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BSA TROOP 37 NEWSLETTER
Volume 11 | Issue 4 | November 2024 - January 2025
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STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK
SCOUTMASTER’S MINUTE
By Scoutmaster Rob Pfuhler
It is true. Advancement is one of the methods of scouting and we make sure everyone is progressing towards their next rank.
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Advancement, however, is not the main focus of scouting and should not be the main focus of any scout. If you spend all of your time being concerned about how close you are to the next rank or how many merit badges you have, you are going to miss some of the wonderful opportunities available to you in scouts. As we have said many times, one of the best things a scout can get out of scouting is leadership skills. At Junior Leader training last month, we discussed the various skills scouts will need in order to be effective leaders. The first and possibly most important skill we discussed was communication, which is something a scout will need in whatever career he chooses. Leaders are able to communicate to an audience and move projects forward. But leaders don’t just happen; a leader has to learn from others and not by themselves. If a Scout was to rush and not experience the path toward Eagle, he will not understand how to lead a group of young men his age. Scouting gives you an opportunity to learn leadership skills by actually leading. Scouting also creates lifelong friendships. You learn about your fellow scouts when you go to meetings and camping trips with them. If you are focused mainly on your own scouting career, you are going to miss learning how amazing some of your fellow scouts are, and maybe miss making a lifelong friend. Do not rush a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There is plenty of time to complete the journey to Eagle.
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Take the time necessary to learn and comprehend what Scouting is giving you: leadership, friendships, and a path in life.
BSA Troop 37 | Volume 11 | Issue 4 | Nov 2024- Jan 2025
CAMP BULLOWA AND A VISIT TO WEST POINT
By Matthew Moroz
On November 15, we traveled up to Camp Bullowa, in Rockland County to visit West Point. Unfortunately, at the time wildfires were scattered across New Jersey and the tri-state area was experiencing a drought which meant that the state had a no-fire mandate. In turn this meant no dutch oven or campfires. This ruined my patrol’s plan to make dutch oven pizza. Although disappointed, this turned out not to be the end of the world.
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Once we got to Camp Bullowa we quickly set up our tents, patrol tables and ate our dinner before heading to bed. The next morning my patrol started off our day with a breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes and some strawberries. The pancakes came out phenomenal and since we made the entire box of pancake mix, we ate like absolute kings. After we finished up KP we headed out to West Point. During the drive, we traveled along the Hudson River and saw great views of the Bear Mountain Bridge. Once there we met our tour guide and we hopped on a tour bus, which passed the West Point McDonalds and Thayer Gate, the first checkpoint into West Point. During our tour of the academy, we saw the parade field, the protestant church (where we got to fix a bible that was slightly out of place from the rest) and we got to learn about several famous military leaders who went to West Point, such as Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and George S. Patton. It made me see the prestige of West Point.
Once we got back to the site though we started on dinner and unknowingly at the time the pizza that Mr Christensen bought us saved my patrol from going to bed hungry. When I put the pizza on the pan I must have put too much oil and the pizza burnt on the bottom and was extremely solid but was somehow still raw on the inside. Once we cleaned that mess up most of us started hanging out in the field and started looking up at the sky. The moon was huge and brightened up the whole field while the stars still shone behind it. It was extremely beautiful and it was a nice experience talking to my friends in that atmosphere. Overall though I would go on this trip again.
BSA Troop 37 | Volume 11 | Issue 4 | Nov 2024- Jan 2025
BSA TROOP 37 CHRISTMAS PARTY
By Randy Changoo
We are thrilled to share the highlights from our 2024 Annual Troop 37 Christmas Party! The festivities kicked off with a warm welcome from our MC, Randy, who set the tone with a heartfelt rendition of “That Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash. After the Pledge of Allegiance and the Scout Oath, the laughter began with Leo Staiano’s delightful Christmas jokes, bringing smiles to everyone in attendance. The atmosphere was filled with joy and camaraderie as we gathered to celebrate the holiday season together.
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Our talented scouts showcased their creativity and humor through a series of skits that entertained the crowd. The Blackhawks started us off with “The Dirty Socks Skit,” followed by the RattleSnakes with their hand at singing Jingle bells. The Pink Panthers brought their charm to the stage with “The Magic Doctors Skit,” while the Striking Cobras kept the energy high with “The Lollipop Skit.” The Senior Patrol wowed us with their rendition of “All I Want for Christmas is You,” adding a festive touch to the evening. Each performance highlighted the incredible talent within our troop and brought everyone closer together.
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Finally, we concluded the festivities with the beloved tradition of Mr. DeLilo reciting “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” leaving everyone in the holiday spirit. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this event a memorable celebration.
BSA Troop 37 | Volume 11 | Issue 4 | Nov 2024- Jan 2025
CAMP ALLAMUCHY
By Sunka Perera
Allamuchy was a quintessential last camping trip a scout could ask for. Whether it be the cabin itself or the tradition of Chinese poker being passed down. As for the highlight of the trip was our gator ball game. Amid the chaos, accusations flew, but it only added to the fun.
In the end, Senior Changoo was distraught and in denial that he lost. As for the hike, it was minuscule yet significant. As the views kept getting better and better yet all I was really focused on was the snowball fight 5 feet in front of me. Who got who. Who’s got the biggest snowball. Who’s getting who next. The food was a delight and in the end it was a picture perfect camping trip. No issues at all, just free within the nature in which we all share. Allamuchy was everyone’s carefree camping trip.
