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Order of the Arrow Call OutCongratulations to our newest members of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's elite Honor Society. This Call Out ceremony was conducted around a traditional bonfire. We're proud of our Scouts for taking on this responsibility. This year’s annual backpacking adventure in Ocala National Forest was as fun as ever. All our Florida Scouts powered through the cold, making nights (and frigid mornings) by the fire that much better. Backpacking in Ocala over the MLK 3 day holiday has been a tradition for Troop 610 for over 14 years. It’s one of the Scouts, and adults, favorite trips, and embodies the tenants of Scouting at it’s core.
We always run two different treks on this camp out, a long and a short trek. We began by having sandwiches at Juniper Springs rec area, where the cars are left. 9 Scouts and 2 adults went on the longer trek, putting in at Alexander Springs, camping Saturday night on the shore of Buck Lake. We hiked about 13 miles Sunday, camping approx 4 miles south of Juniper. There are only 2 places on that stretch of dense trail open enough to camp in, and both are rather hidden. But fortunately our eagle eyed Scouts found the last one or we would’ve been out of luck. We ended Monday morning back at Juniper Springs, with a total of around 20-21 miles hiked. 9 Scouts and 4 adults on the shorter trek left Juniper Springs Saturday after shuttling the long trek guys, hiking north. They camped Saturday night at Hidden Pond, a reliable water source. Sunday they made it to the infamous sinkhole off the Yearling Trail, always a highlight. Monday they hiked out to Silver Glen, where the long trek guys picked them up. The short trek covered about 13 miles total. There’s nothing like waking up to frost covered tents and packs, especially when you’re from Florida! The guys learned to sleep with their boots in their tent the hard way. And thanks to the leader who taught them ‘The Trick’, which he’d learned from a guide on a recent mountain climbing trip in Yosemite….fill a Nalgene with boiling water and put it in the foot of your sleeping bag for toasty warmth all night. We are so proud of our 2017 Philmont Crew! 97 miles in 12 days. Can't wait to hear all the stories. Congrats, guys!   We wish all our Scouts the very best of luck on their trip to Philmont Scout Ranch! They left Saturday, June 17 and will return Friday, June 30. Troop 610 rotates between each of the High Adventure camps every summer to ensure Scouts are able to attend all before turning 18. Scouts must be age 14 to attend. Philmont seems to be almost all Scouts favorite High Adventure trip thanks to the climate and terrain that is completely unlike anything they experience in Florida. Also because the programming while at camp is amazing. You're not just hiking in the desert, but you're also getting to rock climb, do black powder shooting, etc. They'll also be putting in around 70 miles of serious wilderness backpacking. It takes stamina and a definite sense of humor to do those kind of miles, especially at elevation. We can't wait to hear how it goes, Scouts!  On Monday, May 8, 2017 PJ O'Brien achieved Scouting's highest rank by earning his Eagle Scout rank. As part of an Air Force family, PJ has admirably excelled in Scouting over 12 years despite being in various troops in 9 different states. This takes great dedication and effort. Through these many moves, PJ cites Scouting as being a constant in his life, and has helped him make new friends easier. A Junior with a nearly a 4.0 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society, he is planning to attend a Florida university with a major in Marine Biology/Biology and a minor in Business. His ultimate goal is to work in the field of science, to own his own business, and to have a family where he can pass down his father's and his own name. PJ is the first Scout in his family to earn his Eagle rank, and will be a great example for his two younger brothers who are also in Troop 610. PJ is extremely ambitious and hard working, and embodies friendliness and helpfulness. He has given countless hours of community service, including volunteering at his local shelter and sponsoring a special needs student at the Special Olympics. Through his leadership in the Troop he has mentored many Scouts and helped them earn merit badges and advance in rank. As an Eagle Scout, he will continue to be an example of Scout's highest ideals, and plans to participate as an Assistant Scoutmaster post-college. We wish him all the best. PJ, you will be missed!  |
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