Troop 76 BSA - Ridgefield, CT

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Interested in joining
or visiting Troop 76?
Send an e-mail to info@troop76.org

Weekly Meetings and Events

Troop Hike, this Sunday, June 8th at 1:30

Bennett's Pond State Park

(Here's a Google Maps link with a pin on the parking entrance on Bennett's Farm Road. https://maps.app.goo.gl/WkKoD7k5eutSA77d9)

We're offering a total of 10 miles from two separate overlapping hiking loops - 5.5 miles and 4.5 miles. Feel free to hike one or both loops. If you prefer to hike one loop, please arrive at 1:30 for the first one...it's difficult to know when we'll be starting the second loop. If you're interested, please sign up here.

Both loops, the entire hike, will take some 4 - 5 hours. (Each loop is estimated to run 2 - 2.5 hours). You can decide on Sunday if you want to do one or both loops - we don't need to know in advance.

Scouts will need standard hiking equipment carried in light day packs; water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, map/compass, whistle, etc.

The supervising adult, Mr. Gladden, will have a few extra copies of the maps and loops, but you're encouraged to download and print your own if possible. The scouts will navigate the trails and Mr. Gladden will hang back and make sure scouts stay on route.

Here are Strava maps of the two loops:

https://www.strava.com/routes/3365324738414130502

https://www.strava.com/routes/3365324012757526622

And here's a trail map of Bennett's Farm.

Next summer, the troop is planning to participate in Scouting America's high adventure trip, Philmont. As that date nears, we'll start Philmont training. Keep in mind that the troop plans on one hike per month for the foreseeable future, so there will be plenty of opportunities to work on distances for the Hiking Merit Badge or come join your scouting friends for Philmont fitness training.

If you have any questions or changes regarding this Sunday's hike at Bennett's Farm, please contact Mr. Chris Gladden, cglidden@gmail.com.

The Big Trip

New Hampshire Backpacking. Friday, June 20th - Sunday, June 22nd.

Details are being hammered out for a backpacking trip to New Hampshire and likely will include an additional night before or after the weekend. This trip will be available for scouts 14-years and older, or 13-year-old and finishing the 8th grade. We'll plan a local trip for younger scouts in June.

Please sign-up here so that we can plan details. The PLC on April 29th will be focused on planning for the trip. If you're interested in going on the Big Trip, please come to the PLC.

Summer Camp

July 20-26. Camp Sequassen, near Torrington, CT

All the information is on the website. Please complete the required paperwork that's available on our Sequassen page on the troop website. In addition, reminders will be emailed to those who have signed up. If you have any questions, reach out to the troop's camp coordinator, Cathy Davis. Her contact information is on the website.

Scoutmaster Announcements

Hiking Opportunities
We'll be taking monthly hikes for all troop scouts, especially those who are interested in earning the Hiking Merit Badge. Requirements include completing four 10-mile and one 20-mile hike. The respected Hiking Merit Badge is among those that can be applied to earn Eagle Scout. Working on the Hiking MB is an important step in getting in shape for any scout planning on going to the Philmont Ranch high adventure trip in summer of 2026.

Troop 76 develops Successful Scouts

Our Scouts have attended major universities, West Point and Annapolis. They've joined corporations, became Navy pilots, an Army Special Forces officer and others are teachers. One troop alumnus is a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live, another works on Capitol Hill as a senate staffer. Troop 76 played a role in their success.

We give Scouts, your sons, leadership training, outdoor activities and adventures in an atmosphere of support and positive values. This isn't offered at school.

There are a number of areas in the troop where parents can help scouts be successful:

Merit Badge Coordinator to organize our counselors and coordinate with council.
Webelos Adventure College, a recruiting/fundraiser, where groups of leaders and scouts teach Webelos Adventure Badges. This will be hosted in January or February 2026.

You'll never regret volunteering to help Scouts. Please contact Scoutmaster Pearl (mpearl0315@hotmail.com) or Troop Committee Chair Nikhil Bahadur (nikhilba@gmail.com).

More Activities and Opportunities outside the Troop
Troop 76 belongs to the Connecticut Yankee Council, Scouting's regional organization located in Milford. "Council" organizes and sponsors scouting activities available for all troops and packs in its region. Details for events are available on Council's activity newsletter, Trail Notes. Check it out here.

Council Events
The Connecticut Yankee Council, the regional BSA office, offers exciting events and programs for cub and boy scouts under their umbrella. Here's Council's latest newsletter. These events are not organized or staffed by Troop 76, however all scouts may sign up.

Financial Assistance
If a scout family is in need of financial assistance at any time, please contact Troop Committee Chair David Luhman. All financial assistance requests are kept strictly confidential.

© Copyright 2024, Boy Scout Troop 76, Ridgefield, Connecticut. All rights reserved. For information, e-mail, webmaster@troop76.org or scoutmaster@troop76.org. Troop 76 is a member of the Aquila District in the Connecticut Yankee Council, and hosted by St. Stephen's Church, 353 Main St., Ridgefield, CT 06877