Friday, July 30, 2010

Friday's Jamboree Update

This morning started with a 5K run. We got up @ about 5:30 and most of the troop ran the Southern Region 5K with the others cheering us on. Then we had a light breakfast of cereal, muffins, yogurt & apples.

The Scouts then scattered to the four winds. I've heard about Buckskin Games, a confidence course, merit badge midway, bikeathon, aquatics and the ever popular patch trading.

Lunch was a grilled chicken sandwich and dinner was burgers and potato salad.

We are getting ready for a crowded Saturday and we are looking forward to the Arena Show tomorrow.

YIS,
Scoutmaster Roetz

Thursday's Jamboree Update

For a day that had nothing scheduled, the Scouts certainly were busy. Some guys went to the Buckskins Games, while others worked on Pathfinding. We had a couple of storm roll through, but they didn't last very long and everyone made out pretty well. Between the storms, 8 Scouts were able to earn their CPR cards.

For breakfast on Thursday, the Scouts made pancakes, eggs, & sausage. For dinner, the guys made a nice combination of mac & cheese, and Spam creation. For lunch, we had ham & cheese sandwiches.

Everyone is getting hydrated for the 5K run/walk in the morning. All of this walking this week has definitely prepared them for the 5K.

YIS,
Scoutmaster Roetz

Thursday, July 29, 2010

The First Arena Show

Today's Opening Arena Show was extremely entertaining and successful. I say entertaining because we heard from Sec. Of Defense Gates, Governor McDonald, and Miss USA (the guys really liked her) along with seeing the Golden Knights parachute team, the Air Force drill team, and an artillery team. I say successful because everyone stayed hydrated before and during the 3+ mile march, before and during the 2 1/2 hr show, and during the hike back. Even with the heat and crowds, no one had any issues.

It seems that the guys are getting enough food, as there are always left overs. The food is pretty good and the portions are very sizable.

We are looking forward to our first real open day where the guys can go explore.

YIS,
Scoutmaster Roetz

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Our first full day

Not surprisingly, Monday night was very quiet. After all the work the Scouts put in on Sunday and Monday, the were rewarded with a nice and cool night's sleep.

On Tuesday morning, most of the Scouts visited the Mysterium Compass. All of the Scouts I asked said that they enjoy it. Then we visited the technology quest where we were introduced to some of the latest breakthroughs.

Tomorrow, we have an arena show in the morning. Lots of walking and hydrating going on. We are all having a blast.

YIS,
Scoutmaster Roetz

FW: Troop Photo

What a great first day!

Well, folks. I just realized that I am going to be wearing out my exclamation mark key this week, but WOW!

Because of everything that you did getting your Scouts and Scouters ready, check-in was a breeze. We got the campsite set up and were able to sit a little.

Tomorrow, we have a full day scheduled for us.

All of the Scouts are doing well, and there is no post-taps chattering. We must have worked them pretty hard.

We'll see if we can get the photos out.

YIS,
Scoutmaster Roetz

Monday, July 26, 2010

We are on our way!

Well, we are on our way. We are just a bus ride, a check-in, and a camp set up from the experiencing all that the Jamboree has to offer.

Erich Roetz
Scoutmaster, Troop 1743
National Scout Jamboree
JamboTroop1743.bolgspot.com

The Jambo is finally here!

Even with the heat, the time out at Pipsico was productive and enjoyable.
Thank you all for your dedication.

The Jambo counter on the website is at Zero! We are ready to go! We will
have a blast and will come back with memories that will last a lifetime. If
there are folks who would like to visit, please e-mail me the night before
if you are able so we can coordinate with your Scout. If it is to be a
surprise, please let me know.

If I am able, I'll be e-mailing and updating the website
(http://jambotroop1743.blogspot.com/), so watch for news!

Thanks again for everything that you all have done supporting the Scouts and
the program.

Yours in Service,
Scoutmaster Erich Roetz
e-mail: eroetz@cox.net

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Jambo Schedule, Visitors, and other items

-Scouts will be on the go from 7am until 10:30pm each day.
-Please encourage your Scout to rest up this week so they will be prepared.
-Each day there will be a flag raising and lowering.
-Our Troop is scheduled to visit Technology Quest on Wednesday, July 28th, from 1-4pm. This is a high tech exhibit. The boys can bring their cell phones and learn about taking photos, programming, etc.
-Please encourage your Scout to check out the Jambo Guide they were given (a copy can be found at http://bsajamboree.org/filestore/jamboree/pdf/410-153.pdf). It is packed with information about their upcoming experience, including details regarding the action areas, merit badge midway and more. Over 100 of the Merit Badges are being offered. We have not received word on whether any of the "Historical" merit badges will be offered.

Cell Phones for Scouts:
-Cell Phones may be left with the SM.
-AT&T is offering cell coverage, Wi-Fi, and recharging stations
-There are also free tethered phone and computers available for scout use

Contacting your Scout:
-Scouts can be reached via mail at:
(Name)
Jamboree Troop 1743
Subcamp 17
2010 National Scout Jamboree
Bowling Green, Va 22428-1743

-Emergency Contact: Jambo Emergency Number: 804-633-2222

-Contacting Scoutmaster Erich Roetz
Scoutmaster Roetz is planning to have his cell phone on and available to receive calls each day, using the following schedule:
7:30am - 8:30am
11:00am - 1:00pm
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Cell number is 757-679-5580
-He is also going to try to check his e-mail account when he can: eroetz@cox.net.

Visitors: You may find the following link useful: bsajamboree.org/visitor.aspx
-Jambo is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except Saturday, July 31st (9am-11pm) and Sunday (1-5pm)
-Admission is $10 per person per day
-Visitors will receive an official visitors patch
-Like the Scouts, please wear comfortable shoes, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen
-The arena show is Saturday and expected to be very crowded. If you are visiting this day, arrive early, once the base capacity is reached, they will not allow additional visitors.
-If you are planning to visit and would like to meet up with your Scout, please try to e-mail Scoutmaster Roetz. He will let your Scout know when you will arrive. Generally, meeting at or about 9am at the campsite would be best.

Websites
There are several websites that are great sources of information while we are at Jambo. You might visit these:
-Bsajamboree.org
-Jambosubcamp17.com
-Jambotroop1743.blogspot.com (Scoutmaster Roetz will update as much as he is able)

JAMBO Equipment / Money

Boys' Life and Scoutmaster Roetz recommend the following items:
-Water Bottle (Scouts should drink at least 1 quart per hour - there is plenty of water available at camp)
-Sunscreen (SPF 30 or more, re-applied after every couple of hours)
-Hat (Will be issued)
-Hand Sanitizer
-Lip Balm
-Rain Gear / Poncho
-Personal First Aid Kit (Make sure it has Moleskin - blisters are very common)
-Large Garbage bag - it always rains at Jambo. Encourage your scout to put their personal items and sleeping bag in a garbage bag during the day when not in their tent. This will help keep things dry.
-Flashlight
-Jambo Map (this is in the Scout Guide and a copy is in the July issue of Boy's Life).  The Scout Guide is also available at http://bsajamboree.org/filestore/jamboree/pdf/410-153.pdf.
-Jambo ID (Scouts will receive an ID card on arrival on Monday - they must carry this with them at all times)
-Comfortable Walking Shoes - (the boys will be walking A LOT - most days 5 miles or more). Please make sure your scout's shoes fit properly and are close toe hiking or walking shoes. Crocs or flip flops are appropriate only as shower shoes.
***Please put your Scout’s name and Troop 1743 on each item he wishes to keep***

Trunks / Locks:
-It is recommended that your Scout packs in a footlocker style water-proof trunk. These are readily available at places such as Wal-Mart.
-The trunks should be a size that can easily fit under your scout's cot. The recommended size is approximately 14H X 16W X 32L
-Your Scout should have a combo lock on their trunk.
-Combinations should be written on a piece of paper and given to ASM Anne Bussiere on Sunday so she can keep them all in a book should your scout forget their combination. Locks that require a key should not be used.

Gear:
-The day packs, jackets, and hats have not come in yet, but should be here this week, we hope to issue them on Sunday when we pack up.
-The Jambo neckerchief and slide will be issued to your scout on arrival at Jamboree. This is the only neck wear authorized.

Money at Camp:
-The Scouts will want money at Jambo whether for food and drinks or souvenirs. All Jambo activities are included in the fee already paid.
There are many options, including:
-Cash: Scoutmaster Roetz will hold and lock up any cash you would like held on behalf of your Scout.
-Credit or Debit Cards
-Jambo Bucks (A gift card that can be purchased at www.scoutstuff.org) All vendors will accept this card.
-The Smart Bracelet (Available at www.bsajamboree.org). These are issued through Freedom pay. This is a waterproof wristband that includes a bar code for your Scout. Each purchase will be debited from the pre-paid balance and you can monitor sending online. Like Jambo Bucks, all vendors will accept this form of payment.

Uniforms while at the Jamboree

Scouts will be in official Boy Scout uniform at all times, either the Field Uniform or the Activity Uniform. The Field Uniform (formerly known as the Class A) consists of the official BSA shirt, Jambo T-shirt, uniform pants, shorts or bathing suit, socks, neckerchief, slide, and hat. The Activity Uniform (formerly known as the Class B) is the Jambo T-shirt, uniform pants, shorts or bathing suit, socks, and hat. Note that we will not receive the neckerchief and slide until we arrive at Ft. A. P. Hill.
Scouts will travel in their Field Uniform on Monday. They should wear their TAN Jambo T-shirt under their Field Uniform so that they are prepared to set up camp when we arrive.

Scouts will dress in their Field Uniform each day for morning and evening colors. During the day, Scouts will wear their Jambo T-shirts. Scout t-shirts from other activities / troops are not permitted outside of camp, but they are welcome to wear those T-shirts when in camp.
We will plan to do some laundry while at camp.

Upcoming Schedule of Events

Sunday, July 25th
-Meet at Pipsico at 1pm to load all troop and personal gear
-We expect that packing at Pipsico will take 1-2 hours.
-Two trucks are needed to get our gateway from ASM Steve Winters house in Virginia Beach to Pipsico. If you are able to help with this, please contact Erich.
-Scouts: If you have a chuckbox and cooking gear, please bring it with you on Sunday to Pipsico
-Bring your footlocker / trunk with your personal gear to load. Any larger items, such as camp chairs, fishing poles, etc, should also be brought on Sunday for packing on the semi. There is a fully stocked lake, so fishing should be good.

Monday, July 26th
-Meet at One Life Fitness at 7:30am
-OneLife Fitness is located behind the Regal Cinemas across from Greenbrier Mall. The address is 600 Jarman Road, Chesapeake, VA
-Scouts should have already packed their gear on the truck on Sunday and should only have their day pack with a snack, water, phone and/or MP3 player, book, etc.
-Scouts will wear their tan Jamboree T-shirt under their Field Uniform (Class A) shirt, along with the Scout shorts or pants and socks.
-In addition, please send your Scout with a canned pasta item that they can donate to the Subcamp 17 Food Drive Service Project supporting the homeless shelters of Caroline County, VA.

Wednesday, August 4th
-It is undetermined what time we will be permitted to leave Fort A P Hill
-We will first travel to Pipsico to unload the Troop gear
-Then the troop will travel back to OneLife Fitness in Chesapeake where you can pick up your Scout. You can expect a call from your Scout with an expected time of arrival.

Immediate Response Information System (IRIS)

The 2010 National Scout Jamboree will utilize a mass notification system to alert those signed up of emergency situations. The system is called IRIS, Immediate Response Information System, and will deliver alerts using several methods - phone, e-mail, SMS/text message, and pager. E-mail alerts will come from irisalert.com, and phone messages will be sent from a 281 number.
To receive an alert, follow these steps:
1. Go to https://www.irisdispatch.com/
2. Log in using "BSA" and your member ID with no spaces (your member ID is found on your BSA registration card; on your MyScouting account: select Profile and scroll to the bottom; your troop leader may have it; and your council registrar can look it up.) For example: BSA123456789.
3. The password is your last name (first letter uppercase, rest in lowercase letters).
4. The first column is your account information; some fields may be completed. Complete the other fields; you must also reset your password the first time you log in.
5. The second column is the contact information. Enter all information. If you decide you don't want to be notified via one of the means, you can deselect it at the bottom of the first column (Do Not Contact Options).
6. Save the information.
7. Return to this site to change your information at any time. Parents may also sign up to receive jamboree alerts, via this system - include the parent information with the attendee's contact information.

Please note, this system is not designed to respond to your inquiries or distribute additional information. The Jamboree Web site (http://www.bsajamboree.org/) will be utilized for further messages related to emergency situations.