Saco Canoe Trip - day 3 report

We woke to rain and mist, after a night of rain.  The forecast called for more rain today.  At this point everyone was willing to concede to the rain and forget the idea of any more canoeing.

 

We had a relatively lazy morning which included the rare treat of hot showers.  Everyone put together their breakfast and we started our final camp breakdown of the trip.  All the wet & sandy gear was packed into our vehicles and we were ready to head home.

The boys had a great trip and kept a great attitude for the whole trip.  We saw improvements in canoeing skills over the course of the trip and I'm sure all the boys learned a little about packing gear for wet weather.  Thanks go out to Mr Kelley and the boys and men that made the trip possible.

 A woodpecker that hung around our sight

Saco Canoe Trip - day 2 report

These are a few of the boys hanging out at the rec center

Last night was rainy and we awoke to some light scattered rain. After everyone cooked a good breakfast and packed up, we were back on the river.  The rain and mosquitos kept us company for the first hour.  At about the time the rain let up we came to the most "challenging" spot on our trip; many years ago a small bridge collapsed leaving behind some small rapids for us.  Mr Kelley coached everyone on a good path through Walker's Rip (or Walker's Falls to some) and we passed without incident.  At about the same time we spotted a large bald eagle.  The eagle stayed with us for nearly an hour, leapfrogging us down the Saco.  We made good time in the morning, even allowing for the rope swings, rapids, eagle and turtle spotting.

 The Eagle heading downriver

At lunch we were caught in downpours and with the cool weather the boys were not enjoying it.  But hot drinks and warm lunches lifted spirits.  After lunch we were entertained by the boys having wrestling matches in the river.  After everyone was ready for a little more canoeing in the rain, we headed out again.  A couple of hours later we found ourselves at the Woodland Acres Campground in Brownfield Maine.  We had left a car here at the beginning of the trip.  We debated overnighting here but the hot showers, laundry and excellent group sites (with covered eating areas) sealed the deal.

We set up camp, cooked dinner and availed ourself of the laundry dryers.  Considering the weather and distance left to travel, Mr. Kelley decided to head home after breakfast the next day.  The boys all wish we could do the complete distance but the rain has dampened enthusiasm as well as clothing.

Saco Canoe Trip - day 1 report

Here are the participants in the 2011 Saco Canoe Trip.
 

Ready to leave the Weymouth Heights Club at 9am for our three day adventure.

Putting in at Swan's Falls

We started the day a little later than planned due to traffic, so we didn't make quite the mileage we wanted. We were on the river for a little more than 2 miles before we came to our 1st rope swing.  With temps in the low eighties - this was irresistible entertainment.  All the kids had a great time here (and at the swing at mile 6 too).  The weather stayed clear all day and the boys were in great spirits. 

This is a shot of our camp for tonight. 

Our camp is located just downstream of the Old Saco on a spot now known as "Mosquito Beach". Everyone cooked a good dinner and we had a nice fire going before we started getting a bit of rain.

The forecast for the next day did not look good but we planned on making the best of whatever mother nature brought us.

More pictures below:

2011 Memorial Day Parade Pictures

The Scouts had a warm day, but did great.  Thanks go out to all the boys who showed up to carry flags or be part of the Drum Corps.

20 Pictures:

April 2011 Campout - Pictures

Some pictures from the April Campout - thanks Mr. O'Brien



Trouble seeing the slideshow? Click the picture below:

VP April 2011

4/16/2011 Valley Pines Campout - a Recap

Click picture for better view

100th anniversary campout. Ice cream sundaes around the campfire. We always have ice cream when we pass another century of scouting.

In this picture (roughly left to right): Ben, Chris D, Andrew, Joe, Josh, Matt M, Derek, Mr Kelley, Nick, Taylor, Mr Chase, Jackson, Tim J, John, Jordan, Dan, Nate, Pat, Mr. Wallace, Mr McCabe, Mr Jeanjaquet & Mr Murphy.  Not pictured: AJ, Mitchel, Matt W, Mr O'Brien & Mr Keenan.

Saturday was a great day - cool but dry.  The campout included hikes, mini geocache hunts (day and night), games, and stories around the campfire.

The cooking for this campout was excellent.  There was some simple fare like hamburgs and hotdogs but there was also more complex meals.    Tim J cooked up some great Sloppy Joes from scratch.  Nick cooked homemade pizza from scratch using a dutch oven and then followed it up with some dutch oven corn bread.  Josh cooked up some dutch oven Chicken Fricassee with baked potatoes.

The forecast for the night called for 90% chance of heavy rain.  Based on this we all bunked in the cabin for the night.

Thanks to all the boys and dads that made the event a success.

March Campout Recap

A cool day at Valley Pines, followed by a cold night. Several Life scouts braved the elements to sleep under the stars around the campfire, and many other scouts kept warm in tents. A few found the cold too much to take and opted for the cabin in the middle of the night.

Food was cooked by all scouts on an open fire, and included meats, potatoes and corn, pancakes, eggs and bacon, many soups, and some dutch oven work, producing cornbread and chocolate chip muffins.

When we arrived at Valley Pines there were two immediate priorities - removal of a few broken limbs from the road, and removal of hanging trees that broke over the winter. Another dilemma - lack of firewood. Thankfully Mr. Kelley brought along a splitter, and the wood that was prepared in the fall near the old campfire circle was able to be split and stacked with help from the scouts and adults, including Mr. Chase, Mr. Stronach, Mr. Keenan, and Mr. Kelley. Mr Schneider helped us with the large pine tree that broke off near the pump, and Mr. Wallace came late in the day with coffee and a smile to join us for dinner.

After the work was done and the winter wreckage was cleared, and the logs split and stacked, it was apparent we have enough wood for the season.


Scouts who spent the night were up and out by 8 AM.

Thanks to all who attended for their good cheer. Fun was had by all!

Our next campout is April 16th, and celebrates 100 years of scouting for our troop. This will be the first campout with newly crossed over scouts.

Some photos are below.

Photos: 2010 Veteran's Day Parade

Thanks to Mrs. Davis for the pictures

Photos: Flag Retirement and Dinner

Thanks Mrs. Davis for these pictures

Halloween Party Recap

The Troop celebrated Halloween with costumes, refreshments, and great feats of prowess like dunking for apples and donut on a string!....At the end of the meeting numerous merit badges were awarded, including Communications and several remaining badges from Camp 2010. Finally, we awarded Bill M with his Eagle badge, which he earned recently. It was a fun evening, and most scouts came in costume. Selections are below:

October campout and Drum Corps BBQ

Today was a great day at Valley Pines - cool air, bright sun, and a drum corps reward! The adults, led by Mr Cowles, prepared various foods for the drummers to sample, which were shared with the rest of the gang afterward. This included fire roasted Nachos with cheese, chicken noodle soup, quesadillas with chicken and with ground beef, and the big finale, slow roasted and smoked pork ribs and slow cooked baked beans. This was followed by dessert, which included vanilla cake and camp made chocolate mousse with whipped cream, and some early Halloween candy.

The scouts are heading to bed soon, and will sleep well this evening.

Some action photos below:






More pictures after the break . . .

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.