Troop 260 and 262 set off on an exciting trip to Mohawk State Forest in Connecticut during a weekend in March. They honed their outdoor skills, practiced navigation and explored the beauty of the area.
Stunning sunrise peeking over the horizon at Mohawk State Forest.
Upon arrival, the scouts set up camp at a scenic spot within the Mohawk State Forest. One scout even demonstrated basic pioneering skills by constructing a tarp shelter by lashing downed branches into a frame and sleeping under the stars, showcasing her resourcefulness and creativity.
The highlight of the trip was a delightful hike to two towers: the Cunningham Tower, which was a picturesque old stone structure nestled in the woods and Mohawk Tower, which was a more modern cellular tower on top of the mountain. While the cell towers might not have been super exciting, the scouts were rewarded with breathtaking vistas at the top of Mohawk Mountain.
Cunningham Tower, in Mohawk State Forest, was constructed in 1912 by Seymour Cunningham.
Throughout the weekend, the scouts embraced the outdoors with enthusiasm, sharing stories around the campfire and practicing Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on nature. The scouts engaged in some conservation service by cleaning up a plethora of empty beer cans at the campsite. They were disheartened to see empties left at the campsite and throughout their hike. Public service announcement: PICK UP YOUR TRASH. Take out what you bring in.
This trip was a perfect example of the valuable life skills scouting instills, from outdoor survival techniques to leadership and teamwork. The scouts left with lasting memories of their adventure and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Their smiles and laughter spoke volumes about the success of this adventure – one that will inspire their future outdoor endeavors. The future has some exciting adventures ahead. The scouts will welcome our newest scouts during our annual campout at Sunrise Park. In May, the scouts will canoe the Farmington River. In June, the scouts will hike their final section of the Appalachian trail in Conn, completing a four year long adventure of hiking the full 51 miles.
In July the scouts will embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Iceland, where the land of fire and ice promises thrills at every turn. They’ll hike through rugged landscapes, marveling at majestic waterfalls and soaking in natural geothermal pools. They’ll challenge their teamwork, whitewater rafting on wild rivers and they’ll snorkel between the tectonic plates at Silfra. To top it off they will visit an ice cave, exploring the frozen depths of ancient glaciers. This is an adventure that will push their limits and create memories that will last forever.