Approximately 36 Boy Scouts and leaders from Troop 715 attended summer camp at Raven Knob Scout Reservation during the week of June 22-28. The weather cooperated nicely and helped to make a great experience for the campers. Some of the boys are veteran Scouts with multiple summer camps under their belts. For others, this was their first experience with a weeklong camping event. Regardless of their standing the boys worked hard, had lots of fun and earned a combined total of 115 merit badges. One scout even earned his Mile Swim award.

On Wednesday, the parents were invited up for a pot luck dinner. While homesickness was not a major issue, seeing mom and dad was treat (along with the fried chicken, pizza and ice cream). Later in the evening, parents and boys attended the campfire event and were entertained by various skits by the camp staff and Indian dancing performed by members of Washissa Lodge #118 – Order of the Arrow. The Order of the Arrow is the Boy Scouts’ honor camping society. In order to be eligible, boys must hold the rank of First Class Scout and have at least 15 nights of camping. Adult leaders are also eligible, based on service to Scouting. Ten boys and leaders from Troop 715 were “tapped out” during the ceremony: Kenan Althoff, Alex Brooker, Charlie Clark, Grayson Kirkman, Alex Nagy, Steve Nagy, Jacob Price, William Scurry, Dalton Vestal and John Woodard. Earlier in the week, Wills Burns and John Woodard, Jr. earned their Brotherhood rank in the Order of the Arrow. Congratulations to these Scouts!

Incoming Scoutmaster Chris Vestal had this to say: “We have a great group of dedicated leaders, outstanding support from New Philadelphia Moravian Church and an energetic bunch of boys and loving parents. That’s a recipe for success in my opinion.”

And mark your calendar for our Open house recruitment for all three scouting, Cub Scouts (1st thru 5th grade boys) , Boy Scouts. ( 6th thru age 18 boys) And Venturing( ages 15 to 20 co-ed) programs on August 24  2 to 4 pm.