New Scout completes first camping trip

Andy went on his first Boy Scout overnight camping trip in March as a new member of Troop 33.

The troop headed up early on the morning of March 24 to Alpine Scout Camp, in northeastern New Jersey along the Palisades.

After setting up camp, Andy set out with his and another patrol for a day of hiking. The plan was for the younger scouts to take one route while older scouts took a longer route. But there was a bit of a mix-up, and it seemed that the younger group, including Andy, took the long route. Tiring, but a lot of fun, Andy says.

They followed one trail that wound down the from the ridge of the Palisades to the bank of the Hudson River below, where they had a picnic lunch beside the Alpine Boat Basin. Then they hiked south along the river a couple of miles to another trail that climbed back to the top of the cliffs, and finally back north to their starting point.

Back at last at the campsite, the troop built a campfire, cooked dinner, and then put on a series of skits before retiring to their tents for the night. There was a bit of rain during the night but fortunately nothing heavy.

The trip wound up next morning with breakfast and breaking camp. Andy said some of the leaders remarked that this camp-out had more work and hiking, and less fun and games, than some of the troops trips, and perhaps wasn't the easiest introduction for new Scouts. But Andy enjoyed himself and is looking forward to future trips with Troop 33.

Andy just recently moved up from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. Having earned his Arrow of Light award, he qualified to bridge up to Boy Scouts before turning 11. He was scheduled to receive the award patch at his pack's annual Blue and Gold dinner on March 16; unfortunately the dinner was postponed by a sleet storm and is now scheduled for late April. Meantime, at a Troop 33 Court of Awards on March 27, he received his Scout badge as he begins his Boy Scout career.

Here's Andy (2nd from right) with members of his Webelos den after participating in a Pinewood Derby in February 2007, just before moving up to Boy Scouts.