èèèè
Troop 76 Camp Sequassen Summer Camp
(20-26 July 2008)

Dear Troop 76 Scouts and their Families,
At Camp Sequassen, this year, I took Photography, Cinematography, and Graphic Arts Merit Badges. I photographed the Troop at Summer Camp, as part of my Photography MB homework. Many people have requested to view the pictures, so I created a Troop 76 Pictures website, which focuses on pictures taken at Camp Sequassen, however, I uploaded pictures from other events on it as well. The Troop 76 Pictures website I created can be found at: http://www.troop76pictures.site.shutterfly.com

I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Sincerely, Andrew P.

One exciting time was had by all with stops at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution facility (where they had a personalized a guided tour by Logan S.'s uncle), the Woods Hole Science Aquarium and then go on the Ocean Quest boat tour.  Sea Kayaking, Deep Sea Fishing, Cycling, getting buried in the sands of Cape Cod and all manner of fun was had by this adventuresome Crew.

èèèè
Troop 76 End of Year Picnic
& Court of Honor
(10 June 2008)

Troop 76 Scouts and their families gathered to celebrate the end of the 2007-2008 Scouting Year with a Pizza & goodie feast, good fun and ended it all with the year's final Court of Honor in which lots of Scouts got their rank advancement and a huge volume of merit badges were earned.  Check out the images of people having fun!

èèèè
David H.'s Eagle Court of Honor
(31 May 2008)

Friends and Family gathered to celebrate this Troop 76 Scout's earning the coveted Eagle Rank.  It seems that lots of people took pictures of this celebration, so we have 2 other sets of pictures:

ASM Diane Johnson's Picture Album

Terri O'Connell's Picture Album

No doubt you'll find your picture there somewhere so take a look!

Troop 76 marched in the Memorial Day Parade, and also assisted the event organizers in the placing of a commemorative wreath at the War Memorial in front of Jesse Lee Church on Main Street.  The Troop had a good showing, the weather was marvelous, the musket fire quite thunderous and a good time was had by all.  This Photo show also has a few shots from Friday evening's (May 23rd) project to place US Flags on all the graves of Veterans in Ridgefield's cemetaries.

èèèè
Wilderness Survival Campout
(15-16 March 2008)

Wilderness Survival was the main theme of our 'Ultimate Retro' campout at Ward Pound Ridge. Scouts started fires - sans matches - located, collected and learned out to treat water, gathered their own wood, - boiled down 5 gallons of sap for syrup. Built their own shelters, hiked and practiced their first aid skills. Knife and axe skills were put to work! A lively songfest closed a perfect day!!

The Webelo Mini-Klondike is an annual recruiting event shared by Troop 76 and Troop 116. This year, Troop 76 hosted 3 skills stations: whipping & fusing ropes, knot tying, and setting a tent. Troop 116 hosted first aid and safe food preparation - which included a foil lunch. While this year's rain prevented the Big Dog Sled races...a good time was had by all!!

èèèè
Annual Ski Trip
(February 2008)

Check out these pictures of the 2008 Ski Trip.  The venue was Stratton Mountain Vermont for a chance of pace and a smashing success was the result.  Check it out!

January's Court of Honor for Troop 76 was a great celebration of our Scouts progress.  Two new Eagle Scouts and lots of others making steady progress on that Road to Eagle.

èèèè
AT Trail Hike Pictures
(8 December, 2007)

A great time was had by all.  The weather was perfect.  Views were breathtaking and we all had fun with the very diverse trail including rock scrambling, high ledges, crossing streams and pine groves.

Troop 76 had a marvelous time at Hoyt learning about Civil War era battlefield challenges - weaponry, cooking, clothing and medical care. With cannon fire echoing throughout the day, the scouts had an action packed weekend and we were thrilled to be features at the campfire program - based on our campfire singing of Civil War songs. Next stop: American Idol!

Scouts had time to demonstrate their cooking and camping skills - completing many advancement requirements along the way.

èèèè
Scout Meeting Pictures
(16 October, 2007)

Tucker W. - the great-great grandson of James E. West, founder of Boy Scouts of America - presented the history of scouting in America. Troop historian, Brian J, presented an overview of Troop 76 history and Tucker K, presented the history and the significance of the scouting uniform - then SPL John B. ran a patrol competition for best dressed scout...and the winners were...Brian J and Tyler C.

Troop 76 scouts visited Gettysburg - hiking the battlefield, reenacting the fighting on Little Round Top with the 20th Maine, and racing across Pickett's Ridge. We marked many monuments memorializing soldiers from CT with US Flags and organized a flag ceremony to raise the CT Flag over the 17th Connecticut Infantry monument. The park visitor's center and Eisenhower's home was fun to explore. We even managed to capture a strange apparition in two pictures taken while on the Ghost Tour. Fun!

èèèè
Sara Bishop Open Space Eagle Project
(29 September, 2007)

Earlier this year, Jim M. completed his Eagle Project to build a bridge in the Sarah Bishop Open Space. For his Eagle project, Robert J., working with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission and members of Troop 76, completed an additional loop trail to further enhance this open space. Additional work is slated to build a footbridge that will be a welcome addition to the trail.

At a Court of Honor, Troop 76 recognizes the achievements and rank advancements of our active Scouts. We're proud to have so many active Scouts in our program to to see so much progress.

èèèè
2007  Presidential Backpacking
(August, 2007)

Trekking the Appalachian Trail through New Hampshire's White Mountains - Bagging Peaks along the Presidential Range - 7 Days of Summits and Adventure

çççç
Big Trip Adventure
(22 June  2007)

Big Trip this year was simply a wonderful weekend adventuring along the Delaware River. Every Scout got to practice their skills canoeing & kayaking on the first day. Sveral golden eagles, bald eagles and ducks were seen along the route. Traveling roughly 12 miles, Scout glided through the silt-laden waters of the Delaware - churned by the recent thunderstorms in that area. Later that evening, the boys whipped up an amazing appetizer tray followed by Manwiches for dinner, corn on the cob and an amazing apple-cherry cobbler baked in the Dutch oven. 'Are you smarter than a 5th grader' was the theme of our campfire program - led by Brian J. - and it was a huge hit. Fortunately, we all proved smarter than a 5th grader...and while the adults held the lead, the Scouts won the final question and captured the prize which was a roll of 'Smarties' candy. How appropriate! Sunday morning, after breakfast and a brief Scouts Own ceremony, we hit the rapids in rafts. The water levels were reported high - but honestly, not high enough in some spots to keep us from getting hung up on rocks. Navigation skills were important as was a crew of strong, steady paddlers. We passed through several class 2 and class 3 rapids on our 12 mile route. Along the way, we stopped for some swimming and floating in the rapids. The weather was amazing and the Scouts proved that they're well skilled for longer, more technical river adventures in the future!

èèèè
2007 Ridgefield Scouting Camporee
(Ridgefield, Sturges Park: 18-20 May, 2007)

The weekend started out cloudy & misty and ended with sunshine & blue skies and there were a lot of raindrops between but the Camporee was a smashing success in all aspects.

We had spectacular weather for our hike to Sugarloaf Mountain and along Breakneck Ridge. The wildflowers and dogwood were all in full bloom and the views were truly spectacular. Breakneck Ridge is one of the top ranked hikes in New England by Backpacker Magazine - for good reason - it's stunning - and the rock scrambling is extremely challenging - which makes it a top destination for hikers seeking high adventure.

èèèè
Bennett Pond to Pine Mountain April Fool's Shakedown Hike
(Ridgefield: 1 April 2007)

Starting at Bennett's Pond, we hiked to the top of Pine Mountain and checked out the remains of composer Charles Ives's cabin. Then we trekked on to the Pine Mountain vista and were able to see Long Island Sound - the same vantage point that colonists used during the Revolutionary War to monitor British ships coming into these waters - and we saw the boulder they used to light fires on as a warning beacon to revolutionary troops stationed in Danbury. Then over the Hemlock Hills and nearly to Lake Windwing before we took the return loop to Bennett's Pond. We enjoyed a wonderful hike - and just managed to beat the rain. Everyone sampled worms as a wilderness survival food…gummi worms that is…April Fool's!!!

A wonderful day to get some trail time in while hiking Anthony's Nose. We started hiking along a snow laden Appalachian Trail and then traversed a ridgeline with full views of the Hudson to reach Anthony's Nose and a bird's eye view of the Bear Mountain Bridge. Stream crossings were plentiful given the recent snow melt and we climbed several rock scrambles as we trekked. Hats off to all the scouts who completed this moderate/strenuous 6 mile hike ... a great start on our 2007 hiking plans. Hope we'll see everyone for our April Fool's Day Ridgefield Circuit Hike next Sunday. Plan to meet at Bennett's Pond parking lot at 1pm and join us as we explore Bennett's Pond, Hemlock Hills and Pine Mountain - a loop that may be new to many. Families are welcome to join us, this trek will cover roughly 7 miles with trails that range from easy, moderate to (not too long) stretches of strenuous treks.

Clich HERE for additional Pictures.

èèèè
Sugar Mapling & Snowshoeing
(Topstone Farm: 17 March 2007)

While the March campout was cancelled because of dangerous conditions, 20 scouts and family guests enjoyed a visit to Topstone Farm.  Scouts tapped maple tree and toured the sugar shack after learning how early Native Americans made maple syrup. Scouts were amazed at how fast the sap flowed after they tapped the first maple. We tasted the sap and then enjoyed a tasting of the some of Connecticut's finest maple syrup on corn bread to cap off our tour. Afterwards, at the Norwalk River we donned snowshoes for a winter trek to find wild animal tracks - we found several empty nests, deer beds, rabbit tracks leading to a rabbit den and enjoyed bushwhacking through the woods on our snowshoes. (sadly, no pictures) To close the day, Mrs. Klutey and the Scouts made SNOW ICE CREAM with chocolate sauce...YUMMMM. If you've never tried it, you don't know what you're missing!!!! Recipe: 24 cups snow, 1.5 cup sugar, 1 Tbs and 1.5tsp of vanilla extract, 3 cups milk or cream. Blend quickly and serve at once. Hardly low cal...but it's amazingly good! Especially with Nestle's syrup. The key obviously is ...clean, fresh snow!

Webelo scouts joined Troop 76 to learn about First Aid Skills - including how to deal with large cuts, burns, choking, bloody noses, broken teeth, broken fingers, broken arms, sprained ankles and then - how to evacuate their victim. Skills were then put to the test in a relay race - with the winners receiving lifesavers. We're happy to report - all victims were saved! Many thanks to the various Scout instructors and their victims.

Click HERE to see an experimental movie clip.  Let us know what you think with a quick e-mail to webmaster@troop76.org

èèèè
Webelos Mini-Klondike
(Sturges Park: 3 March 2007)

23 Webelo Scouts & 14 parents turned out for the Ridgefield's first  Webelo Mini-Klondike - sponsored by BSA Troops 76 & 116. Troop 76 hosted a Tent Race and the Orienteering Training Course and provided hot cocoa and snacks. Troop 116 hosted a First Aid Station and Fire Building Station which were alot of fun.  Everyone had a wonderful time and the highlight was the sled racing held at the end of the day. (Today is the first day of the Iditarod which started this morning in Anchorage...what a great way to join in the fun!) All Webelos were invited to attend meetings with both troops and to continue with their adventures in scouting.

We look forward to having interested Webelos join Troop 76 for our next meeting, Tuesday, March 6 to get a better idea of what Troop 76 enjoys doing at our meetings. All our scouts really showed tremendous leadership and everyone had a wonderful time!

Special thanks to the following Troop 76 members who made today a huge success: Logan S., Nick N., Connor T., Sam L., Brian J., Kevin H., Tucker K., Dennis W., Alex H., James Z., Curran O'C.,  John B., David H. and Danny P. - for presetting our orienteering course and running today's orienteering training, hosting the tent relays, sled relay, and helping organize the overall event set up and preparation. Special thanks too to - Dennis Bell, Bruce Bowlus, Gary Holland, Craig Johnson, Jim Ninivaggi, & Mike Zap for all their help and a special thank you to ASM Diane Johnson who was our Klondike Chief .

çççç
Swimming Certifications
(Ridgefield Recreation Center 6 February 2007

The Summer Camp Troop 76 attends in the summer (Camp Sequassen in New Hartford, CT) allows troops to certify the swimming skills of it's scouts prior to arrival which is a great time saver on the first day of Camp. This session at our local swimming pool also gives our Scouts a chance to learn, practice and demonstrate proficiency at the various water-oriented skills tasks required for rank advance and water merit badges.

èèèè
January Court of Honor - Celebrating Rank Advancement
(Jesse Lee Church: 23 January 2007

The Boy Scout Court of Honor Ceremony is a celebration of growth, accomplishment and success for our Scouts.  Enjoy these images of Scouts being recognized for their progress down the Scouting Trail

çççç
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
(Nov. 11-12, 2006)

Although torrential rainfall was forecasted, we dodged that bullet and had a delightful outing with two exciting Orienteering activities, a day (into night) hike ot the Leatherman's Cave, a dessert contest and just a heck of a lot of fun.  Enjoy the photos!

èèèè
Harriman Park Backpacking Adventure
(Oct 21-23, 2006)

These are a few of the pictures captured so far...more to follow - but it gives you a taste of what a wonderful time we had. The weather was terrific, foliage wonderful and the vistas were amazing. The scouts trekked the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail and covered a lot of ground in two days. Trekking skills grew each day, as scouts learned how to adjust their packs, navigate the trails, and set/break camp more efficiently. Spirits were high throughout the weekend and it's pretty clear this is a group that is ready for more trekking adventures.

çççç
Check out these pictures from the
September 2006 Court of Honor

èèèè
History: Summer Camp - Sequassen 2006

Scoutmaster Bowlus asked me to route these ...Sequassen certainly is a FUN experience and gives our scouts a wonderful opportunity to pursue lots of different advancement opportunities and Merit Badge interests. All scouts who completed the Sequassen Polar Bear plunge will be interested in knowing you automatically qualify for the same event held at the Klondike Derby in January. Any takers? (just kidding...) Enjoy the pics!