TGIF (Summer Camp Day 6)

Michael, Jason, Beck, Paul, Tyson, and Joe at flag ceremony

Friday morning started off nicely with cool temperatures and lower humidity.  We actually felt the most breeze of the week as well.  The troop was in charge of the flag raising ceremony today and the troop awoke a little earlier to practice and get there in time in Class A uniform.  The color guard led by SPL Jacob did a magnificent job and represented the troop well.  Unfortunately, the American flag we were given to raise had no grommets!  Paul, Beck, and Jacob handled this situation well and just raised the other flags and reverently held the American flag.

Beck and Michael in a "carry" relay

After the ceremony, we went to breakfast and had mixed results.  One table was somewhat pleased with breakfast while the other table was pretty unimpressed.  We were served Eggo pancakes with syrup flavoring and scrambled (folded) eggs.  After breakfast, scouts headed to their final merit badge classes before a busy afternoon at the waterfront.  The Eagle Bound folks (first year scouts) participated in some relay races to reinforce skills.

We all met for lunch after merit badge classes and were treated to hamburgers, chips, and mini moon pies.  It was surprising how many didn't know what a moon pie was!  After lunch there were a few merit badge items that needed to be tended to and then everyone headed down to the waterfront for the water carnival!

Luke, Joe, Trey, Boone, and Hunter before race

The water carnival is a troop competition with seven different events. The events include Water Spaniel Special, Swim by Weight, In and Out Canoe Race, Life Jacket Relay, Fun Noodle Race, Canoe Tug of War, and Scoutmaster Belly-Flop.  Our Water Spaniel Special contained a relay team of Luke, Joe, Trey, Boone, and Hunter.  The scouts had to paddle with their hands and find a specific buoy and bring it back.  The majority of the scouts swam in the Swim by Weight competition and Beck and Joe placed in their divisions!

Canoe Tug of War competition.

The In and Out Canoe Race was led by Hunter and Boone.  This proved a difficult event because of how hard it is to get into a canoe from the lake.  The Life Jacket Relay was led by Michael, Joe, Trey, and Beck.  This is a relay where you swim with the life jacket.  The Fun Noodle Race was won by Tyson!  Mr. Lytle kindly agreed to compete in the Scoutmaster Belly-Flop contest and finished with a very respectable 7 of 10.  There were a few "boos" after he chanted loudly "War Eagle!", but they're just jealous.  The carnival ended with a tough fought Canoe Tug of War battle with Troop 98 of Columbus.  Our contingent of Jacob, Jason, Joey, Joe, and Luke battled hard, but eventually swamped their canoe.

Andrew Stanford before the Iron Man competition

After the water carnival, we had to rush back for the flag ceremony and dinner.   We were treated to pasta, green beans, peaches, and chocolate chip cookies.  After dinner a few headed down to the waterfront again for the triathlon.  This event was rescheduled from the storm the day before.  Assistant Scoutmaster Andrew Stanford participated as an Iron Man and the troop also had a team of Michael, Joey, and Luke competing.

The triathlon consisted in a quarter mile swim, a 2 mile run, and a half mile canoe paddle.  Andrew competed in all events on his own while Michael took the swimming portion, Joey took the running portion, and Luke took the canoeing portion.  Michael really struggled with swimming a quarter mile, but he finished!  His determination is quite impressive.  Joey and Luke picked up the team well by finishing strong on the running and canoeing portion.  All who participated should be proud.

Luke, Joey, and Michael strategize before triathlon

After the triathlon it was time for the closing campfire.  The troop performed the original skit "Most Interesting Scout" written by Assistant Scoutmaster Davis Baird.  They did a fine job and the camp seemed to like it a lot.  There were many other skits and songs and awards given out.  The troop did earn the Commissioner's Spirit Award for demonstrating good scout spirit all week at camp.  This was a well deserved award for the troop that worked hard all week.

Scouts dancing at closing campfire

Everyone went to sleep for one more night at camp.  Several were overheard mentioning how nice it will be to sleep in their own beds! For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 6, check out our troop photo album.

Ice cream delivery day (Summer Camp Day 5)

Aiden, Mr. Lytle, Mr. Stanford, and Michael enjoying ice cream

After a good night sleep from our camp visitors, the troop awoke at the same time to go through the same schedule.  There was much anticipation today because the ice cream delivery was expected today.  You see, the trading post has been without ice cream all week and it has been quite the topic of conversation.  Around 11:00 the Mayfield truck arrived and everyone took notice.  Thankfully, scouts and leaders seeking ice cream got fulfilled on Thursday.

Beck and Michael lashing as Aiden assists

For breakfast we enjoyed scrambled (folded) eggs, bacon, biscuits, and gravy.  It was then off to yet another day of merit badges.  Those taking personal fitness were performing push ups and pull ups.  Those taking handicraft badges were finishing up some of their projects.  All of the folks in shooting sports badges have reached qualification on the shooting portion of their badges.  Those taking environmental science have been observing and taking notes for their homework assignment.  There is a lot of work being put into these merit badges by the troop.

Monty Python has been a theme for the week.  Before meals there is a roll call.  As troop numbers are called, they are to respond with something creative.  The more creative, the better and this is determined by the applause (or lack thereof) of the rest of camp.  The troop started using some Monty Python quotes, songs, and skits for this roll call and other troops have followed suit.

Paul blowing his signal horn

Another theme for the first part of the week has been the signal horn played by Paul.  There have been several sounds coming from troops including a conch shell and Paul's signal horn is the sound of our troop.  It was prevalent at the beginning of the week, but it and other signal sounds diminished as more interesting things have been found to do.

After merit badge classes ended for the morning, it was time to gather for lunch.  For lunch we enjoyed chicken sandwiches, pears, and electrolyte pops.  Then most everyone headed out for free time.  Jason and Joey left to go on a kayaking trip for their merit badge.  Several headed to the trading post for ice cream!  Others hit the ga-ga pit or went to work on homework for classes.  Later in the afternoon, we had another round of troop shooting at the archery, rifle, and shotgun ranges.  A few scouts made it to the waterfront to enjoy swimming and the water slide. And then it happened.

A competetive game in the ga-ga pit

Between 3:30 and 4:00, a severe thunderstorm quickly approached camp.  All the afternoon activities were halted and scouts were sent back to camp.  We secured items in camp from blowing away or getting soaked and we headed to the dining hall for safety.  Outside of a bunch of wind and a bunch of water, there were no issues.  A few are not comfortable with severe weather, but we all stuck together and made it through.  Once the storm passed, we remained in the dining hall for dinner.  We had planned on singing a song before dinner at the flagpole, but this didn't occur due to the storm.  Jason and Joey arrived back at camp later safe and sound.  For dinner we enjoyed pot roast, rice, and some type of "whipped" carrots that tasted more like sweet potatoes (very good).  For desert we enjoyed some apple cobbler.

Desert from leader's dinner

There was scheduled to be several activities during the evening that had to be cancelled.  One of those was the triathlon in which we were to field a team to run, swim, and canoe.  Tentatively this will be rescheduled to Friday.  After the troop got settled back in camp, Mr. Stanford (the elder) and Mr. Lytle headed to the dining hall for the leader's dinner while Mr. Stanford (the younger) remained back at camp with the scouts.  The leader's dinner is a time to fellowship and enjoy a meal and it is also a time to share good and bad experiences at camp.  There is a lot of room for improvement and the camp staff is committed to resolving those problems.  Fortunately, the boys have had an amazing week regardless.

Before retiring for the evening, scouts practiced a flag raising ceremony for the next morning and a skit for the closing campfire.  It was a long day the ended very wet and cool.  Everyone was able to get to sleep quickly as we start thinking about how nice it will be to sleep in our own beds.

For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 5, check out our troop photo album.

We're half way there (Summer Camp Day 4)

Jason, Luke, and Hunter after a merit badge class

There was great anticipation this morning as the scouts awaited visits from their parents (and the food that comes with them).  Each day starts the same with a 5:45 wake up call from SPL Jacob and a preparation for the day ahead.  After the flag raising ceremony, we enjoyed chicken biscuits and scrambled (folded) eggs.  Some scouts treated themselves to a variety of cereal as well.  It was then time to head out for our daily merit badge classes.

Several scouts are starting to knock out some of the more complicated parts of their merit badges now, such as qualifying for shooting sports badges.  The scouts seem intent on getting their merit badges completed at camp and we hope that intent turns into reality.  The weather today was very nice and not too hot for June in Alabama.  The biggest change we would like is more of a breeze.

Aiden leading camp in prayer before lunch

Before lunch our outgoing Chaplain's Aide, Aiden said a prayer for the camp thanking God for all of our blessings, including our meal.  He did a great job representing the troop.  We then went inside and enjoyed "pizza sticks".  There were two types of them - a mozzarella filled bread stick and a pepperoni filled one that was similar to a hot pocket.  We had some marinara sauce for dipping as well.

Jason shooting rifle in troop competition

After lunch, there was some free time and several folks took that time to practice shooting before the annual troop competition.  The troop shooting competition consists of two representatives from each troop for archery, rifle shooting, and shotgun shooting.  Jacob and Trey represented the troop in archery.  Jason and Luke represented the troop in rifle shooting.  Miles and Boone represented the troop shooting skeet with shotguns.  Most scouts didn't perform as well as they'd liked, but they did represent the troop well.  The results of the competition will be revealed at the closing campfire on Friday night.

Hunter displaying his lopping skills

While the boys were preparing for the shooting competition, the rest of the troop worked on a service project to help clear back brush along the waterfront trail.  We worked with another troop using loppers and swing blades for about an hour to make the trail easier to walk on for others who will use the camp later this summer.

Paul's family visiting camp

Several families arrived just before the flag lowering ceremony bearing gifts of both healthy and yummy food!  Lots of drinks were also brought to help us get through the rest of the week.  They were escorted to our campsite and we ate as one big happy family.  We enjoyed fruit, pizza, drinks, and cookies.  Boys took their families and showed them around camp during our free time before the campfire.

Order for the Arrow campfire

The campfire for the evening was for the purpose of calling out candidates elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA) for their troop.  The troop elected OA candidates at our recent Court of Honor and  three of those scouts were called out at the ceremony.  There are other scouts who were elected that are not present at summer camp.  They will find out soon.  Candidates present at summer camp were Joe, Paul, and Trey.  Congratulations to them!

Trey, Joe, and Paul - newest OA candidates

Once the campfire ended, families that remain made their way home and we headed back to camp to enjoy some more chess, card games, and fellowship before heading to bed around 10:30.  Another busy day is in the books.  We all slept well through the night and the weather was uneventful.


For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 4, check out our troop photo album.

Home on the range (Summer Camp Day 3)

Mr. Lytle, Beck, and Michael before class

Tuesday started well as the troop awoke at 5:45 to tackle the day.  It was a cool night and pleasant morning at 67 degrees.  The routine from the day before is being practiced again and the scouts are starting to get the hang of it.  After the morning flag ceremony, we enjoyed french toast sticks and scrambled (folded) eggs for breakfast.  Then everyone headed to their perspective merit badge classes at the Ecology Lodge, Waterfront, Humanities Hut, and other areas around camp.  The adult leaders are very pleased that the scouts are so diligent with their class attendance and studies.

Buddy tag board at waterfront

The Eagle Bound scouts took to the water for the first time since their swim test as they worked on the Swimming merit badge.  The cool morning made the morning swim quite brisk but the boys handled it easily.  Each time you enter the Waterfront you must have a buddy and you must place your buddy tag on the board.  This way the lifeguards can always account for who is in the area at any time.  So far our buddy tags have really only been used for advancement, but I'm sure we'll be getting in the water more before week's end.

As merit badge classes finished up for the morning we met on the parade grounds for lunch.  Lunch consisted of barbecue pork sandwiches and oatmeal creme pies.  While scouts enjoyed the lunch, they left a little hungry and were looking immediately for some snacks.  Fortunately, the troop has an ample amount of snack food back at camp and we were able to keep the scouts nourished throughout the afternoon.  The trading post has not been a viable option for snacks.  They have only a few candy bars, very salty popcorn, yoo-hoos, and some fountain drinks.  We are still waiting to see the availability of slushies, ice cream, and a better variety of snack food.

Miles handling the shotgun well

During the afternoon, several scouts earned the Geology merit badge after a brief class at the Ecology Lodge.  Most scouts also took advantage of the shooting sports range where the troop had the ability to shoot at the archery, rifle, and shotgun ranges.  Several scouts made themselves at home at the range and did extremely well shooting targets and clay pigeons.  Scouts tried shooting for the first time in some cases.  The scouts collaborated on which boys should represent the troop at the shooting competition for Wednesday afternoon.  Each troop has two shooters each for archery, rifle, and shotgun.  Today's free shooting helped to prepare the scouts for this competition.

Andrew Stanford running the 5K with Joe rooting him on

After our outing to the shooting sports range, we headed for the flag ceremony before dinner.  We were treated to country fried steak without gravy, miniature potatoes, and carrots.  For dessert we enjoyed chocolate cake!  Immediately after dinner, ASM Andrew Stanford prepared to run the Camp Sequoyah 5K and SPL Jacob and a few other scouts prepared for the Staff vs. Campers Ultimate Frisbee Game.  Mr. Stanford finished the 5K in 29 minutes and the campers lost a close, hard fought battle to the staff.  After the game, several scouts joined other campers in a friendly, but competitive game of ga-ga.

Scouts in the ga-ga pit

Joe in the epic chess match at the trading post

After all of this physical activity, a highly competitive and intellectual game of chess ensued between Joe and a staff member in the trading post.  After over an hour, Joe prevailed in what has been described as an epic chess match.  Scouts from multiple troops were rooting on Joe to victory.  Once back at camp, the chess games continued at one table while a game of poker ensued on the other. 

We all settled in for the night around 10:00 and it was a quiet and uneventful night.  Weather for today was quite hot during the afternoon in the sun, but quite pleasant in the shade and in the evening.  There was no rain at all and we were thankful for that.

For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 3, check out our troop photo album.

Spring Court of Honor highlights leadership, achievement

Senior Patrol Leader Josh calls the court of honor to order with
the Pledge of Allegiance.

Troop 50's spring court of honor was an evening packed with activities marking the end of the troop year and the beginning of an equally busy summer Scouting season. The evening included the introduction of a first-ever court of honor taco bar, Order of the Arrow and youth leadership elections, the distribution of merit badges and ranks, and the announcement of the troop's recipient of the 2017 James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award.

Scouts eligible for election to the Order of the Arrow gathered for consideration.

An election team of Scouts representing the Order of the Arrow's Chattahoochee Lodge conducted the troop's annual OA elections. Scouts who were eligible for election to the BSA's service organization and national honor society must have been under 21, earned First Class, experienced at least 15 days and nights of Boy Scout camping during the previous two-year period, including one long-term camping experience (i.e., summer camp), and received their scoutmaster's approval. Troop 50 Scouts who were elected will find out about their selection at summer camp or at another time during the summer in time to attend the lodge's summer induction weekend (also known as an Ordeal) Aug. 4-6.

SPL Josh congratulates Hunter on earning his Star rank. 

Senior Patrol Leader Josh and Scoutmaster Andrew Baird then awarded merit badges and ranks earned since the troop's last court of honor in December 2016. The spring court of honor included the presentation of eight rank advancements and 40 merit badges. Among the most popular merit badges presented was Fingerprinting Merit Badge, which Scout parent and Auburn Police Officer Bill Schallock taught during a February troop meeting, and Snow Sports Merit Badge, which Scouts earned in conjunction with the troop's annual trip to Gatlinburg in January.

Scoutmaster Baird administers the oath of office to the troop's incoming class of  youth leaders.

Josh displays a handmade neckerchief slide and display box from
Scoutmaster Baird in recognition of his service as
senior patrol leader

At the start of the court of honor, in addition to electing candidates for the Order of the Arrow, Scouts elected the troop's youth leadership who will serve during the summer and the remainder of the calendar year. With the votes cast, Scoutmaster Baird distributed position patches and administered the oath of office to the incoming cohort of youth leaders, which included (group photo above, left to right): Senior Patrol Leader Jacob, Patriots Assistant Patrol Leader Miles, Patriots Patrol Leader Joe, Armored Armadillos Patrol Leader Michael,Troop Quartermaster Paul, Lead Troop Guide and Leadership Corps member Rusty, and Lead Troop Instructor and Leadership Corps member Aiden. Scoutmaster Baird also recognized outgoing Senior Patrol Leader Josh for his service by presenting him with a handmade neckerchief slide and display box.

The final item on the agenda for Scout recognition was the annual presentation of the troop's James J. Baird Jr. Honor Scout Award. First presented in 2015, this award is given annually to the troop's "top Scout" based on his participation in troop activities, demonstration of Scout skills, continuing advancement success, and a vote of his peers. The award honors the memory of Jim Baird, the uncle of Scoutmaster Baird, a 1945 recipient of the Eagle Scout rank and longtime Rotarian leader. The award includes an engraved Eagle statuette, as well as a $100 credit to the honoree's troop activities account. This year's recipient was Nicky, who was completing a term as lead troop instructor and will serve the remainder of the year as assistant senior patrol leader. He was unable to accept his award in person, since he was participating in an out-of-town session of the Boy Scouts' National Youth Leadership Training.

Assistant Scoutmaster Williams (right) receives the
Scout Leader's Training Award from Scoutmaster Baird.

The evening concluded with one additional presentation: the Scout Leader's Training Award, which was earned by Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams. The award recognizes adult leaders who complete a number of required volunteer training courses and who provide specific leadership at the unit level and beyond.

The court of honor marks the troop's last Monday-evening gathering until it resumes its regular troop meeting schedule on Aug. 7. Until then, troop activities will include a summer camp contingent to Camp Sequoyah in Delta, Alabama, from June 11 to 17, a backpacking expedition to Philmont National Scout Ranch in New Mexico from June 17 to July 2, and representation at the National Boy Scout Jamboree at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia from July 18 to 28. The troop also plans its annual "Chill at the Lake" event for July 15.

For more photos from the troop's spring court of honor, visit its online photo album.

Adventure Valley Mud Run (Summer Camp Day 2)

Our breakfast for the day!

After a good night sleep, a 5:30 wake up call was given by SPL Jacob.  Some scouts were a little slow moving, but eventually we made it to the parade grounds to raise the flag and have breakfast.  It was a hearty breakfast of scrambled (or folded) eggs, biscuits and gravy, and sausage links and all scouts are getting enough to eat.

Several scouts and our youngest ASM at class

After breakfast scouts headed to merit badge classes across camp and our two first year scouts attended Eagle Bound.  A few mentioned the classes were boring and those were typically the ones with a lot of classroom type work.  The scouts all agree that the classes with more activity are more fun.  Many scouts enjoyed the shooting sports classes the best.

We all gathered back for lunch and enjoyed taquitos, spanish rice and mandarin oranges.  It was starting to warm up pretty well and we were treated with some electrolyte pops for desert.  At each meal there are scouts that serve in the role of kitchen patrol.  They are responsible for setting the table, bringing the food and drinks to the table, and cleaning up after words.  Each scout has done a good job with this, so be sure to utilize them at home if you are not already!

Michael, Tyson, and Beck cleaning.

During the afternoon, the scouts spent time relaxing and just enjoying camp.  Our scheduled recreational swim did not occur due to a typical afternoon thunderstorm.  The thunderstorm lasted about an hour or so and wasn't too much of an issue other than cancelling our swim.  Some scouts left items on the clothesline, but otherwise the troop just enjoyed some card games or chess at the campsite.

The rain subsided just in time to head to dinner.  At dinner we enjoyed Swedish meatballs, green beans, and macaroni and cheese.  We were treated to a lemon pound cake for dessert.  After dinner, everyone went back to camp to prepare for Adventure Valley Mud Run!!

Adventure Valley is a mud run is a tradition at Camp Sequoyah where scouts and leaders run through the woods on a trail through streams, bogs, and other obstacles.  The main purpose of the mud run is to get dirty!  About 60 campers participated in the run and 8 of them were from our troop.  The boys (and one Assistant Scoutmaster) did well and the other adult leaders and some of the other scouts enjoyed rooting them on.

The mud run participants - before!

After the mud run a complete hosing off was required before a shower by the participants.  While there were many bumps and bruises by several boys, the troop made it through the event with only a sprained ankle by Michael.  The evening was capped off with several games of chess and a rousing game of Uno.  It was much easier to fall asleep due to the cooler temperatures that the rain brought.

Luke and Andrew in the mud with Hunter next!

Michael healing up with the help of Aiden.

Jacob, Paul, Beck, and Hunter enjoying chess.

For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 2, check out our troop photo album.

We are Troop 50 too! (Summer Camp Day 1)

The troop gathers for a traditional group photo before leaving.

The troop met at 10:30 on Sunday morning to head north to Camp Sequoyah near Delta, Alabama.  This is the troop's third time to attend the camp in which some of our troop leadership have deep roots.  The troop met in the Publix parking lot and had a brief meeting before saying goodbye to their families for the week.  The trip to camp was uneventful and the only stop was for a quick lunch bite at Jack's in Wedowee.  All scouts ate well and were eager to get settled into camp and get checkout complete so they can enjoy a week of camping.  A special thanks goes to Assistant Scoutmasters Davis Baird and Clyde Wikle for taking time out of their day to drive scouts and tow the troop trailer. 

Our choice for lunch during travel

When we arrived at camp, we were greeted by our host who took us to our campsite, Bobcat's Den.  Everyone was quite surprised to see another troop already setup and enjoying the camping experience.  They had arrived from Florida the night before and were quite settled in.  We didn't realize that we would be sharing a campsite with another troop.  The other troop didn't realize this either.  The camp staff didn't realize it either!  This wouldn't have been an issue if there were enough tents.  However, we were 4 tents short.  Obviously something was wrong here. 

After some investigation, we learned that the council office had made a terrible clerical error.  We are not unfamiliar with issues at the council office.  It's not clear exactly what happened, but there was some confusion between our troop and the troop occupying Bobcat's Den.  Our troop has 14 scouts and 3 leaders attending.  Their troop had the same number.  Both troops are out of council.  We are Troop 50.  The other troop said "We are Troop 52"!  One of us was on the list and the other was not and mass confusion ensued.  Apparently, someone thought we were the same unit!  We were able to find another campsite (Cherokee Point) with enough tents for us so we could get park our trailer and start checking in.  We quickly changed into swimsuits and headed towards check-in.

Paul knocking out the swim test

Even though we had arrived early to avoid the lines, we were now deeply embedded in a massive lines for checking in.  There was some doubt that we would be able to complete the swim tests because of how late it was getting, but we were able to complete them.  We rushed back to camp to change into our Class A uniforms for dinner and arrived just in time.

Tyson and others swimming

For dinner we enjoyed a pizza pasta bake, green beans, and garlic bread.  Scouts seemed mostly impressed by their first meal at camp.  After dinner we were able to finish up some paperwork to handle some other clerical errors related to merit badge scheduling and finish the setup of camp before heading to the opening campfire.

At the opening campfire, we were introduced to the staff and were able to sing and dance a bit.  We also had a devotion about happiness and how we should work to make others happy (instead of only doing things that make us happy).  We learned that thinking of others first would bless us.  We left the campfire in silence so we could reflect on the devotion and we headed back to Cherokee Point.  The scouts finished off the night with a few card games, chess, and relaxing in hammocks.  We had a small rain shower during the night and it was uneventful otherwise.

The first day at camp was a little rough dealing with a variety of issues including troops being assigned to wrong campsites.  We are optimistic this will improve and we will enjoy the rest of the week.  Monday starts merit badge classes and the troop will have a recreational swim in the afternoon.  After dinner will be Adventure Valley - the mud run.  It will be a full day of learning, advancement, and fun!

For more pictures from Camp Sequoyah Day 1, check our out troop photo album.

Troop ‘retreats’ to Forest Ecology Preserve for annual planning event

Troop 50 parents joined Scouts and leaders — at least for part of the weekend of May 19-21 — at Auburn’s Forest Ecology Preserve to plan for the 2017-18 troop year.

Senior Patrol Leader Josh reviews with parents and leaders feedback from the Scouts' breakout session.

Parents, Scouts and leaders enjoyed a lunch
of burgers and all the fixings.

The troop’s annual planning retreat, held this year on Saturday, May 20, provides opportunities for parents, Scouts and leaders to have input into the troop’s ongoing operations and the types of events it schedules throughout the year. The retreat included separate breakout sessions for parents and Scouts. As Scouts discussed the types of monthly campouts and outings they wished to schedule for the upcoming troop year, parents and leaders reviewed calendar opportunities to schedule those activities, in addition to discussing various operational and membership matters. The group came together to review those discussions and to develop a tentative annual calendar. Leaders and parents also considered feedback from Scouts about positive aspects of the troop and matters or processes they’d like to see adjusted.

Following the retreat programming, everyone in attendance enjoyed lunch prepared by some of the troop’s senior Scouts. This gave everyone time for some fellowship, and for parents to see how their Scouts and the rest of the troop camp.

After the parents departed the campsite for the day, Scouts and leaders performed a service project benefiting the preserve. They pruned back trees and cleared the overgrowth from the trail connecting the campsite with the preserve’s north parking lot. The group then broke into different activities, with some Scouts geocaching, some fishing, and others relaxing before the afternoon rains began.

(Left to right) Joey, Jacob, Hunter and Nicky "test the waters" to see if the fish are biting!

Jacob (left) from the Armored Armadillos Patrol and Michael (right) from the
Patriots Patrol present their campout culinary cuisine.

Light evening rains did not dampen the troop’s evening cooking efforts, which featured a friendly cooking competition between the two patrols — the likes of which rivaled the popular television show “Chopped.” Interestingly, the competition pitted brother against brother, with Armored Armadillos Patrol Leader Jacob presenting his patrol’s culinary concoction, and brother Michael doing the same on behalf of the Patriots. The Armored Armadillos prepared a dish featuring a grilled chicken quesadilla, dollop of sour cream and buttered corn on the cob. The Patriots offered a generous helping of spaghetti and meatballs and two pieces of garlic French bread. Adult leaders served as judges and assessed both taste and presentation, and promised to announce the winners after their samples settled in their stomachs (and, joking, the threat of food poisoning passed).

Saturday evening’s rains persisted overnight, and at times were marked by thunder and lighting. The troop woke to soggy tents and some typical May humidity, but prevailed nonetheless. Following breakfast and packing gear, the troop gathered for its traditional Sunday morning campout devotional, which focused on Jesus’ retreat to the Garden of Gethsemane for prayer following the Last Supper, and how the troop’s retreat and our own quiet prayer time give us a chance to reduce the distractions of life and focus on matters of importance.

Creighton (left) and Rusty (right) at the
council's jamboree shakedown

The Forest Ecology Preserve was not the only place you could find Troop 50 Scouts and leaders in action that weekend. Scouts Creighton, Rusty and Liam, along with Assistant Scoutmaster Wes Williams, were at Chattahoochee Council's Camp Lumpkin readying for the upcoming National Boy Scout Jamboree. All three will join 40,000-plus Scouts at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in late July as part of the council's contingent. This weekend's "shakedown" provided members of the jamboree contingent a retreat of their own to prepare for the week-long national event.

For more photos from the troop’s annual planning retreat, visit the troop’s online photo album.