Troop 299 had an amazing week at Camp Conestoga in Somerset Pennsylvania from July 5th-11th. The troop brought 10 scouts 5 of which this was their first ever summer camp. The Troop was also accompanied by 2 scouts from Troop 111.
Despite COVID-19 it was a stellar week and the troop was able to earn 45 merit badges, and 2 camp awards. The scouts also had the opportunity to participate in many extra activities such as the polar bear swim, run for your life, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, small boat sailing, and fishing in the camp lake.
Back at camp the scouts played cards, built fires, worked in the axe yard, and were able to complete many many requirements to help them in rank advancement.
The troop also participated in the OA tapout on Wednesday night where one of the scouts with us from Troop 111 was inducted into the Order of the Arrow scoutings national honor society. Also the troop participated in a flag retirement ceremony on Thursday night.
Philmont is our most popular high adventure. In mid-June, we stayed at Great Wolf Lodge for a night, and then spent 12 nights on the trail, covering 77 miles and hiking from 6000 ft to 12,441 ft. None of us will forget how we summited Mount Baldy (12,441 ft) and Tooth of Time (9003 ft). The views were spectacular and so were the memories .
In November, we went to Camp Birch for our annual Shoot-o-ree: shotgun, rifle and archery . Everything was closely supervised by our experienced and trained adults. We also had our award-winning dessert competition. Ravens won, but watch out for next year!
A scout favorite, every July we make the 4-hour drive to Camp Conestoga in Pennsylvania. The week is filled with swimming, canoeing , sailing , fishing , zip-lining, hiking , games and more . At night we sit around the campfire, laughing and telling stories. Not only do we earn a lots of merit badges, but it's a great time to be with friends .
In May, we went to Kelleys Island near Sandusky, Ohio. It was sunny and warm, and perfect for a bike ride around the island. Highlights were stopping at The Glacial Grooves and the quarry , where we played "Infection" and ran through the winding trails to escape. We had lunch and the best ice cream in town before heading back to camp, tired but happy.
The annual Back to Basics camping trip did not disappoint! A great time was had by new and veteran scouts alike, including traditions like capture the flag and lemon squeeze. It was great welcoming the new scouts into the troop.
Troop 299 ventured to Tar Hollow in March for an overnight backpacking outing. The outing also served as shakedown for the scouts and adults who are going to Philmont this June. The weather cooperated and it was a fun outing!
Our February outing was at Marmon Valley. We enjoyed camping and horseback riding. The temperatures were cold but everyone was prepared!
Troop 299 ventured to a new ski resort for the 2025 Snow Sport Outing. We enjoyed the Seven Springs Ski resort staying nearby at Camp Tenacharison. Everyone enjoyed a full day of skiing and snowboarding!
Our December outing was an overnight lock-in at Vertical Adventures in north Columbus. Scouts climbed, belayed, and had a pizza party before camping indoors overnight.
In November, Troop 299 scouts attended our annual Shoot-o-ree outing at Camp Birch in Yellow Springs. Scouts rotated between shotgun, rifle, and archery stations followed by our traditional patrol dutch oven dessert competition.