The Troop headed to Camp Sayre in Milton, MA to enjoy the winter program they had to offer. Mr. Archambault headlined the activities by setting up a wonderful ice climbing course. It was a bit difficult, as the ice was melting fast in the above freezing conditions. It was a huge challenge, but not for first time camper Sebastian, who easily scaled the slick surface. Besides the ice climbing, the scouts got to enjoy the indoor swimming pool (yes, swimming in January) and the other activities of the camp (Archery, pioneering, etc.)
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As if climbing 3,156 ft. Mt Cardigan wasn't challenging enough, these guys did it backpacks and snowshoes! This year's expedition for senior Scouts brought some milder temps to the big granite rock near Orange, NH, but there was still plenty of icy fun. Some brave scouts travelled to Leominster State Park to try their hand at climbing on natural rock. Under the capable supervision of Mr. Archambault and Mr. Griffin they were able to experience the thrill of bouldering, climbing and rappelling. now, when it come to brave, those cliffs were 100 feet tall, and everyone conquered them. Now tell me Scouting isn't cool... We were joined by the second year Webelos of Pack 13 at Camp Yawgoog (celebrating its 100th year) for a weekend of international intrigue. We enjoyed some pioneering by building a monkey bridge, played a great game of ultimate frisbee, ate some good food, and explored the camp on a moonlit night hike. The Order of the Arrow celebrated its 100th birthday with a huge event at Michigan State University. Over 10,000 Arrowmen, including many from our troop, travelled by air to the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC), Besides some training, the Arrowmen enjoyed HUGE stadium shows (with BSA President Bill Gates, Maddie & Tae, and the National Chief and Vice Chief), exhibitions, demonstrations, activities (Obstacle courses, spar poles, bubble soccer and even Quiddich), great ice cream and even a Grand Hodag. We were also given a challenge to give service to others -- Dare to Do! There was too much fun to capture in these few photos. Evan G got to hone the skills that he learned in NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) at Philmont Scout Ranch by taking NAYLE (National Advanced Youth Leadershop Experience). At NAYLE, he spent a week in the backcountry of Philmont picturing his leadership,skills to the test, along with about 50 other youth from around the country. In this outdoor challenge, he enjoyed search and rescue, realistic first aid scenarios, COPE and even a climb to the top of the 9,003 ft Tooth of Time, and all of this was done in the great outdoors of Philmont. Note that any youth who has completed NYLT can attend NAYLE at any one of the four BSA adventure bases. Camp Norse was a beehive of activity at the start of May for the Emergency Preparedness weekend. The Scouts learned CPR, and also participated in a camp wide drill. The drill simulated a hurricane, and made a shambles of several Camp Norse structures. scouts had to work as a team to handle the emergency. This was truly a "be prepared" type of event. the weekend also saw the demolition of the old Camp Norse council fire ring, as part of the renovations to the amphitheater. Tulle Lodge did a masterful job at clearing the way. We got to be some of the first Scouts to try out Camp Norse's awesome new sled hill (by the new ball field). Here are a few videos of the action. What do a scout do when there are a few inches of snow on the ground, it's 33-degrees Fahrenheit, and enough rain to drown Camp Norse? You go outside! That's exactly what the intrepid scouts of Troop 17 did. Despite the miserable weather, the scouts played a mean game of Manhunt. The rain/sleet/slop didn't discourage them, and they roamed from waterfront to the new ball field. After drying off, they relaxed in Leif cabin, made some awesome grub (Beef stew, rolls, and coffee cake - yum!), and complained that the wood stove was making the room too hot. Sunday morning, the weather cleared, and we awed at the beautiful sunrise as it glinted off the snow/ice-covered trees, before breaking out Mr G's tomahawks for a good workout. Each and every scout was able to stick the target! We also had a great time sledding on the new slopes, that were created with the ball field. All in all a great time in the icy woods of Kingston.
Every year for approved Star Scouts and above, Troop 17 plans a multi-day trek up the slopes of Mt. Cardigan (in snowshoes, no less). To get ready for the hike, all scouts and leaders have to show their stuff on the treacherous practice hikes - complete with a backpack full of gear. This year, it was back to the Blue Hills, where we did a 5.5 loop on the yellow and red trails, which most closely simulate the Mt. Cardigan terrain. We fought off rocks, slops, and a 35+lb backpack to finish with flying colors. Our November trip brought us back to Camp Norse to do a full weekend of COPE. We had done a single day COPE trip last year, and were looking forward to doing much more this year. We were not disappointed! Sure, there was the thrill of the high elements, but the low elements and games really were the stars of the weekend. Nothing but fun and learning here! We'd like to extend a huge thank you to Chad Winship and his COPE team for sacrificing their weekends to help us grow as a team, learn to problem solve, communicate and rise to the challenge! We would recommend a full weekend of COPE to anyone! It made us a stronger troop! |
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