Troop 97 recently spent a week at Resica Falls Scout Reservation in the Pocono Mountains kayaking, rifle shooting, fishing, geocaching, and more. The trip was suggested by Second Class Scout William Weber.

"All 17 of our Scouts attended this summer camp and collectively participated in 84 merit badge (MB) classes," reported Scoutmaster Bill Lee.

Weber earned the Climbing MB, which required Scouts to learn how to belay their climbing partner using the friction of ropes. Star Scout Jordan Paul took advantage of the camp's pool to earn the Swimming MB while Second Class Scout Rece Shiffler and Scout Isaac Haviland completed the Geocaching MB. Woodworking, animal science, and game design were popular classes as well as the Eagle Scout-required MBs First Aid, Citizenship in the World, and Emergency Preparedness. The troop also had plenty of time to enjoy the amenities of the camp, including the water trampoline at the lake, canoeing on the Delaware River, and the early morning Polar Bear Plunge.

"We had 100% participation of our Scouts and leaders in a camp service project of chopping up downed trees and stacking the wood, which cleared the site for construction of a new lodge," said Lee. Throughout the week, the troop earned arrowheads for having the cleanest camp site.

During the closing ceremony, four Troop 97 Scouts were recognized for excelling in certain programs: Jace Kryscio for superior welding, Isaac Dunkleberger as top fisherman, Jesse Reigle for excellence on the ATV course, and Daniel Dunkleberger, who not only won the triathlon of running, kayaking, and archery but set a new camp record.

"My favorite memory of camp was when Isaac (Haviland) sang 'Pizza Man' in front of the entire camp during the closing camp fire," exclaimed First Class Scout Xavier Derr. The Resica Falls camp staff acknowledged the outstanding participation of Troop 97 and presented the group with the Honor Troop Award.

"We have an incredible group of adults who share their time and talents with the Scouts. Some of the leaders use their work vacation to transport the guys, the trailer, all their equipment, and attend the week at summer camp," said advancement chair Julie Myers. "It is quite a commitment, and their dedication is remarkable. We can't thank them enough."

Among the additional summer adventures the troop enjoyed was a weekend at Gifford Pinchot State Park practicing the Scout skills of cooking, tent camping, and canoeing. Scouts also volunteered at the Geyers United Methodist Church vacation Bible school.

For more information on Troop 97, contact Ted Pauley at 717-503-3078.