massawepie

My first time at Massawepie during Scout camp. Eating in the dining hall was a bit different from what the boys have told me - not family style but rather cafeteria style. And although not as many songs at the end of a meal there were a few each night. 

I had time to go on hikes around the camp and see the bog and various outpost locations. I saw Blaise sailing, kayaking (just a couple of the merit badges he worked on). Ambrose did 'mountain fox' and I went on two outings. We kayaked one down and did 'advanced' cooking which included bean and rice enchiladas over white gas heat and fried oreos (YUM!). One of the best experiences was going on an overnight to Eagle Island that we canoed out to and stayed overnight on the island. A true 'carry-in' and 'carry-out' experience. Waking up at 5am was early but definitely worth the amazing sunset!

Can't wait to go back to camp again next summer!

 

court of awards

Court of Awards - Genesee Valley Park - Roundhouse Shelter - June 21, 2021

Ambrose became SPL

Blaise earned First Rank

 

scouts

Scout meetings and campouts have been different from Covid. Our normal meeting place of 3rd Presbyterian Church is closed and as of June 2021 has still not reopened. We conducted zoom meetings, we're creative and did small gatherings in multiple places in order to still gather. Once more people could gather in one spot we started meeting at Blessed Sacrament and had campouts at Webster and Mendon Parks.

Court of Awards

meeting at Blessed Sacrament

campout at Webster Park

 

geocaching

geocaching merit badge - the guys led the scout meeting tonight and teams had to find 4 different geo caches

 

september camp out - mendon ponds park

It was a brisk 35 degrees overnight sleeping in our tent as a family (due to covid restrictions). The boys had fun playing football in the wide open field where two other groups were also camping (scout camping area). 

A search in the woods for firewood and kindling resulted in Ambrose 'finding a pond' that was covered in leaves. Next thing you know a change of clothes was in order because he was soaked and muddy up to his waist.

Tacos in a bag by one patrol, tacos in pie irons for another while the adults made teriyaki chicken for dinner. Campfire program complete with long stories by Ambrose with short ending (geez, just get to the point).

 

troop 31 august campout

Finally our Troop went on a camp out (it had been awhile because of Covid). We went to Camp Cutler and stayed in Mountain Man. The boys cooked, played charades, either Rugby or kayaking at the Lake and enjoyed sleeping outside in their hammocks. It was a different camp out since everyone had to wear masks and food was handed out with gloves on. Still it was great to be with friends in nature!

 

virtual camporee

Two weekends later they were back at it again. This time with the Three Fires Council out of Illinois did a virtual camporee. We received a 'camporee bag' which included para-cord for bracelets, glider planes and a mystery ingredient for dinner (goldfish crackers). This time due to thunderstorms the boys built a fort complete with fancy lights in the attic. Our hike this time was on the Lehigh Valley Trail where we picked up some trash and walked along the old railroad bed. We definitely had our eat on during this camporee complete with German Pancake in the cast iron skillet for breakfast, chicken chimichanga in pie irons for lunch and Frogmore Steam (including our crushed up goldfish crackers) and Skillet Apple Pie for dessert.

Ambrose crosses over to Boy Scouts

Ceremony, celebration and good times were had by all tonight at the AOL crossover for Pack 65.  Ambrose has crossed over to Troop 31 and goes to his first meeting on Monday.  The Scoutmaster said they will already start working on a merit badge!

Damian was his den leader for the last 5 years.  He led the ceremony tonight and it got pretty emotional as he (Damian) is saying goodbye to his Scouts.  The arrows that were put together by each parent and plaque made by Damian are symbolic of their time in Cub Scouts.

The next chapter is here . . . Boy Scouts.