Nantucket Adventure 2022 - Trip Report

by Will O., Troop 185 Scribe

Once on the Island, bikes were distributed to everyone courtesy of Young's Bicycle Shop and we slowly made our way to Camp Richard in waves with the senior patrol heading out first as guides. Once we pitched our tents, the troop members dispersed over the island for our first day. Dinner on Saturday night started early, especially for the adults who would be eating a gourmet meal of chicken and rice with a fig and balsamic reduction created by Mr. Pyzowski (recipe link here). Adults and the lucky scouts who were on the receiving end of the leftovers all agreed it was a gourmet quality meal, topped off by dutch oven peach and blueberry crumble for dessert. 

As it got dark, a game of football started which resulted in the ball getting stuck in one of the trees overhead. Many objects were thrown to retrieve the ball including a small chair, which after its first throw, immediately became lodged in the branches of the same tree. Both the chair and the ball were eventually recovered and the game ended. A post-diner discussion to kick off Citizenship in Society merit badge led by Mr. Maire and included 8 scouts, concluded in time for the evening campfire. We shared a campfire with troops from Hingham Troop 1 and West Roxbury. There is no firewood on Nantucket, but we were well supplied with a large pile of wooden shipping pallets which created an impressive inferno. The Hingham troop provided us with musical entertainment, including a rowdy rendition of Shipping Up To Boston that featured Mr. Buckley (the Hingham Scoutmaster) on the harmonica. We were also treated to a telling of the ever-popular "Bad Conductor" joke by Henry M, the world premier of the terrifying original "Mysterious Beach" story by Jonathan C, and lots of other funny jokes contributed by other scouts. As the campfire burned down we felt a chill in the air and quickly climbed into our tents.

Sunday was our full day on the island, and everyone made the most of it. Bike rides of all lengths were taken with scouts and families heading to candy stores, skate parks, barbecue restaurants, beaches, and many other destinations. Many scouts accomplished their 10 mile bike ride (turned out to be 16 miles) navigated with map and compass on this beautiful but windy day. A service project involving the movement of construction material at Camp Richard was accomplished by several scouts with the oversight of Mr. MacKinnon. Highlights of the second night included the adult’s dinner of burgers and hot dogs with corn cooked directly on coals, scout meals of pasta, grilled cheese and tomato soup, a second session with Mr. Maire, and another rousing campfire. 

Before we knew it, Monday morning was upon us. Camp Richard was thoroughly cleaned and the great exodus back to the ferry began.  We returned our bikes, enjoyed about an hour walking around town, and boarded the ferry back to Hyannis. No scouts were lost on this exciting trip!

Special thanks to Mr. Pyzowski, Mrs. Gordon, Mr. MacKinnon, Ms. King, Mr. Maire, and Mr. Sherrer, the adults leaders without whom this trip would not be possible.

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