UPDATE 6/2

***GETTYSBURG CAMPOUT HAS BEEN CANCELLED***

The Troop Leadership Team held a Zoom discussion on 5/30 following the SKC announcement to cancel all summer camps and made the decision to cancel the Gettysburg Campout as well.  This is due to the continuing COVID mitigation restrictions, current park closures, and assessment of potential risk and complexity.  This was not an easy decision and I know it is very disappointing, but I know we will move forward with other activities over the summer as time and restrictions permit. We will plan on potentially holding this next summer depending on what the Troop decides.

YIS,

Mr. Walczak

Scouts and Scouters of Troop 418–

I hope everyone is doing well as we continue to navigate COVID-19.  I know there's a lot to think about, but the Troop Leadership is trying to make sure we stay on top of things as we navigate the Troop events and beyond.

There's still a lot of uncertainty about the upcoming Gettysburg Campout June 22-26, and being the leader in charge of the event, I'm working on determining the best course of action to make sure everyone is safe and that there is minimal disruption to our lives should the campout take place.  At this point, we continue to plan for the event. I'll continue to monitor the state of Ohio/Pennsylvania movement restrictions, PA State Parks and Gettysburg Battlefield Visitor Center opening timing and safety guidelines, BSA guidelines, and the self-quarantine rules for us upon returning.  Of course, I will not do this in a vacuum, and this is where you come in.

I need to know ASAP if you are STILL PLANNING on attending the Gettysburg Campout if we have a green light to go by all the requisite authorities.  Please RSVP or check your RSVP status in TroopTrack for accuracy ASAP so that I can get an accurate, updated headcount as to you or your Scout's intentions on going at this time. Once I have a confirmed list of those still interested in going, I will use that group list as the main contact list for planning and notifications moving forward. I will assume your response is accurate by next Saturday, May 23rd.

I know there's a difference of opinion with society as to COVID-19, so we need to gauge whether enough you and your Scout feels comfortable going, and your RSVP will help gauge this. I want to make it absolutely crystal clear that the safety of your Scouts and everyone involved is the Troop's main concern, and we need to mitigate risk AND be able to have fun at the same time.  These are unprecedented times, which makes planning complicated.  If you wish to ask questions or give me comments about the event planning, PLEASE feel free to email me at randkwalczak@att.net.  Your feedback is very important.

Thanks for all you do for Scouting!  

Mr. Walczak

randkwalczak@att.net

614.743.6718

ORIGINAL INVITATION

"Yes, we'll rally round the flag, boys…shouting the battle cry of freedom!"

Scouts and Scouters of Troop 418–

Come experience and reflect upon the events that occurred at the battle of Gettysburg as we hike through Gettysburg National Military Park.  This will be an adventure unlike any other as we spend three full days touring the battlefield, learning about the key events and major players for both the Union and Confederacy during this pivotal battle of the Civil War.  There will be camping, hiking, touring of the battlefield…and plenty of stories and reflection. This should not be missed!

The event will take place Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26, with Monday and Friday being travel days and three days visiting Gettysburg. Not only do we expect to intensely tour the events of Gettysburg, but we will also work on appropriate merit badges. We are also planning on incorporating the Historic Trails Program…stay tuned for more details.

At this time, we are still in the main planning stages.  I am thinking on planning to camp at the group camp at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, within which crosses the famous Appalachian Trail and is a mere 30 minutes from Gettysburg. This may change as we enter into further discussion as a Troop, but there are many advantages in staying at a full-facility state park campground over the primitive McMillian, not the least of which includes showers and a beach for swimming during the hot days we'll experience. 

Please RSVP so that we can get an accurate head count to plan accordingly. We will especially be in need of drivers, so adults are encouraged to attend as well.  At this time, we will not hold you to any RSVP, but it's important to gauge interest.

There will be more details to come as we solidify our plans as a group. I will send out additional details and changes accordingly as we agree to them.  For now, please go ahead and save the dates and begin your plans. Again, submit your RSVP even if you THINK you plan on coming and might change your mind later.

This is going to be one of our biggest Troop campout events in years, and I hope everyone will come.

YIS,

Rob Walczak

614-743-6718

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PineGroveFurnaceStatePark/Pages/default.aspx 

https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm 

https://newbirthoffreedom.org/programs/gettysburg-historic-trails/