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BSA TROOP 37 NEWSLETTER
Volume 11 | Issue 5 | February 2025 - June 2025
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STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK
SCOUTMASTER’S MINUTE
By Scoutmaster Rob Pfuhler
As another eventful scouting year draws to a close, we look back at the adventures we have had over the last 10 months.
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The year began with JLT at Pouch Camp in September, a well-attended weekend focused on communication, organization, and team-building as scouts prepared for leadership roles.
In October, we traveled to Alpine and visited Fort Lee’s museum to learn about the Revolutionary War. We then hiked the 12-mile Palisades Trail, enjoying a beautiful fall day and stunning views of NYC. Everyone was tired but ended the day with a hot meal, a campfire, and the Yankees beating the Guardians to advance to the World Series.
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November brought a chilly weekend at Bullowa Scout Camp and a “Leadership Tour” of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where scouts saw leadership principles in action.
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In January and February, we went cabin camping at Allamuchy and Quail Hill. Despite the cold, we enjoyed a snow-covered hike, a competitive shelter-building contest, and games of football and gator ball.
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In March, we traveled to Philadelphia and hiked the 10-mile Benjamin Franklin Historical Trail, visiting landmarks including Independence Hall. All scouts earned the Ben Franklin Historic Trail Medal and enjoyed a classic Philly cheesesteak lunch. April’s trip to Treasure Island in Pennsylvania was a standout. Scouts enjoyed archery, axe throwing, canoeing, and more. As one scout put it, it was an “11/10 trip.”
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In May, we attended the annual Camporee at Pouch Camp. Troop 37 stood out with a perfect campsite, an impressive gateway, and nearly 20 ribbons—including two of the top three patrols. I’ve never been prouder to be Scoutmaster, especially seeing their grace in handling the results.
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Two of the best events are yet to come. Most of the Troop will have a fun and busy week at Hawk Mountain in July. Shortly after that, 21 Troop members will travel to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, where we will “enjoy” 12 days of backcountry hiking, rain, bear sightings, lung-searing climbs, rattlesnake sightings, river crossings, lightning (and rain), and hundreds of unforgettable memories.
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Next year will also be exciting, as we continue our American History tour with trips to Gettysburg and Valley Forge. Those not in scouting are missing out, so tell a friend.
BSA Troop 37 | Volume 11 | Issue 5 | Feb 2025- Jun 2025
QUAIL HILL 2025
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On February 21, the Troop travelled to the scouts’ favorite destination, Quail Hill Scout Reservation. We stayed in the McDowell Lodge, which was somewhat small, but newly renovated. After unloading all of our gear, we ate dinner, played some board games and went to sleep. On Saturday morning, we had a shelter building contest where the Patrols used of the wilderness survival skills we have learned to build 2 shelters. Both came out well and definitely could have been used to sleep in. After finishing the shelters, we took a short hike and then went back the cabin for lunch.
After lunch, most of the Troop participated in a fierce game of gator ball. The red team, lead by Mr. Pfuhler (4 goals), lost a very narrow decision to the blue team, 10-9. After the game, everyone went back to the cabin and relaxed and got ready for dinner. After dinner, we played outside for a while and then came back in to watch a movie. The movie was “Meatballs”, an old movie which was picked by the adults and enjoyed mostly by them, although it was not bad.
Sunday morning, we got up early, packed up and left. Overall, it was a fun trip with good weather and good food and something we should definitely do again.
BSA Troop 37 | Volume 11 | Issue 5 | Feb 2025- Jun 2025
PHILADELPHIA TRIP
By Nick Ragucci
During the Philadelphia trip we got to experience many important and impactful historical monuments. Many of the monuments we saw had a significant impact on the creation of our country. These are the building blocks to the way our country is today. During the trip we got to enjoy an authentic philly cheesesteak at one of the many famous cheesesteak restaurants in the Philadelphia area. We even got to see the room where the declaration of independence was signed. Back at the campsite we enjoyed a campfire and I got to present a speech for my communications merit badge with Mr Changoo. The campfire got slightly chaotic as wind started blowing the embers into the air, nonetheless me and the scouts and leaders involved had an amazing time during this trip.
BSA Troop 37 | Volume 11 | Issue 5 | Feb 2025- Jun 2025
CAMP TREASURE ISLAND
By Gabe Tuthill
Camp Treasure Island is a great former BSA campground. It offers many different activities and opportunities. Some of which are: canoeing, tetherball, volleyball, gaga ball, different lectures including one about the Lenape and also the ability to complete merit badges such as fingerprinting.
Camp Treasure Island is really well taken care of and the staff is always doing all they can to help give us a wonderful experience. Such experiences include campfire stories, skits, daily checkups and hosting competitions. We can’t forget how the skits had the ability to make the whole camp pee their pants from laughter.
In conclusion, Camp Treasure Island is amazing and great in almost every single way. I am so happy I and many others had the chance to camp there even for a time period as short as two days.
BSA Troop 37 | Volume 11 | Issue 5 | Feb 2025- Jun 2025
CAMP-O-REE 2025
By Matthew Moroz
Camporee is an annual competition where Staten Island troops gather at Pouch Camp to showcase their scouting skills. This year’s events included lashing, knots, fire building, tomahawk throwing, first aid, archery, water tubes, and orienteering.
Our weekend began with unloading gear—only to realize the Rattlesnakes patrol had no food. A quick deli run solved the issue, though it was a stressful moment for me as patrol leader. Thankfully, everyone stayed well-fed. Campsites were judged on cleanliness, organization, and gateways. We set up our tents neatly and built a uniform camp kitchen. Our gateway goal was ambitious: a 10-foot freestanding structure made of lashed tripods, featuring a Troop 37 sign shaped like Staten Island and a Star Wars-themed rebellion flag. After two hours and several attempts, it stood tall and proud.
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At the opening flag ceremony, we sang our troop song—though I lost my voice by the third verse and struggled to speak for a week. Afterward, we had a lightsaber battle with gear from Liam Ferguson. Sidh and I dueled; he won two rounds, I won one. I admitted defeat and joined friends to explore the camp before heading to bed around 10 p.m.
The next morning, we had a quick breakfast of oats and packed our ten essentials. After check-in, we received our event map and schedule. Fire building didn’t go as planned, but we excelled in other areas—placing first in orienteering, second in knots and lashings, and third in first aid. Our patrol placed third overall. The Screaming Eagles also won best gateway and campsite.
We earned 15 awards but somehow placed second. Confusing? Maybe. But what mattered most was the fun, teamwork, and memories we made
BSA Troop 37 | Volume 11 | Issue 5 | Feb 2025- Jun 2025
MY EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
By Luis Quezada
For my Eagle Scout project, I designed and built six fishing line recycling containers to help protect local wildlife and promote environmental awareness. These containers were constructed out of PVC piping and are being installed at three popular fishing spots on Staten Island. I worked with NYC Parks to get approval for the design and locations, and each unit will allow fishermen to properly dispose of their used fishing line properly, reducing the risk of entanglement for birds and other animals.
The project planning began months in advance. I had to research proper container designs, meet with local officials, purchase materials, and lead multiple workdays with volunteers. The actual build took place in May, and I was proud to see Scouts, friends, and family come together to cut, assemble, and install the containers. I was responsible for organizing all the workday logistics, tools, and safety procedures.
This project taught me a lot about leadership and patience. Managing supplies and making sure everyone stayed on task was challenging, but it was worth it. It felt great knowing that I could make a lasting impact in my community. I’m grateful to everyone who helped me, including Troop 37, NYC Parks, and my mentors. I’m especially proud that this project will continue to benefit Staten Island long after my Eagle journey is complete.
