(above, l-r) Scoutmaster Ted McKeown of Carpenters Local 254 NJ, Nick Merola, Xander Cistaro, Colin Pitta, Alexander Mirek, Kevin Quain, Sean Mirek, Jr., Jack Costello, Marty Costello of PBA Local 76 of Springfield, NJ.
Clark Boy Scouts Troop 145 Goes Fishing at Parvin State Park
Submitted by John Cistaro
During the weekend of May 17 through May 19, 2019, the Scouts of Troop 145 in Clark, NJ traveled to Parvin State Park in Pittsgrove Township, NJ for a fishing trip to complete the requirements for their fishing merit badges. Scoutmaster Ted McKeown, along with fellow Scout leaders and dads, gave the boys a memorable trip full of camping, non-stop fishing and some friendly competition during a fishing derby.
Seven boys and six dads and Scout leaders were able to make the long drive to Parvin State Park. The Scouts set up camp at night on Friday and the dads cooked dinner for the boys. On Saturday, the Scouts got their fishing equipment and they set up on a floating dock on the lake near the campsite. During the fishing derby, which ran from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Scout Nick Merola caught the first catch of the day, a small sunny. Scout Jack Costello caught a total of 8 fish, which was the most fish reeled in by a single boy that day. Scout Colin Pitta caught the biggest fish of the day, which was a 7 7/8 inch bass. Scout Xander Cistaro caught the smallest fish, a 4 inch sunny. Alexander Mirek caught the last fish of the day. The older Scouts, Kevin Quain and Sean Mirek, Jr., helped the younger Scouts rig their lines and, at times, bait their hooks and find fish. After the derby, it was hard to get the kids away from the lake as they continued to fish for the rest of the day. All fishing was catch and release.
Part of the requirements of the fishing merit badge involve having the Scouts clean, gut, cook and taste a fish that was caught during the day. Unfortunately, none of the fish that were caught were big enough to allow the Scouts to fulfill these requirements, so the boys received a “partial” completion of the merit badge work. Another trip would be needed to fully complete the merit badge requirements; however, the boys did not go home empty handed! Each of the boys who won in the derby received a small gift card.
Also, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, a non-profit organization with a mission to unite the Union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage, generously donated Shakespeare fishing poles and drawstring bags full of gear including turkey calls, deer calls and other fun outdoor accessories, enough for the entire troop. U.S.A.’s contributions made the trip a real treat for the Scouts and Troop 145 appreciates their help in making the fishing trip a big success. Union members such as Scoutmaster Ted Mckeown, who represents Carpenters Local 254 of NJ, as well as Marty Costello, who represents PBA Local 76 of Springfield, NJ, were strong contributors to the trip, as were Scout Leaders Ed Merola and Sean Mirek, Sr. as well as volunteer dads John Cistaro and Tim Pitta.
Boy Scout Troop 145 is an active Troop of young men who dedicate themselves to the values of Scouting while learning and having fun in a safe environment. Scouting teaches leadership, citizenship and volunteerism, as well as appreciation for the outdoors. Most of the Scouts in Troop 145 achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. To learn more about Troop 145 or to sign your son up, please contact bsatroop145clarknj@gmail.com.
(above, l-r) Alexander Mirek, Ed Merola, Tim Pitta, Colin Pitta, Nick Merola, and Jack Costello
(above) Scoutmaster Ted McKeown of Carpenters Local 254 NJ helps Scout Colin Pitta with his fish.
(above, l-r) Scouts of Troop 145 Clark NJ Nick Merola, Xander Cistaro, Colin Pitta, Alexander Mirek, Kevin Quain, Sean Mirek, Jr., and Jack Costello
(above) Much of the gear was generously donated by Union Sportsmen’s Alliance
(above) Scoutmaster Ted McKeown of Carpenters Local 254 NJ helps Scout Xander Cistaro learn a new reel.
