On April 23rd, Troop 173 held our annual New Scout Campout at Durland Scout Reservation. This year we had 33 scouts attend, who were comprised of 12 first time scouts, 11 6th grade scouts and 10 older scouts.

The new scouts worked on skills essential to Scout camping. In the weeks leading up to the campout, they worked on learning how to prepare for the campouts properly. On Saturday at the campout, they learned how to safely use tools for readying wood, how to safely get a fire started and other core Scout skills they will need to know going forward. They learned how to conduct a flag ceremony, and how to properly set up and take down the Troop tents. They also went on a hike around Clear Lake. The New Scout track was led by Scoutmaster Keith Holmes and ASM Tom Bodkin.

Our 6th grade scouts worked on advancement skills for their Second and First Class ranks. This involved a number of activities that including cooking, knot tying and lashing, and other skills as well as incorporating Orienteering skills into a 3 mile hike. These scouts were guided by ASMs Jim Colestock and Larry Allen.

Our senior scouts provided instruction for the new scouts and we were happy to have them there to guide our newer members. The senior scouts were coordinated by Matt B. and Ian S.

Below you’ll find some photos of the activites at the campout.