Troop 250 was well represented at Camp Schoellkopf this year by nine Scouts; Eric Gardiner, Jeff Lombardo, Cameron Isaacs, Matt Anderson, Nick Beckinghausen, Jack Grant, Joe Lombardi, and our two Young Braves, Matt Rossi and Conner Garrett.  We shared our campsite with Troop 93 from Clarence.  We had 3 Scouts who had been there only once before and 3 who had never been to summer camp before.  Thanks to Senior Patrol Leaders, Eric and Jeff, who assigned duties, attended meetings, planned events and kept camp running smoothly.  Great Job!

At camp you usually hope for no rain.  This year we may have welcomed some to cool it down.  It rained the smallest amount but it didn’t last for more than a half hour so it was barely noticeable. 

The Scouts had a banner year for merit badges.  They worked on a total of 37, most of which were completed at camp.  The boys also earned the special Carpentry Historical Badge.  Jeff had signed up for it and when Cameron discovered with a little work the rest of the boys could get the badge too,   Mr. Lombardi and Mr. Garrett taught an impromptu Carpentry class to all the boys.  That prepared them for the carpentry test, which they all passed with flying colors. 

The fishing was great at the lake and all the boys were able to catch something, including Matt Anderson who caught a turtle!  Nick caught Walter, the biggest fish in the lake, who was most grateful to be thrown back and not used in our filleting demonstration.  At Campfire time, we also enjoyed the wonderful Skits performed by the Scouts.  Thanks to Councilor Luke, we now have a new song to add to our repertoire, the “Penguins Salute”.

I would also like to thank the parents who helped plan camp and attended;  Mr. Lombardi and Mr. Rossi spent the whole week with us and Mr. Anderson, Mr. Garrett and Mr. Lombardo joined us for a few nights.  Thanks also to Ann Shaul who took care of our medical forms.  All the pre-planning made the packing and unpacking a breeze at check in.  That set the tone for a most enjoyable week for everyone!

Thanks to Mr. Lombardo, photos may be viewed by clicking on the following link:    http://campschoellkopf2010.shutterfly.com/

A group of scouts and adults had a great Sea Base experience from July 11 - 18!

Troop participants were:

Andrew Kreppel (Crew Leader)

Alex Hartley

Adam Garret

Brandon Garret

Ryan Beckinghausen

Mr. Doug Hartley

Mr. David Beckinghausen

Lots of fun activities:

Snorkeling

Fishing

“Survivor” Camping

Sailing

Kayaking

Swimming

Hiking

And more...

Memories to last a life time...

A few pictures are attached.   More are available but we don't want to overload anyone's email. 

The Philmont 2010 Crew #8 under the leadership of crew chief Brandon Miller successfully and enthusiastically completed an extraordinary 2 week backpacking adventure in Philmont. The crew consisted of Skyler Reinhart, Emmett Maciuba, Michael Beckinghausen, Connor Walsh, Michael Gardiner, DeQhaun Vance, Howard Vance (from a city troop), Mr. Miller and Mr. Walsh.

With nearly two years of planning and preparation, including fundraising approx. 50% of costs, we embarked on a 73 mile, 5 peak odyssey. The burro we had on the first two days was a challenge but our greatest challenge was two and half days of steady cool rain and accompanying blistered feet on days 4-5. That certainly tested the resolve of our trekkers.

Undeterred - we pressed on and thankfully had sunshine for the remainder of the trek. Highlights of the trip included Mt. Baldy, Black Mt., black powder shooting, black smithing, touring a mine, and the general good natured camaraderie of the crew. The most euphoric moment was probably ascending the Tooth of Time and looking down on base camp where our trip concluded. All felt a mix of emotions ranging from pure glee to a tinge of sadness as we neared the end yet also a feeling of relief. It is a moment you have to experience in order to understand.

Our scouts performed admirably using their training in high adventure camping skills - including hiking, bear bags, rain precautions, first aid, orienteering, knots etc... We certainly gained new appreciation for home cooking, beds, chairs, siblings, and porcelain. Yet none of us would have done it any other way.

We have plenty of pictures and many memories to share with anyone who wants to listen. It was probably the grandest adventure of our lives!

Enjoy what's left of the summer!