the Flag campout, June 1-3, location TBD
- Cullen announced: Food backpack Service Project, Ivy Tech Building On Conner Street
May 23, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
- Strawberry Festival:
- Setup: June 15, 9-10:39am
- Tear-Down: June 16, 4:30-6pm
Parents! We need more volunteers! What would you like to help with? We could use merit badge counselors, committee members (volunteer/service chair, membership chair), assistant scoutmasters (leading weekend events, assisting scouts in leadership). Talk to a leader and let them know you’d like to help!
Advancement:
- Life: Mason C. (Crazy Ninjas)
- Elected troop officers were sworn in
- SPL: Parker
- ASPLs: Phillip and Ben G.
- New Patrol Leaders
- Appointed Positions (Cabinet):
- Scribe: Mason
- Historian: Adam
- Librarian: Grant
- Quartermaster: Ben P.
- Chaplain’s Aide: Zach W.
- Webmaster: Mark
- Outdoor Ethics Guide: JC
- OA Rep: Mason (continuing)
- Troop Guide: Hunter (continuing)
- Instructor: Jacob
- Totin’ Chip
- Carter, Aaron, Juan, Mason W., Adam
- Firem’n Chit
- Carter, Aaron, Juan, Mason W., Adam, Hunter, AJ, Mark, Phillip, Jacob, Henry W., Ganner
Announcements:
- Joey Eagle Project, 2 weekends, June 2 and June 9
- AJ’s Court of Honor, May 19, St. Michaels, 2-4pm, everyone in the troop is invited
- Strawberry Festival:
- Setup: June 15, 9-10:39am
- Tear-Down: June 16, 4:30-6pm
- Need to pick next year’s summer camp location
- Troop voted to choose between returning to Camp Krietenstein and Camp Ransburg.
- Troop chooses Ransburg!
- Mason’s group was the Cook-off winner with a S’Mores Pie entry
- Thank you to AJ for his service. Grumpy awarded him an Adult Application (he ages out this week).
For Drivers:
- Arrive between 6-7:30 at camp K. We will be staying in Cherokee campsite. (Camp K Site Map)
- Camp Kikthawenund – 7651 W 500 N, Frankton, IN 46044 (Map)
- Take IN-37 (or IN-19 or IN-13) north until Scout Camp Road / W 500 N.
- Camp is 1 mile east.
- Note that there is a roundabout going in at Strawtown which would affect the route for many of us headed to Camp K:
- https://www.in.gov/indot/3573.htm
Strawtown Ave & IN-37 (intersection just south of White River) Map
- Website says IN-37 will be open with a light controlling alternating one-way traffic at the roundabout spot. Alternate routes would be north on IN-19 or IN-13 then East on W 500 N until you reach the camp (see graphic below).
- Break camp at 10am Sunday. Drivers to pick up scouts at Camp K.
For Scouts:
- Pack for small chance of rain and weather from 50-75 degrees.
- New scouts will work on Tenderfoot requirements with Phillip, Hunter, and Jacob.
- New leaders will be instructed on Leadership Skills assisted by more experienced scout leaders.
- Scouts under first class will have an opportunity to work on rank advancement Friday night and parts of Saturday.
- A camp chair will be important for the training classes.
- New scouts will be encouraged to set up and sleep in a tent to meet a Tenderfoot requirement.
- The trailer will be at CampK should you need a tent. First priority will go to the youngest scouts.
- Camping Checklist
- Bring your handbook and a notebook for notes.
For New Scout Parents:
- The troop has reserved a cabin (Remy Cabin) for our use Saturday night.
- It has bunks with a pad – bring a sleeping bag and pillow.
- Bring a camp chair for training as well as killing time around the campfire.
- Arrive at camp at 9am and plan to stay the night (in a cabin or a tent, your choice).
- Food will be provided.
- Troop Instructor Phillip B. will be leading the new scout training assisted by Troop Guides Hunter and Jacob. Please have your scout report to Phillip with his gear (still packed) to begin.
For Leaders:
- Bob and Dave will lead the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) assisted by older scouts who have been through the training.
- Tim is organizing the new parent training and will use our leaders to talk about key information for the troop as well as some scout skill demonstrations.
- Matt Levy is grubmaster. Please help him as needed. There is a Dutch Oven cracker barrel Saturday night. Bring ingredients and your oven if you’d like to participate. The troop has a small number of Dutch ovens available.
Direction from the church to Camp K with construction marked and two alternate routes (north on IN-19 or IN13)
April 30:
Advancement:
The troop held elections at this meeting. For the patrols and the troop, the current assistant passes into the leader position and the election is for the assistant position (who is then in line to become the leader).
Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) → Patrol Leader (PL)
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) → Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
Here are the results of the election:
- Troop Leadership:
- ASPL Parker becomes the new SPL-elect (Jessie had previously withdrawn from the succession process).
- Two new ASPLs elected: Ben G. and Phillip B.
- Other leadership positions are appointed and require an application in order to be considered.
- American Dragons: PL: Troop Guide Hunter, Adam elected APL
- Ballistic Zombies: PL: Ganner, Peyton elected APL
- Crazy Ninjas: PL: Henry, Matthew elected APL
- Biohazardous Bacon: PL: Owen, JC elected APL
- Question Mark: PL: Kaleb, Joey elected APL
- Flaming Marshmallows: PL, APL: Daniel
These positions will be official once the individuals have been sworn in on May 6. A big thank you to all the out-going leaders including AJ and Jessie and the current patrol leaders!
Announcements:
Next up is our New Scout Campout and Leadership Weekend. Tim Sherrill is the adult leader in charge and Matt Levy will be camp grubmaster. Matt will need help cooking and cleaning. Please step up as he needs help. See the bullet below where you can cook a dutch oven dessert.
All new scouts and at least one parent are expected to participate at the new scout skills campout this weekend.
- Friday, 6pm: Experienced scouts make camp at Camp K (Kikthawenund). The troop will have a cracker barrell snack so the scout should have already eaten dinner.
- Saturday, 9am: New Scouts and parents arrive. New scouts will finish any remaining Scout rank items and complete on all but 2 Tenderfoot requirements. Cabin accommodations are available for parents to stay Saturday night. Parents will attend training on how the troop operates. This is ESSENTIAL information! Adults should have a camp chair for our discussion time.
- Saturday will be leadership training for our new leaders. Any elected scout leader or one who has submitted a leadership application should attend this training led by Dave Waseman and Bob Latini. New scouts should all attend the scout training, not the leadership training.
- Saturday evening cracker barrel will be a contribution from anyone who would like to make a dutch oven dessert.
- Sunday 10am: break camp after a Scouts’ Own Service
April 16:
Advancement:
Announcements:
- Service: Walk for Williams (see Scoutbook Event for full details)
- The Walk for Williams is a charity walking event that will both raise funds and awareness for the Williams Syndrome Association.
- Forest Park in Noblesville. Registrations begins at 1:00pm; walk begins at 1:30.
- Boy Scouts will be needed to help with registration, chaperone participants, assist with staffing the various attractions and serve as go-betweens and messengers for the WSA officials. Scouts would need to arrive between 12:30-12:45 to check in, and should plan on participating for approximately 2.5-3 hours, which may include some clean-up once the walk has concluded.
- Spring Camporee: Packing List
- Troop Elections next week.
- Elected and appointed leaders will need to attend the May 5 Troop Scout Leader Training at Camp K (combined with new scout campout).
- New Scout / Scout Skills / Leadership Training
- Camp K, May 4-6
- $24 for scouts and adults (Friday – Sunday)
- $20 for new scouts and new scout parents (Saturday/Sunday)
Southern Indiana has some great hiking and backpacking (plus horseback riding or mountain biking).
Ransburg Scout Reservation is inside DNR-protected State Forest. The DNR has a great page covering Backpacking in Indiana. Several long trails exist, but the preeminent trail is the Knobstone Trail which is over 60 miles long.
BACKPACKING IN INDIANA
Backpacking combines hiking and camping, two of the most popular outdoor recreation activities. Indiana has a few scenic trails for backpacking. Other states may have longer and more popular backpacking trails, but Indiana’s trails satisfy many backpackers’ need for adventure and solitude. These trails can be perfect for a beginner’s first trek, as preparation for a longer backpacking trip, or for providing seasoned veterans with a backcountry escape.
Know Before You Go
Where to Go
Below you will find a listing of trails in Indiana that are at least 10 miles long, have a natural surface, and have a least one camping option along or near the trail. Camping options may include backcountry camping, camping shelters, designated primitive camp sites, or access to a campground. Some of the trails are multi-use so hikers may encounter mountain bikers or horses. All the trails listed below are managed by either Indiana State Parks, Indiana Division of Forestry, or the Hoosier National Forest. Each agencies policies may differ, so be sure to research their rules and regulations before hitting the trail. Also please note that some properties in this listing have a gate and/or camping fees.
DNR Trails
- Adventure Hiking Trail
25 Miles
Harrison-Crawford State Forest
(812) 738-7694
O’Bannon Woods State Park
(812) 738-8232
- Adena Trace Loop
25 Miles
Brookville Lake
(765) 647-2657
(765) 647-2658
- Bloodroot Trail
13 Miles
Salamonie Lake
(260) 468-2125
- Knobstone Trail
60 Miles
Jackson-Washington and Clark State Forests
(812) 358-2160
- Low Gap Trail
10 Miles
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
(765) 342-4026
- Tecumseh Trail
42 miles
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
(765) 342-4026
Yellowwood State Forest
(812) 988-7945
- Three Lakes Trail
10 Miles
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
(765) 342-4026
Hoosier National Forest Trails
- Birdseye Trail, 11.8 Miles
- Charles C. Deam Wilderness, 37.3 total miles
- German Ridge Trail, 24 miles
- Hickory Ridge Trail, 48.7 miles
- Mogan Ridge Trails,* 19 miles
- Oriole Trails,* 13.7 miles
- Shirley Creek Trail, 19.4 miles
- Spring Valley Trail, 12.7 miles
- Two Lakes Loop Trail, 15.7 miles
- Young’s Creek Trail, 12.7 miles
*Includes both East and West Trails
Hoosier National Forest
(812) 275-5987
1-866-302-4173
Advancement:
(Thanks to Mark S. for taking notes as I was not at this meeting)
March 26:
- Tenderfoot: Peyton M. (Ballistic Zombies)
April 9:
- Second Class: Grant I. (Ballistic Zombies)
- First Class: Henry W. (Crazy Ninjas)
- Issac, JC, Grant received merit badges from Court of Honor
- Chase M. received his Eagle Scout kit
Announcements:
- Need Scoutbook help? Check out the guide attached at the end.
- Service Opportunity: Herb Society, email Mr. Plunkett
- Spring Camporee in 2 weeks. Need everyone’s help! Details here. Scoutbook RSVP
- New Scout / Scout Skills / Leadership Training Campout:
- Leadership Elections
- Applications due April 16 (see files below)
- Elections for 2x ASPL, assistant patrol leaders for most patrols
- Other positions appointed
- Newly elected leaders must attend Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) at new scout campout May 5.
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March 19
Advancement
- Court of Honor — congratulations to all the scouts!
- About a dozen rank advancements, at least one in each rank!
- 42 merit badges awarded!
- Friends of Scouting
Announcements
- April 9 Scoutbook Training — Strongly encouraged for new parents
- How to use Scoutbook, especially for parents new to 183, but helpful for any parent who needs a refresher or has questions.
- Camp cards — sign up, questions go to Lisa Bowers
- T-Shirt sign-up, due now!
- Women’s cut available this year
- High Adventure – scouts need to choose a destination for fall break. Save the date!
- World Scout Jamboree – end of summer 2019, the World Jamboree comes to the US every 50 years or so!
- Spring Camporee Dry-Run (Friday / Saturday)
- Permission slips due immediately
- Sign-up to help (respond to CJ’s email), this is an all-in activity for the troop
- Thank-you from Noblesville Police Station about our gift of popcorn to them
- Summer Camp
2018 Krietenstein Summer Camp
Troop 183 will be attending Krietenstein Summer Camp in 2018. Please see below for important information. We will be at camp Sunday 06-24-2018 to Saturday 06-30-2018.
Please get your class selections to Scoutmaster Grumpy immediately!
Krietenstein Packing List
From Scoutmaster Grumpy to the scouts:
First, do not let your parents pack your stuff. Here is the recommended things to bring to camp. There is also on the list things not to bring. If you bring snacks, you are only allowed one gallon zip lock bag of snacks in you pack. NO NUTS ALLOWED ( ALL NUTS) as Snacks or Snacks containing NUTS.
We also recommend you put your stuff in a tote bin. It’s easy for us to pack the trailer and as well keep your tent organized.
What to Bring
- Full Scout Uniform for evening meals, campfires, and flag lowering. Swim trunks shall not be worn to the Dining Hall. Neckerchief and slide are not required.
- Clothes, underwear and socks for at least six days, Please change your underwear(This will please your mother).
- Jacket, sweater or sweatshirt
- 2 Pairs of Swimming trunks
- Gold Bond or Monkey Butt powder to reduce chafing, redness, soreness, and itching from the rear, feet, and more.
- Comfortable hiking boots, athletic shoes, and if the Scout is planning to work on any boating merit badges, he will need a pair of shoes that can be worn in the water.
- Poncho or raincoat
- Belt
- Backpack or duffel bag
- Water bottle or canteen – bring one of these two items even if you bring a Camelback or Platypus hydration device
- Sleeping bag or blanket and small pillow
- Toilet kit (toothbrush, towel, soap, comb, etc.)
- Notebook, pencil, pen, and your SCOUT HANDBOOK.
- Totin’ Chip
- Sunscreen and insect repellent (non-aerosol)
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Watch, first aid kit, camera, sewing kit, religious materials
- Folding pocket knife (Scouts are encouraged to bring a pocket knife with a locking blade.
Blades cannot be more than 3 inches long).
- Medication Form and prescription medicine in its original container contained inside of a clear zip-lock bag.
- Money around $50 is recommend for the following. A refillable gift card from the scout shop works well. Ask a leader about it.
- Money required to purchase merit badge projects from the Trading Post. A list of the merit badges for which there are costs involved can be found on the merit badge class schedules.
- Money for snacks or souvenirs.
ABSOLUTELY NO VIDEO GAMES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE ALLOWED. IF BROUGHT TO CAMP, THEY WILL BE CONFISCATED.
Cell Phones are permitted. As long as they are used in a positive way as a tool (like Clock, Stop watch, Compass, looking up information for classes, and taking pictures). NO TEXTING HOME without a leaders approval. This helps to build confidence and independence. Remember there is no way to charge it. No calling home without a leaders approval. If you need to call home the Leaders have Phones if they deem it worthy of a call home.
