On Friday May 19th eight scouts and three adults from Guilderland Troop 50 paddled against the wind and waves to Scout Island located near McMurray’s Boat Livery in Broadalbin NY.

The water level in the Great Sacandaga was quite high, much of the beach area we normally camp on was underwater. Camping high and dry inland helped shelter us from the wind, which subsided as the weekend progressed.

The purpose of the trip was to get an overnight outing so the scouts could work on outdoor skills such as cooking, fire building, and camping.

Additionally, as a service project the scouts cleaned up the island, picking up trash and debris that has floated ashore over the winter. They even found half of a small boat wreck which we floated back under tow to properly dispose of.

All the scouts had a great time, some even braved the cold mid-40 degree water for a brief swim.

Troop 50 serves youths from 11 years of age to 17. The troop meets Wednesdays from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the St. Madeleine Sophie Parish Center on Carman Road in Guilderland. For information visit http://www.trcscouting.org/Troop-3050-Guilderland-NY

Editor’s note: Dan Cortelyou is assistant scoutmaster for Troop 50.