SCOUT STORIES: Camping with Pack 43

by Tyler Merrifield, WEBELOS 1

When I first got there, I was feeling a little sick because of the long trip, but once I got out of the car I saw Mr. Coogan and I ran over to say Hi. He helped us carry our stuff over to the campsite, like our tent and mostly groceries. I said, "We sure brought a lot of stuff!" I thought the cooler was leaking so I closed it up.

I was still at the car and suddenly I looked around and saw they were all gone. I thought I was lost, but my brother came up behind me and said, "You gotta check this out!" I saw a beach with lots of water and a bridge nearby.

Next we set up my tent. That was my first time making a tent, so I learned about how to set up a tent. Then Ms. Bonnie came and helped us put up our big tent.

Finally, the Drennens came with Marcus. Marcus asked me to help him put up his tent. We put it up all by ourselves. We argued a bit, but we finally got it up. Next we tried to find a spot for our clubhouse. It took a while but I found the perfect spot. Marcus brought a blue tent to use as a club house. The wind was blowing so hard we were having a hard time setting up the clubhouse tent, but then Mr. Drennen came over and helped us set it up.

After that we decided to hang out and hide in the clubhouse tent. The more people that came inside, the more destroyed it got. The next thing I know Mr. Drennen came back to get this thing put back up.

When we came out, there was a big fire and and we ate hot dogs. After we ate, we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. Then we told each other some scary stories and some funny stories. Hunter told a funny one that went "Down the toilet, down the toilet..." Then Mr Drennen told a story. At first I thought it was going to be a silly story but it turned out to be a really scary story.

Then we went to bed, but I had a hard time falling asleep because I didnt have my pillow. Then Mr. Tim gave me a flashlight so I could get my pillow from the car. On our way back from the car, I saw two raccoons fighting. At first I thought they were going to attack me, but they just ran off. Finally I fell asleep.

The next morning, I woke up but just a few people were awake - some people were still asleep. I played cops and robbers for a while and then I found the biggest trees and climbed them. Then we went on a hike with Mr Coogan and Mr. Justin. We picked up 3 bags of trash.

When we came back, we did an Easter Egg Hunt. There were lots of colored eggs, and gold and silver eggs with money in them. Little Aidan was the first to find a golden egg. Then my brother and my sister found a golden egg too. We looked out on the beach for another golden egg, but big Aedan found that one. There was only one golden egg left, and me and Hunter and Marcus were in a competition to find it. I found it in a tree, but I gave it to Marcus cause he got hurt. Then I found a silver egg, and it had a dollar.

After that, we ate hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch and then we colored eggs. Mr. Tim and Mr. Coogan had a huge water fight. After that, my mom said it was time to go.

It was the best camping trip ever.

Register for Family Camp!

The next Family Camp is scheduled for March 19-20th at Sand Hill Scout Reservation. The spaces fill up fast so be sure to register soon! Here are the relevant details:

Check-in 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday
Program starts at 12:00 PM
Check-out Sunday 11:00 AM

BRING: Tent, sleeping bag or blankets, suitable clothing, including rain gear, personal items, lunch for Saturday and snacks. (Alcoholic beverages are PROHIBITED.)

PROGRAM: An afternoon of fun-filled activities like Volleyball, Soccer, Kickball, Archery, BB Shooting, Flag Football, and Wrist Rockets, just to name a few that we sometimes do! Plus, a Saturday dinner, an interactive camp fire, Sunday breakfast followed by an Interfaith service and last but not least a recognitions and awards ceremony to close camp.

FEE: $13.00 per camper (maximum of $60.00 per family of five or more members)

Click here to register!

Volunteers needed for BALOO Training

Register for BALOO Training

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
and Webelos Outdoor Leader Training (WOLT)

For the first time we are taking BALOO and WOLT training and putting them together for a full day of Cub Scout Outdoor Training. This course is great for any Cub Scout Leader, no matter how long or short they have been in the program. Learn the basics on how to plan and run outdoor events and campouts. Topics include event planning, wood tools, fire building and safety, cooking, knots and lashes, first aid, camping equipment selection, campfire planning, and much more. And because it is WOLT training we will also cover some topics specifics to Webelos Dens like outdoor related Activity Badges, and the Webelos-to-Scout transition.

WHEN: Saturday, March 12th, 2011 7:30am-5:30pm
WHERE: Camp Soule
COST: $15 per participant

We will contact you the Monday before with a list of what you need to bring

*** BALOO IS REQUIRED FOR A PACK OR WEBELOS DEN TO GO CAMPING OR TO CONDUCT OTHER OUTDOOR EVENTS***

Click Here to Register

About BALOO Training

Ask a boy why he wants to be a Cub Scout, and nine times out of 10 he'll answer "to go camping." That's why Cub Scouting has introduced BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) training, so boys, along with their parents or some other adult, can participate in a successful overnight camping experience.

The BALOO training session will give your pack the tools to conduct a safe and successful overnight.

The morning BALOO sessions include the why and how of Cub Scout camping—planning, equipment, meal preparation, and campfire programs. In the afternoon, Cub Scouters rotate among four round-robin sessions—fire safety, stoves, and lanterns; first aid and sanitation; nature hikes and games; and cooking. Scattered throughout the day are plenty of the four S's: songs, stunts, stories, and showmanship.

The key point of BALOO training is "Keep It Simple." Remember, the over-night is an entry-level outdoor experience for the first-time Cub Scout camper.

*excerpted from http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0103/a-cubs.html