We hit the ground running in September. PLC meetings and ASM meetings ahead of our first Troop meeting held at Valley Crest. It was great getting everyone back together and we welcomed a few visitors who came to check out our troop. Alex liked what he saw and joined us officially the next week and even came on our first camping trip. (welcome, Alex!)
Our first trip of the year took us to Beach Jam in Wildwood. The scouts had a great time camping on the beach, walking the boardwalk, playing games and going on rides. They even got some time to fish! The weather was warm enough that they had time to get in the water. A few of our scouts witnessed of someone who stole some merchandise from one of the vendors. They were able to talk with the police to give them a description and show them some video footage. Talk about doing a good turn daily!
We spent time going to open houses, talking and making connections with Scouts interested in joining. We held a few ‘recruiting events’ including Manhunt Monday where several Webelos joined us for a 90 minute game! A few weeks later we held our annual Movie Campout at Round Valley Youth Center. We had several more Webelos join us for the entire weekend where we made our own movies, watched Indiana Jones on the big screen, had a great campfire, earned some rank requirements and had a great time hanging out. The Ricks patrol made a sequel or prequel or 4th installment of their Shrekenator series. And there was a special appearance by Luke M. The patrols worked on their cooking skills and made some really cool structures with cardboard boxes that was donated by Mr. Boyd (thank you!). We also worked on a really big teepee, perfecting our knots and lashings.
We held our Fall Court of Honor in October. Here are some of the highlights:
- Ian B. and Jeff C. served as our emcees for the evening.
- Fifty-five merit badges were handed out, the most popular were: Space Exploration, Leather Work, and Search & Rescue.
- Rusty G. earned the mile-swim award, eleven scouts earned the BSA Kayaking award and ten scouts earned the Polar Bear Plunge patch.
- Jeff C. and Nick C. advanced to Scout rank and Second Class. (well done!)
- Nate N. earned his 99th merit badge and is closing in on his goal!
At one of our October meetings we earned our Cyberchips, worked on building projects and rank advancements. We also enjoyed getting to know two boys – Jack and Christian – who stopped by a few of our meetings in October. Mr. Martoccia also updated us on our plans for Seabase Florida…they are coming together and a group of six scouts and two leaders will be heading south soon enough. We also finalized plans for summer camp 2020 with the final decision being…Camp Yawgoog in Rhode Island.
As the month is winding down, we’re getting ready for another recruiting event, our Reptile & Amphibian night. We’re also getting ready for our annual Holiday Greens sale at ICC. If you’re interested in supporting us by purchasing a wreath, grave blanket or 75′ pine roping, let us know! Orders are due by 11/11. We’ll be at ICC after masses the first two weekends in November – you can order there, through a scout of via email.
October 1955 will be our 65th anniversary. For the next year leading up to this milestone, we’ll be celebrating as a troop and online, sharing memories from the past 65 years. If you have any photos, stories or memorabilia you’d like to share with us, please send it to [email protected].