Summer Camp 2012
Fort Wilderness
Walt Disney World 

The troop will be traveling to Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World as our Summer Camp for 2012.
Powerpoint From Court of Honor

Background
Prior to re-forming Troop 80 eight years ago, the former troop looked to do a significant summer trip every 3 years.   They found that the income generated from the annual Christmas tree sale exceeded the annual expense required to run the troop. They used this trip to “reward” the scouts prior to their “aging out”.   Their favorite trip, which they took several times, was to Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World in Florida. 

Participation and Alternatives
This trip is available to all Troop 80 Scouts and registered adult leaders who have participated in at least one Christmas Tree sale.     For those that would “opt out” we will provide a parallel summer camp experience at Hidden Valley or Tuckahoe and pay ½ of the fee as we have done in the past.  This parallel experience will also be used for any Webelos that bridge in the spring of 2012.   Depending on the number selecting the alternative, we will either have a troop site or they would join a provisional troop.  The cost of the trip will be  $150 per person.  Below is a list of individuals who have signed up.  If your name is highlighted in red, we don't yet know if you are planning to go on the trip.  If you have a yellow highlight, you've signed up but we don't have  your $50 deposit.   The $50 deposit is past due, if you haven't paid it, please submit as soon as possible.   The final payment of $100 will be due 2/26/2012. 

Disney Payment Tracking Spreadsheet (last updated 1/21/2012  Note: This document is secured.  You will need to enter the troop userid and password)

Travel Outline
The trip will take place during our normal Summer Camp week.  For 2012 the summer camp week is:  July 22nd to July 28th.   Because this trip, however, is over a long distance, both weekends will need to be included in the event which will make for a 9 day trip departing on July 20th and returning on July 29th.    On the trip down, we will be stopping at Cape Canaveral for a 1/2 day. We will be stopping two a KOA-like camp sites (NC and GA).  On the way back will be most likely stopping in SC.  Details still need to be worked out for the exact locations.

Transportation
We will be taking 12-person vans which will be driven by qualified troop leaders.  We will also be bringing our troop trailer to have access to all of our troop equipment. 

Fort Wilderness Camping
The troop will arrive in time for Dinner on July 21st.  We will set up camp and get a tour of Fort Wilderness.  We will either get a group tent camping site or will use several co-located smaller sites.  The troop will stay in tents in these sites which also provides a Charcoal grill, a Picnic Table, Water and Electricity. We will establish a standard for the use of electricity.  It will be very hot so it will be good if each tent can have a fan.  Air-conditioned comfort stations are set up throughout the camp site which feature private toilets, showers, laundry facilities, telephones and ice machines.

Food
The troop will be making breakfast and dinner in site each day.  The only exception will be Wednesday evening when we will go as a troop to the Mickey Backyard BBQ.   Lunch will be on-your-own and will be covered by the scout.  Money will be provided to the scout each day for lunch.  The dollars will come out of the money paid by each scout for the trip.

Park Tickets
The troop will be purchasing 5 day park hopper passes for each scout and adult.    These tickets will give the troop unlimited access to the 4 main Disney parks and the two water parks.
 

Scout-Related Advancement Activities
While this won’t be like a normal summer camp, we will include some scout-related advancement activities.  The previous Troop 80 would include merit badges as part of the schedule.  One merit badge they worked on was cinematography.  Disney Hollywood Studios offers that ability to meet some of the requirements for example “visit a film set or production studio”.   For the younger scouts, we could use the time at Fort Wilderness to meet some of the lower rank requirements in a unique setting. 
 

Parent Opportunities
Parents or families may choose to parallel the trip on their own.  Anyone traveling would be responsible for their own transportation, accommodations, food and park tickets.  They would not be covered under BSA insurance.  If the troop can help to get discount tickets or accommodations, we will make that available to anyone that may choose to travel. 
 

Sample Schedule
This is a high level schedule of what activities we could do while in at Fort Wilderness / Disney.

 July 20^th Sunday

    -         12:00 -                Arrive Check-in
-         2:00-4:00            Set up Camp Site
-         4:00 – 5:30          Dinner at site
-         5:30 – 7:30          Swimming at Pool
-         8:00 – 9:00          Chip & Dale Campfire
-         9:00 – 10:00        Disney Movie
-         10:30                  Lights out

July 21st Monday

    -         7:00 -                  Wake up
-         7:00 – 7:45          Breakfast
-         8:00                    Bus/Boat to Magic Kingdom
-         8:30 – 2:30          Magic Kingdom (lunch on own)
-         3:00 – 5:00          Rest, Pool, Merit Badge or Boating
-         5:00 – 6:30          Dinner at site
-         7:00 – 10:00        Magic Kingdom (fireworks) or Blizzard Beach
-         10:30                  Lights out

July 22nd Tuesday

    -         7:00 -                  Wake up
-         7:00 – 7:45          Breakfast
-         8:00                    Bus to Epcot
-         8:30 – 2:30          Epcot (lunch on own)
-         3:00 – 5:00          Rest, Pool, Merit Badge or Horseback Riding
-         5:00 – 6:30          Dinner at site
-         7:00 – 10:00        Pool, rest, Campfire, Typhoon Lagoon or Epcot (fireworks)
-         10:30                  Lights out

Additional Info on Fort Wilderness
Campfire Program located at Meadow Trading Post is a Disney Cast Member led sing-a-long combined with a marshmallow roast that is held nightly. Bring your own marshmallows or pick some up there. You can also purchase snack foods from candy to nachos as well as beverages at the Chuchwagon. The sing a long and marshmallow roast last about 45 minutes and is followed by a Disney feature film. Grab a seat on a bench or bring a blanket and make yourself comfortable. Chip and Dale will make an appearance usually before the movie for hugs and autographs.

Nightly presentation of the Electrical Water Pageant from Seven Seas Lagoon can be viewed nightly from the resorts boat dock or the beach at Bay Lake.

Wagon rides depart from Pioneer Hall twice nightly. Check for times and pricing at check in.

Pools
There are two swimming pools for the enjoyment of resort guests. The larger of the two is located next to Meadow Trading Post and the second and smaller of the two is located closer to the resort entrance. Both pools are heated. A kiddie pool and hot tub is located at the main pool site next to Meadow trading Post. Life jackets for the kids are available at both pools. Pools are open from 9:00am until 10:00pm with lifeguards on duty at varying times depending upon the season.

The Bike Barn
Here guests will find bicycles, boats, kayaks, canoes, and equipment for activities such as fishing, tennis or shuffleboard all available for rent. Golf Carts are also available for rent at the Reception Outpost.

The Marina
Here guests will find a wide selection of recreational boating for rent including; Suntracker pontoons, Two Seater Water Mice. Drivers for the Water Mice must be 12 years of age, drivers for the Pontoons must be 18 years of age. Check at the Marina for pricing and availability.

Water-skiing complete with equipment and instructor with a five guest maximum is available.

Parasailing behind a boat can be enjoyed by yourself or in tandem with a friend. Experience lasts about 10 minutes and reaches heights of up to 400 feet.

Surrey Bike rentals two seater and four seaters available at the marina

Tri-Circle D Livery
Here guests can experience horseback riding. These 45-minute guided trail rides are offered at various times throughout the day. Riders must be at least nine years of age and weigh no more than 250 pounds. Reservations recommended.

Fishing
Canal fishing is free.
Guided fishing excursions on Bay Lake can be experienced several times throughout the day and are two hours with a five guest maximum.All fishing excursions include; a professional bass guide, soft drinks & water, fishing gear, tackle, live bait at additional costYoung Anglers Bluegill Fishing available every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00am on Blue Lake ages 6 to 12.

Exercise Trails
Swamp Trail a ¾ of a mile trail on the shore of Bay Lake. Fort Wilderness exercise trail is a combination of a paved and sand path that is a little over two miles long that winds through shaded trees

Athletic
Two lighted tennis courts are available
Sand Volley ball located at Meadow Trading Post