By Jack Aneser

Jack A. and Mr. A. at camp site. During the weekend of May 31st, Troop 55 went on a white water rafting trip to the Poconos. Matt A., Jack A., Mike C., Ryan C., JJ D., Brendan F., Ryan G., Alex H., Jack K., Alex K., Greg K., Zach L., Andrew R., Alfred R., Danny S., Casey T., and Greg W., attended the trip.

The troop started their Saturday with a hearty breakfast at camp and then headed to the rafting operations of Pocono Whitewater located in Jim Thorpe, PA. The Scouts manned their rafts armed with water guns and bail buckets used to remove excess water (or better still to throw water at other rafts!) The troop paddled through class II and III rapids. The scouts enjoyed shooting each other with water guns and taking the other raft's water buckets. The Venture Scouts had the most powerful water gun and tried their hardest to keep it safe from Mr. Fitzsimmons's boat raids. In the Scout's eyes, each raft was like a battleship waiting to be sunk! If the troop goes on another trip like this, no one will be dry! After a full day of paddling, the troop camped at Hickory Run State Park where they experienced heavy rains which put their campfire skills to the test. Even though rain made it difficult to start a fire, Troop 55 ultimately ended their night with a roaring fire!

Joey E., Mr. F., Greg W., Zach L., Alfred R., getting ready to paddle.

Jack A., Danny S., Ryan G., Mr. K., Jack K., Mr. C., Mr. G. let the water games begin! Front row: Mrs. Q., Jack K., Jack A., Ryan G., Matt A., Casey T., GregW., Danny S., back row: Mr. A., Mr. K., Mr. A., Mr. K., Greg K, Mr. G., Alfred R., JJ D., Zach L., Steve P., Mr. L., Mr. R. heading out to raft. JJ D., Joey E., Zach L., Alfred R., still on the river.