Greetings to All. Some final comments:

1) Weather Going South
The forecast for this weekend has been changing twice a day since this past Sunday, so it's kind of hard to say for sure, but it does appear we are likely to have some periods showers and/or thunderstorms Friday and into Saturday. However, it does not appear to be the kind of all day downpour that would really impact on us, or the kind of cold rain that this past weekend's many Camporees had to endure. Right now, Saturday late afternoon is supposed to be clearing and Sunday is supposed to be wonderful (of course).   Temperatures both days in the upper 60's. That may change of course, for either better or worse. Keep an eye out.

Regardless, it is probably worth a note to your Scouts to come prepared for some wet weather. If you have extra tarps, bring them. If you want to have a fire, especially Friday evening, bring some dry firewood.

On the plus side, those boys who suffer from Springtime allergies should get a bit of a break this weekend.

Note that if the forecast goes further downhill, some of the obstacle course may have to be bagged in order to avoid "slip" injuries.

O/A - please bring proper protection to cover the campfire (after you build it), and a couple of bottles of charcoal lighter fluid might not be a bad idea either.

2) Projectoree Guide
One last time, please take the time to read the Projectoree Guide carefully. Scoutmasters - if you haven't seen your copy yet, please ask your rep for it asap. There is a huge amount of information in it, and a proper review will save you plenty of grief this weekend. Please pay particular attention to the "Extra Equipment" List that is one of the attachments; this seems to be one area where - despite the reminders - Troops fall on the swords every year (which is why that list was created in the first place).

Here also is a final call for 5-mile Motorola radios, for the Uber-Staff and Troop 638. Please do not bring other, incompatible radios - some past years, we had three sets of mutually incompatible radios; not very useful....

3) Service Project Details
The camp wants us to refill about 50 serious potholes on the main road (be careful coming into camp on Friday!) and also to cut and stack firewood. They or Troop 1130 will provide all the needed equipment. I have at least three quality chainsaws coming as well (anyone else?)

In view of the fact that we seemingly have to fill these potholes every year, we have asked for a small steamroller to assist. The park is trying to get one for Saturday, roughly 5pm.

BTW, the campsites appear to be in pretty good shape, and in fact even more sitting benches and sitting logs have been installed since last year. And despite the muck, the Old Dominion Scouts left the place in halfway decent shape this past Sunday.

4) Patrols
We have lost at least one Patrol, and had one extra slot already, so if anyone wants to expand, there is room for two more Patrols. I would appreciate knowing ahead of time, BTW.

5) Event Scoring Sheets
If your event is one of those that has a "special" scoring sheet to help score the Patrols, please remember to xerox 30 copies of it before you come down this weekend. I will NOT have extras this year!

6) Dr. Bob's Availability
I will be here most of tomorrow (Thursday), but have various errands to run. If you need to come over, please CALL me before heading out. On Friday, I will leave here around 6:15am, so any calls or emails after 6am will be heard/seen by me sometime mid-afternoon on Sunday. Plan accordingly.

Keep those weather prayer-wheels spinning. 2 days to go!

- Dr. Bob (4/30/03)

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30 April 2003