Canoe Outing: June 5-7, 2026
Embedded Files
LAST OUTING OF THE TROOP YEAR !!
Canoeing, fun, and adventure! This is a 2-night trip (depart Fri night, return Sunday).
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DESTINATION: Squam Lake, Holderness, NH
Overnight camping at Mead Base Camp
MEET at FPCU: FRIDAY 6/5/26, 5:00pm
48 Main Street Westford, MA
Friday- Depart Friday evening and stop for dinner along the way. Camp overnight ("car camping" in tents). Bring additional $ cash for Friday Night Dinner
Saturday- Canoeing along the river. Camp Overnight ("car camping" in tents). 2 meals at camp. 1 meal on the river.
Sunday - Eat breakfast at camp then begin drive home. Bring additional $ cash for Sunday lunch. Return mid afternoon after lunch stop.
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
OUTING COORDINATORS: Jeffrey Zhang
TOUR LEAD: Tom Fannon + Scott Brooks
$$$: Bring cash to stop for food during the drives on Friday and Sunday.
REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND CANOE TRIP:
Pass the BSA Swimmer's Test within 1 year. We will be hosting a swim test on May 7, 2026. Scouts that attended Summer Camp in 2025 do not need to retake the swim test.
Closed toed shoes. No crocs. No slides . No flip flops. No tevas. Watershoes or old sneakers are great!
Canoe Shakedown: May 14, 2026 @ 3:45-8:00pm. *The canoe shakedown is required for scouts who have never attended a Troop 159 canoe trip. Please contact Outing Coordinator & Tour Lead if your "new" scout is unable to attend.
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RECOMMENDED:
Canoe Demo: May 7, 2026: We will be holding a canoe demo and presentation on May 7th during the Troop meeting. This is strongly recommended for all new scouts and adults to gain familiarity prior to getting on the water.
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SPECIAL NOTE:
Lifejackets, canoes, and paddles will be provided.
Canoe Shakedown: May 14, 2026
3:45pm-8:00pm
(in lieu of troop meeting)
Any scout can attend the shakedown, even if they are not attending the canoe weekend outing!
However, this canoe shakedown is required for all scouts attending the June Canoe weekend outing, who have never been on a Troop 159 canoe trip. Please contact the Scoutmaster if you are unable to attend the shakedown, but wish to attend the canoe trip.
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DESTINATION: Nashoba Paddler,
398 West Main St, Groton, MA
MEET at FPCU: 3:45pm
48 Main Street, Westford, MA 01886
RETURN TO FPCU: 7:30/8:00pm
48 Main Street, Westford, MA 01886
OUTING COORDINATORS: Helen Jamieson
TOUR LEAD: Joe Mario, Scott Brooks
COST: $22
REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND SHAKEDOWN:
Pass the BSA Swimmer's Test within 1 year. We will be hosting a swim test on May 7, 2026 at Lowell YMCA. Scouts that attended Summer Camp in 2025 do not need to retake the swim test.
Closed toed shoes. No crocs. No slides . No flip flops. No tevas. Watershoes are great!
Signed "Liability Waiver" from Nashoba Paddlers
_______________________________________
RECOMMENDED:
Canoe Demo: May 7, 2026: We will be holding a canoe demo and presentation on May 7th during the Troop meeting. This is strongly recommended for all new scouts and adults to gain familiarity prior to getting on the water.
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WHAT TO BRING:
"Dry bag" for personal items, including:
Towel
Water bottle
Snack (no food provided)Bathing suit, and closed toed shoes.
Sunscreen and/or bug spray
*Lifejackets, canoes, and paddles will be provided.
Swim Test
May 7, 2026 - 5:30-7:30pm
(4 time slots available)
Passing the "BSA Swimmer" classification test is a requirement for ALL scouts and adults who wish to attend the June 5-7 Canoe outing, and/or the May 14 Canoe Shakedown.
Scouts & Adults that attended Summer Camp in 2025 and earned the "Swimmer" classification do not need to retake the swim test. Tests are valid for 1 year.
DESTINATION: YMCA - 35 YMCA Dr, Lowell, MA 01852. Scouts will provide their own transportation to the swim test location.
DETAILS:
Please show up 15 minutes before. Changing Rooms are available. Please be on the pool deck in bathing suit at the start of your slot.
COST: $10 per person (bring exact cash to Swim Test)
OUTING COORDINATOR: Carrie Hampton
TEST REQUIREMENTS:
Jump in feet first into water over the head, level off and begin swimming
Swim 75 yards (3 Pool lengths) in a strong manner using one of the following strokes: side-stroke, breast-stroke, trudgen or crawl. Then swim 25 yards using an easy resting back-stroke.
The 100 yards must be continuous and include 1 sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
Backpacking: May 1-3, 2026
DESTINATION: Long Pond in Rutland, MA.
(2-3 mile hike to camp).
MEETING AND RETURN LOCATION:
FPCU, 48 Main Street, Westford MA
HI DEPART (14+): Friday, May 1, 6:00pm
LO DEPART: Saturday, May 2, 7:00am
RETURN: Sunday, May 3, mid-afternoon
TOUR LEADS: Hi- Derek Anderson
Lo- Tom Stonehouse
OUTING COORDINATOR: Amy Brown
$$$ Hi: Bring cash. We will stop for dinner on the way up, and Saturday morning breakfast.
$$$ Lo: Bring cash. We will stop for a quick breakfast (ie Dunkin') on the way.
PREPARATION AND REQUIREMENTS:
Backpacking Presentation 4/9/26:
Attend a backpacking presentation to learn about proper gear and expectations. This will help ensure you "pass" your packcheck! Highly recommended for all new scouts, parents, and adults.Packchecks 4/16/26 or 4/30/26:
REQUIRED for ALL scouts attending their first backpacking outing with the Troop. Bring your fully loaded backpack to a "pack check" to ensure you can fit and carry all required items on the checklist. We also help to properly fit your backpacking bag. You will not be allowed to attend the outing without an approved packcheck.
Please note: school backpacks are not supportive enough or large enough for backpacking outings.
Read more about Hi-Lo Backpacking, as written by our Scouts...
Our annual backpacking outing is often in May and is usually a new scouts first experience with backpack camping instead of "car camping". Scouts hike a short distance to the campsite carrying their gear, where they can set up tents to explore nearby waterfronts. Older scouts usually head up the night before to add some extra miles and elevation to their adventure.
14+ Midnight Marathon Bike Ride: April 19-20, 2026
14+ Midnight Marathon Bike Ride: April 19-20, 2026
Light up your bike and take to the streets along the marathon route! The night before the Boston Marathon scouts can ride the whole route for a truly unique experience!
See Mr. Mario for permission slip and more details. Open to Atomic Toad, Nightshades, and ShockTrooper patrols, and registered adults. Permission slips due 4/16/26.
Cookfest: April 11-12, 2026
Annual troop favorite "car camping" outing to play outdoor games and show off your cooking skills. Who will win the Golden Spoon?! New crossover Scouts are highly encouraged to attend this first overnight!
DESTINATION: Treasure Valley Scout Reservation
DEPART: Saturday, April 11th, 7:00am @ FPCU
RETURN: Sunday, April 12th, mid-afternoon @ Roudenbush
*Scouts will unload gear at FPCU, then everyone will meet parents at Roudenbush. Please encourage your scout to contact you during the drive home with an ETA.
OUTING COORDINATOR: Maneesh Mehra
TOUR LEAD: Tom Stonehouse
COST: $45 approx
$$$: Bring cash in case we stop for a meal along on the way
4/2/2026: Join our parent info session "All About Cookfest and Camping with T159"!
*Recommended for all new scouts and adults.
This is a great opportunity for Scouts to earn some rank requirements:
Tenderfoot requirements: 2a, 2b, 2c
Second Class: 2d, 2e
First Class: 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e ...and more!
Read more about Cookfest, as written by our Scouts...
The overnight outing we call “Cookfest” takes place usually in April and centers around cooking. It will most likely be a new scout’s first camping trip in the troop due to the fact that they cross over in March. Patrols will meet at a troop meeting or patrol meeting before the trip to discuss what foods they want to bring for the trip, and the troop supplies each patrol with the correct amount of money that is necessary. Cookfest is well known for its competition, where a group of adults chooses multiple items of food, and each patrol must use those foods in any way, and the other items they brought to make the best dish out of all patrols. The selected adults will then judge each dish from every patrol on certain criteria, and the patrol with the best dish will win the Cookfest golden spoon. Cookfest is a fantastic outing, where younger scouts can get adjusted to the troops ways of doing things, highly recommended as the must-do trip for any scout who recently has crossed over. ~N.A.
14+ Wachipuka Pond: March 6-7, 2026
14+ Wachipuka Pond: March 6-7, 2026
See Mr. Mario for permission slip.
Winter Trek: February 7-8, 2026
This is one of Troop 159's most loved outings and preparation is a big part of making it a safe and positive experience. Scouts and adults load their gear onto sleds and backpacks, and trek through the snow to set up camp in a wintery landscape.
Preparation, education, planning, and sled building activities for winter trek will occur during the January and February troop meetings, and we need to know you are prepared and safe. Be sure to attend all troop meetings. Winter trek is open to scouts of all ages. It should, however, never be anyone's first outing, nor should anyone participate if they are not ready.
DEPART: Saturday, February 7th, 7:00am @ FPCU
RETURN: Sunday, February 8th, mid-afternoon @ Roudenbush
*Scouts will unload gear at FPCU, then everyone will meet parents at Roudenbush. Please encourage your scout to contact you during the drive home with an ETA.
DESTINATION: Peaked Hill Pond
OUTING COORDINATOR: Rick Meldrum
TOUR LEADER: Jon Pitts
COST: $55
$$$: Bring TBD cash for a meal along the way.
PLAN AHEAD FOR THESE REQUIREMENTS:
Attend at least one prior T159 backpacking trip:
Required for scouts. Recommended for adults.Attend at least one prior T159 cold-weather tenting overnight:
Required for scouts and adults.
*Eligible examples: Wilderness if cold, Boston if tented, Winter Play if tented.Attend T159 Winter Trek Presentations: (1/8/26 + 1/15/26 + 1/29/26)
Required for any scout or adult attending a T159 "winter trek" for the 1st or 2nd time. Also required for any parent of a scout attending "winter trek" for the 1st or 2nd time.Winter Pack Check: (1/29/26 or 2/5/26)
Required for any scout or adult attending a T159 "winter trek" for the 1st or 2nd time.
14+ Venture 4000 footer: January 30-31, 2026
See Mr. Mario for a permission slip and more information!
Venture 14+ Ice Climbing: January 24-25, 2026
See Mr. Mario for a permission slip and more information!
Winter Play: January 10-11, 2026
DEPART: Saturday, January 10th, 7:00am @ FPCU
RETURN: Sunday, January 11th, early afternoon @ Roudenbush
*Scouts will unload gear at FPCU, then everyone will meet parents at Roudenbush. Please encourage your scout to contact you during the drive home with an ETA.
DESTINATION: Wah-Tut-Ca Reservation
OUTING COORDINATOR: Helen Jamieson
TOUR LEADER: Tom Stonehouse
COST: $70
$$$: Bring cash for breakfast on the way up!
Come enjoy a weekend of winter fun! Scouts will be sleeping in a heated cabin. Older Scouts can sleep outside if they choose to.
Bring a sled and helmet for some wintery excitement such as sledding and building snow forts. All Scouts must wear a helmet while sledding. If the lake is thickly frozen we will go walk around and play on the ice or do some ice-fishing.
This outing can fulfill the "cold weather" requirement for anyone wanting to tent outside as a prerequisite for Winter Trek. Please contact the Outing Coordinator if you plan to sleep outside.
Venture 14+ Backpacking and Bowling: December 19-20, 2025
See Mr. Mario for a permission slip and more information!
Boston Outing: December 13-14, 2025
Spend time exploring the historic city of Boston! Scouts can work toward their Citizenship in the Nation merit badge while completing a scavenger hunt! The scouts have a blast at Fanueil Hall, the Freedom Trail, and the USS Constitution!
(Traditionally scouts brought lots of electronics for the trip. However, since we are in tents this year electronics will be postponed to a future outing).
DEPART: Saturday 12/13, Meet at 7:00am @ FPCU
RETURN: Sunday 12/14, 1:30pm @ Roudenbush
*Scouts will unload gear at FPCU, then everyone will meet parents at Roudenbush. Please encourage your scout to contact you during the drive home with an ETA.
DESTINATION: Boston, Massachusetts and New England Base Camp, Milton, MA
OUTING COORDINATOR: Jeffrey Zhang- zzhang2003@gmail.com
TOUR LEAD: Dan Beaudry- beaudrd@yahoo.com
COST: $40
$$$: Bring cash for 3-4 meals in the city!
GRUBMASTER INFO: No scout grubmasters needed. Troop adults will provide "late night pizza" and Sunday breakfast.
LODGING NOTES:
NEW 2025! Everyone will be sleeping in TENTS or Adirondacks at New England Basecamp this year. *This outing fulfills the "cold weather" requirement for anyone wanting to attend Winter Trek for the first time this winter.
MONEY FOR MEALS & SOUVENIERS
*Scouts should bring money for 3 meals in the city. Troop adults will provide Saturday evening cracker barrel, and Sunday breakfast.
(Example Itinerary)
SATURDAY:
Arrive at Base Camp Saturday Morning and drop off gear. Head out to Boston.
Eat Lunch and Dinner in Boston
Boston Scavenger Hunt (Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge opportunity!)
Return to NE Base Camp.
Pizza cracker barrel (Troop provided)
SUNDAY:
Breakfast at NE Base Camp (Troop provided)
Head out to Charlestown to visit USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument
Stop for Lunch
Return back to Library
Wilderness Survival:
November 21-23, 2025
Wilderness survival is the annual November outing! Scouts will be encouraged to set up shelters with their patrols, instead of tents, and test out our survival skills. Older scouts are invited to go up the night before to build some demo shelters!
HI 13+ DEPARTURE- Friday 11/21, 6:00pm @FPCU
*Hi Scouts will stop at a restaurant for dinner on the drive Friday night.
LO DEPARTURE- Saturday 11/22, 7:00am @FPCU
*Lo Scouts will stop at a restaurant for breakfast on drive Saturday morning.
RETURN DATE: Sunday 11/23, midday @Roudenbush
*Scouts will unload gear at FPCU, then everyone will meet parents at Roudenbush. Please encourage your scout to contact you during the drive home with an ETA.
DESTINATION: Camp Split Rock, Ashburnham, MA
OUTING COORDINATOR: Annie Yang
TOUR LEAD: Tom Luhrs (HI), Tom Fannon (LO)
COST: $40
$$$: Bring cash for 1 meal along the drive!
PREPARATION: Scouts that have never attended a T159 wilderness survival trip are strongly encouraged to attend a demo on 11/13/2025 to learn more about building shelters and preparing for cold weather camping.
Fall Backpacking HI-LO:
October 24-26, 2025
Come enjoy a fall backpacking outing in New England. Scouts hike to the campsite carrying their gear, where they set up tents and explore nature. Older scouts can head up the night before to add some extra miles and elevation to their adventure.
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There are 2 OPTIONS (HI/LO)-
HI: 10/24, 6:00pm- Meet at FPCU. Depart Friday evening. Night hike Wachusett. Bring $$ for Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast.
LO: 10/25, 7:00am- Meet at Roudenbush. Depart Saturday morning, and meet up with HI group. Bring $$ for Saturday breakfast.
RETURN (All): 10/26, approximately 4:00pm- Return to Roudenbush. *Please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA.
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DESTINATION: Muddy Pond in MA (approx 5 mile hike with ~700ft elevation).
OUTING COORDINATOR: Ramesh Parimi and Rick Meldrum
TOUR LEADS: Jeremy Brown (Hi), Joe Mario (Lo), Tom Stonehouse (Lo)
COST: approx $45
$$$: Bring cash. We will stop for food along the drive!
SPECIAL NOTES:
*Primative bathroom.
REQUIREMENTS: Scouts that have never attended a T159 backpacking trip are required to...
Attend a backpacking gear presentation to be held before the outing: 9/25/25
Bring their fully loaded backpack to a "pack check": 10/16/25 or 10/23/25
ILST + AOL Invitational:
October 18-19, 2025
Join us October 18th for 2 FREE activities!
10/18-10/19 OVERNIGHT
"Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)"
*Open to Troop 159 Scouts in a "PLC" leadership position
If you hold a leadership position in our troop, please plan on attending our overnight ILST for important training. Most of the training will occur Saturday evening and Sunday morning. ILST scouts will also assist during the AOL Invitational. Sleeping will be in tents, as we do not have access the Camp Paul cabins.10/18, 3:00-7:00pm
"Troop 159 AOL Invitational"
*Open to ALL Troop 159 Scouts, and AOL guests
We invite cub scouts from local packs for an afternoon of fun and games, and show them how great our troop is! *Parents must provide transportation for scouts attending only the AOL Invitational portion of the day... it is a 15 minute drive to Camp Paul in Chelmsford.
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DESTINATION: Camp Paul, 39 Concord Rd, Chelmsford MA
ILST DEPARTURE: Saturday, October 18, 12:00pm (meet at FPCU)
ILST RETURN: Sunday, October 19, approx 12:00-1:00pm
COST: FREE
OUTING COORDINATOR: Amy Brown
TOUR LEAD: Jeremy Brown
SPECIAL NOTES:
*Private bathroom facilities will be available.
Martha’s Vineyard Bike Outing:
September 20- 21, 2025
Our annual bike trip to Martha's Vineyard is a favorite you won't want to miss! All bikes and gear are loaded into a Uhaul Friday night, and then we meet early Saturday morning to drive down to the Woods Hole Ferry. Once on the island, scouts will bike 5 miles to camp. All camping gear will be transported to the campsite via truck. During the day younger scouts will ride a few 5-10 mile trips around town. 14+ Venture scouts will have the option to participate in a longer bike ride. No meal-planning for scouts. Food on this outing is provided by adults, or purchased in route. Bring cash.
DESTINATION: Camp Duarte, Martha's Vineyard
OUTING COORDINATOR: Noel Almeida
TOUR LEADER: Tom Fannon
COST: $110
$$$: Bring cash for breakfast on Saturday, lunch on Sunday, plus ice cream or snacks in town.
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IMPORTANT DATES:
September 19th, 5:30pm-
Bike & Gear loading at Abbot School
*Put all camping gear in large bag to be loaded onto truck, including your tent, sleeping bag, and personal items. Attach your helmet to your bike.
September 20th, 5:30-5:45am-
Meet at Roudenbush, Westford
*We leave promptly at 6:00am. The drive takes about 2 hours, and we cannot miss the shuttle. If you are late we will leave without you!
September 21st, evening- (update! 5:45pm @Abbot)
Return to Westford
*Please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
REQUIREMENTS:
Helmets are required.
All bikes must have front headlight, and red rear tail light.
Scouts that have never attended a T159 biking trip are required to attend the bike check & skills night, and the shakedown ride:
Bike Checks & Skills- September 4, 2025- 6:00pm:
Meet at Byam School, 25 Maple Road, Chelmsford, MASully's Shakedown- September 11, 2025- 6:00pm:
Meet at Rodenbush , 65 Main St, Westford, MA 01886
*10 mile bike ride. Bring cash for ice cream
Contact Michael A. or Mr. Mario regarding an optional Friday afternoon departure for Scouts 14+. Ride 100 miles to Woods Hole on Friday and Saturday. Camp Friday night. Meet up with the other scouts Saturday midday.
"The MV outing is one of the best - a ferry ride, biking, dairy queen, and if you're lucky, camping in torrential rain!"
July 13-19, 2025
Sign Ups are now open! Click here!
DESTINATION: Camp Bell, Griswold Scout Reservation
START DATE: SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025
END DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025
COST: (includes $20 late registration fee)
Scouts: $610
New Crossovers: $585
Adults: $305
SUMMER CAMP COORDINATORS: Amy Brown
Canoe Outing: June 6-8, 2025
Signup deadline May 22, 2025
LAST OUTING OF THE TROOP YEAR !!
Canoeing, fun, and adventure along the Connecticut River in Vermont. This is a 2-night trip (depart Fri night, return Sunday).
THIS IS A DISCOUNTED TRIP OFFERED TO TROOP AT A BARGAIN RATE. SO DON'T MISS OUT !!!
DESTINATION: Great River Outfitters Vermont (Connecticut River), and Path of Life Garden (campground)
DEPARTURE: FRIDAY 6/6/25, 5:00PM @ FPCU
Friday- Depart 5:00pm stop for dinner along the way. Camp overnight ("car camping" in tents). Bring additional $cash for Friday Night Dinner
Saturday- Canoeing along the river. Camp Overnight ("car camping" in tents). 2 meals at camp. 1 meal on the river.
Sunday - Eat breakfast at camp then begin drive home. Bring additional $cash for Sunday lunch. Return mid afternoon after lunch stop.
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
OUTING COORDINATORS: Scott & Natallia Lyman
TOUR LEAD: Darren Lee
COST: $120 (after troop donation)
$$$: Bring cash to stop for food during the drives on Friday and Sunday.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Lifejackets, canoes, and paddles will be provided.
REQUIREMENTS:
Pass the BSA Swimmer's Test within 1 year. We will be hosting a swim test on May 7, 2025. Scouts that attended Summer Camp in 2024 do not need to retake the swim test.
Closed toed shoes. No crocs. No slides . No flip flops. Watershoes are great!
Canoe Outing presentation: May 15, 2025.
Canoe Shakedown: May 29, 2025 @ 4:00-8:00pm.
*Canoe presentation and Shakedown are only required for scouts who have never attended a Troop 159 canoe trip. Please contact Outing Coordinator & Tour Lead if your "new" scout is unable to attend.
Read more about our Canoe Trip, as written by our Scouts...
Every year Troop 159 does a canoeing outing in June at several different locations. We rotate the places the troop goes each year between camping on islands at newfound lake, and going on the fast flowing Battenkill river in New York. Before every outing the troop holds a shakedown on the concord river for new scouts if they have never been on a canoe outing before. Even though it’s only mandatory for those new scouts, everyone else joins in just because it’s so much fun! On the Batenkill outing the troop brings all the gear up on cars and straight into the campsite while on Newfound Lake the gear gets canoed over to the island. The Batenkill river has sections of fast moving water and winding turns which are a lot of fun. Occasionally when you get into a tricky spot your canoe may flip but the river is relatively shallow so it won’t be a problem and actually adds a lot of fun into the journey. On Newfound Lake you can canoe or swim around the islands pretty much any time you want and explore the neighboring island. The fishing is excellent and there are many rocky out coves to fish from either on land or from the canoe. Throughout the day the troop has several games like capture the flag, tag, and races all on the canoes between the islands. Both outings are really fun but also different experiences so I would highly recommend to do both. ~T.W.
Canoe Shakedown: May 29, 2025
3:45pm-8:00pm
Any scout can attend the shakedown, even if they are not attending the canoe weekend outing!
The canoe shakedown is a requirement for all scouts who wish to attend the June 6-8 Canoe weekend outing, if they have never been on a Troop 159 canoe trip. Please contact the Scoutmaster if you are unable to attend the shakedown, but wish to attend the canoe trip.
DESTINATION: Nashoba Paddler,
398 West Main St, Groton, MA
MEETING LOCATION: FPCU
DEPART: 3:45pm
RETURN: 7:30/8:00pm (approximately)
OUTING COORDINATORS: Deepa Penuballi & Sri Kaul
TOUR LEADS: Mike Harm
COST: $45
SPECIAL NOTE:
Lifejackets, canoes, and paddles will be provided.
WHAT TO BRING:
"Dry bag" for personal items:
Towel
Water bottle
Snack (no food provided)
Liability Waiver
Wear a bathing suit, and closed toed shoes.
Wear sunscreen and/or bug spray
REQUIREMENTS:
Pass the BSA Swimmer's Test within 1 year. We will be hosting a swim test on May 7, 2025. Scouts that attended Summer Camp in 2024 do not need to retake the swim test.
Closed toed shoes. No crocs. No slides . No flip flops. Watershoes are great!
Signed Nashoba Paddler "Liability Waiver".
Swim Test: May 7, 2025
6:15-7:30pm
Passing the "BSA Swimmer" classification test is a requirement for ALL scouts and adults who wish to attend the June 6-8 Canoe outing, or the May 29 Canoe Shakedown.
Scouts & Adults that attended Summer Camp in 2024 and earned the "Swimmer" classification do not need to retake the swim test. Tests are valid for 1 year.
DESTINATION: Lowell YMCA, 35 YMCA Dr, Lowell, MA 01852
*Scouts meet at YMCA
DETAILS:
Please show up 15 minutes before. Changing Rooms are available. Please be on the pool deck in bathing suit at the start of your slot.
COST: $10 per person (bring exact cash to Swim Test)
OUTING COORDINATOR: Carrie Hampton
TEST REQUIREMENTS:
Jump in feet first into water over the head, level off and begin swimming
Swim 75 yards (3 Pool lengths) in a strong manner using one of the following strokes: side-stroke, breast-stroke, trudgen or crawl. Then swim 25 yards using an easy resting back-stroke.
The 100 yards must be continuous and include 1 sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
Backpacking: May 3-4, 2025
DESTINATION: Mount Alander (01258): A relatively easy uphill 2 mile hike to camp. Scouts will be responsible for carrying all of their gear for the entire hike to camp. We will also hike up to the summit... scouts will always remember the view!
MEETING & GEAR LOADING LOCATION: 7:00am, JV Fletcher Library parking lot (pending accessibility). If library is unavailable due to construction, we will meet in the FPCU church parking lot.
COST: $50
$$$: Bring cash to stop for breakfast on Saturday morning, AND lunch Sunday (Great Barrington + Robin's Candy Shop) on the way home.
DEPART DATE: Saturday, May 3rd, 7:00 AM
RETURN DATE: Sunday, May 4th (approx 4pm)
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
OUTING COORDINATOR: Rick Meldrum
TOUR LEAD: Steve Yao
REQUIREMENTS: Scouts and Adults that have never attended a T159 backpacking trip are required to...
Attend a backpacking gear presentation to be held before the outing: 4/10/25
Bring their fully loaded backpack to a "pack check": 4/17/25 or 5/1/25.
Read more about Hi-Lo Backpacking, as written by our Scouts...
Our annual backpacking outing is often in May and is usually a new scouts first experience with backpack camping instead of "car camping". Scouts hike a short distance to the campsite carrying their gear, where they can set up tents to explore nearby waterfronts. Older scouts usually head up the night before to add some extra miles and elevation to their adventure.
Cookfest: April 12-13, 2025
Signup deadline April 3, 2025
Annual troop favorite "car camping" outing to play outdoor games and show off your cooking skills. Who will win the Golden Spoon?! New crossover Scouts are highly encouraged to attend!
DESTINATION: Aquapaug Scout Reservation,
1620 Ministerial Rd, West Kingston, RI 02892
MEETING & GEAR LOADING LOCATION: JV Fletcher Library
DEPART DATE: Saturday, April 12th, 7:00 AM
RETURN DATE: Sunday, April 13th (afternoon)
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
OUTING COORDINATOR: Maneesh Mehra
TOUR LEAD: Tom Fannon
COST: $50
$$$: Bring cash to stop for breakfast on the way
Read more about Cookfest, as written by our Scouts...
The overnight outing we call “Cookfest” takes place usually in April and centers around cooking. It will most likely be a new scout’s first camping trip in the troop due to the fact that they cross over in March. Patrols will meet at a troop meeting or patrol meeting before the trip to discuss what foods they want to bring for the trip, and the troop supplies each patrol with the correct amount of money that is necessary. Cookfest is well known for its competition, where a group of adults chooses multiple items of food, and each patrol must use those foods in any way, and the other items they brought to make the best dish out of all patrols. The selected adults will then judge each dish from every patrol on certain criteria, and the patrol with the best dish will win the Cookfest golden spoon. Cookfest is a fantastic outing, where younger scouts can get adjusted to the troops ways of doing things, highly recommended as the must-do trip for any scout who recently has crossed over. ~N.A.
Patrol Outings: March 15-16, 2025
Nightshades & ShockTroopers: Sandy Neck Beach
(backpacking hike to tents)
Tour Lead: Mike HarmAtomic Toads: Camp Carpenter
(car camping in 4 cabins)
Tour Lead: Jon Pitts
DEPART DATE: Saturday, March 15, 7:00AM
RETURN DATE: Sunday, March 16 (early afternoon)
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
$$$: Bring cash to stop for food on the way!
Each Patrol will go on an overnight trip to a destination that they have chosen with the help of the Assistant Scoutmasters. Patrols must submit their Outing Plan to Patrol leadership and Scoutmasters for approval.
Scouts or adults with less than two cold weather outings need to complete a pack check if the Patrol is tenting overnight and below freezing temperature are expected.
Read more about Patrol Outings, as written by our Scouts...
March Outings are usually patrol-based, and each group picks their own destination with the help of the Assistant Scoutmasters. We have summited peaks, camped on sandy beaches, gone rock climbing, and completed midnight hikes! Patrol outings are a cool opportunity for us to take a lead role in the behind the scenes outing process, and spend time just with our patrol.
Winter Trek: February 8-9, 2025
The planning and sled building activities for winter trek will occur during the January and February troop meetings, and we need to know you are prepared. Be sure to attend all troop meetings.
*PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO TROOP EMAILS REGARDING WINTER TREK PLANNING MEETINGS AND REQUIREMENTS LEADING UP TO THE EVENT.
DESTINATION: Somewhere in the White Mountains, where there is snow!
DEPART DATE: Saturday, February 8th, 7:00am
RETURN DATE: Sunday, February 9th (mid-afternoon)
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
OUTING COORDINATOR: Glen Anderson
TOUR LEADER: Jon Pitts
$$$: Bring cash to stop for breakfast at Tilt'n Diner on the way up!
REQUIREMENTS:
1/16/25: Winter camping demo (*required for Scouts and Adults with less than 2 cold-weather overnights).
1/23/25: Sled building demonstration.
1/30/25: Pack checks (*required for Scouts and Adults with less than 2 cold-weather overnights).
Read more about Winter Trek, as written by our Scouts...
The Winter Trek Outing takes place every February and is open to all scouts. No scout should miss it! It's one of the troop's most fun and favorite outing for over 30 years! We can load all our gear onto a sled, and trek into the winter wilderness to set up camp! We sometimes tent on the thick ice, and always have a giant bonfire.
Winter Play: January 11-12, 2025
DESTINATION: Camp Split Rock, Ashburnham, MA 01430
DEPART: Saturday, January 11th, 7:00am
RETURN: Sunday, January 12th (early afternoon)
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
OUTING COORDINATOR: Tom Luhrs
TOUR LEADER: Jon Pitts
$$$: Bring cash to stop for breakfast on the way!
Come enjoy a weekend of winter fun! Scouts will be sleeping in a heated cabin. Older Scouts can sleep outside if they choose to. There is a heated cabin for 7 Adults.
Bring a sled and helmet for some wintery excitement such as sledding and building snow forts. All Scouts must wear a helmet while sledding. If there is a lake that is thickly frozen we will go walk around on the lake and play on the ice or do some ice-fishing.
This outing can fulfill the "cold weather" requirement for anyone wanting to tent outside. Please contact the Outing Coordinator if you plan to sleep outside.
Read more about Winter Play, as written by our Scouts...
The Winter Play Outing is our troop's annual outing in January. Each year we go to one of a couple campsites. Recent sites we have gone to are Camp Wah-Tut-Ca, Camp Bell, and Camp Split Rock. The scouts arrive at camp and put their packs in a cabin that we sleep in. The rest of the day is spent doing fun activities such as sledding, snow ball fights and building snow forts. If there is a lake that is thickly frozen we will go walk around on the lake and play on the ice. That night we sleep in the cabin on cots and in sleeping bags. The next morning we do more fun activities before driving back home. The Winter Play Outing is one of the best outings for scouts that enjoy a more “chill” experience. ~C.D.
Boston Outing: December 14-15, 2024
SATURDAY ACTIVITY:
Arrive at Base Camp Saturday Morning and drop off gear.
Head out to Boston
Eat Lunch at Downtown Crossing*
Boston Scavenger Hunt (Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge opportunity!)
Eat Dinner in Faneuil Hall Area*
Return to NE Base Camp: Gaming/Electronic devices are allowed on this outing.
Pizza cracker barrel (Troop provided)
SUNDAY ACTIVITY
Breakfast at NE Base Camp (Troop provided)
Head out to Charlestown to visit USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument
Stop for Lunch*
Return back to Library
MONEY FOR MEALS & SOUVENIERS
*Scouts should bring money for 3 meals in the city. Troop will provide Saturday evening cracker barrel, and Sunday breakfast only.
LODGING NOTES:
Everyone will be sleeping in heated cabins, so no tents required. The cabins have electricity and heat. Scouts do have the option of sleeping outside in a tent if they want. *This outing fulfills the "cold weather" requirement (only if sleeping in a tent) for anyone wanting to attend Winter Trek for the first time this winter.
DEPARTURE: Saturday 12/14, 7:00am from JV Fletcher Library
RETURN DATE: Sunday, 12/15 (mid-afternoon)
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
COST: $50
$$$: Bring cash for 3 meals in the city!
DESTINATION: Boston, Massachusetts and New England Base Camp, Milton, MA
Outing Coordinator: Dan Beaudry
Tour Lead: Dan Beaudry
Tour Lead mentor: Steve Yao
Read more about Boston Outing, as written by our Scouts...
The Boston outing is the one outing of the year where scouts are permitted to bring electronics, and one of the more fun ones. The outing starts out at a cabin, with power outlets and bunks. Then leave to go to Boston. The scouts walk around, exploring different landmarks and fulfilling requirements for Citizenship in the Nation merit badge, or just enjoying the tour. The day finishes as Quincy Market where the scouts are given money to walk around, buy dinner, and have fun. Then, people start playing games and having fun, and after several hours go to sleep. The next morning, the scouts pack up and then go home. ~R.Y.
Wilderness Survival: November 16-17, 2024
Come and enjoy a chilly weekend at Salisbury Beach. We will have some fun and test out our Wilderness Survival Skills. We will leave Saturday morning and head to the Salisbury Beach camping grounds. Situated along the coast at the mouth of the Merrimack River, the campground offers access to wind, the beach, fishing, and campfires near the ocean. Outing will consist of fun and games! Fire on the beach at night, etc.
DEPARTURE- Saturday 11/16, 7:00am from JV Fletcher Library
RETURN DATE: Sunday, 11/17 (mid-afternoon)
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
DESTINATION: Salisbury Beach Campground, Massachusetts
OUTING COORDINATOR: Helen Jamieson
TOUR LEAD: TBD
COST: $40
$$$: Bring cash to stop for breakfast on the way!
Read more about Wilderness Survival, as written by our Scouts...
Wilderness survival is the annual November outing, where scouts will be encouraged to set up shelters with their patrols instead of tents. We mostly move between two campsites and most of the day is spent setting up your shelter to avoid at all costs the "last minute tent set up". Meals for this outing will be hot and scout prepared such as soup, ramen and the legendary "slop". I can only predict woe for the scout(s) who eat(s) sausage(s).
Fall Backpacking HI-LO: October 18-20, 2024
Come enjoy a fall backpacking outing in New Hampshire. There are 2 options for the Outing as follows:
HI DEPARTURE - Depart Friday 10/18, 5:00pm, grab dinner on the the way, and spend night at the nearby Mead Base Conservation Center. Scouts should bring $25 for dinner on Friday. Open only to Scouts age 14+ at the time of the outing.
LO DEPARTURE- Depart Saturday 10/19, 7:00am, and join the Hi group for a 5.5 mile hike with 1300 ft elevation. The hike is expected to take 5-6 hours.
RETURN DATE: Both groups return Sunday, 10/20 (late-afternoon)
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
DESTINATION: Flat Mountain Pond, NH: 43.88317084325787, -71.4443274760756
COST: $40
$$$: Bring cash to stop for food along the drive!
REQUIREMENTS: Scouts and Adults that have never attended a T159 backpacking trip are required to...
Attend a backpacking gear presentation to be held before the outing: TBD
Bring their fully loaded backpack to a "pack check": 10/10/24
Please contact outing coordinator, Steve Yao, if you have any questions.
Read more about Fall Hi-Lo Backpacking, as written by our Scouts...
Our annual Fall backpacking outing is often in October and Scouts hike a short distance to the campsite carrying their gear, where they can set up tents to explore nearby waterfronts. Older scouts usually head up the night before to add some extra miles and elevation to their adventure.
Martha’s Vineyard Bike Outing:
September 28- 29, 2024
COST: $50 per person (partially subsidized by troop!)
*Bring cash for breakfast on Saturday, lunch on Sunday, and anything else you want/need.
IMPORTANT DATES:
September 27th- 6:00pm @Abbot- load gear and bikes into rental truck
*Put all gear in soft duffle bag or backpack. Your gear will be loaded on the truck with the bikes on Friday Night. Don't forget your helmet and bike lights!
September 28th- 5:40am meet @Libary- 6:00am depart MV Bike Outing
* We leave promptly at 6am, and the drive takes about 2 hours. Then we have to park, take a shuttle, and catch a ferry. We can’t afford to be late.
September 29th- 8:00pm @Library- return from MV Bike Outing
*please encourage your scout to contact you on the drive home with an ETA
Please contact Noel Almeida, noel_almeida@hotmail.com , if you have any questions.
"The MV outing is one of the best - a ferry ride, biking, dairy queen, and if you're lucky, camping in torrential rain!"
Read more about our Martha's Vineyard Bike Trip, as written by our Scouts...
Martha’s Vineyard is a very fun outing. We go on the Martha’s Vineyard biking outing in September as the first outing of each new scouting year. During this trip, we all meet up at the library and load our bikes and gear onto the truck and drive down to the cape. We then take the ferry to the island and get our bikes at the common. We then bike to the campsite in different groups. After arriving, we set up our gear and hang out around the campsite, with a small area allotted as a bike path. Later in the outing, we split off and go on scenic bike rides around the island, potentially visiting the beach but always ending with ice cream. All meals on this outing are provided by adults so there is no extra work for meal planning or cooking. If you love to bike, you should definitely be sure to come on this outing. ~V.V.
Canoe Outing: June 21-23, 2024
LAST OUTING OF THE TROOP YEAR !!
This year the troop will be heading out to Center Conway, NH to enjoy a nice canoe along the Saco River. This is a 2-night trip (everyone departs Friday night, return Sunday). Here is the itinerary:
DESTINATION: Saco Bound Canoe and Kayak, Center Conway NH
Friday June 21 - Depart 5:00pm stop for dinner along the way. Camp overnight (Car Camping). Bring additional $30 in cash for Friday Night Dinner
Saturday June 22 - Canoeing along the Saco River. Camp Overnight (Car Camping)
Sunday June 23 - Enjoy the area. Have breakfast and eat lunch then depart for home. Bring additional $ in case of middrive stop. Return 4:00pm (approximately).
OUTING COORDINATOR: Darren Lee, email: dleeguy@gmail.com, phone: (678)-464-0021
COST: $80 PER PERSON
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Attend the June Canoe Outing presentation during troop meeting (Date TBD)
2. Pass the BSA Swimmer's Test within 1 year. Please contact Outing Coordinator if you are unsure of your swim test expiration. 6/8/2024 Swim Test Sign Up.
3. Participate in a "6/20/24 Canoe Shakedown". Please contact Outing coordinator if you want to attend the outing but are unable to attend the shakedown.
4. Must have closed-toed footwear to be allowed on river. Swimsuit recommended.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Lifejackets, canoes, and paddles will be provided.
Canoe Shakedown: June 20, 2024
4:00-8:00pm
DESTINATION: Nashoba Paddlers
398 West Main Street, Groton, MA 01450
DEPART: Thursday June 20th, 4:00 PM. at JV Fletcher Library
RETURN: Thursday June 20th, 8:00 PM. at JV Fletcher Library
COST: $20 per person
Please contact Scott Lyman Scott Lyman, lymanss@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Short canoe trip on the Nashua River in Groton - always a fun time. There is usually ample opportunity to practice canoe rescues and piracy. Closed-toed secured footwear is required, no flip-flops or tevas. Swim suits are strongly recommended.
We are leaving library at 4 PM sharp. We cannot wait for late arrivals.
This event will be in place of the regular Thursday scout meeting.
All participants must have passed the BSA Swimmer test within 12 months of June 1st. All Scouts/Adults planning on participating in the June Canoe Outing must participate in this Shakedown or get permission from the Tour Leader.
Canoes, Paddles and Life-Jackets will be provided by Nashoba Paddlers
Please fill out Waiver form and bring with you to the outing.
BSA Swim Test: June 8, 2:30pm
DESTINATION: Greater Lowell YMCA, 35 YMCA Drive, Lowell MA 01852
DATE: Saturday June 8th 2:15 PM. Testing starts at 3:30 PM so please be on the pool deck in bathing suit at 2:30 pm
COST: $5 per person (Bring money to Swim Test, we are not collecting through Cheddar Up)
Please contact Carrie Hampton cshampton71@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Passing the BSA Swimmers Test is required to attend the Canoe Shakedown and June Canoe Outing requires that all participants (Adults and Scout). Please sign up for this swim test if you are planning to attend these Outings and do not have a current valid swim test certification.
All Scouts and Adults that passed the Swimmers Swim Test at Summer Camp last year are not required take this test, as certifications are valid 1 year from date of issue.
Backpacking: June 1-2, 2024
(Hi-Adventure departs Friday May 31st)
For Scouts with no previous T159 backpacking experience they must:
Attend a backpacking presentation to be held before the outing.
Bring their fully loaded packs to a pack check to be held before outing
DESTINATION: Mount Alander in Hudson Valley, Western MA
DEPART DATE (Hi 14+): FRIDAY MAY 31st J.V. FLETCHER LIBRARY 5:30 PM
DEPART DATE (Lo): SATURDAY JUNE 1st J.V. FLETCHER LIBRARY 7:00 AM
RETURN DATE: SUNDAY JUNE 2nd J.V. FLETCHER LIBRARY 2:00 PM (APPROXIMATE)
COST: $50/per person
HI option - leaves Friday May 31at at 5:30 PM, grab dinner on the the way and hit the trail. Length TBD. Scouts should bring $20 for dinner on Friday. Open only to Scouts 14 years old at the time of the outing, with at least one Backpacking Outing experience.
LO option - Leaves Saturday June 1st at 7:00 AM. for relatively easy hike
Please Contact the Outing Coordinator if you have any questions: Geoff Jamieson, geoff.jamieson@gmail.com Cell: 978-850-2960
Cookfest: April 27-28, 2024
Annual troop favorite car camping outing to play outdoor games and show off your cooking skills. Who will win the Golden Spoon?!
DESTINATION: Aquapaug Scout Reservation,
1620 Ministerial Rd, West Kingston, RI 02892
DEPART DATE: SATURDAY APRIL 27th J.V. FLETCHER LIBRARY 7:00 AM
RETURN DATE: SUNDAY APRIL 28th J.V. FLETCHER LIBRARY 2:00 PM (APPROXIMATE)
COST: $50 PER PERSON
Please Contact Rob de Mars, robldemars@gmail.com, Cell # 617-335-8845 if you have any questions
Patrol Outings: March 16-17, 2024
This March Outing will be a Patrol-Based Camping/Backpacking Outing. Each Patrol will go on an outing to a destination that they will choose with the help of the Assistant Scoutmasters.
This is a cold weather overnight outing if there is overnight camping. Temperatures below freezing are possible, so pack accordingly.
Please note the following dates:
Scouts or adults with less than two cold weather outings need to complete a pack check on March 7th if the Patrol is camping overnight.
Patrols must submit their Outing Plan to Patrol leadership and Scoutmasters for approval by March 7th
DESTINATION: TBD BY PATROL
DEPART DATE: SATURDAY MARCH 16th
RETURN DATE: SUNDAY MARCH 17th
COST: COST TBD AND COLLECTED BY PATROL
OUTING COORDINATOR: Rob de Mars, Email: outings@troop159westford.org, Cell 617-335-8845
The outing is open to all scouts, and no scout should miss it. It's been one of the troop's most fun and favorite outing for nearly 3 decades. Scouts will load all their gear onto a sled, and trek into the winter wilderness to set up camp... scouts can even tent on the thick ice! End the evening with a giant bonfire!
The planning and sled building activities for winter trek will occur during the January and February troop meetings, and we need to know you are prepared. Be sure to attend all troop meetings.
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO TROOP EMAILS REGARDING WINTER TREK PLANNING MEETINGS AND REQUIREMENTS IN THE UPCOMING WEEKS.
DESTINATION: Somewhere in the White Mountains, where there is snow
DEPART DATE: Saturday, February 10th, 7:00am
RETURN DATE: Sunday, February 11th, 3:00 pm (approximate)
COST: $40 PER PERSON
Please Contact the Outing Coordinator Rob de Mars, Email: robldemars@gmail.com, Cell #: 617-335-8845 if you have any questions
Come enjoy a weekend of winter fun back at Camp Wah-Tut-Ca, which was the summer camp the troop used to attend before it was sold. Scouts and Adults will be sleeping in a heated cabin at the Camp . Older Scouts can sleep outside if they choose to. There is a hill where we are camping, so bring a sled and helmet for some wintery excitement among other activities. All Scouts must wear a helmet while sledding.There is also a lake for some Ice-Fishing and other fun. There are no requirements for Scouts/Adults sleeping in a cabin. This outing fulfills the "cold weather" requirement for anyone wanting to sleep outside. Please contact the Outing Coordinator if you plan to sleep outside.
DESTINATION: Lantern Lights Camp
(Wah-Tut-Ca Reservation)
292 Blakes Hill Rd, Northwood, NH 03261
DEPART: Saturday, January 20th, 7:00am
RETURN: Sunday, January 21, 1:00pm (approximately)
COST: $55 PER PERSON
Come enjoy a fun weekend in Boston. The Scouts will spend some time at Faneuil Hall and have fun walking the streets of Boston for an exciting scavenger hunt. Return back to Base Camp in Milton after dinner for some gaming/electronics fun and late night pizza! (Troop provided). Gaming/Electronic devices are allowed for this outing. The Scouts will be sleeping in heated cabins. Scouts do have the option of sleeping outside in a tent if they want. Adults will be sleeping outside in tents. On Sunday we will head out to Charlestown to visit USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument. Scouts should bring money for four meals, and may want to bring additional money to purchase any gifts/souvenirs or snacks.
DESTINATION: Days in Boston/Charlestown, Sleep at New England Base Camp in Milton
COST: $50 PER PERSON
DEPART: Saturday, December 16, 7:00am
RETURN: Sunday, December 17, 2:00pm (Approximately)
COST: $50 PER PERSON
PLEASE NOTE TROOP IS NOT PROVIDING MONEY FOR CITY MEALS. MAKE SURE SCOUTS BRING MONEY
Winter Mountains (14+)
Older scouts can participate in more challenging trips like a winter hike to conquer 5000footers! These outings included lots of planning and preparation. Always a great time, and truly an adventure for the scouts and the adult leaders!
Midnight Hike (14+)
Why hike in the daylight when you can hike at midnight?! Older scouts enjoy starting down the trail at sunset, and completing over 7 miles by midnight! Headlamps and a full moon light the way. Scouts set up tents, or sleep under the stars. Scouts often wake early to do some fishing at the nearby Wachipuka pond.
Summer Bike Trips (14+)
Older scouts put rubber to the pavement for extended bike trips over 200 miles! Leading up to the outing they did several bike shakedowns to ensure scouts and bikes were ready for the journey! Lots of laughs, a few skinned knees, and life long memories are the takeaways from our venture bike trips!
Midnight Marathon Bike Ride (14+)
Light up your bike and take to the streets along the marathon route! The night before the Boston Marathon scouts can ride the whole route for a truly unique experience!
See Mr. Mario for permission slip.
Questions about an outing? Contact our Outing Coodinators: outings@troop159westford.org
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