2) Available Training Opportunities - A) I will be doing "death hill" both Saturday and Sunday this coming weekend, from 6am til 9am (12 repetitions.) You are welcome to come and sweat with me.

B) The Heidi & John B. are offering the use of their Catoctin hideaway for trail hiking this coming weekend. A number of Scouts and at least 1 Adult are going. If interested, contact Heidi B.

3) Bear Safety - Please read my bear safety treatise, at: www.troop111.org/bear.html It will take about 15-20 minutes to read it all. Since we'll be at the toothy end of this issue, I suggest that you read it carefully.

4) Equipment - It would be best to try and pack THIS weekend as if you're leaving for Philmont this coming Monday. Pack both your backpacks and your carry-on luggage, checking items line by line. Do not check an item off until it is actually permanently packed away in your pack or duffel bag. Don't wait til next weekend; things get frantic those last few days - and that's how equipment gets forgotten or left behind.

Of note, canteens should be left dry and unscrewed, pack inside your pack (not in the outside pockets.) If capped, they may crack or explode during air transport (depressurization), and if put in the outside pockets, they'll get crushed in the cargo holds and during handling.

5) Meds and Glasses/Contacts - Don't forget to get that second set(s), also taken care of this weekend!

6) Uniforms - Please bring all uniforms up to snuff. Notable items missing were socks, belts, and especially red epaulets for Scouts from 149 and 647. Again, all items must be BSA issue.

7) Avoid Extracurriculars! - Remember, your Philmont trek is easily terminated by a single injury; even a minor injury or illness can be "fatal." Use discretion this last week and a half, especially once school lets out and you've got tons of free time on your hands (here's an idea - why not get in backpacking shape???)

8) Drivers - I am assuming that even if Randy Thomas' van and trailer are not quite enough to fit all the packs, we'll still have plenty of available room in the other "people-vehicles" to avoid problems with gear transport.

Before picking and choosing, I would like to hear from each of the above named families as to whether they are DEFINITELY going to National to see their sons off. (These are the vehicles we'll use first.) It may be that we'll have plenty of seats from just this subset, and won't need those family vehicles where the drivers aren't particularly interested in going to National.

Final comments on drivers and Sunday night and Monday morning assemblies will be the subject of the next Newsletter. Scouts and Parents, please read and share this Newsletter. 10 days to go!

- Dr. Bob

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15 June 2000