Hike this Sunday (Oct 25th)
We have an awesome hike planned for Sunday, Oct 25th. starting at the Elk Pen (route 17 North to Arden Valley Road) The plan is to hike the Appalachian trail in a ~5 mile mile section with a great opportunity to see Island Pond Lake and the Lemon Squeezer, then turn around or on the Ramapo Dunderburg or walk to the Long Path (via arden road) for ~5 additional miles for a total of about 11 miles. The start time is 7:30 AM. We have limited daylight and parking can become an issue if we get going to late. I am estimating about 5 hours of moving time, which took us about 8 hours last time. I think we can knock this one out quicker. There is a chance that Evan and Elan Kuperman will continue on to get 15 miles if anyone wants to keep going at the end.
Dress in layers, you will get warm really quick on this hike, It will also be sunny and in the 50's. and the first mile, like every hike in Harriman will get your heart pumping. Bring a minimum of 32 oz of water, if you can bring 64 oz you should. I recommend an extra pair of socks, light packable jacket, along with your first aid kits, pocket knives, lunch, trail snacks, and anything else you may want to carry. Lighter is better but comfort beats everything. The trail is gorgeous, and I hiked the first mile the other day to check it out. The foliage is in full bloom and leaves are on the ground so hiking boots, trail running shoes are a must as it could get slippery in some areas. THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL MARKERS ARE WHITE. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE STAY ON THE TRAIL.
PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE BY CALLING OR TEXTING SCOUTMASTER MITCH SOLOMON 914-262-9481.
Meeting Update
Congratulations to the Jellyfish Patrol who were victorious over the Toddler Patrol in the speer making/throwing competition at the Oct 22nd meeting. The final score was: Jellyfish 67, Toddlers 27.
Merit Badge Procedure
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed a lot in Scouting and everything else. We are no longer using the blue merit badge cards. Click on the link below for how to earn merit badges:
http://troop25.us/merit_badge_procedure.html
At this point everyone should be staying home. Of course this makes most Scouting activities unavailable, but there are a few things Scouts can do while at or around their homes:
Start with this webpage, which details what can be done without leaving your house:
http://www.hudsonvalleyscouting.org/at-home-activities/72814
And here is a link to updated advancement guidelines:
http://troop25.us/advancement_update.pdf
General Information
Troop 25 normally meets Thursdays from 7:30PM to 9:00PM in Suffern Middle School Cafeteria, but due to the Covid pandemic these meetings are suspended. We are looking at alternate places to meet after Nov 1st when daylight savings time ends making evening outdoor meetings infeasible. Stay tuned! If you don't see an email please check this website.
Note: for all trips we need to have firm commitments no later than 2 weeks in advance of the trip. Unfortunately we cannot wait until the last minute to find out who is and who is not going. Please decide with your son well in advance and let us know if he is going so we can make plans for food, transportation, etc. Remember adults always welcomed on our trips.
