April 10-11, 2010 – Pictures updated from Mr. Barry and Mr. Zakrzewski on Kodak Site
After gathering and checking in at 7:30 am at OLPH Church we started our journey to Lake Frederick. Lake Frederick is part of the West Point complex and the area used for Basic Training for the Corp of Cadets. To provide some scale of the West Point property, the entrance to Lake Frederick is 12 miles from the main Thayer Gate of West Point.
After finding the facility (Google maps and the directions from West Point were both a bit off) we checked in with the camp master. He recommended camping on the opposite side of the lake and out of the wind. He was very right as the winds were pretty severe and we had several Scouts and parents were doing some tent flying as they tried to get their tents staked down. He also cautioned that this was an active military post and we should be very aware of posted signs and obey them at all times.
We scouted out all of the sites and set up tents, cooking area, ax yard, and gathered wood. Wood was not an issue as many branches and larger pieces of wood were still on the ground from the recent storms. Once settled several new scouts started their Totem and Fireman Chit activities which would continue later in the evening and on Sunday. Other Scouts and Adults took the opportunity to explore the facility further. Since Lake Frederick has been the basic training location for many years there are many old buildings and bunkers spread around the area. We also came across the tear gas training facility very correctly named the “House of Tears”.
After an early lunch we saddled up and headed over to the West Point Visitors Center to meet up with the remainder of our group. After a bit of confusion with the tour company as they were under the impression we had our own busses…… We cleared things up, broke into two groups and began our 3 hour tour of the Campus, Cemetery, and Museum. First, all members of the group Age 16 and above had to present ID to security prior to getting on the bus. The first leg of our tour was a narrated drive up to the Main Post Chapel. We passed Buffalo Soldier Field, The Government Admin buildings that originally were the horse stables, several of the athletic facilities including Miche Stadium, and several other chapels. Upon arrival at the Main Chapel, we were provided a great tour of the interior and its great history.
The views of the campus from the chapel were very impressive. After continuing along by bus we stopped at the parade field and received many other interesting facts and views of West Point. We then headed to the museum. As we were heading out we passed Doubleday Field. Abner Doubleday, who was credited with the creation of Baseball, was also a graduate of West Point and a two star general.
The museum is the largest display of military hardware and art in North America. Many impressive galleries and artifacts covering centuries of military history were on display. Our guide let us know that the items displayed are but a small percentage of the full collection of artifacts stored at West Point for future exhibits.
Upon completing our Museum tour (we could have spent the whole day there), we went back on campus to visit the WP Cemetery and Trophy Point. Many distinguished American’s are buried there. The realities and harshness of war are evident as there were many new stones in the cemetery for graduates of West Point who have been killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Trophy Point was our last stop on our tour. Beautiful views of the Hudson River and while there, we learned the strategic significance of the West Point location which was the perfect location and the narrowing of the river allowed the American forces to control the Hudson from above.
After a Troop photo Op, we headed back to the visitors center, visited the gift shop and returned to Lake Frederick for dinner, advancement, exploring and camping. Dinner was well done by the two scout patrols and one adult patrol. Five of our newest members were on the trip and it was great to have them and some of the dads join us for their first Troop 49 outing.
We had five Scouts complete their Totem and four complete their Fireman certification. Congratulations to them on accomplishing this! Many others worked with Senior Scouts to complete rank requirements
After a great campfire and some star gazing, we all turned in for the night. As we were on a military post about 3am brought the military patrol of well armed troops in Humvee’s passing through our camp on patrol of the training areas.
Sunday morning we awoke to warmer temperatures and another sunny day. After Breakfast and exploring, we broke camp and headed back to Oakland.
Thanks to the Scouts who represented Troop 49 admirably at West Point and throughout the whole weekend. Also thanks to all of the parents who as usually made the SIC’s job as easy as possible. A great time was had by all.
Respectfully Submitted, Paul Zakrzewski – Scoutmaster in Charge