Simsbury Troop 175

Two Troop 175 Scouts Caught in Opposite Sides of Gang War

West Side Story, a musical about two youngsters from rival NYC gangs who fall in love, is being performed by the Simsbuy High School Department of Performing Arts this weekend and next weekend at the high school.

Troop 175 has two of its scouts performing supporting roles in the performance. Erik K. plays the part of Snowboy, one of the Jets gang members and Justin F. plays Indio, a rival Sharks gang member.

When the two groups come together to fight, not even the first aid skills of our scouts could save some of the main charactors!

Performances of the show to see Erik and Justin are February 3,4 and 10,11 at 7:30pm and February 5 & 12 at 2:00pm.

Break a leg fellas - and then fix it!

 

 

Troop 175 Receives National Outdoor Challenge Award

Boy Scout Troop 175 based at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury has the reputation as a high adventure troop with scouts willing to challenge themselves to learn leadership, teamwork and outdoor skills and use them while camping.  The troop has been awarded the National Outdoor Challenge by the Boy Scouts of America for maintaining a high level of outdoor activity.

During 2011, Troop 175 conducted 17 outdoor trips including winter camping ,skiing and snowboarding, walking Boston’s Freedom Trail, climbing Bear Mountain and Mt Greylock, hiking Vermont’s Long Trail, a canoe trip, scuba diving and trips to Block Island and Nantucket. More than 80 percent of the scouts in the troop participated in these trips.

This year, Troop 175 also had 10 scouts and two adult leaders attend Philmont Scout Camp, in New Mexico.

The scouts of Troop 175 also earned 107 outdoors related merit badges during 2011.  Merit badges are the second main area of the Boy Scout advancement program. Unlike ranks, there is a degree of choice in the merit badge program. Outdoors-related merit badges include: Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Cooking, Cycling, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, First Aid, Fish and Wildlife Management, Fishing, Fly-Fishing, Forestry, Hiking, Lifesaving, Orienteering, Pioneering, Rowing, Scuba, Snow Sports, Soil and Water Conservation, Swimming, Water Sports, Whitewater.

In 2012, the troop has already planned trips including climb Tuckerman’s Ravine in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, camping on Nantucket, participation in Boston Ruckus, and a trip to Gettysburg National Battleground.

One of the first trips this year was a winter trip undertaken by the high adventure Immortal’s group within the troop that camped outdoor in minus 20 degree weather in the Adirondacks Mountains.

The troop also has two international outdoor trips planned for 2012. The first in April as members of the troop sail and explore in the British Virgin Islands on two 45 foot catamarans.  The second trip will see members of the troop hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.

In addition to the National award, Simsbury’s Troop 175 also earned recognition from the CT River Council by earning the Journey to Excellence award. "Scouting’s Journey to Excellence" is the BSA’s council performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success and measure the performance of units. Troop 175 received the Gold Award, the programs highest honor.

Troop 175 Cookbook Now Being Written

John Cahill had many options open to him when he began the process of laying out how to raise money to fund his upcomming Eagle scout project. Recently, scouts have successfully raised the money needed for their projects by holding a car wash, bake sale, selling photos, a bottle and can drive and even direct solicitation of donations. But by nature, John wanted something that would stand out, something that would give back to the troop and at the same time raise the necessary funds for his project.

John is creating a Troop 175 cookbook.

Using a website www.Cookbookfundraiser.com, John is asking each family within the troop to enter in several of their family's favorite meals and desserts. Once collected, these recepies will be printed in a cookbook that will be available for sale around Simsbury.

So take a few monents and pick a few of your scout's favorite foods and add them to the cookbook. It's easy, fast and free! Check the Troop Google Group for details on how to log in to our account.

The deadline for submitting recepies is January 15th and he is asking for everyone to contribute at least three recepies to help make his fundraising project a success!

 

Crèche Setup

Volenteers from Boy Scout Troop 175 helped our sponsor St. Mary's Church by setting up the Crèche, or nativity scene, in from the the church to welcome in the holiday season.

New Sitting Wall at Simsbuy's Flower Bridge

For my eagle project I decided to build a sitting wall out of stone at the Flower Bridge. Before I could start building, I needed to collect the necessary funds in order to buy the stone and other materials. Despite road blocks in my way of collecting funds the fundraiser took place at the Simsbury Arts and Crafts show where I sold collages made up of pictures of the flower bridge that were matted for $10 each. I was able to sell about 85 pictures and thanks to other generous donations from people in town I collected $1,695 total for my project. On the day of building the wall, September 24^th, 18 scouts and 4 adults came out to help. It was a great turn out and after working from 8a.m. to 2p.m. the dry stack was complete. Two weeks later 3 adults and another scout came with me to set the stone in place with mortar. And after only a couple hours the wall was finally finished. It is about 23 feet long, 2 feet tall, and 20 inches wide. Since its completion it has even been used in wedding photographs taken at the Flower Bridge.

Rob C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=cortcarter91&target=ALBUM&id=5661587489202739777&authkey=Gv1sRgCLb-vomMze-67AE&feat=email

 

Community Skakeboard Half Pipe Built By Troop 175 Scouts

 

For many years Tommy A. has enjoyed using the towns skate park located at the memorial fields. Over the past couple of years he noticed most people would not know of the existence of the park due to a lack of proper signage. Additionally he noticed a decrease in use of the park because no enhancements have been made over the past several years.

He made it the focus of his Eagle project to build an attractive park sign that would help direct people to the park.

The second component of his project involved purchasing and building a new skateboard ramp. Many of the current features are outdated and this will enhance interest in the park so it should get more use.

Lastly, he also created a youth skatepark committee that will be made up of 5-10 kids ranging from the ages of 12-18 years old. The purpose of this committee is to report back to the town any issues or concerns regarding safety, maintenance, misuse, and potential future enhancements.

Through Tommy's efforts and the $3,819 donated through his fundraising efforts and nearly 300 volunteer hours, the town of Simsbury has an updated community park that provides a safe place for the town's youth to have fun.

Scout Loses it for Cancer

Troop 175 scout Sam S wanted to take our troop's participation in the National Be Bold Be Bald cancer awareness program to the next level. So Sam grew his hair out, and with permission from the school principal, had his head shaved at a school assembly! Sam also had a car wash and raised more than $1,300 for the Relay for Life Stooge Team in memory of his father. His team walked 34 miles in 19 hours!

Just one more example of a Troop 175 scout going the entry mile to make a difference in the world we live it.

 

 

Troop 175 Scout Goes Over the Edge

As Senior Patrol Leader for the adventure-oriented Boy Scout Troop 175 in Simsbury, Keegan  has participated in many experiences most boys only dream about. With his troop, he has hiked 82 miles at Philmont Scout Ranch, hiked glaciers in Alaska, sailed in the Caribbean, built survival shelters, rafted in white water rivers, hiked the entire Presidential Mountain Range in a single day, and completed hundreds of hours of community service.

Recently, he went over the edge to help support Boy Scouts in Connecticut. Keegan as asked by the BSA Connecticut Rivers Council to help demonstrate his skills and rappel down the side of the 17 story Connecticut River Plaza - 450 Columbus Blvd in downtown Hartford.

A Giant Step for Scouting was a one-of-a- kind fundraiser that provided an opportunity for participants to experience of a life time while raising money to help support their important role in developing today's youth. Monies raised go to support Scouting programs, including after school programs for urban youth and camperships for needy youth.  For over 100 years Scouting has helped young people become more productive citizens, leaders in their communities and business, and helped them develop a framework for ethical decisions.  Keegan was called upon to show how a scout get's it done.

"I've done a lot of rock climbing with my troop in Simsbury, but never done something 17 stories tall", said 16 year old Life Scout Keegan. "The views of Hartford and the Connecticut River were spectacular. I enjoyed my rappel and only wish that more boys could experience scouting like I do.  I also want to thank Connecticut Rivers Council for giving me an opportunity to experience something else that I will remember forever".

The Connecticut Rivers Council is one of New England's largest private youth-serving organizations, delivering Scouting programs that develop character, citizenship, fitness, and leadership skills to more than 32,000 youth and nearly 10,000 adult volunteers in 127 cities and towns in Connecticut. The Boy Scouts of America collaborates with hundreds of churches, school affiliated groups and other community organization that organize and operate local Scout groups.

Keegan is a member of Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175, based out of St. Mary’s Church on Hopmeadow Street. The troop is made up of adventure seeking boys aged 10 to 18 who share a love of the outdoors and a wish to learn to be self sufficient and have fun. The troop is accepting new enrollments and anyone interesting in learning more can attend a troop meeting at 7:00pm Thursday nights or go to www.SimsburyTroop175.org for more information.

Philmont Car Wash A Success

The 2011 Philmont Crew from Simsbury troop 175 held a fundrasing car wash to help underwrite the cost for attending the Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico this summer.

While competition from 2 other car washes was a concern, the scouts efficiently organized themselves to wash up to three cars at a time. Scouts on the street helped to drive in traffic and keep the washers busy throughout the morning.

Dirtiest car of the day went to Max Drake who went "Mudding" with his Jeep before coming to support his friends in Troop 175.

Not only was more than $800 raised for the Philmont Crew, but everyone involved had a great time.

Check out the Troop Photo Library for more photos of the event.

 

Troop 175 Eagle Scout of to Annapolis

Troop 175 wishes Lee Adamovich best wishes has he starts his carreer in the Navy as a Plebe (or first year student) at the United States Navel Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Lee had a positive impact on our troop and we hope the Navy will not be too boring for him after his adventures with Troop 175.

 

 

 

New Troop Leadership Named for 2011-2012

At the June Court of Honor, TRoop 175 Scoutmaster Brad Mead announced the scout leadership for 2011-2012.

Life Scout Keegan R. was named Senior Patrol Leader.

Assisting Keegan as Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders for the coming year will be Eric B., Nicholas C. John C., Isaac P. and Zack Z.

Patrol Leaders and their assistants for the troop will be named in September.

God and Life Emblem

Recently, Eric B. and Isaac P., two scouts of Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175, were awarded the God and Life Emblem, for their work with Sean Carroll at Covenant Presbyterian Church/The Barn.  The boys learned a lot about God through the words of the disciple Paul.  The class was held this past winter.

Scouts Play for State Cup

 

 

Congratulations to Troop 175 scouts Keegan R. Noah C. and Will K.  for representing Simsbury in the State Cup Soccer finals here in Simsbury. They finished second in the state in the U15 Boys division.

Troop 175 Salutes the Class of 2011

  Eagle Scout Rob B., Simsbury High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eagle Scout Andrew F., Simsbury High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eagle Scout Steven B., Simsbury High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eagle Scout Gabe B., Simsbury High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jake VL, Kingswood Oxford School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simsbury Troop 175 congratulates all of our graduating seniors, thank them for their service to scouting, and wish them the best of luck in their future. We know that the skills, leadership and friends they have accquired while in Troop 175 will last them a lifetime.

 

 

Simsbury Scholars

On Thursday, May 19th, two of Troop 175’s Life Scouts received the Simsbury Scholar award in a ceremony at Simsbury High School. This award is given to freshman who achieve high honors for each of the first three marking periods of the year; and to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who are in the top 5% of their class by GPA. Congratulations to Eric B. and John C. for their outstanding academic performance!

Troop 175 Thanks Joe Pizza

Simsbury Troop 175 would like to thank Ben from Simsbury's Joe Pizza Resturant for holding a successful fundraiser for the troop's 2011 Philmont crew. The event raised funds to help send 10 scouts to Philmont Scout Reservation this summer.

Scoutmasters of Simsbury Troop 175

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. It is the troop's scoutmaster that ensures that the scouts stay on that path.

Here are the men who have led Simsbury St. Mary's Boy Scout Troop 175 since it was founded.

 

Scoutmaster	Year(s)
David Graft	1977
Ken Verdecchia	1978 – 1981
Dick Casavant	1982 – 1983
Bill Clarke	1984 – 1986
Bill Johnston	1987 – 1989
Chris Opdyke	1990 – 1994
Tom Meek	1994 – 1997
Rich Cady	1998 – 2006
Brad Mead	2006 - Present

 

Troop 175's Philmont Crew Performs Conservation Service Project

Several scouts from Simsbury Troop 175's Philmont Crew began the first day of their spring break different from many of their peers, they spent several hours clearing the trails at the Town of Simsbury's Onion Mountain forest. Using only hand tools, the scouts cut though fallen trees up to 30" in diameter that had fallen across trails used for hiking, walking and mountain biking.

Attending the session was Drew V., Karl S., Jack V., Eric B., Isaac P., Kevin B., John C., Joey D., Justin F., Keegan R. and Mr. Rice and Mr. Burke.

From Simsbury To Tanzania - Troop 175 Scout's Service Project Recognized By NESA

When visiting Mt. Kilimanjaro on a Scouting Trip Carter Evan-Alden Hill, Eagle Scout, Troop 175 struck with the desperate conditions at the Mkombozi Centre for Street Children in Moshi, Tanzania and became determined to do something about it. When Carter is determined to do something few things stand in his way.  His determination and success was recently recognized the regional National Eagle Scout Association when he was selected as the regional winner of the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award.

Initially, Carter’s project appeared straightforward; to collect school, recreation and other needed goods and to ship them to the Mkombozi Centre. Along the way Carter encountered and overcame several obstacles (the change/obstacle section of his Service Project document is very impressive). These changes included:

• Custom duties that threatened to overwhelm his project – Carter’s solution was to go to the United Nations, meet with the Tanzanian ambassador and get the duties waived.
• Cargo thieves made it unlikely that the goods would reach the Mkombozi Centre – On the recommendation of the Ambassador Carter and his father traveled with the goods to Tanzania and oversaw delivery.
• Airfreight costs changed significantly from the original estimates threatening the entire project – Carter negotiated on the spot with the airlines at the departure point for a much improved rate.
• Transportation from the airport to the Mkombozi Centre was still a question as they left New York – In London Carter described his project to a ticket agent who happened to be from Tanzania. The ticket agent was so impressed with Carter and his plans that he provided both transportation and a place to stay.

Regional Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. Regional NESA committees will select one winner for each region on or before March 31 each year. Regional award winners will be considered for the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. The three regional winners who do not win the national award will receive $500, to be available for their future educational purposes or to attend a national or international Scouting event or facility. The local councils of those three regional winners (not the national winner) also will receive a $500 award. All regional winners will receive a certificate and a gold device for the Eagle Scout embroidered knot. The national winner and his local council will receive only the national prize as described below.

Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. One winner will be selected by April 15 of each year, in time to be announced at the National Annual Meeting in May. The national award winner will receive a certificate, a silver device for the Eagle embroidered knot, and a cash award of $2,500 that will be available for the Scout’s future educational purposes or for him to attend a national or international Scouting event or venue. The national award winner’s local council will also receive a $2,500 award.

Troop 175 Back in Boy's Life Magazine

In April, 2009 Troop 175's Adventure Race was highlighted in Boy's Life Magazine, the 100-year old publication has a readership of 8.2 million each month.

The magazine's "Scouting Around" blog recently highlighted Simsbury Troop 175's recent Breaking Dawn Mission Profile leaders trip with an article entitled Troop 175′s Unique Challenge complete with photos taken from our photo library.

Check it out.

Scout Makes TV Commercial

Kirk S, a scout Star scout in Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175 recently was featured in a TV commercial for the Ski Sundown ski area. Here is the ad posted on Facebook.

Troop 175's Newest Eagle Scout

Congratulations to Rob B. who recently passed his Eagle rank scoutmasters conference and is a Board of Review away from attaining the presidious Eagle rank.

Scouts Run 5K

Congratulations to Troop 175 Scouts Jon E. and Keegan R. for running in the 2nd Annual VIE for Kids 5K Trail Run at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury. Both scouts finished in among the top 20 runners with almost 500 people participating.

The event helped raise money for the CT Children's Medical Center Foundation.

 

Troop 175 Goes Bald

In an effort to increase awareness to the effects of cancer, 68 scouts from Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175 wore bald caps as part of national "Be Bold, Be Bald" program. Now in its second year, Be Bold, Be Bald took place on October 22nd and saw thousands of people across the country go bald for the day to honor cancer patients and raise money to help fight this terrible disease.

To learn how you can participate in future events and even make a difference now, go to www.beboldbebald.org

Troop 175 Senior Patrol Announced for 2010-2011

Our Troop is boy led, and our leaders are selected by the adult leadership based on their performance and ability to lead. The senior patrol leaders and patrol leaders share their wisdom and pass on their knowledge to the younger Scouts through our trip and advancement programs. Boy Scouts is one of the very few organizations where boys can be put in leadership positions at ages as young as 12.

Our 2010 – 2011 leaders are:

Robert Carter – Senior Patrol Leader (Lead Scout)

A Life Scout, Rob is 17 and a Junior at Simsbury High School.  He was a member of the 2009 expedition to the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico and the 2008 expedition to the Amazon jungle in Peru.  Rob led the 2010 Presidential Traverse. He is a committed athlete, and plays basketball for Simsbury High School.  An avid traveler, he has traveled extensively through Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom.  Rob is a member of the Immortals and last years Immortals Chief.

John Epstein - Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Jon is a Star Scout and is currently a Junior at Simsbury High school. He was on the last trip to Philmont Scout Ranch. He has hiked up Mt. Washington numerous times and has also completed the Presidential traverse. Jon is active in Lacrosse, Iron Works, and has recently started to compete in triathlons with the hope of doing a Iron man in the future. Serving as a cadet on the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department he is learning great skills that he can apply to scouting. John is a member of the Immortals.

Rob Burke- Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Rob is a Life Scout, 17 and a Senior at Simsbury high School. Rob is the front man for the band Anti- Armistice that plays to sell out crowds in the Simsbury area. He long boards, surfs, and snowboards in his spare time.

Isaac Peacock - Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Isaac Peacock is an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and a Life Scout. He is a freshman at Simsbury High School, plays football, and plans to join the crew team later in the year. He is 14 and has hiked up Mt. Washington, summited a 14-er in Colorado, and completed the 2010 Presidential Traverse. He enjoys fishing, camping, hunting, and almost anything that involves the outdoors.  He is a member of the Immortals.

Eric Barch - Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Eric is a Life Scout and a Freshman at Simsbury High school. He has served as a Patrol Leader and Den Chief, and is a member of the Immortals. He has been a member of teams that have medaled in the Simsbury Adventure Race all three years, including the youngest winning team as a sixth grader. Along with working on mechanical things, he enjoys camping, biking, and the outdoors. He was a member of the 2010 Presidential Traverse and has hiked in the Grand Canyon. He is also currently a member of the SHS Cross Country team.

Tommy Adamowicz - Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

Tom is a Life Scout and a junior at Simsbury High School and has been involved in Scouting since 1st grade.  He’s been a patrol leader for the past 2 years.  Tom was part of the 2009 Philmont expedition where he spent 2 weeks high altitude hiking in New Mexico.  He is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys freestyle skiing, mountain biking, BMX, long boarding and also playing guitar.

Keegan Rice- Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Immortals Chief

Keegan is a Life Scout and a Freshman at Simsbury High School. He has earned over 31 Merit Badges, the most of any active scout in the troop. He has been a Patrol Leader and Instructor and the youngest member ever inducted into the Immortals.  He helped lead the 2010 Trans Presidential Range Traverse and helped organize and lead the 2010 Alaskan expedition. He is also a member of the Three man winning team for the Simsbury Adventure Race two years in row and co holds the record for the course. He is active in sports and competes in soccer, track and snowboarding.