We had a small group of adventurers travel to New York for the Snow Sports Weekend at Camp Merz and Peek'n Peak Ski Resort. Upon arrival the ranger greeted us right outside Roberts Cabin and showed us around the place. It was a warm and cozy cabin with a wood stove for heat. Once we settled in we made smores for snack and played cards. A few of us played War and the others played Uno. In no time at all it was time to turn in and get some sleep for the next day. After a good night's rest we awoke and made breakfast of Pancakes and Sausage. There was plenty to eat and it was a filling breakfast. When cleanup was complete we loaded up the car and took the drive over to Peek'n Peak. There was a bit of a wait when we got there, but soon enough we were geared up and on the slopes. Several took a lesson with the learn-to-ski package. The adults decided to hang out in the lodge and take in the action from there. It was a full day of skiing and snowboarding. The weather was great with a steady snowfall and mildly cold temperatures. We took a break for lunch and a few others to rest or warm up. At the end of the day we headed back to Camp Merz for as supper of Quesadillas and salad. Once supper was over we did a quick clean up and played a marathon hand of Uno. During cards we enjoyed a snack of cookies and juice. Everyone was pretty tired and it was time for lights out and another good nights rest. In the morning we packed up and had some breakfast bars and juice for breakfast. Then we cleaned up the cabin and were on our way home before 8am. Those joining in on the fun were Adam, Ian, Kyle, Patryk, Mr. Makowski and Mr. Nanadovich.

Camp Merz and Peek'n Peak Photo Album

Trip Plan for Skiing and Snowboarding

Date and Time of Departure: Friday, February 20th, 5:00pm - Old Church

Purpose: This will be a very informal campout with only a few set activities. Feel free to bring along snacks, cards, board games, or a good book for downtime at the cabin. Our main activity will be skiing/snowboarding on Saturday at Peek'n Peak ski resort (decision made at January PLC meeting). You must pay for your own lift tickets and rental gear if you need it. There are several lift ticket options on the Peek'n Peak website, including a lesson package for those that have not been skiing or snowboarding before. Please visit the Peek'n Peak website in advance to get an idea of costs and what to expect. Three meals will be provided—Saturday breakfast, Saturday supper and Sunday breakfast. Please bring spending money for lunch on Saturday. Note: We will be limiting the number of scouts and adults that can attend this trip since our cabin can only sleep 18-20 people. Sign-ups will be on a first come, first serve basis beginning at troop meeting on January 20th.

Location: Camp Merz, 5297 West Lake Rd, Mayville, NY 14757, 716-753-7194 (camp phone, emergencies only). We will be staying at Roberts Cabin. There are a few pictures of it on the Camp Merz website.

Directions: (148.5 Miles 2 hr 25 min)

1. Broadview Rd South to Rt 82.
2. Rt 82 East to I-77 North
3. I-77 North to I-480 East
4. I-480 East to I-271 North
5. I-271 North to I-90 East
6. I-90 East to (Exit 37) I-86 East
7. Turn left onto County Hwy-33/County Hwy-76/Panama Stedman Rd. Continue to follow County Hwy-33
8. Turn left onto NY-394/W Lake Rd
9. Camp Merz, 5297 W LAKE RD is on the left

Cost: $25.00 per scout (permission slip and fee due by PLC meeting on February 10th)

Estimated Time of Return: Sunday, February 22nd, 11:00am - Pick-up scouts in parking lot behind Old Church

Trip Coordinator: Mr. Makowski

Items to Bring:

• Scout Outdoor Essentials (see handbook)
• Camping Gear and Extra Clothing (see handbook)
• Equipment and Clothing for Skiing/Snowboarding.