Email Mr. Kleissas at: ckleissas@gmail.com with any questions

So you want to sign up for some merit badges at summer camp? Here is how to do it in 116 simple easy steps:

1) See what badges will be offered at camp by going to: http://trexlercamp.org/2010mblist.html  Noting the categories they are listed under will help you in step three. 

2) Look at the requirements for the badges at: http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/list.asp (It's better to click on the name of the badge vs. the worksheet, for now).  

3) Check to see if there are prerequisites and special instructions for the badges you are interested in. Go to: http://trexlercamp.org/forms/2010%20Pre-reqs.pdf  The numbers listed after each badge refer to the requirements found in step two (also, make sure to read all of the footnotes). These must be completed before we leave for camp on June 26; otherwise the counselor cannot sign you off for a completed badge. Be advised: some requirements take advanced planning. For example, Personal Fitness has a requirement that takes 12 weeks and Environmental Science asks that you prepare and present a report to your patrol or troop. Hey, if it was easy, every boy would be an Eagle Scout!

4) Sign up by either:

A) Printing this form: http://trexlercamp.org/forms/MeritbadgeSignup10.pdf and marking your selections. Then either hand it directly to your gruff but lovable Advancement Chairman, Mr. Kleissas, or scan the form and email it to him at:ckleissas@gmail.com  (where have you seen that before?)

                                                             Or: 

B) Study the chart below and email me your choices. I will add names to the schedule listed below as they are turned in so you can see who you want to steer clear of. Yes, you may change your mind any time you wish, but I will be calling for a cessation (look it up) of all schedule changes by May 31, 2010.

5) Print out the worksheets for each merit badge and put them in a binder. Worksheets can be found at: http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/list.asp

6) NEWS FLASH: The merit badge pamphlets contain all the answers!! If you read them your counselors will hold you in high esteem and shower you with praise.

You can contact our Troop Librarian, Connor Murray (themurrays@goeaston.net), to see about checking out a merit badge pamphlet. You should know that Troop Policy is: A $3 dollar deposit is required to check out a book (this money will be returned to you when you return the book). If the Troop library does not have the book you want, we will order your own personal copy at a cost of $5.  When you're done with it, we ask that you donate the book back. You don't have to, but we would appreciate it.

7) Start now, June is already here! 

FIRST TIME SUMMER CAMP ATTENDEES: (Or those boys making it a career option to earn the First Class rank): There is a special program offered called "Operation First Class" or alternately, "Herculean Adventure ". This affords boys an opportunity to make simultaneous and substantial progress towards the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks while also having fun earning two handicraft merit badges. If that sounds like your cup of tea, select Operation First Class, listed in the chart below. Check out the schedule at: http://trexlercamp.org/forms/OFC%20attendance%20sheet%2009.pdf and the program manual at: http://trexlercamp.org/forms/ofc_book2010.pdf

Note: The schedule is flexible, for example, if you are a Tenderfoot before summer camp, you may also elect to sign-up for the Swimming merit badge in the 9:00 session and attend Operation First Class for the rest of the day.

PARENTS: Every possible question you have about summer camp, including checklists, required medical forms, directions/maps and even what will be served in the dining hall, can be answered by studying the leaders guide located at: http://trexlercamp.org/forms/precampleaders2010.pdf   (Do it and make all of our lives easier).

Hint: Want to make viewing this page easier? Just click on the small gray triangle at the top of this page above where it says, "Page History". Email me with any questions and most of all, have fun!

Email Mr. Kleissas at: ckleissas@gmail.com with any questions

Hey look! Use the blue bar right below this sentence to move the chart from side to side.