BSA TROOP 48 recently held a campout on Winter Island. From left, Scouts Alan Curley, Evan Gaeta, William Biggar, Reece Whitcomb, Adam Carty, Michael Cieslewicz, Sanuga Guruge, Camden Anderson, Isaac Medford, and Evan Carty. (Courtesy Photo)
LYNNFIELD — BSA Boy Scout Troop 48 enjoyed a weekend campout adventure at Winter Island in Salem recently.
The older Scouts trained the younger Scouts the elements to achieve Scout Rank, including the Scout Oath and Motto as well as various knots. The Scouts also enjoyed exploring the beach and campground, playing flashlight tag, and baking pizzas from scratch in Dutch ovens with hot coals under and on top of the ovens. For breakfast, the Scouts cooked eggs, bacon, sausage and bagels.
The Scouts camped at the group site, which is called the “Igloo.” The campground sits on a peninsula that juts out into Salem harbor and offers amazing views of sailing boats, open harbor, and a light house.
According to an online history of Winter Island published by Rebecca Beatrice Brooks on Jan. 17, 2022, the land has a storied history that dates back to the Naumkeag Native American tribe who first populated Winter Island. After Salem was settled in the early 1600s, Winter Island became the center of the Salem fishing industry. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, several prisoners were executed by hanging on top of “Execution Hill” on Winter Island. Today, Winter Island is a peaceful campground that is open to the public for both camping and day trips.
Scouting offers young people an opportunity to take off from their digital lives (mobile phones, computer gaming, etc.) and get involved in real life adventures, including year-round outdoor adventures. The Troop Scouts build friendships and team bonding with other Scouts ranging in age from 12 to 17. Over time, they work their way up to “Eagle Scout,” which is achieved by fewer than 5 percent of Scouts. This year, Lynnfield’s Troop anticipates awarding four Eagle Scouts, which is a true mark of pride for Lynnfield as many larger towns do not have four Eagles to celebrate in a single year.
The Troop’s next adventure will be a campout at Danvers Fish & Game Club on the weekend of Nov. 9 and 10. Other overnight adventures in the coming months include climbing and sleeping at the indoor rock-climbing gym Metro Rock in Everett, as well as camping out in Pat’s Peak Ski Area in Henniker, New Hampshire, for a special Scout ski, snowboard and/or snow tubing weekend.
If people know someone who is between the ages 12 and 17 who would enjoy the adventures and leadership lessons Scouting offers, new Scouts are welcome to join at any time. Potential Scouts and their parents/guardians can attend a meeting or Scouting event to give it a try and see what it is like. If people have interest in learning more, please contact Troop 48 Scoutmaster Jim Squadrito at jsquadrito@gmail.com.
