Scouts and Adults - Please RSVP as soon as possible for our April Campout this coming weekend at Cockaponset State Park. We'll be tent camping. We've been there before, and the Scouts loved it. Hope you can join us!
Reminder - No Scout Troop meeting tonight - Hope you’re enjoying your spring break!
If you are looking for something fun to do, the Adventure Park at Storrs is open for Spring Break. We’ve been there as a Troop before and may go back in the future. We won’t setup a group event this break.
A few updates. The amount for Summer Camp is $575 (I forgot to include our $10 incentive discount).
This year we’re also collecting $13 for the Troop picture ahead of time. This money is collected and provided directly to the photographer that will take a group photo of our Troop on Tuesday when we're all in our uniforms. It is completely optional, and typically about 75% of our families order one.
We’ve added an option to pay through our Troop Website, or you can provide a check at one of our meetings.
UPDATED Important dates we’ll fill in as we get closer:
NOW: Save the dates and Schedule your medical checkup now.
NOW: Pick your MBs and other selections.
NOW: Pay through our website, or by check or cash in person.
04/19 Pre-Camp Leader Webinar (see below)
04/29 Deadline to pay $585 for the Early Bird Discount so we can register by 5/1.
TBA Health forms due ASAP.
TBA Pre-Camp parent meeting during one of our Troop meetings for Q&A.
TBA Pre-Camp meeting at camp to drop off medical forms and select program elements.
07/05 - 07/10 Summer Camp at JNW!
Updates from Camp:
Merit Badge and Program Registration is now open. Please be aware that sessions with capacities (ATV, PWC & Whitewater) are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Base Camp Hub Updates - The Base Camp Hubhas been updated with the following 2026 resources:
Merit Badge Prerequisites: A list of requirements that must be completed prior to arrival at camp.
Program Guides: Regarding camp operations and schedules.
Theme Week Information: Details regarding weekly themes and relevant unit participation.
Early Bird Payment Deadline - To receive the lowest possible summer camp rate for your Scouts, the Camp Fee must be paid in full by the Early Bird Deadline of May 1, 2026.
Pre-Camp Leader Webinar - An informational webinar for Unit Leaders and Contingent Coordinators will be held to discuss logistics, health services, program and camp preparations.
Troop 186 will be going to summer camp again at Camp June Norcross Webster (JNW) in Ashford, CT from Sunday 07/05/2026 - Friday 07/10.
JNW calls this “Week #2”, and it’s our traditional week to go. This year the July 4th holiday weekend is the weekend we go to camp.
The cost for the week is $585 (Early Bird Fee with our Save-A-Spot discount) if paid to us by April 29 to give us a few days to get it into their system. Pay through our Troop Website (coming soon), or make a check payable to “Troop 186” and bring to a Troop meeting. We will sign you up so we’re all together as one contingent and your payment to us goes straight through to Council. Don’t sign up or pay directly through Council.
The Connecticut Rivers Council will continue to award camperships to assist Scouts who need funds to attend camp and might not otherwise do so. Let us know if you fall into that category and we can help.
Make sure Scouts and Adults get their medical checkup within one year of camp and have the Drs office fill out their part of the health form. We’ll be collecting Health Forms, Merit Badge (MB) selections, and other special selections between now and camp.
A few notes about MBs: Some selections have age requirements, extra costs, or prerequisites (for example, you’ll need to complete the Swim Test in order to do any of the aquatic or boating MBs. Please see me or another adult leader if you have any questions or concerns about selections, and we will be having a parent meeting for Q&A.
Our two new/crossover Scouts Vihaan G and Dylan will be signed up for the First Class Path for first year campers, and all our other Scouts can start picking out their Merit Badgesand other selections now.
We need Adult campers, too!
Important dates we’ll fill in as we get closer:
NOW: Save the dates and Schedule your medical checkup now.
NOW: Pick your MBs and other selections.
SOON: Pay through our website.
04/15 Deadline to submit applications for Camperships.
04/29 Deadline to pay $585 for the Early Bird Discount.
TBA Health forms due.
TBA Pre-Camp parent meeting during one of our Troop meetings for Q&A.
TBA Pre-Camp meeting at camp to drop off medical forms and select program elements.
07/05 - 07/10 Summer Camp at JNW!
Summer camp will be here before you know it, and I can’t wait!
Good morning parents and leaders - A reminder that there is a Troop Committee Meeting tonight @ 7pm, Avery Street Church (the same place we hold the Wednesday meetings).
We’ll discuss summer camp, fundraisers, and much more! Everyone is welcome and extra hands are always needed to support our scouts and all the troop activities. Hope to see you there!
The scouts had an excellent meeting working on Merit Badges and rank requirements, further improving our scout skills. Here is a recap of the announcements from this meeting:
-Scouts, make sure you are completing your merit badge requirements that counselors are assigning as homework.
Personal Management: Print workbooks and work on Requirement 1
Personal Fitness: Requirement 1a and 4 and on.
-Summer Camp information was sent out before the meeting. If you are interested in coming to camp (which everyone should be) make sure you get the information and process that you will. This includes getting your medical forms and registering for camp.
- Now is your last chance to join us for Yardgoats scouting night, where we will be camping out on the field after the game. If you are interested, let Mrs. Smith know by Noon on Thursday (April 9th).
-We will be sending out information about a troop trip to the Adventure Park in Storrs for people who are interested. This will take place during break, stay tuned for that information.
-The April Campout (April 24-26) is coming up soon. A sign up will be coming out shortly, so make sure to sign up if you are interested.
-If you signed up for Merit Badge Madness, that is happening this Saturday. Make sure you are staying updated because that may be cancelled.
-There is an invasive species clean up at the South Windsor Public Library on the first Saturday of every month. Scouts, if you need conservation hours for ranks and merit badges, this is a great way to obtain those.
-There will be no troop meeting next Wednesday, due to April Break. Have a nice break of April!
-Shout out to my favorite current Troop 186 scout who moved here from Canada a month ago. Congrats to Ishaan for ranking up to Second Class.
"The only time you fail is when you fall down and stay down." — Stephen King
LAST last call for YardGoats. Please contact Kari Smith directly BY NOON TOMORROW (Thursday):
(Final count will be submitted tomorrow)
Scout Night at Dunkin' Park Experience includes… • A pre-game parade around the field • The opportunity to participate in the Honor Guard before the game • A movie on the big screen after the game • The opportunity to camp out right on the field at Dunkin' Park after the game
Date: Saturday April 18th, 2026 Time: 6:10 P.M. Cost: $17-$26 per ticket (cost is lower if we purchase more. Once final head count is provided… I can give specific amount)
If you are interested, please text (860) 912-7417 before noon tomorrow.
This is a family event- siblings are welcome! We have 2 scouts signed up and we’re hoping to have more join in on the fun! ❤️
Here’s who we have: Scouts attending- Landyn, Hunter, Kavin, Veer, and Ishaan Adult Volunteers- Mr. Miller, Nikki (Hunter’s mom,) and (Landyn’s mom)
