Troop 299 had an amazing week at Camp Conestoga in Somerset Pennsylvania from July 5th-11th. The troop brought 10 scouts 5 of which this was their first ever summer camp. The Troop was also accompanied by 2 scouts from Troop 111.
Despite COVID-19 it was a stellar week and the troop was able to earn 45 merit badges, and 2 camp awards. The scouts also had the opportunity to participate in many extra activities such as the polar bear swim, run for your life, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, small boat sailing, and fishing in the camp lake.
Back at camp the scouts played cards, built fires, worked in the axe yard, and were able to complete many many requirements to help them in rank advancement.
The troop also participated in the OA tapout on Wednesday night where one of the scouts with us from Troop 111 was inducted into the Order of the Arrow scoutings national honor society. Also the troop participated in a flag retirement ceremony on Thursday night.
The annual Back to Basics camping trip did not disappoint! A great time was had by new and veteran scouts alike, including traditions like capture the flag and lemon squeeze. It was great welcoming the new scouts into the troop.
Troop 299 ventured to Tar Hollow in March for an overnight backpacking outing. The outing also served as shakedown for the scouts and adults who are going to Philmont this June. The weather cooperated and it was a fun outing!
Our February outing was at Marmon Valley. We enjoyed camping and horseback riding. The temperatures were cold but everyone was prepared!
Troop 299 ventured to a new ski resort for the 2025 Snow Sport Outing. We enjoyed the Seven Springs Ski resort staying nearby at Camp Tenacharison. Everyone enjoyed a full day of skiing and snowboarding!
Our December outing was an overnight lock-in at Vertical Adventures in north Columbus. Scouts climbed, belayed, and had a pizza party before camping indoors overnight.
In November, Troop 299 scouts attended our annual Shoot-o-ree outing at Camp Birch in Yellow Springs. Scouts rotated between shotgun, rifle, and archery stations followed by our traditional patrol dutch oven dessert competition.
For our September outing, we traveled to the Red River Gorge area in Kentucky for a climbing adventure. Via Ferrata is a style of climbing where climbers traverse horizontally along fixed steel cables. After climbing, the troop hiked to the top of the natural bridge in the Red River Gorge.
For this year's High adventure, we went to the Boundary waters in northern minnesota! Our route took us straight along the border of the U.S and Canada, which meant plenty of amazing photo opportunities! Along the way we ate at multiple amazing restaurants, and worked with an outfitter to give us the Canoes, paddles, and more. Not only did we canoe a lot, we also fished, cooked, and and swam as a troop. Overall, it was a really fun experience, and we'll be back in 2028!
One of troop 299's biggest outings is our summer camp, Camp Conestoga, which is located near Somerset, PA. During this week of fun, scouts can earn merit badges, signoffs, or simply learn more about scouting! Camp Conestoga is one of the best outings for scouting advancement. At Conestoga we also do plenty of extra activities, Including campfires, competitions between troops, and skits. We also get three meals a day from the dining hall, but there is one evening we get to cook our own food. And don't forget to save money for the trading post, which has things including merch, food, and other items.
Every year, our troop does the white water rafting outing. In this outing, scouts get to go onto the water and practice paddling and swimming skills, along with making friends and memories.