For 2009, the troop stayed in-council and spent the week at our own Ockanickon Scout Reservation. As we have come to expect, the programs were awesome, the staff excellent, and the food was good. We stayed in the Hopi campsite, which was a first for us (at least most of the members of the troop). For our service project, we rebuilt the message board in-site, where you would post your duty roster. We added a small roof over top of it to protect stuff posted from the weather.
  During the week there, our boys earned a combined total of 42 merit badges. This year's badges earned included: Basketry, Canoeing, Geology, Environmental Science, Life Saving, Radio, Fingerprinting, Swimming, Mammal Study, Music and Fire Safety.
  Our first year scouts spent the week in the Dan Beard Program. Our hats are off to the Counselors, who made it much more interesting for the first-year guys. They even had the chance to earn merit adges in Fire Safety, Swimming and Textiles. The boys who were having trouble with the requirements of the swimming merit badge, were worked with by the counselors.
  We also enjoyed the sixth annual In-Site Campfire. Paul L, and Freddie J. organized and emceed the skit night, and it went beautifully. They even had the adult leaders do a skit. The campfire burned brightly, as Jim Devita, our "fire-god" was on-hand to help make the actual campfire.
  At the Friday night, Closing Campfire, the troop treated the camp to their own "Indiana Jones - The Trading Post" skit.
  This year, Mr. Henry was bitten by the summer camp bug (figuratively not literally). He spent Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights with us, and returned Friday evening. Mr. Jordan spent the entire week with us this year.
  Thursday was a bit of a wet day for us, as during siesta, it POURED. The boys made the best of it, by donning their swim suits and goofing around. See, Parents, we do make them get showers during the week. The rain did end Thursday afternoon, allowing for the volleyball and air-band competitions, and our skit night.