Camping - People's State Park, Barkhamsted, CT

In September, Troop 137 visited People’s State Park in Barkhamsted, CT. This unheralded gem of a park located near Torrington has many interesting hiking trails. After setting up camp in a beautiful spot under the pines, the boys set off to hike through the woods and see what interesting discoveries lie before them. And the trail did not disappoint as they suddenly came upon a rocky overlook with scenic views with hawks gliding down the valley. After the hike, the older boys set up an orienteering course around the campsite to teach the younger boys how to follow a compass course. Additional skills development included things like knots, saw and axe safety, and first aid. The newest boys in the Troop collected many requirements for rank advancement with the aide of the older boys who used this opportunity to practice their leadership skills.

Special Program - Sikorsky

At the end of September, several of the older scouts enjoyed a weekend at Sikorsky in Milford, CT where they got a rare look at the history and future of helicopters and learned about the inventor of the helicopter. They saw Black Hawks and other aircraft in various stages of development, flight simulator labs, heard from some interesting speakers and earned some merit badges.