The Troop returned to Camp Waubeeka in the Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation located at Brant Lake in the Adirondacks. The Troop went during Week 3, July 19th to July 25th, with an extra night of camping at Queechy Lake before and after camp. A total of 10 Scouts and 5 adult leaders attended, with another ASM (Ed Foley) serving on camp staff for the summer. Camp Waubeeka features patrol cooking. The Troop also did whitewater rafting on Saturday.
The rain this year was fierce, with one storm coming throug that was severe enough for the Camp to call for an evacuation of the tentsites for a period of time due to lightning and wind conditions. All campers were safely housed in the main camp buildings during this alert.
Despite the weather, which was havoc to the merit badge schedules and cancelled the Troop's first horseback ride and all the climbing and COPE sessions, the Scouts successfully learned and practiced many new skills. Many of the Scouts switched to handicraft merit badges such as Wood Carving, Leatherwork and Basketry which could be accomplished indoors or under cover. Aquatics was another popular area, as were the shooting sports. With sheer determination, some Scouts completed ecology merit badges, and two actual managed to complete Horsemanship. Austin A. completed a total of 7 merit badges, a huge number at any time, more so during the rain-soaked week. A bravo both to the all the Scouts and the flexible of the staff counselors.
