2022 Michael A. Boccardi Memorial
Trek-o-ree
Each fall the Algonquin and Mohegan districts of the Greater Hudson Valley Council (which includes the former Westchester-Putnam Council) hold a trek-o-ree at the council’s Durland Scout Reservation in Putnam Valley, N.Y., in memory of Michael A. Boccardi.
At the time of his death on Sept. 11, 2001, Mike Boccardi was 30 years old and had been Scoutmaster of Troop Forty, Mt. Vernon, for about 7 years.
Before that he was a member of the troop, attaining the rank of Eagle, and then an Assistant Scoutmaster. For several years he organized the annual trek-o-ree for the Four Rivers District (later combined with another district to form the Algonquin District). He gave to his troop, the district, and the council far more than the proverbial “one hour a week.” Altho working full-time for Fred Alger Associates in the World Trade Center, he devoted many hours a week to Scouting with abundant personal attention to individual Scouts. His last communication, minutes before one of the terrorist planes crashed into the North Tower, was to the mother of a Troop Forty Scout concerning an upcoming activity. In addition to weekly meetings and monthly campouts, Mike organized numerous long trips for Scouts and family members: to Florida, California, the Adirondacks, and Philmont Scout Reservation. In response to his long dedication, the Algonquin and Mohegan districts have dedicated the annual trek-o-ree to Mike.
The trek-o-ree is a Scouting activity that combines hiking and the demonstration of skills learned in Scouting. The hike might be as short as 3 miles or as long as 7. It’s usually done within the boundaries of the Scout camp, but sometimes has been on the Appalachian Trail near the camp or in adjacent public lands like Fahnestock State Park.
There was no trek-o-ree in 2020 (Covid year). In 2021 and 2022 the trek was organized by Robby Huneke, who was a young Scout in Mike Boccardi’s time and eventually became an Eagle Scout in 2008. He has a tattoo reading “M.A.B.” to honor his early mentor.
This year’s trek-o-ree on Nov. 12 included a hike of about 3 miles within the Durland Reservation and skills stations covering first aid, plant ID, lashing, emergency shelter, flag etiquette, orienteering, fire starting, etc. The Scouts divide into patrols, which usually are equivalent to the boys or girls of individual troops, depending on the number taking part. The activity is competitive, with points awarded for each segment of it, starting with their having required gear when they check in.
There were 12 patrols this year and about 120 Scouts registered. At least 3 of the patrols were from girl troops (420 Port Chester, 19 Tuckahoe, and 271 Bethel [Conn.]). At least 1 adult accompanies each patrol—there have been too many instances of lost patrols in the past; safety is a concern, too, of course. This year no one was injured, and no one got lost, altho at least one patrol was rather late returning.
The 1st-place patrol was 420 from Port Chester—an all-girl troop.
The Scouts are encouraged to camp out on Friday and Saturday nites, either in tents or in one of Durland’s comfortable cabins. Not many did that on Friday nite, which was wet and windy (wise decision!). The weather cleared spectacularly on Saturday morning, making for ideal hiking weather.
I gave opening prayers at the trek-o-ree assembly and a later assembly of Webelo Cub Scouts, who also had a hiking program. The trek concluded with Mass celebrated for about 50 Scouts, Scouters, and some parents.
Between my religious duties, I took a long hike on the orange and blue trails up to the northern edge of the Scout property, where it abuts Fahnestock SP.
I took most of the photos linked here. Robby Huneke took 3 during Mass (specifically at the general intercessions). See https://link.shutterfly.com/
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