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 #4 below). This trip will not include skiing; it will be a great weekend of snow fort building, snowball fights, winter/cold weather camping instruction, survival fire building, etc.
1. Beginner Ski Trip, December 20, 2003. Beginner and intermediate day trip to Whitetail Ski Resort, near Mercersburg, PA. Estimated cost: $90/per person with rental equipment/$65 per person lift ticket only. Experienced senior Scouts are also welcome. Beginner skiing will be offered, as well as snowboarding for beginners for those 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. More experienced skiers may also participate and ski at their own level. Sign-up deadline: December 15, 2003. Also please note that all beginners participating in this trip must attend the ski orientation session at the troop meeting Monday, December 15.
2. Killington Ski Trip, December 26-30, 2003. Sign-up for the Killington trip was required by October 1. "Danger" Rick W., trip leader, will provide all participants with permission slips to be completed.
3. Snowshoe Resort Ski Trip, January 16-19, 2004. This three-night trip to Snowshoe including two full days of skiing (and possibly one night) is open to the entire troop and all levels of skiing ability. Estimated cost: $225/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 30 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 snowboard rentals will be available. Sign-up deadline: January 5, 2003. Please note: earlier sign-ups are appreciated, as we must decide how many cabins to hold, depending on projected attendance.
4. Winter Cabin Camping Trip, February 6-8, 2004. This two-night trip will be open to 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 12, 2003. NOTE: There is no meeting on January 19, due to the holiday and Snowshoe trip. Permission slips must be returned by the January 12 meeting or mailed to the Ann/Ted G. by Jan. 19.
5. Presidents’ Weekend Seven Springs, PA Ski Trip, February 13-16, 2004. The troop plans to run a 3-night ski trip over this holiday to Seven Springs Ski Resort near Somerset, PA The trip is open to the entire troop/all levels of ski ability. The troop will stay at a PA state park in rustic cabins. Estimated cost: $200/per person in advance to the troop plus some cash for lunches (see permission slips for cost dependent on rental needs). Participation is limited to 30 Scouts and adults due to accommodations available. Both ski and snowboard rentals will be available. Sign-up deadline: January 27, 2004.
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 first snowfall, at least we’re off to a good start!