submitted by Andrew Zlotnick
The Boys of Troop 222 out of Petersburgh ventured over the mountain to Rotary Scout Reservation in Poestenkill. The troop sent fourteen scouts and three leaders to camp on July 19 for a week of outdoor scouting. The boys stayed in the Onondaga campsite and picked up three additional scouts called Provos. [private]
The whole group got up every morning at 7 am and went to a flag raising ceremony followed by breakfast. Four scouts got up even earlier at 6 am to brave the cool waters of Davitt Pond each day to earn their Polar Bear swimming award. The Troop participated in a campfire skit on Wednesday which entertained the members of the other troops and their families. Troop 222 earned 48 merit badges for things like: Fingerprinting, Environmental Science, Rifle Shooting and First Aid, the boys also earned awards for Paddle Boarding and the Thunder Bird Patrol award. The scouts learned new skills like safe knife handling and fire safety, then they got a chance to show and tell what they learned around the campfire each night. A few scouts tested their mettle by hiking five miles round trip to Berry Pond and then turning right around and hiking back out to the outpost campsite. They also completed their requirements for Camping Merit Badge.
The scouts had several chances to cook in camp and were treated to an ice-cream cracker barrel provided by Troop 41 from Northport NY (on Long Island). The boys enjoyed their time at camp, and didn’t even mind when it rained while they were there.[/private]
Boys age 11 to 17 who wish to learn more about the fun of Boy Scouting should contact Andy Zlotnick, Scoutmaster for Troop 222 at 658-9066 or Azlotnick_40@yahoo.com