7/26 Meeting - at Clubhouse

When: Mon, July 26, 7pm – 9pm

Where: 598 North St. Weymouth, MA 02189 (Weymouth Heights Club)

Description: Now that we're home, and have all hopefully cleaned up our personal gear, had a bath, some food, and sleep, it's time to empty the trailers and put away the boats - see you all at 7 PM at the WHC.

2010 Cliff Island - Unpack the Gear

Monday 7/26/2010

Sculptured Rocks

 The Troop met at the clubhouse to unpack and stow the camp gear.  A bunch or kids, some adults and a couple of hours of work and most of the work was completed.  

Camp 2010 is now complete - thanks go out to the camp coordinator Brian Chase and Scoutmaster Jim Kelley for making camp a success.  Further thanks go out to all the men who taught any of the many merit badge classes offered this year.  We also thank all the men who ran our kitchen during the week and those that helped them with the cooking, serving, cleanup and shopping.  Thanks go out to those men that did all the other jobs that needed to be done for camp to be successful; leading hikes, fixing equipment, towing trailers, loading and unloading equipment, serving as lifeguards, etc.  The 25+ men that were part of camp this year, made camp possible for our scouts.

Additional thanks go out to the Senior Patrol of Troop 2.  Eric and Billy and their Senior Patrol did a great job at camp and helped lead the rest of the scouts in making this year a success.

One last picture from camp:  what happens when a Senior Patrol Leader oversleeps and missed breakfast?  They get a personal wake-up call and a "quick wash".

That's Billy trying to hide under his pillow.

Below is a slideshow of pictures provided by the O'Briens

2010 Cliff Island - Day 9 Report

Sunday 7/25/2010

Weather: High 82, Low 65, sunny

We all woke to a thoroughly soaked camp.  Breakfast was whatever was still dry - some cereal or some pop-tarts.  On the mainland Mrs. Davis had kindly brought us some juice, munchkins and baked goods.  We completed our breakdown of camp and the boys swept the island for litter.  By a little after 9am we had completed packing the trailers and trucks and were ready to hit the road.

A small group of campers met up again at the Titl'n Diner for a late breakfast.  If you've never been to the Tilt'n Diner or never tried Shackett's fresh doughnuts - make plans for next year!

2010 Cliff Island - Day 8 Report

Saturday 7/24/2010

Weather: High 90, Low 68, sunny with heavy rain at night

Saturday's breakfast was french toast, bananas and blueberries. 

As soon as breakfast was over, the boys headed over to the park's main beach for the Mile Swim.  Every boy is encouraged to participate in this and see how far he can get.  Nate was the only rookie to finish the swim this year.  Paul and Bryan battled for first place, with Paul just pulling ahead at the last moment.  There were a couple of boys that completed the mile for the first time and others that completed the mile again.  Mr O'Brien and Mr Murphy also completed the mile.

For many boys today was the day to complete merit badge work; there were several speeches given during meals and some final attempts at completing skill merit badges like Swimming, Rowing or Motorboat.  Many Merit Badges were completed during the week and the boys will be receiving their badges in September at the Ham & Bean dinner.

After lunch the Troop busied itself with striking camp.  Tents were taken down and folded - scouts would be sleeping under other shelters tonight.  Everything but essential gear was packed and shipped to the mainland.  

Mr Kelley shows how to fold a tent

Packing the boats with gear

Lining up for last dinner on the island

Dinner was nuggets and assorted leftovers.  This was the last chance to clean out the refrigerator and pantry.  Tim and DJ put on a bit of a show by seeing who could eat the most nuggets.  Tim came out the winner.  

After dinner we all headed out for an ice-cream at Shacketts

A final fire was enjoyed in the kitchen area.  Cliff Island Jeopardy was a hit, Dan was voted rookie of the year, Billy won the biggest fish contest and songs and skits were performed.  The week was wrapping up and the scouts enjoyed this last hurrah.

Time for ice-cream

We received heavy rain that night, for about an hour.  The scouts were either in the island's lean-to or under the kitchen tarp.  It was very wet and windy but the boys came through it unphased.

2010 Cliff Island - Day 7 Report

Friday 7/23/2010

Weather: High 80, Low 57, partially cloudy

Friday was a nice day - the day was mostly clear and sunny.  Today was the last day for regular classes.  Mr Murphy took his Environmental Science class for a walk on the mainland so they could work on their merit badge.

 Friday 1st period for these guys is Communications - one of the badges required for their Eagle rank. 

Mr. Lantz is talking to them about the speech they need to give

Sailing Class

After classes ended for the day, Mr Kelley challenged the scout to a "swamp war".  Mr Kelley set out in a canoe and challenged any and every scout to try to catch him and sink him if they could.  The scouts set out in canoes, kayaks or they swam.  Mr Kelley put up a good fight, but in the end the scouts overwhelmed him and he was left with a swamped canoe.

 Some of the scouts playing a game called "Ninja". 

You'll have to ask your son how its played.

The day ended with a campfire on the cliff.  Several groups of boys did skits they had worked on in their Theater merit badge class.  Other boys gave speeches for their Public Speaking or Communications badges. 

Bryan giving his speech for his Communications class.

After the skits and entertainment, the gedunk stand was opened in the kitchen and some fried plantain dessert was served.  At lights out, the oldest boys returned to the cliff to watch the fire die.

 Tim and Tom before bed

2010 Cliff Island - Day 6 Report

Thursday 7/22/2010

Weather: High 80, Low 63, no rain

Today started like every other day on the island - revely before 7am, the banging of pots and the blowing of the conch shell.  Rousting the boys from their bunks gets a little more difficult every day.

Most of these guys failed their tent inspections and were rewarded with some dish-washing duties.

Here four of our newest scouts prepare to learn what happens when you end up in the water fully clothed. 

The boys will need to disrobe and then fashion flotation out of their pants and shirt. 

This is one of the many emergency situations the boys learn to handle.

The boys all start this execise with some nerves, but end up laughing by the end.

Here is Mr Murphy helping Ben with some ice for his head. 

Ben is doing a great job with the class, but today he and the ski had a bit of an issue. 

Ben is okay - just a bump.

Today’s forecast called for possible afternoon rain.  With this in mind and considering our previous luck getting to Sculptured Rocks, Mr Kelley decided to rearrange the schedule a little.  After the first three periods were over, we headed over to Sculptured Rocks for some fun.  We spent about an hour there and the kids had a blast.  

Following Sculptured Rocks we headed back to the island for a late lunch of tuna and chicken salad sandwiches.

Dinner tonight was a baseball theme.  We enjoyed some classic Fenway Fare: hotdogs and sausages with peppers and onions.  For dessert we celebrated Derek’s birthday with a couple of cakes.  

 Danny has finished washing his tray. Now he's drying it. 

Jonathan will inspect his tray before it can be put back.  

That evening the boys watched "The Sandlot" while enjoying peanuts and crackerjacks for a snack.

2010 Cliff Island - Day 5 Report

Wednesday 7/21/2010

Weather: High 85, Low 63, heavy early evening rains

 Pancakes, bacon and fresh fruit for breakfast.  

The boys are now into the swing of things and following breakfast they make way to their tents to prepare it for tent inspections.  Failing a tent inspection can result in cleaning dishes after the meals - no boy wants KP duty

For all the boys taking the Forestry badge, the day begins with a small hike.  We are lead on this hike by one of the park rangers; Bill Grout.  Ranger Bill has worked in the Wellington State Park for 41 years and his knowledge of the local woods is impressive.

After the hike, regular classes resume with everyone enjoying the great weather.

 Here is DJ teaching Dan and Antonio how to row.

This one of the many second period classes underway on this sunny morning. 

30 seconds after this picture was taken, 

Jordan spotted a Bald Eagle flying off over the point in the background of this picture.

Lunch was burgers and dogs with chips and watermelon on the side.

 Matt is giving a talk to the rest of his Public Speaking class.

The weather again looks like it could be working against us.  Sculptured Rocks is out again - so we decide to arrange an afternoon of tubing.  Everyone headed over to the islands North Beach and we got two motor boats running.  Our large outboard was used and the speedboat pulled a double tube.  Everyone got a turn and those who stuck around long enough could go for a second shot.

 

By the time dinner was over the weather was looking pretty fowl.  The wind was kicking up the water and soon the rain came in too.  Unsecured tent flaps lead to wet sleeping bags again and another off-island trip to dry the bags.  The boys played more checkers, cards and board games before lights-out

2010 Cliff Island - Day 4 Report

Tuesday 7/20/2010

Weather: High 83, Low 65, light scattered showers

Breakfast today was French toast with fresh fruit - one of the most popular breakfasts.  

A shot of our oldest (and ugliest) scouts.  

We have over 20 adults helping to make camp happen this year - 

thanks go out to all the adults that have helped make our Troop the success it is.

 Some of the Drum Corps pounding out a few of the parade pieces before 1st period.

Unfortunately breakfast was followed by some bad news.  When Mr Schneider went to make one of his daily grocery runs, he discovered that the troop and the park were the victims of vandals.  The vandals slashed the tires on both Troop and personal vehicles - 9 tires in total were damaged beyond repair.  This of course was a real shock to everyone on the island as we have never seen anything like this at camp before.  This incident brought increased vigilance among the Bristol Police, Newfound Lake Marine Patrol, the park staff and the adult volunteers.  The Troop thanks AutoServ of Tilton for their help in getting our replacement tired and getting us back on the road.

Meanwhile, the boys attended their classes and the weather was good with a quick passing shower.

After classes were finished, a small group of adults led most of the scouts on the yearly hike over the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain.  The hike completed in time for the boys to enjoy their dinner of BBQ chicken.

The fishing contest is in full swing, but the lake is only giving up its smallest fish.  The boys are having a good time and enjoying time with their friends.

 Some of the Life Scouts hang out in the kitchen.

This evening we had a large fire in the valley, with more campfire activities.  After the fire was over the gedunk was opened for the boys to get a snack.  The oldest scouts were allowed some extra time at the fire while the younger scouts were told lights-out.

2010 Cliff Island - Day 3 Report

Monday 7/19/2010

Weather: High 85, Low 60, heavy rain in the evening.

 Breakfast

Today was our first day of classes.  The rookies attended the usual first year classes - Rowing, Canoe and Swimming.  In addition the rookies all took Forestry and some of the historical badges.  This year we had a fifth period that focused on the historical badges which can only be earned during 2010.

 The 1st period class returning after the first day of watersports. 

If everything goes right all these boys will be able to waterski by the end of the week.

Dan and Brian (two recent Eagles) say grace before our lunch of chicken sandwiches and raw veggies.

For dinner the boys enjoyed soft super-tacos with all the fixings and fillings you could ask for.  Of course we offered pudding for dessert too.

The taco dinner is over and these guys are waiting to clean their tray off.

The plans for day had included a trip to the nearby Sculptured Rocks, but the predication of bad weather kept us on-island.  This was a disappointment to all.  When the rain came it came fast - too fast for some to close their tents and bring sleeping bags in from their clothes lines.  The rains lead to a night time trip to the nearest Laundromat so everyone would have dry pillows and sleeping bags.  

The evening activities ended up being mostly under the kitchen tarp; chess, cards and board games and a showing most of Avatar (until the generator ran out of gas).  One rookie even said this was one of his camp highlights - hanging with friends and playing games under the kitchen tarp while it rained.

2010 Cliff Island - Day 2 Report

Sunday 7/18/2010

Weather: High 84, Low 65, dry with scattered clouds.

A breakfast of pancakes was prepared for the island.  

After breakfast, Sunday morning services were observed - either on the island or at Our Lady of Grace Chapel.  

As the scouts made their way back to the island from the church, they were met by many of the families that had come up for the family day.  A lunch of burgers and dogs was set out for the troop and the visiting families.

 

An unintentional source of entertainment was found by the families at the mandatory swim test.  Free swim gave way to the required test for all island residents.  Mr Kelley and his waterfront staff evaluated the swimming abilities of all scouts and volunteers.

After the families had departed and dinner was completed, it was time for the first campfire of the week.  JL shared Uncle Louie stories, rounds of Bravo were attempted, the Rookie Clap was introduced to our 5 newest scouts and everyone participated in campfire songs and fun.

2010 Cliff Island - Day 1 Report

Saturday 7/17/2010

The day started early for most of the Troop.  We met at the Club House at 5am and began to hookup trailers and pack personal gear for the trip north.  By about 5:30am we were on the road with the Troops blue box trailer, a canoe trailer, a trailer for our chest freezer, a trailer with row boats and gear, a sailboat, a speedboat, and the last trailer with our docks and a motorboat.  We hadn't got too far before the trailer with the docks and motorboat failed us.  A phone call and some quick work and we were back on the road thanks to a loaner from Nick and Antonio's grandfather.

As tradition requires, the trucks and trailers all met again at the Tilt'n Diner in Tilton NH.  A hearty breakfast was enjoyed by all and we were underway for the last leg of the trip.

We arrived at the Wellington State Park and it was clear and sunny.  Soon we have trailers unpacking and teams were breaking up for the various tasks.  One "beach master" took control of the main park beach and the unpacking of the gear.  Another "beach master" took control of the island beach so the gear could be directed to the correct locations on the island.  Some men coordinated the set up and arranging of the camp kitchen while another crew set up our dock system.  The scouts all busied themselves with transporting gear across the lake or to its location on the island.  As things started coming together, we got the big tarp set up so we would be dry during meals.  The new kitchen tent went up - a nice improvement over the old setup.

Soon things were looking like camp.  The boys began to setup tents and get there gear stored.  The first day went very well with everyone finding a role and keeping busy turning the island into a camp.

Mr Ziegler and Mr Cowells prepared a nice dinner of ziti and meatballs.

Camp payment reminder

Reminder - Camp payment must be made in advance, and is due no later than the meeting on 7/12.

Scout dues are $210 for the week, adults are $20/night ($160 for the full week)

The maximum for a family is $525 (allowing for up to one adult and unlimited scouts).

Please make check out to Troop 2 BSA, and see Mr. Chase with any questions and to record your payment.

Camp 2010 - Adult Volunteers reminder

If you are adult (over 18) and plan to attend camp this year you must complete the following in the next few days:

1. BSA Youth Protection "Safe Scouting" - if you have received a note from Joe Keenan indicating your certification is expired, or if you have not completed the training, you must do so by Monday, 7/12

2. You must register as a member of the troop - please complete this by 7/12 as well to provide time for us to complete your registration and initiate your CORI check

3. You must attend a 30 minute orientation at the WHC on Sunday, 7/11 at 7 PM.

4. Adult camp cost is $20.00 per night.

As a remider, all adults will be assigned specific responsibilities for the week, and are expected to work in the operations and organization of camp to ensure a safe, productive environment for our scouts.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Chase.

A.J Schneiders Eagle Project Work Party

Where: 30 Camp Street

When: Monday, July 12 from 6 PM to 7 PM

Transportation to the scout meeting will be provided.

Camp 2010 reminders

Camp 2010 Reminders

1. Camp packets were sent home at the last clubhouse meeting. These packets should be reviewed and content will be discussed at the next scout meeting (Monday, 7/5)

2. We will begin sign up for tent partners on 7/5 - all scouts must have a tent partner.

3. The last meeting before camp will be on 7/12

4. Camp payment must be made in advance, and is due no later than the meeting on 7/12 - as a reminder, scouts are $210 for the week, adults are $20/night ($160 for the full week) The maximum for a family is $525 (allowing for up to one adult and unlimited scouts). Please make check out to Troop 2 BSA.

5. Adult attendees must be registered with the troop and must complete Safe Scouting certification. This must be completed no later than 7/9 to allow time for planning and for paperwork to clear with BSA.

6. All adults attending camp must attend a mandatory brief orientation before the Troop Committee Meeting on Sunday, 7/11 at 7 PM at the WHC.

Please contact Mr. Chase if you have any questions regarding Camp 2010.