Troop 542 Scouts Ski and Swim in New Jersey
By Troop 542 Historian
For their February trip, Troop 542 decided to try something new. Instead of the usual cabin camping activities, Scouts traveled to Camp NoBeBosCo in New Jersey for some skiing and swimming at a nearby indoor water park. When the Scouts arrived, they found all of the cabins had electric heating instead of the traditional wood fire, eliminating the need to keep the fire going throughout the night and giving Scouts the ability to sleep uninterrupted.
The next day, the Scouts traveled to the well known Camelback Mountain ski resort and nearby Kalahari Indoor Water Park. There, the Scouts were given the option to either ski or swim. Scouts new to skiing started the day with a lesson, then progressed to easy slopes for the remainder of the day. Scouts who were experienced skiers tackled challenging slopes either in small groups or in pairs using the “buddy” system. Scouts who chose the swimming option spent the day splashing and sliding happily in the water park.
After everyone ended their respective skiing and swimming adventures, the Scouts met for dinner at a Chinese buffet restaurant and had a delicious meal. On Sunday, Scouts returned to Camp NoBeBosCo where, after an interfaith service, most of the group headed home. However, Scouts practicing for the summer 2019 Philmont High Adventure trek stayed behind and took a challenging 5-mile hike on snowy, icy trails before returning home.
Boy Scout Troop 542 meets at Supplee Church every Monday during the school year at 7:30 PM and has fun outdoor activities every month. Check out our web site www.troop542.com or contact Committee Chair Ed Borkowski at asm542@gmail.com if you’re interested. Boys who have finished 5th grade and are not yet 18 are eligible to join.