The adventures of troop 61
By Jack Torrisi
Local Boy Scout Troop 61 in Skaneateles went on many adventurous trips this past year. Way back at the start of summer 2016, when Skaneateles Lake was still warming up, Troop 61 traveled to Sabbatis Scout Reservation in the Adirondacks. At Sabbatis, scouts earn merit badges, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, lifesaving, rifle and shotgun, and many others. The boys could also experience canoeing to one of the many islands on the pristine lakes. They went on adventurous hikes up some of the many beautiful high peaks the Adirondacks have to offer. It is a truly spectacular location in the Adirondack State Park.
After Sabbatis ended, August came around and Troop 61 got in their canoes and paddled across Stillwater Reservoir, another location in the beautiful Adirondacks. They arrived at one of Stillwater Reservoir’s many islands. There they did some community service by digging new holes for the privies on the islands (PU). After completing their community service, scouts spent time swimming, building campfires, and enjoying the beauty of the island.
As the weather started to get colder and the leaves began to change, it was time for the High Peaks trip. The scouts got to the campsite at night and slept in cabins with tent flaps as walls. The next day they climbed 4587’ to the top of Wright Peak and 4610’ to Nippletop Mountain to enjoy the view.
In November, just in time for Thanksgiving, Troop 61 had their yearly food drive to help out the local food pantry. Scouts bundled in their winter hats and setup outside of Tops for the day. They collected nonperishable items from the shoppers as they left the store. Once the items were collected they had to be sorted and brought to the food pantry. Hundreds of pounds of items were then given to many families in need so they could have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Shortly after the food drive a beginner back packing trip in the Adirondacks was completed. The main goal of this trip was to teach the younger scouts the basics of backpacking. This trip was a successful learning experience for all of the scouts. Hiking out on Sunday morning the troop hiked over 4 miles through six inches of freshly fallen snow.
As the snow began to fall in Skaneateles and the Dickens characters filled the streets, the scouts had their annual Cook Off at Camp Woodland near the north shore of Oneida Lake. The cook off is a competition between patrols. The scouts have to cook on portable stoves. Patrols compete for best breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Scouts must work together planning the menu, shopping for ingredients and then cooking for the adult leaders. This is usually the adult’s favorite trip.
In January, Troop 61 learned how to rock climb at a facility on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, NY. Scouts had to use their communication skills and perseverance to master this skill. A few days later they once again bundled up and helped out during the Skaneateles Winterfest. They were cold, but not as cold as the Polar Bear Plungers. Scouts gave out warm soup and hot cocoa to the brave plungers after they exited the frigid water.
In February, the scouts trekked to the Adirondak Mountains again to enjoying downhill skiing at Gore Mountain and MaCaulay Mountain. Here, they skied with a few neighboring troops, the Auburn Troop and the Tully Troop. At night they told stories of the adventures that they had on those two days.
The year is not over and the troop still has plenty more trips to go on including white water rafting in May. The next trip on the calendar includes Troop 61traveling down to the “Big Apple.” They are heading to NYC to tour Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and many other New York City attractions.
These are just a few of the many outdoor adventures that Boy Scout Troop 61 completes every year – from summer camp Sabattis to climbing Adirondacks High Peaks to visiting major cities like Boston, Philadelphia and New York – Troop 61 conducts more than 18 trips and activities throughout each scout year.
Any boys who are interested in outdoor adventure of all kinds and have completed fifth grade are welcome to join Boy Scout Troop 61. Look for our Open House at Skaneateles High School April 6. For more information, contact Scoutmaster David Penfield at 315-380-5622 or [email protected].
