By Jim Heavey
On Saturday morning, Sept. 21, 73 Scouts and their leaders left Grass Island aboard the Rocky Neck landing craft, headed to Great Captain Island.
When the Scouts arrived, they set up camp according to their various troops and then were met by the very welcoming island caretakers, Kevin and Ann Hadden. After the opening ceremony at the flagpole, which included the Pledge of Allegiance and Scout oath and law, the Scouts toured the 1886 lighthouse and learned about the history of the island.
They then moved through several different Scouting challenges, including fire building, signaling, plant identification, knots and lashing, first aid, land navigation, and water safety and rescue. Among the eight patrols from seven troops, the top scoring troops were:
First Place: Troop 9, sponsored by Second Congregational Church Second Place: Troop 23, an all-girl Troop and one of two Troops sponsored by the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department Third Place: Troop 11, sponsored by Living Hope Community Church.
The Marine section of the Greenwich Police Department brought Public Safety Vessel 139 out to the island to visit the troops. Marine officers Kevin Ingraham and Steve Frano gave the Scouts a tour and explained all the safety equipment aboard the vessel.
A group of VIPs including Greenwich Council President Jim Adams and State Representatives Stephen Meskers and Hector Arzeno also voyaged to the island to visit the Troops.
In the afternoon, Scouts assisted the caretakers, planting apple trees near the wildlife preserve area on the east end of the island.
They then went about cooking dinner, mostly over a charcoal fire, and later had a campfire, led by the Order of the Arrow. At the campfire, Scouts per for med skits, songs and jokes in addition to reviewing a bit of the history of the island.
After a warm, hearty breakfast on Sunday morning, the Scouts returned to Grass Island with lifetime memories of a great place to visit. The Scouts are most grateful to Greenwich Parks and Recreation staff, especially Parks and Recreation Director Joe Siciliano and Kevin and Ann Hadden for their hospitality.
Town of Greenwich residents should know that there are opportunities to obtain a camping permit during the season on Great Captain Island and Island Beach. We are very fortunate that Greenwich residents have such a jewel in Greenwich Captains Island.
Chief Jim Heavey is an Eagle Scout and the recipient of the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service to youth. Besides being a local Scout leader, he has served on the national staff of numerous Order of the Arrow conferences, led four troops at various national jamborees, and served as the crew advisor for five hiking treks at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
