Turkey Feast: November 2018

The troop held our annual Turkey Feast at Camp Forty Acres in Wilmington. As always, the scouts did an amazing job setting up, cooking and serving a full turkey dinner to our guests! The scouts cooked 6 turkeys, 2 hams, 20 pies and a full set of sides, all outdoors. The day before the Turkey Roast, it had snowed outside. I was incredibly lucky to not be part of the "elite team" that stayed over night the day before to clean up the site (which, might I say, good job!).  However, there was still snow covering the ground, but as Scouts, we wouldn't let that diminish our spirit! We set up our gear in our lean-to and then began set up for the Turkey Feast: peeling potatoes and apples, boiling water, getting ready to prep food. When the webelos arrived, it was time for the real fun to begin: the pies were started, the corn and mashed potatoes were put on the stove, and the turkeys started to be heated up. 

A flurry of activity followed as everyone was assigned their jobs and working diligently to prepare the food for the feast. Family members began arriving later in the day as the food was finishing and the Scouts began putting out serving wear. Speeches were made by the Scout Master and the SPL as everyone eyed the food anxiously and we had our hands at the ready to serve them as soon as the word was said and the line was formed to serve. We ate and chatted and laughed, the food came out spectacular (especially dessert) and the memories made were even better. However, that's hardly the end of it. The families left and the Scouts went through a brief clean-up, leaving most of it for the morning to be packed away as the sun set. When night came, there was a fire started and everyone got involved telling jokes, riddles, and acting out skits until the scouts broke off from the group and went to play cards. We ended up retreating into our warm sleeping bags, bundling up that night against the cold. We woke up and immediately began packing up camp, taking all morning to get the gear in order. Although it may have been snowy this Turkey Feast, many great memories (and great food) were made.

Scout-O: October 2018

In late October, the troop attended the New England Orienteering Club's (NEOC's) Scout-O. This is an orienteering event where scouts can practice their land navigation skills using features of the terrain plus map and compass. This has been a perennial favorite of the troop for several years. When we arrived on Saturday morning to light rain and an empty camping field, we should have realized what we were in for. The scouts did an awesome job with the orienteering practice during the day and the "Night-O" after dinner, but after 12 hours in the rain, it was decided that coming home was the better decision. Still, a great time was had by all.

Mt. Monadnock Shakedown: September 2018

"When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top."

When we first got to camp and starting unpacking, unloading cars, putting up tents, unfolding tables, I thought I was going to be in for a decent hike, I've climbed quite a few mountains so this didn't look too scary, especially since I was in the slow group. However, that much was not true at all.

The hike up the hill was long and difficult, our group made a slow ascend but even so, we were constantly taking breaks to remain hydrated and not over-work ourselves. It was slow-going and we didn't have enough time to get to the top, but it was more than worth it to even get as close to it as we did.

Looking down from above, you could see the vibrant green of trees and alternating shadow and light created by the clouds.

After a brief break as far to the top as we could, we started our descend. Although going down was certainly easier than going up, we still had to take our time because the climb down was so steep and treacherous. At some points we had to sit and slide down the rocks to safely descend. And even being as careful as we were I know I ended up tripping twice on the way down.

Getting back to camp was a celebratory moment for our group, and I know were all eagerly awaiting our dinners of pasta after expending so much energy on the hike. We ate and chatted until it was time to clean up the mess of sauce from the pans. Then a fire was started and s'mores were brought out among each patrol as we all gathered around the campfire.

The next morning, breakfast was served. A few patrols had the traditional pancake breakfast, including ours. Afterwards, the newer scouts went over firem'n chits and totin' chips. By noon, camp was broken down and cars were packed as we each drove away from camp with only the pictures and the memories with us.

Girls Join the Troop: September 2018

Burlington Troop 103 totes the honor of being one of the first Spirit of Adventure Troops to welcome girls. This September we were given permission to invite girls to join the ranks. They have already started working on their path to Eagle (The two original female members did earn the rank of Eagle.)  Check out the BCAT story here. 

Truck Day: September 2018

BCAT interview of two of our Scouts, Ethan and Jenna. Check it out in this Truck Day Interview!

Summer Camp at T.L. Storer: July 2018

Summer Camp, like every year was a blast. This year the camp ran a little bit differently than usual, all meals were served family style, grace was indoors, and patrols picked their activities rather than picked by the SPL. Some activities included survival bracelet making, Water Trampoline (with a new added slide and spinning log), Cope and Climbing, and more. Four of our new scouts joined us for their first summer camp ever. Jayden, Ronan, Joe, and Noah. The boys were a little homesick, but loved being there and want to comeback next summer. 

Our troop did some amazing things. At the closing ceremony it was announced that we won 3rd place in the McGee Cup, and our very own Cam Hudson completed the Mile Swim for the 2nd year in a row. Aaron Rippin presented a sign for our troop to be hanged in the dining hall. The back of the sign carried the signatures of everyone who attended the camp out this year. 

Lonesome Lake: March 2018

Klondike Derby: February 2018