FFS Boy Scouts and Venture Crew Spend a Weekend at Chenango State Park
By Christian H.
What do you call a three-day camping trip to Chenango State Park with The Family Foundation School Boy Scouts and FFS Venture Crew? Hard work and fun.
On the last weekend of January, nine scouts from Troop 174 and five members from Venture Crew worked on their rank advancements and snow merit badge requirements.
Staff members Joe Rogalavich, Chris Evaninsky, Scott MacDonald and Bill Cordts supervised the trip.
As some boys set up camp in the State Park cabin, others prepared hot dogs and snacks for the group’s supper on Friday night. After the meal and a couple of card games, everyone went to sleep ready for an early wake up the next morning.
The troop got up at 4:30 a.m. Saturday and ate breakfast. They were on the road by six and three hours later, they were skiing and snowboarding on Hunter Mountain in Hunter, N.Y.
Most of the troop was able to complete the snow merit badge requirements and have some fun at the terrain park later in the afternoon.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions,” said Troop 174’s Sean M. “I had a great time even though my toes were frozen.”
The slopes closed at 4 pm and the tired troop made their way back to the cabin. Cordts, The Family School’s cook, organized dinner and cooked chili for everyone.
It was a laid back night for the boys as they made smores and devoured snacks while playing cards and enjoying one another’s company.
After sleeping in on Sunday morning, the troop made pancakes and cereal for breakfast. Then, taking advantage of the beautiful weather, they went out and snowshoed in the State Park.
After making a final clean up in the cabin and eating a quick lunch, the troop hit the road and arrived back at The Family School by 4 p.m.
Venture Crew’s Jason M. summed up his feeling about the adventurous weekend. “The trip was really great and it gave me a chance to bond with my friends.”
