Mattatuck 2012

A few weeks ago we had our annual Camp Mattatuck trip. There are eleven new scouts joining, and they seem to be a great bunch of boys. Overall, the trip turned out to be a lot of fun.

Klondike Derby 2012

Four Troop 55 Scouts braved the winter weather and with true Scout spirit competed in the 2012 Klondike derby at Camp Tadma. Like explores of the old Klondike, the boys dealt with rough terrain, cold temperatures, and tough competition from the other troops.

The boys displayed amazing teamwork on their quest... They had an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in knot tying, first aid, orienteering, etc as they made their way through the race course.

We also enjoyed a fine Chili dinner with Pudding Pies for desert which we shared with the other troops at the pot luck dinner.  We had a great turnout at this year's Klondike with 228 Scouts in attendance; we all had a blast…

I'd like to thank Mr. Moran and Mr. Esposito for braving the cold and Mr. Hill for visiting on Saturday; the help was much appreciated. I've never been on a trip where the water and bug juice in the coolers froze solid so hats and gloves off to the boys for hanging in there. I think we all learned more about winter camping!

Pancake Breakfast

Hey everyone,

Last saturday's pancake breakfast had a great outcome, despite the impending ice age upon us. Overall, it was a huge success, and thank you to everyone who donated supplies, and who ventured out to help. It wouldn't have been possible without you all. 

Cape Cod 2011

The Cape Cod trip last week was a lot of fun, and a great success. Ian got First Class cooking and the biking trip helped people working on biking merit badges. Aside from the poison ivy, the great amounts of rain, and obnoxiously noisy crows waking the camp up at five o'clock in the morning, all went well. We even re-gained a new scout, Ethan, because of this trip.

Clinton Volunteer Fire Department 100th Anniversary

Courtesy of Mr. Moran, here are some great pics from the 100th Anniversary parade.

Summer Camp Approaches!

For  those new to summer camp, here are a few pics so you have an idea of what to expect.  BE PREPARED for fun and sun!

The drive in...

 

Webster's beautiful lake:

 

The walk to the site (it's not as far as it looks)....

 Entering our campsite #12

A view of our site...

Typical Tent:

 Getting ready to walk to the lot and then the swim test:

 The "Swim Safely" Briefing:

  

Listening and learning about swim safety:

 At the lake:

 Up next for the swim test:

 The swim test - it's easy...

 The dining hall:

 

The Handicraft Lodge:

   

Kayaking...

 Getting ready for closing ceremony:

 Closing...

White Water Rafting Adventure

Here is a quick video trailer with clips from our recent whitewater trip to the Kennebeck river.  These were shot directly from our raft during the more calm areas of the river so you can get a feel for what it was like.  What a fantastic trip!

Bill Burch - The Bolo Tie

I ran across this amazing story which I encourage everyone to watch (parents and scouts).  Not only does the story capture the essence of scouting but Bill Burch is an amazing man who tells a story like no other.  Enjoy...

Troop 55 News ~n~ Views

Happy New Year Everyone!
Hope you all had a great holiday and enjoyed you first day back to
school today! You boys who came out to the V.A. bingo yesterday did a great job.
It was a very nice surprise that one of the vets playing bingo bought everyone pizza! Thank you to those parents that came with us and those that got their boys to the commuter lot.
Our next Community service project is this Sunday, 1/10. We will be helping to clean Willard's Island at Hammonasset Beach State Park. The event is called "Free Willy", and it is sponsored by Menunkatuck Audubon Society and the Friends of Hammonasset. We will meet at Meigs Point at 9:45, the clean up is scheduled from 10a-12p. They are also doing a food drive in conjuction with this to benefit the Clinton and Madison food pantries so bring a non-perishable. Bring your own loppers/pruning saws/gloves/ and other instruments of destruction. The phone tree will
be started tonight. This clean-up is catered. We need a fairly accurate head count as to how many boys and parents will be attending so the organizers know how much food to order. PATROL LEADERS....When making your phone calls this week please get a count as to how many are going and call your ASPL back with those numbers. Thank you! I need to notify the organizers Thursday night.

Some dates......
1/7- Troop meetings resume.
1/10- Free Willy Cleanup
1/14- Court of Honor. BROMLEY MONEY DUE!!!!
1/19- Pack 7 Crossover (2 boys from P-7 crossing over to T-55!)
1/?- TBD- Pack Pinewood Derby
2/6-2/7- Mt. Bromley Skiing (Klondike appears to be same date)
3/6-3/7- Camping with P-55 Webelos 2's- Mattatuck
3/?- TBD- P-55 Webelos Crossover. Deer Lake.
6/4-6/6- Jamboree at Hebron Fairgrounds.
See you Thursday!
--
Chuck

Re: Troop 55 News ~n~ Views

Chuck Hill wrote:
Hey All,
It's been a while since I've sent out an update so here are some 
upcoming events through March. Some dates are TBD, as are some of the 
events themselves since you boys will have to vote as to whether or not 
you want to do them.

Some troop projects. After the feast we won't be needing tents for a few 
months. The committee has decided to completely inventory the tents and 
their condition and catalogue them. They will then been auctioned off as 
is. Mr Bencivengo is heading this project up. Expect a phone call asking 
for your help one weekend day to set up all of the tents. The proceeds 
 from the tent sale will go towards purchasing new tents.
 


V.A. It has been a long time since we have been to the V.A. and we need 
 to get back on track if you boys want to help these folks. Mrs. Hill 
 will be setting up a bingo date and we will let you know when the V.A. 
 needs our help for the Christmas fair. Time at the V.A. counts towards 
 community service, but even if it didn't I know the boys who regularly 
 go would return because it feels good giving back to the vets. Talk to 
 Mrs. Hill if you want to work this in with the Persons with Disabilities 
 merit badge.
 


Mr. Gerte is working on an Orienteering day trip. This trip is for rank 
 and will be fun. There is a course at Rocky Neck State Park we are 
 checking out. If we could get 2 adults to stay for a couple of hours at 
 the feast Mr. Gerte and I could shoot down to the park that day to check 
 it out.
 


I'll be doing the Emergency Prepardness merit badge as a troop. This is 
 an Eagle requirement (unless you have Livesaving MB). This should be fun 
 as well, we'll be doing a search and rescue in the woods.
 


Some dates......
 


11/5- This Thursdays meetimg. We'll be planning the menu for the feast.
 

11/7- Church cleanup day. Lets help our charter organization!
 

11/12- Next Thursdays meeting. At least some of you boys will be 
 shopping for the feast.
 

11/14- The Feast. Devils Hopyard State Park. We'll get there Saturday 
 morning and start cooking. Parents and friends.....the boys are cooking 
 for you so please come! We need to hear from each scout as to how many 
 folks you plan on having joining us. Please respond to this email or see 
 us Thursday to let us know. We need to know even if you aren't going so 
 we know how many to shop for. Expect a call from your patrol leader.
 

11/25- Our annual bowling night the night before Thanksgiving in Old 
 Saybrook.
 

12/3- Chinese Gift Exchange during the regular troop meeting. This will 
 be the last meeting of the year due to school events and the Church 
 needing the hall.
 

1/7/10- Troop meetings resume.
 

1/14- Court of Honor. We are not doing CoH at the feast this year.
 


Jan- TBD- Scouts assist Packs with Pinewood Derby
 

Jan- TBD- Skiing at Bromley. Once we know the definite date we'll let 
 you know.
 

Feb- TBD- Winter Camporee.
 

March-TBD- Webelos from both packs will be invited to camp with Troop 55.
 

April-Mayish-Junish TBD- A trip decided upon by the boys. Mr. Gerte has 
 suggested white water rapids trip. This is a great trip!
 

6/4- Jamboree at Hebron Fairgrounds.
 

Website calender updated through January 2010......
 

http://troop55ct.blogspot.com/
 
 See you Thursday night!;

-- 
Chuck