Troop 888

Mr G's Last Hurrah

2010-06-24T08:41:00.019-04:00

This past Tuesday was the last Troop meeting presided over by Mr G, and was also the swan song for Mr D! Harris Bierstein was photographer for the evening, and submitted these shots....

Group Hug for Mr G!

Why is everyone but me in Class A??

You set me up, Mr Smith!

Mr Smith gets his Scoutmaster patch - too late to turn back now!

Mr G gets a sneak peek at a picture done by Greg Nowachek

I can't believe he just said that! Not the first time I have felt that way ;-)

Cuttin' the cake

Obviously, Mr D never earned his Tote 'n Chip

Ok, that's better

Divide it into 83 1/2 slices??

The last time they will listen to you....

Is he gonna cry?

Final Scoutmaster minute.....

The gang was all here!

Thanks to all of the leaders and parents for your support over
the past 7 1/2 years, and please give Mr Smith and Mr
Leichtman the same support that we have enjoyed!!

Mr G and Mr D

Popcorn Chairperson(s) Needed!

2009-08-23T17:25:00.000-04:00

We are looking for a couple of volunteers to run the Troop Popcorn program this fall. Marianne Baetz has been the popcorn Chair since she joined the Troop, and we'd like to get some others involved. So, if we could get 2 people that were willing to work on this for us, that would be great. The first Council meeting is on Saturday,
August 29. There are 3 45-minute sessions during the morning, and we need to have someone from the Troop attend one of those in order to earn additional commissions from our sales. I will forward the details along to whomever can handle this for us.

Basically, the responsibilities are -

1) Handing out materials to the Scouts at a Troop meeting.
2) Timely collection of all orders and placing orders on-line through Trails End web site
3) Ordering Show n Sell popcorn and coordinating locations we can sell in town (i.e., Stop n Shop)
4) Staffing the Show n Sell sales days
5) Coordination of popcorn pick-up and distribution
6) Monitoring of payments and follow-ups, working with the Treasurer Maria Gramieri

Please let me know if you can help us out.

Thx,

Dan DiBiase
Committee Chairman
Troop 888

d_dibiase@yahoo.com
732-438-9146

Troop 888 In The News!

2009-08-07T10:26:00.002-04:00

The Star-Ledger had a short article about the 'You-Gotta Regatta' at Camp Henson in the Scout Post section today, featuring several members of the Angry Beavers and their winning entry. Here is the article....

More Pictures....

2009-07-20T21:18:00.001-04:00

...a weeks worth from Mr Smith!

Too many to post, so go here -

http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/ddibiase/Troop%20888%20at%20Henson%202009/

Official Troop 888 Henson Photo

2009-07-20T08:11:00.003-04:00

Suitable for framing.....

I also have many pictures from Mr Smith that I will be posting later today, so make sure to check back!

More Pictures

2009-07-19T10:50:00.003-04:00

Courtesy of Mr Smith, aka Physique Man!

The Angry Beavers Win!

Insert Tab A into Slot B....

Scouts CAN walk on water!

Pictures from the Week

2009-07-18T20:45:00.017-04:00

Thanks to Harris Bierstein for these pictures.....

The Angry Beavers Compete in the 'Yougotta Regatta'! And the win!

'Physique Man' to the Rescue!

Friday PM Pictures

2009-07-17T20:11:00.002-04:00

Eating the last dinner...

Bet those uniforms smell real good!

More pictures to post tomorrow, including the 'Yougotta Regatta'!

Friday AM Pictures

2009-07-17T09:52:00.005-04:00

Some pictures from the last day of camp!

Breakfast....

Relaxing before heading to classes

Conor at shotgun again

Pictures from Early Thursday

2009-07-16T12:49:00.006-04:00

The SPL on his morning rounds

Why is Mr Leichtman sitting or sleeping in every photo?!

Conor at Shotgun

Nick, Sal and Kieran at swim

Wednesday Afternoon Pictures

2009-07-15T17:22:00.003-04:00

Sachin and Sajan at the Pool

Photography MB Guys at the Waterfront

Aaron at Computer Class

Pictures....

2009-07-15T13:06:00.008-04:00

...from Mr Kuchinski!

Some Tuesday and Wednesday Tidbits

2009-07-15T12:47:00.003-04:00

From Mr M (who has since left camp to come home) -

Photography merit badge scouts could be seen in the meadow snapping pictures.

Mr Kuchinski, Mr Kilmurray, Mr Leichtman and Mr Moriarty made it to the watertfront to watch Paul, Michael, Michael, Cameron and Jimmy drive motorboats. The scouts were working on requirements, the adults just wanted to go boating.

Climbing scouts will finally get a chance to climb something Wednesday, the safety instructions must take two days.

Pioneering scouts spent two days reviewing and learning knots. They are getting antsy and want to build something. Last week scouts built a swing and they never build the same thing two weeks in a row. Some adults (Mr M) suggested building a cell tower.

Shotgun scouts still haven't fired a shot. Wed is the 1st time we will hear shotguns going off all day.

Brownsea scouts (our 1st time summer campers) were supposed to visit the rifle range Tues. Much to their disappointment it was rescheduled for Wednesday.

The prized T888 camping coffee pot is still in its case. We love our coffee but coffee is delivered to the campsite each morning between 6:15 and 6:30. Nice touch and much appreciated.

Our campsite is inspected each morning between breakfast and lunch. Monday we received a 71, not too good when top score is 100. Tuesday morning a troop challenge was issued to guess our score for the day. Winner(s) got a free soda. The highest scout guess was a 93 and the lowest was a 63. No one guessed our score of 98. Second guesses were made at lunch time Tues and we had 3 winners for sodas. Andrew, Brian and Zach got the free drinks.

Wednesdays inspection score (hot news from camp) was a 96. Some errant towels by one tent cost us 4 points. Looks like 98 was the best we were going to achieve.

Some scouts started the process for the mile swim. Tues after dinner was the 1/4 mile qualifier which is 4 laps around the pools edge. Next step is the 1/2 mile and then the 16 lap 1 mile attempt on Thursday or Friday.

There is a YOUGOTTA REGATTA boat race in the pool Friday. The Angry Beavers, all 7 of them in camp, are working on a creation that we all hope will float. Wish them luck and I cant wait for the pictures. It doesn't matter if the boat floats or sinks I want to see pictures.

The boys are taking turns being waiters for midday and evening meals. Breakfast is still buffet style. At the singing and cheering portion after meals we are weak on singing but excel at cheering. The T888 tables can be loud.

Mr Kuchinski left camp Tuesday after siesta. Mr Moriarty left after dinner.

Mr G is due back in camp early Wed. just as Mr Kilmurray will be heading home.

Mr & Mrs Bierstein as well as Mr Tesoriero and Mr O'Connor will be in camp for the rest of the week.

Aaron, taking the Archaeology merit badge was off site for one of the requirements and missed lunch with the rest of the T888 scouts. Many missed him but his brother Sam didn't notice, even after we asked him where Aaron was.

The scouts which are OA members attended an ice cream social Tues at 9. One overheard comment was 'You gotta wear the sash but you get free ice cream, sweeeeet!'

Mr G is Back in Camp!

2009-07-15T11:30:00.006-04:00

And he has sent along some pictures from Wednesday morning....

Brian waits to climb....

Brody and Kyle ready for the day

Will at Indian Lore

Watersports on the Nanticoke

Andrew Ready to Swim

Tuesday Morning Update

2009-07-14T11:38:00.003-04:00

Here's the latest from Mr Moriarty....

There are 25 scouts in camp and 3 are imitating the character PIGPEN from Peanuts.

Monday night saw the 1st campfire in our site. After some prodding from the youngest scouts, all the boys collected firewood and started a fire about 8:30. Lights out for camp is 10:30, our scouts went to tents about 11 and the leaders put out the fire at midnight.

Monday night saw a campsite challenge for a free soda. The challenge was called FREEZE OFF. Thirteen scouts gathered around the two coolers and put in one arm up to their elbow. Last one still in the cooler won two sodas. It was COLD. One by one scouts were eliminated with 7 scouts giving up in the 1st minute. That left 6 very determined scouts who went to a full 2 minutes when the game was declared a tie. It cost Mr M 6 sodas instead of two. Winners ranged from big to small scouts, 1st year to multi year summer campers.

9 of 10 scouts found their way to their merit badge classes on the 1st try. Lost scouts were guided by the directionally challenged leaders.

FRIGID FROG, a 6:30 am swim at the pool was attended the 1st time on Tues morning by 7 T888 scouts. No adults attended.

Five motorboating scouts didn't get to drive a boat on the Nanticoke river during Mondays session. They were disappointed. They weren't stopped because they were acting silly, stupid or being bad. They missed out due to a nosebleed. A single drop of blood hit the boat deck and they had to bleach the whole boat. Today we are looking forward to a blood free motorboating class.

In the 1st class of WATERSPORTS all the scouts were able to get out of the water and water-ski. Spectators were as amazed as the scouts. One scout who fell face first while skiing forgot to let go of the rope and was dragged face first through the river. His boat mates just LOVE telling the story about the huge wake wave created.

Dinner was spaghetti and meatballs and no one left hungry. Salad by about 1/2 the boys, all had bread and some neon colored sugar water. The meal ended with a rousing song, the Beaver Song. The Angry Beavers and Mr M were very happy.

One scout said at lunch Monday (our 3rd meal and just under 24 hours in camp) 'I cant believe its only Monday, it feels like I've been here for days'

One scout was spied on the trail between sessions and asked how his day was. Excitedly he said he was at Motorboating and drove a boat for about 5 minutes. Now comes the quote. 'It was AMAZING, they let us DRIVE, what were they thinking?'

Brody and Aaron took the Monday night moonlight hike. They learned some camp stories and legends which were shared at the campfire.

We aren't girl scouts but did eat some S'mores at our Monday campfire. Much time was spent on what marshmallows are really made of.

Day two started again with another rousing edition of OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING. 5 scouts were up before the alarm clock and 2 were walking back from the showers just as Mr K stopped his serenade.

Seems the #1 candy for the week is some sort of Super Sour Spray. The boys are challenging each other with how many sprays they can tolerate. T888 purchases of SSS make it far more popular than gummi worms, a distant 2nd.

Walking past two scouts I overheard. 'Dude, don't sweat it, its summercamp. No ones cares if your stuff is dirty' That's not entirely true from the leaders perspective.

----------------------------------------------------

Check back later today for pictures!

Monday AM Update

2009-07-13T08:47:00.003-04:00

From Mr Moriarty -

Here it is Monday morning and over 70% of the boys have already had a shower.

Two scouts were up at 5:30 to beat the crowd. They also missed Mr Kuchinski's serenade of 'OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING' which was promptly sung at 6:02 am.

We have a new record for blue card possesion with one scout receiving his blue cards just before we left for the campfire and Mr M picked them up on the road just outside our site on the way to the fire. 3 minutes before lost.

They boys have eaten two meals at the time of this note and very little food remains on the plate, although the scrambled eggs didnt receive high marks.

Some success already with swim tests and a few with beginner status.

All the boys have bunkmates and we got through one day without any skirmishes. We did have two soda spills and the 'at cost' beverage sales are brisk. The boys are now walking around with water bottles in an attempt to stay hydrated. Most of them are at least 1/2 full and they have been told to refill them whenever they pass a water source.

The cannon at the first flag ceremony caught most of the scouts by surprise by watching them all jump. It was loud.

Lights out was 10:30 but it seems like quiet time wasnt until almost 12.

Interesting teamwork story. On the way back from the campfire two of the scouts got lost. They wandered back into camp about 10 minutes later than everyone else and told the adults they got lost. Seems 1 had a map, the other a flashlight. They both needed each other to get back.

The 1st night as the boys were in their tents, the quiet times were broken by the incessant ding of incoming text messages from our MIA SM (Mr G had business in NYC today).

We all would have had a decent nights sleep but Mr Leichtmans phone is REALLLY loud.

As we write this the scouts are heading off to their 1st MB class or Brownsea.

The adults from T888 are the only ones crowded in the leaders lounge.

Mike

for acting SM Larry
Blue card & mr RX Marty
Mr commisary (ice and tshirts) Chris
Morning Tenor Jim (RockStar)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some Scout quotes from Sunday evening -

"Will they serve us real food, not like that stuff we had last year at Read?"

"Can I urinate in the bushes over here" "NO! You have a latrine 20 feet over there and flushing toilets 60 yards over there!!

A Few More Pictures...

2009-07-12T19:22:00.007-04:00

...from throughout the day, courtesy of Mr G....

Dining Hall Orientation

Troop 888 Campsite

The pool

Waiting for some Scouts to Finish the Swim Test

Evening Colors

Awaiting Dinner (L to R - Mr Leichtman, Mr Killmurray, Mr Moriarty, Mr Smith's back, Mr Kuchinski)

Lunch Time

2009-07-12T13:28:00.000-04:00

Group photo from lunch stop on Sunday....

Troop 888 On the Road to Camp!

2009-07-12T11:01:00.006-04:00

From Mr G, at 7:15 am Sunday morning -

Well we are off in about 30 minutes - yesterday's packing was an adventure. Turns out when we say gear we make sure it includes ALL items. Many folks needed to make two trips to reduce this mornings fanfare.

Way lots of room left if the trailer, but even with the footlockers and gear it still handle fine on the test drive to get gas.

I will see how it feel 4 1/2 hours from now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A couple of pictures of the loaded trailer from Saturday -

Mr Leichtman loads a trunk

Mr G checks the headroom (M-M-M-Max Headroom! Obscure '80's reference)

Loaded and Ready!

Weather Forecast for Summer Camp

2009-07-09T14:08:00.002-04:00

The 10-day forecast for Seaford, DE (the closest town to Camp Henson) looks very good!

Dan

Sun
Jul 12 Scattered T-Storms 86°/68° 40 %

Mon
Jul 13 Isolated T-Storms 83°/68° 30 %

Tue
Jul 14 Partly Cloudy 85°/72° 10 %

Wed
Jul 15 Isolated T-Storms 88°/72° 30 %

Thu
Jul 16 Isolated T-Storms 86°/70° 30 %

Fri
Jul 17 Mostly Sunny 85°/70° 0 %

Sat
Jul 18 Sunny 85°/70° 0 %

New Troop Trailer!

2009-07-03T13:14:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures of the new Troop 888 trailer, undecorated, on the day it joined us - July 3, 2009.....

"Scoutmaster, Move That Trailer!"

Barn doors and LED lights, sweet.....

Makes the Sequoia look like a dwarf maple....

It's about half a Dayton block long.

Camp Wrap-Up

2008-08-05T08:33:00.002-04:00

Well, summer camp has come and gone for 2008, although for some, the aftereffects linger.... We had 16 of the 31 Scouts and Leaders who attended get sick, several of them after arriving home. FYI, we have addressed this issue with the Northeast Region of the Boy Scouts of America, and they are working with the Westchester-Putnam Council (the owner of Camp Read) to review the causes and treatments for the virus.

At any rate, it was a successful week for those working on Merit Badges and Advancements. Mr G advises that there were 79 Merit Badges earned along with several partials that can be finished up. In addition, we had 5 Scouts participating in the 'New Scout program' where they earned several requirements towards Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class, as well as earning their Tote 'n Chip (which teaches correct usage of knife, ax and handsaw). Several of those Scouts proudly purchased their first knives at the Trading Post!

We also held one Board of Review for Rank Advancement, and Paul Gramieri advanced to Life Scout.

Our older Scouts also had a great time, with activities like zip-lining, COPE, horseback riding and caving (I hope to have pictures from the caves later this week).

Overall, sickness aside, I would have to say that the boys had a good time at camp, based on feedback I received from several of them. The new Scouts especially handled the rustic conditions well, and they always seemed to have a smile on their face!

Thanks to Marianne Baetz who as usual did a GREAT job in all of the pre-camp activities - getting all of the boys registered and signed up for their activities, hounding us for our medical forms and payments and generally making sure that everything is organized for camp! Marianne and Al also spent Wednesday at the camp, giving Mr G some needed time in a hotel room....

Special thanks go out to the leaders who took the time out of their busy schedules to spend part or all of the week at camp, dealing with all of the usual (and unusual) issues that arise. Chris Killmurray, Jim Kuchinski and Mike Moriarty all spent part of the week at camp. Marty Leichtman was there the entire week. And of course, a big THANK YOU to Mr G for hanging in there, in sickness (mostly) and health and keeping everything running (ahem) smoothly during the week. Without his leadership, I don't know how we'd have made it through! And he mostly stuck to his diet, too.....

One last picture, of the closing camp fire (and no, that's not one of our Scouts sitting too close) -

Check back later this week for the caving pictures.

Mr D

Exciting Update from Camp!

2008-08-01T19:29:00.002-04:00

Troop 888 finishes 4th in the cardboard boat competition at the waterfront!

Cody K wins the 'Love Letter' competition - he won a dinner date with his favorite counselor!

Last Full Day in Camp!

2008-08-01T09:47:00.003-04:00

As we wind down camp, I hear from Mr G that most of the boys have finished their Merit Badges and basically just have a short class today to finalize.

Last night was Pirate Night! Some of the boys had come prepared with pirate paraphernalia, and of course, Mr Moriarty had some items - I hear a he had a dreadlock wig (what, no 'Beaver Pirate'?). Many Scouts wore their scarves as pirate do-rags.

5 Scouts were out overnight for the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge. They had to go out into the woods and build a shelter and spend the night in it. It's always fun when they come back into camp. They are usual pretty tired and fairly dirty! But they all survived!

Mr Moriarty reports that one Scout stopped him this morning and said, 'Mr M, is it true that time goes by faster if you are having fun? Because I am having so much fun that the week is flying by!' That's always great to hear and has pretty much been the word from the Scouts for the week.

I hope to have some new pictures to post later today, so check back this afternoon...

Mr D

Camp Update

2008-07-31T13:53:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the late post, I am home and keep having work interrupt my personal activities....!

Jim Kuchinski sent me some of his pictures from earlier in the week, so I thought I'd post a couple of them now.

Camp Arrival -

Some clean-up was necessary at the campsite, and Mr Killmurray and Mr Kuchinski spent some time at it -

And no, that last photo was NOT staged!

Mr D

Camp Day 4

2008-07-30T08:54:00.002-04:00

Just to give you a feel for the camp routine -

6:00 - 6:15 am - Wake-up!
6:00 - 7:00 am - Showers
7:20 am - Flag raising in our campsite
7:30 am - Waiters leave for the dining hall
7:35 am - Troop leaves for Campwide Reveille
7:45 am - Breakfast!
9:00 am - Noon - Morning Merit Badge sessions
12:00 pm - Waiters leave for the dining hall
12:15 pm - Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 pm - Siesta back in campsite, showers for those that didn't in the morning
2:00 - 5:00 pm - Afternoon Merit Badge sessions
5:20 pm - Campsite Flag retirement
5:30 pm - Waiters leave for the dining hall
5:35 pm - Troop leaves for Campwide Flag retirement
5:45 pm - Dinner!
7:00 pm - Evening campwide activities (if available)
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm - hanging out in the campsite
10:00 pm - Lights out (mostly)

Today is change-over day for the leaders. Mt Kuchinski and Mr Killmurray left after dinner last night (thanks to them for coming up!), I am leaving momentarily and Mr and Mrs Baetz are coming in for the day. Mr Moriarty will be arriving later this evening for his shift.

Mr G and Mr Leichtman get extra kudos for staying the week!

Everyone slept through the night last night, which was nice. Weather continues to be excellent, with warm days and cool nights, good for sleeping. The boys are all progressing well on their Merit Badges and activities and all are having a good time.

Camp Day 3

2008-07-29T09:59:00.003-04:00

Monday was a good day for all of the boys. The first full day of camp is always an adventure, as we get into a routine and the Scouts figure out where they are supposed to be and when. No hitches with the Merit badges so far.

We did have some excitement last night in camp. Around 2:30 am, Mr G was awakened by shouts from a couple of the Scouts as they scrambled out of their tent. Apparently, there was a 'furry, four-legged creature passing gas under our tent!"... Mr G, flashlight in hand, showed that there was nothing under their tent except bugs and spiders (which really calmed them down) and send them back to bed!

The food is pretty good. Dinner Sunday night was chicken parmagiana, and last night we had shepard's pie (which excited Mr Killmurray no end!). The vegetarian meals have been good as well (or, that's what's been reported to me). Breakfast and lunch are similarly good, and the boys are getting enough to eat.

After dinner, we took an 'official' Troop picture outside the dining hall. Last night, with nothing required on the schedule, the boys hung out around their campfires.

A couple of pictures follow -

Troop Photo

Morning Flag ceremony in our campsite -

Gathering for Reville -

Mr G workin' it at breakfast -

Some of the natives -

That's about all for today. The weather is wonderful again, upper 70's, with a light breeze and not very buggy.

Mr D

Greetings from the Adirondacks!

2008-07-28T09:59:00.002-04:00

Everyone made it up safely yesterday and the weather is great. It got very cool last night - upper 50's, by my estimation - making for great sleeping weather. Very quiet, too, once the boys settled down. The food is good, although the campsite is a little rustic, with outdoor showers and latrines (although they are new). A few pictures follow -

Blackfoot Campsite -

The Leader's Shack, where Mr G and Mr L live -

All the modern conveniences -

And most importantly -

I'll post again tomorrow morning, around the same time.

Mr D

Weather Outlook....

2008-07-25T17:21:00.002-04:00

Looks very good for next week, just take note of the low temps.....

Forecast Conditions

High °F
Low °F

Precip.
Chanc

Tonight
Jul 25

Clear

N/A
58°

20%

High not valid after 2pm

Sat
Jul 26

PM T-Storms

83°
62°

40%

83°F

Check Flight Delays

Sun
Jul 27

PM T-Storms

78°
60°

40%

78°F

Mon
Jul 28

Isolated T-Storms

77°
60°

30%

77°F

Tue
Jul 29

Partly Cloudy

76°
56°

20%

76°F

Wed
Jul 30

Scattered T-Storms

80°
58°

40%

80°F

Thu
Jul 31

Partly Cloudy

80°
60°

20%

80°F

Fri
Aug 1

Partly Cloudy

77°
60°

20%

77°F

Sat
Aug 2

Partly Cloudy

72°
59°

20%

72°F

Sun

Aug 3

Showers

73°
59°

30%

73°F

Last Updated Jul 25, 5:20 PM ET

Printable Forecast

Off To Summer Camp!

2008-07-25T17:10:00.002-04:00

As we prepare to head off the summer camp on Sunday, I look forward to updating this blog while I am at Camp Read (Sun - Weds). I will try and update it every evening (assuming their wireless access works). I'll try and stick in a couple of photos as well.

You may want to consider subscribing to this blog, so you will automatically be sent a notification when it's updated. Look at the bottom of the blog for the link.

Thanks!

Dan DiBiase

New Seabase Pictures!

2007-09-04T10:40:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Al Baetz for sharing his pictures with us!

http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/ddibiase/Seabase%202007/Als%20Pics/

Dan

Seabase Pictures!

2007-08-30T11:02:00.000-04:00

I've received some pictures from Neal and Jordan - here are links to them.....

Neal: view from the end first! http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/ddibiase/Seabase%202007/Neals%20Pics/

Jordan: http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/ddibiase/Seabase%202007/Jordans%20Pics/

Some from Rob's camera phone -

http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/ddibiase/Seabase%202007/Robs%20Pics/

As I receive more, I will post links!

Dan

Seabase Pics Coming Soon!

2007-08-27T20:56:00.000-04:00

I've been receiving pictures and will set up a separate web page to view them (posting a lot of images here is somewhat tedious) within the next day or two.

In the meantime, I'd like to extend a big 'Thank You' to Al Baetz, Justin Fraser and Neal Moyer for giving a week of their time to spend with our sons. And, of course, a special 'Thank You' to Mr G for not only spending this week, but for organizing and planning the trip, which takes a lot of time. Al, Justin, Neal and Frank, I appreciate it very much!!!!

Thanks, Dan

Farewell Dinner in Fort Lauderdale.....

2007-08-25T18:38:00.000-04:00

From Mr G -

The group at Sea Watch In Fort Lauderdale the night before we leave.

Lobster eaters waiting. But they wont get Maine Lobster in
Florida-its not Florida Lobster(without the claws)...

We researched and found a restaurant on the water serving lobster with
an appetizer and dessert for $18. Getting in on the early bird special
helps, but we are the youngest ones here.

No new updates....

2007-08-24T21:20:00.000-04:00

Nothing new from the gang. I assume they are back in Islamorada, at Seabase tonight.

Jim Nowachek, Chris Sheikh and myself are making the pick-up run on Sunday morning. Assuming all goes well with the flight, we expect them to land around 9:30. Figuring an hour to get the luggage and the boys loaded up, we should be back in South Brunswick around 11:15 to drop off the boys.

Watch this space for pictures as I plan to post everything I get from the crews!

Dan

Successful Fishing!

2007-08-22T22:40:00.000-04:00

Apparently, the fish are biting in Big Pine Bay..... Rob caught this 3-foot shark this evening! Thanks to Neal for the picture.....

Update from Big Pine Key!

2007-08-22T21:49:00.000-04:00

Here is the latest update on the boys, from Al Baetz on the Misty Shoals, via Marianne Baetz -

Both boats are currently anchored about 100 feet apart in Big Pine Bay for the night. The ride up from Key West was rough but it calmed down and they got in two dives. The first thing they saw on the dive was a barracuda. Alex enjoyed playing with the jelly fish and Al said the fish were unbelievable. Al and Neal snorkeled so much that Al’s back is burnt to a crisp. They ate dinner and started to fish. Rob caught a type of Tuna, which is not good eating so it was thrown back. The plan from here is to head up north and get in a least 3 different dives tomorrow. The background sounds on the boat lead me to believe everyone is having a blast!!!

One picture from Frank, of Anthony on deck on the Spinthrift -

Key West Arrival!

2007-08-21T13:26:00.000-04:00

The ships are pulling in to Key West today, a day ahead of schedule. I spoke with Frank around noon today and his ship, the Spinthrift, had already arrived and they were expecting the Misty Shoals shortly. The plan is to head out Wednesday morning to the gulf (north) side of the Keys, where they hope to have smoother water for snorkeling and fishing. Frank also said that the ride was like a roller coaster, with 3-foot seas!

Some pictures from Key West -

Cruise Ship at Mallory Square

Scenes from a Rooftop

First Seabase Pictures

2007-08-20T12:30:00.000-04:00

I received a picture from Rob (the sunset picture) and one from Frank of the Misty Shoals under sail. The Misty Shoals is the boat crewed by Alex, Aaron, Joe, Rob, Greg and Danny (with Al and Neal along for the ride!).

The boats apparently left Seabase Sunday evening, instead of Monday morning, to get a head start. Dean isn't expected to have any impact other than more wind and higher waves than usual.

I hope to have other pictures this week!

Sunset from the Misty Shoals

Misty Shoals Under Sail!

The latest from KMSR

2007-07-20T07:12:00.000-04:00

Well here it is Thursday night. The majority of the scouts have gone
off to the local Baseball Stadium for a game, while others stayed back to
fish, read, build a fire (scouts like fire) and play cards. Some of our
young men are finishing some last minute merit badge work, while
others have already wrapped up some.

Tonight we cooked in our site (cooks night off) and in the traditions
of eating well we enhanced the 6 pounds of pasta with 8 pizzas - with
little waste for our crowd of 29 (leaders included).

Tonights plan, if the boys are up to it, is to watch Harry Potter in the
dining hall, I asked Mr Moyer to bring up my projector and dvd's.

Tomorrow is the last run for the boys to finish their badges.

The weather pattern is back and forth. We have certainly got wet this
week. Two more weather patterns await us until we leave on Saturday.
No matter what the conditions their smiles stay on their faces!

MrG

Thursday Update from Mr G

2007-07-19T09:10:00.000-04:00

After Tuesday nights storm  our scouts are ready for the "ark" merit
badge. Around 2 AM the storm of all storms ripped through camp. Not to
worry everyone and everything faired well except for the pond and
rainforest affect in MrG's tent. He will be sleeping in a platform tent
tonight.

Our scouts have all been working great together and with their
counselors. All work has been advancing great.

Our older scouts participating in the Mountain Man program have gone
tubing and hiking locally. Tonight is their overnight trip. Last night
our Brownsea scouts went camping with the other program scouts.

Every meal Mr. Moriarty prepares a saying for the meal on large cards
that the camp can see- classics as "rain, rain go away", " this space
for rent" amoung others.

Quotable quotes:

"Pick up your feet"-leader says
"what feet"- says the scout

Scout- "I miss my family, but I miss my gameboy more"

Mr G

Ok, what they were REALLY saying....

2007-07-18T21:28:00.001-04:00

"We love summer camp and what's for dinner"!!

Mr D

Last Picture

2007-07-16T21:32:00.000-04:00

Finally, they are starting to make some sense at KMSR......! Click the pic and see....

Mr D

More First Day Pictures!

2007-07-16T21:14:00.000-04:00

These are from Larry Smith.....

The Gang's All Here!

Heartburn Already?!

Lake Ashroe at Twilight

I hope they aren't waiting for me to make the coffee......

First post from Mr G!

2007-07-16T20:24:00.000-04:00

Camp blunders!

Started from the minute we arrived...

Number 1-
All gear needed to be packed in Mr.G's car. One scout, with the
interest of limiting space, placed his freshly pressed uniform on a hanger
into a plastic bag. When confronted with the fact that other uniforms were
hanging in the car he went and hung his uniform next to the other
uniforms except he left it in the bag.

Number 2-
Mr G why do they have washer/dryers at the camp?

Summer Camp Begins!

2007-07-16T14:28:00.002-04:00

The first of the photos from KMSR, compliments of Marianne Baetz......

I hope to have some 'arrival day comments' from Mr G tonight, so stayed tuned to the Blog and check back daily!

Dan DiBiase, stuck at home this week :-(

We're Back! And Check out the New Shed!

2007-06-24T15:20:00.000-04:00

The Troop 888 blog is back for the summer! Check back to see what's been happening while we're in summer mode.

Latest news - the shed has been christened! This past week, several of the adults participated in moving all of the Troop equipment from the GDS warehouse facility to our new shed, on the grounds of the Griggstown Reformed Church (Pastor Dave's church). We're also storing our trailer there. Marty Leichtman, Troop Equipment coordinator, will be getting with the Quartermasters to organize everything, as it's kind of packed in there now. We're hoping that through efficient use of the space we can fit everything in the shed and unburden the trailer when it's not in use.

We have an amazing amount of equipment, which is both a blessing and a curse.... It makes camping and other outdoor activities a lot easier, but also requires a lot of time and energy to keep everything in good shape.

Shed and Trailer Area

Our New Home!

Ok, Needs a Little Reorganization.....

Maybe we should have gotten the model with the basement....

Looks kind of lonely....

Someone missing some pants?!

Fishing at Stokes - Pictures

2006-09-26T11:44:00.000-04:00

Fishing on the Big Flatbrook.

Mr D

Stokes State Forest Camp-Out

2006-09-25T15:13:00.000-04:00

The camp-out this past week-end was a lot of fun. We arrived Friday night around 8:00 pm and set up camp in the dark, always a fun chore! We aimed our headlights onto the field on which we camped (most of us leaving our cars running, in deference to our batteries - and MOST of us avoided a dead battery that way!) and had everything pretty much all set by 10:00 pm. The most difficult part was learning to put up Mr G's 'bargain' tent (small house, actually, as it's 17 feet by 10 feet!) in the dark, for the first time. Only took 4 adults about 30 minutes!

Saturday dawned overcast, and it rained for about 15 minutes around 7:00 am. Then the gnats arrived .... :-( But the day was fine, it did not rain again and we enjoyed our meals. Most of the boys went fishing on the Big Flatbrook - only 1 bite! Can't figure out why, although I do wonder if 16 boys running up and down the banks, throwing rocks in the stream and yelling, had anything to do with it....

Saturday afternoon, most of the boys played football in the camping area although damage to the tents was avoided.... A number of Scouts were able to get advancements signed off as well.

Excitement was provided by the spotting of 'Bob the Cat' - a large housecat that we initially thought might be a bobcat!

Saturday night was another great meal - all of the patrols had good food, and everyone was hungry after an active day.

Sunday was also overcast but warmer - and gnattier.... We packed up and left the campsite by 9:30. All in all, a good week-end of camping!

Mr D

I think that third tent from the left is 6 inches too far back......

Leader's Row......

Eating area

Breakfast Saturday

Patrol boxes anxiously awaiting the next meal....

Wayne adds some 'spice' to Saturday 'bleakfast'

Waiting for 'bleakfast'

Bob the Cat! (The gray speck in the center of the picture)

Camp Rodney Pictures!

2006-08-16T21:54:00.000-04:00

Our first batch of photos, courtesy of Marianne Baetz and Larry Smith.....

Troop 888 at Camp Rodney

Mr D

Scoutmaster's Blog - Day 5 at Camp Rodney

2006-08-11T15:06:00.000-04:00

Well here we are last day of Merit Badges and all are doing great. Big achievements have been reached for our Scouts – both first year and older.

So many good things have happened to our Scouts. So far looks like only a small hand full of Scouts will receive partially completed Merit Badges but the good news is that they will be able to complete them at home with local counselors.

Friday is a full day – classes end, Troop pictures, night retreat, dinner at the dining hall, wrapping up with the campfire full of fun and skits.

Tomorrow is an early day for us; 8:45AM is final retreat, then home.

All in all we have had a great time – I can tell by looking at their faces, many smiles. Our youth have an uncanny way of telling you the truth to your face.

Mother Nature has been great – mild days and cool evenings. Our calves are tighter courtesy of the distances between events.

I want to take the time to thank our leaders, never has there been any time where a scout couldn’t receive guidance from a leader when needed. I want to thank our parents for allowing their sons to attend the camp and for being in our unit. The strength of our unit comes not only from our Scouts’enthusiasm but also our parent’s guidance for the unit.

We shall now and always work our hardest to keep the Scouting feeling alive in your son’s hearts.

As always the parting quotes for this week are as follows:

“…the comfort station is out of toilet paper – its OK the brown paper didn’t hurt as much as I thought…”

“… do you think it is OK if I don’t brush my teeth today and just brush them twice tomorrow…”

Thx, Mr G

Scoutmaster's Blog - Day 4 at Camp Rodney

2006-08-10T19:57:00.000-04:00

Well we are over the hump of the week. Your boys have been working hard at the merit badge curriculm. We have our two Astronomy Merit Badge candidates getting out at night to watch the stars above. Our first year campers have been hard at work, first in Basketry next and most importantly in Swimming. All first year campers passed their “inflation” test – teaching them how to use their clothes as flotation devices if they are in the water in an emergency situation. One thing is for sure their leaders – Larry and Mike will be sleeping well on Sunday.

For the rest of scouts they have been preoccupied climbing near the Chesapeake, rowing and canoeing in the Cheasapeake or studing the environmental impact of the Chesapeake.

We are on the downhill slope of our time at the camp. Our scouts have had their bellies filled with lots of good food and they all get to eat after saying grace each night in the dining area of the leaders cabin.

As leaders we have had a great time, we sometimes need to be strict with our scouts to make sure they know the difference between right and wrong, but all in all we see the rewards in their faces when they are all together.

As promised the quote of the day comes from one of our youth today:

“…The Boy Scout Headquarters is in Texas, Mr G do the Boy Scouts pay Taxes?”

L8R, Mr G

Note from Mr D:

Pictures - we have plenty of them but the Internet connection here is very slow - so we will probably end up posting them when we return. Sorry.

Mr D

Scoutmaster's Blog - Day 3 at Camp Rodney

2006-08-09T19:29:00.000-04:00

Hi, Mr D filling in for Mr G this evening... I arrived at camp at 3:00 pm to find the campsite empty, as the boys were all out at their various activities all across the camp - and believe me, when I say 'all across the camp', I mean it - it's a large camp, and it takes about 15 minutes to walk from our campsite to the waterfront at the other end. But the view over Chesapeake Bay is worth it!

The boys all seem to be having fun. Our quote of the day comes from an unnamed member of the Angry Beaver's Brownsea patrol. They have had activities every evening, and tonight, when they were told that they actually have the night off, or 'some free time', one of them responded by saying 'Where do we go for free time??' Mr Smith figures he's they've done about 12 miles so far shuttling the Brownseas from activity to activity....

Some of the things the Scouts are doing tonight - 1/4 Mile Swim, Free Shooting at archery, rifle or shotgun, astronomy, night orienteering, free swim.... Some are watching a movie in the cabin as I type this.

Weather was great today, but all the walking keeps you pretty tired!

Until tomorrow, and maybe I can convince Mr G to type, if he's not tooo tired......!

Mr D

Scoutmaster's Blog - Day 2 at Camp Rodney

2006-08-08T13:11:00.000-04:00

Well we have finished our first full day at camp and all is well, our first year campers have been doing great under the tutelage of Larry Smith, ASM and Mike Moriarty Sr, CM.

The scouts got to experience the size of the camp as they marched off to their merit badges from one end of the camp to the next. Some locations could be a 20 minute walk. Scouts and leaders will have tight calf muscles by the end of this week.

Weather has been in our favor. Hot and a little humid during the day but cools down at night for a decent nights sleep. The scouts wake by the pleasant greetings of my voice in the morning at 6:30AM, this allows them to get a shower, brush their teeth, dress, eat breakfast, and prepare their tents for the Rodney Staff to inspect everyday at 9AM.

Mother Nature has been kind also – she keeps the thunderstorms for during the night when everyone sleeps. Since I sleep with one eye open no one has budged during the night and only half of them even realize that there was a storm – a true testament that they are having a full program.

Our facilities are great also; the leader’s cabin has a room that permits our scouts to eat together at tables every meal time. Everyone is eating well, and camp provides enough food for all 38 of us, including our 8 vegetarians!

We track the weather to determine our evening activities – yesterday we saw the potential of a storm coming and as prepared leaders we were brought all of the necessary equipment to have “movie night” down to the Boy Scout popcorn everyone was eating.

As always I promise you a quotable quote from our youth that makes our stay ever so entertaining, today’s quote was:

“…Why should I take a shower, I am only going to get dirty again…”

And our winner of the day is-

“…No I packed all by myself, I went into my hamper and pulled out all of the cleanest clothes…”

Later, Mr G

Scoutmaster's Blog - Day 1 at Camp Rodney

2006-08-07T10:07:00.000-04:00

Sorry I didn't get the information out last night 
but our Camp Guides had us on the move from 1PM till 
after campfire at 10 30PM.
By that time when our scouts hit their pillows, 
the next thing was my voice at 6 30 AM with a 
"Good morning, shower and brush your teeth!"
In addition to giving you updates on their activities 
some very quotable quotes must be passed on:
After handing out the packets, complete with blue cards:

"Where do I get my blue cards?"

"Can you sign off on my blue card as "Completed" now so 
I don't bother you later?"

And my favorite of the day so far, realizing that its only 10AM:
"Can I call my Mom to see where she packed my socks?"

Til later
MrG

A view of Chesapeake Bay from the waterfront -

Weather Forecast for Summer Camp

2006-08-04T12:07:00.000-04:00

The weather forecats looks pretty good for next week - hopefully it will be a bit less humid than here this week!

Dan

Sun
Aug 6

Partly Cloudy

89°/72°

20%

89°F

Mon
Aug 7

Scattered T-Storms

92°/71°

30%

92°F

Check Your Air Quality Forecast

Tue
Aug 8

Mostly Sunny

88°/66°

20%

88°F

Wed
Aug 9

Mostly Sunny

86°/70°

20%

86°F

Thu
Aug 10

Scattered T-Storms

83°/72°

40%

83°F

Protect Your Plants From the Heat

Fri
Aug 11

AM Clouds / PM Sun

85°/70°

20%

85°F

Sat
Aug 12

Scattered T-Storms

85°/70°

60%

85°F

Welcome to the Troop 888 Blog!

2006-08-02T10:31:00.000-04:00

Hi, we plan to use this blog as a way for parents and Scouts to follow us as we go on various activities - Summer Camp, camp-outs, competitions, etc. The first use will be the Scoutmaster Blog when we attend Camp Rodney summer camp starting Sunday, August 6.