Troop 189 has been awarded BSA Quality Unit Status in
2003
2004
2005
2006

and the
2007 Centennial
Quality Unit
Award
 

ASM Steve and the Troop at Sams Point

Is the curse of the Rainmakers broken?

Troop 189 went on a spectacular hiking trip into the heart of the Shawangunk range near New Paltz, NY April 20 -22.  We arrived on Friday night and set up, and were up early Saturday morning to go explore. 

ASM’s Steve and Paul went ahead to check out the route at Sams Point Preserve in Cragmoor, a sanctuary run by the Nature Conservancy.

Unfortunately Steve and Paul determined that the Ice Caves were still too icy to be safe without specialized gear, so we modified out plans and first hiked to the Sams Point Lookout (above).

After admiring the views we set off on the trail through the dwarf pine forest (an endangered ecosystem) for Verkeerder Kill Falls, a 180 foot waterfall accessible only by foot.

The Trail To The Falls

It’s only about 7 mile round trip to the Falls and back, but the trail is rocky and steep in places. The boys did great, and so did their leaders in the “very senior Patrol”. We ate lunch at the Falls and then hiked back. 

Still photos just don’t do the waterfall justice.
Click HERE for a movie of what we saw; one of the last great places...

Then we had a special treat for any of the boys who still had enough energy. ASM Paul is a certified professional climbing instructor, and we offered to take any boys with interest and enough energy climbing at the world famous “Traps” in New Paltz.  Three intrepid Scouts wanted to try... Matt B, Max , and Bobby, who was on his very first trip with us. ASM’s Steve and Paul drove back to New Paltz with the boys for the climb.  These are some amazing photos of three very gutsy young men who tried tackling a 90 foot face... and Matt B actually made it to the top!

Saturday night after dinner the boys did original skits at the campfire before lights out. Sunday morning we cooked breakfast, packed, and then did a few hours of rank advancement and Scout Skills. Several of our newest Hawks completed their Scout Rank, John just needs his Board of Review for First Class and Matt R is almost at Star.

It takes a lot of support for an intricate trip like this to come off without a hitch (except a little sunburn). Our special thanks to the following Adult Leadership who came with us and made this special weekend happen:

Scoutmaster Mike
ASM’s Steve, Paul, and Mark
Committee Members Cathy, Marjorie, and Ed
Trip Coordinator Andrea
Equipment Coordinator Paul G

Thanks also go to Acting SPL Josh, Acting ASPL David G, Patrol Leaders Joey of the Cobras and Chris from the Shadow Hawks, and Assistant Patrol Leader Eddie who led the Gremlins, as well as Troop Guides Matt B and Charles.