Summer Camp is one of the best things about Boy Scouts. It's one of the best ways to get through advancements and merit badges quickly, but more importantly, it will provide your son will wonderful experiences he will remember throughout his life.

This year, Troop 650 will be going to Camp Tahquitz, one of the biggest and best Scout Camps in California. Run by Long Beach Council, it's located 6,500 feet up in a pine forest in the Barton Flats area of the San Bernardino Mountains. There's a lake, a pool, horsebacking riding, a climbing tower and much, much more. The attached flyer will provide you with more details. (I also bring these flyers to the meetings, so you can pick one up there, too).

The cost is $325 per Scout, which covers camping fees, transportation, meals and most all activities. We would like to get a $25 deposit by February 10th, and then $100 by April 21st and $200 by June 2nd. If you need to work out a different payment schedule, please let me know.

We'll be leaving for camp on Sunday, the 4th of July, and returning on Saturday, July 10th. Parents are welcome to attend camp as well. We will expect you to assist with supervision, which usually means accompanying your son and his friends to the various program areas. This gives parents a unique opportunity to observe the Scouting program in action and spend quality time with your son. There are special adult activities too, and the leaders often have as much fun as the boys do.

The signup sheets for summer camp and other upcoming campouts are always on hand at the meetings. If you can't get to a meeting but still want to sign, please let us know. FYI, upcoming activities on the calendar include:

Sat 2/13-Mon 2/15: Campout at Joshua Tree (lots of advancement work planned)

Fri 3/19-Sun 3/21: Campout at the new Boy Scout facility in Orange - the Outdoor Education Center (advancement and other activities)

Fri 4/16-Sun 4/18: Camporee in Los Alamitos. Some of our boys will compete in the team skills competions. Troop 650 is running one of the Webelos events, and we're hoping to recruit some new members for our troop.

Sat 5/15 - Scout-o-Rama at Oak Canyon Park

Sat 6/12 - Court of Honor Picnic. Location TBD, but close by.

See you soon.
Colleen Cleveland
Cell: 310-386-3644