EAST CHATHAM, N.Y. – The Plast New York branch’s adult scouts (age 18-35) organized Merit Badge Weekend on Friday-Sunday, September 29-October 1 at the Vovcha Tropa campsite in upstate new York. This field trip originated several years ago as an opportunity for members of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization age 12-18 to complete the requirements for several merit badges that are typically not offered during summer camps.
This year, almost 100 Plast scouts and counselors from Plast branches and groups in Newark and Passaic, N.J.; New York, Yonkers, Hempstead, Kerhonkson and Albany, N.Y.; Hartford, Conn.; and Philadelphia, participated, as did one independent scout. Several parent volunteers assisted in running the program.
After the opening ceremony, participants had a chance to earn one or two of the six merit badges offered: archery, target shooting, bicycling, nature, photography and etiquette.
Despite the chilly misty weather and wet socks, spirits were high and laughter was plentiful. All activities took place as planned, followed by a group bonfire on Saturday evening. During the closing ceremony, certificates were distributed to all scouts who completed their merit badge requirements.