The
Journal of the POCONO PLATEAU ©2022, All Rights Reserved
VOLUME 26, NUMBER 17
February 25–March 10, 2022
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Camp Minsi hosts annual Boys Scout Ice Fest by Lori R. Cooper
A 32 degree Saturday in February, with snow lightly falling, was perfect for the annual Boy Scout Ice Fest held at Stillwater Lake at Camp Minsi, Pocono Summit. Approximately 400 Boy Scouts, from troops all over the country, gathered at the lake.
Going on the third year, the event keeps getting bigger. The lake is frozen 11 inches deep, making different activities possible safely. One of the events was ice fishing where the Scouts learned how to safely auger into the ice. Auger relay races were held. The Scouts learned how to play curling.
Games of ice golf and an ice relay were also played. Stillwater Lake is manmade and the area was a hub for harvesting ice. The ice harvesting industry was one of the biggest industries in Monroe County at the turn of the 1900s. Workers were paid 30-35 cents an hour. Blocks of ice were floated to shore then, with the help of horses, the blocks were hauled into icehouses. The blocks of ice would last into the summer under a thin layer of straw. Ice was then shipped by rail to major cities. In addition to Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, Sea Scouts, known as “venturers”
joined the Scouts at age 14 and earned his Eagle Scout rank. He enjoys teaching the Scouts safety on the ice. Ray Anthony, from Kunkletown, brought his 10 year old grandson to the event. He also brought along his own ice fishing equipment in hopes of catching bass and pickerel. A demonstration of old tyme timbering equipment Scouts can earn their was held in the dining Eagle Scout rank at age 18. hall as well as cooking Those over 18 can continue demonstrations. as a Sea Scout or become There was a great turnout a “Scoutmaster,” leading a for the event. Fun was had troop. by all as the Scouts had an Assistant Scoutmasters opportunity to learn and Brian Mittura and Dan Foti have been going to this event play ice games in this unique environment. for several years. Mittura participated. The Sea Scouts focus on learning nautical skills and range in age from 14-21.