NORTHERN TIER UPDATE:
We have filled our minimum crew sizes, with the addition of two individuals not listed in the RSVPs: Sam Schley, going as a registered adult; and Anthony Chobot (from Troop 37) will be joining us. IF YOU HAVE BEEN UNDECIDED AND WANT TO GO, THERE ARE A FEW MORE SEATS WE CAN FILL; BUT THIS IS THE TIME TO LET US KNOW.
Yours in Scouting ?
Mike Schley, SM
BSA Troop 26
805-689-9818
THIS INVITATION IS GOING TO ALL SCOUTS WHO MEET THE AGE REQUIREMENTS (14-17 ON 6/18/2024, OR 13 AND 8TH GRADE GRADUATE) PLUS OUR SCOUTS WHO WILL BE 18-20; THEIR PARENTS; and ADULT LEADERS.
If you are seeing this for the first time, it is probably because you or your Scout are fairly new to the Troop! Those who have been will tell you this trip will be one of your major lifetime memories, traveling 50+ miles by canoe in places where there is more water than land and all you hear is the paddles, the birds, and jumping fish.
We are short one Scout for the minimum for 2 Crews. We have enough adults, but have room for a few more. Please help us round out two crews so that every Scout who’s signed up can go!
When? June 18-26, 2024
What? A week of canoe-camping adventure on the Minnesota-Canada Boundary Waters. Each crew of 6-8 will plan its own excursion and have a dedicated Interpreter/Guide. The canoes (2 or 3 person) cover most of the trip (up to 60 or 70 miles) on the water, with portaging between waterways.
Where? Out of Ely, Minnesota, in the (U.S.) Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We will fly to Minneapolis and spend the night, then bus to Ely Base on the 19th. Canoeing 20th-25th. Return to S.B. on the 26th.
Costs: Approximately $1900 – $2200 per camper, payable in $500 increments: 2/17/2023, 9/1/2023, 1/1/2024, 3/1/2024. Financial aid may be available from Northern Tier and from Friends of Troop 26, see the Scoutmaster for more info.
Who? First priority is Scouts ages 14-17. Second priority is trained adult leaders, at least one per crew age 21+ with WFA, water safety and other required training. Third priority is Scouts who have become young adults (18-20), fourth is parents who are not trained leaders but willing to be helpful volunteers.
All participants must:
* Have Forms A,B,C including physician certificate of fitness for high adventure trip.
* Be certified swimmers, participate in the troop’s canoe trainings, and complete our 6+ month training program starting fall 2023. This expedition requires many hours each day of paddling. Each participant also must be able to carry (alone) a canoe (50 lbs.) or a bag weighing up to 80 lbs. for a distance up to a mile.
* Meet the height and weight requirements of Northern Tier (Advisor’s Handbook[/url], page 29)
The Scoutmaster is responsible to the troop for safety and for the success of the trip, and therefore has the last say on which participants will participate.
For more information, visit the informative Norther Tier site, review the Advisor’s Handbook (on the Northern Tier website), or contact Mr. Schley.