Assistant Scoutmaster Floyd Wheat honored.

The BSA Pahaquarra District Awards banquet was held on April 19th in Lebanon, NJ. Troop 199 is very proud to announce that Troop 199 Assistant Scoutmaster, Floyd Wheat received a Pahaquarra District Fleur De Lis Award during the ceremony. This award is voted on by the Troop Committee and is presented to a scouter who exemplifies outstanding service and leadership to the unit. Floyd Wheat exemplifies service to others that are central to the Boy Scout Oath and Law in his seven-year career as Troop 199 Assistant Scoutmaster. Floyd is an inspiration to the boys and to the other adult leaders of Troop 199. Floyd, an Eagle Scout himself, has been a very active Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 199 for many years and his efforts are much appreciated by the scouts and adult leaders of the Troop. Floyd works directly with scouts of all ranks and ages during Troop meetings, on hikes and campouts, always looking for a way to guide them in learning new skills and in living the Scout Oath and Law. Floyd sits on Eagle Scout Board of Reviews for the Troop and he has also held various leadership positions in the District. Prior to joining Troop 199, Floyd also held the position of Assistant Cubmaster for Pack 199, further evidencing his outstanding leadership and his commitment to scouting.

Rappelling, Belaying and other such things.

Troop 199 made the trip to NJ Rock Gym in Fairfield on April 20th. In what is probably the largest indoor climbing facility in the state, scouts were able to match their wits, strength and agility against a variety of climbing terrain. Cheers rang out as one Scout after the other swarmed up both the flat and inclined climbing walls at the facility. Some of the adults on this trip also tested their climbing skills including Scoutmaster Short who got a big cheer from the Troop as he rappelled smoothly down the wall. Excellent turnout and a very fun trip for all.

Oldwick Firehouse Gala on April 4th

Sean, Colin, Drew, Doug, Matt K helped with busing tables.

Spring Cleaning at Zion Lutheran church

Hearty thanks to the following scouts who came out to help our sponsor church. Scouts Pearson T.,Joey F.,Austin B.,Thomas B.,James S., William S.,Sam L., brought their tools and energy in helping spruce up the church grounds.

Campout Cookoff Troop Meeting on March 30th at Fairmount North

Participation by all patrols with very tasty results!

Spring Advancement Campout on March 20rd - 22nd

A first person account from Scout Jack K.:

We were constantly working the fire, and having to run for more firewood. We accomplished a lot for our tenderfoot and first class ranks: cooking and cleaning up (ugh!) after meals (good job Gasslers on meal planning and shopping -- the best breakfast ever -- eggs and bacon!); handling a lightweight stove; a late night tutorial with SM Short to finish up totin chit for fire building and knives, saw and axes; Mr. Kolodziej handled flag raising and folding; Mr. Fernicola helped us with whipping and fusing rope.

We went on a grueling five mile hike (about 4 hours!) on a narrow boulder AT path, using a topographic map and compass. Challenging for us all, especially the dads.

Was a great trip! John T. tells a great ghost story for the new Scouts!

Jack

All in all, this was one of better attended campouts with scouts having to be split into two separate camp sites. Congratulations to Scouts Daniel H.,Jack K.,Matt G.,Toli T.,William D.,Austin B.,Nick S.,Ben K.,James G, Banton H.,Henry S.,Louis S.,Michael F.,Ben S.,Andrew N.,Cody CS.,Connor U.,Robbie C.,Kyle M.,John G.,Ben G.,Trevor K.,George H.,Thomas B.,Matt K.,Brian S.,Spenser S.,Jon G.,James S.,Sean S.,Joey F. Sam L.,John T.,William S.,Tom K., Terry B..

Scout Sunday on March 8th

Thanks to all Troop 199 Scouts (past and present) who attended Scout Sunday at our sponsor church, Zion Lutheran. See an except from the Thank You letter sent to us after this event:

Dear Ken and members of Troop 199,

On March 8, 2009, Zion Lutheran Church of Oldwick celebrated Scout Sunday, an opportunity to share and recognize the Scouting programs that provide fun, fellowship, and training to youth in our community. For almost one hundred years, Boy and Girl Scouting have emphasized honesty, self-reliance, and respect, the key attributes that build character, citizenship, and personal fitness. Our Scouting ministry succeeds because of our volunteers, who serve in a variety of leadership roles so that our young people may benefit. This year it was especially important to lift up the contributions and the importance of Troop 199 to the Zion community. We were thrilled to see the members and families of Boy Scout Troop 199, sponsored by Zion since the troop began in 1960, joining us in worship. The participation of the boys as greeters, ushers and lectors was very special. We were excited to introduce Patrick Glennon to our parishioners and highlight his important Eagle Scout project. In addition, we were grateful for the many contributions the boys and their families made to help replenish the Dover Faith Kitchen with a combined coffee and food drive. We congratulate and thank all of you for your generous contributions in time and donations. We are grateful to each leader, scout and their parents for their commitment to Scouting and Zion. This is a partnership that has changed the lives of us all. On behalf of the Congregation Council and the Zion community, thank you again for your willingness to “do your best�.

Sincerely,

Rev. Mark R. Summer and Rev. Dale C. Selover Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Oldwick, New Jersey

Annual Klondike Derby!

If it is Feburary, then it must be Klondike time! Round Valley park was a twitter with scouts from all over the state, with each troop geared up to participate in the Derby. Friday night was a tad chilly but the trustworthy wood stove kept the troop warm in the brand new Klondike Hotel.

Come Saturday Troop 199 split into different patrols for the actual Derby. Sledges were tricked out with all the required gear and the patrols started to make the rounds of the different stations to be judged. The emphasis was on teamwork and Troop 199 patrols worked well together with good team spirit. Saturday evening was marked with a good old-fashioned camp fire with skits, bonfires and prize announcements. Sunday morning saw the breaking of camp and a promise to be back in even stronger form next year.

Fairmount North Hosts Troop 199's Biggest Fall Advancement Campout Ever!

On a clear and cold weekend just before Thanksgiving, an astounding 38 Scouts and 12 Adults gathered on the hilltop at the newly-enhanced Fairmount North site in Tewksbury Township. All had fun in this piece of the Great Outdoors that is practically in our back yards. Everybody huddled around the non-stop campfire as the night temperatures dipped to 15 degrees (plus wind!) and the sunny daytime highs rarely broke 30. Scouts explored their new patrol box supplies, stoves, and lanterns as they cooked, ate, and slept by patrols.

The younger Scouts worked on Scout skills and on meeting advancement requirements while the more advanced Scouts honed their skills and gained first-hand leadership experience by teaching and organizing. James S. took charge of the successful event, with ASM Symanski taking the role of adult Head Honcho. Senior Scouts led a nature walk, and National Youth Leader trainees Banton H., Tom K., Daniel H., and Henry S. led some team-building exercises. An evening of yells, songs, and skits around the campfire, again featuring event-leader James and the recent NYLT graduates along with a merry band of Flying Squirrels, provided additional levity and entertainment.

Four Scouts Attend National Youth Leadership Training Weekends

If you're looking for leaders, look no farther! Tom K., Daniel H., Henry S., and Banton H. spent five days over two November weekends at NYLT, camping at Yards Creek Scout Reservation while learning how to be effective leaders in their troop (our Troop!). Troop 199 provided partial scholarships for these guys to hone their leadership skills and to equip themselves with a full bag of tricks, tips, and techniques that will help build themselves and build the troop. At two November Troop Meetings,the four envigorated leaders-in-training reported back about what they have learned and what the experience was like. (They loved the food, pinched themselves to stay alert during the PowerPoints, enjoyed the spirited songs and yells and the new friends, but didn't like the cold rainy weather!) Look for these young men to continue to give back to the troop of their skills, knowledge, and leadership over the coming months and years.

Backpackers Hike 14 Miles at Round Valley

Two lovely November days and one chilly (28-degree) night greeted the 24 backpackers who turned out for a 14-mile hike along the colorful wooded Cushetunk trail. Toli T. and Matt K. successfully led 19 Scouts and 5 adults on a great "starter" backpacking trip through brush and along open trails that skirt the lake at Round Valley Recreation Area. The Saturday hike covered 11.5 miles, including the trek up Cushetunk Mtn., 500 ft above the reservoir. The short 2.5-mile Sunday hike took us up the steep climb up from the base of the dam, dubbed "Heartbreak Hill" by the hikers, and back to the parking lot. The short weekend trip was geared for the novice Scouts, to train them up for longer and more challenging AT hikes next spring and fall. Nine of the Scouts on the trip were first-time backpackers.

New Scouts now know how to fly their food to keep it safe from critters, and also know how NOT to get it back down again. The Scouts figured out good ways to keep the hikers together despite different walking speeds, became adept at allowing hikers and mountain bikers to pass by, eagerly devoured what they prepared on a variety of lightweight stoves, and gained useful practice with Leave No Trace skills.

First time backpackers who demonstrated their perseverence and preparation included Nick S., Austin B, William D, James G, Jon G, Matt G, Ben K, Jack K, and Kutin M. Other experienced backpackers helped guide the new guys, taught them the ways of the woods, and even willingly took on some of their extra weight when it was needed. These retread treaders -- some of them practically old men of the woods -- included Daniel B, Patrick C, Banton H, Daniel H, Paul K, Matt K, Tom K, Joseph L, Mike S, and Toli T. Older Scouts and adults were remarkably patient when, after a restful night in their tents or under the stars, they were awakened at 4:30 am by the exuberant twittering of flocks of... younger Scouts! Somewhat bleary discussions of "Camper Courtesy" ensued!

Thanks go out to SPL George H. for his excellent planning and organizing before the trip, even though he was not able to join the column of hikers. Thanks also to the adults who went along for the walk in the woods: Mr. Koester, Mr. Bitters, Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Kolodziej, and ASM Short.

Check out photos of this event from the top-left corner of this page.

Hard Work Shows Results after Charter Church Service Project

The CEB at Zion Lutheran Church in Oldwick is now officially spruced up! Over two weekends in October, several Scouts and adults helped give back to our sponsoring organization by working on a major landscaping project. The overgrown shrubs and weeds on the front slope were cut and pulled and hauled away, landscape fabric was fit to the bank and secured with spikes, and finally several tons of river rock were hauled in, dumped, and spread around to cover the entire embankment. Some of us were still feeling those heavily-taxed muscles a week later! Many thanks to those who labored so willingly: Matt K, Tom K, John N, Nick S, James S, Will S, Michael S, John T, Mr. Bitters, Mr. Koester, and ASM Short. We'll notice the improvement every time we arrive at the CEB, as will all the other users in the community.

More Community Service as Scouts Help with Car Show

Troop 199 members lent a hand early in October with the Oldwick Fire Company's Car Show. Scouts helped direct spectators to their parking area and show cars to the registration and show areas. Scouts also helped guide crowds of pedestrians who were visiting Oldwick for Apple picking and other fun autumn events. The Fire Company said their first Car Show was a great success and plans to repeat the event in the future. Thanks to Max L, Drew B, Pat G, Sean S, Kutin M, Austin B, Nick S, Mr. Lamport, and SM Smith for contributing to the success!

Troop 199 Ambassadors Help Out at Webelos Campout

For several hours on a Friday night in late September, Webelos Transition Instructor Sean S. and four other Scouts visited Webelos campout at Fairmount North to represent the Troop. Sean, Paul K., Joe L., Daniel H., and Banton H., along with ASM Short, mingled with the younger campers to let them know about Troop 199 before their crossing-over next Spring. Dan & Banton also talked to the group about their recent wilderness backpacking experiences and then led two short starlit night hikes along the FN trails. Thanks, guys, for representing our Troop so willingly and ably!

Scouts Help at Pottersville Antique Show & Raise Funds for Troop

Description will soon follow.

Summer Camp a Great Experience for 32 Scouts

Watch here for a recap of the Summer Camp experience, and check out the pictures page as we add some shots!

Scouts Assist with Delayed Baseball Day

Plenty of Scouts helped out in the concessions tent. Watch for a listing here!

Appalachian Trail Backpacking Hike Cut Short By Unwelcome Visitor

Scouts George H., Toli T., James S., Ben G., Ben W., and Tom K. set off for a three-day hike along a segment of the NJ section of the Appalachian Trail. They were accompanied by adult leaders Mr. Johnstone, ASM Turovlin, Mr. Koester, ASM Short, and ASM Wheat. They were also joined by a very large furry critter -- a black bear who would not take no for an answer! The uninvited intruder sauntered into camp around dinnertime on Sunday, the second day of the trip. Brave and level-headed best efforts of the stalwart Troop members were insufficient to convince the determined bear to leave. Even Mr. Koester's threatening growls did not deter Unwelcome Ursa, so the troop had to pull up stakes, vacate the campsite and head home a day early.

Although the trip duration was diminished, the hiking experience was not. The spectacular vistas along the rocky ridge trail were paralleled only by the fantastic camaraderie along the way. All agreed that the backpacking adventure was an enjoyable -- and memorable -- event. Thanks go out to Mr. Wheat for organizing the adventure, and thanks to Ben W. and Matt B. for planning the route.

A few pictures have been posted. More pictures will follow. Check back soon!

Troop 199 and the Community Honor Four New Eagle Scouts

Christian Bitters, Justin Prince, Blake Johnstone, and Michael Moriarty were f�ted Sunday, June 1, in a ceremony and reception to celebrate their outstanding achievement � the highest rank a Scout can earn. Dozens of Scouts, several adult Scout leaders, and a church full of friends, relatives, and civic leaders shared in the festivities. The Eagle Scouts thanked their parents for years of support, encouragement, and help. Then the sponsors of the service projects thanked the Eagles for the contributions each Scout made to the community.

Committee Co-Chair Mr. Koester and SPL Hartmann led the service, while a multitude of participants contributed, each according to his or her talents. ASM Mannion led a moving flag ceremony, ably assisted by the impressive Scout honor guard and accompanied by our own virtuoso ASM Saulsky on the piano. State Senators, State Assembly members, Freeholders, and Township officials spoke to the Eagle Scouts and the attendees, each presenting certificates and plaques to honor the four young men, and then Mr. Farrell read tributes from other national and state officials. Former Scoutmaster Mr. Nick made the trip all the way up from his new home in the South to share the day with �his boys.� Finally, the four new Eagle Scouts shared their stories and honored their mentors.

More details, and pictures, will follow. Check back soon!

"Dedicated Few" volunteer for Tewksbury Library beautification -- Part I

Two intrepid Scouts and one adult leader -- Walter W., Daniel H., and ASM Short -- were not daunted by the steady rains on Sunday, May 18 from helping out with landscaping around the Oldwick library building. They spent a few hours chopping out roots, removing rocks, raking the bare soil, spreading grass seed, and protecting the newly-seeded lawn with hay. (See photos.) The cool damp conditions were not so great for the workers but should help the grass seed to get a good quick start. The three hard workers completed the job on all the front and side lawn areas.

After 4 hours' effort, Daniel and Mr. Short were rewarded with an exclusive historic tour of the off-limits upstairs areas of the library, including the bell tower. If you heard clear tolling peals in Oldwick on Sunday at 5, it was not Quasimodo!

Thanks to Troop 199 Community Service Instructor Walter W. for his planning efforts! Everybody in the area, whether stopping in or just driving by, will enjoy the aesthetic benefit from the efforts of these Scouters.

Library Beautification -- almost Part II

The Troop scheduled another work day May 25 to finish raking and seeding the big back yard. A big "Thank You" goes out to the many (14!!) Scouts and parents who showed up ready and willing to work: Alexander S. & Dad, James & William S. & Mom & ASM Saulsky, Paul K. & Sec'y Klauser, Joseph L. & Mom, Daniel B., Terry B., and Ben W. & ASM Wheat.

Unfortunately, when all the eager volunteers showed up, they found that the job had been finished the previous day. So instead, they completed a brief cleanup and adjourned to the General Store to enjoy the beautiful day and to chat with the assembled company. The Troop will be on the lookout for other community service projects -- to keep that volunteering spirit alive!

Scouters Earn Rifle & Shotgun Merit Badges at Yard's Creek Campout

Watch out in the woods! Scads of Scouts and Dads are now trained to shoot stuff, after a challenging classroom session in March, lots of homework afterwards, and then a gorgeous but rigorous campout weekend April 18-20. Fourteen Scouts (and 5 adults) who were already certified to carry and use knives and work with fire can now add carrying a gun to their RCGTA (Repertoire of Cool Guy-Things Allowed). Their Hunter Education training also taught each of them how to track game and how to be a safe, responsible, and courteous hunter. Camp SPL Doug F. and camp patrol leaders Matt K. and Terry B. planned meals and brought food, and generally ensured an orderly (!?) and fun weekend. One other scout and a few other dads also enjoyed the weekend camp but did not shoot. Several turkeys, a 3-ft-long Black Racer snake, and an adult black bear (!) all graced our humble campsite area. Many thanks to Mr. Koester for initiating and organizing the event.

(Check out the pictures through the link, top left.)

Fantastic Participation Makes For Fun & Productive Advancement Campout

An astounding 29 Scouts and 12 adult leaders and other dads turned out for a weekend of skills and fun at Ockanickon. Ten of the boys were New Scouts, most of whom fulfilled over half the Tenderfoot requirements (and even one or two Second Class requirements). In the coming weeks we'll also see some Second Class and First Class BORs because of the fine outdoorsmanship displayed over the weekend. New scouts who had not earned Totin' Chips and Firem'n Chits at the troop meeting did so at the campout under the direction of Doug F., James S., and George H. From then on, none of the boys were ever far from flames or sharp objects.

Scouts spent many happy hours (and a few frustrating ones) cooking the meals they had so carefully planned (special thanks to Banton H.) and helped shop for (thanks, moms!). Mr. Wheat hosted a steady stream of Scouts at the Official Food-Related Rank Advancement Sign-off Table.

Sean S. tended to Scouts at a popular First Aid training session with the help of Doug. F., while ASM Turovlin, Mr. Farrell, Mr. Klauser, and Mr. Koester tied down the knot station. Mr. Koester & ASM Short led the boys through map reading and compass use.

Our coincidental proximity to Troop 200 from Annandale blossomed into some educational and fun joint activities: first a flag-handling tutorial followed by a cooperative flag ceremony, and then a somber flag retirement ceremony followed by a raucous and laughter-filled (and groan-filled) campfire evening. Skits, songs, and "jokes" were emceed by our own SPL George H., assisted by the trusty talented troupe of James S., Toli T., Doug F., and Ben G.

Several campers topped off the weekend with a beautiful 5-mile hike along Tohicken Creek, guided by compasses, maps, and careful reading of the terrain. Scouts and dads enjoyed well-earned Handbook-signings and PB&Js afterwards.

The fine weather was perhaps the greatest surprise guest of the weekend. Heavy and relentless rain had been predicted, but we all stayed dry. Was all of that Scout reverence being rewarded?

Special thanks go out to Outdoor Activities Instructor James S., SPL George H., and retiring and incoming Quartermasters Doug F. & Daniel H. for all their leadership work and their planning and preparation efforts. Thanks again to all the adults who jumped in and did what was needed to help all the guys to become better Scouts.

Half of Echo Hill Park Hikers are New Scouts

A trio of Second- and First-Class Scouts led a short hike at Echo Hill on Saturday, March 13. Banton H., Daniel H., and Henry S. guided a crew of twelve Scout hikers along a two-mile trek through woods and fields and along streams and ponds. The three leaders and three other experienced Scouts, Brandon C., Tom K., and John T., were joined by six New Scouts. Jonathan G., James G., Austin B., Conor S., William D., and Philip D. happily hiked on their first Scout outing less than a week after crossing over from Webelos. The boys ate a bag lunch while preparing for the hike. They looked at maps and field guides, discussed Leave No Trace hiking, and practiced the buddy system, then set out with maps and compasses to follow the often ill-defined trails.

Some old wilderness shelters, looking like misplaced whale skeletons, and lots of downed White Pines, victims of the recent windstorms, dotted the trail near the start. Muddy areas were closely scrutinized for signs of wildlife (mostly deer and canine tracks), while a heavily-gnawed deer collarbone, a marmot/groundhog hole, a mouse nest, and a den under a log all suggested other mammals' presence nearby. A flicker and some ducks and geese were sighted, and a large striped feather was thought to have come from a hawk. Several stones and logs were overturned, but the salamanders remained elusive. Multiple pokes in the mud at the bottom of the canal failed to rouse dormant frogs.

The sunny hike finished with a debriefing. All wanted more hikes; several of the trekkers wanted some longer hikes in the near future, with diverse opinions about some faster hiking or some more stop-and-go nature exploration.

Mr. Short, Mr. Koester, Mr. D'Armiento, Ms. Gassler, and Ms. Cheng enjoyed the outdoors and the company of the Scouts on this pleasant nature walk. One adult commented that all the New Scout involvement is a promising sign, given all the upcoming outdoor activities in the troop. Older Scouts better watch out -- the new guys just might take over!!