Primitive Fire Building
Try fire-starting methods used a century ago — flint and steel, char cloth, or matches — then build a small fire in a contained pit and time a boil. Portable pits only; subject to Fire Chief approval that weekend.
Weekend Activities
A small Saturday: four outdoor-skill stations, a turkey dinner, and a campfire. Sized for about 50 people.
Saturday: Outdoor Skills
Four hands-on stations in timed rotations — morning and afternoon. Everyone visits each station.
Trail Cooking
Hands-on camp cooking: eggs in an orange and muffins in an orange. Sample a prepared version, learn the steps, then make both meals with your group to share.
Wilderness Egg Drop
Protect an egg and drop it from about five feet without breaking it. Use only natural materials found near the station. Plan, test, and revise up to three tries.
First-Aid Carries
Learn when an injured camper should be moved, practice several carry methods, then run a short course moving a teammate safely. Fun practice that builds real skill.
Rotation Schedule
Four groups (A–D) rotate through the stations. Morning blocks include a short transition between sessions.
| Station | 9:30–10:30 | 10:45–11:45 | 1:30–2:15 | 2:15–3:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primitive Fire Building | A | D | C | B |
| Wilderness Egg Drop | B | A | D | C |
| Trail Cooking | C | B | A | D |
| First-Aid Carries | D | C | B | A |
Afternoon skills end by 3:00 PM so everyone can join the historical program. See the full weekend schedule for meals and evening program. A removable lashed flagpole may be raised Saturday morning if materials and a safe temporary setup are ready — nothing is left in the ground.
Saturday Afternoon & Evening
Meals (Troop 1 & Pack 1)
Breakfast (Sat & Sun): cinnamon buns, pancakes, and sausages.
Lunch (Sat): hamburgers and hot dogs.
Coffee is available with the weekend meals. Friday dinner is bring-your-own.
Historical Program
3:00–5:00 PM — the history of the town and Troop 1. Afterward, change into Class A (dress uniform) for dinner and the campfire.
Thanksgiving-Style Turkey Dinner
5:00–7:00 PM in the 1926 Committee field — turkey dinner for about 50. Wear Class A. Then we head to the campfire.
Closing Ceremony & Campfire
7:00–10:00 PM — closing ceremony, songs, stories, remarks from past Troop 1 leaders, short skits, and s’mores around a shared community fire. The Mendon Fire Department builds and tends Saturday’s fire. Troop 1 groups are asked to prepare two appropriate skits. Community fires only, in portable pits; subject to Fire Chief approval. See Event Rules.
A Commemorative Patch
Artwork for the Gathering patch is being revised so the lower lettering reads clearly. One hundred are on order. The Troop 1 100-year patch is already in the site header.
Camping
Two nights at Inman Hill — early leaders from 10:00 AM Friday, camper arrivals from 5:00 PM Friday, through Sunday morning. Park in the left field as you head in; check in at 1926 Committee Field; follow the live maps. The cleared field holds about 20–30 tents, with a second field if needed; spots are assigned at check-in. Bring enough drinking water for yourself; the committee also brings a shared supply. See On-site and What to Bring.
