In late January, Troops 260 and 262 and Crew 261 traveled north to Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire. Gunstock Mountain has something for everyone. From snow tubing to ski lessons to downhill trail options ranging from green circles to black diamonds, every scout enjoyed the day. It was beautiful, with low wind and mild winter temperatures in the high 30’s.
This was the second year the scouts have done this trip, and they love it so much they are already planning a return next winter! They enjoy the adventure of trying a new activity and the challenge of winter camping.
Griswold Scout Reservation was the scout’s homebase for the weekend, offering Adirondack shelters for Troop 260 and cabins for Troop 262. The scouts planned their meals with their activities in mind. They made a ‘quick’ breakfast on ski day so they could expeditiously make it to the mountain for first tracks. Each patrol packed a bag lunch or bought at the mountain and then concluded their day with a nice hot cooked meal. Troop 260 patrols went with a classic tomato soup and grilled cheese. The Troop 262 patrol cooked a delicious chicken pot pie with biscuits in the Dutch oven. The scouts sure do know how to eat well on a camping trip!
What’s up next for these adventurous groups? In February, the scouts will use their scout skills to compete at the annual Charter Oak Klondike Derby. In March, the scouts will camp at BSA Camp Workcoeman and work on their climbing and wilderness survival merit badges. The remainder of the spring will be geared towards preparing the scouts for their epic 60+ mile canoeing adventure down the Allagash Waterway in June.