Local Students Build Character at Scout Camps in Three States

By Matthew Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH — Three local students built their skills and learned teamwork as part of multiple Scouts events in New York, Connecticut, and Arizona. Jacob Work, Christiana Moak, and Lauryn Work took part in the events as a result of their own hard work with assistance from their families and volunteers.

The trips were partially funded through a fundraising spaghetti dinner in April.

The students spent time at Camp Philmont, a scout facility in Arizona.

Each had their own favorite memories, including ten days on trail. This included hiking Baldy Mountain, which is 12441 feet, on Day 8. Overall, the students did 150 miles in total.

Christiana described it as a “very fun experience.”
Jacob said that while it was hot during the drip, he had a “really good time.”
Christiana added that the trip was something you may “hate in the moment, but joy after.”

Lauryn said that it was interesting having a birthday on such a trip, which she said was “not a good idea.” She had been getting a number of ‘happy birthdays’ before eating at the chuck wagon, in which the entire delegation wished her a happy birthday. However, she did get to go rock climbing that day and received a birthday muffin on top of the rock wall.

The students said that the entire process may seem slow, but at base camp they realized how quickly it went.

Christiana said that she especially enjoyed shooting during the trip, including shotguns and a .38 Special revolver.

Jacob cited the great hiking experience and views.

Lauryn said that she also enjoyed hiking and the view on her birthday.

The team then went to Camp Read in Brant Lake, New York for about a week stay. They worked for Merit Badges, with each earning six. They each had days of two to three classes followed by lunch, then two more classes.

These classes included Pulp, Paper, and Plumbing, Soil Conservation, Open Boarding and learning to paddleboard.

The skills came in handy as Jacob described flipping a canoe on his friend without telling him and having “a little fun with it.”

Lauryn mentioned one scout working on a community banquet campfire for Troop Night.

The Trio each went to Camp Workcoeman in Connecticut. This included a five mile hike with cooking on the train with a 4pm open swim. There were open activities, including rifle and shotgun practice.

On day two there were three campfire meals, though some of the foil packets for lunch were “cremated by accident.”

There was also an open program for boating, which Christiana described as “a lot of fun.”
Lauryn described finishing meals for a merit badge.

Overall, the experience at the camps were extremely positive for the students, with Christiana saying that July was “tiring but a very fun experience.”

It was “one of the best experiences I had,” she said.

During the whole month of July, the students were home for just four days.

Next the students will be headed for National Youth Leadership Training in Averill Park.

“I can’t wait for the next one,” said Lauryn.