Highlights from 2007-2008

February 16-18, 2008: Snowshoeing Trip at Canon Mountain

Every year the troop offers a Venture Trip, open only to experienced scouts who have reached the rank of First Class or above. These trips are rugged tests of the skills our scouts have acquired; this is no time for on-the-job learning. This year we snowshoed up to the Lonesome Lake Hut, operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club, with full packs in sub-zero temperatures and waist-deep snow. We spent the night at the hut then made the steep ascent to the summit of Canon Mountain. This climb was so strenuous that everyone had to strip down to shirt sleeves to avoid overheating, despite temperatures that hovered in the low teens! We spent the evening back in the hut then hiked down the mountain in - yes, you guessed it, RAIN - as the weather suddenly turned warm. This trip had everything!

April 18-20, 2008: National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown

We asked the troop what they wanted to do in April and the answer was clear: Cooperstown, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame! So, with ten scouts and five leaders, we set off on the pilgrimage. After a mere five hour drive (ha!) we arrived, weary but excited, at Camp Henderson. Located just 20 minutes south of Cooperstown, Henderson is the ideal place to camp when visiting the hall. The next morning, after breakfast, we piled back into our cars and headed for the Hall and Museum. This is a true must-see for any baseball fan. The museum is chock-full of artifacts from the history of the game, including such items as a jersey worn by Cy Young and Curt Shilling's famous bloody sock. They also had a lot of stuff from that New York team.

We were, of course, deep in Yankees territory... all the more reason to show our support for the 2007 World Champion Red Sox!

After a tiring but rewarding day we returned to Camp Henderson, spent the night, then finally set out on the long journey back to Waltham. Sure the drive was long, but it was well worth it!

May 16-18, 2008: Backpacking on the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail

The annual backpacking trip is one of the highlights of the scout year. This year, like last, Troop 248 hiked a section of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. This time we picked up the trail near Royalston Falls and hiked to Mount Grace. Due to some re-routing of the trail and a navigational error the first day took longer than expected, so the second day was changed to a side-hike without packs to the summit of Mount Grace.

June 6-8, 2008: Backpacking at Mount Greylock

To prepare for the rigors of the Philmont trek planned for July-August, the troop conducted a shakedown hike on Mount Greylock in the Berkshires. This trip featured a grueling ascent to the summit which, at 3,491 feet, is the highest point in Massachusetts. The mercury and humidity, both of which topped 90, just added to the fun. This was a difficult but necessary final test of equipment, skills and stamina before the challenges of Philmont.

July 13-19, 2008: Camp Storer

There really is nothing like summer camp, especially Scout Camp at Camp T.L. Storer! About a dozen scouts from Troop 248 spent a week learning new skills, working on rank advancement, and competing for bragging rights in the 'Camp Storer Games'. Swimming, campfires, marksmanship, sports, climbing, nature study, and a healthy dose of good-old-fashioned goofing off. A great time was had by all!

July 23-August6, 2008: Philmont Trek

Five scouts and three adult leaders from Troop 248 successfully finished an eleven day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Over the course of this trek they covered 65 miles on foot, at altitudes up to 11,711 feet, with backpacks averaging 50 pounds. They carried as much as five days food at a time, climbed mountains, and braved a fierce lightning storm on the Tooth of Time Ridge. It was the adventure of a lifetime! More...