Family Canoe Trip
May 14-16, 2010
Every member of Troop 59 and his family (including siblings with adult supervision) is invited to attend the annual Troop 59 Family Canoe Trip in May. It is important for experienced and new Scout families to attend and it gives everyone a chance to observe Scouts working together as patrols. The campfire Saturday night features a special ceremony welcoming new Scouts into the troop. We look forward to seeing each and every member of the troop in camp and on the river.
You will not want to miss this event even if you have never canoed before. Come even if "no room service" is your idea of roughing it!
Register online! You will need a username and password.
Date: Friday May 14 through Sunday May 16, 2010.
Location: Niangua River in Central Missouri, near Bennett Springs. We will camp in the Scout area at the Niangua River Oasis (NRO) Campground – www.nrocanoe.com. Maps will be available at departure.
Camping and Cooking: The Scouts meals will be planned, purchased and prepared by them as patrols in their own separate camping area of the campsite. Meals for all non-scouts on Saturday and Sunday will be planned, purchased and prepared by experienced Troop 59 Niangua Chefs, who will also prepare the dessert for everyone Saturday night. All non-scouts will camp in the adult patrol area of the campsite. Non-scout preferences for beef or chicken for the Saturday evening meal should be noted on the registration form. Saturday lunch will be on the river. Sunday lunch will be a quick no-fire meal in camp prior to departure. NOTE: No meals will be prepared on Friday. Everyone should take a sack lunch for Friday night.
Registration: Deadline is usually about 3 weeks prior to the trip. The lead-time is necessary so that we can reserve the appropriate number of canoes and purchase the correct amount of food. Information about canoeing and swimming ability are required in order to match crews and to assign crews to an appropriate group. In addition, driver/insurance information is required separately from this online registration process in order to obtain the tour permit required by the Heart of America Council. The annual canoe trip is a family event. Non registered youth/young adults must be accompanied by a parent.
Canoe Crew and Group Assignments: Each canoe holds a crew of two and may include a third person (Rider) sitting in the middle. Groups are made up of approximately 10 crews. Safety is the first consideration for these assignments. Every first year Scout is paired with an older Scout and travels with a group of Scouts for instructional purposes. Family members are kept together when possible. Crew and group assignments will be posted Friday night so please check the board. Adjustments to the assignments may be requested if you have a really good reason. Changes in crew assignment must not jeopardize the safety of the crew or group. The decision of the Crew Boss is final!
Cost:
Canoe Rental - $40.00 per person for every person canoeing – Family and Scouts. No fee for a child 12 and under riding as a third person in canoe with parent(s). The fee covers canoeing on Saturday and Sunday regardless of whether you canoe both days.
Food - $20.00 per adult, $15.00 for children 12 years of age and under. This covers three meals on Saturday plus a dessert after the ceremony, and two meals on Sunday. NOTE: Food for Scouts - Patrols will plan, buy and, prepare their own meals. Cost is usually $3.00 to $3.50 per meal. Scouts between 18 and 21 may choose to register/eat as a Scout and eat with their old patrol or the Guiding Eagles, or they may register/eat as an adult and participate in the Old Goats' duty roster.
Travel/Drivers: We will leave Lawrence from the First Presbyterian Church on Friday at approximately 5:30 pm. and return to the Church at approximately 6:00 pm on Sunday. Upon return we will unload the troop gear. All Scouts must wear Class A uniforms while traveling (both ways). Drivers are needed. We need cars to transport scouts and pickups or vans to haul equipment. Drivers of vehicles transporting Scouts must be 21 years of age and have complete insurance information on file with the troop. All Scouts must wear seat belts.
Swimming and water safety: Everyone will wear a life jacket while on or near the river. There are no exceptions to this rule! Additionally, as a safety precaution, any non-swimmer, either Scout or family member must have an adult or partner, in the same canoe, who can swim. The canoe outfitters will provide flotation vests for all who canoe. Valuables should not be taken in canoes.
Duty Roster: Each patrol, including the Old Goat patrol will post a duty roster for the weekend which includes meal preparation, cooking, clean up, and striking camp. An adult leader meeting will be held Friday night at approximately 11:00 pm. (after camp is set) to review the duty roster and weekend itinerary. All adults are welcome. All adult men are expected to attend.
Personal equipment: Each person needs to provide: Camping gear, including blanket roll or sleeping bag, eating utensils, cup and plastic plate or flat bowl, canteen, poncho or rain gear, hat, sun screen, sunglasses, bug repellent, dry clothes - 2 sets plus dry shoes to wear on the trip home, and other personal items. Shorts or swimsuit, t-shirts, old shoes are recommended for the river. No flip flops or slide sandles on the river. Gear can be in a pack, duffel, plastic bag, etc. Gear will not be transported on the river so nothing special is required. Families are encouraged to bring their own tents. If you do not have a tent, the troop will try to provide one or help you locate one. The troop will provide tents for Scouts and cooking gear for everyone. Folding chairs are highly recommended.
Miscellaneous
Power of Attorney and troop registration: All Scouts must have troop dues and membership registration paid and a new Power of Attorney on file with the troop to attend. Notary service is available at most troop meetings.
Pop: Troop 59 camping rules prohibit pop on regular campouts. However, since this is a family campout, both Scouts and families are welcome to bring their own soft drinks. A nearby "trading post sells pop, ice and snacks.
Stop: Do not bring alcohol, non-prescription drugs, or fireworks. These items are strictly prohibited. Smoking in the presence of Scouts is strongly discouraged.
Showers: Showers are located near the trading post. Warm water may exist for the very early bird.
Rain Plan/Cancellation: We will go rain or shine. We will canoe in the rain unless it is lightening. In the event we are unable to canoe, alternative, activities will be available. No refunds will be made on food costs after the food has been purchased. Refunds will be made on canoe rental if the canoe is not used. As indicated above the canoe fee covers two days of canoe rental. No refund will be given for only one day usage.
Advancement: This event is important to new members of the troop. The Official Troop 59 neckerchief is awarded at the special campfire ceremony Saturday on Saturday night. Young men who may someday join the troop will not attend the ceremony; adults and female siblings are welcome to attend. Scouts unable to attend the canoe trip will receive the neckerchief at the troop meeting after we return.
Trip Fee And Registration: Make check payable to Troop 59. If you do not have access to the internet at home, please drop in at a Troop meeting during the month of April and we will help you register online during the Troop meeting.