Camp Bowman 2021

Troop 167 went to Camp Bowman at Goshen Scout Reservation during the week of the Fourth of July, 2021. The troop was divided into the Gromit Patrol, the Simpsons Patrol/Jimmy’s Patrol/Bulldog’s Patrol, and the Alien Alliance (Bowman Brigade composed of first year Scouts) which was assisted by Scouts Thaddeus L. and Maxwell L. The Senior Patrol Leader at the camp was Griffin C. This year, 43 scouts and 13 adults went to Goshen.

Scouts took a variety of merit badge classes including: Basketry, Mammal Study, Swimming, Astronomy, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, Rifle Shooting, Welding, and Citizenship in the Nation. Some adults and scouts went on a three hour astronomy hike on a clear night to identify constellations, led by the merit badge counselor who identified many celestial bodies.The troop also offered Woodworking and Automotive Maintenance. In Automotive Maintenance, some Scouts assembled a model of a four cylinder internal combustion engine which the Scoutmaster then used as a helpful visual aid in the merit badge class. The Scouts were also able to learn by inspecting Mr. Hadley’s car and a troop van. For the Woodworking class, Scouts carved their own neckerchief slides.

First year Scouts formed part of the Camp Goshen Bowman Brigade to learn new Scout skills. As part of the Bowman Brigade, the Scouts learned important skills such as first aid, fire building, knot tying, lashings, and safe blade handling. First year Scouts were able to earn their Totin’ Chips. They also went on a five mile hike up to Viewing Rock overlooking Lake Merriweather. The first year Scouts volunteered to rake some trails as a service project but ultimately decided to work on eliminating poison ivy and clearing brush.

Some Scouts also participated in a mile swim at Lake Merriweather, a favorite Goshen tradition.

Each Scout patrol cooked for their own patrol and a few adults who rotated for meals with the different patrols. On the last night of Goshen, the troop continued the tradition of ordering pizza from a nearby town.

​- Troop Historian