Art-Themed Troop Meeting - Painting

(March 9, 2025)

Troop 680 once agan decided to have a painting meeting as part of its March art-themed meeting series.  Each Scout was provided with his own canvas and allowed to paint whatever he wanted.  Some Scouts went abstract, some went realistic, others went impressionistic, and some went comicbook style.  All-in-all it was a great meeting and really showcased the talents of all the Scouts in Troop 680.  At the conclusion of the meeting, Scouts were given the choice of taking their paintings home or adding them to the growing Scout art gallery in Northop Hall. 

Winter Chill Campout 2025

(January 25-26, 2025)

Troop 680 headed to its favorite (and regular) winter camp site in Swanton, MD for its annual Winter Chill tent campout.  Once again, the Scouts were not disappointed to find several inches of snow on the ground when we arrived and despite the challenges this presented, several of the Scouts had been through a few cold weather campouts before and were well prepared.  For the new Scouts, our Scoutmaster, Mr. Mirvish, who had been to Norther Tier in 2020 for an Advanced Dog Sled trek, briefed the Scouts on cold weather camping techniques and everyone made it through in-tact.  Mr. De Angel once again proved his hardiness by lashing together downed tree branches for a bed and makeshift shelter.   However, this year, there were no leaves for him to gather for added comfort, but he still made it through the night.  In their down time, Scout hung out by the fire, completed some requirements, and enjoyed the camaraderie.  One of our new Scouts also kept the other Scouts fed with cheeseburgers for lunch and chili for dinner. 

Decorating at Good Shepherd

(Deceber 23, 2024)

Troop 680 Scouts helped decorate Good Shpherd Church on December 23 for the Chrstmas masses.  Eleven Scouts and two adult leaders assisted by some Scout siblings and many other adult volunteers set-up the manager on the altar, put up wreaths and garland, arranged poinsttia plants, and set-up chairs in Creedon Hall.  The Scouts were happy to help out and thank Good Shepherd for giving us meeting spaces throughout the year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Scouting For Food

(November 1, 2, and 9, 2024)

In an effort to help a local food bank get ready for the approaching winter season, Troop 680 and Cub Scout Pack 680 took part in the annual national Scouting for Food (SFF) collection on Saturday, November 9, 2024.  Thirty Scouts and adults from Troop and Pack 680 collected 374 bags of food weighing in at just over 4,183 lbs.  from  four neighborhoods and then delivered the food to the United Community Food Bank.   Without the assistance of Cub Scout Pack 680 and Troop 680 Scouts, who helped put flyers on the doors the week before to remind people of the collection on the 9th, the project would not have been successful.

Sandy Spring Adventure Park Campout

(October 25-27, 2024)

Troop 680 went to Sandy Springs Adventure Park in Ashton-Sandy Spring, Maryland from October 25-27 to take part in an Aerial Adventure.   Scouts, AOLs from Pack 680, and adults enjoyed climbing, the various challenges, and zip lining through the trees on Saturday morning as well as axe throwing. Saturday afternoon.  Everyone had a great time on the course. 

The AOLs from Pack 680 joined the Troop for this campout to experience the thrills of Boy Scouts and incentivize them to crossover to the Troop in the new year .  This trip was also chance for the older Scouts to hone their leadership skills which, hopefully, will encourage them to assume more leadership positions within the Troop.  Overall the trip was a fantastic experience for all and we hope to see the AOLs attend the Jumpstart campout in March.

Additional photos of the Sandy Spring campout are available to Scout families on the restricted pages.

Swallow Falls / Kayaking Campout

(September 20-22, 2024)

Troop 680 camped at Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County, MD from September 20-22.  Although only four Scouts decided to go on the campout, they all had a very fun time.  The Scouts that attended were very familiar with camping and had no issues whatsoever.  On the morning of Saturday the 21st, the Scouts and adults went kayaking on Deep Creek Lake and stopped by Uno Pizzeria & Grill to take a break.  The Scouts along with Mr. Mirvish also visited one of the falls.  The Scouts spent a lot of time playing at the on-site park especially on the swing set.  Fortunately there was a functioning bathroom with showers and there was nobody else to use them but us. The Troop attended mass at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Oakland, MD, on the return trip Sunday morning.  Overall, the trip was very smooth and everyone enjoyed themselves. 

Additional photos of the Swallow Falls campout are available to Scout families on the restricted pages.

Assateague Beach Campout

(August 23-25, 2024)

Troop 680 had its annual campout at Assateague State Park in Berlin, MD.  The sunny weather  provided the perfect backdrop for our Scouts to have a blast swimming, playing in the sand, soaking up the sun, and enjoying quality time together, with reminders to drink water and slather on sun lotion.  Our Scout chefs took charge of the culinary duties, feeding the rest of the Troop and fueling us for a fun-filled day, while our adult leaders kept a watchful eye on everyone to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.  However, our campsite had some unexpected visitors on Saturday morning.  Two wild ponies managed to wander in, but our quick-thinking adults safely escorted them away without incident.  Amidst all the fun, our Scouts also held a productive PLC meeting to discuss upcoming events and plan for the future.  We gathered around a roaring campfire, singing songs and sharing stories, as well as an entertaining cookie debate.  

Additional photos of the Assateague Beach Campout are available to Scout families on the restricted pages.