When: Please meet at the Worthington United Methodist Church at 5:00 pm, Friday, May 9, 2008 to load the gear; we’ll leave at 6:00pm and return at 1:00 PM, Sunday, May 11.

Travel: We’ll take the bus. Scouts will need to wear their Scout shirt on the bus.

Cooking will be by patrol, so boys working on 1^st Class cooking requirements should contact their Patrol leader to volunteer.

Canoes: the troop will bring council canoes / lifejackets / paddles. Boys who wish to canoe must be swim test qualified as described below.

Kayaks: we'll have some sit-on wide-bottom kayaks to dork around with, too. Swim test for this, also.

Bring:  Basic gear described in your Scout handbook for weekend camping, including rain gear and canteen. Have an extra change of clothing in case you get wet.  Arrange a tenting partner with someone from your patrol and bring a tent. The troop will provide cooking gear, lanterns, and dining fly.  Bring your own utensils, plate, bowl, and cup.  All gear must fit in bags or packs to go into the bus.

Swim Qualification: Boys who wish to canoe must pass the BSA Swimmer Test by one of the following methods, and provide a record of it: 1. Have earned the Canoeing, Swimming or Lifesaving merit badges; 2. Have passed the BSA Swim Test at summer camp or within the last year (since April of 2007); 3. Take the swim test at the Worthington Recreation Center. Ask Mrs. Gilligan or Mrs. Williams if you need to make arrangements for this.

Fishermen: Adults and boys 16 or older must have an Ohio fishing license to wet their lines.  If you need a license, get information from ODNR at http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/fishing_licenses.aspx and buy a license online with a credit card. Protective tubes for your fishing equipment are a good idea!  Bring your favorite lures.  We plan to also buy live bait locally on the way.

Airplane rides: We expect a possibility of taking short airplane rides over the AEP Recreation Lands, with a private pilot. Details from Mr. Meyer. Any Scout or leader wishing to participate must complete a special flying permission form, including signatures of parents and medical information. No paper, no fly.

Advancement you can work on: Fishing, Canoeing, Wilderness Survival, Cooking, Scout craft, Emergency Prep, Camping…

Road Food: Eat dinner before you come on Friday, and bring money to buy McDonalds type lunch on the bus ride home on Sunday.

Cost: $30.00. Cost includes food, canoe rental, and transportation.

Adults: Sign up on the permission slip and come camping, canoeing and fishing with your son.

Permission: Use our generic permission form; money and permissions to Cobra Patrol or to Mr. Battisti (985-5954).  Turn forms in by May 9 to Mr. Battisti or Mr. Roderick.