Warren Boy Scout Troop 228

Submitted by Gretchen Minieri

Warren Boy Scout Troop 228 recently competed in the Annual Watchung Mountain District Klondike Derby held at Watchung Mountain Reservation. The boys dragged and pushed a sled through heavy mud, since the derby was without snow this year, to multiple pitstops where they were required to demonstrate to judges at each station outdoor scout skills such as tying knots, cooking and tent setup, campfires, tomahawk throwing, orienteering, shelter building, and first aid. Troop 228 persevered in below freezing temperatures to complete the derby in just under five and a half hours, a marked improvement over previous years, and with one of the youngest teams.

Troop 228 also recently held their Winter Court of Honor. This event is held thrice annually.  Scouts are awarded their earned advancement rank and merit badges. Each scout has the opportunity to speak about their favorite merit badge so that fellow scouts have an opportunity to learn what is required. Additionally, every January a new Scout Leadership Team is introduced at this meeting. The new leadership team is Michael Minieri (Senior Patrol Leader), Andy Shi (Assistant Senior Patrol Leader), Nolan Brunner (Assistant Senior Patrol Leader), Matt Nunes (Patrol Leader), Landon Bush (Quartermaster), Sean Gubitosi (Scribe), Harrison Bush (Historian), and Andrew Conway (Outdoor Ethics Guide).

Please help support the Troop’s activities, through their Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. The event will be held at Our Lady of the Mount Church on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 5 – 8 p.m. To go meals are also available. Scouts will serve salad, spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread, desserts, and drinks. Ticket are available from any scout or just stop in that night! Businesses can support the scouts by placing ads in our colorful advertising booklet to be distributed that evening to all guest. Your support of Troop 228 enables our scouts to continue earning merit badges, camping, volunteering in our community, and completing and maintaining their Eagle projects. It’s just a delicious way to help a good cause.

Any boy 11 through 18 is welcomed to come join our troop. Please email troop228warren@gmail.com with any questions and stop by our weekly Monday evening meetings.

(above) Boy Scout Troop 228 races off at the start of the Watchung Mountain District Klondike Derby on January 26, 2019
Photo by C.Nunes

(above) Current Scout Leadership receives their position patches at the Winter Court of Honor on February 4, 2019.
Photo by G. Minieri