Activities

Activities: Activities in Scouting offer a broad spectrum of experiences. They challenge Scouts mentally and physically, pushing them out of their comfort zones. Whether it’s a team-building exercise or a leadership drill, activities shape character and hone skills. They provide platforms for Scouts to practice what they’ve learned, to fail, reflect, and grow. Beyond skill development, activities foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. They are the crucible where lessons from Scouting come to life, ensuring holistic development. As a youth-led program, scouts gain real life experience in leading projects, mentoring other youth, planning events and simply being responsible for the success of the program.

The Arctic “Spring” Challenge

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There’s not much Troop 12 does that gets cancelled due to weather, but the January Arctic Challenge had to be rescheduled to March due to flooding at Camp Glen Gray. Sure enough we were met with cold rainy weather anyway. But that didn’t stop us. Our scouts are resilient, persistent, and cheerful. Those qualities and some excellent leadership and planning led our two teams to victory. The boys’ team “Arya’s Shirt” won third place in the senior division! The girls team “Salamanders” won second place in the standard division!

Fire building, first aid, hatchet throwing, orienteering, knots and lashings, memory game, model campsite, ice rescue, and teamwork. There is always room for improvement, but our scouts demonstrated enough skill in these areas to do very well at this competition against twelve other teams. But mostly it was about challenging themselves to work together and do their best.

Troop 12’s Wreath Sale Fundraiser

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This year’s wreath sale was a great success. We raised money to support our many troop activities, including scholarships and camperships for everyone who needs one. Thank you to all of the scouts who sold wreaths and to the Montclair community for supporting our troop. We couldn’t do it without you.

NYC Veterans Day Parade

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Troop 12 Girls joined Troops 19 and 99 to march in the New York City Veteran’s Day Parade along with Intrepid Former Crew Members. It was such an honor and a thrill to participate and share in the patriotic pride evident during the event. We enjoyed meeting scouts, scouters, and our wonderful hosts and honoring the many military veterans who turned out for the parade.

Outdoor Chef Cooking Challenge

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This was the first time in many years our troop participated in this cooking competition at Camp Glen Gray. Our creative chefs were up to the challenge, although maybe a little too creative for the judges. The scouts learned a lot and look forward to honing their skills for next year.

High Point Hike

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What a gorgeous hike, but challenging, especially in the light rain. We had to take precautions scrambling and hiking over wet rocks, but the stunning views on the Blue Dot Trail were worth it. Thank you to Kiyoshi for leading us on this 5-mile hike on the Blue Dot Trail, Appalachian Trail, and finally the Monument Trail to our destination and back again safely. We could barely make out the High Point Monument in the mist but nonetheless felt achievement making it there.

Kicking Off Another Year of Scouting

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Troop 12 scouts, scouters, family, and friends kicked off another year of scouting. With a growing girls troop and a bunch of new scouts, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation for an excellent year.

Cooper, Henry, and Arya lead an entertaining demonstration of Bad Backpack – Good Backpack

Summer Hike and Picnic

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Troop 12 scouts and families celebrated the end of summer and welcomed some of our new scouts with a hike in Mills Reservation and picnic in Mountainside Park.

Montclair 4th of July Parade

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Troop 12 continues our annual tradition of marching in Montclair’s 4th of July parade, a first for our new girls troop. We were accompanied by some Troop 12 Eagle Scout alumni.