With the coming of the new year the energies turn toward preparation for summer camp at full steam.  Whether you made your reservation six months ago or you are still considering bringing your unit to Bear Paw this summer there are plenty of things that need your attention in the winter months.

• Adult Leaders, new and experienced, have opportunities to learn about Bear Paw 2010 by attending the Summer Camp Leader Orientation,  9:30 to 1:00 January 30 at Fox Valley Technical College.
• Campsites are still available for those looking to make a reservation for 2010.  A refundable $50 reservation fee can hold a campsite for the season.   For more details contact the Council Center for Scouting.
• In order to take advantage of the reduced camp fees, installment payments must be made in advance.  The deadline for the first installment payment is March 1.
• The 2010 Summer Camp Leaders Guide has been released.  If you have a fast internet connection you can download the whole thing, or we have broken out the pieces so that you can get direct access to the forms and sections that apply to you or have changed for 2010.

In November, the Bay-Lakes Council put out the call… and the call has been answered.

Due to the growing need to transport Scouts and Scouters off camp property to participate in Adventure programs, the Bay-Lakes Council went hunting for anyone who might have access to a passenger van or similar vehicle for use at Bear Paw during the summer.

We would like to extend our thanks to Scouter Ken Lamers and his Bear Paw Staff Alumnus son Lee Lamers for donation of a newly repurposed bus. The bus has been carefully cleaned, repainted, and prepared for its new home in the Northwoods (no pine tree air freshener needed).

Please join us in extending a hearty, thank you to all involved in this fancy new tool, that has surely found a happy home for years to come.

Join the great bus insignia design debate, underway on the message board.

Start your Bear Paw camping experience off on the right foot by attending the 2010 Camp Leader Orientation on January 30. Join your fellow leaders in a fun and informative day that can help provide you with a better summer. Neil Walker, Bear Paw’s own camp director will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about programming, paperwork, staffing, and much more.
The orientation will be held at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton from 9:30a.m. – 1:00p.m. (Use entrance door #10.) Along with some great door prizes, coffee and pastries will be served for everyone’s enjoyment. Please remember to mark this event on your calendar even if it’s your twentieth summer at camp.