January 2020 - SUNY Delhi Merit Badge Maddness
01/11/20
Scouts headed to SUNY Delhi to work on badges at the Merit Badge Madness Weekend. Over 25 different badges were offered for the Scouts.
December 2019 - Camp Barton Wood Cutting
12/07/19
Once again this December, the Troop headed to Camp Barton for our annual service project. We cut, split, stacked firewood for the camp to use throughout the season. Scouts earn conservation service hours for the work they complete on Saturday. They troop leaders also prepared a delicious meal of deep fried turkeys with all the fixins for the Scouts.
November 2019 - West Point Football
11/09/19
The Troop again traveled to West Point to take a tour of the United States Military Academy and attend an Army Black Nights football game. This year we saw them face off against the UMass Minutemen, Army won the game 63 to 7.
Troop 221 Recognizes Richard and Sylvia Place
11/01/19
On Friday, November 1, Richard and Sylvia Place, of Vestal, were recognized for their longtime service to Vestal Boy Scout Troop 221. Three dozen attended a dinner arranged by the troop’s committee at the Silo Restaurant in Coventry.
Friends, family and alumni contributed pictures on display, fond memories and well wishes were shared, including several from people who could not be there.
Hal Ehrhardt, a two-time Scoutmaster, presented the two with freestanding awards engraved as follows:
Presented on November 1, 2019 to Richard Place, a Vestal scout and scouter who earned his Eagle rank in 1956, in appreciation of his continuous dedication to Vestal Boy Scout Troop 221.
Presented on November 1, 2019 to Sylvia Place in appreciation of her many years of service to Vestal Boy Scout Troop 221, and the positive impact she has had on lives of hundreds of scouts.
Friends, family and alumni contributed pictures on display, fond memories and well wishes were shared, including several from people who could not be there.
Hal Ehrhardt, a two-time Scoutmaster, presented the two with freestanding awards engraved as follows:
Presented on November 1, 2019 to Richard Place, a Vestal scout and scouter who earned his Eagle rank in 1956, in appreciation of his continuous dedication to Vestal Boy Scout Troop 221.
Presented on November 1, 2019 to Sylvia Place in appreciation of her many years of service to Vestal Boy Scout Troop 221, and the positive impact she has had on lives of hundreds of scouts.
October 2019 - New York City
10/26/19
Scouts travelled to New York City this month to see the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. We camped in New Jersey at Camp Alpine in the beautiful woodlands of the palisades just minutes from the city.
September 2019 - Camp Ellis
09/28/19
Scouts camped at our local Camp Ellis this month and worked on Scout skills and advancement. Work was done to help clear the trails and mark them so they can be easily identified. Scouts also split and stacked firewood for use at the camp.
June 2019 – Poconos Whitewater Rafting
06/08/19
This year the Troop camped at Hickory Run State Park and went on a whitewater rafting trip in Jim Thorpe, PA.
Click here for photos
Click here for photos
May 2019 – Buck Farm Shooting Sports Weekend
05/11/19
Each May, the Troop holds a Shooting Sports Weekend were Scouts are trained on archery, rifle and shotgun with a focus on proper technique and safety.
Click here for photos
Click here for photos
April 2019 – Aviation Merit Badge:
04/27/19
The Scouts had the opportunity to travel to the Ithaca area and earn the Aviation Merit Badge. Requirements included understanding to look for on a pre-flight checklist, different types of aviation, careers in the aviation industry, and how to read navigation carts.
March 2019 - Spring Court of Honor
03/27/19
At our Spring Court of Honor, Scouts were recognized for their achievements over the past couple of months including ranks, merit badges and special awards.
Ranks:
Scout: Chrystian, Kohle, Viggo, Oliver, Daniel, Mason, Emerson, Jacob, and Earth
Second Class: Michael. Peterson, Ryan
Star: Riley
Life: Joey
Merit Badges:
Nathan: Citizenship In Nation & Citizenship In World
Carson: Electricity & Fingerprinting MB
Nick: Citizenship In Nation & Citizenship In World
Joey: Citizenship In Nation & Citizenship In World
Elie: Citizenship In Nation & Citizenship In World
Michael: Disabilities Awareness
Riley: Citizenship In Nation, Citizenship In World & Cooking
Simon: Chess & Disabilities Awareness
Taylor: Citizenship In World & Emergency Preparedness
Domenic: First Aid
World Conversation Award: Nathan & Elie
National Outdoor Award – Camping: Nathan, Joey, Taylor & Domenic
Ranks:
Scout: Chrystian, Kohle, Viggo, Oliver, Daniel, Mason, Emerson, Jacob, and Earth
Second Class: Michael. Peterson, Ryan
Star: Riley
Life: Joey
Merit Badges:
Nathan: Citizenship In Nation & Citizenship In World
Carson: Electricity & Fingerprinting MB
Nick: Citizenship In Nation & Citizenship In World
Joey: Citizenship In Nation & Citizenship In World
Elie: Citizenship In Nation & Citizenship In World
Michael: Disabilities Awareness
Riley: Citizenship In Nation, Citizenship In World & Cooking
Simon: Chess & Disabilities Awareness
Taylor: Citizenship In World & Emergency Preparedness
Domenic: First Aid
World Conversation Award: Nathan & Elie
National Outdoor Award – Camping: Nathan, Joey, Taylor & Domenic
March 2019 - Washington D.C.
03/16/19
For this year’s trip to Washington, the Troop started the trip by visiting the Library of Congress to see exhibits including Baseball Americana and the Gutenberg Bible. The Supreme Court was next. Scouts had the opportunity to see the Courtroom and participate in a Courtroom Lecture. On Saturday, the Scouts visited Arlington National Cemetery to see President John F. Kennedy’s grave, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the memorials for the two Space Shuttle accidents. Finally, the Troop visited the National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center by Dulles International Airport. Exhibits included the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Lockheed SR71 Blackbird and the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay.
Click here for pictures
Click here for pictures
February 2019 – Camp Woodland Snow Shoe Weekend
02/23/19
For February, the Troop travelled to Camp Woodland near the north shore of Oneida Lake in Constantia, N.Y. Scouts utilized the camp’s snow shoes for a five-mile hike through the snow-covered trails. In addition, Scouts worked on skills for advancement including map and compass, identify tracks from wild animals, cooking with a small backpack stoves, and fire building.
Click here for pictures
Click here for pictures
January 2019 – Merit Badge Madness
01/12/19
Scouts attended Merit Badge Madness at SUNY Delhi hosted by the Leatherstocking Council. Between a morning and afternoon session, Scouts earned a total of 19 merit badges. Scouts camp at Camp Henderson in Maryland, NY and took advantage of the snow for a some fun and games.
December 2018 – Camp Barton Wood Cutting
12/08/18
Once again, the Troop completed an annual service project at Camp Barton. Scouts and adults work on cutting, splitting and stacking wood to provide the camp with enough firewood for the season. Scouts earn conservation service hours for the work they complete on Saturday.
November 2018 – West Point Football Game
11/10/18
The Troop traveled to West Point to take a tour of the United States Military Academy and attend an Army Black Nights football game. Army defeated Lafayette 31 to 13 and produced over 400 yards of offense.
October 2018 – Camp Ellis Webelos Weekend
10/20/18
Scouts camped at Camp Ellis in Vestal and helped teach Scouts skills to Arrow of Light Scouts from Packs 221 and 244. Scouts use this campsite to complete rank requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class.
September 2018 – Lackawanna State Park
09/22/18
For September, Scouts from the Troop camped at Lackawanna State Park in Dalton, PA. On Saturday, Scouts had the opportunity to tour Lackawanna Coal Mine and Steamtown National Historic Site. Staff at the Lackawanna Coal Mine took Scouts on a tour 300 feet beneath the earth through an anthracite coal mine originally opened in 1860. Steamtown National Historic Site is a museum dedicated to the history of steam railroad transportation, and the people who built, repaired and rode this important piece of America's industrial history.
Click here to see pictures from the weekend
Click here to see pictures from the weekend
July 2018 - Summer Camp at Camp Barton
07/08/18
Scouts attend summer camp at Camp Barton in Trumansburg, NY. During the week, the Scouts worked on over 70 merit badges and participated in camp wide events.
Click here for pictures
Click here for pictures
June 2018 - Canoe Campout
06/09/18
Scouts went on a canoe trip down the Tioughnioga River from Cortland to Marathon, a 14 mile trek.
Click here for pictures
Click here for pictures
May 2018 - Shooting Sports Weekend
05/12/18
For May, the Troop went to Buck Farms for a shooting sports weekend. The Troop is fortunate to have several trained leaders to run both Archery and Rifle ranges. Scouts are trained on the equipment and given the opportunity to practice with a bow and rifle.
April 2018- Gettysburg, PA
04/14/18
The Troop camped at Gettysburg, PA for April and hiked 10 miles through the Gettysburg National Military Park.
March 2018 - Washington, DC
03/17/18
For March, the Troop visit the Washington DC area and stayed at Camp William B. Snyder. Scouts started the Campout by visiting the White House and the White House Visitors center and Museum. After the White House, Scouts visited different monuments and memorials including Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, WWII, Korean and Vietnam. The Troop also toured the home of George Washington at Mount Vernon, VA.
February 2018 - Greek Peak
02/24/18
The Troop returned to Greek Peak this year and the Scouts were able to participate in a learn to ski program and all-day lift ticket.
January 2018 - Kopernik Campout
01/27/18
The Troop spent the weekend at the Kopernik Observatory and Science Center working with the staff on two merit badges. Scouts earned both the Digital Technology merit badge and Electronics Merit badge. In addition, scouts were able to utilize the observatory telescopes.
December 2017 - Wood Cutting at Camp Barton
12/02/17
For December, the Troop continued its tradition of completing a service project by cutting fire wood at Camp Barton in Trumansburg, NY. The wood the Leaders and Scouts cut supplies to majority of the firewood for the Camp through the year.
November 2017 - United States Naval Academy
11/11/17
The Troop traveled to Annapolis, Maryland to attend a Naval Academy football game on Veterans Day. In addition, Scout, Leaders, and families were given a tour of the academy by a Academy Cadet.
October 2017 - Camp Ellis
10/14/17
Scouts took advantage of our local campsite for a skills Campout weekend. This was a great opportunity for Scouts to practice skills needed for ranks including Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. Arrow of Light candidates from Pack 221 also camped with the Troop to work on advancement requirements.
September 2017 - Erie Canal
09/30/17
The Scouts camped by the canal and either participated on a 10 mile hike or a 25 mile bike ride.
July 2017 – Summer Camp
07/15/17
The Scouts had a great week and learned a lot. The Scouts earned of 50 merit badges combined.
Click here to see more pictures.
Click here to see more pictures.
July 2017 - Bahamas High Adventure Sea Base
07/03/17
This summer the Troop sent a crew of 16 scouts and leaders to the Bahamas High Adventure Sea Base. They spent a week living aboard and learning how to operate a sailboat. Thanks to our captains and first mates for ensuring everyone had an amazing experience! Links below to see pictures and videos from the trip!
June 2017 – Flag Day
06/14/17
Each year on June 14th, our nation celebrates Flag Day. This year, Troop 221 once again participated in the Vestal Elks’ Flag Day Ceremony. Our Scouts posted the different flags that have flown over our nation throughout our history. A special thank you to the Vestal Elks Club for inviting us to participate in this unique ceremony.
Click here to see more pictures.
Click here to see more pictures.
June 2017 – Marathon, NY Campout
06/10/17
Traditionally, June is our canoe campout. But due to weather and river levels, we had to change our plans. The Scouts decided to focus on advancement and practice First Aid and how to carry a “injured” Scout. Everyone got in on the fun and challenged each other.
Click here to see more pictures.
Click here to see more pictures.
April 2017 - USS Slater
04/30/17
The USS Slater is a WWII Destroyer Escort moored on the Hudson River in Albany, NY. (http://www.ussslater.org/) Scouts had the opportunity to take a tour of the ship, eat at the mess deck, and spend the night in crew bunks below deck. They also had free time which they really enjoyed. How often to you get to play “hide and seek” on a WWII ship. In addition, the Scouts went on a five mile hike through the Saratoga National Historical Park.
Click here for more pictures!
Click here for more pictures!
March 2017 - Court of Honor
03/22/17
At the Court of Honor held on Wednesday, March 22nd, several Scouts were recognized for their work on merit badges and rank.
Click here to see more pictures.
Click here to see more pictures.
March 2017 - Washington D.C.
03/11/17
The Troop visited Washington D.C. and had the opportunity to visit several places including The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Arlington National Cemetery, National Archives, and take of tour of the United States Capitol. The Scouts also got an impromptu tour of the ground floor of the Old Post Office Pavilion which was recently renovated into the Trump International Hotel.
Click here to see more pictures from the trip!
Click here to see more pictures from the trip!
February 2017 - Greek Peak
02/11/17
For the February campout, the Troop spent the weekend at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland, NY. The Scouts stayed in the original resort lodge and spent time at the Outdoor Adventure Center taking part in tubing and the Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster. The Troop also invited Arrow of Light candidates from Cub Scout Pack 221 and Cub Scout Pack 244 to let these future Boy Scouts see what Troop 221 is about. Click here to see more pictures from the campout!
January 2016 – Kopernik Robotics Merit Badge Campout
01/15/17
Kopernik is a great supporter of the Scouting program and offers several programs for Boy Scouts. During January, the Scouts completed the Robotics Merit Badge program. In addition, the Scouts had the opportunity to work on advancement including building an appropriate fire put, utilize the telescopes to learn about “piggy backing” photography, and learn about winter stars.
December 2016 – Camp Barton Wood Cutting
12/04/16
The Wood Cutting Campout at Camp Barton is an annual tradition of hard work and outstanding food. The Troop puts in over 100 service hours to support the camp with firewood. After a long day, the Troop celebrates with a Thanksgiving feast which includes turkey, roasts, and plenty of sides. Thanks to all the leaders and Scouts that make this event a huge success.
November 2016 – Scout Orienteering
11/06/16
The Scouts attended a Scout Orienteering program put on the Central New York Orienteering Club. During the event, the Scouts learned how to read a map markers and follow a orienteering course. They also had the opportunity to “run” a timed orienteering course.
June 2016 - Canoeing
06/05/16
We wrapped up the year with a canoe trip from Cortland to Marathon, NY down the Tioughnioga River. It was a great day on the river and everyone had a great time!
Click here for pictures from the trip!
Click here for pictures from the trip!
May 2016 - Buck Farm
05/15/16
This month we headed back to Buck Farm for our annual shooting sports campout. All the scouts had a great time and they got a chance to practice their .22 rifle and archery skills. Thank you to all the shooting sports coaches who made this campout possible!
Check out pictures from the campout here!
Check out pictures from the campout here!
April 2016 - Philadelphia, PA
04/10/16
This month we traveled to the historic city of Philadelphia, PA. We got a chance to visit the Liberty Bell and tour Independence Hall. Then we headed south to Geno's and Pat's for some cheesesteaks! Everyone decided that Geno's gets the crown for the best steaks. Some of us even got to meet Geno himself and get a tour into his kitchen! We then went to The Franklin Institute, a premier science museum that was founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin. We finished the day with a visit to the Rocky Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a trip up the Rocky Steps.
Check out the pictures from the weekend here!
Check out the pictures from the weekend here!
March 2016 - Antietam and Washington D.C.
03/13/16
In March we camped on the Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland. On Friday we hiked around the battlefield and then traveled to Washington DC for dinner and to see the monuments. Then on Saturday we visited Arlington National Cemetery and saw the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Then we visited the National Archives and the Smithsonian museums. Saturday night we saw more monuments and Nate recited the Gettysburg Address from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This was a great campout, thank you to all the adult leaders that made it possible!
Check out the videos and pictures by clicking here!
Check out the videos and pictures by clicking here!
January 2016 - Howe Caverns
01/24/16
Discovered by Lester Howe in May 1842, Howe Caverns is the second most visited attraction in New York State, topped only by Niagara Falls. The Troop enjoyed a tour of the Cavern, led by our excellent tour guide, Jeb. We traveled 156 feet below the surface to journey over a half mile through the cavern.
Click here to check out the pictures from the weekend
Click here to check out the pictures from the weekend
December 2015 - Camp Barton
12/05/15
This December we traveled to Camp Barton in Trumansburg, NY. We worked all day in our annual wood cutting service project, totaling over 140 hours of service to the camp. The patrols competed in a dutch oven cooking completion. Special thanks to our guest judges Mr. Black, Mr. Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. Blakely, and Mr. Hinrichsen. We finished the day with a HUGE Thanksgiving dinner complete with deep-fried turkey, pie and ice cream. Thank you to everyone that helped make this campout a success!
Click here to check out the pictures from the weekend
Click here to check out the pictures from the weekend
November 2015 - West Point
11/14/15
For our November campout we traveled to the United States Military Academy at West Point. We visited Michie Stadium to see Army take on Tulane. The Black Knights entered the field carrying the American and French flags, showing their support after the attacks in Paris on Friday night. Challenger, a bald eagle trained to free fly into sporting events, took the field during halftime flying over an American flag that spanned the entire field. Challenger is named in honor of the crew of the space shuttle, and has been making educational appearances throughout the country since 1993. Read more about Challenger here.
Click here to see more pictures.
Click here to see more pictures.
October 2015 - Buck Farm
10/17/15
This month we traveled back to Buck Farm to hold our shooting sports campout. We were happy to be back and to carry on the legacy of our dear friend Don Walker who passed away in May 2014. Buck Farm is owned by Don's family and this was always his favorite campout. Everyone had a great time at both the archery range and the rifle range. We would like to thank all who made this campout possible, especially Mr. Pipher, Mr. Sullivan, and Mr. Chan, our archery range officers, Mr. Carter, our rifle range safety officer, and Mr. Hinrichsen, Will Hinrichsen, and Jeremy Sansone, our rifle instructors.
Click here to check out the pictures from the weekend.
Click here to check out the pictures from the weekend.
September 2015 - Adirondacks
09/28/15
Check out our recent trip to the Adirondacks. We visited The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY, here are a few pictures.
July 2015 - Summer Camp
07/19/15
Summer Camp was held at Camp Barton in Trumansburg, NY. Camp Barton is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes on the shores of Cayuga Lake. The experience was compete with a movie night and even fried dough!
August 2014 - Philmont
08/01/14
The Troop traveled to the Philmont High Adventure Base in New Mexico in August 2014.
Check out some pictures from the trip here
Check out some pictures from the trip here