While the summer of 2020 may have been different than expected, BSA Troop 70 has made the most of it, according to troop leaders.

The troop was set to travel to Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases in Minnesota this summer, from July 28 to August, but the pandemic thwarted plans for that expected adventure.

Instead, Troop 70 held a Summer Sleepover Camp at Cullens Youth Association in Newtown, July 30 to August 2.

“The troop was able to rally together and create this camplike experience in the context of what has been going on,” said Troop 70 Membership Chair Mike Stutman.

According to Stutman, the troop also regularly visits upstate New York in the summer for other outdoor excursions, and the long weekend at Cullens Youth Association emulated that typical experience.

“I was really proud of the troop,” said Stutman.

Scoutmaster Ed Breitling said the troop has held virtual meeting between seven and nine times, but “Scouts need to be outside.”

Troop 70 adults chipped in to make the Summer Sleepover Camp possible. Two weekends were spent, according to Breitling, preparing the area at Cullens Youth Association for the camp. This was the first summer in 50 years Troop 70, Newtown’s oldest troop, did not go to the same camp it always visits in New York.

Instead, adults and some Eagle Scouts brought the learning experiences and badge work to Newtown. Overall, Breitling said, the option to earn eight different merit badges was offered. Newtown Police Department Security Resource Officer Richard Monckton taught skills for the scouts to earn a fingerprinting merit badge, according to Breitling. Other areas of focus included wood carving, pioneering, fire safety, and archery. Two Eagle Scouts taught the scouts in Troop 70 the fundamentals of fishing.

Overall, Breitling said, “The kids in total ether earned or got most of the requirements done for 86 merit badges.”

Precautions were taken throughout the long weekend, according to Breitling. Roughly 20 scouts participated in the long weekend event, and masks were worn by all. A medical officer was appointed to check temperatures every morning. Hand sanitizer was available, and one parent oversaw all of the cooking, with food served on disposable plates.

Each scout had their own tent, too, unless they shared a tent with a sibling. Breitling said Centers for Disease Control guidelines were followed.

“We were pretty careful about it,” he added.

The troop now meets Tuesdays, outside at Cullens Youth Association, with social distancing observed.

“The kids are actually pretty good about it,” said Breitling.

Over the years, Breitling said BSA Troop 70 has conducted events with other local troops, and he is looking forward to those events happening again when “everything settles down.”

According to Stutman, Troop 70 has an annual Arrow of Light Invitational event scheduled for October 3 at Cullens Youth Association to introduce families to the troop. The Arrow of Light Invitational event assists Webelos and Arrow of Light Cub Scouts to earn advancement requirements, and serves as a way to familiarize older Cub Scouts and students who have completed at least fifth grade with the troop. Troop 70 scouts lead adventure pin activities and help lead the logistics of the event. To register for the event, e-mail Stutman at mstutman@gmail.com.