Troop 82 visits 'Scouting Paradise'

By Justin Valenzuela
Sparta Boy Scout Troop 82 spent the week of July 17-23 at Resica Falls Scout Reservation, a 4200+ acre “Scouting Paradise.” The scouts kept busy earning 5 awards each in what seems like an endless track of mountain trails, clear streams, and waterfalls.
Upon arrival Sunday afternoon the troop set up camp and chose their sleeping quarters. Each morning the scouts were awakened by the First Call, then took turns serving meals and tending to the campsite while exploring the reservation and working on their individual merit badges. The evenings were spent having night swims, campfires and scout skits. For many boys, camping is their favorite part of the Scouting experience so a weeklong trip is the perfect way to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year. Of course a lot of activities emphasized the core scout values of individual responsibility, leadership, service and preparedness, but there was also opportunity for scouts earn badges in physically and intellectually challenging activities of their own interest. Troop 82’s choices proved to be as diverse as the boys are themselves: ATV, Archery, Athletics, Robotics/Electronics, Environmental Science, Hiking/ Backpacking, Indian Lore, Sailing, Search and Rescue, Welding, Wilderness Survival, Space Exploration, and Oceanography to name a few.
Giancarlo Valenzuela said of the experience “They gave us a lot of responsibilities while at camp. It showed that they trust us, and that felt good.” But it wasn’t ALL work– Scouts enjoyed plenty of time playing games and relaxing at the pool with its massive slide. A highlight of the trip was Thursday afternoon when the scouts and their leaders hiked to Fossil Rock, a swimming hole on the Bushkill River where they jumped off the sandy shales of the Catskill Formation into the water below.
Sparta Troop 82 meets on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. The next meeting will be after the summer break on September 12. Boys currently in fifth grade to age 18 are welcome to join. For more information and events visit <URL destination="http://sites.google.com/site/spartanjtroop82/ ">sites.google.com/site/spartanjtroop82/
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Valenzuela is the journalist for Troop 82.