05.01.2026-05.03.2026
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Agenda
Arrival at Camp
Due to the three-hour drive from Brooklyn to Ten Mile River Scout Camp, located in upstate New York, the troop did not meet at the St. Anselm Parking Lot. Instead, all rides were arranged to leave from houses before arriving at the campsite. Since the water main burst at Camp Aquehonga, the Campmaster moved us to Camp Keowa. Despite the last minute change, the troop was still successful in pitching tents and setting up camp. By the time the rain began, all Scouts were inside their tents. Seven scouts and six adults arrived on Saturday morning.
Breakfast
- Avoid food that is not pre-cooked. The Patriotic Penguins and Knight Owls cooked eggs and bacon, which took about a half hour to forty-five minutes to cook on the camp stove.
- The Exploding Kittens had enough bacon and eggs. Like the Patriotic Penguins, their bacon was not pre-cooked and it was a struggle to cook the bacon at camp.
- The scouts who arrived on Saturday morning ate breakfast during the trip up to camp.
Shooting Sports
- After breakfast, Scouts traveled to different range locations throughout Aquehonga and Keowa depending on the locations of their morning sessions.
- The shooting sports offered included rifle (ages 12+), shotgun (13+), muzzleloading (15+), cowboy action (14+), BB gun (7+) and archery (6+).
- Although tomahawk throwing (10+) has been offered in previous years, no camp staff members were available to conduct tomahawks this weekend.
Lunch
- At about noon, Scouts met at the campsite for lunch.
- The Patriotic Penguins and Knight Owls cooked hot dogs and had no major issues.
- The Fire/Mega Ducks enjoyed burgers cooked by their expert chef patrol leader.
- Like the Penguins, the Exploding Kittens had enough hot dogs for their patrols and had no major issues with cooking.
Continued Shooting Sports
- More shooting sessions continued in the afternoon.
Dinner and Awards Ceremony
- After all shooting sessions finished, the troop met at the campsite for patrol dinner.
- The Patriotic Penguins and Knight Owls made pasta with sauce, but it took a long time to cook at the campsite.
- The Ducks enjoyed taco meat and rice, but the portions were small for a four-Scout patrol. Always ensure that enough portions exist for each Scout.
- The Exploding Kittens brought spaghetti for dinner, but they forgot to bring meat sauce, which made their meal lack in size and protein.
- After dinner, Scouts headed to the Awards Ceremony at Keowa for the Shooting Sports weekend. Congratulations to one of our Scouts who received Class C, third place, in rifle shooting! In addition, three of our younger Scouts won top places in Class A BB gun!
Lights Out
- After the awards ceremony, the troop arrived safely back at the campsite, where Scouts made sure that the area was clean for the night before entering their tents at about 10:00 p.m.
- As advised by one of the patrol leaders, try to keep the inside of the tent zipped as much as possible, since bugs could potentially enter. Luckily, no one had issues with bugs in their tents.
Departure
- At about 6:00 a.m., the troop packed up all supplies and prepared to leave.
- Always plan to eat a small snack on the Sunday of departure, such as a cup of cereal or a granola bar (something that doesn’t need to be cooked!). The Ducks did not plan for any food for Sunday, but were lucky to stop on the road before arriving back in Brooklyn.
Looking Forward
The troop is proud to produce four shooting sports award recipients this year. Perhaps we will coordinate trips to shooting ranges to impress the range instructors next year. Troop 13 anticipates showcasing its sense of patriotism at the upcoming Memorial Day Parade!