With nearly a 100 percent turnout, the Troop set out on their first full-scale backpacking trip for this generation of Scouts. The boys did an excellent job of packing just what they needed for a hiking trip without having to hike back to the car for additional gear or food. After a 2 mile hike, the boys got right to business setting up camp, collecting firewood and sitting down to dinner by the fire before dark. It was quite an achievement over previous adventures.
After some overnight rain, the skies cleared and the boys cooked breakfast before setting off on a long day hike early Saturday, including a few miles on the Appalachian Trail (AT). All 20 scouts got a chance to experience the AT and surrounding trails with all 20 boys completing their first 10 mile hike segment toward their Hiking Merit Badge. The first segment is always the hardest and all who attended showed a lot of Scout spirit in completing this challenging task and they have grown from the experience. One of the adult leaders shared some interesting information about the AT on our way and you can find out more at: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/
The weather really was excellent with beautiful blue skies and warm breezes. Everyone loved the awesome view of the lake at our campsite and from the top of the first overlook on our hike. The Troops saw many outstanding sights along their hike and enjoyed a nice lunch break by another quiet lake. The Scouts finished the weekend off Sunday morning with a delicious pancake breakfast and tour at the Niese Maple Farm. Yum :-) They learned about one of the oldest syrup farms in the country. Niese's Farm has remained in the same family for seven generations - WOW!
All the adults, Scoutmaster included, were very impressed with the Scouts set up and break down of camp and the boys efforts all weekend. They proved to be a much more experienced and capable group than just 6 months or 1 year ago. They should be very proud of their accomplishments and growth!
Click on pictures to take a closer look.
After some overnight rain, the skies cleared and the boys cooked breakfast before setting off on a long day hike early Saturday, including a few miles on the Appalachian Trail (AT). All 20 scouts got a chance to experience the AT and surrounding trails with all 20 boys completing their first 10 mile hike segment toward their Hiking Merit Badge. The first segment is always the hardest and all who attended showed a lot of Scout spirit in completing this challenging task and they have grown from the experience. One of the adult leaders shared some interesting information about the AT on our way and you can find out more at: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/
The weather really was excellent with beautiful blue skies and warm breezes. Everyone loved the awesome view of the lake at our campsite and from the top of the first overlook on our hike. The Troops saw many outstanding sights along their hike and enjoyed a nice lunch break by another quiet lake. The Scouts finished the weekend off Sunday morning with a delicious pancake breakfast and tour at the Niese Maple Farm. Yum :-) They learned about one of the oldest syrup farms in the country. Niese's Farm has remained in the same family for seven generations - WOW!
All the adults, Scoutmaster included, were very impressed with the Scouts set up and break down of camp and the boys efforts all weekend. They proved to be a much more experienced and capable group than just 6 months or 1 year ago. They should be very proud of their accomplishments and growth!
Click on pictures to take a closer look.
