Troop 12 Framingham: Camp MacGregor January Trip by our Scrib

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Camp MacGregor January Trip by our Scrib

Troop 12’s Camp MacGregor trip began with the usual meeting in the church parking lot. After rides and equipment were sorted out, the scouts loaded up into the cars and drove towards Gilford Vermont, where we would be spending the trip in the building at Camp MacGregor. The troop stopped at a Subway for dinner, and as is often the case when the scouts go to a restaurant, they quickly monopolized the place.

After a two hour drive, we arrived at the “cabin”, which in fact was a well-furnished house with carpeted floors, heat, mattresses, running water, bedrooms, everything anyone could ever need. There was even a game room that came equipped with a pool table and a ping pong table. The scouts lived like kings, and the bedrooms were called by various scouts and their parents. This trip was perfect for adults and parents to come along, and there were about ten adults on this trip. After the gear was brought in, the scouts disappeared into the game room for the remainder of the evening. Branden, who was sleeping in the game room, kicked out the remaining scouts at midnight, to some complaints from the restless scouts.

The next morning, the scouts arose at around eight to a quick breakfast. The troop left for the Sundace ski resort at around nine, and arrived there after a forty five minute drive. It took some time for all the rental and lift tickets to be passed out, and even more time for the scouts to pick up their rentals. The mountain was very busy, and the lodge actually ran out of boots a few times during the day. After the hassle with the rental equipment, the whole troop was out on the mountain by eleven. They divided into buddies and went their separate ways to go skiing, snowboarding, or tubing.

The scouts had a ton of fun on the mountain. Several of the scouts had never done these sports before, but they still had fun along with the rest of the troop. They had plenty of time to practice too; other than a meeting for lunch at twelve thirty, the troop got to enjoy the winter events until five. After making sure all the gear was returned, and all the scouts were present, the troop headed back to MacGregor for a dinner of some of the Bradley’s hearty beef stew and baked breads. After another late night in the game room, the scouts went to bed.

The last morning of the trip, the scouts woke and packed up while breakfast of pancakes and leftovers from the rest of the trip was put together. Before leaving the camp, the troop took a quick hike around the property, which consists of about one hundred acres of scout reserved land in its entirety. The troop only took a small trek around the immediate area, but they did linger at a remarkable cliff face where the water from the melting snow had refrozen to form a spectacular ice face. Finally, after a quick snack, the troop headed for home. A special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Bradley for all their hard work in putting the trip together.

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Scoutmaster Message!

Eagle Scouts – we have a number of older Scouts that are pursuing the Rank of Eagle Scout. This is the pinnacle of Scouting and it requires a lot of work and perseverance. Please be prepared to help out when they need assistance.

That was a lot of information to put into one newsletter. The intent was to show that Troop 12 is a very active troop. Adventure, however, requires adult supervision, so I am urging parents to play an active role in the troop. We always need adults to help out on trips and activities. Who knows, you might even have fun? My philosophy is that Scouting teaches your sons valuable skills and ideals that will be used long after they graduate from Scouting. I also believe that learning outdoor skills at a young age encourages them to appreciate our natural surroundings and resources and to participate in family outings and camping trips. I have many fond boyhood memories of my time in Scouting. Times might have changed and technology has affected the way that our modern youth amuse themselves. However, we must never let physical activity, respect for country and others, and a love of the outdoors go out of fashion. We can make a difference in the lives of our young people. We can also have fun doing it.

God Bless America – Please remember the victims of the September 11^th attacks on our country and their surviving families and friends. This was an attack on the values of all civilized nations. People from many countries lost their lives as a result of those attacks. Scouting is a true worldwide organization that pledges respect for all others, no matter your country or religion. Scouting organizations in every country share a common mission. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting over 100 years ago, once said that he thought that Scouting would end the need for wars. Speaking as a man who spent most of his adult life in the military and fought in many battles, this might appear to be somewhat naïve and inconsistent with his military experience. He put a high emphasis on self-respect, self-reliance and respect for others, which are timeless values that should never be allowed to go out of favor. He tried to do his best daily. We should do the same. Perhaps the world would be a lot better place if more people followed his example and the ideals of Scouting.