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Savage River trip a memorable one
A motley crew of eight Scouts and five adults braved the unpredictable April weather to the East side of the Eastern Continental Divide for Troop 443’s April outing to Savage River State Forest.
The trip commenced Friday, with an early departure from Cherry Hill Middle School, packing the trailer with copious amounts of backpacks and freeze dried foods. Arriving late that evening, scouts buzzed around the pitch black site – erecting their dining fly and tents. Sleep did not come too early for some, with the rest of the adults and Scouts finally hitting the hay at midnight.
Saturday morning was damp with light rain stinging the dining fly roof. But spirits were high as Scouts and adults lit their backpack stoves to heat their hot chocolate and oatmeal breakfasts. With breakfast completed, we again loaded into the cars to be shuttled up the 6 miles of mountain to the trailhead. So began the trek down Meadow Mountain back to the campsite.
Savage River State Forest is Maryland’s second largest State Forest, encompassing 55,000 acres. Most of the acreage is mountainous terrain with old growth timber of beech, hemlock and poplar. The mountain laurel that covered the hillsides was thick and dense. This primeval forest hosts a multitude of animal life that includes white tail deer, fox, coyote, and black bears. While hiking through this topography, we saw evidence of many of these creatures as well as explored possible dens and shelters.
The Monroe Run Trail was well marked and all along the 6.5 mile trek we saw ruins of bridge abutments, mill chases and culverts that were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It was amazing to see that even deep in this wilderness, that mankind had left its imprint with beautifully constructed cut and stacked stone foundations. The Trail followed a stream down the mountain and eventually we wished that those long ago constructed bridges still existed! The trail crossed the stream 27 times and did not usually have strategically placed stones to keep feet dry when traversed. This challenge was met with great gusto by our Scouts and adults to see who could cross and still remain dry. Some Scouts chose not to participate in the challenge and instead were more interested in getting wet.
By lunchtime the rain had started to subside. Lunch alongside the trail was warm and raised all of our spirits. This influx of warmth and nutrition energized some Scouts and adults to race up the steep mountainside to the top. The trail ended at the campsite with postings about the creel limit for native brown trout and native brook trout, a sign of the pristine nature of the area.
After a brief rest, the Scouts voted to take a road trip to see Swallow Falls State Park. This nearby park is home to three waterfalls, one of which is the highest waterfall in Maryland, the Muddy Creek Falls. Scouts and adults scampered along the rocky trail to view the 53-foot behemoth waterfall. The Awesome splendor of water crashing over the cliff was a first for many. It was noted that this was a favorite camping spot for many explorers, notably “The Vagabonds”: Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford and on occasion, President Harding.
After arriving back at the campsite in time for dinner, campers lit backpack stoves lit to cook staples such as Ramen noodles, although some enterprising chefs cooked pasta primavera and garlic mashed potatoes. The evening was filled with Scouts receiving Axe Yard instruction, building survivor shelters, skipping stones in the creek, and campfire building. The warming campfire dried wet boots and socks and as the evening died down, the campfire was the center of a solemn flag retirement ceremony attended by all Scouts in Class A Uniform.
After a long day on the trail, most Scouts and adults snuggled into tents and sleeping bags for a fitful night’s rest. Two brave and adventurous Scouts slept for most of the night in their newly built survivor shelter. A late night rainstorm found them scrambling for the safety of their nearby tent.
Sunday morning again found the site abuzz in work disassembling all that was erected just Friday night. Tents were collapsed and dining flies folded. Eventually the whole camp was loaded into the trailer for the ride home. A hot breakfast at the LaVale McDonald’s was just the thing to make the long ride more palatable.
After the dismissal at the Harjungs, all agreed that this outing was one of the most memorable and one not to be missed next year!
Troop 443 confirmed new leadership positions at its recent Court of Honor March 30 at Cherry Hill Middle School.
Life Scout Logan Kline takes the position of senior patrol leader with J.P. Fossler named the assistant senior patrol leader. Other leadership posts include Chaplain’s Aide John Martinuk, Instructors Sam Waters and Jack Clancy, Librarian Greg Gellman, Historian Isaac Harsh, Scribe Connor Graybeal, Quartermaster Joe Graham and Troop Guides Tyler Shrewsbury, Andrew Koenings, Aaron Smith and Dylan Day. Chris Carpenter is the new Order of the Arrow representative. They all begin six-month terms.
At the same court of honor, 13 scouts received merit badges and several scouts advanced in rankings including seven new Scout ranks, one Tenderfoot, two Second Class scouts, six First Class scouts, two Star scouts (J.P. Fossler and Andrew Koenings) and one Life scout (Logan Kline).
In addition, Troop 443 scouts Sam Waters, Jackson Hill and Andrew Koenings were elected to the Order of the Arrow (and will participate in the OA Ordeal April 23-25). Scoutmaster Mike Fossler was also elected to Order of the Arrow membership.
HITTING THE SLOPES 2010: Shaun White, Bode Miller, Lindsey Vonn and Ted Ligety had nothing on Troop 443 this winter. The Winter Olympic stars vanquished Vancouver and the Boy Scouts tackled Timberline.
Troop 443’s annual ski trip to Timberline Four Seasons Resort in West Virginia Feb. 12-15 included slalom, giant slalom and downhill (lots of downhill) plus breakfast, lunch, dinner, card games, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, glades, bowls, slopes, lifts, tunnels, roads, flawless runs, nasty wipeouts, some very restful sleeping (hah!) and two moderately tense drives through the mountains.
We did it again.
For the third year, the troop packed up the gear and the cars and headed southwest to the Timberline in Canaan Valley. The highest mountain valley east of the Rockies, Canaan is home to two ski resorts and – this year anyway – hundreds of inches of natural snow. The powdery conditions meant great skiing and some daredevil attempts at black diamonds, double blacks, glades (think ski trails in the woods) and even the dreaded Cherry Bowl. The locals told us the latter used to be on the trail maps, but was removed because too many amateurs were giving it a try. Amateurs. Who are they calling amateurs? Us. Much of the troop “dropped in” to the bowl – a pristine section of knee deep powder and trees strewn about as if part of a woods (which they are) and made it out to tell stories afterward.
“Did you see that one hairpin turn?” “I did. Did you see that guy wipe out?”
“Yeah, that was great. That guy flipped and tripped and almost hit a tree.” “Hey wait a minute, that guy was me.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot. It was still funny.”
And so the conversations went. The troop’s group of 22 arrived Friday night about 10, got outfitted with skis, poles and helmets and – eventually – went to sleep. The rest proved to be a good idea as Saturday was a long, cold day. Great skiing and sliding was the rule for everyone – beginner to expert. We skied all day and into the night and did it all over again Saturday after a much more restful night. Sunday was warmer, but came with a fresh coating of snow from Saturday night. You could hear the cheers in Elkton. We powered through another great day of skiing – highlighted by four adults trying the Cherry Bowl, a few scaling The Drop and lots of tales of scary “whales” on the mountain. Phil Carpenter turned 18 this day, officially becoming an “adult,” though those on the trip are not so sure. It was nice of his mom to deliver cupcakes to celebrate, however.
Fearless leader Mike Politi roused the sleepy crew Monday morning for a grand finale on the mountain. By now well known to the staff, some of us were evicted from the Cherry Bowl but we still finished strong and prepped for the long ride home. Advised of a shortcut, we wound up in Coal Mine traffic (who knew?) and took the slow and scenic tour over the hills and through the woods and around the mines and over the dam and through the towns . . .
In all, another great trip for the troop. Thanks to Mr. Politi for organizing the whole thing, to the drivers for handling the roads with skill and to the scouts for a fun time. See you next year.
The Team: Scouts Scott Barndollar, Phil Carpenter, Jack Clancy, Ryan Clancy, Theo Dorsman, Jack Fossler, Greg Gellman, Connor Graybeal, Isaac Harsh, Jackson Hill, Logan Kline, Andrew Koenings, Colby Perkins, Max Pierce and Robert Politi; adults Joe Clancy, Greg Gellman, Pete Harsh, Matt and Beth Koenings, Joe Pierce, Mike Politi.
TROOP THANKS BUSINESSES FOR PANCAKE BREAKFAST SUPPORT: On February 28, Troop 443 held its annual Pancake Breakfast at Elkton United Methodist Church. The event was a huge success thanks in part to the support of the following businesses: Acme in Elkton, Ace Hardware, Fair Hill Auto, American Home & Hardware, Acme in Newark, DE, Bakers, Burger King, BJ's, Chick-Fil-A, Cherry Hill Liquors, Cherry Hill Dog & Cat Hospital, City Pharmacy, Country Pride Restaurant at T&A Stopping Center, Cracker Barrel, Daddio’s, Dunkin Donuts in Elkton, Elkton Diner, Elkton Florist, Elkton Order of the Moose, Lodge #851, Fair Hill Liquors, Food Lion, Flying J Travel Plaza, Friendly's, High's Market, Howard House, Iron Skillet, ISE America, Lyon’s Pharmacy, Main Street Café, Pepperidge Farms, Prizzio's Market, Redners’ Market Inc., State Farm Insurance, Fair Hill Shell Station, The Restaurant Store, Waffle House, Wesley's and Wal-Mart. Troop 443 is a high adventure troop. We have an active, challenging, and fun camping program conceived, planned and implemented by the Scouts. At least once a month, you'll find us hiking, canoeing, bicycling or camping somewhere in the (Northeastern) United States. Funds raised from our Pancake Breakfast help support the troop and defray trip expenses for the boys. We truly appreciate the community’s support of our youth through this event.
– Yaz Waters, Pancake Breakfast Committee chair
KLONDIKE TRIP A COOL TIME: Troop 443 took its annual Klondike camping trip January 15-17 at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. The troop met Friday night, set up camp at the McCloskey Site – in temperatures 30 (plus/minus) degrees warmer than the 2009 trip at the same location. Saturday’s activities started with an orienteering competition. The goal was to find 10 geocache spots in as little time as possible. A team led by Colby Perkins picked up the victory, finding all 10 caches. All teams enjoyed the activity, even if one made a short detour to Pennsylvania. The day continued with a service project where the scouts removed tree shelters from 150-200 trees planted at Fair Hill as part of a reforestation project. The shelters secure and protect young trees, but are no longer needed when the saplings begin to mature. Saturday night’s Golden Skillet competition proved that food is not everything – as the Screaming Eagles/Vikings Patrol picked up the vicotyr based largely on presentation. The judges were impressed by the wine glasses (filled with grape juice) and candlelit table – and the spaghetti dinner. The worst part of the weekend? The Klondike Kate’s activities needed more planning and organization. The best part? The food and the orienteering. Oh, and temepratures that reached double digits. See you next year.
TROOP WINS NATIONAL CAMPING AWARDS: Boy Scouts of America recently recognized Troop 443 with the bronze and silver National Camping Awards based on 28 nights of camping by the troop and a total of 593 scout days spent under "canvas." Congratulations everyone. See you at the campsite.
The troop leadership also put together a detailed Parents' Guide to Summer Camp (see link below to download)
| summer-camp_2010.pdf |
| summer_camp_permi_slip.pdf |
ROLLING ON THE WATER WITH TROOP 443 - By Joe Clancy
Take a camping trip with a bunch of boys and there’s no telling what might happen. You could . . . drive three hours without leaving Maryland, shoehorn yourself into a kayak, swap boats with a kid without touching the water, clean up a beach, share a lighthouse parking lot with the Amish, chop vegetables, make pancakes, find yourself in the middle of a cooking contest, help a high-school sophomore get back in a kayak, meet some new people, and – most importantly – enjoy a great weekend getaway.
I don’t attend many of Troop 443’s trips – blame work – but I always have a good time when I go. The trip to St. George Island May 29-31 was another winner. I didn’t even know there was a St. George Island in Maryland, but it’s a great place where the Potomac River and St. Mary’s River converge just before meeting the Chesapeake Bay. We stayed at Camp Merrylande, a beachfront campsite with tent spaces, a few cabins, friendly hosts, cute dogs and a million-dollar view. Because of our numbers, we were in the back on a strip of solid ground between two ponds. Sounds worse than it was – the bugs weren’t too bad, we had plenty of room and there was a nice spot in the back for the Geezers.
It rained Friday night during the drive, but stopped by the time we got to camp – after paying a surprise late-night visit to some St. George Island residents (sorry about the convoy in your driveway, sir). We unloaded, utilized several trips by Camp Merrylande’s motorized “valets” and set up the usual Troop 443 tent community. After a little crackerbarrel (gotta love Oreos, Cheez-Its and pepperoni) and some conversation, we crawled into the tents and went to sleep.
Saturday started early with pancakes and other breakfast treats – free coffee courtesy of Camp Merrylande’s Miss Pat – and then we headed to the kayaks. The Spanish Armada had nothing on us. Thirty-one boats (we brought some, we rented some) in every color of the palet went down the boat ramp at the bridge connecting Piney Point to St. George. We shoved off, waited a bit in the channel for everyone to get situated and paddled all the way back to Camp Merrylande for lunch. Great way to spend the morning. After a nice break, we got back in the boats and completed the trip around the island back to the boat ramp. It might have been the tide or the wind or the current – but partial exhaustion had something to do with it – the going was much tougher on this leg. But we made it.
Back to camp we went for dinner and the much-anticipated Divas-Geezers Golden Skillet Competition.
The Divas, led by master chef Christine Carpenter, served a superb meal of marinated stuffed Portobello mushrooms topped with prawns, on a bed of vermicelli, roasted red peppers, capers and black olives to judges Chris Carpenter (no relation), Nathan Sievert and Theo Dorsman. . The four-star meal was accompanied by roasted asparagus in a lemon vinegarette and fresh pudding with strawberries for dessert.
Meanwhile, the Geezers worked an assembly line of culinary excellence that included superburgers, grilled marinated vegetables, football-sized baked potatoes and an appetizer of just-caught-and-steamed Maryland crabs. A beachfront table, driftwood centerpiece, matching plates and visiting waitstaff completed the picture and tipped the scales – barely – to the Geezers (led by Mike “Bobby Flay” Fossler) in a photo finish.
The evening wrapped up with an outdoor slideshow of the day with photos by Camp Merrylande’s Bill, some camaraderie around the fire, a little late-night fishing and an early bedtime.
Sunday morning arrived with rain clouds and the troop flew into action – breaking camp in record time before (sort of) the real rain started. After a quick stop at Piney Point Lighthouse, we rolled north to home.
Thanks for a great trip.
TROOP TRIP SUMMARIES – By Troop Historian Max Pierce
Kayaking Trip: Troop 443 had an amazing trip May 29-31 to St. George Island in southern Maryland. We went kayaking on the beautiful Potomac and St. Mary's Rivers. While paddling, we enjoyed the scenery of the lower Chesapeake and messed around a bit too. There was a tremendous Golden Skillet showdown between the Geezers and the Divas. Mr. Mike and Ms. Christine fought to impress the judges with tablecloths and Girl Scout waitresses. The Geezers came out with the victory in a fun part of a wonderful trip.
Mafeking Trip: Troop 443 traveled to Camp Henson in Galestown, Md. March 20-22 for the annual “Mafeking Trip,” which commemorates the Siege of Mafeking, most famous British action in the Second Boer War. The siege took place at Mafeking in South Africa over a period of 217 days from October 1899 to May 1900 and turned Robert Baden-Powell, who went on to found the Scouting Movement, into a national hero. Our Mafeking was much more tame, with a capture the flag game as the main activity. The scouts enjoyed their weekend and everyone who attended had a good time. The Screaming Eagles won the Golden Skillet competition, but the weekend also showcased some interesting cooking from the Spartans, who made “pizza soup.”
Lehigh Valley Bike Trip: Troop 443 traveled to the Lehigh Valley Gorge in Pennsylvania April 24-26, biking all day Saturday on the beautiful trail that was right next to the Lehigh River. Also, true spring weather was enjoyed by all.
TROOP RECEIVES HONORS AT DISTRICT CEREMONY: Troop 443 received a variety of honors at the recent Cecil District Dinner including:
• Top troop popcorn sales ($8,947).
• Friends of Scouting Honor Unit.
• Centennial Unit Award.
• National Camping Award for spending more than 30 nights camping in 2008.
• Eagle Scout Recipient Award for the Eagle badges earned by Spencer Harjung and Dustin Fisher.
• 25th anniversary of the troop.
In addition, several individuals with ties to the troop were recognized:
• Advancement chair Dottie Dhamer was recognized for her work on Flag Day and July 4 ceremonies in North East.
• Spencer Harjung was recognized for being featured in the March 2009 edition of Boy's Life magazine.
• Max Pierce won the district's "My Most Memorable Camping Experience" essay contest (which included a savings bond).
• Scoutmaster Emeritus Paul Harjung received the District Award of Merit for service to scouting in the Cecil District.
For photos from the adult recognition dinner, click here.
NEW MEDICAL FORM AVAILABLE: Boy Scouts of America has created a new medical form, which replaces the three different forms (Class 1, 2, 3) with one form (with sections). If you or your scout needs one, it can be downloaded in the Permission Slips section. The Troop medical coordinator will inform scouts if a new form is needed to attend a specific outing or event.
TROOP 443 'HITS' THE SLOPES – By Joe Clancy
The ski slope is called “The Drop.” Not, The Fluffy Pillow. And that’s why I should not have been anywhere near it during Troop 443’s annual ski trip to Timberline Four Seasons Ski Resort in Davis, West, Va. Jan. 13-16.
But I skied it anyway. Slid it would be a better description. Ski, slide, stop, fall . . . Ski, slide, stop, fall . . . Ski, slide, crash into stranger, fall, apologize . . . Ski, slide, fall while facing backward on hill, take off skis, slide down hill on side, get snow up pantleg. . . Ski, slide, stop, fall, laugh, laugh, laugh.
The Drop dropped me repeatedly, but I made it down – to much fanfare from my co-daredevils Alec, Colby, Phil and Ryan. We basically challenged ourselves to try the mogul-filled, icy, barely groomed trail with all the warning signs at the top (if the ski patrol saw us hugging moguls, we surely would have had our lift tickets revoked). Other heroic moments on the trip included watching J.P. “yard sale” his ski equipment and most of his clothes after launching himself off a jump in the freestyle park; Phil getting “clotheslined” by an out-of-bounds rope he claimed blended in with a house; successfully tackling a black-diamond slope with Max (the snowboarder) and Isaac; watching Scott (the rookie) ski for hours and hours; seeing sparks shoot from Alec’s skis while crossing a spot with now snow; crashing in the woods with Colby; hearing Jack C. confidently say a black diamond was “easy” (not in my book) and more.
Twenty people (16 scouts and four adults) went to Timberline. We slept triple-decker in the bunkhouse, ate in the cafeteria, hung out in the lodge and met people from all over (Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina). A kid named “Sharky” showed us how to play Buck Hunter. Timberline owner “Doc” Reichle, also a world-class surgeon, served most of our meals. Mr. Fossler skied for the first-time in years. Mr. Smith missed a conference call while zipping down Salamander. Theo went big (and didn’t die) over a jump. Jackson starred in the terrain park. Austin “The Axe Man” made us laugh. Sean went to first aid with a thumb injury that turned out to be minor (we have a limit on major injuries). Aaron schussed down Salamander. Jack F. smiled through it all. Mr. Doyle steered a group through the Snow Sports merit badge.
No trips are perfect. On our first day, Ian broke his leg. I was there, sort of. Skiing in a pack of scouts on Twister, I turned a corner and Ian was on the ground. His skis, were in a ditch about 30 feet away. After several “are you sures?” and a few “come on, does it really hurt?” variations and several minutes, the ski patrol arrived and took Ian down the mountain on a stretcher attached to a snowmobile. Ian bravely went to first aid and gritted his teeth – and nearly broke my hand – when his boot was removed. Luckily, Ian’s stepfather Mr. Doyle was on the trip so all we had to do was find him (not a phone call anyone wants to make). A trip to the ER, an X-ray and a bandage later, Ian was back at Timberline telling us all about it. Sorry it had to happen, Ian, but we’ll see you on the slopes again soon.
Just not on “The Drop."
PERMISSIONS SLIPS NOW ONLINE: This is a work in progress, but we will try to make all Troop 443 permission slips available online - no more searching for papers at home or worrying about forgetting to remember at the meetings. Need a permission slip? Just click on the link above, print it out and you're all set. We will aim to make permission slips available as PDF files and/or Microsoft Word documents.
PLC MEETINGS: Patrol Leaders Council meetings are held the first Sunday of each month at Mr. Fossler's house. Meetings start at 4 p.m. and all PLC members are strong encouraged to attend.
TROOP NAMES NEW SCOUTMASTER: Troop 443 ushered in a new era Sept. 23 with the retirement of longtime Scoutmaster Tim Fisher, head of the troop for the past several years. A Rising Sun resident, Fisher has a long career of service to Cecil County’s youth including 14 years with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. In 2007, Fisher received an Award of Merit from the Cecil District for distinguished service to youth in the community and scouting. He has also received a Den Leader Award, Cubmaster Award, Webelos Den Leader Award and Scouter’s Training Award. Fisher and his wife, Carolyn, got involved in scouting 14 years ago and saw sons Derek and Dustin reach the rank of Eagle Scout.
Under Fisher’s leadership, Troop 443 grew from eight scouts to nearly 60. He paid credit to the more than 200 young people he worked with during his time in scouting.“Every one of them left a great mark on me and it’s going to stick with me for the rest of my life,” he said.At the same Court of Honor ceremony confirming Fisher’s retirement, the troop named Mike Fossler the new scoutmaster. A Glen Farms resident, Fossler has been with Troop 443 for two years and has a lengthy background in scouting including several with Cub Scout Pack 443. Moments after officially accepting the position, Fossler named Fisher and longtime assistant scoutmaster Paul Harjung to the new posts of Scoutmasters Emeritus.
2010 National Jamboree
The next National Boy ScoutJamboree is less than 2 years away (July 26 thru August 4, 2010). Applications for adult leaders are being taken now. This is the 100th Anniversary of Scouting and certain to be a spectacular event. Don't miss it. You can register here.