Derby Scouts enjoy cross-country camping trek

They covered more than 4,300 miles

Troop 3 Scouts and Exchange Scouts pose at Horseshoe Bend near Page, Ariz.. / Contributed photo

DERBY -  “Amazing,” “fantastic," and “unbelievable” were some of the comments heard from the Scouts and leaders from Housatonic Council Boy Scout Troop 3 Derby, and exchange Scouts from Derby, England, Peterborough, England and Limerick, Ireland, who recently returned from a three-week cross-country camping adventure.

The crew of 19 flew to Los Angeles and then traveled with the TrekAmerica touring company by vans and trailers back to Derby, covering more than 4,300 miles while visiting many of the natural and national monuments of America.

Highlights included a day in the Pacific Ocean at Manhattan Beach, tour of the UCLA campus, river hiking the narrow canyons at Zion National Park, hiking into the Grand Canyon, staying at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas, visiting the UFO Museum in Roswell, N.M., and witnessing the exodus of thousands of bats and then exploring Carlsbad Cavern.  
The group experienced a cowboy camp, enjoying horseback riding and steak dinner; they were treated to an open jeep tour of Monument Valley and spent a night in a traditional Hogan, courtesy of the Navajo Nation. While there, the scouts completed a service project of repairing the Hogan by applying mud to the structure.

While in Texas, the group visited the Alamo and the San Antonio Riverwalk, enjoyed Texas barbeque and spent an educational night aboard the Battleship Texas, which like Troop 3, is celebrating its 100^th anniversary. 
The Scouts also swam in San Solomon Springs and participated in an alligator sighting swamp tour before heading to New Orleans, where they visited the historic French Quarter, Preservation Hall and enjoyed a haunted history walk.

Upon reaching Tennessee, the group was thrilled with a day of white water rafting in the Pigeon River. 
Two full days were spent in the nation’s capital, visiting the monuments, the Smithsonian museums and concluded with a Washington Nationals baseball game versus the Pittsburg Pirates, including game ending fireworks. They made a quick stop in Philadelphia for famous cheese steaks, and the Scouts arrived at the Derby Second Congregational Church, where family members were waiting with a warm welcome home.

Troop 3 Derby Scouts who participated include Joe Szewczyk, Justin Patten, Jason Edwards, Matthew Edwards, James Cobaugh, Julian Gilloren, James Chopak, and Adam Sroka. 
Derby, England Scouts included Alex Griffiths and leader Luke Brady. 
Peterborough, England Scouts participating were Sam Holmes and Chris Campbell. 
Limerick, Ireland Scouts included Eoin Stapleton, James Glasson, and Tadhg McInerney. 

Troop 3 leaders were Bill McDonnell, Brian Welch, John Spinetti, and Scoutmaster Randy Ritter, who coordinated the trip.

“Troop 3 organizes high adventure trips regularly as a way to expose the world to our older Scouts while building teamwork and leadership skills," Ritter said. 
"These Scouts had to work together to setup and strike camp, purchase ingredients and cook meals and support each other while being away from home for three weeks.”  
Ritter added, “Having Irish and English Scouts join us on our cross-country adventure enhanced the impact our annual Scout exchange program has in increasing the world brotherhood of Scouting, as many of the scouts become lifelong friends.”   

Troop members plan to visit their Scouting friends in Derby, England in July, 2015 where they will attend the Peak International Encampment, hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

Boy Scout Troop 3 resumes meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesdays starting Sept. 3 at Second Congregational Church, 136 Elizabeth St.  It is open to all boys at least 11 years of age. 
For more information call 203-732-0343. 

The public is invited to see Scouting in Action at noon Sept. 27 on the Derby Green, for the troop's annual Ed Strang Day for Kids.
Many hands on activities and displays will be available free of charge. Representatives from Cub Scout Pack 3 and Venture Crew 33 will also be on hand to provide information on the adventures of Scouting for ages 7 through 21.

This information was provided by Scoutmaster Randy Ritter of Derby.

Derby's Troop 3 marks 100th anniversary in Goshen

Troop 3 alumnus and Eagle Scout Adam Rak, with daughters Jane and Lydia, traveled from California to participate in Troop 3’s 100th anniversary family camping weekend at Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in Goshen./ Contributed photo

DERBY – More than 100 people from Boy Scout Troop 3, Derby’s past and present participated in a camping weekend at Housatonic Council’s Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in Goshen, to celebrate the Troop’s 100th anniversary.

Former members attended with their families from as far away as California, New York and Massachusetts.

Activities included fishing, boating, rifle shooting, archery, Wiffle ball, crafts, dutch oven cooking, campfires and hiking the camp’s 186 acres of fields and forest.  Movies from the Troop’s early years, as well as recent Scout Gang Shows and scrapbooks assisted the “old timers” in sharing Scouting stories with current Scouts.

The weekend also included a tree planting at the camp, named for late Scouting Pioneer and Troop 3 leader, Edmund D. Strang. 

The Scouts have planted 60 trees in Derby, Ansonia, Shelton and Goshen with a goal of 100 in celebration of their centennial year.  

The event was under the direction of the Troop 3 committee of leaders, parents and alumni. 

Meals were prepared in the Frank Gates Dining Hall by Assistant Scoutmasters Charles Hemstreet Sr, Chris Cafaro and others. Memorabilia from the 100th anniversary was available for sale to alumni and presented as gifts to current Troop 3 Ascouts who participated, on behalf of the Derby Second  Congregational Church. 

Founded in 1914, just four years after Scouting was organized in America, and still sponsored by the Derby Second Congregational Church, the Troop is celebrating with special events throughout the year.  

On  Sept. 27 a time capsule burial will take place on the Derby Green in conjunction with the troop’s annual Ed Strang Day, a free event to introduce Scouting to the community. 

Also coming up are an Alumni Minstrel and Scout Gang Show Oct. 25 and a celebratory banquet at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour Oct. 26.

All former Troop 3 Scouts and their families are invited to participate. Contact Scoutmaster Randy Ritter, 203-732-0343 for more information.

This is a press release from Scoutmaster Randy Ritter. 

 

Boy Scout Troop 3 slates Old Timer's Night in Derby

DERBY – Boy Scout Troop 3 will hold its annual Old Timer’s Night at 7 p.m. Dec. 27 at Second Congregational Church, 136 Elizabeth St. 

All current members, family, friend and alumni of Cub Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew/Explorer Post 33 are invited to attend. 

The annual  Old Timer's Nights began immediately after World War II ended to give the more than 100 Troop 3 alumni who served in the military a chance to reconnect.

Old Troop movies will be shown and a discussion of the upcoming events celebrating Troop 3’s 100^th anniversary in 2014 will be discussed. 

Admission is free; light refreshments will be served. 

For more information contact Scoutmaster Randy Ritter, 203-733--5347.

 

This is a press release from Randy Ritter.

Troop 3 to hold annual Ed Strang Day in Derby

DERBY - Calling all boys and girls of the Valley! 

Archery, rope bridge and ice cream-making are a few of the free activities to be offered on the Derby Green from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 28 as part of Housatonic Council Boy Scout Troop 3’s Ed Strang Day.

The event has been held annually since 1994, when the city of Derby welcomed home actor Brian Dennehy to honor Scouting pioneer Edmund D. Strang, Dennehy’s former Cubmaster.  

Additional activities including Pinewood Derby racing, obstacle course and a fireman’s challenge will be offered to introduce youths to the adventures of Scouting. 

There will be a Giant Tag Sale at the Derby Second Congregational Church on Elizabeth Street.

Proceeds to support Troop 3 Scouts participating in a three-week cross country camping adventure in 2014, during the troop’s 100th anniversary year.

Representatives will be on hand to provide information for free membership to Cub Scout Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew 33 will be available to all eligible youths who complete an application with a parent or guardian present. 

Assistance is also available for providing Scout uniforms. Current Scouts from throughout the Valley are also invited to attend in uniform and participate in the free activities.

For information contact Scoutmaster Randy Ritter, 203-732-0343 or visit www.troop3derby.org.

This is a press release from Scoutmaster Randy Ritter.

Troop 3 in Derby to hit century mark

Members of Troop 3 gather for a group shot. Photo contributed by Randy Ritter

DERBY – Made up of boys 11 to 17 from throughout the Valley, Housatonic Council Boy Scout Troop 3 Derby will begin its 100th year of Scouting at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Second Congregational Church on Elizabeth Street, across from the Derby Green.

The troop, among the oldest in Connecticut, was founded in 1914, and is still sponsored by the Second Congregational Church. 
Meetings are held at the church each Wednesday through June and all interested boys may visit with a parent or guardian. 
Boys younger than 11 who are interested in Scouting can visit Cubmaster Dan Cyrul and Cub Scout Pack 3 at 6 p.m. Mondays at the Derby Methodist Church.

The Junior Leaders who run the weekly troop meetings and monthly campouts as members of the Patrol Leaders Council include Senior Patrol Leader Ryan Cafaro, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders Justin Patten, Anthony Bartholomew, Steve Tracz and Colby McLiverty, Patrol Leaders Jason Edwards, Mike Flora, James Chopak and Ryan Kish, Scribe Joe Szewczyk, Chaplain’s Aide Michael Shea, OA Representative Ben Grasso, Webmaster Jason Edwards, Quartermaster Dominic Livoti, Historian Naveen Madivala, Librarian Julian Gilloren, Troop Guide Jim Butler, and Junior Assistant Scoutmasters Matt Moran and Andrew Devine. 

The patrol leaders’ council is guided by Troop 3 Scoutmaster Randy Ritter and Assistant Scoutmasters Bill McDonnell, Chris Cafaro, John Spinetti, Mike McMahon and others.

Monthly meeting themes include: Iron Chef cooking, history, paranormal, wilderness survival, cinematography, criminal justice, outdoor skills, military and cycling.
Highlighting the 2013-14 Scouting year will be 100th anniversary celebratory activities, performing in the 90^th Annual Scout Gang Show, attending Strang Scout Reservation summer camp and a three-week cross-country camping trek with scouts from Ireland and England.

The Troop also schedules camping trips at least one weekend a month throughout the year and conducts regular community service efforts like Scouting for Food and Good Friday service projects. In addition scouts working towards Scouting’s highest honor, Eagle Scout Rank will lead significant community service projects like the Derby Dog Park project lead by Troop 3 Scout Anthony Bartholomew. 
Almost 300 scouts have achieved Eagle Scout Rank in Troop 3’s history.

Cub Scout Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew 33 will be offering a free hands-on activities to introduce the program to all youths. 
The annual event, called Ed Strang Day on the Derby Green in honor of the late Scouting pioneer, will be held Sept. 28. 
For information call 203-732-0343.


This is a press release from Troop 3 Scoutmaster Randy Ritter.

Scouts from England to visit Derby

DERBY – Twenty one Scouts, Explorers and Leaders from the 107^th Scout Group of Derby, England will be arriving at the Derby Train Station, at 6 p.m. Tuesday and will be greeted by their hosts, Housatonic Council Boy Scout Troop 3.

The Scouts will meet in uniform and walk from the Derby Train Station to the Second Congregational Church on Elizabeth Street, across from the Green.

The Second Congregational Church has been the sponsoring organization of Troop 3 since the Troop was founded in 1914.

A welcome dinner will be held at the church hall and Mayor Anthony Staffieri will be on hand to make a presentation to the visiting Scouts on behalf of the city of Derby.

The Derby, England S scouts will be hosted by Troop 3 families and they will be attending the Derby- Shelton fireworks display Wednesday.

Other activities include a Fourth of July picnic and a trip to Six Flags New England Amusement Park.
The Scouts will then attend a week of summer camping with Troop 3 at the Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in Goshen before departing on July 13.

In Derby’s Tercentennial year of 1975, legendary Scout Leader Edmund D. Strang and Troop 3 Derby began hosting exchange scouts from Derby, England. 

Troop 3 Derby Scoutmaster Randy Ritter and 107^th Scout Group leader Stuart Cooke are coordinating the program this year.

For more information contact Ritter, 203-733-5347.

A link to an article in the Derby, England newspaper.

This post is taken from a press release from Scoutmaster Randy Ritter.

2 Derby Boy Scouts attain Eagle rank

Pictured from left at Second Congregational Church in Derby are state Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby, Eagle Scouts David Ahearn and James Butler, state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, and state Sen. Joseph J.Crisco, D-Woodbridge. / Contributed photo 

 

DERBY - Housatonic Council Boy Scout Troop 3 members David Ahearn and James Butler were recently recognized for achieving Eagle Scout Rank during a Court of Honor at the Troop’s sponsoring organization, the Derby Second Congregational Church.

David William Ahearn Jr., 18, is the son of Gina Mattei and David Ahearn Sr. and the younger brother of Louis Ahearn. He is a resident of Derby and a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church.

Ahearn joined Troop 3 at age 12, and was a member of the Whirling Dervishes patrol. He then became patrol leader of the Bananas in Pajamas Patrol, where they placed 4th at the Housatonic Council Klondike Derby.  David has also served as Troop Guide and as a Den Chief for Pack 3. He has earned 26 merit badges.

Ahearn participated in the Adventure to Eagle program at Strang Scout Reservation and Troop 3’s Block Island camping and cycling trip. He was a staff member of Camp Strang in 2011, where he taught outdoor skills in the first year camper program. He also attended the 2010 National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia with Troop 434, Connecticut Yankee Council, where he served as assistant patrol leader.

Ahearn recently graduated from Derby High School, where he was ranked sixth in his class. He has participated on the football, outdoor track, and wrestling teams. He was a football captain of the 6-4 Red Raiders, and made the All-NVL Brass and All-Valley teams at the right guard position. In outdoor track, David competed in shot-put and discus at the class-s state level and finished 2nd at his league championships for discus in 2013. Ahearn managed to accomplish a .500 record in the varsity 195-pound class, and lead the team in escapes despite only wrestling for one year.

Ahearn's project was the renovation of a nature viewing center, and the building of a new four-sided kiosk for the Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby.

He will attend Eastern Connecticut State University and major in biology. His goal is to go to dental school and become a dentist in the U.S Navy.

James “Jimmy” Butler, 14, is a lifelong Derby resident.  He is the son of Troop 3 Committeeman James and Andrea Butler and has two older sisters, Julianna and Sarah Butler. He is a parishioner at St. Michael's Church in Derby.

Jimmy began Scouting as a Tiger Cub in Pack 3 with Beverly Martin and he eventually earned the Webelos Arrow of Light award.
He has been a member of the Troop 3 Whirling Dervishes Patrol, where he has earned 58 merit badges , served as Den Chief, Quarter Master and Patrol Leader.  Jimmy has participated in many troop camp outs and he looks forward to once again attending summer camp at Strang Scout Reservation.

Jimmy is a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow Paugassett Lodge 553.  He has served as an OA representative for the troop, Secretary on the Executive board and is currently a Vice Chief.

Jimmy had the privilege of attending the 100^th anniversary of scouting National Jamboree in 2010 at Fort AP Hill, Va.  He participated in Troop 3’s West Coast trip in 2011 and the Florida Sea Base trip in 2012.  He will be attending the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at Bechtel Summit in West Virginia.

Jimmy is a freshman at Derby High School, where he is a member of the football, wrestling and track teams. He was also a member in the winter football league for three years and his team was recognized  by the mayor for being undefeated for all three years.

His Eagle Scout project consisted of cleaning up the area and sign installation at Witek Park off of Prindle Avenue in Derby.   

This project was done with the intent to beautify the area and make it more appealing to fishermen and visitors and to encourage others to enjoy the beauty of this area of the park.   

Jimmy’s goal is to attend the Naval Academy at Annapolis or Military Academy at West Point.

Mayor Anthony Staffieri presented the Scouts with gifts and proclamations. Also presenting proclamations were state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, state Rep. Linda  M. Gentile and state Rep.Themis Klarides.
The Court of Honor was under the direction of Troop 3 Assistant Scoutmaster James Frovarp.

The honorees are the 288^th and 289^th Scouts in Troop 3 Derby’s 99-year history to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout.

This post is taken from a press release from Scoutmaster Randy Ritter.

Scouts collect more than 13,000 food items

Troop 3 Scouts, pictured from left, Joe Szewczyk, Lou Richetelli, Anthony Bartholomew, and Naveen Madivala carry donated goods to the collection point, 326 Derby Ave., Derby. / Contributed photo

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America held its annual 'Scouting for Food' drive Saturday and collected more than 13,000 food items for Valley needy.

Site coordinators were: Tom Symski, Huntington Congregational Church, Shelton; Chuck Hemstreet, Elwin Jimo, Chris Cafaro, Derby/Ansonia, Housatonic Council BSA office; Don Woodin, Seymour/Oxford, Trinity Episcopal Church, Seymour.

Troop 3 Scouts Louis Richetelli, left, and Jason Edwards sort donations. / Contributed photo 

This information was provided by Randy Ritter, Scoutmaster.      

Ed Strang Day planned on Derby Green

Annual event honors Scouting pioneer 

DERBY – Calling all boys and girls of the Valley! 

Moonbounce, rope bridge and archery are some of the free activities to be offered at the Derby Green 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29 as part of Housatonic Council Boy Scout Troop 3’s Ed Strang Day.  

The event has been held annually since 1994, when the city of Derby welcomed home actor Brian Dennehy to honor Scouting pioneer Edmund D. Strang, Dennehy’s former Cubmaster. 

Strang’s biography can be found on the City of Derby’s Hall of Fame page. 

A slide show highlighting the Troop’s recent BSA Florida Sea Base sailing adventure will be presented. 

Additional activities including rain gutter regatta, obstacle course, international cooking and rope tower building will be offered to boys and girls to introduce them to the adventures of Scouting. 

Representatives will be on hand to provide information for joining Girl Scouts and free membership to Cub Scout Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew 33 will be available to all eligible youths who complete an application with a parent or guardian present. 

Current Scouts from throughout the Valley are also invited to attend in uniform and participate in the free activities.

For information contact Scoutmaster Randy Ritter, 203-732-0343 or visit www.troop3derby.org .

The above is a press release from Randy Ritter.