Every year we meet at Stewart Park for our family picnic and Summer Court of Honor

It is a great event for all ages

Senior Patrol Leader Sam and assistants John and Adam

Adam and Sam Salute the incoming Stars and Stripes and troop colors

Various items are lost and found during the scouting year

Candles on the log signify elements of the scout law

All stand for the pledge of allegiance

Sam presents Chris with the first of many merit badges

Cycling merit badge for DC

Justin and Sam get their coin collecting merit badge

Kenny wearing his Order of the Arrow sash

John, Justin, Sam and Adam

Communications merit badge for DC, Sam and Benjamin

The first rank in scouting for these boys

Tenderfoot rank for Brandon, Jeremy, Miles, Chris and Alan

Scouts and proud parents line up to receive the new rank

2nd class for Balazs, Kevin, Ian and Chris

Kenny and DC both earned the rank of Star Scout

Benjamin is congratulated on his Eagle Scout rank

Commendations received include from President G.W. Bush and First Lady Laura

Other commendations include the United States Senate and NY state Senate

Jery thanks Senior Patrol Leader Sam for his work in running the troop

Jery presents a copy of the Scout Fieldbook in appreciation

ASM Robin recognizes the work of Den Chiefs Istvan and DC

The troop instructors and guides were congratulated for their great work

New Senior Patrol Leader Justin with assistants John and Adam

Swearing responsibility for their new offices

Senior year scouts K2, Benjamin and Nolan

Pack Leader and ASM Robin is recognized by Ben Brown

Ben presents Mari Tiwari with the district Sparkplug award

Mari thanks the scouts, parents and committee for making Troop 2 such a great unit

New committee chair Mike Thompson thanks Mari for all her work

Presenting a symbol of our appreciation

Mari also received some kayaking gear, including this PFD modeled by Jesse

Troop 2 Scoutmasters line up for recognition

Honor patrol DC, Alan, John and Kenny after the ceremony

5 mile hike at the top of Robert Treman State Park

Chris found a snake

Spectacular Lucifer's Falls

Scouts at the Newfield Glen overlook

A good lashings exercise well under way

Robin overseeing progress

The 7 mile backpacking crew

The scouts made a bench

Mike Thompson tried it our for size and durability

Jeremy and Ian starting to put up their tent

Mission accomplished

Eating dinner on the bench

A happy crew of benchmakers

Sleeping on the project

Waking up on your own work - satisfying

Everything has to be taken apart at some stage

Smiling faces on a gorgeous day for a hike

This is a beautiful place to walk

The water's erosion is clear to see

Some breathtaking views

What a lovely weekend event

Honor guard present the colors to open the ceremony

Plenty of people turned out to celebrate with Benjamin

Scoutmaster Jery, Justin and Sam

Building a wall to emphasize the Scout Law

Past Troop 2 Eagles bring Benjamin to the front

Jery masters the ceremonies

Proud father, Robert Miller, recounts Benjamin's progress through life and scouting

Obviously enjoying the evening - Benjamin Miller

Presenting the Eagle rank is Ben Brown

Congratulations Benjamin

Benjamin gets a pin for both parents, first is Dad

And then a second pin for Mom, Mary Ann

On behalf of the troop committee, Mari presents an Eagle Scout neckerchief

Mark Tate reads commendations from civic and federal dignitaries

Ben Carcich makes the Eagle Scout charge to Benjamin with other Eagles lined up behind.

Well done from Ben

Benjamin thanks his parents, scoutmasters and any other mentors on his road so far

The honor guard retire the colors

Celebration cake says it all

Fire Lieutenant Dave Burbank introduces the special program

Handing over the floor to Forest Ranger Joan

The Ranger explains her job and some of the rescues they get involved in

Scouts, leaders and parents listened carefully

A good turnout for this special program

There are many things the Forest Rangers have to be aware of in a rescue situation

Age, appearance, medical history and other factors come into play

Lots of questions were asked by the scouts

Sometimes young children hide from their rescuers

It is important to search very carefully

Joan lines the boys up to show the grid search method

The line moves from left to right

Aseem and Alden look on carefully

This system reduces the chances of missing any clues

Heading out to practice searching

Joan demonstrates the techniques

These scouts were the first ones to try the system

Details are important, sometimes it is the difference between life and death

Scouts line up to practice their new found knowledge

Scouts watching and waiting their turn to practice

The line can be spread on open ground

In wooded areas the line has to close up to avoid missing clues

A last minute run through by Dave and Joan

The scouts organize into patrols for the activity

The search pattern covers ground quite thoroughly

ASM Tim Nord offers the Scoutmaster's moment

Troop 2 among several hundred scouts at the Camporee in Lisle, NY

Organizer Mike Brown did a great job setting everything up

A very impressive campfire for the evening

Songs, skits and stories get told around the fire

Balazs by firelight

Balazs, Alan and Brandon enjoying the fire

The boys gather round as Chris holds a Salamder

The local beavers made a fancy shape of this tree stump

The scouts gather at Hills Creek State Park, lake in the background

An amazing beaver chewed tree stump at Hill's Creek State Park, PA

Aseem, Brandon, Alan, David and Balazs cooking with a Dutch oven

Istvan and Sam and their open fire meal

The Trojan patrol seem happy with their dinner preparations

Alison, Steve, Mark and Mike on the west rim of the canyon

Jery and everyone else having a great time around the camp fire

The bike trail runs for 47 miles along Pine Creek, downhill both ways!

Sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania

We saw an immature Bald Eagle riding on thermals

Kenny, Steve and Sam after our rafting trip

Fearless Mark and Mike on a rocky outcrop on the canyon rim

Mark moving some gear at our great campsite

Father (Steve) and son (Kenny) overlooking the canyon

Tony and Sam enjoying the warm sun

Steve, Kenny, Mike and Alan at the river's edge

Jery and Brandon

Rick, Aseem, Alison, Mark and Kevin ready to go again

Everyone together at the end of a fun day

Scouts and parents all take part in the Youth Protection program

Lots of questions asked and many topics were discussed

The decks are cleared, it is time for crab football

It is a fast game and seems to be loads of fun

The ball gets booted high and clear

A scramble in the middle of the playing area

The ball seems to be coming straight for the camera

In the end the score was 2 goals each - a worthy draw

First, all the gear has to be unloaded

Everybody is kitted up and ready to get going

John at the head of the line

Brandon, DC, John and Justin enjoying lunch

Hiking up from the lowlands

Chris, Scott and Mark moving along

Stick to the path through the woods

Everyone gets spread out on steep hills

Plenty of snow and Justin wearing a T-shirt

Benjamin and Sam formally open the Court of Honor

ASM Mark Tate getting ready

Scout salutes from Mark and Tim

The whole troop salutes the Scout Oath and Law

All rise for the Pleadge of Allegiance

ASM Tim Nord presented the Friends of Scouting appeal

Jesse handing out the FoS pamphlet for everyone to read

Some took notes while others just listened

Many Boys from Troop 2 attended the Autoree last fall

Auto mechanic merit badges were earned by everyone who took part

The Autoree was great fun for everyone

Benjamin, Sam and K2

Tenderfoot rank was awarded to Kevin, Balazs and Ian

Proud parents were there to congratulate their sons

Mark Tate presents the God and Service award to Jery and Robin Stedinger

Robin and Jery were delighted with the recognition

Outgoing Senior Patrol Leader and Jery

New Senior Patrol Leader Sam shares a laugh with Jery

Everyone listens to the activities of the 1st year patrol

John explains the requirements for Family Life merit badge

Justin and Kenny received

Justin explains the merit badge requirements

Troop Guide K2 with several of his 1st year wards

K2 relates the trials of being a 1st year scout

Balazs, Aseem and Ian

Benjamin presents Star rank to Nick

New Star rank scout Nick is enjoying himself

New Senior Patrol Leader Sam

Committee chair Mari talks about progression from 1st year to high school senior

Mari and Troop committee secretary Teri explain the roles of the committee members

Ball toss is a traditional game for scouts to play

Piggy back racing around ASM Mike Thompson

A fun way to practice emergency skills

Robin and Jery Stedinger - proud recipients of the God and Service award from FCC

At long last, it is time for bed (well past most people's really)

All ready for action

Several exercises are set out for patrols to work on

Teamwork is always the best way to deal with the problem

Sometimes you just have to stop and think

Mixed patrols made for good skill teaching and great fun

This requires a lot of cooperation and trust in others

It also takes some real effort

Troop guide Nolan and the 1st year patrol

Simulated ice rescue

Justin oversees putting up a tent - blind

Tired out and in the bags

The sled is reloaded and it is time to go home

The Honor Guard line up in the Lutheran church in Ithaca

Benjamin and Sam opening the Eagle ceremony

Scouts salute for the Scout Law

A candle for each point in the Scout Law

The Honor Patrol and SM Tim Nord

Representing ranks through scouting

Carter Hirtle - past Eagle

Scoutmaster Jery Stedinger

Michael Deyhim - Eagle Scout

Alex recalling Michael's path to Eagle

Many steps along an interesting journey

Ben Brown presenting to Michael

A special event for Michael

Michael looks out at the assembly

(l-r) Jery, Ben, Michael and Alex

Michael, Dad Alex and Ben Brown

Alex Deyhim, proud father presents the Eagle pin.

Michael and Father, Alex

Tony Brock presents Michael's Eagle neckerchief

Past Eagles Steve, Mark, Peter, Garrett, Ben and Carter line up with Michael

Garrett Tate, past Eagle, charges Michael with the Eagle Scout responsibilities

Garrett and Michael, both Eagles now

Michael thanks everyone for helping him reach the rank of Eagle

A thank you gift for Jery Stedinger from Alex

David, Jery and Sam with some really inventive slide ideas

Paying close attention to Istvan punching out holes in his piece of leather

Mark Tate explaining fine details to Aiden

Tim Nord shows the boys how to plait a good woggle

Nick approves of what Chris, Alden and Miles are doing

Tim and Tom Caswell with an attentive group

New ASM Alison with Justin puzzling over his design

Troop Chair Mari Tiwari, John and Ian looking though old computer parts

Are you really going to take our picture? K2, Mark and Kenny

Eagle Scout Michael shows Balazs how it goes together

Loading up the VW with scouts and gear

Our first year patrol looking ready for action

The older scouts on their ten mile hike

Sam, John, Kenny and Tim and a pile of gear

Phil, Chris, Mark and Ian getting lunch ready

It is time to get lunch, but no one seems to be starting

Lunch, always a welcome break from hiking

Headlamps gathered round an open fire

This is a good way to keep the photographer warm

Mike, Mark and Tim share a moment at the campsite

The First year patrol packing up to go home on Sunday morning

Sam and Adam ready the flags

The honor patrol steps out

Adam, Benjamin (Senior Patrol Leader) and Sam

Stand for the Scout Oath

Robin and newest recruits

Benjamin presenting

Benjamin, Sam and 1st year patrol

Joah and Nolan

John, Justin and Robin

Justin and John

Justin stepping up

Justin and Nolan

Tim, Kenny, K2, Istvan, Justin and John

Everyone looks to Luke, the theatrical guy

Mari Tiwari - Troop Committee Chair

Mark Tate and Tim Nord

Mark tells us about Barton 2006

Mark, Joah, Justin and Kenny

Mike and some of the Owasco bike team

Nick and Kenny

Sam, Adam and Benjamin

Sam, Ian and David

Sam, Kenny and Benjamin

Sam, Nick, Benjamin and Mark

Istvan (1st Class), his Mom and Adam

Adam presenting to John (Life Scout) and parents

John and his proud parents

Justin (Life Scout) and parents

Scouts from all over the district came for the Autoree

Detailed instruction on how to wash Dad's car

John, Jesse, Istvan, Kenny and Justin

Justin and Jesse in a big water fight

First year patrol with K2 and Sam

The Brotherhood Camporee badge

Thousands of scouts and leaders attend the opening ceremony

Mark crossing the rope bridge

Justin crossing the rope bridge

An important discussion - about food!

The patrol getting dinner prepared

Benjamin cooking for his patrol

A map of Wellesley islands

No wonder the area is called 1000 islands