In cooperation with the Religious Relationship Committees of Tecumseh, Miami Valley, and black Swamp Councils With deep respect for the religious beliefs of all

What is the retreat all about?
Who can go?
What else is there to do in the area?
How can I find out more?

About Camp Birch

Camp Hugh Taylor Birch is operated by the Tecumseh Council, Boy Scouts of America. It is located near Yellow Springs, Ohio, in north central Greene County. Camp Birch encompasses approximately 400 acres of wooded land, with 11 acre Mystic Lake (stocked with pan and game fish) serving as the centerpiece of the camp. Included in the camp's facilities is a swimming pool. a 30' rappelling tower, a high and low C.O.P.E. course, a 250-person capacity dining hall, and numerous troop and patrol campsites.

We'll see you there!

What is the retreat all about?

The heart of the program is a series of scout-to-scout guided, small-group discussions. Scouts on the retreat staff select the specific topics. This year the topics range from peer pressure to religion in the media. Scouts are grouped by age for each session, so discussion topics are appropriate to all of the scouts in a session. Scouts trained for the retreat staff guide these discussion groups.

This is a retreat for both the mind and body! Retreat participants are required to take part in a service project (this usually has something to do with clearing brush). Also plan on a welcome dip in the pool -- last year, the water polo game lasted until dark!

Friday: Check in at 6:30
Saturday: Round Robin Discussions led by Scouts
(Presentations on Ethics, Terrorism, Sex, Peers, Faith, Rap Session, Games)
Swimming, Service Project, Denominational Worship
Sunday: Interfaith Worship and Closing at (10:30)

Cost: $20.00
Brilliant Patch
Good Program
Program for Adults and Scouts
Units and Scouts from all over South Western Ohio
Ages 10-17, Adult Leaders
Unit Camping and Provisional Camping
Dining Hall Eating
Bring your own tent.

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Who can go?

The retreat is designed for Boy Scouts, Explorers, and second-year Webelos. Sorry, but the topics and discussions are not relevant to younger Cub Scouts. You can attend the retreat as part of a troop, post, or den, or as an individual as part of a provisional troop.

This is an Interfaith Retreat. You are welcome if your faith is: Armenian Church of America, Baha'i, Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Disciples of Christ, Eastern Orthodox, Episcopal, Islamic, Jewish, Lutheran, Meher Baba, Methodist, Moravian, Presbyterian, Protestant, Quaker, Unitarian, Zoroastrian ... well, you get the idea -- and this is definitely a partial list!

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United States Air Force Museum

Located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this is the oldest and largest aviation museum in the world, with over 200 aircraft on display. It's Smithsonian-quality exhibits trace military aviation from the Wright brothers to the Space Age and Desert Storm. Many aircraft exhibits are unique to the museum, including a SR-71 Blackbird, F-117 Stealth Fighter, B-1A Lancer, AC-130 Specter, B-36 Peacekeeper, and the XB-70 Valkyrie. Museum admission and parking are free. A fee is charged for the IMAX Theater located at the museum. Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone (937)255-3286 for more information.

Clifton Gorge and the Little Miami River

Located next to Camp Birch, Clifton Gorge is a National Natural Landmark. The 100 foot deep limestone gorge was carved by the Little Miami river at the end of the last ice age. Several types of vegetation rare to the area grow in the gorge, including hemlock and white cedar. Daniel Boone is reputed to have escaped pursuing Shawnee warriors by leaping the gorge at a narrow point near Clifton Mill. Take a look and judge for yourself.

Adjacent John Bryan State Park offers 10 miles of hiking trails along the Little Miami River, a national Wild and Scenic river. The park is locally popular for picnicking and family camping. Several canoe liveries in the area offer day-trips on the river. Phone (937)767-1274 for more information on Clifton Gorge and John Bryan State Park.

Historic Clifton Mill, located at the headwaters of Clifton Gorge, is the largest operating grist mill in the country. A variety of antique and craft shops are located in the mill. Phone (937) 767-5501 for more information.

Bluejacket Outdoor Drama

This outdoor drama depicts the life of Blue Jacket, a white man adopted by Shawnee warriors, who cam to lead the Shawnee Nation. Located 4 1/2 miles southeast of Xenia off of Jasper Road, the drama is performed within a mile of Oldtown on the Little Miami, the historical capitol of the Shawnee Nation. Phone (937)376-4318, June to September, for more information.

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How can I find out more?

Please contact Fr. Dave Vincent, Harry Heaton, or Steve Coy at the addresses below, and ask for more information on Retreat 2004. We'll send you registration forms, an area map, and keep you posted on the program details and cost, as these become final. If you are an amateur radio enthusiast, give Steve or Fr. Dave a call. Steve Coy is K8UD, and Fr. Dave is KC8BVK

Harry Heaton:1-937-429-5372 (harry_heaton@macconnect.com)
Fr David Vincent 1-937-526-4945 (dvincent@bright,net)
Jim Cooper 1-937-836-6908
Steve Coy 1-937-426-6085 (scoy@dma.org)

Office of Youth Ministry (Dayton) 1-937-223-1001
266 Bainbridge St, Dayton OH 45402
Tecumseh Council BSA: 325 S Thompson Ave Springfield OH 45506-1145; 325-6449
Miami Valley Council BSA: 4999 Northcutt Dayton OH 45414; 278-4825
Auglaize and Mercer Counties: Larry Braun (933 E Livingston St, Celina OH 45822)

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