submitted by Andy Zlotnick
Again this year Boy Scout Troop 222 went to summer camp at Rotary Scout Reservation for week three of their summer program. Fourteen Scouts from the Troop went over the mountain to East Poestenkill to enjoy a week’s worth of fun and scouting activities. [private]The Scouts arrived at camp on Sunday, July 14, and, after medical checks were completed, the boys and their leaders were whisked off to the waterfront to be given their BSA swim test. All of the Scouts passed their tests and were either classified as beginners or swimmers. The Troop stayed in the Iroquois camp site and slept in tents for the week.
The Scouts worked hard on Merit badges, Trail to First Class and C.O.P.E (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience). While the boys were out working on their activities the adult leaders were hard at work themselves, taking adult training that included “Nap Safely.” It is very important for adults at camp to learn the proper techniques to nap safely.
The scouts were able to investigate all areas of interest like archery, art, rescue, metalwork, basketry, leatherwork, fire and traffic safety, finger printing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, pioneering, wilderness survival, nature and mammal study and rifle shooting. The
boys were guided at camp by leaders Jim Akers, Marianne Hall and Andy Zlotnick.
The Scouts participated Tuesday evening in an “Are you tougher than a Boy Scout” competition which pitted adult leaders against Scouts in Scout craft games. The Troop entered three patrols of Scouts and one leader patrol. Needless to say the adults were slower than the scouts! Some of the events were first aid, fire building, tomahawk throwing and swamped canoe racing; everyone had a great time. On Wednesday the whole camp enjoyed an outdoors pig, chicken and hotdog roast put on by the camp staff topped off later by a traditional campfire program filled with sing-a-longs and skits put on by the troops and staff. Troop 222 will be remembered for their skit on “Scat.” To Chris and Joshua and to all the boys, “Well done!”
As the week progressed the boys worked hard on projects and forging and camping skills. Some Scouts worked on catching fish while
others swamped boats. Some Scouts learned the proper knots to tie to lash logs together. In search and rescue they learned the proper way to conduct an area search, read a topographical map and get their ICS-100b FEMA certifications, communicate with radios and talk to the media all while searching to find a supposed lost camper. On Thursday evening the troop attended the Nature Merit Badge program and most of the Troop received the Nature Study Merit Badge.
Throughout the week a group of older scouts from the Troop worked to earn their C.O.P.E program award. This program consists of group initiative games, trust events, low course events and high course events. Some activities involve a group challenge, while others develop individual skills and agility. Participants climb, swing, balance, jump, rappel and devise solutions to a variety of problems. The highlight of the week’s training was the high course where all the skills that the boys worked on were put to the test climbing 25 feet into the air swinging from ropes, crossing a rope bridge and flying down a zip line to complete the course. All the scouts from the Troop completed the course and learned many skills that will last them into their adulthood.
Although the temperatures were in the 90s and the heat index was said to be in the 100s, it didn’t seem to affect the Scouts. They just took it in stride and drank a lot of water. One of the Troop’s new scouts, Justin Hall, said, “At least it’s not raining; maybe I’m your new good luck weather charm.” Whether it was luck or Justin, the Troop had great weather while at camp
The 14 boys completed 47 merit badges, three finished their Trail to First Class, eight completed C.O.P.E., and the leaders earned the Scoutmaster Merit badge for taking additional training while at camp. All the scouts left with a renewed sense of scouting and a desire to improve themselves through scouting.
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