Please join event leaders to review success and challenges of the 2017 Freeze Out as well as start planning for the 2018 event. If you missed the event please read the recap below!
2017 Freeze Out Review
By Dennis Mauro
Scouts began arriving and checking in on Friday night for the 2017 Star Wars Themed Mayflower Council Freeze Out Event. Many others arrived on Saturday morning totaling over 350 Scouts from multiple councils. An opening ceremony was led by Scouts from Troop 303, Marlboro, in the Parade field and then after a few quick announcements Scouts were off in all directions to compete in multiple Scout Skill events that were hosted by the attending troops. Events included skills such as knot tying and lashing, fire starting, first aid, hatchet tossing, 2 Man Buck Saw, obstacle courses, safety and rescue. . . The scouts enjoyed hot soup and hot cocoa throughout the day also provided by sponsoring troops though out the camp. Scouts also were greeted on the trail by 2 authentic Storm Troopers who were roaming the camp all afternoon. The final competition of the day was the sled race or Klondike derby as it is sometimes called. This is a sled race around the camp which patrols race for the fastest time. This year with the lack of snow most sleds were fitted with their wheels. For the scouts the day ended with a campfire, the awarding of First, Second and Third Place ribbons and in most events a Special Ribbon for each event for things like great Scout Spirit, Good Technique, Leadership Skills. . . and then finally Colors and the lowering of the Flags back on the Parade Field. For Scout Masters and SPLs there was a final event which was the Scout Master Cook Off and Cracker Barrel gathering later that night. Scoutmasters were given a mystery ingredient, which this year was Butter Nut Squash, that they had to incorporate into their recipe.
On Sunday Morning there was quick Religious Service that was directed by Steve Symes for Troops still in camp. This too was very well attended and many Scouts participated reading different parts of the service script.
Despite the lack of snow that a traditional Freeze Out usually has, it seemed all Scouts and Leaders enjoyed the time being outside and doing Scout things.