Adventures
T680 Adventures and Service - 2020-21
Ockanickon Scout Camp
(July 11 - 17, 2021)
Troop 680 attended its preferred venue for summer camp this year, Ockanickon Scout Camp in Bucks County, PA. Run by the Washington Crossing Council, Ockanickon offers a variety of Merit Badges and other activities (e.g., COPE) as well as an excellent introductory program (the Dan Beard program) for the new Scouts who crossed over from Cub Scouts in March. Despite some COVID-related changes and challenges, such as the inability to gather in the dining hall for meals, camp staff delivered an excellent program and the Scouts completed a number of Merit Badges and requirements.
Philmont Scout Ranch
(July 8-21, 2021)
Troop 680 sent two crews to Philmont Scout Ranch this past summer. The Phoenix Crew hiked over 80 miles on a strenuous trek in the north country and summitted Baldy Mountain, the highest peak at Philmont (12,441'). The Phoenix crew had its share of challenges, including low impact camping at Upper Greenwood, and great activities, such as muzzle loading rifles at Miranda. The Bacon Crew unintentionally covered approximately 80 miles on a challenging trek in the south country after their ranger got them lost the first day looking for a camp that had not been used in years. Despite the first day setbacks, the Bacon crew had some great program activities at the staff camps they hit along the way, including horseback riding and a Dutch oven chuckwagon dinner at Beaubien. Although they did not summit Baldy, the Bacon crew climbed several peaks in the south, including the iconic Tooth of Time (9,003'), Shaefers Peak (9,416') and Lookout Peak (9,928').
Sandy Point State Park Campout & Project Appleseed Marksmanship Event
(May 21-23)
Troop 680 went camping at Sandy Point State Park in Maryland from May 21 to 23. The campsite by the Chesapeake Bay offered some great views and an opportunity for the Scouts to have some fun. During the weekend Scouts and Adult leaders attended a separate 2-day event at Anne Arundel Fish & Game Association hosted by Project Appleseed. The Project Appleseed event combines a rifle marksmanship clinic with American Revolutionary War history to show how the superior marksmanship skills of the Colonists led to the British retreat from Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.
Calvert Cliffs Campout
(April 23-25, 2021)
Troop 680 camped at Calvert Cliff State Park the weekend of April 23-25. The purpose of the trip was to foster leadership and mentoring skills of the older Scouts of the Troop. In this regard, the older Scouts helped younger Scouts complete a number of Tenderfoot requirements and develop other skills, such as cooking. The Troop also had a fun and very entertaining campfire despite the rain on Saturday night. Pictures will be posted as soon as they are available.
Jump Start 2021
(March 19-21, 2021)
During the weekend of March 19, Troop 680 held its annual Jump Start campout at Prince William Forrest Park in Triangle, VA. The campout is intended to "Jumpstart" the Scouting journey of new Scouts who crossed-over to the Troop from Cub Scouts. Troop 680 welcomed 11 new Scouts (9 from Pack 680, 1 from Pack 867, and 1 from Pack 1504). At the campout, the new Scouts completed the requirements for Scout Rank and earned both the Totin' Chip and Firem'n Chit. They also learned about Patrol camping and dining and had a great campfire.
Ski Trip
(March 6, 2021)
This trip by the Gummy bears was really awesome they went out and learned how to ski and skied down some hills and was really awesome. They had a great time.
Winter Chill Campout
(February 20-21, 2021)
Troop 680 headed to its favorite snow-covered campsite in Swanton, MD for its annual Winter Chill Campout. The snow was deep and the rangers had not cleared a path in the parking lot near the Monroe Run group campsite pavilion, and Mr. Mirvish's car got stuck requiring the Scouts to help dig it out. Temperatures were also the coldest they have ever been (5° F) overnight, so the Scouts really had an opportunity to practice cold weather camping. The guys who went to Northern Tier in 2020 for an Okpik Adventure relied on the skills they learned. All-in-all it was a fun campout and movie night was great.
Sandy Spring Adventure Park Campout
(November 20-22, 2020)
Troop 680 spent two nights camping at Sandy Spring Adventure park and one day enjoying the aerial rope / challenge courses and zip lines. This was the Troop's third campout at Sandy Spring in the last 6 years and everyone had a great time as always. Check out the fancy dinner being prepared for the adults, while the boys ate tacos in a bag.
Scouting for Food
(November 14, 2020)
Congratulations Troop 680 and Pack 680 - You collected 500 bags of food weighing just under 5,000 lbs. for the United Community food bank
Introduction to Backpacking
(October 24-25, 2020)
Troop 680 organized a 1 day hike and overnight campout on the C&O Canal to introduce younger Scouts and AOL Scouts of Pack 680 to backpacking. T680 backpacked with full packs from Violettes Lock to Swains Lock (5.5 miles), stopping at Pennyfield Lock to pick up the AOL Scouts who hiked the 3 miles from Pennyfield Lock to Swains Lock.
Canoe Trip to Mallows Bay
(September 18-20. 2020)
Members of the Troop traveled to Mallows Bay to practice canoeing skills while exploring shipwrecks in the bay. Mallow's Bay is home to 200 historic shipwrecks dating from the Revolutionary War through the present, known as the “Ghost Fleet." The troop also spent the two nights camping at Smallwood State Park.
Backpacking Merit Badge Adventure
(July 24-28, 2020)
A group of 8 Scouts and 3 adult leaders went on a backpacking trip in July to Shenandoah National Park . They hiked 30 miles over a period of five days in the sweltering July heat to complete the requirement for Backpacking MB. The boys overcame many challenges including a grueling hiking up Neighbor Mountain, limited water, and dense foliage. The group also spent some time at Matthews Arm Campground and had an amazing campfire. All and all the Scouts had a very fun time.
Troop 680 goes on a dog sledding adventure
(January 3-6, 2020)
A group of 9 scouts and 5 adults traveled to Northern Tier High Adventure base in Ely Minnosota in January to go on a four day dog sledding trek. The crew enjoyed two nights camping under the stars in freezing temperatures. Everyone had a great time and learned how to dog sled and thrive in extreme cold weather camping.
Nine members of the crew earned their Grand Slam of High Adventure award. Three members of the crew earned their Triple Crown of High Adventure award.