The Spring Hike
(April 10-11, 2010)
Scouts, leaders and parents explored some 12 miles of the Appalachian trail near Kent, Connecticut.  They carried everything on their backs for the campout...food, water, clothing and tents. At the end of two days on the trail, they were tired and proud to have earned another scouting achievement.  Thanks to ASM Johnson for planning and coordinating this trip and the others who made this adventure possible.

Photos from the Johnstons

The Boston Trip
(March 19-21, 2010)

19 scouts and five adults learned, first hand, about the country's revolutionary history by walking The Freedom Trail, a five mile hike in Boston.  The troop stayed in cabins at Camp Massasoit in Plymouth, Mass., the oldest town in New England.  On the last day, the group visited the New England Aquarium on Boston Harbor with its incredible ocean tank and penguin exhibit.  Thanks to the Johnstons for posting these pictures. 

The Klondike 2010
(January 15-16, 2010)

Troop 76's Screaming Eagles...took on and met the challenges of Klondike 2010 with style...ice, snow and muddy trails were no match for the Troop 76 all-terrain sled and our Klondike scouts.  Thanks to ASM D. Johnson for taking these photos.

Annual Chili Cook Off
(December 15, 2009)

Under the careful eye of Chef Keating -Honorary Judge for our 2009 Chili-Cook-off - Troop 76 scouts whipped up some AWESOME chili. Chopping, Cooking, Cleaning...and yummy results!  And the Pandas Patrol were given the title of creating the best chili.
 

Appalachian Trail Backpacking
(October 10-11, 2009)

The legendary Appalachian Trail runs some 2,200 miles from Maine to Georgia and crosses six national parks. But our scouts hiked a short distance of the southernmost section in Connecticut and slept out in some cold temperatures at Ten Mile River camp.
This was a great opportunity for scouts to get a taste of backpacking. Photos taken by Mike Johnston.  Thanks to him, Mr. Keyes and Mr. Tepfer.  

   

Hammonassett Camp Out
(September 19-20, 2009)

At the troop's first camp out of the season, scouts and adults had a great time at Hammonassett State Park in Madison, Conn.  The highlight of the trip was fishing on the Long Island Sound.  Dinner that evening back in camp was, no surprise, Bluefish.   

Photo set 1       Photo Set 2

Some 25 scouts from Troop 76 joined hundreds of others from the area
 to enjoy a week of fun and activities.  Scouts earned merit badges from|
 a long list of choices, enjoyed all the activities and made new friends.

The troop thanks all the leaders and other adults who made
 this experience possible. 

Troop 76 wraps up another year of fun, achievement and adventure! Scouts were recognized for their rank advancement and leadership.  Merit Badges were presented and scouts were honored for their Service Hours . Lots of wonderful food and fellowship.  Farewell to our graduating Eagle Scouts.  Two sets of photos, one and two.

                                                                    
           Troop 76 awards its newest Eagle Scouts,
                         Logan S., Will M. and Curran O.
                                                                                                 (June 13, 2009)

Photos from the Eagle Court of Honor, Jesse Lee Church.  Fewer than five percent of all Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle, the highest advancement in scouting.  Congratulations to these three outstanding young men - you make Troop 76 proud.  Two sets of photos, one and two.

Backpacking Adventure in Harriman
(4-5 April 2009)

Our Harriman trek was tons of fun filled with terrific views. Miles of trail, lakes, several creek crossings, and a night at Bald Rocks with wind gusts of 25-35 mph and a nighttime view of NYC that you can't find anywhere else on earth. Thank you ASM Johnson for organizing this trip.

2009 Ski Trip to Stratton
(February 6-8, 2009)

Troop 76 Stratton Ski Trip was really FUN!!! Swimming, great food at Bickfords, comfy rooms at the Colonial, fantastic snow on Sat - no lines on Sunday - and a Saturday night of bowling! Lots of new adventures and great memories made on the slopes! Thank you ASM Darrah for organizing this trip - 5 years in a row!!!

Pictures from this years Klondike held at 2nd Company Governor’s Horse Guard, Newtown, CT.  Each patrol used a Troop 76 Klondike sled, loading them with their personal and patrol equipment and pulled them through the competition course using a map to find each station. Patrols received beads for their score at each station. Some events were competitive, some were instructional. Each station tested the patrols on their team work, skills, Scouting knowledge and their problem solving abilities.  A ton of fun was had by all !

Deer Lake Campout
(November 14-16, 2008)

Troop76 Scouts reached new heights, learned new skills and braved the November rains - another fun scouting adventure!

Pictures from the Troop's backpacking over Columbus Day Holiday Weekend on the Appalachian Trail to Connecticut's High Peaks.  Great fun and glorious weather was enjoyed by all!

Eagle Court of Honor for:
Robert J.  Stay & James Z.
(November 1, 2008)

Troop76 Scouts, families and friends came together at Jesse Lee Church Sanctuary on Saturday 1 November 2008 at 11 AM, to celebrate receipt of Boy Scouts highest rank, Eagle, by Troop 76 Scouts Robert J. & James Z. the festivities were enjoyed by all as these pictures make very evident.

I

Stoves and Ovens - Cooking with stoves and building box ovens and reflector ovens.  Troop 76 Scouts have a grand time gaining additional cooking proficiency and having fun as well.

Troop 76 Camp Sequassen Summer Camp
(July 20-26, 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.

Troop 76 End of Year Picnic
& Court of Honor
(June 10, 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!

Scouts learn the Red Cross certified CPR training

David H.'s Eagle Court of Honor
(May 31, 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 cemeteries.

Wilderness Survival Campout
(March 15-16, 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!!

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.

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.

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!

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 see so much progress.

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

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. Several 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 Sandwiches 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!

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.

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.

Click HERE for additional Pictures.

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 Nestlé'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

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 a lot 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 .

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.

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

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 to the Leatherman's Cave, a dessert contest and just a heck of a lot of fun.  Enjoy the photos!

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.

Check out these pictures from the
September 2006 Court of Honor

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!