Bratwurst and badges

Troop 50 Scouts, leaders and families gathered at Chewacla State Park this evening for a back-to-Scouting family social, some splashing in the lake, and some fine dining that included grilled brats, hot dogs, and a multitude of picnic sides and desserts prepared by the troop's families. With their trunks soaked and their bellies full, Scouts gathered with their families for the presentation of merit badges and ranks attained through summer camp attendance. Our newest Scouts who crossed over to the troop in April took home the largest haul from the event -- which included several merit badges each, and three attaining the rank of Tenderfoot.

New Tenderfoot Scouts (front, left to right) Mark, Michael and Louis.
Pictured with them is (back, left to right) SPL Andrew,
ASPL Vincent, and current Troop Guide Robert.

Davis (left) receives the Triple Crown
award from his father, scoutmaster,
and fellow Triple Crown recipient
Andrew Baird (right)

The evening also included the recognition of Troop 50 Scouts who attended Philmont Scout Ranch (read more about their trip in the Expedition 617-R blog). As part of the Philmont recognition, new Assistant Scoutmaster Davis Baird, who turned 18 and became an adult leader during Expedition 617-R's trek, received the special Triple Crown of High Adventure Award for past travels to Philmont, the Northern Tier National High Adventure Base, and the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base.

The previous evening, several Troop 50 Scouts assisted Youth for Christ as volunteers at its Characters of Character fundraising event featuring Duck Dynasty's Uncle Si and Alan Robertson. Scouts who assisted received special recognition and mementos in appreciation for the late night they spent helping to break down production equipment used during the event on the Auburn University campus.

Following the court of honor, Scouts and leaders hit the water as they enjoyed the park's lake and high-dive floating dive platform.

Check out photos from the event -- we'll add more into the week as we receive them from various members of the troop's photo corps!