Calling all Order of the Arrow Members!!  On Sunday, June 24th our Chapter has been assigned Welcome Wagon duties.  Welcome What?  The Welcome Wagon is the service opportunity for OA members of Tipisa Lodge to aid in the initial impression of the campers as they arrive to Camp La-No-Che every Sunday!  We need about 30+ members of our chapter to attend and offer Cheerful Service. Read below for more of the details.  If you are going, register on the troop website.  If you would like to car pool from Camp Ithiel leaving at 9:30am with Mr. Brown, then send him an email at MrBrownTroop225@gmail.com.  

Scouts, there will be a merit badge "university" on July 23 from 9-5 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel & Resort.  Cost: $15, lunch included.  Badges offered: chess, citizenship in world, photography, music, bugling, family life & disability awareness.   To find out more and to register go to this link: https://scoutingevent.com/083-20637

Community service opportunity: Saturday July 21, 10 am - 3 pm. at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel and Resort.  Free, lunch provided.  More info and registration via this link: https://scoutingevent.com/083-communityserviceopportunity.  Scouts will be stuffing kits (papers, etc) for a youth congress of a church group: The Association of African Methodist Episcopal youth. 

STEM Day camp: July 9-13, 8:30 - 3 pm.  Cost: $175 includes all activities, t-shirt, and lunch.  Open to 5 & 6th. graders.  Location: Ventura Elem  School, 4400 Woodgate Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822    register: https://scoutingevent.com/083-18707.

Over age 14 and a good swimmer?   Then consider spending your winter vacation sailing around the Florida Keys living the pirate life style. Your home for a week will be on a large sailing vessel over 40 feet long. During the adventure, you will be sailing the Florida Keys and have the chance to snorkel some of the most beautiful reefs in the Keys and part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.   This is a Council contingent going to Seabase over the school break in December.   Friday Dec 28 to Thursday January 3.  To register:  Go to this link:  https://scoutingevent.com/083-FSB2018       You will also have the opportunity to study astronomy, navigation, fish identification, and coral reef ecology. So join us for the Coral Reef Sailing Adventure, sharpen your navigational skills and enjoy snorkeling and fishing all in one package.    Total Cost is $1000 per youth or Adult if payed by August 1st and includes the trip, transportation and crew T-shirt.  Reserve your spot today for only $150 payment plan available. SAVE $100 if you are paid in full by August 1st!  More info?   contact Mr.  Cooper:   seabase2018cl@gmail.com

I found this video on how to use trekking poles.  It does a great job of explaining how to use them.  If you don't have trekking poles, I recommend getting them.  They can be useful on the Kandersteg and Colorado trip.