October 27th, 2018

Another quick, action-packed overnight adventure by the scouts of Troop 132.  Last weekend we ventured back to western Mass to challenge ourselves at RambleWild, where the scouts took on a variety of aerial obstacle courses.  Each course had unique technical challenges that tested the scouts both physically and mentally.  I have to say I was impressed by strength and courage that the boys demonstrated as they conquered courses which were set among the trees twenty to thirty feet up off the ground.  In the beginning, more than a few scouts were a little nervous to step out and confront the first obstacles.  As they progressed through each course, their confidence grew, and by the end, everyone was eager to find new challenges to explore.  It was especially gratifying to watch as the scouts encouraged and supported each other as they worked to overcome the obstacles facing them.

When our adventure at RambleWild was done, we found more adventures at a rustic campground, Privacy Campground, where we camped overnight.  It was a little rough around the edges with a rather eccentric caretaker. The highlights included:  a fallout shelter, a rotating tetter-totter (lots of whA-whOO!), a little trolley that crawled along at a pace that makes a snail look like a racecar (25 cents got you 30 minutes!), and some very pushy ducks who were looking for a hand out, and who were not shy about coming up and giving you a poke to get your attention.  For more details, I encourage you to ask the scouts.  I’m sure they would be happy to share their stories. 

The scouts did a great job of setting up camp, taking care of meals, and getting a fire started.  Sunday morning the boys were up early and had breakfast going at the crack of dawn.  They completely managed themselves and needed no direction from the adults.  Well done guys!

Thanks to Mr. Gekle for honchoing and organizing this trip.  Thanks also to Mr. Herrero, Mr. Pautler, Mr. Aibel, Mr. Botfield, and Will Duggan for driving and helping with logistics.