On Memorial Day weekend, May 24-27, Boy Scout Troop 226, sponsored by the Jewish Center of Teaneck, joined other Jewish Boy Scout troops from Silver Spring, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Cherry Hill, Highland Park, West Hempstead and Boston for the annual New Jersey State Boy Scout Kinus at Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco. Scoutmaster Daniel Chazin and Committee Chair Hal Dorfman attended, along with Scouts Joshua Dorfman, Moshe Gutfreund, Shai Gutfreund and Avi Samuel.

The weekend began with unexpectedly cold weather – it was only 45 degrees when we arrived on Friday afternoon, and it had rained that morning. It got a little warmer on Shabbat, and by Sunday afternoon, the temperature was in the 70s. Delicious kosher meals were provided under the supervision of Lawrence Margolin, an RCBC-certified mashgiach, and a cabin was set aside for davening (with a Sefer Torah).

Over the weekend, the Scouts had the opportunity to earn various merit badges, including Aviation, Electronics and Medicine. On Sunday, skeet shooting was available at the rifle range, and Scoutmaster Chazin led a five-hike around nearby Blue Mountain Lake and Hemlock Pond. This hike included a panoramic west-facing view over Pennsylvania from a rock outcrop known as Indian Rocks.

A great time was had by all at the Kinus, and we are all looking forward to next year’s Boy Scout Kinus!

On Monday, June 17, Troop 226 had its closing barbeque and Court of Honor in Phelps Park. At this event, we welcomed six new Scouts who had graduated from Pack 613, chartered to Congregation Ahavat Achim in Fair Lawn. The Scouts crossed a symbolic “bridge” and were welcomed into Troop 226. We look forward to their active participation in the troop’s events during the coming year.

Troop 226 meets each Monday evening during the school year (September to June) from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Weiss Auditorium of the Teaneck Jewish Center. All boys ages 11-17 are welcome to join. For more information, please contact Daniel Chazin, Scoutmaster, 201.835.5338, DChazin_aol.com.