Bahamas 2007

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The "Big Trip" for 2007 will be a sailing trip in the Bahamas. Always a great trip!

Remember that this is a Troop activity-- the Scouts will plan the menu and duty roster as on our regular trips. (Adults, realize that you will have to be ready to go with the flow on some things that you would have control over on a family vacation!)

Behavioral expectations. Both Scouts and adults will be expected to live by the Scout Oath and Law during the trip (among other things, working as a team, having a good attitude, not using alcohol or tobacco, etc.), and to follow the directives of the Captain and of the troop leaders. This includes a commitment not to bring or use tobacco, alcohol, firearms, junk food/drink, electronics, etc.

Dates: June 16 to 23, 2007. We will leave the Atlanta Airport in the morning of Saturday, June 16 and return in the afternoon/evening of the 23rd. Transportation to and from the ATL airport will be handled individually. We will travel in uniform, as always. We take taxis to the Marina in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

1. Emergency contact information:

The charter company is Fun in the Sun Yacht Charters, 940 NE 20th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale FL 33304. Owners, Larry/Scott Shaffer. Ph. 954-463-7911 or 800-327-0228. They would be able to contact our boats via the Coast Guard if needed.

We need up-to-date medical and permission forms for each participant.

2. Participants and boat assignments:

Scouts Lee D., Will M., Palmer H. & Jamie P.
Adults Paul M, Will D, Art M, Nick H & Matt P.
Captain Gene T.

Boat is La Bamba, a 41-foot catamaran

3. Budget:

Our estimated cost is $850. Airfare cost variations may change this final amount.
Payments are $100 per person each month payable at the first meeting of the month.

4. Menu:

We will be basing our menu off of last Bahamas trips menu, which was successful in terms of cost and good eating. Participants with special dietary needs, or those who would like to help with the menu planning and/or shopping, please let Paul know.

5. Packing list

Packing information. Note: We have very limited space, both traveling to Ft. L. and once we are on the boats. Please do not bring unnecessary gear! PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR THINGS!

NOTE: Please pack in no more than two small duffel or other soft-sided bags (one to check, one to carry). You may also need to check in a troop gear bag or box of food.

Scout Uniform (wear while traveling; will store at charter company while on boats)
Bathing suit (1 or 2)
Shorts (1 or 2)
1 week supply of underwear and socks if desired
Deck shoes or sandals (pref. not dark soles), plus old sneakers or water shoes if desired
Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) (may also want socks to protect feet from fin straps)
4-7 shirts or t-shirts, including troop-issued Bahamas shirt
Personal toiletries (NOTE: Any prescription medication must be in original, labeled bottles)
Sunglasses with strap
Wide-brimmed Hat with strap
Beach towel (charter company provides a bath towel)
Light jacket or poncho
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt/pants for sun protection
Clothes pins, so your stuff stays put while it dries
Sea-sickness medication (Bonine or the patch)
Sunscreen (high SPF, ideally non-greasy), Lip balm
Passport
Camera & film (may want a disposable underwater camera)
Deck of cards &/or book to read
Optional: Salt-water fishing gear and tackle (we will consolidate transporting them)
If you are under 90 lbs. you need to bring your own life jacket
Spending money. This depends on your spending habits but should include enough to buy souvenirs and to pay for one meal in Bimini, and meals on both Saturdays, as well as misc. expenses.
The boats probably have CD players. The Lead Scout is responsible for covering the music selections - appropriate and a relatively limited number.
Lead adult on each boat should bring first aid kit and will keep up with documents

Do NOT bring: (You know the list!) Electronics (including CD players, GameBoys, cell phones, etc.); unScoutlike stuff; junk food; too much gear. (This goes for adults, too.)

6. Remember you will need:

Scouts must have completed First Class rank and the Swimming Merit Badge must be completed to go on this trip.
Passport for entry into the Bahamas (and back into the US!). Make sure ahead of time you have these!
Up-to-date copy of Class III Medical Forms (like what we use for Philmont/high adventure).
You will also want to have (buy or rent) mask, snorkel and fins; and possibly fishing gear.

7. We need some assistance with:

Making airplane reservations
Hosting a pre-departure pool party to test snorkeling
Safe boating/swimming/snorkeling procedures/gear
Setting up training as needed for adults
Designing and purchasing T-Shirts
National Tour Permit (already in process)

8. More information:

Expect another newsletter and at least one meeting before the trip.

9. Cancellation Policy:

Due to the cost of this event, once a deposit is made the participant is responsible for the entire payment of $850.
If a participant drops out and can find a replacement for his/her slot, then the replacement can pay the participant for the amount already paid. Replacements must be approved by the Sailing Planning Committee.
A participant who drops out and cannot find a replacement is responsible for the entire payment unless a refund can be obtained without increasing the cost to other members of the contingent.
If a participant who drops out and is unable to get a replacement desires to appeal this refund policy, it may be appealed to the Troop Committee. The Troop Committee may vote to allow a person to drop out of the group and receive a full or partial refund, but the Troop Committee will have to fund any refund out of Troop funds and not the Sailing Trip funds.

10. Sailing 2007 Participation Agreement

I understand and agree to meet all policies and requirements for participation. For youth members, this includes completing First Class Rank or above and having the Swimming Merit Badge. If I am an adult participant, I understand that I must have gone through the Troop 149 orientation training, and that I must obtain Youth Protection Training and Safety Afloat/Safe Swim Defense Training in order to participate in the Sailing trip. All participants will also be required to provide a valid Class 3 Physical. All participants will need to have a state-issued photo ID and certified copy of birth certificate, OR a valid passport, for travel to the Bahamas.
I understand that this is a Troop trip, not family camping, and agree to follow all Troop, council and BSA policies and procedures. I understand that both youth and adult members will be expected to follow the Scout Oath and Law at all times on this trip. I understand that use of tobacco and alcohol will not be permitted on this trip.
I understand and agree that, due to the significant financial cost of this activity, each participant must support his/her share of this cost. Therefore, I understand and agree that by making the first payment and signing this agreement, I fully commit to paying the entire predetermined cost of $850 per person by the monthly payment schedule.
I understand that if I cannot participate after signing the agreement, but can find a replacement that is acceptable to the Troop 149 Sailing Trip Committee, I will not be held responsible for the payment. I also understand that if I cannot participate after signing the agreement, and feel that I have special circumstances, the payment policy can be appealed before the Troop Committee of Troop 149. I agree to comply with their decision.