White Water Rafting
1919 - Devil's Den, Gettysburg
AT Vista - Pole Steeple
Underwater Exploration - Florida Keys
1918 - Troop's Victory Garden
Troop 103 - Sailing the Florida Keys
Retiring the Colors - Fort McHenry
Troop 3 at the Capital
White Water Rafting
2024 Events
2009 Events Photo Gallery for Troop 103

  December 15, 2009 - Eagle Scout Cortlin Dell
A message from our Scoutmaster.....

I am proud to report that (an admittedly nervous) Troop 103 Life Scout Cortlin Dell was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout last evening (12/15/09). Cort's Eagle Project consisted of designing and executing improvements to the Heidelberg Recreation Park, where Cort played baseball as a child. Cort was responsible for the recent installation of park benches, shade trees and weed control measures.

Cort has many fond childhood memories from his days at the park, and his contributions to improving the park will undoubtedly provide the same for others. Please join me in congratulating Cort and in thanking his family, friends, leaders and others who helped make his accomplishment possible.

- Jeff

  November 20-22 - Planning Weekend and Troop Elections at Camp Conewago
Boy Scout Troop 103 will be camping at the Camp Conewago Lodge. The weekend will include a session to plan activities for the upcoming year including a budget. This is an important function that will include elections for scout leadership positions that are required for many ranks of advancement. Scouts are encouraged to review the requirements for his next rank advancement and sign up for positions at this event. See this link for details about each scout leadership position :
  • Click here for a Permission Slip
  • Click here for Itinerary Schedule, Contacts, and What to Bring.
  • Click here for a listing and description of scout leadership positions
  • Click here for Photos of the event.
  •   Special Announcements
    Photos of the Lucas' Eagle Award Ceremony are available.
      November 14 - Merit Badge University - Gettysburg


    Click here for details.
    Please register by Nov. 1st.  

    Itinerary and What to Bring: Click Here!
    Permission Slips: Click Here!
      October 25, 2009 - Eagle Scout Award Ceremony for Lucas Slusser
    Photos of the Lucas' Eagle Award Ceremony are now available.
    Photos of the Lucas' Eagle Project are now available.
      October 2, 2009 - Fall Encampment - “The Great Rendezvous at Sherman’s Creek”
    The Great Rendezvous at Sherman’s Creek York-Adams Area and Keystone Area Councils are teaming up for this exciting weekend encampment.

    More information about the event can be found at the event's website: http://www.greatrendezvousbsa.org (no longer functioning)

  • Itinerary and What to Bring: Click here to view the Itinerary and "What to Bring".
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop Event's Permission Slip
  • Directions: Click here for Directions
  •   September 18-20, 2009 - Bashore Catholic Retreat
    The Diocesan Catholic Religious Retreat at Camp Bashore is coming up on September 18-20, 2009 Departure time is on Friday September 18 is to be determined. The new program is "Spirit of God Trek". The Trek includes a short hike to the C.O.P.E course location.
    See the Program Guide for more information about what to bring for the C.O.P.E. course, the schedule for the entire weekend, and a map.
    The Permission Slips document includes three permission slips that must be completed and signed.
  • Diocesan "Medical Permission Form" (2 pages);
  • Pennsylvania Dutch BSA Council "Medical Information/Informed Consent/Hold Harmless Agreement";
  • Troop 103's standard Permission Slip.


  • Click here for The Program
    Click here for Permission Slips
      August 22, 2009: Summer Court of Honor
    The Summer Court of Honor is here! Saturday, August 22 at 7:15PM. The rain location will be in the Social Hall. All scouts are encouraged to attend.
      August 18, 2009 - Eagle Scout Lucas Slusser
    A message from our Scoutmaster.....

    I am pleased to report that Lucas Slusser of Troop 103 was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout last evening (8/18/09). His Eagle Project consisted of designing, constructing and installing an illuminated Christmas Nativity at St. Joseph Church in Hanover. He also developed an instruction manual so that future generations can assemble and reassemble it each holiday season with ease. Please join me in congratulating Lucas and in thanking his family, friends, leaders and the parish community who helped make it possible.

    - Jeff Update! Photos of the Lucas' Eagle project and Award Ceremony are now available.
      August 14-16: Backpacking along the Appalachian Trail
    Pole Steeple
  • Perfect weather
  • Winding shaded trails
  • Awesome panoramic views of the Appalachian mountains
  • Meandering streams
  • Swimming in remote mountain lakes
  • Star studded night skies with satellites and shooting stars
  • Campfires with circles of fellowship


  • These are just a few of the highlights of the weekend backpacking adventure where scouts experienced the independence of carrying their own gear along the historic Appalachian Trail.

    The Troop backpacked for 8.0 miles along the Appalachian Trail from the Cobber Cabin (located 1.7 miles east of Laurel Lake) to the Pine Grove Furnace Group Camping area. They hiked an additional 1.2 miles to Fuller Lake and back to the campsite.
  • The highlights of the trip included a lunch break at the Pole Steeple overlook that is considered one of the best views along the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. Pole Steeple is an outcrop of light gray quartz rock formation. It is one of the best vistas in Pennsylvania and provides an excellent viewpoint for the central part of the South Mountain Massif. Looking southwest you can see Sunset Rocks on Little Rocky Ridge. In the valley, nearly five hundred feet below, lies Laurel Lake with its sandy beaches and dam. Also, to the west you can see the central ridge of South Mountain as it reaches heights of just over two-thousand feet. Hikers passed the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail on their way to Pine Grover Furnace. The Troop swam at Fuller Lake located in the Pine Grover Furnace State Park. Park Lifeguards were on duty.


  • See the link below for the Itinerary and What to Bring for more details in preparing for the trip. Remember, scouts will be conducting a shakedown of equipment during the troop meeting on August 11, 2009.


  • Click here to see photos from the event.
  • Itinerary and What to Bring: Click here to view the Itinerary and "What to Bring".
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Troop Event's Permission Slip
  • AT Trail Map: Click here for AT Trail Map
  • Detail MAP of Pine Grove Furnace Area: Click here for Detail MAP of Pine Grove Furnace Area:
  •   July 12-18: Summer Camp at Rodney Scout Reservation Preparation
    Photos of Summer Camp!Rodney Scout Reservation
    1. General Troop Meeting this coming Tuesday. Tuesday's Meeting (July 7th) is a general troop meeting (no longer a PLC). It is our last meeting before Summer Camp.
    2. CPR Refresher. Barb North will be reviewing CPR with us this Tuesday. All scouts, especially those involved with aquatics, should attend. You'll never know when you'll need to use this life saving skill.
    3. Summer Camp Packing List. See the Summer Camp Packing List. A few pointers:
      a. Please pack everything in a plastic footlocker that will fit under your cot;
      b. Please label everything with your name and Troop number;
      c. Do not forget your complete Class A uniform, including socks, belt & neckerchief; and,
      d. If you are bringing a bicycle to summer camp, please remember to bring your helmet -- it must be worn at all times while biking.
      e. Bring an extra $5.00 for lunch on the saturday return trip from Camp Rodney
    4. Gear Drop off. Gear Drop off (including bicycles) will be on Thursday, July 9th at 6:30 pm at the Troop Trailer.
    5. Ad Altare Dei. Ad Altare Dei scouts are meeting with Fr. Marcoe immediately after Gear Drop off on Thursday, July 9th at 6:30 pm.
    6. Summer Camp Departure & Return. Departure: Sunday, July 12th at 9:00 am. Bring a sack lunch and dress in full Class B's, with your swimsuit & towel packed on top. Return: Saturday, July 18th between 2 and 3 pm (approx.)
    7. Parent Visitation at Summer Camp. Parents are invited to visit with their scouts on Friday, July 17th and to stay for dinner. Directions, a Camp Map and a Dinner Reservation Form are included below. The Dinner Reservation Form and payment ($7.00) must be submitted prior to our departure on Sunday, July 12th.
    8. Summer Court of Honor. New Date: Saturday, August 22. Mark your calendars!
      6/26/2009 - Poe Paddy Outing
  • For those scouts who will be tubing at Poe Paddy next weekend (June 26-28), please bring payment ($20) and Permission Slip (also attached) on Tuesday.
  • The Poe Paddy Itinerary is also attached.
  • Shopping is Wednesday evening (June 24) at 6:30 pm at Nell's Shurfine.
  • Gear drop-off is Thursday evening (June 25) at 7:00 pm at the Troop Trailer.
  • Departure is Friday (June 26) at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church on Grandview Ave.

    Please complete both permission slips and review the Itinerary Information listed below. 
  • Itinerary, Costs and What to Bring for the weekend: Click Here!
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Permission Slip.
  • Park Map Location:Group Tent Area "A",
  • Click here to see photos from the event.
  • --->
      Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Special Troop Meeting - "759: Boy Scouts of Harlem"
    Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Special Troop Meeting - "759: Boy Scouts of Harlem"
  • We have the opportunity to view a free showing of the Pennsylvania premiere of "759: Boy Scouts of Harlem" this coming Tuesday evening (6/23/09) at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg.
  • This is part of the Gettysburg Festival's Film Festival. I have reserved a block of seats for the Troop. The film is a 72 minute documentary about a group of Boy Scouts in Harlem and their first visit to summer camp. The movie comes highly recommended. The film's trailer may be viewed at www.HarlemScouts.com. I was first made aware of this opportunity 2 days ago.
  • Please meet at the St. Joseph parking lot on Grandview on Tuesday at 6:00 pm (an hour earlier than usual) to complete/submit Permission Slips (attached) and take care of other business. We'll leave at 6:20 pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. We'll return directly after the movie ends and should arrive back at St. Joseph Church around 9:30 p.m.
  • Please wear Class A Uniforms and remember who and what you represent.

    A permission slip is required.
  • Click here for the Permission Slip.
  •   6/6/2009 - Archaeology Dig Event
    Saturday, June 6, 2009 (rescheduled from May 9th)
    8:00 a.m.: Meet at St. Joseph Church Parking Lot on Grandview Rd.
    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon: Archaeological Dig
    1:00 p.m.: Return


    See the Itinerary Information listed below. 
  • Itinerary, Costs and What to Bring for the weekend: Click Here!
  •   5/30/2009 - Richard Heistand's Eagle Rank Award Ceremony


    Richard Heistand is the 69th Eagle Scout of Troop 103.

    Click here to see photos of the award ceremony.
      5/15/2009 - Climbnasium Weekend Outing
    Fri., May 15, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. (St. Joseph Parking Lot)
    Camping: York Springs Lions Club (Fri. & Sat. nights)
    York Springs, PA
    Climbing: Climbnasium, Inc. (Sat., May 16, 2009: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
    339A North Locust Point Road
    Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
    (717) 795-9580


    Please complete both permission slips and review the Itinerary Information listed below. 
  • Itinerary, Costs and What to Bring for the weekend: Click Here!
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Permission Slip.
  • Climbnasium Waiver: Click here for the Waiver.
  •   5/3/2009 - Anthony Eltz Eagle Rank Award Ceremony


    Anthony Eltz is the 68th Eagle Scout of Troop 103. Anthony's quest for Eagle included an Eagle Project consisting of preparing a Prayer Path and Reflection Area alongside the existing path in the Picnic Grove at St. Joseph Church in Hanover. Please join me in congratulating Tony and in thanking his family, friends and leaders who helped make it possible.

    Click here to see photos of the award ceremony.
      4/24/2009 - 4/26/2009 - Civil War Spring Camporall

    This action packed, epic weekend should not be missed. It is led by "The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War" Please complete the attached Permission Slips and review both the Guide and Itinerary. The purpose of this event is to teach Scouts and Scouters about Civil War soldiers, their life and times, and how their service helped all of us as a nation. In so doing, we keep alive the memory of their sacrifices, teach the true history of the "war between the states", generate respect for our flag, and love of our nation.

    The program includes a Six Station Rotational Program (See pages 5-6 of the Guide for specifics):

    A - Battle Communications
    B - Uniforms and Clothing
    C - Weapons and Watches
    D - Camp Life
    E - Drill, Drill and more Drill
    F - Civil War Merriment

    Please complete the permission slip and review the Itinerary Information listed below. 
  • Itinerary, Costs and What to Bring for the weekend: Click Here!

  • Permission Slips: Click here.

  • Camporall Guide: Click here.
  •   April 9, 2009 Easter Flower Sales
    Scouts and many volunteers help sell flowers for the Troop's main fundraising event. Thanks to Tim Homa, Lori Green and the others to help make this event possible.
    Click on the photo to the left to see the photo gallery.
      3/13/2009 - Philmont Clinic Weekend


    Please complete the permission slip and review the Itinerary Information listed below. 

  • Itinerary, Costs and What to Bring for the weekend: Click Here!


  • Permission Slips: Click here.


  • Camping - Cook dinner, camp out at Spoutwood Farm CSA in Glen Rock.


  • The Philmont Clinic - This clinic is a great resource for a first timer or a seasoned veteran. Our own REI staff associate, John, has been to Philmont six times and has worked with the Baltimore Area Council as a training coordinator. John is eager to share his first hand knowledge and experiences with you. He will guide you through gear choices, and answer questions about the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch. Additionally, he will discuss and demonstrate the latest technologies in light weight gear and the appropriate clothing for your trek of a lifetime. Walk away with a gear list, and feel better prepared for your Philmont Experience.
  •   2/20/2009 - Rancho Kelly - Fun and Skills Weekend Outing
    …Fire-building, cooking, eating, honing skills, camping & having fun…

    Please complete both permission slips and review the Itinerary Information listed below. 
  • Itinerary, Costs and What to Bring for the weekend: Click Here!
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Permission Slip.
  • Click here to see photos from the event.
  •   February 8, 2009 - Scout Sunday
    Five Scouts were recipients of the Pope Pius XII Religious Emblem. Many others are working toward their Ad Altare Dei Emblems.


     
  • Click here to see photos from the event.
  •   February 7, 2009 - Blue & Grey Scout Show
    Archeology Merit Badge was presented at this year's Scout Show by Troop 103..


     
  • Click here to see photos from the event.
  •   1/24/2009 - Winter Court of Honor - Scout of the Year
    Since August, 2008 Scouts collectively earned 10 merit badges, 8 rank badges.
    Adults collectively successfully completed 37 training courses since August 2008.
    For the Year, Scouts earned 90 merit badges, 20 Rank badges, and 44 special awards.
    Adults completed 59 training courses.

     
  • Congratulations to Jacob for receiving the Scout of the Year Award.
  • Click here to see photos from the event.
  •   January 30 - February 1, 2009 - Snow Tubing Weekend
    All Scouts may attend and payments for this Snow Tubing event on Tuesday. Please complete both permission slips and review the Itinerary Information listed below. 
  • Itinerary, Costs and What to Bring for the weekend: Click Here!
  • Permission Slip: Click here for the Permission Slip.
  • Avalanche Express Permission Slip: Click here for Avalanche Express Permission Slip.
  •   January 16-19 - U. S. Naval Academy, Merit Badge Jamboree
    All Scouts may attend the Merit Badge Jamboree at the U. S. Naval Academy located in Annapolis, Maryland. Details as listed below.


     
  • Itinerary for the weekend: Click Here!
  • Schedule at the event: Click Here!
  • Permission Slip: Click here for Naval Academy Permission Slip.
  • View Larger Map
  • Click on the Photo to see photos from the event.