Author: Michael McCormick

Our first online Troop Meeting will be tonight, Wednesday 3/25, at 7 PM.

There are two free apps that we will be using that should be downloaded ahead of time – Zoom and WhatsApp.  Zoom will be used for group meetings.  WhatsApp can be used for Scouts to work together on requirements via video calls.

We will be using the Zoom app first.  I will email out and text out (via Remind) a link to connect with the meeting on Wednesday just before our meeting starts.

Scouts are asked to please have their handbooks with them for this meeting.  It is VERY MUCH appreciated for Scout families with Scouts who are not 1st Class or above to take a photograph of their Scouts requirement pages from their handbook BEFORE the meeting and email or text me those pictures, so that I can add in what requirements have been completed on Scoutbook.  This will help our meeting run more smoothly on Wednesday.

After our opening for our meeting on Zoom, Scouts will be divided up.  Scouts who are just starting out with working on their rank advancements will be working with Mr. Murphy or myself on their beginning rank requirements in a Zoom video chat room.

Scouts who are working on their Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, or 1st Class requirements will be paired up with an older Scout to work on requirements one-on-one via video chat.

Berlin Community School announced today that they will be closing from tomorrow through to April 20th due to the Corona virus pandemic.  Further instruction has come from Council that all units should cease face-to-face meetings until at least May 1st.

This means that all Troop 48 activities, including Wednesday meetings, our camping trip to Chancellorsville/Washington DC, our backpacking trip for Spring Break, our crossover ceremony from Pack 48, our scheduled hoagie sale, and our April trip to the Palisades are all cancelled at this time.

We are tentatively scheduled to resume meetings on Wednesday, May 6.

Some times its February and the Scouts are spending WAY too much time inside so it’s time to take them somewhere to bounce out their energy.

Klondike Derby 2020 was…. wet.  Very, very wet.

The Scouts braved about 10000 inches of rain to pull their sleds all over Pine Hill Scout Reservation, putting their skills to the test as they competed against patrols from all over Camden County.

The Scouts built fires, built shelters, did first aid, took park in teamwork challenges, and more.

In the end, everyone learned a lot and didn’t float away.

Falcon Patrol also took 2nd Place, good job guys!

Troop 48 finished out the year by helping out those less fortunate, as we helped the GIFT Food Pantry to hand out holiday meals to families in our area.

Well, another year in the Scouting book as we turn 55 years old!  Thanks to everyone for a great year!

Our Court of Honor recognized each Scout for their achievements, as well as what Troop 48 has done this year.

After recognizing the Scouts, our annual awards were given out.  Well to done Logan for being awarded our Memorial Award this year.

We then finished out with taking a look back at some memories from this year.

Thanks everyone for a great year!

What an adventure we had up in the Poconos.  We hiked 2.4 miles to Pulpit Rock for an amazing view of the Pocono Mountains, visited Roadside America and one of the world’s great model train displays, and finished at Cabelas.  Our last camp out of the year!

Troop 48 and Pack 48 were hard at work today helping give out Thanksgiving meals with the GIFT Food Pantry. Also were able to deliver the 1750+ food items that we collected during Scouting for Food. Thanks everyone for the help today!

Patrol Leader Council made the big decision tonight… this summer we’re heading to Vermont! They still have to plan the details, but looking to do a high ropes/zipline course, hike in the Green Mountains, go canoeing, explore Burlington (including visiting Ben & Jerrys Factory), visit Ausible Chasm, and moo at cows.

Lake Champlain, here we come! This trip is NOT to be missed.