Seven Scouts and three adult leaders from Boy Scout Troop 97 traveled to Kunkeltown for a week of adventures at the Trexler Scout Reservation. The camp is located on more than 900 acres donated by decorated war hero Harry C. Trexler in 1928.
Scouts had the opportunity to select from an extensive offering of merit badges for personal development, including Climbing, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Kayaking, Fishing, Boating, and Swimming. Scout Matt Brion, Second-Class Scout Bryson Harris, and Star Scout Luke Spangenberg were mentally engaged with Inventing, Exploring, and Fingerprinting merit badges. A historical approach to skills in the Leatherwork, Woodcarving, Pulp and Paper, and American Heritage merit badges tested Star Scout Brayden Harris and Life Scout Leo Nissley.
Acting Senior Patrol Leader and Life Scout Mason Swartz, Second-Class Scout Jesse Reigle, and Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Pauley participated in the Trexler Rangers program, a three-hour team-building course up and down the mountain over rugged terrain with natural obstacles and lots of mud. They are now members of the Trexler Rangers for life.
There were programs specifically designed for the leaders, as well. Scoutmaster Bill Lee and Assistant Scoutmaster Mike Harris took part in a hands-on trade-based class teaching welding and metal work. Another highlight was the Scoutmaster Dutch Oven Lunch and Chili Cook-Off, in which Lee was a participant. At the end of the week, Pauley was one of three leaders in the entire camp to receive the Leader Participation Award recognizing his successful completion of 15 specialized leader stations.
Troop 97 of Middletown is sponsored by the Londonderry Fire Company. For information, readers may contact Ted Pauley at 717-944-2766 or tszm@hotmail.com.
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