Troop 54 Eagle Scout Michael Saari ('74) invited the Troop out for the weekend at his metalworking studio in Woodstock, CT. This was the first time in years that we have focused on a merit badge during a camping trip. We had seven Boy Scouts, two leaders and one parent participating on this trip.
For our camp site, Michael had mowed the grassy area around the pond on the property. This was a picturesque setting, with a dairy farm visible to one side.
The main event was spending most of that Saturday in the studio. Michael Saari guided our Scouts through the main project requirement of the Metalwork merit badge. They hammered, bent and twisted metal. Starting with a piece of square stock, each Scout made a decorative hook.
After the project work, most of the Scouts tried some fishing in the pond. One of the Scouts caught a fish. The pond was a nature show, with lots of frogs, birds and fish.
The Saaris built and lit a large camp fire for us. After some marshmallow roasting, we held a retirement ceremony for a bunch of flags.
It rained during the day on Saturday, but was dry the rest of the time. It was breezy and warm enough on Sunday to dry most of the camping equipment.
This was the troop's ninetieth consecutive month with at least one overnight camping trip.
Page updated 7/1/16.