Over the weekend of 17-19 April 2026, the Troop, including our newest members that bridged over last month, spent the weekend honing basic camping skills and working on the Camping Merit Badge at Smallwood State Park. Typically our first theme after bridging over Arrow of Light Scouts from local Packs is to cover Camping merit badge and basic camping skills. This builds a strong foundation for the new Scouts, whose camping experiences in Cub Scouts do not prepare them fully for their first camping trip as a Boy Scout.
In the couple of weeks leading up to this camping trip, the older Scouts and some seasoned veteran Scouts, instructed the new Scouts on how to set up their tents, how to pack their bag and what to bring, and some basic first aid. On the camping trip, the patrols carry on that learning with how to set up the patrol site, from the pop-ups to the stoves, to our chuck boxes, and especially the importance of the “Friday Night Food Checks.” Our new Scouts were integrated into the Patrol method, assisting with cooking and cleaning, and starting to work on Advancements.
The Troop took a scenic hike around the state park, and the weather was absolutely perfect. Not a rain cloud or torrential downpour in sight! The new Scouts had a blast and went home with stories of their adventures to tell the family that anxiously awaited their return! Welcome to the Troop!
