by Andy Zlotnick
Troop 222 spent the weekend of October 24 camping and mining for diamonds at the Herkimer Diamond Mine and KOA campground. Twelve scouts and their families set off for Herkimer NY to learn about geology and try to find some diamonds. [private]
The troop traveled the 110 miles from Petersburgh to Herkimer NY on Friday night, set up camp in the Herkimer KOA campground, then settled in for a cold night of camping. Saturday morning with the temperature around 28 degrees the scouts had their first freeze-out camping adventure of the year. The scouts made pancakes, bacon and hot chocolate for breakfast then set off for the mine.
The group broke up into two units – one which would just mine for diamonds all day and other geologic treasures while the other scouts would go off to learn about geology in order to earn the geology merit badge. The parents and families joined in on the fun and broke a few rocks trying their hand at mining. The nine scouts who took the merit badge session all completed the requirements in one day and earned their geology merit badges. In the evening the scouts retired to the campsite and enjoyed a roaring bonfire along with lots of hot chocolate. Everyone went away with a few treasures – small diamonds and other beautiful stones that they found. If you are interested in scouting adventures, please contact Andy Zlotnick, Scoutmaster at 658-9066 or Azlotnick_40@yahoo.com[/private]