Dear Parents,
We are entering our final week, which brings with it a bit of mixed emotions, since there is much excitement over the events of the final week, but also a solemn reminder to all that camp will soon end. Today we will be signing up for our final week of activities. We will strive to run as many activity periods as possible this week so that boys may complete tasks they have been working on and to provide as many opportunities as possible for those trying to fulfill lodge requirements in time for initiations later in the week. At this point we believe there are about six boys who will be initiated. We will provide details in the final news bulletin.
Week five was highlighted by overnight trips. Pitcured above is the group putting canoes in at Lake Bomoseen. Nightime evening hits with the boys before heading to bed included a beach-side campfire with s'mores, newer version of Aladdin movie, Log reading skit and games in the main lodge.
On Saturday the culmination of a week long compressed course in advanced camp craft and outdoor survival techniques resulted in an overnight camp out of six campers. The course was taught by Dan Graves, Stefanie Wilbur and Brad Neal, all three are highly qualified in outdoors education and camping. Both Dan and Stefanie (RN) have served in the Army and Brad successfully hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2020. The boys built waterproof shelters and kept a fire going throughout the night. All six passed, which qualified for two Wachusett Lodge accomplishments. We are very proud of these boys and glad that they have such great interest in the outdoors.
The final banquet and awards ceremony will be held this Friday evening. Parents are welcome to visit at any point on Friday and enjoy all activities leading up to dinner and awards, and final council fire. We will have our final Blue - Grey team sports event, known as Apache Day, beginning in late afternoon. The current score of Blue Vs Grey team sports is 4-3 Blue. Dinner will be served at 6:30 in the dining hall, followed by our awards ceremony, where boys will be recognized in areas of outstanding achievements, and trophies and plaques handed out. Plaques will be hung for boys who are not in attendance.
If you are picking up your boys on Saturday, we hope you will consider driving up Friday to join us. There are several options in the local area for staying overnight. Brandon Inn is nearby and one we would recommend (802) 247-5766 www.brandoninn.com.
On Saturday, we ask that boys are picked up by 9:30 am, since our staff will be focused on putting the camp away for the year. Boys flying out of Albany to BWI will be on SWA flight #2519 arriving in Baltimore at 2:45 pm. Please make sure to provide me with confirmation numbers so that I can print out the tickets.
It has been a great summer and we look forward to ending on a high note.
Unaliyi, and Best Regards, Phil