Troop 111 has planned four ski trips this year, described below to help Scouts and parents decide which are appropriate for each boy. Please note accommodation space limitations on the overnight ski trips. We hope all interested Scouts will be able to participate in the trip(s) that best suit(s) their interests. For the overnight trips, signups are first-come, first-served until the sign-up deadline. Please note that BOTH permission slips and ski commitment forms must be completed for all ski trips. The ski commitment form is a binding financial commitment by your family, so please understand that when making your choices. Because the troop has to guarantee housing and ski resort fees well in advance, we cannot offer a refund once you have signed up. In addition to ski trips, one additional winter cabin camping trip has been planned (see #5 below). This trip will not include skiing; please note the space limit.
1. Beginner Ski Trip, December 21, 2002. Beginner and intermediate day trip to Whitetail Ski Resort, near Mercersburg, PA. Estimated cost: $90/per person with rental equipment/$55 per person lift ticket only. Some experienced senior Scouts should attend to assist Dr. Bob and "Danger" Rick W. in instructing novice skiers/snowboarders, but you will be expected to work with less experienced skiers/snowboarders for at least half the day. You will also have half the day to enjoy skiing or snowboarding at your own level. Snowboarding for beginners will be offered for Scouts who have already been on a previous troop ski trip or have already had at least one day of ski instruction. Other beginners should sign up for skiing on their first trip. This day trip is ideal for boys who have never been skiing or snowboarding and want to learn enough to participate in and enjoy one or more of the longer trips. It is also appropriate for Scouts with limited/moderate experience who could benefit from additional ski instruction before going on a longer trip. Sign-up deadline: return the permission slip by December 16, 2002. Also please note that all beginners participating in this trip must attend the ski orientation session at the troop meeting, Monday, December 16.
2. Killington Ski Trip, December 27-31, 2002. Sign-up for this trip was required by October 1. Participants must complete and return the permission slip by Monday, 12/16.
3. Snowshoe Resort Ski Trip, January 17-20, 2003. This three-night trip including two full days of skiing (and possibly one night) is open to the entire troop and all levels of skiing ability. Estimated cost: $200/per person (see permission slip for cost dependent on rental needs) paid in advance to the troop plus some cash for lunches. Participation is limited to 27 Scouts and adults due to accommodations available. We need adult volunteers who are accomplished skiers willing to assist with instruction and supervision on the slopes. Both ski and snowboarding rentals will be available. Sign-up deadline: January 6, 2003.
4. Winter Cabin Camping Trip, January 31-February 2, 2003. This two-night trip will be open to 21 Scouts/adults who would like to participate in winter games, sports and skill activities. Skiing/snowboarding will not be offered on this trip. Sign-up deadline: January 20, 2003. NOTE: There is no meeting on January 20, due to the holiday and Snowshoe trip. Permission slips may be returned early on Jan. 6 or 13 or mailed to Ann and Ted G. by Jan. 20.
5. President's Weekend (DAY) Ski Trip, February 15, 2003 to Ski Roundtop. The troop plans to run a day ski trip over this holiday, open to the entire Troop/all levels of ski ability. Estimated cost: between $55-$110/per person in advance to the troop plus some cash for lunches. Further information on this trip will be available in January. The Permission slip will be available in January.
If your Scout has family/sport/school conflicts and only one trip fits into his schedule, please note this on the top half of the permission slip so we can try to accommodate him. Be sure to return all slips by the deadlines or even earlier to ensure that your Scout will be able to participate in the trip of his choice.
Will there be snow? As is always the case with planned ski trips, we may have to cancel or alter some trips if there is no snow available. However, in order to plan adequately for the troop, we must operate on the assumption that these trips will take place until very near the trip date. If you want to go skiing, please fill out all forms necessary (both the permission slip and ski commitment/registration form), enclose your check/cash and submit them by the deadlines above. In case of a cancellation, efforts will be made to provide a substitute event. With last week’s great snowfall, at least we’re off to a good start!