Boy Scout Troop 648 Scottsdale, Arizona

Hello Troop 648

I wanted to remind you that the 2017 National Jamboree is right around the corner. Really!

The National Jamboree is one of the most amazing experiences your Scout can have during their scouting career. In 2009, the BSA purchased 10,600 acres of property adjacent to West Virginia’s New River Gorge National River area in order to create the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The Summit is the new home of achievement, adventure, and innovation in Scouting. With world-class facilities and a focus on outdoor action sports, the Summit welcomed Scouts to a whole new jamboree experience during the summer of 2013. Whitewater rafting and kayaking, rock climbing and bouldering, and mountain biking are just a few of the activities offered at the Summit. There’s also skateboarding, BMX, shooting sports, and zip-line challenge courses. And that’s just the beginning…

The Grand Canyon Council has formed 7 troops specific for just the Jamboree. Your Scout can choose to be part of a troop that tours a few major cities prior to the Jamboree or just be part of the Jamboree. We have had two Scouts sign-up for Troop 3, Jamboree only.

I’m told signs-ups have been ramping up lately and all slots are near or may even be full. For more info and to register, please click here.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Scoutmaster T648

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Hello Troop 648

Some final comments for this weekend’s (March, 18-20) Family Campout!

• We have reserved the Gila Monster group site in Catalina State Park – approx 109 miles, about 1 hour 46 mins
  1. I-10 E, 85.7 mi
  2. Take exit 240 for Tangerine Rd
  3. Turn left onto W Tangerine Rd, 12.8 mi
  4. Turn right at E Innovation Park Dr, destination will be on the left, look for info on Gila Monster site, it’s in the Ringtail Loop area.
• We have the site from 2pm Friday to 2pm Sun
• If you park at the site, it’s $15/day. Please pay at the guardhouse. If you arrive after 5:30pm, there is a box next to the guardhouse where you can pay.
• Camping site has restrooms, showers
• Looks like there will be a contingent heading to Tombstone on Sat, so we can coordinate Friday night or Sat am. Some may be heading to the Biosphere as well.
• Group dinner on Sat night. Bring you entree and a side to share
• We will have opportunities for rank requirements. Please remind your Scout to BRING THEIR SCOUT BOOK!
• Temps should be in the mid 80s and lows in the mid 50s
• Can someone bring down some firewood for Sat night? If so, please let me know. You can pick it up from the church, east side of the shed.
• If you can’t make it, but your Scout would like to go, let me know. PLENTY of room so don’t let your Scout miss this great trip!

It’s shaping up to be a awesome weekend!

See you Friday night!

Scoutmaster T648

Hello Troop 648

We have landed an awesome (and reserved!) campsite at the Catalina State Park. This group site, Gila Monster, has a ton of space, a covered ramada, tables, BBQ stations, fire pits, bathrooms and even showers! There is a $65 fee for the site (which we can split after we confirm who will be there) and $15/night/vehicle charge. If you don’t need your vehicle right at the site, you can unload and drive out to the entrance of the park and I think there’s a Walmart nearby where you can park. Plenty of us to give you a ride back to the campsite.

One reason for the move was, unfortunately, that the Kartchner tours were completely sold out. We will be moving this opportunity forward in the calendar year and will keep you posted on the new date.

An added benefit (did I mention showers?!) of Catalina is that it’s about an hour closer to Scottsdale, so if you were on the fence about going or even if you want to join us for one day, come on down!

We are working on a list of fun things to choose from and will forward soon. The Biosphere 2 is a short drive away and I’m sure many of us will visit it. Additionally, there is a new zip line course that recently opened in Oracle and I’m working to see if we can get some discount. It’s a bit pricey, so we’ll see what they say. Also, LOTS of great hiking in the mountains.

Couple other quick reminders:

• Bring you own food and drinks (don’t forget water)
• Saturday night we will have our Troop cookout. Bring your entree and then something to share for a modified pot luck. There are about 21 of us attending, but your ‘share’ dish does not need to feed that many.
• We will bring charcoal for those that want to grill something and a 2-burner stove if you don’t have your own stove.
• We need a volunteer to bring some firewood. We have firewood at the church and I have some as well, just need some one to take it down.
• Temps are expected to be high 80s in the day, mid 50s at night
• Tons of space for our motor home, camper families

More info to follow.

See you tonight!

Scoutmaster T648

Hello Troop 648

In the latest installment of ‘Where Are They Now? Troop 648’s very own Michael (Mikey) Finnegan, Eagle Scout #39 (March 8, 2012) was recently elected Student Body President for the University of Arizona. Mikey, who is currently Chief of Staff for the current term president, won by a landslide 72.25% vs. 27.75% for his opponent.

Congratulations Mikey!

Remember: if you have a story or information about a Troop 648 scout, drop me a line so we can pass along to the troop family.

Have a great weekend!

Scoutmaster T648

President Elect Finnegan on right

Dear T648 Family,

Our heartfelt thanks to those who attended the memorial service in honor of Jeff Ramsey. It meant a great deal to Donna, Zach, Tanner and Trey, and to us.

We appreciated the leaders, Scout moms and Scouts who helped with the Celebration of Life. Your participation was a great support to the Ramsey family.

Special thanks to the boys representing our troop in uniform: Ryan Conrad, Cameron Copley, Reese Galvin, Joe & Sean Hart, Michael McFetters, Nick Murphy, Nic Tigges, Cullen Traynor and David Yu.

Please keep Donna and the boys in your prayers. Thank you again for your kindness.

Karin and Doug
Christi and Paul

Greetings!

This is a reminder that we will have our quarterly Troop Parent/Committee Meeting tomorrow (3/1) at 7pm in the Conference Room at CCC. All parents and committee members are invited. We will have our usual committee discussions and I will go over some details regarding Emerald Bay. I hope you can join us.

Additionally, the Forum is being used by Family Promise tomorrow, so the regular Troop Meeting will be in the East Hall at 7pm. (This is where we had the Court of Honor a couple of weeks ago.)

The PLC Meeting will be at 6pm, also in the East Hall. All PLC members should attend.

Thanks!

Mr. Benyi

Hello Troop 648,

A reminder that the Celebration of Life in honor of Jeff Ramsey will be tomorrow, Saturday February 27th, at 2:00PM. The Celebration (about 30 minutes) will be held at Chaparral Christian Church (6451 E Shea Blvd) with a reception immediately following the service.

A request: it would be awesome if the Scouts attending would wear their Class A uniform (including pant legs if you have them) and if they would help in greeting people at the door and handing out the program. It would mean a lot to the Ramsey’s. Let’s show the family, and in particular our fellow Scouts Zach and Tanner, how much we love them and that we are here for them! If your Scout is going and can help, please arrive about 1:45pm.

Scouters, up to you what to wear.

Thank you and I will see you tomorrow.

Scoutmaster T648

Dear Troop 648,

It is with a heavy heart that I share news that a member of the Troop family, Jeff Ramsey, passed away Tuesday. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held this Saturday, February 27th, at 2:00PM, at Chaparral Christian Church (6451 E Shea Blvd). There will be a reception immediately following the service. Jeff is survived by his wife Donna; his children Zach, Trey and Tanner; brother Jimmy Ramsey and brother-in-law Byron (Kristie) Wilson. If you would like to help with the reception (setup, food items, cleanup), please click here.

Jeff’s love for his family and friends was steadfast and unwavering, and for this they will always be grateful. He will never be forgotten, but will be loved and spoken of every day. In lieu of flowers, please click here to make a donation to help build a college fund for Jeff’s three young sons.

Thank you for keeping Donna and the boys in your thoughts and prayers.

Yours in Scouting,

Scoutmaster T648

Greetings!

1) This Friday, Feb 26 is the Fish Fry service project at Blessed Sacrament. The event runs from 4p-7p; we need some scouts and adults to help out with the service opportunity. Scouts who help can get service hours. If you are able to help, please let Mr. Benyi know. (Or you are welcome to show up and help anyway!)

2) Our quarterly Parent/Troop Committee Meeting is going to be this Tuesday, March 1 at 7pm. The meeting will be in the CCC Conference Room. This will be at the same time as the Troop meeting which for this week will be across the way in the East Hall. Aside from our typical committee business, I will also be covering information about summer camp, so all parents are welcome and encouraged to attend!

3) The third payment for Summer Camp is due; each person should have paid $300 by the end of Feb. ($100/Dec; $100/Jan; $100/Feb). If you wish to utilize your scout account for any of your payments, please be sure to tell me that directly- I don’t like to assume you are doing that unless you tell me.

Thanks!

Mr. Benyi

Hello Troop 648

Unfortunately, we were not able to secure time at Cactus pool for tonight’s meeting. The Scout in charge also tried a couple other area pools, but no luck. Therefore, our meeting tonight will be in the normal meeting room at Chaparral Christian Church.

Thanks and see you tonight!

Scoutmaster T648