tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139587522011-08-13T16:35:41.602-04:00Boy Scout Troop 88 is sponsored by Princeton United Methodist Church located at the corner of Nassau Street and Vandeventer in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. The troop meets in the church basement during the school year on Monday evenings from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.<br> Scoutmaster: David Wertz (609)683-8005 email: dwertz@earthlink.netK Allenbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357010994346223736noreply@blogger.comBlogger451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-43730760979236781702009-09-01T09:31:00.003-04:002009-11-13T17:15:40.374-05:00

Below are some pictures from Camp Ockanickon where Troop 88 attended summer camp this year for a week from August 9 through August 15. Camp Ockanickon, located in Bucks County Pennsylvania, was named in honor of the Leni Lenape Indian Chief, Ockanickon, who was one of the conveyors of the lands of Bucks County to William Penn in 1682. (click on a photo to make it larger.)Don't worry parents, the

P. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-41849703103651585932009-07-01T10:37:00.005-04:002009-11-13T13:36:52.605-05:00

On Monday evening June 8, Troop 88 held their spring Court Of Honor and Family Picnic at the west picnic area near the marina on Lake Mercer in Mercer County Park. Among those scouts honored was Troop 88’s latest Eagle Scout, Steven Fuchs. Below are some photos of the solemn occasion to commemorate his achievement.

P. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-25602670863661655642008-02-18T11:31:00.046-05:002009-11-13T14:16:53.023-05:00

Troop 88 chose January 25, 26 and 27 for the troop's annual winter camping trip. This year the troop travelled to Kittatinny Mountain Scout Reservation in the northern tip of New Jersey for the event. Most of the troop travelled up on Friday night and were joined by the rest early Saturday morning. As expected and true to form, there was snow on the ground. Luckily, the Scouts opted for cabin

P. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-75557219613336328582007-11-13T20:24:00.001-05:002009-11-13T17:12:35.507-05:00

Troop 88 enjoyed a great weekend of camping and hiking in the Bass River State Forest in Burlington County, NJ. The trip was well worth the two hour drive to the State Park down near the Jersey Shore. Bass River State Forest was the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management. Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake

P. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-88499751455556161152007-09-28T17:37:00.005-04:002009-11-21T17:40:56.572-05:00

Turning Basin Canoe Rentals at the Canal on Alexander Road in Princeton.Scoutmaster David Wertz demonstrates the importance of life jackets, and more importantly, a balanced entry into the canoe.Troop 88 embarks on the two hour canoe trip from the Turning Basin launch to the Troop 88 campsite in the woods behind Sarnoff.The least favorite part of the trip is the passage under the Route 1 bridge

P. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-4535894449637099702007-07-16T22:36:00.000-04:002007-07-17T17:58:15.114-04:00

Our apologies for the condition of the Troop 88 blog. We are working to remove the large amount of SPAM that has cluttered up our site and hope to have the Blog site back up and functional in the near future.Yours in Scouting,Dan DabbsAssistant Scoutmaster

Dan Dabbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01739623527157880917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-42611346791577071672007-05-26T12:40:00.000-04:002009-11-13T14:24:23.319-05:00

Faustahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07282125634465210955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1141134071714789392006-02-28T08:41:00.000-05:002006-03-18T11:12:03.346-05:00

We had a busy meeting last night! We will have a Forrestal clean up at 1:00 this Sunday (unless we have snow cover again). It looks like we will have 8 Cub Scouts bridging to Troop 88 in the next few weeks:Friday, March 3 6:15-8:30 pm Grover Middle School New Troop 88 Scout Peter Carman Troop 88 Michael Carman Alan Wertz Dan Dabbs David Wertz Kent Allenby (tentative)Sunday, March 5 1:00-

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1141133418377506662006-02-28T08:30:00.000-05:002006-03-21T22:29:48.346-05:00

Maureen,Michael let us know that Peter will be bridging to Troop 88 this Friday from 6:15-8:30 at the Grover Middle School. To receive him with open arms will be:Michael Carman Eagle ScoutAlan Wertz First Class ScoutDan Dabbs Assistant ScoutmasterDavid Wertz Assistant ScoutmasterI will try and make it, but it will be a close thing.We look forward to Peter carrying on Michael's tradition (and

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1141132890277495942006-02-28T08:21:00.000-05:002006-03-18T11:17:59.256-05:00

Mary,We had our regular meeting last night and look forward to welcoming Brandon Mak and Kento Wada to Troop 88 at your Arrow of Light Ceremony on Tuesday, March 14 at the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church from 7-8 pm. Bob and I will work out the final mechanics of our part of the AOL script when we arrive for the ceremony. Attending from Troop 88 will be:Ross Merkin Life ScoutDante Ingato Life

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1141132196017949082006-02-28T08:09:00.000-05:002006-03-21T22:30:33.486-05:00

Dear Pat and DanielWe had our weekly meeting last night and look forward to welcoming the five Scouts from Den 12 into Troop 88 at Pack 43's Blue and Gold dinner this Sunday at 5:30 pm at the Princeton Day School cafeteria. Attending from Troop 88 will be:Brian Allenby Life Scout, Senior Patrol LeaderNolan Mickey First Class ScoutAlan Wertz First Class ScoutPat Mickey Chair, Troop CommitteeKent

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1139952491135261802006-02-14T16:28:00.000-05:002006-03-21T22:38:22.786-05:00

Good news! Brandon Mak and Kento Wada from Weblos Pack 40 have decided to join Troop 88. They will bridge at the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church in Princeton Junction from 7:00-8:00 on Tuesday, March 14. I will be there but it also would be nice to have 1 or 2 of our senior Scouts present to welcome them into Troop 88. Is anyone interested in joining me?Regards,Kent Allenby

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1139835428519073982006-02-13T07:57:00.000-05:002006-10-08T00:19:37.313-04:00

A great weekend at KMSR was had by the Scouts (Brian, Dan, Nolan, Dante and Alan), Scoutmasters (Dr. Dabbs, Dr. Wertz and Dr. Allenby) along with a representative of the Troop Committee (Mr. Mickey) and Mr. Ingato. As usual, the food was great, particularly the venison stew for Saturday evening's dinner prepared by Brian, Dan and Alan. After hearing the revised forecast Saturday afternoon, we

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1139321605916133112006-02-07T09:13:00.000-05:002006-03-21T22:31:13.966-05:00

We had a very successful open house last night with around 10 Cub Scouts and one First Class looking for another Troop. My congratulations to the Scouts for running an interesting program. Hopefully next month we will get many of them bridging over to Troop 88.We will be going up to Kittatinny Mountain Scout Reservation this weekend for some cabin camping. We will meet at the church this Friday,

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1139012525582384682006-02-03T19:22:00.000-05:002009-11-13T14:18:58.736-05:00

Reminder all scouts:Please meet at my house which is located at 4 Manassas Court at about 8:30 am tomorrow morning. Please bring work gloves, wear old clothes. I could use a couple of hammers as well. Lunch will be served. We should be done by noon. Directions from Princeton are as follows:Route 571 east towards hightstown. Make right at 1st light after passing West Windsor-Plainsboro High School

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1138715594294425482006-01-31T08:53:00.000-05:002006-03-21T22:35:27.016-05:00

Congratulations are due to Mike Carman for his Court of Honor. It was appropriate recognition for the work, participation and leadership he has demonstrated to make Eagle. For the rest of his life, Michael will be an Eagle Scout! Thanks as well to Maureen Carman for all the effort she put in to the pot luck supper and the wonderful Court of Honor.A reminder that Dante Ingato has an Eagle project

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1138411423207421572006-01-27T20:07:00.000-05:002009-11-13T14:24:23.320-05:00

Scouts, Scouters and Families,At last night's meeting the consensus from those who went to Cabela's was clear: it's a very impressive and massive outfit. The walk-through aquarium grotto, the mountain in the center of the store, the variety of gear (Dr. Dabbs lamented the large selection of women's clothing, I overspent in the fly fishing area, the Scouts were attracted to the wide knife and gun

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1137015802855326802006-01-11T16:43:00.000-05:002006-01-13T23:15:05.823-05:00

Scouts, Scouters and Parents,Monday's meeting was eventful with election of a new Senior Patrol. Congratulations on our new SPL, Brian Allenby and our new ASPLs Dan Schloss and Nolan Mickey. Our Eagle Scout, Mike Carman, and Ross Merkin (soon to be Eagle) will advise the new Senior Patrol.Upcoming Events:Sunday, January 15, 2:00 pm: Forrestal Clean-Up.Monday, January 16: No meeting due to holiday

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1135348161866156322005-12-23T09:29:00.000-05:002006-01-13T23:14:11.913-05:00

We had our last Monday meeting a few days ago and it certainly has been a busy year for Troop 88. Some things to think about for 2006:1. Our next Monday meeting will be on January 9.2. We need to schedule a winter Court of Honor. We've had a lot of advancements we want to recognize, not the least of which is our new Eagle Scout Michael Carman. Somehow I expect Mike will look more mature and

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1134514041117287062005-12-13T17:47:00.000-05:002009-11-13T14:24:23.320-05:00

Troopers:I've learned a few tricks from Mr. Mickey. Next up: a few pictures from our Cub Scout visitation.Dan Dabbs, ASMBSA Troop 88, Princeton

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1134512512000655482005-12-13T16:43:00.000-05:002009-11-13T15:29:41.090-05:00

New York City, 11 December 2005The NYC Hike was again a blast for the Troop. Here we stand in Central Park, ready to blaze new trails to reach our goal.OK, we've seen the tree...can we go now?One subway ride later and...CANAL STREET! But no-one warned us we had to walk!Lunch at a Troop tradition...and Little Italy for dessert?Where did the Scouts go?PATH Station, World Trade CenterGoing home (it

Dan Dabbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01739623527157880917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1133838952894142732005-12-05T22:15:00.000-05:002005-12-13T20:36:44.950-05:00

I apologize for in advance for the late notice here, but I need two scout volunteers to make a brief presentation to the cub scouts of Pack 185 in Montgomery at their next pack meeting scheduled for this Friday, December 9 at 7:00pm. They have set aside three minutes for our scouts to make a brief presentation to their scouts about the merits of Troop 88 in Princeton. Pack 185 meets at

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1133272743264360632005-11-29T08:59:00.000-05:002005-11-29T23:12:47.516-05:00

At last night's meeting, it looks like the date for the NYC hike that works for the most Scouts is Sunday, December 11. I will be away that weekend but, if enough adult Scouters are willing to go, it should work. At this time the adults who have tentatively indicated they will go are: Dan DabbsJoni DabbsDavid Wertz (knees permitting)Pat MickeySteve Schloss We should have at least 3 adults, so if

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1132377288306080242005-11-19T00:01:00.002-05:002009-11-13T15:55:15.707-05:00

On November 16, 2005, Mike Carmen, Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 88, had his Eagle Scout board of review. Mike completed his Eagle project last month and came through the review with a very strong showing. All in attendance were impressed with his leadership skills, accomplishments and his commitment to stay and help build the Troop throughout next year. Michael is the son of George and Maureen

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1132376285599035052005-11-18T23:39:00.000-05:002005-11-18T23:58:17.986-05:00

Scout Dante Ingato, shown here defending the goal for his West Windsor Plainsboro HS - South Lacrosse team, had the honor of being chosen by his fellow classmates as King for the West Windsor Plainsboro High School South homecomming this year. Dante, who is working toward the rank of Eagle scout is a prime example of the multi-talented scouts that make Troop 88 so unique.Way to go Dante.

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1132375070321489382005-11-18T23:26:00.000-05:002005-11-18T23:37:50.343-05:00

It may be a little early to tell for certain, but rumor has it that former Troop 88 scout Matt Kalinowski is returning to Troop 88. Matt showed up to a warm welcome at our last weekly troop meeting at the urging of scout David Delcol after a three year hiatus. Well done David!We will all work hard to make Matt welcome and give him good reason to stay. He will make an excellent addition to our

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1132370041956349962005-11-18T22:14:00.000-05:002005-11-29T23:15:34.566-05:00

An open invitation to Webelo scouts in several neighboring scout packs went out inviting scouts and their families to be our guests at the 128th meeting between the Yale and Princeton football teams on Saturday November 12 at 1:00pm in Princeton with the scouts of Troop 88.The scouts and their families were also invited to meet with members of Troop 88 before the game at 10:30am in the woods

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1131232244184316172005-11-05T18:09:00.000-05:002005-11-05T18:11:53.090-05:00

Troop 88 continues to provide boys from Princeton, West Windsor, and Plainsboro the opportunity to participate in the Scouting Adventure. Unfortunately, during the past year the Troop again declined in enrollment, having now only 11 registered Scouts while maintaining strong adult interaction through 5 committed Scoutmasters and a busy Troop Committee. Recruitment remains the biggest issue facing

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1131108157251454132005-11-04T07:42:00.000-05:002005-11-05T17:57:55.686-05:00

Just a reminder that this Monday we will be finalizing plans for our Sarnoff campout on Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13 which will include the Princeton football game Saturday afternoon and, hopefully, successful recruitment of new Scouts.See you Monday evening.Kent Allenby

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1130900795659957912005-11-01T21:54:00.000-05:002009-11-13T15:28:18.028-05:00

.On Sunday, October 23 Troop 88 embarked on an afternoon fishing excursion in the Atlantic ocean off Point Pleasant, NJ aboard the Norma K. The weather could not have been better for the trip with sunny skies and a relatively calm sea.Congratulations go out to Scoutmaster Kent Allenby and Scout Ross Merkin who caught a combined total of seven fish between them. Members of Troop 88 also managed to

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1130763504032259932005-10-31T07:58:00.000-05:002005-11-05T17:58:11.233-05:00

All,We usually have meetings unless school is not in session. The Senior Patrol has elected to have a meeting tonight so I will be there. We can plan for our upcoming Sarnoff campout.Happy Halloween.Kent Allenby

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1130029708963429052005-10-22T21:04:00.000-04:002009-11-13T14:18:58.737-05:00

On Saturday, October 15th Ross Mirkin marshalled the efforts of a small army of volunteers to complete most of the work on his Eagle Scout project. Ross chose a project designed to beautify the entry way and parking lot of the Zaitz Soccer Fields in West Windsor where Ross lives. The project involved planting over a dozen large trees and over two dozen day lillies.Ross had the very good fortune

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1129218874380121752005-10-13T11:54:00.000-04:002005-10-22T21:48:46.640-04:00

A reminder that Ross Mirkin's Eagle project is this Saturday, October 15 at Zaitz Field in West Windsor starting at 8:45 am. We will be planting trees and flowers and the ground should certainly be soft enough by now. Wear appropriate clothes and boots (your feet will get sore kicking a shovel all day in tennis shoes).Fishing Trip: At the last meeting the time was set for Sunday afternoon,

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1128635456796334382005-10-06T17:50:00.000-04:002005-10-07T22:24:48.586-04:00

I have heard from the Point Pleasant marina. They have two 1/2 day trips; 8:30-12:30 and 2:00-6:30. The cost is $30 per person which includes bait. Rod rentals are $5.00. They have a snack bar on the boat to buy food. They will also clean your fish for $1.00 per fish.Kent Allenby

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1128097801350876662005-09-30T12:30:00.000-04:002005-10-07T22:25:06.803-04:00

Just a reminder to everyone that we have a Forestall clean-up tomorrow, October 1, at 2:00 pm at the usual place. If we get a decent number of Scouts, it should take an hour or less.See you then.Kent Allenby

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1126705624513594812005-09-14T09:47:00.000-04:002005-09-20T22:09:53.036-04:00

Troopers:In case you missed the announcement at Monday's meeting, I have stepped down as the Scoutmaster for Troop 88. Kent Allenby has taken over the mantle of Scoutmaster. I am once again an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Troop.While I've enjoyed the role over the past three years, I, the other Scoutmasters, and the Troop Committee all agreed that it was a good time for a change. I am very glad

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1126095466209903342005-09-07T08:17:00.000-04:002005-09-20T22:08:58.766-04:00

Troopers:I am sorry that I never got back to you all about a planning meeting prior to our first meeting...I've been ill the past several days (ruining a particularly fine Labor Day weekend!) and just not feeling very Scout-like. Lots of things left dangling.Anyway, because I'm still under the weather, I doubt I'll be in condition to hold a meeting before our First Troop Meeting on Monday 12

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1124388744654208382005-08-18T14:12:00.000-04:002005-11-29T23:15:09.990-05:00

Troopers:Well, we're getting close to the start of another Scouting Season. Lots of things to get together, like our calendar! Our first Troop meeting is Monday September 12--can we plan on an earlier meeting for all interested Scouts and Scouters to start getting our ducks in a row?I always liked that phrase. Anyway, I am out all next week (emptying the nest; I'm heading off to Wisconsin to get

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1122601410256643992005-07-28T21:36:00.000-04:002005-07-28T22:01:53.156-04:00

Thought everyone would be amused by some ideas on how to repel these pests. Received these suggestions in one of those chain emails. Who knows, they may actually work! Use Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets ... Best thing ever used in Louisiana . just wipe on and go ... Great for Babies. Bob, a fisherman, takes one vitamin B-1 tablet a day April through October . He said it works. He was right. Hasn't

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1122468655912667112005-07-27T08:50:00.000-04:002009-11-13T14:24:23.320-05:00

All:Mr. Mickey has posted pictures from the Troop's recent excursion to KMSR on the Troop 88 Blog site. I've attached his email from June 27 describing the blog site to this note just in case you've mislaid your copy of the original.Scouts: please post your comments--positive and negative--about the camp and your experiences there. If you have pictures please post those as well.This is such a

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1122428259090194082005-07-26T21:33:00.000-04:002009-11-13T15:29:31.517-05:00

Below are a few pictures taken at Kittatiny Mountain Scout Reservation last week when Troop 88 attended summer camp. Aside from some uncomfortably warm weather earlier in the week, a great time was had by all. (click on photos to enlarge)Entrance to KSMR CampCamp HQ & StoreMess Hall from the Parade GroundsEntrance to the Mess HallInside the Mess HallCamp Rocky Mountain Home of Troop 88Home of

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1121731650635062082005-07-18T20:03:00.000-04:002005-07-18T20:07:30.640-04:00

Troop 88 Scouts and Scouters,The Mercer Area District Calendar highlights of the upcoming District and Council events for 2005-2006 has been posted in Word format at the link below. http://mad-bsa.org/calendars/quick_2005_2006_15jul2005.doc

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1121651425401752672005-07-17T21:44:00.000-04:002005-07-17T22:48:48.403-04:00

Campers:Summer Camp at Kittatinny Mountain Scout Reservation is here!. The Scoutmasters will be meeting at the Church on 10:30 Sunday morning to gather Troop gear. Anyone needing a ride should hitch up with us there--please be prompt. I anticipate leaving no later than 11:00 for KMSR.It will take about 2 hours to get there; bring a lunch or lunch money.The Troop needs to check in as a unit.

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1120360276367827482005-07-02T23:08:00.000-04:002009-11-13T14:18:58.737-05:00

Eagle Scouts Maurio Ingato, second from left, and Shane Schoepfer, fourth from left, were honored at Troop 88's Spring Court of Honor held June 13, 2005, at the Mercer County Park. Maurio built and installed park benches in the Ron Rogers Arboretum, West Windsor. He will be attending the University of Delaware in Fall 2005. Shane built a hiking trail through the arboretum. He attends Brown

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13958752.post-1119747852918493602005-06-25T20:42:00.000-04:002005-06-25T22:40:12.606-04:00

Welcome to the BSA Troop 88 web log. This site was created for the scouts and scouters of Troop 88 in Princeton, NJ to share troop communications, event news, (random thoughts?) and ... well, whatever members of the Troop want to post.To start, the blog is open only to members of Troop 88 who accept an invitation. You can then customize your profile and begin posting to the site. Please remember

Patrick R. Mickeynoreply@blogger.com1