Rain, Sleet or Snow? Not a Problem for BSA Troop 200

Spring has arrived, and for many that means it's time to spend more time outdoors, but
for Annandale's Boy Scout Troop 200 the weather does not hold them back from spending time outdoors, they have been camping for months.

"Winter is a great time for a camping trip," says Paul Martoccia, Troop 200 Assistant Scoutmaster. "Our first camp out of the year was in January when we attended the Klondike Derby. Winter camping requires a little more thought and planning than a warm weather outing, but with the right gear and proper training, it can be a lot of fun."

During this particular outing, the evening temperature dipped below 20-degrees, allowing everyone in attendance to earn the 'Freeze Out' recognition and bragging rights.

The Klondike is a cold weather camping event where scouts from various troops race by sled to compete in demonstrations of skill such as first aide, lumberjack, and fire building. This year's Klondike Derby was held at the Teetertown Preserve in nearby Port Murray and had close
to 300 people in attendance.

A few weeks later, the Troop headed to Camp NoBeBosCo in Hardwick Township, where they stayed in cabins at night and hiked a portion of the nearby Appalachian Trail during the day. The Troop hiked 5.4 miles of several trails including the Copperhead Spring Trail which passes by a beaver pond where the scouts were able to see signs of beaver activity.

"We were able to hike on a portion of the Appalachian Trail," recalls Ethan Lutz. "It's amazing to think that thousands have walked from Georgia to Maine - on these very same paths as us - for decades. We weren't lucky enough to meet any 'through-hikers' during this hike, but maybe we will next time."

The Troop also took the Catfish Mountain Fire Tower Trail to the fire tower which has been a popular hiking destination for Scouts since the 1930's. An impromptu 'body sledding' break helped make the journey back to camp a little quicker.

Back at camp, Grubmaster, Jack Guan and a few helpers, cooked a spaghetti and meatball dinner for the Troop. "I don't know why, but the meals after a long hike are always the best," says Jack.

Troop 200 is a high-adventure troop that offers camping and outdoor activities every month. The scouts meet on Monday evenings during the school year at Immaculate Conception Church in Annandale. For more information about the troop, follow BSA Troop 200 on Instagram and
Facebook or check out their web site at http://boyscouttroop200.org/.