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Community Corner

Lawrence BSA Troop 28 Takes Challenging Canoe Expedition

 

LAWRENCE, N.J. – An adventure awaited the 10 Scouts and 4 adults from Troop 28 in Lawrence Township, who embarked upon the rusty-colored waters of the Mullica River on July 19 for a weekend of canoeing and camping in the wilderness area of the Pine Barrens in Wharton State Forest.  After initial preparation, the Troop set out on their trip.   With their equipment in tow, the Troop navigated the narrow waterway of the Mullica River near the Astion Recreational Area in Shamong Township.

Due to the recent rains and the effects of several storms, there were a number of technical challenges facing the Scouts as they traversed numerous obstacles in the river.  As the Scouts gained more experience in controlling their canoes, they were able to negotiate around obstructions in the river.  At one difficult stretch, a canoe swamped, taking on significant water.

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“Trying to get around that log was very difficult,” recalled First Class Scout Aidan Kron.  “We got tilted to the side and the next thing we knew there was a lot of water in the canoe.  Although the water was deep, we weren’t worried about ourselves, but the Troop’s food we were carrying in our canoe!”

While experienced canoeists can make the trip from Astion to the campground in 3 to 4 hours, the Scouts took five hours as they learned the technical skills associated with navigating these obstacles.  The excessive heat also contributed to the delay, as frequent rest stops were necessary. 

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Arriving at the wilderness campsite on Friday evening, the Scouts enjoyed a spaghetti dinner after preparing their campsite with the Troop equipment and concentrating on their tents and personal gear. On Saturday, the Scouts focused on exploring the waterway. Setting up a safe swim area, the Scouts played water games, encountering rocks and branches during the fun.  While not in the water, the Scouts played card games.  Throughout the day, the Scouts prepared the meals for each other and the adults.  The evening ended with a spectacular lightning display followed by torrential rains, as an intense thunderstorm cell passed through the area.  After the storm ended, the howl of a coyote could be heard in the distance, adding to the night’s excitement.  The next day, the Troop estimated that 2.5 inches of rain had fallen. 

An early rise on Sunday led to an on-time departure by the Troop.  The remaining journey was unencumbered, as the Scouts used the skills they learned the previous Friday to minimize their interactions with obstructions located on the lower portion of their trip.  The adventure ended three hours later, near Batsto.  The Scouts loaded the canoes and headed back to Lawrence having survived a weekend in the Pine Barrens.

“I really want to do another canoe trip, but hopefully it we won’t get stuck in so many thorn bushes like we did at the beginning of the trip or have such hot weather” said Life Scout Grant Gallagher.

Troop 28 is open to boys who have completed fifth grade, and meets Friday nights from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Troop Hut at Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church. For information, visit http://lawrence28.mytroop.us/contact or email Scoutmaster Stephen Monfre at stephen.monfre@gmail.com or Committee Chairman Larry Fox at LAFoxlaw@aol.com.

 

Photo caption: (Group) Scouts from BSA Troop 28 Lawrenceville gear up for a canoe excursion on the Mullica River.

 

Canoe Duo: Senior Patrol Leader Garrett Monfre, left, and Scout Jack Wagner of Troop 28 Lawrenceville put their canoe skills to the test as they make their way along the Mullica River in the N.J. Pine Barrens.

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