Scout's Blog
Rafting the New River with Crew 652
In late July, four scouts and two leaders whitewater rafted and kayaked class 1 through 4+ rapids for 45 miles over five days. The crew also did some hiking and sightseeing, visiting Cathedral Falls (the highest waterfall in West Virginia), historical sites, and New River Gorge National Park Visitor Center. After a stop at the World Scouting Museum in Charleston, WV, Venture Crew 652 arrived home slightly sore, slightly sunburned, and ready to plan their next high adventure!
Backpacking the Buckeye Trail
Members of 652B and 652G completed a quick overnight backpacking trek through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland Metroparks. After learning about proper backpacking gear, how to pack for the trip, and food planning, seven scouts and three leaders did 8 miles on the Buckeye Trail. The July trek was the first backpacking trip for most of the scouts. 🥾
Congratulations, Joanna!
Congratulations, Joanna A., on passing your Eagle Board of Review and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout!
Merz Summer Camp on Lake Chautauqua
Yo ho, yo ho... we've returned from our SECOND WEEK of BSA summer camp. Eleven boys and four leaders attended Camp Merz, BSA in Mayville, New York on beautiful Lake Chautauqua. During a fun-filled, pirate-themed week, we enjoyed many water sports (motorboating, sailing, paddleboarding, rowing, tubing, waterskiing, canoeing, and snorkeling) and learned about theater, space exploration, music, archery, electricity, fishing, and wilderness survival. Troop members enjoyed karaoke, campfire programs, and a water carnival. During the week, Mrs. Mahoney worked diligently to earn her Camp Merz Scoutmaster Merit Badge. Our Merz campers earned 47 merit badges and 6 certificates. 
“To These Things, You Must Return”
Our first week of BSA summer camp for 2024 is in the books! It was a HOT, HOT 
week of fun and learning at Camp Manatoc for 29 boys, 12 girls, and a handful of our troop leaders. Scouts participated in merit badges, attended camp games and activities, sang many songs, and had a good camp experience. Troop 652 has attended Camp Manatoc annually for over 30 years.
Troop Scouts Attend NYLT
This year, Troop 652 had great representation at National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). Congratulations to the troop's newest NYLT graduates Sam, Justin, and Talya! And a special shout-out to our other troop members, Molly and Matthew, that served on staff for the week. NYLT is a premier leadership training course for youth, offered annually in June by BSA Lake Erie Council.
Lending a Hand to Our Chartering Org
Troop members were happy to lend a hand at the annual Parish Picnic held at St Basil the Great Catholic Church on June 9. Scouts assisted parishioners, cleaned up trash, and helped restock needed supplies during the parish event. We appreciate our chartering organization! Plus, a Scout is Helpful. 
Meadows Campout in May
The troop spent a weekend living the Scout life while introducing new troop parents to troop activities, troop function, and the patrol method. Scouts also took the opportunity to work on the Historic Trails Award.
Cooking Skills: Planning, Budgeting, Food Prep
In late April, the troop had a campout dedicated to food! Troop members learned how to plan, budget, shop, and prepare meals for a group. Food, hikes, card games and campfire fun helped give the weekend at Richfield Heritage Preserve a 5-star review. And... this was also the first official troop campout for our 12 newly-welcomed crossover Scouts!