Tree Fairies!

The winds blew and the soggy roots of the ancient pine finally gave way, The gnarled monster came crashing down in its final death gasp. We assume it crashed loudly... the question of does a tree make noise when it falls in the forest remains unanswered, at least as far as this tree is concerned.

A huge cleanup job awaited the gallant scout cabin volunteers.  But, mysterious tree fairies interceded and whisked away the sappy mass before anyone could even sharpen their axe.  Hey, anyone can slink around at night and slip a tooth out from under a pillow, but making a whole tree disappear is a pretty impressive feat!

We are hugely indebted to the industrious tree fairy volunteers who made like beavers and knawed this up into little pieces.  Its proof positive that a few able hands can do wonders.   Thank you tree fairies!

Tech Grant Thanks

Scouts at the Boy Scout Cabin on West Avenue are using recently-installed audio/visual equipment thanks to a generous grant from the Darien Foundation for Technology and Community. Shown with project leader and Assistant Scoutmaster Harry Molwitz, are Scouts Quinn Hagen, Eric Morgan, Gabriel Hagen, Will Granath, Alex Cohen and Nick Cohen.  

Molwitz said, “Working with the Darien Foundation was a great experience. They made some very creative suggestions to our original proposal to improve the cabin’s capabilities as a leadership training center and they were very involved and supportive during the entire project. We are grateful to the Darien Foundation.”

The Darien Foundation funded the purchase and installation of a sound and video system as well as a computer and an AED defibrillator at the Scout Cabin. Scouts use the equipment as part of the process of boys leading boys to plan trips, give presentations and celebrate achievements. Since most Scouts are already trained in first aid, the addition of the AED makes the cabin one of the safest places in Darien!

Toys for Tots!

Darien Boy Scout Troop 35 collects toys to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" program.  The Noroton Fire Department distributes the new donated toys to less fortunate children for the Christmas season in Darien, Stamford, and Norwalk. 

This event has become an annual Troop 35 tradition as part of the annual holiday part troop meeting. These donations are an important part of the Fire Department's goal of collecting at least 1500 toys.   

High Adventure!

Scouts from Troop 35 and Troop 53 headed to either end of the country for extended outdoor trips this summer. 

Troop 35 travelled to Cimarron, NM for the classic scouting high adventure at Philmont Scout Ranch.  The group backpacked through the ranch, often carrying all of their own water in the rugged backcountry.  Their path included summiting the highest point in the area  Baldy Mountain at 12,441 feet.  In keeping with Philmont traditions, the group completed a trail maintenance service project while there.  The group stopped at the the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colarado on their way to Philmont as part of their process of acclimatizing to the high altitude and enjoyed a day of whitewater rafting.

 Troop 53 headed in the opposite direction to Maine, where they learned to run rapids in whitewater kayaks before heading into the northern woods for a backpacking trip that offered amazing views, weather that varied from bright sunshine to torrential downpours and newfound respect for the variety of ways to prepare and enjoy quinoa.  

Commonly called High Adventure trips, these  trips are intended for older scouts as a means to test themselves, form bonds with their fellow scouts as they accomplish amazing feats and have a good time outdoors.

Thanks to all the scouts for participating and especially to the adult leaders who joined the scouts for making these unforgettable trips possible.

That's a Big Brick!

You may have wondered about the rather large engraved brick currently in front of the cabin. 

The brick belongs to The Darien Foundation for Technology and Community.  We are displaying the brick as proud recipients of recent a grant from the foundation intended to update the leadership training infrastructure and general technology at the cabin.  In particular, the Foundation is helping the cabin replace the overhead projector and sound system in the large meeting hall, update the cabin-wide PA system, add smartboard technology to the conference room, provide an upgraded PC workstation and roving TV/DVD for small group activities and install an AED. 

The equipment will go a long way towards helping scouts and other organizations that use the cabin conduct effective meetings.  On top of that, we bet that the cabin probably has one of the highest percentage of occupants in town that actually know how to use an AED, and give CPR, thanks to the first aid training that scouts receive!

The Darien Foundation provides private funding for technology and community capital projects that will benefit the citizens of Darien.  Thank you for the support, Darien Foundation!