TroopTrail 557: Summer Camp at Catalina's Camp Cherry Valley

Summer Camp at Catalina's Camp Cherry Valley

From CCV-2010

The Summer of 2010 will be one to never forget. A trip to Catalina Island for a week at Camp Cherry Valley is the stuff of lasting memories for the scouts of Troop 557.

The week started off with an exciting two-hour cruise aboard the Catalina King of Catalina Classic Cruises with the skipper pointing out Manta Rays and Blue Whales along the 24 mile float. No complaints about the food or lodging but a bit of grumbling over the 55 degree water temp for the Monday morning swim test. The scouts were able to work on a long list of merit badges for completion or partials along with checking off requirements for their next rank.
"It was a blast!" said Troop 557 Senior Patrol Leader, Codie Barton. "The staff was awesome... I enjoyed the long kayak/canoe trip out on the deeper water with high swells." Barton continued.
Eagle Scout Ben Meza recounted his adventures apart from the main troop as he along with Ernie Martinez and Justin Rickett spent their week in with Advanced Camp Experience (ACE). "We had a long, 20 mile, hike across the island to the town of Avalon." Meza said. "Along with many other adventures with kayaking, wind surfing, wave surfing at Shark Harbor, snorkeling and Catamaran sailing."
“I was impressed that the boys did not have any spare time, which was unusual.” Scoutmaster Joe Bertola added. “They spent a lot of time on ranks and merit badges.”