Coming home! (Camp Woodruff Day Seven Summary)

Saturday morning, breakfast was delivered to our campsite by the camp staff. It was a variety of danishes and grape juice. Once everyone had their gear packed and placed near the trailer, they policed the campsite for trash, swept out their tents, and cleaned the latrine. Andrew coordinated the loading of the trailer of gear and Mr. Stanford coordinated getting the trailer out of the campsite. After the work was complete, we enjoyed our breakfast, gathered our gear for the car ride, and hiked out to the main parking lot.

Troop 50 leaving Woodruff behind!

We met up with Mr. Jim Perry, who was gracious enough to take home a group of Scouts, and then we were on our way! We were able to leave camp before 8:30 a.m. to make the trek home to Auburn. We treated ourselves to a more substantial breakfast at Chick-fil-A in Ellijay, Ga., where we got to experience fast food for the first time in more than a week. Everyone was pleased with the restaurant choice. Then, we continued on toward home.

First fast food in more than a week!

After just a few stops for gas and bathroom breaks, we arrived in Auburn around 12:15 p.m. to a large group of families welcoming us back to the Loveliest Village! I'm sure the boys were excited to see that welcome and it was a grand homecoming. We unloaded the gear and everyone said their goodbyes before heading on home. It would be nice to hear the stories that were shared from the different perspectives of the trip. It was a successful trip to Woodruff and it won't be long before our next outing, "Chill at the Lake" on Saturday, Aug. 9. We will provide more details about the daytime outing as that weekend draws near.

We all want to thank our families for supporting this important trip to summer camp. We hope everyone feels the sacrifices and week they loaned their Scouts to us were worth it.

Check out our Day Seven online photo album and relive our Camp Woodruff adventures by reading all the blog entries relating to camp.

Near the end of a long road (Camp Woodruff Day Six Summary)

Scouts seemed particularly chipper as we woke on Friday morning. It's probably because the end of a long week was in view and they were ready to go home and sleep in their own beds. We enjoyed biscuits and gravy along with scrambled eggs, cereal, etc. for breakfast. Then, everyone continued with their routine of attending their classes for the last time.

The first-year scouts finished up at Mountain Man and went through a graduation ceremony. These Scouts did an excellent job all week of attending Mountain Man classes and earning those very important requirements for their initial Scout ranks. Those skills will be put to the test this fall as they become more acclimated camping with us as a troop.

Mountain Man graduates (front row, left to right): Ethan, Rusty, Liam,
Creighton, and Everett; (back row, left to right): Clayton, Jason, Joe and Aiden

After classes ended in the morning, we met up for lunch and enjoyed corn dogs, chips, corn, and peaches.  We had some free time after lunch before making way to the activity field for the camp-wide game. This took much coercion from the leaders to get the Scouts on board to try the activity, which we found out was rubber chicken volleyball. Once the Scouts gave it a try, they embraced participating, and several of us were quite good at it. We ended up a disappointing 1-2 run in the tournament, but won in the long run because it was an activity we enjoyed. This might appear at a later campout or troop event.

Using a towel and a partner to sling a rubber chicken over the rope!

While we were competing for the rubber chicken trophy, Assistant Scoutmaster JP Pendleton went to shoot in the Scoutmaster Shoot at the rifle range. He only required a few shots to earn a "dime." This means that five of his shots are close enough to each other that a dime would cover up the holes in the target. Nice shootin', JP! Thanks for representing our troop well at the range.

Sharp shooter, Mr. Pendleton with his "dime"!

After the tournament, we had some additional free time before dinner and many started packing or hit the snack bar at the trading post one more time. For dinner, we ate outside at a picnic table and enjoyed a barbecue sandwich with chips, coleslaw, and apple cobbler. Many Scouts enjoyed this meal the most. It was excellent. After dinner, we had a quick meeting to discuss the final logistics for our remaining time at camp and we watched a bit of Ultimate Frisbee between Troop 101 and the camp staff. Both teams were very talented.

Closing campfire was impressive as we say goodbye to Woodruff

The evening concluded with the closing campfire, which included entertainment such as skits and the opportunity for folks to be recognized for their camp accomplishments. All three leaders on the trip — Assistant Scoutmaster JP Pendleton, Troop Committee Chair Rob Stanford, and Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams — earned the Scoutmaster Merit Badge for being active at camp. This took a bit of work and was well deserved by all. In addition, the troop received recognition from the camp as an Honor Troop, which includes another ribbon for our troop flag. This Honor Troop distinction simply meant that we were active at camp, followed the rules, and went a little above what was expected of us — including several of our Scouts participating in a camp-wide scavenger hunt. Way to go, Troop 50 Scouts!

After the campfire, we all headed back to camp to pack up. The goal was to have everything that we didn't need packed up so we could leave early in the morning. The Scouts all took showers, packed up their gear, and headed to bed. The end of a great week is very near and we have traveled a long road. The Scouts had a great time and it will be nice to wrap up the trip home safely and timely.

For more Day Six pictures, be sure to see our online photo album.

Scouts enjoy activies during free time (Camp Woodruff Day Five Summary)

After a very busy day at camp the day before, the Scouts enjoyed some free time in the afternoon on Thursday. We all awoke at 6:30 a.m. to get ready for the flag raising and breakfast. We enjoyed waffles, sausage, cereal, milk, and juice to get us going for the day.  Several boys got seconds today. The meal started with the troop singing "Happy Birthday" to Mr. Stanford. It was his 39th birthday.

Josh at Archery merit badge

After breakfast, everyone headed in their familiar directions to merit badge classes or Mountain Man. Less things were forgotten today, so it seems the Scouts are learning to bring the important gear with them. After the classes, we met back up for lunch where we enjoyed chicken sandwiches. Very unlike our favorite Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, they were just okay. They were accompanied by french fries, corn, and ice cream.

Several items including some care packages arrived at camp the day before, but while we were out rafting. Those items were delivered to the Scouts today. Then when the mail came in today, many more letters appeared for the Scouts. These letters brought about mixed emotions ranging from sadness because they miss home to happiness because they got something from a loved one.

After lunch, the troop went in several different directions during free time.  Clayton and Jason went fishing and Clayton was successful in catching a few brim. Jason was close many times — including when he almost caught a snapping turtle. Mr. Pendleton took Ethan, Joe, and Mark to the Davis Inn, which is a homestead from the 1920s where there was tomahawk throwing, sling shots, chickens, a garden, a blacksmith that brands leather, and more. This is a neat area and also a really nice hike to get there.  It's a beautiful part of the Appalachian mountains.

Michael showing his master rappelling skills

Mr. Stanford rappelling on his birthday!

 Several other Scouts had to take care of some items for merit badges during this afternoon free time. Mr. Stanford led a group to go climbing and rappelling. Mr. Stanford along with Andrew, John, Robert, and Will had rappelled before and enjoyed getting back on the tower. It's exciting that we now have three more Scouts who can add rappelling to their resume. Creighton, Michael, and Rusty nervously attached themselves to the rope and leaned out over the 65-foot tower. They enjoyed it enough that they each went about two or three more times, if not more!

Aidan climbing on the wall

Andy, Aidan, Liam and others also tried out the rock climbing wall, the chimney climb, and some bouldering. It was nice to see the Scouts challenging themselves to try new things. Speaking of trying new things — Andrew and John decided it would be fun to rappel "Australian style", which is face first. Things like this activity is why moms don't come to Boy Scout camp!

Andrew rappelling "Aussie" style

John rappelling "Aussie" style

After all of this excitement, we all relaxed a bit before heading to the flag lowering and dinner. Scouts ate dinner on their own while Mr. Pendleton and Mr. Stanford went to the Scoutmasters' dinner. The leaders enjoyed a grilled steak, baked potato, salad and roll. And for dessert, there was cheesecake and a few speakers.  The main speaker was Alvin Townley, an acclaimed author and Eagle Scout from Atlanta. He shared some of his Scouting experiences and how he sees the importance of Scouting in society. He also promoted his new book. He also gave out a few books and Mr. Stanford was lucky enough to win Legacy of Honor on his birthday.  He won it by virtue of earning his rank of Eagle closest to his 18th birthday of any other leaders present.

Alvin Townley speaking about the importance of scouting

After dinner, the troop broke up into three main groups. The troop had signed up to go mountain biking, so most of the troop went and did that activity and had a great time! Except for a few equipment issues and some erratic riding, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Another group of Scouts went on a scavenger hunt around camp to help the troop earn an Honor Troop Award. Andy, Liam, Jason, and Mark helped our troop secure enough scavenger hunt items to qualify for that portion of the award!

The final group of Scouts stuck around the dining hall after dinner to help clean up. This has been a common occurrence for several Scouts after meals throughout the week and this time they stayed until after 9:30 p.m.! This is great service by our boys and it's nice to see them giving back to the camp when there is a need.

Before bedtime, we invited the other troop in our campsite (Troop 46 of Turin, Georgia) to join us for a cracker barrel (food, drink, and social time). Some Scouts weren't too interested in meeting others, but there was enough interaction to make this a fun time. Besides, who doesn't enjoy some snacks and drinks?

Scouts got a shower and headed to bed with only one more full day ahead of them! It was a fun day with lots of happenings. I'm sure Friday will have lots of tales to tell.

For more Day Five pictures, be sure to visit our online photo album.

It's hump day (Camp Woodruff Day Four Summary)

After a good night's rest, Wednesday started off just like the rest. Scouts and leaders woke early at 6:30 a.m., brushed teeth, and heading as a troop to the parade grounds for the flag raising. We enjoyed blueberry muffins, cereal, etc. for breakfast this morning before heading out to our usual routine of merit badge classes.  Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams packed up so he could return to Auburn around lunch time.

Beautiful morning at the waterfront

After our morning merit badge sessions, we all hopped on a bus headed for North Carolina to brave the cold water and rapids of the Nantahala River ("...of doom" — ask your Scouts about "of doom" when they get back). Many of the boys were surprised and excited to be heading to North Carolina, even though it's only about five miles away from Camp Woodruff. The Nantahala, however, is probably just under an hour drive via bus. We had a sack lunch on the bus consisting of ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, and a granola bar. Before we boarded the bus, the Scouts were reading the waivers that they and their parents signed about the trip. They noticed the word "death" on there, which created a great deal of conversation about how dangerous the river must be since that was mentioned.

Whitewater Express provided the
equipment and transportation for our rafting trip.

Once we arrived at the "put-in" area, we were outfitted for PFDs (personal flotation devices), helmets, and paddles. We were instructed on some river safety measures, which the Scouts paid attention to because of the word "death" on the waiver. We broke up into three groups to go down the river. Each group went down in a raft with a guide. Several Scouts got to "ride the bull" at the front of the raft and a few fell into the 46-degree water. Everyone enjoyed the trip and came back safely. The only negative comment about the river was how cold the water was (in the 40s).

Robert, Joe, and John (l-r) on our way back from the river

Unfortunately, we missed out on being on bus 50, which would've been a nice coincidence. However, maybe we found a troop bus for us!

Future troop bus?

Once arriving at camp, we rushed into the dining hall for dinner and were treated to grilled chicken, rice, and peas. Vanilla pudding was our treat for dessert. After dinner, the first-year Scouts returned to the campsite to change into their hiking boots and some dry clothes for their five-mile hike. Mr. Stanford went with the group and we joined being with other Mountain Man Scouts on the trail. The remaining Scouts stayed in the dining hall to return service to camp by doing some extra cleaning up after dinner. The last mile or so of the hike, a storm came in. It only rained on us for about two to three minutes at the very end, but we saw an impressive display of lighting and thunder.

Storm coming as we finished up our 5-mile hike

It rained for several hours in the late evening hours and as we went to sleep. The Scouts made the best of it by starting a few card games under the tarps at the campsite. Then, they brushed their teeth and headed on to bed, since the next morning would be an early rise once again.  It was a good hump day at camp.

For more Day Four pictures, please see our online photo album.

A little rain never hurt anyone (Camp Woodruff Day Three Summary)

Tuesday morning, we woke to similar weather. Cool and pleasant for some, but a bit chilly for others. After the afternoon heat from the Monday, nobody was complaining. We headed down for the flag-raising ceremony and the troop seemed to be rocking along like we've been doing it for years. Later, we discovered that several of the first-year Scouts had left important items back at camp (swim suits, towels, water bottles, etc). The walk back to camp is what some consider to be a day hike, so we'll see if this lesson is learned on Wednesday.

Each morning camp gathers...

...to honor America by raising the flag.

At breakfast, we enjoyed scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits. There is also an option for cereal and fruit. Everyone got a good breakfast and headed out to their daily activities. The merit badge sessions for Tuesday were the same as Monday's. First-year Scouts attended the Mountain Man program along with Swimming and First Aid merit badge classes. Veteran Scouts worked on merit badges like Camping, Kayaking, Archery, Communications, Personal Fitness, and Fishing. Louie finished up his Horsemanship Merit Badge with an exciting off-site trip to ride horses. Andrew and John continued to spend most of the morning at the COPE course.

Michael hydrating himself during a break from Personal Fitness.

Everyone gathered back for lunch consisting of soft tacos, rice, and vanilla pudding. A few opted for PB&J, but most ate the tacos. After lunch, a few Scouts earned Art Merit Badge during a special session scheduled by Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams. Later in the afternoon, a few Scouts and leaders headed out to the Davis Inn, which is a former homestead a short hike from camp. At the Davis Inn, you can see how people lived in the mountains in the 1920s. There are several things to see at this former home, such as a blacksmith, a gardener, several chickens, and tomahawk throwing.

Mr. Williams helps lead Art Merit Badge.

Mr. Pendleton with Andrew and Will near the Davis Inn.

The troop gathered again for the closing flag ceremony before dinner after a busy day of classes and free time activities. We enjoyed some type of steak and gravy with carrots, mac and cheese, and rolls. Ice cream was a great treat for dessert. After dinner, we were scheduled to give mountain boarding a try, but a pretty loud and wet thunderstorm prevented this. A few boys were able to do some mountain biking instead.  Mountain boarding was described to us as something similar to a surfboard with large tires that you ride down the mountain. Hopefully, we can check this out later in the week.

Joe mopping the floor for some extra cleaning that was needed.

The storm stuck with us for quite a while, but has now passed and it is quiet for the evening. Some clothes and towels on the line are now wet, but otherwise spirits are high and things are for the most-part dry. During the rainstorm Joe, Ethan, and Jason helped out in the dining hall with some additional cleaning that was needed. They were rewarded with ice cream and cake. What a great example these Scouts are setting! The Scouts spent the evening socializing and playing various card games before getting their daily showers and heading to bed.

Tomorrow, several big items will occur. First, we will be saying goodbye to Assistant Scoutmaster Williams as he heads back to Auburn. We will all miss him, but especially many of the first-year Scouts with which he has spent so much time. About the time of his departure, the troop will leave camp for the first time to raft the Nantahala River. We'll take a bus up to North Carolina and enjoy lunch and rafting the entire afternoon. This should be a great experience for everyone!

To see pictures from Day Three, check out our online photo album.

Learning the routine (Camp Woodruff Day Two Summary)

Morning came very quickly for some of us as we adjust to eastern time and the need to wake up early instead of sleeping in late. Everyone did awake, however, and prepared for the day before heading to the flag raising and breakfast. It was quite cool last night and it was a great temperature (low 60s) for a morning hike to the parade grounds. The Scouts and leaders slept well and nobody has asked to go home as of yet.

For breakfast, we enjoyed french toast and sausage. Right after this, it was off to merit badge classes! The first-year Scouts all headed down to the waterfront to enjoy an early dip in the lake as they worked on Swimming Merit Badge. Other scouts headed in all different directions to attend classes on a variety of areas such as Rifle Shooting, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness, and Movie Making. The weather was nice and spirits were high as the routine of camp life was starting to take shape.

Mountain Man instructors help Ryan, Joe, and Liam build a fire.

First-year Scouts attended the Mountain Man program where they will complete several requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Veteran scouts continued their pursuit of some additional merit badges as well. John and Andrew participated in COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) where you work as a team to climb, swing, rappel, etc. to solve problems. Today, the COPE program involved a good bit of team-building exercises. Most of the climbing, etc. will be done later in the week.

John and Andrew come up with a teamwork game plan at COPE.

During lunch, we enjoyed chicken fingers, french fries, corn, and applesauce. The leaders have noticed that there are several Scouts who claim to be picky eaters. This is changing a bit after some coercion by leadership. Scouts are learning that some food is not all that bad and that it's better than going hungry. By the end of the week, who knows what they'll eat?

Everett, Jason, and Ryan at the First Aid Merit Badge class.

This afternoon was filled with activity. The first-year Scouts attended a merit badge class for First Aid. They should wrap up that merit badge tomorrow. Other Scouts enjoyed a variety of merit badges and some free time. Dinner came quickly for one leader writing the blog summary for Day Two. A quick wrap-up and change into Class A was in order since the rest of the troop was sharp and on time! At dinner, Scouts were less thrilled with the menu. It was a type of pot roast that didn't look too appetizing. However, most agreed that it was very tasty once you tried it. It was accompanied by mashed potatoes, green beans, a roll, and cake.

Scouts clamored to get out of there because a bunch of free time awaited them! Many went to the waterfront for some swimming. Others attended a basic CPR course for Swimming Merit Badge. All scouts returned to the campsite tired but satisfied from the productive day. Each Scout had a shower (with soap and shampoo) and went quietly to bed.

First-year Scouts are getting better at fitting into camp life. There are a few that are homesick, but nothing serious. The troop's veteran Scouts have been very helpful in showing them the ropes and taking them under their wing. It's been nice to see the troop work together. Everyone is doing well outside of a few sore legs and some minor stomachaches. Now that the leadership has got the routine down as well, there should be a blog post every night.

To view more pictures from Day Two, please visit our online photo album.

Troop 50 travels to Woodruff Scout Reservation (Camp Woodruff Day One Summary)

The troop gathers in Auburn before hitting the road to Camp Woodruff!

A total of 19 scouts and four leaders left Auburn around 7:45 a.m. to make the trek to North Georgia.  Woodruff Scout Reservation will be their home for the next week. Travel was quiet for some and a little noisy for others, but safe and timely for all. Everyone enjoyed a lunch at Papa's Pizza in Blue Ridge, Georgia before making the final drive into camp.  We arrived at camp around 1:30 p.m. to begin the adventure.

The flags are displayed...

...and personal gear stowed!

Clockwise from top: Rusty, Louie and Joe enjoy their first
meal in the camp's dining hall.

Scouts and leaders checked in, unloaded the trailer, and changed into their swimsuits for the swim test. The swim test line was a bit long, but everyone did well and we quickly got changed for dinner. One leader was particularly more extended than the others and needed some quality time in the camp on his own. He recovered well, however. Dinner was a scrumptious serving of lasagna, green beans, and rolls. Of course, there was brownies for dessert, which was a favorite for the boys.

After dinner, everyone attended the opening campfire where we got to meet the staff, sing songs, and in general be entertained. The camp performed a very impressive opening ceremony with water skiing, fireworks, state flags for each of the troops at camp, and of course a great bonfire! After the campfire, Scouts were briefed with some rules for the week and advice for camp logistics and everyone headed to bed.

Everyone slept well and there were no requests to go home. Stay tuned for the Day Two blog later.

To view pictures from Day One, please visit our online photo album.

Trailblazing toward Eagle

After five years of hiking trails as a Boy Scout, Troop 50's newest Eagle Scout candidate is literally blazing a trail toward the rank of Eagle Scout as he begins the initial phases of his Eagle Scout leadership service project. Aided by his Eagle coach and scoutmaster, Andrew Baird, Davis is creating a nature trail at Auburn's newest elementary school, Pick Elementary. When complete, Pick Elementary School students and teachers will be able to observe and learn more about nature as they travel the nearly 250-yard trail that will end alongside the creek that runs through the school's property.

Davis, SPL William, and Mr. Baird discuss how the
various components of the outdoor classroom benches
will come together when assembled on site.

After having his project plan approved by Saugahatchee District's Eagle Board in May, Davis has spent time since then finalizing his plan with his project liaison and former elementary school physical education teacher, Chuck Cooper. Together, they determined the exact placement of the trail, and identified, priced and purchased the materials he would need to complete the project. Davis' efforts will include planning and coordinating work to mark and clear the trail, as well as creating an outdoor classroom at end of the trail along the bank of the creek. The outdoor classroom space will consist of a permanent table and several six-foot-long benches that will provide seating for outdoor instruction ranging from biology to nature lessons. The creek is home to a number of species of wildlife, giving third- through fifth-grade students an opportunity to observe, track, and appreciate local wildlife.

Kyle drilled holes in lumber that later will be
assembled into outdoor classroom benches.

The first phase of Davis' project includes preparing the various lumber components of the benches and table. He, fellow Scouts, and Mr. Baird spent the afternoon measuring, cutting, and drilling so that on-site construction will go more smoothly. Davis will be reaching out to more Scouts, leaders, and parents in the troop to assist during several work days at the school later this month.

Come back to our blog to see Davis' progress over the next several weeks, and view photos of his leadership efforts in the troop's online photo album.