The start of a new year of Scouting with Troop 542 normally begins with an opening campfire. However, the inclement weather on September 12, saw the Scouts move indoors to the sanctuary of Supplee Presbyterian Church. The opening Court of Honor kicked off with the “coronation” of new Senior Patrol Leader Nick Feng by his predecessor Teddy Peterson.
The presentation of merit badges and ranks was next. Many of the 175 merit badges awarded were earned during the Troop’s week of summer camp at Resica Falls Scout Reservation. One new scout was invested, and five scouts were promoted to a new rank. Then Scoutmaster Mark Krueger announced that Thomas Kohler, James Murphy, and Jordan Kressman had been awarded the Eagle rank, the highest offered in the Scouting program, after completing review boards during the summer.
A recap of the Troop’s summer activities followed. The awards given to Troop 542 during its week at Resica Falls were revealed. Alex Lysinski received the ecology award, Matthew Gregg earned the archery award, and Troop 542 received the unit award, presented to the troop with the cleanest and most well-maintained campsite. Photos and stories also were shared by the Scouts who visited Philmont Scout Ranch, one of the most arduous high adventure destinations. Led by David Lotman, Scouts Ryan DiFulgo, Alan Jiang, Kiran Mahnkopf, James Murphy, Alex Peng, Roger Tang, Tristan Peng, and Bryan Xu backpacked for 10 days in the unforgiving wilderness of New Mexico. The high point was a hike to the summit of Baldy Mountain, which has an elevation of 12,441 feet.
The evening’s festivities concluded with a social, where Scouts mingled while eating hot dogs, soda, and baked goods