2013 Expedition - Details, Meeting and Commitments

It's time to make a decision!  We need commitments, deposits, and attendees’ information by December 31.

ITINERARY

The itinerary for the 2013 Summer Expedition to Washington/Gettysburg and surrounding points of interest has been established (subject to tweaking based on agreed upon trip costs, weather conditions, and schedule changes that we do not control (i.e. meetings with Congressmen)).  The trip is scheduled for July 13 through July 21, 2013 and goes as follows:

July 13	Drive to Wopocomo Campground in Romney, WVa. Set up camp.
July 14	Take a canoe trip "through the trough". We will drive upstream and canoe back to camp. Canoes, lifejackets, and paddles will be provided.
July 15	Drive to Gettysburg NMP. Tour the park and visitor center.
July 16	Break camp. Tour Antietam NMP and Ft. McHenry NP. Set up camp.
July 17	Tour Washington, DC.
July 18	Drive to Manassas NMP. Tour park and hike trail. Visit Mt Vernon.
July 19	Tour Washington, DC.
July 20	Break camp. Tour Monticello and Appomattox. Set up camp.
July 21	Break camp and return home.

COMMITMENTS

We are attempting to schedule visits with our Congressmen and a tour of the White House for our days in Washington.  In order to do so, we need to provide the name, address, and social security number of everyone planning to go so we can be vetted and approved by the Secret Service in January to get on the calendar for these events.

We apologize for the last minute notice, but because this timing is critical to these highlighted opportunities, we need to receive your information and therefore your commitments now.  Anyone who later decides to go may not be able to participate in this part of the program.

If you and/or your scout are interested in attending our trip to the Washington/Gettysburg area, please respond to this e-mail or give me written notice at any meeting in December. 

DEPOSIT

We will be collecting a $50 non-refundable deposit to cover a few pre-trip expenses and secure your reservation.  The $50 will be credited toward your trip costs.

ADULT DRIVERS

If you are an adult going and will consider driving, I also need the total number of seats available in your vehicle.   We need this information ASAP to work out the travel logistics.  Volunteering to drive does not mean you will be a driver, but allows us to assess our needs and our options.  We understand that the vehicle situation can and will change prior to the trip, but this allows us to make an early assessment of resources available.

TRIP COST

Estimated costs for the trip will include:

Event/Expense	Cost
tickets for Mt. Vernon	$13
tickets for Monticello	$24
canoeing (per canoe)	$55
camping fees	$25
gas	$100
food (scouts base allowance only)	$180
Total Estimated Base Cost	$397

Starting the week before departure we will be collecting the $180 in food money for the scouts so we can ensure they will have a minimum of $20 per day for eating expenses that cannot be lost or spent on other things by the scout. Adults and siblings will manage their own food costs.

The cost of gas is estimated. We have no way of knowing how much gas will cost next July or exactly how far each car will drive.  We will pro-rate the gas money to the drivers as evenly as possible.

CAMPING GEAR

Only a minimum of camping equipment will be needed. Were only going to be sleeping at camp.

We plan on using the church van and pulling the troop trailer.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

This will be a Boy Scout sanctioned trip, with all of the Boy Scout trip requirements and Boy Scout policies being met.  We invite you to attend a question and answer meeting to coincide with the Troop Meeting this Monday, and we plan to hold another group meeting sometime in January with all participants to go over all the above items. We will collect the $50 deposit at or before the January meeting.

Of course we welcome your questions and comments in response to this e-mail as well.