This year's Greenhorn adventure will take place at the Camp Massasoit Scout Reservation in Plymouth. Camp Massasoit was almost Camp Child. In 1924, when the original Old Colony Council searched southeastern Massachusetts for locations to establish a camping facility, the site at Elbow Pond in southern Plymouth was highly considered. However, the council chose the region around neighboring Morey’s Hole pond and Hio Hill; this property became Camp Child - named after Medfield resident Harrison H. Child - and, between 1959 and 1990, was the Summer Camp home of Troop 89. Nevertheless, second place is not bad, and, a few years after Camp Child was incorporated, the Quincy Council selected the Elbow Pond site and established Camp Massasoit. The Quincy Council eventually became the Boston Minuteman Council, and it is this council that will be our host this weekend.

The Greenhorn Trip is primarily dedicated to training our new recruits the basics on Troop 89 outdoor camping, but it will provide an opportunity for other members of the troop to work on their own outdoor advancement requirements as well. There are no cabins, so the entire troop will sleep in tents or, if they choose, under the stars. Cooking will be by patrols.

The majority of the troop will head down to Camp Massasoit Friday night. We will meet at the Scouthouse at 5:45 PM with hopes of leaving at 6:00 PM. Gear may be dropped off in front of the building, but then all cars must be parked in the parking lots, not on the street. A reminder that the veteran Scouts must arrange for their own transportation to and from the camp.

Our newest Scouts and adults will join us at the camp Saturday morning. They should plan on arriving at the Scouhouse at 8:00 AM on Saturday morning and expect to leave Medfield by 8:15 AM. Transportation has been arranged for these Scouts. Mr. Steve Dragotakas will escort this second group to the camp.

Driving parents who are not staying over the weekend should arrive at Camp Massasoit by 10:45 AM Sunday morning. All Scouts will be required to return to the Scouthouse upon arriving back in Medfield. The Scouts will check-in their tents and patrol equipment. Each piece of equipment will be inspected and, if necessary, will be properly cleaned at that time. Tents will be unpacked, inventoried, checked, and, if wet, will be hung to dry in the attic, or, if dry, will be properly re-packed and then stored appropriately. Patrols and tent occupants will also be responsible for repair or replacement costs of missing or damaged equipment. After each patrol’s equipment and tents have been checked-in and approved, the patrol members will be dismissed. Depending on how well the check-in process proceeds, most Scouts should be home at around 1:00 PM.

April can bring 90 degree weather, and it can bring snow. Such variations can make it difficult to determine what personal equipment is necessary. Space is limited, so selective, compact packing is required - try not to over-pack. As a rule, no matter what the forecast might be, plan on cold, wet weather - just in case. Expect colder temperatures especially at night. Scouts may, however, consider bringing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt or two in case it does get warm.

Younger Scouts may embark on at least one hike, so hiking boots or equivalent footwear will be necessary. As with most camping trips, Scout uniforms will not be required. All Scouts should bring their Scout Handbook. Obviously, Scouts who will be staying for two nights will need to bring slightly more clothing than those staying only one night; such Scouts should adjust their equipment lists accordingly. A personal equipment checklist for one night is as follows:

___ sleeping bag (winter, or summer with two (2) blankets)
___ pillow
___ ground cloth or pad
___ canteen or water bottle
___ flashlight with extra batteries
___ duffel bag or back pack
___ plastic trash bags
___ hiking boots or equivalent
___ sneakers
___ socks (2 pairs)
___ wool socks (1 pair)
___ long pants (1-2)
___ long sleeve shirt (1-2)
___ T-shirt (1-2)
___ winter jacket
___ sweatshirt or light-weight jacket
___ poncho or light weatherproof jacket
___ hat (winter)
___ gloves/mittens
___ underwear (1 or 2)
___ long underwear
___ pajama or other heavy sleepwear (sweat suit)
___ hand towel
___ brush/comb
___ tooth brush and tooth paste
___ personal basic first aid kit (small)
___ Scout Handbook
___ Troop hat / Norwich hat (optional)
___ compass (optional)
___ jackknife (optional - usage requires Totin' Chip card)
___ $10.00 spending money (optional)

Have fun at Camp Massasoit!