Bucks Scout Net, an unofficial guide to Bucks County Scouting

On Tuesday, July 2 Troops 123, 102, &168 got together and held a cooking skills demonstration to teach cooking to the younger Scouts. A large assortment of dishes were made, using a variety of cooking techniques. One parent commented "It looks like a District event". No wonder...all three troops are usually found supporting the District functions, and with the combined registration of the three troops at over 70 boys the meeting area was teeming with Scouts.

The troops will meet every other week for Scout skills during the Summer, each time at the meeting place of another troop, this meeting being held at Levittown Fairless Hills Rescue Squad, home of T123. The concept originated with several joint meetings between 102 &123 last Summer, and while brainstorming at the Spring Event 168 was invited to participate in the fun this year.

A big topic of discussion was the big 50 mile hike set to begin on July 7 that a group of older Scouts from T123 were preparing for. Pictures from this meeting and the start of the hike are found below. A recap of the hike will follow it's completion, and I look forward to hearing from T102 about their canoe trip, as well as the adventures of other units in the Council!

UPDATE...

Well, not everything works out according to plans. In spite of all the preperation and several pre-hikes of various length, factors that either can be prepared for only through prior experience or not at all caused an early end to the 50 mile hike.

As you may recall, on the day the hike began there was a haze over the Northeastern United States as a result of wildfires in Ontario. Unusual atmospheric activity caused the haze to mix with the lower atmosphere, lowering visibility and causing health alerts. The forecast had called for clearing by Sunday evening, but the front stalled. The hot & humid climate remained, and combined with the smoke made for some tough hiking conditions.

A couple of Scouts had to withdraw after about ten miles due to physical problems, the result of not preparing themselves enough in advance. The remainder trekked on, despite the oppressive conditions. Ample water had been taken in, and a resupply had been arranged for an early section of trail where it's availability was in question. The conditions were such that more was consumed than expected, but the map showed a spring at which they could refill and continue. A phone call prior to leaving for the hike had indicated that the spring was indeed flowing.

The fact of the matter turned out to be quite different. A dry spring was discovered, and the hike continued for five miles without water before getting to the next road crossing, at approximately the twenty-four mile mark. This is where leaders wisely terminated the hike.

This is not being considered a failed attempt, but a learning experience. Additional sections will be hiked beginning this Fall, to prepare for another fifty mile attempt next Summer. Stricter guidelines for individual preperation and a less rigorous section of trail will be used in the next trek. Pictures from the trail just trekked will be added when they become avaible.