WINTER CAMP

Winter Camp at Camp Sol Mayer was held on December 27-30th, 2006. There were over 80 Boy Scouts and more than 100 people present for the week. Many merit badges were offered, including nuclear science, computers, and several eagle required badges like communications and all three citizenship. The food at camp was excellent as Mike and Sarabeth Erickson continued to provide healthy meals throughout the week to all the campers. The 2006 winter camp was a great success and most of the attendees are looking forward to returning again next year.  Plan now to attend Winter Camp in 2007.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?

Summer Camp is just around the corner! The 2007 Camp Sol Mayer Information Page is now available on the council website at www.cvcbsa.org and includes our camp promotion video. Scoutmasters need to review the Leader’s Guide for camp fees, registration forms, camp site selection, and merit badge schedules.

To improve the quality of our merit badge program, merit badge requests are due to the council office by May 1, 2007. This will allow all scouts to be pre-registered for their merit badge classes. A total of twenty-four merit badges will be offered along with our West Texas Ranch Adventure Program and our Trailblazer Program.

Come join us for a week of scout activities and fellowship at Camp Sol Mayer. The summer camp director for 2007 is Keith Mahler and you can reach him at the council office at 325-655-7107, 800-321-7107, and at .

For Summer Camp 2007: We are in search of a few items to help improve program resources. We need used 5 Irons, 6 Irons, 7 Irons, and Golf Tees for the Golf Merit Badge. Also, 24 dozen leather gloves and 12 safety goggles. Those Scouts or Venturers interested in working as a Merit Badge Counselor at Camp Sol Mayer in June can download an application at www.cvcbsa.org. Applications are due by April 1st.

Camp Ranger’s Report

Deer season is over and the ranch is open for use by troops.  Anyone wishing to hike will need to make arrangements with me.  The ranch will close again for Turkey season from April 7th until May 6th. Be sure and check the Council Calendar for weekend camping dates at Sol Mayer and Fawcett before planning your camp out.

We are going to need an additional 8 good horses for the West Texas Ranch Adventure program.  Anyone wishing to donate or loan a horse or tack to camp can call me to make arrangements for pick up.  All donations are tax deductible. Loaner horses are needed from May 30th until June 30th.

The West Texas Ranch program is great for older boys (age 14 and up) who are looking for a week of adventure. Boys can sign up as a maverick for the week.  They do not need to come with a troop. If you need more information on the ranch program please feel free to call or email me.

Winter camp went great. The leaders did an excellent job of teaching and the boys earned several merit badges. The Erickson's and volunteers did an wonderful job preparing the meals. Several leaders helped boys needing service projects. The group worked on the new camp entrance. Thanks to everyone who helped with winter camp.

Camp work is 24/7 at Sol Mayer. Anyone is welcome to come out and help get camp ready for the summer camping season.  We have many projects on the list: general cleaning, welding, landscaping, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, refrigeration, tree trimming, mowing, and painting. - Mike Wallace